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Archive for January, 2011

 

FWD:

 

Alex is participating in his longest run ever – the Maritime 50k Fox
Run, in honour of Terry Fox, on September 19th. I’ll be biking the
first 37+ Kms and walking the last 12.9 across the Confederation
Bridge between New Brunswick to PEI. This 50Km ( ~ 31 mile) run will
include 3 provinces and cross 2 provincial borders. Full details are
here: http://therunman.blogspot.com/2010/09/maritime-50k-fox-run.html

 

In the past a number of you have supported the Terry Fox Run by
sponsoring Alex and I hope you’ll consider doing so again.

 

Thanks!
-jypsy

 

 Update

 

Stephen Brun/Journal Pioneer   Fifteen Island runners chose to tack on an added challenge – they ran 50 km, starting from Tidnish, N.S.

Fwd:

 
 
Alex was the youngest of these 15 runners. Although he wasn’t alive
when Terry Fox ran through PEI, he’s been a fan from a very early age.
 
I biked along 36.62K on the mainland (joined the runners a couple of Km up the road from where they started) and walked the 12.9K bridge (and another K to the parking lot).
Thanks to those of you who sponsored Alex – The original plan was for
the group to to run 3 provinces, cross 2 borders and raise 1 thousand
dollars. I believe they about doubled that.
 
Thanks to all who ran, walked, sponsored, donated and/or celebrated Terry Fox yesterday.
-jypsy


Pyramid Lake, Nevada

HEADLINES


“Missing boy’s body found at ski resort in Snowy Mountains”:

http://www.merredinmercury.com.au/news/national/national/general/missing-boys-body-found-at-ski-resort-in-snowy-mountains/1934857.aspx


“Autistic B.C. boy’s killer learns fate Thursday”:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2010/09/01/bc-noyes-fulton-psychiatric-hearing.html


“Mansfield woman charged with stabbing her autistic son”:

http://mansfield.htnp.com/2010/08/25/mansfield-woman-charged-with-stabbing-her-autistic-son/


“Pa. Revokes home’s license after autistic man dies”:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38581850/ns/health


“Drug arrest at facility where autistic man died”:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38600056/ns/health


“Chromosome disorder may have taken N.C. boy’s life”:

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/08/chromosome-disorder-may-have-taken-nc-boys-life


“S.F. Lawyer accused of fraud in autism care”:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/26/MNUI1F3CFL.DTL


“Parents warned on Lego after child nearly chokes”:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/parents-warned-on-lego-after-child-nearly-chokes-20100826-13tqz.html


“Federal court of appeals rejects link between vaccines, autism”:

http://www.examiner.com/science-news-in-denver/federal-court-of-appeals-rejects-link-between-vaccines-autism


“National Special Ed: Teacher who kicked 5 yr old autistic boy out of class, now refusing to wear mike for deaf child”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/national_special_ed_teacher_who_kicked_5_yr_old_autistic_bo.htm


Australia “$300,000 not enough, Premier”:

http://north-shore-times.whereilive.com.au/news/story/300-000-not-enough-premier/


Hawaii “Settle DOE autism case now”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/hawaii__settle_doe_autism_case_now.htm


“Harpenden mother: “Social services have let my son down”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/harpendenuk_mother_social_services_have_let_my_son_down.htm


“Disabled are socially excluded says Scope survey”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/disabled_are_socially_excluded_says_scope_survey.htm


“Appeals court allows autism helper dog in class”:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38891678/ns/health

HEALTH & RESEARCH


Australia “Prime Minister has support of psychologists to address community challenges”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/australia_prime_minister_has_support_of_psychologists_to_ad.htm


Minnesota “State Health Program deadline may kick out people of color, most vulnerable by next summer”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/minnesota_state_health_program_deadline_may_kick_out_peopl.htm


“Autism and schizophrenia: Scientists measure gene mutation rate”:

http://www.physorg.com/news202031239.html


“List of Mental Disorders and Symptoms”:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/list-of-mental-disorders-and-symptoms.html


“Signs of autism”:

http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/signs-of-autism/


“Infant’s gaze may be an early, but subtle, marker for autism”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/infants_gaze_may_be_an_early_but_subtle_marker_for_autism.htm


“Autistic toddlers may fix their eyes on geometric patterns rather than children playing”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/autistic_toddlers_may_fix_their_eyes_on_geometric_patterns_r.htm


“New research applies computing to detecting autism”:

http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/09/01/new-research-applies-computing-to-detecting-autism.aspx


“Structural basis for autism disorders”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/structural_basis_for_autism_disorders.htm


“Autism: Picky eating does not impact growth”:

http://fyiliving.com/nutrition/special-diets/autism-why-being-a-picky-eater-is-ok/


“Autism and Schizophrenia: Scientists measure gene mutation rate”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/autism_and_schizophrenia_scientists_measure_gene_mutation_r.htm


Language Deciphering “Autism and language”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-philadelphia/the-peculiar-language-of-autism


“Abstract: Speech and Prosody characteristics of Adolescents and Adults with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/abstract_speech_and_prosody_characteristics_of_adolescents_.htm


“Pica: Particular or peculiar eating habits in autistic children”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-in-cleveland/pica-particular-or-peculiar-eating-habits-autism-children


“Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/autism__sensory_processing_disorder.htm


“Study shows ME/CFS ‘virus link’ found in children”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/study_shows_mecfs_virus_link_found_in_children.htm


“Oppositional Defiant Disorder in preschoolers: Kids being kids or a serious disorder?”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/oppositional_defiant_disorder_in_preschoolers_kids_being_ki.htm


“Teenage self-injury identified and treated by radiologists”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/teenage_selfinjury_identified_and_treated_by_radiologists.htm


“Why self-harm feels good in the brain”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/why_selfharm_feels_good_in_the_brain.htm


“Effects of Oxytocin clarified”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/effects_of_oxytocin_clarified.htm


“23rd Congress of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP), CNS Research, Translating into Clinical Progress”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/23rd_congress_0f_the_european_college_of_neuropsychopharmaco.htm


