Monday, June 19, 2006
Interview with Joey Travolta
WrongPlanet has an interview with Joey Travolta (brother of John), who produced the film "Normal People Scare Me" a documentary about how people with autism see the rest of the world. He also started an organization called Actors for Autism.
Teaching Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Autism Conference
Penn State is hosting the 2006 National Autism Conference hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, July 31 - August 4. Attendance is free for parents living in Pennsylvania and $50 for out of state parents. The list of speakers is here.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
My Other Life
My friend Liz and I started up a new blog about books called "Librarian's Most Wanted". It has absolutely nothing to do with ASDs! If you are interested, you can find it at:
http://lmostwanted.blogspot.com/
http://lmostwanted.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Scholarly Article
I have been very disappointed with science.gov - most of the articles I find are definitely NOT free. In fact, the prices are outrageous! Here is a free one, though. It's so rare that I thought I should post it! It's about genetic mutations in people with ASDs. This sentence caught my eye,
"Non-segregation within the pedigrees between the mutations and the ASD phenotype clearly suggest that the mutations alone are not responsible for the condition."
Read the abstract here.
"Non-segregation within the pedigrees between the mutations and the ASD phenotype clearly suggest that the mutations alone are not responsible for the condition."
Read the abstract here.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Autism on television
1. Autism Supernanny Re-show
ABC announced that there will be a re-showing of the Supernanny featuring Dr. Lynn Koegel helping a family with a child with autism. The episode will air on ABC June 19th at 8:00 PM, EST.
2. On Tuesday, June 6th, 11:30 EST ABC's late night news program "Nightline" will present another installment in its series "Echoes of Autism." In the Tuesday night segment "My Brother's Keeper," Nightline correspondent John Donvan will examine the challenges faced by those often overlooked in the world of autism: siblings.
ABC announced that there will be a re-showing of the Supernanny featuring Dr. Lynn Koegel helping a family with a child with autism. The episode will air on ABC June 19th at 8:00 PM, EST.
2. On Tuesday, June 6th, 11:30 EST ABC's late night news program "Nightline" will present another installment in its series "Echoes of Autism." In the Tuesday night segment "My Brother's Keeper," Nightline correspondent John Donvan will examine the challenges faced by those often overlooked in the world of autism: siblings.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Organization for Autism Research
The website for the Organization for Autism Research is definietely worth checking out. They have a section devoted to families . I really like their page on research, which explains the types of research out there for all of us humanities majors whose knowledge of science is limited. I will definitely be delving deeper into this site for links to useful information.
Summer Is Upon Us
Special Education Law Blog has a link to this helpful post at Dr. Chris's Autism Journal on Extended School Year and summer programs.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Free Mini-Course
I found this via autismspectrum.net:
Newly Diagnosed Autism Spectrum:
How You Can Help Your Child.
A Free 7-Step Mini Course
It was created by a parent of a child on the spectrum. Here's her description:
"Newly Diagnosed" covers understanding the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, getting an evaluation, choosing interventions, finding resources for education, support and advocacy, and updates from Autismvoice.
No matter where you are on the journey, the resources and information contained in this course can be helpful for families of children with autism spectrum disorders.
I just registered and will comment on it in the future.
Newly Diagnosed Autism Spectrum:
How You Can Help Your Child.
A Free 7-Step Mini Course
It was created by a parent of a child on the spectrum. Here's her description:
"Newly Diagnosed" covers understanding the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, getting an evaluation, choosing interventions, finding resources for education, support and advocacy, and updates from Autismvoice.
No matter where you are on the journey, the resources and information contained in this course can be helpful for families of children with autism spectrum disorders.
I just registered and will comment on it in the future.
Subaru Center Event @ Discovery Museum
Children on the Spectrum along with their Parents, Siblings, Friends, Caregivers are invited to kick back and have some fun at the Garden State Discovery Musuem (www.discoverymuseum.com).
