 
Estrogen May Prevent Psychosis
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on January 21, 2010
New laboratory evidence on an animal model suggests hormone replacement therapy may protect women from schizophrenia.
Estrogen is widely used to mitigate negative effects of menopause including bone loss and mood swings.
Prof. Ina Weiner of Tel Aviv University’s Department of Psychology and colleagues report on findings that suggest restoring normal levels of estrogen may work as a protective agent in menopausal women vulnerable to schizophrenia.
Their work, based on an animal model of menopausal psychosis, is found in the journal Psychopharmacology.
“We’ve known for some time that when the level of estrogen is low, vulnerability to psychotic symptoms increases and anti-psychotic drugs are less likely to work. Now, our pre-clinical findings show why this might be happening,†says Prof. Weiner.
In their study, Weiner and Arad removed the ovaries of female rats to induce menopause-like low levels of estrogen and showed that this led to schizophrenia-like behavior. The researchers then tried to eliminate this abnormal behavior with an estrogen replacement treatment or with the antipsychotic drug haloperidol.
Estrogen replacement therapy effectively alleviated schizophrenia-like behavior but haloperidol had no effect on its own. Haloperidol regained its effect in these rats when supplemented by estrogen.
“When the level of estrogen was low, we could see psychotic-like behavior in the animals. Moreover, the sensitivity to psychosis-inducing drugs went up, while the sensitivity to anti-psychotic drugs went down,†Prof. Weiner says. This is exactly what we observe in women with low estrogen levels,†she says.
“But we also found that estrogen, all by itself, combats psychosis in both male and female rats.†Furthermore, in low amounts estrogen increases the effectiveness of anti-psychotic drugs.
Prof. Weiner points out that the medical community is hotly debating the pros and cons of estrogen replacement as an add-on to conventional treatment in schizophrenia. Detractors point to higher chances of cervical cancer and heart attacks in those who receive estrogen supplements.
But according to her study, which looked at very specific factors possibly related to schizophrenia, estrogen replacement therapy could have positive behavioral effects, she concludes.
During the course of a woman’s lifetime, estrogen levels do not remain constant. During her reproductive years, these levels are affected by the menstrual cycle. There are also dramatic changes in the levels of estrogen just after a woman gives birth — a change, which can trigger “post-partum blues,†and in extreme cases lead to clinical depression and psychosis.
As a preventative therapy, estrogen could be given to women at certain points in time when they are most at risk for schizophrenia, Prof. Weiner suggests: in their mid-twenties and later during the menopausal years.
“Antipsychotic drugs are less effective during low periods of estrogen in the body, after birth and in menopause,†says Prof. Weiner.
“Our research links schizophrenia and its treatment to estrogen levels. Men seem less likely to begin schizophrenia after their 40s, which also suggests that estrogen is the culprit.â€
Source: American Friends of Tel Aviv University
Psychotic features are often present during the manic phase of bipolar I disorder. Aspects of psychosis may also manifest during extreme episodes of depression. They are also present in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. These features include delusions (false ideas about what is taking place or who one is) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things which aren’t there).
Catatonia
Here is a brief but comprehensive definition of Catatonia and catatonic features – which may be present in bipolar disorder – schizoaffective disorder – or schizophrenia.
Delusion of Reference
Delusions of Reference refers to the strongly held belief that random events, objects, behaviors of others, etc., have a particular and unusual significance to oneself.
Delusions
Delusions are false beliefs that are firmly held. They are one aspect of the psychotic features of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations are most often associated with mental illness schizophrenia. However, they may also occur for those with bipolar disorder when either depression or mania has psychotic features.
Negativism
Negativism is a trait of catatonic stupor.
Paranoia
Found here is a brief but comprehensive definition of paranoia – which may be present in bipolar disorder or schizophrenia as well as several other mental illnesses.
Psychosis
Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality, typically including delusions (false ideas about what is taking place or who one is) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things which aren’t there).
Source: Â http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/bipolar-disorder-with-psychotic-features/
There’s depression, which if you have depression, most people have. And then there’s psychotic depression, or more technically known as major depressive disorder with psychotic features. This is a far less common disorder than simple depression.
Psychotic depression is characterized by not only depressive symptoms, but also by hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there) or delusions (irrational thoughts and fears). Often psychotically depressed people become paranoid or come to believe that their thoughts are not their own (thought insertion) or that others can ‘hear’ their thoughts (thought broadcasting).
While people with other mental illness, like schizophrenia also experience these symptoms, those with psychotic depression are usually aware that these thoughts aren’t true. They may be ashamed or embarrassed and try to hide them, sometimes making this variation difficult to diagnose. Risk of bipolar depression, recurring episodes of psychotic depression and suicide are increased after its onset.
Researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes major depressive disorder with psychotic features (psychotic depression), but it’s frequently associated with high levels in the blood of a hormone called cortisol ( Cortisol is an important steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The blood levels of this hormone typically follow a pattern throughout the day, with the lowest levels occurring around 4 in the afternoon. More cortisol is released during times of stress — biological and psychological).
There are no obvious risk factors, though it is known that those with a family history of depression or psychotic illness will be more susceptible.
Symptoms of Psychotic Depression
Symptoms that occur more commonly in psychotically depressed patients include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Hypochondria
- Insomnia
- Physical immobility
- Constipation
- Cognitive impairment
Treatment of Psychotic Depression
Treatment for psychotic depression requires a longer hospital stay and close follow-up by a mental health professional. Combinations of tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotic medications have been most effective in easing symptoms. The addition of lithium to this combination can be beneficial for those with bipolar disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy is very effective for this condition, but it is generally a second line treatment.
Researchers are also studying the effectiveness of RU-486 (the “abortion pill†and “emergency contraceptiveâ€), which is said to dramatically relieve psychotic depression.
Prognosis of Psychotic Depression
Treatment is very effective for psychotic depression and people are able to recover, usually within a year, but continual medical follow-up may be necessary. Generally, the depressive symptoms have a much higher rate of recurrence than the psychotic symptoms. It is important, however, that a person experiencing these symptoms be properly diagnosed because treatment is different than for other major depressive illnesses and risk of suicide is greater.
What Psychotic Depression Is Like
Susan probably suffered from a form of depression since she was about 7 years old. Then one day, things changed dramatically for the worse.
