| by Scott Campbell |
| Sep 12, 2008 |
|
1. POAC-NoVA Verbal Behavior Instructors Academy (PVBIA) will be hosting an Information Session on PVBIA 3.0 this Saturday September 13th from 10:30am to 12:00pm in Burke. This Academy/School trains parents how to work with their children and lay people on how to become ABA/VB therapists to work with our kids! More information can be found at www.poac-nova.org/pvbia. We will have a panel of past graduates and mentors to share their experiences and answer questions. Please RSVP as space is limited, and we are not posting the location. To RSVP please email pvbia@poac-nova.org. When you RSVP for this session, the address and confirmation will be emailed to you the location is in Burke. pvbia@poac-nova.org. 2. Parents Of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia (POAC-NoVA), Autism Society of America- Northern Virginia (ASA-NV) chapter, Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV), and the Arc of Northern Virginia are sponsoring a Medicaid Waivers and Social Security Workshop on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Registration begins at 1pm. Workshop starts at 1:30pm until 4:30pm at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043. More info on the library is at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ty. Learn the basics of Social Security and SSI, gain knowledge of the Medicaid Waiver system, in particular those that affect your child and his or her future: MR, DD and EDCD waivers. This program is FREE, and open to the public. To RSVP, please email Noelle Holloman at NoelleH@dsanv.org. Space is limited. 3. PROACTIVE PARENTS Meeting on Nuts and Bolts of the IEP by Lisa Costantini, Special Education Partners, LLC, Educational Advocate on Tuesday, September 23 from 7 to 9pm at the Kings Park Public Library (meeting room). Lisa will walk us through all items on the IEP form, as well as the options for each item, so that we can be an informed part of the IEP team. Please RSVP to beth@spedpartners.com. 4. FCPS Preschool and Elementary Enhanced Autism Services Information Sessions on Analyzing and Modifying Behaviors in the Home. There will be 2 sessions offered. They are on Thursday, September 25, 2008 from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. and from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Devonshire Center (Conference Room A), 2831 Graham Road, Falls Church, VA 22042. This workshop is intended for parents whose children are receiving ABA enhanced autism services. The presenters will be Becky Crissey, ABA Program Manager for the 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. session, and Kelly Galbraith, ABA Coach, for the 7:00 to 8:30p.m. session. To download the flyer and registration form go to: http://www.fcps.edu/ss/ABA. For additional information, please call 571-423-4110 or go to http://www.fcps.edu/ss/ABA/workshops/ParentMtgCalendarSY2008-09.pdf. 5. Life Planning Tools TRANSPORTATION FORUM on "Getting Around Our Community…on our own: Travel Training, a Lifelong Learning Opportunity" on September 27th from 9AM to 2:30PM at the Kenmore Middle School, 200 South Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, VA 22205. Learn about the many transportation options for young people and adults with disabilities. Learn how to write travel training into your IEP, how to determine whether your young adult can learn to drive and how, learn about pedestrian and Bike safety and climb aboard the MATT, the teaching Bus from Fairfax County. The following series of workshops is designed to help parents/guardians who have children of all ages with disabilities learn the importance of transportation and the important role it takes on as young people with disabilities transition into new employment, training and leisure situations. The planning of this workshop was a collaborative effort between the regional PRCs, and The Arc of Northern Virginia. It is sponsored by Special Education Parent Resource Centers from Alexandria City Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools, and Fairfax County Public Schools, and The Arc of Northern Virginia. Check-in will begin at 8:00 am: a complimentary light breakfast and lunch will be served. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and required for respite care. Register for the workshop online at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/prc/events.php, or call Anne Lipnick at 703-706-4552 or email alipnick@acps.k12.va.us to request respite care, language interpreters, sign language interpreters or other accommodations please contact Anne Lipnick by September 22. 6. The FCPS Calendar of ABA Enhanced Autism Services Parent Meetings for 2008-2009 is at http://www.fcps.edu/ss/ABA/workshops/ParentMtgCalendarSY2008-09.pdf. 7. Adult Autism/Asperger Study. The Riesenhuber Laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at Georgetown University Medical Center, in cooperation with Children's National Medical Center and its Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, is conducting a behavioral and fMRI study investigating face recognition and perceptual learning in autism spectrum disorders. Your participation will help us develop a computational model of object recognition and learning in the brain. The goal of this research is to identify how neural information processing differs in autism spectrum disorders. We are seeking adults (age 18-60) who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, or adults who have a relative with an autism spectrum disorder and who themselves have traits or characteristics of an autism spectrum disorder. Participants must have normal or corrected-to-normal vision (glasses/contacts). You cannot participate in this study if you have medical implants in your body, such as a pacemaker, or even orthodontic braces. The study will consist of two sessions, the first for paperwork and diagnostics, which may take place at the Rockville Outpatient Center for Children's National Medical Center, and the second for behavioral and fMRI measurements on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington, DC. In the behavioral portion of the study you will watch images presented on a computer screen and respond by pressing buttons. In the fMRI portion you will be asked to lie still in a large device that measures your brain activity while you watch and respond to images. You will be paid $20/hr for behavioral and $40/hr for fMRI testing. Free parking and reimbursement for travel expenses will be provided. You may also have the opportunity to participate in further studies in the lab. For more information, email visionlab@georgetown.edu, phone (202) 687-7837, or visit http://maxlab.neuro.georgetown.edu. 8. My name is Summer Foxley and I have a 7 year old with Autism (we are stationed at Fort Belvoir). I am once again putting together a calendar for autism awareness with the proceeds this time going to the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Autism Society. Hopefully the calendar will be available for purchase by 11/01. If you would like your child to be featured in the autism calendar, please email me a good quality picture no later than 09/20. I cannot guarantee that every picture I receive will get into the calendar, but I can do my best! Last year we raised over $1200.00 for the Autism Research Institute, and I hope to double that amount this year. If you are interested I can email you a few months of last years calendar. Contact Summer at Summerb74@aol.com for more info. 9. The September edition of the Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) newsletter is at http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/enewsletters_archive/2008/enews-09-08-1.php. 10. FDA Issues Health Information Advisory on Infant Formula dated 12 September 2008 in a press release from the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01883.html. "In response to reports of contaminated milk-based infant formula manufactured in China, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today is issuing a Health Information Advisory. This is to assure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States. Although no Chinese manufacturers of infant formula have fulfilled the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States, FDA officials are investigating whether or not infant formula manufactured in China is being sold in specialty markets which serve the Asian community." 11. "Fears of long-range side effects fuel vaccine debate" dated 27 August 2008 by LEE BOWMAN from the Scripps Howard News Service at http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/35756. "Barbara Loe Fisher has been fighting about the safety of childhood vaccines for three decades. But the president of the National Vaccine Information Center says she's not opposed to vaccination so much as she's opposed to a "one-size-fits-all vaccine policy imposed by government health agencies." She became an activist after her oldest son, Chris, experienced convulsions and brain inflammation within hours of his fourth DPT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) shot at age 2 1/2 in 1980, leaving him with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder. Although the bulk of scientific studies have found little evidence that vaccination is the cause of the growing number of young children being diagnosed with autism and other development or neurological disorders, Fisher says the question remains open because definitive, independent studies haven't been done. "We've seen a doubling of the number of vaccines and doses that the government recommends to stay healthy before age 6, while at the same time we've seen a tripling of the number of children with learning disabilities, asthma, diabetes and other conditions," Fisher said. "The only way to put the question to rest is to do the proper science." To her, that means a large, independent study of at least several thousand children of diverse backgrounds enrolled in a full-scale investigation into all possible environmental causes of autism. That would mean some would go unvaccinated into their teens, some partially vaccinated and the rest following standard guidelines. So far, no organization in the medical establishment has agreed to sponsor such a test. "No one is saying this is necessarily all due to the increase in vaccines, but vaccines shouldn't be left off the table when no one has come up with an answer,'' Fisher said. In the meantime, "parents simply have to be educated and put in the best position to consider the risks and benefits of vaccines and the various diseases. And they have to be free to make informed, voluntary decisions for their children. That includes being able to get exemptions and work with physicians to adjust vaccination schedules. Bigger and bigger government clubs are not going to work,'' Fisher said. Dr. Saad Omer, assistant professor at Emory University's School of Public Health in Atlanta, said he agrees that the public health community needs to do a better job communicating both the risks and benefits of vaccines. "And I think government and industry need to spend more, be more proactive, on vaccine safety research. "On the front lines, no provider should be dismissive of parents with concerns about vaccines. You should listen and try to address them, not kick them out of your practice,'' he added. …" 12. "Thousands of unvaccinated children enter schools" dated 27 August 2008 by LEE BOWMAN from the Scripps Howard News Service at http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/35758. "Hundreds of thousands of children are going to school this fall without protection from deadly diseases. More parents are deciding not to vaccinate their children against mumps, measles, rubella, polio and other dangerous diseases. The parents are refusing to vaccinate because of concerns that the vaccinations themselves are harmful, or because of the growing cost and complexity of getting the shots. A Scripps Howard News Service review of incomplete surveys submitted to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows at least 135,000 children (out of about 4 million new students) started kindergarten last fall exempt from vaccine requirements. In some states, one in 10 children did not get vaccinated, and in some communities 30 percent of the children were unprotected. The same CDC survey system reported that at least 76,000 middle school students around the country started the last school year with exemptions that allowed them to be incompletely vaccinated. The surveys are incomplete because not all school districts in all states file complete reports to CDC. Even so, experts who track the surveys say the number of exemptions has expanded from fewer than 1 percent to at least 2 percent or 3 percent of students in many states. More worrisome was a CDC report issued in April that found more than one in four toddlers under age 2 are not being vaccinated as recommended, mostly due to doses being missed rather than no shots at all. "I'm afraid those numbers may more accurately reflect what's happening with the vaccination of young children,'' said Dr. Paul Offit, chief of infectious diseases and head of the vaccine institute at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. "It's unlikely that many will catch up before they enter school, and with exemptions so easily granted, they don't have to." Referring to the protection of the entire population, Offit says he's afraid "we've already dropped below the level of vaccine coverage where herd immunity exists for some diseases. At some point, we're going to be forced to decide whether it is an inalienable right to catch and transmit potentially fatal infections." A Scripps Howard News Service poll found that 56 percent of Americans think parents should be able to exempt their children from vaccinations for "philosophical reasons." …" 13. "Poll: Americans see both need, potential dangers of vaccines" dated 27 August 2008 by LEE BOWMAN from the Scripps Howard News Service at http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/35753. "Most Americans believe vaccinating our children is best for all, but a majority also say parents should be allowed to refuse the shots. Although two-thirds of the nation's adults have heard concerns that vaccines might produce dangerous side effects, nearly three-quarters say the benefits outweigh the risks, according to a survey of 811 adults conducted by Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University. They overwhelmingly report that it's a "very serious concern" that nearly a quarter of the nation's youth are not fully immunized against polio, mumps and measles. The poll found that 66 percent had heard that "some parents and researchers say vaccines have side effects that may lead to autism, asthma, diabetes, attention deficit disorder and other medical problems." About 33 percent had not heard of these concerns, and 1 percent was uncertain. Seventy-one percent of the adults said "the benefits of immunizations outweigh the risks," while 19 percent "have questions about the risks of immunization," and 10 percent were uncertain or gave other responses such as "it depends upon the kind of immunization." People with college degrees and post-graduate educations were especially likely to endorse vaccinations, while adults with only a high school education were more likely to be uncertain. Fifty-six percent said parents should "be allowed to exempt their children for philosophical reasons," while 33 percent said parents should not have this latitude, and 11 percent were undecided. Sixty-six percent said it was "a very serious concern" that "about 77 percent of children have received all recommended shots by the time they are three years old." It was not a serious concern to 26 percent, and 8 percent were uncertain. Fifty-six percent wanted their children to receive all recommended vaccinations, no questions asked, while 38 percent wanted to ask more questions first, and 6 percent were undecided. The survey was conducted by telephone Sept. 24 to Oct. 10, 2007 among 811 adult residents of the United States who were selected at random. The survey was conducted by the Scripps Survey Research Center at Ohio University under a grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation. The survey has a margin of error of about 4 percentage points." (More info is at http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/35754.) 14. "The unprotected among us" dated 27 August 2008 by Dale McFeatters from the Scripps Howard News Service at http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/35759. "The development of increasingly effective vaccines is one of medicine's great triumphs. Thanks to large-scaled vaccination programs, the World Health Organization has wiped out smallpox and is close to doing the same to polio. But here at home we have a problem. As Scripps Howard News Service reporter Lee Bowman found, "Hundreds of thousands for children are going to school this fall without protection from deadly diseases." It is a worrisome development and one whose resolution is neither simple nor cheap. Bowman reviewed filings with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and found that more than 135,000 children started school last fall exempt from vaccine requirements. And anecdotal evidence suggests their number is growing. Further, more than one in four toddlers under age 2 are not being vaccinated on schedule. Infectious disease specialists say that for some diseases the level of vaccine coverage had dropped below the level of "herd immunity," where isolated cases of the disease won't spread into the general population. This could threaten to undo years of progress in public health. Dr. Paul Offit of Children's Hospital in Philadelphia puts it most starkly: "At some point, we're going to be forced to decide whether it is an inalienable right to catch and transmit potentially fatal infections." There are many reasons for this growing gap in vaccine coverage. Younger parents especially grew up in an era where the childhood diseases that afflicted earlier generations -- polio, measles, whooping cough, mumps, rubella -- were simply not an issue. As the number of vaccines has grown, so has their cost and the complexity of giving them over $900 for a boy and $1,200 for a girl, birth through 12. The problem is particularly acute for underinsured families and those with no insurance. There are a growing number of parents, stoked by the Internet, who believe the shots themselves are harmful, responsible for autism or developmental problems. And it is relatively easy to opt out of mandatory school vaccinations. All but two states allow exemptions for religious beliefs and 20 allow exemptions for personal or philosophical reasons. Addressing the growing number of unvaccinated -- and, by definition, at risk -- children is a matter of public education, research, adequate funding and a medical community engaged with the problem. It should not take the inevitable epidemic to get us to act." 15. "An Autistic Speaks" dated 30 August 2008 by Cody Boisclair from thr Stand Up blog at http://standupuga.org/content/autistic-speaks. "You’ve probably seen its public service announcements on TV or heard them on the radio: “The odds of some random occurrence happening are one in some ridiculously large number. The odds of a child being diagnosed with autism: one in 166.” You might have even seen one of its representatives interviewed on talk shows such as “Larry King Live” and “Oprah.” If you’ve visited a Toys ‘R Us store lately, you might have even seen one of this organization’s fundraising drives. The organization in question is Autism Speaks, a non-profit group which, on its surface, sounds quite benevolent; the name practically suggests an advocate who will stand up for the needs of autistics. The truth about that organization, however, is somewhat less amiable toward autistics. Autistic advocates have made their opinions quite clear as to what they, as autistics, would benefit from. Though all sorts of services and support can be found for autistic children, the same is not true for autistic adults. Autistic advocate Joel Smith observes that “a lot of other adults have spoken about the sad lack of reasonable services for adult autistics. … once we become adults, we need access to resources to help us heal, and to keep us safe. And, sadly, these resources aren’t usually part of autism support typically.” Autistics also cry out for acceptance, a desire to be treated as equals while autistic instead of transformed into someone who’s not autistic. Another well-known autistic blogger, Amanda Baggs, compares this desire quite reasonably to “a cat, faced with becoming a dog … saying I want to grow as a cat, not a dog.” As Smith further elaborates, this is not a rejection of support, not a wish to have autism ignored rather than treated — merely a wish to be treated with respect as autistics, in a manner “that uses an autistic person’s strengths and is aware of an autistic’s weaknesses.” Yet these very advocates, despite the clarity of their message, are completely ignored by Autism Speaks. Their mission statement, in fact, openly states that the organization’s goal is “facilitating global research into the causes, treatments, and an eventual cure for autism” — precisely the sort of thing that autistics, even those on the “lower-functioning” end of the autism spectrum, are understandably worried about. …" 16. "Statement on Columbia University Study on Measles Virus Vaccine and Autism- ASA welcomes study, continues to call for aggressive research on all environmental factors" dated 3 September 2008 by Marguerite Colston in a press release from the Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=11983&JServSessionIdr012=yf0kjdyj51.app26a. "On September 4, 2008, the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University released a study entitled, “Lack of Association between Measles Virus Vaccine and Autism with Enteropathy: A Case-Control Study.” The Autism Society of America welcomes the efforts of these researchers in addressing an issue that is of great importance to those in the autism community. There is a clear and present need for aggressive research that probes further into all possible environmental causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), particularly because findings may help us approach treatment and prevention more effectively. The Columbia University study found no association between a persistent measles virus (RNA) in the intestines and autism. Of note, all three laboratories were consistent on this point. However, many questions remain in our understanding of this complex disorder. The findings in this study are very specific and derived from a small sample; the large body of evidence supporting the presence and contribution of GI and immune disorders and environmental factors in autism still demands further study. The causes of autism are still unknown, and the factors that contribute to the onset of autism appear to be complex and dynamic. It is very important for the well-being of people with autism and for society as a whole that we leave no stone unturned in our search for answers and treatments. ASA’s statement on autism and vaccines can be viewed here." 17. "Children Of Older Fathers More Likely To Have Bipolar Disorder, New Report Finds" dated 4 September 2008 in a press release from the Archives of General Psychiatry at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080901205719.htm. "Older age among fathers may be associated with an increased risk for bipolar disorder in their offspring, according to a new report. Bipolar disorder is a common, severe mood disorder involving episodes of mania and depression, according to background information in the article. Other than a family history of psychotic disorders, few risk factors for the condition have been identified. Older paternal age has previously been associated with a higher risk of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia and autism. Emma M. Frans, M.Med.Sc., of the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and colleagues identified 13,428 patients in Swedish registers with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. For each one, they randomly selected from the registers five controls who were the same sex and born the same year but did not have bipolar disorder. When comparing the two groups, the older an individual's father, the more likely he or she was to have bipolar disorder. After adjusting for the age of the mother, participants with fathers older than 29 years had an increased risk. "After controlling for parity [number of children], maternal age, socioeconomic status and family history of psychotic disorders, the offspring of men 55 years and older were 1.37 times more likely to be diagnosed as having bipolar disorder than the offspring of men aged 20 to 24 years," the authors write. The offspring of older mothers also had an increased risk, but it was less pronounced than the paternal effect, the authors note. For early-onset bipolar disorder (diagnosed before age 20), the effect of the father's age was much stronger and there was no association with the mother's age. "Personality of older fathers has been suggested to explain the association between mental disorders and advancing paternal age," the authors write. "However, the mental disorders associated with increasing paternal age are under considerable genetic influence." Therefore, there may be a genetic link between advancing age of the father and bipolar and other disorders in offspring. "As men age, successive germ cell replications occur, and de novo [new, not passed from parent to offspring] mutations accumulate monotonously as a result of DNA copy errors," the authors continue. "Women are born with their full supply of eggs that have gone through only 23 replications, a number that does not change as they age. Therefore, DNA copy errors should not increase in number with maternal age. Consistent with this notion, we found smaller effects of increased maternal age on the risk of bipolar disorder in the offspring." 