On July 19th from 6:00- 8:30 pm, The Subaru Center for Learning at the Garden State Discovery Musuem will be hosting
Open Arms: A Special Evening for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum.
This FREE after-hours event will feature open play, discovery & a book signing. Come meet the editors of Voices from the Spectrum, Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism and Professionals Share Their Wisdom, Drs. Cindy Ariel & Robert Naseef.
Please pre-register for this event by calling or e-mailing Jennifer Newman at (856) 424-1233, ext. 314 or onthego@discoverymuseum.com. Please include your name, contact info, and number of guests in emails.
2040 Springdale Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
On July 19th from 6:00- 8:30 pm, The Subaru Center for Learning at the Garden State Discovery Musuem will be hosting
Open Arms: A Special Evening for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum.
This FREE after-hours event will feature open play, discovery & a book signing. Come meet the editors of Voices from the Spectrum, Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism and Professionals Share Their Wisdom, Drs. Cindy Ariel & Robert Naseef.
Please pre-register for this event by calling or e-mailing Jennifer Newman at (856) 424-1233, ext. 314 or onthego@discoverymuseum.com. Please include your name, contact info, and number of guests in emails.
2040 Springdale Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Workshops for Educators
You might want to pass these on to teachers at those IEP meetings!
July 17 and 18 -Two day seminar presented by Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center
Best Practices in Functional Assessment and Developing EffectiveTreatments for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Registration fee is $325 per person.
9 AM -2:30 PM at the Busch Student Center of Rutgers University.
For information, call 732-932-4500, ext.100 or 134.
July 26-Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center presents
Social Skills: Helping Learners on the Autism Bridge Build.
9 AM - 2:30 PM.
Busch Campus Center, RutgersUniversity.
Cost is $175.
For further information and to register, call 732-932-4500, ext. 100 or134.
July 17 and 18 -Two day seminar presented by Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center
Best Practices in Functional Assessment and Developing EffectiveTreatments for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Registration fee is $325 per person.
9 AM -2:30 PM at the Busch Student Center of Rutgers University.
For information, call 732-932-4500, ext.100 or 134.
July 26-Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center presents
Social Skills: Helping Learners on the Autism Bridge Build.
9 AM - 2:30 PM.
Busch Campus Center, RutgersUniversity.
Cost is $175.
For further information and to register, call 732-932-4500, ext. 100 or134.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Online Aspie Community
"WrongPlanet is a web community designed for individuals (and parents of those) with Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, and other PDDs. We provide a forum, where members can communicate with each other, an article section, where members may read and submit essays or how-to guides about various subjects, and a chatroom for real-time communication with other Aspies. Asperger's Syndrome, a pervasive development disorder, is a form of autism. People with Asperger's Syndrome usually have normal or above normal IQs. It is described as an inability to understand how to interact socially. "
Check out the Parents' Forum here.
The complete forums list is here.
There is a lot of interesting stuff at this site to explore.
Check out the Parents' Forum here.
The complete forums list is here.
There is a lot of interesting stuff at this site to explore.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
ASD: The Parents' Experience
This article touches on the agony of parents of kids with ASDs - always wondering - did we do enough - always second guessing our actions on behalf of our children.
Here are some tidbits:
"Only in the last three years has government funding for autism research surpassed private funding. Parents have been the driving force. They are the lifetime advocates for their child. ...They have led and will continue to lead the way.”
" New Jersey Department of Education statistics show nearly 7,400 children with autism were eligible for special education services in 2005. In 2002, that number was just above 4,600. And a recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed 5.5 children out of every 1,000 have been diagnosed nationwide. The CDC is conducting a 13-state study, which includes New Jersey, to determine if occurrence rates are on the rise."
"Early intervention is most important... The sooner ASDs are diagnosed, the more effective treatments are. Knowing that, many parents feel they're in a race against time. Specialist waiting lists in South Jersey can be six to 18 months. "
“They say these first years are critical. You lie awake at night asking, "Did we do enough, early enough? Did we waste too much time?' That's the hard part.”
