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Sunday, December 27, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Surfing Helps Calm Autistic Children
Nonprofit Surfers Healing operates free day camps
COURTESY SHANEA ACEBAL
Alex Acebal, 8, rides the waves with Israel “Izzy” Paskowitz, founder of Surfers Healing, in San Diego last summer. Surfers Healing provides free surfing day camps for autistic children.
By Jeff Pope (contact)
Sat, Jun 20, 2009 (noon)
More info
For more information, contact Jennifer Tracy, camp coordinator, at (949) 370-1083 or go towww.surfershealing.org
The roar of the ocean surf lures thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies to ride the waves. But many autistic children, like 8-year-old Alex Acebal of North Las Vegas, find the crashing waves a calming serenity to their normally jangled restlessness.
By the age of 3, Alex showed typical signs of autism such as failure to make eye contact, delay in learning to talk and throwing tantrums that went beyond the typical “terrible twos,” his mother, Shanea Acebal, said.
After being diagnosed with autism, Alex was enrolled in the school district’s autism program, but his parents were looking for other ways to break him out of his shell, his mother said.
Then she learned of Surfers Healing, a nonprofit foundation that runs free day camps for children with autism that allows them to ride a surfboard with a professional.
Israel “Izzy” and Danielle Paskowitz have run a for-profit surfing camp for 37 years. They started the Surfers Healing foundation and camp in 1999, after seeing the effect surfing had on their autistic son, Isaiah.
About 60 autistic children from the Las Vegas Valley are scheduled to attend the camp in San Diego on Aug. 5.
Many autistic children suffer from sensory overload. Simple sensations could overwhelm them, but for some reason, being on the water helped Isaiah to focus, Izzy Paskowitz said.
With Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, and his father steering from the back, the two spent the day surfing together.
“There’s something magical that happens that still, to this day, freaks me out,” he said. “It’s the surf of the ocean, but it’s really bigger than that.”
Now 18, Isaiah Paskowitz is surfing on his own and his behavior is stable enough to where he can be in public without having fits, his father said.
“I don’t think his behavior would be as consistent as it is now,” he said. “I know when he was in the water, that just helped him calm his nerves.”
Shanea Acebal saw a similar response in her son, Alex, though the first time at the camp was highly emotional for both mother and child.
“My son was screaming. He did not want to go into that ocean. He did not want to go with the surfer, and I was sobbing,” she said. “I was frightened for my son to see him crying.”
Alex’s mood did not change as he and the surfer paddled out over the waves to a spot beyond the breakers, where the water was placid.
They sat there for about 10 minutes and Alex showed he was no longer scared.
“We saw them paddling in and they were about to catch the wave. I saw my son’s face and he was smiling and he was excited. He was happy,” Shanea Acebal said. “When they came on the shore, he was calm, he was focused. Throughout the entire afternoon, he just sat still, which is very rare for a child with autism.”
More than 2,000 autistic children attend Surfers Healing camps on both coasts each year, Izzy Paskowitz said.
“Parents just have to let go and just let them try,” said Shanea Acebal, who helps the foundation organize Las Vegas families to attend. “There are parents who struggle on the beach and have a hard time seeing their child cry, but it’s worth it. If they try it once and they don’t like it, OK. But at least they tried it.”
Surfers Healing has teamed with Opportunity Village to raise money for the children with disabilities it serves locally and to provide autistic children the chance to attend the surfing camp.
The two charities are hosting a fundraiser from 3 to 9 p.m. on June 24 at Marie Callender’s, 600 E. Sahara Ave. Proceeds from a raffle will benefit Opportunity Village, and the restaurant will donate 15 percent of all sales to Surfers Healing.
This summer, Shanea and Alex Acebal will attend the camp for the sixth year.
Alex looks forward to surfing and on a recent family trip to Southern California, he was playing in the water and loving it, his mother said.
“He did ask, ‘Do we have a surfboard?’” she said. “He was in the water and he wasn’t scared.”
COURTESY SHANEA ACEBAL
Alex Acebal, 8, rides the waves with Israel “Izzy” Paskowitz, founder of Surfers Healing, in San Diego last summer. Surfers Healing provides free surfing day camps for autistic children.
By Jeff Pope (contact)
Sat, Jun 20, 2009 (noon)
More info
For more information, contact Jennifer Tracy, camp coordinator, at (949) 370-1083 or go towww.surfershealing.org
The roar of the ocean surf lures thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies to ride the waves. But many autistic children, like 8-year-old Alex Acebal of North Las Vegas, find the crashing waves a calming serenity to their normally jangled restlessness.
By the age of 3, Alex showed typical signs of autism such as failure to make eye contact, delay in learning to talk and throwing tantrums that went beyond the typical “terrible twos,” his mother, Shanea Acebal, said.
After being diagnosed with autism, Alex was enrolled in the school district’s autism program, but his parents were looking for other ways to break him out of his shell, his mother said.
Then she learned of Surfers Healing, a nonprofit foundation that runs free day camps for children with autism that allows them to ride a surfboard with a professional.
Israel “Izzy” and Danielle Paskowitz have run a for-profit surfing camp for 37 years. They started the Surfers Healing foundation and camp in 1999, after seeing the effect surfing had on their autistic son, Isaiah.
About 60 autistic children from the Las Vegas Valley are scheduled to attend the camp in San Diego on Aug. 5.
Many autistic children suffer from sensory overload. Simple sensations could overwhelm them, but for some reason, being on the water helped Isaiah to focus, Izzy Paskowitz said.
With Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, and his father steering from the back, the two spent the day surfing together.
“There’s something magical that happens that still, to this day, freaks me out,” he said. “It’s the surf of the ocean, but it’s really bigger than that.”
Now 18, Isaiah Paskowitz is surfing on his own and his behavior is stable enough to where he can be in public without having fits, his father said.
“I don’t think his behavior would be as consistent as it is now,” he said. “I know when he was in the water, that just helped him calm his nerves.”
Shanea Acebal saw a similar response in her son, Alex, though the first time at the camp was highly emotional for both mother and child.
“My son was screaming. He did not want to go into that ocean. He did not want to go with the surfer, and I was sobbing,” she said. “I was frightened for my son to see him crying.”
Alex’s mood did not change as he and the surfer paddled out over the waves to a spot beyond the breakers, where the water was placid.
They sat there for about 10 minutes and Alex showed he was no longer scared.
“We saw them paddling in and they were about to catch the wave. I saw my son’s face and he was smiling and he was excited. He was happy,” Shanea Acebal said. “When they came on the shore, he was calm, he was focused. Throughout the entire afternoon, he just sat still, which is very rare for a child with autism.”
More than 2,000 autistic children attend Surfers Healing camps on both coasts each year, Izzy Paskowitz said.
“Parents just have to let go and just let them try,” said Shanea Acebal, who helps the foundation organize Las Vegas families to attend. “There are parents who struggle on the beach and have a hard time seeing their child cry, but it’s worth it. If they try it once and they don’t like it, OK. But at least they tried it.”
Surfers Healing has teamed with Opportunity Village to raise money for the children with disabilities it serves locally and to provide autistic children the chance to attend the surfing camp.
The two charities are hosting a fundraiser from 3 to 9 p.m. on June 24 at Marie Callender’s, 600 E. Sahara Ave. Proceeds from a raffle will benefit Opportunity Village, and the restaurant will donate 15 percent of all sales to Surfers Healing.
This summer, Shanea and Alex Acebal will attend the camp for the sixth year.
Alex looks forward to surfing and on a recent family trip to Southern California, he was playing in the water and loving it, his mother said.
“He did ask, ‘Do we have a surfboard?’” she said. “He was in the water and he wasn’t scared.”
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Putting the Pieces of Autism Together, One Game of Fetch at a TimeRobin knew an assistance dog would help her son Braden, challenged with autism. She contacted several organizations that expected her to do a great deal of fundraising before receiving a dog.
"I had basically given up hope, then I learned that Canine Companions for Independence was training dogs for autistic children," says Robin.
Read how receiving free of charge (and free of fundraising requirements) Canine Companions assistance dog Camille has helped Braden put the pieces of autism together...
"I had basically given up hope, then I learned that Canine Companions for Independence was training dogs for autistic children," says Robin.
Read how receiving free of charge (and free of fundraising requirements) Canine Companions assistance dog Camille has helped Braden put the pieces of autism together...
The UNLV Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders is excited to announce the launch of our dynamic new website at www.asdcenter.org. The new site provides information on the CASD, our staff and activities, and some autism FAQs.
Additionally, you will find our Training Schedule for upcoming workshops and special events and be able to register online! The online registration feature will help streamline the registration process. You can register for all of our workshops on the new site and you will receive a confirmation email with the details of the workshop as soon as it is submitted.
The site also features many links to local and national resources for families and professionals on autism and Positive Behavior Supports.
We invite you to visit www.asdcenter.org today!
Shannon Crozier, Ph.D., BCBA
Associate Director
UNLV Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Department of Special Education
www.asdcenter.org
(702) 895-4162
Additionally, you will find our Training Schedule for upcoming workshops and special events and be able to register online! The online registration feature will help streamline the registration process. You can register for all of our workshops on the new site and you will receive a confirmation email with the details of the workshop as soon as it is submitted.
The site also features many links to local and national resources for families and professionals on autism and Positive Behavior Supports.
We invite you to visit www.asdcenter.org today!
Shannon Crozier, Ph.D., BCBA
Associate Director
UNLV Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Department of Special Education
www.asdcenter.org
(702) 895-4162
Parents Key In New Measure To Evaluate Language In Children With Autism
Science Daily (June 10, 2009) — A new parent questionnaire, developed at the University of Waterloo, will help health practitioners to more accurately gauge the acquisition of language skills in children with autism.
See also:
Health & Medicine
Children's Health
Infant's Health
Epilepsy Research
Mind & Brain
Child Development
Language Acquisition
Child Psychology
Reference
Autistic spectrum
Gluten-free, casein-free diet
Rett syndrome
Learning disability
The pioneering Language Use Inventory (LUI) is among a set of measures for evaluating spoken language development in children with autism spectrum disorders, recommended by an expert panel.
The experts' report, Defining Spoken Language Benchmarks and Selecting Measures of Expressive Language Development for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, appears in the June 2009 issue of the Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research. The report was commissioned by the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
"This is very exciting news," said UW professor Daniela O'Neill, a developmental psychologist who created the LUI. "This report will be of tremendous help to researchers, clinicians and speech-language professionals involved in intervention with young children with autism and we are very proud to see the LUI included among the measures recommended for evaluating the efficacy of interventions that target spoken language."
The LUI is a standardized questionnaire that asks parents about their child's use of language in many different kinds of settings. Research from the Centers for Disease Control suggests the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders to be one in 150 children.
