First Published Thursday, 5 March 2009
APPLETON — As each image appears on the computer screen on the desk in front of him, the fingers on Jimmy Brodhagen’s right hand spring to action.
He deftly enters numbers from paperwork he has scanned into the computer to start the indexing process for packing slips at Ferguson, an Appleton wholesale plumbing and piping business.
Brodhagen, a Menasha High School student with autism, has worked three days a week for more than a year at the business, whose employees have embraced him.
Kathleen Belongea, MHS educational autism case manager, called it a “new frontier” where students with autism, like Brodhagen, can bring a high level of interest and expertise into certain areas of the work force.
“I do about 400 (data entries daily), between 400 and 500,” Brodhagen said about his typical five-hour work shift that includes a 45-minute lunch hour and other breaks during which he visits with his co-workers.
Besides scanning documents and data entry, Brodhagen is in charge of the “birthday board” in the entryway that recognizes birthdays and anniversaries for Ferguson’s 85 associates.
“What I like best about Ferguson is that I work with the ladies in the afternoon,” he said.
One of those women is Kathy Sultze, Ferguson inventory manager. In 2007, Sultze approached her boss about participating in the school-to-work program at Menasha High School, where Sultze’s sister is a counselor and program coordinator.
“(General manager Bill Harrison) was all for it,” Sultze said. “We like to do a lot with the community.”
The result has been a win-win situation.
“He’s great,” Harrison said of Brodhagen. “We’ve seen a real nice maturation process with him and (growing) level of comfort with people. He’s very, very good with numbers and very good with memorization.”
“Jimmy’s not only grown himself but I think he’s helped us here become better people,” Sultze said.
Kelly Brodhagen refers to her 19-year-old son as a “super senior” since special education students can attend school in Wisconsin until they reach 21.
She is grateful for Ferguson’s unpaid internship and hopeful that “eventually when school is done that this could lead to some meaningful employment for him.
“He’s doing more and more (on his own),” Kelly said. “His work stay is primarily independent and he’s reaching towards independence. We’re really excited about that.”
“This has been a nice job for him because his capabilities can shine,” said Wendy Jung, a school district paraprofessional who accompanies Brodhagen at Ferguson.
“He caught on to it so quickly. He keeps track of his own time. He’s always very polite. He’s a very hard worker. He does a very, very nice job,” said Jung.
“Jimmy’s ability to read and spell is phenomenal; his sense of humor and willingness to work are truly just a few of his strengths,” Belongea said. “His social understanding at work develops each day as they have accepted him as a contributing member of their team.”
Many businesses support work assessments for students with disabilities, said Ann Bell, a counselor and school-to-work coordinator at MHS. “We are always looking for new business relationships to give our students a wide variety of opportunities to explore future career options.”
Source: Â http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090302/APC0101/903020434/1979&located=RSS
1. Mike Siegl left…
This is a wonderful opportunity for businesses to help in ways that really, no one else can. Businesses like Ferguson – and I am aware of others such as TheCommunityPage.com – that take the time to help teach these kids meaningful life skills in a real work environment should be commmended. It truly represents the spirit which I like to think makes Northeast Wisconsin different from the rest of the country. My hat’s off to Ms. Bell for taking the initiative to coordinate and improve this project at Menasha High School. Your obvious interest in these kids shines through. God bless you!
First Published Thursday, 5 March 2009
By Michael Corcoran | Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 10:59 AM
New Zealand-raised singer songwriter Pip Brown started calling herself Ladyhawke after she left the duo Teenager a couple years ago to work on her own musical project. The name, which comes from a 1985 fantasy movie starring Michelle Pfeiffer, made Brown feel as if she had supernatural powers for infiltrating the pop mainstream with catchy, ‘80s-influenced numbers not unlike Kim Wilde’s “Kids In America†and “Rhiannon†by Fleetwood Mac.
But Brown is a true hero for some of the things she had to conquer in her real life. Long before she made the music magazines, Brown was the subject of articles in medical journals. At age 10 she contracted a disease thought to be common only to seagulls. When doctors treated her with penicillin, she had an allergic reaction that put her in a coma. She’s also allergic to antibiotics and antihistamines and has been lactose intolerant her whole life.
As a teenager, Brown went to the doctor to see if he could explain her paralyzing shyness and discomfort with crowds. At the time, she was playing guitar for local garage band Two Lane Blacktop and would freak out onstage whenever she made eye contact with someone in the audience. She was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, which causes idiosyncratic social behavior.
