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Bend Redmond Asperger Syndrome Support.  Home to the "new" planet syndrome.

 

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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.

Video Game System Donation Drive for Hurricane Victims with Autism - Did your child get a new XBox, PSP, Gameboy or other video gaming system for Christmas? What will you do with the old one? We have a solution for you that will keep your closets uncluttered, and you can help a child in need!

 

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

 


ABA4Autism.com and the Psychology department at the University of Tennessee at Martin are conducting a second survey on the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This survey is for mothers of children with ASD as well as mothers of normally developing children who are ten years of age or younger.  Mothers who participate in the survey will receive a free ABA program to teach their children to follow directions as well as free ABA mini programs for common problems like sharing. To take the surveys please go to http://www.aba4autism.com

AutismCares is a coalition of National Autism Organizations who have come together to help families dealing with autism who are victims of Hurricane Katrina.   ...Read more.

Local Teen With Aspergers Missing In Europe - An 18-year-old student from Northeaster University, who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, is said to be missing in Europe. William Lamar purchased a plane ticket, unbeknownst to his parents, and did not return on his American Airlines flight, which was ticketed to return on Friday, November 4th from London's Heathrow Airport. Lamar, who was last seen on October 27th, has a history of being naïve and vulnerable - a history that can, and has, put him in physical and financial danger. Lamar is described as having light hair, 6 ft - 6'1", 180-190 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair. Anyone with information on Lamar's whereabouts are asked to call Northeastern University at 617.373.2121.

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.

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Local filmmakers explore problems of autism treatment - Autism is a big problem – and apparently there is no consensus on what to do about it. Nicholas Barbano-Gage was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 9. His loving parents looked for guidance about what to do – but found very few, if any, answers. This is apparently a problem common to parents of autistic children. But Nicholas' mother did something. A Burlington filmmaker, Anne Barbano, created a film with Middlesex filmmaker Jeff Farber chronicling the family's experience as well as that of five others, plus commentary by various Vermont experts. "Living the Autism Maze," which premiered in Burlington earlier this year, will be screened Saturday at 11:30 a.m., at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier.

 

 

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:

bulletFood Stamps
bulletSupplemental Security Income (SSI)
bulletMedicaid
bulletOregon Health Plan
bulletTotal Income (total household gross income does not exceed 133% of the Federally
bulletestablished poverty levels set forth for the number of persons in applicant's household.)
 

To apply for Lifeline call the Oregon Public Utilities Commission (PUC) at 1-800-848-4442, or in Salem at 373-7171 to be certified for eligibility. Your Lifeline benefits will take effect when proof of eligibility is received.

 

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?"

 

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How do I manage money?

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How do I handle friendships?

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College?  Job?  Work?  School?

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How do I live on my own?

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Keeping myself safe?


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

 

 

Lane County Dept. of Environmental Health is offering free blood lead screening to children ages 6 mos through 5 years who are at risk of lead poisoning. While tests can  also be done by family doctors, these are free screens
 
Who: Children of crawling age up to 6 years old
What: Free blood lead screening
When: Mon and Tues, Aug 15 & 16, 8 am to 5pm
Where: Monday at the Lane County Mental Health, 2411 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Eugene;  Tuesday at Willamalane Park Swim Center, 1276 G. St, Springfield.  Details: Parents should bring the mailing address of their child's doctor so test results can be forwarded.  More info: www.cdc.gov/lead

 

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

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Sunday, August 14th:
8:00 pm – 8:30 ET  Patricia S. Lemer, MEd, NCC, MS Bus: After the Diagnosis, Then What?
9:00pm– 9:30 ET Michael Lang, MFA: Pathways of Recovery

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Monday, August 15th:
11:00 am – 11:30 ET Laura Cellini : Parent Activist

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Tuesday, August 16th:
10:30 am - 11:30 ET  Teri Small: Autism: Help, Hope, and Healing. Teri’s guest of July 26th, Dr. Woody McGinnis will return with a more detailed look at the topic:  “Nutritional Interventions for Oxidative Stress.”  Advanced questions to tsmall@autismone.org.  Dr. McGinnis’s July 26th interview is archived for Part I of this topic.
12:00 pm – 1:00 ET  Betsy Hicks: Path to Wellness
Betsy and Marty Hecklinger from Sage Systems will discuss food intolerances

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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Get ready to set your VCRs or Video Recorders again....  Tuesday, June 21st channel 12 KPTV  10:00 am / The Montel Williams Show  Guest discuss the possible link between Mercury and Autism.

Introducing "The Bend Learning Center" For Children and Adults with Learning Differences.  Specializing in Dyslexia and Non-Verbal Learning Disorders.  Join director Sanford Shapiro in an informational meeting about Bend’s new Summer School for dyslexic children.