"The LUI looks at pragmatic language development which has do with how young children are able to use their language effectively and successfully in everyday interactions with other people in ways that are age-appropriate and typical," O'Neill explained. "For example, to ask for help, comment about noticeable things, tease, tell stories and give others information they might need. The pragmatics of language can be an area of great difficulty for children with autism."
Difficulty with learning language and communicating with others is often one of the first things that parents become concerned about. Parents have much valuable information to offer about their child's language use to professionals evaluating their child. "A parent has had the most experience watching their child try to use their language in a host of different settings and with many different people."
The LUI provides speech-language pathologists and researchers with a new tool to evaluate a young child's broad pragmatic use of language. As many as 14 per cent of preschool-age children in Canada and the U.S. may be at risk for language disorders.
The LUI is the product of more than eight years of research funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The development of the inventory included a large-scale study in which more than 3,500 parents from across Canada completed the questionnaire describing their child's language ability.
"This study will help us understand unexplored ways of identifying language skills in children with autism," says Dr. Michael Kramer, Scientific Director at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. "Our support for the development of the Language Use Inventory helps keep us on the forefront of research on autism in young children. This research will also provide unprecedented insight into language acquisition in typically-developing Canadian children as well as those with communication disorders and other disabilities," said Dr. Kramer.
"The tremendous response we had from parents all across Canada has allowed us to provide norms for the LUI at every month from 18 to 47 months of age," O'Neill said. "We were amazed by how eager so many parents were to take part. I think the issue of how children learn language is just as fascinating to parents as to researchers and also many parents can relate to the anxiety of wondering if perhaps a child is experiencing language difficulties or may be falling significantly behind their peers."
The LUI allows a comparison of a child's score with children of the same age -- similar to height and weight charts used by family doctors.
Family practitioners in the Kitchener-Waterloo are involved in preliminary studies looking at its use in doctor's offices. "Both doctors and parents are enthusiastic about the possibility of learning more about how a child's language is progressing relative to peers of the same age through a friendly and easy-to-use questionnaire, such as the LUI."Michael
Autism affects 1 in every 150 children.....Care before you have to...
Science Daily (June 10, 2009) — A new parent questionnaire, developed at the University of Waterloo, will help health practitioners to more accurately gauge the acquisition of language skills in children with autism.
See also:
Health & Medicine
Children's Health
Infant's Health
Epilepsy Research
Mind & Brain
Child Development
Language Acquisition
Child Psychology
Reference
Autistic spectrum
Gluten-free, casein-free diet
Rett syndrome
Learning disability
The pioneering Language Use Inventory (LUI) is among a set of measures for evaluating spoken language development in children with autism spectrum disorders, recommended by an expert panel.
The experts' report, Defining Spoken Language Benchmarks and Selecting Measures of Expressive Language Development for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, appears in the June 2009 issue of the Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research. The report was commissioned by the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
"This is very exciting news," said UW professor Daniela O'Neill, a developmental psychologist who created the LUI. "This report will be of tremendous help to researchers, clinicians and speech-language professionals involved in intervention with young children with autism and we are very proud to see the LUI included among the measures recommended for evaluating the efficacy of interventions that target spoken language."
The LUI is a standardized questionnaire that asks parents about their child's use of language in many different kinds of settings. Research from the Centers for Disease Control suggests the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders to be one in 150 children.
"The LUI looks at pragmatic language development which has do with how young children are able to use their language effectively and successfully in everyday interactions with other people in ways that are age-appropriate and typical," O'Neill explained. "For example, to ask for help, comment about noticeable things, tease, tell stories and give others information they might need. The pragmatics of language can be an area of great difficulty for children with autism."
Difficulty with learning language and communicating with others is often one of the first things that parents become concerned about. Parents have much valuable information to offer about their child's language use to professionals evaluating their child. "A parent has had the most experience watching their child try to use their language in a host of different settings and with many different people."
The LUI provides speech-language pathologists and researchers with a new tool to evaluate a young child's broad pragmatic use of language. As many as 14 per cent of preschool-age children in Canada and the U.S. may be at risk for language disorders.
The LUI is the product of more than eight years of research funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The development of the inventory included a large-scale study in which more than 3,500 parents from across Canada completed the questionnaire describing their child's language ability.
"This study will help us understand unexplored ways of identifying language skills in children with autism," says Dr. Michael Kramer, Scientific Director at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. "Our support for the development of the Language Use Inventory helps keep us on the forefront of research on autism in young children. This research will also provide unprecedented insight into language acquisition in typically-developing Canadian children as well as those with communication disorders and other disabilities," said Dr. Kramer.
"The tremendous response we had from parents all across Canada has allowed us to provide norms for the LUI at every month from 18 to 47 months of age," O'Neill said. "We were amazed by how eager so many parents were to take part. I think the issue of how children learn language is just as fascinating to parents as to researchers and also many parents can relate to the anxiety of wondering if perhaps a child is experiencing language difficulties or may be falling significantly behind their peers."
The LUI allows a comparison of a child's score with children of the same age -- similar to height and weight charts used by family doctors.
Family practitioners in the Kitchener-Waterloo are involved in preliminary studies looking at its use in doctor's offices. "Both doctors and parents are enthusiastic about the possibility of learning more about how a child's language is progressing relative to peers of the same age through a friendly and easy-to-use questionnaire, such as the LUI."Michael
Autism affects 1 in every 150 children.....Care before you have to...
Dear Autism Advocate,
We are ramping up our grassroots efforts for the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act and need your undivided attention and support on this issue!
You are receiving this email because you live in a state that has passed autism insurance reform at a state level. Congratulations on such an amazing achievement! However, our work is not yet done because some of our community's neighbors in your state have coverage and some still do not.
Through this piece of federal legislation, we have the opportunity to end autism insurance discrimination once and for all from coast to coast!
We need your help to do that by calling the following people each day this week!
Health insurance reform is the buzz phrase in Washington, DC right now. We need to generate thousands of calls to be sure that our children's needs for access to the treatments and therapies that will help them are being heard!
We are ramping up our grassroots efforts for the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act and need your undivided attention and support on this issue!
You are receiving this email because you live in a state that has passed autism insurance reform at a state level. Congratulations on such an amazing achievement! However, our work is not yet done because some of our community's neighbors in your state have coverage and some still do not.
Through this piece of federal legislation, we have the opportunity to end autism insurance discrimination once and for all from coast to coast!
We need your help to do that by calling the following people each day this week!
Health insurance reform is the buzz phrase in Washington, DC right now. We need to generate thousands of calls to be sure that our children's needs for access to the treatments and therapies that will help them are being heard!
WE DID IT !!!!!!!!!
Governor Gibbons signs AB 162 !
At approximately 9:30 am today, Governor Jim Gibbons signed into law AB 162, the Autism Insurance Reform Bill. It is a great day for all of our families living with autism in the State of Nevada.
A big thank you to all of the Legislators, and the Governor for making this happen! For believing in our cause, and for caring for our children. And a very special thank you to Assemblyman James Ohrenschall for standing with us all the way, and for having the guts to introduce this Bill when 6 months ago we were told “it has no chance”!! A huge thank you to the incredible people at Autism Speaks! We really couldn’t have done this without them. Their expertise, testimony, and incredible support through it all, made this day possible. And to you parents and families…..THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Your ‘Big Beautiful Mouths” spoke, and they ALL listened!!
Hug your kids ! Have a celebration! And thank the Legislators and the Governor for their care and compassion for our kids.
WE LOVE YOU ALL !!
Ralph Toddre, Commissioner
1790 Vassar Street
Reno, Nevada 89502
775-322-4444
email: rtoddre@krnv.com
Mary Liveratti, Commissioner
Nevada Department of Health
and Human Services
Carson City, Nevada
775-684-4000
email: mliveratti@dhhs.nv.gov
Governor Gibbons signs AB 162 !
At approximately 9:30 am today, Governor Jim Gibbons signed into law AB 162, the Autism Insurance Reform Bill. It is a great day for all of our families living with autism in the State of Nevada.
A big thank you to all of the Legislators, and the Governor for making this happen! For believing in our cause, and for caring for our children. And a very special thank you to Assemblyman James Ohrenschall for standing with us all the way, and for having the guts to introduce this Bill when 6 months ago we were told “it has no chance”!! A huge thank you to the incredible people at Autism Speaks! We really couldn’t have done this without them. Their expertise, testimony, and incredible support through it all, made this day possible. And to you parents and families…..THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Your ‘Big Beautiful Mouths” spoke, and they ALL listened!!
Hug your kids ! Have a celebration! And thank the Legislators and the Governor for their care and compassion for our kids.
WE LOVE YOU ALL !!
Ralph Toddre, Commissioner
1790 Vassar Street
Reno, Nevada 89502
775-322-4444
email: rtoddre@krnv.com
Mary Liveratti, Commissioner
Nevada Department of Health
and Human Services
Carson City, Nevada
775-684-4000
email: mliveratti@dhhs.nv.gov
Jan M. Crandy, Commissioner
3812 Ginger Creek
Las Vegas, Nevada 89108
702-595-2067
email: comservjan@cox.net
Friday, March 6, 2009
Get Full Report Here: Stimulus Plan
President Obama's 2010 Federal Budget Proposal Includes Funding for Autism
For the first time in our nation's history, direct funding for autism has been included in the President's budget proposal. President Barack Obama unveiled his proposed Fiscal Year 2010 budget which includes $211 million for the Combating Autism Act (CAA) to fight autism through biomedical and environmental research, surveillance, awareness and early identification. Read more.
For the first time in our nation's history, direct funding for autism has been included in the President's budget proposal. President Barack Obama unveiled his proposed Fiscal Year 2010 budget which includes $211 million for the Combating Autism Act (CAA) to fight autism through biomedical and environmental research, surveillance, awareness and early identification. Read more.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Stimulus Plan
Autism Speaks Calls for $200 Million in New NIH Funding for Autism Research
As a result of the stimulus plan recently signed into law by President Obama, (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will receive more than $10 billion in new funding over the next two years. With the increased prevalence of autism and a history of insufficient federal funding for autism research, Autism Speaks – the largest autism science and advocacy organization in the country – calls on the NIH to commit $100 million in funding for autism-specific research in each of the next two years. The new funding should focus on research into the causes of autism, new and enhanced treatment options, and improved methods of early diagnosis and intervention.
A $200 million commitment to autism research would amount to just two percent of this unexpected, new windfall for medical research, an amount that is certainly reasonable and appropriate considering both the need and the scientific opportunity. “For too long, autism research has been grossly under funded at the federal level,” said Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer. “This is a prime opportunity to help remedy that discrepancy by dedicating a significant amount of new NIH funding to truly innovative and promising autism research. There are many ‘beaker-ready’ research initiatives that merit this funding and hold tremendous promise for improving our understanding of autism and how to more effectively help individuals living with autism today. A significant infusion of NIH support will greatly accelerate the search for answers.”
