ASO DIGEST: March 10, 2008

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO:

NEWS FROM ASO

Autism Awareness Rally Planned for April 2 - Plan on Attending!Ohio individuals with autism, activists, families, and state legislators will gather for the fifth annual statewide Autism Awareness Rally at the Ohio Statehouse on April 2, 2008. The rally, which is co-sponsored by the Autism Society of America - Central Ohio Chapter, Autism Speaks, and the Autism Society of Ohio, will take place on the South Lawn of the Statehouse from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. For more information email askASO@... or call 330-376-0211.

MRDD Futures Committee Reviews 33 Subcommittee Recommendations with an Eye Toward ResultsAs a critical step in the process of moving forward with specific priority issues, the ODMRDD Futures Committee* met on February 27, 2008 to review the 33 recommendations presented by the group’s four subcommittees: - Accessing Services and Supports, 5 recommendations; - Delivering Quality Services, 15 recommendations; - Finance, 6 recommendations; - Serving Populations with Special Needs, 7 recommendationsRecommendations are listed at http://odmrdd.state.oh.us/futures/recommendations.htm on the ODMRDD website. Subcommittee members organized a great deal of input into defined and measurable recommendations, and it was the full committee’s charge at the February 27 meeting to assess key issues and themes, and prioritize them to guide ODMRDD’s direction over the next three years. At the close of the meeting, ODMRDD Director , noted, “I believe the process of working together to get to this point has been a rewarding one, and I am gratified by the level of participation by stakeholders and the overall spirit of cooperation throughout the past several months. We now will take the next step, distilling these recommendations into a strategic plan that will attain positive outcomes for the nearly 80,000 people across Ohio who receive MRDD services. “… We now will take the next step, distilling these recommendations into a strategic plan that will attain positive outcomes for the nearly 80,000 people across Ohio who receive MRDD services.†* The full committee membership is listed at http://odmrdd.state.oh.us/futures/members.htm

ASA Launches “Bounce for Autism†this April!New Nationwide Event to Raise Awareness, Support Families Affected by AutismASA and Pump It Up, the nation's largest and fastest-growing franchise of giant indoor inflatable playgrounds for private parties, are pleased to announce the launch of "Bounce for Autism," a new nationwide, community-based fundraising event that combines family fun with raising awareness and support for autism. Kids, families and friends of all ages can "bounce" at a Pump It Up location and all proceeds raise funds to support autism. Best of all, "Bounce for Autism" gives people on the autism spectrum the chance to supporttheir own cause and head their own teams in a safe, supportive place. ASA is proud to support and partner with Pump it Up Party (PIU) in an effort to raise awareness and funds. During the month of April, we are launching several exciting activities.Why Partner with Pump It Up?PIU's mission is to bring joy and happiness to children and families on a daily basis. Autism groups have sought out PIU on a local level, because the sensory environment enables children with autism to playin a safe, private and non-threatening manner. Bounce for Autism Bounce for Autism is a new event concept that we, along with PIU, have created. Bounce for Autism will be testing in six markets this April. The strategy behind this event concept is to raise awareness of autismand to raise funds for ASA while providing a turn-key cause marketing and event program opportunity that is scalable, and in full support of our chapters across the country. We anticipate the Bounce for Autismevents to continue throughout the year.The Bounce for Autism test events will be one day events at the Elkridge, MD, Chicago, IL, Irvine, CA, Beaverton, CA, Woodlands, TX, and Bentonville, AR facilities. Participants (bouncers) will solicitdonations on a "pledge per bounce" basis using the website www.bounceforautism.org to track and collect donations. Entertainment, music and refreshments, throughout the 2-4 hour events will encourageparticipation of multiple generations, community groups, corporate sponsors, and media. After the results of the test events have been evaluated, the Bounce Marathon will be rolled out to the entire PIU franchise system. Here's what you can do to support "Bounce for Autism":1. Visit www.bounceforautism.org and form your family "Sock Squad."2. Raise funds and awareness from your colleagues, co-workers, family and friends!3. Join us at one of our April launch sites, or participate as a "virtual bouncer." 4. If you are interested in having a "Bounce for Autism" event in your community, email info@... to begin the planning process in partnership with the national office.

