ASO DIGEST: January 9, 2007

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO:

- Understanding the System: Supports for People with MR/DD, Athens

- Be a voice for autism in Washington, ASA Day on the Hill

- OCALI SURVEY ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND TRANSITION TO COMMUNITY

- List of Events around Ohio from Ohio Legal Rights

- New Hidden Curriculum Calendar now Available

- Autism Awareness - Support Miss Minnesota Hudspeth

- New Autism Related online social community

- Ohio IEP "Cheat Sheet" Available

- Presentation on Ohio Autism Scholarship Program, Solon

- Disability Law Podcast Launch

- CHANGE THROUGH CHANCE: Equine Counseling Seminar, Wooster

- Dayton Autism Society-Walk for Autism 5K-2008

- Announcing the 2008 Legal Issues Webinar Series: Employment and the ADA

- HHS Secretary Leavitt Announces Members of the New Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

- 2008 Autism Society of America National Conference CALL FOR POSTERS

NOTE: If you are interested in participating in research projects, ASO is now posting all research opportunities on our website. For information on available opportunities, visit our webpage www.autismohio.org, click on "Information" along the left side of the home page and then click on "Studies/Surveys".Have you purchased your Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate yet? To purchase yours, visit www.oplates.com and click on "Specialty Plates" or visit our website at www.autismohio.org for more information.Sincerely,Autism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...web: www.autismohio.org Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASO, either explicit or impiled.

Understanding the System: Supports for People with MR/DD

REGISTER NOW!

The Arc of Ohio & the Southeast Ohio Branch of The Arc of Ohio present:

Understanding the System:

Supports for People with MR/DD

Saturday, January 19, 2008 . 9:00 AM —3:30 PM,

O’Bleness Memorial Hospital, Athens, Ohio

55 Hospital Drive, Athens, OH 45701-2302

Featuring Keynote by 92nd District State Rep. Jimmy

Chair, Human Services Subcommittee, Member of the Healthcare Access & Affordability Committee

9:00 – 10:00 Registration

10:00 – 11:30 Opening Session

“State and Federal Political Issues that Will Affect the Quality of Life of Individuals with MRDD â€

Speaker: State Representative Jimmy , 92nd District; Chair, Human Services Subcommittee

11:30 – 12:30 Lunch provided

12:45 – 2:00 CONCURRENT PRESENTATIONS

SESSION #1: How the System Works

Speaker: Tonks, Executive Director, The Arc of Ohio

SESSION #2: Protecting Your Son/Daughter’s Future

Speaker: Andy Kool-Tucker, Ph.D.; Kaleidoscope Solutions, LTD.

2:00 – 2:15 BREAK

2:15 – 3:30 REPEAT OF ABOVE PRESENTATIONS

SESSION #1: How the System Works

Speaker: Tonks, Executive Director, The Arc of Ohio

SESSION #2: Protecting Your Son/Daughter’s Future

Speaker: Andy Kool-Tucker, Ph.D.; Kaleidoscope Solutions, LTD.

Family / Individuals with Disabilities FREE!

Others $75.00

REGISTRATION FORM

You may register 3 ways:

Online: www.thearcofohio.org

Call Toll Free: 1-800-875-2723

Fax: 1-614-487-4725

NAME:

EMPLOYED BY:

POSITION:

ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE:

E-MAIL:

REGISTRATION FEES:

Individual with Disability/Family ______FREE

Professional and/or Service Provider ______$75.00

PLEASE INVOICE ME ______P.O.#

Your registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and materials.

ODMR/DD CEU’s offered.

Your registration includes a one-year membership to The Arc of Ohio.

______Check here if you do not want to be a member.

Be a voice for autism in Washington

ASA will host an advocacy training session and lobby day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. March 12-13, 2008. This event will help ASA chapter leaders, volunteers, and autism supporters gain the skills they need to be effective autism advocates, and take those skills to Capitol Hill to build support for legislative priorities. It will also ensure that legislators know how important these issues are to the voters back home.

