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  1. Infant's Gaze May Be an Early, but Subtle, Marker for Autism Risk

    Researchers found that, like the low-risk group, the high-risk siblings exhibited typical levels of social gazing when their caregivers actively engaged them, such as pointing at the toy and expressing excitement. However, high-risk sibs spent less time looking to their caregivers and more time fixated on the non-social stimuli (toy or joystick) when the caregiver was not engaging them, which could indicate a disruption in development related to joint attention. Joint attention is often a core deficit for children with autism.

    Posted on 9/1/2010 3:55:45 PM

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  2. Child Autism Epidemic Firmly Linked to Environment

    Experts agree that the primary explanation for the dramatic increase in autism is toxic environmental exposure and gene-environment interactions. New research shows that even low-dose, multiple toxic and infectious exposures may be a key factor to the onset of autism.

    Posted on 8/30/2010 3:56:59 PM

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  3. Temple Grandin Emmy Awards

    On Sunday night's Emmy broadcast, viewers heard the same name over and over again as the awards were announced: Temple Grandin.

    Posted on 8/30/2010 7:15:15 AM

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  4. Autism Helps Scientists Understand Complexity Of Social Development

    Socialization is among the hardest of tasks for individuals with autism, but now those with the developmental disorder are the very people helping scientists understand exactly how complex the process of interacting with others really is.

    Posted on 8/29/2010 6:35:20 AM

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The 100th Monkey

A story about social change.

 

Today, you are monkey number 88.

 

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!

 

The iPad and Autism: One Family's Story of Success.

Meet Shannon DeRoches Rosa and her son Leo. A $5 raffle ticket resulting in an iPad positively changed both their lives. The iPad may have an equally positive effect on you and your loved one with autism.

Hear Shannon talk about her experiences with the device and several readily available software programs (MANY more are coming).

This is the first in a series of interviews I will be doing on the iPad and programs to help our special kids thrive.

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Temple Grandin's Movie Recognized with 5 Emmys. 

Hollywood recognized Temple Grandin's movie for being a great film. What we know that they don't, is the movie achieved far greater success in delivering the message that people with autism make significant contributions to society.

Thank you, Temple... for being you. 

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Aspiritech: "Putting People on the Spectrum to Work" - Meet Founder Brenda Weitzberg

Meet Aspiritech founder, Brenda Wietzberg. Aspiritech - a non-profit organization based in Chicago - is on a mission: To solve the employment challenge of individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning autism by aligning their unique abilities with the needs of the business community. The good news is, they're succeeding!

More info at: www.aspiritech.org

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How to be Sensory Smart in sending your child back to school - Meet author Lindsey Biel

Sensory Processing Issues are present in 80% of children with autism. Diets, noises, smells, clothing material and lighting are only a few of the experiences that can cause issues. But many other children without autism can also be challenged by life's daily exposures.

In this interview, author Lindsey Biel ("Raising a Sensory Smart Child" - Penguin Books) returns to discuss new learnings about Sensory Processing Disorder. And she presents a helpful, sensory-smart plan to prepare your child for a low-stress return to school. Thanks, Lindsey!

More information at: www.sensorysmarts.com

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Connecting With Your Asperger Partner - Meet author Louise Weston

Neurotypical Louise Weston has an excellent relationship with her Asperger husband Graham. She'll be the first to tell you it required work. But she's equally as quick to tell you, others can experience the same level of satisfaction in marriage, if one chooses to work on it.

Louise has compiled a book on her experiences and insights as well as those from others in similar relationships. The end product - "Connecting With Your Asperger Partner: Negotiating the Maze of Intimacy" - is chocked full of tips, advice and hope.

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Partners in Excellence - An Autism Therapy Center Meet owner/operator Deb Thomas

I went on the road to Burnsville, MN today to visit an Autism Therapy Center I’ve been hearing a lot about. The company is called Partners in Excellence. It’s dedicated to helping equip our special kids for the world in which they live… and it’s been achieving success. It’s run by a vibrant, positive, dedicated woman named Deb Thomas. In this Autism Hangout Special Report, I let her tell you the story.  More info at: www.partnersmn.com

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"Developing College Skills in Students with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome" - Dr. Sarita Freeman

Many of our special kids will have the chance to go to college. But as parents will tell you, getting in isn’t the only challenge… or, in some cases, the REAL CHALLENGE. Staying in school requires new skills.

Learning and practicing the right skills and disciplines will assure our students a successful college experience. Today’s autism expert - Dr. Sarita Freedman - has just written the book on this subject. It’s called: "Developing College Skills in Students with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome."

More on Dr. Freedman at: www.collegeonthespectrum.com

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The Power of Music and Autism (Webinar) - with Donna Williams, Dr. Stephen Shore and Rudy Simone

Finally! I got my three favorite "poster people" for "how to thrive with autism" together at one time to talk about our favorite subjects:  Music and autism. 

Each of these incredible people have personal stories describing their use of music to connect to the world. Hear these fascinating experiences and much more as we all talk about the power of music and autism

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"Ask Dr. Tony" - Special Edition (July 2010)

In this installment, Dr. Tony talks about Gluten free Casin free diets (worth the effort?), the loss of the term Asperger's (what that means) and a few of the last questions from the "July 2010 - Ask Dr. Tony" Program.

 

"Ask Dr. Tony" - July 2010 Questions

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

In this installment, Dr. T. addresses communications issues, meltdowns, best recesses and more. Don't miss the insights. And fun!