“Researchers explore gene-environment trigger for psychosis”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/researchers_explore_geneenvironment_trigger_for_psychosis.htm


“Antipsychotics are not appropriate for a 2 year old”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/antipsychotics_are_not_appropriate_for_a_2_year_old.htm


NYTimes “Child’s ordeal shows dangers of antipsychotic drugs”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/nytimes_childs_ordeal_shows_dangers_of_antipsychotic_drugs.htm


“Psychedelic drugs return as potential treatments for mental illness”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/psychedelic_drugs_return_as_potential_treatments_for_mental_.htm


“Johns Hopkins Health Alert: Digestive Health – Treating Nausea: 12 Practical Tips”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/johns_hopkins_health_alert_digestive_health__treating_naus.htm


“Abstract: Revisiting Lynam’s notion of the “Fledgling Psychopath”: Are HIA-CP children truly psychopathic-like?”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/abstract_revisiting_lynams_notion_of_the_fledgling_psycho.htm


UK “Concern over mental health orders”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/uk_concern_over_mental_health_orders.htm


“Non-invasive therapy significantly improves depression, researchers say”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/noninvasive_therapy_significantly_improves_depression_rese.htm


“The mechanism behind fast-acting antidepressant Ketamine”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/the_mechanism_behind_fastacting_antidepressant_ketamine.htm


“Risk of marijuana’s ‘gateway effect’ overblown, new research shows”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/risk_of_marijuanas_gateway_effect_overblown_new_research.htm


“Bipolar disorder not to blame for violent behaviour”:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11207548


“Special Issue on Schizophrenia is free and open”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/special_issue_on_schizophrenia_is_free_and_open.htm


“Does the impact of psychological trauma cross generations”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/does_the_impact_of_psychological_trauma_cross_generations.htm


“PTSD and traumatic brain injury common among returning troops”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/ptsd_and_traumatic_brain_injury_common_among_returning_troop.htm


“Acamprosate prevents relapse to drinking in alcoholism”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/acamprosate_prevents_relapse_to_drinking_in_alcoholism.htm


“BPS Research Digest: The Special Issue Spotter”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/bps_research_digest_the_special_issue_spotter_17.htm


“Sleep-deprived teenagers ‘triple chances of mental illness’ by spending nights online”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/sleepdeprived_teenagers_triple_chances_of_mental_illness_.htm


“Shorter sleep durations linked to greater risks of mental distress in young adults”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/shorter_sleep_durations_linked_to_greater_risks_of_mental_di.htm


“Less is More: Teens who sleep less eat more fatty foods and snacks, study shows”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/less_is_more_teens_who_sleep_less_eat_more_fatty_foods_and_.htm


“New guidelines to ease sleepless nights”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/new_guidelines_to_ease_sleepless_nights.htm


“Brain imaging shows brain changes in depression”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/brain_imaging_shows_brain_changes_in_depression.htm


“Statistics about college depression”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/statistics_about_college_depression.htm


“Smoking can increase depressive symptoms in teens, study finds”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/smoking_can_increase_depressive_symptoms_in_teens_study_fin.htm


“Meditation improves attitude of teenage boys”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/meditation_improves_attitude_of_teenage_boys.htm


“Start of school marks onset of “Seasons of Anxiety”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/start_of_school_marks_onset_of_seasons_of_anxiety.htm


“Stress triggers college eating disorders”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/stress_triggers_college_eating_disorders.htm


“Scientists discover neural switch that controls fear”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/scientists_discover_neural_switch_that_controls_fear.htm


“Chronic Pain: A new treatment”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/chronic_pain_a_new_treatment.htm


“Study finds first genetic link to migraine”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/study_finds_first_genetic_link_to_common_migraine.htm


“Head start for migraine sufferers”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/head_start_for_migraine_sufferers.htm


“Mind Hacks: Peculiar disturbances of vision”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/mind_hacks_peculiar_disturbances_of_vision.htm


“Walking is good brain exercise”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/walking_is_good_brain_exercise.htm


“After the Show: The many faces of the performer”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/after_the_show_the_many_faces_of_the_performer.htm


“How to deal with a narcissist”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/how_to_deal_with_a_narcissist.htm


“Narcissistic college students spend more time on Facebook”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/narcissistic_college_students_spend_more_time_on_facebook.htm


“Email’s Dark Side: 10 Psychology Studies”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/emails_dark_side_10_psychology_studies.htm


“Parenting Study: Italians strict, French moderate, Canadians lenient”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/parenting_study_italians_strict_french_moderate_canadians.htm


“Relationships: Time-Starved Relationships, 2 Heads Are Better Than 1 – With The Right Partner, Do Couples Grow More Alike With The Passage Of Time?, What Exactly Is A Hook-Up?”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/relationships_timestarved_relationships_2_heads_are_bette.htm


“Boss Luis Orzua and the Trapped Miners in Chile”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/boss_luis_orzua_and_the_trapped_miners_in_chile.htm


“Virtual Hospital”:

http://www.uihealthcare.com/vh/

EDUCATION


“First college for students with Asperger’s opens in Wales”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/first_college_for_aspergers_students_opens_in_wales.htm


“Attending college with autism”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-philadelphia/attending-college-with-autism


“Back to school tips for autistic children”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-harrisburg/back-to-school-tips-for-autistic-children-1


“Back to School: Autism style”:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lshumaker/detail?entry_id=70940


“Back to School 101 – Getting autistic children ready for the transition back to school”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-newark/back-to-school-101-getting-autistic-children-ready-for-the-transition-back-to-school

 

“Program trains teachers to care for autistic students”:

http://www.news8austin.com/?ArID=273669

 

“Blind Brook Assistant Principal resigns, moves on to Yonkers School”:

http://rye.patch.com/articles/blind-brook-assistant-principal-resigns-moves-on-to-yonkers-school

 

“Special Education”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/special_education.htm

 

