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B.R.A.S.S. Bend Redmond Asperger Syndrome Support. Home to the "new" planet syndrome. |
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Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (H.R. 4278) passes - The full U.S. House of Representatives passed the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (H.R. 4278) on Friday night, sending it to President Bush for his signature. If you'll recall, the Senate passed this legislation on September 30th. ...Read more. A summary of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004
A Message from Doug Bartel from the Dan Marino Foundation - My name is Doug Bartel and I work for the Dan Marino Foundation, based in Florida. The Foundation was started by the NFL legend and his wife, around the time of their son's autism diagnosis. We support programs and services to help children with all kinds of developmental disabilities, and run a free-standing outpatient pediatric neurological hospital. And, a few months ago, we launched a brand new, first-of-its-kind internet TV channel, called www.Childnett.tv, which is getting an incredible response!! ...Read more.
FSU Center
for Autism and Related Disabilities starts hurricane assistance effort -
The
Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
serves children and adults with autism and related disabilities in 18
counties in the panhandle area of Florida. Autism is a lifelong
neurological disability that affects a person's ability to
PLEA TO PEOPLE MAGAZINE: Revisit Autism and Report the Whole Truth
Petition regarding their article in its September 27, 2004 issue
entitled "Desperate Measures".
The article contains inaccuracies and is misleading. This petition seeks
to educate the editors and reporters, asking them to revisit the issue
after learning the truth about vaccines and the cause of the autism
epidemic.
Unlocking
Autism is taking a poll:
Do you believe Thimerosol contributed to your child's autism?
Thank
you so much to everyone who participated in last week's poll.
Over 1,887 people participated and cast votes in the following
manner:
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Desperate Measures - Vaccine - Autism Link in People Magazine |
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Mothers' Anxiety Levels Linked To Autism And Dyslexia Babies At Risk From Stress In Pregnancy |
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SDSU National ASD Parents & Family Survey: How Effective?
- The following survey was designed to investigate treatment efficacy of various modalities used in the United States when working with children who have Autism.
Asperger's Confounds Colleges - A surge of students diagnosed with an autism-related disorder poses new challenges By Elizabeth F. Farrell
KUDOS: Thank you for the article on Moe Norman, the autistic savant golfer from Canada ("Golf's purest striker rarely missed a fairway," Sept. 29). It's rare to see autistics treated with respect, especially in the media, which is dominated by messages of how pathetic we are. I'm a woman with an autism spectrum diagnosis. I have an adult child also on the spectrum. We need more stories like this to bring balance. As my bumper sticker says, "Autism - It's not like you think."
Camille Clark
Davis, Calif. [USA] - Sports Section / USA Today - 10/05/2004
Parents, you did it! CSPAN will cover the flu vaccines and thimerosal hearing tomorrow. It will be taped and played Tuesday evening. CSPAN producers will call Dr. Weldon's office tomorrow to tell them what time the hearing will be played and which c-span station will broadcast it. When we find out, we will be sure to send you an e mail to let you know how to tune in. The NAA Team
PERKS publishes a monthly newsletter for families with children in Special Education in Central Oregon.
San Diego resident Chantal Sicile-Kira has written "Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and other ASDs" (Perigee, $15.95), which won the 2003 San Diego Book Award for "Best in Health" for its British edition. The author attempts to demystify autism and provide an easy-to-read, comprehensive guide with practical tips and personal anecdotes, as well as experts' advice and a resource section.
Today is
October 1st and the Holiday Shopping Season is ON! With all the
teachers, therapists, home helpers, teacher's aides and more in you and your
child's life...gift giving at holiday time can be daunting.
WE HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOU.
For a limited
time, Unlocking Autism Holiday Ornaments are available for only $7.00 each.
They are perfect for all the special people that work with kids with autism and
will remind
them of your child for year's to come.
Other Unlocking Autism gear items are on sale as well. Visit us at
www.unlockingautism.org.
ASA Launches One-Of-A-Kind, Online Directory of Autism Services - "AutismSource" Offers Users Free Access To Valuable Resources In Their Communities
Their Own Home / Brothers would benefit from shared home - Although they live in separate foster homes, it is hoped that these energetic and enthusiastic brothers can find a permanent home together. They need a family that provides individual attention, consistency and structure and keeps them focused on education. Cody is a rough-and-tumble 5-year-old who loves the outdoors and enjoys playing with trucks and magnets. He likes attention and hugs from adults, is on target academically and has done well in Head Start.
Tyler is sweet, charming and curious. He's fascinated by how things work, loves trains and likes to build things. He exhibits some characteristics of Asperger's syndrome (a form of autism) but attaches well with his foster parents and teachers and is up to grade level in his day-treatment program. Tyler is 6 1/2.
These boys will need some time to transition into their new home. If they are not the only children in the family, they should be the youngest. -- Ralph Wells
Cody and Tyler are among the approximately 300 Oregon children available for adoption through the state. Prospective parents should be aware that these children may have physical, emotional or intellectual challenges due to abuse and/or neglect. For more information on the availability of these children and how to obtain a home study, or to learn more about becoming an adoptive or foster parent, please contact the Special Needs Adoption Coalition at The Boys and Girls Aid Society, 503-542-2392; or the Department of Human Services, 800-331-0503.
HAS THE INTERNET CHANGED YOUR LIFE, OR ARE YOU JUST NOT
INTERESTED?
I am a PhD student at the University of Nottingham and am keen to hear
from adults (16 years old and over) with a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome or
high functioning autism, who would like to take part in a project
investigating how and why they are using the
Internet. I am particularly interested in how it is, or is not, being used
as a means of communication.
...Read more.
Exceptional Parent has exceptional news. There is the real possibility that physician volunteers for clinical research, or Doctornauts, can rapidly speed up the discovery of breakthrough medical discoveries to treat disabilities, chronic diseases and other illnesses both for adults and our children. ...Read more.
