


Archive for January, 2011
 
ScienceDaily (Aug. 12, 2010) — Severe mental illness is more common among college students than it was a decade ago, with more young people arriving on campus with pre-existing conditions and a willingness to seek help for emotional distress, according to a study presented at the 118th annual convention of the American Psychological Association. The data support what college mental health professionals have noted for some time.
“In the last 10 years, a shift in the needs of students seeking counseling services is becoming apparent,” said John Guthman, PhD, author of the study and director of student counseling services at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. “University and college counseling services around the country are reporting that the needs of students seeking services are escalating toward more severe psychological problems. While the condition of students seeking counseling doesn’t necessarily reflect the experience of the average college student, our findings may suggest that students with severe emotional stress are getting better education, outreach and support during childhood that makes them more likely to attend college than in the past.”
Guthman and his co-authors looked at the records of 3,256 college students who accessed college counseling support between September 1997 and August 2009 at a mid-sized private university. Students, both undergraduate and graduate, were screened for mental disorders, suicidal thoughts and self-injurious behavior. Several tools were employed to make a diagnosis, including clinical evaluations, structured interviews, and two widely used tests of mood — the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory.
In 1998, 93 percent of the students coming into the clinic were diagnosed with one mental disorder, said Guthman. That number rose to 96 percent in 2009. In 2009, 96 percent of students seeking treatment met criteria for diagnosis with at least one mental disorder. Most students were diagnosed with mood and anxiety disorders as well as adjustment disorders or problems associated with significant impairment in functioning. There were no significant class or age differences.
“Overall, the average quality of depression and anxiety experienced by students in counseling has remained constant and relatively mild during the last decade,” Guthman said. “However, the percentage of students with moderate to severe depression has gone up from 34 to 41 percent. “These outliers often require significantly more resources and may contribute greatly to the misperception that the average student is in distress.”
The rise in the more severe cases of depression and anxiety in college students may be because more students are coming to college with pre-existing mental health difficulties, said Guthman. “There are also more students who are not socially connected. The average college student is not having this problem, but the students who are seeking help are frequently socially isolated, depressed and may be on medication.”
The study also found that the number of students on psychiatric medicines increased more than 10 percentage points. In 1998, 11 percent of the clinical sample reported using psychiatric medications, mostly for depression, anxiety and ADHD. In 2009, 24 percent of those attending counseling reported using psychiatric medications.
On a more positive note, Guthman found that the number of students who acknowledged that they had thought about suicide within two weeks of counseling intake declined from 26 percent in 1998 to 11 percent in 2009. This decrease may reflect general improvements in suicide prevention education and outreach and greater awareness of available assistance, he said.
“It used to be that students would come to university counseling centers because they broke up with their partner or failed a test,” Guthman said. “Now, they are coming with emotional distress and requesting mental health treatment for the same reasons that other adult populations seeks out treatment.”
Source:Â http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100812111053.htm

12 August 2010 Last updated at 11:59Â
This is an England football team that would never be booed, with silence a necessary part of the game.
Watching the national blind team train days before the World Cup kicks off in Hereford, there is a hushed quiet.
Whereas mainstream football around the world is played amidst a colourful sonic backdrop – be it chanting, samba bands or a chorus of vuvuzelas – the silence in the blind version of the game is striking.
Etiquette dictates that spectators remain quiet unless the ball goes out of play because players need to be able to hear each other and, crucially, the ball. It contains ball bearings which means its motion makes a gentle rattling noise that helps players to locate it.
Unsurprisingly, the style of play is different too.
Passes cover a shorter distance and, as England defender Keryn Seal explains during the training session, players try not to let the ball stray more than a few inches from their feet, making nimble footwork and a command of the ball vital.
“There’s a lot more dribbling and close control than in a sighted game. Communication is very important among the players too,” he says.
Mesmeric footwork, accurate passing and the ever-present rattling of the ball gives the game a hypnotic quality that makes it easy to forget that the players can’t see what they’re kicking.
There are occasional reminders – perhaps a misplaced pass allows the ball to roll away, or the action stops – and the spectator’s gaze lifts from the players’ feet to the unfamiliar sight of footballers wearing eye patches.
A keen footballer before losing his sight, Keryn adapted his playing style for blind football.
The 28-year-old is perhaps more acutely aware of the different football culture in the blind game than some of his teammates, having lost his sight later than other squad members who weren’t born blind. A congenital eye defect suddenly deprived him of his sight – within a two-month period – when he was 20.
“It was just one of those things,” he says of that sudden, life-changing experience. Football enabled him to channel his “competitive” tendencies and remain active.
Read in Full: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-10914782
How blind football works
- The football contains ball bearings so it is audible
- The goalkeeper is sighted or visually impaired
- The four other players wear eyeshades to take account of differing degrees of eyesight
- A guide behind the goal directs players to shoot
- The pitch is surrounded by a rebound wall and there are no throw-ins
- Players call out “yeah” and their names to make teammates aware of their presence
- Rules stipulate the players must call out “voy!” – meaning “I’m here” – as they approach to tackle
 