18. "Testing for special education: When, why and how?" dated 5 September 2008 by Bobbe Taber from the Family Talk magazine blog at http://blog.mlive.com/familytalk/2008/09/testing_for_special_education.html. "Ginger Skidmore, a Family Support Partner with Advocacy Services for Children in Kalamazoo and mother of three children currently using special education services, agrees. "What we would advise a parent to do is to put in writing that they would like their child to receive testing for special [education] services," she says. Skidmore tried extra reading, flash cards and making word searches with spelling words when her son began to struggle. "Over the course of a couple years, he got further and further and further behind," she admits. When tested, all three of her children showed higher than average intelligences -- one son testing higher than 99 percent of his peers. Yet when tested in productivity, the same son could only outperform 22 percent of his peers. "It's not that kids don't want to do well," says Skidmore. "... it's because something is in the way that makes it so they can't." According to the National Education Association, more than 6 million chidren benefit from special education services. The Individuals with Disabilities Act mandates that children ages 3-23 receive a free and appropriate education designed to meet individual needs. The law applies to physical, mental, emotional and some learning disabilities. The service areas and member districts each employ special education staff and serve the public school districts and non-public schools in their geographic areas. Montgomery explains that the goal is the catch problems before they become permanent. "Identifying kids early is the most important thing. It's the school's obligation to prevent disabilities whenever possible. ... applying research-based teaching techniques to at-risk students in grades K-2 may eliminate otherwise potentially long-term problems." Montgomery encourages parents to bring a list of concerns to parent-teacher meetings. Parents should also bring examples of work or observations about the student's behavior or struggles. Other school personnel such as the principal, reading specialist, school psychologist and the school social worker may also attend. During the meeting, the parent and teacher may devise a plan and interventions to help the student. If the interventions fail, then the school may provide further assessment and look at the possibility of a disability. "Parents have a right to request an evaluation for special education," says Montgomery. "Parents may wonder when to ask teachers whether their children qualify for special education services. Experts say the sooner the better. "If a parent has a concern that their student is falling behind, they need to make the teacher aware of their concern as soon as possible," says Laurie Montgomery, director of special education for Portage, Schoolcraft and Vicksburg Schools. …" 19. "Working memory and academic success" dated 5 September 2008 by Lynn Carahaly from the Family Talk magazine blog at http://blog.mlive.com/familytalk/2008/09/reader_contribution_working_me.html. "Children who receive poor grades, have problems finishing schoolwork and have a hard time paying attention are often labeled "unmotivated." Struggling students might not lack intelligence or motivation, but simply struggle with a poor memory -- in particular a poor working memory. Working memory refers to the ability of the brain to hold and manipulate verbal and visual information for brief periods of time. Working memory precedes short term memory and works like a notepad to help store important information to carry out tasks. An example is remembering someone's name 30 seconds after they have introduced themselves. A limited working memory capacity often results in the loss of crucial information when trying to follow instructions. If information is not stored properly, or at all, a child cannot retrieve this information for future tasks or build upon prior information for learning. Children with working memory deficits demonstrate difficulty remembering information from one lesson to the next. Studies conducted at York University concluded that working memory skills at age 4 are predictors of children's reading, writing and mathematics abilities three years later. Researchers in the field of cognitive skills related to academics believe working memory is the best predictor of intellect -- much more than an overall IQ score. Working memory gives us a measurement of what a student is capable of learning -- not just what they have already learned. Working memory also plays a key role in attention deficit disorders. Poor working memory leads to poor attention, and good working memory results in good attention. Children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperacivity disorder also have a limited working memory capacity. Research shows that adolescents with ADHD have an average working-memory level equal to that of a non-ADHD seven year old. Strengthening working memory can help to reduce the social, academic and other challenges that children with ADD face every day. There is good news for students with poor working memory skills -- something can be done about it. The human brain has the ability to reshape and rewire itself. This is called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity, also referred to as brain plasticity or cortical re-mapping, is the brain's ability to create new connections between neurons as well as establish new neurological pathways in the brain. Working-memory impairments can be addressed using research-based working-memory training techniques (to create a neurological change in the brain's ability to expand working-memory capacity) and direct implementation of memory strategies in the classroom and everyday life." 20. "Autism and Vaccines: Why Bad Logic Trumps Science" dated 5 September 2008 by Benjamin Radford from LiveScience.com at http://www.livescience.com/health/080905-bad-autism.html. "The link between childhood autism and vaccines has, once again, been refuted. A large study by Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health Center for Infection and Immunity found no link between measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism cases. For many in the medical community, the issue is now closed. But why do many people continue to believe that there is a link despite overwhelming evidence? The answer is something that has more credibility than the best scientific study: personal experience. Many parents came to believe that vaccines caused their children's autism because the symptoms of autism appeared after the child received a vaccination. On a psychological level, that assumption and connection makes sense; but on a logical level, it is a clear and common fallacy with a fancy Latin name: post hoc ergo propter hoc ("after this, therefore because of it"). Because the human mind seeks connections, people often misattribute causes, thinking that, "B happened after A did, so A must have caused B." The child was fine until he was vaccinated, and soon he showed signs of autism. It makes sense--except that it's not necessarily true. It's like saying "roosters crow before the sun rises, so the roosters must have made the sun rise." First-year students of statistics are constantly reminded that "correlation does not imply causation." That is, two events that appear to be causally related may not be; there are other possibilities. The appearance of causation may simply be coincidence; or A may have caused B, or B may have caused A; or there may be a third unknown factor relating to A and/or B. Only carefully controlled scientific studies can conclusively tell the difference. As it happens, autism often first expresses itself in children at about the same time that vaccinations are recommended for those children. According to lead author Dr. Mady Hornig, "We found no relationship between the timing of MMR vaccine and the onset of autism." In fact, the new study showed that often the first autism symptoms actually preceded the vaccination shots, and therefore could not have been caused by them. The misunderstanding is made worse by high-profile, non-scientific claims by activists linking vaccines to autism (model and actress Jenny McCarthy, for example, appeared on "Larry King Live" earlier this year accusing medical doctors of ignorance of the facts and hiding evidence). This issue shows why public health policy must be guided by science instead of celebrity — or even personal experience. …" 21. "Tactile sensitivities may challenge ADHD kids" dated 5 September 2008 from the Connecticut Post at http://www.connpost.com/women/ci_10392134s. "Q: "My grandson has some walking problems, and his physical therapist mentioned some of his difficulties may be because of extreme sensitivity on the soles of his feet. He also says he has an itching sensation on his skin. He is 10 and has Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He does not have the hyper type of ADHD, but he has trouble focusing in school. Could his sensitive skin affect his attention span?" -- grandmother in Charlotte, N.C. A: Kudos for parents who look into any brain-body connections when their kids have attention problems. "This boy may have oversensitivity to tactile experiences. We call this tactile defensiveness," says Michelle Yoder, owner of Touchstone Therapy, a private practice in Pineville, N.C. "Children with tactile hypersensitivities may avoid certain textures or seek out activities that help them regulate that incoming input." Sometimes what kids feel is so annoying that they are unable to concentrate on important and relevant things such as teachers and schoolwork. "I always use the shirt-tag analogy, because most of us at one time or another has had one that has bothered us," Yoder says. "We can either cut it out or eventually we adjust to that nagging input." Some children are never able to block out the feeling of the shirt tag, and then fixate on it all day. In turn, they are not able to pay attention to anything else. "Certainly, we see this in feet as well," Yoder says. "Many times children with tactile defensiveness walk on their toes. They may avoid walking in the grass or sand. Sock seams can bother them, too." Depending on a child's walking problems, she says, they could be related to tactile defensiveness. Consult an occupational therapist who specializes in children with sensory processing disorders, Yoder suggests. A sensory processing disorder is a complex brain dysfunction that causes children to experience sensations -- taste, touch, sound, sight, smell, movement and body awareness -- differently than their peers. For kids who are either over- or undersensitive, difficulties can result in challenges at school, at home and at play. A former office nurse in York, S.C., agrees that itching can add to a child's inattention: "My own ADHD child had a similar issue. We took him to a dermatologist, who prescribed various ointments that didn't seem to help much." But after an allergist was able to solve the itching problem, the child's ability to pay attention increased remarkably, the mother recalls. …" 22. "Spec. Ed. Is Funding Early Help" dated 8 September 2008 by Christina A. Samuels from Education Week at http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/09/10/03ceis_ep.h28.html. "Bit by bit, the U.S. Department of Education is trying to pull down the walls that have traditionally separated general and special education. One facet of the plan is the department’s support of “response to intervention,” or RTI, an educational technique that bolsters the skills of academically struggling students before they fall so far behind that they need special education services. And another facet is “coordinated, comprehensive early-intervening services,” a method of paying for RTI-related programs using federal special education dollars. At a conference last month, state special education directors and federal officials focused on learning more about early-intervening services. The potential to help children early in their school careers is great, supporters say. “We are hearing some really positive things about increased communications and collaborative service-delivery models,” said Ruth E. Ryder, the director of the division of monitoring and state improvement planning in the Education Department’s office of special education programs. “People are really anxious to get ideas about how they can work together collaboratively, and make things better for kids.” But the rules and restrictions surrounding early-intervening services are so complex that at least some state officials are wary. Shifting scarce special education dollars to general education initiatives could provide a new opportunity—or create a paperwork burden they’re reluctant to take on. “It’s going to take some time to work out the kinks,” said Carol B. Massanari, the co-director of the Mountain Plains Regional Resource Center, a federally funded agency that provides special education technical assistance to 10 states and the federal Bureau of Indian Education. “People want to know how to do this right,” she said. “They want to be able to use this leverage, but to use it in a way that’s going to result in improvements.” …" 23. "Rusted RootsIs organic agriculture polluting our food with heavy metals?" dated 8 September 2008 by James McWilliams from Slate at http://www.slate.com/id/2198756. "If I'm reading the banana peels correctly, the prospects for organic agriculture have never been better. Indeed, the most recent batch of bananas I bought came adorned with a "certified organic" sticker that confirmed the virtue of my purchase. It explained, "When you purchase organic produce you are taking part in the HEALING of our land." This makes intuitive sense. Conventional agribusiness, after all, is a chemically dependent, resource-intensive venture that contributes to global warming, aquatic "dead zones," and massive land degradation. Organic systems, by contrast, restore soil health, foster biodiversity, and recycle organic matter rather than lading the land with synthetic chemicals. Whereas conventional agriculture follows the law of supply and demand, organic agriculture follows what its founder, Sir Albert Howard, called "the law of return." Potential waste, according to this dictum, ends up enriching the soil. The law of return, however, has a loophole. One issue frequently overlooked in the rush to embrace organic agriculture is the prevalence of excess arsenic, lead, cadmium, nickel, mercury, copper, and zinc in organic soil. Soil ecologists and environmentalists—and, to some extent, the concerned public—have known for more than a century that the synthetic pesticides of conventional farming leave heavy metals in the ground. But the fact that you'll find the same toxins in organic soil has been something of a dirty little secret. …" 24. "Trig Palin's story is safe ground for the Republican ticket- The attention lavished on Sarah Palin's infant son, who has Down syndrome, may help her and John McCain to do what, according to their Democratic rivals, they cannot: connect with voters" dated 8 September 2008 by Dan Morain from the Los Angeles Times at http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-disabled8-2008sep08,0,5707481.story. "HK Bain was home in suburban Denver last week, hardly paying attention to the television, when he heard a snippet of Sarah Palin's speech to the Republican convention that stopped him in mid-step. "To the families of special-needs children all across this country," Palin said, "I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House." Bain -- whose daughter Megan, a high school senior, is one of the more than 350,000 Americans who have Down syndrome -- couldn't believe his ears. "I clapped as loud as I could," he said. "We need a friend in the White House." Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain touched on the issue in his acceptance speech Thursday, when he referred to a Pennsylvania couple whose youngest son has autism. "Their lives should matter to the people they elect to office. They matter to me," the Arizona senator said. In the days since McCain chose Palin, the governor of Alaska, as his vice presidential nominee on Aug. 29, his campaign has shown off her 5-month-old son, Trig, who was born with Down syndrome. The campaign has also let it be known that Palin has a nephew with autism. The attention lavished on Trig, who can often be seen on TV being cradled by a family member, and who was on the covers of People and OK magazines, has helped the Republican ticket focus on an issue no one can debate: the need to help children with disabilities. The campaign almost surely will retell the story in commercials and appearances from now through election day, particularly as Democrats seek to portray McCain and Palin as conservatives who are out of touch with middle America. McCain and Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee, each have pressed to do more for disabled Americans. In the Senate, McCain co-sponsored the landmark Americans with Disability Act in 1990. Obama carried similar legislation as a state senator and sought increased spending for veterans with traumatic brain injury in the Senate. …" 25. "Father and son rescued after 15 hours at sea" dated 8 September 2008 from Bay News8 at http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2008/9/8/380537.html. "A father and son are at home recovering after spending Saturday night treading water for 15 hours in the Atlantic Ocean. Walter Marino and his 12-year-old son, Chris, got swept out to sea while swimming near the Ponce Inlet. The boy's mother spoke about it Monday when her son was released from the hospital. "We're just so happy, so happy that they were found and that they're in such great condition," said Chris' mom, Robyn Bishop. "I'm just excited to bring my son home." Walter Marino was found by boaters but a Clearwater Coast Guard helicopter crew found Chris, who was separated from his dad, in the ocean. He was 10 to 12 miles offshore. "He was laying on his back, treading water," said Petty Coast Guard Officer David Dunstan. "It looked like he was in a swimming pool." Chris Marino did not have a life jacket or a floatation device but Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom Emerick, who jumped in the water to rescue him, says the boy was well prepared. "Whoever taught him to swim did an excellent job," Emerick said. "It was amazing. He was sitting back on his back relaxing and that's what you should do in that situation." The boy was hoisted up in a Coast Guard basket and then taken to a hospital. "He was obviously water logged," Dunstan said. "His skin was all wrinkly and he had a lot of jelly fish stings." The Coast Guard helicopter pilot will never forget the boy's determination to survive. "Amazing, the willpower to stay treading water all night long," said Coast Guard Pilot Lt. David Birky. "I think I'd be done after 30-minutes or so." Both father and son were treated for jellyfish stings, shock and hypothermia but they are both in good shape." 26. "Struggling School-Age Boys- A new study says parents are right to worry about their sons" dated 8 September 2008 by Peg Tyre from Newsweek at http://www.newsweek.com/id/157898. "Every other week it seems a new study comes out that adds to our already-formidable arsenal of parental worries. But even by those escalating standards, the report issued last week by the federal government's National Center for Health Statistics contained a jaw-dropper: the parents of nearly one of every five boys in the United States were concerned enough about what they saw as their sons' emotional or behavioral problems that they consulted a doctor or a health-care professional. By comparison, about one out of 10 parents of girls reported these kinds of problems. (See the study here.) The report confirms what many of us have been observing for some time now: that lots of school-age boys are struggling. And, parents are intensely worried about them. What is ailing our sons? Some experts suggest we are witnessing an epidemic of ADHD and say boys need more medication. Others say that environmental pollutants found in plastics, among other things, may be eroding their attention spans and their ability to regulate their emotions. Those experts may be right but I have another suggestion. Let's examine the way our child rearing and our schools have evolved in the last 10 years. Then ask ourselves this challenging question: could some of those changes we have embraced in our families, our communities and our schools be driving our sons crazy? Instead of unstructured free play, parents now schedule their kids' time from dawn till dusk (and sometimes beyond.) By age 4, an ever-increasing number of children are enrolled in preschool. There, instead of learning to get along with other kids, hold a crayon and play Duck, Duck, Goose, children barely out of diapers are asked to fill out work sheets, learn computation or study Mandarin. The drumbeat for early academics gets even louder when they enter "real" school. Veteran teachers will tell you that first graders are now routinely expected to master a curriculum that, only 15 years ago, would have been considered appropriate for second, even third graders. The way we teach children has changed, too. In many communities, elementary schools have become test-prep factories—where standardized testing begins in kindergarten and "teaching to the test" is considered a virtue. At the same time, recess is being pushed aside in order to provide extra time for reading and math drills. So is history and opportunities for hands-on activities—like science labs and art. Active play is increasingly frowned on—some schools have even banned recess and tag. In the wake of school shootings like the tragedy at Virginia Tech, kids who stretch out a pointer finger, bend their thumb and shout "pow!" are regarded with suspicion and not a little fear. …" 27. "Expert advises Montessori teaching for children with autism" dated 8 September 2008 by Marge Neal from the Frederick News-Post at http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=79903. "Parents, educators and others who care for children with autism spectrum disorders can receive help from an expert this week. A four-day workshop offered by Monocacy Montessori Communities Inc. will be led by internationally renowned autism expert and educator Michelle Lane, MMCI member Catherine Nehring said last week. Lane's teachings include what Nehring referred to as a "unique and new combination" of Applied Behavior Analysis and the Montessori method's hands-on approach to education. "Traditional education tells the child to sit down and be quiet -- the teacher does all the talking," Nehring said. "That approach doesn't work with the child on the spectrum." The Montessori curriculum allows children to be up and moving around the classroom, and empower students by allowing them to pick their own projects, Nehring said. Lane started her career as a traditional ABA behaviorist and worked with children on the autism spectrum. "She took the Montessori training and saw immediately the value of the application for children with autism," Nehring said. Lane said in a phone interview last week that she hopes to provide workshop participants with exposure to the Montessori approach, which requires a year-long training course for teachers to become certified. "Obviously, we can only do so much in four days," Lane said. "But we'll talk about Montessori's four main courses of practical life, math, language and culture. "We'll show parents and caregivers how to format activities to fit their individual child." Participants will also become familiar with the ABA model, as well as the basics of backward chain modeling, a teaching method, Lane said. "We want to put the Montessori approach into the homes of parents who, for whatever reasons, can't access Montessori schools." …" 28. "Teens Should Increase Vitamin D Intake by 1000 Percent to Avoid Deficiency, Say Researchers" dated 8 September 2008 by David Gutierrez from Natural News.com at http://www.naturalnews.com/024099.html. "The vitamin D recommendations for older children should be raised by 10 times, according to a study conducted by researchers from the American University of Beirut-Medical Center in Lebanon, and published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. "Our research reveals that vitamin D, at doses equivalent to 2,000 IUs a day, is not only safe for adolescents, but it is actually necessary for achieving desirable vitamin D levels," lead researcher Ghada El-Haff Fuleihan said. Currently, the U.S. recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is 200 IU per day for children. But the researchers hypothesized that because of their rapid skeletal growth, children may actually need much higher levels of the vitamin than even adults do. Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone growth and health. Deficiency in children can lead to the bone softening disease rickets, and may contribute to osteoporosis risk in adults. To test their hypothesis, researchers first gave 10 girls and 15 boys between the ages of 10 and 17 a weekly vitamin D dose of 14,000 IU - 10 times the recommended dose - for eight weeks. When none of the children exhibited any signs of vitamin D toxicity, the researchers deemed it safe to move on to a long-term study. "Supplementation of children and adolescents with 2,000 IUs a day of vitamin D3 is well tolerated and safe," Fuleihan said. "This is particularly relevant in light of the increasingly recognized health benefits of vitamin D for adults and children." In the long-term experiment, researchers gave 168 girls and 172 boys in the same age range either 1,400 IU or 14,000 IU per week for one year. They found that only the children being given 2,000 IU per day had vitamin D blood levels in the range considered optimal for adults. The researchers noted that few studies have been conducted on the actual vitamin D needs of children and adolescents. "Data on appropriate vitamin D levels in the pediatric age group are lacking," Fuleihan said. "This is a major obstacle to finding the right daily allowance to enhance musculoskeletal health." Sources for this story include:www.upi.com, www.sciencedaily.com." 29. "Judge Rules Product Liability Suit Pre-empted by Federal Vaccine Act" dated 9 September 2008 by Amaris Elliott-Engel from the The Legal Intelligencer at http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202424375769. "A Philadelphia judge has ruled that a federal law governing the liability of pharmaceutical companies for drug vaccines pre-empts state tort claims of design defect and failure to warn in the products liability case of an 11-year-old boy who has autism. In an apparent case of first impression, Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Arnold L. New wrote an Aug. 27 opinion required under Pennsylvania Rule of Appellate Procedure 1925 to affirm his decision to grant summary judgment in favor of pharmaceutical defendants Aventis Pasteur Inc., Merck & Co. Inc. and Wyeth in Wright v. Aventis Pasteur. New said both the plaintiffs' design defect and failure to warn claims were expressly pre-empted by the federal National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act. New also found that the failure to warn claim failed to raise any genuine issues of material fact that can overcome the protection the Vaccine Act provides to pharmaceutical manufacturers. New said in his opinion that it appears no Pennsylvania state court has addressed whether §22(b) of the Vaccine Act expressly pre-empts claims of design defects against vaccine manufacturers, or whether each case has to be examined individually to determine "whether a vaccine is unavoidably safe before they gain the protection of Section 22(b)." "Congress clearly intended when it enacted the Vaccine Act to exercise its constitutionally delegated authority to preempt all state design defect claims without case-by-case determination that the side effects are unavoidable," New wrote. The 1986 Vaccine Act was created to provide recovery of damages to injured vaccine recipients without the requirement that the recipients prove the manufacturer was negligent and that a vaccine was defective, New said. The Vaccine Act was also aimed at preventing the undermining of national vaccine supply by expensive litigation, New said. New noted that other courts' decisions -- including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania's 2006 ruling in Sykes v. Glaxo-SmithKline and its 2007 ruling in Bruesewitz v. Wyeth -- have been similar. "This court was guided by their opinions and concluded Section 22(b)(1) preempts, without there first being a case-by-case determination as to whether a vaccine is unavoidably unsafe, all state law claims that an FDA-approved vaccine was defectively designed, " New wrote. The only contrary ruling was a 2007 Georgia state court ruling in Ferrari v. American Home Products Corp., New said. In Wright, Jared Wright, 11, of Texas, was administered five vaccines in the first year-and-a-half of his life that contained thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative once used in vaccines to deter bacterial growth, as well as one other vaccine, New wrote. Jared's parents, Howard and Jacqueline Wright, claimed that the mercury in those six vaccines manufactured by the pharmaceutical defendants caused Jared's autism. …" 30. "Mom sues N. Aurora school over child's broken arm" dated 9 September 2008 by Josh Stockinger from the Chicago Daily Herald at http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=233806. "A South Elgin woman claims in a recently filed lawsuit that two employees of a North Aurora private school broke her 11-year-old son's arm. The woman, Cindy Lapotka, seeks more than $50,000 in damages from the school, Aurora Education Center, and related parties named in the civil suit filed late last month. The suit claims that, in April, two school employees picked up Lapotka's son by each arm and pushed him into a wall, fracturing a humorous bone in the child's right arm. Elgin attorney Loren Golden, who represents Lapotka, said Tuesday the incident occurred after the boy was transferred to the school by Elgin Area School District U-46. It is one of several where children can be sent to receive special attention for behavioral and emotional problems, he said. "(The student) wasn't doing anything violent," Golden said of the child's behavior. "He would just act out" verbally. The Menta Group, a nonprofit organization that oversees Aurora Education Center, 191 Poplar Place, declined to comment Tuesday, citing federal restrictions regarding special education students that prohibit the group from even confirming or denying a child is enrolled. Also named in the lawsuit is the U-46 school board and the school itself. As for the boy, "It was a rough go, but his injuries have healed," Golden said. The case goes before Kane County Civil Judge F. Keith Brown Nov. 17." 31. "Dispute Over Special Needs Child's Education" dated 9 September 2008 by Angie Weidinger from Ozarks First.com at http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=57871. "The state of Missouri is looking into the workings of a local school district. KOLR/KSFX's Angie Weidinger was in Iberia, which is in Miller County, as an investigator with the state's Children's Division left the school's main offices. The state is unable to say anything about the investigation, but the student's mother says the same investigator visited her house looking into the education of her son, who has Down Syndrome and autistic tendencies."Okay Cole, are we going to dance?" asked Carrie Marlow, Cole's mom as she played a CD of music for him.It's a school day, but 12-year-old Cole Marlow isn't in class. That's because a letter from the Iberia School District says he was suspended for nine days for physically assaulting his aide, squeezing her to the point where she passed out."My son's a very loving child, he loves to hug and kiss people, that's just Cole," said Carrie. "He's a strong little boy, but not so strong that you couldn't say, you got to be soft when you love somebody and he loosens up." Carrie wasn't at the school when the incident happened, but believes it highlights the inadequacies of her son's education, which she's been complaining about for months."His aide is an older lady and she's not qualified to provide what my son needs," explained Carrie.Cole's IEP, Individualized Education Plan, shows exactly what the school is supposed to provide Cole: normal classwork along with speech and occupational therapy inside a self-contained classroom. …" 32. "Debunking an Autism Theory" dated 9 September 2008 in an editorial from The New York Times at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/09/opinion/09tue3.html?_r=1&oref=slogin and http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080910/OPINION/809109960&title=NEW_YORK_TIMES__Debunking_an_autism_theory. "Ten years ago, a clinical research paper triggered widespread and persistent fears that a combined vaccine that prevents measles, mumps and rubella — the so-called MMR vaccine — causes autism in young children. That theory has been soundly refuted by a variety of other research over the years, and now a new study that tried to replicate the original study has provided further evidence that it was a false alarm. The initial paper, published in The Lancet, the prestigious British medical journal, drew an inferential link between the vaccine, the gastrointestinal problems found in many autistic children and autism. In later papers, researchers theorized that the measles part of the vaccine caused inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract that allowed toxins to enter the body and damage the central nervous system, causing autism. Now, a team of researchers from Columbia University, Massachusetts General Hospital and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tried and failed to replicate the earlier findings. These researchers studied a group of 38 children with gastrointestinal problems, of whom 25 were autistic and 13 were not. All had received the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. The scientists found no evidence that it had caused harm. Only 5 of the 25 autistic children had been vaccinated before they developed gastrointestinal problems — and subsequently autism. Genetic tests found remnants of the measles virus in only two children, one of whom was autistic, the other not. The new study adds weight to a growing body of epidemiological studies and reviews that have debunked the notion that childhood vaccines cause autism. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, the C.D.C. and the World Health Organization have found no evidence of a causal link between vaccines and autism. Meanwhile, the original paper’s publisher — The Lancet — complained in 2004 that the lead author had concealed a conflict of interest. Ten of his co-authors retracted the paper’s implication that the vaccine might be linked to autism. Three of the authors are now defending themselves before a fitness-to-practice panel in London on charges related to their autism research. Sadly, even after all of this, many parents of autistic children still blame the vaccine. The big losers in this debate are the children who are not being vaccinated because of parental fears and are at risk of contracting serious — sometimes fatal — diseases." 33. "Mother and son conquer autism- Diet plan praised for turnaround" dated 9 September 2008 by CASSANDRA SPRATLING from the DETROIT FREE PRESS at http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080909/FEATURES01/809090379. "When Teresa Summers first learned her son, Sam, had autism she felt as if her world crumbled. "You imagine the worse-case scenario," said Summers, 43, a single mom in Hazel Park. "Many children are institutionalized and never live independently. Many have aggressive behaviors. You mourn the loss of the future you'd planned for your child." But rather than wallow in despair, Summers got busy, researching information on the Internet and seeking sources of assistance. Sam was 16 months old when he was diagnosed with autism, a neurological disorder. Within weeks of putting her son on a special diet that she learned about through her research, Summers began to see signs of improvement. By the time he was 3 1/2, doctors no longer categorized him as autistic. Since kindergarten, he has attended regular classes in a regular school. After Sam started kindergarten, Summers began doing volunteer work to help other parents. Her volunteer work led to a paid position at the Judson Center, working at the Royal Oak and Clinton Township offices where she is an office coordinator. The Judson Center, a nonprofit social service agency with offices in 10 Michigan counties, offers services aimed at helping children, families and adults cope with and overcome various challenges. …: 34. "Music event dedicated to autism awareness" dated 9 September 2008 by Robert S. Hong from the Pasadena Star News at http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_10413891. "On the 10th anniversary of the Peace Through Music concert series, community activist Nat Nehdar has decided to dedicate this year's event to raising awareness about autism. This Saturday at the First Church of the Nazarene, Nehdar and the Pasadena Human Relations Commission will again unveil a lineup of renowned musicians and singers, who will come together to let the public know about this serious illness. ``Autism has become a very important topic in the United States. Many celebrities have been appearing on TV to talk about it, and there was a walkathon at the Rose Bowl several months ago,'' Nehdar said. Autism a brain condition which makes it difficult for afflicted individuals to communicate is something Nehdar feels the public needs to know about, particularly parents of autistic children. ``I felt it was very important to get the message out,'' he said. ``For parents who have autistic children, it's imperative for them to take immediate steps to seek medical assistance, which will benefit the children and themselves in the long run.'' Nehdar, a former Pasadena Human Relations Commissioner, began his concert series after the shootings at Columbine High School in the late 1990s. Since 1999, Nehdar has dedicated his concerts to a wide variety of world affairs, from the slaying of reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan to the crisis in Darfur. Nehdar also teaches tolerance classes at schools around the city. This year's concert will be hosted by NBC TV News Reporter Furnell Chatman and will feature a talk from former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jim Gott, who has two autistic children. Pianist Yin Yin Huang, who has appeared at past ``Peace Through Music'' concerts, said this year's event has special meaning for her one of her friends has children with autism. ``This year, the concert is not for a disaster but for a disease,'' she said. ``Nowadays [autism] is very common, and if we can find it in the early stages, we can try to do treatments.'' The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd." 35. "Celebrity 'Warrior Mom' Jenny McCarthy Aligns with Brand Sense Partners to Create a Lifestyle Brand- McCarthy and BSP develop the new TOO GOOD(TM) lifestyle brand to bring affordable, non-toxic and healthy products for children to market" dated 9 September 2008 in a press release from Brand Sense Partners at http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/celebrity-warrior-mom-jenny-mccarthy/story.aspx?guid=%7BC6DEAB07-769D-4A04-BCBB-7455ED8EB52C%7D&dist=hppr. "Celebrated actress, comedian, author and activist, Jenny McCarthy has entered into an exclusive agreement with new business development consultancy Brand Sense Partners (BSP) to create a lifestyle brand and consumer product line for children. Using their proven expertise in strategic brand creation, extension and celebrity licensing, BSP will identify and develop partnership opportunities that correspond with McCarthy's mission to build a better environment for children everywhere. As a leading advocate for adopting a holistic approach to child development, specifically for children with autism, McCarthy is looking to extend her TOO GOOD(TM) brand into children's bedding, apparel, food and beverage, feeding products, toy and activity sets, cleaning products and bathroom textiles. From gluten-free to chemically-safe, the product line will reflect McCarthy's unyielding passion for creating safe, non-toxic surroundings for children of all ages. "Everywhere I go I meet parents who are looking for products that are safe for their children," said McCarthy. "Unfortunately, they want what only a handful of specialty boutiques carry at a hefty price. BSP and I are working together to fill the market void in safe, non-toxic products for children. With the TOO GOOD(TM) brand, I intend to make the building blocks for a healthy environment universally accessible for all families." McCarthy's son, Evan was diagnosed with autism in 2005. After doctors informed her that there was no cure, McCarthy began to treat her son holistically through diet, nutrition and other interventions in his environment. Changes included using products with lead-free paints, providing gluten-free foods and participating in incremental vaccinations. Shortly after McCarthy began treating her son with these holistic solutions, Evan's signs of autism subsided. "McCarthy is considered a one-of-a-kind modern champion for mothers. She has become a trusted resource to help parents navigate the sometimes confusing choices set before them during their children's development," said Ramez Toubassy, president of Brand Sense Partners. …" 36. "Early diagnosis important with autism" dated 9 September 2008 by Tara Munkatchy from Philadelphia Daily Local News at http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20111869&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=635533&rfi=6. "After returning from a fishing trip with a Navy friend on leave, my husband told me that before they ventured onto the lake, he's spent some time with his buddy's three sun-bleached children. The oldest, who was diagnosed with autism at around age 4, had made great strides in the two years since he'd last seen him. Once the child's family identified how they could help him grow, his verbal and academic development took off. Dr. Tom Casey, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician at Bryn Mawr Hospital, said that "autism is a disorder of language and it's a disorder of social relatedness." Without knowing what to look for, diagnosing the disorder can be difficult. Brenda Eaton, the autism network coordinator at the Chester County Intermediate Unit, stressed that early intervention is crucial for later developmental success. Casey also said early intervention can begin with what he described as a positive feedback cycle. "Early intervention actually models and molds brain development so that those social experiences, sensory experiences ... start to lay down neurologic tracks and that facilitates further development along the same lines," he said. There are several clear indicators of autism that can be present in very young children. During an infant's first year, a "lack of normal eye contact and a lack of interest in faces," as well as a lack of social awareness can be signs of autism, explained Casey. A lack of speech development beyond babbling, he said, can be another sign. "Children who are approaching 1 year of age should be able to point to show interest or to make a request. They will follow your finger when you point," said Casey. "Another concept is the concept of joint attention. A child should be interested in other people watching him or her. They should seek out another person's interest." If a child can't be calm and focus on sights and sounds at 2 months, that's reason for concern, as is a lack of sustained, warm and joyful interaction with caregivers by 4 months, said Eaton, citing indicators outlined by the Centers for Disease Control. Firstsigns.org, she said, is a nonprofit that also provides information about typical red flags. "There is a certain genetic predisposition to autism," said Casey. "Most autism is not from identified causes." Autism screenings typically begins at 18 months. If a parent is seeking a diagnosis for their child, however, the Chester County Intermediate Unit's CATCH team program can help with early diagnosis through the early intervention system. For children aged birth to 33 months, contact the Chester County MHMR Early Intervention Program by calling 610-344-5948 to set up an evaluation in your home. For children aged 33 months to 5 years, contact the Chester County Intermediate Unit's Preschool Special Education Program by calling 484-237 5150." 37. "Montana mom kept dead son in car trunk" dated 9 September 2008 by MATT GOURAS from The Associated Press at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080909/ap_on_re_us/toddler_in_trunk;_ylt=Ai_kU2Rf59S1iIpLv.AHo.134T0D and http://galvestondailynews.com/wire.lasso?report=/dynamic/stories/T/TODDLER_IN_TRUNK. "The body of a toddler found in the trunk of his mother's car may have been there for months as she drove around town, evaded questions about him and was even arrested, police said. The mother, Summer ManyWhiteHorses, was charged Monday with deliberate homicide. Authorities say the body of her 2-year-old son, James, was found Friday in the trunk of her car — more than six weeks after it was towed to a wrecking yard when she was arrested. Deputy County Attorney Joel Thompson said authorities have yet to determine how or when the boy died. An autopsy is being conducted. According to court records, ManyWhiteHorses told police the boy's death was an accident, and that she placed his body in the car's trunk on May 29. ManyWhiteHorses was being held on $250,000 bail. During a brief court hearing, she appeared without an attorney and was provided forms for a public defender. Personnel at the Cascade County Detention Center turned away a reporter's attempt to speak with her Monday because it was outside visiting hours. ManyWhiteHorses was first arrested July 21, after authorities said she was driving erratically. As police attempted to pull her over, she drove through several stoplights and crashed into a parked car. Her 11-year-old daughter was in the back seat and, unknown to police, the toddler's body was apparently in the trunk, authorities said. Police officers did not search the trunk, and the car was towed. ManyWhiteHorses was arrested, and child welfare officials began looking into placing the daughter into state custody. ManyWhiteHorses was given misdemeanor citations in connection with the crash and later released from jail. Authorities said she did not retrieve her car even though she was free to do so. Child welfare officials moved for custody of the daughter in August and were trying to determine the boy's whereabouts. During the investigation, authorities learned that ManyWhiteHorses told relatives the state had taken the toddler long ago, that state officials were told initially the child was in Browning and then later that he was in Portland, Ore. "Her stories varied based upon who she was talking to," said police Detective Bruce McDermott. Police were brought into the case last week after child welfare agents could not verify the toddler's location. A short time later, ManyWhiteHorses told officers the toddler, who had autism, had died in late May, according to court records. …" 38. "On Media: Paul Offit and the Right to Opt Out" dated 9 September 2008 by Anne Dachel from the Age of Autism blog at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/on-medialpaul-o.html#more. "Late last month, Scripps news service put out a number of articles on the debate over vaccines. It seems the controversy that shows no signs of going away is heating up. As much as the press would love it if parents would accept the fact that "studies show no link," it just isn't happening. These were the stories: … There were good aspects in the pieces. They make it clear that many parents don't believe officials and their distrust is getting worse. There are lots of statistics about non-vaccinating parents. Barbara Loe Fisher from the National Vaccine Information Center (HERE) is quoted telling us, "The question remains open because definitive, independent studies haven't been done." And it was refreshing to read that Dr. Saad Omer, assistant professor at Emory University's School of Public Health in Atlanta, "agrees that the public health community needs to spend more time on the risks and benefits of vaccinations." He also says that government and industry need to 'be more proactive on vaccine safety research.' All these stories coming out at once really shows how serious this debate has become and how complex it is. Reports have been endless in the news in the UK for weeks warning about the threat of a measles epidemic because of unvaccinated kids. Here in America, we've also caught measles fever and the press is telling us that vaccination rates are falling dangerously low and outbreaks are happening. Predictions that measles might become an epidemic with complications and even death as a result are getting widespread coverage. Reporters continue to stress that vaccines save lives. Most of all, we're reminded that officials have seriously looked and there's no evidence that vaccines cause autism. One of the Scripps stories, The unprotected Among Us, focuses on the potential victims of disease because of the unvaccinated. We read about a reporter who said, "Hundreds of thousands of children are going to school this fall without protection from deadly diseases." And if vaccination rates continue to fall off, "this could threaten to undo years of progress in public health." Most ominous in the story was the remark made by Paul Offit about the right of parents not to vaccinate. He said, "At some point, we're going to be forced to decide whether it is an inalienable right to catch and transmit potentially fatal infections." (It should be noted that he's merely described as "Dr. Paul Offit of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia," and not as "Paul Offit vaccine patent holder who personally profits from the mandated schedule.") …" 39. "Olmsted on Autism: Is Kathleen Seidel Toxic?" dated 9 September 2008 by Dan Olmsted from the Age of Autism blog at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/olmsted-on-auti.html#more. "I've just finished reading Autism's False Prophets by Paul Offit (more on the book in a later post). Offit showcases several parents of children with autism who do not believe vaccines had anything to do with it. One such parent is Kathleen Seidel, whom Offit says "has been a constant, unshakable thorn in the side of those who have hijacked the discussions about the cause of autism." "All autism is caused by mercury poisoning?" she is quoted as saying. "Excuse me. Did it ever occur to [vaccine mercury critics] that someone might object to having their family members labeled as inherently toxic?" Well, I don't think every case of autism is caused by mercury poisoning -- just that mercury, as a matter of simple fact, is implicated in the rise of autism. It's a free country and a reasonable public health debate, whether Paul Offit and Kathleen Seidel object or not (and boy, do they). After reading Offit's book, I will say this: I have a hunch why Seidel reacts to this so personally and so vociferously. First it's worth restating where I'm coming from. My research on the earliest cases of autism -- the 11 children described in Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact, written in 1943 by child psychiatrist Leo Kanner at Johns Hopkins -- has convinced me that autism was a new disorder that was triggered by the commercialization of ethyl mercury, in the form of thimerosal, starting about 1930. All of Kanner's kids were born in the 1930s, and Kanner -- the dean of child psychiatry, the one man who had seen it all -- described autism as "markedly and uniquely different from anything reported so far." And how was ethyl mercury commercialized? In fungicides and in medical products. I've written at length (see Mercury Rising on our home page) about a link in those early cases to ethyl mercury fungicides. Those fungicides were banned long ago for good reason, but thimerosal continues to be used -- inexplicably and unforgivably -- in vaccines and in many different eye-care solutions. To see just how many, check out the FDA's list HERE. Offit describes Seidel moving to New York City "where she met her future husband, a guitar player. She worked for Project Orbis, a flying ophthalmalogic surgical teaching hospital. …" Whoa. A flying ophthalmalogic surgical teaching hospital? I suppose it's possible she just booked their flights and never set foot on the plane, but assuming she was part of the team, I strongly suspect Kathleen Seidel was exposed to thimerosal occupationally. …" 40. "UNT to launch $25 million research effort" dated 9 September 2008 from the Dallas Business Journal at http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2008/09/08/daily17.html. "The University of North Texas said Tuesday the school is ready to invest up to $25 million in programs that could grow the school’s reputation as a research institution, as well as the state’s economy, by emphasizing studies related to areas like technology and genetics. The research programs will be divided into several clusters — bio/nano photonics; materials modeling; developmental physiology and genetics; signaling mechanisms in plants; autism spectrum disorders; advanced research in technology and the arts. As part of the plan, the university hopes to hire several new faculty members to support each cluster of research. The new hires will be candidates chosen for their national and international reputations in senior level research. “UNT is well-known for its excellence in the arts,” said President Gretchen M. Bataille. “Through this investment, we will expand our research excellence and raise our reputation as a public research university that competes at the top-level in everything we do.” Below is a list of the research clusters that will receive special attention: Bio/Nano photonics: how light can be used to develop nano-devices. Applications could be used in medicine, communications and energy. Materials Modeling: predictive tools for creating new materials that will deal with greenhouse gases, the construction of better jet engines and materials that will be used for therapies tied to serious battlefield injuries. Developmental Physiology and Genetics: the study of development biology at the molecular, cellular and physiological levels, which is expected to improve disease treatments. Signaling Mechanisms in Plants: studying molecular level of plants. The information can be used to make advances in agriculture, human nutrition and medicine. Autism Spectrum Disorder: expanding research in education, behavior analysis and learning technologies for autism. Advanced Research in Technology and the Arts: This sector will expand work currently underway at the Center for Experimental Music and Intermedia." 