



Archive for December, 2010
First Published Thursday, 21st August, 2008.
The following news may be timely for some and ‘old news’ for others(it’s taught in med schools, year in, year out). and is causing heated discussion here and there…
“It`s been known for almost 20 years that grapefruit juice permits the absorption of other drugs but interferes with their metabolism and excretion, which can cause the buildup of toxic levels in the blood of the patient.”
Fruit juices to avoid when taking certain drugs
Scientists and consumers have known for years that grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of certain drugs – with the potential for turning normal doses into toxic overdoses. Now, the researcher who first identified this interaction is reporting new evidence that grapefruit and other common fruit juices, including orange and apple, can do the opposite effect by substantially decreasing the absorption of other drugs, potentially wiping out their beneficial effects.
The study provides a new reason to avoid drinking grapefruit juice and these other juices when taking certain drugs, including some that are prescribed for fighting life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, cancer, organ-transplant rejection, and infection, the researcher says. These findings – representing the first controlled human studies of this type of drug-lowering interaction – were described today at the 236th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.
“Recently, we discovered that grapefruit and these other fruit juices substantially decrease the oral absorption of certain drugs undergoing intestinal uptake transport,” says study leader David G. Bailey, PhD, a professor of clinical pharmacology with the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. “The concern is loss of benefit of medications essential for the treatment of serious medical conditions.“
Bailey and colleagues announced almost 20 years ago the unexpected finding that grapefruit juice can dramatically boost the body’s levels of the high-blood-pressure drug felodipine, causing potentially dangerous effects from excessive drug concentrations in the blood. Since then, other researchers have identified nearly 50 medications that carry the risk of grapefruit-induced drug-overdose interactions. As a result of the so-called “Grapefruit Juice Effect,” some prescription drugs now carry warning labels against taking grapefruit juice or fresh grapefruit during drug consumption.
In the most recent research, Bailey’s group had healthy volunteers take fexofenadine, an antihistamine used to fight allergies. The volunteers consumed the drug with either a single glass of grapefruit juice, water containing only naringin (substance in grapefruit juice that gives the juice its bitter taste), or water. When fexofenadine was taken with grapefruit juice, only half of the drug was absorbed compared to taking the drug with water alone, Bailey says. Loosing half of the amount of drugs taken into the body can be critical for the performance certain drugs, he points out.
They also showed that the active ingredient of grapefruit juice, naringin, appears to block a key drug uptake transporter, called OATP1A2, involved in shuttling drugs from the small intestine to the bloodstream. Blocking this transporter reduces drug absorption and neutralizes their potential benefits, the researchers say. By contrast, drugs whose levels are boosted in the presence of grapefruit juice appear to block an important drug metabolizing enzyme, called CYP3A4, that normally breaks down drugs.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Bailey says. “I’m sure we’ll find more and more drugs that are affected this way.“
To date, grapefruit, orange and apple juices have been shown to lower the absorption of etoposide, an anticancer agent; certain beta blockers – atenolol (Tenormin®), celiprolol (Celectol®), talinolol (Cordanum®) – used to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart attacks; cyclosporine, a drug taken to prevent rejection of transplanted organs; and certain antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, itraconazole). But additional drugs are likely to be added to the list as physicians become more aware of this drug-lowering interaction, Bailey says.
Orange and apple juices also appear to contain naringin-like substances that inhibit OATP1A2, Bailey says. The chemical in oranges appears to be hesperidin, but the chemical in apples has not yet been identified, the researchers notes.
Bailey advises patients to consult with their doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications with grapefruit juice or other fruits and juices. Unless it is known to be a problem, he recommends taking most medications only with water. This research was funded by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the United States Public Health Service.

Bailey DG. Grapefruit: A food that potently impairs intestinal drug metabolism and uptake transport clinically. Session TOX-30, ACS National Meeting 2008 Aug 19. Â [Abstract]
Psychiatric drugs known to interact with grapefruit juice include alprazolam (Xanax®), buspirone (Buspar®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), clomipramine (Anafranil®), diazepam (Valium®), midazolam (Versed®), sertraline (Zoloft®) and triazolam (Halcion®)
A list of these and other medications affected by grapefruit juice is available here (
, 30KB) or the Grapefruit – Drug Interactions website.
Reports:
“Taking pills? Avoid the juice”:http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/story.html?id=148e0805-1e5e-47e8-bb5c-dc55cb0221e3
“Fruit juices block common drugs”:http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/19/health/webmd/main4363756.shtml
“Fruit juice: friend or foe?”:http://www.smh.com.au/news/health/fruit-juice-friend-or-foe/2008/08/20/1218911807821.html
First Published Tuesday, 19th August, 2008.
Dear Readers,
The following article, though a few months old, is nevertheless an interesting read. It has been added to the “Employment on the Spectrum” article, along with various other links while I’m in the throes of updating.
Contributions and advertisements that may assist others employment/career-wise are always very welcome.
Warmest Regards,
Julie
A positive attitude to disability
BBC Scotland reporter Ian Hamilton has been travelling around Europe to investigate job opportunities for disabled people.
Denmark and France were quite different when it came to helping disabled people into work.
As Preeti and I landed in Madrid after a two hour flight from Paris, we were soon to discover that Spain also had some common themes.
For example, like France, Spain also has a quota system.
![]() Half of Servi Media’s workers has disabilities
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Also like France, the Spanish employers generally ignore the quota.
This is reflected in the statistics, as fewer than 30% of disabled people in Spain are in work.
The Spanish have two different sets of quota targets for disabled workers.
The first is aimed at the private sector, which states that 2% of the workforce, in any company which employs more than 50 people, must have a disability.
For public administrations, it is 5% of the workforce.
If they can’t meet their quota targets, they do have other options.
Employers can buy services or goods from a disabled workshop or a disabled self-employed person.
If that doesn’t suit, the company can make a financial contribution to a workshop for disabled people.
Finally, the company can give cash to a training group which helps disabled people to find work.
Powerful group
If an employer refuses to do any of these, they can be fined.
Although, it could be as little as 300 Euro – £240.
The fines are low and not readily enforced, which results in 80% of companies in Spain ignoring the quotas.
The disability employment market in Spain is dominated by the Blind organisation called “ONCE”, which is pronounced Yonthy.
It is a blind organisation which runs the Spanish equivalent of the national lottery.
ONCE is a very wealthy and powerful group which gives employment opportunities to blind people.
In 1988 ONCE created a new organisation called the Foundation ONCE to help other disabled people into work.
It, in turn, has developed 20 trading companies providing further work for disabled people.
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One of these is Servi Media.
It is a press agency which sells stories to the Spanish media, mainly focusing on social affairs.
Half of the 100 workforce has disability
I wonder how bad the Spanish unemployment statistics would be if it was not for ONCE and its various subsidiaries?
Under the 1997 treaty of Amsterdam, all countries in the EU had to have employment laws in place by 2003 to protect disabled workers.
But one thing was clear to me after my trip.
No amount of quotas and laws will force an employer to take on a disabled worker if it does not wish too.
It is more about a society and a culture which can make things happen, than it is about European legislation
In my last entry, I suggested that France could be a very different place in how it regarded people with disabilities – and I wasn’t wrong.
The French have some of the earliest legislation to protect the rights of disabled people dating back to the 1970’s. However, this has appeared to have made little impact on the psyche of the French.