AB 2943 (mercury in vaccines) was signed
today by the Governor!!! [a press release will be available shortly] -
Statement by Rick Rollins of the M.I.N.D. Institute - On behalf of
California's children and the parents of those children who have suffered
the effects of vaccine induced autism, I congratulate and honor the
courageous and compassionate decision today by Governor Swartzenegger to
sign this landmark legislation. With his action today, the Governor has sent
a strong message that vaccines that contain mercury have no place in the
veins of California's pregnant women and young children.
Once again this Governor has demonstrated the uncompromising ability to
listen to common sense and logic while at the same time rejecting special
interest pressures when deciding the fate of an important public policy
issue. Young California children and pregnant women will now be spared the
unnecessary exposure to one of the many potent neurotoxins and poisons that
are found in our vaccines.
The entire California autism community is eternally grateful for the
Governor's historic and precedent setting action, and especially those of us
who live daily with children who
suffer from the effects of vaccine induced autism. We in California can only
hope that all other states as well as the federal government follows
California's lead on this important public health issue.
With your help, the Vaccine Data Petition can reach 10,000 signatures by this weekend! Please take a few moments to sign the online petition. Thanks everyone.
The NAA Team
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/896046564
The national on-line “Show Us the Vaccine Data Petition” was announced by the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) at an August 23, 2004, meeting of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), National Academies of Sciences in Washington, D.C. At that meeting, parents of vaccine-injured autistic children protested that the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) was being used by federal health officials to cover-up vaccine risks associated with mercury preservatives in vaccines. That day, the National Vaccine Information Center, as well as SAFEMINDS, National Autism Association, Moms Against Mercury, CoMed, NoMercury.org and Unlocking Autism, all called for full public disclosure of all government-held vaccine risk data in the VSD.
The federally operated VSD electronic database has collected information on vaccination and children’s health in cooperation with large Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO’s) for more than a decade. The CDC has conducted its own analysis of the data and published articles, most of which have denied a causal link between vaccines and chronic brain and immune system dysfunction. During the past two years, independent researchers were repeatedly denied access by CDC officials to the publicly funded VSD for the purpose of replicating and validating the CDC’s analysis of the data.
The hallmark of good science is replication and the hallmark of good government is transparency. Signing the “Show Us the Vaccine Data” petition will add your voice to the tens of thousands of other citizen voices who know how important it is for government-held vaccine risk information to be open to independent analysis.
For more information on the VSD and vaccine risks, click the link to read a presentation made by NVIC President, Barbara Loe Fisher, at the August 23 IOM Meeting. http://www.NVIC.org/Loe_Fisher/blf0804vsd.htm
To read and sign the petition click here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/896046564
Pass this on to all your lists. Our goal is 100,000 signatures!!
Kathi Williams
National Vaccine Information Center
421 Church St., Suite E
Vienna, Va 22180
703-938-DPT3
www.NVIC.org
New UO program trains autism specialists - The University of Oregon this week will launch the state's first teacher training program dedicated solely to preparing specialists in autism, a perplexing neurological disorder affecting an increasing number of children. Project PASS (Preparing Autism Specialists for Schools) aims to boost the ranks both locally and statewide of educators trained to identify and work effectively with children with autism, said Dr. Cindy Herr, assistant professor and research associate in the College of Education's secondary special education department by Anne Williams
60 MINUTES TO AIR PIECE ON JERRY NEWPORT AND MARY MEINEL ON SEPT. 29TH.
Eight years ago, "60 Minutes" introduced viewers to Jerry Newport and Mary Meinel, both of whom have a form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome. Mary and Jerry had fallen in love and married after meeting at a support group. What's happened to the couple since then is the subject of "When Jerry Met Mary," reported by correspondent Lesley Stahl, which can be seen on 60 Minutes this coming Wednesday, September 29, 2004 at 8PM EST.
"ASPERGER SYNDROME: A WORLD APART" What is it like for parents who can't connect with their child? On Friday, October 1st, 2004. The Jane Pauley Show, we go inside the minds of children with Asperger Syndrome - a neurobiological disorder affecting as many as 1 in 300 children - in hopes of helping parents recognize the symptoms, and find solutions that can help their children lead full, productive lives."
Release of Educational Records for the Purpose of Medicaid Reimbursement - by the Oregon Department of Education - 9/24/2004
FBI joins probe into education district finances - The FBI has joined the investigation over alleged fraud at the Union-Baker Education Service District in Eastern Oregon. Department of Education officials will meet today in Salem with an FBI investigator, State Police detectives and the Department of Justice to evaluate the allegations and decide whether to pursue criminal charges, a state education official told legislators Wednesday. 9/2004
No Autsitics Allowed - One Year Later / Autism Society Canada Builds a Ghetto by Michelle Dawson 9/2004
Autism Society of Oregon has made some changes in their administration. Steve Edelson has stepped down as President of ASO and Genevieve Athens will be assuming this title. Steve will remain on the Board of ASO. Steve has been a tremendous asset in this capacity for ASO for many years and he will be featured in the next newsletter due out at the end of this month. If you get a chance, please thank Steve for his dedication to ASO.
Congratulations to Kathy Harris, former Oregon Parents United web master and past President of FEAT of Oregon for being named to the Board of Director's. The ASO has fulfilled all eight regions in Oregon with regional contact's and thanks all chapter members and parents for your support.
Announcing
a pre-publication sale of Eustacia Cutler's new book about raising her daughter,
Temple Grandin. Eustacia Cutler has written the story of raising the non-verbal,
often-violent child that Temple Grandin was 50 years ago. A Thorn in My
Pocket captures the years it took to nurture her through tantrums, to
protect her from the 50's label of "infant schizophrenia" brought on by what was
then-believed "frigid mothering," and to keep her from being warehoused in an
institution for the retarded.
Had Eustacia not won her visceral and intellectual battle with the social and
medical community as it was then, Temple Grandin would not be today a Ph.D., an
Associate Professor, and, inarguably, the most famous autistic person in the
world. The world would have been robbed of a beacon of hope to all afflicted
with the disorder.
A Thorn in My Pocket enthralls the reader with the author's death-lock
struggle with her own identity, with the protean mysteries of Temple's autism,
and with her husband's
belief that his daughter should be institutionalized.