"By allocating this significant amount of new research dollars to autism-related science, President Obama will be making an important down payment on fulfilling his campaign platform pledge to double research spending during his first term, and to increase the overall federal autism budget to $1 billion per year," said Bob Wright, Co-founder of Autism Speaks. "In light of the $35 billion annual public health cost of autism, this money would represent a relatively small investment that can potentially result in major long-term savings to our society."
Autism Speaks urges NIH to provide increased support for studies focused on identifying the genetic and environmental causes and development of effective treatments throughout the lifespan, as well as support for the creation of biorepositories, comparative effectiveness research, and fellowships.
As a result of the stimulus plan recently signed into law by President Obama, (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will receive more than $10 billion in new funding over the next two years. With the increased prevalence of autism and a history of insufficient federal funding for autism research, Autism Speaks – the largest autism science and advocacy organization in the country – calls on the NIH to commit $100 million in funding for autism-specific research in each of the next two years. The new funding should focus on research into the causes of autism, new and enhanced treatment options, and improved methods of early diagnosis and intervention.
A $200 million commitment to autism research would amount to just two percent of this unexpected, new windfall for medical research, an amount that is certainly reasonable and appropriate considering both the need and the scientific opportunity. “For too long, autism research has been grossly under funded at the federal level,” said Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer. “This is a prime opportunity to help remedy that discrepancy by dedicating a significant amount of new NIH funding to truly innovative and promising autism research. There are many ‘beaker-ready’ research initiatives that merit this funding and hold tremendous promise for improving our understanding of autism and how to more effectively help individuals living with autism today. A significant infusion of NIH support will greatly accelerate the search for answers.”
"By allocating this significant amount of new research dollars to autism-related science, President Obama will be making an important down payment on fulfilling his campaign platform pledge to double research spending during his first term, and to increase the overall federal autism budget to $1 billion per year," said Bob Wright, Co-founder of Autism Speaks. "In light of the $35 billion annual public health cost of autism, this money would represent a relatively small investment that can potentially result in major long-term savings to our society."
Autism Speaks urges NIH to provide increased support for studies focused on identifying the genetic and environmental causes and development of effective treatments throughout the lifespan, as well as support for the creation of biorepositories, comparative effectiveness research, and fellowships.
Looks like one for the little kids
If you are interested in participating in the request below, please contact Holly directly at 775-843-0270 or h_seniuk@hotmail.com …..
Dear Colleagues,
My name is Holly Seniuk. I am a behavior analysis student in the Psychology Department at the University of Nevada, Reno. My advisor, Dr. Larry Williams and I, are conducting research on children with various developmental disabilities. Specifically, we are interested in learning why some children have difficulty with certain tasks. The long-range goal of this research is to develop a tool that will help teach children these skills more effectively.
We are currently recruiting participants who have autism or other developmental disabilities. Those who take part in the study will be asked to perform various tasks that involve matching blocks and putting blocks in buckets.
I am contacting you because your organization has regular contact with many parents of children with autism. If you know parents who may be interested in allowing their children to participate in a study where they would be taught these tasks for an hour a day on days that are convenient for the family, I would greatly appreciate your sharing the contents of this note along with our contact information. Also, you may post or mail out the attached flier if you would like to do so. Email and telephone are the best ways to reach me.
Thank you for your consideration,
Holly
Holly Seniuk
UNR Mail Stop 296
Reno, NV 89557
(775) 843-0270
h_seniuk@hotmail.com
Dear Colleagues,
My name is Holly Seniuk. I am a behavior analysis student in the Psychology Department at the University of Nevada, Reno. My advisor, Dr. Larry Williams and I, are conducting research on children with various developmental disabilities. Specifically, we are interested in learning why some children have difficulty with certain tasks. The long-range goal of this research is to develop a tool that will help teach children these skills more effectively.
We are currently recruiting participants who have autism or other developmental disabilities. Those who take part in the study will be asked to perform various tasks that involve matching blocks and putting blocks in buckets.
I am contacting you because your organization has regular contact with many parents of children with autism. If you know parents who may be interested in allowing their children to participate in a study where they would be taught these tasks for an hour a day on days that are convenient for the family, I would greatly appreciate your sharing the contents of this note along with our contact information. Also, you may post or mail out the attached flier if you would like to do so. Email and telephone are the best ways to reach me.
Thank you for your consideration,
Holly
Holly Seniuk
UNR Mail Stop 296
Reno, NV 89557
(775) 843-0270
h_seniuk@hotmail.com
Members & Supporters:
AB 162 will be presented to our State Assembly on Monday, March 9, at 1:30pm. The Bill will be aired live via teleconference in the south at the Grant Sawyer Building, 555 W. Washington Las Vegas.
The Autism Coalition of Nevada (ACON), numerous advocacy organizations, and thousands of parents are paying close attention to AB 162.
A PRESS CONFERENCE will be held shortly before on Monday, March 9th, at 1:00pm, at the Grant Sawyer Building, 555 W. Washington, Las Vegas. Several parents and professionals will discuss the importance and impact AB 162 will have. Your attendance will send a strong message to the legislature. We must show that there is power in numbers. Please bring signs, children, friends, and your neighbors.
Las Vegas Press Conference: 1:00pm Grant Sawyer Building, 555 W. Washington, Las Vegas
The future of our State is at a critical point and it is more important than ever for us to let the decision makers know where the people stand. For additional information please visit www.aconv.org
The Autism Coalition of Nevada (ACON), numerous advocacy organizations, and thousands of parents are paying close attention to AB 162.
A PRESS CONFERENCE will be held shortly before on Monday, March 9th, at 1:00pm, at the Grant Sawyer Building, 555 W. Washington, Las Vegas. Several parents and professionals will discuss the importance and impact AB 162 will have. Your attendance will send a strong message to the legislature. We must show that there is power in numbers. Please bring signs, children, friends, and your neighbors.
Las Vegas Press Conference: 1:00pm Grant Sawyer Building, 555 W. Washington, Las Vegas
The future of our State is at a critical point and it is more important than ever for us to let the decision makers know where the people stand. For additional information please visit www.aconv.org
Dear Autism Advocate,
The ABLE Accounts Act of 2009 – or Achieving a Better Life Experience Act – has been introduced in Congress. S.493 and H.R. 1205 will encourage individuals with autism and other disabilities and their families to save, tax-free, for disability-related expenses. Similar in many respects to existing 529 college savings plans, these accounts will be exempt from federal taxation, provided certain rules are met.
Robert Casey (D-PA), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) introduced S. 493, with Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), and Sam Brownback (R-KS) signing on as the bill’s original co-sponsors. Senator Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) introduced the companion bill in the House, H.R. 1205, with Congressmen Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Kendrick Meek (D-FL) joining Crenshaw as original cosponsors.
Help Get the ABLE Accounts Act Passed:
1. CALL YOUR FEDERAL SENATOR AND HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE and urge them to become a cosponsor of the ABLE Accounts Act (S. 493, H.R. 1205). Let them know that you are a constituent and that these bills will help your family.
Find the name and phone number for your federal Senator and House Rep. HERE
2. SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR FEDERAL SENATOR AND HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE urging them to cosponsor the ABLE Accounts Act.
3. STAY INFORMED: Sign up to stay informed at AutismVotes.org Receive updates and alerts about the ABLE Accounts Act and other autism legislation. Did you receive this email from a friend? Make sure to sign up to receive Autism Votes alerts.
4. FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY! Let everyone you know hear about the introduction of the ABLE Accounts Act.
Make sure to visit www.AutismVotes.org/able for more information and a summary of this bill.
Sincerely,Elizabeth EmkenVice President, Government RelationsAutism Speaks
Robert Casey (D-PA), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) introduced S. 493, with Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), and Sam Brownback (R-KS) signing on as the bill’s original co-sponsors. Senator Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) introduced the companion bill in the House, H.R. 1205, with Congressmen Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Kendrick Meek (D-FL) joining Crenshaw as original cosponsors.
Help Get the ABLE Accounts Act Passed:
1. CALL YOUR FEDERAL SENATOR AND HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE and urge them to become a cosponsor of the ABLE Accounts Act (S. 493, H.R. 1205). Let them know that you are a constituent and that these bills will help your family.
Find the name and phone number for your federal Senator and House Rep. HERE
2. SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR FEDERAL SENATOR AND HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE urging them to cosponsor the ABLE Accounts Act.
3. STAY INFORMED: Sign up to stay informed at AutismVotes.org Receive updates and alerts about the ABLE Accounts Act and other autism legislation. Did you receive this email from a friend? Make sure to sign up to receive Autism Votes alerts.
4. FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY! Let everyone you know hear about the introduction of the ABLE Accounts Act.
Make sure to visit www.AutismVotes.org/able for more information and a summary of this bill.
Sincerely,Elizabeth EmkenVice President, Government RelationsAutism Speaks
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Support Group Meeting
Hi everyone,Just a reminder that our next support group meeting will feature Dr. Julie Beasley as our guest speaker.Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2009Time: 7:00-9:00pmPlace: Wengert Conference Room, Nevada Power Company6226 W. Sahara Avenue - Parking in the rear of the buildingSpeaker: Dr. Julie Beasley
(Just a note, this meeting is open to those with low-functioning children as well, I have been and they are welcoming to all parents who have children affected by autism:)
(Just a note, this meeting is open to those with low-functioning children as well, I have been and they are welcoming to all parents who have children affected by autism:)
Parents!
We are reaching out to parents who have previously attended one or more of thetrainings we have offered through UNLV’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.We have been contacted by a local media source interested in writing a story.They are looking for parents who are willing to be interviewed regarding theirexperiences as a parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or parentswho are willing to provide a testimonial regarding the training they havereceived through the Center.We do not provide the listserv information to individuals outside of the Center,which is why we are contacting you directly. If you are interested in thisopportunity please contact us via email at autism1@unlv.nevada.edu or call usat (702) 895-5836.Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you!Heather Van Ness, Ph.D.Project CoordinatorUNLV Center for Autism Spectrum DisordersCenter for Autism Spectrum DisordersUNLV Department of Special Education4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453014Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-3014Phone#(702)8955836 Fax(702)8950984http://asdcenter.org/
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A NOTE FROM MICHELE ABOUT AUSTISM ARTICLE IN THE LAS VEGAS SUN….
