First Published Monday, 23 February 2009

Colin Smith

A handheld device to predict whether patients will respond adversely to medication is one step closer to the market, thanks to a new partnership announced today.

Imperial College London (ICL) and its spinout company DNA Electronics have developed a prototype healthcare device that assesses whether patients are genetically predisposed to suffering adverse reactions to prescription drugs. They are now carrying out trials to test its effectiveness, thanks to a new partnership with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer.

Each year, billions are spent worldwide to treat patients suffering adverse reactions to prescribed medication. These reactions can vary in severity, from dizziness and nausea to heart palpitations or unconsciousness.

A test to identify people likely to react badly to prescribed medication such as antidepressants or cholesterol lowering drugs could enable doctors to tailor dosages and medications to the individual needs of each patient.

The device undergoing trials is the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Doctor, or SNP Dr (pronounced ‘snip doctor’). It is a portable technology that gives fast accurate spot test results for specific DNA sequences that indicate how we are likely to respond to certain drugs.

The SNP Dr works by analysing genetic variations found in DNA called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs are the parts of human DNA that make us all respond differently to disease, bacteria, viruses, toxins or medication.

In particular, researchers are exploring how the SNP Dr might detect genetic sequences linked with metabolism. A slow metabolism can make drugs stay in the body longer, causing adverse side effects, while a fast metabolism can process medication too quickly for it to have any effect.

The SNP Dr works by analysing the DNA in saliva or cheek swab samples, which are placed in a cartridge and exposed to the silicon chip sensors inside the device. A copy of the fast or slow metabolic SNPs is contained in the chip. If they detect a match, a message is displayed on the SNP Dr’s console. Doctors can then assess their patient in their office, without a lengthy and costly laboratory analysis, and prescribe dosages and treatments accordingly.

“Nothing can replace the expert advice your GP gives you. However, the SNP Dr could provide another layer in the treatment process that could help GPs to personalise treatments according to the genetic requirements of each patient,” Professor Chris Toumazou FRS, principal investigator at Imperial, says.

Dr Leila Shepherd, Chief Technology Officer of DNA Electronics adds that the introduction of the SNP Dr into doctors’ offices could also pave the way for new types of drugs to reach patients in the future. “At the moment, some cancer fighting drugs are deemed uneconomical because they only work for a certain subset of patients. If doctors had a method of screening patients to see whether these drugs work, then suddenly these therapies would be more cost effective to use.“

The £1.2 million project is part-funded by the British Government’s Technology and Strategy Board. The partnership will see Imperial and DNA Electronics providing the scientific and product development team with Pfizer providing expertise on SNPs, clinical samples, pharmaceutical sector knowledge and feedback as a potential end user of the product.

First Published Monday, 23 February 2009

Freddie Buckner with school staff Mark Porch, back left, Tendayi Marumani, his mum Suzanne and Terry Mckenzie

By Chine Mbubaegbu
February 20, 2009

Source:  http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/education/s/2045548_mum_wins_fight_for_school_place_for_freddie

Related Article

Reading Evening Post  “Education For All Freddies”:

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

First Published Tuesday, 24 February 2009

A4 Update 2009 (January), Vol 7. No. 1

MS Word	http://a4.org.au/a4/webfm_send/105
PDF	http://a4.org.au/a4/webfm_send/106

First Published Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Katie Miller is an exceptional artist and award winner who says her autism is a positive influence on her work.

PARKTON, Md. (WJZ)

Katie Miller is an exceptional artist and award winner who says her autism is a positive influence on her work.

From the provocative to the innocent to the vulnerable, these are the people and faces of Baltimore artist Katie Miller.

“The majority of my artwork is about the relationship between the mundane and the surreal, and how it relates to changing contemporary notions of childhood,” Miller said.  “I’m interested in things that look like they may be scenes from every day, but when taken out of context they seem very odd or abnormal.”

She is active in the autistic rights movement.

“Most of us are quite happy the way we are. We don’t want to be cured. We’re offended a lot by a lot of the media portrayals of autism as devastating and tragic and needing to be fixed because we are people the way we are,” said Miller.

Katie was just named a winner of the Wynn Newhouse Award for artists with disabilities.  Next month her “Child Standing on a Dresser” will be part of the prestigious VSA Armory Show in New York.

In 2006, Katie studied in Italy and then she graduated with honors from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

She’s an extraordinary artist who sees her autism as a gift.

“I think of autism as a gift because it gives me an excellent attention to detail.  I’m able to stay in my studio for really long periods and not notice anything else.  I’m very sensitive to color, to detail, to line and shape and that really helps my art,” she said.

The Armory Show in New York will be March 5-8. More than 50,000 people are expected.