“My marriage fell apart when I was 24. For two years after that I was ‘crazy’. Angry all the time. Tired, but I couldn’t afford to be. I had a 5 year old son to support and the rent to pay and the housework to do etc etc. I was prone to bursting into tears. I was suffering from pain in my back – my period pain was excruciating. I went to doctors, of course. I was told I probably had soft tissue damage to my back from child birth. My period pain was supposedly fixed with “the pillâ€. My tiredness was treated with comments like, ‘it’s probably stress, you need to relax more, here listen to this tape, or do yoga, or have you tried hypnotherapy’.â€
“Then one day at work, one of my bosses made a passing comment about my “delinquent sonâ€. He meant nothing by it, just a tease. But I started to cry. I couldn’t stop. Not even having a cup of coffee or a cigarette in my mouth could stop the tears from falling. I was still crying at 2.00pm at the end of lunch hour, so I went home. I sat in the middle of my living room floor and continued to cry.â€
“As the days passed, I started to believe that the people at work were after me and were going to take my son away. When I watched the newscasts on tv, the reporters were whispering special messages warning me of impending doom and telling me what to do.â€
“My mother was very worried about me and finally she said ‘you’ve gone over the edge girl – you need help’ and off to the hospital I went.â€
Source:Â http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/psychotic-depression/
Team Finds Childhood Clues to Adult Schizophrenia
ScienceDaily (Jan. 22, 2010) — Years before adults develop schizophrenia, there is a pattern of cognitive difficulties they experience as children, including problems with verbal reasoning, working memory, attention and processing speed.
Drawing on a long-term study of more than 1,000 New Zealanders born from 1972 to 1973, a team led by Duke researchers has found a consistent pattern of developmental difficulties that first appeared when adult study subjects with schizophrenia were 7 years old.
“The proportion of kids who don’t score well on these tests is big, and the number of kids who develop schizophrenia is tiny,” said study co-author Terrie E. Moffitt, the Knut Schmidt Nielsen professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke. But now that the study subjects are in their late 30s and mental illnesses have been identified, “we looked backwards to understand more about how schizophrenia may develop.”
By age 32, 1 percent of the study participants met the formal criteria for schizophrenia and had been hospitalized and put on antipsychotic medication. Another 2.5 percent met the diagnostic criteria for the disorder, but hadn’t received treatment.
Knowing what they know now, the researchers were able to track the progress of these cognitive deficits as the subjects went through testing at ages 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 as part of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study.
“These kids are lagging behind to begin with and they continue to fall behind,” said study co-author Richard Keefe, director of Duke’s Schizophrenia Research Group. Their verbal skills are initially poor, and then they develop other problems along the way, including difficulties with memory and verbal processing, key factors in learning.
For each year between the ages of 7 and 13, the children who later received a diagnosis of schizophrenia lost between 0.17 and 0.26 years in mental age when compared with the other children.
Two patterns emerged: The children who developed adult schizophrenia had early deficits in verbal and visual learning, reasoning and conceptualization that remained with them as they grew. They also showed slower development than their peers in processing speed, attention, visual-spatial problem-solving and working memory. The data argues against one theory that schizophrenia stems from a deterioration of cognitive abilities. The minds of these children grew, they just didn’t grow as well.
Adults with schizophrenia have been known to lag about 8 points behind the average person in IQ tests, but this study puts a finer point on where and how they might differ. The article will appear in the February issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry and was published online Jan. 4.
How or why schizophrenia later develops is still a mystery, but this new evidence provides some valuable clues, said co-author Avshalom Caspi, the Edward M. Arnett Professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke. It’s possible that a child who struggles to make sense of the world becomes more socially isolated or more delusional, Caspi said. “How does a brain that’s ill-equipped to deal with novel sensations deal with the stresses of adolescence?”
With this new evidence in hand, it may be tempting to try to somehow prevent schizophrenia by treating younger patients with anti-psychotic medications, said Keefe. But you’d be treating 20 percent of kids to prevent the 1 percent occurrence of schizophrenia, meaning 19 patients were treated unnecessarily, risking side effects.
“Of course, eventually we hope we’d be able to intervene, maybe even without drugs,” Keefe said. Knowing more about the early clues to schizophrenia could lead to better studies of possible cognitive interventions, he said.
The findings suggest that adult psychosis doesn’t just emerge fully-formed. It probably comes from a developmental process. “What we think of as adult psychiatric disorders have their roots much earlier in life,” Caspi said.
Journal Reference:
- Reichenberg et al. Static and Dynamic Cognitive Deficits in Childhood Preceding Adult Schizophrenia: A 30-Year Study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 2010; DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09040574
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121135901.htm
 
Am I Co Dependent or Addicted to Love?
Radio Show, “Stay Sane Now Show,” with Claudine Struck
The term “Codependent” is repeatedly heard these days as a result of the addiction treatment contribution to psychotherapy. In terms of addictions, codependent refers to the fact that, in a relationship, the addict is helped to remain addicted by his or her partner. The non addicted partner unwittingly enables their lover to remain addicted in order to maintain the relationship.
In the larger context of relationships between intimate partners, codependency means that the enabling person will do almost anything to keep the their lover involved even when it is not good for either one of them. A good example would be the woman who is physically and verbally abused by their partner yet, suffers in silence out of fear of feeling rejected and becoming isolated.
You will hear me discuss codependency on a radio show I did on the Internet. It is important to state that this word, “codependent,” is not in the DSM IV and therefore, is not a diagnostic term. As a result, the word remains very vague and open to interpretation.
It is my opinion that there is no difference between the word “codependent” and the term “love addiction.” In my way of thinking, both terms refer to someone who will do tolerate any type of unacceptable behavior in order to keep their relationship alive. This includes staying with someone who gives little or not love or affection and never promises any kind of real commitment.
Certainly, codependent behaviors describe a person who is suffering from one of many possible personality disorders and low self esteem as well as depression. Their profile often includes a history of having witnessed and experienced abuse while going through childhood and adolescence.
Read More …Â http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=35060&cn=8
Desire May Skew Reality
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on January 18, 2010
A new report suggests wanting something badly can cause us to change reality to fit our perceptions.
Reporting in the journal Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, scientists Emily Balcetis and David Dunning conducted a set of studies to see how our desires affect perception.
In the first experiment, participants had to estimate how far a water bottle was from where they were sitting. Half of the volunteers were allowed to drink water before the experiment, while the others ate salty pretzels, thus becoming very thirsty.
The results showed that the thirsty volunteers estimated the water as being closer to them than volunteers who drank water earlier.
The authors also studied how desire may change the way we frame a goal resulting in behavioral change. For this study, volunteers tossed a beanbag toward a gift card (worth either $25 or $0) on the floor, winning the card if the beanbag landed on it.
Interestingly, the volunteers threw the beanbag much farther if the gift card was worth $0 than if it was worth $25 — that is, they underthrew the beanbag when attempting to win a $25 gift card, because they viewed that gift card as being closer to them.
These findings indicate that when we want something, we actually view it as being physically close to us.
The authors suggest that “these biases arise in order to encourage perceivers to engage in behaviors leading to the acquisition of the object.”
In other words, when we see a goal as being close to us (literally within our reach), it motivates us to keep on going to successfully attain it.
