Articles of Interest
Grandparents Often Help Support Kids with Autism
"Having a child with autism can turn parents' lives upside down. But it can also profoundly affect the lives of grandparents. . ."
Monday, March 15, 2010
KPTM.com
Siblings of kids with autism may be prone to hyperactivity
"Older brothers and sisters of preschool children with autism may be at increased risk of developing hyperactivity, a new study finds."
March 10, 2010
Disability Scoop
‘Assburgers Syndrome’ Among Google’s Most Searched Following NBC Show
"Variations of the term Asperger's syndrome topped Google searches Wednesday, following the second episode of an NBC show featuring a character with the disorder."
March 14, 2010
The Assistive Technology Blog
Dorm Housing To Cater To People With Asperger's
"A select group of students may find it harder than most to adjust to the noises, scents and social scene of dorm life, but a planned housing development in Prospect Park will provide them with a more comfortable environment."
March 15, 2010
The Assistive Technology Blog
There's a great new app for that from PEATC
"An impressive new iPhone/ iTouch app from our friends at the Parent Education Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)."
March 4, 2010
The Denver Channel
Test for Autism in 5 Minutes
"A typical evaluation to diagnose autism can take two to four hours. But now a quick new screening test can help doctors determine if a toddler is at risk."
March 2, 2010
KTAR.com
Chefs help autism program with soups
"Some professional chefs are providing Valley [Arizona] residents with a chance to help people with autism find jobs."
March 1, 2010
Disability Scoop
Amusement Park For Those With Special Needs Set To Open
"A first of its kind park offering rides, playgrounds and other amusement activities designed specifically for those with special needs is set to open this week in San Antonio, Texas."
December 2009
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Effects of Thai Traditional Massage on Autistic Children’s Behavior
"...Thai Traditional Massage (TTM) has never been studied in autistic patients even though Thai massages have been used frequently as an alternative therapy dating back more than 2500 years ago."
February 28, 2010
WOWT.com
Westside Teacher Wins Teaching Prize
"[Rhonda Jostens'] success has led to well-received creative workshops that she conducts for other teachers. As a result of her expertise in working with students in the autism spectrum and their families, she added the title of autism specialist and consults with teachers across the district in designing programs for students with autism."
February 26, 2010
KITV.com
Do Fertility Treatments Raise Autism Risk?
"Doctors at 15 autism treatment centers nationwide have collected data that show an association between autism and children conceived through in vitro fertilization, WCVB-TV in Boston reported."
February 25, 2010
New York Times
Friend: NY Mom Had Obsessed Over Dead Son's Autism
"Gigi Jordan quit a high-powered job as a pharmaceutical company executive and abandoned her social life to devote all her time to her severely autistic son."
February 19, 2010
Disability Scoop
Autism Reshaping Grandparent Role, Survey Finds
"Grandparents are often the first to suspect that a child may have autism and they play a major role in caring for children once they are diagnosed, according to preliminary findings from what is believed to be a first-of-its-kind survey of grandparents of those on the autism spectrum."
February 19, 2010
Age of Autism
John Robison Discusses TMS Therapy for Autism and Asperger's
"I knew they were going to show it, but Id never seen the thing projected on a big screen and I almost felt embarrassed being up there like that. But I believe in all I said, and I believe most of all in the promise of the work Alvaro and his team is doing at Beth Israel neuroscience."
February 19, 2010
KPTM
Omaha Doctor Helps Military Families Dealing with Autism
"...one local doctor he has developed a strategy that could help these children here or thousands of miles away."
February 16, 2010
Webwire
Autism’s earliest symptoms not evident in children under 6 months
"A study of the development of autism in infants, comparing the behavior of the siblings of children diagnosed with autism to that of babies developing normally, has found that the nascent symptoms of the condition - a lack of shared eye contact, smiling and communicative babbling - are not present at 6 months, but emerge gradually and only become apparent during the latter part of the first year of life."
February 16, 2010
Reuters Health
Extremely Premature Babies Show Higher Autism Risk
"Children born extremely preterm may face a much higher-than-average risk of developing autism later in childhood, a new study suggests."
February 15, 2010
Daily Mail Online
Spray version of 'cuddle hormone can ease symptoms of autism'
"A nasal spray containing the 'cuddle hormone' oxytocin can ease some of the symptoms of autism, research shows."
