First Published Friday, 22nd August, 2008.

Autism/AS and Depression – Self Help Interventions(Abstract+)

With the approval and publication just this week of “Self-help interventions for depressive disorders and depressive symptoms”, it would seem that now’s as good a time as any to shine the spotlight on a subject that plagues many on the spectrum.

The high incidence of depression or affective disorder in the Asperger population is widely recognized and acknowledged. Lorna Wing paid reference in her original paper(1981) to the fact, and many with clinical experience will confirm there is high risk with up to 15% of adults having experienced depression(Tantum 1991) as well as the genuine risk of suicide(Wolff 1995).

In early childhood there tends to be less concern about differences to other children and differences may well go completely unnoticed by others for a time depending on various factors. Social contact tends to have limited value or interest to the young on the spectrum. However, it’s during adolescence when difficulties tend to emerge for many on the socialisation front. Exclusion, teasing and ridicule are common. Though depression may be an understandable reaction to an inability to ‘fit in’, in some cases there may well be a biological predisposition. Research suggests that there is a marginally greater incidence of depression or manic depression(bi-polar effective disorder) in families where autism/AS is present(DeLong and Dwyer 1988).

In most cases of depression the classic signs are evident with clear changes in mood, appetite, sleep, and suicidal thoughts and actions. However, all may not be straightforward, where there is a history of flat effect and limited range of emotional expression. Depression may well be expressed via aggression or alcoholism. Introspection and self-critical behaviour in relation to daily events and the seeking of relaxation and emotional blunting via alcohol as a form of self-medication may occur.

Seeking a referral to a professional knowledgeable in autism/AS and obtaining treatment as necessary may well, for some, be life saving.

Programs that deal with the source of the depression, usually poor social skills, lack of friends and limited success at school or work may assist. Guidance in learning social skills, access to meeting people with similar interests and values as well as valuable connections made via the internet, may help prevent the recurrence of depression.

Some on the spectrum are self-professed veterans of self-management in times of depression with exercise, art, music, film, written expression, chocolate therapy etc as part of the regimen for emerging from those darker days. The following extract provides us with some such ‘interventions’ and more food for thought…

Self-help interventions for depressive disorders and depressive symptoms: A systematic review

Morgan AJ, Jorm AF.

Background: Research suggests that depressive disorders exist on a continuum, with subthreshold symptoms causing considerable population burden and increasing individual risk of developing major depressive disorder. An alternative strategy to professional treatment of subthreshold depression is population promotion of effective self-help interventions that can be easily applied by an individual without professional guidance. The evidence for self-help interventions for depressive symptoms is reviewed in the present work, with the aim of identifying promising interventions that could inform future health promotion campaigns or stimulate further research.

Methods: A literature search for randomised controlled trials investigating self-help interventions for depressive disorders or depressive symptoms was performed using PubMed, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Reference lists and citations of included studies were also checked. Studies were grouped into those involving participants with depressive disorders or a high level of depressive symptoms, or non-clinically depressed participants not selected for depression. A number of exclusion criteria were applied, including trials with small sample sizes and where the intervention was adjunctive to antidepressants or psychotherapy.

Results: The majority of interventions searched had no relevant evidence to review. Of the 38 interventions reviewed, the ones with the best evidence of efficacy in depressive disorders were S-adenosylmethionine, St John’s wort, bibliotherapy, computerised interventions, distraction, relaxation training, exercise, pleasant activities, sleep deprivation, and light therapy. A number of other interventions showed promise but had received less research attention. Research in non-clinical samples indicated immediate beneficial effects on depressed mood for distraction, exercise, humour, music, negative air ionisation, and singing; while potential for helpful longer-term effects was found for autogenic training, light therapy, omega 3 fatty acids, pets, and prayer. Many of the trials were poor quality and may not generalise to self-help without professional guidance.

Conclusions: A number of self-help interventions have promising evidence for reducing subthreshold depressive symptoms. Other forms of evidence such as expert consensus may be more appropriate for interventions that are not feasible to evaluate in randomised controlled trials. There needs to be evaluation of whether promotion to the public of effective self-help strategies for subthreshold depressive symptoms could delay or prevent onset of depressive illness, reduce functional impairment, and prevent progression to other undesirable outcomes such as harmful use of substances.

Source…

Full text… ()

© 1999-2008 BioMed Central Ltd

Caution:
Some Over-The-Counter (OTC) supplements may interact with prescription medications or be affected by them. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal or OTC supplement while on medication.

Most governments do not require dietary supplement makers to demonstrate the safety or effectiveness of their products. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.