A story of angst and guilt, myth and reality, family and society, Eustacia
weaves a
literary masterpiece as broad as all humanity.
Pre-publication
Special!!
Call
1-800-489-0727 -or- 1-817-277-0727
to receive this
new publication for only $19.95! (normally, $24.95) with free shipping anywhere
in the U.S.!
Software firm unveils game to help youngsters do math - "Commander Benchmark and the Super Learners" is the latest project of fast-growing Lunar Logic LLC, a Eugene-based software company owned by Arden and her husband, Mark Lipson. ...Read more.
Wyeth Comments on FDA Joint Advisory Committee Antidepressant Safety
Recommendation for Pediatric Population / Wyeth Commits to Work With FDA to Develop Appropriate Warnings for Pediatric Use - Press Release
THE ALLIANCE FOR TECHNOLOGY ACCESS AND FREEDOM MACHINES - The ATA is proud to co-present Freedom Machines, which was shot in nine locations around the US – including several ATA centers – with an award winning crew and Oscar nominated producer. Learn how you can become involved with ATA and Freedom Machines
National broadcast premiere on P.O.V., the acclaimed PBS documentary showcase, Tuesday, September 14 at 10 PM. (Check local listings.) Learn more at www.pbs.org/pov or www.freedommachines.com.
Clinical Trial Registration: A Statement from the
International Committee of
Medical Journal Editors - "Congratulations to the editors of the medical journals which
signed this statement calling on drug companies to release all research data on
clincial trials of new pharmaceuticals,
including negative as well as positive results."
...Read their
statement.
New Autism Website has its Own Autism Encyclopedia - The new website www.ChatAutism.com has an amazing resource for information. For those of you who don't know what a wiki is, its an online encyclopedia. The one on the new autism site called www.ChatAutism.com is a brand new initiative. It is all about autism and asperger's syndrome and is written by people who have autism themselves, it gives a real-life perspective to the facts of autistic spectrum disorders. The site itself will offer support to parents of children with autism and Asperger's, and also has a chatroom to discuss any issues that are related. There has been a large increase in the amount of diagnoses of autism within recent years, prompting concern by parents, and a real need for up-to-date information on
education, medication issues, and therapies. At www.ChatAutism.com parents can communicate and ask questions on the forum, or receive advice directly in the onsite chatroom. http://www.chatautism.com - Press Release (PRWEB)
Genetics key to Autism- (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- There has been a great deal of speculation about what causes autism in a child. Some reports suggest vaccines could play a role, but new research disputes this claim. Now a new report points to genetic factors as the main cause. One of the reasons investigators believe autism has a genetic basis is because twin studies have found that identical twins, who have the same DNA, are much more likely to share a diagnosis of autism than fraternal twins. However, the exact genes have not been identified, and many experts feel multiple genes may be involved. Research led by Baylor College of Medicine in Houston proposed that a complex model for genetic malfunction could explain autism. They feel some of these genetic factors are inherited and some happen in the genes of the autistic person. For their current study, researchers put together a five-part hypothesis of the cause of autism.
Study authors feel one genetic cause of autism has to do with gene expression.
They say two or more principal genes could play a role. In their own research,
they found
inheritance of extra material from chromosome 15 causes autism in a small number
of cases. They say this chromosome and the gene for Angelman syndrome, which is
found in this region, play greater roles than is currently appreciated. They
feel their study presents some fresh ideas about the cause of autism that can be
tested in a number of ways in future research studies.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail
every day of the week. To subscribe, go to:
http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: American Journal of Medical Genetics, 20004;9999:1-10
9/14 NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY-FOR MONEY
FOLLOWS THE PERSON/ FAMILY
OPPORTUNITY ACT -
Council of Parent Advocates and Attorney's (COPAA) is soliciting proposals for presentations at its Seventh Conference to be held on March 10-13, 2005, in Atlanta, Georgia. Approximately 250-300 registrants are expected at the conference. Attendees will include parents, non-attorney advocates and attorneys. Registrants' level of knowledge of the law relating to the education of children with disabilities will vary widely, from novice through intermediate to advanced. Accordingly, proposals should bedeveloped, and will be clearly identified in the program, for one of those specific levels of knowledge. Proposals must be received on or before September 15, 2004, to be eligible for consideration. Click on the link below for proposal requirements.
http://www.copaa.net/Shared%20Documents/COPAACallforPapers2005Conf.pdf
PEOPLE Magazine is looking for a family who has a child affected by thimerosal in vaccines, that has a younger child who they then did not vaccinate. Call People Magazine's reporter, Diane Herbst, at 973-783-3466 or cell 973-698-7787. Herbst writes, "We are looking to do a story on autism and the link with vaccinations,
particularly in light of the recent Columbia University data." Joanne Fowler is the editor at People who is interested in this. Please forward this post to other families that might know a family that meets these requirements.
FEAT of Oregon presents a unique Halloween experience for the entire family! - It's an afternoon of pirate fun! Families can see the Pirates of the Caribbean, Curse of the Black Pearl Movie Interactive on Saturday, October 23,2004 at the Hollywood Theatre in Portland, Oregon followed by a swashbuckling good time and famous pirate food at Molly's Restaurant. Bring your children, have fun and help raise money for Autism. Proceeds to benefit FEAT of Oregon. ...Read more.
Mental-health screening of children - "The American tradition of parents deciding what is best for their children is, yet again, under attack. The pharmaceutical industry has convinced President Bush to support mandatory mental-health screening for every child in America, including preschool children, and the industry is now working to convince Congress as well. But mandatory screening alone is not what the pharmaceutical industry wants. The real payoff for the drug companies is the forced drugging of children that will result – as we learned tragically with Ritalin – even when parents refuse." - Action Alert
NIH proposes FREE access for public research data - "The National Institutes of Health has proposed a major policy change that would require all scientists who receive funding from the agency to make the results of their research available to the public for free," ...Read more.