Finally, Brown understood why she was such a loner, with a penchant for saying the wrong things. Those with Asperger often engage in long, one-sided conversations, without any empathy for the listener.
Another quirk, though unrelated to Asperger, is that Brown refuses to wear women’s clothing. Even backed by a cello and piano for a recent gig in a British cathedral, Ladyhawke wore a flannel shirt, jeans and work boots.
A symptom of Asperger is a preoccupation with a single subject and in Brown’s case that was music. She’s been consumed with beats and melodies since she was very young. Now 27, Brown played almost all the instruments on her 2008 self-titled debut and co-wrote the songs, including “Paris Is Burning†and “My Delirium,†which both charted in the UK, where Brown currently resides.
“Music that came out of the eighties had such a unique and definitive sound,†Brown wrote on her Web site. “Big production, big synths, and big guitar riffs. The songwriters were incredibly significant, and the whole musical era left an everlasting impression on me.”
She still gets nervous before shows, but Brown recently told NME that the fear subsides when the music starts. That eye contact thing is still a concern and Ladyhawke is an unrepentant shoegazer. If, by chance, your eyes do meet hers onstage at Stubb’s Wednesday March 18 at 9 p.m., please don’t smile. That will really freak Brown out.
Image from myspace.com/ladyhawkemusic
Related Articles
“Ladyhawke: ‘You have no idea what I have been through”:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/independent_article__ladyhawke_you_have_no_idea_what_i_ha.htm
“Ladyhawke: flying high”:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/4787685/Ladyhawke-flying-high.html
First Published Friday, 6 March 2009
Louis Braille, born in 1809, invented braille when he was a teenager
Braille users in Wales aged five to 19 have a chance to show off their writing skills as part of World Book Day celebrations of its inventor’s birth.
The RNIB in Wales is holding a competition for the best story written in braille.
The stories can be written in either English Braille or Welsh Braille.
Braille was developed by Frenchman Louis Braille, born in 1809, who became blind at age three after an accident in his father’s workshop.
The contest, part of World Book Day on Thursday, has three age groups: 5-7 years, 8-12 years, 13-19 years.
Entrants must use learners’ (grade one) Braille, which mostly represents each print character as one Braille cell, to write a story of no more than 500 words.
Entries will be judged on creativity and accuracy by a panel of judges.
The deadline for entries is 17 July 2009, with winners announced on 2 September.
Six-dot system
All the stories submitted will be made available in both English and Welsh languages and will be included in a book marking the bicentenary of Braille’s birth.
Braille’s school taught pupils to read by letters raised above the surface of the page, but these letters were difficult to tell apart and none of the children were taught to write.
His invention was inspired by Napoleonic solder, Charles Barbier’s visit to his school, who told the pupils of the writing system he had invented called ‘night writing,’ which was intended to pass information on in the trenches silently.
Braille set out to simplify the system, creating much of the six-dot braille system as it is known today, by the time he was 15.
Director for the RNIB in Wales, Sarah Rochina said: “Braille is a vital communication tool for many people who have severe sight problems and this is their chance to get creative.”
Source: Â http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7926086.stm
First Published Saturday, 7 March 2009
Press Advisory FURTHER INFORMATION:
March 6, 2009
For Immediate Release
Regional Forums to Gather Public Input on the Needs of Adults with Autism
TRENTON – The New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force will sponsor
four public forums to gather input from New Jersey residents
regarding the needs of adults with autism. Charged with studying and evaluating the needs
of adults with autism, forums are being held to gather information on issues
such as job training and placement, housing and long-term care needs.
This information from the public will be used to develop recommendations
designed to support and meet the needs of adults with autism who are
residents of New Jersey. The recommendations will comprise the basis for a
comprehensive report which the task force shall present to Governor Jon S.
Corzine and the New Jersey Legislature in June 2009.
*Who: New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force*
*What: Public forums on the Needs of Adults with Autism *
*Where and When:*
Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, Pitkin
Education
Center, Room A104
March 14th, 2009 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This forum will be
broadcast live on* *www.bergen.edu
For more information, contact:
autismtaskforce@bergen.edu*<autismtaskforce@bergen.edu>
Monmouth County Library, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan
March 14th, 2009 – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information, contact: llong@autismnj.org*<llong@autismnj.org>
or 609-883-8100 ext. 48
Burlington County Human Services Facility, 795 Woodlane Road, Mount
Holly
Lecture Hall A
March 16th, 2009 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm.
