By Erika Krull, MS, LMHP
April 8, 2009

Huh?? That’s probably what you thought when you clicked on this blog post. Depression….. The X Files….. Right. I’ll admit, I’m a scifi fan, and the X Files is one of my all-time favorite shows. I’m old enough to have enjoyed it the first time around in the ’90s, and now I’m watching the entire series again on DVD. Yes, I’m a big nerd, but I digress.

A couple of nights ago, I watched one of the many alien conspiracy episodes involving Agents Scully and Mulder, Assistant Director Skinner, Alex Krycek, and a host of other folks mixed up in a thick plot. This is somewhere in the last of nine seasons, so alien conspiracy and high drama are not new to the regular viewer by this time.

I had a few thought collisions today, leading me to compare depression with the X Files. I was briefly distracted from my normal writing tasks when I recalled what I was thinking during the episode I watched recently: “Geeze, it always seems like nobody believes these people, even when there’s clearly a huge problem.”

They can’t tell anybody, they don’t know who to trust, and whoever they do tell surely will think they are crazy. Really, who would ever believe that the informant who is trying to feed the agents helpful information really has the scar from a metal chip in his neck because he’s an alien hybrid? Even though all the viewers and the key cast members know all about this threat, the agents never seem to know who they can trust. They live in a world of worry, peril, secrecy, and confusion.

Ta-da. There’s my connection. I have often said to myself that my depression felt like an alien had taken over my brain, though the takeover wasn’t complete because I still knew that I was me. I was just disabled enough to have little control but aware enough to realize I wasn’t able to get the alien out by myself.

I needed help. This wasn’t normal; I knew something was different. But what? And how do I describe this? Would anyone believe me? And would I wish I would have kept my mouth shut once I said something? How will this affect my job, my kids, my marriage? I can’t keep going on like this, but I don’t know if I can tell anyone either. Which is more dangerous?

And all Mulder, Scully, and Skinner have is each other. They’ve witnessed and been through difficult things that would be hard to believe unless you’d been there. Depression often is that unbelievable, too. Unless you have felt the takeover of your mind, seen the lost look on your own face in the mirror, and begun to doubt everything you’ve known, it can be hard to understand from the outside.

Fortunately, there is much more support and help available for people with depression than there ever seemed to be for Scully, Mulder, and Skinner. Those aliens just kept coming at them and they kept fighting them tooth and nail. Suddenly, I’m feeling a fond kinship with these X Files heroes – alien fighters to the end.

Kristen M. Krysko^a and M.D. Rutherford^{, a,}

Source:  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WBY-4V0VC3K-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=5161ac689aa5b8dfd480b479581dcc6d

HEADLINES

“Two held over suspicious fire which killed boy, 12 … The death of an autistic schoolboy who perished in a house fire in West Yorkshire is being treated as suspicious.. Officers later arrested five males on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. “:

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Two-held-over-39suspicious39-fire.5146379.jp

“More time to quiz death-blaze suspects”:

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/More-time-to-quiz-deathblaze.5155451.jp

“Autistic child’s arrest fuels debate”:

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/03/29/Autistic-childs-arrest-fuels-debate/UPI-40551238351972/

“More with learning disabilities forced to wed”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/7986821.stm

“Police probing alleged abuse of student”:

http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090408/NEWS11/90408024/-1/rss01

Dr Michael Fitzpatrick “It’s time to stop this ‘miracle cure’ madness”:

http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/6433/

“New law comes into force to strengthen protection of vulnerable people, UK”:

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

“Teacher loses appeal in class vote case”:

http://www.clickorlando.com/education/19062342/detail.html#-

“Homeless need mental health help”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7980921.stm

“Down’s syndrome adults face cut in services … Services for adults with Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities are underfunded by at least £200m a year, a consortium of 12 charities will tell the Treasury this week.”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/apr/06/learning-disabilities-funding-cuts

“Novelist slams autism scandal”:

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Novelist-slams-autism-39scandal39-.5144840.jp

“Prime Minister Gordon Brown on autism”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145194.php

“Autism specialist changed diagnosis on newsreader Alex Thomson’s son after pressure by schools”:

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

“The covering up of autism. Just what is going on?”:

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/97306

“Pink Floyd’s Gilmour backs McKinnon protest gig”:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/03/26/pink_floyd_mckinnon_protest_gig/