The event will take place at the Hilton Washington, 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW, near the Dupont Circle Metro stop. Online registration will open soon at www.autism-society.org. Contact Carin Yavorcik at cyavorcik@... with any questions.

OCALI SURVEY ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

AND TRANSITION TO COMMUNITY

This Transition Survey is intended to be completed by the following target group:

· Family Members with individuals on the autism spectrum (ages 14 and older),

· Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ages 14 and older), and

· Professionals that support individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Transition to Community encompasses transition to employment, postsecondary education/training, and to community participation, including residential options, health care and financial management. Transition as defined by IDEA is a results-oriented process, focusing on improving academic and functional achievement and facilitating a student’s movement from school to life after school. Results of this survey will provide information about the experiences of students with ASD in school, their activities after leaving school, and their needs for supports and services in their communities. These results will be used to inform the Governor’s Office, the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation Developmental Disabilities and the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, the State Autism Network and other disability-related agencies and organizations about the transition experiences and needs of individuals with ASD.The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. We appreciate your time and thoughtful responses. The final results of the survey will be posted on the OCALI web site.

To Participate in the survey, visit: http://www.autisminternetmodules.com/dws/index.php?sid=WLUI1LPe18

List of Events around Ohio from Ohio Legal Rights

Parent/Family Leadership Series: Intervention and Evaluation, January 10, 2008 (Cincinnati, Ohio) Parent/Family Leadership Series: IEP Development, February 14, 2008 (Cincinnati, Ohio) Parent/Family Leadership Series: Behavior Planning, March 13, 2008 (Cincinnati, Ohio) Advocacy Under the Big Top, March 14 - 16, 2008 (Wilmington, Ohio) Parent/Family Leadership Series: Transition (birth to "world of work"), April 10, 2008 (Cincinnati, Ohio) Transition Weekend: My Life, My Future, April 11 - 12, 2008 (Columbus, Ohio) The Eighth Annual Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion & Disability: Looking Back & Thinking Ahead, April 22 - 23, 2008 (Columbus, Ohio) Parent/Family Leadership Series: Communication (saying the HARD stuff), May 8, 2008 (Cincinnati, Ohio) Look for more events: Other Web Sites with a Calendar of Events

For Complete details visit http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/olrs_Events.asp#mar13

New Hidden Curriculum Calendar now Available

New Hidden Curriculum Calendar Unstated Social Rules & Idiomatic Expressions

Fans of the 2007 Hidden Curriculum calendar: The 2008 edition is now available!

Although the Hidden Curriculum Calendar was written with a specific audience in mind-children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)-the content could be useful to any educator working with students who need additional coaching on how to behave around others and how to interpret idiomatic expressions.

The calendar offers one "hidden curriculum" tip a day (including one for the weekend) that has an unstated rule or custom or an idiomatic expression that some children find confusing. The tips provide a good springboard for talking about social situations, and the 4" x 5" pages could be cut up, laminated, and used as discussion starters for future classes.

For more information visit http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9986.htm

Autism Awareness - Support Miss Minnesota Hudspeth

Miss Minnesota Hudspeth will be running for Miss America atthe end of this month. She has dedicated herself to her younger autisticbrothers and has spread the word about autism across Minnesota. However, asMiss America, could make a huge impact on millions regarding autismawareness.TLC is giving America the opportunity to vote for "America's Choice," inwhich case the contestant with the most votes will automatically become afinalist on January 26. One may go to www.tlc.com/missamerica to vote forMinnesota as "America's Choice." Would you be willing to support Jen andher purpose of promoting autism by forwarding this message to the members ofthe autism society?Besides being completely committed to her platform, is one of thefriendliest, most sincere people I have ever met. She deserves this honorand so do the thousands of autistic people her message will affect.Thank you! Former Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2006