41. "SCALERA BILL PROMOTING AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS BECOMES LAW- SCALERA BILL PROMOTING AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS BECOMES LAW" dated 9 September 2008 from PolitickerNJ.com at http://www.politickernj.com/thester/23284/scalera-bill-promoting-autism-awareness-among-first-responders-becomes-law. "Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Fred Scalera to establish an autism awareness training course for emergency medical technicians, police and firefighters was signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine. “Although New Jersey is a national leader in providing care and support for those with autism, it is essential that our first-responder network be sufficiently trained to recognize autism and how to handle individuals with this disorder,” said Assemblyman Scalera (D-Essex), who is also Essex County’s deputy emergency operations director. The measure (A-1908) requires the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to create an autism awareness training course and curriculum. Before being certified, prospective emergency medical technicians will be required to complete the DHSS administered course. Individuals already certified as emergency medical technicians must complete a continuing education course in autism recognition and response techniques. “New Jersey’s police officers and firefighters need the tools and training to understand and help individuals with autism,” said Scalera. “This autism awareness program will make police officers and firefighters better professionals.” The legislation also requires the Division of Fire Safety and the Police Training Commission to utilize the DHSS training course curriculum to properly train firefighting and police recruits in autism awareness, recognition and response. Currently employed police officers and firefighters – paid and volunteer – will be required to complete a continuing education course in autism recognition and response. The legislation is the final piece of a sweeping autism package Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden) constructed to strengthen New Jersey’s efforts in the detection, treatment and awareness of autism. The initiative was launched in February 2007 following the release of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that identified New Jersey as having the nation’s highest reported rate of autism – one out of 94 children. The bill is the final measure of the seven-bill package to be signed into law. The new law will take effect April 1." 42. "Autistic 3rd Grader Center of Dispute Between Parents, School District" dated 9 September 2008 by George Franco from My FOX Atlanta at http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7395520&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1. "An autistic third grade boy in Watkinsville is at the center of a dispute between his parents and the school district. The parents of Arron Collins said he should be able to go to the school of their choice, but the district says it's not their choice to make. The Collins said they believe a new Georgia law legally gives them the right to chose what school is best for their son. But the Oconee County school district isn't going along with their plan. Arron Collins -- 8-years-old -- is at the center of a dispute between his parents and the Oconee County School System. Aaron's parents said he was diagnosed with Asbergers Syndrome, a form of autism. "He wants to act out things that he's seen on TV or things that he's obsessing on at the moment and that's what he focuses on when he's in the classroom," said Arron's father Steve Collins. Aaron's parents said his poor social skills led to problems at his previous school Colham Fery Elementary. His parents moved Aaron to Oconee Elementary this year where they said new teachers, classmates and environment led to much improvement. "He's been at the school that we wanted for a month and he's already shown improvement. He's already coming home saying he likes it. He's joined the Cub Scouts. He's really excited about that," said mother Tina Collins. But the district removed Aaron from that school in part because the Collins are zoned for the other school. While the superintendent wouldn't discuss Aarons case he does say in a statement that "there is no documented reason that the needs of students cannot be met at any of our schools, I have not been presented with any reason for any student to be transferred." The Collins said a 2007 Georgia law, Senate Bill 10 is on their side. In part it says the general assembly finds "parents are best equipped to make decisions for their children, including the educational setting that will best serve the interests and education needs of their children." "It's very clear when it says parents have the right to choice. They have the right to chose," said Steve Collins. The Georgia Department of education which oversees public schools in the state said there are a number of procedures in place for the Collins to appeal the districts decision. The Collins said they're considering hiring an attorney." 43. "Hospitals vaccinating parents of high-risk infants" dated 9 September 2008 from Reuters at http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL97103420080909?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&sp=true. "New research suggests that the newborn (neonatal) intensive care unit (NICU) is a good setting for offering the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine (TdaP) to the parents of high-risk infants to protect them against common childhood infections. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 1 dose of TdaP for previously unimmunized adults who will have close contact with NICU infants younger than 12 months, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics. In the current study, Dr. Shetal I. Shah and Andrew M. Dylag from the State University of New York, Stony Brook, assessed the feasibility of administering TdaP to parents of high-risk infants in a high-level NICU. From July to October 2007, parents of NICU-admitted infants were presented with an information letter at their child's bedside explaining the risks and benefits of TdaP vaccination. The risks of pertussis infection were reinforced with NICU staff and the importance of offering vaccination to parents was emphasized. Vaccination was provided free of charge, 20 hours per day. A total of 352 children between 23 and 42 weeks of age were admitted to the NICU during the study period. Of 598 eligible parents, 495 (82.8 percent) were offered TdaP. The researchers note that at the start of the study less than 2 percent of parents had received TdaP. Overall, 430 parents received TdaP, yielding a vaccination rate of 86.9 percent in the screened population. Fifty-five parents (11.1 percent) refused vaccination, usually because they believed pertussis was not an important health threat or because of disbelief in the vaccine. Ten parents (2.0 percent) had conditions that ruled out vaccination for medical reasons. Parental age was not a determinant of vaccination, the report indicates. Infant characteristics such as shorter length of stay and higher birth weight, correlated with not being offered the vaccine. TdaP vaccination was well tolerated and no allergic reactions were noted, the findings show. "Additional multicenter trials are required to determine whether this immunization rate is reproducible in other NICUs and sustainable for periods greater than the 4-month trial period," the authors conclude. SOURCE: Pediatrics, September 2008." 44. "Is Autism caused by the Measles Vaccine? Study reveals no link" dated 9 September 2008 from Justicenewsflash.com at http://www.justicenewsflash.com/2008/09/09/autism-measles-vaccine/. "Recent research in the Public Library of Science Journal found that there is no link between the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) and autism. There has been no evidence found to suggest that the ‘gastrointestinal pathology consistently preceded autism, or that MMR preceded either autism or GI pathology.’ Researchers from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Massachusetts General Hospital and Trinity College Dublin in Ireland set out to test the relation found in a 1998 small British study. The current research uses tissue biopsies taken from the bowels of children with autism and GI problems and compared them to age-matched control children who had no developmental delays, but were undergoing bowel biopsies for GI disturbances. In addition, researchers analyzed the theory that the measles RNA could grow in the intestinal tract and cause inflammation that would make the bowel more permeable. It was believed that once the bowel was more permeable, the virus could enter the circulation system and then travel to the central nervous system, where it might play a role in the development of autism. Yet, the tests showed only traces of measles genetic material in the bowels of one boy with autism and one without. That doesn’t prove virus never temporarily lodged in more children, but it dispels the earlier studies. Furthermore, results showed that ‘only one child out of the 25 children with autism and one in the control group of 13 children in the new study showed slight levels of measles RNA.’ According to the CDC, measles is a highly infectious virus best known for its red skin rash, that routinely sickened thousands of children a year and killed hundreds, until childhood vaccinations made it a rarity in this country. But so far this year, the U.S. has counted 131 measles cases, the most in a decade, because most were unvaccinated. Some were infants too young for their first MMR shot, but nearly half involved children whose parents rejected vaccination, the CDC reported last month.’ Although there are still parents who are convinced the vaccine caused their child’s autism, they must look at the facts and specific, usually expensive, tests should be completed to either ease their minds or prove they were right." 45. "Vaccination and autism: the link is still missing" dated 9 September 2008 by Peter Donnelly from The National (Abu Dhabi) at http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080909/FRONTIERS/603183992/1036/ART. "Between January and July of this year there were more cases of measles in the United States reported to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, then at any time since 1996. This is a worrying statistic, and all the more so since it is being attributed to parents refusing to have their children vaccinated because of fears of a link between vaccinations and autism. This is an issue that has been gaining momentum for many years and it is unlikely to go away any time soon. Moreover, the situation is not limited to the United States. Parents’ worries have quickly spread to other countries. The consensus among the medical fraternity is that all vaccination programmes should remain in place, and although health professionals continue to try to alleviate parents’ fears, that does not appear to have had an effect. This could be disastrous if a solution is not found, public health officials warn. Measles is a barometer for other diseases that may follow in unvaccinated populations. A rise in the number of cases of mumps and rubella could follow the spike in measles cases, doctors say. Any link between vaccinations and autism in children has never been scientifically proven. Yet, as some autism research groups are eager to point out, there has never been categorical evidence to disprove the link either. The foundation for the entire vaccine-autism debate rests on a scientific paper published in The Lancet in 1998, in which lead author Dr Andrew Wakefield suggested the possibility of a link between the MMR (Measles Mumps Rubella) vaccine and certain cases of autism in children. The work carried out by Dr Wakefield has never been replicated and he has even been accused of scientific misconduct. Although overall a growing body of data supports the ‘no link’ camp, this is an issue that will not go away. In an attempt to allay public fears, manufacturers of the MMR vaccine in the United States reduced the level of mercury as an ingredient of the product. The change was instituted seven years ago and now appears to have had little effect on reducing incidence of autism. But it could be argued that by doing this the public became more suspicious about this vaccine. After all, why tamper with a product that you are claiming is completely safe? The situation became further complicated when earlier this year a leading physician at the centre of health policy in the United States made a claim about the possible susceptibility of some children to autism from vaccine jabs. Dr Bernadine Healy, the ex-head of the US National Institutes of Health, in an interview with CBS in May, is quoted as saying: “What we are seeing is that, in the bulk of the population vaccines are safe, but there may be a susceptible group.” …" 46. "Consultant recommends Spotsy special ed changes- Spotsylvania schools' special education department undergoes audit" dated 9 September 2008 by KAREN BOLIPATA from The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star at http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2008/092008/09092008/409244. "An independent company's audit of Spotsylvania County Schools' special education services lauded its parent-resource center and training partnership with the University of Mary Washington. But a communication gap exists between the special services office and general education administrators, the audit states. MGT of America, a research and consulting firm based in Tallahassee, Fla., presented its 30 findings (13 commendations, 17 recommendations) at last night's School Board meeting. The company compared the division to school districts with comparable factors, such as student population, and interviewed teachers and administrators. "It's to look for ways that an outside observer can come in and take a snapshot of how we do our business in this particular department and maybe make some recommendations to us," Superintendent Jerry Hill said at the meeting. The division previously had another consulting group review all its departments in 2004. Last year, Spotsylvania schools served 3,000 students with disabilities, 12 percent of the roughly 24,500 students enrolled in the division. The special education audit recommends the removal of a reading specialist and a technology coordinator position, and the addition of three coordinators. If all recommendations were followed, the division would save an estimated $500,000 in a five-year period. Sue Sargeant, board member of the ARC of the Rappahannock, spoke against the elimination of the technology coordinator position, saying special education students wouldn't be adequately served by a general IT office. "It is not a duplication of effort. Do not write off students," she told the board. Hill said it was far too early to make decisions based on the audit. "I doubt seriously that MGT expects us to accept every audit recommendation, but a majority of them I think are quite good," he said. Board member Linda Wieland said the board would not eliminate positions without further review. "No one needs to lose any sleep at this point," she said. …" 47. "Autism centre wrecked by vandals- Vandals have wrecked a charity's new day centre for autism sufferers just 24 hours after it was opened" dated 10 September 2008 from BBC News at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7608401.stm and from the Belfast Telegraph at http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/autism-centre-wrecked-by-vandals-on-day-after-opening-13968429.html. "Staff at Autism Initiative NI's centre at Down's Road, Newcastle, said they were left broken-hearted by the attack. The gang urinated on a table, ransacked the building, damaged electrical equipment and daubed graffiti throughout the building on Monday. Project co-ordinator, Dolores Curran, told the Mourne Observer newspaper that repairs would cost thousands of pounds. Ms Curran said she believed the attack was carried out by local youths. She has appealed for the community to assist in catching the vandals. Autism Initiative IN provides support for adults and children affected by autism and learning disabilities. It helps more than 100 people in the Newcastle area." 48. "Asbestos found in Special Education School" dated 10 September 2008 from Justicenewsflash.com at http://www.justicenewsflash.com/2008/09/10/new-york-asbestos-news/. "A Department of Education report recently revealed that Public School 265 in Rockaway, NY contains dangerous levels of asbestos. Rockaway, New York (JusticeNewsFlash.com – Asbestos News Report) –Most kids play hooky when they don’t want to go to school, but the at the Public School 265, students are actually getting sick from the school building itself. Cracked floor and ceiling tiles, crumbling walls and peeling paint are just a few ways the special needs children are being constantly exposed to asbestos, lead and mold. The asbestos becomes particularly dangerous when it becomes airborne. The particles are inhaled and stuck to the inner lining of the lungs, forming deadly cancer. It is appalling that federal law officials have let the school get this bad. Where were their regular school inspections? Where was the plan and implementation of action to clean up the contaminated area so that these children could learn in a safe environment? How can this be permitted? It is shocking that although many inspectors knew about the condition of the school, 60 staff and 120 children were still allowed to stay in the site until the end of the summer session. It is completely unfair to these children, many of whom are dealing with autism and other disabilities. They are already at such a disadvantage; they do not need to be visiting the hospitals more than they already do. There needs to be stricter regulations and inspections conducted in these schools. The school board and officials will meet to discuss the course of action. To learn more about Asbestos exposure / about mesothelioma cancer Check out following links: …" 49. "Changes to diet help with autism symptoms" dated 10 September 2008 by Thomas Coffman from the Albert Lea Tribune at http://www.albertleatribune.com/news/2008/sep/10/changes-diet-help-autism-symptoms. "Why do some cases of autism spectrum disorders have a favorable response to eliminating gluten and casein proteins? Well, first let’s identify the offenders, then we’ll look at what happens to them in the body and then the brain. Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, oats, rye and barley. Including malt, soy sauce, flavorings and artificial colors. Casein is a protein found in dairy products. It can also be found in non-milk products such as soy cheese, hot dogs in the form of caseinate. Now, here is the theory. When eliminated from the diet, the body is not burdened with products it can not properly digest, and the body turns these substances into byproducts that mimic opiates. The child’s behavior, responses to their environment, and perceptions become skewed. It should be noted that not all children have a dramatic improvement in speech or behavior, but numerous families have noted that out of all the interventions they have tried, implementing a gluten/casein diet modification has produced immediate results. Then all you have to do is continue with this process, by implementing additional therapies and nutritional interventions, including environmental detoxification. There are specific medical tests that can be ordered by your pediatrician that can assist in determining if your child has a sensitivity or allergy to gluten/casein products. It is important to specify that you intend on incorporating a gluten/casein diet into your child’s treatment routine. If the tests come back with results indicating no allergy to the above mentioned, then it will save you a huge headache in introducing this specific diet. I’ve had several young mothers call after speaking to our dietician or nutritionist, frustrated with the difficulty of changing shopping behaviors. Though most stores now have sections in the nutrition departments that have identified gluten/casein-free products, including providing parents with a list of available products. Yet, many stores still have no idea what you are talking about. A much simpler way for people that do not carry enough health insurance, or if they will not cover various tests, is to systematically remove one food item at a time, and note any changes in behavior or physical symptoms over a one to two week period. Some parents remove all GFCF products, and introduce one at a time. This method tends to be quicker, thus providing an immediate return on your interventions. …" 50. "VACCINES CAUSE AUTISM" dated 10 September 2008 by Todd M. Elsner from the Truth About Vaccines blog at http://truthaboutvaccines.blogspot.com. "I keep hearing and reading that there is no connection between vaccines and autism. Nothing could be further from the truth! The propaganda being spread by the national media is based on a decision made by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2004. The IOM held nine hearings from 2001 through 2004 and concluded that “the body of epidemiological evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism.” This decision was preordained and based upon junk science. Furthermore, the studies which this decision was based upon where funded by the pharmaceutical companies. Don't take my word for it, read the following, investigate the research, and you too will come to the conclusion that vaccines cause autism. The following is what transpired: From 1987 through 1991 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added two vaccines to the recommended childhood vaccination schedule. These two vaccines (Hepatitis B & haemophilis influenza type b) added an additional seven shots to the vaccination schedule. Not only were seven shots added to the schedule, an extra 137.5 micrograms of mercury were added to 100 micrograms of mercury children previously received. So during an infant's first fifteen months of life, s/he received 237.5 micrograms of ethylmercury. This may not sound like much, but lets take a look at what government agencies and even the manufacturer Eli Lilly have to say about mercury and what is a safe level. Thimerosal is 49.6 percent ethylmercury by weight. According to the manufacturer (Eli Lilly), “This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste.” So we dispose of this hazardous waste into our most innocent and purest form of life, OUR CHILDREN! But wait, there's more. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that water contaminated with mercury at 2 parts per billion (ppb) is unsafe for drinking. If the water contains 200 ppb, then it needs to be disposed of as "hazardous waste." This is where it gets really interesting. A 50 mcg thimerosal-containing vaccine contains 24.8 mcg of ethylmercury. This 24.8 mcg of ethylmercury translates to 24,800 ppb of ethylmercury that we are injecting into our children! 2 ppb is unsafe to ingest! 200 ppb has to be disposed of as hazardous waste! But yet we will inject a teeny tiny baby with 24,800 ppb of ethylmercury! This is outright criminal! Mercury is not only toxic, it is the second most toxic chemical on the planet; mercury is 5,000 times more toxic than lead. If lead were being injected into babies would there not be a public outcry? A world renowned mercury toxicologist, Dr. Boyd Haley stated: " You couldn’t even construct a study that shows thimerosal is safe. It’s just too darn toxic. If you inject thimerosal into an animal, its brain will sicken. If you apply it to living tissue, the cells die. If you put it in a petri dish, the culture dies. Knowing these things, it would be shocking if one could inject it into an infant without causing damage." …" 51. "Early insights into autism hold promise of better lives" dated 10 September 2008 by Sherrill Nixon from The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) at http://www.smh.com.au/news/parenting/early-insights-into-autism-hold-promise-of-better-lives/2008/09/09/1220857547510.html and the Brisbane Times (Australia) at http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/parenting/early-autism-detection-helps-development/2008/09/09/1220857593522.html "CHILDREN are being diagnosed with autism before their second birthday in a breakthrough trial that promises to save countless dollars and family heartache. Using the expertise of child-health nurses to identify crucial developmental delays, the Melbourne study has significantly brought down the age at which children are first assessed for autism. The researchers want the program to be expanded immediately, saying the developmental, financial and emotional benefits of early intervention are enormous for the children, their families and the community. The study's leader, Cheryl Dissanayake, who heads the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University, said the program was a relatively cheap and effective way of identifying signs of autistic behaviour through the routine infant check-ups by maternal and child health nurses. Nurses at 184 centres checked the children at eight, 12, 18 and 24 months. They were trained to look out for symptoms including a lack of eye contact or response to their names, or failure to point, wave or clap. "These kinds of behaviours … are evident from very early in development," Dr Dissanayake said. "They are focusing on children before they develop language and traditionally it's the failure to develop language that led children into the referral process." Of 105 children referred for further testing by La Trobe University experts over the two-year study, 80 per cent had autism spectrum disorder and the remainder had language or developmental delays. Only one child - an extremely shy toddler - was incorrectly referred. The early diagnosis - usually autism is not diagnosed until children are at least three - allows parents to enter specialised intervention programs before the disorder becomes more severe and secondary symptoms, such as aggressive behaviour, develop. But the program's funding, through a Telstra community development grant, runs out next month. "We are over the moon - it's beyond our wildest dreams," Dr Dissanayake said about the success rate. "What we would like to do in the first instance is have the Victorian Government extend this across the state, and then I would like to see it spread much more across the nation." …" 52. "High court reviews Cape school suit" dated 10 September 2008 by Stephanie Vosk from the Cape Cod Times at http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080910/NEWS/809100324. "A case involving the alleged sexual harassment of a kindergartner at Hyannis West Elementary could set the nation's standard for settling sex discrimination cases in schools. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review a case filed in 2002 by Lisa and Robert Fitzgerald against the Barnstable School Committee and former Supt. Russell Dever. The court announced Monday that the case will be heard Dec. 2. The Supreme Court receives about 10,000 cases each term, and hears oral arguments in only about 100 of them. The Fitzgeralds say that the school district violated two civil rights statutes in its response to their claims that an older student harassed their daughter on the bus for six months. The boy repeatedly told her to lift her skirt, expose herself, and spread her legs, the Fitzgeralds allege. "Something bad happened to (our daughter) and we don't want to see it happen to somebody else," Robert Fitzgerald said yesterday. "Unfortunately, it's taken us all the way to the Supreme Court to try to correct the wrong." When the school was notified after the child reported the abuse to her parents in February 2001, an investigation was undertaken, but school officials and local police did not substantiate the claims. The school ultimately offered to move the girl to another bus or separate the kindergartners from the older students along the route. The Fitzgeralds insisted, however, that the school move the male student or place an adult monitor on the bus, actions that were never taken. Even after the harassment stopped, the girl regularly encountered the boy in the hallways. She stopped riding the school bus and became frequently absent from school, according to court documents. In April 2002, the Fitzgeralds filed a $3.7 million suit. "It was abusive the way that they put this kid in front of her again and again and again," said Lisa Fitzgerald, who still drives her daughter, now 13, to school. The statutes the Fitzgeralds allege the school violated — known as Section 1983 and Title IX — are similar in that they both deal with sex discrimination, but they are not the same, said Steven Gieseler, an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation who wrote a brief in support of the case's merits. Under Section 1983, an individual who feels his or her constitutional rights were violated — including the right to equal protection — can go to federal court and seek redress. Individual school officials are open to lawsuits under this statute. Title IX, which says simply that there can be no discrimination based on gender in educational institutions that receive federal funding, requires that much stricter standards be met to make a case. The only remedy is for the government to withhold funding from the school. The U.S. District Court in Boston dismissed the Fitzgeralds' Section 1983 claim, finding that Title IX, enacted later, overrode it. The First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision. …" 53. "Autism at the Eye of the Storm" dated 10 September 2008 by Joe Deegan from the San Diego Weekly Reader at http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2008/sep/10/city-light-2. "In the 1970s, a fellow student used to confide in me about his family problems. His little girl had been diagnosed with autism. While he showed plenty of concern for the child, my friend seemed even more troubled over his wife. Good understanding escaped me then. I had yet to hear of “refrigerator mothers,” a concept meant in early research to explain autism’s origins. Even Bruno Bettelheim largely found autism’s cause in mothers who did not give their children the love they needed for proper mental and emotional development. My friend’s 23-year-old wife, I am now convinced, must have been tormenting herself as too heartless to care for her baby. Already in 1964, research psychologist Bernard Rimland had debunked the psychogenic theory of autism’s origins. He did it in a book called Infantile Autism: The Syndrome and Its Implications for a Neural Theory of Behavior. But some ideas die hard. As late as 1990, Bettelheim insisted on the older explanation. Today, Rimland’s theory, a biological approach that relies on genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, commands almost universal acceptance. Rimland worked out the theory at his family home in Kensington. After becoming the first person to receive a master’s degree from the psychology department at SDSU, he earned his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University in 1953. He then returned to San Diego and worked for the Navy in personnel research. In 1956, Rimland’s wife Gloria gave birth to a son who displayed immediate developmental disorders. The child was diagnosed with infantile autism, and Rimland began a long quest to understand it. In 1965, after the appearance of his book, he cofounded the Autism Society of America, with headquarters now in Bethesda, Maryland. Two years later, he founded the Autism Research Institute in Kensington. Today, the two organizations are the foremost centers worldwide for coordinating research and support for the families of autistic children. Matt Kabler, who is 32, is speaking with me in the Autism Research Institute’s small cluttered office on the northeast corner of Adams Avenue and Edgeware Road. Kabler is the institute’s director of operations. He points out the window at the organization’s first location a block west and across Adams. …" 54. "Parenting Children With Disabilities Becomes Less Taxing With Time" dated 10 September 2008 in a press release from the American Sociological Association at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908125230.htm. "Having a child with a disability takes a toll on parents’ mental and physical health, yet new research suggests that, over time, parents learn to adapt to the challenges of caring for a disabled child. As these parents age, the study shows, their health more closely mirrors the health of parents with children who don’t have disabilities. The study, conducted by a team of sociologists and social work researchers from the University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin-Madison, is the first to use a representative sample to systematically examine the effect of having children with developmental or mental health problems on parental well-being, comparing the sample to parents of children without disabilities. Researchers analyzed data from the Study of Midlife in the United States to examine the effect of having disabled children on parental health; the extent to which the toll varies by parental age and gender; and the effect of disability-related factors on the well-being of parents of children with disabilities. Journal reference: Jung-Hwa Ha, Jinkuk Hong, Marsha Mailick Seltzer, and Jan S. Greenberg. Age and Gender Differences in the Well-Being of Midlife and Aging Parents with Children with Mental Health or Developmental Problems: Report of a National Study. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, September 2008 [link]." 55. "Recurrent Rearrangements of Chromosome 1q21.1 and Variable Pediatric Phenotypes" dated 10 September 2008 by TOO MANY AUTHORS TO LIST from The New England Journal of Medicine at http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMoa0805384. "ABSTRACT. Background Duplications and deletions in the human genome can cause disease or predispose persons to disease. Advances in technologies to detect these changes allow for the routine identification of submicroscopic imbalances in large numbers of patients. Methods We tested for the presence of microdeletions and microduplications at a specific region of chromosome 1q21.1 in two groups of patients with unexplained mental retardation, autism, or congenital anomalies and in unaffected persons. Results We identified 25 persons with a recurrent 1.35-Mb deletion within 1q21.1 from screening 5218 patients. The microdeletions had arisen de novo in eight patients, were inherited from a mildly affected parent in three patients, were inherited from an apparently unaffected parent in six patients, and were of unknown inheritance in eight patients. The deletion was absent in a series of 4737 control persons (P=1.1x10–7). We found considerable variability in the level of phenotypic expression of the microdeletion; phenotypes included mild-to-moderate mental retardation, microcephaly, cardiac abnormalities, and cataracts. The reciprocal duplication was enriched in the nine children with mental retardation or autism spectrum disorder and other variable features (P=0.02). We identified three deletions and three duplications of the 1q21.1 region in an independent sample of 788 patients with mental retardation and congenital anomalies. Conclusions We have identified recurrent molecular lesions that elude syndromic classification and whose disease manifestations must be considered in a broader context of development as opposed to being assigned to a specific disease. Clinical diagnosis in patients with these lesions may be most readily achieved on the basis of genotype rather than phenotype. " 56. "Aberrations in region of chromosome 1q21.1 associated with broad range of disorders in children" dated 10 September 2008 in a press release from the University of Washington at http://www.physorg.com/news140286996.html. "Researchers have discovered a submicroscopic aberration in a particular region of human chromosome 1q21.1 that appears to be associated with a variety of developmental disorders in children. The aberration can manifest itself as unexplained mild or moderate mental retardation, growth retardation, learning disabilities, seizures, autism, heart defects, other congenital abnormalities, cataracts, small head size, unusual facial features, hand deformities, or skeletal problems. Some people who have the aberration are only slightly affected or apparently unaffected, others are more seriously impaired. The multinational research was led by Dr. Heather C. Mefford, acting assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, and Dr. Andrew J. Sharp of the University of Geneva Medical School in Switzerland. Mefford practices medical genetics at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle and the UW Medical Center Medical Genetics Clinic. The results will be published in the Sept. 11 New England Journal of Medicine in an article titled, "Recurrent Rearrangements of Chromosome 1q21.1 and Variable Pediatric Phenotypes." The results are discussed in an accompanying editorial by David H. Ledbetter of Emory University in Atlanta. Deletions and duplications of major sections of the human genome have long been known to cause disease or make a person susceptible to disease. Recent technological advances, called cytogenetic arrays, are enabling scientists to test large numbers of people to determine the presence or absence of submicroscopic imbalances in small sections of their chromosomes. Using these new advances, the researchers checked for the presence of microdeletions and microduplications in a specific region of chromosome 1q21.1 in groups of patients with unexplained mental retardation, autism, or congenital abnormalities, and compared their findings with similar testing of a group from the general population. In these 4,737 controls from the general population, no microdeletions were found. Two controls had one small duplication at the far end of the region under study, and only one had duplication of the entire region. The authors explained that the genomic structure of 1q21.1 is extremely complex. There are still 15 assembly gaps, or 700 kb of missing sequence in 1q21.1, in the most recent map of the human genome. These gaps, the researchers noted, might contain as yet unknown genes that contribute to the differences in the types of developmental abnormalities that occur in children with the deletion. Supposedly unaffected deletion carriers might in fact have more subtle disorders that could be found during further clinical evaluations. For example, an examination of one apparently unaffected carrier revealed mild cataracts and a heart defect that were previously undetected. …" 57. "Look Beyond the Labels of Autism, Says Speaker" dated 10 September 2008 in a press release from Illinois Wesleyan University at http://www2.iwu.edu/CurrentNews/newsreleases08/spk_Grandin_0908.shtml. "Professor Temple Grandin knows her brain is wired differently than other people. A professor of animal science at Colorado State University, Grandin has Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. A best-selling author and advocate for the humane treatment of livestock, she is said to be one of the most accomplished adults with autism in the world. But it might be best to avoid using the term in front of her. “Don’t get hung up on these labels – autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD. I get worried about really smart kids getting held back by these labels,” said Grandin, who was the keynote speaker for the President’s Convocation at Illinois Wesleyan University on Wednesday, Sept. 10 in Westbrook Auditorium of Presser Hall. The Convocation marks the official beginning of the 2008-2009 academic year. Hear her address or download it from iTunes. Grandin’s talk was the culmination of the 2008 Summer Reading Program at Illinois Wesleyan. All first-year students at the University read the book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Vintage, 2004). Written by Mark Haddon, the novel’s protagonist is a young boy with Asperger’s Syndrome. According to Grandin, many artists and scientists would be considered autistic. “Einstein didn’t speak until he was 3 years old. That is a sign of autism,” she said. “You wouldn’t have technology if there weren’t people on the autistic spectrum. Many of these guys are the nerds that keep Silicon Valley and tech centers running. You would not have art and science if it were not for autistic genetics,” she said. Grandin gave the audience insight into the minds of those with autism. She discussed different learning techniques and challenges autistic children face, drawing from her own experiences. A visual thinker, Grandin did not develop speech until she was 3-and-a-half years old. “When adults got to talking fast, I thought they had their own special language because I could not process it,” she said. …" 58. "I'm Not a One Issue Voter. Not Even For Autism" dated 10 September 2008 by Kim Stagliano from the Age of Autism blog at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/kim-staglianobo.html#more. "Boy, the posts and the comments about the candidates have been flying fast and furious here at Age of Autism. I'd thought I'd steer clear of commentary, but that's sort of what I do, isn't it? So here I am, putting my opinion out there for you to, er, enjoy. I could say this in two sentences: I'm not a one issue voter. Not even this time around. Of course, it's far more fun to expound. I'm worried about the cost of heating my home this winter and that my parents' budget payment for oil has doubled since last year while their income has been eaten alive by overall inflation. I wonder will Mark and I ever be able to afford anything close to the house we had to sell 3 three years ago when autism and unemployment joined forces and almost bankrupted us. I wonder if healthcare will ever include my kids for real so that I can get speech and OT and PT and biomedical treatments for them. We pay $12,000 out of pocket for insurance premiums and get precious little in return. The current autism insurance legislation in my homestate of CT does a big fat nothing for my kids. My husband's company is self-insured, which makes them exempt from having to include autism coverage. I worry about current and future wars and terrorism and saber rattling. I worry that the tall guy in the cave is laughing at us while women in Pakistan (our ally!) are buried alive for protesting their arranged marriages. During which time we're spending billions in the general vicinity, but haven't found that cave. Or made life better for those women. I worry about the familiar chill emanating from halfway around the world in a country that reminds me of tall fur hats and vodka. I think about Supreme Court justices retiring and what that might mean for my three daughters who, as women with autism, might face sexual assault and unplanned pregnancy. (That thought makes me want to gulp a glass of vodka.) I lament that my little brother, who has had a faithful partner for over sixteen years and is an honest, law abiding, tax paying citizen of America, has no legal rights for his loving relationship and is considered a second (or worse) class citizen by many. I also worry about having a government that even considers mandating health care choices for me and my family. And that includes vaccination mandates, which I am against. Then I worry about what having a leader who wants to teach creationism in public schools means for our education system. I worry that some Americans actually think that voting for a woman whose birth canal is as busy as the Panama Canal automatically means she'll advocate for every child in America. I worry that having a child with a clear cut genetic difference for which there is prenatal testing is so different from having a vaccine injured child that the two worlds will never approach science in the same way. …" 59. "2 new laws ease life for disabled- Wheelchair safety and autism awareness" dated 10 September 2008 by SUSAN K. LIVIO from The Star-Ledger at http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-11/1221021424105580.xml&coll=1. "Gov. Jon Corzine yesterday signed two bills intended to benefit people with physical and intellectual disabilities, including one aimed at preventing people in wheelchairs from getting hurt while they are being transported. One of the new laws requires drivers to use state-sanctioned de vices to tie down wheelchairs when they are moving disabled people by van, truck or utility vehicle. Viola tors will be fined $100. The law was sought by the parent advocacy group the Family Alliance To Stop Abuse & Neglect in response to an accident eight years ago. Stephen Griscti, 40, suffered a broken leg after a group home employee transporting him did not se cure his wheelchair. Stephen's mother, Marge Griscti of North Brunswick, said the new law "will give the same protections to our loved ones that everyone else has while being transported." Sen. Fred Madden, (D-Gloucester), who co-sponsored the bill (S989) with Sen. Paul Sarlo (D- Bergen), said the danger is great for these fragile passengers. "In an accident, an unsecured wheelchair could be thrown forward through a windshield, seriously injuring its oc cupant, other passengers in the car, and others nearby." The other bill signed by Corzine yesterday requires the state to establish an autism awareness training course for emergency medical technicians, firefighters and police officers. "Autism is an invisible disability one that is not always immediately recognized," Corzine said. "That's why it's important that we supply our emergency responders with accurate information on how to treat and work with these special needs individuals." Under the law (S1217) new EMTs, volunteer and paid firefighters and local police officer recruits must complete the training as a condition of their certification. Professionals already working in the field must complete the course within the next three years." 60. "Is Autism Speaks' Geri Dawson a Blithering Idiot?" dated 10 September 2008 by J.B. Handley from the Age of Autism blog at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/is-autism-speak.html#more. "When Thomas Burbacher released a study in 2005 showing that Thimerosal, when injected into chimps, not only ended up in their brains but at levels much higher than other forms of mercury, it should have been a crippling blow to the medical establishment's claim that Thimerosal was "safe" to be injected into babies. However, the mainstream press was able to turn Burbacher's findings upside-down and articles were written about the study that provided millions of parents with false reassurances. Consider this quote from a 2005 article written by a Reuters reporter: "The mercury contained in some vaccines is processed differently in the body and is possibly less toxic to children than mercury found in pollution and fish, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday. Tests in monkeys showed that the ethyl mercury contained in the vaccine preservative thimerosal is cleared quickly by the body, while methyl mercury persists much longer." If you read Burbacher's entire study (as I just did), you'd realize that the press reports weren't remotely accurate. Yes, thimerosal cleared the blood faster than methylmercury, but that's because it appeared to race more quickly to the brain and kidneys! Consider this comment from the study itself: "Data from the current study predicts that while little accumulation of Hg in the blood occurs over time with repeated vaccinations, accumulation of Hg in the brain of infants will occur. Thus, conclusion regarding the safety of thimerosal drawn from blood Hg clearance data in human infants receiving vaccines may not be valid…" To belabor the point, Burbacher and the study authors even took it a step further and openly attacked the 2004 IOM study's conclusions regarding thimerosal and autism: "Results from an initial Institute of Medicine (IOM) review of the safety of vaccines found that there was not sufficient evidence to render an opinion on the relationship between ethylmercury exposure and developmental disorders in children (IOM 2001). The IOM review did, however, note the possibility of such a relationship and recommended further studies be conducted. A recently published second IOM review (IOM 2004) appears to have abandoned the earlier recommendation as well as back away from the American Academy of Pediatrics goal. This approach is difficult to understand, given our current limited knowledge of the toxicokinetics and developmental neurotoxicity of thimerosal, a compound that has been (and will continue to be) injected in millions of newborns and infants." …" 61. "To infinity and beyond: A sparkling survival story" dated 10 September 2008 by Mallory Simon from CNN at http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/09/10/rescue.at.sea and http://news.aol.com/article/dad-credits-boys-illness-for-sea/169626?icid=200100397x1209092297x1200547363. "Walter Marino shouted to his 12-year-old son, Christopher, as he drifted farther away in the Atlantic Ocean. "To infinity," the father yelled. "And beyond," Christopher replied. After a rip current swept the boy and his father out to sea Saturday, darkness fell, and the sound of rescue helicopters and boats grew faint until they were nonexistent. Despite the danger, Christopher, who has autism, was enjoying himself, his father said. The boy lacks a fear of death because of his autism and finds comfort in the water, Marino told CNN. Marino finds comfort in his son. Their unique circumstances helped keep them alive for more than 12 hours in the open ocean, Marino said. "With many kids with autism, the thing that is so dangerous is that they have no concept of fear or fear of death," Marino said. "In this case, though, it perhaps saved him -- that and the fact that water is one of his favorite things. Whenever he goes missing or tries to run away, we can always find him near water ... even at the mall if it is just near a fountain." Christopher was laughing as the father and son were pulled farther and farther from Ponce Inlet, Florida. As the pair lunged for buoys -- and missed -- Christopher couldn't help but giggle. It was this spirit that helped ground Marino, the father said. "It was a big entertainment roller coaster for him, that's what got me through it -- because he wasn't freaking out," said Marino, 46. But after four hours at sea without a life vest, and after it became obvious that rescue operations had ceased for the night, jellyfish began to sting the pair. That began to "freak Christopher out," his father said. While Christopher is almost nonverbal in his communication, he and his father use catch phases from Disney movies, which the boy loves, to communicate. After four hours, the currents picked up, and Christopher began to drift from his father's reach. Because of the darkness, they couldn't see each other. So Marino shouted out part of a phrase to his son. …" 62. "Disney motto helped dad, autistic son survive at sea- ‘To infinity ... and beyond’ is one of the few phrases 12-year-old responds to" dated 10 September 2008 by Michael Inbar from the TODAYShow at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26639098. "Lost at sea with nothing to hold onto amid a dreadful darkness, Florida resident Walter Marino continually called out some of the few words his 12-year-old autistic son Christopher responds to. The pair, swept out in a late-afternoon current near Daytona Beach, had been treading water in shark- and jellyfish-infested waters throughout the night, slowly floating apart. “I’d be screaming, ‘To infinity ... and beyond!’ ” Marino said, referring to the Disney character Buzz Lightyear’s catchphrase in “Toy Story,” one of Christopher’s favorite movies. “Then I would hear him and it would be more and more and more distant, until finally I couldn’t hear anything.” Happily — perhaps miraculously — both father and son survived the night, thanks to good Samaritans and the U.S. Coast Guard. Walter and Christopher Marino, along with Walter’s daughter Angela and the children’s mother, Robin Bishop, beamed their way through a joyous interview with Matt Lauer on TODAY Wednesday. Walter, Christopher and Angela were enjoying a family day at the beach at the Ponce Inlet south of Daytona Sept. 6. Late in the afternoon, Christopher was swimming near his father when he got caught in a current, and his dad paddled rapidly to retrieve him. “We were both just sucked out,” Marino told Lauer. “The forces just took us out so quickly, it totally took me by surprise.” …" 63. "Experts say autism may have helped boy survive ordeal" dated 11 September 2008 by MARK HARPER from the News-Journal at http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Headlines/frtHEAD04091108.htm. "For some autistic children, the sensation of water is as comforting as a blanket. So what was Christopher Marino feeling during the 14 hours he was swept out to sea last weekend? "He can't tell me. I don't know. I wish I did know," his mother, Robyn Bishop of Oviedo, said in a telephone interview Wednesday. Yet she said his autism -- the brain development disorder that blocks Christopher from telling his mom what it was like to be all alone, drifting away from his dad in the dark -- might well have helped save him. Such is the paradoxical nature of autism, say researchers and therapists. Christopher -- who has worked with therapists for most of his 12 years -- was rescued Sunday morning after getting caught in the outgoing tide along with his father, Walter, on Saturday evening at the jetty near New Smyrna Beach. As the two drifted together away from Ponce de Leon Inlet, his dad kept communicating with Christopher, Walter Marino said on NBC's "Today" show. He quoted Buzz Lightyear, a character in one of the boy's favorite films, "Toy Story." "To infinity," Dad would say. "And beyond!" Christopher replied. But it wasn't long before the two were separated. A fisherman found Walter Marino, who then helped the Coast Guard find Christopher two hours later. Both were rescued eight miles offshore. "The dad was brilliant, " said Dr. Richard Solomon, a Michigan-based autism expert. "He treated the event as something that was fun for the boy. (Christopher) probably did not have the anxiety about, 'When are they coming to get us?' Depending on how high functioning he might be, he might have enjoyed being with his dad." At times, Christopher has wandered away from home to swim in neighbors' pools or ponds, his mother said. And drowning is a leading cause of death for autistic children, said Orlando-based psychologist Terri Daly, who has worked with Christopher and his family. …" 64. "A Miraculous Story: Autism May Have Helped Christopher Survive" dated 11 September 2008 by Alice Carver from eFluxMedia.com at http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_A_Miraculous_Story_Autism_May_Have_Helped_Christopher_Survive_24085.html. "Christopher Marino, the autistic boy who miraculously survived 14 hours in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, eight miles off the coast of Volusia County, and his father, Walter Marino, revealed the secret phrases which helped them in their struggle to survive in the ocean. Walter Marino said on NBC’s “Today” show that he repeated the phrases from his son’s favourite movie, the popular 1995 Disney-Pixar animated movie, “Toy Story.” “To infinity,” dad would say, just like Buzz Lighyear, a character in “Toy Story.” “And beyond!” his son replied. Walter Marino treated the dangerous situation as a game. The boy lacks a fear of death because of his autism and finds comfort in the water, Marino told CNN. Marino kept repeating phrases from Disney movies to pass the time and keep his son calm. It was his inability to understand the gravity of the situation and to feel the danger that saved him. The boy was laughing as the two were separated. Walter Marino said he used a lighthouse to remain floating to area so that the searchers could see him. After 15 hours of searching, a boater spotted Walter Marino about eight miles east of the inlet. A Coast Guard rescue helicopter from Air Station Clearwater located and rescued his son about two hours later. The helicopter spotted the boy treading water about a mile north off the place where his father was found. A veteran with the Volusia County Beach Patrol called the rescue mission “a miracle.” “It was a modern day miracle,” he said." 65. "ACI Donates AED 5 Million To Dubai Autism Center’s Building Fund On The Occasion Of The Holy Month Of Ramadan- Dr Omar Calls On Other Businesses To Participate In DAC Fund Raising Efforts" dated 11 September 2008 from the Dubai City Guide at http://www.dubaicityguide.com/geninfo/news_dtls.asp?newsid=20645. "ACI Real Estate, the German real estate investment firm, behind iconic developments such as the Michael Schumacher Business Avenue and Boris Becker Business Tower, today donated AED 5 million to the Dubai Autism Center (DAC). The donation will contribute to the building fund for the DAC’s upcoming treatment facility. The Dubai Autism Center, established under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Autism Center, is a not-for-profit organization that offers therapeutic, counseling and educational services to children affected by autism, their families and care-givers. Currently, the DAC is in need of larger, more modern premises to serve the growing demand for services. Speaking at a ceremony held to present the donation, His Excellency Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Vice-Chairman of DAC said, “ACI’s generous donation will support DAC in pursuing its goal of providing better services to children and families affected by autism. Autism is a growing social concern in Dubai, as it is across the rest of the globe, and it is imperative that we respond collectively to the needs of our children with Autism. We hope to raise further public awareness of autism and generate additional support from businesses and the general public to create effective treatment facilities for children with autism.” …" 66. "Task force urges state autism help" dated 11 September 2008 by MICHAEL R. WICKLINE from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette at http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/237018. "The state should use Medicaid funds to start an early intervention program to provide intensive one-on-one therapy for young children with autism, the Legislative Task Force on Autism told lawmakers Wednesday. Lawmakers also should enact legislation resulting in insurance companies recognizing autism as a neurobiological disorder, and, thus, provide insurance coverage for treatment of children who have the condition, the task force said in a 32-page report. “The bottom line is, we need a plan to serve individuals with autism from the time that they are diagnosed to all through adulthood and we need the resources to be able to do that, and our report reflects that recommendation,” task force chairman Dianna Varady of Little Rock told the Legislative Council’s Joint Performance Review Committee. In the 2007 regular session, Rep. David Johnson, D-Little Rock, unsuccessfully sought $ 2 million in state funding to help nearly 300 children through an early intervention Medicaid program if a waiver could be obtained from the federal government. The federal government pays about three dollars for each state dollar in the Medicaid program. Act 1016 of 2007, sponsored by Johnson, created the task force. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others, the task force report said. Autism is a “spectrum disorder” in that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees, the report said. Varady said the proposed program would provide up to three years of intensive one-onone instruction and therapy and about 50 percent of the children probably would need “no more intervention,” according to various studies. “We are going to be asking for funding for early intervention, because, frankly, that’s the one area where we know there is a payoff down the line,” she said. Afterward, she said $ 2 million in state general revenue could help finance a pilot program and $ 3. 5 million could help fund a more complete program. Sen. Terry Smith, D-Hot Springs, said the Medicaid program’s trust funding is on track to run out of money “unless we do something with it.” The state’s Medicaid program is seeking $ 93 million more in general revenue next fiscal year and $ 111 million more the following year because its trust fund is running out of money, a state official told lawmakers last week. …" 67. "New help for autism" dated 11 September 2008 from the Bexhill Observer (UK) at http://www.bexhillobserver.net/news/New-help-for-autism.4477583.jp. "Local people affected by autism in Bexhill are to get much needed support from a new branch of The National Autistic Society (NAS). It opens with a family fun-day on Saturday September 13 at Glyne Gap School. Sarah Fletton, Branch Officer for the NAS Bexhill Branch said: "There is a real need for help and support for people affected by autism in Bexhill, so this new branch of will be a fantastic addition to the local community. "Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition, yet many people with the condition struggle to access the help they so desperately need. "It does not have to be like this. "The right help at the right time can make a huge difference, so we plan to offer advice and support group meetings along with social events and workshops for families from all over Bexhill." The branch launch and family fun-day takes place from 2-4pm at Glyne Gap School in Hastings Road. Entertainment includes a fire engine, soft play equipment, adventure play & sensory garden, sandpit, playground, bikes, inflatable football pitch, a raffle and refreshments. Members of the public are welcome to attend. The Bexhill Branch runs a fortnightly support group for families affected by autism. For more information about the support group or the branch, please contact Sarah Fletton, Branch Officer on 07920 254 569 or bexhill@nas.org.uk." 68. "Success of new £840,000 autism wing depends on Addington High's future" dated 11 September 2008 by Gareth Davies from Croydon Today (UK) at http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/latestnews/Success-new-840-000-autism-wing-depends-Addington-High-s-future/article-320070-detail/article.html. "ADDINGTON High's new autism wing, pictured in artists' impressions here for the first time, is proof there will be education in New Addington for "a long time to come". As the new term starts, head teacher Tim Davies says construction of the £840,000 base is the biggest project in the high school's history. And it adds strength to his vision of transforming the school into a "21st century New Addington community campus" - an alternative to Croydon Council's plans to close it, and merge it with Selsdon High into a new super-academy. Mr Davies said: "In terms of Addington High this is comfortably the biggest project in developing new facilities since it became a high school in 1984. "It is further proof there will be education on this site for a very long time to come." Construction of the £840,000 Autistic Spectrum and Communication Disorders (ASCD) resource base at the secondary school began in May. The centre aims to provide a positive environment in which young people suffering from Aspergers Syndrome and autism can be taught and also included in day-to-day school life - meaning Addington High's future will be key to its success. …" 69. "TreeHouse report reveals inconsistencies in educational provision for children with autism" dated 11 September 2008 in a press release from Treehouse (UK) at http://www.24dash.com/news/Communities/2008-09-11-TreeHouse-report-reveals-inconsistencies-in-educational-provision-for-children-with-autism. "TreeHouse, the national charity for autism education, has published a report highlighting the inconsistency that exists in including children with autism in the educational system. The report, entitled Improving Inclusion: Getting inclusive education right for children with autism also revealed that schools are often too target focused; do not appropriately manage childrens behaviour and do little to prevent bullying. One parent, who contributed towards the report, said: It depends on the attitude of the head, which filters down to the staff. One bad teacher can break you. There isn't enough education for teachers. Overall, the parents responses that fed into the report confirmed that the success of inclusive education is not dependent on location. However, it is clear that there is still a long way to go in ensuring that all children with autism can benefit from an adequate range of inclusive practices. Sasha Daly, Policy & Parliamentary Manager at TreeHouse, said: Parents see the benefits that inclusion brings and positive experiences have increased parents confidence in the education system to meet the needs of their child. On the other hand, TreeHouse is aware that many parents continue to struggle when trying to access appropriate inclusive education for their child. In order to continue to improve inclusion in education, TreeHouse calls on local and national decision makers to support the development of a general education system that is inclusive of all children. Training for teachers also needs to be improved and school inspectors need to have appropriate training to enable them to effectively inspect schools for this provision. The report contains responses from parents from all over England and will support TreeHouses fringe events at this years Political Party Conferences on 8, 14, 23, 30 September. The report can be found at www.treehouse.org.uk." 70. "Families sue Waukee schools over use of timeout rooms" dated 11 September 2008 by STACI HUPP from the Des Moines Register at http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080911/NEWS02/809110373/1126. "Two families have sued the Waukee school district for the way teachers used "timeout" rooms to discipline unruly children, court records show. The cases are working through federal court as state Board of Education officials in Iowa and other states weigh limits on how school officials restrain children who are a threat to themselves or others. Iowa's proposal would limit certain types of physical restraint, such as holding students facedown on the floor. Iowa school officials who use timeout rooms also would have to document each incident and attempt to contact the children's parents. Members of the state education board are expected to vote on the plan today. The Iowa proposal is similar to guidelines approved recently in Illinois, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The changes would become part of Iowa's corporal punishment rules, which haven't been tweaked since 1991. "There have been some issues that have come to our attention," said Rosie Hussey, who heads Iowa's state education board. "I think that safety would be our number one concern - safety for staff and safety for students." Two families allege safety wasn't enough of a concern at Waukee schools. One couple, who sued the district in February, alleges that their grandson was locked in timeout 64 times during his first-grade year at Waukee Elementary School in 2006, but that they were told about only 17 of them. The timeouts ranged from a few minutes to nearly an hour and a half at a time, according to the allegations. Court records don't identify the family, which wants an unspecified amount of money. "The frequency of using timeouts is just as important as the duration," said the family's attorney, Eric Updegraff. "Fifty-eight or 68 times is an excessive number and something that a parent or guardian should know about." A second family sued Waukee school officials last year. …" 71. "American Medical Autism Board Launched" dated 11 September 2008 by Dr. Phillip C. DeMio from the Age of Autism blog at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/american-medica.html#more. "Dr. Phillip C. DeMio, Chairman of the American Medical Autism Board, announced the commencement of the newly founded American Medical Autism Board (www.asdboards.org) at the US Autism & Asperger Association annual conference this past week in Austin, Texas. “This is the first of its kind board / diplomate certification program for medical doctors specializing in biomedical treatment of autism and related disorders,” explained Dr. DeMio. “Medical doctors who become certified by the American Medical Autism Board (AMAB) show that they specialize in biomedical treatment of autism spectrum disorders, and will have met the Board’s high levels of criteria for training and experience, and will have passed its rigorous certification examination,” said Dr. DeMio. “The biomedical concept means that autism and the autism spectrum disorders are not primary psychiatric or behavioral disorders, rather they are medical diseases with a biologic basis to their cause and to their ongoing manifestations (such as pain, gastrointestinal problems, and immune dysfunction).” AMAB board-certified members provide biomedical evaluation and/or treatment to individuals of all ages diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s syndrome, AD/HD, OCD, and PDD’s. Through its credentialing process, AMAB offers both the public and private sectors an avenue for identifying well-qualified professionals trained and experienced in the biomedical assessment and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Thousands of families that have an affected child will now have access to certified specialists in biomedical autism treatments; verification that AMAB physicians are up to date on the newest treatments and research; dedication to high quality patient care; and, verification of exceptional knowledge, experience, and skills in their specialty. About American Medical Autism Board. The American Medical Autism Board® (AMAB) is an independent non-profit incorporated certifying organization. The mission of the American Medical Autism Board is to promote safe, ethical, efficacious medical autism treatment to the public by maintaining high standards for the examination and certification of physicians as autism medical specialists. The mission of AMAB is to contribute to understanding the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, with the goal of improving the lives of affected individuals and their loved ones." 72. "Katie Wright: Our Family Vacation was a Disaster" dated 11 September 2008 by Katie Wright from the Age of Autism blog at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/katie-wright-ou.html#more. "Our family vacation was a disaster. Thanks to Dr. Boris, the autism and allergy king of New York, Christian's myriad allergies are normally under control here in New York City. The special nose spray Boris prescribed for Christian has alleviated the worst of his suffering in New York City. You name it, Christian is allergic to it: gluten, trees, grass, wheat, mold and so on. Because Christian also has a severe case of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, whenever his allergies are triggered, his bowel disease rapidly worsens. As all autism parents of kids like mine know, the immune system and the gastrointestinal system are one. Christian used to love visiting my parents' home on Nantucket because he can swim in their pool and because we make daily trips to the beach, which he loves. To watch a kid who works so hard 40 hours a week trying to re-learn saying his name have a blast learning to surf is a beautiful sight. What kid deserves a vacation more, right? However, unbeknownst to Andreas and me, Nantucket was experiencing record high pollen and ragweed levels. The New York City allergy nose spray was not cutting it on Nantucket. These allergies soon triggered the nightmarish IBD. Whenever Christian ran on the grass, walked around the town, tried to ride a bike, he started screaming, crying, lying on the ground and eventually pounding himself on the stomach. Thanks to a strict SCD diet, low on nuts, high on coconut, the IBD has been under control. There is no cure for IBD. It is a horribly painful and debilitating disease that came close to ruining his life and made school and therapy all but impossible until his pain was under control. Andreas and I watched our formerly healthy baby regress physically, cognitively and biologically into a screaming miserable, pain racked 2 year old who had 10 messy diarrhea stools a day. After a bowel movement I could not merely clean Christian off with wipes, I had to put him in the shower, or if it was summertime, clean him off outside with the garden hose. Like many parents we tried to contain ourselves as many doctors labeled this problem as "behavioral." I am still trying to understand how a 2 year old forces himself to have diarrhea and what he gets out of it, other than misery. …" 73. "Awareness on the Go: Local woman makes a push for Autism benefit license plate" dated 11 September 2008 by Russ Morey from The Thames River Times blog at http://zip06.theday.com/blogs/thames_river_times/archive/2008/09/11/awareness-on-the-go-local-woman-makes-a-push-for-autism-benefit-license-plate.aspx. "If you speak with Preston resident Donna Tonon for more than a brief moment, you’ll undoubtedly learn of her fervor for spreading autism awareness, a cause she has been backing for some time. While none of her children are autistic, her 9-year-old nephew, Alex, was diagnosed when he was 2 years old, and Tonon said she has watched as her brother, a single parent, has worked extremely hard to find the best care for his son. Worst of all for Tonon is the lack of understanding and discrimination she said she sees on a regular basis, something that has moved her to action. A member of the largely Preston-based group SECASA (South Eastern Connecticut Autism Spectrum Association), Tonon recently found a way she believes will immensely further her cause. Tonon explained, “The idea came to me when my brother went into the DMV recently to get his car registered and he asked the woman there, ‘You know, you have all kinds of these benefit plates but how come you don’t have one for autism?’ and the woman didn’t know but she told him how he could go about getting one. So he called me and that’s when I started pushing for this.” Tonon’s first stop was the Norwich DMV, but after finding little support she took her idea to Wethersfield where DMV officials assisted her in finding the correct paperwork and pricing. What she found was that while people could add text onto their existing vanity plates, it would cost an extra $130 to do so; something she feels is inordinately expensive. Understanding that she would need political backing, Tonon began soliciting local and state government officials for their support, with limited success. “These poor kids and these poor adults, they’re already labeled and misunderstood,” Tonon said. “So getting this plate going and spreading awareness and knowledge is really important. I have written letters to Tom Reynolds, I’ve written a letter to Governor Rell, I wrote a letter to Dodd, I’ve written letters to a lot of important people and most of them have been great, but I have to start with Tom Reynolds and so far he has not responded to me.” Tonon has since sent Rep. Reynolds all the necessary information from the Department of Motor Vehicles, registration forms, and even a rough draft of the benefit plate design and hopes her effort will soon come full circle. With additional help from SECASA and some fund-raising efforts planned for the future, Tonon said she will continue to pursue the issue until she sees results. …" 74. "Physician/Author Dr. Mayer Eisenstein Reiterates Facts About Autism Not Existing Within Certain Groups" dated 11 September 2008 in a press release from Mayer Eisenstein, M.D., J.D., M.P.H. of Homefirst Health Services at http://www.expertclick.com/NewsReleaseWire/default.cfm?Action=ReleaseDetail&ID=23105. "As the ongoing controversy regarding vaccination caused autism continues to heat up, Dr. Mayer Eisenstein, Chicago based Physician and author of “Don’t’ Vaccinate Before You Educate,” believes the following by UPI Editor Dan Olmstead from December 2005 was both prescient and chilling. Long a opponent of mass vaccinations since his mentor Dr. Robert Mendlesohn turned away from the concept in the 1970s, Eisenstein has been attacking the issue on the radio waves and through his free internet newsletter, which can be signed up for at www.homefirst.com. The following article explores the number of interesting facts that have been overlooked as of late; which is that certain groups within the United States who don’t participate in the vaccination process have no incidences of autism at all. Whatever defense might be raised in favor of upwards of 30 to 40 vaccines being administered to a child before the age of five, they hold a dim candle to the startling facts below." 75. "Resources for Gulf Coast Families Affected by Autism- Tips for preparedness as Hurricane Ike approaches" dated 11 September 2008 by Carin Yavorcik in a press release from the Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=11971&JServSessionIdr012=e21e2lyab3.app20a. "ASA stands ready to assist families and individuals with autism spectrum disorders in finding the resources they need as Hurricane Ike approaches the area. Reach ASA's national help line at 1-800-3Autism (for non-emergency calls). For local resources, contact an ASA chapter near you. During any emergency, whether it be weather-related or man-made, we want those in the autism community to be prepared to weather the storm both before it hits and in the aftermath. For autism-specific information on how to prepare, take a look at our “Disaster Preparedness Tips for Families Affected by Autism.” This page also has several links to additional emergency preparedness Web sites, as well as resources for first responders." 76. "Sensory Friendly Films Return this September- Event will feature new animated film "Igor" dated 11 September 2008 by Carin Yavorcik in a press release from the Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=11930. "ASA and AMC Entertainment® Sensory Friendly Films were a hit in August, and the events will continue this month with a special showing of Igor on September 20. In order to accommodate the unique needs of the autism community, as well as those with other disabilities, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up, the sound turned down, and AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced. Sensory Friendly Films will take place at AMC theatres across the country at 10 a.m. local time on September 20. Price varies from $4-6 depending on location. The theatres are: …" 77. "ASA in the News- NPR, New York Times feature commentary by ASA representatives" dated 11 September 2008 by Carin Yavorcik in a press release from the Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=12018. "The National Public Radio show Day to Day did a three-day feature entitled “The Autism Chronicles,” profiling single mom Amy Thompson and her two children; the oldest, Kollin, age 6, was recently diagnosed with autism. Meet the Thompson family in part one and hear commentary from ASA Panel of Professional Advisors Co-Chair Dr. James Ball on the challenges of diagnosing autism. In part two, Amy Thompson searches for support, and ASA spokeswoman Marguerite Colston discusses how to navigate the system. In part three, the family visits a doctor to learn more about the diagnosis and ways to help Kollin connect with his loved ones. This weekend’s New York Times Magazine will also feature an article on traveling with kids with autism that includes some insights from the Autism Society of America." 