For more information, contact
deborah.cohen@dhs.state.nj.us<deborah.cohen@dhs.state.nj.us>
or call 609-984-3351
Hudson Community College in 25 Journal Square, Building B,
1st Floor Student Lounge, Jersey City
March 21, 2009 – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For more information, contact:
info@djfiddlefoundation.org<info@djfiddlefoundation.org>
Individuals planning to present testimony are asked to keep their remarks to
three minutes. All testimony must be submitted in writing as well. For
those who are unable to attend any of the forums, written testimony may be
submitted to deborah.cohen@dhs.state.nj.us <deborah.cohen@dhs.state.nj.us>.
Written testimony must be received by March 21, 2009
On September 12, 2007 Governor Jon S. Corzine signed into law (PL 2007, c.
173), which created the task force to study, evaluate and make
recommendations intended to meet the needs associated with the significant
challenges presented by autism. This 13 member task force includes
advocates, family members and professionals in the field of autism.
—
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DCÂ 20036
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
732.763.5530
First Published Saturday, 7 March 2009
Courtesy of Phil Schwatrz:
From Dennis Debbaudt, via his Autism-Risk- Safety Yahoogroup:
On World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, 2009, the Provincial
Autism Centre and the Autistic Self-Advocacy Council –
Nova Scotia (ASAC-NS)are hosting the province¢s first confer-
ence for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders at the World
Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax.
Real People Living Real Lives
I’ll be there to present as will Jypsy from this list and her son Alex.
Please help spread the word.
First Published Saturday, 7 March 2009
Speaks, an organization that excludes autistic people themselves from its
decision-making, uses offensive and unethical advertising tactics based on
fear and pity and raises funds for the eugenic elimination of the autism
spectrum. Too often, money raised to improve our lives goes towards
organizations that don’t speak for us and work against our interests. People
with disabilities of all kinds have a right to be at the center of the
decisions made about us, not standing at the sidelines. We’ve started an
action alert to tell Lindt Chocolates that its money is better used
elsewhere, with charities whose work will benefit the lives of autistic
people rather than aim to eliminate us. Click here
<http://www.change. org/autisticadvo cacy/actions/ view/tell_ lindt_chocolates _that_autism_ speaks_doesnt_ speak_for_ us>to
go to our action alert or go to:
http://www.change. org/autisticadvo cacy/actions/ view/tell_ lindt_chocolates _that_autism_ speaks_doesnt_ speak_for_ us
already available, however, for those of you who want to write your own
e-mail or can’t use the action alert for whatever reason, here are some
talking points on why Autism Speaks is bad for the autism and autistic
communities. Lindt Chocolate’s e-mail is here: lindt@qualitycustom ercare.com
people, without a single autistic person on its board of directors or
leadership. This is far out of line with the mainstream of the disability
community, where individuals with disabilities work side by side with family
members, professionals and others to achieve quality of life and equality of
opportunity. Autism Speaks’ exclusionary policies are an embarrassment to
itself and its funders.
families, with ads that compare a life on the autism spectrum to a car
accident, being struck by lightning, a terminal illness and other fatal
situations. Rather than work to decrease stigma and increase respect for
autistic people, Autism Speaks’ advertising fosters pity, shame and fear,
suggesting that our very lives are mistakes and burdens.
developing a prenatal test with potentially eugenic applications. Given the
fact that 92% of fetuses that test positive for Down Syndrome are
selectively aborted prior to birth, we are concerned by the prospect of a
similar result in respect to the autism spectrum. This is an issue of
discrimination, wholly separate from typical abortion politics. Money raised
in the name of autistic people should go towards opportunities for quality
of life, not towards our elimination. Autism Speaks research agenda is
overwhelmingly focused on causation and prevention rather than research
initiatives that might support quality of life for all autistic people. This
drains support from initiatives that stand to improve the quality of life of
autistic people, such as services, supports and education, which Autism
Speaks supports in only a tiny fraction of its massive budget.
immediate support. Together, our voices cannot be ignored. Nothing About Us,
Without Us!
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.autistic advocacy. org
732.763.5530
First Published Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Depression Increases HealthCare Costs For Female Coronary Patients
Sally Stewart
Women with suspected coronary artery disease who suffer from depression have significantly higher health care costs than those who are not depressed, according to findings from the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE), an ongoing, multi center study funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Previous studies have shown that patients suffering from certain medical conditions and depression have greater health expenses than those without depression. Because women are diagnosed with depression at twice the rate of men, the study of costs related to depression and women’s health issues is particularly important.
