Archive for December, 2010
First Published Thursday, 4th September, 2008.
Win a MacBook
Guardian.co.uk has teamed up with the Forever Story to give you the chance to win a MacBook
guardian.co.uk,
“For the first nineteen years of his life, Johnny Razor wasn’t Johnny Razor at all. He was Malcolm Weatherly, and he was born in Mile End Underground station on the night of 17th September 1940.”
PR
Nick Hornby launched The Forever Story with these 35 words, hoping that it will become world’s longest collectively written story. The more people who join in at theforeverstory.com, the longer the story will be, and the more money will be raised for the TreeHouse national charity for autism education, as Talk Talk will donate £1 for every contribution to the site. Other established writers taking part include Robert Harris, Richard Curtis, Tom Stoppard, Martyn Waites, Dorothy Koomson, but the story is open to contributions from everyone.
To celebrate the launch we’re offering one winner a 13-inch: white 2.1 GHz MacBook (as shown here). To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:
Terms and conditions
1. The MacBook competition (the “Competition”) is open to residents of the UK aged 18 and over.
2. The Competition is not open to employees or agencies of Guardian News & Media Limited (“GNM”), its group companies, their family members or anyone else connected to the Competition.
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8. The winner will be chosen from a random draw of all correct entries received. The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
9. One winner will receive a Mac iBook, as detailed above.
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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/competition/2008/sep/03/ibook?gusrc=rss&feed=books
First Published Thursday, 4th September, 2008.

