What's New?

Illness: the pathway to creative genius? / Disease, rather than being a barrier to greatness, may be its wellspring - New research in fields as diverse as music, art, science and literature suggests that we’re wrong to think that great men and women achieve despite disease. Their illness in many cases is a path, rather than an obstacle, to genius. Einstein, Warhol, Newton, Cézanne, Goya, Michelangelo, Turner and Berlioz are among many whose achievements are now thought to have been influenced by disease. Conditions such as depression, autism, myopia, anxiety, chronic pain, gout, stroke and dementia heavily influenced their paths to creativity.

College District Held Responsible for Disability Discrimination of an Employee with Asperger’s Syndrome - "...The jury concluded that the employer subjected its employee with disability to disparate treatment, and that GCCCD failed to timely engage in an ADA interactive process in good faith even after US Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (DOE OCR) intervention and request to comply with the law. ...The jury saw here a competent, dedicated individual with Asperger's Syndrome whose needs and contributions were discounted by her employer.  And they held the employer responsible.  People with developmental disabilities take note, there is a place for you in the workplace.  Your skills and intelligence and effort can make a dramatic difference at work.  Do not give up!"

BEING WHO YOU ARE - Lots of kids aren't happy being who they are.  Particularly if they have neurobiological conditions that make them tend to act different from other kids. Conditions like Asperger Syndrome, Higher Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Semantic-Pragmatic Disorder and others. By Dan Coulter

Key Magazine would like to write a feature story about a high school senior who has Autism Spectrum Disorder who will be graduating from high school in 2006. About KEY - Each issue of KEY Magazine is distributed to more than one million high school students through their guidance counselors in the fall, winter and spring. The publication and this companion web site, www.keycolleges.com , provide students and parents with a resource for determining a college or career choice and applying for scholarships and financial aid. In addition, the magazine features humorous and entertaining articles about books, music, video games and products geared toward college students. KEY is published by PlattForm in Olathe, Kansas, a leader in marketing communications and direct-response advertising within the postsecondary education industry.  For more information please contact Kevin Kuzma, Public Relations/Publishing Manager. PlattForm at 500 N. Rogers Road, Olathe, KS 66062.  913-254-6087,  913-764-4043.  www.plattformad.com; www.careerexplorer.net;  www.search4careercolleges.com

Cheap Cinema Productions presents "Living the Autism Maze," a film by Anne Barbano and Jeff Farber, Saturday at 11:30 a.m., at the Savoy Theater, 26 Main St. in Montpelier. Admission is $5 (half benefits AAWARE); call 229-0509, or go online to www.savoytheater.com. The film is available, $24.95 for DVD, $19.95 for VHS, at www.livingtheautismmaze.com.

Club includes the excluded / At a monthly game night, kids with autism find fun and acceptance, and parents find support - Shouts and laughter punctuate the reverential air of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. - "I have an I-22!" an excited youngster shouts. "I have it, too!" yells another. As the bingo game gets into full swing, another mover and shaker hits the floor for a round of "Dance Dance Revolution," a video game in which players "dance" to music by stepping on large buttons that correspond to arrows on a screen. No, it's not Sunday School gone wild. It's a rainy Friday evening in Vancouver, and the game is on. - By Melinda Thompson

To Stretch Their Attention: UO professor's exercises show possibility of improving children's focus - Teachers may one day be able to train youngsters to pay better attention, and in a way they'll have space monkeys to thank for it.  But it was University of Oregon psychology professor Michael Posner who adapted exercises once used by NASA to train monkeys for space travel to show that young children can strengthen the attention centers of their brains. In recently published research with colleagues at Cornell University's medical school, he showed that attention improved after just a few training sessions. By Greg Bolt

INTERNATIONAL ASPERGER'S YEAR / Hans Asperger Centenary: 1906-2006  ...Read more.

Katrini - The Autism Community Responds with Love and Support

Dealing with Asperger Syndrome - Film reveals a journey of self-discovery.  After years of wondering why he was different, Nick Dubin's self-diagnosis last year that he had Asperger Syndrome brought relief.  ...Read more.

"UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE, MAKES THE DIFFERENCE" - For Adults with Asperger's Syndrome, partners, parents, siblings, families, therapists, educators, employers, service providers and other interested people and groups.  Roger N. Meyer of "...a different mind" and one of Oregon's finest, presents.  ...Read more.

Missing: Joseph Thomas, 20 - The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing man. Joseph Thomas, 20, was last seen leaving his residence in the Morningside Avenue and Guildwood Parkway area, on Tuesday, September 13, 2005, at approximately 1:45 p.m. He is described as: white, 5’4”, and 125 lbs., thin build, with short brown straight hair, brown eyes and clean-shaven. He was last seen wearing faded purple Raptors splash pants, dark coloured T-shirt and red running shoes. He was carrying a fanny-pack with a CD player. Joseph Thomas suffers from Autism and Down Syndrome. He has a good knowledge of the TTC and is known to frequent the system. The Toronto Police Service is concerned for his safety. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4200, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com

Hurricane Katrina - What the autism community did out of love!                     

