 
BOSTON — Gianna Hitsos is an eighth grader from Groton with an ambitious project: she’s making a CD of herself singing her favorite Broadway songs.
That’s a big deal for Gianna. Because when she was about one year old — just as she started saying words like “daddy†and “puppy†— she suddenly stopped talking. She didn’t talk again until she was almost three. The diagnosis was autism.
Now she gets private voice lessons at the Boston Conservatory on Saturdays during the school year. Other autistic kids in the same program study piano or guitar or violin. But they’re not here to learn to make eye contact or understand social cues or any of the other communication skills many kids with autism lack.
They attend to become better musicians. Period.
The program’s goal is to give autistic kids musical opportunities that could change their futures: Maybe playing in an orchestra, maybe performing in a band.
Studying The Same Music Skills They’d Learn In College
With a grad student from the conservatory as her teacher, Gianna learns technique, form, repertoire, theory, composition — the same skills she’d study as a music student in college. In fact, she now hopes she’ll go to college and study music, maybe right here at the conservatory. And that’s not her only goal.
“I feel like if I actually performed, and being able to take voice lessons, I can improve my singing skills and hopefully make it big,†Hitsos says.
If making it big is what these students want to do, that’s what their instructors try to help them do.
Now, kids with autism sometimes need a different teaching approach. Rhoda Bernard, who chairs the conservatory’s music education program, says autistic students often struggle with abstract concepts, including the idea that the musical alphabet only goes from A to G.
“One of students in the program last year had trouble,†Bernard recalls. “He wanted to go to H and keep going through the alphabet.â€
So a teacher took a strip of construction paper, folded it into a circle, like a bracelet, and wrote the letters A through G. Then the student wore the bracelet on his wrist.
“So this child would then turn to the next letter, and after G it goes to A, so that this loop was very concrete,†Bernard explains, “and this was what unlocked the door to understanding the musical alphabet.â€
Read in Full:Â http://www.wbur.org/2010/05/20/music-for-autistic-kids
Article Date: 20 May 2010 – 5:00 PDT
It is difficult to imagine a depressed third-grader. It is even more difficult to imagine a depressed preschooler. Although childhood depression is a well-recognized and treated disorder, only recently have research studies begun looking at depression in children younger than six years old. In the new Current Directions in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, child psychiatrist/researcher Joan Luby from Washington University in St. Louis reports on recent findings examining depression in preschool-age children and the importance of early detection.
Depression in preschool-aged children does not always look the same as does depression in older children and adults – this is one reason that preschool depression has been largely neglected. For example, in depressed adults, anhedonia (the inability to enjoy pleasurable experiences) tends to show up in the form of a decreased libido. In young children however, anhedonia may appear as an inability to enjoy playtime. In addition, preschool depression may go unnoticed by parents because the symptoms may not be disruptive; these children may not seem obviously sad (as do many depressed adults) and may have periods of normal functioning during the day. A key advance for the recognition of preschool depression has been the development of age-appropriate psychiatric interviews. These interviews have shown that preschool-age children do in fact exhibit typical symptoms of depression, including appearing less joyful, being prone to guilt, and changes in sleep patterns.
Research suggests that preschool depression is not just a temporary occurrence but may instead be an early manifestation of the same chronic disorder occurring later on – studies have demonstrated that depressed preschoolers are more likely to have depression in later childhood and adolescence than are healthy preschoolers. Due to the potentially long-lasting effect of preschool depression, early identification and intervention become very important. Young children’s brains are very “plastic” – that is, their brains easily adapt and change to new experiences and events. This plasticity may explain why developmental interventions are more effective if started early on and this may also prove true for psychotherapy.
More research is needed for the development of treatments for preschool depression. Luby notes that while one study has shown that SSRI antidepressants may be effective in school aged children, there are concerns about side effects of these medications. A novel treatment for preschool depression is currently undergoing testing and may be promising. This treatment is based on Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and has been modified to emphasize the child’s emotion development (ED). Early changes in emotion skills may be critical to risk for depression and PCIT-ED may help to correct those changes very early in development.
Source:
Barbara Isanski
Association for Psychological Science
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189379.php
Article Date: 20 May 2010 – 5:00 PDT
It is difficult to imagine a depressed third-grader. It is even more difficult to imagine a depressed preschooler. Although childhood depression is a well-recognized and treated disorder, only recently have research studies begun looking at depression in children younger than six years old. In the new Current Directions in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, child psychiatrist/researcher Joan Luby from Washington University in St. Louis reports on recent findings examining depression in preschool-age children and the importance of early detection.
