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  1. Study: Moms over 40 nearly twice as likely to have autistic children

    Women who give birth after age 40 are nearly twice as likely to have a child with autism as those under 25, California researchers reported Monday. Surprisingly, the age of the father plays little role in the likelihood of the disorder unless the mother is younger than 30 and the father is over 40, according to the analysis of all births in California in the 1990s.

    Posted on 2/8/2010 1:25:29 PM

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  2. "Show me the data" - broken alternative autism treatment

    I have come to the conclusion that the real culprit here is the term “it worked for my child.” Just what in the world does “it worked for my child” really mean? If the new process/alternative treatment really worked, then where is the spontaneous expressive and receptive language? If it really worked, then where is the compliance to both naturalistic cues and subtle social cues?

    Posted on 2/8/2010 5:58:59 AM

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  3. Autism and Asperger syndrome underdiagnosed in women, researchers say

    Autism and related conditions are being underdiagnosed in women and teenage girls, with many cases being confused with eating disorders or other problems, researchers say.

    Posted on 2/5/2010 3:37:46 PM

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  4. Brain Development And Toxic Chemicals

    The Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative (LDDI) released the first-ever biomonitoring report identifying toxic chemical pollution in people from the learning and developmental disability community. Mind, Disrupted: How toxic chemicals may affect how we think and who we are examines 61 toxic chemicals present in project participants in the context of rising rates of autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other learning and developmental disabilities.

    Posted on 2/5/2010 1:34:05 PM

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The 100th Monkey

A story about social change.

 

Today, you are monkey number 21.

 

 

 

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!

 

Educational Technique: Learning Forward

L. Mae Wilkinson of Autism Is Not The Boss returns with more excellent advice to help our special kids excel in school! This installment is called "Learning Forward."

Exposing your child to educational material a semester or two early can help lessen anxiety and build confidence. The technique, called Learning Forward, is easy to do...and it doesn't have to be perfect

----------------------

"Unique Kids, Unique Surroundings" - Meet author/ designer Lauren Henry

It's always a delight to welcome back someone making new, positive contributions to the lives of our special kids. In this interview, Lauren Henry, founder of With A Brush Of Love returns to discuss her new book "Unique Kids, Unique Surroundings: Creative, 'Green', Budget-Conscious Ways to Design the Ideal Environment for Children with Autism and Special Needs."

Parents, caregivers, teachers and more can benefit from Lauren's insights on colors, textures and - most importantly - meeting the needs of the child and the space.

For more on Lauren or to order a book, visit: www.brushoflove.com

------------------------

"The Costs and a Plan for 'Movin' Out'." A Second Interview with Greg Kruse.

Wow! Greg Kruse, Dakota County Social Services Supervisor returns to talk about current funding programs for housing for our special kids (as adults). DON'T MISS THIS INFORMATIVE INTERVIEW!

Greg also gives advice for successfully navigating this exciting yet complex part of our journeys with autism.  A Transcript of this interview is available in the Discussion Forum.  

----------------------

Donna Williams Comments on the Autism Hangout Education Library

Author, singer/songwriter, screenwriter and sculptor Donna Williams returns to talk about her contributions to the Autism Hangout Education Library. She also offers an invitation for others on the spectrum to use this tool to describe their learnings about autism (and possibly profit from it).

In this interview, Donna describes her last 3 contributions to the Educational Library: Meaning Deafness, Meaning Blindness, Body Disconnectedness; Agnosias in the Context of Autism, Navigating Involuntary and Managing Voluntary Behaviours on the Autism Spectrum and Battling With Books.

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"Movin' Out!" Successful housing for people on the spectrum.  In this Webinar, Specialized Housing Consultant George Braddock describes the importance of "person-centered environments." 

I'm always THRILLED to discover competent business people that share our compassion for people with autism. George Braddock is a prime example. George is working with ARCHway to design and build housing that helps adults with autism live fuller, richer, independent lives.  