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

“New group to provide autism support”:
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/4244144.New_group_to_provide_autism_support/

“Brown to meet autism campaigner”:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/brown-to-meet-autism-campaigner-1662949.html

Care for the Carers “We Care Echo campaign”:

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/Campaign-achieved-lot-remains/article-863774-detail/article.html

“Blind man is attacked and robbed”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/7983309.stm

“Don’t say ‘blind as a bat’, diversity guide warns police”:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1166962/Dont-say-blind-bat-diversity-guide-warns-police.html

Australia “A4 Update 2009 (February)”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/australia_a4_update_2009_february_vol_7_no_2.htm

RESEARCH

“Cartoons to identify autism”:

http://www.chestereveningleader.co.uk/nhshealth/Cartoons-to-identify-autism.5144139.jp

“Abstract: A threat-detection advantage in those with ASD”:

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

“Talking in color: imaging helps social skills”:

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE53000Z20090401?feedType=RSS&feedName=lifestyleMolt&pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

“Autistic children pay attention to syncronised sound and motion”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144131.php

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16874-autistic-twoyear-olds-live-in-a-synchronised-world.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news

“Yale researchers discover mechanism for social development that is absent in autistic children”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144806.php

“Autism linked with stress hormone levels”:

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

“LENA Foundation announces the development of an automatic autism screen”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144225.php

“New light shed on male & female brain differences”:

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

“The amygdala in autism: Not adapting to faces?”:

http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/166/4/395

“Anorexia Nervosa in autistic women/Disorders are common in adults who have had Anorexia”:

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

“Teenaged, depressed, and treatment resistant: What predicts self-harm?”:

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

“Summer jobs may help prevent suicidal tendencies in at-risk teens”:

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

“Abstract: Migraine in recurrent depression”:

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

“Working to understand men’s mental health”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2009/apr/07/men-mental-health

“How depression is like the X Files”:

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

Fears & Phobias “Study: Half of group free of phobia after a single treatement/Biochemical pathway for blocking your worst fears”:

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

Australia “Mental health needs must not be neglected after a disaster”:

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

“Genetic tests lead to claims of bias”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25236958-12332,00.html

“Reducing weight from antipsychotic drugs”:

http://psychcentral.com/news/2009/03/27/reducing-weight-from-antipsychotic-meds/5009.html

“Tinnitus cure is a step closer”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7959785.stm

“A guide to getting through tough economic times”:

http://www.samhsa.gov/economy/

“Relationships: The attractions of humour/Long-term happiness/Marriage/When a friendship ends/Broken heart syndrome”:

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

“Loneliness harms health”:

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

EDUCATION

“Teen commits suicide due to bullying: Parents sue school for son’s death”:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/Story?id=7228335&page=1

“Millom mum hits out over lack of support for autistic son”:

http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/millom_mum_hits_out_over_lack_of_support_for_autistic_son_1_538208?referrerPath=ten_year_prison_term_for_cumbrian_pervert_who_sexually_abused_boy_1_535616

Cornell College “Cornellian’s article explores love for autistic brother … The article—published in Autism Advocate, an autism issues magazine—attempts to show that there’s more to being autistic than the “negative or pitying aspects of autism” through Rankowski’s own relationship with her brother, Jan.”:

http://news.cornellcollege.edu/2009/04/08/cornellians-article-explores-love-for-autistic-brother/

“Family affair for Fiona”:

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Family-affair-Fiona/article-887192-detail/article.html

“Boundary Fury”:

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/mostpopular.var.2500156.mostviewed..boundary_fury.php

“Unique class teaches autistic teens how to make friends”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145537.php

“Latest Education/Home Ed News Update”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/educationhome_ed_articles_update_1.htm

EMPLOYMENT

“Employment service first to gain autism accreditation … It points out that 17% of people with learning disabilities of working age have paid employment and this figure drops to 4% for people with autism. However, a study by the National Autistic Society found that suitable employment was the one thing that individuals with autism feel would benefit their lives more than anything else.