Depression in preschool-aged children does not always look the same as does depression in older children and adults – this is one reason that preschool depression has been largely neglected. For example, in depressed adults, anhedonia (the inability to enjoy pleasurable experiences) tends to show up in the form of a decreased libido. In young children however, anhedonia may appear as an inability to enjoy playtime. In addition, preschool depression may go unnoticed by parents because the symptoms may not be disruptive; these children may not seem obviously sad (as do many depressed adults) and may have periods of normal functioning during the day. A key advance for the recognition of preschool depression has been the development of age-appropriate psychiatric interviews. These interviews have shown that preschool-age children do in fact exhibit typical symptoms of depression, including appearing less joyful, being prone to guilt, and changes in sleep patterns.
Research suggests that preschool depression is not just a temporary occurrence but may instead be an early manifestation of the same chronic disorder occurring later on – studies have demonstrated that depressed preschoolers are more likely to have depression in later childhood and adolescence than are healthy preschoolers. Due to the potentially long-lasting effect of preschool depression, early identification and intervention become very important. Young children’s brains are very “plastic” – that is, their brains easily adapt and change to new experiences and events. This plasticity may explain why developmental interventions are more effective if started early on and this may also prove true for psychotherapy.
More research is needed for the development of treatments for preschool depression. Luby notes that while one study has shown that SSRI antidepressants may be effective in school aged children, there are concerns about side effects of these medications. A novel treatment for preschool depression is currently undergoing testing and may be promising. This treatment is based on Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and has been modified to emphasize the child’s emotion development (ED). Early changes in emotion skills may be critical to risk for depression and PCIT-ED may help to correct those changes very early in development.
Source:
Barbara Isanski
Association for Psychological Science
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189379.php
 
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on May 20, 2010
Experts believe a relabeling of the diagnosis of bipolar disorder will not reduce the rate of psychopharmacologic treatment.
A commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest the new diagnostic category for troubled children called Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria (TDD), which would to a considerable extent replace the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children, is not enough to help troubled children flourish.
The new characterization is one of the most talked-about features of recently released draft revisions to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The new diagnosis would focus on negative mood and temper outbursts as their own symptoms, rather than as indications of mania or other elevated mood symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
The proposal of a new category suggests that the dramatic increase in the number of children diagnosed with bipolar disorder is not appropriate.
But “will the TDD diagnosis promote the ultimate goal of psychiatric classification: helping troubled children to flourish?†asks Erik Parens, senior research scholar at The Hastings Center.
The answer is no, “unless we get serious about reforming pediatric mental health care,†Parens and collegues write in an essay, “Pediatric Mental Health Care Dysfunction Disorder?â€
“No existing DSM diagnosis conveys the appropriate severity and complexity of these children’s moods and behaviors; the ‘bipolar disorder’ label was meant to provide a home for children who were diagnostically homeless,†according to the authors.
Read in Full:Â http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/05/20/debate-over-change-in-diagnostic-criteria-for-pediatric-bipolar/13964.html
Â
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on May 20, 2010
Experts believe a relabeling of the diagnosis of bipolar disorder will not reduce the rate of psychopharmacologic treatment.
A commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest the new diagnostic category for troubled children called Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria (TDD), which would to a considerable extent replace the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children, is not enough to help troubled children flourish.
The new characterization is one of the most talked-about features of recently released draft revisions to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The new diagnosis would focus on negative mood and temper outbursts as their own symptoms, rather than as indications of mania or other elevated mood symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
The proposal of a new category suggests that the dramatic increase in the number of children diagnosed with bipolar disorder is not appropriate.
But “will the TDD diagnosis promote the ultimate goal of psychiatric classification: helping troubled children to flourish?†asks Erik Parens, senior research scholar at The Hastings Center.
The answer is no, “unless we get serious about reforming pediatric mental health care,†Parens and collegues write in an essay, “Pediatric Mental Health Care Dysfunction Disorder?â€
“No existing DSM diagnosis conveys the appropriate severity and complexity of these children’s moods and behaviors; the ‘bipolar disorder’ label was meant to provide a home for children who were diagnostically homeless,†according to the authors.
Read in Full:Â http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/05/20/debate-over-change-in-diagnostic-criteria-for-pediatric-bipolar/13964.html
 
Article Date: 20 May 2010 – 3:00 PDT
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), together with the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder, today sponsored a congressional briefing on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Approximately two million Americans live with BPD. Those living with the illness often experience difficulty regulating emotions, maintaining personal relationships and in some extreme cases, individuals will engage in self-harm. The illness is a primary cause of suicide.
