Aaron Harding can ditch his L-plates after passing his test.

Unable to hear or speak, and affected by Asperger’s Syndrome, Aaron Harding’s proud smile talks volumes.

He has just beaten all the odds to achieve every teenage boy’s ambition – the freedom to drive a car unaccompanied.

It has taken 3½ years of weekly lessons behind the wheel, but Aaron’s dogged determination finally won the day when he was rewarded with a near-flawless first-time driving test triumph.

When the EDP caught up with him, Aaron was wearing the biggest smile in Dereham.

His own delight at deservedly ditching his L-plates was matched by Jolanda and Mark Kerrison’s joy in their son’s achievement.

Read Article in Full:  http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED03%20Sep%202009%2015%3A36%3A46%3A320

HEADLINES

 

“Carlisle parents heartbroken at sudden death of ‘Gentle Giant’ son, 21”:

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/carlisle_parents_heartbroken_at_sudden_death_of_gentle_giant_son__21_1_602498?referrerPath=/news_round-up_1_50001

 

“Woman accused in boy’s death appears in court”:

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090821/noyes_charge_090821/20090821?hub=Canada

 

“Changes follow disabled boy’s death”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/8232324.stm

 

“Criminals’ ‘mistake’ left Surendra Pabary in hospital”:

http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2009/08/26/criminals-mistake-left-surendra-pabary-in-hospital-61634-24531559/

 

“Checks sought on use of forcible restraint”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26004405-23289,00.html

 

“Ottawa mom hopes trapped son returns”:

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/08/22/10571656.html

 

“Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten gets even”:

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Autistic-Boy-Files-Suit-After-Being-Voted-Off-Kindergarten-Survivor-55433212.html

 

“£6,600 fraud to help needy”:

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/08/24/6-600-fraud-to-help-needy-84229-24516797/

 

“Gary McKinnon Updates: Protestors challenge McKinnon extradition/American Civil Liberties Union attacks David Miliband over UK/US extradition treaty”:

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

 

“Autistic boy not ordered off Halifax bus: official”:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/08/27/ns-autism-bus-driver.html

 

“New Article on Huffington Post: The Disability, Health Care & Employment Connection”:

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

RESEARCH & HEALTH

 

“University of Queensland Study finds new treatment for Communication Disorders”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161515.php

 

“Asperger syndrome”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1166811.stm

 

“Mapping the musical brain”:

http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=101998

 

“Depression during pregnancy: Treatment recommendations”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161524.php

 

“Instant messaging can help depression”:

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

 

“Lack of sun may dim depressed people’s thinking”:

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

 

“Abstract: Emotional side-effects of SSRIs”:

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

 

“Up to 15% of preschoolers affected by anxiety, depression”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/up_to_15_of_preschoolers_affected_by_anxiety_depression.htm

 

“Saphris approved by FDA for Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder”:

http://www.examiner.com/x-14054-SF-Mental-Health-Examiner~y2009m8d14-Saphris-approved-by-FDA-for-Schizophrenia-Bipolar-Disorder

 

“First U.S. Rehab clinic for Internet addiction opens”:

http://www.healthcentral.com/depression/news-296215-98.html

 

“Both heavy drinkers and teetotalers more likely to be anxious, depressed”:

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

 

“Personality Disorders and Eating Disorders, Treatment: The Sooner the Better”:

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

 

“Epilepsy and Behavior: The sexual transformation”:

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

 

“Abstract: Acute changes in obsessions and compulsions following moderate-intensity aerobic exercise among patients with OCD”:

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

 

“Abstract: Cognitive-behavioral family treatment for childhood OCD: A 7-year follow-up study”:

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

 

“Effectiveness of Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when delivered online in real time by a therapist”:

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

 

“Mood and Functional Disability – A Positive Feedback Loop”:

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

 

“What is Prader-Willi Syndrome?”:

http://www.examiner.com/x-21118-Phoenix-Family-Examiner~y2009m8d25-What-is-PraderWilli-Syndrome

 

“What is agoraphobia? What causes agoraphobia?”:

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

 

“What is Anger? What is Anger Management?”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162035.php

