First Published Tuesday, 16th September, 2008.
Have Your Say On The Reform Of Adult Social Services
The Government has called for as many people as possible to give them their views on what a new and more holistic care and support system should look like.
Care and support is the new term being used to describe both traditional social care services and a range of other services and financial assistance that help people to be “independent, active and healthy”.
It includes:
- ‘traditional’ social services such as domiciliary care, meals on wheels, day care and care homes
- some elements of housing support services for older people and disabled people; i.e. support funded through Supporting People, plus adaptations that help people get around their own home, such as hand rails (often funded through the Disabled Facilities Grant)
- support for independent living, including the Independent Living Fund
- benefits that help people with the extra costs of disability in later life.
The three big questions that the Government wants an answer to in this debate are:
1) What more do we need to do to make our vision of independence, choice and control for adults accessing social care a reality?
2) What should the balance of responsibility be between the individual, the family and the Government? The Government have found that some people are prepared to accept responsibility for contributing towards the costs of care and support. With an ageing population increasing the burden on the system, the Government wants to look at how best to allocate available funding.
3) Should the system be the same for all or should we consider varying the way we allocate state funding?
There are a number of key trade-offs underlying this third question:
- Should there be one system for everyone, or different systems depending on the type of care and support need a person has? Should people with longer-term needs receive more support (those with a disability from a young age would have had less time to save money)
- Which is more important: local flexibility (and therefore the potential for a postcode lottery) or national standards (which could mean that a particular need in one area is not met if it is not a national priority)?
- What should the balance be between targeting government resources to those least able to pay, whilst having a system that supports those who plan and save?
To find out more and to submit your views, go to www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk
The consultation closes on 28th November 2008.
First Published Tuesday, 16th September, 2008.
Congratulations to Elbow for winning the Mercury Music Prize 2008
Everyone at the National Autistic Society would like to say a huge congratulations to the band Elbow for winning the Mercury Music Prize on 9th September. The band, who support the NAS and who will be raising money for the charity through their forthcoming tour, have been together since forming in 1991 and have won this prestigious music award for their fourth studio album ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’.
The band can also be heard on the soundtrack of the new Coen Brothers Film ‘Burn After Reading’ (starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich and Tilda Swinton). Their new UK tour kicks off on Monday 6 October followed by dates across Europe in November. For more information please visit www.elbow.co.uk
First Published Tuesday, 16th September, 2008.
ADAPT Activists Arrested
at McCain Campaign Headquarters over Housing Platform
Today’s JFA:Â *11 Disability Activists Arrested at McCain
Headquarters<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcS3cDEnSSrE#11c682d042653d8e_LETTER.BLOCK3>
* *Public Housing Authorities, Moving People out of Nursing
Homes<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcS3cDEnSSrE#11c682d042653d8e_LETTER.BLOCK6>
* *Senate Passes Bill Protecting People with Disabilities in
Workplace<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcS3cDEnSSrE#11c682d042653d8e_LETTER.BLOCK5>
* *TIME SENSITIVE: Feedback Needed from Adults with
Autism<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcS3cDEnSSrE#11c682d042653d8e_LETTER.BLOCK15>
* *Grassroots Rally WEDNESDAY – “Victory Lap” for ADA Amendments
Act<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcS3cDEnSSrE#11c682d042653d8e_LETTER.BLOCK11>
* *Senator Obama on Senate Passage of ADA Amendments
Act<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcS3cDEnSSrE#11c682d042653d8e_LETTER.BLOCK14>
*Â *11 Disability Activists Arrested at McCain Headquarters after Staff
Refuses to Accept Disability Housing Platform*Â [image: ADAPT
logo]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jroYUg0rGQDsqYM3_I77jsGR36NZ7mAK8RlQJIM1wv6Xcy3b1VBAiUat8OTlc3aX6qIXU2FK7Vo2r449__dP5f_CoJA-7zRVlOoykDDwGWw=>
From Bob Kafka, National Organizer, ADAPT:
Civil Rights done in a different way. 500 ADAPT activists have set up DUH
City on the HUD Plaza in DC. WITHOUT A PLACE TO LIVE IT IS HARD TO GET A
JOB. Low income people with disabilities are about 15 percent of medium
income. ADAPT has developed a housing platform that they want Obama and
McCain to endorse.
As I write this ADAPT activists are being arrested in Sen McCain’s office as
he refused to accept the platform. Earlier in the day DNC officials
accepted the ADAPT Platform.
INCLUSION, INTEGRATION INDEPENDENCE
Community First!
The ADAPT Community
www.duhcity.org
<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jroYUg0rGQAon8V7DNKOcVx9imnNQjeAvLbHetD5rn9CVhWmAk_HK3tkLA07UzLMaK-Pbyr9fL-WBA3N6JJ-ybo3V7NOzA38A2-3SKHkSmo=>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From ADAPT:
ADAPT Fights Back re: Nation’s Low Income People with Disabilities Left
Behind in Election Year Agendas
When: Monday, September 15, 2008
Where: The plaza outside the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410
Why: The 2008 election campaigns have included rhetoric about tax breaks for
middle income families, and media coverage has included stories about
familes who have children with disabilities. Left out of all the election
rhetoric are the candidates’ positions on and commitments to those babies
with disabilities who grow into adults with disabilities who all-too-often
survive on extremely low incomes (less than 30% of the median income).
These extremely low incomes are often the fixed benefit amounts of SSI and
Social Security.
In 2006, according to Priced Out in 2006, the federal SSI benefit was
$603/month and the average cost nationally of renting a studio/efficiency
apartment was $633/month.
There are not enough AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE, INTEGRATED housing units to
handle the current demand in communities across America. When the Community
Choice Act (S 799, H.R. 1621) passes, and older and disabled people can
choose to live in their own homes instead of being forced into nursing homes
and other institutions, the need for affordable, accessible housing will
increase. And as the baby-boomers continue to age, the demand will grow
exponentially.
HUD, Congress and the Administration have broken promises, cut funding for
housing stock and housing subsidies and enforcement of anti-discrimination
housing laws, and simply ignored the nation’s low-income people with
disabilities altogether.
ADAPT has established “DUH City” (reverse of HUD) to bring attention to and
document the struggle of low income people with disabilities. When the
average rent for even an efficiency apartment is more than your monthly
income… where do you wind up? All too often you’re forced out on the
street or into a nursing home or other institution. DUH!
ADAPT’s tent city will be a typical community complete with its own
newspaper, TV coverage, and other services.