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- Sixth Annual Walk for Autism 5K, Gallipolis

- Facilitated IEP's Conference - Independence 4/22/08 Free

- The Arc of Ohio Family Day at Cedar Point

- Reminder: People First Conference, March 14-16, Wilmington

- The Mid-America Super Conference on Autism & Asperger's Syndrome 2008 - Dixon, IL

- New Book Explores the Transition of Individuals with Autism to Adulthood

- Living with Asperger's Syndrome, Independence

- Great Resources from the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders - Illinois

- FIRST AUTISM-VACCINE LINK: HOW HANNAH MADE HISTORY

- ASA Statement on Vaccine Injury Court Case

- Presentation: Stop the Assault! The Three “D’s†for the ASD: Issues of Diets, Digestion, and Detoxification/Chelation for the Autism Spectrum, Brecksville

- ARI's Biomedical Survey Analysis Tool Available Online

- The International Conference on Self-Determination to be held May 27, Detroit

- ARC “Come Together for Changeâ€, a Disability Public Policy Legislative Event, Columbus

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@...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.

Sixth Annual Walk for Autism 5KAutism is a disorder that affects an estimated 1 out of 150 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

What:

Show your support for AutismMerchandise and resource information availableDoor Prizes, food and beverages, auctionWhen:Registration held on Saturday, April 19th at 10:00 amRegistration fee $5.00 (waived if participant has sponsors)Guest speakers @ 10:45 amWalk starts @ 11:00 amAuction starts @ 12:00 pm Door prizes during the walkWhere:Gallipolis City Park- Gallipolis, OhioFor more information:(how to obtain walk brochures)H.O.P.E. Intervention740-645-3160, 740-742-3405, or 740-388-0191Unable to attend? Send donations:HOPE InterventionPO Box 727Gallipolis OH 45631

Facilitated IEP's Conference - Independence 4/22/08 Free

The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities in Collaboration with The Northeast Parent Mentors, & Special Education Services are Sponsoring a FREE Conference to learn more about Facilitated IEP's. The conference is limited to the first 250 people who register. You may register on line by going to www.ocecd.org click on ocecd activities, then click on conferences. If you have any further questions feel free to call.

Facilitated IEPs with Eva Soeka, Associate Professor of Law, Director of the Center for Dispute Resolution Marquette University and Ann Guinan, Assistant Director Procedural Safeguards Office for Exceptional Children, Ohio Department of Education

Date:

April 22, 2008 (One-day conference)

9:00 AM - 3:00 AM

Conference Fee:

Free

Registrations Due:

April 14, 2008

Location:

Sheraton Independence Hotel5300 Rockside RoadIndependence, OH 44131

Contact Person:

Connie Hudson

Contact Email:

ocecdcshembarqmail

Contact Fax:

937-842-2150

Contact Phone:

937-842-2150

Registration Mail:

165 W. Center Street, Suite 302 n, OH 43302

Conference will be limited to 250 participants. Certificate of Attendance will be available.

You can register online at www.ocecd.org

The Arc of Ohio Family Day at Cedar Point Wednesday, May 21 2008, 9:00am - 8:00pm Save the date! Please contact Jodi at jmurray1@rrcol for application information. Location: Cedar Point/Sandusky, Ohio

Reminder: People First Conference, March 14-16 The People First of Ohio Conference, March 14 – 16, will be held at the 's Convention Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. People First of Ohio spokesperson, Sadie Hunter, notes, “Our conference chairperson, and our working committees are people with disabilities who plan and make this conference come to life! Advocates will learn about issues that are so important for them to continue to advocate for themselves and others across Ohio. This conference is not just for self-advocates, it is for everyone.†The conference begins at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, and ends March 16 at 3:00 p.m. Contact Sadie Hunter at shunter@... for more information, or obtain a registration form by calling 1-740-397-6100 fax 740-397-6118.