 

“BPS Research Digest: The Special Issue Spotter:

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

 

“Sleep: A common science mystery”:

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

 

“Study: People who multitask may be bad at it”:

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

 

“Communication in Relationships: Key Questions to Consider in Significant Relationships & Related Articles”:

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

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

 

“Virtual Hospital”:

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

EDUCATION

 

“Report on corporal punishment in schools: Disabled students receive disproportionate share”:

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

 

Communication “Project Blue Skies”:

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

 

“Children with learning disabilities lose out as LSC ends contract with college”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/aug/25/learning-disabilities-college-lsc

 

“Making College more than a dream”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/464/story/919669.html

 

“Montessori and SEN(Includes pdfs for asd, ADHD, dyslexia & dyspraxia):

http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6021204

 

“Plan for autism school shifts from mansion to downtown”:

http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_13172664

 

“Demolition makes way for new Tuggeranong school”:

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/demolition-makes-way-for-new-tuggeranong-school/1603705.aspx

 

“Schools fight families over autism service dogs”:

http://www.psycport.com/showArticle.cfm?xmlFile=ap%5F2009%5F08%5F21%5Fap%2Eonline%2Eall%5FD9A7FLIG0%5Fnews%5Fap%5Forg%2Eanpa%2Exml&provider=

 

“Dog attends class with autistic boy; battle looms”:

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/25/us-autism-dogs-schools-082509/

 

“Teens that inspire”:

http://www.examiner.com/x-19494-Broward-County-Parenting-Teens-Examiner~y2009m8d23-Teens-that-inspire

 

“Raising a more creative child through art and music: Part 1”:

http://www.examiner.com/x-4043-Atlanta-Single-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m8d23-Raising-a-more-creative-child-through-art-and-music-Part-1

 

“Raising a more creative child through art and music: Part 2”:

http://www.examiner.com/x-4043-Atlanta-Single-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m8d25-Raising-a-more-creative-child-through-art-and-music-Part-2

 

“School Library Journal: Multimedia Review”:

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6685845.html?industryid=47072

EMPLOYMENT

 

“Senator Dick Durbin on ADA, Disability Employment & Capabilities of Autistic Workers”:

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

 

“Mental health support for workers”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8216873.stm

 

“The importance of employee mental health”:

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

 

“Creative Support Ltd”:

http://www.creativesupport.co.uk/

“Autelligent Laboratories

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

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

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

http://www.autlabs.com/

 

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

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

 

“Auties.org”:
Individuality, Diversity, Equality, Achievement

Auties..org is an Aspie & Autie friendly site for all people on the Autistic Spectrum who are ready to dare reach out to occupation and employment, open the doors to the community and market their abilities directly to the public and for those interested in supporting these pioneers.

http://www.auties.org/

 

“Prospects”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=473&a=2348

 

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

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

 

“Current job vacancies within the NAS”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=170

 

For further employment information, please view”:

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

GENERAL/HUMAN INTEREST

 

“NAS: Moving on up”:

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

 

“I felt out of place in this world”:

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1351493?UserKey=

 

“Did my ex have Asperger’s? … ‘People with Asperger’s do have feelings, do crave love, acceptance and companionship at least some of the time,’ says Simone, who is herself AS. ‘We can make fantastic partners and parents. Self-awareness and awareness of AS is crucial if an autistic person and a non-autistic person are in a relationship together.”:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1208504/Did-ex-Aspergers-How-Karen-realised-terrible-dress-sense-penchant-air-guitar-werent-just-eccentric.html]

EGYPT

The Egyptian Autistic Society
7 Naguib Mahfouz st.
New Nirco, Maadi
Cairo
EGYPT
Entrance B:
7 Zahraa El Maadi st.
Maadi
Cairo
EGYPT
Tel: +(202) 5216960
Tel: +(2012) 2177766
Fax: +(202) 5197055
Email: info@autismegypt.com
Website: http://egyptautism.com/