For Information Contact:
Randy Alexander (901) 359-4982
Marsha Katz (406) 544-9504
*Public Housing Authorities, Moving People Out of Nursing Homes and
Preference Categories*
[image: Steve Gold]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jroYUg0rGQDsqYM3_I77jsGR36NZ7mAK8RlQJIM1wv6Xcy3b1VBAiUat8OTlc3aX6qIXU2FK7Vo2r449__dP5f_CoJA-7zRVlOoykDDwGWw=>
From
Steve Gold:
Public Housing Authorities, Moving People Out of Nursing Homes and
Preference Categories
Information Bulletin # 259 (9/08)
Throughout the country, Public Housing Authorities have waiting lists for
both their housing vouchers and public housing units.
In many states, people are in nursing homes because they cannot afford to
rent an apartment or housing unit on their limited SSI incomes. Without
either a housing voucher or a public housing units, many people in nursing
facilities will continue to be institutionalized.
The question that has been raised a number of times is whether or not your
Public Housing Authority could target their vouchers and public housing
units to help transition people out of nursing homes and other
institutions?
People have complained that their Public Housing Authorities, because they
have waiting lists for housing vouchers and public housing units, have not
been responsive and have presented a number of excuses to using their
vouchers and housing units to end unnecessary institutionalization.
Here are a number of points you should be aware of:
1. Yes, your Pubic Housing Authority can open its waiting list for one
preference category of people – for example, people transitioning out of
institutions…
>>Read the rest of the information bulletin<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jroYUg0rGQAAORJnbM_hH9cJcx-NYL3HAZQZrdWBvOHrvX9L75CBH_ms0C_Rbj_ncJtyQW-m4fLxQ7SvVdLGITOXh65OyfzY8UcdzjAA8rbGwGqsMtZo8ljb3ixu7mNaupRmqupwCGM3jOTNhyxT2maj3cVVKN9EO9ijiyZSI2nbyZaiU6po3Q==>
*Senate Passes Bill Protecting People with Disabilities in the
Workplace*Â [image:
Reuters logo]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jroYUg0rGQDsqYM3_I77jsGR36NZ7mAK8RlQJIM1wv6Xcy3b1VBAiUat8OTlc3aX6qIXU2FK7Vo2r449__dP5f_CoJA-7zRVlOoykDDwGWw=>
From Reuters (9/11):
Senate passes bill protecting disabled people
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Senate on Thursday approved major legislation
that would expand protection against workplace discrimination for people
with disabilities and overturn several Supreme Court rulings that curbed
such safeguards in the past decade.
The measure, passed on a voice vote and without dissent…
TIME SENSITIVE: Feedback Needed from Adults with Autism
From the Autistic Self Advocacy Network President Ari
Ne’eman<aneeman@gmail.com>:
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) has put out a Request
for Information (RFI) to seek input from stakeholders (those interested in
autism), including autistic individuals, about what they consider to be
high-priority issues and concerns surrounding services and supports for
children, youth, and adults with ASD.
The RFI is due no later than Sept. 19, 2008. People should direct their
comments to iaccservices@mail.nih.gov. (Read more
info<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jroYUg0rGQBO0Bn2hACHp2TaFwmQPjnZEAJNrc6CiAuKs_lPEs3YyPEsGUbPZBRtn9k4IsL6RY6JshlBVdyV4p-HW6-53BNSBW1AYrnYSoqYnay9cATS9tY6faiRlR4SdJbqUHWBvYSptaKFUacK3LXEn_lBfnOpbl2Z_S1-_xEqs0zt7Gdn_w==>
)
This RFI provides an excellent opportunity for self advocates and allies to
make our voices heard. Members of the IACC are very interested in hearing
from individuals on the autism spectrum. They’ve heard extensively from the
anti-vaccine crowd, from parents,
experts, researchers, and from people on the autism spectrum.
More input from autistic adults at this point, when the IACC is coming close
to finalizing a budget and mission statement for the Strategic Plan, will
mean more attention to the issues we consider to be most important.
The focus of this particular RFI on services and supports is an area that
many autistic adults have much to say about; here is a chance to say it
directly to the committee that will be allocating resources to various
areas. Currently, funding is skewed toward genetic research
and research into treatments and interventions.
In the time that autistic individuals have been submitting comments and
testifying at IACC meetings, some positive change has been noted in the
amount of funds earmarked for research into services and supports.
>>Review ASAN’s Talking Points for Developing Comments<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jroYUg0rGQB1s2Wwg0eColPeh-Ylls9rwxZqJxXIvMtDHbLqITC6F6zD4Z7LYRmm442XNzbS-tqPiOUp67PGqNE4BoORLaUsBs16QTBI_mQ54YG0Kf-o9xWxo08CPAb0XWTw43hew7MklbWUrYs0dIG3xIgOVxh2HN2XaSfpWYm16XhI4uIGAbLq_0lm9_Pu>
MODERATOR, Anne Sommers, JUSTICE FOR ALL — A Service of the American
Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).
To respond to a JFA email, submit an article, or contact the moderator,
email her at JFAModerator@aol.com.
*ACCESSIBILITY:* To request to receive a text-only version of this and every
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*DISCLAIMER:* The JFA listserv is designed to share information of interest
to people with disabilities and promote dialogue in the disability
community. Information circulated does not necessarily express the views of
AAPD. The JFA listserv is non-partisan.
*JFA ARCHIVES:* All JFA postings from 1995 through October 2007 are available
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*Grassroots Rally WEDNESDAY – “Victory Lap” for ADA Amendments Act
* [image: Support the ADAAA 2008
sticker]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jroYUg0rGQDsqYM3_I77jsGR36NZ7mAK8RlQJIM1wv6Xcy3b1VBAiUat8OTlc3aX6qIXU2FK7Vo2r449__dP5f_CoJA-7zRVlOoykDDwGWw=>
Joincross-disability coalition advocates and Congressional leaders at a press
rally to celebrate Congress’ passage of the ADA Amendments Act. The House
is expected to act on the final bill Wednesday morning and then send it to
the White House for President Bush’s signature.
Time:Â 1:45pm on Wednesday, September 17
Place:Â West front steps of the Capitol – House side.
There is accessibility and ramps from both the House and Senate side and
there will be Capitol police to assist and direct.
There will be a sign language interpreter for the event.
Speakers: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Reps. James Sensenbrenner and
Jerrold Nadler, Sens. Tom Harkin and Orrin Hatch, and AAPD Vice Chair Tony
Coelho!
*Senator Obama on Senate Passage of ADA Amendments Act* [image: Senator
Barack Obama (D-IL)]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jroYUg0rGQDsqYM3_I77jsGR36NZ7mAK8RlQJIM1wv6Xcy3b1VBAiUat8OTlc3aX6qIXU2FK7Vo2r449__dP5f_CoJA-7zRVlOoykDDwGWw=>
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Senate Adoption of the ADA Amendments Act
CHICAGO, IL – U.S. Senator Barack Obama today issued the following statement
regarding the Senate’s adoption of S. 3406, the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008. Senator Obama has strongly supported the
proposal since the introduction of a companion bill in the House, and the
Senate bill was adopted by unanimous consent on Thursday.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act is one of the key civil rights laws of
this century, but its impact has been diminished over the years by the
appointment of judges who have not honored that original intent. The
Senate’s adoption of this bill takes us one step closer to ensuring that
discrimination against people with disabilities is rejected in both our laws
and our actions. I am proud to have supported this legislation from the
beginning…
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<http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=newsVE02> American Association
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DC | 20006
—
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
732.763.5530
First Published Monday, 15th September, 2008.