CHAIRMAN BURTON TO EXAMINE NEW SCIENCE CONNECTING MERCURY AND AUTISM - Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN), Chairman of the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Human Rights & Wellness, will convene a hearing to examine the latest scientific research out of leading universities such as Columbia, Johns Hopkins, Northeastern, and Carnegie Mellon, regarding the harmful effects of mercury in the human body. The Subcommittee will also discuss the need for additional research to determine the biological basis for autism, as well as how specifically the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are reviewing the occurrences of this health epidemic.The Subcommittee's oversight hearing, entitled, "Truth Revealed: New Scientific Discoveries Regarding Mercury in Medicine and Autism," will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2004, in Room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office Building at 10:00 a.m.
"Managing Feelings for Those With ASD"
by Dr. Tony Attwood is NOW available until
September 15th! Purchase today at a limited - time amazing price of
only $29.97 (Value $200-500). For parents, siblings and educators of
children / adolescents with Asperger's
and High Functioning Autism. It features a user - friendly
presentation that anyone can easily learn to use
...Read more.
Recruiting Volunteers for a Study of Brain Functioning in Autism - We are recruiting individuals with autism for our functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) studies. Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain while engaging in visual and motor tasks. If you are right-handed, 18-35 years old, and interested in participating in this research, please contact: Greg Allen, Ph.D. at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry (214) 648-4641, Greg.Allen@UTSouthwestern.ed If you participate, you will be compensated for your time.
Dan Marino launches Child Nett.TV an internet access web channel that broadcasts interactive programming 24 hours a day, seven days week via the internet. The lineup includes streaming video related to autism and other neurological disorders. The mission of www.Childnett.tv is to reach out globally to families, clinicians and educators, connecting them through the internet, to information related to autism and other neurological disorders."
READ AND SIGN ON-LINE PETITION - The national on-line “Show Us the Vaccine Data Petition” was announced by the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) at an August 23, 2004, meeting of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), National Academies of Sciences in Washington, D.C. ...Read more.
Ultimate Learning for Children with ASD - "Dr. Jeffrey Weisman, a cardiologist, and father of a 6 year old daughter with autism, is enhancing children's problem solving and social interaction skills by introducing them to thinking specific activities available through a dynamic new computer software series called Ultimate Learning." ...Read more.
NCIL Announces Disability Vote Teleconference, Thursday, August 26, at 3:00 p.m. EDT Goal Is to Make 2004 the Year of the Disability Vote. "Vote as if your life depended upon it-because it does!" - Justin Dart
TV Character who talks to God - "On the CBS hit Joan of Arcadia, Amber Tamblyn's character talks to God. Now the actress wants to talk about something equally important -helping people with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and mental retardation," by John Morgan, Spotlight Health, with medical adviser Stephen A. Shoop, M.D. in USA Today
Announcing a new book: "Artism Art" the first-ever Canadian Winner of the Global Book Publishing Award is hot off the press! This beautiful full-color compilation of masterpieces from artists within the AutismToday™ community is well worth the wait. This is a labor of love that Includes works by Mark Rimland, Donna Williams, and other amazing talents! Click here for purchasing details
Coming Soon: "Raising Verona" by Margot Livesey (Holt, November), the tale of two mismatched lovers -- one with Asperger's syndrome -- trying to hook up among intercontinental crossed wires.
My Life as an Autistic Boy by Kyle Priebe. "Its all about me and what its like to have Autism. There are good things about Autism, and things that are confusing, and I talk about them in my movie. I tell the story of my life from preschool to high school, my struggles to learn and make friends, and my successes." ...Read more.
Mercury/Vaccine Ban Bill Approved By California Legislature / [From autism advocate Rick Rollens.] "The bill banning mercury containing vaccines in California, AB 2943, was given it's final approval on a bi-partisan 48-21 vote of the California Assembly. The California Senate has already approved the bill. The bill now goes to Governor Schwarzenegger for his signature. A victory for children's and pregnant women's health..."
Government Hearing on Mecury in Medicine & Autism
- September 8. "Truth Revealed: New Scientific Discoveries
Regarding Mercury in Medicine and Autism"
Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness, Committee on Government Reform,
US House of Representatives, Dan Burton (R-IN) Chairman - September 8,
2004 10:00 am, 2154 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC
Individuals and organizations are able and invited to submit written
statements to the record both prior to and typically up to 10 days after
the hearing - in this incidence, I recommend before the hearing. (I
suggest limiting any statement to just a few pages 2-5) the Subcommittee
fax number
is: (202) 225-2392
The hearing is open to the public and should be
webcast as well. Hopefully C-Span will also cover it.
Families and friends are
taking the fight to end the autism epidemic to the ballot box. We are
calling on both presidential candidates to commit to doubling federal
autism research funding.
Many of you have supported the Autism Epidemic Awareness Fund. The fund’s
goal was to raise funds to run a nationwide television ad campaign
challenging both candidates to turn their attention to autism. These ads,
featuring Everybody Loves Raymond’s Patricia Heaton, CAN Board Member and
Actor Anthony Edwards, and The West Wing’s Nicole Robinson will air next
week during the Republican National Convention.
Two 30 second spots will be shown on MSNBC, Thursday September 2 between 7
p.m. and 11 p.m. during the live broadcast and also during the subsequent
rebroadcast of Hardball with Chris Matthews. Please watch and encourage
your friends and family to tune in.
For more information on the Autism Epidemic Awareness Fund, to see the
ads, or to
make a donation please visit
http://www.autismepidemicfund.com/.
Fairview Community Housing Trust Fund. Applications will be received
between September 15 and October 15, 2004. Please share this information
with staff and others that might be interested. ......Read
more.
Application
Introducing two "New" Magazines: BP Magazine – Hope and Harmony for People with Bipolar and Schizophrenia Digest BP Magazine if offering a FREE issue on their web site.
