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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in every 110 American children has an autism spectrum disorder, representing a 600 percent increase in prevalence in the nation over the last two decades.
Statistics also show that the number continues to grow at an average rate of about 13.5 percent annually across the nation.
Posted on 1/28/2012 6:06:32 AM
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Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) tend to spend a majority of their free time in front of a screen, but little if any of that time on social activities such as e-mail or chat, according to new research out of Washington University in St. Louis.
Posted on 1/27/2012 12:27:24 PM
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British researchers studied 104 babies at 6 to 10 months and then again at 3-years-old, and found that those who went on to develop autism had unusual patterns of brain activity in response to eye contact with another person.
Posted on 1/26/2012 3:26:43 PM
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Teaching kids with autism to talk things through in their heads could dramatically improve their ability to deal with everyday problems and increase their odds of living independently as adults, new research indicates.
Most children learn to problem solve by talking out loud, but as they age, kids shift to talking in their heads to tackle potential hurdles.
While individuals with autism have the ability to do this, they often don’t, researchers said this week in the journal Development and Psychopathology. And teaching children with autism to use so-called “inner speech” could make a big difference long-term, they said.
Posted on 1/26/2012 11:43:22 AM
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The 100th Monkey
A story about social change.
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Today, you are monkey number 99.
By Ken Keyes Jr.
The Japanese monkey, Macaca Fuscata, had been observed in the wild for a period of over 30 years.
In 1952, on the island of Koshima, scientists were providing monkeys with sweet potatoes dropped in the sand. The monkey liked the taste of the raw sweet potatoes, but they found the dirt unpleasant.
An 18-month-old female named Imo found she could solve the problem by washing the potatoes in a nearby stream. She taught this trick to her mother. Her playmates also learned this new way and they taught their mothers too.
This cultural innovation was gradually picked up by various monkeys before the eyes of the scientists. Between 1952 and 1958 all the young monkeys learned to wash the sandy sweet potatoes to make them more palatable. Only the adults who imitated their children learned this social improvement. Other adults kept eating the dirty sweet potatoes.
Then something startling took place. In the autumn of 1958, a certain number of Koshima monkeys were washing sweet potatoes -- the exact number is not known. Let us suppose that when the sun rose one morning there were 99 monkeys on Koshima Island who had learned to wash their sweet potatoes. Let's further suppose that later that morning, the hundredth monkey learned to wash potatoes.
THEN IT HAPPENED!
By that evening almost everyone in the tribe was washing sweet potatoes before eating them. The added energy of this hundredth monkey somehow created an ideological breakthrough!
But notice: A most surprising thing observed by these scientists was that the habit of washing sweet potatoes then jumped over the sea...Colonies of monkeys on other islands and the mainland troop of monkeys at Takasakiyama began washing their sweet potatoes.
Thus, when a certain critical number achieves an awareness, this new awareness may be communicated from mind to mind.
Although the exact number may vary, this Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon means that when only a limited number of people know of a new way, it may remain the conscious property of these people.
But there is a point at which if only one more person tunes-in to a new awareness, a field is strengthened so that this awareness is picked up by almost everyone!
From the book "The Hundredth Monkey" by Ken Keyes, Jr.
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What's New at Autism Hangout!
Over 440 videos to help us all "thrive with autism!"
"The Social Express" - Meet Social/educational software developer, Marc Zimmerman
 The last time we spoke with today’s talented guest, he’d just finished up his social skills CD project, Lime Green Limousine. Well fortunately for our special kids, that project launched him into an even more effective medium for social skills teaching. Back today to tell us about the “Social Express”, AH please welcome today’s guest, Marc Zimmerman.
More info at: www.thesocialexpress.com
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As we all know, life on the autism spectrum comes with challenges... some more difficult than others. Complicating the situation is the always bad choice of "self medication" using drugs or alcohol. If you know someone like that -- or that has been you, and you're caught up in ongoing trouble with the law and or jail, there's good news on the horizon. And today's guest is here to tell us about it. Autism Hangout, please welcome someone who has been there and done that with family, author Claudia Curry. More info at: www.adultautism.us
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Now Posted! "Ask Dr. Tony" - December 2011
Lots of great discussion around your questions! Here are the topics within the 4 video Segments:
In the First segment, Dr. Tony addresses:
* Is there a bias against successful Aspies?