Here are some tidbits:
"Only in the last three years has government funding for autism research surpassed private funding. Parents have been the driving force. They are the lifetime advocates for their child. ...They have led and will continue to lead the way.”
" New Jersey Department of Education statistics show nearly 7,400 children with autism were eligible for special education services in 2005. In 2002, that number was just above 4,600. And a recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed 5.5 children out of every 1,000 have been diagnosed nationwide. The CDC is conducting a 13-state study, which includes New Jersey, to determine if occurrence rates are on the rise."
"Early intervention is most important... The sooner ASDs are diagnosed, the more effective treatments are. Knowing that, many parents feel they're in a race against time. Specialist waiting lists in South Jersey can be six to 18 months. "
“They say these first years are critical. You lie awake at night asking, "Did we do enough, early enough? Did we waste too much time?' That's the hard part.”
Monday, May 22, 2006
RE-SCHEDULED - "Asperger in the CLassroom"
Session on Asperger in the Classroom
ASPEN Ocean County Chapter presents
Marlene P. Brown, B.A., BCABA
Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Temple Beth Shalom
Corner of Whitty Road & Old Freehold Road
Toms River (directions are on www.aspennj.org
then click on Ocean County Chapter link)
$5.00 non-members2 CEU credit for professionals attending the meeting
For more information contact
aspenoc@comcast.net
ASPEN Ocean County Chapter presents
Marlene P. Brown, B.A., BCABA
Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Temple Beth Shalom
Corner of Whitty Road & Old Freehold Road
Toms River (directions are on www.aspennj.org
then click on Ocean County Chapter link)
$5.00 non-members2 CEU credit for professionals attending the meeting
For more information contact
aspenoc@comcast.net
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Best & Brightest
Here's an article about a teen with Asperger's who is committed to social justice. I wonder if the President will invite him to the White House? With all the hoopla over Jason M, let's not forget that kids with disabilities can do a lot more than shoot hoops.
"“Growing up with Asperger’s syndrome (a high-functioning form of autism) has been an exercise,” [Joel] Northam said, “but overcoming it helps strengthen my resolve.”
...Northam’s goal is to make a difference in the lives of others. Northam is a magnet for social-justice issues, taking on causes such as food drives for hurricane evacuees, peer counseling on drug abuse and teen pregnancy through Team Engage, and building a house for a needy Mexican family during a spring break mission trip to Juarez. “I’m committed to social justice. I was taught we shouldn’t just go through life without leaving something behind,” Northam said. “I like helping people and knowing their concerns, and having a disability gives me the insight and the ability to relate to people.” “Joel’s activism extends far beyond lively classroom discussion on political matters; he is making a difference wherever he goes, living out by example the values and convictions he wants others to share,” said Bruce Casson, one of Northam’s teachers."
"“Growing up with Asperger’s syndrome (a high-functioning form of autism) has been an exercise,” [Joel] Northam said, “but overcoming it helps strengthen my resolve.”
...Northam’s goal is to make a difference in the lives of others. Northam is a magnet for social-justice issues, taking on causes such as food drives for hurricane evacuees, peer counseling on drug abuse and teen pregnancy through Team Engage, and building a house for a needy Mexican family during a spring break mission trip to Juarez. “I’m committed to social justice. I was taught we shouldn’t just go through life without leaving something behind,” Northam said. “I like helping people and knowing their concerns, and having a disability gives me the insight and the ability to relate to people.” “Joel’s activism extends far beyond lively classroom discussion on political matters; he is making a difference wherever he goes, living out by example the values and convictions he wants others to share,” said Bruce Casson, one of Northam’s teachers."
Support Meeting for Orthodox Jewish Individuals
GRASP Group Meeting Monthly for Orthodox Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Thursday Jun 8 2006 - 6 pm to - 8 pm
An Orthodox Jewish network for members of the tri-state area Orthodox community that have autism spectrum diagnoses (such as Asperger Syndrome, Autism, or PDD) has just been formed thanks to a generous grant from the IDT Telephone Corporation. Meetings will take place on the 2nd Thursday of every month (with the exception of October 2006, which will likely occur elsewhere in the month). Both men and women are welcome.
