Light It Up Blue: April 2nd World Autism Awareness Day; 1 in 88; Children with Autism Bullied Three Times More Than Their Unaffected Siblings

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:

• 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

You Want Resources---We Got Resources; Depression Common in Young Adults with Asperger's; Benefits of Autism Assistance Dogs; Let's Hit The Pool; Is There An Increased Risk of Autism Among Certain Immigrant Groups; Light The Country Up Blue!

"Let's be clear about something. It's all about 'ability' not disability."  Jerry Komar

You Want Resources. We Got Resources

In addition to the plethora of resources available on this blog alone, I'd like to take the opportunity to list additional resources that offer valuable information to parents, teachers, researches and anyone interested in Autism. All of these resources are easily accessed through any search engine. In addition, you will also find many of these resources right here on Autism News and Views. So let's start:

• Talk Autism. Offers a great data base of professionals.
• Autism Speaks: Anything and everything you need to know about Autism is available here.
• Autism Society of America: Great resource for research, news on autism and more.
• National Autism Association: They do great work in empowering families and fund research.
• Parent to Parent: Linking families together.
• Model Me Kids Social Network: Network includes parents, educators and people with autism and Asperger's.
• First Signs: This group offers information on recognizing autism, screening, referrals and much more.
• Autism Web: A Parent's Guide to Autism.
• Moms Fighting Autism.
• Autism Parents.
• Grandparent Autism Network.
• O.A.S.I.S. Great resource on Asperger's.
• Asperger's Syndrome: Ditto

(Source: Masters in Health Care)

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"The only disability in life is a bad attitude." Scott Hamilton


African-American Children Diagnosed Later For Autism

Martell Teasley, associate professor in the College of Social Work at Florida State University, reported recently that African-American children are usually diagnosed later for autism than white children.  It appears the lack of access to timely health care is among one of the reasons for the delay in treatment. In addition, because of social stigma issues, Teasley reported some Black families might be resistant or reluctant to accept a diagnosis. As a result, this also could lead to the lack of timely treatment. Teasley reminds parents that intervention needs to start at about the age of 3. Later intervention and treatment will often result in poorer developmental outcomes. (News-Medical and Doctor's Lounge).

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Autism in Babies and Toddlers

Since early detection is of paramount importance in the treatment and intervention of children with autism, what should parents look for in babies and toddlers?  Parents should be aware of the following warning signs:

• The child does not make eye contact (For example, you child should look at you at feeding time).
• Does not return a smile.
• Does not respond to his/her own name.
• Does not respond to a familiar voice.
• Does not make noises to get your attention.
• Does not respond to cuddling (May not initiate either).
• Does not reach out to you to be picked up.
• Does not play with other children.
• Does not ask for help.
• Does not make basic requests.
• No baby talk (if not evidenced by 10- 12 months, the child needs an immediate evaluation by a pediatrician). The same advice if the child fails to respond to his/her name.
• If, by 16 months, the child has no spoken words, an immediate evaluation is necessary.
• If, by 24 months, the child makes no meaningful two-word phrases, the child needs an immediate evaluation.

Note: It's not unusual for some children with autism to start developing communication skills and then regress. This usually occurs between 12 and 24 months.  In other words, any loss of speech requires immediate attention by a professional.

More importantly, if autism is caught early, treatment can be very effective. The human brain is remarkably flexible. That's another reason why early intervention is so critically important.

The lesson in all of this: Early detection of autism is up to the parents. No one knows their own child like a parent does. Parental observation and experience are of incredible value and relevance to intervention and evaluation.
(Helpguide)


So What Words Should Every Child Know By Age 2?

What Can We Expect From The DSM-5 Changes; The Importance of Sports Participation; Mercyhurst University Put Students With Autism On Path To Independence; The Autism Response Team

"Expect The Exceptional."...Jerry Komar

DSM-5 Changes: What Can We Expect? And Why It Matters.

 
While final decisions are still months away, The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is trying to reassure everyone interested in autism that the changes in the DSM-5 will not exclude individuals from diagnosis and treatment. According to the APA, the changes involve merging several diagnoses now listed separately in DSM-5 under one umbrella category as "autism spectrum disorder."

APA contends the changes will lead to more accurate diagnoses and will help physicians and clinicians design better treatment interventions.

Why do the changes matter? Put simply, the changes can lead to profound effects on the lives of individuals. Critics argue that many individuals have been helped immeasurably because of their autism diagnoses. If this changes, will that mean many individuals will be shut out of acquiring previously mandated services and supports? As of this writing, no one knows for certain. But what is certain is any change must be done cautiously, carefully and with a great deal of prudence. To many lives depend on it.
(Sources: CNN, APA)


The Importance of Sports Participation

Participating in sports and recreation is important for everyone including individuals with autism. We've known from years of research that recreation and sports can relieve stress, improve overall health,  help develop confidence, can enhance gross motor skills, improve self-esteem, improve communication and social skills, and can result in a host of other positive outcomes.