ICE - Paramedics will turn to a victim's cell phone for clues to a person's identity.  You can make their job much easier with a simple idea that they are trying to get everyone to adopt.  ICE stands for In Case of Emergency.  You can add an entry in your contacts list in your cell phone under ICE, with the name and phone number of the person that the first time responders should call on your behalf and save them a lot of time while having your loved ones contacted quickly.  It only takes a moment of your time to do.  Paramedics and other first time responder's know what ICE means and they look for it immediately.  ICE your cell phone NOW!

Lifeline is a government program that offers qualified people a discount on their monthly local telephone bill. Each state has its own guidelines to qualify. In Oregon, Lifeline is known as Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP).  - You're eligible for Lifeline if you participate in any of the following programs:

Back to school with autism - Your Guide to Parenting Special Needs . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! August 24, 2005. Back to school with autism. "I love someone with autism." "Autism is part of our world." "Autism is ... read more.

New AS Group:  "After School. Now What?"

Tools for young adults (17-25 years) with Asperger's, high-functioning autism, or pervasive developmental disorders. Free Introductory Presentation: Thursday, September 15 at Tigard Chamber of Commerce,   12345 SW Main Street,  Tigard, Oregon.  Next series starting in September, 2005. $50 per 90-minute group. 12 weekly meetings. Skills notebook and other materials included. Information for insurance billing available. For more information or to schedule a free screening interview, contact: Peggy Piers, M.Ed. (503) 977-2411 or Karen Joy Campbell, LCSW (503) 998-7030

FAAAS, Inc. Presents Conference 2005.  "Asperger's Syndrome, Relationships, and Cassandra".  October 8-9, 2005.  Co-Sponsored by: Massachusetts Mental Health Center MMHC is a major teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.  Keynote Speaker: Professor Tony Attwood, Ph.D.  Guest Speakers: Isabelle Henault, Ph.D. & Maxine Aston, B.Sc. Faculty: Lawrence E. Lifson, M.D.  ...Read more.

The Male Condition ~ What big scientific debates have attracted a lot of attention over the past year. One concerns the causes of autism, while the other addresses differences in scientific aptitude between the sexes. At the risk of adding fuel to both fires, I submit that these two lines of inquiry have a great deal in common. By studying the differences between male and female brains, we can generate significant insights into the mystery of autism. By Simon Baron-Cohen

Autism One - A Worldwide, Web-Based Radio Station for the Care, Treatment, and Recovery of Children with Autism

New Musical explores complexity of Autism - Although the ages of the actors at Andy’s Summer Playhouse range from 8-18, don’t expect anything childish emerging from their summer stage. “Most of us who work here totally despise child theater,” said Bob Lawson, artistic diirector of Andy’s and writer of the upcoming musical, “Tabula Rasa.” “A lot of our work is very complex. Some of the kids may not get a lot of the meaning, but they are totally engaged.” “Tabula Rasa,” which opens today and runs through Aug. 21, is an original musical interweaving three convergent storylines: the first a creative retelling of the Wild Boy of Averyon, a true story of a boy in 19th-century France assumed to have been raised by wolves; the second about a 21st-century autistic girl named Emily who is confined in a medicated state; and the third an incorporation of the classic “Hansel and Gretel” tale originally told by the Brothers Grimm. By Tom Kressler

Research Project - The University of Texas at Austin - Project Title: Understanding the decision making process that parents use in selecting treatments for their children with Autism or Down Syndrome IRB# 2002-10-0098  ...Read more.

For families living with autism, Asperger's - "Helping Your Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder" (New Harbinger; $17.95), by Drs. Stephanie B. Lockshin, Jennifer M. Gillis and Raymond G. Romanczyk, provides coping strategies for families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a group of neurobiological disorders that includes autism and Asperger's syndrome. Using a family-centered approach, the book shows parents how to balance the needs of the ASD child with those of the entire family. Chapters focus on managing stress, enhancing family communication and teaching the ASD child helpful skills - such as respecting physical and personal boundaries and staying with an adult in public places - that have a positive impact on family life. The book includes a resource guide and a list of warning signs for parents to consult if they need professional help.  ~ Sherry Joe Crosby

AutismLink now has a free, comprehensive national Web site, www.autism.com, providing free information and support for parents, people with autism spectrum disorder and others.

