ASO DIGEST: December 8, 2008

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASA-ASO:

Visit ASA-ASO's website www.autismohio.org for an "easy to read" version if this does not come through clean on your listserv. Or sign up to receive your own copy by "registering" on the "login" section of ASA-ASO's homepage.

News From ASA-ASO:

- Correction: Autism Speaks not THE sponsor of the NATTAP Conference

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- ASA-ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- NEWS from the ASA: Autism Society of America Launches New Online Course on Autism and Environmental Health Special Issue of "Autism Advocate" Focuses on Applied Behavior Analysis Holiday Tips from ASA Selected Items on Sale at ASA Store - Shop Now for the Holidays! United Nations Holds International Day for Persons with Disabilities Autism on the Seas Don't Miss ASA's Day on the Hill 2009 Presidential Transition Update Pediatrics Study Looks at Unmet Health-Care Needs of Families Affected by ASD Brain Waves Show Sound Processing Abnormalities in Children with Autism Autism Hangout Podcast Helps Prepare Students with Autism to Succeed in College 2009 ASA National Conference, July 22-25, in St. , Ill. Registration opens next month! New DVD Helps Young Children with ASD Recognize and Understand Emotions New Book on Autism Tells the Story of Two Unlikely Heroes- ASA-Greater Cleveland Holiday Party

- December ASA-Dayton Newsletter

- NAA-NAO Fundraiser

- 2009 Summer Internships for Students with Disabilities in Washington, D.C

- Presentation: ACCESS TO THE GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM FOR ALL, Independence

- Presentation: DETERMINING DISABILITY UNDER THE ADA & ADAAA, Columbus

- Useful News from AUCD

- Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

- Transporters DVD for children with ASD

- Book: Top Ten Tips: A Survival Guide for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum

ASA-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,The Autism Society of America - Autism Society of Ohio Chapter701 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 ASA-ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASA-ASO, either explicit or implied.

News From ASA-ASO:

Correction: Autism Speaks not THE sponsor of the NATTAP Conference

In Autism Speaks' Columbus " Weekly" e-newsletter of November 10, the following item appeared:

Also Autism Speaks is the sponsor of the Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs (NATTAP) Conference on November 19-21 in Columbus, Ohio. This conference is the premier international autism conference in training, technical assistance and effective strategies. Visit www.nattapconference.org for more information and to register to attend.

NATTAP is a working group of the Autism Society of America. The conference planners were the members of NATTAP. The conference was hosted, run, organized and made possible in Columbus by NATTAP member the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). There were a variety of national partners that helped make the conference possible (NASDDDS, National Autism Center, Council for Exceptional Children, AUCD, NASDSE, etc.). There were also a number of sponsors of the conference including the ASA, ASA-ASO, the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, AutismPro, talkAutism, Easter Seals and Autism Speaks. However, Autism Speaks was not THE sponsor of the NATTAP Conference as was stated in their newsletter. Additionally, Autism Speaks was not involved in any way in the planning or execution of the NATTAP Conference. One representative of Autism Speaks national did present a break out talk at the conference but stayed at the conference only for her presentation and left directly afterwards. They also exhibited in the exhibit hall.

Autism Speaks was contacted to print a correction in the Columbus e-newsletter, but no correction has yet appeared in the publication.

Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

Because of privacy concerns, the Ohio BMV will no longer be releasing the names and addresses of those who purchase the Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate to the ASA-Autism Society of Ohio. $25 from the purchase of each plate benefits the ASA-ASO and we have been sending thank you notes to all those who have purchased a plate. However, we will no longer be able to do so. The BMV is currently looking into options to add customer consent to the special license plate process so hopefully we will be able to go back to thanking folks formally in the future. But whether we are able to send a formal "thank you" or not, please know that the purchase of an autism awareness license plate makes a big difference and helps us help individuals with autism, their families and those who work with them throughout Ohio.