How are the RNC and DNC
Talking about Disability?
JFA is a free service of the American Association
of People with Disabilities
(AAPD<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71RO_s3fVrvPmGJ7N1Na4yeAl29BwoKfOraXggGh4RJmDJNfrfR7mbl_V2Ej27BmqUte2fpJtNAbAkp8BB8YlD2nrnGfhegsd0=>)
Today’s JFA:Â *How are the RNC and DNC Talking about
Disability?<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK3>
* *What Do You Think?<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK6>
* *More on Palin’s Direct Appeal to Families of Children with
Disabilities?<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK5>
* *Coverage of the 2008 Paralympic
Games<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK11>
* *EEOC Issues Guide for Hiring, Promoting Individuals with
Disabilities<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK15>
* *National Federation of the Blind Settles $6 Million Lawsuit with Target
over Accessibility of
Website<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK14>
*Â *How are the RNC and DNC Talking about Disability?*Â [image: Democrats
and Republicans
image]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71RO_s3fVrvPmGJ7N1Na4yeAl29BwoKfOraXggGh4RJmDJNfrfR7mbl_V2Ej27BmqUte2fpJtNAbAkp8BB8YlD2nrnGfhegsd0=>
Both Democrats and Republicans reference disability in their 2008 platforms
(their affirmative statements of goals and values). However how disability
is cited and where it is cited (under which categories) in each platform
varies between parties. Each party’s disability “mentions,” whether direct
or indirect, are quoted below.
from the
Democratic Platform
Health Care (from the section entitled “Affordable, Quality Health Care
Coverage for All Americans”) – Health insurance plans should accept all
applicants and be prohibited from charging different prices based on
pre-existing conditions.
…Chronic-care and behavioral health management should be assured for all
Americans who require care coordination. This includes assistance for those
recovering from traumatic, life-altering injuries and illnesses as well as
those with mental health and substance use disorders.
…We should… lower drug costs by allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower
prices, permitting importation of safe medicines from other developed
countries, creating a generic pathway for biologic drugs, and increasing use
of generics in public programs.
Social Security (from the section entitled “Retirement and Social
Security”)- [W]e believe that it is indispensable. We will fulfill our
obligation to strengthen Social Security and to make sure that it provides guaranteed
benefits Americans can count on, now and in future 14 generations. We will
not privatize it.
Stem Cell / Medical Research (from the section entitled “Affordable, Quality
Health Care Coverage for All Americans”) – For the millions of Americans and
their families suffering from debilitating physical and emotional effects of
disease, time is a precious commodity, and it is
running out…We need to invest in biomedical research and stem cell
research, so that we are at the leading edge of prevention and treatment.
This includes adequate funding for research into diseases such as heart
disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis,
breast cancer, diabetes, autism and other common and rare diseases, and
disorders. We will increase funding to the National Institutes of Health,
the National Science Foundation, and the National Cancer Institutes.
Long-Term Care (from the section entitled “Affordable, Quality Health Care
Coverage for All Americans”) – Seniors and people with disabilities should
have access to quality affordable long-term care services, and those
services should be readily available at home and in the community. Americans
should not be forced to choose between getting care and living independent
and productive lives.
(from the section entitled “Americans with Disabilities”) – We will restore
dignity for Americans with disabilities by signing the Community Choice Act
into law, which will allow them the choice of living in their communities
rather than being warehoused in nursing homes or other institutions.
(from the section entitled “Seniors”) – We believe that we must pay
caregivers a fair wage and train more nurses and health care workers so as
to improve the availability and quality of long-term care.
Education (from the section entitled “A World Class Education for Every
Child”) – We will also meet our commitment to special education and to
students who are English Language Learners. We support full funding of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
(from the section entitled “Americans with Disabilities”) – We will ensure
there is sufficient funding to empower Americans with disabilities to
succeed in school and beyond.
(from the section entitled “A World Class Education for Every Child”) – We
support education delivery that makes it possible for non-traditional
students to receive support and encouragement to obtain a college education,
including Internet, distance education, and night and weekend programs.
Technology (from the section entitled “Creating New Jobs By Rebuilding
American Infrastructure”) – We will ensure every American has access to
highspeed broadband…
(from the section entitled “A Connected America”) – We will implement a
national broadband strategy (especially in rural areas, and our reservations
and territories) that enables every American household, school, library, and
hospital to connect to a world-class communications infrastructure. We will
rededicate our nation to ensuring that all Americans have access to
broadband and the skills to use it effectively.
Housing (from the section entitled “Housing”) – We will work to end housing
discrimination and to ensure equal housing opportunity.
Veterans (from the section entitled “Do Right by Our Veterans and Their
Families”) – We will ensure that every veteran has access to quality health
care for injuries both physical and mental, and we will require that health
professionals screen all service members upon their return from combat. We
will aggressively address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain
Injury. We will work to ensure that every veteran receives the benefits he
or she has earned and the assistance he or she needs by making the
disability benefits process more fair, efficient, and equitable. We will
dramatically reduce the backlog of disability claims.
U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (from the section
entitled “Americans with Disabilities”) – We will once again reclaim our
role as world leaders in protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
We will lead the United States in ratifying the U.N. Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first human rights treaty approved
in the United Nations in the 21st century.
(from the section entitled “A More Perfect Union”) – We will sign the U.N.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities….
Restoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Â (from the section
entitled “A More Perfect Union”) – We will… restore the original intent of
the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Hate Crimes (from the section entitled “A More Perfect Union”) – We will
pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
Voting (from the section entitled “Voting Rights”) – We will fully fund the
Help America Vote Act and work to fulfill the promise of election reform,
including fighting to end long lines at voting booths and ensuring that all
registration materials, voting materials, polling places, and voting
machines are truly accessible to seniors, Americans with disabilities, and
citizens with limited English proficiency. We will call for a national
standard for voting that includes voterverified paper ballots. We will
ensure that absentee ballots are accessible and accurately counted…[W]e
oppose laws that require identification in order to vote or register to
vote, which create discriminatory barriers to the right to vote and
disenfranchise many eligible voters… Finally, we will enact legislation
that establishes harsh penalties for those who engage in voter intimidation
and creates a process for providing accurate information to misinformed
voters so they can cast their votes in time.
Quotations from individual participants in DNC Platform Meetings:
– Greenwood, SC, 7/19. Stop forcing special needs children to mainstream
without adequate resources.
– Bessemer, AL, 7/24. The federal, state and local government should
become proactive in establishing policies that address the needs of the
disabled.
View the 2008 Democratic
Platform<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-72OrP4fKSlF1cTLo2XWVw8a-OEmvZz3qPqgwIiCFjctRfc53SADRtvlq_2bMn1y_mWZU3Ohm_leO9W0lc55ZtreM-28UTzGMCeJoIkcVeGVtRaTCnFBHIisEiui5xpZ82dySnzPlVB8PZtLRVijU6J8Yb2CAFHCPwDkyX2ADS-z9alaot4LAlPjN8rBlrmFVtu8ZZKQ7HLdHg==>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
from the
Republican Platform
Veterans (from the section entitled “Supporting Our Heroes”) – We must make
military medicine the gold standard for advances in prosthetics and the
treatment of trauma and eye injuries.
…We encourage private businesses to expand their outreach to the veterans
community, especially disabled veterans.
…The VA must become more responsive and more efficient by eliminating its
disability backlog and reducing waiting times for treatment.
…The VA’s current disability compensation formulas need to be restructured
and modernized. Those who have borne the burden of war must have access to
training, rehabilitation, and education. Their families and caregivers
deserve our concern and support.
…We pledge special attention to combat stress injuries. There must be
adequate counseling when veterans return home – for them and their families.
…We recognize the need for more mental health professionals who can give
the highest quality treatment to our veterans.
Voting (from the section “Reforming Government to Serve the People” and
subsection “Protecting the Right to Vote in Fair Elections”) – We support
the right of states to require an official government-issued photo
identification for voting…
Taxes (from the section “Expanding Opportunity to Promote Prosperity” and
subsection “Republican Tax Policy: Protecting Hardworking Americans”) –
Republicans support tax credits for health care and medical expenses.
Health Care (from the section entitled “Health Care Reform: Putting Patients
First” and subsection “Patient Control and Portability”) – Individuals with
pre-existing conditions must be protected; we will help these individuals by
building on the experiences of innovative states rather than by creating a
new unmanageable federal entitlement.
(from the subsection “Patient Control and Portability”) – Because the family
is our basic unit of society, we fully support parental rights to consent to
medical treatment for their children including mental health treatment.
(from the subsection “Improving Quality of Care and Lowering Cost”) – A
culture of wellness needs to include the treatment of mental health
conditions. We believe all Americans should have access to affordable,
quality health care, including individuals struggling with
mental illness. For this reason, we believe it is important that mental
health care be treated equally with physical health care.
(from the subsection “Medicare”) – We support the provision of quality and
accessible health care options for our nation’s seniors and disabled
individuals and recognize that in order to meet this goal we must confront
the special challenges posed by the growth of Medicare costs.
(from the section “Reforming Government to Serve the People” and subsection
“Entitlement Reform”) – As discussed in the health care section of this
document, we commit to revive Medicare by rewarding quality care, promoting
competition, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, and giving patients and
providers control over treatment options. We envision a new Medicaid
partnership with the states, improving public health through flexibility and
innovation.
Stem Cells / Medical Research (from the section entitled “Health Care
Reform: Putting Patients First” and subsection “Improving Quality of Care
and Lowering Cost”) – [W]e call for a major expansion of support for the
stem-cell research that now shows amazing promise and offers the greatest
hope for scores of diseases – with adult stem cells, umbilical cord blood,
and cells reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells – without the destruction
of embryonic human life.
Long-Term Care (from the subsection entitled “Modernize Long-Term Care
Options for All) – The financial burdens and emotional challenges of
ensuring adequate care for elderly family members affect every American,
especially with today’s aging population. We must develop new ways to
support individuals, not just institutions, so that older Americans can have
a real choice whether to stay in their homes. This is true not only with
regard to Medicaid, where we spend $100 billion annually on long-term care,
but also for those who do not qualify for that assistance.
Physician-Assisted Suicide (from the section “Health Care Reform: Putting
Patients First” and subsection “Funding Medical Research”) – We believe
medicines and treatments should be designed to prolong and enhance life, not
destroy it. Therefore, federal funds should not be used for drugs that cause
the destruction of human life.
Furthermore, the Drug Enforcement Administration ban on use of controlled
substances for physician-assisted suicide should be restored.
(from the section “Preserving Our Values” and subsection “Maintaining the
Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life”) – …[W]e oppose the nonconsensual
withholding of care or treatment from people with disabilities, as well as
the elderly and infirm, just as we oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide,
which endanger especially those on the margins of society.
Education (from the section “Education Means a More Competitive America” and
subsection “Maintaining Our Commitment to IDEA”) – Because a federal mandate
on the states must include the promised federal funding, we will fulfill the
promise of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to cover 40
percent of the costs incurred because of that legislation. We urge
preventive efforts in early childhood, especially assistance in gaining
pre-reading skills, to help many youngsters move beyond the need for IDEA’s
protections.
(from the subsection “Asserting Family Rights in Schooling”) – It is not the
role of the teacher or school administration to recommend or require the use
of psychotropic medications that must be prescribed by a physician.
(from the subsection “Higher Education) – Our country’s system of higher
education – public and private, secular and religious, large and small
institutions – is unique for its excellence, its diversity, and its
accessibility. Learning is a safeguard of liberty. Post-secondary education
not only increases the earnings of individuals but advances economic
development. Our colleges and universities drive much of the research that
keeps America competitive. We must ensure that our higher education system
meet the needs of the 21st century student and economy and remain innovative
and accessible.
Civil Rights (from the section “Preserving Our Values” and subsection
“Ensuring Equal Treatment for All”) – We consider discrimination based on
sex, race, age, religion, creed, disability, or national origin to be
immoral, and we will strongly enforce anti-discrimination statutes.
Employment (from the section “Preserving Our Values” and subsection
“Maintaining the Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life”) – Respect for life
requires efforts to include persons with disabilities in education,
employment, the justice system, and civic participation.
…Because government should set a positive standard in hiring and
contracting for the services of persons with disabilities, we need to update
the statutory authority for the AbilityOne program, the main avenue by which
those productive members of our society can offer high quality services at
the best possible value.
View the 2008 Republican
Platform<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-70I7AUw6QXAa-POyADWZj85mlMuJuq1YkYxwhwYAXWOuyzrYQT1ZXjbIhQWyg9hpwTwMhIev1n7UQV62ZwCNe8KFxPqoyYuFIBIqSQN-E7f29wF-MF5aQSaDUT1qstjsBsB0Gj8TgP4Bw==>
*What Do You Think?
What do you think of the DNC and RNC platforms, as they pertain to
disability issues? Do they influence your vote on November 4? Any surprises?
Share your thoughts on the JFActivist
blog!<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-718z-y1bhQ3gUkDB7TzU7vJOtjXAmqF48NJjETexbjgTng-rM7avkdRA2AzwTkbtAtlvRoda6mbDol9-ashg1RsL2e4lk_zSKzvL-CXB7CUVhHQNLyQVwmtWAna105mZSo_Wj117bXulgSogZ38gn7BrmphPidWfl0w29YrYLkoOQ==>
More on Palin’s Direct Appeal to Families of Children with Disabilities
[image: Governor Sarah Palin
(R-AK)]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71RO_s3fVrvPmGJ7N1Na4yeAl29BwoKfOraXggGh4RJmDJNfrfR7mbl_V2Ej27BmqUte2fpJtNAbAkp8BB8YlD2nrnGfhegsd0=>As
referenced in the last JFA, last night, Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) made a
direct appeal to the families of children with disabilities during her
speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC). The appeal came after
she introduced members of her family to America, mentioning the recent birth
of her son, Trig, who has Down syndrome. The appeal she made, in its
context, follows below:
“Our son Track is 19.
And one week from tomorrow – September 11th – he’ll deploy to Iraq with the
Army infantry in the service of his country.
My nephew Kasey also enlisted, and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.
My family is proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving
the country in uniform. Track is the eldest of our five children.
In our family, it’s two boys and three girls in between – my strong and
kind-hearted daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper.
And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the
world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family
ever seems typical.
That’s how it is with us.
Our family has the same ups and downs as any other … the same challenges
and the same joys.
Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.
And children with special needs inspire a special love.
To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a
message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for
your sons and daughters.
I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate
in the White House.”
>>Read Gov. Palin’s entire speech.<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71Uhh49yi7_i8PdN4UEV33ZJ5FPsN_ajUeJqqTTKsIb0eOqGT2FIT7ibd3zIPFOz8qbD1GrPg1mUeG36K9-3a1OngbgsQYbWxtiCyjw43mOCSnb4UwoyJeei2CAtjEi-TC9lmMMGE1AgAQYUOrS-HcC5rm3uRhTKQjvr1gxOXM711VYUZbYKG7Nk6TLw_ZvKiU=>
MODERATOR, Anne Sommers, JUSTICE FOR ALL — A Service of the American
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*Coverage of the 2008 Paralympic Games
* [image: Paralympics
Logo]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71RO_s3fVrvPmGJ7N1Na4yeAl29BwoKfOraXggGh4RJmDJNfrfR7mbl_V2Ej27BmqUte2fpJtNAbAkp8BB8YlD2nrnGfhegsd0=>
NBC
Universal will provide US coverage of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games via
the UniversalSports.com<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-72Jq8_hF-NDKBwfDD3EMwDSoRu6XgpE1oiOgiIXuej7t6hGfRVIqqfBCQ0ZIss2_n5EmLhxEHblmw-EXsiPiKBr1rvtnHWQHl71LOVytICpXw==>website
and present television programming of the Games in early October.
The groundbreaking broadcast will premiere on September 6th on
UniversalSports.com and October 8th on Universal Sports TV, followed by a
special presentation of the events on NBC October 18th.
Visit UniversalSports.com<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-72Jq8_hF-NDKBwfDD3EMwDSoRu6XgpE1oiOgiIXuej7t6hGfRVIqqfBCQ0ZIss2_n5EmLhxEHblmw-EXsiPiKBr1rvtnHWQHl71LOVytICpXw==>to
view Paralympic Games competition, athletes and more.
ParalympicSport.TV<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71JRhX_k2uniBIU9EbrWREXhYpXkHdGi4mdYXCSHD-9nz-OOMF5ormGLAosg1eX4G7NlM8J4uX3ON6ZHtRjccDmFaADIr0TdGXhHbP9aaUsCQ==>presented
by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Worldwide
Partner Samsung is a top quality 24/7 television channel broadcasting via
the Internet. Free of charge, people all over the world are able to watch
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coverage on demand later.
Help demonstrate the high level of interest in NBC’s Paralympic Games
coverage and promote their online and television broadcast to your
participants, families, friends, partners, and supporters. The greater the
viewership, the more coverage we will see for future Games. Visit these
sites early and visit them often!
*EEOC Issues Guide for Hiring, Promoting Individuals with Disabilities
* From Government Executive.com (August 27):
EEOC issues guide for hiring, promoting disabled employees
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Tuesday published a guide to
help agencies identify opportunities to hire and promote individuals with
disabilities.
The online guide responds to frequently asked questions about hiring
flexibilities and legal requirements.
“The EEOC is doing everything it can to provide agencies with useful
guidance on how to be the nation’s model employer, providing equal
opportunity to all Americans, including those with disabilities,” said Naomi
Earp, the commission’s chairwoman…
>>Read the rest of the article.<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71dJzKrZcPPHikSVZM4sQJ2uTiFMHmXtP_5MfLnuN5qD7X4o04QqW1vEUEZIduiJ3trS1q72UaIOOOasDyXUjgY2B3Nv9-jTspaRm1MsDgF1LabkCJRgk_fSPjkpuVwgSXH30JJ-7yd-v5wOkAe-CgqVmhmR2RHGgKUQQfwnKTY-g==>
>>View the EEOC guide.<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-70tybo3kud31oUgl6E5NJXHkk82x_L3MGDt7tw9gQYCgqM4RAM3eA-M4FzWUxOSOWo_dvTXJP-c7zAJKXa0D8qt7vVUFVg9mPCNprt-JyXEpfte_8qD1EegwyPBF59jdu1slavBUTLTkSk5vh5bH0HfTgslqTN1diA=>
*National Federation of the Blind Settles $6 Million Lawsuit with Target
over Accessibility of Website
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and Target settled a class
action lawsuit on August 27, to make accessible the Target.com web site for
blind people using assistive technology. As a result, NFB will certify the
Target Web site through its Nonvisual Accessibility Web Certification
program once there are agreed-upon improvements completed in early 2009 and
will engage in a three-year relationship at $40 thousand a year, during
which NFB will perform accessibility testing of the Target Web site,
including providing monitoring and training. As part of the settlement,
Target will establish a $6 million fund from which members of the California
settlement class can make claims. Marc Maurer, President of the National
Federation of the Blind stated that he hopes other businesses providing
goods and services on the Internet will follow Target’s example.
Read more information<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-70J3nB_iwWPlnVYQlIHMnSisDyrMbSGv5TY-YHTxSBmTsYRPN1XME9wmfaOIM070axoHi93ltV9NTklk4BoEW9pR7MqxKHASTz11qt8lNTJEQ==>about
the terms of the settlement.
View a copy of Settlement<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-73aqqpumSpJ5zbOWNUzAUxiW4YpLo6NXjfbUPQch7rlyg5H_krTcTdnnQApn5ClXev402j2jfhQzxSnb6VuqW9byLXyR6OAVsJ3aifNVnxFsyEDm-5531CZYZS3HxPpfjQD3p9BxoLy6Q==>
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Email Marketing <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=newsVE02> by
<http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=newsVE02> American Association
of People with Disabilities | 1629 K Street, NW | Suite 503 | Washington |
DC | 20006
—
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1101 15th Street, NW Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
732.763.5530
First Published Friday, 29th August, 2008.

