OOK Advisors creates Texas large-cap fund Nov 5, 2009
The nonprofit launched by Geary and his wife Joni works to establish and provide more treatment options in Oklahoma and Texas for children with developmental disabilities, including autism. In other news, Geary says OOK Advisors plans to focus on launching a Texas mid-cap exchange traded fund within the next two months. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Letter: Many activities at the library Nov 5, 2009
Right now librarian Cathy DeWitt is involved in a special needs grant focusing on the Autism Spectrum. This training will assist children s librarians in accommodating and welcoming students with special needs. (Georgetown Record, MA)
Clinical Tests Begin On Medication To Correct Fragile X Defect Nov 4, 2009
Private foundations providing funding include the advocacy groups Autism Speaks and FRAXA Research Foundation ... About one-third of males with Fragile X syndrome also have autism or autistic-like behavior that affects communication and social interaction. (Science Daily)
No comments posted. Nov 4, 2009
Autism awareness event set Nov. 17 ... Raising awareness about autism and its impact on families will be the focus of an autism event Nov. 17 in Jefferson City, hosted by the St. Mary's Health Center Auxiliary ... The award-winning documentary "Autism: The Musical" will be shown, and a personal testimony will be provided about one family's journey with autism. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
The Parenting Place Nov 4, 2009
I refuse to get cause up in the hysteria that vaccinations cause autism. I know that if i have my child vaccinated he will be protected from these diseases if exposed(and there have been outbreaks of mumps and measles because of unvaccinated children) and I'm not willing to risk his life on the uncomfirmed/very unlikely chance he will suddenly become autistic. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Spreading swine flu to avoid going broke Nov 4, 2009
This was done in such a precipitous and frightening manner that it gave rise to the notion that thimerosal had led to autism or mercury poisoning. It hadnt. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Senate health-care bill would cover prayer-based treatments Nov 4, 2009
I ve followed the DSMIV nomenclature controversies a bit, although I don t spend much of my time reading the psych lit, there is one going on with respect to Autism and the permutations and combinations of the ways Asperger s Syndrome is used in different contexts now to make it not very meaningful to quote one of the panilists in the NYT yesterday. I never for a moment thought that homosexuality should have been classified anywhere near a DSM and it s FAR from perfect with a lot of mistakes,... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Autism Treatment Center planning to open new rehab office Nov 4, 2009
The Autism Treatment Center s system will allow people with autism and the professionals who treat them with quicker access to their records. Ultimately, this could improve the Autism Treatment Center s ability to serve the autism community in San Antonio ... In addition to the new health-record system, the Autism Treatment Center is planning on building a new rehabilitation agency on Nacogdoches Road. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Turner brings experience from national platform to Vanderbilt University Nov 4, 2009
While in Obama's office, Turner worked on a broad range of health care legislation, including mental health parity, autism and health disparities. He also participated in seminal discussions of the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions committee's current health care reform legislation and conducted more than 300 meetings with health care advocates and professional organizations. (Yanceyville Caswell Messenger, NC)
Georgetown youngsters walk for autism research Nov 4, 2009
Alex Armata, Matthew Armata, Rebecca Doucette, Jim Doucette and Ben Doucette walk in the Walk Now for Autism Speaks on Sunday, Oct. 18 ... Georgetown s Alex Armata, Matthew Armata, Rebecca Doucette, Jim Doucette and Ben Doucette walked for Team ben jammin in the 2009 Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism Speaks on Sunday, Oct. 18 at Suffolk Downs Racetrack ... The Georgetown team helped raise $675 for Autism Speaks. (Georgetown Record, MA)
Health Tip: Possible Triggers for Pica Nov 4, 2009
Having a developmental problem, such as autism or mental retardation. Having certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or obsessive compulsive disorder. (MEDLINEplus)
UC Davis MIND Institute gets $12M grant Nov 4, 2009
The will receive $12 million in stimulus funds to study autism and other disorders, the university announced Monday. The funding, from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be used over the next two years to investigate childhood risks of autism due to genetics and the environment, an autism phenome project that is one of the nation s largest studies of the disorder, and several other studies. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Timing of Kids' Flu Shots: Tricky, Vital Nov 4, 2009