* Should suspecting adults seek diagnosis?
* Do older Aspies adjust to an NT world?
* Dr. T's thoughts on diagnosis at any age.
In the Second segment:
* Can NT kids learn Aspie behavior from an Aspie parent?
* Is there a link between Munchhausen Syndrome and ASD?
* How do Aspies and NTs differ in dealing with grief?
In the Third segment:
* My son can't stand hearing someone clearing their throat! Any suggestions?
* Can I get past my shame at being diagnosed with autism?
And In the Fourth segment:
* Can an AS spouse adapt to save a marriage?
* What happens when the diagnosis for "Aspergers" goes away? What can we do about that now?
* Dr. Tony's new book
Thanks Dr. T!! More at: www.tonyattwood.com.au
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"Asperger's Syndrome. When Life Hands You Lemons, make lemonade." Meet author Anita Lesko
 We all know about the unprecedented rise in autism diagnosis among younger people, but what if at the age of 30, 40 or even 50 you just learned you had Aspergers? Sure it helps explain a few things... but how would you react?
Most folks in this situation have found the knowledge not only helpful, but inspiring. Today's guest is a perfect example. Upon learning of her autism at the age of 50, this double-degreed professional turned writer to document her learnings for the Neurotypical world and, equally as important, fellow Aspies of all ages.
Autism Hangout, please welcome today's guest, author Anita Lesko.
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Smells to bring calm! Meet the developer of MyScentBox, Jennifer Vought
 It's not uncommon for some of our special kids to have trouble controlling their emotions... especially if they're stressed. There's a common axiom that states: Music calms the savage beast. Music appeals to our sense of hearing. And indeed, it has been shown to work. Today's guest is exploring another sense -- the sense of smell. And she's found smells can also be used to help provide calm. Autism Hangout, please welcome today's guest, the developer of MyScentBox, Jennifer Vought.
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"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world."
Margaret Mead
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July 4th, 2011 marks 3 years Autism Hangout has been on the web.
Autism Hangout hosts over 400 autism-related videos, 1,500+ members and we're now averaging over 1,000 visitors a day.
Thank you for being a member and helping us all learn to "thrive with autism!"
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New Vendors in the Autism Hangout "Farmer's Market!"
Listen to an Invitation to businesses offering autism-related products and services... and see who's already coming!
See ALL our vendors here.
 While I was at the Autism Shop's Grand Opening, I ran into Rachel Arntson, a Speech and Learning Pathologist thats developed an incredible line of teaching tools!
In this video, Rachel demonstrates the how they work... and why they're so successful.
More at: www.expresstrain.org or order at www.autismshop.com
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For a complete listing of all Autism Hangout Farmer's Market vendors, go here.
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 Autism Hangout founder Craig Evans talks about his recently released "Frailin' with Friends" CD. "This CD of happy music was assembled as a day-brightener for those living with the daily challenges of autism. I'm also using all the proceeds from sales to fund Autism Hangout."
Sample cuts from "Frailin' with Friends" can be heard at: www.autismhangout.com/directory/store.asp. Orders can be placed at the same URL.
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* Autism Hangout is looking for writers and video producers of positive, helpful messages about autism. Contact Craig Evans.
Click here for a welcome message from Autism Hangout founder, Craig Evans.
ATTEN: Autism thought-leaders!
Post your work here for the autism community to see! Please feel free to use the Discussion Forum or create your own Home Page (complete with pics, blogs and videos). Welcome!
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Dr. Stephen Shore & Donna Williams: Autism as Strengths
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"The Social Express" - Meet Social/educational software developer, Marc Zimmerman
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"Keeping people with Asperger's OUT of the legal system" - Meet testing advocate, Claudia Curry
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