“Teaching time, class time, instructional time, lunch time?”:

http://www.examiner.com/special-education-in-amarillo/teaching-time-class-time-instructional-time-lunch-time

 

“CIGNA offers free nine month autism education series starting in September”:

http://www.insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=223033&type=newswires


Vermont, US “State gets funds for autism education”:

http://www.benningtonbanner.com/ci_16001451

EMPLOYMENT


“200,000 face housing benefit cuts”:

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20100905/tuk-200-000-face-housing-benefit-cuts-6323e80.html


“More than £1billion lost to disability benefit fraud and error”:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1305565/More-1BILLION-lost-disability-benefit-fraud-error.html


“How to create a better workplace”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/how_to_create_a_better_workplace.htm


“Designing your own workspace improves health, happiness and productivity”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/designing_your_own_workspace_improves_health_happiness_and.htm


“Creative Support Ltd”:

http://www.creativesupport.co.uk/ 


“Autelligent Laboratories

We believe all people have a contribution to make and deserve an opportunity to be productive.

With your caring and excellent help, we are creating jobs for the 40 million people worldwide who are diagnosed with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Today less than one in five of us are currently employed. We are motivated and competent and we deserve equal employment. Help make this a reality.

Autelligent Laboratories is dedicated to creating a space where autistic software engineers can more than contribute, we can excel.”:

http://www.autlabs.com/


Luxury Quality Scented Candles “Humbolt Candles – Autism & Disability Employment Company”:

http://www.humboldtcandles.com/index.html


“Auties.org”:
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/


“Prospects”:

http://www.autism.org.uk/our-services/employment-support/prospects-for-job-seekers.aspx


“AutismJobs”:
Linking job seekers with vacancies in work related to autism, Aspergers and ASDs

http://www.autismjobs.org/?section=00010009


“Employment within the NAS”:

http://www.autism.org.uk/en-gb/working-with/a-career-in-autism/career-opportunities-with-the-nas.aspx


For further employment information, please view”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/employment_on_the_autism_spectrum.htm

GENERAL/HUMAN INTEREST


“Fresh off her Emmy Award buzz, Temple Grandin speaks at Pace University”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/fresh_off_her_emmy_award_buzz_temple_grandin_speaks_at_pace.htm


“Asperger’s diagnosis made sense to ‘outsider”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/aspergers_diagnosis_made_sense_to_outsider.htm


“Sara Peterson & Wendy Lawson: ‘I Live With Autism”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/sara_peterson__wendy_lawson_i_live_with_autism.htm


“The R word: Sticks, Stones, and Rosa’s Law”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/the_r_word_sticks_stones_and_rosas_law.htm


“Evoking the best in others … Derek Paravicini is a musical savant — with a book, a CD, and sold-out performances around the globe.”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/evoking_the_best_in_others.htm


“Milford boy a whiz with a map”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/milford_boy_a_whiz_with_a_map.htm


“Autistic children smell new experience”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/autistic_children_smell_new_experience.htm


“Kaspar the friendly robot helps autistic kids”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/kaspar_the_friendly_robot.htm


“Clothing and autistic children”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-harrisburg/clothing-and-children-with-autism


“Using a weighted vest with children on the autism spectrum”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-seattle/using-a-weighted-vest-with-children-on-the-autism-spectrum


“Autistic children need positive mentors”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-harrisburg/autistic-children-need-positive-mentors


“Support group aids parents with severe-needs children”:

http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20100826/NEWS/100829878/1078&ParentProfile=1055


“Resources for Families: Food and Nutrition for low-income families”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-newark/resources-for-families-with-autism-food-and-nutrition-for-low-income-families


“How your autistic child perceives the world differently from you”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-toronto/how-your-child-with-autism-perceives-the-world-differently-from-you


“Rusty’s Morningstar Ranch 25th anniversary … Rusty’s, which now serves as home to eight men, was founded in 1985 on the love of a mother for her autistic son.”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/rustys_morningstar_ranch_celebrates_25th_anniversary.htm


Cincinnati “Farm offers haven for autistic adults”:

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20100904/NEWS01/9050353/Farm-offers-haven-for-autistic-adults


“Autism Support Network and Autism Hangout band together”:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/autism-support-network-and-autism-hangout-band-together-guide-those-touched-by-autism-101869308.html


“Temple Grandin to speak at OSU seminar Sept. 15”:

http://www.hpj.com/archives/2010/aug10/aug30/0819GrandinatOSUSeminarsr.cfm


“Dickinson on her autistic daughter”:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/20100901_Sideshow__Dickinson_on_her_autistic_daughter.html


“Profoundly disabled: ‘We wouldn’t have her any other way”:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/profoundly-disabled-we-wouldnt-have-her-any-other-way-2072088.html


“Disability: we can all do better”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/sep/06/disability-we-can-all-do-better


IMAGE “NYTimes: Geek Flow Chart”:

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/03/09/opinion/09opart2.ready.html

NEVADA

Nevada Flag

“Autism Society Northern Nevada Chapter”:

http://209.200.89.252/search_site/chapter_detail.cfm?program_id=890

Nevada State Capitol

Nevada State Capitol, Carson City 

Designed by Joseph Gosling and completed in 1871, the Italianate structure was expanded in 1905 and completely rebuilt between 1977 and 1981. The capitol is one of three in the nation in which the state legislature does not meet, as the legislature convenes in a separate building completed in 1971. The Nevada State Capitol is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Nevada State Resources”:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nevada
Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lake Tahoe

