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  1. Children of older parents at increased risk of autism

    Children born to older parents or whose mother suffered complications during pregnancy are at increased risk of developing autism, a review of research has found.

    Posted on 7/1/2009 4:08:45 PM

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  2. Beware the misconceptions, discriminations,and rhetoric bombarding the autism community -part 1

    Finding good info on autism is hard when you're new at the game.There are a lot of groups “helping” autistic communities right now. There is one though that while the loudest, is NOT representing the communities best interest. The “voice of Autism” should only be provided by autistics. Hype and rhetoric and money going to spreading more hype really aren’t helping. It’s actually hurting the autistic community. When reading about groups, make sure to check that there are autistic adults involved. They do exist, can “speak” for themselves, and should be a part of the group since they understand the disorder.

    Posted on 7/1/2009 4:07:56 PM

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  3. Autism movie by- ‘Imperative Pictures’: An idea whose time has come

    “There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come”. I know of no better place for that Victor Hugo quote, than right here as we begin our discussion with veteran film maker, Graham Streeter, regarding ‘Imperative Pictures’.

    Posted on 7/1/2009 2:25:57 PM

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  4. Autism awareness children’s book list

    It is difficult to express what a wonderful experience it was to spend time talking with Dr. Mary Zurn of the Primrose schools a little over a week ago. Dr. Zurn has the highest levels of intelligence, caring and genuine empathy, all of which are so important when working with the early childhood community in general, and even more so when working with the autism spectrum community.

    Posted on 7/1/2009 7:23:05 AM

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The 100th Monkey

A story about social change.

 

Today, you are monkey number 62.

 

 

 

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!

 

Allergy Free Restaurants! - An Autism Hangout Special Report

"Have you and your kids on the spectrum felt restricted from eating out because of food allergies? Well you're far from being alone. With the unexplained increases of significant food allergies in the general population, some of us need to be VERY careful what we put in our mouths. Well after an exciting eating experience at a national restaurant chain, I've got great news for those of us with food allergies!"  Craig Evans reporting.

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EXCITING NEWS! - Read about our upcoming Webinars (next column over)   ------>

 

 

 

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"It's All About Attitude MOMENTS."  By Author Gayle Nobel

Autism Hangout is thrilled to bring you the first installment of Gayle Nobel's "It's All About Attitude" moments. 

Gayle has graciously agreed to share the wisdom of her book in an ongoing series of Autism Hangout monthy reports. 

Welcome Gayle!!

 

"On His Own" - Dr. Emily Willingham reports on her son (TH) and his experiences with "Circle of Friends."

If you haven't yet heard of "Circle of Friends", check out Dr. Emily Wilingham's latest video report. TH, her son with Asperger's is a shining example of how this program can help integrate our special kids into their schools and peer circles... it might be something our kids can even outgrow (like TH)! 

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"22 Things A Woman Must Know If She Loves A Man With Asperger's Syndrome" - Rudy Simone Interview

In love, neurotypical human beings can be difficult. Loving a mate with Asperger's Syndrome presents another series of challenges... but also rewards. In this interview, author Rudy Simone gives both advice and hope.

Rudy's website is: www.help4aspergers.com

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Dr. Sutapa Ray of Neuropath Learning - "Beyond the Headlines"

Dr. Sutapa Ray of Neuropath Learning talks about the company's innovative, computer-based/web-assessable learning programs. Craig Evans reports for Autism Hangout in this "Beyond the Headlines" program.

 

 

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An Interview with Dr. David Holmes-Mark Wirbel Reporting for Autism Hangout.

Autism Hangout reporter Mark Wirbel attended the May '09 AutismOne conference and had the opportunity to interview Dr. David Holmes. Hear his thoughts (and more) on preparing high functioning kids on the spectrum for higher education.

 

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"Thriving with Autism" - Nolan's trip to San Diego

As parents of special needs kids, we're well aware of challenges. In fact, the trick becomes keeping those challenges from dictating our every day existence.

This report is a hopeful message (and proof!) that breakthroughs CAN and DO happen! In this case, we successfully took our 18 year old son with Asperger's on a 5 day, trip-of-a-lifetime to San Diego. And boy... was it ever worth it!

I've posted some slides on my blog.

 

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Cindy Golden returns with her THIRD report on: "Structuring Environments for Students with Autism"

In this THIRD report of her Series, Cindy presents 4 key things to keep in mind in structuring the KITCHEN environment.

Cindy is a Special Education Supervisor in a public school system where she supervises Autism and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders programs. She is also excited to offer her experiences in how best to reach and teach students with Autism.

