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Males and females with autism show an extreme of the typical male mind

The largest ever psychological study of sex differences in adults with autism has found that both males and females with autism on average show an extreme of the typical male mind, where systemising (the drive to look for underlying rules in a system) is stronger than empathising (the ability to recognize the thoughts and feelings of others and to respond to these with appropriate emotions).

Posted on 7/17/2014 7:26:49 AM

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Scientists Discover Genetic Link to Autism in New Study

"We finally got a clear cut case of an autism specific gene," said Raphael Bernier, one of the researchers.

Posted on 7/7/2014 6:27:08 AM

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Dan Aykroyd discusses his Asperger's

When Dan Aykroyd was a young boy, he was diagnosed with Tourette’s and Asperger’s. Nowadays, both are controllable and manageable, and he has been able to channel them creatively. In fact, he says that getting absorbed in things as a kid, like making faces in the mirror, may have directly fed his imagination.

Posted on 7/2/2014 4:54:00 AM

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Autism-pesticides link not proven, advocates said

But the report doesn't prove that exposure resulted in autism and doesn't show that any exposure actually occurred.

Posted on 6/26/2014 6:05:07 AM

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The 100th Monkey

A story about social change.

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.

What's New at Autism Hangout!

Over 500 videos to help us all "thrive with autism!"

Dr. Tony Attwood on dealing with life's greatest stressors!

At the June '14 Flying HIgh with Autism Conference, 6 Aspie Mentors featured in Jessica Kingsley's Been There. Done That. Try This! shared their personal insights as to how to overcome the stress of daily challenges of Asperger's/HFA.

At the end of each lively discussion, Dr. Tony Attwood weighed-in (via Skype) with his wisdom and advice.

Over the course of the next few weeks, I'll be sharing several of these extraordinary videos. Here are the first two:

Dealing with Anxiety Issues

Dealing with Bullying

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New items (and fun) at the Autism Shop!

I stopped in to see Cheri Saltzman at the Autism Shop today. Wow! Was introduced to new, helpful, encouraging products everywhere!

Among the most fun: Indoor swings, extra cuddly weighted blankets, fancy chewies and fidgets, "Sands Alive", Security Stickers (and wristbands) and more!

Great products and encouragement to help us all thrive with autism! More at: www.autismshop.com

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Meet author Robyn Steward

Everyday, more people on the spectrum are proving they can find success in life. The good news is, a lot of it comes down to attitude.

Many of these successes are looking to tell others of their methods for finding that success. These autism mentors can take many forms. Today’s guest is an author looking to help women on the spectrum lead safe lives.

Here to talk to us today about The Independent Woman’s Handbook for Super Safe Living on the Autistic Spectrum is author, Robyn Steward.

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Introducing Possum Tails: Nolan Parks comic strip

Nolan, like his mom, is quite the artist. And like his mom, he also has a quirky sense of humor. Meet Spot the lungfish. He's one of many interesting characters in his recently launched comic blog, Possum Tails.

Nolan posts a new strip every Friday. Enjoy! (Oh, Nolan is my stepson with Asperger's).

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Introducing Innervoice - An AAC app using Video Self Modeling to teach speech and behaviors.

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You know, some people are just given an extra helping of compassion along with the ability to serve others in multiple ways. Today’s guest is a speech and language pathologist. She is also the host of Autism Today TV. She’s an expert on apps with a book on the subject - Apps for Autism, Jessica Kingsley Publisher. And she’s back today to discuss her newest AAC app, Innervoice. Autism Hangout, please welcome today’s guest, all-round wonderful human being, Lois Brady.

More on innervoice at: www.innervoiceapp.com

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Sensory Overload (Interacting with Autism Project)

I just noticed this wonderful animation on Vimeo. It's for NT's to help them appreciate just how overwhelming everyday, common sensory stimulation can be.

This beautiful film was done by Miguel Jiron.

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"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world."

"If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place."

Margaret Mead

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One of my favorite people.

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It's here!

I found this clip of Dr. Tony first talking about the value of the wisdom from Aspie Elders. It's what led to the genesis of the book.

And you can get your copy of "Been There. Done That. Try This!" here or here!

Enjoy! And THRIVE!! :)

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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.

Meet Rachel Arntson and her Kids Express Train teaching tools!

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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"Frailin with Friends!" Happy music to brighten your day!

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!

Webinars

Dr. Stephen Shore & Donna Williams: Autism as Strengths

Meet "Raising a Sensory Smart Child" Author Lindsey Biel	The Power of Music and Autism
"Movin' Out!" Specialized Housing Consultant George Braddock on Homes for People w/ Autism	Rachel Rosenman from ALUT talks about autism in Israel

Feature Programs

Dr. Tony Attwood on dealing with Bullying

World-renowned Fraser introduces new housing option for Minnesota-based people on the spectrum	5 Minutes with Dr. Stephen Shore at the Advancing with Autism Conference - 12/14/12
Kyle Tomson introduces Tense Builder - More "apps for autism"	"Autism in the Workplace. job Success!" - Chef Tom Dickinson returns

Special Reports

New items (and fun) at the Autism Shop!

Crack the Books! A new concept in interactive books!	Meet author Robyn Steward
Help in locating wandering kids.	Introducing Innervoice - An AAC app using Video Self Modeling to teach speech and behaviors