Whenever autism is discussed in the media, it is mainly about children. People rarely hear families talk about adults with autism. I am a seventh-grader who has an autistic uncle who lives with me and my family.
My uncle has lived with us for three years now and it has changed my perspective on autistic people. I know quite a few people who have autism. My uncle has high functioning autism. Though society often tends to focus on the challenges people with autism have, the good features and independence my uncle has are amazing. He always has a huge smile. He knows how to take care of himself in a proper way and even knows how to cook small meals if we are not home with him. He is a collector, so he has a lot of money, hats and blankets. He is capable of having a conversation, but it is limited.
However, if you have a conversation with him about something he likes, he will be looking forward to seeing you again so that he can talk to you about that topic. He loves people, likes to have fun, and really has to have very little to enjoy life, unlike some people these days.
I think people forget those autistic children grow up to be autistic adults like my uncle. My uncle does have challenges that autistic people do. For instance, he is not capable of driving himself and talks to himself out loud to process things in his brain. He lives with a routine schedule and if it changes, he will start getting nervous and start asking a lot of repetitive questions which can be very annoying. But I think his challenges are fewer than many others with autism, which is a good thing. He is very capable of doing many things with little supervision which makes him a fun-loving and a outgoing kind of person, in his own way. It is different living with him but we all love him and we are glad he is in our family. It is an adjustment for us as well as an adjustment for him.
The author is a seventh-grader at Notre Dame School.
Source:Â http://www.thereporter.com/rss/ci_15753581?source=rss
 
August 12, 2010.
By Julie Kliegman
Joey Travolta, older brother of movie star John Travolta, has spent the past two weeks running a film camp in Englewood Cliffs for budding, mainly autistic filmmakers.
The program ends today, when the 50 campers ages 9 to 23 — 30 of whom have autism — will watch rough cuts of the three short films they made, as well as shoot footage for a public service announcement about autism in New Jersey.
Travolta will produce the films and the PSA for a theater show in October. An Englewood native, he has been running the Inclusion Films program at St. Peter’s College in Englewood Cliffs with the help of his crew and 20 volunteers.
He has held about 20 similar camps in other states over the past five years, but giving back to the area he grew up in was even more meaningful, he said.

“They have a place that gives them a voice,” the producer and former special education teacher said. “When it comes to working together and supporting each other, it’s a great thing to see.”
Travolta has a long history of working with autistic filmmakers, including producing the full-length documentary “Normal People Scare Me” in 2006 after being approached by director Taylor Cross.
Wendy Padykula, the mother of an autistic teenager with an interest in filmmaking, tried for two years to bring the camp to New Jersey after her daughter heard about the program from one of Travolta’s cameramen. She then teamed up to run the camp with MarbleJam Kids Inc., a Bergen County non-profit organization supporting extracurricular art programs.
“Joey takes an on-the-job approach to social skills,” said Anna Villa-Bager, founder and president of the charity. “Every kid gets to make a contribution.”
Read in Full:Â http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/100509759_A_film_camp_and_more.html
 
11 August 2010
by Dave Keiser
Union, MO (KSDK)–Â Jurors in Franklin County
deliberated for an hour Tuesday before returning not guilty verdicts in the assault case against an employee of the Autumn Hills State School near Union.
Fifty-three year-old Robert Hunter of St Louis
was acquitted on two counts of assault and one count of endangering the welfare of a child in connection to the alleged attacks on an autistic student at the school in September 2009.
Prosecutors alleged Hunter assaulted the juvenile
by forcibly holding the young girl’s thumbs and applying pressure with his own. Officials say Hunter caused additional injuries to the girl by violently grabbing the back of the victims neck.
Hunter’s status at the state-operated facility, which specialized in caring for disabled children — many living with autism, is unclear.Â
He was suspended when the case was filed last year. An independent investigation by the State of Missouri was also conducted after allegations surfaced concerning Hunter’s treatment of the children.
Source:Â http://www.ksdk.com/news/crime/story.aspx?storyid=211381&catid=147
 