The ADVANCE Society (The Egyptian Society for Developing Skills of Children with Special Needs)
34 Al-Nadi Al-Gadeed St.
New Maadi
Cairo 11435
EGYPT
Tel: 2025193721 or 5193723
Fax: 2025203110
Email: helali@lrcegypt.com
Website: http://www.advance-society.org

The ADVANCE Center [run by Learning Resource Center]
34 Al-Nadi Al-Gadeed St.,
New Maadi, Opposite the New Maadi Telephones Central Office
Cairo 11434
EGYPT
Tel: (+202) 519-3721, (+202) 519-3723
Fax: (+202) 5203110
Website: http://www.lrcegypt.com/autism.html

“Map of Egypt”:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/atlas/index.html?Parent=africa&Rootmap=egypt&Mode=d

“Egypt: Facts, Information & History”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_egypt.html?fs=video.nationalgeographic.com

Video (3:17) “Destination: Egypt, Pyramids”:

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/countries-places/egypt/egypt-pyramids-dest.html

“Photo Gallery: Egypt”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/gallery/egypt_camel-sunset.html

“King Tut – Unravelling the Mysteries of Tutankhamun”:

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0506/feature1/index.html

“Valley of the Kings – Gateway to Afterlife Provides Window on the Past”:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/ancient/valley-of-the-kings.html?fs=travel.nationalgeographic.com

ADD/ADHD

 

“September is back to school time and ADHD awareness month”:

http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Children_s_Health_200/September_is_Back_to_School_Time_and_ADHD_Awareness_Month.shtml

 

“How to know if your teenager is abusing ADHD prescription drugs”:

http://health.usnews.com/blogs/on-parenting/2009/08/24/how-to-know-if-your-teenager-is-abusing-adhd-prescription-dugs.html

 

“More kids using ADHD drugs to get high”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161750.php

 

“Hyperactive children given queue jump passes at theme parks because waiting is too stressful”:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1210527/Hyperactive-children-given-queue-jump-passes-theme-parks-waiting-stressful.html?ITO=1490

 

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

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

 

“adders.org”:
Our objective is to promote awareness to AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and to provide information and as much free practical help as we can to those affected by the condition, both adults and children, their families in the UK and around the World via this website.

http://www.adders.org/

 

“ADDISS” The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service…

http://www.addiss.co.uk/index.html

 

“ADDA”:

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

 

“hi2u ADHD Pages”:

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

 

“CHADD”:

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

SPORT

 

India “Water babies: Volunteer teaches disabled kids in Thane how to swim … “I have an autistic child who has always loved water and I used to take him to the sea. I came up with the idea to take him to a swimming school but no one accepted him because of his problem. Now, thanks to Ravish, he has got a chance to do what he loves, and he has learned swimming very well,” says the delighted father of Pranjal Kulkarni.”:

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_water-babies-volunteer-teaches-disabled-kids-to-swim_1284272

 

“This really is a sport for all to get into”:

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/lifestyle/health/2009/08/24/this-really-is-a-sport-for-all-to-get-into-72703-24518990/

 

“New soccer league fills a special need”:

http://www.kentucky.com/communities/story/908365.html

 

“80-year-old gran runs 26^th charity race”:

http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/4571803.80_year_old_gran_runs_26th_charity_race/

 

NAS “Virgin London Marathon 2010 – applications now open”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/nas_virgin_london_marathon_2010__applications_now_open.htm

 

“10-kilometre runs”:

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

 

“Trek Hadrian’s Wall – 7-9 August, 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2088

 

“Trek Jordan 2009 – 10-14 September”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1833

 

“Trek the Great Wall of China – 9-18 October 2010”:

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

 

“Trek to Everest Base Camp- 5-21 November 2010”:

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

 

“Just Bike – Wessex and the Ridgeway – 3 October 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2389

 

“Cycle India – 27 November – 6 December, 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1832

 

“Cycle Cuba – 14-22 March 2010”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2357

 

“Sky Diving”:

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

MUSIC

 

“Stars shine for Autism Christmas Concert”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1972&a=19766

 

“The AutisMusic Project”:

http://www.autismusic.com/

ART

 

“Boone – It’s About Time”:

http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/savant_profiles/boone

 