ASA-ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

As you are aware, Autism Insurance Parity, HB170 is currently under consideration by the Ohio House Insurance Committee. The fall elections are coming and immediately following the elections it will be time to address next biennial budget for Ohio. Additionally, issues regularly come before the state legislature that impact individuals with autism, their families and those who work them throughout Ohio. And because of this, the Autism Society of Ohio needs your help.

We are in the process of putting together an autism advocacy network that has constituents in each of the districts of the members of the Ohio General Assembly, both the House and Senate. We are looking for advocates all around the state to help us with this effort.

You can volunteer to participate in two ways:

· Team Leader: Each Ohio district will have an assigned team leader who is responsible for carrying the key ASA-ASO/autism messages when meeting with the legislator (Representatives and Senators), coordinating testimony or letter writing for hearings, and for organizing the team members of their district, etc.

· Team Member: Each Ohio district will have several team members that are available to share their own personal ASA-ASO/autism story, to write letters when needed, and to ask from help from their neighbors/families/friends. Team members may choose specialize on certain topics – ie. autism insurance parity topic, special education funding, etc.

ASA-ASO is also developing a Legislative Advocacy Manual and will provide local training to constituent volunteer advocates.

If you are interested in participating in this effort, please send your Name, address, city,zip+4, phone, email address, House District Number and Senate District number and whether you are interested in being a “Team Leader†or a “Team Member†to askASO@.... Please put AUTISM ADVOCACY NETWORK in the subject line. To find your district numbers, visit www.legislature.state.oh.us and follow the directions under "Locating Legislators".

For more information, visit our website at www.autismohio.org

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

NEWS from the ASA:

Autism Society of America Launches New Online Course on Autism andEnvironmental HealthThe Autism Society of America is pleased to announce the release ofits newest online course, "Autism and the Environment101." Sponsored by the Merck Fund, this introductory-levelcourse was designed to give individuals with autism spectrumdisorders, parents, other family members, physicians, educators oranyone affected by autism a general overview of the links betweenenvironmental toxins and autism. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Tc3BT3Fn38xvTk5hd8ishA.. Special Issue of "Autism Advocate" Focuses on Applied Behavior AnalysisASA's quarterly magazine, the "Autism Advocate," will spotlightABA in its upcoming December issue, entitled "Applied BehaviorAnalysis: A Powerful Tool for Improving the Lives of People withASD." Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=rzLwJjPfXaZBKObH_cSJBw.. Holiday Tips from ASAWhile many happily anticipate the coming holiday season, families ofpeople on the autism spectrum also understand the special challengesthat may occur when schedules are disrupted and routines broken. Ourhope is that by following these few helpful tips, families may lessenthe stress of the holiday season and make it a more enjoyableexperience for everyone involved. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=lwMPUDRmtIROW6kzK7cpoA.. Selected Items on Sale at ASA Store - Shop Now for the Holidays!ASA has reduced prices on selected items available from our onlinestore. The God's Butterfly and Jollification ornaments have beenreduced to $10 from $12, and the Jollification scarf has been markeddown to $15 from $25. Items ordered before December 15 should arrivebefore December 25. Place your order today athttp://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=LZJZ4H4XjZgvrlg-oPfZig.. United Nations Holds International Day for Persons with DisabilitiesThe United Nations celebrated people with disabilities yesterday atthe International Day for Persons with Disabilities at the UnitedNations headquarters in New York City. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=XngdLQR6Lomv2c_DVAZmcQ..