When: Friday, June 17, 2005 from 3-6 pm
Where: Mount Bachelor Village Resort- 19717 Mt. Bachelor Dr., Bend, OR

...Read more.

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

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ABC Bosses Tell ABC News Kill The Interviews With Robert Kennedy Jr. …

 

 

 

Save the date!  June 7, 2005  CALL IN DAY FOR President Bush, Laura Bush and Congress after 12 noon - Eastern Time. - Unlocking Autism and the National Vaccine Information Center are asking for your support from your home and work on June 7th for a call in/fax in day to Washington, DC.  The last call/fax in on April 28th, started by Lynn Notgrass, was so successful, that the White House was in contact with us by 8:45am central time to ask us to have people stop calling.  We told them that we had talked to parents for years and that they could talk to them for that day. ...Read more.

 

Amber Alert - Unicel is getting ready to release a Nation wide promo on Amber alerts.  They are offering FREE Amber alerts for any subscriber with text messaging. This  is is a FREE service.  Anyone who has a cell phone with text messaging will get this service FREE as a contribution to Amber Alerts and Unicel's commitment to the cause.  Anyone interested can go to https://www.wirelessamberalerts.org/index.jsp  Other wireless carriers are also offering this.  BRASS salutes "all" carriers.  "YOU" can make a difference."  Please join Amber Alert.  You never know when you can save a life.

 

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."

Read more about and listen to "Depression in the Brain" on The Infinite Mind.

New!!! Purchase an MP3 instant download of "Depression in the Brain" to listen to on your IPod or computer!

Tell your story! Discuss "Depression in the Brain" on The Infinite Mind chatboard

 

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:

 

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Serve as a resource to disseminate information

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Develop training programs for professionals

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Identify progress by creating registries and  surveillance
programs

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Monitor and research adults afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome

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Assist families and caregivers

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Seek resources from the federal government for related
disabilities.
   

Letter's should be dated and submitted before June 15, 2005.

 

Contact:

 

Sen. Susan Fargo

Rep. Peter Koutoujian

Joint Committee on Public Health

Room 130, State House

Boston, MA 02133

 

Dear Madam Chairwoman, Mr. Chairman, and Members:

 

I write today in support of House 2715, An Act  Relative to Asperger's Syndrome.........

 

http://www.mass.gov

 

 

 

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]

 

 

Musical by Neil Simon Celebrates Temple Grandin - "Temple",  music by Norman Durkee, book and Lyrics by Silvia Peto (March 2- April 1, 2006).  Based on the real life of a girl who did not speak until she was three but grew up — despite her autism — to achieve success, a doctorate and more, "this world premiere musical celebrates the determined ingenuity of a miraculous spirit through the true story of Temple Grandin." By Ernio Hernandez

 

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.

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Review - CNN presents flawed look at autism - "...The documentary Autism Is A World will air this week on CNN, but, unfortunately, it's a misleading look at the issue. This film, directed by Geraldine Wurzberg, focuses on one individual, 26-year-old Californian Sue Rubin. While Rubin is a fascinating person, the problem here is that the director presents her as a kind of oracle of autism - a role she seems to accept. Worse, there is no attempt to put her story in the larger context of the autistic spectrum. A viewer with no previous understanding of autism (a complex developmental condition which impairs the ability to communicate and interact socially) might come away with the impression that Rubin is a typical autistic person. While there is nothing wrong with a documentary that focuses on an anomalous case like hers, it's a damaging omission that the filmmaker does not make this point clearly. The director also leaves some of the most obvious and pressing questions about Rubin's case unanswered."  By Hannah Brown

 

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)   

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ASPERGER'S SYNDROME: A SPECIAL REPORT (Part One of Two) - "“Let’s not use the word ‘cure’ if you don’t mind… When you talk about cure you imply that we’re broken. I don’t feel broken.” So says Liane Holliday Willey, a woman who not so long ago would have been described as a “victim” of Asperger’s Syndrome. It’s been more than 60 years since the Austrian doctor Hans Asperger identified the condition that bears his name, but it has only been in the past decade or so that we have begun to understand its broader implications. Asperger’s Syndrome may be a part of the autistic spectrum, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that an “Aspie” can’t function in the world." Click here to listen to "Asperger's Syndrome" on The Infinite Mind. 

 

 

IDEA Regulations on Fast Track, Expected in June - Troy Justesen, Acting Director of the Office of Special Education Programs, was recently  interviewed by Rachel Kosoy of the Disability Law Resource Project. During this interview, Dr. Justesen said he expects the proposed regulations for Part B of IDEA to be published during the first or second week of June. By Wrights law

 

 

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