Advice from an expert

In an article on the YAI Network's site, Dr. Fred Volkmar shares some practical advice for parents of children with autism. Here he offers five tips for living and working with children on the spectrum:

• Know your child’s strengths and vulnerabilities.
• Work on organizational skills.
• Parents should be educated consumers of care and service.
• Have a good primary care doctor AND dentist and use them for routine well child care.
• Work on generalization of skills.

To read the entire article, go to: http://www.yai.org/about/sharing-our-stories/dr-fred-volkmar-shares-5.html

New clue to the causes of autism and other cognitive differences

"A clue to the causes of autism and mental retardation lies in the synapse, the tiny intercellular junction that rapidly transfers information from one neuron to the next," begins a new report out yesterday from Medical News Today. Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine, with students from the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts, found that dysfunction of a certain protein in the brain prevents the synapse function required for typical learning and memory. The findings are published in the August 18 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.

To read the entire article from Medical news Today, click here: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/198610.php

Now I see the moon

Enthusiastic praise for Elaine Hall's book, Now I see the moon: A mother, a son, a miracle:

“Now I See the Moon provides insightful ways to teach and work with individuals with autism and severe disabilities. It will give parents great hope.” (Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures )

“Elaine Hall yanks the reader out of preconceived notions of what having a child with autism means. This book is for anyone wishing to learn about the potential autism has to bring out the best in people—and for developing a deeper appreciation of what true humanity is all about.” (Stephen Shore, professor of special education and author of Beyond the Wall )

“Inspirational and realistic, Now I See the Moon shows how real progress can be made in the life of a child. So many of Elaine’s experiences reminded me of my own family’s struggle, as we search to find answers that will bring us closer to solving the mysteries of autism.” (Suzanne Wright, cofounder of Autism Speaks )

“A moving, unvarnished look at living with autism and a helpful guide to action.” (Kirkus Reviews )

Interested? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu. Or try worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Asperger's in Pink

Asperger's in pink: A mother and daughter guidebook for raising (or being!) a girl with Asperger's is a story of one family's journey through life with a girl with Asperger's. The book is an easy read with sections broken out into the following categories: The Diagnostic Process, School, Community, and Day-to-Day. Each chapter begins with a quote from Kristina, the daughter in this parent/child saga, and ends with "pink pearls" of wisdom from the author, Julie Clark, for not only family members but also for professionals in the field, educators, and others. Addtionally, Clark recounts specific instances of relevance from Kristina's life in a feature called, "Inside the Bubble" that helps the reader explore life with a girl with Asperger's further.

Indiana residents interested in checking out this book can email us at cedir@indiana.edu. Others can use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

The autism mom's survival guide (for dads, too!)

Reviews for the book The autism mom's survival guide (for dad's too!): Creating a Balanced and Happy Life While Raising a Child with Autism are positively glowing! One reviewer on Amazon.com states, "Upbeat and honest, but never condescending or perky. The book manages to be very supportive but keeps an arms length from the dark places autism can take a family."

Another reviewer says, "This informative book should be in the library of every autism parent. It gives useful, practical advice from both the author and other ASD parents on how to survive and thrive as the parent of a child with a very difficult disability."

And yet another: "This book is a wonderful and enjoyable look into the world of the parent of an autistic child. It is also a wonderful and enjoyable look into the world of [a] remarkable parent. It will be worthwhile reading even if you have absolutely no connection to autism."

Indiana residents can email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title. Others can check worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Check out the latest article by researcher Kim Davis on IRCA's Website!

What Do I Really Need to Know?

Contributed by Kim Davis

Many students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are included in general education classes. In some instances, the general education teacher may be comfortable with having a student with ASD enrolled in his or her class. Yet, some general education teachers may feel a sense of discomfort or fear, or maybe even overwhelmed and unsure. These are all legitimate feelings which may lead to undesirable behaviors or attitudes from those teachers. Let's take a minute to begin to understand those feelings and behaviors.

When a student with ASD is included in a general education class, that student can enter with a preconceived reputation based on past experiences between the student, the student's family, and other school staff. In many cases, if the reputation is positive; the inclusion process can move forward smoothly. In other cases, where the reputation is not so positive, the process can be filled with resentment, discomfort, and even anger. These feelings can also be generated when a teacher suddenly feels unsure or inadequate in his or her skills. The anger and resentment may have nothing to do with the student at all, but be a very personal response to the situation.

Read More...