Johns Hopkins Health Alert

“New Research On Suicidal Behavior”:

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

“Secrets To Happiness, Depression Among Oldest Of Old”:

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

“BPS Research Digest: The Special Issue Spotter”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/bps_research_digest_the_special_issue_spotter_10.htm

“Latest Depression Studies: Depression, Anxiety Underlie Frequent Indoor Tanning, Meds Side Effects May Be Missed, Children & Teens Meds Safety, Smoking, Medication & Intimacy”:

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

“Surgery, Depression, And Anxiety”:

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

“Side Effects of Depression Meds Improve Heart Health”:

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

“Repetitive Laughter Response Is Similar To The Effect Of Repetitive Exercise”:

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

“Why Do So Many Women Have Depression?”:

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

“To Tell Or Not To Tell Your Boss: Bipolar and Depression in the Workplace”:

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

“Short Duration ‘Green Exercise’ Restores Mood”:

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

“7 Ways To Beat Depression If You’re Unemployed”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/7_ways_to_beat_depression_if_youre_unemployed.htm

“BPS Research Digest: The Special Issue Spotter”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/bps_research_digest_the_special_issue_spotter_11.htm

“Why Is Late-Life Depression Harder To Treat?”:

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

“Telephonic Therapy Effective For Depression”:

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

“Antidepressant Medications and Adolescent Suicide Risk: All Drugs Are Created Equal”:

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

“Increase Your Happiness Factor”:

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

“Cognitive Therapy Helps All Types of Depression”:

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

First Published Thursday, 21st August, 2008.

Applications are sought from all suitably qualified sections of the community but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome.

Job: Major Gifts Officer, The National Autistic Society

• Employer: The National Autistic Society
• Posted: 18 Aug 2008
• Contact: Jessica Dallyn
• Location: London
• Sector: Public Services,
  • Social care & welfare
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time
• Position: Major Gifts Officer
• Salary: £20,471 – £22,391 pa

• Full recruiter details
• Job contact details

First Published Thursday, 21st August, 2008.

The following news may be timely for some and ‘old news’ for others(it’s taught in med schools, year in, year out).  and is causing heated discussion here and there…

“It`s been known for almost 20 years that grapefruit juice permits the absorption of other drugs but interferes with their metabolism and excretion, which can cause the buildup of toxic levels in the blood of the patient.”

Fruit juices to avoid when taking certain drugs

Scientists and consumers have known for years that grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of certain drugs – with the potential for turning normal doses into toxic overdoses. Now, the researcher who first identified this interaction is reporting new evidence that grapefruit and other common fruit juices, including orange and apple, can do the opposite effect by substantially decreasing the absorption of other drugs, potentially wiping out their beneficial effects.

The study provides a new reason to avoid drinking grapefruit juice and these other juices when taking certain drugs, including some that are prescribed for fighting life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, cancer, organ-transplant rejection, and infection, the researcher says. These findings – representing the first controlled human studies of this type of drug-lowering interaction – were described today at the 236th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.

“Recently, we discovered that grapefruit and these other fruit juices substantially decrease the oral absorption of certain drugs undergoing intestinal uptake transport,” says study leader David G. Bailey, PhD, a professor of clinical pharmacology with the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. “The concern is loss of benefit of medications essential for the treatment of serious medical conditions.“

Bailey and colleagues announced almost 20 years ago the unexpected finding that grapefruit juice can dramatically boost the body’s levels of the high-blood-pressure drug felodipine, causing potentially dangerous effects from excessive drug concentrations in the blood. Since then, other researchers have identified nearly 50 medications that carry the risk of grapefruit-induced drug-overdose interactions. As a result of the so-called “Grapefruit Juice Effect,” some prescription drugs now carry warning labels against taking grapefruit juice or fresh grapefruit during drug consumption.

In the most recent research, Bailey’s group had healthy volunteers take fexofenadine, an antihistamine used to fight allergies. The volunteers consumed the drug with either a single glass of grapefruit juice, water containing only naringin (substance in grapefruit juice that gives the juice its bitter taste), or water. When fexofenadine was taken with grapefruit juice, only half of the drug was absorbed compared to taking the drug with water alone, Bailey says. Loosing half of the amount of drugs taken into the body can be critical for the performance certain drugs, he points out.

They also showed that the active ingredient of grapefruit juice, naringin, appears to block a key drug uptake transporter, called OATP1A2, involved in shuttling drugs from the small intestine to the bloodstream. Blocking this transporter reduces drug absorption and neutralizes their potential benefits, the researchers say. By contrast, drugs whose levels are boosted in the presence of grapefruit juice appear to block an important drug metabolizing enzyme, called CYP3A4, that normally breaks down drugs.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Bailey says. “I’m sure we’ll find more and more drugs that are affected this way.“

To date, grapefruit, orange and apple juices have been shown to lower the absorption of etoposide, an anticancer agent; certain beta blockers – atenolol (Tenormin^®), celiprolol (Celectol^®), talinolol (Cordanum^®) – used to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart attacks; cyclosporine, a drug taken to prevent rejection of transplanted organs; and certain antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, itraconazole). But additional drugs are likely to be added to the list as physicians become more aware of this drug-lowering interaction, Bailey says.