Leading mental health experts, including Thomas Insel, M.D., director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and John Oldan, M.D., president-elect of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), spoke with the group about the challenges people living with BPD face and treatment options.
“Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness that can cause a lot of suffering, carries a significant risk of suicide and requires an accurate diagnosis along with targeted treatment,” said NAMI Executive Director Michael Fitzpatrick.
“We know that treatment works, but too often stigma discourages people with mental illness from getting the help that they need. Untreated mental illness has significant personal, social and economic implications. We urge Congress to increase funding of research, treatment and services for those living with BPD and their families.”
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189339.php
Â
Article Date: 20 May 2010 – 3:00 PDT
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), together with the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder, today sponsored a congressional briefing on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Approximately two million Americans live with BPD. Those living with the illness often experience difficulty regulating emotions, maintaining personal relationships and in some extreme cases, individuals will engage in self-harm. The illness is a primary cause of suicide.
Leading mental health experts, including Thomas Insel, M.D., director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and John Oldan, M.D., president-elect of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), spoke with the group about the challenges people living with BPD face and treatment options.
“Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness that can cause a lot of suffering, carries a significant risk of suicide and requires an accurate diagnosis along with targeted treatment,” said NAMI Executive Director Michael Fitzpatrick.
“We know that treatment works, but too often stigma discourages people with mental illness from getting the help that they need. Untreated mental illness has significant personal, social and economic implications. We urge Congress to increase funding of research, treatment and services for those living with BPD and their families.”
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189339.php
 
Article Date: 20 May 2010 – 2:00 PDT
Legendary singer Connie Francis and Mental Health America joined in launching a new national campaign on the importance of stress and trauma in the development of mental health problems and the need to appropriately treat them in order for people to get better.
Called S.T.A.R. of Mine (for Stress, Treatment, Awareness, Recovery), the campaign will raise awareness of the impact of trauma, help remove the stigma attached to it, and inform the public and health professionals on the importance of a new generation of treatments that puts control back in the hands of the traumatized person so that they can feel safe again and achieve recovery.
Mental Health America has established a website for the campaign at: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/STAR.
“This campaign will address itself to the millions of people in America who are currently suffering from the deleterious effects of depression and trauma of all kinds whether it be the trauma experienced by victims of violent crime, rape, domestic abuse, loss of a loved one, divorce, loss of finances or a job, and significantly in the largely-unattended area of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experienced by our returning veterans of our two wars,” Francis said. “You don’t have to be in a war, however, to be victimized by PTSD; many people wage war everyday with their struggle to come to grips with emotional problems that often seem insurmountable.
“Having been involuntarily committed seventeen times in nine years to mental institutions it is now my intention to be a voice for those suffering from mental disorders and to make them aware that there is hope and light at the end of an often bleak and interminable tunnel.”
“Toxic stress and trauma can ruin health and mental health,” said David L. Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. “While we know what to do to help, people often don’t get appropriate services. The science is clear. The time to act is now.”
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Shock and denial are typical responses immediately following the event. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms such as headaches or nausea.
If untreated, trauma can damage a person’s physical and emotional health. It can lead to addiction, severe mental illness, and many other very harmful consequences. The earlier in life the traumatic event happens, the more harmful it is.
It is also important that appropriate care is provided or re-traumatization can occur. For example, although unintended, a situation could occur where a large male counselor is assigned to a woman who was attacked by a large male, or a woman who was locked in a closet as a child is assigned to a small room.
A new generation of care called Trauma-Informed Care encourages people to talk about their trauma in their own time and in their own way. In a trauma-informed program, people respect survivors for what they have gone through and how they have coped, rather than assuming there is something wrong with them or blaming them for their problems.
Although Trauma-Informed Care has been recognized as critical to providing appropriate care to individuals, it has not been widely adopted. The campaign will work to achieve greater acceptance and implementation across the United States through a multi-pronged campaign.
Â
Article Date: 20 May 2010 – 2:00 PDT
Legendary singer Connie Francis and Mental Health America joined in launching a new national campaign on the importance of stress and trauma in the development of mental health problems and the need to appropriately treat them in order for people to get better.
Called S.T.A.R. of Mine (for Stress, Treatment, Awareness, Recovery), the campaign will raise awareness of the impact of trauma, help remove the stigma attached to it, and inform the public and health professionals on the importance of a new generation of treatments that puts control back in the hands of the traumatized person so that they can feel safe again and achieve recovery.
Mental Health America has established a website for the campaign at: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/STAR.