We have to wonder if by immunising our babies/children that we have now done away with what all Dr's used to consider were the mild childhood diseases, in exchange of cancers, leukemia Asthma, autism, ADD, ADHD, and even the Journal of the American Medical Association, 2007; 297: 2755-9) said that 1 in 5 American kids are chronically sick and that the figure has trebled in the last 20 years. So one has to ask oneself that even with all our fantastic immunisations, and medical miracles why are... (CBS News -- Health)
Sights And Sounds Of Emotion Trigger Big Brain Responses Nov 4, 2009
Researchers believe that the finding could help in the study of autism and other neuro-developmental disorders which exhibit face perception deficits. Lead researcher Dr Cindy Hagan said: "Previous models of face perception suggested that this region of the brain responds to the face alone, but we demonstrated a supra-additive response to emotional faces and voices presented together -- the response was greater than the sum of the parts.". (Science Daily)
Another Spin: Diploma a key to post-high school life Nov 4, 2009
Society is now more understanding of various disabilities, including autism and autism spectrum disorders, but school systems must provide specialized teaching and social skill building that these students require for continuing their educations. Nationally, statistics show that 1. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
'Sherlock Holmes' makes the detective a troubled action hero Nov 3, 2009
Wigram also brought a modern psychology to Conan Doyle's hero, noting the antisocial detective most probably had bipolar disorder (the fits of mania followed by weeks of morosely affixing himself to the couch) as well as Asperger's syndrome, a more high-functioning form of autism. Wigram lists the traits: "his ability to fixate on one particular thing, his rather lacking social skills. He's not comfortable about people, and he doesn't read the emotional cues. "Every single thing we have Sherlock... (FOX59, IN)
People Will Fear Flu Vaccine "Adverse Events" Nov 3, 2009
"If millions of people are vaccinated then just by chance we can expect bad things to happen to some of them, whether it's a diagnosis of autism or a miscarriage," commented David Spiegelhalter, a specialist in risk understanding at Britain's University of Cambridge ... "For example," they wrote, "when an association between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and risk of autism was made, it had a negative effect on public uptake of measles prevention programs in the UK and elsewhere,... (MEDLINEplus)
Online school advocates, parents decry state cuts Nov 3, 2009
Some others have learning or physical disabilities, including autism. Yeckel, a Republican, said she plans to write a letter to Nixon about the importance of the program. (Fulton Sun, MO)
Sniffing out diabetes Nov 3, 2009
Dogs are trained for mobility service, hearing assistance, medic alert, diabetes, epilepsy, autism, ADHD and to assist in schools and nursing homes. The cost is $2,500 for each dog. (The Clarion-Ledger)
WCMC-Q biomedical research program builds scientific knowledge, technical workforce in Qatar Nov 3, 2009
Ahmed Teebi, MD, professor of genetics, collaborated on a study on chromosomal variations in autism spectrum disorder that was published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. "Our progress in a short time is truly gratifying. It is a tribute to the strong partnership built by Weill Cornell Medical College and Qatar Foundation," says Dr. Sheikh. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
U. groups debate issues in final faceoff Nov 3, 2009
Yuan addressed Christie s potential mandate-free health care policy, which calls to cut off health care coverage for services such as mammograms and autism screenings. College Republican member Alex Cohen said mandate-free health care is intended to lower premiums and overall try to reform the state s health care in a more cost-effective way. (The Daily Targum, NJ)
Bulletin Board Nov 3, 2009
BRAINTREE AUTISM NETWORK. (BANDS) will present "The Reality of Living with ASD and How to Cope with It" at the regular monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Thayer Public Library. Fee will be collected. (Braintree Forum, MA)
The Science of Magic: Not Just Hocus-Pocus Nov 2, 2009
Neuroscientists and Magicians Are Studying How Sleight of Hand Affects the Brain, and Its Potential to Diagnose Autism ... " For one thing, it could change the way disorders like autism are diagnosed. "We predict that autistics will detect the method in a magic trick better than someone with a Ph ... "So what we have proposed is that one can use magic tricks as a tool for early diagnosis of autism," said Martinez-Conde. (CBS News)
Experts put their heads together Nov 2, 2009
In recent years, San Diego neuroscientists have been in the forefront of research investigating the causes and treatments for autism; neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's; and how the brain grows, adapts and ages ... Research areas: Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, ALS, Huntington's and Parkinson's, as well as clinical treatment of those disorders; stroke specialists at medical centers in Hillcrest and La Jolla; the region's largest headache center... (San Diego Union-Tribune)
E-Infrastructures Give Real Boost To Virtual Observatories Nov 2, 2009
5, 2008) Researchers are developing an intervention using "virtual peers" -- technology driven, animated life-size children -- to help develop communication and social skills in children with autism. (Mar. (Science Daily)