Orange and apple juices also appear to contain naringin-like substances that inhibit OATP1A2, Bailey says. The chemical in oranges appears to be hesperidin, but the chemical in apples has not yet been identified, the researchers notes.

Bailey advises patients to consult with their doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications with grapefruit juice or other fruits and juices. Unless it is known to be a problem, he recommends taking most medications only with water. This research was funded by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the United States Public Health Service.

---

Bailey DG. Grapefruit: A food that potently impairs intestinal drug metabolism and uptake transport clinically. Session TOX-30, ACS National Meeting 2008 Aug 19.   [Abstract]

Psychiatric drugs known to interact with grapefruit juice include alprazolam (Xanax®), buspirone (Buspar®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), clomipramine (Anafranil®), diazepam (Valium®), midazolam (Versed®), sertraline (Zoloft®) and triazolam (Halcion®)

A list of these and other medications affected by grapefruit juice is available here (, 30KB) or the Grapefruit – Drug Interactions website.

Reports:

“Taking pills?  Avoid the juice”:http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/story.html?id=148e0805-1e5e-47e8-bb5c-dc55cb0221e3

“Fruit juices block common drugs”:http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/19/health/webmd/main4363756.shtml

“Fruit juice: friend or foe?”:http://www.smh.com.au/news/health/fruit-juice-friend-or-foe/2008/08/20/1218911807821.html

First Published Tuesday, 19th August, 2008.

Dear Readers,

The following article, though a few months old, is nevertheless an interesting read.  It has been added to the “Employment on the Spectrum” article, along with various other links while I’m in the throes of updating.

Contributions and advertisements that may assist others employment/career-wise are always very welcome.

Warmest Regards,

Julie

BBC Scotland reporter Ian Hamilton has been travelling around Europe to investigate job opportunities for disabled people.

Denmark and France were quite different when it came to helping disabled people into work.

As Preeti and I landed in Madrid after a two hour flight from Paris, we were soon to discover that Spain also had some common themes.

For example, like France, Spain also has a quota system.

Half of Servi Media’s workers has disabilities

Also like France, the Spanish employers generally ignore the quota.

This is reflected in the statistics, as fewer than 30% of disabled people in Spain are in work.

The Spanish have two different sets of quota targets for disabled workers.

The first is aimed at the private sector, which states that 2% of the workforce, in any company which employs more than 50 people, must have a disability.

For public administrations, it is 5% of the workforce.

If they can’t meet their quota targets, they do have other options.

Employers can buy services or goods from a disabled workshop or a disabled self-employed person.

If that doesn’t suit, the company can make a financial contribution to a workshop for disabled people.

Finally, the company can give cash to a training group which helps disabled people to find work.

Powerful group

If an employer refuses to do any of these, they can be fined.

Although, it could be as little as 300 Euro – £240.

The fines are low and not readily enforced, which results in 80% of companies in Spain ignoring the quotas.

The disability employment market in Spain is dominated by the Blind organisation called “ONCE”, which is pronounced Yonthy.

It is a blind organisation which runs the Spanish equivalent of the national lottery.

ONCE is a very wealthy and powerful group which gives employment opportunities to blind people.

In 1988 ONCE created a new organisation called the Foundation ONCE to help other disabled people into work.

It, in turn, has developed 20 trading companies providing further work for disabled people.

No amount of quotas and laws will force an employer to take on a disabled worker if they don’t wish too

One of these is Servi Media.

It is a press agency which sells stories to the Spanish media, mainly focusing on social affairs.

Half of the 100 workforce has disability

I wonder how bad the Spanish unemployment statistics would be if it was not for ONCE and its various subsidiaries?

Under the 1997 treaty of Amsterdam, all countries in the EU had to have employment laws in place by 2003 to protect disabled workers.

But one thing was clear to me after my trip.

No amount of quotas and laws will force an employer to take on a disabled worker if it does not wish too.

It is more about a society and a culture which can make things happen, than it is about European legislation

---

In my last entry, I suggested that France could be a very different place in how it regarded people with disabilities – and I wasn’t wrong.

The French have some of the earliest legislation to protect the rights of disabled people dating back to the 1970’s. However, this has appeared to have made little impact on the psyche of the French.

Ian on the latest stop of his European tour

That’s not my opinion; it’s that of a small, but influential group of disabled people I talked to during my short visit to Paris.

They did concede that there had been some progress, but it was still a long way behind other member states in the EU, particularly when it came to their employment prospects.

Despite numerous laws and quota systems only 30% of people with disabilities are in employment. So clearly these various methods aren’t working.

Compare them to the Danish who have few laws and no quotas but have 58% of people in work. So why should this be? There is no doubt it has to do with culture and attitude.

As it was described to me in a frank and very open way by social researcher in Paris, Dominique Velche.

“The French don’t like disabled people.” Shocking I know, but according to him that’s what they think.

He believed it was because, as a culture, disabled people were hidden away and the general public were highly suspicious of people with disabilities.