Charlotte Moore
12 August, 2010.
ASD could soon be diagnosed with a brain scan. But trying to get an autistic child into the scanner is just one of the problems
Until now, diagnosing autism has been dependent on professional observation of the “patient”. Does he or she exhibit the “triad of impairments” – of communication, imagination and social interaction? Are there obsessive behaviour patterns? Are there sensory abnormalities? The signs can be subtle; diagnosis can be a frustratingly lengthy process.
A London University study could change all this. MRI scans of the brains of a group with ASD (autistic spectrum disorders) have been compared with those of a neurotypical group: significant differences in the brain were detected with enough consistency to raise hopes that soon autism will be detectable by a single 15-minute scan.
The implications are important and interesting. My mind leaps to the possibility of prenatal testing. It does seem only a matter of time before a potentially autistic brain can be detected during pregnancy. Would one wish to terminate such a pregnancy? As the mother of two autistic sons and one neurotypical one, I regard this as an ethical minefield, and I’m glad I never had that choice. It will be a long time, however, before scanning techniques are sophisticated enough to make the choice possible.
To return to the present: I was struck by the positive reactions of those who took part in the experiment. All were consenting adults with IQs within the “normal” range; they expressed interest in and relief at the findings. There is a well-meaning but, I think, mistaken belief that it is unkind to “label” high-functioning autists who can just about “get by” in our neurotypical world. I believe, on the contrary, that knowledge is power, and that most autists find it helpful to be given an explanation for the profound sense of difference that has dogged them all their lives.One man said he hadn’t fully believed in his autism when it was expressed verbally, as someone else’s opinion. Looking at the scan showing the difference between his brain and a neurotypical one highlighted in blue, he felt he had concrete evidence, and was glad.
Read in Full:Â http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/12/no-magic-wand-with-autism
 
Carl Heneghan
Using brain scans to detect autism would be a huge expensive waste of money, says Carl Heneghan
The BBC, the Guardian and Reuters this week widely reported British researchers published in the Journal of Neuroscience have developed a brain scan which can detect autism in adults with 90% accuracy.Â
Dr Christine Ecker, the lead author, showed her imaging technique was able to detect which people in her group had autism. “If we get a new case, we will also hopefully be 90% accurate,” she said.
Pretty simple then, you turn up, have the test, and you have a 90% chance of finding out whether you have autism.
Well, you couldn’t be any further from the truth.
To determine if a test is accurate, it might appear reasonable to recruit a disease positive group and a disease free group which is what happened in the brain scan study. An example of how this strategy raises false hopes is the story of carcino-embryonic-antigen (CEA) which was measured in 36 people with known advanced cancer of the colon or rectum. 35 patients (97%) showed elevated results, slightly more than the 90% in the autistic study. At the same time lower levels were found in people with other diseases and without cancer.
From these results it would seem CEA is a useful diagnostic test. However, later studies in patients with less advanced cancer, or those with similar symptoms to colon cancer, the accuracy of CEA plummeted and its use in diagnosis was abandoned.
The authors of the current study report: “The existence of an ASD biomarker such as brain anatomy might be useful to facilitate and guide the behavioural diagnosis. This would, however, require further extensive exploration in the clinical setting.”
To obtain a useful result, a diagnostic study needs to include a broad spectrum of the diseased, from mild to severe. A study also needs to have independent, blind comparison of test results (in this case the brain scan) with a reference standard (the current tests for autism) among a consecutive series of patients suspected (but not known) to have the target disorder and replication of studies in other settings.
But this isn’t my main concern with the reporting of the results. If they stand up to scrutiny and brain scans are adopted widely in the population it will be an expensive waste of money. In those with a positive test, autism will be diagnosed with an accuracy of only 5%, potentially leading to more harm than good.
Dr Ecker said she hoped the findings might result in a widely available scan to test for autism.
Wait a minute, what has happened? One minute the world news is reporting a test that has 90% accuracy, and I’m saying it is only 5% accurate.
Gerd Gigerenzer in his classic BMJ paper on simple tools for understanding risks tells us: “A glance at the literature shows a shocking lack of statistical understanding of the outcomes of modern technologies, from standard screening tests for HIV infection to DNA evidence.”
Read in Full:Â http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2010/aug/12/autism-brain-scan-statistics
Jan
22
 