This study, conducted among 868 women undergoing evaluations for possible coronary artery disease, used three different approaches to measure depression (history of treatment for depression, use of antidepressant medications, and a standard, widely accepted questionnaire). Seventeen percent to 45 percent of the women in the study met depression criteria.
Depression was associated with 15 percent to 53 percent increases in cardiovascular costs over five years. Translated into dollar figures, annual cardiovascular costs were $1,550 to $3,300 higher for depressed women than for those who were not depressed (depending on the depression criteria used).
Several factors appear to be responsible for these increased costs, but one clear association is the fact that the depressed women experienced more cardiovascular disease events. Interestingly, relationships between depression and costs were particularly strong among women who did not have evidence of significant coronary artery disease, suggesting that depression may play a larger cost role in women who do not have traditional markers of heart disease. These results combined with prior work suggest that women with symptoms of heart disease without obstructive CAD are more prone to depression possibly secondary to misdiagnosis and misunderstanding. “More research is needed,” said Bairey Merz.
The findings suggest that depression is an important factor in understanding overall and cardiovascular-related costs in women who have symptoms of heart disease. Although it is not currently known whether treatment for depression can lower costs in cardiac populations, the results support future research in this area.
The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, the National Center for Research Resources, the Gustavus and Louis Pfeiffer Research Foundation, The Women’s Guild of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, The Ladies Hospital Aid Society of Western Pennsylvania, and the Edythe Broad Endowment for Women’s Heart Research.
Rutledge T, Vaccarino V, Johnson BD, et al. Depression and Cardiovascular Health Care Costs Among Women With Suspected Myocardial Ischemia. J Am Coll Cardiol, 2009; 53:176-183 Â [Abstract]
More Evidence That Depression Is Hard On The Heart
By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer
WASHINGTON – Severe depression may silently break a seemingly healthy woman’s heart. Doctors have long known that depression is common after a heart attack or stroke, and worsens those people’s outcomes. Monday, Columbia University researchers reported new evidence that depression can lead to heart disease in the first place.
More…
Copyright © 2009 Associated Press
First Published Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Psychiatry Weekly 2009 Mar 9;4(5)5
Van Ameringen M.
Social phobia typically starts in childhood or early adolescence, and it involves concerns about anxiety in social and performance situations.
“The primary concerns of those with social phobia are about doing something, or behaving in a way, that will lead to negative evaluation or embarrassment or humiliation,” says Dr Michael Van Ameringen. “There is no absolute known cause for this condition, although we know that there are familial and temperament-related predispositions that may be contributing factors.“
The estimated lifetime prevalence of social phobia in the US is 12.1%, a rate that has been replicated around the world-lifetime prevalence runs at around 10% across most cultures. Cross-sectionally, the rate of 12-month social phobia is 6.8%.
© 2009 Psychiatry Weekly, LLC
Jan
17
HEADLINES
“How bedroom prison hid secret of a beaten boy for seven yearsâ€:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5860649.ece
“Outrage in France over plight of boy locked away for seven years by his parentsâ€:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5858983.ece
“Bullied into a suicide bid … How ten-year-old Nile Campbell tried to hang himself with a light bulb cord after school thugs made his life hellâ€:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/bullied-into-a-suicide-bid-14217724.html?r=RSS
Jesse Moores “Care home breached rules over sandwich death … A manager at a private care home where an autistic man choked to death on a sandwich has breached health and safety law, a court has found.â€:
“Charles Morris pleads guilty to child molestation charges.â€:
http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/localnews/4180938.Pinner_Preacher_admits_touching_young_girls/
“Stabbed disabled woman identifiedâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/essex/7918405.stm
“Third man held over woman’s deathâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/essex/7925631.stm
“Doctors fear more Sunshine Coast epidemics … Doctors have warned of mumps and rubella outbreaks in the Sunshine Coast hinterland as they battle a “mini-measles epidemic” at Beerwah High School.