“Autism Coalition of Nevada”:

http://www.aconv.org/

First light on the Lake Ranges

First light on the Lake Ranges, Washoe County

“Vegas Autism Academy Welcomes First Class”:

http://www.fox5vegas.com/news/24908190/detail.html

“Nevada Autism News”:

http://autism.einnews.com/nevada/

The American Desert, Mesquite

The American Desert, Mesquite

“Sparks NV Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Doctors”:

http://www.medicinenet.com/asperger_syndrome/sparks-nv_city.htm

The Disappearing Road

The Disappearing Road, Clark County

“Asperger’s Disorder Clinicians List”:

http://www.aspergers.com/asplist.htm

Arch Rock

Arch Rock, Valley of Fire State Park

“Asperger’s Syndrome Meetups near Las Vegas, Nevada”:

http://aspergers.meetup.com/cities/us/nv/las_vegas/

Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock, Valley of Fire, Nevada: The Valley of Fire State park in Nevada was created by the forces of wind, rain, heat, time and even ice. This stone elephant at the Valley of Fire is a huge, remarkable landmark of the dessert. A giant rock that looks like an ancient mammoth. Elephant Rock is a testament to the many varied stone shapes at Valley of Fire, thanks to the wonders of geology and the erosive power of weather. It is an easy hike from the roadway. Lake Mead is in the background. Its about an hour or less drive from Las Vegas and the park makes for a great day trip. Taking the scenic route along the lake, you’ll feel like you have entered a different planet.

“Nevada Guide”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/united-states/nevada-guide/

Wild Stallion of Nevada

Wild Stallion of Nevada

“Nevada Facts”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/united-states/nevada-facts/

Snaffle Bit Futurity Livestock Event, Reno

Snaffle Bit Futurity Livestock Event, Reno

“Nevada Map”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/united-states/nevada-map/

Wild Mustangs

Wild Mustangs: Despite a significant public outcry, BLM plans a helicopter round up to remove thousands of wild horses in northwestern Nevada, an area called the Calico Complex in a remote and starkly beautiful landscape of volcanic outcrops, steep canyons and wide valleys. It is home to over 3,000 wild horses and represents the last stronghold of the once large herds of American mustangs that roamed the west by the millions.
The attack on Calico is scheduled to begin in December and continue through the dead of winter.(written 2009)

“Las Vegas, Nevada”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/las-vegas-nevada/

Big Rig Jig Sculpture

Big Rig Jig Sculpture, Gerlach, Nevada

“State of Nevada Official Site”:

http://www.nv.gov/

Vegas Neon

Vegas Neon

“Nevada Commission on Tourism”:

http://travelnevada.com/

Vegas Slow Hand

Vegas Slow Hand

Night Scene, Las Vegas

Night Scene, Las Vegas:”The Strip”, officially named as Las Vegas Boulevard South. Miles of luxury hotels, casinos, chapels…

Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas

Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas

Bellagio Ceiling

Beauty cascades all around you inside the enchanting lobby of the Bellagio. Peer overhead and discover a ceiling adorned in a breathtaking display of 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers – the Fiori di Como, created by world-renowned artist, Dale Chihuly.

Venetian Gondolas, Las Vegas

Venetian Gondolas, South Las Vegas:In recreating the experience of Italy on the Las Vegas Strip, the Venetian offers gondola rides. The half-mile ride indoor gondolas make their way through the Grand Canal Shoppes, beneath the ceiling emulating blue sky bridges and the quaint shops and cafés that line the canal.

Reno

Reno

The Sights in Reno

The Sights in Reno

Reno Sculpture

Reno Sculpture: Found on the River Walk in downtown Reno

Baseball - Reno Aces Stadium

Baseball, Reno Aces Stadium

Stepping Back in Time, Virginia City, Nevada

Stepping Back in Time, Virginia City, Nevada

Colorful Virginia City

Colorful Virginia City

Virginia City

Virginia City

Nevada Quilt Show

ADD/ADHD

 

“Cognitive Behavioral therapy appears beneficial for adults with ADHD”:

http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=199253


“ADHD 101: Teaching your ADHD child how much attention academic tasks require”:

http://www.examiner.com/special-education-in-los-angeles/adhd-101-teaching-your-adhd-child-how-much-attention-academic-tasks-require


“ADHD 101: Children with ADHD need to learn how it looks and feels to pay attention”:

http://www.examiner.com/special-education-in-los-angeles/adhd-101-children-with-adhd-need-to-learn-how-it-looks-and-feels-to-pay-attention


“ADHD 101: Honoring all individuals with ADD and ADHD”:

http://www.examiner.com/special-education-in-los-angeles/adhd-101-honoring-all-individuals-with-add-and-adhd


“ADHD 101: Are you worried about medicating your child with ADD or ADHD?”:

http://www.examiner.com/special-education-in-los-angeles/adhd-101-are-you-worried-about-medicating-your-child-with-add-or-adhd


“A Portrait of Health: Prescription Drugs in America”:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/09/03/129626052/a-portrait-of-health-prescription-drugs-in-america


“Adderall Vs. Profideral: Are smart pills ethical?”:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5758740/adderall_vs_profideral_are_smart_pills.html?cat=5


“Family: marital understanding & support”:

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Family_Listentome/Article/


“Trouble between the sheets: When ADD/ADHD interferes with intimacy”:

http://www.nativeremedies.com/blog/add-adhd-increase-sex-drive/?kbid=1028


ADRES “Adverse Drug Reaction Electronic System(Adverse Drug Reactions Website)”- This website provides patients, doctors, and other medical professionals with a comprehensive examination of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), side effects, and other safety information for both prescription and over-the-counter medications.. Our goal is to allow users of our website make informed decisions when taking (patients) or prescribing (doctors) drugs. We are providing unmatched information and analysis tools.

http://www.adverse-drug-reaction.net/


“adders.org”:
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 those 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


“ADDA”:

http://www.add.org/index.html


“hi2u ADHD Pages”:

http://www..adhd..org.uk/


“CHADD”:

http://www.chadd.org/am/CustomPages/home/CHADD_Home.htm?CFID=2282059&CFTOKEN=38105335&jsessionid=f2303343221169802693562

SPORT

 

“Alex Bain: Runman – Maritime 50k Fox Run”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/alex_bain_runman__maritime_50k_fox_run.htm


“Physical activity and autism”:

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-harrisburg/physical-activity-and-autism


“Taekwondo classes meet needs of Columbia students”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/taekwondo_classes_meet_needs_of_columbia_students.htm


“Swimming Challenges ~ Includes Great Swim Series 2010(June – September 2010)”:

The Great Swim series is taking place at various locations during summer 2010. There will be four televised one-mile outdoor swims, staged in lakes, lochs and docks around the UK.