GLIMPSE – the talents of the autism community

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

 

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

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

MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT

 

“Ponyo: A role model for kids with autism?”:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111960817&sc=fb&cc=fp

 

“The Dark Knight shows why chippy shrinks should leave the movies alone”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/aug/24/heath-ledger-joker-mental-health

 

“Reality TV: The fallout from 15 minutes of fame”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/aug/24/reality-television-x-factor

 

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

BOOKS

 

“Tim Page On A Life Lived Outside the Box/New Book ‘Parallel Play”:

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

 

“The Strangest man: The Hidden Life of Paul Dirac, Mystic of the Atom by Graham Farmelo”:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-ca-graham-farmelo30-2009aug30,0,2430630.story

 

“Nick Hornby: Middle age becomes him”

Now in his fifties, the writer Nick Hornby finds himself in the most prolific vein of his career. Alongside our exclusive extract from his wry new novel, he talks about fiction, fatherhood – and his award-winning new film: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/book_extracts/article6807806.ece

 

“Autism Collaboration: Introducing ‘autism whisperer’ Lea M. Hill, author of ‘The Society of Sylphs”:

http://www.examiner.com/x-10971-Education-Collaboration-Examiner~y2009m9d2-Autism-collaboraion-Introducing-autism-whisperer-Lea-M-Hill-and-The-Society-of-Sylphs

 

“Helping Kids and Teens with ADHD in School: A Workbook for Classroom Support and Managing Transitions”

Authors: Joanne Steer and Kate Horstmann

Illustrated by Jason Edwards

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843106630

 

“Grandparenting a Child with Special Needs”

Author: Charlotte E. Thompson M.D.

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843109068

 

“All Dogs Have ADHD”

Author: Kathy Hoopmann

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843106517

 

“All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome”

Author: Kathy Hoopmann

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843104810

 

“Blue Bottle Mystery: An Asperger Adventure”

Author: Kathy Hoopmann

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781853029783

 

“Of Mice and Aliens: An Asperger Adventure”

Author: Kathy Hoopmann

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843100072

 

“Lisa and the Lacemaker: An Asperger Adventure”

Author: Kathy Hoopmann

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843100713

 

“Haze”

Author: Kathy Hoopmann

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843100720

 

“Asparagus Dreams”:

Author: Jessica Peers

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843101642

 

“A Thorn in My Pocket: Temple Grandin’s Mother Tells the Family Story”

Author: Eustacia Cutler

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781932565164

 

“A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies for Individuals with Autism”

Authors: Beth Fouse, Ph. D. & Maria Wheeler, M. Ed.
http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_T214.htm

 

“Positive Behavioral Support: Including People with Difficult Behavior in the Community”

Authors: Lynn Kern Koegel, Robert L. Koegeland Glen Dunlap

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_P105.htm

 

“Many Shades of Success: Other Views of Post Secondary Options”

Edited by Teresa Allissa Citro

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_M114.htm

MOVIE

Astro Boy

Release Date: October 23, 2009

Official Site(Includes Trailer): http://www.astroboy-themovie.com/

 

Synopsis: Few characters have made as powerful or as lasting an impression on international popular culture as Astro Boy. The little robot first appeared in 1951 as a character in the celebrated artist and… Few characters have made as powerful or as lasting an impression on international popular culture as Astro Boy. The little robot first appeared in 1951 as a character in the celebrated artist and animator Osamu Tezuka’s legendary manga(Japanese comic book) and became an instant icon.

Read More: http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/astro_boy/

VIDEO GAME

Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story (Nintendo DS)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mario-Luigi-Bowsers-Inside-Nintendo/dp/B001TOQ8WU/ref=pd_nr_vg_h__89?ie=UTF8&s=videogames

 

“Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story Preview/Super Mario Wiki”:

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mario-and-luigi-bowsers-inside-story-preview

http://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_&_Luigi:_Bowser’s_Inside_Story

TECH

“Airport Travellers Get a Robot Chauffeur(Includes Video)”