Australian Medical Association Queensland president-elect Mason Stevenson said immunisation rates in both the Gold and Sunshine coasts’ hinterland regions were about 70 per cent, 20 per cent lower than the national average.â€:
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25136519-3102,00.html
“Warning after huge rise in mumpsâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/7936627.stm
“Autism bill gets through second readingâ€:
http://www.politics.co.uk/news/health/autism-bill-gets-through-second-reading-$1273229.htm
“Autism Bill: Government must take urgent action, UKâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/140651.php
Guernsey “Disability champion is appointedâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/guernsey/7935624.stm
“Emphasis on group homes is troublingâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/fwd_pressconnectscom_emphasis_on_group_homes_is_troubling.htm
“ASAN comments on NJ Autism Registry regulationsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/fwd_asan_comments_on_nj_autism_registry_regulations.htm
“Advocacy Success: NIMH use of stimulus money includes service-researchâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/fwd_advocacy_success_nimh_use_of_stimulus_money_includes_s.htm
“Gary McKinnon Updates: Latest round in extradition battle lost/Sting supports fight for UK trialâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/gary_mckinnon_updates_latest_round_in_extradition_battle_lo.htm
Action Alert “Tell Lindt Chocolates That Autism Speaks Does Not Speak For Us!â€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/tell_lindt_chocolates_that_autism_speaks_doesnt_speak_for_u.htm
“Autscape call for proposalsâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/autscape_call_for_proposals.htm
“Bionic eye gives blind man sightâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7919645.stm
“Iris device helps disabled studentsâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/gloucestershire/7919016.stm
“Slow progress for rail accessâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7924360.stm
RESEARCH
Propranolol “Anti-phobia pill breaks link between memory and fearâ€:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16603-antiphobia-pill-breaks-link-between-memory-and-fear.html
“Depression, cardiac mortality and all-cause mortalityâ€:
http://apt.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/abstract/15/2/107
“Depression, women and heart healthâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/depression_women__heart_health.htm
“Evolution and Epilepsyâ€:
http://www.emaxhealth.com/2/37/28788/evolution-and-epilepsy.html
“Impairment and treatment-resistance in social phobiaâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blogcity.com/impairment_and_treatmentresistance_in_social_phobia.htm
“Treatment lottery restricts hi-tech treatment for depressionâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/mar/03/mental-health
“The Serotonin Theory (and why it’s probably wrong):
http://scienceblogs.com/neurotopia/2009/03/depression_post_4_the_serotoni.php
“Young people struggle to get proper mental health care, says surveyâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/mar/11/young-people-mental-health
“High-speed brains are in the genesâ€:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126993.300-highspeed-brains-are-in-the-genes.html
“Musicians’ brains ‘fine-tuned’ to identify emotionâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/141087.php
“Form and mental state: an interpersonal approach to paintingâ€:
http://apt.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/abstract/15/2/137
“Happiness gene helps you look on the bright side/Personality & Happinessâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/happiness_gene_helps_you_look_on_the_bright_sidepersonali.htm
“Faulty brain ‘switch’ reduces ability to cope with stressâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/faulty_brain_switch_reduces_ability_to_cope_with_stress.htm
“Why we yawn, hiccup and sneeze … Researchers from Birkbeck College have discovered that children with autism – a developmental disorder affecting people’s ability to make emotional ties with others – do not yawn at the sight or thought of other people yawning.â€:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5853687.ece
“Not too bright? … Children with older fathers seem to perform worse in intelligence tests, according to a study due out this week. Other research has shown linkage between advanced paternal age (men over 35) and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA spoke of his concern. His son Rufus suffers from schizophrenia and as more is uncovered about its causes Watson has publicly questioned if he is to blame. “I worry that I was 42 with Rufus,†he says. “I read that the frequency of schizophrenia goes up with the age of both parents.â€:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/men/article5864642.ece
EDUCATION
“Autistic girl shut in cramped room after getting upset at schoolâ€:
“How to cope when school is hellâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/7901598.stm
“When leaving school and learning at home is best for your childâ€:
http://www.magentanews.com/cache.asp?n=5686192
“Josh Muggleton and Year Dotâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2122&a=17583
“Parents’ plea on autism lifelineâ€:
http://www.southmanchesterreporter.co.uk/news/s/1100553_parents_plea_on_autism_lifeline
“We moved 150 miles for school now under threatâ€:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1101265_we_moved_150_miles_for_school_now_under_threat
“Closure threat to autism schoolâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hereford/worcs/7930346.stm
“Secondary to offer college classes in First Scots Community Campusâ€:
“Support for augmentative and alternative communicationâ€:
http://www.teachingexpertise.com/articles/support-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-4968
EMPLOYMENT
NORTHERN IRELAND Acceptable Enterprises (Larne) Limited
We at Ael:
Provide disadvantaged people with the support to access further education, training and employment opportunities.
