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

 

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What's New? / Archives

Families Fight to Have ABA Therapy Covered by Insurance - More than 20 Northern Virginia federal employee families have launched an effort to have their insurance providers cover Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for their autistic children. Their objective is to have the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which currently has no policies on autism treatment, to develop guidelines that would require insurance companies within the federal health benefits system to extend coverage of ABA therapy to their enrollees. They also hope that their initiative will benefit families in the military and the private sector.  ...Read more. / ABATACC - ABA Therapy Coverage Campaign

NeuroLearning's  Winter 2004 NewsletterThey are dedicated to children with learning difficulties and differences

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Ask Drs. Eide: Hearing & Sensitive Ears    

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On the Home Front: Intensity  

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Parent and Child Corner: Sensory Integration  

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Research Corner: Vision & Clumsiness 

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Spotlight: Understanding Their World 

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Tools for School: What is Dysgraphia?  ...and more

Autism Today - Tuesday's News / December 07, 2004 

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Aloha, Come to Hawaii with Autism Today

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Learning Through Music with Ultimate Learning

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Canadian Research Team Looking For Cause of Rise In Autism Cases

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IDEA 2004 Legislation Approved Statement by President Bush

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The NEWEST Autism Resources and Autism Todays Books of the Month

Autreat 2005 - We are now accepting proposals for workshops to be held Monday thru Friday, June 27-July 1, 2005, in metropolitan Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our campus location provides greater comfort, accessibility, and food service than previous camp facilities, while still offering the open space and freedom to roam that have always been part of Autreat. ...Read more.

"Help Save Medicaid with Personal Stories" / A message & invitation from Families in the  USA  - Do you know a senior, a child, a person with a disability,  or a working family in your state that has Medicaid  coverage? If so, we would love to hear from you and them!  Please contact Alexandra Zavala, Communications Outreach  Coordinator, at 1-800-593-5041 ext. 3614  or at azavala@familiesusa.org. ...Read more.

Jane Pauley Show on AS to re-broadcast - Their message board had many posters from the last airing (October 1, 2004) that missed the show and wanted copies, so spread the word that this show is being re-broadcast on Tuesday, December 7, 2004.  Please check your local listing's for times in your area.

Congress completes work on reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). COPAA member Jess Butler has prepared a comparison of the new IDEA bill, H.R. 1350 to IDEA ’97. ...Read more.

 

Children's First of Oregon - 2004 Report Card Release: State grade drops to an alarming "D+"

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Report Card 2004 / Summary of Grades and Status Report  

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Report Card 2003 / Summary of Grades and Status Report   

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Report Card 2002 / Summary of Grades and Status Report  

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Report Card 2001                                                        

FEAT of Oregon Presents Super Saturday - Are you looking for a great social and recreational program for your children?  Are you looking for 3 hours of Christmas shopping without the children?   This is your time.  Just minutes away from the new Meier and Frank and shopping center at Tanasborne, is where we hold Super Saturday! 

House Approves Final Special Education Bill - On November 19, 2004, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a final special education reform bill that will reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and set in motion important reforms that will help teachers, parents, and schools ensure every student with disabilities receives a quality education.  Read more.

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Conference Committee Votes on IDEA Reauthorization:
The Inside Story
by Jess Butler

Autism Today - Tuesday's News / November 16, 2004 

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Audio Version Of Litte Raiman w/ Music Therapy

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CBS 60 Minutes: Saying 'No' To Immunization

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Diana's Wings

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Family's Landmark Autism Victory

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The Therapy of Music

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The Winds of the Seasons

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What Life is Like with a Loved One on the Spectrum (Now with DVD Trailer)

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What's New in the World of Autism - Presented by Dr. Temple Grandin

Andrew Wakefield's website and response / BOOKMARK for future reference.  MMR: The Questions.  Issues Raised by the Sunday Times and the Channel 4 Dispatches Programme
A statement by Dr Andrew Wakefield:  The Sunday Times and the Dispatches programme of 18th November raise a number of issues in relation to MMR, autism and events at the Royal Free Hospital. Since many of the claims by journalist Brian Deer have been demonstrablyfalse and there in no objectivity in the manner of their intended portrayal, I declined to participate in any way in the making of the Dispatches programme. In addition, vulnerable parents have complained of being "tricked" into participating in the programme. I was not invited to comment on the Sunday Times article prior to its publication.