![]() Ian on the latest stop of his European tour
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That’s not my opinion; it’s that of a small, but influential group of disabled people I talked to during my short visit to Paris.
They did concede that there had been some progress, but it was still a long way behind other member states in the EU, particularly when it came to their employment prospects.
Despite numerous laws and quota systems only 30% of people with disabilities are in employment. So clearly these various methods aren’t working.
Compare them to the Danish who have few laws and no quotas but have 58% of people in work. So why should this be? There is no doubt it has to do with culture and attitude.
As it was described to me in a frank and very open way by social researcher in Paris, Dominique Velche.
“The French don’t like disabled people.” Shocking I know, but according to him that’s what they think.
He believed it was because, as a culture, disabled people were hidden away and the general public were highly suspicious of people with disabilities.
As my guide Preeti and I, along with production support, moved around Paris on the Metro, Preeti commented that I was always being stared at.
Poor benefits system
I thought delusional as I am; it was because I was so fantastically good looking. Sadly, I expect it was because I’m blind and was carrying my white stick.
However, I couldn’t say they were directly unfriendly; someone always gave me a seat in the Paris rush hour.
Disabled people don’t have a high profile in Paris. Mainly because most, if not all, their transport isn’t accessible to a range of people with disabilities.
One of the biggest criticisms that disabled people have in France is the poor benefits system. Individuals who are on disability benefits are on 628 Euro per month and according to the disability movement in France, it’s 25% below the recommended breadline.
This is why just over a week ago 32,000 of them took to the streets of Paris to protest against the poor levels of living standards.
One of the organisers of the rally said he wasn’t hopeful about getting more cash from the French Government, but they intend to fight on.
I’m now preparing to go to our last city – Madrid, the capital of Spain. Someone said here in Paris, “the further you go south into Europe the worse it gets for people with disabilities.”
I’m not convinced that’s true, but I’ll find out soon enough and let you know.
![]() A 65m long wall divides the main square in Copenhagen
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The Danes have a very casual attitude towards disability. I’m not suggesting they don’t care or they are rude, if anything the opposite is true.
It has more to do with their history and culture, according to a Danish social researcher I was interviewing as part of my report for Good Morning Scotland on Radio Scotland.
As far back as 1872, the Danes have had organisations led by disabled people and since the 1930s they have had a major influence on Danish politics.
They also do not have the large disability charities that we have here in Scotland.
Consequently this has helped to mould the attitude throughout Danish culture that disabled people are as good as anyone else and should reach their personal and professional potential.
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The Danes have cultivated the principle of acceptance among the general public and government.
I expect this is probably why they have 58% of disabled people in employment, compared with Scotland and the UK’s 49%.
The Danes have been able to achieve this without any stringent disability laws and quota systems adopted by their European neighbours.
However, this doesn’t mean that Denmark is some kind of disability utopia.
The national disabled group in Denmark has constructed a 65m long wall dividing the main square in two, in front of the city hall.
The wall has only one opening for people to pass through. This is to symbolise the barriers that disabled people face and the lack of options they have.
In such a short visit it is hard to grasp how true the view is that the Danes are totally relaxed around all matters disability.
However, purely from a personal perspective, I get the impression: “You are blind, so what.”
I must emphasise, they somehow do it from a positive perspective and not a negative one.
I am now off to Paris to find out what the French are doing to tackle the problem of high unemployment among their disabled community.
I anticipate it will be very different from Denmark, let’s see if I am correct.
![]() Ian is investigating job opportunities for people with disabilities
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I am travelling to three countries in the European Union as part of an investigation into the employment prospects of people with disabilities in Denmark, France and Spain.
I will be comparing them with the opportunities for disabled people in Scotland.
As someone who is a blind reporter, one of my big challenges is getting from one country to the next, especially as I’m not taking my guide dog on this trip – nor do I speak Danish, French or Spanish.
On reflection I decided to take some sighted assistance, so I brought my production help along in the form of Preeti.
I never imagined for one minute that my biggest challenge would have been to get into Glasgow Airport.
Understandably, after the attack on the terminal building last summer they have significantly tightened the security on the approach roads to the airport.
Help essential
I will be generous and say perhaps I got them on a bad week as numerous flights to and from the new Heathrow Terminal 5 were drastically affected, which had a knock-on impact on flights to and from Glasgow.
However, I did try to call 48 hours in advance, as they advise, to book assistance to get me from the new drop-off point into the terminal building.
If I was to do it unassisted, I would require the tracking and path-finding skills of Ray Mears, so some help would be essential to navigate this trail.
I called and called the airport. I found that my calls were either cut off, or in a never-ending loop of messages and requests to press various options.
Drop-off point
Eventually, I got through to the airport helpline which gave a further number to call and advice about a special disability drop-off point, where I could call for help.
Fantastic! Now I am getting somewhere. Sadly, no. This number also rang out.
Fortunately for me, on the day of my departure I was collected by a taxi driver I knew. We tried to find the drop-off point they referred to with no success.
After a fruitless search the driver parked and deposited me safely inside the terminal building.
After I met up with Preeti, I’m pleased to say my journey so far to the Danish capital has been uneventful. Now it’s time to do some reporting.
I thought you may be interested in a reply I received from the organisation which provides the airport support for disabled passengers.
Before I left for Denmark, I emailed them after my attempts to call them to ask for assistance failed miserably.
Well, I got a nice reply saying that they only provided disabled passengers with support Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 – so if you are planning to travel, I advise you only to have a disability during office hours.
To be fair, they also said that Glasgow Airport was responsible outside these hours. Well, not if my experience is anything to go by, as it wasn’t for the want of trying.
Source:Â http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7326009.stm
Dec
18
First Published Monday, 18th August, 2008.
Telling Dawfie’s story
Local author writes book addressing autism
Growing up, Brenda O’Bannion’s aunt Doris inspired her in many ways. She was one of the reasons O’Bannion wanted to work in special education.
She was also the reason O’Bannion felt the need to write a children’s book that addresses autism, a subject very close to her heart.
“My aunt was autistic and also a savant. She could play any musical instrument but had the cognitive ability of about a 5-year-old,†O’Bannion, of Victoria, said. “She influenced me in so many ways, but she especially taught me to separate the disability from the person.â€
Although she still works in education, O’Bannion managed to find the time to write a book called “Crowbaby and Dawfie,†which was published in May by Tadpole Press of Houston.
With the characters based on O’Bannion’s father and aunt, the story follows the lives of an East Texas family in a 13-month period during the Korean War. After her brother is sent off to war, Dawfie, an autistic child, waits for the return of her beloved sibling, whom she calls Crowbaby.
“The story itself is fictional, but it’s based on real characters,†O’Bannion said. “Now that it’s finally published, I feel like I birthed a baby. I’m very grateful that someone recognized the value of this story.â€
Although “Crowbaby and Dawfie†is a children’s book, O’Bannion’s publisher was so touched by the story that he encouraged her to write an adult companion book to the story.
“He said he thought my aunt had such a unique story that we had to get her story out there,†she said.
That book, “Dawfie’s Story,†is due out in October. In addition, O’Bannion has several other children’s books that are set to be released in 2009 and 2010.
Although she maintains a full-time job as an administrator for Region III Education Service Center, O’Bannion said it has always been a dream of hers to write a children’s book.
“I taught for 20 years and my first love is special education. But I’ve also been writing since I was very young,†she said. “For me, writing is necessary. Nothing is more difficult than searching for just the right way to say something; but then, nothing feels better than getting it just right.â€
O’Bannion added that she hopes her books help to raise awareness of autism, which is often misunderstood.