February 12, 2010
Daily Mail Online
Why autistic people often avoid hugs from loved ones
"Doctors believe they may have discovered why many people with autism don't like to be touched or hugged even by their parents."
February 10, 2010
USA Today
Psychiatry's bible: Autism, binge-eating updates proposed for 'DSM'
"Autism, substance abuse and eating disorders are among the conditions for which the American Psychiatric Association is proposing changes in the fifth edition of its diagnostic bible, posted online today."
February 8, 2010
Disability Scoop
Autism Odds Double for Kids Born to Moms Over 40
"Older mothers are more likely to give birth to a child with autism, largely irrespective of the fathers age, one of the biggest population-based studies of parental age and autism has found."
February 6, 2010
The Autism News
Autism underdiagnosed in women, say UK researchers
"Autism and related conditions were underdiagnosed in women and teenage girls, UK researchers have observed."
February 2, 2010
Channel 5 News
Songwriters celebrate strength and courage of Special Olympians
"The Special Olympics USA National Games will bring thousands of athletes and fans from across the country to Lincoln this summer. NEWS 5's Dennis Kellogg shows us how a group of Nebraska songwriters is doing its part to make the Games a success."
February 2, 2010
New York Times
Journal Retracts 1998 Paper Linking Autism to Vaccines
"A prominent British medical journal on Tuesday retracted a 1998 research paper that set off a sharp decline in vaccinations in Britain after the paper's lead author suggested that vaccines could cause autism."
February 1, 2010
Health Jockey
Combined approach to treat autism possibly more effective
"A Michigan State University psychologist claims children suffering from autism could possibly be given enhanced treatments if supporters of the two main teaching techniques stopped squabbling over theory and concentrated more on a collective approach"
January 27, 2010
Evening Star
Student killed himself by jumping in front of train
"A university student killed himself by walking in front of a train just months after being diagnosed with a form of autism, an inquest heard."
January 25, 2010
WOWT.com
Living With Asperger's Syndrome
"Many teens go through a stage where they are embarrassed by their parents. It's a normal part of growing up. But what if your mother was really different through no fault of her own? An Omaha woman has battled Asperger's Syndrome, a developmental social disorder."
January 25, 2010
The News Tribune
Hotel includes suite outfitted for parents of autistic child
"A hotel in Tenafly, NJ, has geared it's Alpine Suite towards travelers with autistic children."
January 22, 2010
Autism Society of America
New Report Demonstrates Reductions in Toxic Chemical Exposure Would Make Americans Healthier, Wealthier
"Evidence is strong and growing that chemical exposures contribute significantly to the rise in many chronic medical conditions, including autism and other developmental disabilities, according to a new report released today."
January 15, 2010
Cookie
Autistic Partygoer
"The author and his autistic son would love to come to your kid's birthday, thanks. Here's how to make everyone feel right at home."
January 4, 2010
Omaha World Herald
Autistic Brothers Go the Distance
"The boys, both autistic, like to dress alike and always call each other bro. When they were young, they often communicated in a language no one else could understand. Now, when they play video games, its two against the computer or game console."
December 18, 2009
Center for Disease Control
New data show 1 in 110 children have an autism spectrum disorder
"CDC's most recent data show that between one in 80 and one in 240 children with an average of one in 110 have an ASD. This is a prevalence of about one percent."
November 10, 2009
Disability Scoop
Autism Moms Have Stress Similar to Combat Soldiers
"Mothers of adolescents and adults with autism experience chronic stress comparable to combat soldiers and struggle with frequent fatigue and work interruptions, new research finds. These moms also spend significantly more time caregiving than moms of those without disabilities."
Monday, February 23
Lincoln Journal Star
LPS and Parents Confront Needs of Increasing Autism
"Every fall during the first week of school, Megan Misegadis writes letters to the families in her son's class, introducing them to Jack. Jack is among 384 autistic students from preschool to age 21 receiving special education services through LPS."
Friday, February 27
Easter Seals
Easter Seals' 'Living with Autism Study'
"In cooperation with the Autism Society of America, Easter Seals surveyed over 2,500 parents of children with autism and typically-developing children -- about daily life, relationships, independence, education, housing, employment, finances and healthcare".
Friday, January 30
The Orange County Register
Peers Are Key For Autistic Kids, Researcher Says
"The best way to help autistic students fit in at school is by training the child's typical peers, says Connie Kasari, a professor of psychological studies in education at UCLA."