CIC Vocational Support can be contacted on 0151 709 1950 or vocationalsupport@c-i-c.co.uk. For more information visit www.c-i-c.co.uk.”:

http://www.communitynewswire.press.net/article.jsp?id=5659415

UK Position Available: Chance to train as a support worker:

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

“No job for autistic Ashtead artist Tom Hurley … An Ashtead fine arts graduate who has won national prizes with his art work cannot even get a job as a street cleaner.”:

http://www.epsomguardian.co.uk/news/4272910.No_job_for_artist_Tom/

“Autistic winemakers crafting fine vintages in Japan”:

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/01/japan.autism/index.html?eref=rss_latest

US News “Teenagers with autism: Want a job?”:

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/brain-and-behavior/2009/04/02/teenagers-with-autism-want-a-job_print.htm

“Treatment by the book”:

http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/features/display.var.2498557.0.Treatment_by_the_book.php

Luxury Quality Scented Candles “Humbolt Candles – Autism & Disability Employment Company”:

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

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

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

http://www.auties.org/

“Prospects”:

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

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

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

“Current job vacancies within the NAS”:

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

For further employment information, please view”:

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

GENERAL/HUMAN INTEREST

Australia Rett Syndrome “Local researchers are leading the hunt to unlock the secrets of a rare genetic condition”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25280854-23289,00.html

“Airport launches guide for autistic children”:

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

Autism & Ageing What happens next? “Michael Baron Cockermouth … When Michael’s son Timothy was born, it was clear he was different to other children. But this was the late 1950s, when autism was still an obscure condition in the UK.”:

http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk/news/people/what_happens_next_1_532690?referrerPath=features

Boston “Strengthening the safety net for autism in adulthood”:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/04/01/strengthening_the_safety_net_for_autism_in_adulthood/

“NYTimes: A roller coaster to acceptance of a son’s autism”:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/health/07case.html?_r=2&ref=health

“Autism in China”:

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

India “Make a difference to their lives”:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Make-a-difference-to-their-lives/articleshow/4346248.cms

Saudi Arabia “Autistic society sounds SOS for autistic children”:

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=121087&d=2&m=4&y=2009

“Documentary chronicles MB family’s journey to understand ‘autistic-like’ son”:

http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_12045678?source=rss

“Fire service rewarded for disability friendly website”:

http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/4240333.Fire_service_rewarded_for_disability_friendly_website/

“Mother of an autistic college professor reaches out to other parents”:

http://www.twincities.com/health/ci_12063356

“Disabled model fronting campaign”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cumbria/7964480.stm

“Emma Noble: Shoeshine the puppy has unlocked the world for my son Harry”:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2587389539_2230f4d59b_m.jpg

Simon Baron-Cohen “Media distortion damages both science and journalism”:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20127011.300-media-distortion-damages-both-science-and-journalism.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news

“Autistic savants and Autism”:

http://www.autism-help.org/autism-savant.htm

EASTER

Easter Around the World

http://www.easterbunnys.net/easteraroundtheworld.htm

Easter & Spring Crafts

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/easter/

http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/easter_crafts_ms/

http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/easter/

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

Easter Recipes

http://www.betterrecipes.com/holiday/easter/index.html

http://www.tesco.com/recipes/

http://homecooking.about.com/od/easter/Easter_Recipes.htm

http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/food/easter09/treats/traditional_recipes.htm

FRANCE

Autisme France

http://autisme.france.free.fr/

NAS – French

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

ASD Books in French

http://www.parentbooks.ca/Autism_Featured_Books_French.html

AbstractPlus Autism and social movements: French parents’ associations and international autistic individuals’ organisations

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18254834?ordinalpos=29&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSu+m

French autism organisation contacts all presidential election candidates to highlight country’s failings …”:

http://www.autismconnect.org/news.asp?section=00010001&itemtype=news&id=6130

My Sister Sabine” Has Impact on Policy Makers/New Autism Plan

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

Enquiry: Autism/Special Needs Schooling in France

http://riviera.angloinfo..com/forum/topic.asp?topic_id=114919

French Home Ed Site
Les enfants d’abord:
http://www.lesenfantsdabord.org/eindex.html

NAS: Gilles Trehin

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1154&a=9161

VIDEO Gilles Trehin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKBQJqfeI4o

Urville

http://urville.com/

VIDEO (3:10) Destination France

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/regions-places/europe-western/france-overview-dest.html

France National Geographic-Style

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

ADD/ADHD

“Treatment update for ADHD”:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2009/03/28/treatment-update-for-adhd/

“Study reignites debate over drugs for hyperactive youths”:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/6345245.html