More on Dr. T at: www.tonyattwood.com/au

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"Ten Minutes with Temple" - An Autism Hangout "Beyond the Headlines" Report

In the world of Autism, Temple Grandin is a legend. She has singularly contributed more to science's knowledge of autism than any other one individual. There's a reason she's #23 on Time's list of 100 Most Influential People... and that Hollywood is producing movies about her.

After her speaking engagement at a Future Horizon's conference here in Minneapolis today, Temple and I had an intense, 10 minutes conversation. We touched on a number of her favorite subjects including autism as a gift, preparing future autists for successful careers, her movie, key learnings about autism and more.

What a remarkable human being.

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"Our Goal is to create 1,000,000 Jobs for People With Autism" - Thorkil Sonne - CEO, Specialisterne

Meet Thorkil Sonne, the remarkable CEO of Specialisterne, a Copenhagen-based company that hires people on the spectrum for their formidable skills.

Specialisterne (it means "specialist") tests software. The requirements to working there: Must be detail-oriented, must have the ability to focus for extended periods of time, great memory helpful but not necessary. And must be interested in working in a much needed and appreciated capacity. Is it any wonder the Harvard B-school is using Thorkils' business model as a case study?

Meet the inspiring man and hear his plan for creating 1,000,000 jobs for our special people - people on the spectrum.

More info at: www.specialistpeople.com

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"Artists and Autism" - A Facebook Group. Meet founder Jeffery Kellen

Aspiring writer Jeffery Kellen went looking for a safe place for people on the autism spectrum to post and display their creative work. He found none. So he created one on Facebook.

"Artists and Autism is solely dedicated to promoting autism awareness through the arts. Submissions may come from anyone on the spectrum or from their neurotypical family members and friends. The purpose of the site is also to uplift, encourage and inspire all of those around us by our God-given talents and to nurture those abilities to their fullest extent." The Artists and Autism Mission statement.

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Dr. Nelson Mane on Hemispheric Integration Therapy

Meet DAN doctor Dr. Nelson Mane. He's also a chiropractic specialist in orthopedics and neurology. In this report, Dr. Mane describes the use of Hemispheric Integration Therapy... and the successes he's seen with autism and associated conditions.

Read more here: www.manecenter.com


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

 

Margaret Mead

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Introducing Fun and Function (dotcom) - An Autism Hangout Farmers Market Member

Meet Fun and Function founder/owner Aviva Weiss. Aviva is an occupational therapist and a busy mom of 5. But it doesn't stop her from doing some much needed work: The "design of products to fit the needs of children, not the diagnosis on paper." :) 

Hear Aviva talk about Fun and Function, her desire for first-hand input in product design (from folks that have the need) and some new products coming out this fall. 

More on Fun and Function at www.funandfunction.com

 

Introducing Black Barn Bakery - A Member of the Autism Hangout Farmers Market

Meet Janelle Meier. Janelle and her husband Ben started Black Barn Bakery after discovering Janelle's recipes for "Top 8 Free" baked goods were not only healthy, but delicious! Her taste-testers are a tough lot, too (her husband and kids). But farmers market folks are agreeing, Black Barn products definitely are the right stuff.

Hear Janelle talk about Black Barn Bakery products in detail, here

More on Black Barn Bakery at www.blackbarnbakery.com

 

Announcing: The Autism Hangout "Farmer's Market!"

Listen to an Invitation to businesses offering autism-related products and services... and see who's already coming! 

 

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Autism Hangout Webinar Schedule

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

COMING UP!
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Series: Thriving with Autism!

Clearly, this is MY favorite category!  

 

I'm working on another positive conversation with some VERY positive people.  Stay tuned for details.  

 

Craig

 

 

  DAILY HIGHS  

3/2/10               4/16/10

Visitors Page Views
3,673 6,690


Most Popular Reports:

Webinar: "Dr. Stephen Shore & Donna Williams: Autism as Strengths."  31,000 views (as of 6/8/10)

Feature Program: "A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Schools." 31,700 views (as of 6/8/10)

Special Report:  "Aspergers On the Job" - A Conversation with Author Rudy Simone.  16,700 views as of 6/8/10)

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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!!

 

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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"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!"

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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 RSS Feed

The Power of Music and Autism

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

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

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

Attorney David Tollner Addresses IEPs
Attorney David Tollner Addresses IEPs



Feature Programs RSS Feed

Aspiritech: "Putting People on the Spectrum to Work" - Meet Founder Brenda Weitzberg

"Ask Dr. Tony" - Special Edition
"Ask Dr. Tony" - Special Edition

"Our Goal is to create 1,000,000 Jobs for People With Autism" - Thorkil Sonne, CEO
"Our Goal is to create 1,000,000 Jobs for People With Autism" - Thorkil Sonne, CEO

Using a Community Inclusion Coordinator - by L. Mae Wilkinson
Using a Community Inclusion Coordinator - by L. Mae Wilkinson

"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


Special Reports RSS Feed

The iPad and Autism: One Family's Story of Success.

Introducing Fun and Function (dotcom) - An Autism Hangout Farmers Market Member
Introducing Fun and Function (dotcom) - An Autism Hangout Farmers Market Member

Introducing Black Barn Bakery - A Member of the Autism Hangout Farmers Market
Introducing Black Barn Bakery - A Member of the Autism Hangout Farmers Market

Coming Soon: The Autism Hangout Farmer's Market
Coming Soon: The Autism Hangout Farmer's Market

Autism Websites: Resources and Information - Mark Wirbel for Autism Hangout (dotcom)
Autism Websites: Resources and Information - Mark Wirbel for Autism Hangout (dotcom)


   


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