Fwd:
Hi,
It’s that time of year again. This coming Sunday,
Alex will be running 10K in the Charlottetown
Terry Fox Run. Alex was thrilled to meet Darrell
Fox and see Terry’s van when it was on PEI this
summer
(http://therunman. blogspot. com/2008/ 06/terry- fox-tour- of-hope-terry- foxs-van. html).
On Sunday October 5th, Alex will once again be
running the 5K Run for the Cure. This is the
largest single-day volunteer-led fundraising
event dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer.
More info on both runs below.
If you would like to support the Terry Fox Run
and/or The Run for the Cure by sponsoring Alex,
here are the links to his donation pages:
Terry Fox Run –
https://www. terryfoxrun. org/english/ corporate/ runner/informati on/default. asp?s=1&RunnerID =54207
Run For The Cure –
https://www. cibcrunforthecur e.com/html/ personal_ page.asp? track=2696884& languageid= 1
Thank you for your consideration
-jypsy & Alex
http://therunman. blogspot. com
About The Terry Fox Run:
Before Terry died, he knew that an annual event
would be held to commemorate his Marathon of
Hope. It would be called, appropriately, The Terry Fox Run.
The first Terry Fox Run in 1981 attracted 300,000
participants across Canada and raised $3.5
million. To date, more than $400 million has been
raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry’s name.
Each year, thousands of volunteers organize Terry
Fox Run events in Canada and around the world.
In Canada, the annual Terry Fox Run is held every
September, usually on the second Sunday following
Labour Day. In countries outside Canada, the Run
is organized at a time that is convenient for organizers.
The Run is a non-competitive event where people
get together as individuals, families and groups
to raise money in Terry’s name. It is a day of
celebrating Terry’s legacy and helping to keep
his dream of a cure for cancer alive.
There is no entry fee and no prizes are awarded,
although a certificate of appreciation is given
when participants complete their journey. Run
locations are organized in large urban areas
attracting thousands of people and in small,
rural communities where just about everybody
knows each other. School events tend to be
incorporated into the daily curriculum.
As Terry said in 1980:
“If you’ve given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope .â€
http://www.terryfox run.org
About The Run for the Cure:
The Run was created in 1992 by a small group of
volunteers who wanted to raise awareness and
funds for the cause. The first event took place
in Toronto. Over 1,500 participants raised
$85,000 – an outstanding success! Through the
ongoing dedication of our volunteers, this single
Run event grew into what it is today … Canada’s
largest single-day, volunteer-led fundraising
event dedicated to breast cancer research, education and awareness.
In 2007, 53 communities and 170,000 Canadians
participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. Together, we
raised more than $27 million for breast cancer
research, education, and awareness programs. What an incredible success!
We applaud your efforts and dedication and look
forward to another milestone year.
Run for the Cure
1992: Canada’s first event, raising $85,000 in Toronto.
1993: Vancouver joins the journey.
1995: The Run grows to 10 locations – from Halifax to Vancouver.
1997: CIBC joins as the title sponsor, and the Run locations grow to 17.
2002: The Run takes place in a total of 30
locations with over 140,000 participants across the country.
2004: A record $21 million is earned in over 40 locations.
2005: The millionth Canadian participated in the
Run since its inception in 1992. More than
170,000 Canadians raised over $23 million.
2006: The 2006 Run raises $26 million dollars!
2007: More than 170,000 participants raised more
than $27 million in 53 communities across Canada.
2008: Please join us on Sunday, October 5.
https://www. cibcrunforthecur e.com
First Published Monday, 15th September, 2008.
Fwd:
President
Gippsland Carers Association Inc
PO Box 937, MOE VIC 3825
Phone: 03 5127 1904
Mobile: 0402 650 375
- on ABC-TVÂ –
- Monday 15-Sep-2008Â at 8.00 pm
- Saturday 20-Sep-2008 at 12.30 pm
- on ABC2 –
- Tuesday 16-Sep-2008 at 8.00pm
- On the internet (www.abc.net.au/austory) –
- Anytime after 15-Sep-2008 with
- Previews appearing the week before.
Dec
20
HEADLINES
“Sheriff seeks charge in overdose death”:
http://www.wqow.com/Global/story.asp?S=8953296
Joel Woods … “Woods, who lived in Pacific Grove, was killed Wednesday when a vehicle hit him as he was attempting to get into his truck. Woods was picking up his son from Pacific Grove Middle School. The driver of the vehicle that hit Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription drugs.
Woods is survived by his wife, Adrianna Woods, and sons 12-year-old Jacob, who has autism, and Nathan, 10.â€:
http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_10397544?nclick_check=1
“2 new laws ease life for disabled…Wheelchair safety and autism awarenessâ€:
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-11/1221021424105580.xml&coll=1
“Corzine approves autism legislationâ€:
http://www.northjersey.com/news/aroundnj/28123649.html
“Families sue over use of timeout roomâ€:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080911/NEWS02/809110373
Gary McKinnon Case “Our gentle son has been threatened with rape if he goes to a US jailâ€:
“Campaigners protest to stop hacker’s extraditionâ€:
http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/camden/hamhigh/news/story.aspx?brand=NorthLondon24&category=Newshamhigh&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newshamhigh&itemid=WeED04%20Sep%202008%2013%3A02%3A39%3A987
“NASA hacker’s lawyers prepare High Court appealâ€:
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39483871,00.htm
“Hacker should be jailed in UKâ€:
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/science_technology/hacker+should+be+jailed+in+uk/2440362
“Hacker appeals to Home Secretaryâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7592884.stm
Syria “Disabled need more supportâ€:
http://www.iwpr.net/?p=syr&s=f&o=346562&apc_state=henh
“U.S. Child vaccination rates hit record levelsâ€:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N04273085.htm
“Idaho’s immunization rate among lowest in nationâ€:
http://www.ksawtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8953284
“The scientist who started the MMR hoax faces the GMC…â€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/aug/30/mmr.health.media?gusrc=rss&feed=science
“A question of ethicsâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/06/health.medicalresearch?gusrc=rss&feed=uknews
“Henrico toddler missing after schoolâ€:
http://www.wtvr.com/Global/story.asp?S=8947742&nav=menu79_2
“Autistic child removed from daycareâ€:
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=8911263
Arnold House “New home for autistic childrenâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/northamptonshire/7606109.stm
“NAS media response to the Work and Pensions Committee Report: Valuing and Supporting Carersâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119903.php
NAS “Complete our local campaigning questionnaireâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1888&a=17024
“Obama camp asked Paterson to speak on disability, not economyâ€:
http://www.observer.com/2008/politics/obama-camp-asked-paterson-speak-disability-not-economy
“Parents of special-needs children divided over Palin’s promise to helpâ€:
“Foster’s sacks autistic worker over YouTube jokesâ€:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24310352-2,00.html
“Take part in London Underground’s travel assistance projectâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17095
“Media response on the Daniel Harkin Caseâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=459&a=17432
RESEARCH
“No link between MMR and autism say doctors after recreating controversial studyâ€:
“Study dispels link between autism and measles vaccineâ€:
http://www.wistv.com/global/story.asp?s=8950999
“Monogamy gene found in people…Another study found that people with autism, which is characterised by unusual social behaviour, often have multiple copies of RS3 334.â€:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14641-monogamy-gene-found-in-people.html
“Older fathers linked with bipolar … People with bipolar disorder fluctuate between intense depression and mania, interspersed by periods of relative calm.