Support disadvantaged people to access a wide range of inclusive, community-based, educational, vocational and social opportunities.
Enable disadvantaged people to enhance their lifestyle and to operate more effectively in education, work and in the community.
http://www.packaged4u.co.uk/
Acceptable Enterprises (Larne) In The News:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/employment__acceptable_enterprises_larne_limited.htm
Belfast “The Orchardville Society – Employment for Autismâ€:
http://www.orchardville.com/projects/viewdetails.asp?itemID=19
Positions Available “Support Work in London … Salary: £14,600 – £ 18,000 Location: North London – Vibrant Capital of the UK! Interviews: 12th/13th March 2009 Description: The employer is a large charity providing varying supported living schemes across the country. There are a number of different services looking for new staff, and each service is different from the next. Supported living homes are generally small (e.g. not more than 8 beds, mostly for 3 or 4 service users), sometimes purpose built and have high staffing to service-user ratios e.g. 1 staff member to 2 service-users, sometimes more, depending on the needs of service-users. Requirements: • Good level of written and spoken English • ENTHUSIASM • Experience working with adults with disabilities desirable • Understanding and awareness of Autism • A driving license and the willingness to drive in the UK • Minimum 2 year commitment Do you have experience working with adults with disabilities? APPLY TODAY! Next steps: Contact lyndsay@jacaranda-recruitment.co.uk or on +44 208 676 5621 for more information. Please quote reference number VR/00459. Jacaranda offers advice on career opportunities, gives interview coaching and guidance to formalities required to work in the UK. Our service is free of charge. www.work-in-the-UK.comâ€:
http://www.ogloszenia.goniec.com/pokaz/54847.html
“Autistic Menasha student’s skills shine on the job at Ferguson in Appletonâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/employment_autistic_menasha_students_skills_shine_on_the_j.htm
“NAS: Helping autistic people to gain employmentâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/nas__helping_autistic_people_to_gain_employment.htm
“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
“Worcester man sets up Asperger’s support groupâ€:
http://www.craegmoor.co.uk/news/industry/19050592/worcester_man_sets_up_aspergers_support_group.aspx
“Am I on the wrong planetâ€:
“How can you be scared of disability? … The intolerance and prejudice of others creates far greater obstacles for those with disabilities than any physical differences they might possess, and being intolerant and prejudiced is probably the biggest disability of them all.â€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/feb/25/disability-children
“TV presenter’s calm take on prejudiceâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/feb/28/disability-cerrie-brunell-bbc
“Should my daughter have a psychological assessment?â€:
“Remembering Christopher Reeveâ€:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/09/remembering-christopher-reeve/
“Disabled people deal with discrimination at every turnâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/11/disabilities-support
Community Care Magazine “Readers views on special schools, role of the GSCC, care home residents access to NHS services, and sex educationâ€:
IRELAND
“Autism NIâ€:
“NAS – Northern Ireland – Includes Northern Ireland-only version of NAS website, Regional Team, Directory of Local Services & Support, Branches in NI, help! Programme: Post Diagnostic Support, Advocacy for Education Service, National Support Groups & Organisations in NI and Further help from StartHere NI covering Health, Housing, Education, Employment & Other Social Issuesâ€:
“Ireland Information & Historyâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_ireland.html
“Ireland Photo Galleryâ€:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/photography/europe/ireland/alex-di-suvero.html
Video (03.43) “Destination: Irelandâ€:
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/regions-places/europe-western/ireland-overview-dest.html
“Ireland – National geographic Kidsâ€:
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Places/Find/Ireland
“Irish Artists & Musicâ€:
“St Patrick’s Day in Dublin – March 17â€:
http://uk.travel.yahoo.com/p-promo-2882343
ADD/ADHD