The Mid-America Super Conference on Autism & Asperger's Syndrome 2008 - Dixon, IL

Featuring speakers:

Wheeler, M.Ed.author of Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and other Related Disordersand co-author of A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies for Individuals with Autism

Dr. Tony Attwoodfrom Brisbane, Australia - one of the top minds on Asperger's Syndrome

www.TonyAttwood.com

Dr. Temple Grandinco-author of Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships and author of Animals in Translation, Emergence - Labeled Autistic and Thinking in Pictures

www.templegrandin.com

July 17-18, 2008

For complete detail, visit http://www.fhautism.com/conferences/dixon.htm.

New Book Explores the Transition of Individuals with Autism to AdulthoodAutism: The Next Generation “Think of me as your future. I am where you will be many years from now, when you know how it all plays out and ‘what will be’ has turned into ‘what was,’†writes Eustacia Cutler, the mother of Temple Grandin, a noted author who has autism. Today’s parents of adults with autism, like Cutler, are the generation who rebelled against the ‘refrigerator mother’ theory of autism and later battled for their children’s right to public education. But they are also the parents who blazed the trail for adult issues such as living arrangements, employment and recreation. And given the increase in the incidence of autism over the past 20 years, more and more parents will be confronting these issues in the very near future. Families of Adults with Autism: Stories and Advice for the Next Generation [ Kingsley Publishers, March 2008, 176 pages, paperback, 978-1-84310-885-6, $19.95] addresses these issues in an inspiring collection of real-life stories of people on the autism spectrum growing up, as told by their family members. “In varying ways, all the contributors to this book have been movers and shakers in the autism world,†writes M. Edelson, director of the Autism Research Institute, in the book’s foreword. “Many parents of children with autism invest an enormous amount of time in planning for the future. The parents of today’s autistic adults have already dealt with these issues, and offer invaluable guidance to younger parents.â€Edited by Jane and Anne Van Rensselaer, the accounts explore the challenges that families of people with autism have faced and the techniques they have used to improve the quality of their children’s lives. The contributors relate how they have worked with their children or siblings to help them to function at their highest possible level, be it showing an awareness of their environment, holding down a full-time job, competing in the Special Olympics or achieving international recognition as an artist. “Their courage in contending with so many challenges and roadblocks is a testimonial to the strength, determination and love within every one of us,†concludes Edelson. This book offers practical and heart-warming advice to families affected by autism spectrum disorders. “You will have come to terms with it, not perhaps in the way you thought you would, but you’ll no longer feel trapped in a morass of angst and guilt,†writes Cutler. “You will have resolved your child’s future and your own. You’ll know you’ve given full measure and the measure you’ve given has never been pointless.â€About the Editors: Jane is Co-Managing Director of the Board of Directors of Thoughtful House Center for Children in Austin, Texas, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Autism Research Institute. She is the co-author, with Jepson, MD, of Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physicians. She lives in New York City with her husband and three children. Anne Van Rensselaer has worked as a freelance editor and as a book packager with Jane Lahr Enterprises in New York, and has also worked for 25 years with alcoholics in recovery. Her true calling in life was to be a grandmother of three.For further information or for a review copy, please contact: Finnegan, Kingsley Publishers, 400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. Tel: (215) 922-1161; Fax: (215) 922-1474; email: teresa.finnegan@...

Living with Asperger's Syndrome

March 11, "Living with Asperger's Syndrome" (Greater Cleveland Aspergers Support) FREE, 7:00 pm. Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence. Dr. Kurt Jensen will discuss how adults with Asperger's typically manage the challenges of everyday life. He'll be joined by a panel of young adults with AS who will discuss related issues and share practical suggestions on how significant others can provide support. For more information contact Theresa at @... before March 9. To maximize the comfort level for this volunteer panel, please email - prior to the meeting - questions and topics you'd like to see covered.