HEADLINES
“Mother and disabled daughter found deadâ€:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20100802/tuk-mother-and-disabled-daughter-found-d-45dbed5.html
“Mother ‘determined’ to care for daughter aloneâ€:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-10884524
“Langhorne care center sanctioned after autistic man’s heat deathâ€:
“State official calls autistic man’s death totally avoidableâ€:
“Autistic man who died in hot van was mother’s ‘sweet little boyâ€:
“Dad: Neglect caused autistic son’s death in vanâ€:
http://www.examiner.com/a-2751634~Dad__Neglect_caused_autistic_son_s_death_in_van.html
“Disabled woman may have starved to death after carer mother died suddenlyâ€:
“Missing 3-year-old autistic boy found safeâ€:
http://www.myfoxmaine.com/news/Missing-3-Year-Old-Autistic-Boy-Found-Safe-99746844.html
“Officials seek cause of fatal Phila. Blazeâ€:
“Council branded ‘barbaric’ by family of man wrongly taken by social workersâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/council_branded_barbaric_by_family_of_man_wrongly_taken_by_s.htm
“Boy taken from family for being a fussy eaterâ€:
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/192026/Boy-taken-from-family-for-being-a-fussy-eater
“Melbourne mum jailed for $15m fraudâ€:
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/TopStories/2010/08/09/Melbourne_mum_jailed_for_15m_fraud_496815.html
“Autistic boy’s dad’s restaurant attackâ€:
http://www.newsradio610.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=122821&article=7457202
“Minister Molony announces 2.6m Euros in Innovation grants for Disability & Mental Health, Irelandâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/minister_moloney_announces_26m_euros_in_innovation_grants_f.htm
NAS “Autism charity raises the bar for legal campaigning, UKâ€:
http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=196152
“Families have chance to shape Autism Actâ€:
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/8306395.Families_have_chance_to_shape_Autism_Act/?ref=rss
“Council chief’s passionate plea for re-think on special needs cutsâ€:
http://www.lisburntoday.co.uk/news/Council-chiefs-passionate-plea-for.6449174.jp
“PwC responded to illness with scepticism, tribunal toldâ€:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-10780911
“Grandfather David Godfrey plans to hand a petition to the Prime Minister at Downing Street within a month, calling for a specialised city children’s centre to be savedâ€:
http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/Petition-PM/article-2478467-detail/article.html
“Jeremy Clarkson in ‘special needs’ rowâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/jeremy_clarkson_in_special_needs_row.htm
“Autistic man faces losing the dog he’s bonded withâ€:
http://www.760kfmb.com/Global/story.asp?S=12887436
“Ivar Lovaas diesâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/ivar_lovaas_dies.htm
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HEALTH & RESEARCH
“Adult diagnosis by brain scanâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/adult_autism_diagnosis_by_brain_scan.htm
“Autism: Lack of evidence for antidepressants, study concludesâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/autism_lack_of_evidence_for_antidepressants_study_conclude.htm
“Unlocking the genetic secrets of autismâ€:
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Health/20100730/autism-genetic-100731/
“Eye movement tests show family autism linkâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/eye_movement_tests_show_family_autism_connection.htm
“Babies may show signs of autismâ€:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-08-09-autism-babies_N.htm
“Teaching autistic kids to read facial expressionsâ€:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/sns-health-teaching-autistic-kids,0,2702417.story
“Cardiff study aims to uncover source of sensory problems in autismâ€:
“Abnormal auditory forward masking pattern in the brainstream response of individuals with Asperger syndromeâ€:
http://www.citeulike.org/group/12655/article/7558988
“Mommy not always dearest during treatment for eating disordersâ€:
“Scientists identify new drug for Fragile X Syndromeâ€:
“AACAP announces release of Parents’ Medication Guide for Bipolar Disorder in Children & Adolescentsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/aacap_announces_release_of_parents_medication_guide_for_bip.htm
“Bipolar Disorder linked to other neurological disorders?â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/bipolar_disorder_linked_to_other_neurological_disorders.htm
“High rate of eating disorders in Bipolar patientsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/high_rate_of_eating_disorders_in_bipolar_patients.htm
“Ketamine may give temporary relief for Bipolar patientsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/ketamine_may_give_temporary_relief_for_bipolar_patients.htm
“EEG predicts success of medications used in Schizophreniaâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/eeg_predicts_success_of_medications_used_in_schizophrenia.htm
“The role of mentalization in Borderline Personality Disorderâ€:
“Results of pilot study published in Journal Music and Medicine reveal the Listening Program helps children with Down Syndrome improve speech skillsâ€:
“Mental health: are we all sick now?â€:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10787342
“Mental health diagnoses mask the real problemsâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jul/29/mental-health-diagnostic-manual
“Self-harm figures ‘set to rise’ in Manchesterâ€:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-10817395
“Depression – the illness that’s still tabooâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/aug/02/depression-mental-health-breakdown
“12 depression busters for divorceâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/12_depression_busters_for_divorce.htm
Â
“12 depression busters for caregiversâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/12_depression_busters_for_caregivers.htm
Â
“Sibling relationships strengthen mental and life skillsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/sibling_relationships_strengthen_mental_and_life_skills.htm
Â
“Your take on others reflects your own emotional stabilityâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/your_take_on_others_reflects_your_own_emotional_stability.htm
Â
“Seven hours sleep a night best for health/Tired on Mondays? Sleep more on weekendsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/seven_hours_sleep_a_night_best_for_healthtired_on_mondays_.htm
Â
“Cumulative sleep deprivation harms brain and bodyâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/cumulative_sleep_deprivation_harms_brain_and_body.htm
Â
“Thank your thalamus for a good night’s sleepâ€:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19277-thank-your-thalamus-for-a-good-nights-sleep.html
Â