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Williams-area teen subject of forest search - An air and ground search is being conducted in the forest near Williams for a missing teenager.  The Coconino County sheriff's office says they're looking for 17-year-old Derek Overhage. It says the teen suffers from Aspergers syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism.  Derek reportedly walked away from his home in the Woods subdivision three miles east of Williams just before 5 p-m yesterday. The sheriff's office says he may be heading to the Phoenix area, where he has family members.  By the AP

"...of a different mind" is a combined business web site and a personal web site of Roger N. Meyer.   Within this web site, he offer's you views of his writing, his work and himself.  Roger  is a published author, a special education advocate, a paid social security representative, and individual disability and civil rights advocate.  He is co-founder of Oregon Parents United (1998), and co-founder of ASPIRES (2000). Roger lives in Portland, Oregon - U.S.A.

Deadly immunity - When a study revealed that mercury in childhood vaccines may have caused autism in thousands of kids, the government rushed to conceal the data -- and to prevent parents from suing drug companies for their role in the epidemic. By Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  - A Salon/Rolling Stone joint investigation

DEPRESSION IN THE BRAIN (Broadcast starting week of June 1, 2005) Host Dr. Peter Kramer examines new research on the biology of depression including new findings showing depression is not only a disease that affects the balance of chemicals in the brain, but the anatomy of the brain, as well. This is the latest scientific evidence confirming that clinical depression is a physical, medical illness which causes changes in the brain. Guests include: Dr. Robert Sapolsky, professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and the author of both popular and academic books related to stress and its effects; Virginia Heffernan, the television critic for the online magazine Slate and a contributor to the anthology "Unholy Ghost: Writers on Depression"; Dr. Yvette Sheline, associate professor of psychiatry and radiology at Washington University in St. Louis; Dr. Ronald Duman, a neuroscientist and professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at Yale University; and singer-songwriter Dar Williams, who performs and discusses her song "After All."

Senate Bill 2715 will be introduced to the legislators on June 15, 2005 in the common wealth of Massachusetts, home to Families of Adult Afflicted with AS (www.faaas.or)  This is the first bill of it's kind to be introduced on behalf of adults with AS and their families in the USA.

All are welcome to come and testify.  The clerk said 'letters of support' for this Bill will be accepted from around the world...to show the legislators that there is a desperate NEED for services for the many AS ADULTS in various areas of their lives and at different times in their lives....and that the families who support them also need support and services and assistance.  I have sent for the protocol and upon receipt will pass it on to any who are interested.

This is only a start.  Maybe if this bill gains support or passes, other states will look at similar legislation?

This is the AS communities chance from around the world to submit testimony in favor of or against this bill or for services you feel your loved ones with AS need or for adults "with" AS to share what you feel you need in terms of support.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts / House Bill # 2715 May 25, 2005 / IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND FIVE / An Act  RELATIVE TO ASPERGER'S SYNDROME.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Instructing the Department of Public Health to develop a public education program about Asperger's Syndrome in Adults.  The Department will interact with Families of Adults Afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome (FAAAS), Incorporated and other groups to:

New Vaccine site launches.  Generation Rescue / Empowering parents with the truth to help their children heal.  We want you, the parent, to know about recent information that has emerged regarding the cause, controversy, and cure of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders such as Asperger's, PDD-NOS, ADD/ADHD, sensory integration disorder, speech delays, and other learning and behavior issues. While we often refer to autism alone, we believe that all of these neurodevelopmental disorders fall along the same spectrum and that they are all different degrees and manifestations of mercury poisoning.  Autism is preventable and reversible / ( sometimes when something seems too good to be true it helps to see it again )    [flyer]

Autism Is A World will air on CNN on Saturday, May 21 at 1 p.m. and midnight and on Sunday, May 22 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

ASPERGER'S SYNDROME: A SPECIAL REPORT (Part Two of Two) - In one of our most important programs to date, this second of a two-part special report on Asperger’s Syndrome offers a groundbreaking and extraordinary look at Asperger's in children and young adults. Click here to listen to "Asperger's Syndrome (Part 2)   

Parent, Pregnancy, and Birth Factors Found Possible Associations with the Risk of Autism - Pregnancy factors, parental psychiatric history, and preterm delivery may be associated with the risk of autism, according to a recent study supported in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The study, "Risk Factors for Autism: Perinatal Factors, Parental Psychiatric History, and Socioeconomic Status," appears in the most recent issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.  ...Read more.

F. Edward Yazbak, MD, FAAP Appeals to the Autism community and request's the IOM to: withdraw the report of the Immunization Safety Review Committee Meeting  of February 9, 2004; form a new committee under a new chairman all of whom should be impartial experts independent of influence of Government and pharmaceutical companies and reconvene a meeting on vaccines and autism as soon as possible and ensure that all independent research is considered.  ...Read his appeal and Letter.