Great Resources from the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders - Illinois

Functional Analysis DVD"Funtional Analysis: A Guide for Understanding Challenging Behavior

Stimulus Preference Assessment DVDand Instructional Manual Package "Identifying Preferences & Creating the Motivation to Learn for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders"Group Instructional Activities Manual "Group Activities for Children with Autism: Using Scripted Task Presentation to Facilitate Basic Skills "

Dental Exam Training DVDs and Instructional Manual PackageThis package contains two DVDs:, "Visiting the Dentist" and "Increasing Dental Compliance for Children with Autism: A Desensitization Package" and a manual titled,"Increasing Oral Exam Compliance for Children with Autism: A Treatment Package"

Medical Exam Priming DVD and Instructional ManualThis package contains two DVDs:, " "Smiley Saurus Goes to the Doctor" and "Increasing Medical Compliance for Children with Autism: A Desensitization Package" and a manual titled, "Increasing Dental Compliance for Children with Autism: A Treatment Package"

Manual "Recreation Supports for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders"

http://www.siu.edu/~rehabbat/Autism/dvd/dvd.html

FIRST AUTISM-VACCINE LINK: HOW HANNAH MADE HISTORY

By Alison YoungThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 03/06/08

In a move autism family advocates call unprecedented, federal health officials have concluded that childhood vaccines contributed to symptoms of the disorder in a 9-year-old Georgia girl.While government officials continue to maintain that vaccines don't cause autism, advocates say the recent settlement of the girl's injury case in a secretive federal vaccine court shows otherwise.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has concluded the family of Hannah Poling of Athens is entitled to compensation from a federal vaccine injury fund, according to the text of a court document in the case. The amount of the family's award is still being determined.The language in the document does not establish a clear-cut vaccine-autism link. But it does say the government concluded that vaccines aggravated a rare underlying metabolic condition that resulted in a brain disorder "with features of autism spectrum disorder."In an interview Wednesday with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Hannah's parents, Jon and Terry Poling, said the government's concession in the case will help pay for the numerous therapists and other medical experts their autistic child needs —- now and for the rest of her life."At least we have some commitment from the government to take care of Hannah when we're gone," said Dr. Jon Poling, a neurologist.But the case also thrusts the family into a national spotlight in the controversial public debate over whether vaccines have played some role in the growing number of U.S. children diagnosed with autism. Of particular concern to some families is the mercury-based preservative thimerosal, not used in child vaccines (except for some flu shots) since 2001.Hannah's case was one of three vaccine-court test cases alleging that thimerosal caused the children's autism. The other cases go to trial in May.Suspicion of vaccines is fueled in part by vocal advocates —- including radio shock jock Don Imus and actress McCarthy —- speaking out on radio and TV shows such as "Oprah" and "Larry King Live."Even Republican presidential candidate Sen. McCain said on the campaign trail that "there's strong evidence" that a preservative in vaccines is fueling the dramatic rise in autism cases across the country.As many as 1 in 150 children in some communities have autism disorders, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."We need to recognize this is a national crisis," Jon Poling said.Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder that causes problems with communication and the ability to have normal social interactions. Autism and related autism spectrum disorders cover a range of symptoms that can vary from mild to severe. The cause is unknown, but scientists believe genes may play a role.Pediatricians and public health officials worry that this case may cause fear among some parents and prompt them to refuse to vaccinate their children, and put them in real danger from measles, whooping cough and other diseases."The risks of diseases are real risks," said Dr. Melinda Wharton, deputy director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Numerous large studies don't support a relationship between vaccines and autism, according to the CDC and the Institutes of Medicine.The Georgia girl's case —- and its implications in the vaccine-autism debate —- raise more questions than it answers, experts say.Some medical experts say it's difficult to fully assess the case because the federal vaccine-court documents are sealed from public view."It raised a lot of questions for us," said Dr. Tayloe Jr., president-elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The national medical group's leadership has been seeking more information about Hannah's vaccine-court case since last week when a sealed vaccine-court document detailing the government's settlement was posted on the Internet by an autism book author, then circulated widely among autism groups.The pediatrics association has been trying to get access to official documents in the case so medical experts can delve into the science, assess whether there are implications for other children and answer questions from doctors and families."Our responsibility is to make sure the public is given good information and make sure the hype doesn't distract from public health," Tayloe said. "I still would not think that we're going to have evidence showing a role of vaccines actually causing autism."According to the leaked document posted online, the government's Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation concluded that five shots Hannah received in July 2000, when she was 19 months old, "significantly aggravated an underlying mitochondrial disorder" and resulted in a brain disorder "with features of autism spectrum disorder."Sallie Bernard, executive director of the national autism advocacy group SafeMinds, called the case "unprecedented" in that a link between vaccines and autism is being made public. Federal health officials "have insisted there is no link at all between vaccines and vaccine components and autism. And apparently that is not true," she said.The case also is significant because other autistic children have mitochondrial disorders, Bernard said. "The question is: What is the proportion?" Krakow, a New York attorney representing other autistic children in vaccine court, said the significance of the case is "potentially explosive." He said he has several clients with similar histories.Hannah requires one-on-one care at all times, said her mother, Terry Poling, a nurse and lawyer. The Polings described how Hannah was a normal, verbal toddler until she received several vaccines during a well-baby visit. Within 48 hours of the shots, she developed a high fever and inconsolable crying and refused to walk. She stopped sleeping through the night. At 3 months of age, she began showing signs of autism, including spinning and staring at lights and fans. For a while, she lost her ability to speak.When Hannah was 