“Antisocial behavior linked to genes and environmentâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/antisocial_behavior_linked_to_genes_and_environment.htm
Â
“Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS)â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/recovering_from_chronic_fatigue_syndromecfs.htm
Â
“Name that Phobia: Fear of Balloons = Globophobiaâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/name_that_phobia_fear_of_balloons__globophobia.htm
Â
“Adult behavior follows childhood personalityâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/adult_behavior_follows_childhood_personality.htm
Â
“Gain and Loss in Optimistic Versus Pessimistic Brainsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/gain_and_loss_in_optimistic_versus_pessimistic_brains.htm
Â
“Personality traits linked to mental illness & hazardous alcohol usage in Doctorsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/personality_traits_linked_to_mental_illness__hazardous_alco.htm
Â
“Redefining sexual discriminationâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/redining_sexual_discrimination.htm
Â
“Inception and dangerous ideas in relationshipsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/inception_and_dangerous_ideas_in_relationships.htm
Â
“8 ways to stop holding a grudgeâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/8_ways_to_stop_holding_a_grudge.htm
Â
“Difficult pregnancy increases depression riskâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/difficult_pregnancy_increases_depression_risk.htm
Â
“Can money buy happiness?â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/can_money_buy_happiness.htm
Â
“5 tips to end the summer wellâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/5_tips_to_end_the_summer_well.htm
Â
“Is Big Pharma abandoning psychiatry?â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/is_big_pharma_abandoning_psychiatry.htm
Â
“Online Tests for Inquisitive Minds: the Autism Spectrum Quotientâ€:
Â
“Internet counseling aids mental healthâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/internet_counseling_aids_mental_health.htm
Â
“New theory on humorâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/new_theory_on_humor.htm
Â
“Virtual Hospitalâ€:
http://www.uihealthcare.com/vh/
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EDUCATION
“Teachers head back to class this summerâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/teachers_head_back_to_class_this_summer.htm
“Rethink Autism helps schools serve more autistic students despite shrinking budgetsâ€:
“Decision to move Jackson Elementary autism class to be made todayâ€:
http://www.ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=272555
“Overcoming reading-comprehension difficulties in children: Training program can helpâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/overcoming_readingcomprehension_difficulties_in_children_t.htm
“Special needs … For months now, a group of parents have been challenging the adequacy of services offered to students with autism in Redlands Unified School District.â€:
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/ci_15706057?source=most_emailed
“It’s that time again: For Collegeâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/its_that_time_again_for_college.htm
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EMPLOYMENT
“Jobs cash for autistic people in Scotlandâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/jobs_cash_for_autistic_people_in_scotland.htm
“Hampton teen Bella Tommey takes pop-up cafe idea to 10 Downing Streetâ€:
“Single benefit payment among ‘radical’ welfare plansâ€:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-10807098
“Some standardized employment tests may be biasedâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/some_standardized_employment_tests_may_be_biased.htm
Â
“How to support someone who is unemployed: Seven steps to making a differenceâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/how_to_support_someone_who_is_unemployed_seven_steps_to_mak.htm
Â
“Creative Support Ltdâ€:
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.â€:
Luxury Quality Scented Candles “Humbolt Candles – Autism & Disability Employment Companyâ€:
http://www.humboldtcandles.com/index.html
“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.
“Prospectsâ€:
http://www.autism.org.uk/our-services/employment-support/prospects-for-job-seekers.aspx
“AutismJobsâ€:
Linking job seekers with vacancies in work related to autism, Aspergers and ASDs
http://www.autismjobs.org/?section=00010009
“Employment within the NASâ€:
For further employment information, please viewâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/employment_on_the_autism_spectrum.htm
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GENERAL/HUMAN INTEREST
“Reno Williams: Autistic Cape Coral boy, 12, advocateâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/reno_williams_autistic_cape_coral_boy_12_advocate.htm
“Washington Times Communities: “Autistic†or “Person with Autism�:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/washington_times_communities_autistic_or_person_with_aut.htm
“Neurodiversity: An Interview with Dr. Thomas Armstrongâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/neurodiversity_an_interview_with_dr_thomas_armstrong.htm
“Celebrating females on the Autism Spectrumâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/celebrating_females_on_the_autism_spectrum.htm
“The medical labels bias, ctdâ€:
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/08/the-medical-labels-bias-ctd.html
“New store caters to caretakers of autistic childrenâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/new_store_caters_to_caretakers_of_autistic_children.htm
“Finding faith in technologyâ€:
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4367933
“Autistic teen competes with bestâ€:
http://myarklamiss.com/fulltext?nxd_id=69015
“The importance of bed time routines with your autism spectrum childâ€:
“Summer routines for autistic kidsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/summer_routines_for_autistic_kids.htm
“Dora the Explorer and the secret of getting an autistic/sensory kid to transitionâ€:
“Camp stresses social skills for autistic kidsâ€:
Sensory Processing Disorder “It’s all too much for them to handleâ€:
“New store caters to caretakers of autistic childrenâ€:
http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20107310365
Blindness “Second sightâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jul/31/candia-mcwilliam-second-sight-blindness
“Blind bank manager fails in land speed record bidâ€:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-10828619
“Celebrating females on the autism spectrumâ€:
Temple Grandin “Autism isn’t everythingâ€:
http://www.kansas.com/2010/08/05/1433591/array0xd5224bc.html
“Understanding and managing emotions are important life and social skillsâ€:
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WASHINGTON