Click here for more information about Katie Miller’s work.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Source(Includes Video):   http://wjz.com/local/artist.katie.miller.2.942759.html

HEADLINES

“Caustic soda rape sentence review … Disability charities said the sentences were unduly lenient and sent out the “wrong message.”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7885674.stm

“Cameron’s ‘beautiful boy’ dies”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7909562.stm

“Care home left illegal immigrant in charge as resident choked”:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4801880/Care-home-left-illegal-immigrant-in-charge-as-resident-choked.html

“Ten year old boy arrested”:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29188424/

“Zimbabwean carer jailed in the UK”:

http://www..talkzimbabwe.com/news/117/ARTICLE/4320/2009-02-17.html

“Advertising Standards Authority to probe complaints against Action for Children ad”:

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

“We’re failing autistic people, minister admits”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/feb/22/labour-fails-autistic-people

“MP helps to bring autism law a step closer”:

http://www.24dash.com/news/Communities/2009-02-20-MP-helps-to-bring-autism-law-a-step-closer

“Help to create a new law”:

http://www.matlockmercury.co.uk/mercury-letters/Help-to-create-a-new.5001616.jp

“Victory for Autism Bill campaigners”:

http://www..nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1380&a=18817

“Craigmoor unveils expert team of quality development advisors to shape future processes & policies”:

http://www.craegmoor.co.uk/news/craegmoor/1654/craegmoor_unveils_expert_team_of_quality_devlopment_advisors_to_shape_future_processes__policies.aspx

“Parliamentary support builds for NASA hacker”:

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39618459,00.htm

“World autism awareness day 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1625

“”Grand effort for children’s charity Bibic”:

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/news/Grand-effort-children-s-charity-Bibic/article-718045-detail/article.html

“Lord Carlile joins clamour for accused hacker to be tried in UK”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/feb/23/hacking-extradition

“Gary McKinnon supported by anti-terror law watchdog”:

http://www.itpro.co.uk/609974/gary-mckinnon-supported-by-anti-terror-law-watchdog

“Blind girl has her first driving lesson”:

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Blind_girl_has_her_first_driving_lesson&in_article_id=539502&in_page_id=34

“One-armed CBeebies host ‘scaring’ children … Children don’t notice the differences. The parents need to think about how they would feel if it were their child born without an arm. It is great for children with disabilities to see people like them on the television. It just goes to show how important it is to have positive disabled role models on CBeebies and television in general.”

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090223/tuk-one-armed-cbeebies-host-scaring-chil-45dbed5.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1152466/One-armed-presenter-scaring-children-parents-tell-BBC.html

“Wyre dad’s win-win scheme for those with cerebral palsy”:

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Wyre-dad39s-winwin-scheme-for.5011530.jp

Australia “A4 Update January 2009”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/australia__a4_update_january_2009.htm

RESEARCH

“Scientists spot possible treatment for Rett Syndrome”:

http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.aspx?docID=623871

“Screening for fragile X sidelined”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25079143-23289,00.html

“New kind of epilepsy shakes up memory”:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126964.900-new-kind-of-epilepsy-shakes-up-memory.html

“Rare syndrome points to sociability gene”:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126966.300-rare-syndrome-points-to-sociability-gene.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news

“On-the-spot DNA analysis to test tolerance to prescription drugs a step closer”:

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

“British study builds tolerance of nuts in allergic kids”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25085207-23289,00.html

“Cure for peanut allergy closer”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25081598-23289,00.html

“Fine tune your life”:

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090216/LIFE/216278847/1196

“Cannabis advert warns of danger”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7891857.stm

“Health Talk: Rain Man Syndrome”:

http://thetartan.org/2009/2/23/scitech/healthtalk

Australia “Fire disasters trigger psychological stress”:

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

EDUCATION

“Mum wins fight for school place for Freddie”:

http://aspieeditorial.blogcity.com/mum_wins_fight_for_school_place_for_freddie.hm

“Teachers run to raise funds for school … In a bid to generate more funds for The Quest School, which caters for autistic children, Glen Reed and Julie Yeomans took part in a running challenge, reports thisiskent.co.uk.”:

http://www.timeplan.com/news/Teachers+in+the+News-438016433/articles/Teachers+run+to+raise+funds+for+school-19036185.aspx

“Autistic student turns to comics to express herself”:

http://www..gazette.net/stories/02192009/collnew172506_32478.shtml

“Teacher’s tactics fueling debate”:

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090213/ARTICLE/902130355/-1/NEWSSITEMAP#

“Measures to boost child learning … A package of measures to boost child health and learning, including a cash boost for children with disabilities, has been unveiled by ministers.”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7884050.stm

“School uses camera equipment to improve teaching”:

http://www.rapidonline.com/latestnews.aspx?id=19037344&tier1=Educational+Products&title=School+uses+camera+equipment+to+improve+teaching

“Five young stars receive awards”:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Five-young-stars-receive-awards.4981151.jp

EMPLOYMENT

“Tim Jones: Best and worst decisions of my career … My best decision concerns Steve,* who has Asperger’s syndrome. Steve had spent much of his life being moved between residential homes. … my best decision was to persevere. In doing so, I found out what Steve wanted was to be five minutes from his mother and to have his own front door. Through a shared ownership arrangement with United Response, Steve moved into his own home, near his mother, three years ago. Now he has a support team he has hand-picked and control over his life.