New Autism Related online social community

Raising a child with autism can be challenging, to say the least. And in the midst of racing around to speech therapy and doctor's appointments, reading everything you can find on the subject, and just trying to get a few hours worth of sleep, autism can also be very isolating.Steve and , parents of a 12 year son on the spectrum, have created an outlet for families who have experienced that same isolation, but who greatly need to connect with each other. Foggyrock.com is an online social community for parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers and other professional who live with and/or work with individuals on the autism spectrum. Members can easily create their own personal page, make friends, post comments, blog, join forum discussions and readthe latest news and articles regarding autism.Recently featured on Autism Podcast with Boll, Steve and share the experience of founding the website and building this incredible community of folks who all have a heart for autism. Click below to hear the program:http://www.autismpodcast.org/show_notes/50-75/62_foggy_rock.htmOr go straight to Foggyrock for a free membership:http://www.foggyrock.com shannonj@...

Ohio IEP "Cheat Sheet" Available

An IEP "Cheat Sheet" with detailed information on what the different sections of Ohio's IEP mean is available for viewing at the ASO website. Visit www.autismohio.org, click on "Information" and then "Resources/Guidelines" and scroll down to Ohio IEP Cheat Sheet.

Presentation on Ohio Autism Scholarship Program

ASPIES Greater AkronSupport Group assisting parents of children withAsperger Syndrome, high functioning Autism, and PDD/NOS Presents North Coast Education Services

North Coast Tutoring Services 31300 Solon Road, Suite 1, Solon, OH 44139Phone: 440-914-0200Email: info@...“The Autism Scholarshipâ€(and other things every parent should know!) Considine Professional Building (across from Akron Children’s Hospital Main Entrance)Floor 2 - Rooms 5 & 6 Tuesday, January 15th6:30 - 8:30 pm (Sorry, no childcare is available.) For further information, contactJoy Spencer 330-745-5115 Rreindeer@...

DISABILITY LAW LOWDOWN PODCAST LAUNCH

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:Jacquie Brennan DBTAC Southwest ADA Center713.520.0232, jbrennan@...

January, 9 2008 – On January 9, the first episode of the Disability Law Lowdown Podcast series will be available for free download on both iTunes and the Disability Law Lowdown website at http://dll.ada-podcast.com. The Disability Law Lowdown podcasts will deliver the latest in disability law information every other week. Listeners can subscribe to the podcasts to have shows automatically delivered to them. The podcasts are also available on the DLL website, where transcripts of the shows are simultaneously available.

The hosts for the Disability Law Lowdown are Lex Frieden and Jacquie Brennan. Reporters from around the country will bring listeners the latest information about disability rights, disability case law updates, obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other disability-related topics. You can subscribe now and listen to a preview podcast with information about upcoming shows. During 2008, Disability Law Lowdown will begin offering podcasts in both Spanish and American Sign Language.

Disability Law Lowdown is brought to you by the national network of Disability Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs). All ten Centers are funded by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research to provide technical assistance and training in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related laws. Find out about the resources your regional center offers by calling 1-800-949-4232 (V/TTY).

To subscribe, look for the Disability Law Lowdown podcast on iTunes, or go to our website at dll.ada-podcast.com.

