Jan
22
IT STRIKES me as ironic that I’m waiting to meet Hugh Dancy in the ultra-modern Missoni Hotel in Edinburgh.
The interior pairs a monkey-puzzle layout with restless decor: zebra-striped carpets team with bulbous, oversized chairs in hues such as magenta and lime; spaghetti-strand curtains flicker at the faintest movement; the lifts and doors are operated by different but identical-looking swipe cards.
I’m here to talk to Dancy about his new film Adam, in which his character, the titular Adam, has Asperger’s syndrome. This, I imagine, is the last place someone with real-life Asperger’s would feel comfortable.
In bounds Dancy in self-assured fashion, casually dressed in a white T-shirt, beige cardigan and jeans, looking every inch the school cricket captain.
It’s something of a surprise to the 34-year-old English actor that he’s here at all. He candidly admits that when he filmed Adam, in the space of just three weeks at the tail end of 2007, he had expected it to sink without trace. “My working assumption was that nobody would see the movie, because it was made on such a small budget,” he says. All this changed when the film was picked up by Fox Searchlight and won the Alfred P Sloan prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival in Utah. More recently, it was the closing-night draw at the Edinburgh International Film Festival last month. Between the original shoot and the film’s festival plaudits, Dancy shot Confessions Of A Shopaholic, in which he plays a more conventional leading man in the shape of a dashing magazine editor, Luke Brandon, and which has grossed more than $100 million (£60.5m) at the box office. It was a role befitting Dancy’s growing reputation as a heartthrob, albeit a rather reluctant one.
So why did he accept the low-budget, low-profile role of Adam in the first place? “I knew nothing about the script at all when I read it,” he says. “I was beginning to wonder, What’s going on here? There’s something I haven’t been given, or at least I hope so, because otherwise this is going to be a really annoying story.’ And lo and behold a third of the way in my character says, I’ve got Asperger’s syndrome.’ What I admired so much was that the script didn’t begin with Adam being labelled instantly, which would usually be the way somebody would try to tell that story.”
The film is essentially a romantic comedy about an introspective young man who falls for his gregarious new upstairs neighbour, Beth, played by the Australian actress Rose Byrne. Their difficulties in connecting with each other are compounded by a string of unhappy relationships on Beth’s part and Asperger’s syndrome on Adam’s.
Read Article in Full:
http://www.sundayherald.com/mostpopular.var.2522050.mostviewed.playing_it_straight.php
Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne are two of a kind
THEY CAN RELATE: “Adam’s†story about two people trying to find a connection in an often uncaring world appealed to Rose Byrne and Hugh Dancy. “It was really a lot of fun,†said Byrne, who like Dancy, has built a career on offbeat parts
A self-possessed individual graced with the good looks of a matinee idol — large, bluish-gray eyes, a firm jaw line and fistfuls of brown, wavy hair — actor Hugh Dancy seemed, at first glance, completely wrong for the lead in Fox Searchlight’s unconventional romantic drama “Adam.” But soon after meeting the 34-year-old English actor, director Max Mayer realized that Dancy had “the requisite insecurities” to play the part of an awkward, introverted young man with Asperger’s syndrome who struggles with social interactions.
Dancy, the son of a prominent British moral philosopher and a University of Oxford graduate, said he was interested in taking on the role of a person with the autism spectrum disorder because “there is something paradoxical about trying to empathize your way into somebody” who has a hard time demonstrating empathy because of his condition.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-dancy28-2009jul28,0,6045563.story?track=rss
Adam (Trailer 2:30):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92U6OnVZG3U
Rose Byrne and Hugh Dancy, Sundance 2009
Adam Review:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2122&a=19888
Q & A with ‘Adam’ star Hugh Dancy:
http://nymag.com/movies/features/57876/
The Irish Times “Character Building”
 
Hello,
This afternoon, I will be joining President Obama and the leadership of the
cross-disability community at a special ceremony at the White House where
the President will be announcing the intention of the United States to
become a signatory to the UN Convention on Disability Rights. The treaty
will enshrine in international law a wide array of rights, some of which are
present in the United States already, such as the right to reasonable
accommodation, as well as others, such as the right to community living
supports as opposed to having only segregated options available, that we
still have to fight for in our own country. You can read the treaty yourself
by going to http://www.un. org/disabilities /default. asp?id=259. This is an
important day for our community and I believe the President should be
applauded for taking this important step.
Regards,
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
http://www.autistic advocacy. org
info@autisticadvoca cy.org
732.763.5530
Summary of Disability Leadership Meeting with the President and Cabinet Members
-This SUMMARY was prepared by the individuals who attended the meeting with
President Obama on July 24.
-The President was honoring the March 31, 2009 request by the Justice for
All Action Network (JFAAN) to have a face-to-face meeting. JFAAN hopes
future meetings will be more inclusive of the leaders of the national
organizations representing the major disability groups run by persons with
disabilities. This would fulfill JFAAN’s vision of “Nothing About Us
Without Us.”
-The Justice for All Action Network’s (JFAAN) Steering Committee will be
developing next steps ASAP, feel free to send your ideas and interest to
Andrew Imparato, AImparato@aapd.com .