“This campaign will address itself to the millions of people in America who are currently suffering from the deleterious effects of depression and trauma of all kinds whether it be the trauma experienced by victims of violent crime, rape, domestic abuse, loss of a loved one, divorce, loss of finances or a job, and significantly in the largely-unattended area of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experienced by our returning veterans of our two wars,” Francis said. “You don’t have to be in a war, however, to be victimized by PTSD; many people wage war everyday with their struggle to come to grips with emotional problems that often seem insurmountable.
“Having been involuntarily committed seventeen times in nine years to mental institutions it is now my intention to be a voice for those suffering from mental disorders and to make them aware that there is hope and light at the end of an often bleak and interminable tunnel.”
“Toxic stress and trauma can ruin health and mental health,” said David L. Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. “While we know what to do to help, people often don’t get appropriate services. The science is clear. The time to act is now.”
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Shock and denial are typical responses immediately following the event. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms such as headaches or nausea.
If untreated, trauma can damage a person’s physical and emotional health. It can lead to addiction, severe mental illness, and many other very harmful consequences. The earlier in life the traumatic event happens, the more harmful it is.
It is also important that appropriate care is provided or re-traumatization can occur. For example, although unintended, a situation could occur where a large male counselor is assigned to a woman who was attacked by a large male, or a woman who was locked in a closet as a child is assigned to a small room.
A new generation of care called Trauma-Informed Care encourages people to talk about their trauma in their own time and in their own way. In a trauma-informed program, people respect survivors for what they have gone through and how they have coped, rather than assuming there is something wrong with them or blaming them for their problems.
Although Trauma-Informed Care has been recognized as critical to providing appropriate care to individuals, it has not been widely adopted. The campaign will work to achieve greater acceptance and implementation across the United States through a multi-pronged campaign.
Jan
22
HEADLINES
“Search comes to a tragic end for Arizona father and autistic son as bodies found in ravineâ€:
“Mother charged with murder after police find her holding hand of dead disabled son, 11, in hotel roomâ€:
“Mother charged with murdering autistic son on remandâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/may/18/mother-disabled-son-death
“Autistic murder case child was a ‘wonderful, beautiful, happy boyâ€:
“Autistic boy killed at Kyneton after being struck by three carsâ€:
“Police investigation into death of Thomas Frost clearedâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8669026.stm
“State investigating death of autistic man subdued by policeâ€:
“Lincoln man who raped learning difficulties girl jailedâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/8668990.stm
Police handcuff autistic boy after he allegedly stabbed another studentâ€:
“Child found, mother arrestedâ€:
http://www.wptv.com/mostpopular/story/Child-found-mother-arrested/JaHgv39XoUeFbpdFI9nrXQ.cspx
“Autistic boy charged with terrorist offenceâ€:
“Autistic teen’s case adjournedâ€:
http://www.mpnnow.com/towns/victor/x1394811794/Autistic-teen-s-case-adjourned
“Teen killed in crash on oil-covered road namedâ€:
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1727317/?UserKey=
“Autistic boy, 10, found after wandering 5 miles from homeâ€:
http://www.wpxi.com/pcnc/23575942/detail.html
“Derek Paravacini: Autistic pianist makes legal history after UK’s last Secret Court opensâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/derek_paravicini_autistic_pianist_makes_legal_history_after.htm
“National Autism Association urges Florida Governor’s Refusal of Flawed Restraint & Seclusion Billâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/national_autism_association_urges_florida_governors_refusal.htm
“Learning disability ‘patients’ in 15 year move waitâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/learning_disability_patients_in_15_year_move_wait.htm
“Bill Shorten MP: Disability eNewsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/bill_shorten_mp_disability_enews_2.htm
“Analysis – UK Elections 2010â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/analysis__uk_elections_2010.htm
“A mother navigates the system to save her sonâ€:
“U.S. Autistic girl wins lawsuit over lunch theftsâ€:
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/international/americas/2010/05/09/255755/US-autistic.htm
“Gary McKinnon Updates: New British government considers McKinnon’s appealâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/gary_mckinnon_updates_new_british_government_considers_mcki.htm
“In Memory: Clare Allenâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2010/may/09/clare-allen-obituary
HEALTH & RESEARCH
“NICE issues new autism documentâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/nice_issues_new_autism_document.htm
“Autism families: High divorce rate is a mythâ€:
“No link between childhood infections, autismâ€:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20100507/hl_hsn/nolinkbetweenchildhoodinfectionsautism
“Mirror neurons seen behaving normally in autismâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/mirror_neurons_seen_behaving_normally_in_autism.htm