CHANGE THROUGH CHANCE: Equine Counseling Seminar OASIS Mini Seminar When: January 14thTime: 7pm – 8:30pmLocation: Wooster Community Hospital/North AuditoriumIntroducing: CHANGE THROUGH CHANCEEquine Counseling Therapeutic Riding Center(located in Wooster, OH)“Helping those with challenges & disabilitiesâ€Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher or therapist, this seminar is something you will want to make time for.Change Through Chance works with individuals who have:AutismArthritisCerebral Palsy Muscular DystrophyEmotionalParalysisStroke RecoveryAmputationLearning DisabilityDown SyndromeMultiple SclerosisFibromyalgiaSpinal InjuryHow?“We are utilizing the EQUICIZER as a fun and encouraging way to do therapy for those with challenging disabilities. Many exercises in strengthening, balancing and stretching can be applied as the student simulates typical horseback riding positions. We are able to use “Coca Bear†as a way to introduce the shy student or the student with a severe disability to a horse. It can help build confidence, coordination and improve riding skills. In our program, we strive for success through quality, therefore we pay close attention to safety. As the student gains trust and confidence in his or her riding ability, we introduce them to a real horse for further therapy.†~ Jessie HowellPlease RSVP so we have an idea of how many will be attending: admin@... This email is a resource. OASIS does not endorse nor discourage any one physician, treatment, methodology, etc. Opinions expressed are solely the opinions of the author. Thank You.Angel S. Co-Founder, Executive Dir./OASIS www.oasisautism.org OASIS is a 501©(3) non profit corp. registered with the state of Ohio, and is affiliated with AUTISM LINK

Dayton Autism Society-Walk for Autism 5K-2008

Snow on the ground? Chill in the air? Think Spring!!! It's time to register for our first annual Dayton Autism Society-Walk forAutism 5K-2008! Please visit our website at: <http://www.daytonautismsociety.org/>www.daytonautismsociety.org and visit the events page. There, you can register four different ways to take part in our walk! The walk will take place on Saturday, April 19th, 2008 at the PayneRecreation Center in Moraine, OH.All the details are on our website.We have many exciting activities in the works for walk day and are planningfor everyone to have a great time! TO DO:1. Please register early! Each registration gets you a FREE walk t-shirt!2. Forward this email to friends and family and encourage them to register,too.3. Get a team together where you work, or with your friends. It's more funto walk with your friends! 4. Check with your employer to see if they'd like to be a sponsor andgarner some great advertising for a great cause!5. Set a donation goal. Aim high! Remember that 100% of your donationsstay right here in Dayton to help local families. To get you started, meetyour first $20 goal and get a FREE Dayton Autism Society water bottle! (oneper person please) 6. Start collecting donations. For every $100 donated on walk day, you'llreceive an additonal FREE t-shirt! See you on April 19th!Note: If you're a vendor of merchandise or services directly related toAutism, please sign up for a booth as soon as possible. They will go veryfast. We're expecting a great turnout!