Please feel free to distribute far and wide:
We want you to help write a story that goes on forever. The more people who join in, the longer the story will be, and the more money we’ll raise for Treehouse (http://www.treehouse.org.uk/), the charity that helps children who find it hard to join in; autistic children.
Every contribution to the story will generate a £1 donation from TalkTalk.
Nick Hornby(who has been involved with Treehouse for a long time and has an autistic son) has written the first 35 words. Join him and other well-known writers who are going to co-author the forever story and do no-end of good for autistic children.
Thankyou.
http://www.theforeverstory.com/

HEADLINES
“Disabled children transported in cagesâ€:
http://www.politics.co.uk/news/foreign-policy/legal-and-constitutional/disabled-children-transported-in-cages–$1237577.htm
“Children with learning disabilities held at Yarl’s Wood – Inspector’s ‘dismayed’ after visit to detention centreâ€:
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2008/08/22/109189/children-with-learning-disabilities-held-at-yarls-wood.html
“Florida parents say autistic students abused…Alex Barton has opened doors for parents of autistic children to get their message heard, said Palm Beach parent Phyllis Musumeci, mother of a teenage autistic boy…Moore and Barton, who have both filed notices they intend to sue the St. Lucie County School District, are not alone.â€:
http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=AUTISMABUSE-08-25-08
“Bully, 12, investigated for rapeâ€:
http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/News/Article.aspx?id=828651
“Arizona music therapist accused of molestationâ€:
http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2008/08/21/news/state/20080821_arizo_179760.txt
“Presumed guilty: The loving stepfather devoted to helping autistic youngsters now fighting to clear his nameâ€:
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/femail/article-1049551/Presumed-guilty-The-loving-stepfather-devoted-helping-autistic-youngsters-fighting-clear-name.html
“Attack on autistic Mishawaka teen posted to YouTubeâ€:
http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/27553514.html
“Disabled siblings lived under houseâ€:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24253884-12377,00.html
“Police search for missing Provo womanâ€:
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10239144?source=rss
“Missing man found in Manchesterâ€:
http://www.courant.com/community/news/ec/hcu-manmissing-0823,0,27850.story
“Hacker loses extradition appealâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7585861.stm
Support Site “Free Gary McKinnon – or at least try him in the UKâ€:
http://freegary.org.uk/
“NAS and North Yorkshire police launch autism alert cardâ€:
http://www.daelnet.co.uk/countrynews/country_news_26082008.cfm
“Authorities searching for couple who refused vaccinationâ€:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24236638-23289,00.html
“Lynch to sign bill to create autism council in NHâ€:
http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=8882878
“Measles outbreaks worry CDCâ€:
http://children.webmd.com/vaccines/news/20080821/measles-outbreaks-worry-cdc
“Forced marriage of people with learning disabilitiesâ€:
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2008/08/22/109193/forced-marriage-of-people-with-learning-disabilities.html
“Smarter Brunei paves way for autistic individualsâ€:
http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Aug08/200808/nite18.htm
“Bellingham: Advocates protest ‘hate speech’ in movieâ€:
http://www.wickedlocal.com/bellingham/news/x1806342878/Bellingham-Advocates-protest-hate-speech-in-movie
“Project Lifesaver Program helps law enforcement locate at-risk citizens across the USAâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118474.php
“Mosquito under scrutinyâ€:
http://www.thisisplymouth..co.uk/news/Mosquito-scrutiny/article-290499-detail/article.html
“Why won’t they let me join the army?â€:
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED18%20Aug%202008%2016%3A01%3A22%3A943
“GI Partners takes over care firmâ€:
http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i1H0zDQkCQWKLGjs9dymS0ttkjsg
“Home for adults planned in Cumbriaâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/7565105.stm
“Disabled helped to pay fuel billsâ€:
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/08/23/disabled-helped-to-pay-fuel-bills-100252-21590764/
“More than one in three Irish parents forced to wait over a year for autism diagnosisâ€:
http://www.awares.org/pkgs/news/news.asp?showItemID=916&board=&bbcode=&profileCode=§ion=
“Fears that man with asperger’s cleared of TV presenter’s murder is being manipulatedâ€:
http://www.awares.org/pkgs/news/news.asp?showItemID=914&board=&bbcode=&profileCode=§ion=
UK-wide Competition “Express your experiences of autismâ€:
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/salisbury/salisburynews/display.var.2431230.0.express_your_experiences_of_autism.php