Test Yourself: Which Tabloid Headlines Are Actually True? Nov 1, 2009
Autism activists may take this as further reason to skip not just the H1H1 vaccine, but other childhood immunizations. 2. (ABC News)
Teacher, Principal of the Year announced Nov 1, 2009
She has been with Beaufort County throughout that time, teaching children with autism at Eastern Elementary School and now Chocowinity Primary School. She was named North Carolina Autism Societys Teacher of the Year for 2008-2009. (Washington Daily News, NC)
Suzanne Kleone Sarlette Nov 1, 2009
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Autism Society of America. Suzanne was born and grew up in Morris, Minn. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Families Benefit from Autism Speaks Nov 1, 2009
Her problem is autism. It's uncommon for girls to have autism; the disorder strikes mostly boys ... The one-on-one therapy uses constant reinforcement to teach children with autism new skills and words. (W-USA News, DC)
Family nightmare: child found in river Nov 1, 2009
Christian Peck, who had autism, was last seen in his great-grandfather's home in Heidelberg about 2am on Friday. It is thought he climbed out of a window. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Lending a hand Nov 1, 2009
Another organization that relies heavily upon funding from FESAC and the SCCF is Venciendo al Autismo, a center for children with autism founded and run by mothers of effected children. Headquartered in a small converted house, Venciendo al Autismo currently helps 37 children and adults with varying degrees of autism, along with their families ... One of their goals is to raise awareness of autism within the community: how to diagnose the disease (one mother didn t know her son was autistic... (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Mix charity and going green Recycling this month can benefit needy, Fredericksburg nonprofit says Nov 1, 2009
Wine corks can raise money for children with autism. Old cell phones can help abused women call police. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Autism Walk on National Mall Stirs Controversy Nov 1, 2009
WASHINGTON - Thousands of people converged on the National Mall Saturday for a great cause -- fighting autism. Several protesters, many of whom also fall on the autism spectrum, used the annual "Walk Now for Autism" event to point out the flaws with the event sponsor ... Her cause, along with thousands of others, is for autism, a neurobiological disorder that affects one in 150 children. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Man and Woman of the Year nominees sought Nov 1, 2009
Barry Goldwater, Pinnacle West lobbyist Martin Shultz, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center co-founder Denise Resnik, former Secretary of State Betsey Bayless, Valle del Sol President and CEO Luz Sarmina, and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O Connor. A committee lead by past award recipients, members of Valley Leadership and a select group of its past presidents will review the applications and identify the winners. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
U.S. Sued Over Dropping of Benefits for Disabled Nov 1, 2009
The suit's plaintiffs include Eshetu Meri, 51, of Fairfax, a blind man who escaped from Ethiopia, where he was targeted for advocating democracy; Tasim Mandija, 80, of Philadelphia, a native of Albania who suffers from prostate cancer and neuropathy; and Rouzbeh Aliaghaei, 17, an Iranian who suffers from a rare genetic disorder that resulted in autism, seizures, mental retardation and an enlarged head. He came to the United States in 1998 when his parents escaped political persecution. (Yahoo News -- Disabilities and the Disabled)
UCD to create 250 jobs with stimulus funds Oct 31, 2009
$379,000 to explore causes of autism ... $206,000 to explore use of virtual reality technology for social-skills training of children with autism. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Rethink Autism Oct 31, 2009
(WUSA) -- NanciPuwalski's 9-year-old daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed with Autism when she was two-years-old ... Skills, such as, how to control the disruptive behaviors that can set kids with autism apart, or the barriers to communicating their wants and needs ... Many of these concernsare the shared concerns of the over involved in the fight to better understand autism. (W-USA News, DC)
Click to read: Wiltshire's New York Memory Revealed Oct 31, 2009
Wiltshire is , according to Dr. Darold Treffert, an expert on savants with autism, which means he is gifted, yet developmentally disabled. Wiltshire was diagnosed with autism as a child, and at an early age was hailed a prodigy for his ability to draw buildings in stunning detail. (CBS News -- Early Show)
The Parenting Place Oct 31, 2009
I refuse to get cause up in the hysteria that vaccinations cause autism. I know that if i have my child vaccinated he will be protected from these diseases if exposed(and there have been outbreaks of mumps and measles because of unvaccinated children) and I'm not willing to risk his life on the uncomfirmed/very unlikely chance he will suddenly become autistic. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
The Vaccine/Autism Scare Oct 31, 2009