Dawn Prince-Hughes: Songs of the Gorilla Nation - The first and best friends I ever had," writes Dawn Prince-Hughes in the introduction to her astonishing memoir, "[were] a family of captive gorillas, people of an ancient nation." Afflicted with undiagnosed Asperger's syndrome — a high-functioning form of autism — Prince-Hughes had never connected closely with her own species, even as an adult. Unable to cope socially, shunned and depressed, she was homeless for several years, then worked as a stripper. To her, humans were "chaotic knots of random actions" whose facial expressions she couldn't read and whose reactions she could never predict, by Janet Macallister / Book Review

A message from the NAA.  "It's Starting!"  Parents, if you didn't get your letters faxed this weekend, we need you to phone or fax today. We hear that the Senate Appropriations Committee met over weekend and are making decisions now. Make sure your opinion is heard as they make decisions about your child! Here is the action alert we sent on Friday with all the information you'll need. Please phone or send your faxes now!  ...Read more.

BLACK WEDNESDAY: NOVEMBER 17, 2004 / PLEASE WEAR YOUR BLACK RIBBONS!  The time has come. Many families and advocates have had a sleepless weekend since receiving last week's notice announcing the conference meeting that will be held Wednesday, 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, click here.  Our e-mail inboxes have been overflowing with messages of concern for the future of students with disabilities.  Read more. From Our Children Left Behind.

In February of 2003, William Jensen Cottrell, a young man diagnosed with AS was indicted with 9 counts, including arson, conspiracy to commit arson and the use of a destructive device during a violent crime, which carries a 30-year minimum prison sentence if he is convicted.  The indictment alleged that he and other known and unknown co-conspirators would vandalize SUVs by spray painting statements such as "ELF", "TERRORIST", "I POLLUTION", "SUV = TERRORISM", and "KILLER” on them.  William Cottrell has maintained his innocence and is now on trial.  How you can help?  For those of you interested in supporting his plight and believe in his innocence, click here  or visit Free Billy Cottrell support & defense network; Stop the Show Trial - Support Billy Cottrell or Media Coverage

KMSP-TV Investigative Report: Mercury in Vaccines - Reporter Tom Lyden speaks with a dozen Twin Cities parents whose children have mercury-induced autism. And Lyden interviews a Bloomington doctor who treats children who have mercury poisoning. Many believe the mercury came from from Thimerosal, a vaccine sterilizer that is 49.6% mercury. ...Read More.

It's Starting - Parents, Caregivers, and Friend's:  All the work we have done in the past few years to fight Frist is coming to a head. With this past election, those who are supported most by pharmaceutical companies have more ammunition than ever before. It's time to pre-empt their inevitable attempt to remove our children's rights once again. ...Read More



Here’s what we think is going to happen: -  Most likely, Frist will run for President in 2008. This means he will try to keep his name as far away from the controversy as possible. He doesn't want to anger us, but will indeed have someone do his dirty work for him as we've seen in the past. This person's name is Judd Gregg. He's a Senator with ties to pharma, and he wants all of your Thimerosal cases to be shoved six-feet under.

- A large three-in-one bill is currently under construction. Political sources say this bill will come before Committee next Wednesday. This bill already contains language that allows an ADDITIONAL $2.3 million (on top of the already $4 million) to the Department of Justice to SPECIFICALLY fight Thimerosal cases. In fact, read the language below. This particular bill just passed in the House, and will likely pass in the Senate. We feel that Frist's inevitable legislation (provision or stand-alone bill), possibly under the guise of a different handler, will be a one-two punch.