RESEARCH
“UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute researchers to begin widespread newborn screening for Fragile X Syndromeâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118757.php
“New research shows one in 200 people born with DNA mutation that can lead to mitochondrial diseaseâ€:
http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20080811/DC3012911082008-1.html
“UC Davis researchers define characteristics, treatment options for XXYY syndromeâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119172.php
“Facial structures, brain abnormalities studied to reveal formula for detection of autismâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118653.php
“Scientists find part of brain dedicated to remembering featuresâ€:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008133566_faces23.html
“CNSI at UCLA to host forum …
A guest appearance will be made by two-time Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman, who co-starred in the 1988 film “Rain Man” about an autistic savant. Hoffman played Raymond Babbitt, who was based in part on Kim Peek, a savant whose eidetic, or photographic, memory and developmental disabilities were the possible result of congenital brain abnormalities. Hoffman will receive the 2008 IBMISPS Beacon Award…â€
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118384.php
“New reasons to avoid grapefruit and other juices when taking certain drugsâ€:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080819160050.htm
“Minnesota officials to examine autism in Somali immigrant childrenâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119299.php
“Elephant therapy to treat depression – …There are around 200,000 autistic people recorded in Thailand. Studies began last year and looked into the effects on four autistic children of their interactions with elephants.â€:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/260808_News/26Aug2008_news15..php

EDUCATION
“Back-to-school kids need shotsâ€:
http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/85155/back-to-school-kids-need-shots/Default.aspx
“Autistic child wanders away from schoolâ€:
http://www.wptv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=8ccc2224-43c1-411d-b87b-3774c70ef42d&rss=762
“Isolation room deemed to violate school, fire rulesâ€:
http://www.projo.com/education/content/ROOM_20_08-21-08_34B9VAH_v23.3e83332.html
“Embattled bus administrator retiring…Some parents, however, were taking drastic measures to get answers:
•A south Hillsborough mother hired an attorney this week to help get her 10-year-old son with autism picked up an hour later so he doesn’t have to spend nearly two hours on a school bus each morning. “All I’m asking for is someone to respond and call me back,” Laurie Eckley said. “He has a hard enough time with school without being on the bus for two hours.”
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/aug/28/280022/na-embattled-bus-administrator-retiring/
“Young people with learning disabilities need better options when they leave schoolâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/aug/19/specialeducationneeds?gusrc=rss&feed=education
“Exam Successâ€:
“Nineteen-year-old Josh Muggleton was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, when he was 15.
After years of bullying he left school at 16 with average GCSE results and was told he would not be able to go to university.
Since then he has attended a specialist college in Frome and the college in Bath and will be starting a psychology degree at St Andrew’s University after getting two As and a B in his A levels.
He said: “This means so much to me.
“Starting at university and moving away from home is closing the door on all the bad things that have happened to me.â€
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=163490&command=displayContent&sourceNode=163316&contentPK=21288262&folderPk=89126&pNodeId=163047
“Pupils’ GCSE results delightâ€:
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/local/3613401.Pupils__GCSE_results_delight/
“Close to achieving his dreamâ€:
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/LifeMatters/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=LifeHealth&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=LifeHealth&itemid=NOED12%20Aug%202008%2010%3A46%3A49%3A203
“Autistic students get help navigating college lifeâ€:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25588536/
“State expected to approve new autism schoolâ€:
http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=8888733
“Open house helps prepare for new school’s openingâ€:
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/edisonpark/news/1127780,ed-edisonpark-082808-s2.article
“We can learn from special schoolsâ€:
http://www.theage.com.au/education/opinion-we-can-learn-from-special-schools-20080809-3sm8.html?page=-1
“Extended schools: after-school and holiday provisionâ€:
http://www.teachingexpertise.com/articles/extended-schools-after-school-and-holiday-provision-3345
“Autistic kids face asbestos at Rockaways elementary schoolâ€:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/08/18/2008-08-18_autistic_kids_face_asbestos_at_rockaways.html
“Children affected by disabilities and their families receive free school supplies and enjoyed day full of fun at Tropical Parkâ€:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/east-kendall/story/648915.html
“School gets a makeoverâ€:
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/3615264.School_gets_a_makeover/

EMPLOYMENT
Sweden “Left is Rightâ€
Left is right is a consulting company offering a unique capability. Our consultants are diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, and thus have a sense for detail, are extremely thorough and have the ability to work with repeated tasks while maintaining a high quality. To read more about how we can help your company, read Our services.
http://www.leftisright.se/index.php?lang=english
“Employment training courses for autistic adults”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1342&a=17008
Job “Major Gifts Officer, The National Autistic Societyâ€:
http://jobs.thirdsector.co.uk/job/311728/major-gifts-officer
“Aspergians can be great employeesâ€:
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x1103457370/Aspergians-can-be-great-employees
“Auties.orgâ€:
Individuality, Diversity, Equality, Achievement
Auties.org is an Aspie & Autie friendly site for all people on the Autistic Spectrum who are ready to dare reach out to occupation and employment, open the doors to the community and market their abilities directly to the public and for those interested in supporting these pioneers. http://www.auties.org/
“Prospectsâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=473&a=2348
“AutismJobsâ€:
Linking job seekers with vacancies in work related to autism, Aspergers and ASDs
http://www.autismjobs.org/?section=00010009
“Current job vacancies within the NASâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=170
For further employment information, please viewâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/employment_on_the_autism_spectrum.htm

GENERAL/HUMAN INTEREST
“Humbled by the love orphans have to giveâ€:
http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/latestheadlines/display.var.2431492.0.humbled_by_the_love_orphans_had_to_give.php
“Prodigies, past and presentâ€:
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/features/2008/08/799209/
“Hope, inspiration seen through eyes of childâ€:
http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=217503
“My son’s battle with Tourette’sâ€:
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED11%20Aug%202008%2013%3A24%3A50%3A060
“Joel goes back to school for Asdaâ€:
http://uttoxeteradvertiser.co.uk/uttoxeteradvertiser/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=339554
“X Factor judge Simon Cowell’s dates with Emma Noble…Emma has been bowled over by Simon’s interest in the National Autistic Society. It’s a charity very close to Emma’s heart because her own son, Harrison, is autistic.â€:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/08/16/x-factor-judge-simon-cowell-s-dates-with-emma-noble-115875-20699965/
“Autistic children swim with dolphinsâ€:
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/health/15765059/detail.html
“Can people on the autism spectrum compete?â€:
http://autism.about.com/b/2008/08/19/can-people-on-the-autism-spectrum-compete.htm
“Part of my life nowâ€:
http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080819/FEAT/808190354
“Humberto Cruz: Disabled son should not inherit directlyâ€:
http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=102819
“Churches can be overwhelming for those with autism, Asperger’sâ€:
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x809655030/Churches-can-be-overwhelming-for-those-with-autism-Aspergers
“Don’t be so quick to judge; disruptive child may be autisticâ€:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/letters/story/447551.html
“Not a friendly experience for autistic kidsâ€:
http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_235235826.html
“Harry Potter’s hidden disabilityâ€:
http://www.ableize.com/news/-Read-about-Harry-Potters-Hidden-Disability-n37.html

Sweden
Riksföreningen Autism
Bellmansgatan 30
118 47 Stockholm
E-post: info@autism.se
tfn 08-702 05 80
fax 08-644 02 88
http://www.autism.se/

“Left is Rightâ€:
http://www.leftisright.se/index.php?lang=english

“Christopher Gillberg – Wikipediaâ€:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Gillberg

“Sweden Facts, Travel Videos, Flags & Photos”:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_sweden.html

“Sweden – Photo Gallery”:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/healthyliving/gallery/sweden/index.html?fs=travel.nationalgeographic.com

ADD/ADHD
“Helping kids with ADHD get ready for schoolâ€:
http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2008/08/21/get_healthy/get_healthy/doc4de815b03c259f8a862574a5008261cf.txt
“Study areas should be organized for ADHD kidsâ€:
http://stories.thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8db4e88de5a6b059
“State tops diagnosis of ADHDâ€:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24235739-421,00.html
“Alert over ADHD guidelines in schoolsâ€:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24203785-2702,00.html?from=public_rss
“CHADD and AACAP applaud Michael Phelps for addressing stigma of ADHDâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119122.php
“ADHD and 8 gold medalsâ€:
http://www.huliq.com/66491/adhd-and-8-gold-medals
“Non-drug alternatives for ADHD proven effectiveâ€:
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/08/19/non-drug-alternatives-for-adhd-proven-effective/
“Private tutor able to help Delta student learn to control ADHDâ€:
http://www.semissourian.com/article/20080819/NEWS01/50214/-1/RSS
“adders.orgâ€
Our objective is to promote awareness to AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and to provide information and as much free practical help as we can to affected by the condition, both adults and children, their families in the UK and around the World via this website.
http://www.adders.org/
“ADDISS†The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service…
http://www.addiss.co.uk/index.html
“ADDAâ€:
http://www.add.org/
“hi2u ADHD Pagesâ€:
http://www.adhd..org.uk/
“CHADDâ€:
http://www.chadd.org/am/CustomPages/home/CHADD_Home.htm?CFID=2282059&CFTOKEN=38105335&jsessionid=f2303343221169802693562
Shortlisted for nasen Award 2008: Book that supports SEN and Disability Issues
ADHD – Living without Brakes