6 months old, as the family came to grips with the likelihood that she was autistic, they turned to leading experts in neurology. "I had to know. My daughter didn't just suddenly develop autism for no reason," Terry Poling said.Hannah's father co-authored an article about her case, which was published in the Journal of Child Neurology in 2006.Hannah, who has two older brothers, continues to have mild to moderate symptoms of autism. The family says early and ongoing intensive therapy has been critical for her."The biggest question right now for the public is: How unique is Hannah's case?" said Jon Poling. Poling said he suspects there are other children like Hannah.Cliff Shoemaker, the Polings' attorney, said the family has filed a petition with the vaccine court to unseal all of Hannah's records and allow both the family and the government to fully discuss the case.Despite this, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Justice, which reprersents the government in court cases, would not grant interviews or explain to the AJC why it isn't releasing the records. HHS officials, who administer the vaccine compensation fund, also declined to be interviewed, citing the court's confidentiality requirements.Shoemaker said the government's November concession in the case is public, but the government's reasons aren't. "I'm not aware of any other conceded autism cases," he said.Congress created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in 1988 after widespread lawsuits against manufacturers and health-care providers stemming from reports of side-effects of a version of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine used in the 1980s.With companies getting out of the vaccine business for liability reasons, Congress established the program and a trust fund to serve as a no-fault alternative for resolving certain vaccine injury claims.The average injury compensation to an individual in vaccine court has been about $1 million. In fiscal year 2007, more than $91 million was awarded to people harmed by vaccines.Q & AWhat does the case mean for the safety of vaccines? Medical experts said parents should continue vaccinating their children because it protects them from diseases known to be deadly. If they're concerned, they should talk with their pediatrician.Q: What is autism?A: Autism spectrum disorders are a range of developmental disabilities —- from mild to severe —- characterized by communication problems, an inability to have normal social interactions and unusual behaviors.Q: What causes autism?A: Scientists don't know but are exploring what role genetics may play, as well as possible environmental factors.Q: Why is this Georgia child's case drawing so much attention?A: A leaked federal vaccine court document, posted on the Internet and widely circulated among advocates, shows the government has agreed to compensate her. Federal health officials have conceded that the five shots she received in July 2000 "significantly aggravated an underlying mitochondrial disorder," which manifested as a brain disease with features of autism. Autism family advocates say this shows the government is conceding —- after years of blanket denials —- that vaccines play a role in at least some autism cases.Q: What do federal health officials say about the case?A: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services branch that administers the vaccine injury program says the government "continues to maintain the position that vaccines do not cause autism and has never concluded in any case that autism was caused by vaccination."Q: What are mitochondrial disorders?A: Mitochondria are tiny rod-like structures that serve as the energy-making machines inside cells. When mitochondria don't work properly, they produce less energy and can cause various body systems to fail.Q: What causes the disorders?A: For the most part, genes. Sometimes a person's mitochondria —- if their genes make them susceptible —- can be affected by environmental factors such as medications. The Georgia girl's family suspects her mitochondria were damaged by a mercury-based preservative in the vaccines she received. Tests didn't find a genetical link in her case, the family said.Q: What's the relationship between mitochondrial disorders and autism?A: While some children with mitochondrial disorders have autistic symptoms, the vast majority do not, said Dr. Bruce Cohen, a pediatric neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic and past-president of the Mitochondrial Medicine Society. Most autistic children do not have mitochondrial disease, he said.Q: How can a mitochondrial disorder be aggravated by vaccinations?A: Vaccination —- like illnesses, starvation, extreme heat or any other stress on the body —- may unmask a mitochondrial disorder, experts said. When a vaccine is injected, it causes the body to mount an immune response. This requires increased energy the body may not have if there is an underlying mitochondrial disorder. Still, Cohen said he recommends vaccination, even for most patients with diagnosed mitochondrial disorders. That's because of the greater danger posed by vaccine-preventable diseases.Q: How common is this?A: According to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, at least one in every 4,000 children born in the U.S. each year will develop a mitochondrial disease by age 10. Many children are misdiagnosed with such things as atypical cerebral palsy, seizure disorders and other diseases. Adults also can be diagnosed with adult-onset mitochondrial disease.ELIZABETH LANDT / Staff MITOCHONDRIAL DISORDERS Energy for our bodies is created within our cells. This massive job is handled by the mitochondria. When these tiny guys can't do their job, our whole body suffers. Normal mitochondrion 1. Mitochondria are tiny power plants inside human cells that convert food into energy. 2. If the mitochondria are not working properly, the cell does not get the energy it needs to do its work within the body. Diagram includes a cell containing normal and dysfunctional mitochondrion; the inside of a normal mitochondrian; its Energy-producing particles; DNA. Organ systems: 3. The brain, heart and lungs require the most energy to function properly. If they don't have adequate energy, these organs begin to fail. Symptoms vary depending on the part of the body involved. —-Possible symptomsMitochondrial disorders are rare. Not everyone who has these symptoms has dysfunctional mitochondria. Brain: Developmental delays, seizures, autistic features, migraines, atypical cerebral palsyEyes and ears: Visual or hearing loss, degeneration of retina cells Heart: Heart blocks, Cardiomyopathy Muscles: Weakness, cramping, gastrointestinal problems, muscle pain Liver: Low blood sugar, liver failure Kidneys: Failure to excrete acid or wasting Pancreas and other glands: Diabetes and inability to make digestive enzymes, low calcium Nerves: Weakness (may be intermittent), fainting, Chronic nerve pain Systemic: Failure to gain weight, fatigue, unexplained vomiting, short stature, respiratory problems Mitochondrian disorders generally involve three or more organ systems and in some cases produces symptoms similar to autism. Sources: United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Find this article at: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/printedition/2008/03/06/autism0306b.html