The exact causes of bipolar disorder aren’t known, but it appears to run in families.
About 1 in every 100 people develop bipolar disorder in their lifetime.â€
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7591513.stm
“Infant behaviour under the spotlight at Conference, UKâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119929.php
“Behaviour study of pre-term babiesâ€:
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/society/health/behaviour+study+of+preterm+babies/2446917
“Autism’s History – first discovery, new genes and a surprising link to circadian rhythmsâ€:
“Commitment issues? May be your husband’s genes …Studies have shown AVPR1A to be linked to aggression, altruism, and age at first sexual intercourse in humans. Another study has linked the gene to autism, and the over-activation of the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.â€:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1541819/commitment_issues_may_be_your_husbands_genes/index.html
“Social behaviour gene in animals has similar effects in human malesâ€:
http://www.emaxhealth.com/2/3/24541.html
“Specific brain regions show increased activity during hallucinationsâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120487.php
“Bipolar risk rises with father’s ageâ€:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24279380-23289,00.html
“Epilepsy – social and cognitive considerationsâ€:
http://brainblogger.com/2008/08/31/epilepsy-social-and-cognitive-considerations/
“Study: Zen meditation really does clear the mindâ€:
“CDC: 1 in 20 Americans depressedâ€:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=92370
EDUCATION
“Children of the revolutionâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/aug/31/secondaryschools.schools?gusrc=rss&feed=education
“Stepping into the unknownâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6001950&navcode=94
“Md. School creates classes for asperger’s studentsâ€:
http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7378317&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.8.1
“New York City-based special needs activity center for kids(SNACK) receives $100,000 grant from NRG Energy, Inc.â€:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/new-york-city-based-special-needs,526069.shtml
“UK classrooms still packedâ€:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/itn/20080909/tuk-uk-classrooms-still-packed-dba1618.html
“One pupil in five needs mental helpâ€:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24309740-23289,00.html
Bullying “Don’t give up hope, Jasonâ€:
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/05/10/10942_gold-coast-top-story.html
EMPLOYMENT
Job Available – Ridge View School, Kent, UK
“Key Stage 3 & 4 and Post-16 Managerâ€:
http://www.tes.co.uk/jobDetailsGold.aspx?ac=2679372
“Symmetry Electronics starts outreach program employing autistic adultsâ€:
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/topix/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080903005750&newsLang=en&ndmConfigId=1000639&vnsId=41
UK: NAS Prospects Employment Service “Employment training courses for autistic adultsâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1342&a=17008
“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. http://www.auties.org/
“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
Temple Grandin “Noted author, speaker to participate in Kelly autism celebrationâ€:
http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2008/09/03/news/news5.txt
“Autism program has its 5th birthday … Grandin said autistic individuals pay attention to detail, and when she was young her ability in art was encouraged. She said she was good at drawing and turned that into her career with livestock.
“It’s about taking what you’re good at, and build it up to turn it into a career,†she said.â€:
http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2008/09/05/news/news1.txt
Carol Gray “National expert to speak at Kimberly autism eventâ€:
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080905/APC0101/809050566
“Help Southport rescue dog, Sally, win RSPCA award … Last time she went into a school, a four-year-old who had autism lay down on the floor and put his arm around her neck and used her as a pillow. She just lay there patiently.â€:
“How to be an inclusive churchâ€:
http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/news.aspx?action=view&id=2735
“Helping kids is dog’s pet projectâ€:
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080911/LOCAL1801/809110354/1023/LOCAL04
Archived(2006) “My cousin Sharon: Pricelessâ€:
http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/departments/reflections/000826.html
India
There are an estimated 1.7 million autistic people in India.
According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colours. The colours on the Indian flag represent the following:
Saffron – A symbol of courage
White – peace and honesty
Blue – vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance and justice
Green – hope, joy, fertility and love
“AFA India”
Our Vision:
A society that views the interdependence of people of every ability
as valuable and enriching and seeks to provide equal opportunities for all.
Our Mission:
To facilitate a barrier free environment; to empower families of persons with autism,
and to act as a catalyst for change that will enable autistic people
to live as fully participating members of the community.
“Autism Society of India”
http://www.autismsocietyofindia.org/objective.html
“DIIR – Disability India Information Resourcesâ€:
http://www.disabilityindia.com/html/Jan7.html
“AIKYA – Center to integrate the differentâ€
AIKYAs Vision is to enhance the quality of life of individuals with special needs through education and training to enable them to achieve their fullest potential and integrate them into the mainstream.
From a passive existence to a meaningful life.