One of the best things for me is that I’ve learned a lot from Steve. He knows what is important to him and is about to become something of a “quality controller”, letting us know what sort of job we’re doing in supporting others. Steve has joined our leadership team and brings a refreshing perspective.”:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/02/18/110739/tim-jones-best-and-worst-decisions-of-my-career.html

“Class acts: Why public sector careers are more attractive than ever … Emily Scott, training and volunteer support officer at the National Autistic Society – a role she took after graduating in 2007 – agrees. “I don’t think anyone’s job is completely safe at the moment, but I really do think that compared to my peers in the private sector, I feel a lot more secure. I think a big part of that is because in a charity, you tend to get nurtured, so your training and development is tailored to your role, with the consequence that you have a more key role earlier on in your career in than in some private sector organisations where you have to start at the very bottom and wait a long time for real responsibility and autonomy.”:

http://www.independent.co.uk/student/career-planning/getting-job/class-acts-why-public-sector-careers-are-more-attractive-than-ever-1625469.html

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

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

http://www.auties.org/

“Prospects”:

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

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

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

“Current job vacancies within the NAS”:

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

For further employment information, please view”:

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

GENERAL/HUMAN INTEREST

“Reno mother teaches autistic daughter to read”:

http://www.krnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9892968

VIDEO Autistic couple find love “Learning to love with autism”:

http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/12217745

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Z4-okGnkM

“Daniel Tammet interview: Wide sky thinking”:

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/Daniel-Tammet-interview-Wide-sky.4968423.jp

“Charles Darwin was autistic, claims leading psychiatrist”:

http://www.thelondonnews.net/story/467968

“Psychiatrist sheds new light on Darwin’s extraordinary creativity”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/139428.php

“Time to reclaim the night for sleep”:

http://news.bbc..co.uk/2/hi/health/7880583.stm

“The voices of epilepsy”:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/the-voices-of-epilepsy/

“Children with multiple behaviour problems ASD and ADHD”:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5727101.ece

“Dogs to help autistic children”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/7904418.stm

“Why geeks are suddenly chic”:

http://women.timesonline.co..uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article5703629.ece

“Sex and disability”:

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/relationships/article5716226.ece

PHILIPPINES

Autism Society Philippines

ASP is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons with autism spectrum disorder. We envision an environment that empowers persons with autism spectrum disorder to become, to the best of their potentials, self-reliant, productive and socially accepted members of the community.

http://autismsocietyph.org/

Colors of Autism Spectrum & Alyana

Includes YouTube Video on Acceptance & Inclusion(4mins 24secs)

http://pinoyblogmachine.com/2008/08/27/autism-society-philippines-updates-colors-of-autism-spectrum-alyana/

Autism Society of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter Photo Workshop(Includes Photos”:

http://junsphoto.wordpress.com/2009/01/11/autism-society-of-the-philippines-iloilo-chapter-photo-workshop/

Filipino-American Autism Community

Autism is a part of our existence. This is what brings us together in this community.

Autism transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Maybe it is a culture in itself. One to understand and accept.

The Filipino-American Autism Community is a support group focusing on the social and recreational needs of families with autism. It is a gathering of friends who share their experiences to recognize that our children can and will live a fun and active life despite the disability.

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

The Official Website Of The Republic Of The Philippines

DepEd takes into its fold autistic children:

http://www.gov.ph/news/?i=23311

“Philippines Facts, Information & History”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_philippines.html

“Living in The Philippines … everything you could possibly wish to know about living, retiring, travelling, and doing business in the Philippines. This site includes a look at Culture, Education, Medical/Dental Care, Law(political & international), Crafts, Painting, Recipes & more ”:

http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/

ADD/ADHD

“Shire announces opening of office in Japan”:

http://www.drugs.com/news/shire-announces-opening-office-japan-16292.html

“Meditation reduces ADHD symptoms among students”:

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0902/S00047.htm

“High point pediatrician questions use of psychotropic drugs to terat ADHD”:

http://www.salisburypost.com/Lifestyle/022209-ADHD

“The benefits of nutrition in ADHD”:

http://www.y95radio.com/supplements/0,4825,345457,00.html

“Temple research finds an ADHD drug could help individuals with aphasia regain language abilities”:
http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=139347

“Kids with eczema more likely to have ADHD”:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/18/healthmag.eczema.adhd/index.html?eref=rss_latest

“ADHD expert coming to Elmira”:

http://www.wetmtv.com/news/local/story/ADHD-Expert-Coming-to-Elmira/Z1mfj4Z1V0m11P92IrAzxg.cspx

“Triplet Tales: Thanks to surgeries, love, boy’s heart still keeps rhythm”:

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/596483.html

“What is the nature of alcohol and drug addiction? … Since we were children we learned that if something hurts, we should take a pill to make the pain disappear. We also see that children are being prescribed drugs such as Ritalin in increasing amounts, as parents and doctors smudge the line between active, healthy kids and kids with a true Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).”:

http://www.y95radio.com/motivation/0,4825,426493,00.html

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

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

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

http://www.adders.org/

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

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

“ADDA”:

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

“hi2u ADHD Pages”:

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

“CHADD”:

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

SPORT

“Overnight camp listings”:

http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_11706566

“Trek the Inca Trail – 22-31 May, 2010”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1863

“Trek Ben Nevis – 19-21 June, 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1971

“Flora London Marathon 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1823

“It’s back! The London to Paris Bike Ride 2009 – 15-18 May”:

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, 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2116

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

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

“Trek Jordan 2009 – 10-14 September”:

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

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

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

“Stars Shine for Autism 2009 – 12^th March, 2009

Featuring Alfie Boe and the London Chamber Orchestra”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1972&a=18050

“The AutisMusic Project”:

http://www.autismusic.com/

ART

Katie Miller (Includes Video – 2mins 6secs) “Local artist is positively influenced by autism”:

http://wjz.com/local/artist.katie.miller.2.942759.html

“Stephen Wiltshire”:

http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/

http://www.outsiderart.co.uk/wiltshire.htm

YouTube Video(5:18) “Stephen Wiltshire: The Human Camera”