-Follow these and related activities at http://www.jfactivist.org/
On July 24, President Obama invited a group of 12 representatives of the
disability community to meet privately with him and other Administration
officials in advance of an East Room ceremony marking the 19th anniversary
of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and his announcement of the
Administration’s decision to sign and seek Senate ratification of the UN
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Attending the meeting for the disability community were Polly Arango of
Family Voices; Marca Bristo of the US International Council on Disabilities
and Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago; Kelly Buckland of the National
Council on Independent Living; former Congressman Tony Coelho; Michael
Fitzpatrick of the National Alliance on Mental Illness; Marty Ford of the
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities and The Arc and UCP Disability
Policy Collaboration; Andy Imparato of AAPD; Ted Kennedy, Jr. of the AAPD
Board and The Marwood Group;Â Michael May of the Sendero Group, a
technology company; Maria Veronica Reina of the Global Partnership for
Disability and Development; Jeff Rosen of Snap!VRS, a video relay and
technology company; and Bob Williams of the District of Columbia, former
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Disability and Long-Term Care Policy at the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Joining the President at the meeting were Attorney General Eric Holder;
Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis; Melody Barnes, Assistant to the President
for Domestic Policy; Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary Chris
Lu; Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy;
Paul Miller, Special Assistant to the President for Personnel; Lisa Brown,
Staff Secretary to the President; Michael Strautmanis, Chief of Staff to
Valerie Jarrett; Jeff Crowley, Director of the White House Office of
National AIDS Policy and Senior Advisor on Disability Issues to the
Domestic Policy Council; Tina Tchen, Director of the Office of Public
Engagement; and Kathy Martinez, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability
Employment Policy.
The disability community representatives engaged in a productive dialogue
with Attorney General Holder and Secretary Solis before the President
arrived, discussing our priorities for civil rights enforcement at both
departments, including but not limited to internet accessibility, Olmstead
enforcement, reducing the waiting period for ADA complaints to be resolved,
using OFCCP to enforce the affirmative action provisions in the
Rehabilitation Act, protecting children from the use of aversives and
restraints; and implementing a government-wide strategy to improve the
representation of people with significant disabilities in the federal
workforce. Both Holder and Solis were very interested in continuing the
discussion in follow-up meetings with disability community representatives
in the weeks to come.
When the President arrived, he noted that we had a wide-ranging agenda that
included employment, education, technology, health care, and civil rights
policy, and indicated his interest in using this first meeting as a
listening session. We thanked him for the meeting and for his leadership
in signing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, we
emphasized the importance of seeing disability policy issues as
fundamentally about fairness, civil rights and human rights. We shared
some personal discrimination stories and expressed our desire to work with
the White House and agencies across the administration on a broad-based
strategy to make progress between now and next July 26, which will be the
20th anniversary of the ADA. A significant portion of our time with the
President was devoted to health care reform and the need to end the
institutional bias in Medicaid, and the President offered to have Nancy-Ann
DeParle and Peter Orszag and other members of his health reform team sit
down with us in the next few weeks to discuss our ideas, including making
the Community Choice Act a state option as part of the final bill that
emerges from Congress.
The disability community representatives came away believing that the
President, his cabinet representatives, and his senior White House staff
are committed to working with our community to achieve the goals of the
Americans with Disabilities Act. We look forward to following up on all of
the issues discussed at the meeting. All in all, we felt that this
historic meeting represented a very important step forward for our
community and for the country.
—
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
info@autisticadvocacy.org
732.763.5530
————————————————
Take a look at our innovative new Public Service Announcement produced with
the Dan Marino Foundation at http://www.nomyths.org
If you like what we do, help support the Autistic Self Advocacy Network by
making a donation at:
https://www.change.org/donation/create?charity_id=211198
 
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania, Disabled In Action of PA, the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumer Association, Liberty Resources and numerous advocacy and disability rights organizations held a press conference and rally today at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, site of the National Conference of State Legislators’ summer meeting. The groups represent people of all ages, gender and disabilities — including wounded veterans, people with physical disabilities, the elderly, those with developmental and intellectual challenges and other health issues. The groups demanded access to better alternatives than just institutionalization — something that the groups say would greatly benefit not only those with disabilities, but taxpayers, too.
“Any budget cut to services for the disabled will result in fewer people with disabilities and family members being able to work and pay taxes, and more people will be institutionalized at a much higher taxpayer expense. We want the in-home assistance we need to live productive lives,” says Linda Anthony, Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania. “Delivering those same services in our homes is typically less than half the cost of placing a person in an institutional care facility. Limiting our options is morally wrong and fiscally irresponsible.”
Right now, Medicaid only requires states to provide funding for costly nursing homes and institutions for older people and people with disabilities, but funding for less expensive community-based or home-based services is optional. Pennsylvania already has limited funding and lengthy waiting lists, forcing many to wait years for services.
Pennsylvania’s final budget must include at least the amounts that the Governor originally recommended in February 09 for mental retardation, autism, attendant care, services to people with disabilities and long term care — and at least level funding for other key programs. There should be no budget cuts to the mental health system and the $3 million decrease recommended by the Governor should be restored.