“The more people are informed about something, the more accepting they are of it,†she said.
“Crowbaby and Dawfie†will be available at Hastings in Victoria starting on Aug. 23, and online at www.barnesandnoble.com.
Source:Â http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/793/story/298761.html

by Brenda O’Bannion
Original Illustrations by Casey Scarborough
ISBN 978-1-933660-52-3
Audience: Grades 3-5 (8 to 12 year olds)
Release Date: AVAILABLE NOW
“Crowbaby and Dawfie” is a heart-tugging story about an autistic child’s faithful watch for her brother’s return from war. The story covers thirteen months in the life of Ma and Dawfie as they watch the river road near their home, eager for Crowbaby’s return. A touching ending gives the readers hope and insight into not only the lives of disabled children, but also the conflicts that war imposes.
In the words of Dr. Joyce Armstrong Carroll of the Abydos Learning International, who wrote the forward for this book, “Crowbaby and Dawfie honors the sacrifices of heart, home and country. And its message will remain in the mind of every child who reads it”.
Source:Â http://www.brendaobannion.com/books.htm

Crowbaby and Dawfie — Teacher to Teacher Resource Kit
by Brenda O’Bannion
ISBN 978-1-933660-53-0
Release Date: AVAILABLE NOW
This resource guide supplements “Crowbaby and Dawfie” in the classroom, including story summaries, talking points, vocabulary words, and activity pages to assist teachers in lesson planning and development.
Source: http://www.brendaobannion.com/teacher.htm#CND
Dec
18
HEADLINES
“National MMR Catch Up Campaign launchedâ€:
http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=117545
“London bracing itself for a potential measles epidemicâ€:
http://www.thelondondailynews.com/london-bracing-itself-potential-measles-epidemic-p-1076.html
“Measles epidemic fears prompt new MMR jab drive by Department of Healthâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/aug/07/health.children
Matthew Brook Update “Sister forced to abandon brother after care cutâ€:
“I rubbed dirty nappy in autistic boy’s faceâ€:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24107738-421,00.html
“National Autism Association receives generous donation to fund more counties with Project Lifesaver equipmentâ€:
“Disability groups protest ‘Tropic Thunderâ€:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i586iSEdbKoVJV6tXZYDyPgPz7IwD92GKK300
“Autistic kids’ outbursts stir furor and guiltâ€:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26182016/
Keith Kennedy meets St. Paul firefighters who rescued himâ€:
“Kennedys can’t thank people enoughâ€:
http://www.burnettcountysentinel.com/read/detail/29181.html
“Mediaset sues Google over YouTube clips…
Last week, Italian prosecutors said that they would charge four Google executives for failing to monitor content, including a video of youths taunting an autistic classmate.â€:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/cwire/20080804/ttc-mediaset-sues-google-over-youtube-cl-78e70a2.html
“AM’s new role with autism campaignersâ€:
“Critics call for Savage to step downâ€:
http://www.nbc11.com/news/17016164/detail.html
“By their Savagery ye shall know themâ€:
http://www.indeonline.com/opinion/x1470916607/By-their-Savagery-ye-shall-know-them
“Small protest, big impactâ€:
http://www.silive.com/news/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/1218023116129290.xml&coll=1
“$33K bill after dogs banned from flightâ€:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=113&objectid=10526107&ref=rss
“I Exist: help us make a difference in your local areaâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1736&a=16754
“Autism in the media: new workshop at our international conferenceâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17058
RESEARCH
“Why real and imagined disgust have the same effect…
…The next step will be to study IFO activation in autism. It is generally assumed that autistic people can’t identify the emotions of others, but clinical studies alternatively suggest that perhaps they feel others’ emotions too well, to the point that they are overwhelmed. “These experiments can help tease these options apart,” says Keyser.â€
“Autistic children make limited eye contactâ€:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20080806/hl_hsn/autisticchildrenmakelimitedeyecontact
CDC: New data on epilepsy from multiple statesâ€:
http://www.emaxhealth.com/37/23811.html
“Researchers find differences in swallowing mechanism of Rett syndrome patientsâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/117201.php
“Robot playmates help autistic kids with social skillsâ€:
http://www.drkoop.com/newsdetail/93/259404-31.html
“Scientists to study link between gluten, dairy products and autism in kidsâ€:
http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-8859.html
“Misconceptions about Bipolar Disorderâ€:
http://www.emaxhealth.com/112/17615.html
“New treatments for Bipolar Disorder foundâ€:
http://www.emaxhealth.com/112/23026.html
“Medications for Bipolar Disorder’s manic phase may be feasibleâ€:
http://www.emaxhealth.com/112/20835.html
“Bipolar youths misreading of faces may be risk marker for illnessâ€:
http://www.emaxhealth.com/112/21113.html
EDUCATION
“It’s a question of restraint for teachers of autistic kidsâ€:
http://www.buffalonews.com/101/story/406013.html
“Autistic boy in tears after he was denied help in examâ€:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article4460621.ece
“School apologises to autistic boyâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/7542948.stm
“State-of-the-art Armaugh autism centre unveiledâ€:
http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=80198
“Autism in schoolsâ€:
http://www2.basehorinfo.com/news/2008/aug/07/autism_schools/
“New video modeling software helps autistic childrenâ€:
http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/080806/0422516.html
“Assistance dog bonds with Decatur girl just in time for schoolâ€:
http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=8823755
“Preparing for school and the busâ€:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art58147.asp
EMPLOYMENT
“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
“The media’s addiction to controversy can seriously damage your healthâ€:
“Autism diagnosis shakes family…”He is who he is because he is autistic,” she said. “It’s so much part of his personality that I don’t want to take that away from him because then I won’t know him.”:
http://billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/08/05/news/local/33-autism.txt
“Dog a perfect companion for autistic St. Paul boyâ€:
From the Archives “Clay Aiken idolizes kids with developmental disabilitiesâ€:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlighthealth/2004-01-20-aiken_x.htm
“American Idol crooner Clay Aiken now a fatherâ€:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080809/ap_en_ce/people_clay_aiken;_ylt=Au7SD.Nuoadp2fBi80M96t6mG78C
“Aresenal raises £500,000 for autism charity, Treehouseâ€:
http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/Channels/Fundraising/login/836666/
“UK model Jordan to adopt a disabled Bulgarian orphanâ€:
http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=95803
“A robot with emotionsâ€:
http://www.wctv.tv/APNews/headlines/26321739.html
“Expert advice on choosing a dog for your autistic childâ€:
http://autism.about.com/b/2008/08/07/expert-advice-on-choosing-a-dog-for-your-child-with-autism.htm
VCFS “Girl struggling with health challenges finds others like herâ€:
http://www.beaufortgazette.com/local/story/510823.html
From the Archives “A Mind Apart: Travels in a Neurodiverse Worldâ€
“Sylvia Plathâ€:
http://www.answers.com/topic/sylvia-plath
“The Life and Works of Sylvia Plathâ€:
“Sylvia – the movieâ€:
“Enter the LEGO Club charity challengeâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1673&a=16865
“Autism in China: A mother’s Journeyâ€:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/31/china.autism/index.html
“NAS information in Chineseâ€:
http://www.autism.org.uk/languages/chinese
“Photo Gallery: Chinaâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/gallery/china_wong-tai-sin-temple.html
China’s Journey “China: Inside the Dragonâ€:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/05/china/journey/hessler-text/1
“Photo Gallery: Beijing Sightsâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/photos/beijing-gallery-1.html