“Trio trek to Saudi Arabia to train teachers, share knowledge about ADHD … ADHD prevalence rates in the United States are around 8 percent, whereas the rates in Saudi Arabia are nearly double at 15.5 percent, according to three recent studies. Dendy said the three found the Saudi teachers to be incredibly warm, kind, caring people who were eager to learn. ‘Some speakers come and leave their footprints in Saudi Arabian sand, but you have come and touched our hearts.’,†she said.â€:
http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpID=730&show=localnews&NewsID=952583&CategoryID=3511
“Researchers ID link between Ritalin & Cocaineâ€:
http://wjz.com/health/ritalin.cocaine.link.2.955578.html
“Teachers concerned about moms using Ritalinâ€:
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=vn20090228071337367C187779&click_id=13&set_id=1
“ADHD linked to abnormal REM sleep in childrenâ€:
http://www.scientificblogging.com/news_releases/adhd_linked_abnormal_rem_sleep_children
“UCF Study: Hyperactivity enables children with ADHD to stay alertâ€:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-03/uocf-ush030909.php
“Welcome to Adult ADHD, not just for children anymoreâ€:
http://www.emaxhealth.com/1/37/29718/welcome-adult-adhd-not-children-anymore.html
“Distracted superbly focuses on attention deficitâ€:
http://www.pr-inside.com/distracted-superbly-focuses-on-attention-r1095012.htm
“Easy-to-read advice available for children with ADDâ€:
http://www.gazette.net/stories/02252009/entemon120319_32476.shtml
“Attention deficit on stageâ€:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/attention-deficit-on-stage/
“ADD/ADHD pills can’t teach difference in reading for content versus pleasureâ€:
http://newsblaze.com/story/20090304164135fics.nb/topstory.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
“Duffy to run London marathon for charityâ€:
http://www.rte.ie/arts/2009/0305/duffyk.html
http://www.communitynewswire.press.net/article.jsp?id=5549909
“Trek the Inca Trail – 22-31 May, 2010â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1863
“Trek Ben Nevis – 19-21 June, 2009â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1971
“Flora London Marathon 2009â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1823
“It’s back! The London to Paris Bike Ride 2009 – 15-18 Mayâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1860
5-8 June, 2009 “Five Countries Bike Ride – England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1970
“Racecourse Bike Ride – 12 July, 2009â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2116
“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
“Sky Diving”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1726
MUSIC
“The new man Numanâ€:
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2009/03/05/1235842551139.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2
“Behind the SXSW Buzz: Ladyhawkeâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/austin_music_source_ladyhawke.htm
“Stars Shine for Autism 2009 – 12th March, 2009
Featuring Alfie Boe and the London Chamber Orchestraâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1972&a=18050
“The AutisMusic Projectâ€:
ART
“Zoe Kakolyris exhibition launches in Londonâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2122&a=18908
“Rosie helps autistic charityâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/artist__8_yr_old_rosie_elvis_presley__launch_of_her_first.htm
Photography “Andrew Hewitt – Northallerton man wins photography contestâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/photography__andrew_hewitt_northallerton_man_wins_photogra.htm
“Enter the Hoffman Foundation’s prize for drawing and paintingâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17569
“ARTROOM ………where under 17s can make and display art onlineâ€:
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artroom/index.php
MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT
“Award-winning ‘Spoonface Steinberg’ on tourâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2122&a=18877
“Food safety film wins top award … A film made in Somerset by adults with learning disabilities has won the Best Educational Film Award at a film festival in Canada.â€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/somerset/7916748.stm
“If You Could Say It In Words†An award-winning love story about an impoverished painter with undiagnosed Asperger’s syndrome, If You Could Say It In Words will have its second public screening and West Coast Premiere at the Method Fest film festival in Calabasas, CA on March 29 at 7pm. The screening will occur at Founders Hall, Calabasas Civic Center, Calabasas, CA 91302. For ticketing information see the Method Fest website.