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania works to advance, protect, and advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of Pennsylvanians with disabilities. For more information, visit www.drnpa.org
Nancy Jean – Lifespan
Researchers from Rhode Island Hospital’s department of psychiatry propose that the definition for major depressive disorder (MDD) should be shortened to include only the mood and cognitive symptoms that have been part of the definition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for the past 35 years. Their recommendation would exclude those symptoms that are currently part of the definition that may be associated with medical illness rather than depression. The proposal is based on a study that appears in the journal Psychological Medicine.
The current definition of major depressive disorder in the fourth edition of the DSM (DSM-IV) includes nine symptoms — a definition that has remained essentially unchanged since the 1970s. With preparations for the fifth edition of the DSM underway, the researchers propose that there are two practical problems with the symptom criteria: the length of the definition and the difficulty in applying some of the criteria to patients with co-morbid medical illnesses. The researchers’ proposal recommends a shortened list of symptom criteria that includes only low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, guilt/worthlessness, impaired concentration/indecision and suicidal thoughts. It would exclude the somatic criteria of fatigue, appetite disturbance and sleep disturbance (increased sleep or insomnia) as these may be associated with medical illnesses other than depression. They call the proposal the “simpler definition of MDD.”
Lead author Mark Zimmerman, MD, director of outpatient psychiatry at Rhode Island Hospital, says, “While the principles guiding criteria revision have not been clearly explained, we believe that existing diagnostic criteria should be revised when a conceptual problem is identified, or a more valid or simpler method of defining a disorder is developed. The reason for even considering a change to the symptom criteria for major depressive disorder after all these years is two-fold.”
Zimmerman, who is also an associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, continues, “First, studies have indicated that there are significant gaps in the knowledge or application of the MDD criteria among practitioners. Second, somatic criteria that are currently part of the DSM-IV definition such as fatigue or sleep or appetite disturbances are also symptoms of other medical illnesses and may not be indicative of a major depressive episode.”
Under Zimmerman’s direction, researchers from Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University previously developed the simpler definition of MDD for a project known as the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (RI MIDAS) project, an integration of research quality diagnostic methods into a community-based outpatient practice affiliated with an academic medical center.
Zimmerman says, “In our previous report from the RI MIDAS project, we developed a briefer list of the symptom criteria of MDD that was composed entirely of the DSM-IV mood and cognitive symptoms. That simplified definition did not include the somatic symptoms.” He continues, “Our initial research found high levels of agreement in diagnosing MDD between the simplified and DSM-IV definitions of MDD. Our goal in this study was to replicate these findings in a large sample of psychiatric outpatients, and to extend the findings to other patient populations, including those presenting for treatment of pathological gambling and candidates for bariatric surgery.”
Zimmerman says, “After eliminating the four somatic criteria from the DSM-IV definition of MDD, leaving the five mood and cognitive features, a high level of concordance was found between this simpler definition of MDD with the original classification in all three patient samples studied.” He adds, “This new definition offers two advantages over the DSM-IV definition – it is briefer and therefore more likely to be recalled and correctly applied in clinical practice, and it is free of somatic symptoms, thereby making it easier to apply with medically ill patients.”
Using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID), the researchers conducted a study of more than 2,500 patients. The patient population consisted of 1,100 psychiatric outpatients, 210 pathological gamblers who presented for treatment and 1,200 candidates for bariatric surgery. Across all patients, the level of agreement between the simplified definition and the DSM-IV definition was more than 95 percent.
The researchers note that there are implications to changing the criteria for MDD. Because their findings indicate that the simpler definition is highly concordant with the current version, there would be no meaningful impact on prevalence rates. Reducing the number of criteria, however, would reduce the time needed to fully assess criteria in patients and diagnostic interviews could be shortened.
Zimmerman and the researchers conclude, “In deciding how to proceed in the next version of the DSM, the conceptual and practical advantages of a briefer set of criteria that is easy to apply to all patients, particularly medically ill patients, needs to be weighted against the disadvantages of deviation from tradition.“
Zimmerman M, Galione JN, Chelminski I, et al. A simpler definition of major depressive disorder. Psychol Med. 2009; doi:10.1017/S0033291709990572 Â [Abstract] Â 
Last updated: Tuesday July 21, 2009, 8:27 AM
High school students with autism will get a taste of college life this fall as part of a new program that aims to make them more independent and employable when they age out of the public education system at 21.
Autism programs are increasingly trying to place autistic students into vocational programs that teach job skills. A 2006 report by Autism New Jersey, an advocacy group, said most students lack job skills at graduation and that adults with autism are chronically unemployed or underemployed.
“When you talk about adults with autism, there’s a huge need,†said Linda Meyer, executive director of Autism New Jersey. “There are very few programs that address the unique needs of adolescents and young adults with autism.â€
One new program attempting to do so would bring three students from the Tri-Valley Academy serving Bergenfield, New Milford and Dumont to Seton Hall University to work with undergraduate mentors at campus jobs.
“They’ll all have opportunities to have job coaching and life skills right in the university setting,†said Bergenfield schools Superintendent Michael Kuchar, who is spearheading the effort.
Read Article in Full:Â http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/Program_helps_high_schoolers_with_autism_gain_independence.html
Jan
22
 
HEADLINES
“Cameras captured chilling break-in at Fla. Home … Byrd and Melanie Billings had a growing brood of adopted children with autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities, and took care to make their nine-bedroom house a safe place for them, wiring it with surveillance cameras in every room.