Hello, an article I wrote was published this morning in the Sun. I wanted to share it with you and also ask that you take a minute to register and make apositive comment about the article. Our bill has lots of sponsors in the legislature, but the insurance lobby may come out strong against us. We are waiting on the actuaries' math for Nevada, but in other states, similar bills increased each policy holders monthly insurance costs by about a$1.50. How they have been allowed to discriminate against autism (an organic brain dysfunction) for so long is a mystery. The legislators are made aware of the public response in forums like this, so please take a minute to show your support. Thanks! Michelehttp://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/18/why-treatment-essential-autism/
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Parents, Providers, Family Members and Friends,
We need everyone, and I mean everyone, and everyone that each of you knows, to take a moment and go on-line to the Nevada Legislative site and vote for AB162, the bill which will provide insurance coverage for Nevadans with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The site is listed below. Once on the site, click the circle "For" and make a short comment in support of the bill. Legislators monitor how many votes a bill gets. AB162 needs to be the bill with the most votes to have a chance at passing. We need to stand together as "One Voice"
Vote Yes by going to this site:
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/75th2009/opinions/Poll/index.cfm#EnterInfo
Please send this out on your personal email loops too.
You can read the bill here: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/75th2009/Bills/AB/AB162.pdf
Thank you and in hope,
Jan Crandy
Ralph Toddre, Commissioner
1790 Vassar Street
Reno, Nevada 89502
775-322-4444
email: rtoddre@krnv.com
Mary Liveratti, Commissioner
Nevada Department of Health
and Human Services
Carson City, Nevada
775-684-4000
email: mliveratti@dhhs.nv.gov
Jan M. Crandy, Commissioner
3812 Ginger Creek
Las Vegas, Nevada 89108
702-595-2067
email: comservjan@cox.net
Vote Yes by going to this site:
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/75th2009/opinions/Poll/index.cfm#EnterInfo
Please send this out on your personal email loops too.
You can read the bill here: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/75th2009/Bills/AB/AB162.pdf
Thank you and in hope,
Jan Crandy
Ralph Toddre, Commissioner
1790 Vassar Street
Reno, Nevada 89502
775-322-4444
email: rtoddre@krnv.com
Mary Liveratti, Commissioner
Nevada Department of Health
and Human Services
Carson City, Nevada
775-684-4000
email: mliveratti@dhhs.nv.gov
Jan M. Crandy, Commissioner
3812 Ginger Creek
Las Vegas, Nevada 89108
702-595-2067
email: comservjan@cox.net
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Dear Nevada Autism Advocate
Autism Speaks is pursuing autism insurance reform in over thirty states across the nation, including Nevada!
Today, Autism Speaks is announcing its support for Nevada Assembly Bill 162, also known as the autism insurance reform bill. This legislation would require private health insurance companies to cover the screening, diagnosis, testing and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sponsored in the Nevada State Assemblyman James Ohrenschall (D-12), the autism insurance reform bill includes coverage of evidence-based, medically-necessary autism therapies.
Eight states – Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas -- have enacted autism insurance reform legislation. Several other state legislatures will vote on similar legislation during the current session.
Your help is needed to generate support for the autism insurance reform bill from your Nevada Assemblymember...
Here's How You Can Help:
1. CALL YOUR NEVADA ASSEMBLYMEMBER! Tell him/her that you support Assembly Bill 162, the autism insurance reform bill! Tell him/her that you need their support for AB 162. And tell him/her that AB 162 will help thousands of families across Nevada handle the financial burdens of having a child with autism. Make sure to share your family's story. Let your representative know that autism is treatable! Insurance should cover the treatment!
Find out who represents you and their phone number here
2. SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER urging him/her to support the autism insurance reform bill! We encourage you to take the opportunity to personalize the e-mail before you click "send". Tell your representative your family's story and why passage of this bill is so important.
3. STAY INFORMED ON SB 162! Visit the Autism Votes website and sign up today to receive alerts and information pertaining to the autism insurance reform bill.
4. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN NEVADA! A far-reaching grassroots effort will be crucial to the success of this legislation. Reach out to those who have asked how they can help by asking them to support this bill. They can show their support by by contacting their Nevada representative and by registering for action alerts at AutismVotes.org.
For more information on the autism insurance reform initiative in Nevada, visit www.AutismVotes.org/Nevada.
Thank you!
Shelley HendrixDirector of State Advocacy RelationsAutism Speaks
Today, Autism Speaks is announcing its support for Nevada Assembly Bill 162, also known as the autism insurance reform bill. This legislation would require private health insurance companies to cover the screening, diagnosis, testing and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sponsored in the Nevada State Assemblyman James Ohrenschall (D-12), the autism insurance reform bill includes coverage of evidence-based, medically-necessary autism therapies.
Eight states – Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas -- have enacted autism insurance reform legislation. Several other state legislatures will vote on similar legislation during the current session.
Your help is needed to generate support for the autism insurance reform bill from your Nevada Assemblymember...
Here's How You Can Help:
1. CALL YOUR NEVADA ASSEMBLYMEMBER! Tell him/her that you support Assembly Bill 162, the autism insurance reform bill! Tell him/her that you need their support for AB 162. And tell him/her that AB 162 will help thousands of families across Nevada handle the financial burdens of having a child with autism. Make sure to share your family's story. Let your representative know that autism is treatable! Insurance should cover the treatment!
Find out who represents you and their phone number here
2. SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER urging him/her to support the autism insurance reform bill! We encourage you to take the opportunity to personalize the e-mail before you click "send". Tell your representative your family's story and why passage of this bill is so important.
3. STAY INFORMED ON SB 162! Visit the Autism Votes website and sign up today to receive alerts and information pertaining to the autism insurance reform bill.
4. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN NEVADA! A far-reaching grassroots effort will be crucial to the success of this legislation. Reach out to those who have asked how they can help by asking them to support this bill. They can show their support by by contacting their Nevada representative and by registering for action alerts at AutismVotes.org.
For more information on the autism insurance reform initiative in Nevada, visit www.AutismVotes.org/Nevada.
Thank you!
Shelley HendrixDirector of State Advocacy RelationsAutism Speaks
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Save our Nevada Schools
Join Nevada PTA on Thursday, February 26, 2009 for a day in our state capital to speak with Legislators about saving education in Nevada and saving our future.
The chartered bus will depart Las Vegas Wednesday, February 25th promptly at 10:00 PM from the Nevada PTA office, 6134 W. Charleston Blvd., on the northwest corner of Charleston and Jones. We will arrive in Carson City around 7:00 AM Thursday morning, in time to have breakfast, then meet with legislators. There will also be an opportunity to sit on the floor of the Nevada Senate and Assembly during their 11AM sessions.
After a break for lunch and additional meeting time, we will depart Carson City promptly at 4:00 PM, arriving back in Las Vegas around 12 midnight.
Cost: $60.00 for PTA members, $75.00 for non-PTA members.
If you are not already a member of a PTA or PTSA, you are welcome to join the statewide Battle Born PTA for a $10 annual membership fee to obtain the member rate on this and subsequent trips. There are also many additional member benefits available with local, state, and national partners.
Meal cost is not included. Information on reserved pay-ahead options will be available when you confirm your registration, along with a list of close-by options if you prefer to eat on your own.
To Reserve Your Seat: Call the Nevada PTA office at 258-7885 or e-mail office@NevadaPTA.org with your name and contact information, including school affiliation, if any. Payment must be received within 72 hours of your reservation at the Nevada PTA office to confirm your seat. The first fifty paid seats will be eligible to take part in this historic event.
The chartered bus will depart Las Vegas Wednesday, February 25th promptly at 10:00 PM from the Nevada PTA office, 6134 W. Charleston Blvd., on the northwest corner of Charleston and Jones. We will arrive in Carson City around 7:00 AM Thursday morning, in time to have breakfast, then meet with legislators. There will also be an opportunity to sit on the floor of the Nevada Senate and Assembly during their 11AM sessions.
After a break for lunch and additional meeting time, we will depart Carson City promptly at 4:00 PM, arriving back in Las Vegas around 12 midnight.
Cost: $60.00 for PTA members, $75.00 for non-PTA members.
If you are not already a member of a PTA or PTSA, you are welcome to join the statewide Battle Born PTA for a $10 annual membership fee to obtain the member rate on this and subsequent trips. There are also many additional member benefits available with local, state, and national partners.
Meal cost is not included. Information on reserved pay-ahead options will be available when you confirm your registration, along with a list of close-by options if you prefer to eat on your own.
To Reserve Your Seat: Call the Nevada PTA office at 258-7885 or e-mail office@NevadaPTA.org with your name and contact information, including school affiliation, if any. Payment must be received within 72 hours of your reservation at the Nevada PTA office to confirm your seat. The first fifty paid seats will be eligible to take part in this historic event.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Price Quoted in the Autism Partnership article
The price quoted in the Autism Partnership article http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/04/autism.resolution/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
sent earlier today is not correct. The article says the price for therapy is $20,000 per week. It has been confirmed that this was a typo in the article.
sent earlier today is not correct. The article says the price for therapy is $20,000 per week. It has been confirmed that this was a typo in the article.
Nevada Lawmakers
Nevada lawmakers hear emotional pleas for autism treatment funds
Nevada lawmakers had an emotional day of testimony Friday, as families affected by autism pleaded with legislators to continue funding treatment for the developmental disease. Last session, the legislature allocated $2 million to treat children with autism... http://www.kvbc.com/global/story.asp?s=9804513Find more items like this at http://www.kvbc.comCopyright 2009 KVBC
PARENTS AND FRIENDS:
First, I want to say a BIG Thank you to Cierra!!!! For the powerful testimony your letter made. They heard you!!
We can all make a difference; it only takes one letter to change their minds. Yours could be the one.
Please take Cierra's example and write or call your Legislator. Ask them to support ALL the bills for Autism!!! Yes, it is very exciting; we will have more than one bill.
I have provided group email addresses for you, so it will be easier, one letter to Assembly members and one letter to Senators. Dear Senator: or Dear Assembly Member:
Please be polite, let them know you would appreciate their support. Make sure you include your name and address; it matters to them if you live in their district. BRIEFLY SHARE YOUR STORY and why it’s important to you.
The Bill for insurance coverage will be introduced next week. I believe it is one of the strongest bills among all the Autism insurance bills, Autism Speaks likes it too! They will be helping us at Legislation.
Once the bill is introduced, it will be available on line to download and read at http://www.leg.state.nv.us
The insurance bill specifically covers screening and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders and treatment
"Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders" means habilitative or rehabilitative care (counseling, guidance and professional services and treatment programs, including, applied behavior analysis)
pharmaceutical care, psychiatric care, psychological care or therapeutic care (speech ,OT, PT)
I will keep everyone updated and provide on going information. I plan to give an outline of what each bill will provide once we have more details. I don't want to misinform you, so please be patience.