“New study disproves traditional neurological autism theoryâ€:
http://article.wn.com/view/2010/05/13/New_study_disproves_traditional_neurological_autism_theory/
“Abstract: Atypical sleep architecture and the autism phenotype/An investigation into sleep characteristics of children with autism and Asperger’s Disorderâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/abstract_atypical_sleep_architecture_and_the_autism_phenoty.htm
“Mercury levels similar in autistic, non-autistic kidsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/mercury_levels_similar_in_autistic_nonautistic_children.htm
“Altered brain development found in children with newly diagnosed epilepsyâ€:
“Children with epilepsy say their quality of life is better than their parents thinkâ€:
“Rare syndrome, PMSE found in Amish children sheds light on common neurological disordersâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/rare_syndrome_pmse_found_in_amish_children_sheds_light_on_c.htm
“Speech-Language experts to confer about Early Childhood Development issuesâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/speechlanguage_experts_to_confer_about_early_childhood_deve.htm
“Talking seriously with children is good for their language proficiencyâ€:
“Brain differences linked to dyslexiaâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/brain_differences_linked_to_dyslexia.htm
“SAMHSA awards $5.4 million to three treatment and services adaptation centers helping children suffering from traumatic stressâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/samhsa_awards_54_million_to_three_treatment_and_services_a.htm
“Short sleep increases risk of death and over-long sleep can indicate serious illnessâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/sleep_short_sleep_increases_risk_of_death_and_overlong_sle.htm
“Why night owls are more intelligent than morning larksâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/why_night_owls_are_more_intelligent_than_morning_larks.htm
“Researcher verifies brain’s master switchâ€:
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/374009.php
“Genetics similar for ADHD, Autism, Schizophreniaâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/genetics_similar_for_adhd_autism_schizophrenia.htm
“People need to be openminded about schizophrenia/Genes found for schizophrenia are involved in brain signalling/Schizophrenia: Regular exercise guidelines still applyâ€:â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/people_need_to_be_open_minded_about_schizophreniagenes_foun.htm
“Dopamine system in highly creative people similar to that seen in schizophrenics, study findsâ€:
“Behavioral therapy effective in reducing tics in children with Tourette Syndrome, study findsâ€:
“Migraines … headaches you were born to have – and the best cure may be a cup of coffee or twoâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/migraines__headaches_you_were_born_to_have__and_the_best.htm
“Physical symptoms of depressionâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/the_physical_symptoms_of_depression.htm
“Depression is newest disability intensive course introduced to College of Direct Support curriculumâ€:
http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=286318
“Antidepressant medications and adolescent suicide risk: All drugs are created equalâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/antidepressant_medications_and_adolescent_suicide_risk_all_.htm
“Teens with severe depression benefit from switching medications and continuing treatmentâ€:
“Telephonic therapy effective for depressionâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/telephonic_therapy_effective_for_depression.htm
“Cognitive therapy helps all types of depressionâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/cognitive_therapy_helps_all_types_of_depression.htm
“Mother’s voice calms stressâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/mothers_voice_calms_stress.htm
“Even the most severe symptoms rapidly relieved by self-directed behavioural IBS treatmentâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/even_the_most_severe_symptoms_rapidly_relieved_by_selfdirec.htm
“Can choir singing improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome?â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/can_choir_singing_improve_irritable_bowel_syndrome.htm
“A new drug that reduces anxiety and stabilizes moodâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/a_new_drug_that_reduces_anxiety_and_stabilizes_mood.htm
“Some mood disorders stay with us as we ageâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/some_mood_disorders_stay_with_us_as_we_age.htm
“Dr Claudio Cerullo suggests intervention methods when dealing with Oppositional Defiant Disorderâ€:
“BPS Research Digest: The Special Issue Spotterâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/bps_research_digest_the_special_issue_spotter_12.htm
“7 situations when severe anxiety should not be treatedâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/7_situations_when_severe_anxiety_should_not_be_treated.htm
“Coping strategies help mental, harm physical healthâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/coping_strategies_help_mental_harm_physical_health.htm
“Increase your happiness factorâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/increase_your_happiness_factor.htm
“10 ways to find new motivationâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/10_ways_to_find_new_motivation.htm
“Abstract thoughts help goal attainmentâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/abstract_thoughts_help_goal_attainment.htm
“Clutter blindnessâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/clutter_blindness.htm