Announcing the 2008 Legal Issues Webinar Series: Employment and the ADAThe DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center is pleased to announce a new educationalopportunity for 2008. This program will focus on employment issues anddisability discrimination under the ADA.This webinar series will utilize an on line conferencing system. The Online Conferencing System is a fully accessible integrated data and voicemedium that enables users to conduct workshops over the Internet from justabout any computer with a high speed network connection and web browser.Participation is enhanced with use of a personal microphone.COST: $100 per session. Discounts are available if you register for morethan one session in the series. (10% discount for 2 sessions, 15% discountfor 3-4 sessions, 20% discount for 5-6 sessions)TIME: Each session is 90 minutes in length. They will be held from2:00-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time Zone (ET) on dates specified.REGISTRATION at www.ada-audio.org. RSC in Columbus, OH, is offering the sessions free, if you are available to attend at RSC in Columbus, OH. If you wish to attend the RSC location for free, please send an email to adaohio@... by January 15 for the January 22 session. Please include your name, organization, address, and telephone number.2008 LEGAL ISSUES WEBINAR SERIES: EMPLOYMENT AND THE ADAAll sessions will be hosted and moderated by Barry , Esq Director ofLegal Services and Alan Goldstein, Senior Attorney, Equip for Equality,the Protection and Advocacy program in Illinois.*All Webinars will take place from 2:00-3:30pm ET.January 22,2008 - Reasonable Accommodations for People with PsychiatricDisabilitiesMany employers find it challenging to understand how to effectivelyprovide reasonable accommodations to people with psychiatric disabilities.This session will review the ADA and its regulations, EEOC guidance andrecent case law decisions surrounding reasonable accommodations for peoplewith psychiatric disabilities in the workplace and resources available toassist employers.March 4,2008 - Medical Inquiries/Hiring/ConfidentialityLearn how to acquire, use and protect employee medical information to meetlegitimate business needs without violating the ADA. This session willreview the ADA and its regulations, EEOC guidance and recent case lawdecisions regarding the acquisitions, use and protection of employeemedical information, along with practical tips to assist with complyingwith these requirements under the ADA. Specific issues include whetherpersonality tests violate the ADA, whether a person without a disabilityhas standing to raise an ADA violation, and how the courts haveinterpreted the ADA's confidentiality provisions.April 22, 2008 - Disability Harassment/Retaliation/DisciplineDisability harassment, retaliation and discipline are emerging workplaceissues presenting unique challenges to employers. This session will reviewthe ADA and its regulations and recent case law decisions and providepractical tips for navigating these new and complex areas of the law.June 3,2008 - Qualified as related to Reasonable Accommodations such asLeave, Reassignment and Job ModificationsAre employees who need leave, reassignment or modified job duties stillqualified employees with disabilities under the ADA? This session willreview the ADA and its regulations, EEOC guidance, and recent case lawdecisions that focus on how certain accommodation requests relate toemployees' abilities to perform essential job functions.July 22,2008 » ADA Coverage Beyond Actual Disability: Regarded As, RecordOF and Association DisabilityThe ADA provides protections to people who may not have a current ADAdefined disability. This session will review the ADA and its regulations;EEOC guidance and recent case law, as well as provide employers withinformation that will help them to avoid pitfalls that may be encounteredwhen navigating this often overlooked area of the law.September 23,2008 - Direct Threat/Safety in the WorkplaceWhat does the ADA require when an employee poses a potential threat tohealth and safety in the workplace? This session will review the ADA andits regulations, EEOC guidance and recent case law and provide employerswith information about conducting an individualized assessment and therole of reasonable accommodations to address the potential threat.Want more information about the program? Contact us at gldbtac@... orcall us at 312-413-1407 (V/TTY) or 800-949-4232 (V/TTY) in IL, IN, MI, MN,OH or WI*About the Speakers:Barry ,EsqSince November 1996, Barry has been the Legal Advocacy Director atEquip for Equality, Inc., the Illinois Protection and Advocacy system, inwhich he supervises the legal services, self-advocacy and trainingprograms. has also overseen many individual and systemic disabilitydiscrimination cases including successful federal ADA suits against theNational Board of Medical Examiners, the Chicago Police Department, theChicago Transit Authority and he is currently counsel in a class action onbehalf of people with developmental disabilities living in large privateinstitutions who are seeking community services. He also oversees theagency's self-advocacy training project, which in its first eight yearstrained approximately 23,000 people with disabilities on the ADA,guardianship, transportation, voting, employment, and special education. has also given numerous presentations on the ADA across the countryto people with disabilities, employers, service providers and advocacyorganizations. Prior to becoming Legal Advocacy Director, he was a SeniorAttorney for Equip for Equality, and his primary focus was systemiclitigation and education under the ADA. has been the Chairperson of the Disability Rights Consortium;Chairperson of Season of Concern (Chicago AIDS fund raising organization);Chairperson of the Legal Committee for the National Association ofProtection and Advocacy Systems, Chairperson of the Chicago BarAssociation's Legal Aid Committee, Chairperson of the Chicago BarAssociation's Mental Health and Disability Law Committee, and he overseesthe Illinois ADA Project. is an Adjunct Professor at MarshallLaw School, and in 2001, Chicago Lawyer Magazine named one of “40Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch.â€Prior to coming to Equip for Equality, was the AIDS ProjectAttorney in the Midwest Regional Office of Lambda Legal Defense andEducation Fund working to advance the civil rights for people living withHIV/AIDS. His caseload included a successful challenge to discriminatoryinquiries by the Chicago Public Schools on teacher applications. His workat Lambda also included extensive education work regarding HIV/AIDS andthe ADA.From 1988 - 1993, was a litigation associate at the Chicago lawfirm of & Ross. He is a graduate of the University of IllinoisCollege of Law, where he also received his undergraduate degree.Alan Goldstein, EsqAlan is a Senior Attorney with Equip for Equality (EFE), the IllinoisProtection and Advocacy Agency for people with disabilities. Mr. Goldsteinhas been practicing law for over twenty years and has specialized in thearea of disability rights for more than ten years. Mr. Goldstein providesemployment-related training to human resource professionals, individualswith disabilities, service providers, businesses, government agencies, andother organizations utilizing his experiences as an attorney to providepractical information his training. Equip for Equality also manages theIllinois ADA Project that is funded by the DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Centerand National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).The Illinois ADA Project provides ADA information and training toorganizations and individuals across Illinois.