More on George and ARCHway here.  

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Mitra Ahani's "Let's Cook" Update: Free Viewing! - An Autism Hangout Special Report

Mitra Ahani of route2language (dotcom) and co-creator of "Let's Cook" announces free viewing of the entire "Lets Cook" series!

Mywire (dotcom) has generously donated the program to parents, caregivers and educators to use to involve kids on the spectrum with the skills, socialization and fun offered though the preparation of meals.

The series is available at www.mywire.com under "Featured Publications."

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Succeeding In The Workplace - A conversation with "Asperger's On the Job" author Rudy Simone

In this interview, Rudy Simone, author of "22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves A Man With Asperger's Syndrome" discusses the May '10 release of two new books: "Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger's Syndrome" and "Asperger's On the Job."

Rudy also talks about her newly assembled "Asperger's On the Job" Educational Program - a video + Powerpoint presentation based on her book - that is now available in the Autism Hangout Education Library. This Program contains TWO videos, worksheets for determining ideal job categories (based on interest), interviewing tips and advice for how one on the spectrum can succeed on a job. Its introductory priced at $15.

For more info, see Rudy's "Asperger's On the Job" series located in the Education Library at Autism Hangout.

-----------------------

"Ask Dr. Tony" - Answers to January 2010 Questions 

Dr. Tony Attwood returns to Autism Hangout to answer YOUR questions about autism.

In this installment, Dr. T. addresses Aspergers and Bipolar as comorbid conditions, the importance of letting a child in on a decision about his diagnosis and, is the term "Aspergers" (versus "mild autism") really that important?

Don't miss the insights. And fun!

-----------------------

Attorney David Tollner Addresses IEPs

In this Webinar, attorney David Tollner addresses the steps necessary for a highly successful IEP.

David's advice is based on years of his legal experience dealing with families of special needs kids. His resume reads:

Special Education legal services for parents struggling to receive the appropriate education for their child with disabilities. David is the former Executive Director of Pacific Autism Center for Education in Sunnyvale and Rebekah Children's Services in Gilroy, as well as a civil litigator in San Jose for 13 years.

David's 7 points to Know in Preparing for a Successful IEP can be found here.

-----------------------

Meet Author Mary Calhoun Brown - An Autism Hangout Special Report

Author Mary Calhoun Brown's latest book - "There Are No Words" - explores the world through the eyes and thoughts of a young, non-speaking girl with autism. It's a charming, delightful, hopeful read.

In this interview, Mary talks about her inspiration for the book, her motives for writing, and her plans for helping others understand more about the challenges disabled people face. Through her "creative writing" classroom work, Mary also is excited to inspire a new generation of writers. 

Click here for more on Mary Calhoun Brown.

-------------------------

"Movin' Out." Housing Options for People With Autism.

Meet Greg Kruse, Supervisor of Social Services in Dakota County, Minnesota. As with similar service offerings in other states, Minnesota's progressive Dakota County is struggling to find the right housing solutions for people with autism.

In this candid interview, Greg Kruse describes what is currently available by where someone is located on the spectrum. He also offers encouragement for what is coming next.

I'm very grateful for dedicated workers (like Greg) that have our kid's best interests in mind.


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

 

Margaret Mead

--------------------------

Autism Hangout Webinar Schedule

Broadcast live from:  http://www.autismhangout.com/webinars/live.asp

COMING UP!
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Series: WAKE UP!
An invitation has been issued to Seeds of Deception author and blogger Jeffrey Smith to join us for a discussion about Genetically Modified Organisms (gmos), autism and the future of mankind.

 

  DAILY HIGHS  

1/27/10              11/1/09

Visitors Page Views
3,175 5,967


Most Popular Reports:

Webinar: "Rachel Rosenman from ALUT talks about autism in israel." 14,000 views (as of 1/7/10)

Feature Program: "Can the World Afford Autistic Spectrum Disorder?" Approaching 28,000 views (as of 1/7/10)

Special Report:  "Aspergers On the Job" - A Conversation with Author Rudy Simone.  15,800 views as of 1/7/10)

--------------------------

Now in the Autism Hangout Educational Library!