ASA Statement on Vaccine Injury Court Case

On March 6, 2008, the major news networks reported on a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program case in which liability was conceded based on circumstances surrounding Dr. and Mrs. Poling's 9-year-old daughter's autism. Medical personnel at the Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation, Department of Health and Human Services concluded that the facts of this case met the statutory criteria for demonstrating that the vaccinations Hannah Poling received on July 19, 2000, significantly aggravated an underlying mitochondrial disorder, which predisposed her to deficits in cellular energy metabolism, and manifested as a regressive encephalopathy with features of autism spectrum disorder.Individuals living with autism need help today, and this case illustrates the need for the medical community to probe further into environmental causes of autism. The Polings, like all families affected by autism, deserve to be heard and supported in their journey raising their daughter. While we don't know the cause for autism, or its interaction with other conditions or environmental aggregators, we need to focus today on what works to maximize the potential of people with autism to help them live meaningful, productive lives. This has always been ASA's mission and we will continue to advocate for research, family and individual support, and lifespan services for people across the autism spectrum.ASA believes that the science of autism causes and treatments need to be more vigorously researched. We hope that primary decisions will be reached through thoughtful dialogue by parents and professionals on medical research and comprehensive treatment and services, not court rulings.Sincerely,Lee GrossmanPresident and CEOASA Member since 1991Parent of a son with autism

Stop the Assault! The Three “D’s†for the ASD: Issues of Diets, Digestion, and Detoxification/Chelation for the Autism Spectrum