It was those cameras that captured images of the masked men who shot the wealthy couple to death in a break-in executed with chilling precision.â€:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6527811.html
“7 in custody in Pensacola couple’s slayingsâ€:
“Beverly Eitzen accused of killing disabled son, 16â€:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25824447-601,00.html
“Disabled girl Meg Makila attacked in respite careâ€:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25823168-421,00.html
“Head pays tribute to stabbed workerâ€:
“Autistic children treated like criminals by transport officers,’ say parentsâ€:
http://www.awares.org/pkgs/news/news.asp?showItemID=985&board=&bbcode=&profileCode=§ion=
“Disabled man bullied with helmet, has been awarded £78,000 for unfair dismissalâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8156396.stm
“Stop Foundation Inc creates awareness on the use of Electric Shock Treatment … Electric shock appears to be in wide use at The Judge Rotenberg Center “School of Shock†a special needs school in Massachusetts. Their target market is the mentally disabled. It currently takes in children with dow syndrome, autism, bipolar disorder and those labeled emotionally disturbed. They attempt to alter their behavior with electric shock treatment to the body and limbs. There are no studies and none expected that the treatment has any positive effects. It is also a cash cow since the school charges $220,000 per student with the expense being picked up by States and school districts. The school has been under well deserved scrutiny for its use in electric shock, but it is still operating. “:
http://www.clickpress.com/releases/Detailed/141332005cp.shtml
“David Cameron makes autism pledge and backs Autism Billâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158110.php
“UK: Tories to cut disability red tapeâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/uk_tories_to_cut_disability_red_tape.htm
“Gary McKinnon Updatesâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/gary_mckinnon_updates_in_the_name_of_compassion_britain_mu.htm
Â
“The extradition of Gary McKinnon is brutal, mad and wrong’, says Boris Johnsonâ€:
Â
“Row delays green paper on care funding for older and disabled peopleâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/jul/08/green-paper-elderly-disabled-care-whitehall-delays
 Â
“Social Care Reform but at what cost?â€: A NAS response to the Care and Support Green Paper, UKâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157507.php
“Green Paper funding proposals “disastrous†for people with mental health problemsâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157598.php
“What about learning disabilities, asks Christopher Edwardsâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2009/jul/22/learning-disability-social-care-proposal
India “Bhandare stands up for the physically challengedâ€:
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=9&theme=&usrsess=1&id=261203
Africa “River blindness ‘can be beatenâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8160525.stm
“Blind can take wheel with vehicle designed by university engineering design teamâ€:
“QAC Sight Village – Blind Tech Showâ€:
http://www.qac.ac.uk/sightvillage/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ouch/2009/07/sight_village_blind_tech_show.html
RESEARCH & HEALTH
“Autism alters how kids sense motionâ€:
“27 genes associated with either Asperger Syndrome and/or Autistic Traits and/or Empathy identifiedâ€:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715101427.htm
“Fragile X leaves its mark on healthâ€:
http://www.presstelegram.com/lifestyle/ci_12851079
“Scientists develop ‘cure’ for peanut allergiesâ€:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1200694/Scientists-develop-cure-peanut-allergies.html
“Social Reasoning and Brain Development are linked in Preschoolersâ€:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715074928.htm
“Shedding light on social brain developmentâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157781.php
“Teens sensitive to others’ perceptions of themâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157782.php
“Scientists first to characterize novel syndrome of Allergy, Apraxia, Malabsorptionâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157347.php
“Patients with depression frequently suffer from medically unexplained painâ€:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715152042.htm
“Depressed college students twice as likely to drop outâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/depressed_college_students_twice_as_likely_to_drop_out.htm
“Family obligation, ties may prevent depressionâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/family_obligation_ties_may_prevent_depression.htm
“WCBP 2009: Omega-3 supplements provide mixed results as antidepressantâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/wcbp_2009_omega3_supplements_provide_mixed_results_as_anti.htm
“And the orchestra played on: Activation of distress pathways – A common feature of mood, anxiety, sleep, and pain disorders?â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/and_the_orchestra_played_on_activation_of_distress_pathways.htm
“Review provides new insights into the causes of Anorexiaâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/review_provides_new_insights_into_the_causes_of_anorexia.htm
“Starve a fever, feed a cold, don’t be stressedâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/starve_a_fever_feed_a_cold_dont_be_stressed.htm
“Abstract: Genetic variations associated with red hair color and fear of dental pain, anxiety regarding dental care and avoidance of dental careâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/abstract_genetic_variations_associated_with_red_hair_color_.htm
“[Australia]Macquarie University pioneers combined social anxiety and alcohol abuse therapyâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/australia_macquarie_university_pioneers_combined_social_an.htm