http://www.disabilityindia.com/html/links.html
“India: Information and History,Videos,Maps & Musicâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_india.html
“Photo Gallery: Indiaâ€:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/gallery/india_elephants-sonpur.html
ADD/ADHD
“Virtual ADHD Conference ~ September 22-24, 2008â€:
http://add.about.com/b/2008/09/08/virtual-adhd-conference.htm
“What challenges do children with ADD/ADHD experience in groups?â€:
http://add.about.com/b/2008/09/01/what-challenges-do-children-with-add-adhd-experience-in-groups.htm
“Study: Boys’ parents more likely to report problemsâ€:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-09-03-kids_N.htm?csp=34
“ADHD: Famous celebrities with ADHDâ€:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/995380/adhd_famous_celebrities_with_adhd.html
“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 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
“ADDAâ€:
http://www.add.org/
“hi2u ADHD Pagesâ€:
http://www.adhd..org.uk/
SPORT
Paralympics 2008 “How dreams come trueâ€:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2008/09/09/how-dreams-come-true-115875-20729556/
Clay Marzo “Gifted Autistic surfer…â€:
http://starbulletin.com/2008/08/30/features/story01.html
Surfing News “Europe’s First Artificial Surf Reefâ€:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7564857.stm?ref=pickatrail.com
“Briton in Everest skydive attemptâ€:
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/59729/Briton-in-Everest-skydive-attempt
“The 5k Santa run – 7th Decemberâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=17187
“Flora London Marathon 2009â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16315
“It’s back! The London to Paris Bike Ride 2009â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=17061
“Cycle India 2009â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16806
“Donegal ‘Mooathon’ 2008 – 28th September – ‘the wildest, most fun half-marathon you will ever do! It’s also an excellent warm-up race for the adidas Dublin Marathon in October.’:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16852
“Dublin Marathon – 27th October, 2008â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16851
Newcastle & Portsmouth “BUPA Great North Run 2008 – World’s Biggest Half Marathon – 5th Octoberâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16132
“Sahara Desert Trek – 8th-15th November, 2008â€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16303
“Cycle China 2009 – 19th-29th Marchâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16305
“Trek the Inca Trail 2009 – 14th-23rd Mayâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16310
“Trek Jordan 2009 – 10th-14th Septemberâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16314
MUSIC
“Music-play project fosters ‘Response-ability’ in autistic childrenâ€:
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543928/?sc=rsmn
ART
Artist “Chris Stiles …The art on this web site was drawn by Chris Stiles, who was diagnosed with severe autism in 1972.
Although institutionalism was urged as the best choice of the day for children and their families, Chris’s family was able to keep him at home. He spent a lot of time studying nature; Leaves, rocks, waves on the Puget Sound. His pictures of trees, rocks, water, and man-made things like houses and gates and castles reflect his understanding, his conceptualization of the world.â€:
“Free art camp for middle and high school studentsâ€:
http://www.gazette.net/stories/09112008/hyatnew182534_32473.shtml
“We’re on the ball to raise 65 000 … One of the highlights will be a grand auction, with the star lot the last in a series of exclusive paintings by Glasgow artist Peter Howson.
The painter, who has claimed worldwide attention with his pictures of Madonna and Pete Doherty, has donated the last of his John Lennon Collection to the cause. Called The Woman, it is expected to fetch thousands of pounds.
Howson’s daughter Lucie, 21, has Asperger’s Syndrome, an autistic spectrum disorder, while the painter has a milder form of the condition.â€
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.2440314.0.were_on_the_ball_to_raise_65_000.php
NAS “Enter our Creativity Competition – closing date for entries Tuesday 30th Septemberâ€:
MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT
“West End Rain Man delays openingâ€:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/120898.html
“Pinkaew’s ‘Chocolate’ coming to the UKâ€:
http://www.kungfucinema.com/?p=3007
“Discovery Health profiles the inspiring Kirton family in Autism x6â€:
http://www.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=506652
“Just Add Water – Autistic surfer is a gifted tube riderâ€:
http://starbulletin.com/2008/08/30/features/story01.html
“Scots film snubbed at home, but proves a hit at Veniceâ€:
Includes video “Days’ writer talks autism storyâ€:
“Actors for Autismâ€:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/
BOOKS
The Forever Story/Guardian.co.uk“Chance to Win a MacBookâ€:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/competition/2008/sep/03/ibook?gusrc=rss&feed=books
“Xpress Reviews: First Look at New Books …
Gardner, Nuala. A Friend Like Henry: The Remarkable True Story of an Autistic Boy and the Dog That Unlocked His World. Sourcebooks. Sept. 2008. c.288p. ISBN 978-1-4022-1406-6. $18.95. PSYCH
Verdict: This nicely complements Temple Grandin’s work about autism and animals and provides a distinctive perspective in an increasingly crowded field of autism personal narratives…â€
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6592160.html
“Augusten Burroughs’ brother to speak on Asperger’sâ€:
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080906/ENTERTAIN/809060302/-1/rss02
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2008 IPPY awards
Autism Heroes
“Of Mice and Aliens: An Asperger Adventureâ€
Author: Kathy Hoopmann
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843100072
“The Myriad Gifts of Asperger Syndromeâ€
Author: John M. Ortiz
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108832
“Dangerous Encounters – Avoiding Perilous Situations with Autism: A Streetwise Guide for all Emergency Responders, Retailers and Parentsâ€
Authors: Bill Davis and Wendy Goldband Schunick
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843107323
“Autism, Advocates, and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People with Autism Spectrum Disordersâ€
Author: Dennis Debbaudt
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781853029806
“Asperger Download: A Guide to Help Teenage Males with Asperger Syndrome Trouble-Shoot Life’s Challengesâ€
Authors: Josie and Damian Santomauro
http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9990.htm
“Starting Points: The Basics of Understanding and Supporting Children and Youth with Asperger Syndromeâ€
Authors: Jill Hudson and Brenda Smith Myles
http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9995.htm
DVD & CD Roms “â€Socialeyesâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1356&a=15975
DVD “The Transporters: Popular DVD Resource now available againâ€:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17374
“The Transporters’ – Unique government-backed DVD to help autistic children recognise emotions to go on sale world-wideâ€:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119961.php
“Children’s Book Awards 2008â€:
http://www.eparenting.co.uk/books/bookawards2008.shtml
The Latest Movies for Kids
http://www.eparenting.co.uk/movies/latest_kids_movies.shtml
Video Game
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Released in the UK September 19, 2008
Star Wars Printables
http://coloringbookfun.com/star_wars/
Technology News…
“Sensor-laden toy diverts kids from painâ€:
http://technology.newscientist.com/article/mg19926725.900
A New Era of Physics…
“Watching the World’s Biggest Machine Come to Lifeâ€:
http://www.newscientist.com/blog/space/2008/09/watching-worlds-biggest-machine-come-to.html
“Working LHC produces first imagesâ€:
http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn14699
US firms step in to help save the huts where the first programmable computers were built…
“Bletchley Park gets US cash injectionâ€:
http://www.newscientist.com/blog/technology/2008/09/bletchley-park-gets-us-cash-injection.html
Hope you enjoyed the read.
Take Care,
Julie
First Published Thursday, 11th September, 2008.
*Senate Passes ADA Amendments Act!*
*BREAKING NEWS*
At approximately 3:00 PM, ET today, Senate bill
S.3406<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001dCRNpaEU49ghCDMRWbjK74fgkToM6hrSVC1MtZqa621mCDLlS-efyQlh4UAppz6HlXKmoQerEZQCI4yvli3E20QcAdrJBRBlw8gojkMc-AB4t2mpeoSnrH1HIqOT7Pz_5JqGwYM4tP9GH9Yaur4Ez0i315bh5dK->,
the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, was brought to the Senate floor for a voice
vote. Shortly before 5:00 PM, it *passed by unanimous consent!*
At approximately 5:30 PM, ET, Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Orrin Hatch
(R-UT) will hold a press event at the Senate Swamp (the grassy area across
the drive from the east Senate steps) to mark the momentous event. Anyone
interested from the D.C. area is encouraged to attend.