As my guide Preeti and I, along with production support, moved around Paris on the Metro, Preeti commented that I was always being stared at.

Poor benefits system

I thought delusional as I am; it was because I was so fantastically good looking. Sadly, I expect it was because I’m blind and was carrying my white stick.

However, I couldn’t say they were directly unfriendly; someone always gave me a seat in the Paris rush hour.

Disabled people don’t have a high profile in Paris. Mainly because most, if not all, their transport isn’t accessible to a range of people with disabilities.

One of the biggest criticisms that disabled people have in France is the poor benefits system. Individuals who are on disability benefits are on 628 Euro per month and according to the disability movement in France, it’s 25% below the recommended breadline.

This is why just over a week ago 32,000 of them took to the streets of Paris to protest against the poor levels of living standards.

One of the organisers of the rally said he wasn’t hopeful about getting more cash from the French Government, but they intend to fight on.

I’m now preparing to go to our last city – Madrid, the capital of Spain. Someone said here in Paris, “the further you go south into Europe the worse it gets for people with disabilities.”

I’m not convinced that’s true, but I’ll find out soon enough and let you know.

A 65m long wall divides the main square in Copenhagen

The Danes have a very casual attitude towards disability. I’m not suggesting they don’t care or they are rude, if anything the opposite is true.

It has more to do with their history and culture, according to a Danish social researcher I was interviewing as part of my report for Good Morning Scotland on Radio Scotland.

As far back as 1872, the Danes have had organisations led by disabled people and since the 1930s they have had a major influence on Danish politics.

They also do not have the large disability charities that we have here in Scotland.

Consequently this has helped to mould the attitude throughout Danish culture that disabled people are as good as anyone else and should reach their personal and professional potential.

This doesn’t mean that Denmark is some kind of disability utopia

The Danes have cultivated the principle of acceptance among the general public and government.

I expect this is probably why they have 58% of disabled people in employment, compared with Scotland and the UK’s 49%.

The Danes have been able to achieve this without any stringent disability laws and quota systems adopted by their European neighbours.

However, this doesn’t mean that Denmark is some kind of disability utopia.

The national disabled group in Denmark has constructed a 65m long wall dividing the main square in two, in front of the city hall.

The wall has only one opening for people to pass through. This is to symbolise the barriers that disabled people face and the lack of options they have.

In such a short visit it is hard to grasp how true the view is that the Danes are totally relaxed around all matters disability.

However, purely from a personal perspective, I get the impression: “You are blind, so what.”

I must emphasise, they somehow do it from a positive perspective and not a negative one.

I am now off to Paris to find out what the French are doing to tackle the problem of high unemployment among their disabled community.

I anticipate it will be very different from Denmark, let’s see if I am correct.

Ian is investigating job opportunities for people with disabilities

I am travelling to three countries in the European Union as part of an investigation into the employment prospects of people with disabilities in Denmark, France and Spain.

I will be comparing them with the opportunities for disabled people in Scotland.

As someone who is a blind reporter, one of my big challenges is getting from one country to the next, especially as I’m not taking my guide dog on this trip – nor do I speak Danish, French or Spanish.

On reflection I decided to take some sighted assistance, so I brought my production help along in the form of Preeti.

I never imagined for one minute that my biggest challenge would have been to get into Glasgow Airport.

Understandably, after the attack on the terminal building last summer they have significantly tightened the security on the approach roads to the airport.

Help essential

I will be generous and say perhaps I got them on a bad week as numerous flights to and from the new Heathrow Terminal 5 were drastically affected, which had a knock-on impact on flights to and from Glasgow.

However, I did try to call 48 hours in advance, as they advise, to book assistance to get me from the new drop-off point into the terminal building.

If I was to do it unassisted, I would require the tracking and path-finding skills of Ray Mears, so some help would be essential to navigate this trail.

I called and called the airport. I found that my calls were either cut off, or in a never-ending loop of messages and requests to press various options.

Drop-off point

Eventually, I got through to the airport helpline which gave a further number to call and advice about a special disability drop-off point, where I could call for help.

Fantastic! Now I am getting somewhere. Sadly, no. This number also rang out.

Fortunately for me, on the day of my departure I was collected by a taxi driver I knew. We tried to find the drop-off point they referred to with no success.

After a fruitless search the driver parked and deposited me safely inside the terminal building.

After I met up with Preeti, I’m pleased to say my journey so far to the Danish capital has been uneventful. Now it’s time to do some reporting.

I thought you may be interested in a reply I received from the organisation which provides the airport support for disabled passengers.

Before I left for Denmark, I emailed them after my attempts to call them to ask for assistance failed miserably.

Well, I got a nice reply saying that they only provided disabled passengers with support Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 – so if you are planning to travel, I advise you only to have a disability during office hours.

To be fair, they also said that Glasgow Airport was responsible outside these hours. Well, not if my experience is anything to go by, as it wasn’t for the want of trying.