As soon as I know, you will know. Please if you have questions or concerns call me at 702-595-2067
One Voice, One Cause
In hope,
Jan Crandy
NV Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders
WHEN EMAILING BE SURE TO LIST AUTISM IN THE SUBJECT area
To email all Assemblymen Just copy the below addresses and paste as a group into the "To" box
paizley@asm.state.nv.us;banderson@asm.state.nv.us;marberry@asm.state.nv.us;katkinson@asm.state.nv.us;info@davidbobzien.com;bbuckley@asm.state.nv.us;jcarpenter@asm.state.nv.us;cchristensen@asm.state.nv.us;jclaborn@asm.state.nv.us;tcobb@asm.state.nv.us;mconklin@asm.state.nv.us;mdenis@asm.state.nv.us;mdonderoloop@asm.state.nv.us;hgansert@charter.net;goedhart4assembly@hotmail.com;pgoicoechea@asm.state.nv.us;tgrady@asm.state.nv.us;dgustavson@asm.state.nv.us;jhambrick@asm.state.nv.us;jhardy@asm.state.nv.us;sanjoe@embarqmail.com;whorne@asm.state.nv.us;rkihuen@asm.state.nv.us;mkirkpatrick@asm.state.nv.us;ekoivisto@asm.state.nv.us;sleslie@asm.state.nv.us;mmanendo@asm.state.nv.us;amastroluca@asm.state.nv.us;rmcarthur@asm.state.nv.us;kmcclain@asm.state.nv.us;hmortenson@asm.state.nv.us;hmunford@asm.state.nv.us;joceguera@asm.state.nv.us;johrenschall@asm.state.nv.us;bparnell@asm.state.nv.us;ppierce@asm.state.nv.us;tick@cox.net;jsettelmeyer@asm.state.nv.us;dsmith@asm.state.nv.us;espiegel@asm.state.nv.us;lynnstewart@cox.net;melissa@woodburyforassembly.com
To email all the Senators at once Just copy the below addresses and paste into the "To" box
mamodei@sen.state.nv.us;sbreeden@sen.state.nv.us;tcare@sen.state.nv.us;mcarlton@sen.state.nv.us;bcegavske@sen.state.nv.us;bcoffin@sen.state.nv.us;acopening@sen.state.nv.us;whardy@sen.state.nv.us;shorsford@sen.state.nv.us;jlee@sen.state.nv.us;bmathews@sen.state.nv.us;mmcginness@sen.state.nv.us;dnolan@sen.state.nv.us;dparks@sen.state.nv.us;wraggio@sen.state.nv.us;drhoads@sen.state.nv.us;mschneider@sen.state.nv.us;rtownsend@sen.state.nv.us;mwashington@sen.state.nv.us;vwiener@sen.state.nv.us;jwoodhouse@sen.state.nv.us
Autism affects 1 in every 150 children.....Care before you have to...
Nevada lawmakers had an emotional day of testimony Friday, as families affected by autism pleaded with legislators to continue funding treatment for the developmental disease. Last session, the legislature allocated $2 million to treat children with autism... http://www.kvbc.com/global/story.asp?s=9804513Find more items like this at http://www.kvbc.comCopyright 2009 KVBC
PARENTS AND FRIENDS:
First, I want to say a BIG Thank you to Cierra!!!! For the powerful testimony your letter made. They heard you!!
We can all make a difference; it only takes one letter to change their minds. Yours could be the one.
Please take Cierra's example and write or call your Legislator. Ask them to support ALL the bills for Autism!!! Yes, it is very exciting; we will have more than one bill.
I have provided group email addresses for you, so it will be easier, one letter to Assembly members and one letter to Senators. Dear Senator: or Dear Assembly Member:
Please be polite, let them know you would appreciate their support. Make sure you include your name and address; it matters to them if you live in their district. BRIEFLY SHARE YOUR STORY and why it’s important to you.
The Bill for insurance coverage will be introduced next week. I believe it is one of the strongest bills among all the Autism insurance bills, Autism Speaks likes it too! They will be helping us at Legislation.
Once the bill is introduced, it will be available on line to download and read at http://www.leg.state.nv.us
The insurance bill specifically covers screening and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders and treatment
"Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders" means habilitative or rehabilitative care (counseling, guidance and professional services and treatment programs, including, applied behavior analysis)
pharmaceutical care, psychiatric care, psychological care or therapeutic care (speech ,OT, PT)
I will keep everyone updated and provide on going information. I plan to give an outline of what each bill will provide once we have more details. I don't want to misinform you, so please be patience.
As soon as I know, you will know. Please if you have questions or concerns call me at 702-595-2067
One Voice, One Cause
In hope,
Jan Crandy
NV Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders
WHEN EMAILING BE SURE TO LIST AUTISM IN THE SUBJECT area
To email all Assemblymen Just copy the below addresses and paste as a group into the "To" box
paizley@asm.state.nv.us;banderson@asm.state.nv.us;marberry@asm.state.nv.us;katkinson@asm.state.nv.us;info@davidbobzien.com;bbuckley@asm.state.nv.us;jcarpenter@asm.state.nv.us;cchristensen@asm.state.nv.us;jclaborn@asm.state.nv.us;tcobb@asm.state.nv.us;mconklin@asm.state.nv.us;mdenis@asm.state.nv.us;mdonderoloop@asm.state.nv.us;hgansert@charter.net;goedhart4assembly@hotmail.com;pgoicoechea@asm.state.nv.us;tgrady@asm.state.nv.us;dgustavson@asm.state.nv.us;jhambrick@asm.state.nv.us;jhardy@asm.state.nv.us;sanjoe@embarqmail.com;whorne@asm.state.nv.us;rkihuen@asm.state.nv.us;mkirkpatrick@asm.state.nv.us;ekoivisto@asm.state.nv.us;sleslie@asm.state.nv.us;mmanendo@asm.state.nv.us;amastroluca@asm.state.nv.us;rmcarthur@asm.state.nv.us;kmcclain@asm.state.nv.us;hmortenson@asm.state.nv.us;hmunford@asm.state.nv.us;joceguera@asm.state.nv.us;johrenschall@asm.state.nv.us;bparnell@asm.state.nv.us;ppierce@asm.state.nv.us;tick@cox.net;jsettelmeyer@asm.state.nv.us;dsmith@asm.state.nv.us;espiegel@asm.state.nv.us;lynnstewart@cox.net;melissa@woodburyforassembly.com
To email all the Senators at once Just copy the below addresses and paste into the "To" box
mamodei@sen.state.nv.us;sbreeden@sen.state.nv.us;tcare@sen.state.nv.us;mcarlton@sen.state.nv.us;bcegavske@sen.state.nv.us;bcoffin@sen.state.nv.us;acopening@sen.state.nv.us;whardy@sen.state.nv.us;shorsford@sen.state.nv.us;jlee@sen.state.nv.us;bmathews@sen.state.nv.us;mmcginness@sen.state.nv.us;dnolan@sen.state.nv.us;dparks@sen.state.nv.us;wraggio@sen.state.nv.us;drhoads@sen.state.nv.us;mschneider@sen.state.nv.us;rtownsend@sen.state.nv.us;mwashington@sen.state.nv.us;vwiener@sen.state.nv.us;jwoodhouse@sen.state.nv.us
Autism affects 1 in every 150 children.....Care before you have to...
A Blog for Everyone to Enjoy
I just found a new blog. It is www.kathiesworld.com Very informative. Please take a look and enjoy.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Enjoying The Moment
"What can . . . young mother[s] [do] . . . to reduce the pressure [of raising young children] and enjoy [their families] more? . . .
"Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.
"Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: 'The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less' (Loud and Clear [1004], 10-11)."
M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," Ensign, May 2008, 109
"Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.
"Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: 'The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less' (Loud and Clear [1004], 10-11)."
M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," Ensign, May 2008, 109
Friday, February 6, 2009
Toy "R" Us Inc., Expands It's Support of Autism Speaks
Toys“R”Us, Inc. and the Toys“R”Us Children's Fund have increased their support of Autism Speaks. This year, more than 260 Babies“R”Us locations nationwide will join Toys“R”Us stores in a nine-week in-store fundraising campaign to coincide with Autism Awareness Month in April. To kick off the 2009 partnership, the Toys“R”Us Children's Fund also awarded Autism Speaks a $400,000 grant. Since the partnership began in 2007, the Toys“R”Us Children's Fund, Toys“R”Us, Inc. and customer donations have combined to provide Autism Speaks with more than $3.7 million. Read more.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Nevadans for Quality Education
Nevadans for Quality Education is participating in the “Not on Our Backs” rally hosted by the Clark County Education Association (CCEA) on Saturday, February 7, 2009. The rally will be held in the gym at Chaparral High School at 10:00am.
In the last year, K-12 education lost over $180 million due to the Governor's budget cuts. To add insult to injury, the Governor is now proposing 6% pay reductions, freezes on step increases and higher benefits costs for all state employees including teachers.
We are very concerned over the mounting teacher shortages and the number of long term substitutes attempting to educate our children without the proper training to do so. NQE believes that the ability to attract and retain highly qualified teachers is paramount to student achievement. But with the ongoing cuts and reductions in pay and benefits for our educators, Nevada is quickly becoming an unattractive place to live and work and raise our children. Our state must adequately fund education in order to provide our students with quality teachers and sufficient resources to become successful.
Please attend the rally to support our teachers, because doing so supports our children and their future.
For more rally information, visit: www.ccea-nv.org
In the last year, K-12 education lost over $180 million due to the Governor's budget cuts. To add insult to injury, the Governor is now proposing 6% pay reductions, freezes on step increases and higher benefits costs for all state employees including teachers.
We are very concerned over the mounting teacher shortages and the number of long term substitutes attempting to educate our children without the proper training to do so. NQE believes that the ability to attract and retain highly qualified teachers is paramount to student achievement. But with the ongoing cuts and reductions in pay and benefits for our educators, Nevada is quickly becoming an unattractive place to live and work and raise our children. Our state must adequately fund education in order to provide our students with quality teachers and sufficient resources to become successful.
Please attend the rally to support our teachers, because doing so supports our children and their future.
For more rally information, visit: www.ccea-nv.org
State of Nevada; Human Services
SENATE FINANCE/ASSEMBLY WAYS AND MEANS
JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES/CIP
Day Friday Date February 6, 2009 Time 8:00 a.m. Room 3137
If you cannot attend the meeting, you can listen to it live over the Internet. The address for the legislative website is http://www.leg.state.nv.us. For audio broadcasts, click on the link “Listen to Live Meetings.”
Note: We are pleased to make reasonable accommodations for members of the public who are disabled and wish to attend the meeting. If special arrangements for the meeting are necessary, please notify the Senate Subcommittee on Finance at (775) 684-1488.
(R#) Indicates the reprint number of the bill/resolution being considered.
PLEASE PROVIDE 30 COPIES OF YOUR EXHIBITS AND NOTES.
Cellular telephones must be turned off while in the committee room.