Source: Association for Psychological Science
Related News Articles
- Sexual Desire Explored
- Testosterone Helps Women Regain Desire
- Low Sex Drive Linked to Lower Quality of Life Among Women
- Odds Are Better Than You Think For Finding the Perfect Match
- How Women Choose Partners
Related Clinical Articles
- Adult Dating: From Attraction to Commitment (Part 2)
- Recognizing the Baby Blues (Postpartum Depression)
- A Parent’s Guide To Protecting Kids with Intellectual Disabilities from Sexual Abuse
- The Wedding Jitters
- Are You a Perfectionist?
The Scent Of A Woman: Men’s Testosterone Responses To Olfactory Ovulation Cues
Article Date: 14 Jan 2010 – 6:00 PST
Women around the world spend billions of dollars each year on exotic smelling perfumes and lotions in the hopes of attracting a mate. However, according to a new study in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, going “au natural” may be the best way to capture a potential mate’s attention.
Smells are known to be critical to animal mating habits: Animal studies have shown that male testosterone levels are influenced by odor signals emitted by females, particularly when they are ovulating (that is, when they are the most fertile). Psychological scientists Saul L. Miller and Jon K. Maner from Florida State University wanted to see if a similar response occurs in humans. In two studies, women wore tee shirts for 3 nights during various phases of their menstrual cycles. Male volunteers smelled one of the tee shirts that had been worn by a female participant. In addition, some of the male volunteers smelled control tee shirts that had not been worn by anyone. Saliva samples for testosterone analysis were collected before and after the men smelled the shirts.
Results revealed that men who smelled tee shirts of ovulating women subsequently had higher levels of testosterone than men who smelled tee shirts worn by non-ovulating women or men who smelled the control shirts. In addition, after smelling the shirts, the men rated the odors on pleasantness and rated the shirts worn by ovulating women as the most pleasant smelling.
The authors note that “the present research is the first to provide direct evidence that olfactory cues to female ovulation influence biological responses in men.” In other words, this study suggests that testosterone levels may be responsive to smells indicating when a woman is fertile. The authors conclude that this biological response may promote mating-related behavior by males.
Source: Barbara Isanski
Association for Psychological Science
Source:Â http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176029.php
Fidelity
It’s not true- at least not true for marriage. Some research says there is a fifty percent infidelity record among dating couples, but marriage still means something different to most people. Infidelity in marriage is nowhere near the reported fifty percent in dating couples, and while studies vary, the indicators tend to hover around twenty to 25 percent lifetime non-monogamy- AND about ten percent in a given year.
But all these statistics miss what I think is an important point: that even if the world or one’s spouse never knew- infidelity has its own profound costs to the individual and to their perception of the relationship. First of all, keeping a secret of that magnitude is difficult. Tiger would have had to be balancing multiple realities at once- and while that may have seemed like fun some of the time, it must have kept him awake and anxiety ridden about how he could keep his different women happy, quiet and loyal. Assuming he loved his wife, and he must have at least loved their life together as a family- he would have worried what would happen if this all blew up in his face. And finally, when he was in bed with her- or with one of these other women- some part of his head would always be elsewhere. The present intimacy compromised by all the competing visions and scripts in his head. Add to this a niggling conscience that maybe he wasn’t being fair to anyone in his life, and you hardly get simple sexual pleasure or a happy husband.
Fidelity has its own rewards, and they include more than just avoiding ending up on the front page of the Enquirer or the subject of blistering attacks in the mass media. It is what you promised, and there is the pleasure of fulfilling your word. Furthermore, your feelings are focused, your energy is directed, and your issues have to be solved with the one person who holds the key to a harmonious and supportive relationship. It isn’t easy for people with a heavy duty sex drive or an ego that needs confirmation from others, but when it’s hard to do, it’s all the more satisfying to accomplish. Failing to do so has inevitable costs. Perhaps the worst cost is the dilution of the relationship- your intimacy is necessarily diminished and your energies are necessarily scattered.
That’s why, I think, there are so few “open marriages” that last. So few people who can handle “swinging”, and only a very small minority of people open up their relationship to polyamory (loving and having a sexual connection with more than one person in an honest relationship). It’s not just that few partners will tolerate sharing the person they love; it’s also because most people want to be faithful because it helps sustain and deepen a lifetime relationship. Furthermore, most people need to feel that they are uniquely loved and prioritized-if they love someone, they don’t want to be one of two or three partners, even if the person in question is famous or rich. Sure there are exceptions. Watch Big Love on television and you can see how polygamy functions under a theological directive, but even in that religiously supportive framework, you can also see jealousy and jockeying for first position. Try non-monogamy outside of a religious community and the vast majority of people will experience heartbreak and relationship melt down.
I think that most people are faithful, not because they were told to be, but because sooner or later, they learn that it works for them better than anything else. It turns out that fidelity is a worthy goal, even for a man who can have anyone. Of course Tiger Woods could go into a nightclub and come out with a sex partner- so could most Hollywood celebrities, CEOs, etc. But sooner or later, all those men (or women) want loyalty and love . And it isn’t having ten lovers that makes that happen-it’s fidelity with one.
Source:Â http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/love-lessons/201001/fidelity
Facebook: A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Friends
To study whether social contagion can happen online, we started following a group of about 1,700 interconnected college students on Facebook about four years ago. Many people post information about their favorite bands, movies, and authors on their profiles, and we wondered whether these tastes tended to spread from person to person. At first we thought we would find evidence of social contagion between Facebook friends the same way we did between real-world friends in our past studies. But when we analyzed the network, we found that not one of the bands, movies, or authors people listed had any noticeable effect on whether any of their Facebook friends would also list the same bands, novels, or authors at a later date.
Read in Full:Â http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/connected/201001/facebook-picture-is-worth-thousand-friends
 
UFO hacker Gary McKinnon gets death threats
Exclusive report by Chris Richards, Reporter Thursday, 21 January, 2010
17:13 PM
THE mum of an autistic man wanted in the US on computer hacking charges has been sent emails threatening to kill her son.
Janis Sharp, from Brookmans Park, disclosed that journalists and MPs have also been targeted over their involvement in her high profile campaign to prevent her son Gary McKinnon from being extradited.
In a series of emails seen by the Welwyn Hatfield Times, an American known only as Jerry describes Asperger’s sufferer Gary as a “legitimate targetâ€.
He also threatens that “future unpleasantness and the death of annoying MPs and journalists… will have been no accident.â€
Janis admitted that receiving the threatening emails had saddened her.
But she vowed: “I refuse to be intimidated and will continue to fight for my son to be tried in the UK.
“If any British person was issuing death threats against American politicians, journalists and members of the public they would probably be charged with terrorism and extradited to America to face a lengthy prison sentence.â€
The threats are currently being investigated by both the Hertfordshire and Metropolitan police forces.