If You Could Say It In Words previously screened at the Derby City Film Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, where it took top honors with “Best Feature†and “Best of Fest†awards by audience balloting. â€:
http://www.ifyoucould-movie.com/
http://www.chipchair.com/default.aspx
“Ben X explores world of teenager with Asperger’s Syndromeâ€:
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090227/ENT/702279966
“Pinkaew’s Chocolateâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/pinkaews_chocolate_coming_to_the_uk.htm
Chocolate Reviews “An autistic teenager learns how to be a master fighter by watching the boxers next door and watching TV and then sets out on a quest to get money from the deadbeats who owe her ailing grandmother money. Hey, you gotta pay the medical bills someway. It’s from the Thai director of the over-praised Ong-Bak. The star Jeeja Yanin has presence but I hate how he shoots and edits his fights. Still, they’re almost worth fastforwarding through the talking scenes to watch.â€:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/dvds—-clint-is-king_b_172274.html
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/panasia/chocolate.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/oct/24/chocolate
http://www.forteantimes.com/reviews/films/1425/chocolate.html
“Actors for Autismâ€:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/
BOOKS
“World Book Dayâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/world_book_day__thursday_5th_march.htm
“Story Contest for braille usersâ€:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/story_contest_for_braille_users.htm
Review of Mark Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-timeâ€
“Brand new ways of seeing and dead neighborhood petsâ€:
David Bainbridge’s “Teenagers†reviewed by Michael Fitzpatrick, author of “Defeating Autism: A Damagng Delusionâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/feb/28/teenagers-natural-history-david-bainbridge
“Autistic Spectrum Disorders in the Secondary School (ASD Support Kit)
Author: Lynn Plimley and Maggie Bowen
“Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Early Years (ASD Support Kit)
Authors: Lynn Plimley, Maggie Bowen and Hugh Morgan
“The Teaching Assistant’s Guide to Autistic Spectrum Disorders (Teaching Assistant’s Series)â€
Authors: Ann Cartwright and Jill Morgan
http://www.mugsy.org/cgi-bin/apf4/amazon_products_feed.cgi?Operation=ItemLookup&ItemId=0826498124&templates=default&locale=uk
“Helping Kids and Teens with ADHD in School: A Workbook for Classroom Support and Managing Transitionsâ€
Authors: Joanne Steer and Kate Horstmann
Illustrated by Jason Edwards
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106630
“Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and the Lawâ€
Author: Michael Mandelstam
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106920
“Autism, Discrimination and the Law: A Quick Guide for Parents, Educators and Employersâ€
Author: James Graham
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106272
MOVIE
“Hotel For Dogs†(PG)
Hotel for Dogs is a 2009 American feature film adaptation of the Lois Duncan novel of the same name about two orphans who take in stray dogs at an empty house. The film, which began shooting November 2007, is directed by Thor Freudenthal and stars Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon, Kyla Pratt, and Don Cheadle. The book was adapted by Jeff Lowell and Kim Possible creators Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle. It was released on January 16, 2009.
Official Movie Site
http://www.hotelfordogsmovie.com/intl/uk/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0785006/
VIDEO GAME
“You’re In The Movies†– Includes Xbox LIVE Vision Camera (Xbox 360)
Rated E (Everyone)
“You’re in the Movies brings the cool factor to kitsch as you live out your dreams of becoming a scream queen, zombie, or kung fu fighter. It’s the first and only game of its kind to transport players into a magical world of cinema mixed with the hilarious world of improvisation. Using the Xbox LIVE Vision camera, players’ actions are captured and placed into short, riotous films that highlight the unique and often dubious acting talents of friends and family.â€
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/y/yitm/
“Sonic And The Black Knight†(Wii)12+
UK Release Date March 13, 2009
http://www.sega.com/sonicblackknight/us/index.html
“More than half of parents view video games as a ‘great social experience’, says surveyâ€:
TECH
“Sporty Joint Implants Could Go the Distanceâ€
Today’s implants last around 15 years at best. And with human life expectancy so high, it is not unusual for people to need expensive and stressful repeat operations.
LIFE
“Hair Blindness Likely to Exist in Humansâ€
Men have another excuse for failing to notice their wife or girlfriend’s new haircut.
New research hints that human brains process hairstyles distinctly from other facial features. And just as a small proportion of people have trouble recognising faces yet otherwise see normally, others probably experience hair blindness.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16720-hair-blindness-likely-to-exist-in-humans.html
Take Care,
Julie
First Published Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Tapering slowly is the mantra for pruning these regimens, but some patients may still experience withdrawal symptoms.
By Victoria Stagg Elliott, AMNews staff..
Not long after Thomas C. Bent, MD, a family physician in Laguna Beach, Calif., prescribes an antidepressant, patients start asking certain questions. “As soon as they’re feeling better they start saying, ‘How long do I have to take this? When can I stop this?’ They don’t say that about their blood pressure medicine,” said Dr Bent, who is the medical director and chief operating officer of the Laguna Beach Community Clinic. He is also president-elect of the California Academy of Family Physicians, although he was speaking personally.
Copyright 2009 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Why some patients have extraordinary difficulty quitting antidepressants isn’t clear. It may be more than simple individual biology. Nor is it confined to psychotropic drugs such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Even aspirin can be very difficult to discontinue for some.