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2551


“10-kilometre runs”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1816


“Trek the Sahara – 5-25 March 2010 or 29 Oct-8 Nov 2010”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2542


“Big Fun Run (See Link For UK Location Dates):

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2169


“Victory for Autism Bike Ride – 11 September 2010”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2409


“Land’s End to John O’Groat’s Bike Ride – 28 Sept-10 Oct 2010/3-15 May 2011”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2605


“Royal Parks Half Marathon – 10 October 2010”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2208&a=19143


“Trek Mount Kilimanjaro – 8-19 Oct 2010/2-13 Feb 2011/13-24 July 2011”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2200


“Trek the Great Wall of China – 9-18 Oct 2010/8-16 October 2011”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2356


“Trek to Everest Base Camp – 5-21 November 2010/25 March – 10 April 2011/4-20 Nov 2011”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2354


“Trek to the Home of the Dalai Lama – 17-28 March 2011 and 15-26 Sept 2011”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2602


“Trek the Inca Trail – 14-23 May 2011”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1863


“Icelandic Lava Trek – 20-24 July 2011”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2611


“Sky Diving – All Year Round”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1726

MUSIC

“Autistic kids sing, roar in ‘Jungle Book’ musical”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/autistic_kids_sing_roar_in_jungle_book_musical.htm


“The AutisMusic Project”:

http://www.autismusic.com/

ART

“Eric Jiani”:

http://www.outsiderart.co.uk/jiani.htm


Official Site “Eric Jiani”:

http://www.eric-jiani-artist.com/


GLIMPSE – the talents of the autism community

They are painters, sculptors and photographers; poets and storytellers; musicians and creators of amazing video games. They are kids, teens and adults. Last year, a new online publication arose to celebrate the talents of autistic individuals and other developmental disabilities: GLIMPSE, offered by ICDL (The Interdisciplinary Council of Developmental and Learning Disorders). In late 2008, Volume 2 of GLIMPSE was released, and was expanded into a print book and notecards. The works are serious, humourous, deeply personal and illuminating. See it for yourself, share it with others, submit your own/your child’s work for inclusion in Volume 3, to release later this year. Find information and ordering details at www.icdl.com


“ARTROOM ………where under 17s can make and display art online”:

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artroom/index.php

MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT


“An Emmy for the first sitcom character with Asperger’s: The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/an_emmy_for_the_first_sitcom_character_with_aspergers_the_.htm


“For ‘Temple Grandin’, a night to shine”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/for_temple_grandin_a_night_to_shine.htm


“Film about autistic scientist “Temple Grandin” wins seven Emmys (Part 1)”:

http://www.examiner.com/special-needs-kids-in-tallahassee/film-about-autistic-scientist-temple-grandin-wins-seven-emmys-part-1


“Film about autistic scientist “Temple Grandin” wins seven Emmys (Part 2)”:

http://www.examiner.com/special-needs-kids-in-tallahassee/film-about-autistic-scientist-temple-grandin-wins-seven-emmys-part-2


“Special ‘Nanny McPhee Returns’ screening for children set at Muncie theater”:

http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20109010301


“Parenting Special Needs Tweens: AMC to launch sensory friendly movies nationwide”:

http://www.examiner.com/parenting-tweens-in-baltimore/parenting-special-needs-tweens-amc-to-launch-sensory-friendly-movies-nationwide


“Actors for Autism”:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/

BOOKS


“An autistic savant’s remarkable story”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/an_autistic_savants_remarkable_story.htm


“NHRC chief releases book on rights of persons with disabilities”:

http://newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/177639


“Perspectives Anthology, poetry concerning autism and other disabilities launches”:

http://www.examiner.com/special-education-in-pittsburgh/perspectives-anthology-poetry-concerning-autism-and-other-disabilities-launches-august-22-2010

 

  “Strategies at Hand: Quick and Handy Positive Behavior Support Strategies”

by Tracy Mueller, Ph.D. And Robin Brewer, Ed. D.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9051.htm

 

  “Setting Up Classroom Spaces That Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders”

by Susan Kabot, Ed.D., CCC-SLP and Christine Reeve, Ph.D., BCBA-D

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9046.htm

 

  “Top Tips for Asperger Students: How to Get the Most Out of University and College”

Rosemary Martin

Illustrated by Caitlin Cooper

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781849051408


“My New School: A Workbook to Help Students Transition to a New School”

by Melissa L. Trautman, Ms. Ed.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9054.htm


“Middle School: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About – A Girl with High-Functioning Autism Shares Her Experiences”

by Haley Moss

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9053.htm


“Natural Genius: The Gifts of Asperger’s Syndrome”

Susan Rubinyi

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843107842


“Crystalline Lifetime: Fragments of Asperger Syndrome”

Luke Jackson

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843104438


“Career Training and Personal Planning for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Practical Resource for Schools”

Vicki Lundine and Catherine Smith

Foreword by Jo-Anne Seip

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843104407

CINEMA

View Image

“The Wildest Dream”

Release Date: September 24, 2010.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpwBQlOSJ3I


Synopsis: Eighty-five years after George Mallory s final attempt to summit Mount Everest, The Wildest Dream explores Mallory’s obsession with becoming the first person to reach the highest place on Earth. Told through the explorer s poignant and evocative letters to his wife, Ruth, previously unseen photos and film archive from 1924 (restored from the original nitrate especially for the film), dramatization and a modern-day expedition retracing the original route taken in 1924, Mallory s incredible adventure lives again. The expedition was led by renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, whose life became inextricably linked with Mallory s after he found Mallory s body on Everest in 1999. Using replica 1920s-era clothing and equipment, Anker sets out to solve the great mystery of whether Mallory succeeded in summiting Everest before he died he was last seen just 800 feet from the summit before the clouds closed in and he disappeared into legend. The most heartbreaking clue: All of Mallory s belongings were found intact on his body, except the photograph of his beloved Ruth, which he promised to leave at the top of the world if he succeeded.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_wildest_dream/

“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”

Released August 25, 2010.