In June, the House approved the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (H.R.
3195<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001dCRNpaEU49gRynnEivh1Bufq8EWMvT1hWja_vFE1obb0PKCFX7fkCEpdt4_GNr-HDvxa4fzEAebacGNU5J9aMF-ejsElw45Bw4275vOwwL1QScF8sqIW77JvMsFUGvxhfCRsZ_j5lczG64AWCE4L3Lkif9GLJH0qZ6Om-5ou0zk=>)
by an impressive vote of 402:17.
But before the bill can head to the White House, the Senate bill must first
be sent back to the House. If the House accepts the Senate version of the
bill, it could arrive on the President’s desk with a veto-proof
majority! Stay tuned.
Congratulations, advocates! Your persistent push got us here today!
MODERATOR, Anne Sommers, JUSTICE FOR ALL — A Service of the American
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The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
732.763.5530
First Published Monday, 8th September, 2008.
http://www.socialworktoday.com/
By Jennifer Van Pelt, MA
Social Work Today
Vol. 8 No. 5 P. 12*
and have a social life. What services are needed to help them achieve these
milestones?*
Internet, or in a popular magazine about issues related to children with
autism. Awareness is growing, and more research is helping parents better
understand their children’s unique behaviors and needs. Healthcare,
education, and social services offer options for parents of young children
with autism that did not exist years ago.
Increasingly, parents of older teenagers and young adults are seeking
assistance for transitioning to adulthood, and adults who have grown up with
an autism diagnosis or who may be newly diagnosed are facing challenges with
employment, social relationships, and daily living.
University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center (UMACC),
adults with autism face challenges that children with autism often do not.
“Adults face discrimination that comes from a lack of understanding about
autism. The tolerance that is extended to children with autism is often
lacking,” she notes. Although autism is receiving substantial attention in
the scientific community and from the press, adult autism and related issues
have been neglected.
commonly ignoring autistic adolescents and adults,” says Scott Michael
Robertson, an autistic self-advocate in Pennsylvania and vice president of
the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), an international autistic-run
organization dedicated to expanding societal acceptance, community
understanding, and support resources for individuals across the autistic
spectrum. Robertson is also a doctoral candidate at Penn State University
researching how online communities can empower autistic self-advocates to
collaborate with educational professionals on developing autistic-specific
accommodations and transition resources for autistic college students.
Robertson questions the societal wisdom of providing early childhood
educational services to autistic individuals while neglecting the needs of
those individuals during adolescence and adulthood. “Few specialized state
and local resources exist to help autistic people navigate the challenges
they will encounter in adult life—postsecondary education, employment,
interdependent living, housing, etc.,” he says.
range from long-term residential care or supervised day care to vocational
counseling or social skills development. Young adults on the autistic
spectrum may qualify academically for college but not be able to handle
other aspects of college life.
personal relationships, physical stamina, and regular employment
expectations. Given the current inadequacies in services, many opportunities
exist for social workers to improve and expand the services available for
adults on the autistic spectrum.
Our society views autism as a disease and severe disability, but adults with
autism and professionals working with them seek to change that
misperception. “Society is not autistic friendly,” says Robertson, who
considers gaining societal acceptance of autistic adults’ differences a key
challenge. As a result of his personal experiences, Robertson is helping
other autistic individuals recognize their individual strengths and
challenges to build a healthy self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
adolescents and cofounded a social support group for autistic teens in State
College, PA. Through his leadership positions in organizations such as ASAN,
the Autism Higher Education Foundation, and the Asperger Syndrome Alliance
for Greater Philadelphia (ASCEND), he is helping debunk myths about autism.
example of how misperceptions about Asperger’s syndrome and autistic
challenges can lead to mistreatment and abuse. At age 14, Nate was
multilingual, graduated with honors from middle school, and received an
award for excellent behavior and citizenship. When Nate was 17, a high
school teacher called child protective services after seeing self-inflicted
scratches on Nate, who had asked the teacher to help him with soft
restraints prescribed by a doctor to help manage his anxiety. Nate was
forcibly removed from his home, placed in an institutional setting, and
heavily medicated against his and his parents’ wishes, and his parents were
denied visitation and access. ASAN provided legal support and advocacy for
Nate’s family and was instrumental in having Nate released and returned to
his family (visit www.getnatehome.com for more information). “Unfortunately,
Nate’s experience is becoming the norm rather than the exception in a world
that does not adequately accept, understand, or support autistic adults,”
Robertson says.
also face challenges of employment, postsecondary education, housing, social
relationships, and healthcare. Robertson and Dena L. Gassner, MSW, director
of the Center for Understanding and an advisory board member to the Autism
Society of America, have personally experienced some of these challenges and
continue to help other adults with autism through their work.
task completion and job knowledge but cannot understand the social behaviors
expected by others in the workplace. In other cases, the physical
environment of the workplace may present daily challenges. “Sensory overload
causes problems for many adults with autism. The fluorescent lighting and
noise from other workers may make it impossible for them to work a full day
in such an environment. Long-term employment, therefore, is often difficult
for adults with Asperger’s and other diagnoses on the autistic spectrum,”
says Gassner.
are not known, underemployment (the underutilization of skill set,
knowledge, and job experience), as well as unemployment, are huge barriers
limiting autistic adults. “Many autistic adults have college degrees and, in
some cases, graduate degrees, but they are not working in the field of their
degree,” he says.
often can prevent adults with autism from participating in community
activities and functioning in a job suited to their skills and knowledge.
Better interventions are required to help them develop skills to understand
social interactions, but resources are currently inadequate, especially in
employment.
Lack of understanding on the part of employers and a lack of effective and
accessible vocational rehabilitation/counseling services are barriers to
regular employment for many adults with autism. Some academic centers that
have autism programs are starting services that help adults develop social
skills important for employment success. Thomas says, “UMACC has social
groups for adults that focus on learning and practicing social interaction
skills, independent living skills, and provide a forum for discussing what
it’s like to live with autism.”
social cognition with the hope of improving opportunities for employment and
community involvement. Jonathan J. Kaufman, PhD, is codirector of the
Adaptations program at the Manhattan Jewish Community Center (JCC) and
founder of Disability Works, Inc., a consulting company that helps
corporations, government organizations, and educational institutions develop
strategies and initiatives to improve the quality of life for people with
disabilities. Kaufman helped launch Adaptations, the first initiative of its
kind in the United States serving young adults in their 20s and 30s who have
learning disabilities and/or are on the autistic spectrum. The program
develops social skills and job strategies and provides social events,
including social skills groups, cultural events around New York City,
lounges, dinners, and use of the JCC facilities for activities from
photography, cooking, and fitness to integrated programming with other young
adults.
teach tools for dealing with certain social situations, ranging from
friendships to workplace etiquette to basic communication skills,” says
Kaufman. Another component of Adaptations is career exploration and
development. For program participants who are ready for a competitive
employment environment, one-on-one career and skills assessments are
provided, along with group discussions.
our greatest successes is to see that meaningful friendships have been
fostered beyond the parameters of the program. A perfect example is one of
our members who had very few friends, and most of her social life revolved
around her parents. Since joining the Adaptations program, she has truly
blossomed, made friends, and has nurtured those relationships so that her
social calendar is constantly busy. She has become such a proponent of the
program that she now acts as the ‘official ambassador’ of the program by
reaching out to new members,” he explains.