The MMR-Autism Connection ... Its principal author, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, thought he had stumbled upon a link between autism and intestinal inflammation, though his initial sample size was only twelve children, ten of whom were autistic ... The MMR connection came about after parents of eight of the autistic children claimed they had noticed symptoms of autism only after the children had received the MMR vaccine. (Suite101.com)
Around the Valley Oct 31, 2009
Fundraiser for autism center almost over. Ontario There is a fundraiser for The Autism Center being held the entire month of October at DJs Family Restaurant, 625 E. Idaho Ave., Ontario ... Ten percent of all cookie sales will be donated to The Autism Center at the end of the month. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
U.S. Sued Over Dropping of Benefits for Disabled Oct 31, 2009
The suit's plaintiffs include Eshetu Meri, 51, of Fairfax, a blind man who escaped from Ethiopia, where he was targeted for advocating democracy; Tasim Mandija, 80, of Philadelphia, a native of Albania who suffers from prostate cancer and neuropathy; and Rouzbeh Aliaghaei, 17, an Iranian who suffers from a rare genetic disorder that resulted in autism, seizures, mental retardation and an enlarged head. He came to the United States in 1998 when his parents escaped political persecution. (Yahoo News -- Disabilities and the Disabled)
Furlough case to be heard sooner Oct 31, 2009
One suit represents nine students with autism ... One suit represents nine students with autism. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Letters for Thursday, October 29, 2009 Oct 31, 2009
I would like some opinions about the possible connection to all the ultrasounds that pregnant mothers get now (and over the last 20 years) and autism ... If you look at the symptoms of autism, shutting themselves off from the world, wouldn t you if you had been bombarded by sonic waves from 6 weeks in the womb. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Swine Flu Vaccine Oct 31, 2009
Just sayin wrote on Oct 12, 2009 5:39 PM:" A doctor in Lake County with the Public Health Department has said that the swine flu is the mildest form of flu she has ever seen in her 15 years as a doctor. Why take the chance that your child will suffer from this vaccine, or develop autism because of it. It has also been shown in tests that the eldery who get flu vaccine for 5 years in a row are more likely to develop alzheimers. Why take that chance? No flu vaccine for me or my family. ". Lisa... (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
'Brain Dead' makes West Coast premiere Oct 31, 2009
Films by youth this summer at the Travolta Autism Film Camp will be shown Sunday at the Soda Center at St. Mary's College, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga. The camp, run by Joey Travolta, brother of movie star John Travolta, provides an opportunity for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder to work from beginning to end - writing, acting, directing, editing and photography - on a short video. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Family say child's body is missing boy Oct 31, 2009
Police would not confirm the body is that of Christian, who had autism, but the child's aunt said it was him. "They said there's a little boy in there with blue pyjamas and pictures on it, so we know it's him because that's what he was wearing last night," Anne Rouge said through tears. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Are your tweenagers trick-or-treating without you? Oct 31, 2009
Are your tweenagers trick-or-treating without you. A Blog for Busy Moms - MOMania. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Rethink Autism Oct 30, 2009
(WUSA) -- NanciPuwalski's 9-year-old daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed with Autism when she was two-years-old ... Skills, such as, how to control the disruptive behaviors that can set kids with autism apart, or the barriers to communicating their wants and needs ... Many of these concernsare the shared concerns of the over involved in the fight to better understand autism. (W-USA News, DC)
The Parenting Place Oct 30, 2009
I refuse to get cause up in the hysteria that vaccinations cause autism. I know that if i have my child vaccinated he will be protected from these diseases if exposed(and there have been outbreaks of mumps and measles because of unvaccinated children) and I'm not willing to risk his life on the uncomfirmed/very unlikely chance he will suddenly become autistic. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Pupil-free days Oct 30, 2009
This year I'll be renewing my CPR and advanced First Aid course, doing a workshop on teaching kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, working on a whole school literacy strategy, finding ways to integrate aspects of positive psychology and social skills into HSIE/COGS units (humanities subjects) and yes, having lunch with my colleagues. Our Christmas party is self funded and our yearly bonus zero. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Wiltshire's Rare Ability Oct 30, 2009
Dr. Darold Treffert, author of Islands of Genius, talks to Harry Smith about the levels of autism and what makes a rare number of them, like Stephen Wiltshire, geniuses ... The ability is very rare among autistics, according to Dr. Darold Treffert, an expert on savants with autism. (CBS News)