Official Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgOLmjhxVVU


Synopsis: Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriend’s seven evil ex-boyfriends in order to win her heart. Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriend’s seven evil ex-boyfriends in order to win her heart.

Consensus: Its script may not be as dazzling as its eye-popping visuals, but Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is fast, funny, and inventive.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/scott_pilgrims_vs_the_world/

Review “Back to the Future Re-Release”:

http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/blog/article/31802/back-to-the-futurereview.html

VIDEO GAMES

“Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 (PS3, PC DVD, XBox 360, Wii) 12+

Release Date: Sept 10, 2010.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tom-Clancys-H-A-W-X-2-PS3/dp/B003L0OVK6/ref=pd_nr_vg_h__29?ie=UTF8&s=videogames

“Little Big Planet 2” (PS3) 7+

Release Date: November 12, 2010.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-LittleBigPlanet-2-PS3/dp/B003LL2RHY/ref=pd_nr_vg_h__43?ie=UTF8&s=videogames

TECH

“Acoustic Trick Gives ‘Dumbphones’ Touchscreen Feel”


Embarrassed by your “ancient” push-button cellphone? Touchscreen envy eating you up inside? Fear not. New software could offer users of cheaper push-button phones access to some of the features usually found only on the more pricey smartphones.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19417-acoustic-trick-gives-dumbphones-touchscreen-feel.html

SPACE

“Earth Encounters Two Fly-By Asteroids”


Nasa have urged amateur astronomers to watch the skies as the Earth has a near encounter with two asteroids.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20100908/twl-earth-encounters-two-fly-by-asteroid-41f21e0.html


Take Care,

Julie

Morning in the High Nevada Desert

Morning in the High Nevada Desert



 

ScienceDaily (Sep. 6, 2010) — Major depression is a common and disabling brain condition marked not only by the presence of depressed mood but also by its effects on sleep, energy, decision-making, memory and thoughts of death or of suicide.

Major depression affects 15 million adults in the U.S., and the World Health Organization projects that by 2020, it will be the largest contributor to disability in the world after heart disease.

While antidepressants have helped many to recover and resume their lives, only 30 percent of patients will experience full remission with the first medication they use. Patients typically move on to try a series of other antidepressants. A persistent problem with such drugs has been major side effects, including obesity, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, drowsiness and nausea.

Now, a unique new therapy that applies electrical stimulation to a major nerve emanating from the brain is showing promise.

In a recently completed clinical trial at UCLA, trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) achieved an average of a 70 percent reduction in symptom severity over an eight-week study period. The study’s principal investigator, Dr. Ian A. Cook, the Miller Family Professor of Psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, presented the results at a recent National Institutes of Health conference on depression and other psychiatric disorders, noting that 80 percent of the subjects achieved remission, a highly significant result in this pilot study.

TNS is not new to UCLA. It was pioneered for treatment-resistant epilepsy in humans by Dr. Christopher M. DeGiorgio, a UCLA professor of neurology. The results of a positive 12-patient feasibility trial in epilepsy were reported last year in the journal Neurology. A larger, double-blind pilot epilepsy clinical trial is underway at UCLA and the University of Southern California.

The stimulator that was used in the depression clinical trial is about the size of a large cell phone. Two wires from the stimulator are passed under the clothing and connected to electrodes attached to the forehead by adhesive. The electrodes transmit an electrical current to the nerve. All the patients in the trial used the device for approximately eight hours every night while asleep. In contrast to antidepressants, no major side effects were noted.

“The major branches of the trigeminal nerve in the face are located close to the surface of the skull and can be stimulated either with non-invasive external electrodes, as we used in this trial, or with minimally invasive subcutaneous electrodes,” Cook said.

He added that some patients may prefer to have miniature subcutaneous electrodes implanted under the skin rather than applying new electrodes daily.

In describing TNS, DeGiorgio, co-principal investigator for the depression trial, explained that what is remarkable about the TNS approach is that it is possible to send signals to key structures deep in the brain without penetrating into the skull.

Cook hypothesized that electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve generates a cascading sequence of events in the existing neuronal infrastructure. In essence, he said, “TNS provides a high-bandwidth pathway into the brain.”

To help bring the TNS out of the laboratory and into patient care, UCLA’s Office of Intellectual Property recently executed an exclusive worldwide license for the TNS with NeuroSigma, a Los Angeles-based neuromodulation company formed in 2008 to commercialize promising technologies developed at leading universities and research institutions. DeGiorgio and Cook are among UCLA’s inventors of the TNS technology and are unpaid advisers to NeuroSigma. Dr. Antonio De Salles and Jack Judy, also UCLA faculty members, are co-founders of NeuroSigma and are minority shareholders. They report no role in this project.

The project was supported by the Joanne and George Miller and Family Endowment in Depression Research and by an anonymous philanthropic donation to UCLA.

Source:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100903092507.htm

 



 

By John M Grohol PsyD

Late last week, I received this notice that may be of interest to readers who are interested in the topic of schizophrenia and peer-reviewed journal articles:

The Special Issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science on Schizophrenia has been getting so much attention that, in special arrangement with our publisher SAGE, we have just made the issue completely Open Access.

Open Access means that all the articles are open to anyone to read and download — it’s free! It’s rare to see a journal publisher agree to make an entire issue of their journal open and free to the public to read. So enjoy this little gift from the Association for Psychological Science and SAGE.

While schizophrenia is likely to affect less than 1% of the general population, it’s impact on families and social services is much greater than that. You can learn more about schizophrenia here.