“Autistic adults may be finding the college experience daunting because of
widespread lack of specialized services and accommodations for them on
campuses,” says Robertson. Few programs in the United States provide
support—living arrangements, social skills, and study skills development—for
college students with autism, says Marci Wheeler, MSW, of the Indiana
Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and
Community. Wheeler has 25 years of experience working with teenagers and
adults with autism and has established long-term relationships, working with
one family since their now 28-year-old child was 7. Wheeler sees
deficiencies in services available for young adults with autism; however,
she believes resources are growing as this population continues to increase.
autistic adults can be very good workers. Our society is not tapping into
their special abilities, like math, music, and computer skills,” Wheeler
says. Better vocational services, she says, will give adults on the autism
spectrum strategies to help adjust to the workplace. She believes better
understanding about autism and Asperger’s syndrome will help employers take
advantage of the special skills and talents that these individuals can bring
to a job.
Autism/Developmental Disabilities (AHEADD) program at Carnegie Mellon
University in Pittsburgh. AHEADD is a private, community organization that
supports students in higher education with learning disabilities, diagnoses
on the autistic spectrum, nonverbal learning disorders, and
attention-deficit disorder. Originally developed in cooperation with Equal
Opportunity Services of Carnegie Mellon University, AHEADD is specifically
designed to address students’ inherent social, communication, and
organizational issues and helps students develop individualized strategies
to manage their college careers independently.
higher education, the AHEADD model can be applied within any campus
environment and tailored to meet the unique needs of each student,” says
Carolyn Komich Hare, MS, founder and director of AHEADD. Recently, AHEADD
opened new offices in Dallas; Albany, NY; and Washington, DC. Students
involved with AHEADD have professional staff support, peer mentors, access
to a campus and community support network, and assistance in utilizing
campus resources.
challenge for young adults with autism is finding and keeping jobs that are
commensurate with each individual’s true potential and area of interest.
This is true even for those autistic adults who successfully complete a
college degree,” Hare says.
York Times* article on services for college students with autism. Kaplan,
who scored a perfect 1600 on her SAT exam, floundered in her sophomore year
at Carnegie Mellon, having difficulty navigating the complexities of college
life and interacting with students and professors. Hare acted as Kaplan’s
coach for the next two years by helping her organize her academic
assignments, buy groceries, and improve her housekeeping skills. Kaplan
graduated in 2005 and went on to manage an electronic games store. Hare went
on to create the AHEADD program.
According to Paul T. Shattuck, MSSW, PhD, an assistant professor in the
George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St.
Louis, research on the care and support of adults with autism is severely
deficient. “The bulk of research has focused on basic behaviors and
genetics, not policies for care. There is a real gap in what we know about
support across the lives of these individuals and how to best create systems
of care for the long haul,” Shattuck notes.
research community have examined such issues as employment, college and
postsecondary educational transition and support, housing, peer
victimization, romantic relationships, and anxiety/depression,” Robertson
adds.
thousands. More funding for adult studies is necessary since funding for
scientific research from autism-related nonprofit associations and
government organizations focuses on physiology, genetics, and early
educational support for children with autism, while generally ignoring
issues and challenges faced by teens and adults with autism, such as
educational support and employment.
the autistic spectrum, recently published a study documenting changes in
symptoms and behaviors in adolescents and adults with autism. One of the
study findings is that the core challenge of social cognition is a common
thread across the autistic spectrum.
and there is a huge demand for properly trained social workers. Social
workers will need to become more knowledgeable in the diagnostic spectrum
for pervasive developmental disorders and co-occurring conditions. “When you
see an adult who has been treated for ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder], depression, learning disabilities, and anxiety with no success,
one must consider that they may have a developmental disorder and send them
for an appropriate assessment,” she says.
must also realize that every client with autism will exhibit different
skills, behaviors, and challenges. Gassner notes, “A commonly heard phrase
in the autism community is, ‘If you have met one person with autism, you
have met one person with autism.'” For social workers in this field,
comprehending the issue of heterogeneity is an absolute must.
mean you know much of anything about that individual walking through your
door,” Shattuck emphasizes. Because each individual will be different in
terms of his or her level of communication skills, social cognition, and
other behaviors, individualized assessments and interventions are critical.
the strengths and weaknesses of the individual and then developing a
treatment plan that focuses on areas in need of attention. “Since autism is
such a heterogeneous disorder, individualized treatment is paramount. For
example, one person may have a successful career but find it difficult to
engage in social conversation. Another person’s difficulty might be poor
organization and planning skills that impact job performance,” explains
Robertson.
workers in this field are case management experience and adeptness as a
liaison with healthcare professionals. A key role for social workers,
according to Shattuck, is in helping individuals with autism and their
families navigate different care systems. Adults with an autism diagnosis
will be involved in many different systems of care, including vocational
rehab, medical treatment, and mental health.
and their caregivers manage the boundaries and interactions between these
systems of care. There is an important role and a real need for social
workers that can bridge these different systems to help improve the overall
quality of care of individuals on the autistic spectrum.”
that school is ending, and who have no plans for life after school. “They
realize they may be facing a situation when their son or daughter finishes
school that they will now be at home with nothing to do because no further
plans beyond school have been made. Or, unfortunately, there may have been
plans made, but access may be limited to programs for young adults who need
more intense supervision and training components,” she says.
autism service organizations or from the school’s individualized education
plan for the student with autism. Schools may have a transition coordinator
who can assist with finding support services after graduation. For families
with young adults who cannot live independently, residential programs and
guardianship may become an issue when the child reaches 18.
on the autistic spectrum is also rapidly growing. “The Internet has really
created more awareness of the symptoms of autism, which is in turn resulting
in more adults realizing that they may have Asperger’s syndrome or another
pervasive developmental disorder,” Wheeler says. She has worked with adults
who, after reading information on the Internet, recognized that they or
their spouse has an autistic condition. Wheeler has coauthored a book titled
ASD and Non-Spectrum Marriages: Non-Spectrum Partners Speak Up About the
Challenges and Successes with the hope that it will be a resource for adults
with relationship issues associated with a new autism diagnosis.