Jan. 2, 2009
The New York Times
A Sister Copes with her Brother's Autism
A teenage girl talks about the challenges of living with a brother on the autism spectrum. This article links to an excellent report by National Public Radio.
Dec. 10, 2008
Omaha World-Herald
Ending Waiting List for Services Costly
"The autism rates continue to skyrocket. Thirty years ago, two to four children out of 10,000 were diagnosed with autism. Today, an alarming one child in 150 will be diagnosed with the disorder. But stories of autism tend to focus on young children. What about the long-term future of autistic children?
Dec. 1, 2008
KaiserNetwork.org
Autistic Children Require More Money, Time Than Children with Other Chronic Diseases, Study Shows
"The more than half a million U.S. children who have autism have health care needs that are more costly and time-intensive than children with other chronic ailments, according to a Maternal and Child Health Bureau study published on Monday in the journal Pediatrics, the AP/San Francisco Chronicle reports."
Nov. 24, 2008
Channel 3000
Special Series: Adults with Autism
"Funding the waiting list will not only provide improved quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities and their families, it will also provide thousands of jobs for citizens throughout the state of Nebraska..."
Nov. 13, 2008
Newsweek
More Than Just Quirky
"Liane Willey watched from behind a two-way mirror as doctors at the University of Kansas performed a series of psychological tests on her 5-year-old daughter. From the day the girl was born, Liane had worried about the child's behavior..."
Nov. 10, 2008
WashingtonPost.com
Expecting Longer Lives With Greater Risk, Reward
"Like many people her age, Jennifer Holden wants to be on her own. But for the 20-year-old Springfield woman, crossing streets can be frightening. Keeping track of money is difficult. And fending for herself is challenging at times for a person who loves to read but has difficulty with novels above a fifth-grade level."
Oct. 17, 2008
The New York Times
Reaching an Autistic Teenager
"On a typical Monday morning at an atypical high school, teenage boys yanked open the glass doors to the First Baptist Church of Decatur, Ga. Half-awake, iPod wires curling from their ears, their backpacks unbuckled and their jeans baggy, the guys headed for the elevator."
Articles of Interest
Thursday, April 22, 2010Grandparents Often Help Support Kids with Autism
"Having a child with autism can turn parents' lives upside down. But it can also profoundly affect the lives of grandparents. . ."
Monday, March 15, 2010
KPTM.com
Siblings of kids with autism may be prone to hyperactivity
"Older brothers and sisters of preschool children with autism may be at increased risk of developing hyperactivity, a new study finds."
March 10, 2010
Disability Scoop
‘Assburgers Syndrome’ Among Google’s Most Searched Following NBC Show
"Variations of the term Asperger's syndrome topped Google searches Wednesday, following the second episode of an NBC show featuring a character with the disorder."
March 14, 2010
The Assistive Technology Blog
Dorm Housing To Cater To People With Asperger's
"A select group of students may find it harder than most to adjust to the noises, scents and social scene of dorm life, but a planned housing development in Prospect Park will provide them with a more comfortable environment."
March 15, 2010
The Assistive Technology Blog
There's a great new app for that from PEATC
"An impressive new iPhone/ iTouch app from our friends at the Parent Education Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)."
March 4, 2010
The Denver Channel
Test for Autism in 5 Minutes
"A typical evaluation to diagnose autism can take two to four hours. But now a quick new screening test can help doctors determine if a toddler is at risk."
March 2, 2010
KTAR.com
Chefs help autism program with soups
"Some professional chefs are providing Valley [Arizona] residents with a chance to help people with autism find jobs."
March 1, 2010
Disability Scoop
Amusement Park For Those With Special Needs Set To Open
"A first of its kind park offering rides, playgrounds and other amusement activities designed specifically for those with special needs is set to open this week in San Antonio, Texas."
December 2009
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Effects of Thai Traditional Massage on Autistic Children’s Behavior
"...Thai Traditional Massage (TTM) has never been studied in autistic patients even though Thai massages have been used frequently as an alternative therapy dating back more than 2500 years ago."
February 28, 2010
WOWT.com
Westside Teacher Wins Teaching Prize
"[Rhonda Jostens'] success has led to well-received creative workshops that she conducts for other teachers. As a result of her expertise in working with students in the autism spectrum and their families, she added the title of autism specialist and consults with teachers across the district in designing programs for students with autism."