P.E.R.KS.  May/June 2005 Last Newsletter    In the immortal words of Sandy Alfonso who gave countless hours to PERKS and has been a tireless advocate for disabled kids in Central Oregon and neighboring districts, ...“If only” becomes a huge block to our happiness. “If only we had more money”… “If only we had better tools… staff… administrators… equipment…”, then life would be better. I’ve heard it said that there is no such thing as “money problems”. It’s only an “idea” problem. If you get into the “if only” trap, you will feel victimized and helpless. “If only” implies that the situation is out of your control and there’s nothing you can do about it. Such self-deceit is damaging. We always have choices and will improve our lot in life if we take responsibility for the choices we make, and let go of those things that are outside of our control. Empower yourself by changing “if only” to “Here’s what I can do…” Then put your energy into things that are possible instead of depleting your energy on something that’s not changeable. 

President Bush: GET THE MERCUCRY OUT OF VACCINES. April 28, 2005 is National Call President Bush Day.  President Bush's comment line 202-456-1111 / Switch board 202-456-1414. Please join us on April 28, 2005 for a national call President Bush Day and tell him to "GET THE MERCURY OUT OF VACCINES." Also, ask him to identify assistance for our children who have been injured. We need our insurance companies to pay for our tests, doctor visits and chelation to help our children get well. Please make our message heard loud and clear and we can only do that if we all come together. Please forward to everyone you know to help with this issue. Family and friends can also call.  An Open Letter from Unlocking Autism and how YOU can help!

"Two states passed bans of mercury in vaccines in 2004:  California and Iowa.  Seven additional states had ongoing mercury ban legislation in 2004: Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.  Four other states are pursuing legislation into 2005: Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Ohio. As 2005 starts, Mercury Ban representatives in the following 23 states are actively pursuing legislation to ban mercury in vaccines: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming." 

Autism Today - Weekly Newsletter, April 26th 2005, Issue 17, Vol 03:

Helping Hand Program - The goal of the Helping Hand Program is to provide families with financial assistance in getting necessary biomedical treatments, supplements and therapy services for their autistic child, as well as basic living expenses for families under extreme financial stress.  Do not apply if you are seeking funds for respite care, fencing, trampolines, swing sets, trips to Disney World, etc.  This program is intended ONLY for those in DIRE financial need.   Priority is always given to single parents.  Applications must be postmarked by May 6, 2005 and will be kept eligible through the end of the year.  ...Read more.

Analysis of Co-Chair Budget Plans:  Better, But More Left to Do - On April 4, the House and Senate co-chairs of the Joint Ways and Means Committee each released a spending plan, with the biggest area of disagreement being how much to spend on schools.  While there is good news in the budget proposals for kids and families (both plans restore some of the Governor’s proposed cuts), both plans continue to recommend new reductions and fail to address the $64 million in General Fund dollars lost from children and family programs from 2001-03 through 2003-05.  Additionally, the Senate Co-Chair’s proposal includes a $28.3 million cut to prevention and intervention programs administered by the State Commission on Children and Families. To view Children First’s analysis of the Co-Chair budget plans, go to www.childrenfirstfororegon.org.

Budget Committee to Hold Hearings Across the State - The Joint Ways and Means Committee of the Oregon Legislature is holding hearings across the state. The goal of the field hearings is to make it easier for Oregonians to comment on the state budget proposals. Join the conversation!

Sample Message:

2005 Legislative Agenda by Children First

Representing Autism:  Writing, Cognition, Disability. A conference hosted by the SCE (Society for Critical Exchange) Disability Studies has largely overlooked the culture and discourses of cognitive disabilities. Nonetheless, one cognitive disorder has begun to receive a great deal of attention both in the academy and in the popular media.  ...Read more.
 

Honorable Theodore K. Kulongoski Declares April 27th Autism Awareness Day and April Autism Awareness Month encouraging ALL Oregonians to join in this observance.  ...Read the proclamation.

C.D.R.C. at Risk of Budget Cuts - Legislators are in the process of determining the 2006-2007 budget for Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Within OHSU is the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC). The Governor has proposed taking $4.5 million from the CDRC budget. The Joint Ways and Means Education Subcommittee will be holding a public hearing on April 19, at 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the capitol building. We are encouraging as many families to attend as possible and testify about the impact of CDRC in their lives. ...Read more.

Fairview Housing Trust Fund for Adults with Developmental Disabilities is in Danger - Legislators are in the process of prioritizing programs within the Department of Human Services. They have put the Fairview Housing Trust at the bottom of the priority list and the Trust is at risk for being eliminated.

Documentary Dispels the Myths of Asperger's Syndrome, a form of Autism - Asperger is is one of the least known Pervasive Developmental Disorders on the Autism spectrum.  Many parents of children with Asperger symptoms are in denial that their child may have a disability.  This documentary dispels the myths, half truths and mystique of Asperger's, as seen through the eyes of a family with a child who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.  "RYLEE'S GIFT-ASPERGER'S SYNDROME," is based on real life experiences.