“Researchers look to define wisdomâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/researchers_look_to_define_wisdom.htm
“New research examines services for people with serious mental illness in the criminal justice systemâ€:
“Relationships: Highest Quality Marriages, Narcissism’s First Cousin, What Makes A True Friend, Adolescent Dating, Good Girls, Bad Girls, Older Men & Sexual Issues & Moreâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/relationships_highest_quality_marriages_narcissisms_first.htm
“Blogging for Mental Health & Psychology 2010â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/blogging_for_mental_health_and_psychology_2010.htm
“Virtual Hospitalâ€:
http://www.uihealthcare.com/vh/
EDUCATION
“Gateway to successâ€:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7006056.html
“Ben’s People: Ben Berlinâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/bens_people_ben_berlin.htm
“Autistic twin brothers earn diplomas, recognitionâ€:
http://www.themonitor.com/articles/recognition-38645-autistic-twin.html
“Many parents and pros advocating ‘calming rooms’ for schoolsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/many_parents_and_pros_advocating_calming_rooms_for_schools.htm
“Learning disabilities and the importance of transition planningâ€:
http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/05/learning_disabilities_and_the.html
“Is braille facing extinction?â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/is_braille_facing_extinction.htm
“VizZle’ provides interactive lessons for autistic studentsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/vizzle_provides_interactive_lessons_for_autistic_students.htm
EMPLOYMENT
“Project to boost opportunities for autistic peopleâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/employment_project_to_boost_opportunities_for_autistic_peop.htm
“Celebrating indigenous community volunteersâ€:
“Women well-suited to be leadersâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/women_wellsuited_to_be_leaders.htm
“Shift workers make fewer mistakes when they take caffeineâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/shift_workers_make_fewer_mistakes_when_they_take_caffeine.htm
“Health problems from working overtimeâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/health_problems_from_working_overtime.htm
“I hate my job! What can you do if you’re in a job you hate?â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/i_hate_my_job_what_can_you_do_if_youre_in_a_job_you_hate.htm
“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.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=473&a=2348
“AutismJobsâ€:
Linking job seekers with vacancies in work related to autism, Aspergers and ASDs
http://www.autismjobs.org/?section=00010009
“Current job vacancies within the NASâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=170
For further employment information, please viewâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/employment_on_the_autism_spectrum.htm
GENERAL/HUMAN INTEREST
Communication “iComm: Father creates iPhone app that gives a voice to his severely disabled daughterâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/icomm_father_creates_iphone_app_that_gives_a_voice_to_his.htm
“A noisy nightmareâ€:
http://www.canada.com/health/noisy+nightmare/3033888/story.html
“A moving gesture that means the worldâ€:
http://www.pressherald.com/news/a-moving-gesture-that-means-the-world_2010-05-16.html
Temple Grandin “Learn to think in picturesâ€:
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/729908-196/learn-to-think-in-pictures.html
“Mother has found ways to roll forwardâ€:
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1773730120/Bibo-Mother-has-found-ways-to-roll-forward
“My grandson shows psychopathic tendenciesâ€:
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article7122003.ece
“Portrait photographer focuses on autistic kidsâ€:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/disability_issues&id=7429461
“Identifying young children within the autism spectrumâ€:
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/grant-112225-boy-moved.html
Relationships “Why the man I love can’t love me backâ€:
POLAND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poland
Fundacja SYNAPSIS ul.
Ondraszka 3, 02-085 Warszawa
Poland
Tel: +48 22 825 86 33
Website: www.synapsis.waw.pl
This row of tenement merchant houses in the center of the Old Market Square (Stary Rynek) of Poznan are famous and heavily photographed.
Krajowe Towarzystwo Autismu
National Autistic Society
c/o Professor Tadeusz Galkowski
Stawki 5/7
00-183 Warsaw
Poland
Tel: +48 22 554 9788
Fax: +48 22 635 7991
Email: GAL@psych.uw.edu.pl
Medieval Town of Torun – Torun owes its origins to the Teutonic Order, which built a castle there in the mid-13th century as a base for the conquest and evangelization of Prussia. It soon developed a commercial role as part of the Hanseatic League. In the Old and New Town, the many imposing public and private buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries (among them the house of Copernicus) are striking evidence of Torun’s importance.
Autistic Society of Lower Silesia
53-621 Wrocloaw
Glogowska St., 30
POLAND
Misdroy Beach – MiÄ™dzyzdroje (former German: Misdroy) is a town and a seaside resort in northwestern Poland on the island of Wolin on the Baltic coast. Previously in the Szczecin Voivodeship (1975-1998), MiÄ™dzyzdroje has been in KamieÅ„ Pomorski County in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship since 1999. MiÄ™dzyzdroje has a population of 6000. It is called The Pearl of the Baltic. It’s situated between wide sandy beaches with high cliffs and the forests of the WoliÅ„ski National Park (which includes a bison reserve). MiÄ™dzyzdroje has a spa climate and is rich in tourist services.