Source:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7326009.stm

First Published Monday, 18th August, 2008.

Telling Dawfie’s story

Local author writes book addressing autism

Growing up, Brenda O’Bannion’s aunt Doris inspired her in many ways. She was one of the reasons O’Bannion wanted to work in special education.

She was also the reason O’Bannion felt the need to write a children’s book that addresses autism, a subject very close to her heart.

“My aunt was autistic and also a savant. She could play any musical instrument but had the cognitive ability of about a 5-year-old,” O’Bannion, of Victoria, said. “She influenced me in so many ways, but she especially taught me to separate the disability from the person.”

Although she still works in education, O’Bannion managed to find the time to write a book called “Crowbaby and Dawfie,” which was published in May by Tadpole Press of Houston.

With the characters based on O’Bannion’s father and aunt, the story follows the lives of an East Texas family in a 13-month period during the Korean War. After her brother is sent off to war, Dawfie, an autistic child, waits for the return of her beloved sibling, whom she calls Crowbaby.

“The story itself is fictional, but it’s based on real characters,” O’Bannion said. “Now that it’s finally published, I feel like I birthed a baby. I’m very grateful that someone recognized the value of this story.”

Although “Crowbaby and Dawfie” is a children’s book, O’Bannion’s publisher was so touched by the story that he encouraged her to write an adult companion book to the story.

“He said he thought my aunt had such a unique story that we had to get her story out there,” she said.

That book, “Dawfie’s Story,” is due out in October. In addition, O’Bannion has several other children’s books that are set to be released in 2009 and 2010.

Although she maintains a full-time job as an administrator for Region III Education Service Center, O’Bannion said it has always been a dream of hers to write a children’s book.

“I taught for 20 years and my first love is special education. But I’ve also been writing since I was very young,” she said. “For me, writing is necessary. Nothing is more difficult than searching for just the right way to say something; but then, nothing feels better than getting it just right.”

O’Bannion added that she hopes her books help to raise awareness of autism, which is often misunderstood.

“The more people are informed about something, the more accepting they are of it,” she said.

Source:  http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/793/story/298761.html

“Crowbaby and Dawfie” is a heart-tugging story about an autistic child’s faithful watch for her brother’s return from war. The story covers thirteen months in the life of Ma and Dawfie as they watch the river road near their home, eager for Crowbaby’s return. A touching ending gives the readers hope and insight into not only the lives of disabled children, but also the conflicts that war imposes.

In the words of Dr. Joyce Armstrong Carroll of the Abydos Learning International, who wrote the forward for this book, “Crowbaby and Dawfie honors the sacrifices of heart, home and country. And its message will remain in the mind of every child who reads it”.
Source:  http://www.brendaobannion.com/books.htm

Crowbaby and Dawfie — Teacher to Teacher Resource Kit
by Brenda O’Bannion
ISBN 978-1-933660-53-0
Release Date: AVAILABLE NOW

This resource guide supplements “Crowbaby and Dawfie” in the classroom, including story summaries, talking points, vocabulary words, and activity pages to assist teachers in lesson planning and development.

Source: http://www.brendaobannion.com/teacher.htm#CND

HEADLINES

“National MMR Catch Up Campaign launched”:

http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=117545

“London bracing itself for a potential measles epidemic”:

http://www.thelondondailynews.com/london-bracing-itself-potential-measles-epidemic-p-1076.html

“Measles epidemic fears prompt new MMR jab drive by Department of Health”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/aug/07/health.children

Matthew Brook Update “Sister forced to abandon brother after care cut”:

http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/3575197.WOODFORD_GRN__Sister_forced_to_abandon_brother_after_care_cut/

“I rubbed dirty nappy in autistic boy’s face”:

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24107738-421,00.html

“National Autism Association receives generous donation to fund more counties with Project Lifesaver equipment”:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20080806/pl_usnw/national_autism_association_receives_generous_donation_to_fund_more_counties_with_project_lifesaver_equipment

“Disability groups protest ‘Tropic Thunder”:

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i586iSEdbKoVJV6tXZYDyPgPz7IwD92GKK300

“Autistic kids’ outbursts stir furor and guilt”:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26182016/

Keith Kennedy meets St. Paul firefighters who rescued him”:

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6944792&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

“Kennedys can’t thank people enough”:

http://www.burnettcountysentinel.com/read/detail/29181.html

“Mediaset sues Google over YouTube clips…

Last week, Italian prosecutors said that they would charge four Google executives for failing to monitor content, including a video of youths taunting an autistic classmate.”:

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/cwire/20080804/ttc-mediaset-sues-google-over-youtube-cl-78e70a2.html

“AM’s new role with autism campaigners”:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health-news/2008/07/29/am-s-new-role-with-autism-campaigners-91466-21421604/

“Critics call for Savage to step down”:

http://www.nbc11.com/news/17016164/detail.html

“By their Savagery ye shall know them”:

http://www.indeonline.com/opinion/x1470916607/By-their-Savagery-ye-shall-know-them