This special journal issue on schizophrenia offers a broad overview of research into schizophrenia, including review articles looking at prenatal, functional and structural brain abnormalities, social and genetic factors that contribute to schizophrenia. It’s a great issue, especially if you wanted to know what our current understanding about this serious mental illness is.

Get it now: Table of Contents — August 2010, 19 4 — Current Directions in Psychological Science

Source:  http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/09/04/special-issue-on-schizophrenia-is-free-and-open/



 Auschwitz

ScienceDaily (Sep. 8, 2010) — In groups with high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as the survivors of the Nazi Death Camps, the adjustment problems of their children, the so-called “Second Generation,” have received attention by researchers. Studies suggested that some symptoms or personality traits associated with PTSD may be more common in the Second Generation than the general population. It has been assumed that these trans-generational effects reflected the impact of PTSD upon the parent-child relationship rather than a trait passed biologically from parent to child.

However, Dr. Isabelle Mansuy and colleagues provide new evidence in the current issue of Biological Psychiatry that some aspects of the impact of trauma cross generations and are associated with epigenetic changes, i.e., the regulation of the pattern of gene expression, without changing the DNA sequence.

They found thatearly-life stress induced depressive-like behaviors and altered behavioral responses to aversive environments in mice. Importantly, these behavioral alterations were also found in the offspring of males subjected to early stress even though the offspring were raised normally without any stress. In parallel, the profile of DNA methylation was altered in several genes in the germline (sperm) of the fathers, and in the brain and germline of their offspring.

“It is fascinating that clinical observations in humans have suggested the possibility that specific traits acquired during life and influenced by environmental factors may be transmitted across generations. It is even more challenging to think that when related to behavioral alterations, these traits could explain some psychiatric conditions in families,” said Dr. Mansuy, lead author on this project. “Our findings in mice provide a first step in this direction and suggest the intervention of epigenetic processes in such phenomenon.”

“The idea that traumatic stress responses may alter the regulation of genes in the germline cells in males means that these stress effects may be passed across generations. It is distressing to think that the negative consequences of exposure to horrible life events could cross generations,” commented Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry. “However, one could imagine that these types of responses might prepare the offspring to cope with hostile environments. Further, if environmental events can produce negative effects, one wonders whether the opposite pattern of DNA methylation emerges when offspring are reared in supportive environments.”

Further research will be necessary to answer those questions, but these findings open a new door in the emerging field of neuroepigenetics.

 

Journal Reference:

  1. Tamara B. Franklin, Holger Russig, Isabelle C. Weiss, Johannes Gräff, Natacha Linder, Aubin Michalon, Sandor Vizi, Isabelle M. Mansuy. Epigenetic Transmission of the Impact of Early Stress Across Generations. Biological Psychiatry, 2010; 68 (5): 408 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.05.036



 

Article Date: 08 Sep 2010 – 5:00 PDT

NPR reports on post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury in troops returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Though thousands of soldiers are diagnosed with PTSD, many more suffer without treatment. Among those who do seek treatment, doctors are finding another, distinctly different problem called traumatic brain injury, or TBI. The two conditions have similar symptoms, but the causes are quite different. While PTSD is a psychological disorder that can be treated with medication and therapy, TBI is physical injury to the brain that requires cognitive treatment to help rebuild function.

Read in Full:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/200291.php



 

Article Date: 08 Sep 2010 – 2:00 PDT

Acamprosate reduces the number of patients being treated for alcoholism who return to drinking, according to a new Cochrane Systematic Review. The drug showed moderate benefits in trials when used in addition to non-drug treatments.

Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of ill health. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol misuse is at the root of around a quarter of all cases of oesophageal cancer, liver disease and epilepsy, as well as road accidents and homicides. Acamprosate and naltrexone are drugs used alongside psychosocial methods to help prevent relapse in alcoholics who are trying to stop drinking.

The researchers reviewed data from 24 randomised controlled trials, considered the gold standard for clinical studies. Altogether these trials involved 6,915 alcohol dependent patients who were also undergoing psychosocial therapies. Acamprosate prevented relapse in one in every nine patients who had stopped drinking and increased the number of days patients spent not drinking by an average of three days a month. The researchers showed that the risk of a patient on acamprosate returning to drinking was 86% of that of a patient who took a placebo instead. Diarrhoea was the only side effect that was more frequently reported under acamprosate than placebo.

“Acamprosate is certainly no magic bullet, but it is a safe and effective treatment for patients who are trying to stop drinking,” said lead researcher Susanne Rösner of the Psychiatric Hospital at the University of Munich, Germany. “The benefits we have seen in these trials are small. However, we must remember that these are additional benefits on top of those from other non-drug therapies.”

The researchers stress the need to respect a patient’s right to choose by providing all the necessary information about the benefits and drawbacks of the drugs when recommending a therapeutic strategy. “Patients’ doubts and reservations against a strategy that uses one substance to treat dependency on another should be taken seriously, while interventions that have been shown to work should not kept back from patients,” said Rösner.

Sources: Wiley – Blackwell, AlphaGalileo Foundation.

View drug information on Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablets.



 

Written by Nestor Lopez-Duran PhD on Wednesday, September 8.2010

The New York Times recently released two interesting reports about mental health issues in young children. The first examined the concept of preschool depression (see also here for one of our previous reviews about depression in young children). The second examined the practice of prescribing antipsychotic medications in young children. Both articles touched on an issue that is always present in all discussions about early childhood mental health: how do we differentiate between symptoms of a psychiatric disorders and normative behaviors that are expected at certain ages? Are we simply pathologizing childhood when we diagnosed conditions such as ADHD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder? 

This debate is not limited to public discussions between some fringe anti-psychiatry movement and clinicians/researchers. Even clinicians vary to the extent that they are comfortable with diagnosing a young child with a psychiatric disorder.  When I talk to my students about this issue I push them to take a pragmatic perspective. I ask two questions: 1) what evidence would you like to see that would make you conclude, with certainty, that a true disorder is present or not? And 2) if the disorder is present, what is the utility of the diagnosis?