What sports activities then are good for children with autism? Below is a list of recommendations (note: children with autism, just like their peers, should be given the opportunity to participate in those sporting activities they like. For example, if your child wants to play baseball and you're comfortable with that, by all means allow him/her to participate. The suggestions below meet most of the criteria referenced above):

• Swimming
• Track and Field
• Bowling
• Biking
• Hiking
• Martial Arts Training
• Skiing
• Ice Hockey
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Football
• Tennis
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Golfing

(Sources: Livestrong, Healing Thresholds)

The Value of Facebook For Autism Awareness

"Try to imagine a world where we don't talk about disabilities, but only abilities (pause for a moment). Now imagine our world now (again pause for a moment). Didn't that first world make you feel a lot better?"---Jerry Komar, Editor Autism News and Views

The Value of Facebook for Autism Awareness

Let me begin by explaining the purpose of this piece is not to promote Facebook. The purpose of this piece is promote autism awareness. Now that I have that out of the way, I do want to point out the value of Facebook in promoting autism awareness. In short, Facebook is a wonderful resource for current information on autism, for current news on autism as well as the current research. The value of Facebook for autism awareness is immeasurable. The amount of information is limitless. And that's a beautiful thing.

In keeping with the theme of this article, I'm going to share with you just a sampling of the gold mine of unique and varied information, news and resources on autism  I've found on Facebook in the last several weeks. I'm confident you will be as impressed as I was.

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"In my opinion, focusing on an individual's disability minimizes that person's humanity. I've always had more success in focusing on abilities and the world of possibilities. After all, isn't that what living is all about?"---Jerry Komar, Editor Autism News and Views

Before I begin, I want to take this opportunity to wish all a safe, happy and healthy New Year.


2011 Autism Research Achievements

Autism Speaks reported on the top 10 autism research achievements for 2011. These include major genetic discoveries to the importance of earlier autism screening. Take a few minutes and visit Autism Speaks to read this piece {Top 10 Autism Research Achievements of 2011 in their "Science" section}.

First Responders Helping Those With Autism

People with autism have longed posed a challenge for law enforcement and first responders nationwide. The good news is that police, firefighters and first responders around the country have been receiving more training in responding to individuals with autism.  Many states now require autism-recognition instruction for their police officers. In addition, this training has been extended to firefighters and first responders.

The North Alabama Reserve Corps was awarded a $7000 grant to train more than 200 first responders to work better with those individuals with autism.  Recently, Michigan State Troopers have also been trained. (Niles Daily Star)

If your local municipality does not provide this training to its law enforcement and first responder personnel, make a point to advocate they do so. Grants are available from organizations like AmeriCares. Also, contact your local social service and behavioral health care providers to see if they would be willing to set up a training program.


Autism Frostbite 5K

How about an event that's really cool---literally? A 5K race in Allison Park, PA, will benefit ABOARD (The Advisory Board and Related Disorders). The Autism Frostbite 5K will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2012. The race starts are 10 am at North Park Boathouse in Allison Park. For additional information call: 412-980-0085

Imitation Is The Sincerest Form of Flattery; B.J., The Therapy Dog; $26.5 Million Grant for Autism Research; Best Higher Education Programs for Students with Autism; Holiday Gift Guide: Books About Autism

"It was ability that mattered, not disability, which is a word I'm not crazy about using."---Marlee Matlin

"Imitation Is The Sincerest Form of Flattery"

There's a lot of truth to that famous quote. A recent study out of Michigan State University appears to show that teaching children with autism to imitate others may improve their social skills. Researchers have long known that imitation is a critically important development skill. It enables children to interact and learn from one another in meaningful ways. This particular study analyzed children with autism ages 27 months to 47 months. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.



B.J.: The Therapy Dog

Children with autism at the Madison Elementary School in Davenport, IA, have a really cool friend. His name is Buddy Junior or B.J. for short. He just so happens to be a 6-year old golden retriever. B.J. is also a therapy dog. The children's interaction with B.J. is an important life-skills learning experience.  Teacher James Cook said, "These guys are practicing their social and communication skills...The interaction is good for them."

B.J. has been visiting the school since he was 1 year old. "There have been times when the children have been tired and having meltdowns, and it kind of helps when B.J. walks in. It distracts them and the behaviors will stop," said Cook.
Quad-City Times

For more information on therapy dogs for autism, visit Autism Service Dogs of America at http://autismservicedogsofamerica.com/ and 4 Paws for Ability at http://www.4pawsforability.org/