- Basically, they're assigning $ 2.3 million to fight the cases, and after that, Frist, or whomever his alias will be, will introduce legislation to once again block the cases altogether. We fear he will attach his language to the large aforementioned bill.

Petition:  60 Minutes II: TIME TO TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT VACCINATIONS. "We, the undersigned, request that you air a correction of your October 20, 2004 segment entitled “Saying ‘No’ to Immunization”. This piece was biased, inaccurate, and dangerous to the health of the public because it grossly misled viewers about the safety of vaccinations and the autism epidemic. We, the undersigned, request that you air a correction of your October 20, 2004 segment entitled “Saying ‘No’ to Immunization”. This piece was biased, inaccurate, and dangerous to the health of the public because it grossly misled viewers about the safety of vaccinations and the autism epidemic."   For more information and to sign the petition.

NAAR Partners with WHO to Examine Vaccine Research Commits $25,000 to Co-Fund Review of Literature - NAAR is partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO) to co-fund a comprehensive review of medical literature focusing on autism and vaccines. Recently, the WHO’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety asked NAAR to consider supporting an effort that examines the issue of whether vaccines are involved with the cause of autism. NAAR’s Board of Trustees decided to support the WHO effort with a $25,000 grant after a careful review of the request by NAAR News

Our talk makes a difference.  Sunday, November 14, 2004 - Ask the Advocate!

PARENTS it is your TIME to call in the station with questions and concerns about special education, IEP’s, evaluations, and for resources! You can email your questions to monica@poweradvocates.org OR call the radio show at 716-681-1313 Sunday from 5-6 PM.

Special guest Roy Abell, CEO of PIE* Medical International, Inc., a company that has developed and manufactures the world's first bowel prosthetic device that changes the lives of people with disabilities. Please take time and go their website www.piemed.com and discover what they are achieving! 

Dennis Debbaudt's Autism Risk & Safety Newsletter - Fall 2004 

Autism Today - Tuesday's News / November 02, 2004 

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Auditory Preference Allows Earlier Autism Diagnosis, New Treatments - Research a Yale promises to revolutionize physicians' approach to autism by providing a opportunity for earlier diagnosis of the disorder read more

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Autumn - Doris Washington is a poet, and disability advocate. She makes her home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with her husband and autistic son, John who is her inspiration to write....more 

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California Autism Intakes Down Slightly - Research at Yale promises to revolutionize physicians' approach to autism by providing an opportunity for earlier diagnosis of the disorder read more

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Diana's Wings - Originally written 11 Apr 2003, after a long, trying day....more

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Study Will Examine If Diet Can Ease Autism Symptoms - For years, parents of autistic children have seen a difference in how their kids behaved after they followed diets free of dairy and wheat products or that restricted their sugar intake...read more

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What Life is Like with a Loved One on the Spectrum - As we approach the busy thanksgiving season, we are truly thankful for all the wonderful people with autism we share our lives with. Whether we are parents, teachers, professionals or people... read more

Beach Center on Disabilities -  Beach Center Newsletter - Fall 2004 / Topic:  Family Quality of Life.   

People with Mental Disabilities have the right to vote!  - Everyone wants to vote this year, including voters with mental disabilities. If you are a voter with a mental disability, you should know your rights. Knowing your rights will help make sure you can vote. Take this piece of paper with you when you go to vote so that you know what your rights are.
You can also show this to others if you run into any problems. This paper tells lawyers and poll workers where to find the laws that protect your right to vote!  ...Read more.

Study links autism to intestinal virus - A maverick British scientist who now works in Austin has completed a study on autism that links the disease to a novel intestinal illness.

The research, to appear in the Journal of Clinical Immunology due out today, opens the door to testing treatments for some autistic children, including a diet that forbids dairy products and certain grains.

Dr. Andy Wakefield, whose earlier work caused a furor by suggesting an association between a common childhood vaccine and autism, said he considers the latest research ground-breaking.