BUDGET HEARINGS
VOLUME II
Executive Budget Page
Department of Health and Human Services
Michael J. Willden, Director
HHS – Administration, 101-3150
DHHS Director’s Office-1
HHS – Grants Management Unit, 101-3195
14
HHS – Healthy Nevada Fund, 262-3261
31
HHS – Public Defender, 101-1499
43
Indian Affairs Commission, 101-2600
50
Aging Services Division
HHS – Developmental Disabilities, 101-3154
AGING-37
HHS – Community Based Services, 101-3266
49
HHS – IDEA Part C Compliance, 101-3276
59
JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES/CIP
Day Friday Date February 6, 2009 Time 8:00 a.m. Room 3137
If you cannot attend the meeting, you can listen to it live over the Internet. The address for the legislative website is http://www.leg.state.nv.us. For audio broadcasts, click on the link “Listen to Live Meetings.”
Note: We are pleased to make reasonable accommodations for members of the public who are disabled and wish to attend the meeting. If special arrangements for the meeting are necessary, please notify the Senate Subcommittee on Finance at (775) 684-1488.
(R#) Indicates the reprint number of the bill/resolution being considered.
PLEASE PROVIDE 30 COPIES OF YOUR EXHIBITS AND NOTES.
Cellular telephones must be turned off while in the committee room.
BUDGET HEARINGS
VOLUME II
Executive Budget Page
Department of Health and Human Services
Michael J. Willden, Director
HHS – Administration, 101-3150
DHHS Director’s Office-1
HHS – Grants Management Unit, 101-3195
14
HHS – Healthy Nevada Fund, 262-3261
31
HHS – Public Defender, 101-1499
43
Indian Affairs Commission, 101-2600
50
Aging Services Division
HHS – Developmental Disabilities, 101-3154
AGING-37
HHS – Community Based Services, 101-3266
49
HHS – IDEA Part C Compliance, 101-3276
59
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 26, 2009
Much High Fructose Corn Syrup Contaminated With Mercury,
New Study Finds Brand-Name Food Products Also Discovered to Contain Mercury
Minneapolis – Mercury was found in nearly 50 percent of tested samples of commercialhigh fructose corn syrup (HFCS), according to a new article published today in thescientific journal, Environmental Health. A separate study by the Institute for Agricultureand Trade Policy (IATP) detected mercury in nearly one-third of 55 popular brandnamefood and beverage products where HFCS is the first or second highest labeledingredient—including products by Quaker, Hershey’s, Kraft and Smucker’s.HFCS use has skyrocketed in recent decades as the sweetener has replaced sugar inmany processed foods. HFCS is found in sweetened beverages, breads, cereals, breakfastbars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups and condiments. On average, Americans consumeabout 12 teaspoons per day of HFCS. Consumption by teenagers and other highconsumers can be up to 80 percent above average levels.
Here is the pdf table of their findingshttp://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refID=105040
“Mercury is toxic in all its forms,” said IATP’s David Wallinga, M.D., and a co-author inboth studies. “Given how much high fructose corn syrup is consumed by children, itcould be a significant additional source of mercury never before considered. We arecalling for immediate changes by industry and the FDA to help stop this avoidablemercury contamination of the food supply.”
In the Environmental Health article, Dufault et al. found detectable levels of mercuryin nine of 20 samples of commercial HFCS. Dufault was working at the U.S. Food andDrug Administration when the tests were done in 2005. She and co-authors concludethat possible mercury contamination of food chemicals like HFCS was not commonknowledge within the food industry that frequently uses the sweetener. While the FDAhad evidence that commercial HFCS was contaminated with mercury four years ago,the agency did not inform consumers, help change industry practice or conduct additionaltesting.
For its report “Not So Sweet: Missing Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup,” IATPsent 55 brand-name foods and beverages containing HFCS as the first or second ingredientto a commercial laboratory to be tested for total mercury. Nearly one in threeproducts tested contained detectable mercury. Mercury was most prevalent in HFCScontainingdairy products, followed by dressings and condiments. Attached is the summarylist of the 55 products and their total mercury content.
In making HFCS, caustic soda is used, among other things, to separate corn starchfrom the corn kernel. For decades, HFCS has been made using mercury-grade causticsoda produced in industrial chlorine (chlor-alkali) plants. The use of mercury cells toproduce caustic soda can contaminate caustic soda, and ultimately HFCS, with mercury.
“The bad news is that nobody knows whether or not their soda or snack food containsHFCS made from ingredients like caustic soda contaminated with mercury,” said Dr.Wallinga. “The good news is that mercury-free HFCS ingredients exist. Food companiesjust need a good push to only use those ingredients.”
While most chlorine plants around the world have switched to newer, cleaner technologies, many still relyon the use of mercury cells. In 2005, 90 percent of chlorine production was mercury-free, but just 40percent of European production was mercury-free. Four U.S. chlor-alkali plants still rely on mercury celltechnology. In 2007, then-Senator Barack Obama introduced legislation to force the remaining chlor-alkaliplants to phase out mercury cell technology by 2012.
The Environmental Health article by Dufault et al. can be found at: www.ehjournal.net.“Not So Sweet: Missing Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup,” by David Wallinga, M.D., Janelle Sorensen, Pooja Mottl and Brian Yablon, M.D., can be found at: www.iatp.org.
IATP works locally and globally at the intersection of policy and practice to ensure fair and sustainablefood, farm and trade systems. www.iatp.org
Much High Fructose Corn Syrup Contaminated With Mercury,
New Study Finds Brand-Name Food Products Also Discovered to Contain Mercury
Minneapolis – Mercury was found in nearly 50 percent of tested samples of commercialhigh fructose corn syrup (HFCS), according to a new article published today in thescientific journal, Environmental Health. A separate study by the Institute for Agricultureand Trade Policy (IATP) detected mercury in nearly one-third of 55 popular brandnamefood and beverage products where HFCS is the first or second highest labeledingredient—including products by Quaker, Hershey’s, Kraft and Smucker’s.HFCS use has skyrocketed in recent decades as the sweetener has replaced sugar inmany processed foods. HFCS is found in sweetened beverages, breads, cereals, breakfastbars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups and condiments. On average, Americans consumeabout 12 teaspoons per day of HFCS. Consumption by teenagers and other highconsumers can be up to 80 percent above average levels.
Here is the pdf table of their findingshttp://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refID=105040
“Mercury is toxic in all its forms,” said IATP’s David Wallinga, M.D., and a co-author inboth studies. “Given how much high fructose corn syrup is consumed by children, itcould be a significant additional source of mercury never before considered. We arecalling for immediate changes by industry and the FDA to help stop this avoidablemercury contamination of the food supply.”
In the Environmental Health article, Dufault et al. found detectable levels of mercuryin nine of 20 samples of commercial HFCS. Dufault was working at the U.S. Food andDrug Administration when the tests were done in 2005. She and co-authors concludethat possible mercury contamination of food chemicals like HFCS was not commonknowledge within the food industry that frequently uses the sweetener. While the FDAhad evidence that commercial HFCS was contaminated with mercury four years ago,the agency did not inform consumers, help change industry practice or conduct additionaltesting.
For its report “Not So Sweet: Missing Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup,” IATPsent 55 brand-name foods and beverages containing HFCS as the first or second ingredientto a commercial laboratory to be tested for total mercury. Nearly one in threeproducts tested contained detectable mercury. Mercury was most prevalent in HFCScontainingdairy products, followed by dressings and condiments. Attached is the summarylist of the 55 products and their total mercury content.
In making HFCS, caustic soda is used, among other things, to separate corn starchfrom the corn kernel. For decades, HFCS has been made using mercury-grade causticsoda produced in industrial chlorine (chlor-alkali) plants. The use of mercury cells toproduce caustic soda can contaminate caustic soda, and ultimately HFCS, with mercury.
“The bad news is that nobody knows whether or not their soda or snack food containsHFCS made from ingredients like caustic soda contaminated with mercury,” said Dr.Wallinga. “The good news is that mercury-free HFCS ingredients exist. Food companiesjust need a good push to only use those ingredients.”
While most chlorine plants around the world have switched to newer, cleaner technologies, many still relyon the use of mercury cells. In 2005, 90 percent of chlorine production was mercury-free, but just 40percent of European production was mercury-free. Four U.S. chlor-alkali plants still rely on mercury celltechnology. In 2007, then-Senator Barack Obama introduced legislation to force the remaining chlor-alkaliplants to phase out mercury cell technology by 2012.
The Environmental Health article by Dufault et al. can be found at: www.ehjournal.net.“Not So Sweet: Missing Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup,” by David Wallinga, M.D., Janelle Sorensen, Pooja Mottl and Brian Yablon, M.D., can be found at: www.iatp.org.
IATP works locally and globally at the intersection of policy and practice to ensure fair and sustainablefood, farm and trade systems. www.iatp.org
Support Group
Hi everyone,Just a reminder that our next support group meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 4th, from 7-9pm in the Wengert Conference Room at Nevada Power Company (6226 W. Sahara Avenue, between Jones & Rainbow). Parking is in the rear of the building.Hope you all had a safe and happy holiday. I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.Regards,Barbie LauverAsperger's Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Support Group
This Week's Live Chat
Working With Students with AutismWhen: Wednesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern timeWhere: http://www.edweek-chat.orgSubmit questions in advance.
Children are currently being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders at the staggering rate of 1 in 150. Many of these children are being mainstreamed, but how can general education teachers support them in an inclusive setting? How can teachers transform a challenging classroom situation into a growth experience for all students? Chat guests will discuss teaching strategies and behavior management techniques for the general and special education classroom.
About the guests:
Marcie W. Handler, director of home and school consultation at May Institute, has provided training and behavioral consultation in system-wide, classroom, and individual positive behavior support practices for 15 years. She and her colleagues have been awarded grants by the Massachusetts Department of Education to provide summer institutes for educators working with children with ASD in the general education classroom.
Paula Kluth is a consultant, teacher, inclusion facilitator, and advocate on the topic of autism spectrum disorders. She has authored six books on autism and inclusion, including “You’re Going to Love This Kid.” Her research and professional interests include differentiating instruction and supporting students with autism and significant disabilities in inclusive classrooms.
Stephen Shore, author of Understanding Autism for Dummies and Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, is a professor at Adelphi University where he teaches courses in special education and autism. Diagnosed as a child with “Atypical Development with strong autistic tendencies,” Shore presents and consults internationally.
No special equipment other than Internet access is needed to participate in this text-based chat. A transcript will be posted shortly after the completion of the chat.
Children are currently being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders at the staggering rate of 1 in 150. Many of these children are being mainstreamed, but how can general education teachers support them in an inclusive setting? How can teachers transform a challenging classroom situation into a growth experience for all students? Chat guests will discuss teaching strategies and behavior management techniques for the general and special education classroom.