HHS Secretary Leavitt Announces Members of the New Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETuesday, November 27, 2007

HHS Secretary Mike Leavittannounced today the members appointed to the Department of Health and Human Services’ new Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. This committee coordinates efforts within the department to combat autism spectrum disorder through research, screening, intervention, and education. The committee will facilitate the efficient and effective exchange of information on autism activities among member agencies, and coordinate autism-related programs and initiatives.

“This important committee will play a key role in coordinating autism research, services, and education related to autism spectrum disorder,†Secretary Leavitt said. “I’m pleased that its members bring to the committee a wide range and great depth of expertise, including research and program administration, advocacy and personal experience with the condition.â€

Authorized under the Combating Autism Act of 2006, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee advises the HHS Secretary and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Secretary Leavitt delegated the authority to establish the committee to the NIH, which designated its National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to lead this activity.

The committee chair is R. Insel, M.D., director of NIMH.

“The committee’s first priority will be to develop a strategic plan for autism research that can guide public and private investments to make the greatest difference for families struggling with autism,†Dr. Insel said.

HHS is active in fostering research and making the results available to aid people with autism.

Among the activities:

NIH funding and expertise support the Autism Centers of Excellence program, which the agency launched after the Combating Autism Act was passed, to seek the causes of autism and new treatments for the disorder.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports a multi-state collaborative study to help identify factors that put children at risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other developmental disabilities. The five-year study, called SEED (Study to Explore Early Development), is currently enrolling participants.

CDC has reported findings from the first and largest summary of autism prevalence data from multiple U.S. communities. These findings, which found autism spectrum disorders in approximately one in 150 children in these communities, was reported by the Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring Network, which was designed to provide more consistent and reliable estimates.

Federal members of the new panel:

Duane , M.D., is director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at NIH. The Institute supports research on all stages of human development, from preconception to adulthood, to better understand the health of children, adults, families, and communities.

Battey, M.D., Ph.D., is director of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders at NIH. The Institute supports biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language.

Ellen Blackwell, M.S.W., is a health insurance specialistof the Division of Community and Institutional Services, Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group, Center for Medicaid and State Operations, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services where she serves as an expert on policies that affect individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Margaret Giannini, M.D., F.A.A.P., is director of the HHS Office on Disability. Dr. Giannini serves as advisor to the Secretary on HHS activities relating to disabilities. She is also a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Gail Houle, Ph.D., is associate division director of the Research-to-Practice Division, Early Childhood Programs, Office of Special Education Programs, Department of Education where she oversees programs for children with disabilities and their families funded through the Individual with Disabilities Education Act. Her expertise focuses on services for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Larke Huang, Ph.D., is senior advisor on children and a licensed clinical-community psychologist who provides leadership on federal national policy pertaining to mental health and substance use issues for children, adolescents and families for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Insel, M.D., is director of the National Institute of Mental Health at NIH. The Institute’s mission is to reduce the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior.