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

 

Margaret Mead

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Autism Hangout is a year old on Independence Day, 2009. Thank you for making our first year a success!

You have clearly shown us your interest in news that promotes how to thrive with the daily challenges of autism.

Announcing:  Autism Hangout Webinars!

In our second year, beginning in the fall, Autism Hangout will launch an ongoing series of interactive Webinars.

What is a Webinar? Think of it as a live, scheduled TV show on the web where the hosts (that would be me and several other Autism Hangout reporters) interview autism experts LIVE. But we also ask YOUR questions. As you're watching, you can email us your thoughts. We'll be reading this collective feedback and ask the prominent questions you pose.

Autism Hangout Webinars are designed to bring you current thought... to help us all thrive with autism.

Our guest experts appear at the most important autism conferences around the globe.

For subject matter, we'll be using the Autism Crossroads feature at Autism Hangout.

Autism Crossroads is a map by age that covers some of the biggest decisions a family of a child with autism will face... from diagnosis through therapies and treatments to IEPS and education, social issues, guardianship, independent living, careers even relationships.

Each Webinar will be archived at Autism Hangout for repeat viewing. And each will be UPDATED on a regular basis.

Autism Hangout Webinars are designed to bring you current thought... to help us all thrive with autism.

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Announcing the release of "Frailin' with Friends!" 

"Hello again, everybody!" This is Craig Evans. I’ve had the good fortune of living a life surrounded by family and friends in music. And the friends that play this music know the power, camaraderie and love it generates. This CD is about that love. We want you to share in its joy.

A few years back, I discovered some new friends. These are children with autism. Life can sometimes be very tough. When those moments occur, it’s my fervent hope that folks will play this CD and listen to the happy tunes and encouragement on its tracks. It was put together with joy by my friends - some very special, caring people that want to bring a little happiness into the lives of those facing such challenges.

The proceeds of the sale of this CD go to benefit Autism Hangout (dotcom).

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

 

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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!



Feature Programs RSS Feed

Dr. Sutapa Ray of Neuropath Learning - "Beyond the Headlines"

Julie Heinks - "Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders"
Julie Heinks - "Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders"

"Ask Dr. Tony" - An Autism Hangout Feature Program: Answers to February & March Questions
"Ask Dr. Tony" - An Autism Hangout Feature Program: Answers to February & March Questions

Autism author Stephen Shore talks about sensory issues
Autism author Stephen Shore talks about sensory issues

Bionaturae - An Autism Hangout
Bionaturae - An Autism Hangout

Structuring Environments for Students with Autism

Cindy is a Special Education Supervisor in a public school system where she supervises Autism and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders programs. She is also excited to offer her experiences in how best to reach and teach students with Autism. In this ONGOING FEATURE PROGRAM SERIES, Cindy presents 5 key things to keep in mind.

Posted on 4/8/2009 10:25:07 AM



Special Reports RSS Feed

Announcing Autism Hangout Webinars

Allergy Free Restaurants - An Autism Hangout Special Report
Allergy Free Restaurants - An Autism Hangout Special Report

"It's All About Attitude Moments" - Chapter 1: By Gayle Nobel
"It's All About Attitude Moments" - Chapter 1: By Gayle Nobel

On His Own
On His Own

"Twenty-two Things A Woman Must Know If She Loves A Man With Asperger's Syndrome"
"Twenty-two Things A Woman Must Know If She Loves A Man With Asperger's Syndrome"

"Watch our money for autism!" - Joanne Lara of Autism Movement Therapy

Autism Advocate Joanne Lara is bringing the message to America; "we need to monitor how our tax and research dollars are spent." Autism costs America $35B a year (that $3.2M a person). We need to spend our tax dollars to deal with it wisely... that not only includes those families needing funds to assist with ABA therapies, but to bring art, music and other supplemental/educational classes to help our special kids develop their gifts. For more info on the current spending patterns and reports, see: www.theautismexpert.com

Posted on 3/27/2009 12:05:15 PM


"Finding Taylor a Group Home" - Keri Bowers of Normal Films

You already know of Keri through her film work ("Normal People Scare Me") and her books. Keri's son Taylor (also the star of "Normal People") has now turned 20 and is moving on to independent living. Hear Keri talk about some of the opportunities, challenges and advice all of us should consider when our kids reach this age. Wonderfully enlightening! For more information on Keri, her movies and books, go to: www.normalfilms.com

Posted on 3/23/2009 3:32:48 PM




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