Driverless, battery-powered pod-cars will soon zip passengers around part of London’s Heathrow Airport. The manufacturers of the Ultra personal rapid transit (PRT) system say it is the world’s first public transport to balance the convenience of a taxi with the efficiency of a bus or light rail – albeit only for business passengers arriving at the world’s third busiest airport.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17689-airport-travellers-get-a-robot-chauffeur.html

SPACE

“Gallery: Best Visions of the Night Sky”

http://www.newscientist.com/gallery/nmm-astronomer-of-year

 

Take Care,

Julie

 

 
Tim Page Photo: Maggie Smith 

Reflections on a Life Lived Way Outside the Box

When Tim Page was a teenager, he thought of Howard Hughes, Glenn Gould, Bobby Fischer and J. D. Salinger as role models. He sensed that he too might be famous someday, but he feared that he would be strangely alienated and alone.

The first prediction came true, and then some: Mr. Page won a Pulitzer Prize for his music criticism at The Washington Post (he was also a critic at The New York Times). He has written such a superbly incisive biography of the once-forgotten novelist Dawn Powell that she is now well remembered, and edited volumes of Powell’s diaries and letters. Now, in his mid-50s, he has written an improbably lovely memoir about the loneliness that has made him feel throughout his life that he is “not quite a mammal.”

“In the years since the phrase became a cliché, I have received any number of compliments for my supposed ability to ‘think outside the box,’ ” Mr. Page writes in “Parallel Play” (an expanded version of material published in The New Yorker). But for him thinking inside the box is at best a mechanical exercise based on mimicry; at worst it’s an impossibility.

In fascinatingly precise detail and often to pricelessly funny effect, he describes ways in which his efforts to feign normalcy have backfired. Recalling an adolescent clinch with a young woman who asked if he’d still care about her the next day, he says he pondered the question, then told her truthfully that he had no idea. “Wrong answer,” he wryly recalls.

When he was 45, Mr. Page learned that he had the autistic disorder called Asperger’s syndrome. He was relieved to know that his condition was quantifiable and that others share the same general symptoms. But he was also much too smart and self-aware to feel true kinship with other Aspies, as he calls them.

Read Article in Full:  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/books/03maslin.html?_r=1&hp&ex=&ei=&partner=

 

 Parallel Play: Growing Up with Undiagnosed Asperger’s

Tim Page

 http://www.amazon.com/Parallel-Play-Growing-Undiagnosed-Aspergers/dp/0385525621

 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Parallel-Play-Growing-Undiagnosed-Aspergers/dp/0385525621/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251966514&sr=8-1

 

 

Price J, Cole V, Goodwin GM.

University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, The Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK

Declaration of interest: J.P. has received grants and honoraria from Servier and is a former shareholder in a UK company marketing a computerised CBT package for depression. G.G. has received grants from Sanofi-Aventis and Servier in the past and recent honoraria from AstraZeneca, BMS, Eisai, Lundbeck and Servier. He is a current advisor for AstraZeneca, BMS, Lilly, Lundbeck, P1Vital and Sanofi-Aventis, and a past advisor for Servier and Wyeth.

Funding: Servier, the funders, were able to comment on initial study design, but had no role in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, and no role in the writing of the manuscript. Servier have a research programme for the development of psychotropic compounds, including antidepressants. Although they were able to comment on the final manuscript, no changes were introduced as a result of their comments, and they had no influence on the decision to submit the paper for publication. The researchers were, therefore, independent of the funders.

Background: Some people who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants report that their experience of emotions is ‘blunted’. This phenomenon is poorly understood.

Aims: To understand patients’ experiences of this phenomenon.

Method: Qualitative study, gathering data through individual interviews, a group interview and validation interviews; and searching patient websites for relevant posts.

Results: There was strong evidence that some people taking SSRIs experience significant emotional symptoms that they strongly attribute to their antidepressant. These emotional symptoms can be described within six key themes. A seventh theme represents the impact of these side-effects on everyday life, and an eighth represents participants’ reasons for attributing these symptoms to their antidepressant. Most participants felt able to distinguish between emotional side-effects of antidepressants and emotional symptoms of their depression or other illness.