NCIL Announces Disability Vote Teleconference, Thursday, August 26, at 3:00 p.m. EDT Goal Is to Make 2004 the Year of the Disability Vote. "Vote as if your life depended upon it-because it does!" - Justin Dart
Calling All Artists
- The Autism Society of Oregon is developing a
2005 calendar made up of drawings by autistic children. We are looking for
artwork! ...read more. 8/2004
Language and Learning; Parents Can Help Children Succeed in School - Although some children will develop normal speech and language skills without treatment by the time they enter school, says the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), it is important to identify those who will not. - Press Release
New Autism & Asperger Syndrome CD Launched by Mindscape Productions Educates with Positive Twist - Innovative, educational audio CD about Autism & Asperger's entitled, "Living In the Spectrum", helps educate parents, relatives & teachers about Autism & Asperger Syndrome with insightful and inspirational interviews from specialists, parents, and individuals who have Autism & Asperger's. Poetry and music by those in the autism spectrum are featured as well as captivating stories full of hope and optimism regarding those with Autism & Asperger Syndromw. [PRWEB Aug 09, 2004]
Vision Disorders Hinder Children's Learning, But Therapy Can Provide Help - Eye Doctors Say ADHD, Learning Disabilities Frequently Misdiagnosed - Press Release
Announcing a new book: "Artism Art" the first-ever Canadian Winner of the Global Book Publishing Award is hot off the press! This beautiful full-color compilation of masterpieces from artists within the AutismToday™ community is well worth the wait. This is a labor of love that Includes works by Mark Rimland, Donna Williams, and other amazing talents! Click here for purchasing details
UNLOCKING AUTISM asked the CANDIDATES of the 2004 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WHERE THEY STAND ON 7 AUTISM ISSUES. Click on the names below to find out who responded. BUSH -or- Kerry BRASS does not endorse any political candidate. We bring you this for informational purposes only.
Understanding ADHD
- To help patients, families and caregivers better understand
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dispel some common
myths about the condition; Shire US Inc. will host the sixth annual ADHD
Experts on Call on Monday, August 9, 2004 from 8 A.M. to midnight EDT. This
year, the host of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Ty Pennington, who
was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, will talk about his own experience
managing the disorder, and answer calls along with some of the nation’s top
ADHD authorities at the toll-free telephone hotline, 1-888-ASK-ADHD
(1-888-275-2343).
The hotline is designed to provide "live" access to English and Spanish
speaking experts
including physicians, school nurses, educators, and advocates who can answer
questions regarding the disorder. In addition, a confidential, one-on-one
on-line forum will be available at
http://www.ADHDExpertsOnCall.com throughout the day.
Special Olympics Oregon founded in 1972 for athletes with mental retardation is holding its annual Summer Games this weekend in Corvallis. BRASS salute's these incredible children, their coaches and all involved that continue to make this an event that gives "our" children the opportunity to be treated with dignity, respect and participate in Sports.
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Recognizing Oregon's best- Oregon Sports Awards celebrates state's top athletes, coaches and boosters in star-studded event by STEVE BRANDON 7/23/2004 |
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Special Olympics By Blair Johnson 7/30/2004 |
Miracle Run is a movie that will air on August 9, 2004 at 9PM EST on Lifetime. The movie stars Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker and Aidan Quinn. Miracle Run is a story about Single mom named Corrine who is overwhelmed when she discovers that her seven-year-old twin boys are autistic. But she refuses to give up on their potential, even though it seems that the rest of the world has turned its back on her sons. Thanks to this incredible mother's support, her boys accomplish the unimaginable. This movie, based on a true story, reminds us all that we deserve to reach for the stars. Be sure to watch it with your friends and family or better yet? Set your VCR to tape it.
"What is educational testing? What does it diagnose? How can parent and teacher use the testing process to help a struggling child? ...Expert child psychologists, Ellen B. Braaten PhD and Gretchen Felopulos, PhD, recently published “Straight Talk about Psychological Testing for Kids,” an informative guidebook for parents and educators detailing the testing process from start to finish."
Commission on Children and Families Moves Offices in August - Deschutes County's Commission on Children & Families (CCF) and the County's Prevention Office will move to a new location on August 6th. The office will be closed on August 9th but will re-open on August 10th.
The Groden Center Uses VivoMetrics LifeShirt System for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research - Researchers at the Groden Center, Inc. in Providence, Rhode Island have been using the wireless VivoMetrics LifeShirt(TM) System to measure motor movement and heart rate in children with autism spectrum disorders to detect their physiological responses to environmental stressors. Stress can prevent children with autism from adapting to changes in the environment, interacting with others and learning new skills. Therefore, the study seeks to both identify when a child is becoming physiologically aroused and to intervene with self-control techniques such as relaxation and cognitive picture-rehearsal.
Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh Scientists Discover Biological Basis for Autism - "A team of brain scientists at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh have made a groundbreaking discovery into the biological basis for autism, a mysterious brain disorder that impairs verbal and non-verbal communications and social interactions." Press Release 7/29/2004
The ABCs of “AYP” - Beyond Any Reasonable Doubt: We Can Do This. (Washington, D.C.) "As states begin to release their 2003-04 student achievement data, there is still significant confusion about the accountability provisions in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), and doubt about whether states can actually meet the requirements and the goals. To address this confusion, the Education Trust today released two brief documents explaining the accountability and public reporting provisions of NCLB, in addition to a data presentation analyzing some recently released student achievement results..." Press Release 7/27/2004
The award-winning documentary film "Refrigerator Mothers" is set to air again on PBS on July 27, 2004. The film, which was developed by J.J. Hanley, the parent of a child with autism, "explores the legacy of blame, guilt and self-doubt suffered by a generation of mothers," who during the 1950s were blamed for their children's autism and labeled "refrigerator mothers."
Can a town discriminate against an AS child who is home schooled and ban him from public areas? - One Mother's Plight. The Gayle Fitzpatrick story. Portland, Maine. ...read more. How you can help!