In this short excerpt from the film Beautiful Minds: A Voyage into the Brain, Wiltshire takes a helicopter journey over Rome and then draws a panoramic view of what he saw, entirely from memory.:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8YXZTlwTAU

“In blindness, a bold new artistic vision”:

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

“Exhibition showcases autism talents”:

http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=139183

“Art Auction – 26 February 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2118&a=18049

“Enter the Hoffman Foundation’s prize for drawing and painting”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17569

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

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

MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT

“12-year-old autistic director debuts film at Beloit Film Festival”:

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/39889412.html

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

BOOKS

Autism’s False Prophets “Vaccine book brings out hidden support”:

http://www.canada.com/health/Vaccine+book+brings+hidden+support+Author/1301769/story.html

“Review: Embracing the Wide Sky by Daniel Tammet”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/feb/14/embracing-the-wide-sky-review

“Fiction Reviews”:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6637217.html?industryid=47159

“Challenge Me! (TM) Speech and Communication Cards”

Amanda Elliott

Illustrated by David Kemp

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843109464

“Grandparenting a Child with Special Needs”

Author: Charlotte E. Thompson M.D.

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

“Small Steps Forward: Using Games and Activities to Help Your Pre-School Child with Special Needs”

2^nd Edition

Author: Sarah Newman

Illustrated by Jeanie Mellersh

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106937

CD-Rom “ISPEEK at Home: Over 1300 Visual Communication Images”

Janet Dixon

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843105107

CD-Rom “ISPEEK at School: Over 1300 Visual Communication Images”

Janet Dixon

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843105114

“Everyday Education: Visual Support for Children with Autism”

Authors: Pernille Dyrbjerg and Maria Vedel

Foreword by Lennart Pedersen

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843104575

“Drama Therapy and Storymaking in Special Education”

Author: Paula Crimmens

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843102915

“Acting Antics: A Theatrical Approach to Teaching Social Understanding to Kids and Teens with Asperger Syndrome”

Author: Cindy B. Schneider

Foreword by Tony Attwood

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108450

“Rules and Standards: The Second Book of Speaking Up: A Plain Text Guide to Advocacy”

Authors: John Tufail and Kate Lyon

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843104766

MOVIE

Wallace & Gromit

A Matter of Loaf and Death

UK DVD Release 23^rd March

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

VIDEO GAME

Endless Ocean (Wii) Rated 3+

Dive into tropical waters and discover the life aquatic, a life of nature, beauty and intrigue. In Endless Ocean, you are the guest of a tranquil sea filled with creatures so unique they must be experienced up-close. More of an experience than a game of any sort, Endless Ocean gives you the freedom to explore underwater locations, searching for fish to photograph and place in your log, or simply take a relaxing swim among the inhabitants of the sea. Come face-to-face with such animals as angelfish, penguins, walruses and dolphins. Whilst underwater, you can even find lost ruins and secret diving locations.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nintendo-045496900427-Endless-Ocean-Wii/dp/B000WINB56/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1LAPVE0138L35&colid=2M2468ZYIVALY

Nintendo DSi Exclusive Hands-On Preview

(Set For Europe Release April 3^rd 2009)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/technologyreviews/4807839/Nintendo-DSi-exclusive-hands-on-preview.html

TECH

From the Archives

Theatrophone – the 19th-century iPod

“Sickly and often bedridden, by February 1911 French novelist Marcel Proust had one constant companion in the solitary confines of his cork-lined Paris sanctuary: a mysterious contraption that he kept by his bed. When he wasn’t labouring over his magnum opus, A la recherche du temps perdu , Proust would collapse into bed, grasp a pair of wires trailing into a primitive headset, and lose himself in Claude Debussy’s opera Pelléas et Mélisande.”

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19726382.000-histories-theatrophone–the-19thcentury-ipod.html

ROBOTICS

“Berti the robot has human touch … One of the most sophisticated robots created in the UK has made its public debut – with a game of rock-paper-scissors. Robots like Berti could be used in the development of prosthetic limbs for people who have been in car accidents or to carry out extremely dangerous jobs such as land mine clearance.”:

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090217/tuk-berti-the-robot-has-human-touch-6323e80.html

Take Care,

Julie

(Message to Australian Autism Community – The site in Australia seems to be experiencing technical difficulties at the moment.  Will post as soon as things are up and running again.  xx)

First Published Thursday, 26 February 2009

By Becky Wilkerson, marketingmagazine.co.uk, 23 February 2009, 1:10pm

The execution has been slammed by a coalition of disability rights campaigners, autistic people, parents and autism specialists who have complained that the ad is an inaccurate and unethical portrayal of autistic people.

More than 60 people have complained to the regulatory body and in excess of 2,000 people have joined a Facebook group calling for the ad’s withdrawal.

The execution features a young boy called Dan talking about his experiences of living with autism and how Action for Children helped him with behavioural problems, in particular, his tendency to lash out at others who were insulting him. It depicts him as being trapped inside a rampaging monster until the charity takes him under its wing, after which he emerges as a vulnerable young man.

The results of the investigation are expected in April.

Source:   http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/883477/Advertising-Standards-Authority-probe-complaints-against-Action-Children-ad/

First Published Thursday, 26 February 2009

Hacker loses extradition battle

Computer hacker Gary McKinnon lost the latest round of his fight against extradition to the US when British prosecutors refused to bring charges against him.