“Small protest, big impact”:

http://www.silive.com/news/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/1218023116129290.xml&coll=1

“$33K bill after dogs banned from flight”:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=113&objectid=10526107&ref=rss

“I Exist: help us make a difference in your local area”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1736&a=16754

“Autism in the media: new workshop at our international conference”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17058

RESEARCH

“Why real and imagined disgust have the same effect…

…The next step will be to study IFO activation in autism. It is generally assumed that autistic people can’t identify the emotions of others, but clinical studies alternatively suggest that perhaps they feel others’ emotions too well, to the point that they are overwhelmed. “These experiments can help tease these options apart,” says Keyser.”

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/dn14511-why-real-and-imagined-disgust-have-the-same-effect.html?feedId=online-news_rss20

“Autistic children make limited eye contact”:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20080806/hl_hsn/autisticchildrenmakelimitedeyecontact

CDC: New data on epilepsy from multiple states”:

http://www.emaxhealth.com/37/23811.html

“Researchers find differences in swallowing mechanism of Rett syndrome patients”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/117201.php

“Robot playmates help autistic kids with social skills”:

http://www.drkoop.com/newsdetail/93/259404-31.html

“Scientists to study link between gluten, dairy products and autism in kids”:

http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-8859.html

“Misconceptions about Bipolar Disorder”:

http://www.emaxhealth.com/112/17615.html

“New treatments for Bipolar Disorder found”:

http://www.emaxhealth.com/112/23026.html

“Medications for Bipolar Disorder’s manic phase may be feasible”:

http://www.emaxhealth.com/112/20835.html

“Bipolar youths misreading of faces may be risk marker for illness”:

http://www.emaxhealth.com/112/21113.html

EDUCATION

“It’s a question of restraint for teachers of autistic kids”:

http://www.buffalonews.com/101/story/406013.html

“Autistic boy in tears after he was denied help in exam”:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article4460621.ece

“School apologises to autistic boy”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/7542948.stm

“State-of-the-art Armaugh autism centre unveiled”:

http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=80198

“Autism in schools”:

http://www2.basehorinfo.com/news/2008/aug/07/autism_schools/

“New video modeling software helps autistic children”:

http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/080806/0422516.html

“Assistance dog bonds with Decatur girl just in time for school”:

http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=8823755

“Preparing for school and the bus”:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art58147.asp

EMPLOYMENT

“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

“The media’s addiction to controversy can seriously damage your health”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/aug/13/pressandpublishing.health?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront

“Autism diagnosis shakes family…”He is who he is because he is autistic,” she said. “It’s so much part of his personality that I don’t want to take that away from him because then I won’t know him.”:

http://billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/08/05/news/local/33-autism.txt

“Dog a perfect companion for autistic St. Paul boy”:

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7153627&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

From the Archives “Clay Aiken idolizes kids with developmental disabilities”:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlighthealth/2004-01-20-aiken_x.htm

“American Idol crooner Clay Aiken now a father”:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080809/ap_en_ce/people_clay_aiken;_ylt=Au7SD.Nuoadp2fBi80M96t6mG78C

“Aresenal raises £500,000 for autism charity, Treehouse”:

http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/Channels/Fundraising/login/836666/

“UK model Jordan to adopt a disabled Bulgarian orphan”:

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=95803

“A robot with emotions”:

http://www.wctv.tv/APNews/headlines/26321739.html

“Expert advice on choosing a dog for your autistic child”:

http://autism.about.com/b/2008/08/07/expert-advice-on-choosing-a-dog-for-your-child-with-autism.htm

VCFS “Girl struggling with health challenges finds others like her”:

http://www.beaufortgazette.com/local/story/510823.html

From the Archives “A Mind Apart: Travels in a Neurodiverse World”

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=20065&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=29868

“Sylvia Plath”:

http://www.answers.com/topic/sylvia-plath

“The Life and Works of Sylvia Plath”:

http://sylviaplath.org.uk/

“Sylvia – the movie”:

http://www.sylviamovie.com/

“Enter the LEGO Club charity challenge”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1673&a=16865

“Autism in China: A mother’s Journey”:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/31/china.autism/index.html

“NAS information in Chinese”:

http://www.autism.org.uk/languages/chinese

“Photo Gallery: China”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/gallery/china_wong-tai-sin-temple.html

China’s Journey “China: Inside the Dragon”:

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/05/china/journey/hessler-text/1

“Photo Gallery: Beijing Sights”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/photos/beijing-gallery-1.html

“Best of Beijing”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/places-of-a-lifetime/beijing-best-of.html

Beijing Association for Rehabilitation of Autistic Children (BARAC)
No. 6 Hospital attached to Beijing University
No 51 Huayuan Bei Road
Haidian District
Beijing
100083 PR
CHINA
Tel: +86 (0) 10 6207 8248
Fax: +86 (0) 10 8280 1905
Email: xiehui@autism.com.cn
Website: www.autism.com.cn
(confirmed 10/08)

Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism
Dongxu Xincun 4Qu No. 57
Chaoyang District
10024 Beijing
CHINA
Tel: 0086-10-85373236
Fax: 0086-10-85373486
Email: sunzk@autismchina.org
Website: www.autismchina.org
(updated 3/09)

Shenzhen Autism Association
Tel: (86 755) 26936888 Ext 8722
Fax: (86 755) 26936988
Email: melody.xu@cpsz.com
Website: www.sas.org.cn/
(added 2/09)

ADD/ADHD

Michael Phelps ~ ADHD and the road to Beijing “Q & A with Deborah Phelps, mom of swimmer Michael Phelps”:

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/names/real/deborah-phelps-interview

“ADHD – The Essential Guide, New Book”:

http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=117744

“Kaplan University graduates 2.278 online students”:

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/kaplan-university-graduates-2278-online-students,490928.shtml

“More adults than children taking ADHD medication”:

http://www.emaxhealth.com/37/23509.html

“Shire relaunches ADHDSupport.com, a virtual road map providing information, tools and practical tips”:

http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Family_Health_210/Shire_Re-Launches_ADHDSupport_com_a_Virtual_Road_Map_Providing_Information_Tools_and_Practical_Tips.shtml

“Pediatricians nix heart tests before ADHD drugs”:

http://www.masslive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/national-9/12173636676530.xml&storylist=health

“Why is ADHD treated with stimulants?”:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/910293/why_is_adhd_treated_with_stimulants.html

“ADD/ADHD medications: News and more tips for Vyvanse”:

http://www.corepsychblog.com/2008/08/addadhd-medicat.html

Sleep Disorders “Are tonsils causing ADHD?”:

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/17163443/detail.html

“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 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/

“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

“Wishaw man runs Half marathon for autism charity”

To sponsor Andrew you can go to www.justgiving.com/coisty09 or, alternatively, Andrew has put sponsor forms behind the bar in The Yard, Main Street, Wishaw.

http://iclanarkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/wishawpress/news/tm_headline=wishaw-man-runs-half-marathon-run-for-autism-charity&method=full&objectid=21517112&siteid=50144-name_page.html

“Universe of Gymnastics’ gym brings ‘family’ philosophy to area”:

http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_47702.shtml

“Grab a ‘Pisa’ the action: trek Tuscany this September!”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16690

“Sky diving: take the plunge for the NAS”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16319

“Support NAS Scotland … by eating Sunday lunch”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16282

“The London Triathlon 2008 – 9th-10^th August”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16295

“Adidas Women’s 5k Challenge – 7^th September, 2008”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16296

“Derry, Northern Ireland – Waterside Half Marathon – 13^th September, 2008”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16853

“Donegal ‘Mooathon’ 2008 – 28^th 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 – 27^th October, 2008”:

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 – 5^th October”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16132

“Sahara Desert Trek – 8^th-15^th November, 2008”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16303

“Cycle China 2009 – 19th-29^th March”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16305

“Trek the Inca Trail 2009 – 14th-23^rd May”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16310

“Trek Jordan 2009 – 10^th-14^th September”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16314

MUSIC

Australian band set for first World Tour – “Rudely Interrupted”

“Help the Rudies rock out at UN!”:

http://blogs.abc.net.au/articulate/2008/08/help-the-rudies.html

“Pianist Tony DeBlois to appear at Hilton-Winn Farm Aug. 9”:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080807/ENTERTAIN/808070355/-1/rss51

“Play time that can change a child’s world”:

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/features/Play-time-that-can-change.4360903.jp

ART

“Autism Rocks notecards”:

http://www.kindtree.org/notecardgroupmoods.html#humorous

“Children’s Artwork”:

http://www.autism-pdd.net/artboard.html

“Autism Art” Featured Artist – Charles Burns

Charles Burns was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome relatively late in life, in his early forties, soon after his son was diagnosed with the same condition. In his youth he attended a boarding school in Yorkshire before going on to study art at Exteter and Wolverhampton Art Colleges. On leaving college in the mid 1980s he recognised that it would be quite impossible for him to survive in the conventional workplace, and that if he was to work at all it would have to be for himself. He spent the next 12 years working as a street artist in London’s Covent Garden, drawing portraits and later cutting silhouettes for visitors to London at the weekend craft market, where he soon developed a reputation for the speed and accuracy of his work. It was during these years that he developed his passion for silhouettes, which is today his main means of earning a living; his skill with a pair of scissors being much in demand for corporate events, weddings, and the like. Charles’ success with his silhouettes meant that he was able to leave Covent Garden (not without some regrets) in 1997, and devote himself full-time to his present work as “artist/entertainer”. Life drawing has also been a continuing interest for Charles, which began during his years at art college. The present series of torn paper collages was begun around the year 2000 and is a continuing source of experimentation today. Charles presently lives with his wife and 2 children in Reading, and works from an old barn which he uses as a studio. These works are exhibited very rarely.