Meanwhile, the parliamentary authorities have also been informed after a message was sent to Hertsmere MP James Clappison.
Security at the House of Commons may now be stepped up as a result.
Mr Clappison said: “MPs should not be threatened for doing their jobs.â€
Another prominent MP has also been targeted, along with journalists from three national newspapers.
Det insp Chris Wright, investigating, said: “Hertfordshire Constabulary takes all allegations of crime seriously and this case is no different.
“The origins of these threats are being investigated and we are currently following a number of lines of enquiry into the matter.â€
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman added that detectives were “liaising with US law enforcement agencies†after a number of “malicious emails†were sent to various media agencies.
Prosecutors in America allege Gary, 43, caused nearly £500,000 worth of damage to military computers in 2001 and 2002.
If convicted in a US court, he could face up to 60 years in jail.
Gary, of North London, admits hacking but maintains he was looking for evidence of alien life.
Source:Â http://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/ufo_hacker_gary_mckinnon_gets_death_threats_1_36024
Related Articles
Gary McKinnon Updates:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/gary_mckinnon_updates_pentagon_hacker_wins_delay_of_extradi.htm
 
TreeHouse, the national charity for autism education, noted with interest the publication of The Conservative Party Draft Education Manifesto, published today (18 January).
The manifesto states that “We (the Conservatives) will make it easier for teachers to use reasonable force to deal with violent incidents and remove disruptive pupils from the classroom without fear of legal actionâ€
In response to this Jolanta Lasota, TreeHouse Chief Executive, commented:
“It is crucial that all teachers are given more training in autism and other special educational needs to ensure they understand the difference between disobedience and disability; and that children with a disability are not inappropriately excluded. It is also vital that teachers are accountable to schools, families and others concerned.â€
In response to The Conservatives’ call to “end the bias towards the inclusion of children with special needs in mainstream schools,†Jolanta went on to say:
“It is also essential that education provision is based around the needs of the child and that of parental choice. Every child should have the right to access the most appropriate education that will enable them to fulfil their potential. This may be a mainstream or a specialist setting, with staff who are appropriately trained to understand and meet the child’s needs.â€
Read the full Conservative Party Draft Education Manifesto by going to: http://issuu.com/conservatives/docs/drafteducationmanifesto
 
Dear Readers,
The site will be taken down for a little maintenance check on Saturday 23rd January @ 10am GMT.
We should have a return to service by 12pm at the latest.
Thanks,
Julie
Jan
22
 
Storm Clouds Gather, Windmills, Amsterdam, Netherlands
HEADLINES
“Parents left brokenhearted over death of autistic sonâ€:
“New arrest on Bury Stab death inquiryâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8462576.stm
“Man on fatal flat stabbing chargeâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8464844.stm
“Teen held in West Toledo rape; witnesses didn’t stop, interveneâ€:
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100121/NEWS02/1210328/0/RSS05
“No bail for deadly Northampton arson fire suspectâ€:
http://wbztv.com/local/northampton.fire.arrest.2.1405550.html
“Suspects in student abuse case indictedâ€:
“Inquest: Family of epileptic woman hit out at care homeâ€:
“Croydon social worker ‘admonished’ for assault on 12-year-oldâ€:
“Staff safety fears led to Colchester care home probeâ€:
http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/4849931.Staff_safety_fears_led_to_Colchester_care_home_probe/
“Safeguarding vulnerable adults, UKâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/safeguarding_vulnerable_adults_uk.htm
“ACTION ALERT: Restraint & Seclusion Legislation National Call-In Day This Thursday, January 21stâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/action_alert_restraint__seclusion_legislation_national_cal.htm
Health Care Reform “Health Overhaul Doesn’t Fix Disability Gapâ€:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/17/health/main6108253.shtml
Scotland “Autism: It’s Time To Think Differently/O’Donnell launches Autism Billâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/scotland_autism_its_time_to_think_differentlyodonnel_l.htm
“Lawyers help parents of disabled children fight for their rightsâ€:
“Children’s Bill introduces new SEN requirementsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/childrens_bill_introduces_new_sen_requirements.htm
“Voters with learning disabilities disenfranchisedâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8469533.stm
“Tories plan £1m fund to help disabled people become MPsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/tories_plan_1m_fund_to_help_disabled_people_become_mps.htm
“Loss of program that offers help for disabled will strain familiesâ€:
“Gary McKinnon Updates: Pentagon hacker wins delay of extradition to U.S./Senior Judge says McKinnon extradition may be unlawfulâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/gary_mckinnon_updates_pentagon_hacker_wins_delay_of_extradi.htm
“Relatives of elderly or disabled waiting for up to six months for lasting powers of attorneyâ€:
HEALTH & RESEARCH
Dangerous Medicine “Industrial Chemical or Autism treatment?â€
Parents giving kids compound created for use in mining , sold as supplement:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-autism-chemicaljan17,0,708616,print.story
“Research adds to evidence that autism is a brain ‘connectivity’ disorderâ€:
http://www.physorg.com/news182327031.html
“Baby boy takes part in autism studyâ€:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20100113/thl-baby-boy-takes-part-in-autism-study-d831572.html
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4849308.Baby_helps_autism_research/?ref=rss
“Wasp genes may hold clue to brain functionâ€:
“Queensland Brain Institute: Possible technique about attention probably aids learning more about memoriesâ€:
“Health tip: symptoms that may indicate an autistic disorderâ€:
http://www.wafb.com/global/story.asp?s=11789876
“Lawsuits filed over drug side effectsâ€:
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/80978862.html
“New childhood vaccine schedules releasedâ€:
http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=11764295
“Coloured lasers may offer a way to treat epilepsyâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/coloured_lasers_may_offer_a_way_to_treat_epilepsy.htm
“Epilepsy: Text reminder to take epilepsy tabletsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/epilepsy_text_reminder_to_take_epilepsy_tablets.htm
TPP “Periodic paralysis study reveals gene causing disorderâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175476.php
“How the brain interprets nounsâ€:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/How-the-Brain-Interprets-Nouns-131948.shtml
“Mental Health: The Temperence Pill, Development of New PsycTESTS Database, Upcoming Neuro-Conferences for 2010, Mental Health In The Mediaâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/mental_health_the_temperence_pill_development_of_new_psyct.htm
“Mental Health: 13 Myths of Schizophreniaâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/mental_health_13_myths_of_schizophrenia.htm
“Breakthroughs in Biofeedback webinars bring world class lecturers to youâ€:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/01/prweb3389274.htm