Stowarzyszenie Pomocy Osobom Autystycznym w Gdansku
ul. Slaska 37
80-379 Gdansk
POLAND
tel/fax: 48 58 557 53 41
Widok na Kasprowy (Kasprowy mount)
“ANED – Poland: Facts, Figures, Reports, Laws, Strategies, Networks & Resources Etcâ€:
http://www.disability-europe.net/en/countries/Poland?jsEnabled=1
Tatra Mountain Home
“Poland: New Vocational Rehabilitation Policiesâ€:
http://www.disabilityworld.org/09-10_02/employment/poland.shtml
Far away from civilisation: The Valley of the Five Polish Tarns in Tatra Mount
“OECD urges Poland to help disabled people to find workâ€:
http://www.oecd.org/document/16/0,2340,en_2649_201185_37634640_1_1_1_1,00.html
Silesian Stones Mountain, South Western Poland (Granite Outcrops)
Marie Curie (1867 – 1934):Marie Curie, winner of two Nobel prizes (physics 1903 and science 1911) in her laboratory. France, date unknown.
Marie Curie – Biography: http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1903/marie-curie-bio.html
Marie Curie – The Great Women Scientists Website … http://www.mariecurie.co.uk/
“Fully Fit at Work: disabled workers in Polandâ€:
Frederick Chopin (1 March 1810 Р17 October 1849) was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist who is considered to have been one of the great masters of romantic music. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fr̩d̩ric_Chopin
Biography: http://www.8notes.com/biographies/chopin.asp
“Country Profile: Polandâ€:
Imperial Eagle – Poland’s official crest is a white eagle with golden beak and talons, its head poised to the right, and set against a red shield. The eagle first appeared on coins minted in the 12th century and subsequently on the heraldic seals of the Piast dynasty. Toward the end of the 13th century, during the reign of Przemyslaw II, the Polish eagle was depicted with a crown. Over the years, the Polish Eagle became a symbol recognized throughout the world. It is seen on flags, in Polish publications, on Polish American specialty items, and products imported from Poland.
“Poland Guideâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/poland-guide/
This is a traditional Polish ethnic dress with a very intricate & delicate embroidery.
“Poland: Factsâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/poland-facts/
Winter in Poland
“Map of Polandâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/poland-map/
The Janów Podlaski Stud, established in 1817, the oldest state owned and operated horse stud in Poland, is also one of the most beautiful. Despite the name, the stud is situated two kilometers from Janów itself, in a village called Wygoda. Picturesquely set amidst lush meadows along the border river Bug, Janów Podlaski is undeniably a true “equine paradise”. Although the breeding of purebred Arabians has been primarily responsible for Janów Podlaski’s fame worldwide, the Stud’s many achievements within the realm of Anglo-Arabian breeding are also worthy of recognition and respect.
“Poland: Photosâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/poland-photos/#poland_2817_600x450.jpg
North Eastern End of Poland
“48 Hours: Krakow Destination Guideâ€:
http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/05/48-hour-guide/krakow-text
Merchant Colours of Poland
ADD/ADHD
“Attention deficit a boon for bossesâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/attention_deficit_a_boon_for_bosses.htm
“ADHD brought into focus in Chinaâ€:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-05/15/c_13295739.htm
“Girls with ADHD show other mental health risksâ€:
“The link between ADHD and Depression – Important Facts You Need To Knowâ€:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/3003676/the_link_between_adhd_and_depression.html?cat=5
“Pesticides linked to ADHD in US childrenâ€:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/05/18/2902843.htm
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/
“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.