“Best of Beijingâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/places-of-a-lifetime/beijing-best-of.html
Beijing Association for Rehabilitation of Autistic Children (BARAC)
No. 6 Hospital attached to Beijing University
No 51 Huayuan Bei Road
Haidian District
Beijing
100083 PR
CHINA
Tel: +86 (0) 10 6207 8248
Fax: +86 (0) 10 8280 1905
Email: xiehui@autism.com.cn
Website: www.autism.com.cn
(confirmed 10/08)
Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism
Dongxu Xincun 4Qu No. 57
Chaoyang District
10024 Beijing
CHINA
Tel: 0086-10-85373236
Fax: 0086-10-85373486
Email: sunzk@autismchina.org
Website: www.autismchina.org
(updated 3/09)
Shenzhen Autism Association
Tel: (86 755) 26936888 Ext 8722
Fax: (86 755) 26936988
Email: melody.xu@cpsz.com
Website: www.sas.org.cn/
(added 2/09)
ADD/ADHD
Michael Phelps ~ ADHD and the road to Beijing “Q & A with Deborah Phelps, mom of swimmer Michael Phelpsâ€:
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/names/real/deborah-phelps-interview
“ADHD – The Essential Guide, New Bookâ€:
http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=117744
“Kaplan University graduates 2.278 online studentsâ€:
“More adults than children taking ADHD medicationâ€:
http://www.emaxhealth.com/37/23509.html
“Shire relaunches ADHDSupport.com, a virtual road map providing information, tools and practical tipsâ€:
“Pediatricians nix heart tests before ADHD drugsâ€:
http://www.masslive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/national-9/12173636676530.xml&storylist=health
“Why is ADHD treated with stimulants?â€:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/910293/why_is_adhd_treated_with_stimulants.html
“ADD/ADHD medications: News and more tips for Vyvanseâ€:
http://www.corepsychblog.com/2008/08/addadhd-medicat.html
Sleep Disorders “Are tonsils causing ADHD?â€:
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/17163443/detail.html
“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/
SPORT
“Wishaw man runs Half marathon for autism charityâ€
To sponsor Andrew you can go to www.justgiving.com/coisty09 or, alternatively, Andrew has put sponsor forms behind the bar in The Yard, Main Street, Wishaw.
“Universe of Gymnastics’ gym brings ‘family’ philosophy to areaâ€:
http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_47702.shtml
“Grab a ‘Pisa’ the action: trek Tuscany this September!â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16690
“Sky diving: take the plunge for the NASâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16319
“Support NAS Scotland … by eating Sunday lunchâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16282
“The London Triathlon 2008 – 9th-10th Augustâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16295
“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
Australian band set for first World Tour – “Rudely Interruptedâ€
“Help the Rudies rock out at UN!â€:
http://blogs.abc.net.au/articulate/2008/08/help-the-rudies.html
“Pianist Tony DeBlois to appear at Hilton-Winn Farm Aug. 9â€:
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080807/ENTERTAIN/808070355/-1/rss51
“Play time that can change a child’s worldâ€:
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/features/Play-time-that-can-change.4360903.jp
ART
“Autism Rocks notecardsâ€:
http://www.kindtree.org/notecardgroupmoods.html#humorous
“Children’s Artworkâ€:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/artboard.html
“Autism Art†Featured Artist – Charles Burns
Charles Burns was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome relatively late in life, in his early forties, soon after his son was diagnosed with the same condition. In his youth he attended a boarding school in Yorkshire before going on to study art at Exteter and Wolverhampton Art Colleges. On leaving college in the mid 1980s he recognised that it would be quite impossible for him to survive in the conventional workplace, and that if he was to work at all it would have to be for himself. He spent the next 12 years working as a street artist in London’s Covent Garden, drawing portraits and later cutting silhouettes for visitors to London at the weekend craft market, where he soon developed a reputation for the speed and accuracy of his work. It was during these years that he developed his passion for silhouettes, which is today his main means of earning a living; his skill with a pair of scissors being much in demand for corporate events, weddings, and the like. Charles’ success with his silhouettes meant that he was able to leave Covent Garden (not without some regrets) in 1997, and devote himself full-time to his present work as “artist/entertainer”. Life drawing has also been a continuing interest for Charles, which began during his years at art college. The present series of torn paper collages was begun around the year 2000 and is a continuing source of experimentation today. Charles presently lives with his wife and 2 children in Reading, and works from an old barn which he uses as a studio. These works are exhibited very rarely.
NAS “Take part in our creativity competitionâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1665&a=16597
MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT
“NeoClassics Films lands “The Black Balloonâ€:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/neoclassics-films-lands-the-black-balloon,492744.shtml
“Actors for Autismâ€:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/
BOOKS
“Born on A Blue Day, Daniel Tammet a Childhood Autistic Savant Shares Inspirational Storyâ€:
http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/daniel-tammet/
VIDEO(PAL Format) 30mins “Asperger’s Syndrome – Crossing the Bridgeâ€
One of the world’s leading authorities on Asperger’s Syndrome, Dr. Tony Attwood, interviews Dr. Liane Willey as they discuss her life-time experiences, struggles, and triumphs over this syndrome.
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781853029882
“Asperger Syndrome, Adolescence, and Identity:
Looking Beyong the Labelâ€
Authors: Harvey Molloy and Latika Vasil
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843101260
“Congratulations! It’s Asperger Syndromeâ€
Author: Jen Birch
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843101123
“Succeeding with Autism: Hear my Voiceâ€
Author: Judith H. Cohen
Foreword by Temple Grandin
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843107934
“The Feeling’s Unmutualâ€
Growing Up With Asperger Syndrome (Undiagnosed)
Author: Will Hadcroft
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843102649
“Anne Droyd and Century Lodgeâ€
Author: Will Hadcroft
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843102823
“Anne Droyd And The House Of Shadowsâ€
Author: Will Hadcroft
The eagerly awaited and unmissable sequel to Anne Droyd and Century Lodge is set for release this September. For further information and to view the stunning cover art courtesy of Laura Diehl…
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/friendsofanne/
To view Laura Diehl’s award-winning artwork:
In closing, a look at the latest from the Beijing Olympics…
“Beijing Olympics, 2008 – Events, Highlights, Medal Tally and moreâ€:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/beijing_olympics/
“2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing, Facts, News, Photosâ€:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/summergames/
Something for the children…Some wonderful Chinese crafts – from a handprint dragon to terracotta warriors, there’s something for every child over at Activity Village!
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/china_crafts.htm
Till next time,
Take Care,
Julie
First Published Monday, 11th August, 2008.
Fwd:
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), in conjunction with
Christschool, has produced a video about the use of the “r” word.
Please distribute the video immediately to organizations and
individuals you think
will be interested.
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=JzgQ3LVNhps
With the opening of Tropic Thunder this week, the R Word video
counteracts the idea that it’s OK for a majority group to use harmful
language that can have serious effects on the population
being “joked” about.
Best regards,
Paula
Paula C. Durbin-Westby
Virginia Coordinator
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1101 15th Street, NW Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.autistic advocacy. org
First Published Monday, 11th August, 2008.
First Published Friday, 1st August, 2008.