Asperger's On the Job - A two part video + Powerpoint series.

In Part ONE of this two-part program on finding and keeping employment with Asperger's Syndrome, author Rudy Simone gives tips for those on the spectrum, as well as advocates, parents and employers. Topics include:

- exploiting the natural strengths of AS,
- education pitfalls to avoid,
- how to handle an interview, and
- how to use the "Personal Job Map" to select the ideal career for the spectrum individual, taking into consideration both the Areas of Obsessive Interest and the natural aversions of the person with Aspergers or HFA.

Part TWO includes:
- Managing social skills at work
- Control issues
- Sensory issues
- communication issues
- sleep and health management
- psychometric tests
- Formula for thriving with Aspergers

Worksheets are included.  Click here for more

This TWO video Program series is introductory priced at $15.  

----------------------

The New Shape of Learning at Autism Hangout!

It’s been a dream of mine... to develop a VISUAL format where researchers, teachers, authors, autism professionals, even parents and caregivers can immediately post videos of their presentations, complete with Powerpoint slides. Well that dream has come true!

This ground-breaking technology now resides in the Autism Hangout Education Section. Watch what this means to all of us about immediately getting helpful, practical information on thriving with autism. And see how easy it is to prepare an Online Program for the Autism Hangout Education Section!!

----------------------

"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.

 

 

"If you like the happy banjo music you hear at the beginning of any Autism Hangout Podcast, you'll love this CD!"

 

 

----------------------------

* 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 RSS Feed

"Movin' Out!" Specialized Housing Consultant George Braddock on Homes for People w/ Autism

Attorney David Tollner Addresses IEPs
Attorney David Tollner Addresses IEPs

Meet "Raising a Sensory Smart Child" Author Lindsey Biel
Meet "Raising a Sensory Smart Child" Author Lindsey Biel

Rachel Rosenman from ALUT talks about autism in Israel
Rachel Rosenman from ALUT talks about autism in Israel

Dr. Stephen Shore & Donna Williams: Autism as Strengths
Dr. Stephen Shore & Donna Williams: Autism as Strengths



Feature Programs RSS Feed

Educational Technique: "Learning Forward"

"The Costs and a Plan for 'Movin' Out'." A Second Interview with Greg Kruse
"The Costs and a Plan for 'Movin' Out'." A Second Interview with Greg Kruse

Ask Dr. Tony" - January 2010 Questions - An Autism Hangout Feature Program
Ask Dr. Tony" - January 2010 Questions - An Autism Hangout Feature Program

"Can The World Afford Autistic Spectrum Disorder?" - A Book by Dr. Digby Tantam
"Can The World Afford Autistic Spectrum Disorder?" - A Book by Dr. Digby Tantam

"Art as an Early Intervention Tool for Children with Autism" - An Inteview with Author Nic
"Art as an Early Intervention Tool for Children with Autism" - An Inteview with Author Nic


Special Reports RSS Feed

"Unique Kids, Unique Surroundings" - Meet author/designer Lauren Henry

Donna Williams Comments on the Autism Hangout Education Library
Donna Williams Comments on the Autism Hangout Education Library

Mitra Ahani's "Let's Cook" Update: Free Viewing! - An Autism Hangout Special Report
Mitra Ahani's "Let's Cook" Update: Free Viewing! - An Autism Hangout Special Report

Succeeding In The Workplace - A conversation with "Asperger's On the Job" author Rudy Simo
Succeeding In The Workplace - A conversation with "Asperger's On the Job" author Rudy Simo

Meet Author Mary Calhoun Brown - An Autism Hangout Special Report
Meet Author Mary Calhoun Brown - An Autism Hangout Special Report


   


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