About the guests:
Marcie W. Handler, director of home and school consultation at May Institute, has provided training and behavioral consultation in system-wide, classroom, and individual positive behavior support practices for 15 years. She and her colleagues have been awarded grants by the Massachusetts Department of Education to provide summer institutes for educators working with children with ASD in the general education classroom.
Paula Kluth is a consultant, teacher, inclusion facilitator, and advocate on the topic of autism spectrum disorders. She has authored six books on autism and inclusion, including “You’re Going to Love This Kid.” Her research and professional interests include differentiating instruction and supporting students with autism and significant disabilities in inclusive classrooms.
Stephen Shore, author of Understanding Autism for Dummies and Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, is a professor at Adelphi University where he teaches courses in special education and autism. Diagnosed as a child with “Atypical Development with strong autistic tendencies,” Shore presents and consults internationally.
No special equipment other than Internet access is needed to participate in this text-based chat. A transcript will be posted shortly after the completion of the chat.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Dr. Julie Beasley's Practice & Social Skills Group
DR. JULIE BEASLEY'S PRACTICE:
Just a note to let you know that I'm back to my private practice full-time and taking patient referrals and would be happy to work with any children and families that may need neuropsychological assessments, social skills training and/or therapy. I appreciate working with you and the children we "share" in treatment. If you have any questions or want to discuss a case or referral, please give me a call on my cell phone (461-7705) or via e-mail (drjbee@cox.net). With much appreciation... Julie F. Beasley, Ph.D., Child Neuropsychologist. (Specializing in the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Developmental, Behavioral, Social-Emotional, Adaptive and Learning Disorders.)
DR. BEASLEY'S SOCIAL SKILLS/FRIENDSHIP GROUPS:
WHAT: Dr. Beasley is beginning her Social Skills/Friendship Groups - Students from Ages 5 -15 years old
WHEN: January 26 - March 18, 2009
WHERE: 2000 S. Jones Blvd., #140, Las Vegas, NV 89146
CALL: 702-386-2780 for more information and to register for group
* Skill Building through Direct Instruction, Social Skills Curriculum, Role-Playing Stories, Activities and Team Work that are Age-Appropriate
* Focus on Basic Social Skills including: Body Boundaries, Greetings, Initiating Play Interactions, Turn-taking
* Focus on Advanced Social Skills: Social Skills during Free Play, Winning and Losing, Sustaining Play Interactions and Games, Understanding Nonverbal Communication, Dealing with Teasing and Bullying
* Focus on Behavior and Emotion Management Skills
Just a note to let you know that I'm back to my private practice full-time and taking patient referrals and would be happy to work with any children and families that may need neuropsychological assessments, social skills training and/or therapy. I appreciate working with you and the children we "share" in treatment. If you have any questions or want to discuss a case or referral, please give me a call on my cell phone (461-7705) or via e-mail (drjbee@cox.net). With much appreciation... Julie F. Beasley, Ph.D., Child Neuropsychologist. (Specializing in the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Developmental, Behavioral, Social-Emotional, Adaptive and Learning Disorders.)
DR. BEASLEY'S SOCIAL SKILLS/FRIENDSHIP GROUPS:
WHAT: Dr. Beasley is beginning her Social Skills/Friendship Groups - Students from Ages 5 -15 years old
WHEN: January 26 - March 18, 2009
WHERE: 2000 S. Jones Blvd., #140, Las Vegas, NV 89146
CALL: 702-386-2780 for more information and to register for group
* Skill Building through Direct Instruction, Social Skills Curriculum, Role-Playing Stories, Activities and Team Work that are Age-Appropriate
* Focus on Basic Social Skills including: Body Boundaries, Greetings, Initiating Play Interactions, Turn-taking
* Focus on Advanced Social Skills: Social Skills during Free Play, Winning and Losing, Sustaining Play Interactions and Games, Understanding Nonverbal Communication, Dealing with Teasing and Bullying
* Focus on Behavior and Emotion Management Skills
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Spring Workshop Invitation:)
Autism Spectrum Disorders:Awareness and ActionAre you curious about autism spectrum disorders (ASD)? Are you looking for moreinformation about diagnosis and intervention strategies? Workshop attendeeswill learn about current diagnostic techniques and how ASD may affect their sonor daughter throughout his or her life.Topics Include:o Core characteristicso Autism across the life-spano Early indicatorso Team assessmentso Understanding the diagnosisReview Popular Interventions:o Applied Behavior Analysiso Functional Communication Trainingo Picture Exchange Communication SystemWhen: Monday February 9th, 2009 5:30pm to 7:30pmWhere: NEIS North Campus, 4528 W. Craig Rd, Suite170 North Las Vegas, NV 89032 In the training room adjacent to the officesThis workshop is free, but space is limited!Please RSVP via phone or email at:Center for Autism Spectrum DisordersShannon Crozier Department of Special Education895-5836autism1@unlv.nevada.eduwww.asdcenter.org
California's Autism Increase Not Due to Better Counting, Diagnosis
ScienceDaily (Jan. 11, 2009) — A study by researchers at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute has found that the seven- to eight-fold increase in the number children born in California with autism since 1990 cannot be explained by either changes in how the condition is diagnosed or counted — and the trend shows no sign of abating.
Published in the January 2009 issue of the journal Epidemiology, results from the study also suggest that research should shift from genetics to the host of chemicals and infectious microbes in the environment that are likely at the root of changes in the neurodevelopment of California's children.
"It's time to start looking for the environmental culprits responsible for the remarkable increase in the rate of autism in California," said UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute researcher Irva Hertz-Picciotto, a professor of environmental and occupational health and epidemiology and an internationally respected autism researcher.
Hertz-Picciotto said that many researchers, state officials and advocacy organizations have viewed the rise in autism's incidence in California with skepticism.
The incidence of autism by age six in California has increased from fewer than nine in 10,000 for children born in 1990 to more than 44 in 10,000 for children born in 2000. Some have argued that this change could have been due to migration into California of families with autistic children, inclusion of children with milder forms of autism in the counting and earlier ages of diagnosis as consequences of improved surveillance or greater awareness.
Hertz-Picciotto and her co-author, Lora Delwiche of the UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences, initiated the study to address these beliefs, analyzing data collected by the state of California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) from 1990 to 2006, as well as the United States Census Bureau and state of California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records, which compiles and maintains birth statistics.
Hertz-Picciotto and Delwiche correlated the number of cases of autism reported between 1990 and 2006 with birth records and excluded children not born in California. They used Census Bureau data to calculate the rate of incidence in the population over time and examined the age at diagnosis of all children ages two to 10 years old.
The methodology eliminated migration as a potential cause of the increase in the number of autism cases. It also revealed that no more than 56 percent of the estimated 600-to-700 percent increase, that is, less than one-tenth of the increased number of reported autism cases, could be attributed to the inclusion of milder cases of autism. Only 24 percent of the increase could be attributed to earlier age at diagnosis.
"These are fairly small percentages compared to the size of the increase that we've seen in the state," Hertz-Picciotto said.
Hertz-Picciotto said that the study is a clarion call to researchers and policy makers who have focused attention and money on understanding the genetic components of autism. She said that the rise in cases of autism in California cannot be attributed to the state's increasingly diverse population because the disorder affects ethnic groups at fairly similar rates.
"Right now, about 10 to 20 times more research dollars are spent on studies of the genetic causes of autism than on environmental ones. We need to even out the funding," Hertz-Picciotto said.
The study results are also a harbinger of things to come for public-health officials, who should prepare to offer services to the increasing number of children diagnosed with autism in the last decade who are now entering their late teen years, Hertz-Picciotto said.
"These children are now moving toward adulthood, and a sizeable percentage of them have not developed the life skills that would allow them to live independently," she said.
The question for the state of California, Hertz-Picciotto said, will become: 'What happens to them when their parents cannot take care of them?'
"These questions are not going to go away and they are only going to loom larger in the future. Until we know the causes and can eliminate them, we as a society need to provide those treatments and interventions that do seem to help these children adapt. We as scientists need to improve available therapies and create new ones," Hertz-Picciotto said.
Hertz-Picciotto and her colleagues at the M.I.N.D Institute are currently conducting two large studies aimed at discovering the causes of autism. Hertz-Picciotto is the principal investigator on the CHARGE (Childhood Autism Risk from Genetics and the Environment) and MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies-Learning Early Signs) studies.
CHARGE is the largest epidemiologic study of reliably confirmed cases of autism to date, and the first major investigation of environmental factors and gene-environment interactions in the disorder. MARBLES is a prospective investigation that follows women who already have had one child with autism, beginning early in or even before a subsequent pregnancy, to search for early markers that predict autism in the younger sibling.
"We're looking at the possible effects of metals, pesticides and infectious agents on neurodevelopment," Hertz-Picciotto said. "If we're going to stop the rise in autism in California, we need to keep these studies going and expand them to the extent possible."
The study was funded by grants from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and by the M.I.N.D. Institute.
Adapted from materials provided by University of California - Davis - Health System.
Published in the January 2009 issue of the journal Epidemiology, results from the study also suggest that research should shift from genetics to the host of chemicals and infectious microbes in the environment that are likely at the root of changes in the neurodevelopment of California's children.
"It's time to start looking for the environmental culprits responsible for the remarkable increase in the rate of autism in California," said UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute researcher Irva Hertz-Picciotto, a professor of environmental and occupational health and epidemiology and an internationally respected autism researcher.
Hertz-Picciotto said that many researchers, state officials and advocacy organizations have viewed the rise in autism's incidence in California with skepticism.
The incidence of autism by age six in California has increased from fewer than nine in 10,000 for children born in 1990 to more than 44 in 10,000 for children born in 2000. Some have argued that this change could have been due to migration into California of families with autistic children, inclusion of children with milder forms of autism in the counting and earlier ages of diagnosis as consequences of improved surveillance or greater awareness.
Hertz-Picciotto and her co-author, Lora Delwiche of the UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences, initiated the study to address these beliefs, analyzing data collected by the state of California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) from 1990 to 2006, as well as the United States Census Bureau and state of California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records, which compiles and maintains birth statistics.
Hertz-Picciotto and Delwiche correlated the number of cases of autism reported between 1990 and 2006 with birth records and excluded children not born in California. They used Census Bureau data to calculate the rate of incidence in the population over time and examined the age at diagnosis of all children ages two to 10 years old.
The methodology eliminated migration as a potential cause of the increase in the number of autism cases. It also revealed that no more than 56 percent of the estimated 600-to-700 percent increase, that is, less than one-tenth of the increased number of reported autism cases, could be attributed to the inclusion of milder cases of autism. Only 24 percent of the increase could be attributed to earlier age at diagnosis.
"These are fairly small percentages compared to the size of the increase that we've seen in the state," Hertz-Picciotto said.
Hertz-Picciotto said that the study is a clarion call to researchers and policy makers who have focused attention and money on understanding the genetic components of autism. She said that the rise in cases of autism in California cannot be attributed to the state's increasingly diverse population because the disorder affects ethnic groups at fairly similar rates.