“[Australia]University pioneers online PTSD Therapyâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/australia_university_pioneers_online_ptsd_therapy.htm
Â
“Psychological interventions deemed ineffective at preventing PTSDâ€:
“Abstract+: Nail-biting stuff? The effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine on nail bitingâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/abstract_nailbiting_stuff__the_effect_of_nacetyl_cystei.htm
“Signing would greatly improve deaf people’s GP experiencesâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2009/jul/21/deaf-people-healthcare-nhs-gp
“Virtual Hospitalâ€:
http://www.uihealthcare.com/vh/
EDUCATION
“Protect Florida’s students with disabilities against restraint and seclusionâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/fwd_protect_floridas_students_with_disabilities_against_re.htm
“Autistic twins decision demanded(Video)â€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8159469.stm
“Autistic teenager left in limbo in Limerick, Irelandâ€:
http://www.awares.org/pkgs/news/news.asp?showItemID=987&board=&bbcode=&profileCode=§ion=
“Program helps autistic high schoolers gain independenceâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/education_program_helps_autistic_high_schoolers_gain_indepe.htm
“Alfred Barrow students’ special dayâ€:
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/alfred_barrow_students_special_day_1_582668?referrerPath=/1.118665
“Autism school gives hope to immigrant familiesâ€:
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=ea4d1264403b23f9c763c3c3d9899a86&from=rss
“Autism and education: challenges and opportunitiesâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=19650
EMPLOYMENT
“NAS: Employment training courses for autistic adultsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/nas_employment_training_courses_for_autistic_adults.htm
“Who says Aspies are unemployable?â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/employment__who_says_aspies_are_unemployable.htm
“Specialisterne: Why a firm wants autistic staffâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/specialisterne_why_a_firm_wants_autistic_staff.htm
“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
Malaysia “A brighter homeâ€:
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/7/16/lifefocus/4299559&sec=lifefocus
“Leonardo da Vinci: A Lifelong Learning Programme funded by the EUâ€:
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=91134
“Adult Autism Spectrum Disorderâ€:
“Adult Autism II: After Diagnosisâ€:
ALGERIA
Ministere de la Sante et de la Population
17 Rue Abderahmane Laala
Algiers
ALGERIA
tel: 213 261 5315
fax: 213 265 3646
“Handicap International’s activities in Algeriaâ€:
http://www.handicap-international.org.uk/page_160.php
“Algeria Facts, Information & Historyâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_algeria.html
“Photo Gallery – Algeriaâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/gallery/algeria_the-white-port.html
“Map of Algeriaâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/maps/map_country_algeria.html
“Latest Algerian Health Newsâ€:
http://health.einnews.com/algeria
“Latest Algerian Newsâ€:
http://www.topix.com/world/algeria
“Algerian Travel Guide/Best Restaurants – includes ‘Off the Beaten Path’, Photos, Things To Do, Nightlifeâ€:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Algeria/TravelGuide-Algeria.html
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Algeria/Restaurants-Algeria-BR-1.html
Â
ADD/ADHD
“Consumer reports to parents: Think twice about free prescription ADHD samples for your childrenâ€:
http://www.freshnews.com/news/179281/consumer-reports-parents-think-twice-about-free-prescription-adhd-drug-samples-your-chil
“Abstract: The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replicationâ€:
http://www.citeulike.org/user/bjh878/article/2189765
“Abstract: Overview and neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderâ€:
http://www.citeulike.org/user/bjh878/article/1369197
“Abstract: ADHD characteristics: Concurrent comorbidity patterns in children and adolescentsâ€:
http://www.citeulike.org/user/bjh878/article/5128943
“Abstract: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and ethnicityâ€:
http://www.citeulike.org/user/bjh878/article/5128173
“Queens study aims at early diagnosis for ADHD and Parkinson’sâ€:
http://qnc.queensu.ca/story_loader.php?id=4a5b580f3c6dc
“Researchers study academic effects of ADHD drugsâ€:
http://www.physorg.com/news166727448.html
“Michael Jackson’s death focuses attention on prescription drug abuse … Ramsy Darwish, a recovering drug addict commented “Once you become addicted to like pain pills and that sort of thing, it is really a necessity that you need on a daily basis. Your life basically revolves around the prescription drug. You’re not active with people or aren’t really motivated enough to go out into society.â€:
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=99305
“Health Tip: Does your child have symptoms of ADHD?â€:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/628889/main.html
“Children with FASD have more severe behavioral problems than children with ADHDâ€:
“Sleep benefits from tonsillectomy peak at 6 monthsâ€:
http://www.hon.ch/News/HSN/629145.html
ADRES “Adverse Drug Reaction Electronic System(Adverse Drug Reactions Website)â€- This website provides patients, doctors, and other medical professionals with a comprehensive examination of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), side effects, and other safety information for both prescription and over-the-counter medications.. Our goal is to allow users of our website make informed decisions when taking (patients) or prescribing (doctors) drugs. We are providing unmatched information and analysis tools.
http://www.adverse-drug-reaction.net/
“adders.orgâ€
Our objective is to promote awareness to AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and to provide information and as much free practical help as we can to those affected by the condition, both adults and children, their families in the UK and around the World via this website.