“LATimes: Morphine shows promise against PTSDâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/latimes_morphine_shows_promise_against_ptsd.htm
“By measuring magnetic fields in brain, researchers identify PTSD biomarkerâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/by_measuring_magnetic_fields_in_brain_researchers_identify_.htm
“Using the web to treat Panic Disorderâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/using_the_web_to_treat_panic_disorder.htm
“APA offers resources on managing Traumatic Stress in wake of Haiti earthquakeâ€:
“Coping with Trauma – Lessons from Resilient Individualsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/coping_with_trauma__lessons_from_resilient_individuals.htm
“Surplus of serotonin receptors may explain failure of antidepressants in some patientsâ€:
“Learn to identify teens at risk for suicide/Mental Health issues up for High School, College studentsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/learn_to_identify_teens_at_risk_for_suicidemental_health_is.htm
“Sensory defensiveness or sensory overloadâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/sensory_defensiveness_or_sensory_overload.htm
“Itchy skin linked to psychological stressâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/itchy_skin_linked_to_psychological_stress.htm
“BPS Research Digest: The Special Issue Spotterâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/bps_research_digest_the_special_issue_spotter_6.htm
“Introducing a new Bipolar Blog, Bipolar Advantage/Living Bipolar: Do You Know Your Triggers?â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/introducing_a_new_bipolar_blog_bipolar_advantageliving_bip.htm
OCD “Gene linked to compulsive behaviour in dogsâ€:
“Internet Addiction: Chasing the Digital Dragonâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/internet_addiction_chasing_the_digital_dragon.htm
“Prosopagnosia: The misery of never remembering a faceâ€:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/6998452/Prosopagnosia-The-misery-of-never-remembering-a-face.html
“HERMES, new computer vision system for the analysis of human behaviourâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/hermes_new_computer_vision_system_for_the_analysis_of_human.htm
“Keepon is a rotund robot used in autism therapyâ€:
http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news/2010/1/19/keepon-is-a-rotund-robot-used-in-autism-therapy.aspx
“The Year in Robotics … The socialization of robots was an important area of research this year. Many researchers believe that giving robots social skills will make them better at assisting people in homes, schools, offices, and hospitals.â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/the_year_in_robotics.htm
“Weekend routine linked to happinessâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/weekend_routine_linked_to_happiness.htm
“When work interferes with lifeâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/when_work_interferes_with_life.htm
“Relationships: Recession & Marriage, What’s The Impact?, Conflict, Heartbroken? Take a Tylenol(Seriously)â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/relationships_recession__marriage_whats_the_impact_con.htm
“Personality tests for Medical Schoolâ€:
http://www.6minutes.com.au/articles/z1/view.asp?id=509722
“Virtual Hospitalâ€:
http://www.uihealthcare.com/vh/
EDUCATION
India “Disabled order to schools … The Central Board of Secondary Education has threatened to disaffiliate schools that fail to “provide attention†to disabled children or make up pretexts to deny them admission.â€:
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100113/jsp/nation/story_11977957.jsp
Malaysia “Accomodating autistic kidsâ€:
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20100117092927/Article/index_html
“Special ed rules near completionâ€:
http://www.trib.com/news/state-and-regional/article_9ec89792-bcbc-50d0-880c-0125c28bf36e.html
“Student wins fight to live in dormâ€:
Sign Language Club “Club teaches sign language, acceptanceâ€:
“We will fight to save our children’s schoolsâ€:
“Closure of Treehouse school opens door for new rootsâ€:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/81185522.html
“Enhanced schools open for special needs pupilsâ€:
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/localnews/39Enhanced39-schools-open-for-special.5974620.jp
Sparta “School provides unique opportunities for disabledâ€:
http://www.strausnews.com/articles/2010/01/15/sparta_independent/news/1.txt
“Private firm takes over at Taunton special schoolâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/8460774.stm
The Secret Garden Fund “Buy a brickâ€:
http://www.northjersey.com/community/announcements/81422542_Buy_a_brick.html
“Enchanted evening shaping up to be night fit for a queen … Ashton, 18, has Down syndrome and autism. Last year she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her brain is wasting and there’s not much time left.â€:
http://www.roanoke.com/columnists/casey/wb/232920
“Therapy dog in the classroomâ€:
http://www.koinlocal6.com/mostpopular/story/Therapy-dog-in-the-classroom/ToTixp1j90-rVbCZn0CYGA.cspx
“Autistic boy Scooter Givens can’t bring service dog to class, school saysâ€:
“TES Connect Download Resources: ‘First’ and ‘Then’ cardsâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033312
“TES Connect Download Resources: Pictures for each Letter of the Alphabetâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033828
“TES Connect Download Resources: Thomas the Tank, cutting and stickingâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033047
“TES Connect Download Resources: Colouring Teddiesâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033039
“TES Connect Download Resources: Humpty Dumpty Number Line (matching)â€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033384
“TES Connect Download Resources: Number Formationâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033376
“TES Connect Download Resources: Mrs Honey’s Number Hatsâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033799
“TES Connect Download Resources: The Bigger Pictureâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033150
“TES Connect Download Resources: Simple Weather Chartâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033380
“TES Connect Download Resources: Polar Animal Masksâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033374
“TES Connect Download Resources: Early Years SLD Literacy Power Point Presentations – A collection of four power point presentations that have been used in an Early Years Provison for children with SLD, but would be great for a Reception class.(Includes: Rainbow Fish, My Many Coloured Days, Rosie’s Walk, Dear Zoo):
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033759
“TES Connect Download Resources: Five Sticky Lollipops Counting Rhymeâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033686
“TES Connect Download Resources: Charadesâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033688
“TES Connect Download Resources: Colour Matching Photosâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033677
“TES Connect Download Resources: Sorting Categories – Selection of photos relating to one of four categories (toys, food, animals and clothes). Print and laminate, cut out the photos. Children match photos to appropriate board. Alternatively print two copies of photos and match.â€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033681
“TES Connect Download Resources: TEACCH Workstation Ideas(Autism/ASD)â€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033682
Social Skills Tool for Teachers/Parents “Discover Ryuu – Anime style trading card game for kids on the autism spectrumâ€:
“Ideas for choosing a Homeschool Tutorâ€:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art24375.asp
“Students who are autistic and those with other disabilities get paid $25 – help with study to improve internet accessâ€:
“Flexibility of thought, not just the preserve of students on the autism spectrumâ€:
EMPLOYMENT
“Targeting Workplace Bullying, Latest Stats on Girls & Violenceâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/targeting_workplace_bullying_latest_stats_on_girls__violen.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
Wraparound “Program helps families with troubled youthâ€:
http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2010/01/18/front/doc4b54ccb27a2ff200189289.txt
“Priory to open Darlington facilityâ€:
http://bdaily.info/news/voluntary-and-community/18-01-2010/priory-to-open-darlington-facility/
Communication “Voice4u iPod Touch iPhone Communication Appâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/communication_voice4u_ipod_touch_iphone_app.htm
Communication “Signing Time DVDs used by woman who teaches sign languageâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/communication_signing_time_dvds_used_by_woman_who_teaches_s.htm
Seattle, WA “Blue Compass: Adventure backpacking camps for teens with ADHD, Autism/Asperger’s, PDDâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/blue_seattle_wacompass_adventure_backpacking_camps_for_t.htm
Three Rivers Autistic Outreach “High-Functioning Autistic Tri-Citians Form Groupâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/three_rivers_autistic_outreach_highfunctioning_autistic_tr.htm
“Conversations on Creativity with Daniel Tammetâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/conversations_on_creativity_with_daniel_tammet.htm
“Taylor autism support group in the worksâ€:
http://www.taylordailypress.net/articles/2010/01/13/news/news05.txt
“Intrepid John rescues stranded autistic sonâ€:
http://www.chad.co.uk/shirebrook/Intrepid-John-rescues-stranded-autistic.5975463.jp
“Autistic boy bonds with elephants at Oregon’s Wildlife Safariâ€:
“Animals and autismâ€:
http://www.examiner.com/x-34697-Des-Moines-Autism-Examiner~y2010m1d12-Animals-and-autism
“Seal-shaped robot winning hearts at nursing homeâ€:
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20100116p2a00m0na024000c.html
NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands …Â http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands
Nederlandes Vereninging voor Autisme (NVA)
Postbus 1367
1400 BJ Bussum
THE NETHERLANDS
tel: 35-6931557
fax: 35-6916205
e-mail: nva@worldonline.nl
Website: http://www.autisme-nva.nl
Noordelijke Stichting Autisme
Hereweg 82
9725 AG, Groningen
THE NETHERLANDS
Nocturnal Amsterdam
“Convenant Autismeâ€:
http://www.convenantautisme.nl/home.html?mnu=tmain0:*&s=1&l=nl&t=1219256150
Singel Canal at Twilight
“Autisme Info Centrumâ€:
http://www.autismeinfocentrum.nl/home.html?mnu=tmain100:shome&s=1&l=nl&t=1107266748
Architecture, Singel
“Landelijk Netwerk Autismeâ€:
http://www.landelijknetwerkautisme.nl/
Town Hall & Clock Tower, Ootmarsum
Ootmarsum is a rather small city in the east of The Netherlands. Once surrounded by walls, it now presents as a sleepy place, timeless, from centuries past.
“ANED: Netherlandsâ€:
http://www.disability-europe.net/en/countries/Netherlands?jsEnabled=1
Tulip Garden Path, Keukenhof
Tulip Season is April through May
“Organisations of Disabled Peopleâ€:
http://www.disability-europe.net/en/countries/nl/NL-6-organisationEN.jsp
Hollyhocks in Garnwerd, Groningen: Garnwerd is a small village near the city of Groningen (Netherlands)
A beautiful village with many renovated houses built on a mount.
This mount was necessary in earlier days to protect the people against the sea. Today, they are protected by strong dikes.
“Netherlands Guideâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/netherlands-guide/
The Hague’s Binnenhof(Dutch Parliament Buildings)Â The Binnenhof (Dutch, literally “inner court”), is a complex of buildings in The Hague. It has been the location of meetings of the Staten-Generaal, the Dutch parliament, since 1446, and has been the centre of Dutch politics for many centuries. The grounds on which the Binnenhof now stands were purchased by Count Floris IV of Holland in 1229, where he built his mansion, next to the little lake that has been called Hofvijver or ‘Court Pond’ since the 13th century. More buildings were constructed around the court, several of which are well known in their own right, such as the Ridderzaal (Great hall; literally Knight’s Hall), where the queen holds her annual speech at Prinsjesdag. One of the towers, simply known as het Torentje (‘the Little Tower’; directly next to the Mauritshuis museum) has been the office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 1982.Â
“Netherlands Mapâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/netherlands-map/
Nijmegen, Oldest City of The Netherlands. Nijmegen celebrated its 2000th year of existence in 2005.
“Netherlands Quizâ€:
http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/drives/quiz/netherlands-flower
“Edgar” Prairiedog – Animals of the Zoo, Emmen
“Amsterdam Photo Galleryâ€:
http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2006/09/amsterdam-photography
Vincent van Gogh, Starry Night
Van Gogh(1853-1890): Gallery[Includes Biography – His Life & Times]Â
http://www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/bio.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_van_Gogh
Rembrandt Self Portrait in Fur Hat(1606-1669)
Rembrandt van Rijn: Life and Work …Â http://www.rembrandtpainting.net/
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rembrandt
“Girl with a Pearl Earring” Famous Johannes Vermeer painting…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_with_a_Pearl_Earring
Taxi on Dam Square
“NG Traveler Article: Amsterdamâ€:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/articles/1061amsterdam.html
Annex, Anne Frank’s House, Amsterdam
http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?pid=1&lid=2
Noordeinde Palace, The Hague(One of 4 royal dutch palaces around the country)
Aduarderzijl: 15th century landscape in the North of the Netherlands. The house in the foreground is three centuries old, called ‘t Waarhuis and is inhabited by a pianist and a singer, who are famous locally for entertaining (groups of) people with music, art and food. Today, the opera ‘Carmen’ by Bizet was performed, hence the Spanish flag.
(Picture taken with a camera suspended from a kite.)
Rijksmuseum(Museum of Art & History), Amsterdam
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rijksmuseum_Amsterdam
Clogs
Traditional Dutch Costume
ADD/ADHD
“New treatment for hyperactivity in childrenâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/new_treatment_for_hyperactivity_in_children.htm
“The monoamine oxidase B gene exhibits significant association to ADHDâ€:
http://www.citeulike.org/user/Rohdium/article/2614074
“Faulty brain connection associated with ADHDâ€:
http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/01/15/faulty-brain-connection-associated-with-adhd/10772.html
“Disconnect between brain regions in ADHDâ€:
http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/disconnect-between-brain-regions-adhd-29062.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+scienceblogrssfeed+%28Science+Blog%29
“Sex Differences in the Functional Neuroanatomy of Working Memory in Adults with ADHDâ€:
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/short/167/1/86?rss=1
“Oakland poet, author Tennessee Reed writes about growing up with learning disabilitiesâ€:
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_14169748?source=rss
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.