Story Landis, Ph.D., is director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at NIH. The Institute’s focus is directed toward reducing the burden of neurological disease through research on the normal and diseased nervous system.

Lawler, Ph.D., is scientific program director of the Cellular, Organs, and Systems Pathobiology Branch, Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences at NIH. The Branch plans, directs, and evaluates the Institute’s grant program that supports research and research training in environmental health.

sey, Ph.D., is commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities at the Administration for Children and Families, [oversees University Centers of Excellence in DD funding] which seeks to improve services to and assure that individuals with developmental disabilities have opportunities to make their own choices, contribute to society, have supports to live independently, and are free of abuse, neglect, financial and sexual exploitation, and violations of their legal and human rights.

Edwin Trevathan, M.D., M.P.H., is director of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at CDC. NCBDDD is focused on identifying the causes of and preventing birth defects and developmental disabilities, helping children to develop and reach their full potential, and promoting health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities. Dr. Trevathan is representing Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H., director of the CDC, on the committee.

van Dyck, M.D., M.P.H., is associate administrator of Maternal and Child Health at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Dr. van Dyck oversees HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau [oversees Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities funding], which seeks to improve the health of mothers, children, and families, particularly those who are poor or lack access to care.

Elias Zerhouni, M.D., is director of the National Institutes of Health. A world renowned leader in the field of radiology and medicine, Dr. Zerhouni has spent his career providing clinical, scientific, and administrative leadership. He leads the nation’s medical research agency and oversees the NIH’s 27 Institutes and Centers with more than 18,000 employees.

Non-federal members:

Lee Grossman is president and CEO of Autism Society of America (ASA) and the parent of a young adult son with autism. Mr. Grossman is also the chair of the ASA Foundation and a member of the ASA Environmental Health Advisory Board.

Yvette Janvier, M.D., is the medical director for Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Jersey. Dr. Janvier is also a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Wood Medical School. Her specialties are autism and developmental and behavioral pediatrics. Dr. Janvier is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

McKee, J.D., has developed and manages an in-home therapy for her autistic child, creating and/or assembling all of the therapy related materials. Ms. McKee participates in monthly consultations with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst/Speech Pathologist. She applies the therapeutic measures in her daily parenting and childcare routines.

Lyn Redwood, RN, MSN, is co-founder and president of the Coalition for Safe Minds. Ms. Redwood is also on the board of the National Autism Association. She became involved in autism research when her son was diagnosed with pervasive development disorder in 1999. She is a nurse practitioner with 25 years of experience.

Shore, Ed.D., is executive director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Consulting. Drawing on his experiences as an individual with an autism spectrum disorders diagnosis, Dr. Shore presents and consults internationally on adult issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure. He also serves on the board of the Autism Society of America, as board president of the Asperger’s Association of New England, and is on the board of directors for Unlocking Autism, the Autism Services Association of Massachusetts, MAAP Services, The College Internship Program, and the KEEN Foundation.

Alison Tepper Singer, MBA, is executive vice president of Autism Speaks and is a member of the board of directors. Prior to joining Autism Speaks, Ms. Singer spent 14 years at CNBC and NBC where she served in several positions. She has both a daughter and an older brother with autism, giving her long-term, personal experience with the disorder.

The following Web page provides links to additional information on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, including information about upcoming meetings and highlights from meetings of the prior committee: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/scientific-meetings/recurring-meetings/iacc/index.shtml

NIMH’s mission is to reduce the burden of mental and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior. More information is available at the NIMH Web site, http://www.nimh.nih.gov.

NIH -- The Nation's Medical Research Agency -- includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

2008 Autism Society of America National Conference CALL FOR POSTERS

July 9-12, 2008 Orlando, Florida

Deadline: March 1, 2008.

Poster Submission Instructions: http://asa.confex.com/asa/help3.htmPoster Submission Link: http://asa.confex.com/asa/2008/posters/papers/index.cgi

Conference Homepage: http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=conf_homeStart the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.