Uniquely human: A different way of seeing autism

Uniquely human: A different way of seeing autism is a 272-page guide to using a different approach to understanding individuals on the autism spectrum. Written by a world-renowned leader in the autism field, this book seeks to discover what is behind an individual’s behaviors rather than trying to just “fix” the person.

The book is written in two parts; the first part looks at understanding autism while the second part highlights aspects of living with autism. An extensive introduction discusses Prizant’s background work with individuals on the spectrum and his approach to understanding them. Suggestions are offered throughout the book about focusing on an individual’s strengths and abilities and how to support and enhance the person rather than trying to change behaviors.

Interested? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It's a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues. The image above is a poster created by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, US Department of Labor. To learn more about it and to order or download the poster, please visit:
https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam/

Did you know that CeDIR has a topic guide that covers the issue of employment for people with disabilities? There you will find books, videos and online resources to help you learn more about getting jobs, supporting employees, the state of employment for people with disabilities and policies influencing employment options for people with disabilities. Visit the guide at:
http://guides.libraries.indiana.edu/cedir_employment

Sisterhood of the Spectrum: An Asperger Chick's Guide to Life

In Sisterhood of the Spectrum: An Asperger Chick's Guide to Life, the author draws on her own real-life experiences rather than preaching from textbooks. She covers everything you need (and want!) to know, from body shapes and love interests to bullying, friendships and how to discover and celebrate your unique, beautiful self.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Alone in a Crowded Room

From Films Media Group comes Alone in a Crowded Room, a film that highlights adults with ASD discussing how other people perceive them.

"This film explores the line between ability and disability and goes beyond the preconceptions of one of the most mysterious and challenging disorders of our time. It tells the stories of love, family, work and friendship of four autistic adults." -Publisher

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu.

The United States of Autism

Planning a road trip this summer? In the video, The United States of Autism, a family takes an 11,000 mile, 40 day, cross-country road trip to interview families whose lives are affected by autism. Emotional and moving, this film shows how families across the country and across cultures are coping, or not, with their children's autism.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Autism awareness video

Looking for a great video about what it feels like to have autism? Free Technology for Teachers found one and embedded it in their post yesterday. In the video, Michael shares his feelings on his own social awkwardness and being left out of things like basketball games or even just sitting down at a table. See the post at: http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2014/01/a-great-message-from-student-about.html#.Uue0ahAo7s0

April is Autism Awareness Month

The Autism Self Advocacy Network put together a video to build awareness about autism. Take a look at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=mR37CvpPYUk

April is Autism Awareness Month

Looking for some great tips and facts to use for autism awareness? The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has an article that can help! IRCA has revised their article on Autism Awareness to help you put together a training/class/meeting with useful information on the spectrum. To view the article, please visit: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=359

A Lifetime of Laughing and Loving with Autism

A lifetime of laughing and loving with autism is a "best of" book that contains all of your favorite stories from the first three Laughing and Loving books, plus some new ones. "The concept for Laughing and Loving came when R Wayne Gilpin realized how much people enjoyed the stories about his son, Alex, and his unique view of the world. Not only did people love his stories, they usually chimed in with a few of their own. This "light" view of autism contrasted sharply with all of the technical manuals, or doom and gloom stories that were in print at the time, so Wayne decided that THIS view needed to be shared." (book description)

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Autistic kids with cameras/Artistic kids with cameras

Autistic kids with cameras/Artistic kids with cameras documents an intensive film camp for pre-teens and teens on the spectrum. Taught by educator/actor, Brad Koepenick, this camp teaches the kids to use film as an outlet to express themselves. Follow along as seven kids with Asperger's create films, poems, paintings and music. The children's private lives and candid interviews with their parents are also presented.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu.

Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic

Loving lampposts: Living autistic is a look at two opposing viewpoints of autism spectrum disorders: one, autism is a sickness to be cured and the recovery movement; and two, autism is just a variation in the human brain and the neurodiversity movement. Learn more about the debate with this learning video.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org or Evergreen to find it in a library near you.

A-U-T-I-S-T-I-C? How Silly Is That!

A-U-T-I-S-T-I-C? How silly is that! gently pokes fun of the onerous label "autistic".  The readers will feel better about themselves after reading about their new friend, the narrator, who also HAS autism, as well as many other more important characteristics.  Having autism is just one small part of his overall character and humanity.  And we would never again label him as simply "autistic".

Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

April is Autism Awareness Month

Facts:

• In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control issued a report which looked at a sample of 8 year olds, and concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in 150 in American children and almost 1 in 94 among boys.  By 2009, that incidence had increased to 1 in 110. Each year brings new cases of autism and many who present complex challenges. 