“Teva introduces first generic Adderall XR capsules in the United States”:

http://www.engelpub.com/News/Index.cfm?articleid=616456

“Are smart drugs the answer to bad moods – and a bad economy?”:

http://discovermagazine.com/2009/apr/02-are-smart-drugs-the-answer-to-bad-moods-and-bad-economy

“Shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists reaches crisis point”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144968.php

“Ten percent of Tennessee children now diagnosed with ADHD”:

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=46873

“ADHD linked to obesity”:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090324.wLhealthObesity0324/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home

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

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

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

http://www.adders.org/

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

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

“ADDA”:

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

“hi2u ADHD Pages”:

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

“CHADD”:

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

SPORT

“Student and Dad’s walk for centre”:

http://www.belpernews.co.uk/news/Student-and-dad39s-walk-for.5149276.jp

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

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

“Trek Ben Nevis – 19-21 June, 2009”:

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

“Flora London Marathon 2009”:

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

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

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1860

5-8 June, 2009 “Five Countries Bike Ride – England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1970

“Racecourse Bike Ride – 12 July, 2009”:

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

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

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

“Trek Jordan 2009 – 10-14 September”:

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

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

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1832

“Sky Diving”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1726

MUSIC

“Interactive music concerts for autistic children”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=18082

“The AutisMusic Project”:

http://www.autismusic.com/

ART

“Charlotte Moore on the talented autistic couple Gilles and Catherine”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2006/apr/15/art.fashion

“Science centre cafe showcases autism talents”:

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

GLIMPSE – the talents of the autism community

They are painters, sculptors and photographers; poets and storytellers; musicians and creators of amazing video games. They are kids, teens and adults. Last year, a new online publication arose to celebrate the talents of autistic individuals and other developmental disabilities: GLIMPSE, offered by ICDL (The Interdisciplinary Council of Developmental and Learning Disorders). In late 2008, Volume 2 of GLIMPSE was released, and was expanded into a print book and notecards. The works are serious, humourous, deeply personal and illuminating. See it for yourslef, share it with others, submit your own/your child’s work for inclusion in Volume 3, to release later this year. Find information and ordering details at www.icdl.com

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

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

MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT

The Temple Grandin Movie – 9 years in the making. HBO Films is in post-production on a 2-hour biopic on Temple’s life, directed by Mick Jackson (Live from Baghdad). Golden Globe-winning actress Claire Danes has been cast in the role of Temple Grandin. Tentatively set to air on HBO, date TBA. Temple talks about the upcoming movie in an Oct. 2008 article in BEEF magazine, http://beefmagazine.com

“Award-winning film Ben X to be screened on April 26”:

http://www.awares.org/pkgs/news/news.asp?showItemID=953&board=&bbcode=&profileCode=&section=

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

BOOKS

“Paul Dirac: The man who conjured laws of nature from pure thought”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/apr/02/paul-dirac-strangest-man-farmelo-quantum

“Supportive Parenting: Becoming an Advocate for your Child with Special Needs”

Author: Jan Starr Campito

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108511

“Outsmarting Explosive Behaviour – A Visual System of Support and Intervention for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders”

Author: Judy Endow, MSW

Foreword by Brenda Smith-Myles, Ph.D.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9035.htm

“The Power of Words”

Author: Judy Endow, MSW

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9730.htm

“Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum”

Edited by Stephen Shore

Foreword by Temple Grandin

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9940.htm

“Many Shades of Success: Other Views of Post-Secondary Options”

Edited by Teresa Allissa Citro

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_M114.htm

“Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges for Children with Asperger Syndrome”

Author: Haley Myles

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9917.htm

“The Asperger Plus Child: How to Identify and Help Children with Asperger Syndrome and Seven Co-Existing Conditions – Bipolar Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disability, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, High-Functioning Autism, Tourette’s Syndrome, and Attention Deficit Disorder”

Author: George T. Lynn with Joanne Barrie Lynn

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9976.htm

“Mozart and the Whale”

Authors: Jerry Newport, Mary Newport, and Johnny Dodd

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_M115.htm

“The Out-Of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction”

Author: Carol Stock Kranowitz

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_O102b_V103.htm

“The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction”

Author: Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_O106.htm

“Music Therapy: Another Path to Learning and Communication for Children in the Autism Spectrum”

Author: Betsey King Brunk

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_M106.htm

New & Recently Updated Publications From The NAS

After diagnosis – services and support for children with autism and their parents and carers

After your child is diagnosed with autism, many parents and carers contact us to ask, ‘What next?’ Here, we detail some of the services and support that exist for children with autism and their families. We also offer some information about behaviour and tips on how to support a child with autism. This booklet replaces our leaflet Autism spectrum disorders: a guide for parents and carers.