http://www.autismart.org/

NAS “Take part in our creativity competition”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1665&a=16597

MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT

“NeoClassics Films lands “The Black Balloon”:

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/neoclassics-films-lands-the-black-balloon,492744.shtml

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

BOOKS

“Born on A Blue Day, Daniel Tammet a Childhood Autistic Savant Shares Inspirational Story”:

http://www.circlesoflight.com/blog/daniel-tammet/

VIDEO(PAL Format) 30mins “Asperger’s Syndrome – Crossing the Bridge”

One of the world’s leading authorities on Asperger’s Syndrome, Dr. Tony Attwood, interviews Dr. Liane Willey as they discuss her life-time experiences, struggles, and triumphs over this syndrome.

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781853029882

“Asperger Syndrome, Adolescence, and Identity:

Looking Beyong the Label”

Authors: Harvey Molloy and Latika Vasil

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843101260

“Congratulations! It’s Asperger Syndrome”

Author: Jen Birch

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843101123

“Succeeding with Autism: Hear my Voice”

Author: Judith H. Cohen

Foreword by Temple Grandin

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843107934

“The Feeling’s Unmutual”

Growing Up With Asperger Syndrome (Undiagnosed)

Author: Will Hadcroft

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843102649

“Anne Droyd and Century Lodge”

Author: Will Hadcroft

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843102823

“Anne Droyd And The House Of Shadows”

Author: Will Hadcroft

The eagerly awaited and unmissable sequel to Anne Droyd and Century Lodge is set for release this September. For further information and to view the stunning cover art courtesy of Laura Diehl…

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/friendsofanne/

http://www.willhadcroft.com/

To view Laura Diehl’s award-winning artwork:

http://www.ldiehl.com./

In closing, a look at the latest from the Beijing Olympics…

“Beijing Olympics, 2008 – Events, Highlights, Medal Tally and more”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/beijing_olympics/

“2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing, Facts, News, Photos”:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/summergames/

Something for the children…Some wonderful Chinese crafts – from a handprint dragon to terracotta warriors, there’s something for every child over at Activity Village!

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/china_crafts.htm

Till next time,

Take Care,

Julie

First Published Monday, 11th August, 2008.

Fwd:

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), in conjunction with
Christschool, has produced a video about the use of the “r” word.
Please distribute the video immediately to organizations and
individuals you think
will be interested.

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=JzgQ3LVNhps

With the opening of Tropic Thunder this week, the R Word video
counteracts the idea that it’s OK for a majority group to use harmful
language that can have serious effects on the population
being “joked” about.

Best regards,

Paula

Paula C. Durbin-Westby
Virginia Coordinator
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1101 15th Street, NW Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.autistic advocacy. org

First Published Monday, 11th August, 2008.

First Published Friday, 1st August, 2008.

Fwd:

Act to Protect the ADA Regulations -Information Bulletin, # 256 (7/08)

About five weeks ago, I wrote “Good-Bye Full Accessibility, ” Information
Bulletin #250 in which I focused on only two disastrous aspects in the
proposed Department of Justice Regulations that significantly change both
Title II and Title III.

Recently, the NDRN and DREDF, as well as other disability attorneys, wrote
a set of “model” comments in response to the Department of Justice’s
(DOJ’s) Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on these proposed changes.

The model comments are now available on the DREDF website:
http://www.dredf. org/DOJ_NPRM.

Once you get to this website, you can see all the proposed changes, not
just the two I raised, by clicking on the left column. DREDF and NDRN
intend that the model comments be a starting point for disability rights
groups and other interested parties to use in drafting and submitting
their own comments. Feel free to “cut and pasted.”

Where possible, please provide personal anecdotes and experiences to adapt
and personalize the model comments. Tell DOJ what accessibility problems
you have faced since the ADA was enacted, what you have tried to do, how
it’s been unsuccessful, and why making the proposed changes will only make
it more difficult to achieve “equal opportunities” and “full access.” You
might even mention, if it’s true, whether or not you filed a complaint
with DOJ and what, if anything, happened with it.

Even if you block and copy, please take a few minutes to submit comments
using the Regulations. gov website.

Remember, the deadline for submitting comments to the proposed changes is
very soon! Don’t mourn, organize and get your friends to also write in
their personal stories.

Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues

Back issues of other Information Bulletins are available online at
http://www.stevegol dada.com
with a searchable Archive at this site divided into different subjects.
To contact Steve Gold directly,
write to stevegoldada@ cs.com or call 215-627-7100.

—
Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues

Back issues of other Information Bulletins are available online at
http://www.stevegol dada.com

TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THE LIST:
To Unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a message to
majordomo@stevegold ada.com
and in the body of the message include ONLY:
unsubscribe stevegoldada

—
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