Dr. Stephen Shore Talk

From the Indiana Autism Society's Website:

"Life On and Slightly to the Right

of the Autism Spectrum:

An Inside View for Success"

October 23, 2010

9 am - 12 pm

The Monon Center
Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation
1235 Central Park East Drive
Carmel, IN 46032

Diagnosed with "Atypical Development with strong autistic tendencies" Dr. Shore was viewed as "too sick" to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much help from his parents, teachers, and others, Stephen completed his doctoral dissertation at Boston University focused on matching best practice to the needs of people on the autism spectrum. Recently, Dr. Shore has accepted a professorship at Adelphi University teaching courses in special education and autism.

For more information visit:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/Clubs?club_id=1259&pg=main

Conference news

The National Autism Association is announcing its National Autism Conference to be held at the Trade Winds Resort in Tampa, Florida, November 11-14, 2010. Family members, medical professionals, educators, therapists, and college students interested in the latest advances in autism and related disorders are all encouraged to attend. Keynote speakers will be Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete.

For more information and to register, go to: http://www.nationalautismconference.org/index.htm

Brain scan could test for autism

According to an article from Reuters, a quick 15-minute brain scan could be used in the future to screen for autism. The brain scan, which picks up on structural changes in the brain, is more than 90 percent accurate in adults and could be ready to use in the next couple of years. The next step is to test the scan in children, and researchers seem optimistic that the success rate should be just as high for children as it is for adults. The scan is a standard MRI in which doctors look at the variations in the shape and structure of brain regions linked to language and social behavior.

To read the entire article, go to: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6795I420100810

Sensory Friendly Film: Cats and Dogs 2

Sat. August 7th at 10 a.m. at an AMC theater near you!


"AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned."

For more information visit:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sensoryfilms
http://www.amcentertainment.com/SFF/

INDATA Project to Host Demo Day on Autism

From the Folks at INDATA and Easter Seals Crossroads:

INDATA Project to Host Demo Day on Autism
*Editor's Note: Media interested in covering the event should contact
Sara Croft at 317-466-2013 or scroft@eastersealscrossroads.org
to confirm appointment times.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Autism affects more than one million Americans and is the fastest-growing developmental disability, according to the Autism Society of America. People with autism benefit from assistive technology in areas such as social interaction skills, expressive communication and understanding the environment.

The INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads is hosting a year-long series of free statewide "Demo Days" showcasing assistive technology devices for a wide variety of disabilities. The next "Demo Day" will feature devices that assist people with autism and will take place Thursday, August 19, at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, 2853 E. 10th St., in Bloomington.

To register for your free half-hour appointment during "Demo Day," contact Carol Girt at 1-888-466-1314. Please register by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18. If you are interested in learning about assistive technology devices for other disabilities, please contact Carol Girt.
A variety of devices will be demonstrated, with a particular emphasis on autism, including: touch screens, adaptive keyboards, trackballs, Visual and Schedule Assistant and some communication devices.

The "Demo Day" gives those individuals who make an appointment the opportunity to experience an abbreviated one-on-one device demonstration, during which they learn how assistive technology can increase independence through a hands-on session with the many low-tech and high-tech assistive technology devices available.

In some cases, the assistive technology provided can ultimately determine whether someone is able to work outside of their home or attend a public school. In addition, that technology can be used to help better the interaction and communication between individuals and their families or friends.

For more information, visit the INDATA blog at blog.eastersealstech.com.

Signs of Autism May Show in Early Infancy

Jennifer Goodwin of Healthy Day News says:

Signs of autism may show up in babies as young as 1 month old, a new study shows.

But the tip-offs are not the usual red flags, such as a lack of eye contact or smiling, the researchers noted.

Instead, they found babies who needed neonatal intensive care and were later diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder were more likely to have abnormal muscle tone and differences in their visual processing than babies who went on to develop normally after time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

read the rest...

Asperger's on the job

Asperger's on the job: Must-have advice for people with Asperger's or high functioning autism and their employers, educators and advocates by Rudy Simone with a foreword by Dr. Temple Grandin is an excellent guide for employers as well as job seekers. This book is divided into 20 chapters, each chapter addressing a common situation that may come up in the workplace. Advice is given for potential employees as well as employers and advocates.

Job seekers will also find additional information to help them find the right fit. Included in the appendices are instructions on creating a personal job map, interview tips and resources for further information. Throughout the book personal narratives from people with Asperger's are included.

Interested in checking it out? Contact us at cedir@indiana.edu. Not an Indiana Resident? Find it at a library near you!

Successful school change and transition

Have a child who is moving to a new school? Need help with ideas on how parents can make the transition to a new school smoother? Then reach for Successful school change and transition for the child with asperger syndrome: A guide for parents. Author Clare Lawrence provides practical ideas and suggestions for parents, from choosing the right school to identifying and practicing the different social rules and expectations of the new school. This book is an excellent resource not only for parents of children with AS who are moving to a new school, but also for the teachers and education professionals who work with them.

Interested? Contact us! Or try worldcat.org to find it in a library near you!