The study by Wakefield and three collaborators identifies a new inflammatory intestinal disease in some children who appear normal but regress into autism, and suggests the intestinal disease is viral, by Cox News Service - 11/01/2004

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is proud to announce a nationwide holiday gift -wrapping fundraiser, "Wrapping for Inclusion." - From November 19-December 24, volunteers of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will set up gift-wrapping booths at stores and malls across the country and wrap gifts in exchange for donations. The donations will support the mission statement of the foundation, serving the vision of inclusion opportunities for children of all abilities. ...Read more.

Dennis Debbaudt coming to Oregon - The Autism Society of Oregon is bringing Dennis back to Oregon on May 1, 2005.  He is scheduled to speak in Portland and Eastern Oregon.  Stay tuned for updates.  For more information on "who" Dennis Debbaudt is, please visit his web site at http://www.autismriskmanagement.com/.

"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.

Christopher Reeve was an inspiration to families Internationally for his lust for life and advocacy towards stem cell research and others with spinal injuries.  He never gave up and was an tireless advocate. 

He will not only be remembered as "Superman" or for the other movies he made, but also as a spouse, father and incredible role model for all of us.  Like the attached article states: " he turned personal tragedy into a public crusade and from his wheelchair became the nation's most recognizable spokesman for spinal cord research."  B.R.A.S.S salutes Christopher Reeves life and offers support for his family and loved ones.  He will truly be missed and cherished by history as a man who spoke out on stem cell research literally with his last breath and remembered and cherished as a inspiration to all of us.

Petition to Defend the Dignity of Autistic Citizens - We are proud parents of autistic children, autistic citizens, and allies who seek to preserve the dignity of autistic citizens.

Should the phrase "Mad Child Disease" be used to describe autism? We urge all concerned individuals to add your name to this petition. To read and sign the petition.  Sponsored by www.neurodiversity.com

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On 10 October 2004, Dr. Donald W. Miller offered a response to this petition;
a reply is viewable here.

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On 11 October 2004, Boyd E. Haley offered a response to this petition;
a reply is viewable
here

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On 13 October 2004, Boyd E. Haley offered a second response to this petition;
the reply to that response is viewable
here

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
 communicate, understand language, play and socially interact with others. Many also have difficulty with changes to surroundings or routines. This difficulty can cause challenging behaviors such as aggression, self injury or severe withdrawal.  ...Read more.

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.

To view and sign the petition go to: http://www.autismtruth.org

Please pass it on to others.  Thank you very much for your help.

Health Advocacy in the Public Interest (HAPI)

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:

1364 believed that thimerosal played a role in their child developing autism or 72.28%

368 said no, it did not play a role in their opinion.

155 were undecided.

We have a new poll that will be up and running until next Monday night at 5pm: Which Presidential Candidate do you think will be more attentive to the autism community for the next four years? Cast your vote at www.unlockingautism.org and please use the honor system and only vote once.  Thanks again for exercising your right to vote. We want to whole community to be in shape for November 2nd!

Research Opportunity: Seeking Parents of Children with Asperger's Syndrome

(AS). This is the FIRST research study to examine the unique characteristics

of parents of children diagnosed with AS!  Doctoral student seeking parent of AS children willing to donate 30 minutes of their time to increase understanding within the mental health community of the needs of this group. I pay all postage. Ann at: annim8ted@comcast.net

 

United Cerebral Palsy's national office is mounting a campaign to influence the rest of the Presidential Debates / United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), a national leader in disability issues, has purchased full-page advertisements in the Washington University Student Life and the Arizona State University State Press to call on the candidates for President of the United States to address the urgent issues facing Americans with disabilities and their families.  Washington University and Arizona State University will host the final two debates. Read how and what YOU can do.

 

 

Governor Kulongoski Introduces Budget Reforms for Oregon / New budget process includes public website, principles-based budget Today Governor Ted Kulongoski outlined the "Oregon Principles" budget process he is using to develop his recommended budget for  the 2005-2007 biennium. The governor's budget process focuses on making targeted investments to deliver the strongest return on taxpayer dollars around a set of six core principles for a prosperous Oregon.