Fwd:
Act to Protect the ADA Regulations -Information Bulletin, # 256 (7/08)
About five weeks ago, I wrote “Good-Bye Full Accessibility, ” Information
Bulletin #250 in which I focused on only two disastrous aspects in the
proposed Department of Justice Regulations that significantly change both
Title II and Title III.
Recently, the NDRN and DREDF, as well as other disability attorneys, wrote
a set of “model” comments in response to the Department of Justice’s
(DOJ’s) Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on these proposed changes.
The model comments are now available on the DREDF website:
http://www.dredf. org/DOJ_NPRM.
Once you get to this website, you can see all the proposed changes, not
just the two I raised, by clicking on the left column. DREDF and NDRN
intend that the model comments be a starting point for disability rights
groups and other interested parties to use in drafting and submitting
their own comments. Feel free to “cut and pasted.”
Where possible, please provide personal anecdotes and experiences to adapt
and personalize the model comments. Tell DOJ what accessibility problems
you have faced since the ADA was enacted, what you have tried to do, how
it’s been unsuccessful, and why making the proposed changes will only make
it more difficult to achieve “equal opportunities” and “full access.” You
might even mention, if it’s true, whether or not you filed a complaint
with DOJ and what, if anything, happened with it.
Even if you block and copy, please take a few minutes to submit comments
using the Regulations. gov website.
Remember, the deadline for submitting comments to the proposed changes is
very soon! Don’t mourn, organize and get your friends to also write in
their personal stories.
Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues
Back issues of other Information Bulletins are available online at
http://www.stevegol dada.com
with a searchable Archive at this site divided into different subjects.
To contact Steve Gold directly,
write to stevegoldada@ cs.com or call 215-627-7100.
—
Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues
Back issues of other Information Bulletins are available online at
http://www.stevegol dada.com
TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THE LIST:
To Unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a message to
majordomo@stevegold ada.com
and in the body of the message include ONLY:
unsubscribe stevegoldada
—
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1101 15th Street, NW Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.autistic advocacy. org
732.763.5530
Dec
18
HEADLINES
“Accused molester faces new chargesâ€:
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2008/7-30-08/QC-MOLEST.asp
“Terror police detain disabled boyâ€
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/7520598.stm
Sam Harris(AS) case update- “Couple win castle damages appealâ€:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pressass/20080731/tuk-couple-win-castle-damages-appeal-6323e80.html
“School caretaker drowns on end of term river cruiseâ€:
Matthew Brook “Review into decision to cut disabled man’s careâ€
Results of Review due to be Published August 12
“Mother calls for enquiry into disappearance of autistic sonâ€:
Owen Thor Walker Case “It’s a job if you can hack itâ€:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1491937/its_a_job_if_you_can_hack_it/
“Paterson signs laws to improve public safety, protect students – Reminder of Jonathon Carey caseâ€:
http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/NEWS05/807230358
“Row over autism home closureâ€:
http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Education&F=1&id=14811
“Adam is left stranded by mean theftâ€:
“Jackson SC woman says Police Chief should apologise after he embarassed her and her autistic childâ€:
http://www.wjbf.com/midatlantic/jbf/news_index.apx.-content-articles-JBF-2008-07-16-0060.html
“Fired disabled worker says McDonald’s biased, sacked after 21 years on the jobâ€:
http://www.rimag.com/articleXml/LN826251820.html
“Jabs plea as measles cases riseâ€:
NAS “I Exist: help us make a difference in your local areaâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1736&a=16754
“International expert opens specialist home for autistic peopleâ€:
“WINA drops show over autism cracksâ€:
http://www.readthehook.com/blog/index.php/2008/07/29/wina-drops-show-over-autism-cracks/
AP VIDEO “Radio Host angers parents of autistic childrenâ€:
VIDEO “More than 100 autism activists protest in San Fransiscoâ€:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=6290535
“Savage comments draw strong reactionâ€:
http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0708/537777.html
“Aflac pulls ads from ‘The Savage Nationâ€:
http://www.technologymarketing.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/technology-finance/e3i11f792c8aef008a0ff3632a3b17aa5ba
“Right Wing Rampage: Michael Savage’s Ignorance and Intoleranceâ€:
http://dailygotham.com/blog/mole333/right_wing_rampage_michael_savages_ignorance_and_intolerance
“Radio host Mike Savage tries to clear his nameâ€:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/am-sav0721,0,5691229.story
“Autism groups plan NTC Protest of Michael Savageâ€:
http://cbs4.com/health/Savage.autism.protests..2.775890.html
“Autism is not a fraud and asthma isn’t a money racketâ€:
http://regulus2.azstarnet.com/blogs/puzzlepieces/10348/
“Kim Stagliano: ABC News’ Dan Childs on Michael Savage and Autismâ€:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-stagliano/abc-news-dan-childs-on-mi_b_114256.html
“Law Enforcement introduced to “Project Lifesaver†in Aiken Countyâ€:
http://www.wjbf.com/midatlantic/jbf/news_index.apx.-content-articles-JBF-2008-07-25-0038.html
“Confronting discrimination against loved ones who are autisticâ€:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/897143/confronting_discrimination_against.html?cat=5
RESEARCH
“Research sheds light on neural mechanisms responsible for social difficulties in autismâ€:
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=40233
“Another genetic link in autism: Facial expressionsâ€:
http://blogs.usatoday.com/sciencefair/2008/07/another-genetic.html
“Parents of autistic children are often aloof tooâ€:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=91129
“Autistic children interact more easily with robots than humansâ€:
http://www.newkerala.com/one.php?action=fullnews&id=89774
From the Archives “My friend the robotâ€:
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,20797,18833119-5003401,00.html
“Autism parents ‘infection riskâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7513661.stm
“Danish researchers help crack key to schizophreniaâ€:
http://www.cphpost.dk/get/108552.html
“Gene mutations reveal schizophrenia’s complexityâ€:
“National survey of pediatric experts indicates increase in infant delaysâ€:
http://www.centredaily.com/business/story/745037.html
EDUCATION
Tim Miller Case Headed for Federal Court – “Special education struggles in schoolâ€:
http://www.wivb.com/global/story.asp?s=8762395
ABLE Magazine “The Parent Trapâ€:
Website Launch – Dept. for Children, Schools & Families – “Sir Jim Rose asks parents and children for personal experiences of dyslexiaâ€:
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2008_0148
“Hope for children who need help in classâ€:
“Samana regional workshops an immense success with the participation of over 1600 teachersâ€:
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=21926
EMPLOYMENT
“Upcoming Employment training courses for autistic adultsâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=119&a=17008
“NAS responds to Welfare Reform Green Paperâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=241&a=16982
“Autistic adult is an entrepreneurâ€:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/matthew-business-novak-2104230-people-autism
“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
“Blogher08 – Blogging about our children with special needsâ€:
http://www.happykatie.com/dailies/2008/07/blogher08—blo.html
“Kids with Asperger’s take up journalismâ€:
http://www.kansas.com/news/local/story/471610.html
“Flying can be a rough ride for autistic children, familiesâ€:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-07-23-traveling-with-autism_N.htm?csp=34
“Toilet training at the right ageâ€:
“Driving on the Spectrumâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=119&a=12991
“How one careless phone call ended Radovan Karadzic’s libertyâ€
Extract: “He told me he was working with an autistic child, so I asked to meet the child and work with him. That’s how our co-operation began.â€
She says she last saw him on the Friday morning before he was arrested: “We went together to visit the autistic child. He said he needed to travel, that he was going away for two weeks.†http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4407140.ece
“A Letter From Moscowâ€:
http://www.autismconnect.org/news.asp?itemtype=adam§ion=000100010003&page=3&id=5083
“Interview with the founders of the Dobro Autism Association in Moscowâ€:
http://www.lookingupautism.org/Articles/Dobro.html
Russia
- Dobro Association for Autistic Children Care, Kaszarmenny Per., 4 Str, Apartment 1-2, 109028 Moscow. RUSSIA. tel: 7-095-238-9737 fax: 7-095-292-6511
Dobro was founded in 1989. Our organisation is a non-profit-making charity. Most of our money comes in the form of grants or donations from other organisations. We try to supply parents with information. We have published 15 books and many articles in newspapers and journals. Sometimes, we appear on television and radio, but not so often. We also have a small group of students who work here. It’s very small now – 12 students – and we have three or four consultations a week with parents of children with autism in Moscow and from other parts of Russia.