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UPDATE: Decision Due in Boy's Law Suit by Gregory D. Kesich - July 2004 |
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UPDATE: Playground spat could affect home schooled, disabled children by Sara Leitch - August 2004 |
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UPDATE: Teacher recalls behavior that ended playground use by Beth Quimby - August 2004 |
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UPDATE: Autism case: An injustice, or a danger? by Beth Quimby - August 2004 |
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UPDATE: Falmouth prevails in autism case - August 2004 |
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Maine Playground Discrimination Case - Court Documents, Court Reports, Press Coverage & Letters to the Editor |
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UPDATE: Disabled Boy's Isolation Sparks Feud - October 2004 |
Mozart and the Whale: Jerry and Mary Newport have agreed to write a book on "The real story behind the movie, Mozart and The Whale." Their co-writer, Johnny Dodd, is a regular writer at the Los Angeles office of "People Magazine." Johnny specializes in people who overcome obstacles. The publisher is Fireside, a division of Simon and Schuster. The book should be out late next spring.
"What is educational testing? What does it diagnose? How can parent and teacher use the testing process to help a struggling child? ...Expert child psychologists, Ellen B. Braaten PhD and Gretchen Felopulos, PhD, recently published “Straight Talk about Psychological Testing for Kids,” an informative guidebook for parents and educators detailing the testing process from start to finish."
Largest Autism Study Ever Conducted Using DNA Array Technology to Scan the Hum
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Affymetrix and Perlegen to Offer Research Community Access to Custom Genotyping Services |
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The Beach Center on Disability
announces the arrival of the inaugural
issue of its e-newsletter. The quarterly
newsletter will feature an area of
research at the Beach Center that
concerns children with disabilities,
their families, and their service
providers. This first issue features
research, articles, staff interviews,
groups, books, and tips on disability
policy, including the challenges that
families of children with disabilities
face when advocating for their child’s
legal rights.
This promises to be an excellent
resource for families and professionals.
When you visit the link be sure to
scroll down to the left where you can
sign up to receive the e-newsletter on a
subscription basis. The subscription is
free.
The Autism Epidemic Awareness Fund Demands Presidential Action. - Families and friends Are Taking the Fight to End the Autism Epidemic to the Ballot Box. We’re Calling on Both Presidential Candidates to Commit to Doubling Federal Autism Research Funding. Join the Fight. Contribute What You Can to Our “Double The Funds” Campaign. Your Support will Enable Us to Run a Nationwide Television Ad Challenging Both Candidates to Take the “Double the Funds Pledge." What you can do.
Dennis Debbaudt's Autism Risk & Safety Newsletter - 2nd Summer 2004 Edition! July 2004
Press Release - Walking The Talk - "Edited by Stephen Shore, author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Ask and Tell: Self- Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum aims to help people with autism effectively self-advocate in their pursuit of independent, productive, and fulfilling lives."
News You Can Use scours the World Wide Web daily for disability-related and newsworthy articles. Subscribe directly at NewsYouCanUse@yahoogroups.com or contact Christina directly at: christinag@mchsi.com
Autism Spectrum Quarterly. A new name and look.
Survey for Parents of Children with Autism - How do you feel about the issue of "Parental Satisfaction with Education." This is a chance to speak your mind and tell someone how you feel about educational issues and your child with autism.
Is My Child Delayed? Expert Advice on When to Seek Help and What to Expect from the Testing Process "Many parents worry that something might be 'not quite right' with their child. Whether the child is struggling at school or appears to be 'behind' others their age, parents often wonder if they are being overly anxious or if their intuition is correct. Expert child psychologists, Ellen B. Braaten, Ph.D. and Gretchen Felopulos, Ph.D., recently published an informative guidebook for parents called, "Straight Talk about Psychological Testing for Kids."
Autism Society of Oregon (ASO) Launches new logo and website. Congratulations on the "new" look.
Lane County Chapter of
the Autism Society of America
- The Lane County Chapter of
the Austism Society of America
is an umbrella organization of
three local grassroots autism
organizations - the Asperger
Advocacy Coalition, Bridgeway
House and Kindtree Productions
- which have been serving Lane
County's autism community in
complementary ways.
The purpose of the chapter is
to coordinate delivery of
services for a diverse autism
community of all ages and
across all reaches of the
autism spectrum; to advocate
for, serve, celebrate and
educate the autism community;
to collaborate on services
without
duplicating efforts;
to support and work with other
autism organizations; and to
build and nurture a viable
community for young autists to
grow up in and for our adults
to thrive in.
Prinicpals:
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Nan Lester |
Asperger Advocacy Coalition |
(541)345-3467 |
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Patricia Wigney |
Bridgeway House |
(541)345-0805 |
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Tim Mueller |
KindTree Productions |
(541)521-720 |
As of July 2004, the home of
the Asperger Advocacy
Coalition will be
Bridgeway House at 996
Jefferson Street in Eugene.
The move to Bridgeway House
represents the growing unity
of the grassroots autism
community, and the developing
relationship between Bridgeway,
the AAC and Kindtree
Productions; including a
recently formed Lane County
chapter of the Autism Society
of America that combines
representatives from all three
organizations. See the June
Bridgeway House
newsletter
which provides more details
about the move. For more
information - (541)345-3467.
Rasha is a beautiful, bright 9 year old girl who has Cerebral Palsy. She is a young advocate and she wrote a petition for at least one accessible restroom on each airplane. Please support Rasha and take a minute to read and sign her petition, then please forward the link to as many people as you can (Family, friends, co-workers, clients, church, etc,). It's an international petition so people from all over the world can sign it. Sign the Petition -or- Petition available through the National UCP website
“Something
is Rotten, But Not Just In
Denmark” Remarks of
Rep. Dave Weldon, M.D.
(R-FL)
Autism One Conference.
Chicago, Illinois May 29, 2004
Oregon Parents United Branch Out. Announcing OPU/Advocacy - A "new" Advocacy list in Oregon. Oregon Parents United (OPU), founded in 1998, is a state-wide special education advocacy information and assistance organization whose members share a common interest in parent support and the best practices in special education for their children. We have maintained a private message board offering parent support since OPU's conception. We are now ready to take OPU to the next level by offering another list, OPU/ADVOCACY, to our member's and community.