SPORT
“Mini games boast paralympic spiritâ€:
http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/content/eveningstar/sport/story.aspx?brand=ESTOnline&category=SportGrassRoots&tBrand=ESTOnline&tCategory=sport&itemid=IPED13%20Aug%202008%2017%3A10%3A09%3A777
“Sea of change, a day in the wavesâ€:
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080822/NEWS02/808220420/1070
“Soccer signup set for kids with special needsâ€:
http://www.bradenton.com/breakingsports/story/825369.html
“Holly to skydive above Everestâ€:
http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/display.var.2424160.0.holly_to_skydive_above_everest.php
“Gran surprise for marathonâ€:
http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/08/17/gran-surprise-for-marathon/
“Join us on the Great South Run this autumn”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16132
“Adidas Women’s 5k Challenge – 7th September, 2008â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16296
“Derry, Northern Ireland – Waterside Half Marathon – 13th September, 2008â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16853
“Donegal ‘Mooathon’ 2008 – 28th September – ‘the wildest, most fun half-marathon you will ever do! It’s also an excellent warm-up race for the adidas Dublin Marathon in October.’:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16852
“Dublin Marathon – 27th October, 2008â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16851
Newcastle & Portsmouth “BUPA Great North Run 2008 – World’s Biggest Half Marathon – 5th Octoberâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16132
“Sahara Desert Trek – 8th-15th November, 2008â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16303
“Cycle China 2009 – 19th-29th Marchâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16305
“Trek the Inca Trail 2009 – 14th-23rd Mayâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16310
“Trek Jordan 2009 – 10th-14th Septemberâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16314

MUSIC
“Gary Numanâ€:
http://www.garynuman.com/
“Gary Numan exclusive…”But being famous with Asperger’s is brilliant because it means you’re all the things people expect. I’m supposed to be stand-offish. And I’m meant to be difficult to talk to.â€:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/03/14/gary-numan-exclusive-89520-20351087/

ART
“Richard Wawro – YouTubeâ€:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvys7263DNc
“Richard Wawro Home Pageâ€
“Richard Wawro was a remarkable Scottish artist who earned widespread acclaim for his detailed drawings created with the unusual medium of wax oil crayons. With these he produced exceedingly detailed, dramatic images of intense depth and colour.â€
http://www.wawro.net/
“Competition will champion the work of autistic artistsâ€:
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/3609617.Competition_will_champion_the_work_of_autistic_artists/
“Autistic adults speak through artâ€:
http://www.cafonline.org/Default.aspx?page=16023

MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT
“AS Teen sought for BBC production”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17282
“Rainman arrives on the London stage Aug. 28â€:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/120786.html
“Johnson replaces Grindley as Director of London’s Rain Manâ€:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/120340.html
“Close-up: Adam Godleyâ€
“…nothing has quite prepared Adam Godley for his latest role – playing the autistic-savant Raymond Babbitt in the new West End adaptation of Rain Man. Appearing opposite Hollywood heart-throb Josh Hartnett will be one thing, trying to follow the Oscar-winning performance of Dustin Hoffman in the 1988 film, will be another.â€
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/sunday-review/regulars/closeup-adam-godley-904862.html
“Claire Danes circles autism biopic – film based on Temple Grandin’s lifeâ€:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ide19bac7b91209a2ed01f3822b847c9f
“The Horse: Horse and livestock humane proponent’s life to be basis of HBO movieâ€:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12566
“History and culture at Cinema City:
…Also popular have been the autism friendly screenings and the parent and toddler Big Scream films.â€
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/GoingOut/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=GoingOutFilm&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=GoingOutFilm&itemid=NOED15%20Aug%202008%2009%3A26%3A30%3A987
“BBC America premieres three compelling documentaries in Septemberâ€
THE HUMAN CAMERA U.S. PREMIERE
At 12 years old, from memory, Stephen Wiltshire drew St Paul’s Cathedral, perfectly, without any art training. Twenty one years later, he’s become one of Britain’s most prolific and talented young artists. He is also autistic. Steven has the extraordinary ability to look at a building and sketch it from memory in almost photographic detail. He’s drawn many of the world’s greatest cities such as Rome, New York and Hong Kong but never his home city of London. Now in this documentary, Steven draws the largest ever panoramic view of the entire London skyline having studied it for only 30 minutes from a helicopter. With a canvas 20 yards wide and a box of pens and pencils, Stephen sketches the view from memory, street-by-street and building for building.
The Human Camera premieres Wednesday, September 10, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT
http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20080820bbca01
UK “Last night on television: Superhuman: Genius(ITV1):
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/08/19/nosplit/bvtv19last.xml
“Sensory friendly films for autistic childrenâ€:
http://www.myfoxhamptonroads.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7269854&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
“Actors for Autismâ€:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/

BOOKS
“Sixth-grader writes book on autismâ€:
http://www.theolathenews.com/101/story/199251.html
“Author opens the door to reveal her own hidden worldâ€:
http://www.woonsocketcall.com/content/view/47870/112/
The Man Who Made Lists – Love, Death, Madness and the Creation Of Roget’s Thesaurus
Author: Joshua Kendall
“He was diligent, fixated, obsessiveâ€:
http://www.thestar.com/article/478661
“Boone provides insight into autismâ€:
http://media.www.dailyvidette.com/media/storage/paper420/news/2008/08/25/Features/Boone.Provides.Insight.Into.Autism-3402446.shtml
Temple Grandin “New book ‘The Way I See It’ focuses on autismâ€:
http://jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080818/MOMS01/80818023
“Telling Dawfie’s storyâ€:
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/793/story/298761.html
Due for Release October 2008 “Dawfie’s Storyâ€
Author: Brenda O’Bannion
Available Now “Crowbaby and Dawfieâ€
http://www.brendaobannion.com/books.htm
“Novel communication – Joshua Smith, 8yrs, writer, illustratorâ€:
http://www.mv-voice.com/news/show_story.php?id=760
“Social Skills Games for Childrenâ€
Author: Deborah M. Plummer
Foreword by Professor Jannet Wright
Illustrated by Jane Serrurier
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106173
“Reaching and Teaching the Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Using Learning Preferences and Strengthsâ€
Author: Heather MacKenzie
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106234
“Teaching Children with Autism and Related Spectrum Disorders: An Art and a Scienceâ€
Author: Christy L. Magnusen
Foreword by Tony Attwood
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843107477
“Asperger Syndrome – What Teachers Need to Knowâ€
Author: Matt Winter
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843101437
“Choosing Home: Deciding to Homeschool with Asperger’s Syndromeâ€
Authors: Martha Kennedy Hartnett and Stephen M. Shore
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843107637
“Homeschooling the Child with Asperger Syndrome: Real Help for Parents Anywhere and On Any Budgetâ€
Author: Lise Pyles
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843107613
“Home Educating Our Autistic Spectrum Children: Paths are Made by Walkingâ€
Authors: Terri Dowty and Kitt Cowlishaw
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843100379
“Challenging the Gifted Child: An Open Approach to Working with Advanced Young Readersâ€
Author: Margaret Stevens
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843105701
“Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the PreTeen and Teenage Yearsâ€
Author: Shana Nichols
With Gina Marie Moravcik and Samara Pulver Tetenbaum
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108559
In closing, we take a look at synaesthesia. For a clear definition…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synaesthesia

Earlier this month came this report – “Screensaver reveals new test for synaesthesia†– http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/brain/dn14459-screensaver-reveals-new-test-for-synaesthesia.html
Daniel Tammet once wrote: “Different numbers have different colours, shapes and textures,” he says. “[The number] one is very bright and shining, like someone flashing a light into my face. Two is like a movement from right to left. Five is a clap of thunder or the sound of a wave against a rock. Six I find more difficult: it’s more like a hole or a chasm. When I multiply numbers, I see two shapes in a landscape. The space between the images makes a third shape, like a jigsaw piece. And that third shape gradually crystallises: I see a fuzziness that becomes clearer and clearer.” The whole process takes place in a flash, “like sparks flying off”. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/daniel-tammet-inside-the-mind-of-a-staggering-genius-495165.html
Who Has It?
Incidence:
- one in every 25,000 people born have synesthesia, but this estimate is thought to be low
Women:
- studies done in the United States show that three times as many women as men have synesthesia
- Studies from UK reveal that eight times as many women as men are affected
Lefties:
- it appears more frequently among left-handed people
Families:
Experience:
- the synesthetic experience is different for every individual. For example, among people who see letters as colored, there is not a set color for each letter from person to person. Everyone has their own colored alphabet.