RECOGNITION – JOHANNA ROGERS
Director EveryChild, Russia JOHANNA ROGERS set up the Russia programme of the Christian Children’s Fund of Great Britain in 1993 and went on to become Regional Director of the European Children’s Trust in 1997-2001, before becoming Director of EveryChild’s programme in Russia. ROGERS’ expertise lies in programme management, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation. She has worked on a range of children’s issues including de-institutionalisation of children’s services, inclusive education for children with disabilities and development of innovative community based support services for children and families. ROGERS has also carried out consultancy tasks for UNICEF, DFID, USAID and TACIS as well as managing EveryChild’s projects. She lives and works in St Petersburg.

“Russia Facts, Videos and Mapsâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_russia.html
“Best of Moscow & Photo Galleryâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/places-of-a-lifetime/moscow.html
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/photos/moscow-gallery-1.html
“Best of St. Petersburg & Photo Galleryâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/places-of-a-lifetime/stpetersburg.html
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/photos/places-stpetersburg-gallery-1.html
ADD/ADHD
“Expelled ADHD teenager was ‘discriminated againstâ€:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/education/2111441/Expelled-ADHD-teenager-was-‘discriminated-against’.html
“Gov’t adds two new ADHD drugs to formulary to combat Ritalin abuseâ€:
http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/story.html?id=eafcccd2-ef9e-424e-b8bc-837f725f485c
“Ortho-McNeil talks ADHD on Facebookâ€:
http://pharmexec.findpharma.com/pharmexec/News/Ortho-McNeil-Talks-ADHD-On-Facebook/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529878?ref=25
“Camp to help ADHD children transition to middle schoolâ€:
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs..dll/article?AID=2008807200312
“Study examines stigma associated with ADHD†â€:
http://lifewithadhd.com/adhd-research/study-examines-stigma-associated-with-adhd.php
“Celebrity designer and ADHD spokesperson Ty Pennington partners with Shire to announce the launch of VYVANSE(TM) by Shire Limitedâ€:
“ADHD increasingly common in older kids, CDC saysâ€:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jul/23/adhd-increasingly-common-in-older-kids-cdc-says/
“CDC: About 5% of kids have ADHDâ€:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=91305
“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/
Daniel Bedingfield
Daniel was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) at the age of 4 and has said the experience has been reflected in his song-writing.
http://www.answers.com/topic/daniel-bedingfield
SPORT
“Joe Ellis, Chairman of NAKMAS(National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools) has Asperger Syndromeâ€:
http://www.responsesource..com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=40638&hilite=
“Grab a ‘Pisa’ the action: trek Tuscany this September!â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16690
“Sky diving: take the plunge for the NASâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16319
“Support NAS Scotland … by eating Sunday lunchâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16282
“The London Triathlon 2008 – 9th-10th Augustâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16295
“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
“Countdown to Beijing Olympicsâ€:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/beijing_olympics/
MUSIC
Stephen Shore “Music for the Child on the Autism Spectrumâ€:
http://www.autismtoday.com/musicspectrum.htm
ART
“Art and autismâ€:
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080720/arts/arts1.html
“Edvard Munchâ€
WebMuseum, Paris:
http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/munch/
Biography and much more:
Artist Profile “Mâ€
The artist known as “M”, was born in eastern Europe. His age today is 55 years.
His family was destructed by the results of nazism like death, flight and persecution.
“I was grown up by my mother and grandmother near Dresden. Although I didn’t know my father personally, I spent a normal childhood, later in my life I understood, it was not as normal as I thought…I never was a child”. After absolving school he worked in different jobs. Not able to stay at one place for a longer time he couldn’t integrate himself into the social systems around him. “It seemed to be a dead-end way. So, when I was 19 Years old , I left home.I had a long trip and saw a lot of cities in Europe: Vienna, Milan, Amsterdam, London, Paris. At this time I liked to visit churches as shelter and there I looked up to the paintings and sculptures, it was like another world, some kind of communication took place, I didn’t really understand, but it was important for me…”. “Later I visited museums. First at winter time only, because it was warm there contrary to the churches. There I found again this undefined world talking to me, giving me emotions I never had before…” He became a tramp between different worlds: doing occasional jobs for his daily life and beside being a painter, but only in his imagination.
“I had no academic art education like the painters I saw in the Museums, as well I felt myself an artist. Into my dreams I was a painter, who was able to fix the floating pictures I saw behind my closed eyes. I tried to do copies at the museums but those didn’t bring the results I wanted, it wasn’t my imagination what I saw there on my sketchpad.I did a lot, but I destroyed it. So it should take its time till I ventured to try to do it on my own…”.
In his late 20th he discovered the south of France “…a place which called me…” He is still living and working there. An independent existence, he doesn’t look for audience nor discourses about his art.The small sized watercolor paintings on cardboard are the result of his “un-housed” life. “I am at home into myself !” He has no stable domicile and supports himself by little jobs and social institutions as well. Staying a tramp between different realities of places, pictures and thoughts, he is travelling between several towns, villages and “outdoor – stations”, in a well developed system of movement, which he needs to survive. He doesn’t accept to be photographed or taken on a movie, and even when I explained to him the necessities for selling his paintings he said: “I don’t paint for sale. If You pay, I thank you, but it’s your problem.” Since about three Years he works more or less regular but not obsessive. He suffers not of a mental illness in a medical sense, although he sees and understands the world in his own way.
Beside this biographical details I noticed before, which I heard from him several times and now again, by my insisting questions, he invents stories, like he does his drawings and believes in it. “…I only paint what I see…!”
When I asked him to sign his drawings, he chose “M” because I gave him the nickname “Monsieur”- in revenge he is not a “Monsieur” at all.
http://www.outsiderart.co.uk/m.htm
MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT
Full Casting Has Been Announced for stage Version of Rainman
“Stockley, Stinton, Daish and Blackwood will join Hartnett and Godley in Rain Manâ€:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/119900.html
“A documentary to rememberâ€:
http://www.theherald.co.uk/search/display.var.2407926.0.a_documentary_to_remember.php
Extraordinary People: The Rainman Twins, five, 9pm
by Merle Brown
I have trouble remembering what day of the week it is in real time, never mind knowing what day of the week it was on January 14, 1956. But then I am not an autistic savant. Flo and Kay are, however – and these 52-year-old twins from New Jersey were the subject of a fascinating documentary from five.