Conclusions: Emotional side-effects of SSRIs are a robust phenomenon, prominent in some people’s thoughts about their medication, having a demonstrable impact on their functioning and playing a role in their decision-making about antidepressant adherence.

Source…

 

Children With Autism Use Alternative Keyboard To Communicate With Their Families And Their World

Article Date: 02 Sep 2009 – 0:00 PDT

Autism can build a wall of poor communication between those struggling with the condition and their families. While a personal computer can help bridge the divide, the distraction and complexity of a keyboard can be an insurmountable obstacle.

Using a unique keyboard with only two “keys” and a novel curriculum, teachers with Project Blue Skies are giving children with autism the ability to both communicate and to explore the online world. 

At the heart of the project is a device called the OrbiTouch. Human-factors engineer Pete McAlindon of BlueOrb in Maitland, Fl., conceived of the concept behind the OrbiTouch more than a decade ago as a way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and provide computer access to people with limited or no use of their fingers.

Developed with the support of two National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research awards (9661259 and 9801506), the concept of representing keyboard strokes with paired movements was critical to the design from the start. 

Read Article in Full:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162541.php

 

All sorts of change represent a real challenge for many people with autism. So, in the Autumn 2009 of the NAS members’ magazine, Communication, we have features about making the transition from school to college, from college to work and on what support is available to help students with autism successfully make those changes.

The magazine’s front cover features two students at the NAS Sybil Elgar School in west London who are taking part in a project that will help support them in work placements during the next academic year. In turn, this should help them move into the world of work once they graduate.

Young people with autism need support through many other kinds of change, such as puberty, and there’s advice for parents on preparing their daughters for the onset of puberty and periods. Plus, we’ve set up discounts for NAS members on some products that will improve safety around the home. These offers will become a regular feature.

In the same issue…

We hear from mother Romany Wood-Robinson on how she worked closely with her son’s mainstream school to make it work for him – and we have a Government update from Diana Johnson, Minister at the Department of Children, Schools and Families.

There is advice on toileting and also information on how to apply for Disabled Students Allowance. We hear about a new NAS e-befriending scheme and our Chief Executive, Mark Lever, talks about taking the charity in a new direction.

All NAS members receive Communication every three months. Join the NAS now to get your copy of this and future issues of the magazine.

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=20277

 

 

Jacques Desjardins 

 

Almost 15 percent of preschoolers have atypically high levels of depression and anxiety, according to a new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

 

The five-year investigation also found that children with atypically high depression and anxiety levels are more likely to have mothers with a history of depression.

 

The study was conducted in Canada by an international team of researchers from the Université de Montréal, the Université Laval and McGill University, as well as Inserm (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale) in France, Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S. and University College Dublin in Ireland.

“As early as the first year of life, there are indications that some children have more risks than others to develop high levels of depression and anxiety,” says the lead author Sylvana M. Côté, a professor at the Université de Montréal’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine. “Difficult temperament at five months was the most important predictor of depression and anxiety in the children.“

 

As part of the investigation, the scientists annually evaluated a representative sample of pre-schoolers from five months to five years of age. All 1,758 children were born in Québec and mothers provided information during extensive interviews on behavior and family members.

 

“We found that lifetime maternal depression was the second most important predictor of atypically high depressive and anxiety problems during preschool years,” stresses Dr Côté. “Our study is the first to show that infant temperament and lifetime maternal depression can lead to a high trajectory of depressive and anxiety problems before school entry.“

“It is critical that preventive interventions be experimented with infants who risk developing depressive and anxiety disorders,” adds Dr Côté. “Health professionals should target such high risk children at infancy, as well as their parents, to have a long-term impact on their well-being.“

 

September 01, 2009 | By Jared Tanner, MScloseJared Tanner, MS Name: Jared Tanner
Site: http://www.brainybehavior.com/blog
See All Articles by Author (15)
About: Mr. Tanner has an MS degree in psychology and is currently a PhD student in clinical psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology. As a clinical psychologist in training, his interests are mainly in abnormal human behavior. With an emphasis in neuropsychology, he is interested in normal and abnormal brain structure and functioning. At the most basic level, neuropsychologists are interested in understanding the relationships between the brain and behavior. 