Contact Information: mjcarley@grasp.org
Brought to you by: Fifth Avenue Synagogue
Sponsored by:
IDT
Fifth Avenue Synagogue
5 E. 62nd St. (off Fifth Ave.)
4th Floor or ground floor
New York, NY
Cost: Free
Thursday Jun 8 2006 - 6 pm to - 8 pm
An Orthodox Jewish network for members of the tri-state area Orthodox community that have autism spectrum diagnoses (such as Asperger Syndrome, Autism, or PDD) has just been formed thanks to a generous grant from the IDT Telephone Corporation. Meetings will take place on the 2nd Thursday of every month (with the exception of October 2006, which will likely occur elsewhere in the month). Both men and women are welcome.
Contact Information: mjcarley@grasp.org
Brought to you by: Fifth Avenue Synagogue
Sponsored by:
IDT
Fifth Avenue Synagogue
5 E. 62nd St. (off Fifth Ave.)
4th Floor or ground floor
New York, NY
Cost: Free
Review article on existing studies of elimination diets
This article looks interesting. All I could see for free was the abstract:
J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2006 Apr;27(2 Suppl):S162-71.
Elimination diets in autism spectrum disorders: any wheat amidst the chaff?
Christison GW, Ivany K.1Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 2Department of Psychiatry, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
ABSTRACT.: The use of complementary or alternative treatment approaches in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is increasing, and the most popular of such approaches are diets that eliminate either gluten or casein, or both. The popularity of these diets indicates a need for more rigorous research into their efficacy. Owing to significant methodological flaws, the currently available data are inadequate to guide treatment recommendations. The purpose of this review is to examine the available trials of gluten/casein diets in children with ASDs regarding the strength of their findings and also concerning points that may be useful in the design of future studies. Seven trials of these diets in ASD are critically reviewed; 6 of these were uncontrolled trials and 1 used a single-blind design. All reported efficacy in reducing some autism symptoms, and 2 groups of investigators also reported improvement in nonverbal cognition. Design flaws in all of the studies weaken the confidence that can be placed in their findings. Careful double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to evaluate whether actual benefit undergirds the diets' popularity and to provide better guidance to clinicians and caregivers. The literature currently available suggests that diets eliminating both gluten and casein (rather than either alone) should be studied first and that outcome measures should include assessments of nonverbal cognition.
J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2006 Apr;27(2 Suppl):S162-71.
Elimination diets in autism spectrum disorders: any wheat amidst the chaff?
Christison GW, Ivany K.1Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 2Department of Psychiatry, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
ABSTRACT.: The use of complementary or alternative treatment approaches in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is increasing, and the most popular of such approaches are diets that eliminate either gluten or casein, or both. The popularity of these diets indicates a need for more rigorous research into their efficacy. Owing to significant methodological flaws, the currently available data are inadequate to guide treatment recommendations. The purpose of this review is to examine the available trials of gluten/casein diets in children with ASDs regarding the strength of their findings and also concerning points that may be useful in the design of future studies. Seven trials of these diets in ASD are critically reviewed; 6 of these were uncontrolled trials and 1 used a single-blind design. All reported efficacy in reducing some autism symptoms, and 2 groups of investigators also reported improvement in nonverbal cognition. Design flaws in all of the studies weaken the confidence that can be placed in their findings. Careful double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to evaluate whether actual benefit undergirds the diets' popularity and to provide better guidance to clinicians and caregivers. The literature currently available suggests that diets eliminating both gluten and casein (rather than either alone) should be studied first and that outcome measures should include assessments of nonverbal cognition.
Autism Speaks Tri-State Lecture Series
Autism Speaks Tri-State Lecture Series
Saturday, May 20,
The Sheraton Edison, 10 am - 1:20 pm
(Just off exit 10 of the NJ Turnpike)
There is no cost for this event, but pre-registration is required.