Hailed as being one of the best websites for kids…â€Cool Mathâ€, an amusement park of math and more provides maths lessons, games, practice and fun! http://www.coolmath.com/
Take Care,
Julie


First Published Wednesday, 27th August, 2008.
The term ‘therapy’ in terms of assisting children and adults on the spectrum to live fulfilling lives, does not sit comfortably with many. That is, unless we’re talking speech therapy or occupational therapy and the like. Why the hang-up with the term ‘therapy’ you may ask? Well, perhaps this is derived from the notion that an autistic person requires ‘fixing’ and the fact that many and varied ‘therapies and treatments’ that autistic children and adults have been subjected to over the years have been damaging and abusive.  Many would say, when it comes to animals(such as horses, dolphins, cats and dogs), why must we use the term ‘therapy’? Why not just allow it to be that which it is – the age-old and very natural enjoyment of animals and nature?
Regardless of terminology applied here, the following article provides us with an interesting read and it certainly sounds as though the ‘elephant project’ is a wonderful and enjoyable experience for many.  That it is benefiting those who are depressed and/or have phobias deserves recognition.  It also highlights the fact that there are around 200 000 autistic people recorded in Thailand. So, view it as ‘therapy’ if you must, but I have to admit, were I to engage my autistic son with an elephant ride(his Uncle, my brother-in-law is Sri Lankan so this would not be totally unthinkable), I would smile at him and say “Ready for your elephant adventure ride, honey?” Sounds so much better than “Ready for your elephant therapy:). No?”
Enjoy the read:)…
Elephant therapy to treat depression
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Researchers from Chiang Mai University (CMU) have a new means of fighting phobias and depression _ elephants. CMU had previously studied the effects of ”elephant therapy” on autistic children and, having noted promising results, are now proposing a similar programme for people suffering from depression or phobias.
Audomsark Haesungcharern, dean of CMU’s associated medical sciences faculty, believes the animals’ voice may have therapeutic qualities.
Dr Audomsark says studies have found elephant calls contain infra sound, which is a relaxation tone, and ultra sound, which can engender active emotions.
It is these qualities, as well as previous results with autistic children, that lead the CMU researchers to believe elephants could help depressed people, or individuals with a phobia.
The elephant therapy scheme is jointly run by the CMU and the Forest Industry Organisation’s (FIO) Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang.
The two organisations yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further develop their elephant therapy programme for autistic people aged between nine and 19.
The studies began last year and looked into the effects on four autistic children of their interactions with elephants.
Results suggested an improvement in a number of areas, such as self-reliance and social reactions, after spending time with the elephants.
”[The results] were beyond our expectations. This has encouraged us to continue the study into how the elephants can help relieve the symptoms [of certain mental disorders],” said Dr Audomsark.
Nuntanee Satiansukpong, who heads the elephant therapy project, explained that under the treatment scheme, autistic children will be matched with elephants based on their personalities.
For example, hyperactive children will be paired with calm elephants, while introverted children will be matched with enthusiastic elephants.
”An autistic boy who had never talked with or even hugged his parents did so after attending the elephant therapy project,” she said.
The CMU and FIO plan to set up an elephant therapy centre once the study is completed.
There are around 200,000 autistic people recorded in Thailand.
Many medical researchers worldwide have found animal-assisted therapy to be of benefit to autistic people. Horses, dogs and dolphins are considered to have potential in this regard.
Prasop Tipprasert, the FIO’s elephant specialist, said the centre had trained 20 elephants to work with children.
He said that safety is the most important concern, so all elephants are tamed and kept under close supervision.
Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/260808_News/26Aug2008_news15.php
First Published Wednesday, 27th August, 2008.

Teenager with Asperger syndrome sought for BBC production
Candid Casting is a London-based casting company, well-known for working with young people casting such projects as Mi high (BBC) and the Bafta-winning drama That summer’s day ( BBC).
We are currently working with the BBC on an adaptation of Jaqueline Wilson’s novel Dustbin baby, in which one of the characters has Asperger syndrome.
Poppy is 12-15 year-old girl with Asperger syndrome who the main character, April, meets in Fairleigh Residential School. Poppy and April share a room at the school and become good friends.
We are looking for a strong actress who is on the autism spectrum or who has good knowledge of the condition, and is able to take on this challenging role and portray the condition sympathetically.
The character appears in eight very important scenes and is the person who April turns to for money when she tries to run away.
About Dustbin baby
Dustbin baby centres around April, a girl who was dumped in a dustbin behind a pizza restaurant as a baby and found by a teenager called Frankie.
It is now April’s 14th birthday and she is thinking about how her life began. She visits the place where she was dumped and notices a phone number painted on the wall. Hoping it might be her birth mother trying to make contact, April calls the number only to discover it is Frankie’s. He has always wanted to find out what happened to April and how she is coping with life.
The two strangers meet up for a coffee and both gain a sense of ‘closure’.
Auditions
Auditions will be held in London during the weeks commencing 25 August and 1 September 2008. Filming will take place from 18-23 September.
If you have a child who would be interested in auditioning for the role of Poppy, telephone Luke Dominy at Candid Casting on 020 7490 8882 for more information.
Source: http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17282

“Candid Casting”
CANDID CASTING was founded by Amanda Tabak in 1993. Initially specialising in ‘Real People’, Candid Casting grew rapidly and today is one of the UK’s leading full service casting companies working across commercials, films, television and music videos.
Candid Casting has a reputation for sourcing new talent and diverse characters, and has a large in house database of established actors, new talent and actors with special skills. Whatever the size of project from Commercial to Feature Film, you can rely on our experience, knowledge and our enthusiastic professional service to find you the perfect casting solutions.
Our in house casting studio in Central London is fully equipped with the latest technology.

First Published Tuesday, 26th August, 2008.

A4 Update 2008 (August), Vol 6. No. 6
The links for the latest A4 Update are:
Previous A4 Updates are available for downloading from the A4 website (see www.a4.org.au/news.htm).
Apologies…Currently, the A4 website is not working properly … new members cannot sign up at the moment. We hope to have normal operations working soon.
First Published Sunday, 24th August, 2008.

Request for Information (RFI): Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Draft Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research is Available for Comment
Notice Number: NOT-MH-08-021
Key Dates
Release Date: Â August 20, 2008
Response Date: Â September 30, 2008
Issued by
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (http://www.nimh.nih.gov)
Description
On behalf of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), the NIMH is seeking comments1 on the IACC Draft Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research.
Background
The Combating Autism Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-416) re-established the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) and requires that the IACC develop and annually update a strategic plan for ASD research, including proposed budgetary requirements. The IACC includes Federal and public members who are active in the area of ASD research funding, services, or advocacy. One IACC member has an ASD and several IACC members have family members with an ASD. Driven by both the sense of urgency and a spirit of collaboration, the IACC developed an initial draft Strategic Plan for ASD Research, which is focused on the unique needs of individuals with ASD and their families, as well as other consumers of these efforts. The draft Strategic Plan was developed through extensive and iterative input from members of the public, academic, and advocacy communities. The draft Strategic Plan does not include cost estimates for implementation. However, the IACC has formed a Strategic Planning Implementation Workgroup to advise the IACC about the budgetary requirements needed to complete and fulfill the research objectives described in draft Strategic Plan and to identify the agencies and organizations that will be accountable for launching research initiatives — for open competition and peer-review — to achieve the objectives outlined in the draft Strategic Plan.
The draft Strategic Plan is organized in two main sections. First, the foundation of the plan – vision, mission, core values, and crosscutting themes – is described. The remainder of the plan is organized around six critical questions asked by individuals and families living with ASD. At its next meeting on November 21, 2008, the IACC will review and discuss the public comments received on the draft and the workgroup’s recommendations regarding implementing the plan.
Information Requested
The IACC welcomes your comments on the draft Strategic Plan for ASD Research. The draft plan can be accessed at the following website:http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/scientific-meetings/recurring-meetings/iacc/strategic-plan/2008/iacc-strategic-plan-august-2008.pdf
Please organize your comments by the sections of the draft Strategic Plan:
Introductory Material (including the Introduction, Vision Statement, Mission Statement, Core Values and Cross-Cutting Themes)
I:Â When Should I Be Concerned?
II:Â How Can I Understand What Is Happening?
III:Â What Caused This To Happen And Can This Be Prevented?
IV:Â Which Treatments And Interventions Will Help?
V:Â Where Can I Turn For Services?
VI:Â What Does The Future Hold?
Development Process for the IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
References
How to Submit a Response
Responses will be accepted until September 30, 2008 via email to iacc@mail.nih.gov. Please limit your response to two pages (approximately 1,000 words) and mark it with the RFI identifier NOT-MH-08-021 in the subject line. You will receive an email confirmation acknowledging receipt of your response, but will not receive individualized feedback on any suggestions. The collected information will be reviewed by the IACC, may appear in reports, and shared publicly on the IACC website: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/scientific-meetings/recurring-meetings/iacc/index.shtml.
Inquiries
Inquiries regarding this notice may be directed to:
Attention: Strategic Plan for ASD Research RFI
Office of the Director
National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8235, MSC 9669
Bethesda, MD 20892-9669
Email:Â iaccpublicinquiries@mail.nih.gov
No basis for claims against the NIH shall arise as a result of a response to this RFI, or from the NIH’s use of such information.
This RFI is for planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation for applications or an obligation on the part of the government. The government will not pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the government’s use of that information.
1st Request for Information:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-MH-08-016.html
2nd Request for Information http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-MH-08-021.html
First Published Friday, 22nd August, 2008.