“The Autism Society Washington Chapterâ€
http://209.200.89.252/search_site/chapter_detail.cfm?program_id=23481

Washington State Capital, Olympia
“Disability Rights Washingtonâ€:
http://disabilityrightswa.org/

Reflections: Sunrise over the Yakima River, Seattle
“Washington State Developmental Disabilities Councilâ€:

Seattle in motion at sunset ~ The serpentine flow of traffic in motion reflects the pulse of the city, as if it were living and breathing. The Puget Sound is the city’s important shipping waterway and is shadowed by the Olympic Mountain Range to the West.
“DSHS Division of Developmental Disabilitiesâ€:

Library From Another Dimension: the downtown Seattle public library. Built by Rem Koolhass, this piece of modern architectural art is as amazing on the inside as it is outside.
“Washington Autism Advocacyâ€:
http://www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org/

Point Robinson Lighthouse is a twin of the Alki Point Lighthouse located in West Seattle
“ADC Pathways to Employmentâ€:
http://adcpathways.org/index.html

 Fantasy Seattle: View from Discovery Park, Seattle, with Mt. Rainier in the distance.
“Aspergers Northwestâ€:

Paradise Valley, Mt Rainier
“Asperger’s Syndrome Meetups near Seattle, Washingtonâ€:
http://aspergers.meetup.com/cities/us/wa/seattle/

Cherry Blossoms, Latona, Seattle

Japanese Cherry Tree, Bremerton, Washington
“Washington Guideâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/united-states/washington-guide/

The Museum of Glass, Tacoma: the Museum of Glass is located on the Tacoma, Washington waterfront. It houses many fine works from the world renowned glass master, Dale Chihuly. The exterior of the museum has an interesting profile; a steel cone that rises at an angle 90 feet in the sky, offsetting the buildings horizontal thrusts. The structure overlooks the waterfront and Puget Sound. Ironically, you can also see a real volcano in Mt. Rainier just off in the distance. In this studio, or hot shop, visitors to the Museum of Glass can watch the glass artists at work performing glass blowing demonstrations. There are areas to walk around the studio, as well as 130 seats to relax and watch the process for a while. Next to the museum is the Bridge of Glass which connects to the University of Washington Tacoma. The museum was designed by Arthur Erickson and opened in 2002.

Glass ceiling, Tacoma: Chihuly Glass bridge that goes over the freeway in Tacoma, Wa.
“Washington Factsâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/united-states/washington-facts/

Owl in the Window, Ruston, Tacoma
“Washington Mapâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/united-states/washington-map/

 Gig Harbor Village in the snow: a picturesque little fishing village with Mt. Rainier looming behind it.
NG Traveler “Free Things To Do In Seattleâ€:
http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2008/01/free-city/seattle-text

Moses Lake, Washington
“Seattle, Washington Guideâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/seattle-washington/

The “Sleepless in Seattle” Houseboat is located at the very end of the pier and is supposedly the largest on Lake Union. Houseboat was up for sale back in 2008 (Tom Hanks not included):
www.seattlepi.com/local/360788_sleepless27.html
“Seattle Must-Dosâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/seattle-must-dos/

Ritzville, Washington Farmland:Â a little east of Moses Lake
“Photo Gallery: Seattle City Lifeâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/seattle-photos-2/

“In a Cloud of Dust” ~Â Wild horses near Goldendale Washington
“Seattle Quizâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/seattle-quiz/

A Mother’s Patience -Native American mother & daughter, Ellensburg Rodeo, Washington

 Teapot Dome Gas Station: Built in 1922 as comment on a former US Presidential scandal, this closed gas station outside Zillah is on the National Register of Historic Places

Peppers to Spice Up Your Life ~Â Pepper strung for decoration found at the seattle pikes market

Pier 66 ~Â Bell Street Pier and Cruise Ship Terminal, operated by the Port of Seattle, is an 11 acre complex on the downtown waterfront with plazas, restaurants, a pleasure craft marina and an interactive maritime discovery center.