Outraged by the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) latest report finding no causal relationship to thimerosal, a mercury based preservative, and autism, Congress Members, Doctors, and Scientists speak out about its conflicts of interest and conclusions based on flawed studies Thimerosal, a "preservative" used in many but not all vaccines, is 49.6% ethylmercury by weight. ...Read more.
Families for Effective Autism
Treatment, Oregon (FEAT)
June 2004
Newsletter
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IN THIS ISSUE From the President |
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Pamela Settlegoode Talks to FEAT |
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Ask a Parent Advocate |
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Ask a Behavior Analyst |
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The next FEAT Open House |
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A FEAT Exclusive, "The Power of One." |
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Coming Attractions in June. |
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is conducting Verification Visits to States regarding their systems for early intervention and special education for children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The specific purpose of these visits is to review: (1) the accuracy of the special education and early intervention data that the State collects and reports each year to OSEP; (2) the effectiveness of the State’s systems for identifying and correcting noncompliance with IDEA requirements; and (3) the Statewide assessment program. We will be visiting Oregon during the week of July12, 2004. [ Parts B & C ]
We are please to announce the first Central Oregon Chapter of the Autism Society of Oregon. Who are we?
Workplace Discrimination - AS adult needs your help - Lana Kapchinsky, ("Scap" or "Scap_64" to many of us) an adult with Asperger Syndrome is requesting your help in her workplace discrimination case. The request is simply that you write a letter. I hope many of you can take a few minutes to jot a note just to let them know you are out there. Numbers count." Everything is explained on a webpage that has been created at http://www.PlanetAutism.com/AuSpin/lana.htm and there is a link there to email her directly should you have any questions or need or want more information.
50th Anniversary
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We Are Celebrating Brown v. Board of Education This Year. We Should Celebrate It Every Day by Reed Martin, J.D. |
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Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. The Legacy of Brown. A new exhibit looks at the Supreme Court decision that ended segregation. - Newsweek |
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CNN PRESENTS: The Gap - 50 years after the Brown ruling. Fifty years after a landmark Supreme Court decision began the desegregation of U.S. public schools educators, parents and students are struggling to close the academic gap between white and African-American students. |
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Families for Effective Autism Treatment,
Oregon (FEAT)
May 2004
Newsletter.
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IN THIS ISSUE - From the President |
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Meet the Scholarship Recipients |
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The Northwest Young Autism Project |
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Ask an Advocate or Behavior Analyst |
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FEAT Opens Their Homes to You |
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Pamela Settlegoode to Speak to FEAT |
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FUNdraising! |
Senate Bill 1248 Passes the Senate - Press Release from Our Children Left Behind. March 13, 2004
Unlocking Autism is pleased to announce that today, on the last day of Autism Awareness Month of 2004, the Architect of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC has approved a site for the planting of a "Tree of Independence" for all people with autism across the United States.
To members of the subcommittee on Human
Rights & Wellness. There will be a
hearing before the SUBCOMMITTEE ON HUMAN
RIGHTS & WELLNESS on Thursday, May 6,
2004 in Room 2247
of the Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC at 2:00 p.m. Business to
be considered: "Autism Spectrum
Disorders: An Update on Federal
Government Initiatives and Revolutionary
New Treatments of Neurodevelopmental
Disorders"
The Adult Picture Project - In an effort to introduce Autistic Adults to a world that seems to think that all autistics are children, - we the underrepresented- present... The Autistic Adult Picture Project. A great website that puts a face to the adult community.
In celebration of April – National Autism Awareness Month, Voices of Safety International (VOSI), www.voicesofsafety.com, invites readers to learn about the major cause of this devastating illness that currently affects 1 in 150 school age children. In 1990 the autism rate was 1 in 10,000 school age children therefore autism currently is a worldwide epidemic which is not being adequately addressed by any government that has ties to the pharmaceutical and medical industries. ...read more [Press Release]
Pamela Settlegoode Prevails in the 9th
Circuit.
Settlegoode
v. Portland Public Schools Ninth CCA
Victory for Whistleblowing school
teacher!
Attorneys and advocates alike are
directed to
the vindication of Pamela Settlegoode, a Ph.D. alternative
physical education teacher employed and
then fired by the Portland Public School
District (Oregon) for speaking up on
behalf of her students.
No. 02-35260, D.C. No. CV-00313-ST
OPINION
April 5, 2004
Announcing "Athletes Against Autism" - Cure Autism Now (CAN) current partnership and project. Founded by three National Hockey League players - Olie Kolzig of the Washington Capitals, Byron DaFoe of the Atlanta Thrashers, and Scott Mellanby of the St. Louis Blues -- who are fathers of children with autism to raise money for autism research, and promote awareness.
O.H.S.U/ to become one of 5 Autism Medical Treatment Centers - On June 19, 2004 at the Oregon Convention Center, the Northwest Autism Foundation and the OHSU will publicly announce that OHSU has agreed to become one of the 5 medical treatment centers in the nation that will be established to treat children with Autism following an accepted medical protocol that has been nationally recognized as effective in treating children with Autism that suffer from gastro-intestinal, absorption and other related issues.
"Everyday Heaven - Journeys Beyond the Stereotypes of Autism" - Review of Donna Williams new book by Roger N. Meyer.
The National Autism Association (NAA)
announces An
innovative product line geared towards
helping picky eaters and those with
eating disorders has been donated to The
National Autism Association (NAA), a
non-profit organization designed to help
children and families affected by
autism.
Forest
Grove school district, parents
tussle on private school costs
-
An administrative law judge
tells the district to pay,
saying it didn't deal with a
teen's learning problems.
March 22, 2004
Final
Order - OAH Case No.
20031306. Department Case No.
DP-03-113. TA v. Forrest
Grove SD.
Orion Academy - Aspergers High School is a program for high school students and young adults with a neurocognitive disability such as Aspergers Syndrome or Non Verbal Learning Disorders (NLVD) in California - USA. Orion is in the process of producing a book featuring the work of young adult authors and artists with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Non Verbal Learning Disorder. For more information and details, please contact acarlile@orionacademy.org.