“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
“Teen finds talent in the water, Hatboro YMCAâ€:
http://www.montgomerynews.com/articles/2010/01/10/public_spirit_willow_grove_guide/news/doc4b44c0fdf27d4680410494.txt
Wrestling “Zach’s in chargeâ€:
http://wvgazette.com/Sports/201001160505
“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 to Everest Base Camp- 5-21 November 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2354
“Trek the Sahara – 5-25 March 2010 or 29 Oct-8 Nov 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2542
“Trek the Inca Trail – 22-31 May 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1863
“Trek Snowdon – 11–3 June 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2524
“Trek the Jurassic Coast – 16-18 July 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2525
“Trek Mount Kilimanjaro – 29 Sept-10 Oct 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2200
“Trek the Great Wall of China – 9-18 Oct 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2356
“Trek to Everest Base Camp – 5-21 November 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2354
“Cycle Cuba – 14-22 March 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2357
“London to Paris 2010 – 5-8 Juneâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2407
“L’Etape du Tour 2010 – 18 July 2010â€
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2404
“Sky Diving – All Year Round”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1726
MUSIC
Tony Deblois “Musician proves blindness, autism are no barriers to successâ€:
“Roger Miller, King of the Road/Country’s Class Clownâ€:
http://www.avclub.com/articles/week-25-roger-miller-king-of-the-roadcountrys-clas,36962/
“The AutisMusic Projectâ€:
ART
Closing Date: Wednesday 24th March 2010 “Young Brits at Art, Suggested Topic, Your Rightsâ€
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is asking young Britons to express their vision of a world free from prejudice for Young Brits at Art 2010. This year the national art award invites 11-19 year olds to explore their beliefs, opinions and judgments by asking: “What would the world look like if we lived without prejudice?†Young Brits at Art 2010 includes new categories such as photography, sculpture and motion animation, as well as its previous sections for painting and drawing.
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6033713
“Design a NAS card for Christmas 2010! ~ Deadline 15th February 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=20944
“Audio Slideshow: Photography by blind peopleâ€
Over 30 blind and visually impaired adults from the UK, Mexico and China have been trained in sensory photography techniques to create and experience photos.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8466714.stm
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
The Asperger’s Difference “Film makes all the differenceâ€:
http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2010/01/08/life/doc4b46a0d39e72d318851277.txt
“First trailer to ‘Temple Grandin’ starring Claire Danesâ€:
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00029972.html
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/first_trailer_release_for_temple_grandin_movie_starring_cl.htm
Mary & Max “The claymaster has moulded another gemâ€:
http://www.cphpost.dk/in-a-out/reviews/48021-the-claymaster-has-moulded-another-gem.html
“City Theatre of Independence brings back the Pazinski clanâ€:
http://www.examiner.net/news/x1409375098/City-Theatre-of-Independence-brings-back-the-Pazinski-clan
“Shahrukh develops migraine while shootingâ€:
“My Name is Khan Previewâ€:
http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/previews/2010/my-name-is-khan-preview-120110.html
“Actors for Autismâ€:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/
BOOKS
“The Bristol-born genius who made our modern worldâ€:
Nik Geier “Budding teen novelist has the write stuffâ€:
http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/education/article_c3d8b2be-fbfc-11de-a115-001cc4c002e0.html
“Tintin copyrights go to war against Tintin fansâ€:
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/01/11/tintin-copyrights-go.html
Paul Dirac “Neglected Geniusâ€:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c8711254-0461-11df-8603-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1
“The Adolescent and Adult Neuro-diversity Handbook: Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Related Conditionsâ€
Author: Sarah Hendrickx
With a contribution from Claire Salter
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843109808
“Managing Family Meltdown: The Low Arousal Approach and Autismâ€
Authors: Linda Woodcock and Andrea Page
Foreword by Andrew McDonnell
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781849050098
“Deeno’s Dream Journeys in the Big Blue Bubble: A Relaxation Programme to Help Children Manage their Emotionsâ€
Author: Julia Langensiepen
Illustrated by Gerry Turley
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781849050395
“Helping Kids and Teens with ADHD in School: A Workbook for Classroom Support and Managing Transitionsâ€
Authors: Joanne Steer and Kate Horstmann
Illustrated by Jason Edwards
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843106630
MOVIE
“Sherlock Holmes†Rated 12A
Now Playing [Release Date 25.12.09]
Official Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQbmFAE5WI
Synopsis: In a dynamic new portrayal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous characters, “Sherlock Holmes†sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.
Consensus: Guy Ritchie’s directorial style might not be quite the best fit for an update on the legendary detective, but Sherlock Holmes benefits from the elementary appeal of a strong performance by Robert Downey, Jr.
http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/sherlock_holmes_2009/
Official Site: http://sherlock-holmes-movie.warnerbros.com/
VIDEO GAME
“Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racingâ€(XBox 360,Wii,Nintendo DS,PS3, PC) 7+
Release Dates:
February 10, 2010(XBox 360, PS3)
March 26, 2010 (Wii, DS)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sonic-SEGA-All-Stars-Racing-Wii/dp/B002BH3N2W/ref=reg_hu-wl_list-recs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_&_Sega_All-Stars_Racing
EASe Funhouse “Video game helps autistic childrenâ€:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1806874/video_game_helps_autistic_children/
“Wii board helps physios strike a balance after strokesâ€:
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
The Value of Knowledge
“The Dangers of a High-Information Dietâ€
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20527431.600-the-dangers-of-a-highinformation-diet.html
TECH
“Why playing in the virtual world has an awful lot to teach childrenâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/jan/10/playing-in-the-virtual-world?CMP=AFCYAH
Take Care,
Julie
 
Amsterdam by Night
ScienceDaily (Jan. 20, 2010)
Researchers at the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis VA Medical Center have identified a biological marker in the brains of those exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A group of 74 United States veterans were involved in the study, which for the first time objectively diagnoses PTSD using magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive measurement of magnetic fields in the brain. It’s something conventional brain scans such as an X-ray, CT, or MRI have failed to do.
The ability to objectively diagnose PTSD is the first step towards helping those afflicted with this severe anxiety disorder. PTSD often stems from war, but also can be a result of exposure to any psychologically traumatic event. The disorder can manifest itself in flashbacks, recurring nightmares, anger, or hypervigilance.
With more than 90 percent accuracy, researchers were able to differentiate PTSD patients from healthy control subjects (250 people with clean mental health) using the MEG. All behavior and cognition in the brain involves networks of nerves continuously interacting — these interactions occur on a millisecond by millisecond basis. The MEG has 248 sensors that record the interactions in the brain on a millisecond by millisecond basis, much faster than current methods of evaluation such as the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which takes seconds to record.
The measurements recorded by the MEG represent the workings of tens of thousands of brain cells. This recording method allowed researchers to locate unique biomarkers in the brains of patients exhibiting PTSD.
The findings are published January 20 in the Journal of Neural Engineering and led by Apostolos Georgopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., and Brian Engdahl., Ph.D. — both members of the Brain Sciences Center at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and University of Minnesota.