"Right now, about 10 to 20 times more research dollars are spent on studies of the genetic causes of autism than on environmental ones. We need to even out the funding," Hertz-Picciotto said.
The study results are also a harbinger of things to come for public-health officials, who should prepare to offer services to the increasing number of children diagnosed with autism in the last decade who are now entering their late teen years, Hertz-Picciotto said.
"These children are now moving toward adulthood, and a sizeable percentage of them have not developed the life skills that would allow them to live independently," she said.
The question for the state of California, Hertz-Picciotto said, will become: 'What happens to them when their parents cannot take care of them?'
"These questions are not going to go away and they are only going to loom larger in the future. Until we know the causes and can eliminate them, we as a society need to provide those treatments and interventions that do seem to help these children adapt. We as scientists need to improve available therapies and create new ones," Hertz-Picciotto said.
Hertz-Picciotto and her colleagues at the M.I.N.D Institute are currently conducting two large studies aimed at discovering the causes of autism. Hertz-Picciotto is the principal investigator on the CHARGE (Childhood Autism Risk from Genetics and the Environment) and MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies-Learning Early Signs) studies.
CHARGE is the largest epidemiologic study of reliably confirmed cases of autism to date, and the first major investigation of environmental factors and gene-environment interactions in the disorder. MARBLES is a prospective investigation that follows women who already have had one child with autism, beginning early in or even before a subsequent pregnancy, to search for early markers that predict autism in the younger sibling.
"We're looking at the possible effects of metals, pesticides and infectious agents on neurodevelopment," Hertz-Picciotto said. "If we're going to stop the rise in autism in California, we need to keep these studies going and expand them to the extent possible."
The study was funded by grants from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and by the M.I.N.D. Institute.
Adapted from materials provided by University of California - Davis - Health System.
Autism School to open in Semmes
All-day school will be temporarily located at The Learning Tree
Sunday, January 18, 2009
By GRETA SHARP
Correspondent
The Mobile area will be getting another school for children with autism, an official with the Alabama Autism Providers Network announced last week at a meeting in the Port City.
Jerre Brimer announced that an all-day school will open in August. Woody's Song: For Kids on the Autism Spectrum will serve a limited number of children ages 6 to 10. It will be located at The Learning Tree in Semmes until a permanent site can be found.
Brimer is director of The Learning Tree, a residential school for individuals with developmental disabilities and significant behavioral challenges. There are also campuses in Jacksonville, Ala., and Tallassee, Ala.
He is also director of The Little Tree Learning Center, which has campuses in Mobile, Auburn and Jacksonville.
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulty communicating and interacting with others. The American Medical Association recognizes that one in 150 children is diagnosed with autism.
The Alabama Autism Task Force was formed in 2007 with the goal of improving treatment of autism in Alabama. One of its recommendations was to form a network of autism service providers.
The Alabama Autism Providers Network was formed in the fall of 2008 to bring together representatives from organizations across the state. The group met initially in October last year at Mitchell's Place in Birmingham, a comprehensive treatment center for children and young adults with autism disorders.
The network's Jan. 12 meeting began at The Little Tree Learning Center on Azalea Road for a brief presentation by school director Holly Rogers, then a tour of the facility. The preschool brings togeth er children with developmental challenges such as autism and "typical" children.
Later the group moved to the University of South Alabama for lunch and its business meeting.
For Lee Yount, president and CEO of Glenwood, The Autism and Behavioral Health Center of Alabama in Birmingham, these meetings provide an opportunity to learn from each other and to learn more about what other providers offer.
"We want to build a network and to collaborate and to understand everything that exists in the state for autism," said Yount.
The new organization has about a dozen members from cities, including Birmingham, Auburn, Montgomery, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Mobile. To increase its network, the Alabama Autism Providers Network is inviting representatives from the state Department of Education, the Department of Human Resources, the Department of Mental Health and the Division of Rehabilitation Services to join the group, said Brimer.
"Services needed vary from child to child," said Jade Carter, director of The Horizons School in Birmingham. "That's difficult when you don't know who's out there and providing what services."
The fledgling group also discussed how formal an organization it wants to be, said Yount, and what it would like to accomplish.
"To foster best practices, to create an entity that knows about those practices so children and families affected by autism have access to the highest quality of services," she said.
The Mobile gathering was the group's fourth meeting. The next one will be in Huntsville in February.
"We want to move it around," explained Brimer. "To see what others are doing."
Brimer also hopes the group works to promote collaborations among services providers.
"As resources become tighter, people need to work together jointly," he said. "Working together, sharing knowledge and communication sets a base of future collaboration to assist in the distribution of services."
Several agencies already refer patients to each other.
Dr. Hanes Swingle, an associate professor of pediatric developmental and behavioral medicine at the University of South Alabama, sees autistic children at the USA Autism Diagnostic Clinic.
The facility is one of two in Alabama that offers multidisciplinary evaluations with such specialists as psychologists, speech language pathologists, developmental and behavioral pediatricians, and occupational and physical therapists. Children also receive genetic evaluations.
In the past, said Brimer, parents had to go to Birmingham for an autism diagnosis.
"For Mobile to have this clinic now, it's really great for all parents and professionals," he said.
Swingle often refers parents to the Little Tree, so many of the children he has diagnosed are at the school today.
"They're getting marvelous services," he said. "The inspiring thing about The Little Tree is how satisfied the parents are with the services they are getting. It's a unique program. Nowhere in the country do children get better care and education than here at the Little Tree. It's a real shining star for Mobile."
However, Swingle said, parents often complain that the autism services available in the area are fragmented, a problem the new agency is hoping to solve.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
By GRETA SHARP
Correspondent
The Mobile area will be getting another school for children with autism, an official with the Alabama Autism Providers Network announced last week at a meeting in the Port City.
Jerre Brimer announced that an all-day school will open in August. Woody's Song: For Kids on the Autism Spectrum will serve a limited number of children ages 6 to 10. It will be located at The Learning Tree in Semmes until a permanent site can be found.
Brimer is director of The Learning Tree, a residential school for individuals with developmental disabilities and significant behavioral challenges. There are also campuses in Jacksonville, Ala., and Tallassee, Ala.
He is also director of The Little Tree Learning Center, which has campuses in Mobile, Auburn and Jacksonville.
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulty communicating and interacting with others. The American Medical Association recognizes that one in 150 children is diagnosed with autism.
The Alabama Autism Task Force was formed in 2007 with the goal of improving treatment of autism in Alabama. One of its recommendations was to form a network of autism service providers.
The Alabama Autism Providers Network was formed in the fall of 2008 to bring together representatives from organizations across the state. The group met initially in October last year at Mitchell's Place in Birmingham, a comprehensive treatment center for children and young adults with autism disorders.
The network's Jan. 12 meeting began at The Little Tree Learning Center on Azalea Road for a brief presentation by school director Holly Rogers, then a tour of the facility. The preschool brings togeth er children with developmental challenges such as autism and "typical" children.
Later the group moved to the University of South Alabama for lunch and its business meeting.
For Lee Yount, president and CEO of Glenwood, The Autism and Behavioral Health Center of Alabama in Birmingham, these meetings provide an opportunity to learn from each other and to learn more about what other providers offer.
"We want to build a network and to collaborate and to understand everything that exists in the state for autism," said Yount.
The new organization has about a dozen members from cities, including Birmingham, Auburn, Montgomery, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Mobile. To increase its network, the Alabama Autism Providers Network is inviting representatives from the state Department of Education, the Department of Human Resources, the Department of Mental Health and the Division of Rehabilitation Services to join the group, said Brimer.
"Services needed vary from child to child," said Jade Carter, director of The Horizons School in Birmingham. "That's difficult when you don't know who's out there and providing what services."
The fledgling group also discussed how formal an organization it wants to be, said Yount, and what it would like to accomplish.
"To foster best practices, to create an entity that knows about those practices so children and families affected by autism have access to the highest quality of services," she said.
The Mobile gathering was the group's fourth meeting. The next one will be in Huntsville in February.
"We want to move it around," explained Brimer. "To see what others are doing."
Brimer also hopes the group works to promote collaborations among services providers.
"As resources become tighter, people need to work together jointly," he said. "Working together, sharing knowledge and communication sets a base of future collaboration to assist in the distribution of services."
Several agencies already refer patients to each other.
Dr. Hanes Swingle, an associate professor of pediatric developmental and behavioral medicine at the University of South Alabama, sees autistic children at the USA Autism Diagnostic Clinic.
The facility is one of two in Alabama that offers multidisciplinary evaluations with such specialists as psychologists, speech language pathologists, developmental and behavioral pediatricians, and occupational and physical therapists. Children also receive genetic evaluations.
In the past, said Brimer, parents had to go to Birmingham for an autism diagnosis.
"For Mobile to have this clinic now, it's really great for all parents and professionals," he said.
Swingle often refers parents to the Little Tree, so many of the children he has diagnosed are at the school today.
"They're getting marvelous services," he said. "The inspiring thing about The Little Tree is how satisfied the parents are with the services they are getting. It's a unique program. Nowhere in the country do children get better care and education than here at the Little Tree. It's a real shining star for Mobile."
However, Swingle said, parents often complain that the autism services available in the area are fragmented, a problem the new agency is hoping to solve.
Family Focused Positive Support Team Training Spring 2009
A new session of PBS Team Training is about to begin!Understand challenging behaviors and create an effective planWho is this for?PBS Team Training is for family members, friends, teachers, and otherprofessionals of individuals with disabilities who engage in challengingbehaviors. A team consists of at least one parent/guardian and oneprofessional. Ideally a team includes a minimum of three people. Participationof at least one professional is required (i.e. teacher, speech therapist, hometherapist, occupational therapist, or any individual providing related serviceto the child).What do you mean by challenging behavior?Challenging behaviors are behaviors that create a significant barrier toparticipation in family life, school, work, or community activities.Challenging behaviors may be dangerous, aggressive, self-injurious, or highlydisruptive.Does my child attend the training?Children do not attend the trainings. If the focus person is an older teen oradult who is capable of participating as a team member then they should attend.Does the whole team attend every training?Yes! The training is most effective when everyone works together to learn anddevelop the behavior plan. Each week covers new information that builds on theprevious week.Dates: Tuesday 2/24, 3/10, 3/24, 4/14, 4/28Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pmLocation: NEIS North Campus, 4528 W. Craig Rd, Suite 170 North Las Vegas, NV 89032 In the training room adjacent to the officesFees: Sliding scale determined according to family incomeSee attached registration formFor more information or to register, please contact the Center at:Center for Autism Spectrum DisordersUNLV Department of Special Education895-5836 autism1@unlv.nevada.eduwww.asdcenter.org
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