Mr McKinnon, 42, from Wood Green, north London, is accused of sabotaging vital American military systems after the terror attacks of September 11 2001.

His lawyers appealed for him to be prosecuted in Britain on lesser charges, but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) rejected their request.

Mr McKinnon insists he was only looking for evidence of UFOs when he hacked into a series of US military networks in 2001 and 2002. He has signed a statement accepting that his hacking constituted an offence under the UK’s Computer Misuse Act 1990.

His supporters say he acted through “naivety” as a result of suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome – a form of autism – and should not be considered a criminal.

But the US military alleges that he caused 800,000 dollars (£550,000) worth of damage and left 300 computers at a US Navy weapons station unusable immediately after the September 11 atrocities.

Mr McKinnon’s legal team hoped to avoid his extradition by having him prosecuted in the UK, and made a formal request for this to director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer in December.

The CPS said it found enough evidence to bring charges against the hacker under the Computer Misuse Act for obtaining “unauthorised access with intent”. But Alison Saunders, head of the CPS organised crime division, said: “The evidence we have does not come near to reflecting the criminality that is alleged by the American authorities.”

The CPS also decided that the case was best prosecuted in the US. Mrs Saunders said: “The bulk of the evidence is located in the United States, the activity was directed against the military infrastructure of the United States, the investigation commenced in the United States and was ongoing, and there are a large number of witnesses, most of whom are located in the United States.”

Glasgow-born Mr McKinnon is accused by the US of “the biggest military computer hack of all time”. He allegedly hacked into 53 US Army computers and 26 US Navy computers, including those at US Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey, which is responsible for replenishing munitions and supplies for the Atlantic fleet. He is also accused of hacking into 16 Nasa computers, one US Department of Defence computer and one machine belonging to the US Air Force.

Source:   http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090226/tuk-hacker-loses-extradition-battle-6323e80.html

Nasa hacker judicial review date set

Tom Espiner ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 27 Feb 2009 18:03 GMT

A date has been set for a High Court judicial review of Nasa hacker Gary McKinnon’s case.

The review, set for the 9 and 10 June, will focus on whether McKinnon’s diagnosis with Asperger’s syndrome was taken into account during his appeals process.

Gary McKinnon’s mother Janis Sharp told ZDNet UK of the judicial review date via an email on Friday. Sharp said she had felt “broken” and “beaten up” by a Crown Prosecution Service decision on Thursday not to prosecute McKinnon in the UK, but that she was now “getting back in fighting mode”.

McKinnon has been accused by US prosecutors of “the biggest military hack of all time”. The US authorities allege that McKinnon caused $700,000 (£500,000) of damage, and disabled systems and military equipment, by hacking into US military computers at the Pentagon, at Nasa, and at US military installations in 2001. McKinnon has never denied hacking US systems, but denies causing damage. He claims to have been searching for UFOs.

McKinnon faces up to seventy years in a maximum security if found guilty by a US court. He is currently forty-three.

McKinnon’s solicitor Karen Todner told ZDNet UK on Friday that she hoped the High Court review would prevent McKinnon’s extradition.

“We’re hoping the court will say that Gary’s Asperger’s will prevent his extradition, as to extradite him would be a breach of his human rights,” said Todner.

The review will include an appraisal of Home Secretary Jacqui Smith’s decision not to halt McKinnon’s extradition to the US in September. Smith was aware of McKinnon’s Asperger’s when she turned down the autumn appeal against McKinnon’s extradition.

Source:   http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39619910,00.htm

Judicial Review To Decide Of McKinnon’s Fate In June 2009

Gary McKinnon has been handed yet another lifeline as it was revealed that a court will decide whether McKinnon’s Asperger’s syndrome should have been taken into consideration by the CPS.

According to ZDNet, the High Court Judicial review will “focus on whether McKinnon’s diagnosis with Asperger’s syndrome was taken into account during his appeals process.”

The CPS rejected McKinnon’s request to be trialled in the UK earlier this week and the hacker seemed doomed, having gone through a number of previous reprieves.

A number of high profile supporters have publicly voiced their support for McKinnon. They include Singer Sting, London Mayor Boris Johnson, Prof Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University and Terror law watchdog Lord Carlile.

Of course, the decision by the CPS comes during the week when former Guantanamo Bay detainee, Binyam Mohamed returns to the UK after what Duncan Campbell from the Guardian, calls “his appalling mistreatment at the hands of the US authorities”. He also questions whether the UK government should offer another British citizen to the US criminal justice system.

McKinnon’s mother, Janis Sharp, has also written to President Barack Obama, pleading her son’s case with probably the only man in the US who can reverse the extradition and grant him pardon.

There’s something fundamentally flawed about the way McKinnon is being treated by the British Government. It surely has nothing to do with the fact that he is of Scottish origin. The government seems to have done more for Binyam Mohamed, who is not even a UK citizen, than for McKinnon and this doesn’t bode well for the rest of us.

Related Links

Nasa hacker judicial review date set

Source: http://www.itproportal.com/security/news/article/2009/3/1/judicial-review-decide-mckinnons-fate-june-2009/

NAS – Disappointment at Decision Not To Prosecute Gary McKinnon In The UK

Despite widespread public support from campaigners and the autism community, the Crime Prosecution service (CPS) announced today (26 February 2009) that it would not bring charges against Gary McKinnon in the UK.