The Space Needle is a major landmark of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and the symbol of Seattle. Located in Seattle Center, it was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, during which time nearly 20,000 people a day used the elevators — 2.3 million visitors in all for the World Fair. The Space Needle is 605 feet (184 m) high and 138 feet (42 m) wide at its widest point and weighs 9,550 tons. When it was completed it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.[1] It is built to withstand winds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h) and earthquakes up to 9.5 magnitude (which would protect the structure against an earthquake as powerful as the 1700 Cascadia earthquake) and has 25 lightning rods on the roof to prevent lightning damage.The Space Needle features an observation deck at 520 feet (160 m), the SkyCity restaurant at 500 feet (152 m), and a gift shop.
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ADD/ADHD
“Garrett speaks about ADHDâ€:
http://www.savagepacer.com/news/activities/garrett-speaks-about-adhd-108
“10 things you may not know about ADHDâ€:
http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/c/849319/117620/ten-things-adhd
Â
“2010 International Conference on ADHDâ€:
http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/10/international-conference-on-adhd.htm
Â
ADRES “Adverse Drug Reaction Electronic System(Adverse Drug Reactions Website)â€- 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/
Â
“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 those affected by the condition, both adults and children, their families in the UK and around the World via this website.
Â
“ADDISS†The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service…
http://www.addiss.co.uk/index.html
Â
“ADDAâ€:
Â
“hi2u ADHD Pagesâ€:
Â
“CHADDâ€:
http://www.chadd.org/am/CustomPages/home/CHADD_Home.htm?CFID=2282059&CFTOKEN=38105335&jsessionid=f2303343221169802693562
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SPORT
“Swimming Challenges ~ Includes Great Swim Series 2010(June – September 2010)â€:
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
Â
“10-kilometre runsâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1816
Â
“Trek the Sahara – 5-25 March 2010 or 29 Oct-8 Nov 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2542
Â
“Big Fun Run (See Link For UK Location Dates):
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2169
Â
“Trek Mont Blanc – 26-30 August 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2604
Â
“Victory for Autism Bike Ride – 11 September 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2409
Â
“Land’s End to John O’Groat’s Bike Ride – 28 Sept-10 Oct 2010/3-15 May 2011â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2605
Â
“Royal Parks Half Marathon – 10 October 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2208&a=19143
Â
“Trek Mount Kilimanjaro – 8-19 Oct 2010/2-13 Feb 2011/13-24 July 2011â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2200
Â
“Trek the Great Wall of China – 9-18 Oct 2010/8-16 October 2011â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2356
Â
“Trek to Everest Base Camp – 5-21 November 2010/25 March – 10 April 2011/4-20 Nov 2011â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2354
Â
“Trek to the Home of the Dalai Lama – 17-28 March 2011 and 15-26 Sept 2011â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2602
Â
“Trek the Inca Trail – 14-23 May 2011â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1863
Â
“Icelandic Lava Trek – 20-24 July 2011â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2611
Â
“Sky Diving – All Year Round”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1726
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MUSIC
“Autism & Musicâ€:
http://www.musicforautism.org/aandm.php
Stephen Shore: Music for the Autistic Childâ€:
http://www.autismasperger.net/writings_music_for_the_child_with_autism.htm
Â
“The AutisMusic Projectâ€:
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ART
“Autistic artist shares his blessingsâ€:
http://www.cathnewsindia.com/2010/08/02/autistic-artist-shares-his-%E2%80%98blessings%E2%80%99/
“Autist Spotlight: Poetry, pictures and music from ‘Artists and Autismâ€:
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
Â
“ARTROOM ………where under 17s can make and display art onlineâ€:
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artroom/index.php
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MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT
“Ocean Heaven more ‘statement’ than ‘entertainmentâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/ocean_heaven_more_statement_than_entertainment.htm
“Burns Court Cinemas to host special movie screening of Toy Story 3 for autistic childrenâ€:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100730/ARTICLE/7301032
“Actors for Autismâ€:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/
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BOOKS
“Alice Ricciardi von Platen: Upcoming Biographyâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/alice_ricciardi_von_platen_upcoming_biography.htm
“Yen Yen has read “Born On A Blue Dayâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/yen_yen_has_read_born_on_a_blue_day.htm
“Sue Townsend: ‘I hate it when people call me a national treasureâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2010/aug/01/sue-townsend-kate-kellaway
“Asperger Syndrome and Anxietyâ€
A Guide to Successful Stress Management
Nick Dubin
Foreword by Valerie Gaus
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843108955
“Asperger Syndrome and Employment: A Personal Guide to Succeeding at Workâ€
Nick Dubin
With Gail Hawkins
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843108498
“Asperger Syndrome and Employment: Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndromeâ€
Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843106487
“Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest: Achieving Supported Independenceâ€
Nancy Perry
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843109044
“The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures: Autism Through Artâ€
Eileen Miller
Foreword by Robert Nickel MD
Illustrated by Kim Miller
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843108894
“Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Resource of Play Ideas for Parents and Carersâ€
2nd Edition
Julia Moor
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843106081
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CINEMA