interested in joining this burgeoning field, there are many important
opportunities in addition to the traditional roles in counseling and case
management, says Robertson. “Social workers can organize self-advocacy
training sessions for autistic adults in conjunction with autistic-run
organizations. They can lead community-organizing activities designed to
educate local communities about autistic adults and to expand and strengthen
community support resources and they can work to establish mentorship
pairing for autistic teens and adults,” he says.
writer with 15 years of experience as a writer and research analyst in the
healthcare field. She has written on depression,
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, mental wellness,
and aging.*
When someone says, “My son has autism,” many of us expect to see a child who
rocks back and forth, does not speak, and is mentally handicapped. However,
we may, in fact, see a child, teen, or adult whose outward appearance and
actions are what we consider “normal,” who can play any music by ear but
cannot solve a simple math problem. The term autism has been used to lump
together a group of three pervasive developmental disorders: autistic
disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder/not
otherwise specified (PDD/NOS). Although there are hallmark criteria to be
diagnosed with a PDD—deficits in communication/language skills, social
cognition issues, and repetitive behavior or unusual preoccupation—there is
a large range in the variability of how these criteria are expressed in the
individual. And there is disagreement in the academic and professional
communities regarding how to apply criteria for diagnosis.
characterized by profound mental retardation and a lack of verbal language
skills. Asperger’s syndrome is characterized by normal language development,
normal to above average IQ, some type of issue with social skills and social
cognition, and a stereotypical pattern of behavior or preoccupation. PDD/NOS
has some symptoms of autistic disorder and/or Asperger’s syndrome, but
strict criteria for those conditions are not met. However, recent research
is disputing the co-occurrence of mental retardation and autism.
commonly heard. However, these descriptors have been adulterated, says Dena
L. Gassner, MSW, director of the Center for Understanding and an advisory
board member to the Autism Society of America. “The phrase ‘high
functioning’ was initially intended to separate those with IQ scores
indicating mental retardation. Now, ‘low functioning’ is generally used to
refer to those with autistic disorder who require substantial assistance in
all domains and ‘high functioning’ to refer to those with Asperger’s and
PDD/NOS who may appear to have limited issues with social interactions and
behaviors, but in reality, they too suffer with the organization and
planning of self-care and basic skills.” She questions whether someone who
cannot communicate but graduates college with honors is truly low
functioning, and similarly, whether someone classified as high functioning
but cannot remain employed or sustain relationships is really high
functioning in our society.
these individual variations, so an individual may be described as being
diagnosed on the autistic spectrum. “The phrase ‘autistic spectrum’ is not
an official clinical term, but rather a colloquial term that has been
adopted to refer to the recognition of symptoms that occur on a continuum of
severity,” explains Paul T. Shattuck, MSSW, PhD, an assistant professor at
the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in
St. Louis. “The heterogeneity on the autistic spectrum is enormous, which
makes it so challenging from the standpoint of developing best practices for
care. There is no good way of thinking or talking about these levels of
severity in a systematic way. The severity of symptoms will determine the
challenges faced in adulthood,” he says.
describe autistic individuals, preferring that the phrase “adults with
autism” be replaced by autistic adults or adults on the autistic spectrum.
“We also look to discourage usage of phrases that do not realistically
express that autism brings a combination of neurologically diverse strengths
and challenges—descriptors like suffering, impaired, afflicted, disordered,
and defective,” says Robertson.
(e.g., adults with autism) commonly accepted in the social work profession.
However, Mr. Robertson’s quotes and text related to his statements reflect
his preference in autism-related language.*
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1101 15th Street, NW Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
732.763.5530
First Published Monday, 8th September, 2008.
Rain Man cast and crew visit NAS service
A new production of the hit 1980s film Rain Man is opening in London’s West End in September, and The National Autistic Society (NAS)Â has been working with the cast and crew to help them understand the nature of autism.
The story focuses on two long-lost brothers, Charlie and Raymond Babbit, one of whom (Raymond) is an autistic savant living in residential care.
The play’s director recently spent a full day at the NAS Godalming resource centre learning about autism and meeting service users, staff and families.
Bettina Stott, who manages the Godalming centre, and Caroline Hattersley from the NAS Information, Advice and Advocacy service, have also been working with leading cast members Josh Hartnett, who plays Charlie, and Adam Godley, who plays Raymond, to help them understand what it would be like to have autism.
Bettina said:
“They were really interested in all the different services we provide and in the views of people at the service. The director spent several hours talking to service users and they had plenty of opinions about the film!”
NAS staff and service users were keen to ensure that the production team understood that not everyone affected by autism has savant skills, as this is still a common misconception.
Caroline Hattersley added:
“Although savantism is extremely rare, Rain Man put the spotlight on autism at a time when very few people knew anything at all about the condition. Now, times have moved on but there is still a great deal to be done to ensure people with autism get the services and support they urgently need. We hope that this new production will help us to raise further awareness.”
Rain Man is showing at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. More information is available at www.rainmanonstage.com and tickets can be bought by phone at 0844 412 4658. The NAS is not involved with ticket sales.
Source:Â http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17311
Dear Readers,
I hope to bring you a personal review of Rain Man shortly.
Julie
First Published Saturday, 6th September, 2008.
FWD:
*On August 26, 2008, Paula Durbin-Westby represented the Autistic Self
Advocacy Network, via conference call, at a public hearing held by the
Florida Department of Education on Proposed Rules for the Use of Reasonable
Force by School Personnel. The hearing was an opportunity for the public to
provide specific comments to the proposed language, which can be found at **
https://www. flrules.org/ gateway/ruleNo. asp?id=6A- 6.05271*<https://www. flrules.org/ gateway/ruleNo. asp?id=6A- 6.05271>
**
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a grassroots organization of people on
the autism spectrum, supports a complete ban on prone restraint, with no
exceptions. No child should be restrained because of behaviors that are part
of a disability. In addition, we support positive behavioral supports rather
than the use of restraints.
Many important areas are not addressed in the proposed rule. The rule as
promulgated provides no clarification on use of prone restraint, no
clarification of the use of restraints and seclusion for behaviors that are
often specific to the student’s disability, such as property destruction
which was mentioned by one parent here. The term “reasonable” is too vague.
The word “should” needs to be replaced by the word “will,” otherwise the
regulations become meaningless. We strongly recommend notification of
parents for any disciplinary measure. We support the inclusion of language
that would hold schools accountable for violations of the regulations. First
and foremost the regulations need to be clarified. Too much is left to the
discretion of school personnel.
We urge training of all personnel and monitoring of all interventions used
with students. We oppose corporal punishment and seclusion techniques. The
rule needs to be standardized across the state rather than left up to the
discretion of local school boards.
—
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1101 15th Street, NW Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.autistic advocacy. org
732.763.5530