There are around 100 autistic savants in the world, perhaps the most famous a man called Joseph, who could do impossibly huge arithmetical calculations in his head, and became the basis for Dustin Hoffman’s character in the award-winning film Rain Man.
For Flo and Kay, their “special skill” resides in memory, and they can reel off artists and release dates when given simply the name of a song. It was both fascinating and freaky at the same time. Over the course of the documentary, experts attempted to account for the twins’ behaviour. Their obsessions and compulsions were attributed to their autism, which also went some way to explaining their compulsive viewing of a US gameshow called The $100,000 Pyramid and subsequent adoration of its host, Dave Clark. Thanks to a local news anchor, Dave Wagner, who had been filming the twins on and off for 13 years, Flo and Kay were able to meet Clark and build a friendship with him.
Savantism in itself cannot be explained, although the twins did a fair job, simply describing themselves as “human computers”.
Sympathetically filmed, this touching portrayal of two amazing women, also delivered some shocking details about their lives. Their mother tried to gas them when they were little girls. After the death of their parents, their sister Jane looked after them, but she died suddenly from a heart attack. It was touching, too, to see how distressed the twins were when Dave Clark suffered a stroke.
The documentary didn’t try to provide much academic or scientific context for any of this, instead letting the subjects themselves give the viewer a feel of what it’s like to live the way they do. The film showed that, for all the faults of modern society, it is sometimes still possible to celebrate those who are different.
“Mark Haddon – “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time “ The film rights to Curious Incident have been bought by Heyday (the makers of Harry Potter) together with Brad Grey (producer of The Sopranos) and Brad Pitt in their first acquisition for Warner Bros. Screenwriter Steven Kloves, the man responsible for writing the Harry Potter blockbusters, will be adapting it so expect a high profile marketing campaign in the near future. |
BOOKS
Colleen McCullough, Author of “Tim†– “Vision allows writer back into the lightâ€:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24079559-23289,00.html
“The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures: Autism Through Artâ€
Author: Eileen Miller Foreword by Robert Nickel MD
Illustrated by Kim Miller
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108894
DVD “Life & Learning with Autistic Spectrum Diffabilityâ€
Wendy Lawson
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843109563
“Asperger Syndrome and Employment: What People with Asperger Syndrome Really Really Wantâ€
Author: Sarah Hedrickx
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106777
“Concepts of Normality: The Autistic and Typical Spectrumâ€
Author: Wendy Lawson Foreword by Lucy Clark
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106043
“Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger’s Syndrome: The Way of the Pathfinderâ€
Author: Ron Rubio
Forewords by Irene Brody and Anthony Castrogiovanni
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108757
“Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidenceâ€
Edited by Dinah Murray
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843102403
“Getting IT: Using information technology to empower people with communication difficultiesâ€
Authors: Dinah Murray and Ann Aspinall
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843103752
“Autism – The Eighth Colour of the Rainbow: Learn to Speak Autisticâ€
Author: Florica Stone
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843101826
“Asperger Syndrome – What Teachers Need to Knowâ€
Author: Matt Winter
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843101437
“Blue Bottle Mystery- An Asperger Adventureâ€
Author: Kathy Hoopmann
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781853029783
In closing, on the invention front, the electronics company, Philips, have developed a new system to assist the blind/visually impaired…â€Smart Specs†http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn14407-invention-smart-specs-for-the-blind.html
For the latest robotics-wise…http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/robots
From the Archives:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/05/android-korea-1.html
For all things WALL-E, something for the children…http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/wall-e/
Hope you enjoyed the read.
Take Care,
Julie
First Published Wednesday, 30th July, 2008.
After comments blasting autism as just another over-diagnosed American problem, controversial radio personality Michael Savage has been dumped by a Charlottesville station. And for at least one local talk-radio host, the dismissal of “The Savage Nation†comes none too soon.
“As the father of a six-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with autism,†says WINA personality Coy Barefoot, “I was outraged. He clearly is spreading what I know to be outright lies about autism.â€
“I’ll tell you what autism is,†Savage boomed in his July 16 broadcast. “In 99 percent of the cases, it’s a brat who hasn’t been told to cut the act out. That’s what autism is. What do you mean they scream and they’re silent? They don’t have a father around to tell them, ‘Don’t act like a moron. You’ll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don’t sit there crying and screaming, idiot.’â€
“Quite honestly, it came down to common decency,†says WINA program director Rick Daniels. “Although he was trying to make a bigger point, he didn’t clarify it at all. We took into account our listeners and some feedback we’ve gotten, and we wanted to do what was best for our community.â€
While Savage’s syndicator, Talk Radio Network, found the comments merely “inartful,†Media Matters, a D.C.-based organization “dedicated to correcting conservative misinformation†agrees with WINA that the comments were out of line.
“I think he and the people who use the airwaves have an ethical responsibility not to be lying and not to be so hatefully offensive that they cause this much controversy,†says Ben Fishel, a spokesperson for Media Matters.
However, Charlottesville resident and long-time “Savage Nation†listener Linda McRaven disagrees. “Media Matters is looking for bombs,†says McRaven. “They’re not really valid critics.â€
McRaven says that she’s a fan of Savage because of his fearlessness. “I call him a flame-thrower because he’s so passionate about what he feels,†she says. “He pulls no punches, and I really admire that. We are entirely too politically correct, and he just says what he thinks. In my opinion, a lot of things he says are right on.â€
Both Aflac Insurance and Home Depot have reportedly pulled their sponsorships of his show in reaction to Savage’s comments, but according to Daniels, none of WINA’s local advertisers had made such a move— or even any comment— by the time of Savage’s removal.
Fishel is especially baffled by the way Savage’s comments might come across to parents of autistic children.
“Disciplining your child can cure autism?†he asks. “That is absurdly false and hateful, especially to these parents who have committed their whole lives to children with special needs.â€
“Where do we draw the line with what is done with our public airwaves?†asks Barefoot. “What’s next, these kids with cancer should get up and walk it off?â€
On his afternoon program “Charlottesville, Right Now,†Barefoot played excerpts of the controversial comments and shared his perspective. But the decision to remove Savage was the program director’s, not his.
“I think they did the right thing,†Barefoot says, noting that since Savage’s removal, WINA has received emails from around the country applauding the action.
In an email of his own, Savage tells the Hook, “The drug companies are very powerful and have worked very hard to silence any voice critical of the misdiagnosis of our children and the drugging of vulnerable minds. Sad the station manager is such an ignorant man.
Daniels says he has received what he called “overwhelmingly positive†reactions to the ouster, and only a handful of complaints, most of which he characterizes as freedom of speech concerns.
“There are hundreds of syndicated talk shows out there,†says Daniels, “and each one has the right to be heard, but we can’t run them all. We pick the best ones for Charlottesville, our listeners, and the community.â€
On WINA– at 1070 AM– Savage’s program has been replaced with David Ramsey, who deals with get-out-of-debt and money management issues. “I think just about all of us,†Daniels says, “could use good financial advice these days.â€
Savage added in his email that Charlottesville listeners could soon continue to hear his program on a station “across the street,†though Julian Hudson, Talk Radio Network’s affiliate director, could not confirm that any Charlottesville station is poised to pick up “The Savage Nation.†Dennis Mockler, general manager of Monticello Media, the other major radio group in Charlottesville, says his stations have no plans to pick up the show.
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July 29th, 2008 | 1:16 pm
WINA was looking for a reason to dump Savage for awhile. He didn’t come on until 8 most nights, and was pre-empted for anything and everything. I hope 1260 picks up the show.