 

 

Autism Today's Newsletter is now Online - Bimonthly Newsletter, October 1st 2004, Issue 47, Vol 2

 

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What's New in the World of Autism?

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Ultimate Learning - Tips for Parents and Teachers

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Jerry Newport on 60 Minutes

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Action Needed On Autism

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Experts: Spike In Autism Could Be Anomaly

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Screening for autism

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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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Autism Birth Cohort Study

 

 

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.

There is an alarming increase in prevalence for Autism in the United States. Given this increasingly high rate, it is imperative that the school needs of children with Autism are adequately met. Many health services occupations still need additional training in working with children who have Autism. The information that you submit will help us find the most successful treatment methods and aid in future professional training.

Please fill out as much of this anonymous survey as possible. Please limit reporting one child's information per survey. Please do not include several children in one survey. This survey does not endorse any treatment listed below nor its effectiveness. Thank you for your time.

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

Partners in Education Representing Kids with Special Needs (P.E.R.K.S). October 2004 Newsletter [Bend La-Pine School District, Oregon]

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
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ACTION ALERT - September 14, 2004 for Money Follows the Person/ Family Opportunity Act Congress has returned! They will be in session for only one month. There is much business to be conducted. If disability advocates want to be on their agenda, we must make a concerted, forceful push to get there.

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.

Please tune in on August 12, 2004 as All My Children will be airing a Cure Autism Now Public Service Announcement.

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:  Parents Sue for Playground Time - July 2004

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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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Learn about the NAAR Autism Genome Project

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Review the July 2004 issue of the Affymetrix Update

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Affymetrix and Perlegen to Offer Research Community Access to Custom Genotyping Services

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Announcing the new GeneChip® Mapping 100K Set

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Introducing the new GeneChip® Mapping 10K 2.0 Array

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.

Is your child a victim of restraints, aversives, or seclusion?  Here is an  opportunity for action!  Please help your child and others by exhibiting his/her story & photo in Washington,D.C. this July 15th. What needs to be done?

 Autistic Teens Create Website for People with Asperger's Syndrome.  Two teens with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, have created a website called www.WrongPlanet.net for others who have the disorder. ..."Most of the existing resources are aimed at helping parents and educators, while others encourage a hatred towards the largely neurotypical society. We need to have a forum where our goal is to try to coexist better in this world, not isolate ourselves from it," said Alexander Plank, cofounder. "Really what the goal is," Dan added, "is to alleviate those with Asperger's from this pressure that they need to conform to fit in. What is best is to learn how to use your uniqueness to your advantage and find your place in the world."

Psychiatric Center holds Open House - Trillium Family Services Center The public is invited to an open house on Friday of a psychiatric center for children and families opening in Bend.  The Trillium Family Services center is located at 63360 Britta St., inside the Deschutes County Juvenile Justice Building in Bend.  The open house will take place between 4-6 p.m. The 12 bed center is a partnership between Trillium a statewide nonprofit mental health provider, and Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.  The center will serve children ages 9 to 14 with mental illnesses.  For More Information Contact: 503-205-3542

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:

 

Nan Lester

Asperger Advocacy Coalition

(541)345-3467

AAC webpage

Patricia Wigney

Bridgeway House

(541)345-0805

www.bridgewayhouse.org

Tim Mueller 

KindTree Productions

(541)521-720

www.kindtree.org

 

 

 

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, 349 U.S. 294 (1955)

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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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Remarks by Secretary Paige at the Cato Institute Regarding the 50th Anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Decision.

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.

Infomercial - "Asperger's:  Millions Undiagnosed" is getting ready to air. This 28 mins and 30 second spot will star Tony Attwood,  Carol Gray, Jerry Newport, and Jeanie Mcafee speaking on various aspects of Asperger's Syndrome, sponsored by Future Horizons.

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...

Go Top

  "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

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Updated 12/12/2007