Gary McKinnon was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in August 2008 and is facing extradition to the United States to stand trial for allegedly hacking into US Defense computer systems. As a result of his late diagnosis, his Asperger syndrome was not taken into account in any legal proceedings prior to August 2008.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) Chief Executive Mark Lever said:

“We are very disappointed by today’s CPS decision not to prosecute Gary McKinnon in the UK. Over 4000 people emailed the Attorney General about this through a campaign on the NAS website and gary continues to have a lot of support from the autism community. We still strongly believe that the extradition, and a possible maximum security prison sentence, would be inappropriate and very damaging for anyone affected by Asperger syndrome.

“Despite this setback we will continue to challenge his extradition and we are urging you to contact your MP and request that they sign up to Early Day Motion 487 in support of Gary McKinnon.”

The case now rests on a Judicial Review of the Secretary of State’s decision to extradite Gary, which is likely to take place in the next couple of months. The decision to allow Judicial Review was the result of a High Court hearing on 23 January 2009. The NAS submitted evidence to this hearing relating to the nature of Asperger syndrome and the issue of late diagnosis. This evidence was particularly important since the High Court acknowledged that Gary had been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome late and that it seemed that late diagnosis was not uncommon.

Please visit this page, www.autism.org.uk/mckinnon, again soon to find out how you can take action in support of Gary McKinnon.

Related resources

Sting Supports Hacker McKinnon’s Fight for UK Trial

Author: Ian Grant

Posted: 16:00  02 Mar 2009

Police frontman Sting and wife Trudie Styler are among the latest celebrities to support self-confessed hacker Gary McKinnon’s bid to be tried in the UK for what US officials call “the biggest military hack of all time“.

Sting and Styler have written to home secretary Jacqui Smith backing his case against extradition to the US, reports the Mail on Sunday.

Last week, the director of public prosecutions (DPP) said he found “no evidence” on which to charge McKinnon in the UK. Lawyers for McKinnon said the DPP had not asked to see what evidence the US held for its extradition request.

Extradition arrangements between the US and UK allow the US to demand and receive the extradition of UK citizens without having to show prima facie evidence that supports their suspicions. However, the US insists that British requests for US citizens to face trial in the UK are supported by evidence.

McKinnon earlier wrote to the DPP to confirm that he had admitted to UK police in 2001 to contravening the Computer Misuse Act. McKinnon also asked to be tried in the UK rather than the US, where he faces up to 70 years in jail.

Sting told The Mail on Sunday, “It is a travesty of human rights that Gary McKinnon finds himself in this dreadful situation.

“The US response in relation to the true nature of Gary’s crime is disproportionate in the extreme. Gary is even contemplating suicide because of his fear of incarceration as a terrorist in a US jail.

“The British government is prepared to hand over this vulnerable man without reviewing the evidence.”

Earlier, the government’s former terrorist watchdog Lord Carlile supported a local trial for McKinnon. London mayor Boris Johnson also lent his weight to McKinnon’s bid.

Cambridge University’s Simon Baron-Cohen, a world authority on autism, said McKinnon, who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, an autistic condition, should be tried in the UK. McKinnon should be treated not as a terrorist but as a man with a social disability, he said.

Source:   http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2009/03/02/235094/sting-supports-hacker-mckinnons-fight-for-uk-trial.htm

Ma McKinnon plans musical extradition protest

G20 ‘sing-in’

Related Articles

Gary McKinnon – Ongoing Updates:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/gary_mckinnon_updates.htm

Ongoing Updates: Gary McKinnon: Extradition Judicial review Hearing Set for Jan 20″:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/ongoing_updates_gary_mckinnon_extradition_judicial_review_.htm

Ongoing Updates: Dan Ackroyd, Peter Howson, Politicians Rally Behind Gary McKinnon/”Only A Fool” Music Video”:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/dan_ackroyd_peter_howsonpoliticians_rally_behind_gary_mcki.htm

Gary McKinnon: Last Ditch Attempt Fails, Judicial Review Only Recourse Left:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/gary_mckinnon_last_ditch_attempt_fails_judicial_review_onl.htm

First Published Thursday, 26 February 2009

The European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for Servier’s agomelatine (Valdoxan^®, Thymanax^®), the first melatonergic antidepressant for the treatment of adult patients with major depressive episodes.

It has melatonin receptor (MT1) and (MT2) agonist properties and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 2C (5-HT2C) antagonist properties.

“Valdoxan’s mechanism of action is unlike those of the commonly-prescribed antidepressants, the SSRIs and SNRIs, as Valdoxan exerts its antidepressant efficacy without having an impact on serotonin levels,” says Professor Racagni from the University of Milan, Italy.

Valdoxan is claimed to be effective against all the core symptoms of depression, including depressed mood, anxiety, feeling of guilt, psychomotor retardation, sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue, without affecting sexual functioning or weight.

Following approval from the European Commission, Valdoxan is expected to become commercially available in European countries in the coming months.

First Published Friday, 2 January 2009

Men often experience nontraditional symptoms of depression, which can keep them from recognizing the problem and seeking help.

If you’re a man and suffer from depression, you’re not alone! Nearly six million men in the United States are diagnosed with depression each year. But because men are less likely than women to recognize their symptoms and seek treatment, many more men probably suffer from this condition.