Akiva Goldsman discusses his career as a screenwriter, producer, and director Oct 30, 2009
I grew up, essentially, in one of the very first group homes for what was then termed as emotionally disturbed children - these were days when, unimaginably, childhood schizophrenia and autism were lumped together in the same population, Goldsman said. My parents founded this home, and I grew up there in this brownstone in Brooklyn Heights and my peers were, um, crazy. (Boston Globe)
Use Of Antipsychotic Medications By Children And Adolescents Associated With Significant Weight Gain Oct 30, 2009
"These medications can be lifesaving for youth with serious psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, classically defined bipolar disorder, or severe aggression associated with autism. However, given the risk for weight gain and long-term risk for cardiovascular and metabolic problems, the widespread and increasing use of atypical antipsychotic medications in children and adolescents should be reconsidered.". Journal references. (Science Daily)
Do adults without kids waste their time? Oct 30, 2009
Do adults without kids waste their time. A Blog for Busy Moms - MOMania. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
U.S. Sued Over Dropping of Benefits for Disabled Oct 30, 2009
The suit's plaintiffs include Eshetu Meri, 51, of Fairfax, a blind man who escaped from Ethiopia, where he was targeted for advocating democracy; Tasim Mandija, 80, of Philadelphia, a native of Albania who suffers from prostate cancer and neuropathy; and Rouzbeh Aliaghaei, 17, an Iranian who suffers from a rare genetic disorder that resulted in autism, seizures, mental retardation and an enlarged head. He came to the United States in 1998 when his parents escaped political persecution. (Yahoo News -- Disabilities and the Disabled)
Lessons from flu seasons past Oct 30, 2009
Researchers point out that even though study after study has found no link between the vaccine stabilizer thimerosal and autism, thimerosal-free injectable versions of the flu vaccine are available for those who have lingering concerns. In their review, researchers say four studies have found evidence that antibodies protective against the flu, developed by the mother after vaccination, cross the placenta and transfer some protection to the fetus that lasts up to six months after birth. (EurekAlert!)
Judge Ezra moves up Furlough Friday hearing date Oct 30, 2009
One suit, N.D. et al vs. State of Hawaii, represents n 00004000 ine students with autism ... One suit, N.D. et al vs. State of Hawaii, represents nine students with autism. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
More H1N1 vaccine arrives, but still too little Oct 30, 2009
Some people have claimed that the historical use of thimerosal in vaccines was responsible for the autism epidemic, and other people just worry because mercury is a neurotoxin ... There have been studies showing there is no connection with autism and the author of the thimerosal/autism study has questionable reputation/ethics. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Embracing their 'mascot' Oct 29, 2009
He was diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome at 13 months and autism at 6 years old. Max has been receiving therapy services since he was 10 months old. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Folk art festival in Marlborough this weekend Oct 29, 2009
For the second year, The Folk Art Festival of New England will give back to the community by hosting a special raffle one of a kind pieces donated by the exhibitors to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Framingham and The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts. As a special treat for attendees a drawing will be held each day for the chance to win $100 in Booth Bucks that can be spent at the show with artists and craftsmen. (Hudson Sun, MA)
Alarming weight gain seen in kids on psych drugs Oct 29, 2009
Weight gain is a known possible side effect of the anti-psychotic drugs which are prescribed for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but also increasingly for autism, attention deficit disorders and other behavior problems. The new study in mostly older children and teens suggests they may be more vulnerable to weight gain than adults. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
For Big Bangs Sheldon, the nerd is the word Oct 29, 2009
There's been discussion about whether Sheldon is actually meant to have Asperger syndrome, a form of autism, but Parsons said that early in the series run, "I asked [the writers] point blank," and they said no.. Sheldon refuses to follow social norms and issues abrasive comments, but Parsons said his character is "not doing it to be mean." Sheldon "gets away with it because it's so based in fact. You have to call out each fact as you would in the lab, as you would on paper, Parsons... (MSNBC -- Television)
Swine Flu Etiquette: Should families self quarantine? Oct 29, 2009
Swine Flu Etiquette: Should families self quarantine. A Blog for Busy Moms - MOMania. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Musical Sensibility Can Help Shape Teaching, Research Education Oct 29, 2009
It is for this reason that researchers are using music to help children with autism spectrum disorders, for whom. . (Science Daily)