The Greater Cleveland Biomedical Support Group and NAA-NEO

invites you to its next meeting on

March 25 at 7 pm - 9:30 pm

Where: Brecksville Community Center (1 Community Drive, Brecksville)

A talk titled "Stop the Assault! The Three “D’s†for the ASD: Issues of Diets, Digestion, and Detoxification/Chelation for the Autism Spectrum

by C. DeMio, MD and Shoemaker

Abstract: The vast majority of persons on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) who make significant gains from biomedical treatments will require care that addresses the triad of dietary intervention, digestive/gastrointestinal problems, and detoxification techniques (such as chelation). Thus an understanding of the three “D’s†is paramount to the success of the biomedical approach for virtually all patients. This discussion will include the major aspects of these three areas, and how this leads to insights into the biomedical basis of symptoms and treatment of the ASD. Learning objectives:

Dietary Intervention: Practical implementation of treatment programs will be given, including such diets as gluten-free/casein-free, specific carbohydrate, low oxalate, pigment restriction (eg,phenols and salicylates), and others. Particular situations in which one diet would be chosen over another will be highlighted.

Digestive and gastrointestinal (GI): Topics will touch upon overgrowth of yeast and other dysbioses (abnormal GI germs), leaky gut, abdominal pain, chewing problems, swallowing difficulties, acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, malabsorption of nutritional substances, and how these all connect to symptoms in our children and adults with spectrum disorders.

Detoxification: An often misunderstood phenomenon, detoxification will be described. Our patients and loved ones on the spectrum often suffer from toxicity via a variety of substances that originate from such entities as vaccines to dental metals to environmental sources. Mercury, aluminum, and other known toxins cause many of the maladies experienced by our patients. Chelation techniques and other approaches will be presented, and goals will be outlined.

Pls RSVP to at egerpatt or 216-544-1231 by March 23rd

ARI's Biomedical Survey Analysis Tool Available OnlineUse ARI's database to find possible treatments for your child Since 1967, the Autism Research Institute (ARI) has distributed surveys to parents to determine which treatments are most beneficial, as well as most harmful, to individuals with autism. ARI recently developed an Internet program that allows parents to utilize our treatment database survey, the largest in the world, to help determine which treatments to consider trying (or possibly avoiding) for their children. In this program, a parent first rates how his/her child responded to 1-4 treatments in the past. The program then searches ARI's treatment database (more than 25,000 records), summarizing how children who responded to the same treatment(s) responded to other treatments. For example: if a child responded well to melatonin, the program will provide a list of additional treatments that benefited children who also responded well to melatonin. There is no charge to use this program. To learn more, see: www.BiomedicalSurveyAnalysis.com

The International Conference on Self-Determination to be held May 27

On May 27-29, 2008 at the sophisticated Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, the International Conference on Self-Determination will serve a much different purpose than most other conferences. It's designed to be a combination of a few very short presentations but mostly panel discussions and roundtables organized by topic with a diversity of moderators and cross-disability panel members rather than a single focus presentation by a particular individual or organization. Each session is organized across disabilities.Please check out the electronic brochure. Click on link above or http://www.communitydrive.org/uploads/ICSD_Broch.pdf To request multiple brochures for distribution at upcoming meetings andevents, please email info.icsd@... The time has come to move forward for self-determination for all. Please join us for this unique conference opportunity.

“Come Together for Changeâ€, a Disability Public Policy Legislative Event

There is still time to register for “Come Together for Changeâ€, a Disability Public Policy Legislative Event, presented by The Arc of Ohio and the Ohio Olmstead Task Force.

You can check out the final program and register online at:

http://www.thearcofohio.org/index.php?option=com_events & task=view_detail & agid=74 & year=2008 & month=03 & day=12 & Itemid=50

Join the over 250 Ohioans who have already registered for this very important event.

Transportation and parking scholarships are still available to individuals with disabilities and/or their families upon request. Just email us back if you would like to attend, but need financial assistance with travel.

Remember: This conference is FREE for Individuals with disabilities, attendants who accompany someone to the conference, and family members.

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