• There is no single known cause for autism.  Instead multiple factors may lead to an individual obtaining a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.

• Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder to signify differences among a group of people who share a common diagnosis.   

• The Autism Society notes the incredible costs associated with autism spectrum disorders and the ongoing need for services that promote early identification and programming, effective transition planning, and individualized adult options.

• Studies show that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to greatly improved outcomes.  However, ongoing support is critical and even into the adult years. 

Want to know more? The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has published an article that includes tips on working with those on the spectrum. To read the entire article, visit: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=359

My friend with autism

Looking for a young children's book on autism awareness? My friend with autism has a new enhanced edition with an included CD of pages to color. From the perspective of a peer, this book addresses such issues as:

• Sensory Sensitivity
• Communication Differences
• Unique Ways of Playing
• Insistence on Routine
• And more!

Parent's notes can be found at the back of the book with explanations and facts to supplement the text.

Want to know more? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title. Or try worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Wretches & Jabberers

Don't forget this Saturday is Bloomington's screening of the film Wretches & Jabberers. This documentary, directed by Academy Award winner Gerardine Wurzburg, follows two men with autism who decide to travel the world in order to change attitudes about disability. The movie will be shown at noon on the 16th at the AMC Showplace 12 West in Bloomington.

Silly Bandz

Have you or your kids joined the silly band craze? Then check out the AutismLink's store. They have puzzle-shaped, tie-dyed silly bands to help spread autism awareness. These bands are made of silicone and are fun to collect and/or trade.

http://autismlinkstore.com/-newpuzzleshapetiedyesillybandspackof10.aspx

Bounce for Autism

This Thursday, April 22nd, the Autism Society and the Pump It Up amusement chain have teamed up for a nationwide event to raise funds and spread autism awareness: Bounce for Autism.

The event, which will take place at Pump It Ups in 35 states, is a chance for children to "bounce, slide, climb and jump" while the Autism Society collects funds to support those affected by ASDs. Bounce for Autism will take place at two venues in Indiana: Evansville (http://www.pumpitupparty.com/in/evansville/home-p1q22.htm) and Indianapolis (http://www.pumpitupparty.com/IN/Indianapolis/home-p1q100052.htm). You can support the event by donating to the cause or just showing up to get some exercise and have fun.

For more information or to find locations in other states, visit the official Pump It Up Bounce for Autism page at http://www.pumpitupparty.com/BounceForAutism_LandingPage.aspx.

Dad’s in Heaven With Nixon

At 8:30 tonight on Showtime, don't miss the movie Dad's in Heaven with Nixon. Filmmaker Tom Murray documents the life of his brother, Chris, who was diagnosed with autism in an unforgiving era. Interviews with his mother and siblings bring to light the inner struggle of the brothers' father, Thomas Sr., who "just couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact that he had a neurologically damaged child."

Chris, now 50 years old, used his unique perspective to grow into a successful artist sponsored by KS Art. He is known for his depiction of Manhattan buildings in meticulously rendered two-dimensional landscapes. To see samples of his work, and view a trailer for the documentary, visit http://www.inheavenmovie.com/.

Patient Voices: Autism

The New York Times website runs a feature called Patient Voices, in which people with disabilities or certain illnesses speak about their lives and struggles. This month, the feature highlights autism. The site has posted six recorded interviews with parents and individuals across a broad range of ages, including Judy Endow, the author of the movie The Power of Words and the kit Outsmarting Explosive Behavior.

You can listen to the interviews here: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/04/02/health/healthguide/TE_autism.html. Macromedia Flash is required to run the program. Also check out some of these other recent NY Times articles on autism:

-Dealing with the Financial Burden of Autism

-Both Parents' Ages Linked to Autism Risk

-Do Toxins Cause Autism?

Light It Up Blue

Autism Speaks has an international project for World Autism Awareness Day: Light It Up Blue.

According to their website, "On the night of April 1, prominent buildings across North America and the world including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada will be lit up blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Friday, April 2."

They also suggest ways for individuals to get involved: by blogging about the event to raise awareness, wearing your Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin, advertising the event through Facebook, even baking puzzle-shaped cookies to bring to your workplace or child's school.

The webpage, lightitupblue.org, also has a slide show of buildings that have "lit it up blue" in the past. They invite communities who join the event to post their own photos on a public Flickr gallery.

Also for World Autism Awareness Day, don't forget about the Be a Piece of the Puzzle event by the Bridges of Indiana!