Emotional or mood problems are more frequent in people with disabilities (of any severity or duration) than in the general population. Rates range from about 20% to 50%, depending on the study and the population – from spinal cord injury to multiple sclerosis to stroke. It is important to understand the rates and types of mood disorders because the functional deficits associated with disability (I’m using disability to refer to any sort of loss of function, even if it is only temporary) can manifest similarly to mood disorder symptoms. For example, what might look like anhedonia could simply be inability to do much, or at least the reticence to be active because of pain or functional loss.

While clinicians might accurately understand the difference between physical disability and anhedonia or any number of mood disorder symptoms, patients might not understand that difference, especially as they fill out questionnaires, which are open to the subjectivity of personal interpretation. In other words, a patient might endorse symptoms related to their injury as mood-related, even if the symptoms are not. Clinicians need to take care in order to not over-diagnose mood disorders. On the other hand, depression is common but not inevitable in people with disabilities. This means that while some of the disabling conditions might manifest similarly to symptoms of depression, for example, it is important to not minimize or miss any symptoms of a mood disorder. That’s the catch-22 of mood disorders and disability.

Read Article in Full:  http://brainblogger.com/2009/09/01/mood-and-functional-disability-a-positive-feedback-loop/

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Article Date: 25 Aug 2009

When it comes to potential mates, women may be as complicated as men claim they are, according to psychologists.

“We have found that women evaluate facial attractiveness on two levels — a sexual level, based on specific facial features like the jawbone, cheekbone and lips, and a nonsexual level based on overall aesthetics,” said Robert G. Franklin, graduate student in psychology working with Reginald Adams, assistant professor of psychology and neurology, Penn State. “At the most basic sexual level, attractiveness represents a quality that should increase reproductive potential, like fertility or health.”

On the nonsexual side, attractiveness can be perceived on the whole, where brains judge beauty based on the sum of the parts they see.

“But up until now, this (dual-process) concept had not been tested,” Franklin explained. The researchers report the findings of their tests in the current issue of the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology..

To study how women use these methods of determining facial attractiveness, the psychologists showed fifty heterosexual female college students a variety of male and female faces. They asked the participants to rate what they saw as both hypothetical dates and hypothetical lab partners on a scale of one to seven. The first question was designed to invoke a sexual basis of determining attractiveness, while the second was geared to an aesthetic one. This part of the experiment served as a baseline for next phase.

Read Article in Full:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161768.php

Why a broken heart really does hurt: Scientists find social rejection is physically painful

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 9:52 AM on 19th August 2009

Scientists may have discovered the real reason why Sandy was so hurt when Danny snubbed her after their summer of loving – her broken heart may have been genuinely painful.

Researchers have found a genetic link between physical pain and social rejection, which means the good-girl character in Grease may have found breaking up with her holiday romance truly excruciating.

Psychologists at the University of California studied the gene responsible for regulating the body’s most potent painkillers, known as mu-opioids.

They found that people with a rare variation of the mu-opoid receptor gene, OPRM1, were more sensitive to rejection and experience more brain evidence of distress than those with the more common form.

Study co-author Prof Naomi Eisenberger said: ‘Individuals with the rare form of the pain gene, who were shown in previous work to be more sensitive to physical pain, also reported higher levels of rejection sensitivity and showed greater activity in social pain-related regions of the brain when they were excluded.’

Read Article in Full:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1207570/Why-broken-heart-really-does-hurt-Scientists-social-rejection-physically-painful.html

 

Article Date: 28 Aug 2009

A person with agoraphobia fears being in places where there is a chance of having a panic attack that people may witness, and getting away rapidly may be difficult. Because of these fears the sufferer will deliberately avoid such places – which may include crowded areas, special events, queues (standing in line), buses and trains, shops and shopping centers, and airplanes.

A person with agoraphobia may find it hard to feel safe in any type of public place, especially where large numbers of people gather. Some people may have it so severely that the only place they feel really safe in is their home, and rarely ever go outside.

Read Article in Full:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162169.php