“ADDISS†The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service…
http://www.addiss.co.uk/index.html
“ADDAâ€:
“hi2u ADHD Pagesâ€:
“CHADDâ€:
http://www.chadd.org/am/CustomPages/home/CHADD_Home.htm?CFID=2282059&CFTOKEN=38105335&jsessionid=f2303343221169802693562
SPORT
“Roger Black backs policeman’s three marathons a day challengeâ€:
http://www.communitynewswire.press.net/article.jsp?id=5977304
“Take on the adidas Women’s Challenge this Septemberâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1815&a=18075
“10-kilometre runsâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1816
“Trek Hadrian’s Wall – 7-9 August, 2009â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2088
“Trek Jordan 2009 – 10-14 Septemberâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1833
“Cycle India – 27 November – 6 December, 2009â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1832
“Cycle Cuba – 14-22 March 2010â€:
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
“The AutisMusic Projectâ€:
ART
“Amanda LaMunyon: A Dream Unfoldsâ€:
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/savant_profiles/amanda_lamunyon
“Summer arts project for teenagers in London on the autism spectrumâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2122&a=19213
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
Q & A with ‘Adam’ star Hugh Dancyâ€:
http://nymag.com/movies/features/57876/
Korea “Rain Man”: The play adaptation of the same-titled hit movie from 1988 starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise is staged for the first time in Korea. The piece features Charlie, a self-made businessman, who meets his autistic brother Raymond after his parents die. Charlie, who first only cared about his parents’ inheritance, starts to genuinely love and care for Raymond. Well-known screen and television actor Lee Jong-hyuk plays Charlie. The play runs through Aug. 2 at SM Arts Hall in Daehangno, Seoul. For details, call (02) 2051-3307.â€:
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/07/18/200907180012.asp
“The importance of being disabledâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2009/jul/22/disabled-actors-theatre
“Actors for Autismâ€:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/
BOOKS
Laura Would “Young autistic writer puts finishing touches to her first novelâ€:
http://www.awares.org/pkgs/news/news.asp?showItemID=982&board=&bbcode=&profileCode=§ion=
Jenna Lumbard “Worried Wendy Goes to School†is first in series for autistic authorâ€:
Available from BookSurge(Read Reviews):
http://www.booksurge.com/Worried-Wendy-Goes-to-School/A/1439208492.htm
“Devoted gran speaks of 10-year battle for answers into grandson’s health … “I have gone through a lot of stress but it’s not a doom and gloom book. It’s a happy story and I hope people can take something positive away from it.â€:
Â
“Defying Disability: The Lives and Legacies of Nine Disabled Leadersâ€
Author: Mary Wilkinson
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843104155
“Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and the Lawâ€
Author: Michael Mandelstam
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781843106920
“Motivate to Communicate!: 300 Games and Activities for your Child with Autismâ€
Authors: Simone Griffin and Dianne Sandler
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781849050418
“101 Games and Activities for Children with Autism, Aspergers and Sensory Processing Disordersâ€
Author: Tara Delaney
“The One and Only Samâ€
Author: Aileen Stalker
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book/9781849050401
“Life at the Edge: Living with ADHD and Asperger Syndromeâ€
Author: Jan Greenman
MOVIE
Planet 51
Release Date November 21, 2009
Synopsis: The tables are turned in this animated sci-fi adventure featuring the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Seann William Scott, Gary Oldman, and John Cleese. In PLANET 51, an astronaut arrives on a distant planet, but he’s not alone; he’s surrounded by aliens who desperately fear invasion by…aliens.
http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/planet_51/
Official Site:
VIDEO GAME
Need For Speed: Shift (Xbox 360, PS3)
Rating 7+
Release Date Sept. 18, 2009
Need for Speed SHIFT is an all-new simulation racing IP that combines the true driver’s experience with real-world physics, pixel-perfect car models, and a wide range of authentic race tracks. Need for Speed SHIFT takes players in a different direction to create a simulation experience that replicates the true feeling of driving high-end performance cars…
SPACE
“July Eclipse, Best Chance To Look For Gravity Anomolyâ€
From remote observatories on the Tibetan plateau to a cave in a Shanghai suburb, Chinese researchers are poised to conduct an audacious once-in-a-century experiment. The plan is to test a controversial theory: the possibility that gravity drops slightly during a total eclipse.
Shadow & Substance “Eclipse of the Sun, July 22, 2009 as viewed by NASAâ€:
http://shadowandsubstance.com/
“NASA – Total Solar Eclipse of 2009 July 22â€
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009.html
“The force was with me – Short Sharp Scienceâ€
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2009/07/the-force-was-with-me.html
HEALTH
“Girl With Half a Brain Retains Full Visionâ€
A 10-year old girl born with half of her cerebral cortex missing sees perfectly because of a massive reorganisation of the brain circuits involved in vision, a new study finds.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17489-girl-with-half-a-brain-retains-full-vision.html
Take Care,
Julie
“Currently, we don’t have very effective means of treating people with anorexia,” said Kaye. “Consequently, many patients with the disorder remain ill for years or eventually die from the disease, which has the highest death rate of any psychiatric disorder.”
A better understanding of the underlying neurobiology how behavior is coded in the brain and contributes to anorexia is likely to result in more effective treatments, according to the researchers.
Childhood personality and temperament may increase an individual’s vulnerability to developing anorexia. Predisposing factors, some suspected to be inherited, such as perfectionism, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies may precede the onset of an eating disorders. These traits become intensified during adolescence as a consequence of many factors such as hormonal changes, stress and culture.
“Adolescence is a time of transition, when individuals must learn to balance immediate and long-term needs and goals in order to achieve independence,” said Kaye. “For such individuals, learning to cope with mixed societal messages and pressures may be overwhelming, exacerbating underlying traits of anxiety and a desire to perfectly achieve.”
