Light It Up Blue!!!
On April 2nd we are lighting up the world blue for World Autism Awareness Day. Thousands of Bright blue lights all over the globe will shine a bright light on autism. Great landmarks, buildings and homes will join in this great event. Some include, but are not limited to, the following:
These are but a few examples of the countless number of landmarks and buildings participating in lighting it up blue. Join the world-wide celebration for autism awareness.
(Autism Speaks)
1 in 88
"Light It Up Blue" takes on even more significance with the report this week from the CDC that one child out of 88 is now believed to have autism. These numbers send a clear message that the incidence of autism is more extensive and prevalent than previously thought (although a study out of S. Korea last year suggested 1-38 children have traits of autism). In fact, these current numbers are twice what was reported five years ago.
This week's CDC data suggests better testing, better diagnosis, better treatment and increased awareness accounts for the increase in the prevalence of autism. However officials remain cautious about these numbers reminding us that research into the causes of autism will help determine if there's been an true increase or just better diagnosis.
The latest research is based on 2008 data from 14 states. The study also found that autism is five times more common in boys. In addition, a growing number of blacks and Hispanic children were reported to have autism. Moreover, an increasing large proportion of children with autism have IQ's of 85 or higher contradicting past research showing they have IQ's of 70 or lower. Autism rates also varied by state. In New Jersey, rates are currently 1 in 49 while rates in Utah are 1 in 47. These rates were specific to children 8 years of age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends screening take place as early as 18 months and 2 years.
(AP)
Children With Autism Bullied Three Times More Frequently
Kennedy Krieger Institute in partnership with the Interactive Autism Network reported last week their results show that 63% of children with ASD have been bullied at some point in their lives. These children are bullied three times more frequently than their siblings who do not have ASD.
"These survey results show the urgent need to increase awareness, influence school policies and provide families and children with effective strategies for dealing with bullying," said Dr. Paul Law, director of the project. He added, "We hope that this research will aid efforts to combat bullying by helping parents, policymakers and educators understand the extent of this problem in the autism community and be prepared to intervene."
Approximately 1,200 parents of children with ASD completed the survey. The findings also show that children---ages 6-15 years---are especially vulnerable to bullying.
For additional information regarding this study go to: http://www.ianproject.org/
(Sacremento Bee)
4 Your Bookshelf
The Golden Hat by Oscar-winner Kate Winslet. The book was inspired by a poem by Keli Ericsdottir, about a boy suffering from a severe case of non-verbal autism. Winslet's book tells the story of her friendship with Ericsdottir.
Up-Coming Conference:
New Jersey Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Conference. April 27, 2012. The Westin Governor Morris in Morristown, NJ. Contact: 800.489.0727 or go online to: http://www.fhautism.com/
Please take a moment to view the many links on this blog that offer important information on resources, education, research and much more.
On April 2nd we are lighting up the world blue for World Autism Awareness Day. Thousands of Bright blue lights all over the globe will shine a bright light on autism. Great landmarks, buildings and homes will join in this great event. Some include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The Empire State Building
- The New York Stock Exchange
- Paris Stock Exchange
- CN Tower in Toronto
- Bahrain World Trade Center
- Terminal Tower in Cleveland
- Aspen Mountain
- Christ the Redeemer in Brazil
- Great Buddha at Hyogo Japan
- Sydney Opera House Australia
- Niagra Falls
These are but a few examples of the countless number of landmarks and buildings participating in lighting it up blue. Join the world-wide celebration for autism awareness.
(Autism Speaks)
1 in 88
"Light It Up Blue" takes on even more significance with the report this week from the CDC that one child out of 88 is now believed to have autism. These numbers send a clear message that the incidence of autism is more extensive and prevalent than previously thought (although a study out of S. Korea last year suggested 1-38 children have traits of autism). In fact, these current numbers are twice what was reported five years ago.
This week's CDC data suggests better testing, better diagnosis, better treatment and increased awareness accounts for the increase in the prevalence of autism. However officials remain cautious about these numbers reminding us that research into the causes of autism will help determine if there's been an true increase or just better diagnosis.
The latest research is based on 2008 data from 14 states. The study also found that autism is five times more common in boys. In addition, a growing number of blacks and Hispanic children were reported to have autism. Moreover, an increasing large proportion of children with autism have IQ's of 85 or higher contradicting past research showing they have IQ's of 70 or lower. Autism rates also varied by state. In New Jersey, rates are currently 1 in 49 while rates in Utah are 1 in 47. These rates were specific to children 8 years of age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends screening take place as early as 18 months and 2 years.
(AP)
Children With Autism Bullied Three Times More Frequently
Kennedy Krieger Institute in partnership with the Interactive Autism Network reported last week their results show that 63% of children with ASD have been bullied at some point in their lives. These children are bullied three times more frequently than their siblings who do not have ASD.
"These survey results show the urgent need to increase awareness, influence school policies and provide families and children with effective strategies for dealing with bullying," said Dr. Paul Law, director of the project. He added, "We hope that this research will aid efforts to combat bullying by helping parents, policymakers and educators understand the extent of this problem in the autism community and be prepared to intervene."
Approximately 1,200 parents of children with ASD completed the survey. The findings also show that children---ages 6-15 years---are especially vulnerable to bullying.
For additional information regarding this study go to: http://www.ianproject.org/
(Sacremento Bee)
4 Your Bookshelf
The Golden Hat by Oscar-winner Kate Winslet. The book was inspired by a poem by Keli Ericsdottir, about a boy suffering from a severe case of non-verbal autism. Winslet's book tells the story of her friendship with Ericsdottir.
Up-Coming Conference:
New Jersey Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Conference. April 27, 2012. The Westin Governor Morris in Morristown, NJ. Contact: 800.489.0727 or go online to: http://www.fhautism.com/
Please take a moment to view the many links on this blog that offer important information on resources, education, research and much more.