Football legend and sports commentator Dan Marino invites you to kickoff the “Power of 1.5” Political Autism Conference, Wednesday, April 21st, 2004, on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. The Dan Marino Foundation will join with Unlocking Autism, Cure Autism Now, the GRACE Foundation of New York, and Talk Autism for the official opening of the conference. Following the news conference, the future hall-of-famer invites you to a congressional reception hosted by the Dan Marino Foundation and Unlocking Autism...
Petition - Vote NO on Senate Bill 1248 sponsored by the League of Special Education Voters in conjunction with Our Children Left Behind.
Dr. Andrew Wakefield speaks out regarding the allegations of conflict of interest surrounding his research in the 1998 Lancet study.
Asperger Disorder Meet Up - Join other People Dealing With Asperger's near you!
Autism Alert has been sent to Pediatricians this week by several organizations including the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics - February 2004
IOM Meeting -The National Association of Autism has information, updates along with slides and presentations from the IOM meeting held on February 9, 2004.
Education money returned to the Federal Treasury - Oregon Parents United hold the Oregon Department of Education accountable. - February 2004
PRESS RELEASE -
CDC Conflict of Interest Hinders
Scientific Research on Autism
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Safe
Minds, an advocacy and research
non-profit organization dedicated to
eliminating mercury exposure in
children, released the following
statement regarding the February 9th
Institute of Medicine's (IOM) meeting on
Immunization Safety Review: Vaccines and
Autism: "While Safe Minds is always
pleased and supportive of efforts
focusing on vaccines and mercury (thimerosal)
exposure for children, we have concerns
that the current IOM Safety Review for
Vaccines and Autism is premature because
the scientific studies on thimerosal are
not complete yet."
Essays Wanted for New Book About Autism: Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, People with Autism, Grandparents, Siblings, Friends, and Professionals Share Their Wisdom Edited by Cindy N. Ariel, Ph.D. and Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D. Cindy Ariel and Robert Naseef are proud to announce our contract with Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London (www.jkp.com). For this book, parents, people with autism, grandparents, siblings, friends, and professionals of various disciplines are invited to write about their experiences. We want to hear lessons of mind and heart culled from life and professional practice. In the essays, authors are asked to address how autism has changed your life in love and/or work, what you have learned, and what you would want others to know that would help them. We are interested in situations from the most mild to the most severe—from classic autism to Asperger’s.
The
schedule for the first flight of spots
is as follows, (all times are the
same regardless of your time zone) along
with the number of subscribers.
DATE Time Cable
Channel Subscribers In Millions
February 3 7:30 a.m. Woman's
Ent. 50
February 5 4:00 a.m. Pax
TV 26
February 7 4:00 a.m.
Oxygen 42
February 7 5:30 a.m. Food
Network 62
February 8 4:30 a.m. Discovery
Health 20
February 10 3:30 a.m. ABC
Family 84
February 11 3:30 a.m. Discovery
Health 20
February 12 4:00 a.m. Pax
TV 26
February 13 3:30 a.m.
Oxygen 42
February 14 4:30 a.m. ABC
family 84
February 14 6:00 a.m. Woman's Ent.
50
February 15 2:30 a.m. Discovery
Health 20
Their goal is to inform people about the
traits, difficulties, and attributes of
people with Asperger's syndrome. If you
would like a DVD copy of "Asperger's:
Million Undiagnosed" --either for your
organizational use or to disseminate to
your local station or educational
institution to be used as a program for
public or educational service-- they
will give you the DVD FREE.
(Shipping and handling fee of $8.00
applies) Just email your name,
address and phone number to
teresa@futurehorizons-autism.com
Disneyland Resort - On December, 2003, Disneyland Resorts changed their policy of granting a special needs pass based upon a doctor's letter or current IEP. The new policy grants a special needs pass only to someone who has a physical/mobility challenge or a terminal illness. Their current policy excludes children and adults with "hidden disabilities like ADD/ADHD, LD, ASD's and other neuro-biological disorders. A petition has been started to encourage Disney to reconsider and reinstate their former policy.
"Disneyland Resorts--Please Bring Back the Special Needs Pass" - Petition
New movie,
"Mozart
and the Whale." This is the
story of the marriage and life of Jerry
Newport and Mary Meniel. Their story
first appeared in the LA Times on
October 23, 1995, "Against
All Odds: A Love Story." On May
15, 1996, Variety Magazine runs an
article titled,
"Dreamworks
Pays 2 Million for Rain Man Type Script.
On September 29, 1996, Jerry and Mary
Newport grant an interview to 60 mins.
in the USA. Leslie Stahl reports. For
Transcripts (in USA only) call
1-800-777-TEXT or 1-201-992-6600. Now, 8
years later, Variety announces the movie
"Mozart
and the Whale," will began
filming in Washington in May 2004. Why
the title? "Jerry
told her about the Halloween party. She
came as Mozart. He came as Willy the
whale. She thought he was strange. He
thought she was weird."
This will be the first movie done on an
AS couple that married. The
Mary & Jerry Newport Story & filming of
Mozart and the Whale
The Power of 1.5 - Political Autism
Conference
Washington, DC
April 21 - 23, 2004
In April 2004 in Washington, DC
Unlocking Autism, together with Cure
Autism
Now, GRACE Foundation of New York, The
Dan Marino Foundation, The Doug Flutie,
Jr. Foundation for Autism and Talk
Autism, will host an energetic Political
Autism Conference (PAC). This
conference is designed to equip parents
and advocates from across the country by
giving them the necessary tools and
education to bring about political
change for the issues of autism. The
objective is to review the political
process at the national level so that
attendees can go back to their states
and hometowns with confidence to affect
change at a local
level...
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November 17,
2004 at 2:30 p.m. in Room 2175 of the Rayburn House Office Building in
Washington, D.C. For more detailed information,
In
February of 2003, William Jensen Cottrell, a young man diagnosed
with AS was indicted with 9 counts
"Superman" movies then became a famous advocate for the disabled after
being paralyzed from the neck down in a horseback riding accident, died
Sunday. He was 52.
"I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical.
Even God had some Autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin."
~ Jerry Newport