Published by The National Autistic Society, 2009, 12pp, pbk, illustrated

(Code NAS 844) No ISBN £0.50

http://www.autism.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=435&a=19045

Environment and surroundings: how to make them autism-friendly

Anh Nguyen, NAS Autism Helpline

‘It is well written and clearly covers all the important issues of adapting the environment and making it safe. I also like the way it indicates methods of preventing stressful situations.’ Caroline Esdaile, mother of a child with autism

Published by The National Autistic Society, 2006, updated 2009, 24pp, A5, pbk, illustrated

(Code NAS 640) ISBN 9781899280940 £1.00

http://www.autism.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=539&a=9945

Moving from primary to secondary school: guidelines for pupils with autism spectrum disorders

Patricia Thorpe

A booklet aimed at teachers, support staff and parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, offering practical advice on the move to secondary school. A best seller!

Published by The National Autistic Society, 2003, updated 2009, 12pp, A5, leaflet, illustrated

(Code NAS 492) ISBN 9781899280902 50p

http://www.autism.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=803&a=5546

Understanding difficulties during break and lunchtime at secondary school for pupils with an autism spectrum disorder

Patricia Thorpe

Break times can be the most difficult times for young people with autism as they are much less structured than lessons and offer opportunities for bullies. Patricia spoke to her own pupils with autism and found out what had worked for them.

Published by The National Autistic Society, 2004, updated 2009, 16pp, A5, leaflet, illustrated

(Code NAS 540) ISBN 9781899280865 £1.00

http://www.autism.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=803&a=5689

We’re also very pleased to have a new book on sexuality from Autism South Africa

I’m growing up – relationship and sexuality education for young people with autism spectrum disorders

Rebecca Johns – written for Autism South Africa

A comprehensive guide to sexuality, relationships and sex, aimed at anyone working with teenagers and young adults on the autism spectrum, with advice on communicating about sexuality, growing up, puberty, personal hygiene, masturbation, relationships, abuse, HIV and AIDS. Contains graphic pictures and an excellent activity guide on a wide range of issues.

Published by Autism South Africa, 2007, 64pp, A4 pbk, illustrated

(Code NAS 858) ISBN 978 0620 386 388 £7.99

http://www.autism.org..uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=761&a=19019

Please order online @ www.autism.org.uk/pubs or send orders directly to our distributor:

Central Books Ltd

99 Wallis Road

London E9 5LN

T 0845 458 9911

F 0845 458 9912

E nas@centralbooks.com

10% discount for NAS members and staff!

MOVIE

Coraline PG

Worldwide Release Dates

http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0327597/releaseinfo

Coraline is a 2009 animated stop-motion 3-D fantasy film based on Neil Gaiman‘s 2002 novella Coraline. In the film, a young girl (voiced by Dakota Fanning) walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life – only much better. But when this wondrously off-kilter, fantastical adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit other mother (voiced by Teri Hatcher) tries to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her stubborn determination, bravery, and the aid of her neighbours and a talking black cat to save her real parents and some ghost children and get back home.

http://www.coraline.com/

Why are 3D films back and how do they work?

“Cinema’s third attempt at 3D”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7976385.stm

“Toy Story films get 3D makeover”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7208861.stm

VIDEO GAME

de Blob (Wii) 3+

de Blob is an action puzzle title that allows players to explore and liberate an alien city from the evil, monochromatic I.N.K.T. Corporation that has taken over the city and outlawed all color and fun from daily life. Playing as de Blob, gamers will embark on a quest to re-animate the city of Chroma, and bring spunk and character back to the oppressed, by splattering buildings, landmarks, and citizens with color. de Blob features an intricate single player campaign as well as a multiplayer experience that supports up to four competitors via split screen. The game was conceived for the Windows PC by a team of nine students studying Game Design & Development at Utrecht University’s School of the Arts in the Netherlands. At the time of conception, sections of Utrecht were being rebuilt and the principal task in creating the game was to convey how the railroad station area of Utrecht would look in 10 years. The city of Utrecht has since adopted the character of de Blob to be its mascot.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/THQ-De-Blob-Wii/dp/B001C0LCW2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1239225735&sr=1-1

Official Website

http://www.deblob.com/

de Blob Review for Wii

http://www.videogamer.com/wii/de_blob/review.html

“Action Games Improve Eyesight”

Playing a certain type of videogame can help to improve adult eyesight, a study conducted by a North American university has concluded.