“The Expendablesâ€
Release date: August 13, 2010. Worldwide
Official Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8f9y_M8OWc&feature=fvst

Synopsis: THE EXPENDABLES is a hard-hitting action/thriller about a group of mercenaries hired to infiltrate a South American country and overthrow its ruthless dictator. Written, directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, THE EXPENDABLES brings together a dynamic cast including Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Terry Crews and Mickey Rourke.
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_expendables/

“The Refuge†(Le Refuge)
Release date: August 13, 2010. Worldwide
Official Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asmB8seoCYE
Synopsis: Mousse and Louis are young, beautiful, rich and in love. But drugs have invaded their lives. One day, they overdose and Louis dies. Mousse survives, but soon learns she’s pregnant. Feeling lost, Mousse runs away to a house far from Paris. Several months later, Louis’ brother joins her in her refuge.
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_refuge_2010/
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VIDEO GAMES

“Gran Turismo 5 (PS3) 3+
Release Date: November 2, 2010
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Gran-Turismo-5-PS3/dp/B002BWONDK/ref=pd_nr_vg_h__2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames

“Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep – Special Edition (PSP)
Release Date: September 10, 2010

“Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails (Nintendo DS)
Release Date: August 20, 2010
“Nintendo 3DS games testedâ€:
http://uk.videogames.games.yahoo.com/blog/article/14242/
“Amazing game technology coming soonâ€:
http://uk.videogames.games.yahoo.com/blog/article/14297/
“Medical School education from video games?â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/medical_school_education_from_video_games.htm
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TECH

“Future On Display: Technology You’ll Want To Strokeâ€
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19250-future-on-display-technology-youll-want-to-stroke.html
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SCIENCE

“Moonless Sky Sets Stage For Dazzling Meteor Showâ€
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2010/08/moonless-sky-paves-way-for-daz.html
Take Care,
Julie

Sunrise twilight at Alki Beach, looking out across Puget Sound
Jan
22
 
Monty Python(Dead Parrot Sketch)
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on August 10, 2010Â
For centuries philosophers have debated the concept of humor.
A new take on the subject comes from two psychological scientists who believe humor comes from a harmless threat to the way the world ought to be.
According to A. Peter McGraw and Caleb Warren, most older theories of humor all come up short in one way or another.
Freud thought humor came from a release of tension; another theory holds that humor comes from a sense of superiority, and still another from incongruity.
The researchers, however, point out that all of these could happen if you accidentally killed your spouse—but that wouldn’t be funny. They thought that instead, a situation might be funny only if it also seems benign.
To test their hypothesis, the researchers presented various situations to volunteers they rewarded with candy bars.
In one experiment, the volunteers read pairs of situations—for example, one where Jimmy Dean hired a rabbi as spokesman for their new line of pork products, and one where Jimmy Dean hired a farmer as spokesman for their new line of pork products.
The situation with a moral violation—having a rabbi promote pork—was both more likely to be seen as wrong and more likely to make the reader laugh.
The other part of the study tested whether benign appraisals of a moral violation made it funnier.
Read in Full:Â http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/08/10/new-theory-on-humor/16619.html
 
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on August 10, 2010Â
A new research study finds that complications during pregnancy can increase the risk of postnatal depression.
Complications during pregnancy can include medical problems such as preeclampsia, deep vein thrombosis, and problems with the baby including poor growth and fetal distress.
Of course, problems during labor may lead to emergency caesarean section.
Dutch researchers looked at 4,941 pregnant women who had enrolled in the Generation R Study, a multiethnic population-based cohort following urban babies in utero through young adulthood.
Information on pregnancy complications was gathered and researchers calculated the risk of postnatal depression for the various complications.
Two months after giving birth, the mothers were assessed for signs of postnatal depression using the Edinburgh scale, a widely used scoring method looking at how the mother is feeling. It ranges from 0, meaning no depression, to 30, meaning very depressed.
Little research had previously been undertaken regarding the association between pregnancy complications and postnatal depression.
Read in Full:Â http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/08/10/difficult-pregnancy-increases-depression-risk/16635.html