Depression in men is under diagnosed for at least two reasons:

1. 1.  Men tend not to experience some of the typical symptoms of depression, for example, crying episodes and feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and guilt, which are common in women. Instead, men with depression may experience anger, irritability, frustration, and physical problems, such as headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. They may also experience sleeping problems, withdrawal, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, just like women. In addition, they may become self-critical and doubt their abilities. Men often mask their depression by turning to drugs or alcohol, or by working excessively long hours.
3. 
   
4. 2.  Men may be less likely than women to talk about their symptoms or report them to their doctor. Moreover, they may feel that they can handle their depression or that it will go away on its own. However, men’s reluctance to seek treatment may explain why more than four times as many men than women die by suicide, although more women attempt suicide. In fact, the highest suicide rate is for white men over 85 years of age. Even men who do not attempt suicide may engage in reckless behavior that is life threatening.

The good news

The good news is that men who do receive treatment for depression respond as well to medication and psychotherapy as women. If you think you might be experiencing some of the symptoms of depression, see your primary care physician. He or she may start treatment or refer you to a mental health professional. Some men are reluctant to consider therapy, but most research suggests that a combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy is the most effective treatment approach.

Source:   http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/depression_anxiety/JohnsHopkinsDepressionAnxietyHealthAlert_280-1.html

Johns Hopkins Health Alert

Men And The Blues

Is depression really less common in men than in women? Researchers are beginning to wonder. In fact, some experts believe that depression may actually be just as common in men as in women but is often overlooked because of its different symptoms. Rather than feeling sad, weepy, worthless, or guilty, as women usually do, men are more inclined to get angry and irritable, feel an increasing loss of control over their lives, take greater risks, become more aggressive, and complain about problems at work. But the consequences of depression in men — and of not being diagnosed and treated — can be even more dangerous than for women. Tragically, men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide. And while depression is associated with a greater risk of coronary heart disease in both genders, a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that only depressed men, not depressed women, suffer a higher death rate from heart disease. Researchers believe that men are more vulnerable than women to stressful life changes that can trigger depression, such as divorce, loss of a spouse, unemployment, or retirement. All too often, men fail to get treatment because they may not recognize the symptoms of depression or, even if they notice something is wrong, they can’t admit they have a problem for fear of being perceived as “weak” or “dependent.” Typically, when men try to cope with depression on their own, they often become argumentative and combative, withdraw from relationships, engage in dangerous sports or unprotected sex with multiple partners, and self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Ultimately, these risky behaviors only make the condition much worse. The stigma surrounding depression is lessening in this country, even for men, as researchers are learning about the physical basis for depression — it’s not a sign of weakness, but rather a brain disorder that can be treated. Because of the change in thinking, men are slowly coming around to the idea that it’s okay to get help for a mental illness. So if you’ve noticed that you’re feeling more irritable or withdrawn than usual, be sure to tell your primary care doctor about it. He or she can perform tests to check for illnesses that could be causing depression, assess whether your medications are a contributing factor, and evaluate the need for antidepressant medication or psychotherapy. Bottom line on men and depression: Assistance is readily available in a variety of treatments that can help manage depression and make you feel better. The good news is that men who receive treatment respond as well as women do to medication and psychotherapy. There is no disgrace in seeking help — and no one except you and your doctor needs to know you’re doing so. The only shame is in letting outdated notions about depression and masculinity stop you from taking advantage of the support that is available.

Posted in Depression and Anxiety on January 21, 2009

First Published Friday, 2 January 2009

By Jenna McGuire

A new study suggests that college students may handle stressful situations better if they have a pet.

Research has already shown that pets can improve the quality of life for people who are aging or those who are chronically ill. But researchers at Ohio State University recently found that many college students may also benefit from owning a cat or a dog.

A survey of students at a large university and other adults in the area found that nearly a quarter of college students surveyed believed their pets helped them get through difficult times in life. Students who chose to live with at least one dog, one cat, or a combination of the two were less likely to report feeling lonely and depressed; something they directly attributed to their beloved pet.

These findings highlight how even younger, healthier young adults can benefit from living with our four-legged friends, said Sara Staats, lead author of the study and professor emeritus of psychology at Ohio State’s Newark Campus.

“We might not think of college students as being lonely, but a lot of freshman and sophomores are in an early transition from living at home to living in dorms or off-campus. College is a very stressful environment for them and sometimes they can feel isolated or overwhelmed with the change,” she said.

“We found that a lot of young adults are choosing to have an animal companion for important reasons. Many feel their pets will help get them through these difficult and stressful situations, and many more say that without their pet, they would feel lonely.“

The study was based on survey responses from nearly 350 college students at a Midwestern commuter campus and nearby community members. Only those people who currently or previously owned a cat, a dog, or a combination of the two were included in the present study. People who were 18 to 87 years of age were all surveyed to study the differences between adults and students.

Participants were asked to indicate their current level of health, the type of pet(s) owned, and whether they believed a pet affected their overall health. They were then asked to identify their top reasons for owning a pet in both multiple-choice and open-ended surveys. The results were recently published in the journal Society and Animals.

The results showed that most adults and college students chose to own a pet for similar reasons. Although the results were based on self-reports, many of those surveyed believed their pet contributed to their overall health in a number of ways.

Nearly a quarter of all college students and adults reported that their pet was useful in keeping them active. This answer was more common for those who owned dogs, but those who had feline friends also reported their cat helped keep them active.