“These findings document robust differences in brain function between the PTSD and control groups that can be used for differential diagnosis and which possess the potential for assessing and monitoring disease progression and effects of therapy,” Georgopoulos said.
Besides diagnosing those with PTSD, the researchers also are able to judge the severity of how much they are suffering, which means the MEG may be able to be used to gauge the how badly patients are impacted by other brain disorders.
It is likely that the study will be replicated and administered to a larger group to assure the accuracy of its results.
This work, specifically on detecting post-traumatic stress disorder, follows success in detecting other brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, using MEG, as reported in September 2007.
The research was funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Journal Reference:
- A.P. Georgopoulos et al. The synchronous neural interactions test as a functional neuromarker for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a robust classification method based on the bootstrap. J. Neural Eng., 2010; 7: 016011 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/7/1/016011
 
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
People with learning disabilities are “marginalised” by the political process and parties should make it easier for them to vote, a report says.
Although 80% of those with learning disabilities were registered to vote in the 2005 election, only 16% did so, according to charity United Response.
It blames jargon-heavy manifestos and the complexity of the voting process for the low level of participation.
Details of candidates and policies should be more accessible, it argues.
‘Confusing information’
It has set a target of 40% for turnout at the next general election, which must be held by June.
“People with learning disabilities are affected by decisions made at a national and local level in the same way as everyone else,” says Su Sayer, United Response’s chief executive.
“Yet information about the democratic process is often presented in a way which is confusing. As a result, many people who would like to vote currently find themselves excluded from a system which is meant to be there to represent them.”
A new study of the issue, co-funded by the Electoral Commission, concludes that many of the one million people with learning disabilities in England and Wales who are entitled to vote are effectively disenfranchised by the political process.
It identifies low awareness of the right to vote as one of the “barriers” that needs to be overcome to increase participation.
Candidate photos
It urges all parties to work together to engage more thoughtfully with those who feel excluded from political debate and for election candidates to communicate policies more clearly.
Its main recommendation is for parties to produce manifestos in an easier-to-read format and to make their election leaflets and websites more user-friendly.
Other ideas it believes are worth exploring to increase turnout include simplifying ballot papers and adding photos of candidates, as well as internet voting.
Looking further forward, it believes a new strategy is needed to boost democratic involvement, with all elected representatives taking more account of the needs of those with learning disabilities.
Source: Â http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8469533.stm
 
Article Date: 20 Jan 2010 – 1:00 PST
Mind’s campaign to improve access to justice for people with mental health problems took a major step forward today. In a statement in the House of Commons, Phil Hope, Minister for Care Services, announced measures to prevent abuse of adults and to bring abusers to justice. Specifically he announce to Parliament that:
– local safeguarding boards that bring together health, care, housing and criminal justice agencies to share information would be made a legal requirement in every area of the country
– a group of five Ministers would meet regularly to set and coordinate policy on safeguarding issues at the highest level
– a review of existing guidance would begin immediately.
The Government agreed to review safeguards for vulnerable adults after Mind raised serious concerns that the system did not work for people with mental health problems. Our research has shown that these crimes are often perpetrated by the very people who should be supporting and empowering those in their care. Others have undergone systematic abuse by their neighbours or even other patients in hospital wards, but their care workers have never thought to challenge or report these crimes. Mind welcomes the promise to raise the profile of this issue and the opportunity to work with the Government to produce new guidance to tackle it.
Paul Farmer, Mind’s Chief Executive, said:
“We have seen that when agencies work together with people with mental health problems they can prevent abuse from occurring and can ensure that justice is done. By giving priority to this issue the Government is helping to reduce the risk of abuse. Mind has heard many examples where people have been exploited by those tasked with supporting them, such as the woman whose neighbour did her weekly grocery shop but also helped herself to £14,000 of her money and yet her care workers did not notice. We look forward to working with the Government to produce new guidance that will better safeguard the rights of people in vulnerable circumstances.”
Find out more about Mind’s work on adult safeguarding here.
 
Article Date: 20 Jan 2010 – 0:00 PST
An online treatment system for patients suffering with panic disorder and anxiety problems combine biofeedback therapy with web technologies and allows patients and medical professionals to communicate effectively, according to research published in the International Journal of Business Intelligence and Data Mining.
Vincent Tseng and Bai-En Shie of the National Cheng Kung University are working with psychiatrist Fong-Lin Jang of the Chi-Mei Medical Center, in Tainan, Taiwan, to develop a system they say will have a “pivotal impact” on the healthcare industry.
The increasing pace of life, the industrialisation of society, and the advent of digital technology are all thought to underlie the growing prevalence of mental illness. Disorders, such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression are now diagnosed more frequently than ever before.
Panic disorders are not easily diagnosed but do represent chronic illness for countless patients and lead to hospitalisation with increasing frequency. Patients can become acutely fearful and uncomfortable and suffer dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, a racing pulse, and even palpitations, all of which increase the sense of panic and mimic the symptoms of a heart attack or asthma episode, hence the emergency room admissions.
Sufferers often restrict their day to day activities to avoid inducing anxiety and the problem persists can lead to substance abuse and depression. Victims of panic disorder often have a poor quality of life overall.
The team has coupled a wireless-enabled finger-ring device that measures skin temperature with a web-enabled system. The system provides a convenient channel for communication between patients and healthcare worker as well as allowing hospital staff to allow patients to ask questions and download pertinent information.
The key to the system is that patients can also upload physiological data and their self-assessment to the database. The “emotion ring” continuously monitors and records the patient’s finger skin temperature, which the researchers explain is a useful indicator of the patient’s emotional state. It may simply provide a focus. Patients are then taught muscle and mental relaxation exercises and how to observe the effects of these on their skin temperature, thus providing a biofeedback mechanism that can also be monitored by their healthcare worker.
Temperature biofeedback has been utilized in medicine for more than three decades and because performance anxiety can occur during biofeedback a professional therapist must help the patient master the sensation of relaxation, especially in the initial stages of training.
The team has tested the system with ten patients in a pilot study. “Once the patients learned the cues for relaxation and the method to obtain rapid relaxation, they were able to apply the methods and cues to relieve the symptoms of panic disorder,” they conclude. The next step is to develop a related system that works with mobile devices rather than a personal computer.
“After receiving the muscle relaxation program, patients could feel the difference between relaxation and tension, and learned the skill of relaxation,” Tseng says, “The most important is that patients had fewer panic attacks and had improvement in Panic Disorder Severity Scale(PDSS). A large multi-center clinical trial with this system is going on in Taiwan.”
“Intelligent panic disorder treatment by using biofeedback analysis and web technologies” in Int. J. Business Intelligence and Data Mining, 2010, 5, 77-93 http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJBIDM.2010.030300