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/03/30/videogame_eyesight_research/

“Video Game Playing Associated With Surgery Skills”

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/08/18/video-game-playing-associated-with-surgery-skills/

TECH

Science’s Most Powerful Computer Tackles First Questions

“In cult sci-fi tale Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the most powerful computer in the universe was charged with finding the answer to life, the universe, and everything.

In the real world, a newly built supercomputer that is the most powerful ever dedicated to science will be tackling questions about climate change, supernovas, and the structure of water.”

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16925-sciences-most-powerful-computer-tackles-first-questions.html

LIFE

Chocolate Eggs Under Threat From Fungus Witches’ Broom

“It’s chocolate egg season again, and sales of the pagan and Christian symbols of rebirth are as strong as ever. But the hunt for Easter eggs may truly be on next year, because chocolate trees are in increasing trouble.”

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227033.500-chocolate-eggs-under-threat-from-witches-broom.html

Wishing all a safe and happy Easter!

Take Care,

Julie

Please Feel Free To Share Message:

I will be speaking with LaDonna Hale Curzon on SarahPalinRadio. com on Monday
between 7:45 and 8:00pm EST 4:45 and 5:00pm PST for Autism Awareness Month.
I will be discussing my illustrated children’s story, “Michelangelo the
Diver”, talking about parents taking a more positive view of autism and some
of the hot issues affecting the disability community like education and
abuse. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network will be mentioned several times.

Best,
Dana

*ASAN Southwest Ohio sent the following statement to the Cincinnati Flying
Pig Marathon regarding language used on their
website<http://www.flyingpi gmarathon. com/>to promote fundraising for
autism research:

http://asansouthwes tohio.blogspot. com/2009/ 04/opposing- alarmist- rhetoric. html

I am writing to express my concern about alarmist statements on the
Cincinnati Marathon website regarding autism, which could have the effect of
increasing society’s unfounded fear of autistic people and inciting
prejudice and discrimination. On your front page, promoting the Run/Walk for
Autism, there is a comparison of autism to cancer, diabetes, and AIDS, which
misleadingly causes people to view autism as a disease that their family
members are at risk of catching. A reader who follows the link to the page
promoting the Autism Run/Walk event will be informed that those who “haven’t
had a close connection with autism” are “fortunate” and that autism is a
“horrible epidemic.”

In fact, autism is a developmental condition, not a disease; it does not
make anyone sick or kill anyone, and it cannot be acquired from contact with
autistic people. Comparing autism to deadly diseases such as AIDS can cause
uninformed people to shun autistic individuals out of a groundless fear that
they or their family members will somehow catch autism. For the same reason,
autism should not be characterized as an “epidemic,” which is a term that
usually refers to an outbreak of contagious disease.

For a more detailed explanation of why such language is harmful to autistic
people, please read the public statement by Jim Sinclair and Susan J.
Golubock asking those who are concerned about helping the autistic community
to oppose the use of alarmist rhetoric about
autism<http://autism. change.org/ actions/view/ oppose_the_ use_of_alarmist_ rhetoric_ about_autism>

I personally have a close connection with autism, in that I am an autistic
person myself and have several relatives who are also autistic. This will be
my seventh year running in the Flying Pig Marathon with my husband, and I
find it very offensive that your website would suggest that my existence is
horrible and that those who have no close connections with families such as
mine are fortunate. Please think about how you would feel if you and your
family belonged to a minority group that was being described in such terms,
and edit your website accordingly.

Sincerely,

Meg Evans
Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Southwest Ohio

*Update:* In response to our concerns, the Cincinnati Marathon has edited
its front page so that its link to the event’s website does not contain the
cancer/AIDS analogy or any other language reposted from the event’s website.
The event’s organizer, Janet Leiter of the Autism Society of Greater
Cincinnati, can be contacted at info@autismrunwalk. com regarding the
language on the event’s website.

—
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.autistic advocacy. org
732.763.5530