PRE-REGISTER FOR LECTURE SERIES·
10 am - 10:50 Let's Face It
Dr. James McPartland, Yale Child Study Center"I will discuss face processing in social development and how it informs our understanding of autism spectrum disorders. I will also describe our Let's Face It program, a game-based software platform that we have developed to improve children's ability to recognize and interpret human faces." ·
11 am - 11:50
Social Attention in Autism
Dr. James McPartland, Yale Child Study Center
"This talk will focus on the use of eye-tracking technology to investigate the ways individuals with autism see and construct their social world. It will also cover the implications that this line of research has for intervention." ·
12 noon - 12:30 Lunch (no cost)·
12:30 - 1:20 Understanding Sensory Integration in Children with Autism
Teal Benevides, MS, OTR/L, Thomas Jefferson University
"I will discuss current and past research on sensory integration for children with autism and our current research at Thomas Jefferson University."
If you have any questions about the Tri-State Lecture Series, Edison, NJ, please call 888-777-6227 ext 15 or e-mail NewJersey@naar.org
Saturday, May 20,
The Sheraton Edison, 10 am - 1:20 pm
(Just off exit 10 of the NJ Turnpike)
There is no cost for this event, but pre-registration is required.
PRE-REGISTER FOR LECTURE SERIES·
10 am - 10:50 Let's Face It
Dr. James McPartland, Yale Child Study Center"I will discuss face processing in social development and how it informs our understanding of autism spectrum disorders. I will also describe our Let's Face It program, a game-based software platform that we have developed to improve children's ability to recognize and interpret human faces." ·
11 am - 11:50
Social Attention in Autism
Dr. James McPartland, Yale Child Study Center
"This talk will focus on the use of eye-tracking technology to investigate the ways individuals with autism see and construct their social world. It will also cover the implications that this line of research has for intervention." ·
12 noon - 12:30 Lunch (no cost)·
12:30 - 1:20 Understanding Sensory Integration in Children with Autism
Teal Benevides, MS, OTR/L, Thomas Jefferson University
"I will discuss current and past research on sensory integration for children with autism and our current research at Thomas Jefferson University."
If you have any questions about the Tri-State Lecture Series, Edison, NJ, please call 888-777-6227 ext 15 or e-mail NewJersey@naar.org
Family Fun Day
FACES 3rd Annual Family Fun Day
Sunday May 21, 200612:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Location: Cape May County Park and Zoo
For more information or to register pleasecall Isabelle at 609-822-1735.
For directions call 609-465-5271.
Sunday May 21, 200612:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Location: Cape May County Park and Zoo
For more information or to register pleasecall Isabelle at 609-822-1735.
For directions call 609-465-5271.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Combat Autism Bill
Read here about the Combating Autism Act of 2005.
Here is a summary of the bill. I lifted it from a blog called { A } :
Combating Autism Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish: (1) a program to provide information and education on autism and its risk factors to health professionals and the general public;
and (2) the Autism Coordinating Committee to coordinate autism related activities within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants or cooperative agreements to develop statewide autism screening, diagnosis, and intervention programs and systems.
Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants or cooperative agreements to provide technical assistance to state agencies to conduct applied autism research.
You can tract the status of the bill by going to:
www.congress.gov
Type HR2421 into the search field (make sure you click bill number below the search field). You can read the full text of the bill there as well.
Here is a summary of the bill. I lifted it from a blog called { A } :
Combating Autism Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish: (1) a program to provide information and education on autism and its risk factors to health professionals and the general public;
and (2) the Autism Coordinating Committee to coordinate autism related activities within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants or cooperative agreements to develop statewide autism screening, diagnosis, and intervention programs and systems.
Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants or cooperative agreements to provide technical assistance to state agencies to conduct applied autism research.
You can tract the status of the bill by going to:
www.congress.gov
Type HR2421 into the search field (make sure you click bill number below the search field). You can read the full text of the bill there as well.
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