78. "Children of the Stars Screening to Benefit San Diego ASA- Asian Film Festival documentary tells story of Chinese family" dated 11 September 2008 by Carin Yavorcik in a press release from the Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=12019&JServSessionIdr012=hii49eyd71.app27a. "Children of the Stars, a new documentary, will be shown at the San Diego Asian Film Festival on their closing night, 5:45 p.m. October 16 at the UltraStar Mission Valley, 7510 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108 (located off Friars Road at 163). Proceeds will benefit the San Diego Chapter of ASA. There are hundreds of thousands of families in China who are affected by autism. These families often face a desperate situation. They have little or no knowledge of autism and most do not know how to teach their child. They are also largely excluded by a society that does not understand or accept them. Furthermore, in China there is not a social security system; therefore, financial hardships are a major additional burden. The documentary Children of the Stars focuses on the Feng Jia Wei family. Their 5-year-old boy is autistic. He cannot speak, is often violent and has been rejected from all of their local schools. The family decides to take a course offered by a little charity school in Beijing called “Stars and Rain.” Here, they hope to master new behavioral techniques that will enable them to teach and help their son. The family travels across the country to reach Beijing. The film then follows them as they take a deeply moving journey through the eleven weeks of the course. It is an extraordinary story of parental love as they fight to give a future to their son. Learn more about the movie at http://www.childrenofthestars-film.org/." 79. "House to Introduce Legislation to Provide Autism Coverage to Military Retirees- TRICARE program would expand to include ABA" dated 11 September 2008 by Carin Yavorcik in a press release from the Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=12043&JServSessionIdr012=mdet78yef2.app24a. "Next week, Congressmen Jim Moran (D-VA) and Jeff Miller (R-FL) will be introducing legislation to expand the health care program for military retirees to include coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. TRICARE, the military health care program, currently segregates ABA into the TRICARE ECHO program, which is restricted to dependents of active duty service members only. This policy leaves approximately 8,800 children with autism of military retirees without access to needed care, which can be too expensive to afford without this benefit. These families have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and it is our obligation to provide the quality of care equal to their heroic service. Stay tuned for further updates and action alerts on this important legislation." 80. "Autism/Special Needs Highlighted at National Conventions- Party speeches mention issue" dated 11 September 2008 by Carin Yavorcik in a press release from the Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=12021&JServSessionIdr012=gifnv2yh21.app27a. "Autism drew mentions in several high-profile political speeches at both the Democratic and Republican conventions in the past few weeks. Listed in chronological order: “I will always remember the single mom who had adopted two kids with autism, didn’t have health insurance and discovered she had cancer. But she greeted me with her bald head painted with my name on it and asked me to fight for health care.” -- Democrat Hillary Clinton, New York Senator and former Presidential candidate, August 26 “I will never forget the parents of children with autism and other severe conditions who told me on the campaign trail that they couldn't afford health care and couldn't qualify their kids for Medicaid unless they quit work or got a divorce.” -- Democrat Bill Clinton, former U.S. President, August 27 “Children with special needs inspire a special love. To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.” -- Republican Sarah Palin, Alaska governor and candidate for Vice President, September 3 “I fight for Jake and Toni Wimmer of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Jake works on a loading dock; coaches Little League, and raises money for the mentally and physically disabled. Toni is a schoolteacher, working toward her master's degree. They have two sons; the youngest, Luke, has been diagnosed with autism. Their lives should matter to the people they elect to office. They matter to me.” -- Republican John McCain, Arizona Senator and Presidential candidate, September 4 Learn more about the candidates’ stances on autism: Democratic candidate Barack Obama on Supporting Americans with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Republican candidate John McCain on Combating Autism in America. Also, be sure to visit ASA’s Vote4Autism Web page for statements from both candidates to ASA. ASA does not endorse any candidate or party and encourages all candidates to seek solutions to improve the lives of all affected by autism." 81. "Congress Returns for End of Session- Autism-related items on the horizon for last three weeks" dated 11 September 2008 by Carin Yavorcik in a press release from the Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=12022&JServSessionIdr012=2fzy19yi21.app27a. "Congress returned this week for the final three weeks of session before they adjourn to hit the campaign trail. There’s a lot to be done in the next couple of weeks, and there are several autism-related items on the horizon: House and Senate negotiators have hammered out a compromise on legislation to require private health insurance plans to cover mental health and addictive disorder services under the same terms and conditions as other types of care. The proposed compromise would go a long way toward reducing the stigma often associated with mental health care, and improving access to treatment. Senate negotiators are trying to finalize a few details, and hope to vote on the bill this month. ASA joined with a coalition of more than 120 national organizations in support of this bill. The disability community is also working feverishly to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. Over the years, court decisions have eroded protections under the ADA. As a result, workplace discrimination persists for people with disabilities. Some people with disabilities are considered by the courts as “too disabled” to work by their employers, but not “disabled enough” to be protected by the law. Other individuals who manage their disabilities well with medication or devices, for example, are viewed as “too functional” to have a disability and denied ADA protection. The legislation under consideration would correct this problem and ensure that all individuals with disabilities have the protections they need. Congress is also working to wrap up its work on the Defense Authorization Act. A provision in the House version of the bill would increase coverage for autism services within TRICARE, the military health care system. ASA is working to support this important change." 82. ""The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook- A guide to the gluten-free, casein-free diet" dated 11 September 2008 by Carin Yavorcik in a press release from the Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=12034&news_iv_ctrl=1882. "Pamela J. Compart and Dana Laake, authors of The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook offer three free articles for the new school season: “School Lunches for Kids With ASD: Delicious, Healthy & Possible”; “5 Back to School Lunch Ideas”; and “One Person's Yummy Food Is Another Person's Yucky Food." The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook tackles all of your concerns and serves as a how-to guide for beginning and maintaining a healthy diet that can improve your child's brain function. The book features two parts: "Get Ready! Get Set!" explains how you can accomplish these types of diets and why they work, and "Go'" includes a wide variety of kid-friendly recipes that are all gluten- and casein-free, including simple recipes for dressings, condiments and sauces. You'll also find recipes that are soy-, corn-, and egg-free for the child with multiple food sensitivities. Learn more or purchase the book at Amazon.com." 83. ""Playtime With Zeebu" Now Available!- New DVD series helps with social awareness" dated 11 September 2008 by Carin Yavorcik in a press release from the Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=12036&news_iv_ctrl=1882. "Playtime With Zeebu is now a new option for parents and professionals seeking better strategies to develop the social awareness of children with ASDs. Combining a fun children’s video series and plush hand puppets, parents and educators can implement these tools to increase the social awareness of children on the autism spectrum. Social development strategies that can be used to extend the lessons learned in the Playtime With Zeebu video series can be found on http://www.playtimewithzeebu.com/. Thought Bubble Productions, a developer of products for children with developmental delays, was founded in 2008 by parents of two children on the autism spectrum. The company mission encourages parents and educators to help this group of special children think, communicate and connect." 84. "Special Ed Regulation Changes" dated 11 September 2008 by Loretta Boniti from NBC29 News at http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=8994127. "When it comes to the education experience for special needs kids in Virginia, many parents say they have some big concerns over proposed new state regulations. It has been a little over two months since the Virginia Board of Education released their proposed special education regulation changes. The suggestions were mandated by the Federal Education with Disabilities Improvement Act but some Virginia parents say the state board went too far. Kimberly Lett said, "They made an exceptional amount of changes, changes that did not need to be made." Lett is the mom of a 20-year-old autistic son. She says even though her child is almost done with his education needs, other parents should not be subjected to new special education regulations the state board is proposing. At the top of the list of concerns are proposals that will lower the age for when a child is identified as developmentally delayed and eliminating parental consent when special education services are terminated. Lett is part of the Coalition for Disabled Students, a group that is looking to prevent these regulations from going into place. Maureen Hollowell of the Coalition for Disabled Students stated, "It really has been a challenging process, because of the size of the regulations and the number of changes proposed to the regulations." The state board says they are listening. To date, the board has already received a record breaking 38,000 comments about their proposals. Comments that Virginia Schools Superintendent Billy Cannaday says they are considering. "We're trying to balance the protection for children and families with also the increased accountability for student's learning" he stated. The state board is expected to release their final proposal next Friday and then have another 30 day comment period before they vote on it." 85. "More Resources Available for Those Dealing With Autism" dated 11 September 2008 by Regina Raccuglia from WAAY TV News at http://www.waaytv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8994974. "Some parents and families who deal with the disorder of autism every day in the Tennessee Valley got a little extra support Thursday. A panel of parents, politicians, and educators from the Alabama Autism Task Force met Thursday in Huntsville to help educate parents and families about how to deal with the disorder day to day. Even though autism cases in the Tennessee Valley and around the country are on the rise, some people still don't have a real understanding of what autism is or where to get help in dealing with it. One in 150 people have autism spectrum disorder. More children will be diagnosed with this disorder this year than AIDS, cancer and diabetes combined. One of the parents affected by autism was State Rep. Cam Ward, whose daughter Riley was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. Despite the trouble he and his wife encountered while learning how to cope with the disorder, they obtained treatment for Riley, who entered a mainsteam Kindergarten at an Alabama public school this year. One of the services available for local parents and caretakers is the Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group, which meets regularly in the Huntsville area. The next meeting of the support group will address feeding intervention and nutritional development for autistic children. The event will take place on Sept. 20 from 3 to 4 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church at the corner of Whitesburg and Airport roads. Reservations can be made for child care during the meeting at (256) 998-6129. For more information about autism or to get help dealing with an autistic child, check out www.autism-alabama.org, www.TheRileyCenter.org and www.makingconnectionsasd.com." 86. "Becoming an Autism Educator" dated 11 September 2008 by Christine Gralow from The New York Times at http://lessonplans.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/11/becoming-an-autism-educator. "For the first time in my six-year teaching career, I am not completely freaked out by going back to school. I have, however, more than paid my dues to reach this stage of teacher emotional stability. In my first year of teaching, I freaked out not only in September, but pretty much every day (and well into every night) of the school year. At the time, I taught teenagers with learning disabilities in the South Bronx, including many emotionally disturbed students. I somehow managed to stick it out, and the next year, I met a Bronx teenager who would change my life and set me on my current career path. Jeremy has Asperger’s syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. As guilty as I feel admitting this as a teacher, there’s no denying that Jeremy was my favorite student. He may always be. While other teachers seemed exasperated by Jeremy’s autistic quirks, I got along with him easily. We hung out during lunch. He fixed the classroom computers and shared his unique life insights. He also easily passed a New York State Science Regents exam on his first try, which quickly shifted the school administration’s attitude from, “We have to get rid of this kid,” to, “We need this kid for our numbers.” Sadly, Jeremy didn’t exactly receive a stellar public education in the Bronx. I often wondered how much further he could have gone had he received stronger educational support from an early age. Jeremy taught me that working with students with autism was what I wanted to do with my life. I began training with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, where I learned behavioral techniques for supporting children with autism in the classroom. Simply by circumstance, not choice, I began working with younger kids. This was because nearly all New York City and State funding for autism education is geared toward early intervention and preschool services. When children with autism reach kindergarten, they often lose their services. So it’s actually quite difficult to make a living as an autism educator to older kids in New York. There’s simply no money there. I miss teenagers like Jeremy, but, as it turns out, teaching the little ones is my forte. This is mostly because I’m a 34-year-old with a four-year-old sense of humor. …" 87. "The Statewide Autism Tour Stops in Coos Bay" dated 11 September 2008 by Erica Rush from KCBY11 News at http://www.kcby.com/news/28268179.html. "A community comes together in hopes of bringing more education and health care to individuals with autism. The Statewide Autism tour stopped in Coos Bay Wednesday night to a packed room at the public library. Residents from all over the South Coast came to offer their personal stories and voice their concerns. On behalf of the Oregon Autism Project conceived last May, State Representative, Chris Edwards, addressed the crowd on the importance of their feedback. "Oregon is second in the nation of autism incidents, one in 98 kids in the public education system. And really when you look at the state's response, it has not been appropriate or proportional to those kinds of numbers," said Edwards. Coos Bay is one of eight toured cities, and so far Edwards says the community input has helped pinpoint areas of interest for individuals and families dealing with autism. "Early we need to focus a little bit more with services on adults with autism, and clearly we need to focus on early intervention and early child education." The Statewide Autism Tour wraps up this Thursday in Medford, before returning to the State Legislature next week. Edwards point's out that this is just stage one of a five step process, but that without the publics input and support, change could not happen." 88. "Under pressure, state withdraws two special education proposals" dated 11 September 2008 by Tyler Whitley from inRich.com at http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-09-11-0228.html. "Under pressure from politicians and thousands of parents of special education students, the state Department of Education has backed down from a proposed rules change that would limit parental consent for ending special education services. Billy K. Cannaday Jr., Superintendent of Public Instruction, said the department also would withdraw a proposal to move the due process hearings from the Virginia Supreme Court to the Department of Education. Cannaday said the two proposals will not be included in new regulations that will be presented to the Board of Education in about a week. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford, objected to the rules changes, which also drew overwhelming opposition from parents at a series of regional hearings held around the state." 89. "Autism Proposal Fails In Illinois House" dated 11 September 2008 by Mike Flannery from CBS2 News at http://cbs2chicago.com/local/autism.funding.illinois.2.815540.html. "Another casualty of political feuding in Springfield is funding the treatment of autism. CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports that 5-year-old Brianna Di Cianni talks now. That is amazing to those who remember how silent she was when diagnosed two years ago with autism. Her mother and father have so far spent more than $70,000 to get Brianna the best treatment, none of it covered by insurance. A proposal that would have mandated such insurance coverage was killed last night in the Illinois House. "This was our fourth shot at getting this bill passed and I can't believe that we didn't get it," said Peter Di Cianni, Brianna's father. The failed autism law said insurers must pay for diagnosis and treatment, up to $36,000 a year. The state has identified about 11,000 Illinois children with autism. House members said they voted the proposal down because Gov. Blagojevich used an amendatory veto to add it to an unrelated bill. They argue that it is a move that violates the Illinois constitution. "For the governor to take legislation and completely rewrite it is dangerous because where does it start and stop? This vote was not about being heartless, this vote was about our constitution," said State Rep. Lou Lang. "I want insurance for our kids. I don't care how it gets done," said Peter Di Cianni. "I'm not a legislator. I'm a father and I'm fighting for my kids. And I'm fighting for the 11,000 kids that are dealing with this problem." The Di Cianni family hopes members of the General Assembly have told them the truth that their only objection to the autism proposal was the way Gov. Blagojevich went about implementing it. There are two autism-related proposals pending in front of the General Assembly now. Rep. Lou Lang said that as early as this November, both chambers could send them to Gov. Blagojevich's desk for his signature. The Di Cianni family is organizing a fundraising walk to benefit children with autism. To find out more, visit http://www.csld.org/WalkHomePage.htm." 90. "Autism Amendment Dies in the House" dated 12 September 2008 from Chicagoist.com at http://chicagoist.com/2008/09/12/autism_amendment_dies_in_the_house.php. "Remember that amendatory veto Blagojevich put together a while back? The one that would have required insurance companies to cover up to $36,000 a year in occupational, physical, speech and behavioral therapies in addition to psychiatric and psychological services, and an unlimited number of doctor visits for autistic kids until they turn 21? That bill, known as House Bill 4255, died yesterday in the Illinois House, another victim of the feuding between legislators and the governor in Springfield. "This was our fourth shot at getting this bill passed and I can't believe that we didn't get it," said Peter Di Cianni, author of the original senate bill Blagojevich took the language from, and father of an autistic child. "I want insurance for our kids. I don't care how it gets done," said he said. "I'm not a legislator. I'm a father and I'm fighting for my kids. And I'm fighting for the 11,000 kids that are dealing with this problem." But legislators took a different view. "For the governor to take legislation and completely rewrite it is dangerous because where does it start and stop? This vote was not about being heartless, this vote was about our constitution," State Rep. Lou Lang told the press. Di Cianni hopes that legislators are telling the truth about their rationale. According to Lang, two autism-related proposals are before the General Assembly, and Lang thinks they could be on Blago's desk by early November." 91. "Vicki Carr-Rodriguez: Injuries, class disruptions caused by unruly special ed students not isolated incidents" dated 12 September 2008 by Vicki Carr-Rodriguez from the Treasure Coast & Palm Beaches at http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/sep/12/vicki-carr-rodriguez-injuries-class-disruptions-ca/?feedback=1#comments. "I read with interest and dismay Colleen Wixon’s article, “Mistreatment of autistic students is an ‘epidemic,’ some Treasure Coast parents say,” Aug. 22, which spoke of the epidemic of “abuses” of special education (specifically autistic) children that parents reported to the state’s hotline. Unfortunately, only one side of the story is being told, and it’s time that the public hears the other side. Working with children with special education needs is hard and often dangerous work. Many of the workman’s compensation injuries reported by teachers and paraprofessionals are a result of physical abuse from students in special education classes. In the article, one parent reported that her child had been restrained a total of 46 times in a school year without ever mentioning why. I have met with many educators who have had bones broken, been given black eyes, have had to have knee and back surgery, been stabbed with writing implements, received deep bruises, concussions, and so on from their daily interaction with special education children. These are not isolated incidents, nor “age-appropriate temper tantrums.” Physical abuse of educators, especially by younger children in special education classrooms, is a very real job hazard. Professionals working with special needs children, in both regular and special education classes, are a special breed. Like my sister, who has taught special-needs students for 30 years, most tell me, “I take the risk because my students need me.” It’s extremely troubling to me, then, that a hotline has been set up for parents to complain about the abuses their children have suffered at the hands of teachers and paraprofessionals without a clear understanding of what these people go through each day. Often, when a child has been violent or disrupted the educational day for an entire classroom of children, parents are called and are “unable” to come to school to bring them home. Instead, the school is forced to contain children in agitated, out-of-control states while trying to run a front office or while attempting to provide guidance services to the other 600 to 800 students at an elementary school. Parents also have to realize that the responsibility of the public school is to provide for every child, not just theirs. What are the other children in the class learning when their teacher spends 50 percent or more of the time trying to redirect the behavior of the child who’s under the desk screaming or throwing a violent tantrum when asked to sharpen his pencil, or spitting and biting other children in the third grade? Who will explain to these children that while they must behave, we need to leave Johnny screaming under the table for 5 minutes because he is not supposed to be redirected according to his behavior plan? …" 92. "Walk for Autism comes through Lee's Summit" dated 12 September 2008 by Elizabeth Rosenberger from The Lee's Summit Tribune at http://ls-trib.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=1497&TM=51688.92. "One man's walk across the country to raise money for autism was motivated by the loss of his friend. Robert Williams is walking in memory of a friend with autism who died from a seizure. He left his job, rented out his house, and in May started walking from San Francisco, Calif. He is headed to Washington, D.C., with a goal to raise $1 million for the Elias Tembines Walk for Autism through the National Autism Association. The mission of the association is to educate families affected by autism and other neurological disorders, while advocating on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own. "This is like my little place in the world," Williams said. "I'm really happy to be behind it." With a 50-pound backpack strapped to his back, Williams met supporters at Habanero's in Lee's Summit Thursday. Lee's Summit resident J.J. Ringgold, who has a son with autism, was one of the supporters. "I'm very involved within the community and I wanted to come out and support what Robert is doing," she said. "It's amazing what he is doing." Nathan Russell, 19, of Liberty, joined Williams to walk the 5-mile trek east along U.S. 50 to Gibson's General Store at U.S. 50 and 7 Highway. Russell's mother is involved with an area autism support group. "I like to help raise awareness and support autism," Nathan said. To donate to Williams' walk, visit www.firstgiving.com/robertwilliams." 