Likewise, 18 percent of college students and 13 percent of adults said their pet was important to helping them cope during difficult times. This belief was far more likely among those who were single rather than married, but it was listed by both groups in both open-ended and multiple choice questions.

But the results showed that avoiding loneliness was the top reason given by both students and adults. Nearly identical percentages of married and single persons gave this response, but students and those over 50 years of age were far more likely to list this as their top reason.

While previous work has demonstrated that the elderly benefit from animal companionship, this study is the one of the first to suggest that animal companions help those younger than 30 years of age, Staats said.

“Most of the studies on pet ownership focus directly on those adults and older generations who have heart problems or special needs. But there hasn’t been much recognition of that fact that young, healthy college students also derive benefits from pet ownership such as hedge against loneliness and improved ability to cope,” she said.

While the reasons for keeping a pet may be similar among adults and college students, the lifestyles differences between the two may provide clues as to why students rely on their pets more often, Staats said.

Many people in their late twenties to mid-forties have established circles of friends. Adults usually live in areas with friends, colleagues, and family nearby, making their lives more stable than those beginning to build their lives. Many more adults are married or have started raising a family, and have years of experience learning how to cope with difficult situations.

Many first and second-year students, however, are in the beginning stages of building a new network of friends. College students living far from home may find it harder to deal with difficult situations because they are thrown into a new environment and expected to find their way, often for the first time in their lives.

As a result, many students may find themselves feeling isolated and withdrawn from their environment.

“Many students said that their pets fulfill a significant role that is missing in their lives. The pets are not a substitute for human social interaction and support, but they do provide important interaction for these kids who might otherwise feel isolated from their current environment,” Staats said.

“I wouldn’t advise everyone to go out and buy a puppy. But I think this research clearly shows that many students can benefit both psychologically and socially from living with an animal companion.“

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Staats S, Wallace H, Anderson T. Reasons for Companion Animal Guardianship (Pet Ownership) from Two Populations. Soc. Animals 2008 Nov;16(3):279-291   [Abstract]

Pets really do improve our mental (and physical) health. Here’s why.

Pets are more than just furry friends and loyal companions. Yes, pets tug at our heartstrings, but they also improve our health, both mental and physical, helping us to live longer and happier lives. Studies over the past 25 years have shown that stroking a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate and boost levels of the mood-related brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine. Heart attack sufferers recover more quickly and survive longer when they have a pet at home, and children who are exposed to pets early in life may have a reduced risk of allergies and asthma.

For people with disabilities, pets can offer a lifeline to a more normal existence: guiding the blind, hearing for the deaf, and performing tasks for those who can’t do for themselves. Dogs and cats, even a tankful of fish, calm frazzled nerves and ease anxiety and depression, according to research. In one study, pets seemed to temper some of the psychological stress of being a caregiver to someone who is ill or suffering from dementia.

Dogs also act as conversation starters among strangers, a common interest, and a shared purpose. By getting their owners out of the house, dogs can also be a great stimulus for exercise and a tool for weight loss. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that people who walked a dog for 10 minutes three times a week, eventually working up to 20 minutes five times a week over the course of a year, lost an average of 14 lbs, without changing their diets.

Why do pets make us feel better? One reason is that pets alter our behavior. When they are near, we tend to calm down and speak more slowly and softly. All types of pets offer distractions from the worries of the day, because we naturally shift our attention to them when they are around. Pets also provide an opportunity to touch and stroke another living thing, which has been shown to be of value to our mental and physical health.

Further Articles

A child’s best friend is his dog

Dec 18 2008 by Linda Elias, Cynon Valley Leader

AN AUTISTIC child’s love for his dog has earned the animal a Child’s Best Friend award.

Paddy, a four-year-old Glen of Imaal Terrier, has made an amazing difference to the life of seven-year-old Ryan Gough, of Tudor Terrace, Aberdare.

And his parents Gaynor 37, and Jeremy, 38, were so impressed at the bond formed between Ryan and Paddy, that they nominated the much-loved dog for a special award.

“Paddy is devoted to Ryan and has changed his life,” said Mr Gough.

“His condition has improved in all aspects.”

When the family saw a competition in the magazine Dogs Today, asking readers to write in if a dog had helped someone through an illness or difficult time, they quickly put pen to paper.

To their delight, Paddy scooped the Child’s Best Friend Category and is also featured in a 2009 calendar brought out by the magazine. He will be the dog for April.

Ryan was diagnosed with autism when he was two and has difficulties with communication.

His speech is affected and the seven-year-old, a pupil at Ysgol y Goch, Tonteg, uses a symbol board to communicate.

“When we decided to get a dog, we researched the whole matter very carefully and chose a Glen of Imaal Terrier as they are very placid and good-natured,” said Mr Gough.

“They are a very rare breed of dog, and because Paddy was such a treasure, we have a bought another one – Cassie, who is almost a year old.”

Paddy, he said, has a great calming effect on Ryan and the little boy will talk to the dogs when he will not talk to the family.

“The dogs, especially Paddy, have changed our home life, improving it 100%,” said Mr Gough.

“Ryan used to suffer screaming tantrums, but these are now virtually a thing of the past.”

Ryan, he said, also has tremendous help and support from his older sister Lawrie, 11, who is a pupil at St John Baptist School, Aberdare.

Source:   http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/cynon-valley/2008/12/18/a-child-s-best-friend-is-his-dog-91466-22487135/