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July 29th, 2008 | 1:56 pm
Good riddance of some really putrid garbage. No excuses or defense for him or his outright and unapologetic racism and bigotry.
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July 29th, 2008 | 2:52 pm
Free speech has nothing to do with it. Savage has all the right in the world to stand on his corner and spew his filth, but he has no Constitutionally protected right to do it over the public’s airwaves. If that were the case, then we could all sue Clear Channel for our three-hour time slot.
And I find it ironic that the same man who claims his “freedom of speech†is being violated is the one who would have what he brands as “liberal†or left-leaning journalists and politicians deported. I guess it’s only free when it’s Savage speaking.
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July 29th, 2008 | 6:56 pm
Way to go to your programming director! So many company executives just want to minimize things to avoid controversy. As a Mom of an aspergers daughter, I just want to say thanks and keep up the fight for all our kids afflicted with this lifelong disability.
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July 29th, 2008 | 7:33 pm
It is about time that WINA gets some balls. Spewing has no place in radio and that is exactly what exists at WINA. From Rob Schilling to Savage, it is just plain irresponsible.
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July 29th, 2008 | 9:37 pm
his is an appropriate move. I hope program directors across the nation will follow suit. Savage’s show is second only to Limbaugh’s in audience size. But, just as Rush has time and again been shown to be a less than honest and less than stellar person (I recall his rant on Michael J. Fox and his Parkinson’s disease), Savage should be left with declining ad revenue and an audience comprised of fools who will believe what he says. I challenge any program director anywhere to defend keeping Savage on the air for any other reason than a lousy buck.
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July 29th, 2008 | 10:40 pm
THANK YOU FOR SHOWING DECENCY AND COURAGE!! Good riddance to hate radio and Savage ignorance.
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July 29th, 2008 | 10:53 pm
I have a saying, Autism is not contagious but ignorance is. It is a shame to know that one individual who has the power of voice through radio uses it so wastefully. Autism is a brain development disorder which is not “over diagnosed†or “made upâ€. Over the last five years Autism has finally been made aware to the public. We are now being educated on the disorder and yet there are still people who are just plain ignorant to the reality that we have an epidemic and that simple understanding and knowledge would be greatly appreciated to the parents who are having to raise these children. It angers me that individuals who have the power of voice do not use it in a more positive manner. I bet Savage would think differently if he were personally connected to someone with Autism. I am glad to see that he is now out of a job. Maybe he could use his spare time educating himself instead of running off at the mouth trying to make a dollar.
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July 30th, 2008 | 1:15 am
Savage is what he looks like; a sneering fat slob, mouthing off.
I say shut him up, but good.Only thing that distinguishs him from a windbag barfly hollering over a pint,is that he is hollering over a microphone, inexplicably placed in front of him, -inexplicable as in; WHY?
Like a bouncer must do with idiots that don’t know when to shut up, he was ‘escorted from the premises.’
Problem is, there are many, many idiots like him. It could be said that, if it weren’t for the hordes of mental midgets like him populating offices of power and media, the real solution to autism wouldn’t be suppressed like it has.
Remember, never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups. Case in point? Bush was elected. TWICE.
Savage is savagely stuuupid. Hit him with a shovel.
It would be an improvement, however temporary and unsatisfying.
Source:Â http://www.readthehook.com/blog/index.php/2008/07/29/wina-drops-show-over-autism-cracks/
First Published Tuesday, 29th July, 2008.
NAS responds to Welfare Reform Green Paper
The Government published its Welfare Reform Green Paper on 21 July 2008. The green paper sets out the Government’s ideas for welfare reform. The National Autistic Society (NAS) has concerns about these proposals, and making sure that the Government addresses the needs of people with autism as it proceeds with the Welfare Reform Green Paper is one of our top priorities.
There are several major reforms proposed in the green paper.
- Existing Incapacity Benefit claimants will be moved onto the new Employment Support Allowance (ESA) benefit from 2009.
- Existing Incapacity Benefit claimants will be expected to take part in Pathways to Work.
- People receiving ESA will be required to undertake certain work-related activity to retain their full benefit.
This means that many people with autism currently claiming Incapacity Benefit will have to start attending work-focused interviews and draw up an action plan that will identify things they could do that would help them get a job. People will also be required to undertake work-related activity and this could include work tasters and help searching for jobs.
Many newspapers have led with headlines about people being required to ‘work for benefit’. This applies to Jobseekers Allowance claimants, who in the future will be required to work full-time for their benefit if after two years they have failed to find work. The NAS is firmly opposed to people with autism being forced into inappropriate work placements.
What is Employment Support Allowance?
Employment Support Allowance (ESA) will replace Incapacity Benefit from 27 October 2008. It was introduced in the Welfare Reform Act 2007 and the NAS worked hard to ensure that the needs of people with autism were recognised in the new benefit. As a result of this, the new assessment that will be used for ESA will take better account of the needs of people with autism than the assessment used for Incapacity Benefit.
People claiming ESA will be placed in one of two groups. People with the highest support needs will be placed in the support group while people who, with the right support, could find work will be placed in the work-related activity group. People in this second group will be required to attend work-focused interviews to discuss things they could do to help them get a job. People in the support group will receive a higher rate of benefit than people in the work-related activity group.
People with autism have valuable skills to offer prospective employers and we welcome the recognition that many people with autism want to work. However, the Government must work harder to address the gaps in understanding, opportunity and ongoing employment support for people with autism.
Our key concerns
The NAS is concerned that:
- people carrying out work-focused interviews will not have training in the needs of people with autism
- provision to help people return to work will be generalist and people with autism will not receive the right support
- people with autism may miss work-focused interviews or not complete work-related activity due to a lack of appropriate support yet will risk a cut in their benefits for this.
The NAS will be engaging with all its supporters to ensure that we make it clear to the Government that people with autism have the right to be able to access specialist support that is tailored to their needs, to help them into employment. We are currently drafting a full response to the Green Paper, working with officials at the Department for Work and Pensions, and are briefing MPs on our concerns. It is vital that people with autism are not disadvantaged further and that this agenda directly addresses their needs.
Media response: Welfare Reform Green Paper
The National Autistic Society (NAS) today voiced concerns that the Government’s welfare reform proposals may mean thousands of people with autism miss out on crucial support.
Mark Lever, Chief Executive of The National Autistic Society, said:
“As a lifelong social and communication disorder, autism impacts on every aspect of daily life. Many people with the disability want to work, but experience great difficulty in finding and staying in employment often due to inadequate support and misunderstandings related to their condition. There are over 300,000 working age adults with autism and without appropriate support these people are effectively excluded from the workforce.
“The NAS is deeply concerned that further welfare reform will see a move towards larger and, therefore, more generic providers of disability support that simply will not be effective for people with the condition, as the level of support people with autism require is not always obvious and varies greatly. Target-driven providers keen to get people into jobs are also likely to ignore those people with autism, who may require more specialist long term support.
“It is absolutely essential that employment advisors understand the complexities of autism and individuals needs. Without this people with autism may face inappropriate compulsory work programmes which could cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. If they are unable to complete these programmes, people will face a loss of benefit.
“People with autism have many valuable skills to offer prospective employers and want to make a positive contribution. With only 15% of adults with autism currently in full time paid employment, the Government must work harder to address the gaps in understanding, opportunity and ongoing employment support for people with autism.”
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think differently about autism
Source:Â http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=241&a=16982