93. "Study finds MMR vaccine doesn't cause autism" dated 12 September 2008 by Mary Jo Layton from The Hackensack Record at http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2008/09/12/get_healthy/get_healthy/doc97ebca5b8d92df0d862574ba005711a2.txt. "A study by Columbia University is the latest to find no link between autism and a common childhood vaccine, news that should reassure concerned parents, experts said Wednesday. The research, which involved the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, concluded that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine does not cause the neurological disorder that affects one in every 150 children in the nation. "We are confident there's no link between MMR and autism," said Dr. W. Ian Lipkin, director of the Mailman School of Public Health Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University. In New Jersey, which has the highest rate of autism in the nation -- one in every 94 children -- the study should help parents rule out concerns that the vaccine can cause the disorder, said Dr. Irwin Berkowitz, director of pediatrics at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, N.J. "There's harm in not vaccinating and that's the message that's got to get across," he said. In fact, as of July, the CDC reported 131 cases of measles -- the highest number since 1996. Ninety-one percent of the cases occurred in people who were not immunized. The study again rebuts the findings of research completed in 1998 that linked the vaccine to autism after the presence of the measles virus was detected in tissue from children diagnosed with autism and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Experts on Wednesday said their research of 25 children with autism and a control group of 13 with normal neurological development found no link between the presence of the measles virus in tissue and autism. Those in the study, most of whom were between ages 3 and 5, had GI disorders, which are common in autistic children. Biopsies of bowel tissue were examined for traces of the vaccine. Two biopsy samples with the measles virus were found: one from an autistic child and one from the control group, experts said. "We found no relationship between the timing of the MMR vaccine and the onset of either GI complaints or autism," said Dr. Mady Hornig, associate professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health. More than 20 studies have reported no relationship between MMR vaccine and autism, Lipkin said. Lipkin stressed that the study did not address any other vaccine or potential causes, including mercury or underlying disorders. Some parents blame vaccines and a mercury-based preservative, thimerosal, for causing autism or other developmental disabilities. It was once commonly used to prevent bacterial contamination but, since 2001, has been used only in certain flu shots.' 94. "Autism center relocates, plans satellite locations" dated 12 September 2008 by John George from the Philadelphia Business Journal at http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2008/09/15/story10.html. "The Center for Autism’s new home unveiled in northwest Philadelphia this week will allow the nonprofit health-care provider to dramatically increase the number of children it treats and evaluates. “This is a dream come true,” said Jean Ruttenberg, executive director of the Center for Autism. “This will also allow us to expand everything.” The 23,648-square-foot facility is on Ford Road in Northwest Philadelphia in part of a building that previously housed Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s Ford Road campus. The autism center signed a 15-year lease for space in the building owned by List Associates." 95. "Autism One Organizes Illinois Advocacy Program- THE ILLINOIS "STAY AT HOME" MOM MARCH: Bringing change home" dated 12 September 2008 from the Age of Autism blog at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/autism-one-orga.html#more. "We are proud to announce the Illinois Stay at Home Mom March. This January, parents, grandparents, family members and friends will meet with state senators and representatives to enlist their support of legislation to help end the autism epidemic. While we might not be able to travel long distances, be away for more than a few hours, spend money that is needed on a thousand and one other expenses, or get ourselves arrested, we can still advocate locally and effectively. This "march," the marchers are "staying home" to bring the message to the Illinois State Legislature, one parent and one legislator at a time. Autism must become the first priority of government. For all our progress on other fronts, our concerns are woefully underrepresented at the state and federal levels. Children are recovering; thousands more could be, while thousands more fall – yet in the face of the most important medical crisis of our time, it is politics as usual in Springfield. We need new advocacy efforts to bring the message home – to involve the skill, passion, and knowledge of parents. But our efforts must be designed to accommodate our unique set of challenges. Actions that work for other movements do not necessarily work well when applied to our community. Our efforts are bound by distance and dictated by schedules. Each participant in the Illinois Stay at Home Mom March is part of the greater "March." Individually and in small groups we will visit our legislators. While parents from Peoria are meeting with their legislators, parents from Rockford will be meeting with theirs. Collectively we will blanket the state. During a very special week in January we will schedule meetings between legislators and constituents. Over the course of the week we plan on meeting with every state senator and representative in Illinois – all 177 members. We need your help – Become your district's representative. To facilitate your involvement: …" 96. "The Best Year for our Kids" dated 12 September 2008 by J.B. Handley from the Age of Autism blog at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/the-best-year-f.html#more. "On September 18, 2007, Jenny McCarthy appeared on Oprah to talk about her son's recovery from autism and her new book, Louder Than Words. Since that day, our world has never been the same. Was it a great twelve months for our kids? You bet it was, and it's only beginning. Herewith, my Top 10 events of the last twelve months that are serving to revolutionize our movement, spread the truth about autism, and hopefully get us to a place very soon where new autism cases are being prevented and even more children are recovering. 1. Jenny How do you ever measure what Jenny has done for our kids and our community? Before Jenny the connection between vaccines and autism and the notion of autism being recoverable were whispers. Now, they're shouts. Jenny has said so many great, important things. This simple line is perhaps my favorite: "It's so easy when you stand on truth. When you stand on truth, no one can knock you down." 2. The Polings We all saw her. This beautiful little red-headed girl on CNN standing to the left of her parents, Jon and Terry Poling, as they delivered the news to the world live on CNN that the US Government had conceded in a case brought before vaccine court that vaccines caused Hannah Poling's autism. To make life meaningfully worse for health authorities in denial, Jon Poling was not only a doctor, he was a mainstream neurologist. His wife, Terry, was both a nurse and an attorney. As CNN reported on March 7, 2008: "The parents of a 9-year-old girl with autism said Thursday that their assertion that her illness was caused by childhood vaccines has been vindicated by the federal government's decision to compensate them." ..." 97. "Health Alert: Child Autism And Vaccines" dated 12 September 2008 by Stephanie Stahl from CBS3 News at http://cbs3.com/local/Health.Alert.Austism.2.816343.html. "Autism rates are skyrocketing, and it's unclear why. There is a lot of controversy and confusion about autism, a neurological disorder that interferes with a child's ability to communicate. Now a new book from a respected Philadelphia doctor says the science is clear. Childhood vaccines prevent potentially deadly diseases. Some shots used to contain the preservative thimerosal, which some claim caused a spike in autism. "I think all of us who know vaccines well, know that vaccines are safe and know that they're effective. And probably the best way that we show that is we vaccinate our own children," said Dr. Paul Offit, with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia who has researched vaccines for decades. His new book is called "Autism's False Prophets." Dr. Offit says the science on vaccines is clear. "Looking again at hundreds of thousands of children that received thimerosal containing vaccines. Compared them to hundreds of thousands of children who received the same vaccine that were free of thimerosal to see whether the risk of autism was greater and it wasn't. The book also blasts alternative therapies, using things like special diets, which have not been proven to work "Historically in medicine when you have disorders or diseases that don't have clear causes or clear cures quackery and charlatanism abounds," said Dr. Offit. Research shows traditional behavioral therapy can be helpful for autistic kids. Dr. Offit is donating all the money he makes from the book to autism research. CBS-3 is having an Autism Phone Bank on Tuesday, September 16th. A panel of experts will be here to answer your questions about the disorder from 4:00pm to 6:30pm. Then the Philadelphia Walk Now For Autism event is next Saturday, September 20th." 98. "Parents cleared in sex case file suit- Our autistic kids suffered, they say" dated 12 September 2008 by L.L. BRASIER from the DETROIT FREE PRESS at http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080912/NEWS03/809120414/1001/NEWS. "Thal Wendrow was at her mother's home when the police came to get her. Four West Bloomfield patrol cars pulled up to the curb. Her husband, Julian, at their home a few blocks away, also was being arrested that day last December. The couple, who had no criminal history, suddenly faced decades in prison. He was charged with repeatedly raping their 15-year-old, severely autistic daughter, and she was charged with child abuse for failure to stop it. Thus began a four-month ordeal, a prosecution based solely on statements their mute child reportedly made while using a widely discredited method called "facilitated communication," in which messages are typed on a keyboard with the help of an aide called a facilitator. Thursday, the Wendrows, who saw all charges against them dropped in March, filed a lawsuit in Oakland County Circuit Court, alleging 38 counts of wrongful imprisonment, invasion of privacy, violation of their due-process rights, malicious prosecution and other misdeeds. Lawsuits on behalf of their daughter and her 13-year-old brother, who was repeatedly interrogated by police, are expected to be filed today. They are seeking unspecified damages. 'It doesn't get much worse'. "It was as if our lives were pristine, and then this tornado tore through and devastated everything," Thal Wendrow told the Free Press on Thursday at the Bloomfield Hills office of her attorney, Deborah Gordon. Julian Wendrow, who spent 80 days in jail without bond before prosecutors dropped the case, is furious. "My son was emotionally raped by the state, and my daughter was clinically and emotionally raped by the state. I felt so helpless," he said. "You're supposed to protect your children, and these malevolent no-gooders kept me from them." Gordon called the case "horrific." "It doesn't get much worse. They literally broke up a family," Gordon said. "These people are out of control. We're hoping this lawsuit stops this insanity." …" 99. "The Bipolar Puzzle" dated 12 September 2008 by JENNIFER EGAN from The New York Times at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/magazine/14bipolar-t.html?_r=2&8au&emc=au&oref=slogin&oref=slogin. "When Claire, a pixie-faced 6-year-old in a school uniform, heard her older brother, James, enter the family’s Manhattan apartment, she shut her bedroom door and began barricading it so swiftly and methodically that at first I didn’t understand what she was doing. She slid a basket of toys in front of the closed door, then added a wagon and a stroller laden with dolls. She hugged a small stuffed Pegasus to her chest. “Pega always protects me,” she said softly. “Pega, guard the door.” James, then 10, had been given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder two years earlier. He was attending a therapeutic day school in another borough and riding more than an hour each way on a school bus, so he came home after Claire. Until James’s arrival that April afternoon, Claire was showing me sketches she had drawn of her Uglydolls and chatting about the Web site JibJab, where she likes to watch goofy videos. At the sound of James’s footsteps outside her bedroom door, she flattened herself behind the barricade. There was a sharp knock. After a few seconds, James’s angry, wounded voice barked, “Forget it,” and the steps retreated. “If it’s my brother, I don’t open it,” Claire said. “I don’t care if I’m being mean. . . . I never trust him. James always jumps out and scares me. He surprises me in a bad way.” I left Claire’s bedroom and found James with his mother, Mary, in their spacious living room, which has a sidelong view of the Hudson River. James is a fair, athletic-looking boy with a commanding voice and a restless, edgy gait. He began reading aloud a story he wrote at school called “The Mystery of My Little Sister.” It involved James discovering Claire almost dead, rescuing her and forming a detective agency to track down her assailant. He read haltingly, often interrupting himself. When his mother asked a question, the roil of frustration that nearly always seethes just under James’s surface, even when he is happy, sloshed over. “If you listened on the first page, it says it!” he scolded her, then collapsed hopelessly beside the coffee table. “You don’t get anything. Now I lost my place. Forget it. I give up.” He crossed his arms on the table and rested his head in them. Mary waited quietly in her chair. Sure enough, a minute or two later James began reading us a list he had concocted of 50 ways to get rich. The next time his mother spoke, he bellowed: “I wasn’t talking to you! I’m not reading it now!” He threw the paper down and stalked out of the room. …" 100. "Autism Treatment Network Receives $12 Million Grant from Health Resources and Services Administration- Grant will fund Clinical Research and the Development of Evidence-Based Medical Guidelines for Children with Autism" in a press release from Autism Speaks at http://www.autismspeaks.org/press/atn_receives_hrsa_grant.php. "Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism advocacy organization, today announced that its Autism Treatment Network (ATN) has received a three-year, $12 million grant to serve as an Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P). The network grant was part of four initiatives developed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau under the Combating Autism Act Initiative. As an AIR-P Network, the ATN will develop and conduct research projects on interventions that have a direct impact on improving the physical health and well-being of children and adolescents with autism. The grant will also expand the ATN's on-going efforts to develop clinical guidelines supported by rigorous research evidence. "The HRSA grant is an important byproduct of the Combating Autism Act which advocacy groups fought hard to pass in 2006," said Peter Bell, Executive Vice President of Programs and Services for Autism Speaks and father of a teenage son affected by autism. "The autism community asked for the medical community to take their children's health more seriously, to create practice guidelines that would address important concerns like GI and sleep problems, and other underlying issues. This grant recognizes ATN as a group that can deliver on these critical matters." The multi-institutional grant will be led by the ATN Clinical Coordinating Center at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. This expansive collaboration brings together the fifteen participating ATN Centers, the National Initiative for Child Healthcare Quality (NICHQ), and the EMMES Corporation which serves as the Data Coordinating Center for the ATN. "This funding will help us address real issues in real time," said Clara Lajonchere, PhD, Vice President of Clinical Programs for Autism Speaks. "Our goal is to develop research studies that will have a great impact on both families and the medical community." James Perrin, MD, lead Principal Investigator and Director of the Clinical Coordinating Center said, "The HRSA grant greatly expands the ability of the ATN to ask and answer key questions about diagnosis and treatment - the questions that parents very much want answers to. With this new support, the ATN can move more quickly and more effectively in building a strong research agenda to gain the evidence on which to base treatment." …" 101. "Autism Speaks Releases Spanish Version of the 100 Day Kit" in a press release from Autism Speaks at http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/100_day_kit_manual_de_100_dias.php. "Autism Speaks' 100 Day Kit, a personalized resource to assist families in getting through the critical time following an autism diagnosis, is now available in Spanish. Families can register for a kit with information specific to their child's age and city, or can access a general guide online. A bilingual member of Autism Speaks “Autism Response Team” will follow up with each family that requests a kit. To access the kit in Spanish, click here. To view the press announcement in Spanish, click here. To access the kit in English, click here. To view the press announcement in English, click here. Autism Speaks revela el Manual de los 100 Días, un recurso exclusivo para familias con niños recién diagnosticados con autismo, hoy anuncio la publicación del Manual de los 100 Días. En una página web se les pide a los padres completar una pequeña encuesta. En respuesta, un miembro del equipo de respuesta al autismo se comunicará con la familia para obtener información adicional y así adaptar el Manual de los 100 Días para incluir los recursos específicos que corresponden a la edad y la región donde radica el niño. Para acceder el manual en español, clic aquí. Para leer el anuncio de prensa en español, clic aquí." 102. "Autism Speaks Debuts Community Specific Web Pages" in a press release from Autism Speaks at http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/chapters/. "Volunteers and local community efforts are an important part of Autism Speaks, forming the grassroots foundation of the organization. Programs and initiatives may vary among the communities but they all depend on dedicated volunteers. To find out more about what is happening in your area, click on your state: …" 103. "Meeting Addresses Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease and Autism Commonalities- Medical Management of Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Herndon, VA, Friday, July 18 - Saturday, July 19, 2008" in a press release from Autism Speaks at http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science_news/pediatric_neurotransmitter_disease_meeting_2008.php. "As the diagnosis of autism is based only on observable symptoms, researchers increasingly recognize that the underlying biological causes for its presentation are likely to be multiple and varied. Co-occurring conditions and symptoms sometimes provide clues to biological influences or related disorders and can give us insight into the development of autism — even if only in a rare number of cases. For years autism research has employed the perspective that better understanding of overlapping and related conditions, such as the genetic disorders Fragile X or Tuberous Sclerosis, might provide insights that would be beneficial to understanding the pathways and biochemical alterations that could result in idiopathic autism as well. In recent years, as awareness of Pediatric Neurotransmitter Diseases has increased, so has the recognition of rare overlaps with autism in certain individuals. Because of these overlaps, Autism Speaks sent representatives to the Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease (PND) Association meeting in Washington D.C. in July, joining with clinicians, basic scientists and families affected by PNDs to learn more about these rare disorders. It is known that some children with PNDs have symptoms of autism (some families report autism as their child's initial diagnosis), and clinicians at the meeting reported that autism appears to be relatively more common in families with PNDs, either in the affected children or their siblings. Like autism, early recognition and treatment has a significant benefit to long-term prognosis. In addition, it is suspected that these disorders are under-diagnosed due to limited recognition and the special diagnostic procedures and analyses required for their detection. As more investigation is being done into the metabolic aspects of autism, some clinicians and scientists are considering the possibility of children with autism who also have an underlying PND. …" 104. "A Teenage Sister's Struggle" by Caryn Sullivan in a press release from Autism Speaks at http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/ownwords/intheirownwords_sullivan.php. "It was a difficult summer. After nine months at boarding school, our 17-year-old son with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) returned for a 12 week break. While he was thrilled to be home, our 14-year-old-daughter was distressed when her brother who absorbed so much of our attention settled back into his old routine. She'd enjoyed the tranquility that settled in the household in his absence, as well as her parents' undivided attention. When she was younger our daughter loved to be different. Her motto was “never be normal.” Who cared if her socks didn't match? What was wrong with getting down on the floor and barking like a dog? The dynamic changed dramatically in middle school when being accepted became more important than being unique. Suddenly, her family became a potential threat to this goal. We all became an intolerable source of embarrassment to her, but none as great as the brother who is socially challenged. The reason is clear to me. As kids mature, the circle that encompasses acceptable behaviors shrinks. Kids turn on their peers who don't fit a certain mold. The mavericks that hovered at the perimeter of the social circle either shift toward the middle (like my daughter) or become ostracized (like her brother). Last spring, I read an article by John Campanelli in which he talked about how kids embarrass their parents. Campanelli related how a 4-year-old girl loudly commented about a gentleman's "big butt" in a quiet setting. I suspect I'm not the only parent of an ASD child who has suffered through many such outside-the-circle remarks in public – and expects that phenomenon to endure throughout my lifetime. I feel ashamed to admit that, like my daughter, I often dwell in the mortification zone. Since I, too, have a relatively low threshold for embarrassment, I've been mortified by my guy's behavior on countless occasions. But is he to blame? He doesn't have a Jiminy Cricket on his shoulder, counseling him not to blurt out comments or do things his peers might consider, but reject. I feel guilty because I know the nuances of what is cool and what is taboo are confusing, and the line between entertainment and embarrassment is fuzzy for him. Why can Jim Carrey get paid big bucks to make outrageously funny remarks on the big screen but he is scolded for repeating them in public? If I don't always know how to deal with his unusual remarks or behavior, can I expect his sister – or her friends – to “get” him? Absent a white cane or wheelchair to broadcast his challenges, I fill the void by letting strangers know that this normal-appearing guy has ASD, so they won't judge him (or us) unfairly. My daughter is less interested in running interference. She just wants him to look and be “normal.” …" 105. "A Letter To My Teacher - 15 Things About Me" by Jene Aviram from Natural Learning Concepts at http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-teacherletter.htm. "Hi, my name is _________________________________and I am in your class this year. I want you to know a little about me. I’m nervous to be in your class because it’s new and I don’t know what to expect. I need some time to adjust and then I will feel comfortable. Please don’t judge me on my first few weeks. As the time goes by, you will be amazed by the skills you never thought I possessed. I sometimes look like I don’t understand. That’s just because I don’t have the same expressions and reactions as other people. I might not look at you when you talk but that doesn’t mean I didn’t hear you. I did. In fact I usually hear more than most people. As I become familiar with your classroom I will begin to shine. A great way to speed up this process is letting me know what to expect. Written or picture schedules for the day reduce my anxiety. A five minute warning before a change of activity can help me greatly too. You are my teacher and I look up to you. I want to succeed this year but I can’t do it without your help and most importantly, your belief in me that I can do it! 1. What is my general disposition? 2. What am I really, really good at? 3. What do I absolutely LOVE doing? 4. What do I absolutely HATE doing?" …" |
![[Get Acrobat Reader]](/newsmanager/images/getacro.gif){kind=small}
Disclaimer: Parents Of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia (POAC-NoVA), Inc. is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and Federal EIN of 01-0769341.
Our Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA) ID is #32289. Our BACB Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Provider approval number is #OP-07-0146. We are certified for eBay Giving Works and our MissionFish non-profit ID is #33580.
All information provided or published by POAC-NoVA is for informational purposes only. Reference to any treatment or therapy option or to any program, book, service or treatment provider is not an endorsement by POAC-NoVA. POAC-NoVA assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided by POAC-NoVA.
Email This Article