“ADDISS†The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service…
http://www.addiss.co.uk/index.html
“ADDAâ€:
“hi2u ADHD Pagesâ€:
“CHADDâ€:
http://www.chadd.org/am/CustomPages/home/CHADD_Home.htm?CFID=2282059&CFTOKEN=38105335&jsessionid=f2303343221169802693562
SPORT
“Autistic kids learn to hang tenâ€:
http://www.fox5sandiego.com/news/kswb-autistic-surfing,0,6851427.story
“Gregory’s strength is physical fitnessâ€:
“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
“10-kilometre runsâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1816
“Trek the Sahara – 5-25 March 2010 or 29 Oct-8 Nov 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2542
“London to Paris 2010 – 5-8 Juneâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2407
“Challenge Scotland – 6 June 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2610
“Trek Snowdon – 11–13 June 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2524
“Super Hero Run – London – 13 June 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2595
“Big Fun Run (See Link For UK Location Dates):
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2169
“Eurocities Bike Ride – 17-21 Juneâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2408
“L’Etape du Tour 2010 – 18 July 2010â€
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2404
“Trek the Jurassic Coast – 16-18 July 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2525
“3 Peaks Challenge – 24-25 July 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2603
“Trek Mont Blanc – 26-30 August 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2604
“Victory for Autism Bike Ride – 11 September 2010â€:
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 2011â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2605
“Royal Parks Half Marathon – 10 October 2010â€:
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 2011â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2200
“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
“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
“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
“Trek the Inca Trail – 14-23 May 2011â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1863
“Icelandic Lava Trek – 20-24 July 2011â€:
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 children can learn to communicate through musicâ€:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2991732/music_and_autism.html?cat=2
“The AutisMusic Projectâ€:
ART
“Artwork of autistic student hung in Metropolitan Museum of Artâ€:
http://www.bvblackspin.com/2010/05/18/student-with-autism-artwork-metropolitan-museum/
“Local artist featured in new book about autistic artistsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/john_m_williams_local_artist_fearured_in_new_book_about_au.htm
“For these Sarasota students, the art is both teacher and therapy:â€
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100512/ARTICLE/5121048/2055/NEWS
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 onlineâ€:
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artroom/index.php
MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT
“Posautiveâ€:
http://www.youtube.com/group/posautive
“Actors for Autismâ€:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/
BOOKS
“Anna Saldo-Burke: City teacher writes book on autismâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/anna_saldoburke_city_teacher_writes_book_on_autism.htm
“Step by Step Help for Children with ADHDâ€
A Self-Help Manual for Parents
Cathy Laver-Bradbury, Margaret Thompson, Anne Weeks, David Daley and Edmund J. S. Sonuga-Barke
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781849050708
“Stand Up for Autismâ€
A Boy, a Dog, and a Prescription for Laughter
Georgina J. Derbyshire
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781849050999
“The Adolescent and Adult Neuro-diversity Handbookâ€
Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Related Conditions
Sarah Hendrickx
With a contribution from Claire Salter
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843109808
“What is Dyslexia?â€
A Book Explaining Dyslexia for Kids and Adults to Use Together
Alan M. Hultquist
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843108825
“ADHD – Living Without Brakesâ€
Martin L. Kutscher MD
Illustrated by Douglas Puder, MD
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843108733
“Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety
A Guide to Successful Stress Management
Nick Dubin
Foreword by Valerie Gaus
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843108955
“Making the Moveâ€
A Guide for Schools and Parents on the Transfer of Pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) from Primary to Secondary School
K.I. Al Ghani and Lynda Kenward
Illustrated by Haitham Al-Ghani
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843109341
“The Girl Who Spoke with Picturesâ€
Autism Through Art
Eileen Miller
Foreword by Robert Nickel MD
Illustrated by Kim Miller
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843108894
CINEMA
“Marmadukeâ€
Release Date: 4th June, 2010.
Official Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLxJ4ViggR4
Synopsis: Canine comic strip star Marmaduke leaps to the big screen with this family-friendly comedy starring Owen Wilson as the voice of the Great Dane. Also lending their voices to the production are Steve Coogan, pop star Fergie, George Lopez, and the brotherly duo of Damon and Marlon Wayans, with William H. Macy and Judy Greer heading up the human cast.
http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/marmaduke/
“Agoraâ€
Official Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbuEhwselE0
Synopsis: THE SEA INSIDE’s Alejandro Amenabar directs Oscar-winner Rachel Weisz in this historical drama. Set in fourth-century Alexandria, Egypt, AGORA chronicles both a historical uprising and the love of a slave for his mistress.
http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/agora/
VIDEO GAME
“Formula 1 2010 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC DVD) 3+
“Fix It (Nintendo DS) 3+
“Video Games Help To Relieve Painâ€
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/video_games_help_relieve_pain.htm
“Classic Films for PlayStation 3â€:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20100519/ttc-classic-films-for-playstation3-e1d36ba.html
“Bright future projected for hand-held gamesâ€:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20627576.200-bright-future-projected-for-handheld-games.html
LIFE/ART
http://www.book-by-its-cover.com/fineart/drawing-autism
“Drawing Autism: Art From The Spectrumâ€
http://www.newscientist.com/gallery/drawing-autism
TECH
“Innovation: Teaching Robots Some Mannersâ€:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18913-innovation-teaching-robots-some-manners.html
Take Care,
Julie
Black Tarn, Poland