Once a patient develops anorexia, starvation and malnutrition cause profound effects on the brain and other organ systems. Such changes include neuro-chemical imbalances, which may, in turn, exaggerate the preexisting traits and accelerate the disease process.
“Individuals with anorexia tend to report that dieting reduces anxiety, while eating increases it,” said Kaye. “This is very different from most individuals, who experience hunger as unpleasant.” The powerful drive to avoid being anxious drives actually weight loss in anorexia nervosa, triggering the out-of-control spiral that results in severe emaciation and malnutrition.
In addition, people with anorexia nervosa tend to not experience pleasure or live “in the moment.” They often have exaggerated and obsessive worry about the consequences of their behaviors, looking for rules when there are none, and are overly concerned about making mistakes. Co-author Julie L. Fudge of the Department of Psychiatry & Neurobiology and Anatomy at the University of Rochester Medical Center, notes that imaging studies suggest that individuals with anorexia have an imbalance between circuits in the brain that regulate reward and emotion (the ventral or limbic circuit) and circuits that are associated with consequences and planning ahead (the dorsal or cognitive circuit.)
“Brain-imaging studies also show that individuals with anorexia have alterations in those parts of the brain involved with bodily sensations, such as sensing the rewarding aspects of pleasurable foods,” said co-author Martin Paulus, UC San Diego professor of psychiatry, who heads UC San Diego’s Laboratory of Biological Dynamics and Theoretical Medicine. “Anorexics may literally not recognize when they are hungry.”
One such brain region is the anterior insula, which is critically important for interoception, or the self-awareness of internal body signals. In addition to a failure to respond appropriately to signals of hunger, symptoms of anorexia such as distorted body image and diminished motivation to change could be related to disturbed interoceptive awareness.
“Anorexia is very complicated, and there needs to be a paradigm shift in understanding its underlying cause,” said Kaye. “We’re just beginning to understand how the brain is working in people with this disorder.”
Kaye noted that the temperament and personality traits that may create a vulnerability to develop anorexia may also have a positive aspect. These traits include attention to detail, concern about consequences, and a drive to accomplish and succeed. “It’s my clinical experience that many individuals who recover from anorexia do well in life,” he said.
Under Kaye’s leadership, the eating disorders treatment program at UC San Diego is developing treatments based on understanding the temperament and personality that drives anorexia, and helping patients to use such traits in constructive, rather then self-defeating ways.
Symptoms of the disease anorexia nervosa, more commonly known as anorexia, include the patient’s refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height; and intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when the individual is underweight. Although anorexia is characterized as an eating disorder, it remains unknown whether there is primarily a disturbance of appetite, or whether change in appetite is secondary to other issues such as anxiety or obsessional preoccupation with weight gain. When malnourished and emaciated, individuals with the disease have widespread and severe alterations of the brain and other organs. As it is unclear whether these changes are the cause of consequence of severe weight loss, individuals who have recovered from anorexia have been studied. While approximately 50% to 70% of affected individuals eventually recover, a significant proportion of patients develop a chronic illness or die, making anorexia the number one cause of death among psychiatric diseases.
Source: University of California San Diego
Psychologists Investigate Cognitive Failings Of Eating Disorder Sufferers
Article Date: 22 Jul 2009 – 3:00 PDT
Sufferers of eating disorders have problems with certain mental tasks; this is the finding of a comprehensive overview of studies examining the link between cognitive deficits and eating disorders, published online in the Journal of Neuropsychology today, 22nd July 2009.
Professor Konstantine Zakzanis from the University of Toronto carried out an analysis of 27 studies that investigated the thinking of 608 anorexia nervosa sufferers, and 14 studies of 347 bulimia nervosa patients to look for consistent patterns in cognitive deficits.
Read in Full:Â http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158367.php
Barbara Isanski
Whether it’s getting a cold during exam time or feeling run-down after a big meeting, we’ve all experienced feeling sick following a particularly stressful time at work or school. Is this merely coincidence, or is it possible that psychological stress can actually make us sick?
In a new report published in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science psychologist Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser from the Ohio State University College of Medicine reviews research investigating how stress can wreak havoc on our bodies and provides some suggestions to further our understanding of this connection.
The field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) investigates how stress and negative emotions (such as depression and anxiety) affect our health. Over the past 30 years, researchers in this field have uncovered a number of ways that stress adversely affects our health, and specifically, how stress can damage our immune system. Numerous studies have shown that stressed individuals show weaker immune responses to vaccines, and as Kiecolt-Glaser observes, “The evidence that stress and distress impair vaccine responses has obvious public health relevance because infectious diseases can be so deadly.” Stress and depression have been shown to increase the risk of getting infections and also result in delayed wound healing.
Inflammation is the body’s way of removing harmful stimuli and also starts the process of healing, via release of a variety of chemicals known as proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6). However, too much inflammation can be damaging and has been implicated in the development of many age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and Type II diabetes. Negative emotions and psychological stressors increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines. A recent study revealed that men and women who serve as caregivers to spouses with dementia (and thus are under constant stress) have a four times larger annual rate of increase in serum interleukin-6 levels compared to individuals without caregiving responsibilities.