February 26, 2010
KITV.com
Do Fertility Treatments Raise Autism Risk?
"Doctors at 15 autism treatment centers nationwide have collected data that show an association between autism and children conceived through in vitro fertilization, WCVB-TV in Boston reported."
February 25, 2010
New York Times
Friend: NY Mom Had Obsessed Over Dead Son's Autism
"Gigi Jordan quit a high-powered job as a pharmaceutical company executive and abandoned her social life to devote all her time to her severely autistic son."
February 19, 2010
Disability Scoop
Autism Reshaping Grandparent Role, Survey Finds
"Grandparents are often the first to suspect that a child may have autism and they play a major role in caring for children once they are diagnosed, according to preliminary findings from what is believed to be a first-of-its-kind survey of grandparents of those on the autism spectrum."
February 19, 2010
Age of Autism
John Robison Discusses TMS Therapy for Autism and Asperger's
"I knew they were going to show it, but Id never seen the thing projected on a big screen and I almost felt embarrassed being up there like that. But I believe in all I said, and I believe most of all in the promise of the work Alvaro and his team is doing at Beth Israel neuroscience."
February 19, 2010
KPTM
Omaha Doctor Helps Military Families Dealing with Autism
"...one local doctor he has developed a strategy that could help these children here or thousands of miles away."
February 16, 2010
Webwire
Autism’s earliest symptoms not evident in children under 6 months
"A study of the development of autism in infants, comparing the behavior of the siblings of children diagnosed with autism to that of babies developing normally, has found that the nascent symptoms of the condition - a lack of shared eye contact, smiling and communicative babbling - are not present at 6 months, but emerge gradually and only become apparent during the latter part of the first year of life."
February 16, 2010
Reuters Health
Extremely Premature Babies Show Higher Autism Risk
"Children born extremely preterm may face a much higher-than-average risk of developing autism later in childhood, a new study suggests."
February 15, 2010
Daily Mail Online
Spray version of 'cuddle hormone can ease symptoms of autism'
"A nasal spray containing the 'cuddle hormone' oxytocin can ease some of the symptoms of autism, research shows."
February 12, 2010
Daily Mail Online
Why autistic people often avoid hugs from loved ones
"Doctors believe they may have discovered why many people with autism don't like to be touched or hugged even by their parents."
February 10, 2010
USA Today
Psychiatry's bible: Autism, binge-eating updates proposed for 'DSM'
"Autism, substance abuse and eating disorders are among the conditions for which the American Psychiatric Association is proposing changes in the fifth edition of its diagnostic bible, posted online today."
February 8, 2010
Disability Scoop
Autism Odds Double for Kids Born to Moms Over 40
"Older mothers are more likely to give birth to a child with autism, largely irrespective of the fathers age, one of the biggest population-based studies of parental age and autism has found."
February 6, 2010
The Autism News
Autism underdiagnosed in women, say UK researchers
"Autism and related conditions were underdiagnosed in women and teenage girls, UK researchers have observed."
February 2, 2010
Channel 5 News
Songwriters celebrate strength and courage of Special Olympians
"The Special Olympics USA National Games will bring thousands of athletes and fans from across the country to Lincoln this summer. NEWS 5's Dennis Kellogg shows us how a group of Nebraska songwriters is doing its part to make the Games a success."
February 2, 2010
New York Times
Journal Retracts 1998 Paper Linking Autism to Vaccines
"A prominent British medical journal on Tuesday retracted a 1998 research paper that set off a sharp decline in vaccinations in Britain after the paper's lead author suggested that vaccines could cause autism."
February 1, 2010
Health Jockey
Combined approach to treat autism possibly more effective
"A Michigan State University psychologist claims children suffering from autism could possibly be given enhanced treatments if supporters of the two main teaching techniques stopped squabbling over theory and concentrated more on a collective approach"
January 27, 2010
Evening Star
Student killed himself by jumping in front of train
"A university student killed himself by walking in front of a train just months after being diagnosed with a form of autism, an inquest heard."
January 25, 2010
WOWT.com
Living With Asperger's Syndrome
"Many teens go through a stage where they are embarrassed by their parents. It's a normal part of growing up. But what if your mother was really different through no fault of her own? An Omaha woman has battled Asperger's Syndrome, a developmental social disorder."