Although there are many answers to these questions, most students focus on two issues. Is there continuity of this disorder/symptoms/behaviors? That is, if you diagnose a child with X, does the child continue to show the same symptoms over time? The assumption is that if the symptoms are temporary, it is possible that the symptoms are part of a normal phase of childhood (e.g., a physically aggressive 2 year old child). In contrast, if the symptoms become chronic over time, then it is more likely that we are not just seeing kids being kids, but that instead we are looking at something more serious. The second issue most students focus on is impairment. If the symptoms cause or lead to real impairment in the child’s educational, social, or family life (or occupational life in the future), then it is likely that we are not simply observing kids being kids. The assumption here is that normative behaviors in childhood should not lead you to experience significant impairment, such as getting arrested, being unable to make friends, being unable to attend school, etc.  Both of these issues help us understand the question of utility: if a disorder is chronic and cause impairment, then providing a diagnosis may help the child obtain the right type of intervention and hopefully alter the disorder’s course.

In the recent issue of the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Dr. Kate Kennan and a multidisciplinary team from multiple universities reported the results of a very timely study on the stability of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) in early childhood. The authors wanted to examine what happen to children who are diagnosed with ODD or CD in early childhood. Specifically, how many of these kids continue to have ODD or CD 1, 2, or 3 years later. In essence, if a preschool child is diagnosed with ODD or CD, what are the odds that he/she will continue to show the same behaviors in the future?

To answer these questions the authors followed 223 preschoolers over a period of 3 years. This group included 123 kids who were referred to a clinic because of problems with aggression, defiance, or controlling temper. The rest served as a comparison group and were recruited from pediatrician offices. The children underwent a structured diagnostic interview at the beginning of the study, as well as 12, 24, and 36 months later.

The results:

Below is a graph showing the number of kids who continued to have the disorder or symptoms during the follow up period of the study.

As you can see, 84 children were diagnosed with ODD at intake. From these, 82% continued to have the disorder some time during the follow up period (anytime during the 12, 24, and 36-month evaluation). About 17% had some symptoms of ODD in the future, and only 1% didn’t show any symptoms of ODD during follow up.  This sounds pretty discouraging but if you break the results by “follow up period” the results are not as grim. Specifically, of the kids diagnosed with ODD at the start of the study, 72% had the diagnosis after 12 months, 66% had it after 24 months, 52% had it after 36 months. That is, about ½ of the preschoolers diagnosed with ODD will continue to have ODD 3 years later.

The case with conduct disorder is very similar. 72 children were diagnosed with CD at intake. From these, 61% continued to have the disorder some time during the follow up. About 30% had some symptoms of CD in the future, and 8% didn’t show any symptoms of CD during follow up.  Breaking down the data by year: Of the kids diagnosed with CD at the start of the study, 48% had the diagnosis after 12 months, 33% had it after 24 months, 26% had it after 36 months. That is, about 1/4 of the preschoolers diagnosed with CD will continue to have CD 3 years later.

Read in Full:  http://www.child-psych.org/2010/09/oppositional-defiant-disorder-in-preschoolers-pathologizing-childhood-or-a-sign-of-trouble-to-come.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChildPyschologyAndParentingResearch+(Child+Pyschology+and+Parenting+Research)



 

Wednesday 8 September, 2010

More than 7,000 community treatment orders (CTOs) for people with a mental illness have been issued to date – a far higher number than was expected, experts have said.

The surge raises concerns about the number of people under compulsory treatment for mental health issues, according to a study from the Mental Health Alliance.

Patients detained in hospital can be discharged under CTOs and supervised by a doctor, nurse or social worker.

Care plans include medication and therapeutic treatments, but can also include detail to restrict a patient’s movements.

If a patient refuses to take medication, they can be sent back to hospital.

The report said the Department of Health significantly underestimated CTO use in the first 12 months following their introduction in November 2008.

Rather than the expected 400 to 600, around 4,000 CTOs were issued across England and Wales in the first year, and more than 6,000 had been issued by the end of March this year. “The (total) number is likely to have risen to over 7,000 by the end of July 2010, with some 4,000 to 5,000 patients under a CTO at that date,” the study said.

The report pointed to “serious concerns” about the increase, including the “disproportionate use” of CTOs for people from black and minority ethnic communities and the possibility people are being discharged from hospital earlier than they should be. Experts also pointed to shortcomings in community support and delays for patients in obtaining second opinions to authorise treatment.

Alison Cobb, chair of the Mental Health Alliance, said: “We are concerned about the large numbers of people made subject to CTOs, given their coercive nature and the limited international evidence for positive effects.”

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said: “We welcome this report. Community treatment orders are a potentially useful tool when used properly. But we must all remain vigilant to ensure that they are not being used unnecessarily or ineffectively. In the months ahead, we will be working across Government to reshape the mental health strategy to set clear outcomes and offer a roadmap for delivering them.”

Source:  http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20100907/thl-concern-over-mental-health-orders-d831572.html



 

September 5th, 2010 3:03 pm MT

Susan Anderson

Imagine meeting a man that has memorized and recited correctly over 22,000 digits of Pi. Imagine him telling the story of how he successfully learned Icelandic in seven days. Imagine him telling of the difficulties of being an autistic savant, but also the great opportunities and accomplishments that have accompanied it.

Imagine meeting Daniel Tammet.

Tammet was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a rare form of autism, at the age of twenty-five. With this syndrome Tammet is able to accomplish amazing mental feats, all of which he has written about in his first memoir, Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant.

In his book, Tammet describes how he “sees” numbers as shapes and colors and explains how he can calculate math equations in a matter of seconds. He also writes about his experience meeting Kim Peek, the famous autistic savant in which Dustin Hoffman’s character in the film Rain Man was based off. All of the accounts written about allow readers to explore the mind of an autistic savant, to learn about autism and how it affects people and their families, and to recognize that everyone has a talent to share.

Read in Full:  http://www.examiner.com/writing-in-idaho-falls/an-autistic-savant-s-remarkable-story