Autism/AS and Depression – Self Help Interventions(Abstract+)
With the approval and publication just this week of “Self-help interventions for depressive disorders and depressive symptomsâ€, it would seem that now’s as good a time as any to shine the spotlight on a subject that plagues many on the spectrum.
The high incidence of depression or affective disorder in the Asperger population is widely recognized and acknowledged. Lorna Wing paid reference in her original paper(1981) to the fact, and many with clinical experience will confirm there is high risk with up to 15% of adults having experienced depression(Tantum 1991) as well as the genuine risk of suicide(Wolff 1995).
In early childhood there tends to be less concern about differences to other children and differences may well go completely unnoticed by others for a time depending on various factors. Social contact tends to have limited value or interest to the young on the spectrum. However, it’s during adolescence when difficulties tend to emerge for many on the socialisation front. Exclusion, teasing and ridicule are common. Though depression may be an understandable reaction to an inability to ‘fit in’, in some cases there may well be a biological predisposition. Research suggests that there is a marginally greater incidence of depression or manic depression(bi-polar effective disorder) in families where autism/AS is present(DeLong and Dwyer 1988).
In most cases of depression the classic signs are evident with clear changes in mood, appetite, sleep, and suicidal thoughts and actions. However, all may not be straightforward, where there is a history of flat effect and limited range of emotional expression. Depression may well be expressed via aggression or alcoholism. Introspection and self-critical behaviour in relation to daily events and the seeking of relaxation and emotional blunting via alcohol as a form of self-medication may occur.
Seeking a referral to a professional knowledgeable in autism/AS and obtaining treatment as necessary may well, for some, be life saving.
Programs that deal with the source of the depression, usually poor social skills, lack of friends and limited success at school or work may assist. Guidance in learning social skills, access to meeting people with similar interests and values as well as valuable connections made via the internet, may help prevent the recurrence of depression.
Some on the spectrum are self-professed veterans of self-management in times of depression with exercise, art, music, film, written expression, chocolate therapy etc as part of the regimen for emerging from those darker days. The following extract provides us with some such ‘interventions’ and more food for thought…

Self-help interventions for depressive disorders and depressive symptoms: A systematic review
Morgan AJ, Jorm AF.
Background: Research suggests that depressive disorders exist on a continuum, with subthreshold symptoms causing considerable population burden and increasing individual risk of developing major depressive disorder. An alternative strategy to professional treatment of subthreshold depression is population promotion of effective self-help interventions that can be easily applied by an individual without professional guidance. The evidence for self-help interventions for depressive symptoms is reviewed in the present work, with the aim of identifying promising interventions that could inform future health promotion campaigns or stimulate further research.
Methods: A literature search for randomised controlled trials investigating self-help interventions for depressive disorders or depressive symptoms was performed using PubMed, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Reference lists and citations of included studies were also checked. Studies were grouped into those involving participants with depressive disorders or a high level of depressive symptoms, or non-clinically depressed participants not selected for depression. A number of exclusion criteria were applied, including trials with small sample sizes and where the intervention was adjunctive to antidepressants or psychotherapy.
Results: The majority of interventions searched had no relevant evidence to review. Of the 38 interventions reviewed, the ones with the best evidence of efficacy in depressive disorders were S-adenosylmethionine, St John’s wort, bibliotherapy, computerised interventions, distraction, relaxation training, exercise, pleasant activities, sleep deprivation, and light therapy. A number of other interventions showed promise but had received less research attention. Research in non-clinical samples indicated immediate beneficial effects on depressed mood for distraction, exercise, humour, music, negative air ionisation, and singing; while potential for helpful longer-term effects was found for autogenic training, light therapy, omega 3 fatty acids, pets, and prayer. Many of the trials were poor quality and may not generalise to self-help without professional guidance.
Conclusions: A number of self-help interventions have promising evidence for reducing subthreshold depressive symptoms. Other forms of evidence such as expert consensus may be more appropriate for interventions that are not feasible to evaluate in randomised controlled trials. There needs to be evaluation of whether promotion to the public of effective self-help strategies for subthreshold depressive symptoms could delay or prevent onset of depressive illness, reduce functional impairment, and prevent progression to other undesirable outcomes such as harmful use of substances.
Source…
Full text… (
)
© 1999-2008 BioMed Central Ltd
Caution:
Some Over-The-Counter (OTC) supplements may interact with prescription medications or be affected by them. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal or OTC supplement while on medication.
Most governments do not require dietary supplement makers to demonstrate the safety or effectiveness of their products. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.

Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Antidepressants and Personality Changes
If you take antidepressant medication, you may wonder: Will medication change my personality or who I am? In this Health Alert, Dr. Karen L. Swartz, Director of the Mood Disorders Clinic at Johns Hopkins, answers this important question that’s on the minds of many patients.
Dr. Swartz answers: Antidepressant and antianxiety medications don’t alter your personality, but they may change your interactions with others. For example, depending on your initial symptoms, they may make you feel less anxious, sad, moody, irritable, or lethargic. That can help you get along with others better and be more productive and engaged in life.
The medications don’t artificially make you go from sad to happy; rather, they correct the chemical imbalance that, in turn, has thrown your emotional reactions out of balance. You should still be able to experience mood changes.
Sometimes, individuals taking antidepressant medication experience a sense of numbness, apathy, or dulling of moods. This side effect is not a goal of the medication. It may mean that your depression has been partially treated and the dull mood will lift with time, or that you need to adjust your dosage.
It could also mean that this particular medication is not the right one for you, and switching to another medication might produce better results. You also may not have received the correct diagnosis: For instance, you may have been diagnosed with depression when you are actually suffering from bipolar disorder, which requires a different approach to treatment. That’s why it’s imperative to be aware of your moods. If you feel like you’re just not yourself when you’re taking a medication, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
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Suicide Warning Signs
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Suicide is a major public health problem, with more than 32,000 persons dying by suicide each year in the United States, or about 80 suicides per day. In addition to completed suicides, another 1,500 unsuccessful suicide attempts occur each day. In the 18- to 65-year age group, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
Suicide occurs in persons of all ages and backgrounds, but certain groups of people are at increased risk for suicide attempts. These include persons with a psychiatric illness and a past history of attempted suicide. Males are more likely than females to commit suicide, although attempts are more common among females. A family history of, or exposure to, suicide; altered levels of neurotransmitters in the brain; and impulsivity are other factors that may increase an individual’s risk of suicide.
While suicide is not universally preventable, it is possible to recognize some warning signs and symptoms that may enable you or your loved ones to access treatment before a suicide attempt. It has been estimated that up to 75% of suicide victims display some warning signs or symptoms.
Warning signs of suicide are varied. They may include:
- Talk of, or preoccupation with, suicide or death; threatening suicide; writing about death or suicide
- Signs of serious depression, including desperation; feelings of hopelessness; feeling no sense of purpose; loss of interest in things one used to care about; trouble sleeping
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Reckless behavior, increased risk-taking, irritability
- Making statements about life not being worth living, hating life, that the “world would be better off without me,” and similar feelings
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Feelings of rage or uncontrolled anger
- Seeking access to firearms, pills, or other methods to commit suicide
- Changing wills, preoccupation with putting one’s affairs in order
- Dramatic changes in personality
If you suspect suicidal thoughts in yourself or anyone, seek professional help immediately. Go to a clinic, emergency room, or psychiatric facility. Do not leave an individual alone who has expressed thoughts of suicide. In the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Suicide Prevention Help / The friendship Letter / Global Web Directory
Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Managing Your Weight on Antidepressants
While recovery from mood disorders such as anxiety and depression can be lifesaving, weight gain often can be an unwanted side effect of treatment for many people. In this Health Alert, Johns Hopkins provides nine practical strategies to head off unwanted weight gain.
Psychiatric medications including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics may increase weight by stimulating the appetite or slowing the body’s metabolism, and that gain can range from minimal (a few pounds) to significant (up to 50 pounds).
Such rapid weight gain may increase the risk of many health conditions associated with being overweight, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some types of cancer. Despite the fact that many psychiatric medications have weight gain as a side effect, that does not mean it’s a fait accompli. Be aware of the potential for weight gain and follow these strategies to head off extra pounds:
- Weight Loss Strategy 1: Weigh yourself weekly and keep a diary of your weight so you can notice small increases quickly and take steps to counter further gains. Also keep a food diary for an accurate gauge of how much you’re really eating on a daily basis.
- Weight Loss Strategy 2: Avoid or limit high-calorie, high-fat foods.
- Weight Loss Strategy 3: Eat smaller portions — and smaller meals and snacks overall.
- Weight Loss Strategy 4: Don’t keep large quantities of junk foods in your home. If you need to snack, choose healthy foods such as fresh fruit or vegetables or unbuttered popcorn.
- Weight Loss Strategy 5: Eat slowly. Many people eat too quickly — the brain needs about 20 minutes to recognize that the stomach is full , so if you eat too fast, you’ll be apt to consume more calories than you need to satisfy your hunger.
- Weight Loss Strategy 6: Don’t skip meals. Going for long periods of time without food only serves to make you hungrier in the long term and more likely to overeat once you do eat.
- Weight Loss Strategy 7: Exercise every day to counteract any extra calories you’re consuming and give a boost to your metabolism. Try resistance training and aerobic exercise. To build muscle, lift weights or use resistance machines three times a week.
- Weight Loss Strategy 8: Drink frequently. Hunger is one of the symptoms of dehydration, so quench your thirst with calorie-free beverages such as water, seltzer, diet soda, and decaffeinated coffee and tea.
- Weight Loss Strategy 9: If all else fails, talk to your healthcare provider about switching to a medication that is less likely to cause weight gain or adding another one that might help avoid weight gain. Don’t stop taking your medication without discussing it with your doctor, as your depression or anxiety may return or you may experience withdrawal side effects.
Source:
Depression Increases Sensitivity to Pain
The brains of individuals with major depressive disorder appear to react more strongly when anticipating pain and also display altered functioning of the neural network that modifies pain sensitivity, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.
“Chronic pain and depression are common and often overlapping syndromes,” the authors write as background information in the article. Recurring or chronic pain occurs in more than 75 percent of patients with depression, and between 30 percent and 60 percent of patients with chronic pain report symptoms of depression “Understanding the neurobiological basis of this relationship is important because the presence of comorbid pain contributes significantly to poorer outcomes and increased cost of treatment in major depressive disorder.”
Irina A. Strigo, PhD, of the University of California San Diego, La Jolla, and colleagues studied 15 young adults with major depressive disorder (average age 24.5) who were not taking medication and 15 individuals who were the same age (average 24.3 years) and had the same education level but did not have depression. Patients with depression completed a questionnaire that evaluated their tendencies to magnify, ruminate over or feel helpless in the face of pain.
All participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while their arms were exposed to a thermal device heated to painful levels (an average of 46.4 degrees to 46.9 degrees Celsius, or about 115 degrees to 116 degrees Fahrenheit) and also to non-painful temperatures. Visual cues (a green shape for non-painful warmth and a red shape for painful warmth) were presented before the heat was applied.
Compared with the controls, patients with depression showed increased activation in certain areas of their brain – including the right amygdala – during the anticipation of painful stimuli. They also displayed increased activation in the right amygdala and decreased activation in other areas, including those responsible for pain modulation (adjusting sensitivity to pain), during the painful experience.
To examine whether the activation of the amygdala was associated with passive coping styles, the researchers compared the percentage change in the activations of the amygdala with the helplessness, rumination and ramification reported by the participants with depression. “Significant positive correlations were observed in the major depressive disorder group between greater helplessness scores and greater activity in the right amygdala during the anticipation of pain,” the authors write.
“The anticipatory brain response may indicate hypervigilance to impending threat, which may lead to increased helplessness and maladaptative modulation during the experience of heat pain,” the authors write. “This mechanism could in part explain the high comorbidity of pain and depression when these conditions become chronic.”
“Future studies that directly examine whether maladaptive response to pain in major depressive disorder is due to emotional allodynia [a pain response to a non-painful stimulus], maladaptive control responses, lack of resilience and/or ineffectual recruitment of positive energy resources will further our understanding of pain-depression comorbidity,” they conclude.
The study was supported by Barrow Neurological Foundation, grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Association for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression and the University of California San Diego Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health.
Strigo IA, Simmons AN, Matthews SC, et al. Association of Major Depressive Disorder With Altered Functional Brain Response During Anticipation and Processing of Heat Pain. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008;65(11):1275-1284. Â [Abstract]

Ann Intern Med. 2008 Nov 18; 149 (10)734-750
Comparative Benefits and Harms of Second-Generation Antidepressants: Background Paper for the American College of Physicians
Gartlehner G, Gaynes BN, Hansen RA, Thieda P, DeVeaugh-Geiss A, Krebs EE, Moore CG, Morgan L, Lohr KN.
Background: Second-generation antidepressants dominate the management of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and subsyndromal depression. Evidence on the comparative benefits and harms is still accruing.
Purpose: To compare the benefits and harms of second-generation antidepressants (bupropion, citalopram, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone, and venlafaxine) for the treatment of depressive disorders in adults.
Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychLit, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts from 1980 to April 2007, limited to English-language articles. Reference lists of pertinent review articles were manually searched and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research database was explored to identify unpublished research.
Study Selection: Abstracts and full-text articles were independently reviewed by 2 persons. Six previous good- or fair-quality systematic reviews or meta-analyses were included, as were 155 good- or fair-quality double-blind, placebo-controlled, or head-to-head randomized, controlled trials of at least 6 weeks’ duration. For harms, 35 observational studies with at least 100 participants and follow-up of at least 12 weeks were also included.
Data Extraction: Using a standard protocol, investigators abstracted data on study design and quality-related details, funding, settings, patients, and outcomes.
Data Synthesis: If data were sufficient, meta-analyses of head-to-head trials were conducted to determine the relative benefit of response to treatment and the weighted mean differences on specific depression rating scales. If sufficient evidence was not available, adjusted indirect comparisons were conducted by using meta-regressions and network meta-analyses. Second-generation antidepressants did not substantially differ in efficacy or effectiveness for the treatment of major depressive disorder on the basis of 203 studies; however, the incidence of specific adverse events and the onset of action differed. The evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions about the comparative efficacy, effectiveness, or harms of these agents for the treatment of dysthymia and subsyndromal depression.
Limitation: Adjusted indirect comparisons have methodological limitations and cannot conclusively rule out differences in efficacy.
Conclusion: Current evidence does not warrant the choice of one second-generation antidepressant over another on the basis of differences in efficacy and effectiveness. Other differences with respect to onset of action and adverse events may be relevant for the choice of a medication.
Source + Full text… © 2008 American College of Physicians
Comment:
No antidepressant is intrinsically more effective than another, however, one may be for an individual. The hard part is finding it. While we’ve covered a number of promising technologies that may make this easier in the future, at the moment ‘trial and error’ is the only option.

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Applications are sought from all suitably qualified sections of the community but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome.
Job: Major Gifts Officer, The National Autistic Society
- Employer: The National Autistic Society
- Posted: 18 Aug 2008
- Contact: Jessica Dallyn
- Location: London
- Sector: Public Services,
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: Full Time
- Position: Major Gifts Officer
- Salary: £20,471 – £22,391 pa
The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism. We provide a wide range of advice, information, support and specialist services to 100,000 people each year, and campaign and lobby for lasting positive change for the half a million people in the UK with autism.
Major Gifts Officer
£20,471 – £22,391 pa • London
We are offering the chance to join the dynamic Fundraising Department of the
National Autistic Society. You will manage the prospect research process and support the Major Gift Relationship Manager in the cultivation and stewardship of High Net Worth Individuals in order to maximise their giving potential.
You will have working knowledge and understanding of fundraising principles and would like to develop your fundraising skills and experience within the Major Gifts arena.
As a member of this relatively new team, and for the right individual, there will be considerable scope for growth and development.
For more information about this job please contact Jessica Dallyn on 020 7923 5795.
To apply for this role, applicants must send a CV and a supporting statement, no longer than one page, outlining skills and knowledge which are relevant to the role of a Major Gift Officer and why you would like to work for the National Autistic Society.
Please send CVs and supporting statements to recruitment@nas.org.uk
Closing date: 5 September 2008.
Interviews: 15 and 16 September 2008.
Applications are sought from all suitably qualified sections of the community but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome.
Committed to Equal Opportunities & Investors in People.
Registered Charity No. 269425.