January 25, 2010
The News Tribune
Hotel includes suite outfitted for parents of autistic child
"A hotel in Tenafly, NJ, has geared it's Alpine Suite towards travelers with autistic children."
January 22, 2010
Autism Society of America
New Report Demonstrates Reductions in Toxic Chemical Exposure Would Make Americans Healthier, Wealthier
"Evidence is strong and growing that chemical exposures contribute significantly to the rise in many chronic medical conditions, including autism and other developmental disabilities, according to a new report released today."
January 15, 2010
Cookie
Autistic Partygoer
"The author and his autistic son would love to come to your kid's birthday, thanks. Here's how to make everyone feel right at home."
January 4, 2010
Omaha World Herald
Autistic Brothers Go the Distance
"The boys, both autistic, like to dress alike and always call each other bro. When they were young, they often communicated in a language no one else could understand. Now, when they play video games, its two against the computer or game console."
December 18, 2009
Center for Disease Control
New data show 1 in 110 children have an autism spectrum disorder
"CDC's most recent data show that between one in 80 and one in 240 children with an average of one in 110 have an ASD. This is a prevalence of about one percent."
November 10, 2009
Disability Scoop
Autism Moms Have Stress Similar to Combat Soldiers
"Mothers of adolescents and adults with autism experience chronic stress comparable to combat soldiers and struggle with frequent fatigue and work interruptions, new research finds. These moms also spend significantly more time caregiving than moms of those without disabilities."
Monday, February 23
Lincoln Journal Star
LPS and Parents Confront Needs of Increasing Autism
"Every fall during the first week of school, Megan Misegadis writes letters to the families in her son's class, introducing them to Jack. Jack is among 384 autistic students from preschool to age 21 receiving special education services through LPS."
Friday, February 27
Easter Seals
Easter Seals' 'Living with Autism Study'
"In cooperation with the Autism Society of America, Easter Seals surveyed over 2,500 parents of children with autism and typically-developing children -- about daily life, relationships, independence, education, housing, employment, finances and healthcare".
Friday, January 30
The Orange County Register
Peers Are Key For Autistic Kids, Researcher Says
"The best way to help autistic students fit in at school is by training the child's typical peers, says Connie Kasari, a professor of psychological studies in education at UCLA."
Jan. 2, 2009
The New York Times
A Sister Copes with her Brother's Autism
A teenage girl talks about the challenges of living with a brother on the autism spectrum. This article links to an excellent report by National Public Radio.
Dec. 10, 2008
Omaha World-Herald
Ending Waiting List for Services Costly
"The autism rates continue to skyrocket. Thirty years ago, two to four children out of 10,000 were diagnosed with autism. Today, an alarming one child in 150 will be diagnosed with the disorder. But stories of autism tend to focus on young children. What about the long-term future of autistic children?
Dec. 1, 2008
KaiserNetwork.org
Autistic Children Require More Money, Time Than Children with Other Chronic Diseases, Study Shows
"The more than half a million U.S. children who have autism have health care needs that are more costly and time-intensive than children with other chronic ailments, according to a Maternal and Child Health Bureau study published on Monday in the journal Pediatrics, the AP/San Francisco Chronicle reports."
Nov. 24, 2008
Channel 3000
Special Series: Adults with Autism
"Funding the waiting list will not only provide improved quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities and their families, it will also provide thousands of jobs for citizens throughout the state of Nebraska..."
Nov. 13, 2008
Newsweek
More Than Just Quirky
"Liane Willey watched from behind a two-way mirror as doctors at the University of Kansas performed a series of psychological tests on her 5-year-old daughter. From the day the girl was born, Liane had worried about the child's behavior..."
Nov. 10, 2008
WashingtonPost.com
Expecting Longer Lives With Greater Risk, Reward
"Like many people her age, Jennifer Holden wants to be on her own. But for the 20-year-old Springfield woman, crossing streets can be frightening. Keeping track of money is difficult. And fending for herself is challenging at times for a person who loves to read but has difficulty with novels above a fifth-grade level."
Oct. 17, 2008
The New York Times
Reaching an Autistic Teenager
"On a typical Monday morning at an atypical high school, teenage boys yanked open the glass doors to the First Baptist Church of Decatur, Ga. Half-awake, iPod wires curling from their ears, their backpacks unbuckled and their jeans baggy, the guys headed for the elevator."