What’s more, the changes in interleukin-6 levels among former caregivers did not differ from current caregivers, even following the death of the impaired spouse, indicating that chronic stress may cause the immune system to age quickly. Kiecolt-Glaser notes, “These stress-related changes in inflammation provide evidence of one mechanism through which stressors may accelerate risk of a host of age-related diseases.”
Kiecolt-Glaser argues that our environment should be taken into account when studying the link between stress and our health. For instance, diet may modify interactions between psychological and immunological responses: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and walnuts) can reduce production of some proinflammtory chemicals and increasing levels of omega-3 fatty acids may result in positive effects on mood and the immune system. Environmental toxins (such as pesticides and air pollutants) can have extremely negative effects on the immune system and these effects may be intensified in stressed individuals, increasing their risk for developing allergies, asthma, and viral infections.
Kiecolt-Glaser suggests that to most effectively tackle the questions raised by recent PNI research, cross-discipline training needs to be emphasized for students. Psychology students who gain a strong foundation in areas such as biology and physiology will be able to enter into powerful collaborations with scientists conducting immunology research. Kiecolt-Glaser concludes that the questions answered by these collaborations will advance PNI as well as psychology in general.
“By providing key data on how stressful events and the emotions they evoke get translated into health,” she suggested, “psychology will assume a more dominant role in the health sciences, in health promotion, and in public health policy.“
Kiecolt-Glaser JK. Psychoneuroimmunology: Psychology’s Gateway to the Biomedical Future. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2009 Jul;4(4):367-369 [Full text (
)]
 
Dear ASAN supporters,
For the past several years, we’ve advocated to end the consistent abuse and
risk of violence that Autistic students as well as those with other
disabilities face all too often in our nations schools. In recent months,
our efforts as well as those of part of broader coalitions we are proud to
be a part of, such as the Alliance for the Prevention of Restraints,
Aversive Interventions and Seclusion (APRAIS) and the Justice for All Action
Network (JFAAN), have yielded fruit with Congressional hearings and a recent
direct meeting with top officials on the President’s Domestic Policy
Council. We continue to advocate in Washington for a comprehensive national
law to protect our people. Yet, at the same time, this fight is a national
one and our friends in the parent community and local chapters continue to
fight for these protections at the state level as well.
I’m writing to ask you to help us send 1000 e-mails to the Florida
Department of Education insisting that they withdraw proposed regulations
that would allow the use of physical force against students in a wide
variety of ways and under conditions as vague as to maintain an “orderly
classroom environment” . If this rule is allowed to pass, students with
disabilities will be subject to continued restraint and seclusion resulting
in frequent serious injury and even death.
I urge you to use our action alert to help us reach our goal of sending 1000
messages to the Florida Department of Education to tell them that the
Proposed Rule on “Standards for the Use of Reasonable Force” is
inappropriate and ineffective for safeguarding the rights of students with
and without disabilities. You can find our action alert here at
http://www.change. org/autisticadvo cacy/actions/ view/protect_ floridas_ students_ against_abuse_ through_aversive s_restraint_ and_seclusionsIf
for whatever reason you have trouble using our action alert, you can
also
e-mail the Florida Department of Education directly at Lynn.Abbott@ fldoe.org
Regards,
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
http://www.autistic advocacy. org
info@autisticadvoca cy.org
732.763.5530
Take a look at our innovative new Public Service Announcement produced with
the Dan Marino Foundation at http://www.nomyths. org
If you like what we do, help support the Autistic Self Advocacy Network by
making a donation at:
https://www. change.org/ donation/ create?charity_ id=211198
 
Lyn Danninger
For many, drinking is an essential part of a night out with friends. Alcohol is widely considered to be a social lubricant, so it’s not surprising that social phobia, or extreme shyness, and drinking, frequently go together.
More concerning are reports of increased alcohol problems among socially anxious people. Research studies tell us that people who suffer from social phobia are 2-3 times more likely to develop problems with alcohol abuse and/or alcohol dependence.
Yet historically, alcohol dependency and social anxiety have been treated as separate problems. Now, with greater understanding about how the two interact, researchers from Macquarie University’s Centre for Emotional Health have developed a new treatment for adults that addresses both problems together.
Dr Lexine Stapinski, from the University’s Centre for Emotional Health who is coordinating the new program, said many people mistakenly believe that alcohol relaxes them when in fact, excessive drinking actually increases agitation and anxiety.
“Alcohol use and social anxiety tend to feed each other in a vicious cycle,” she said.
“Shy people believe alcohol helps them to steady their nerves and feel more confident, but this can lead to a reliance on alcohol and ultimately a range of additional physical, social and emotional problems.”
Stapinski notes that 10.6 per cent of Australians have problems with social phobia while 18.9 per cent of the population drink alcohol at harmful levels, according to the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Now with changes to recommended drinking levels set in the 2009 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines at no more than two drinks per day, the number of those considered to be drinking at harmful levels will increase.
The new Combined Alcohol and Social Phobia treatment program developed by Macquarie researchers offers participants 10 individual cognitive behavior therapy sessions at no cost. Medication is also offered as an option. Treatment sessions are conducted with experienced clinical psychologists and are based on the most up-to-date research findings and knowledge of social anxiety and alcohol dependence.
More information about the study and treatment can be found at http://www.psy.mq.edu.au/casp/Â