Autism on the SeasJoin the Autism Society of America on a fabulous 12-nightMediterranean Cruise aboard award-winning Oceania Cruises as we sailfrom Athens, Greece, to Venice, Italy, October 22-November 3, 2009. Wewill visit 6 ports of call across 13 countries. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=it7L7quZlpw1-k9CWWg4nQ.. Don't Miss ASA's Day on the Hill 2009Make your voice heard in Washington and register today for ASA'sDay on Capitol Hill 2009, February 25-26! To ensure that familiesaffected by autism are heard in Washington and beyond, Day on the Hill2009 will help increase awareness and understanding of autism issuesamong federal policymakers and build support for ASA'slegislative priorities. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=qyaRAAkpsfj_z0ArmC0lnA.. Transition UpdatePresident-Elect Obama's transition team has been prolific in itspublic announcements over the last two weeks. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=91NbJm-9mSMI9wVoZwzFKA.. Pediatrics Study Looks at Unmet Health-Care Needs of Families Affected by ASDA new study published in the journal "Pediatrics" has found that"children with special health-care needs with autism spectrumdisorder are significantly more likely to have problems regardingaccess to care and unmet needs." Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=dpnwhmKzmlGSvKfmIJ1HuA.. Brain Waves Show Sound Processing Abnormalities in Children with AutismAbnormalities in auditory and language processing may be evaluated inchildren with autism spectrum disorder by using agnetoencephalography(MEG), according to a study presented this week at the annual meeting ofthe Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=OaFnzUb9hK9Mai44b-3efA.. Autism Hangout Podcast Helps Prepare Students with Autism to Succeed in CollegeEarly preparation and careful planning are among the six keys tohelping a student with autism have a successful college career,according to Jane Thierfeld Brown, Ed.D, whose remarks are featured ina new podcast. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Gp20Z_cPBOLBJCb8JqqEYQ.. 2009 ASA National Conference, July 22-25, in St. , Ill. Registration opens next month!The 2009 ASA National Conference will be held in St. ,Illinois, at the Pheasant Run Resort July 22-25. We will be openingregistration in mid-January. Please visit the Frequently AskedQuestions on the conference Web site:www.autism-society.org/conference.The call for papers is now closed. Many thanks to everyone who sent ina submission.We anticipate 2,000 attendees this year and more than 150 exhibitors,plus speakers from around the globe. In 2008, we were able to expandour professional credit offerings and create a comprehensive programthat drew a record number of attendees.If you're interested in exhibiting, advertising in the conferenceprogram guide or becoming a sponsor, please contact Meg Ellacott atellacott@....If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us atconference@.... New DVD Helps Young Children with ASD Recognize and UnderstandEmotionsThe brainchild of Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, a leading worldauthority on autism at the Autism Research Center at CambridgeUniversity in the United Kingdom, the "Transporters" DVDis an animated series that teaches children with ASD about emotions.Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=64iz5sDaspcX9dIeRKzfNg.. New Book on Autism Tells the Story of Two Unlikely HeroesDon't miss the exciting new children's book by author and illustrator,S. Decker! "Zack the Prairie Dog" is a heart-warming andinspirational book that is subtitled, "A prairie tale to promoteautism awareness and the acceptance of differences, both in yourselfand in others." Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Qmc-hHsBtR7XDpiqIQY8iA..

ASA-Greater Cleveland Holiday Party

ASGC & Autism NE invite you to our 2nd Annual Holiday Party. Bring your children to meet Santaand our animated penguin friend “Poppyâ€. Each child will receive a gift. There will be crafts and games for the kids. Lunch is provided. Admission: Free

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2008Time: Noon—3:00 PMSt. s Woodside Party Center (Lower Hall—Rear Ent.)5035 Mill Road (I-77 & Wallings Road Exit),Broadview Hts., OH 44147

RSVP no later than December 9, 2008Phone: 216-556-4937E-mail: holidayparty@...Please provide ages & gender of each child/teen andthe # of adults attending.

December ASA-Dayton Newsletter

To see the complete newsletter, click here

NAA-NAO Fundraiser

Grammy - Winning Dan Zanes and Friends to play for autism on March 27, 2009, with net proceeds providing financial support for children with autism and their families in Northeast Ohio

Cleveland, Ohio , December 2, 2008: The National Autism Association - Northeast Ohio Chapter (NAA-NEO) is pleased to present its benefit concert with Dan Zanes and Friends, Grammy Award winning children's musician, to take place on March 27th, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at Independence Middle School in Independence, Ohio. Doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m.

Net proceeds from this benefit concert will fund the organization's 2009 Helping Hand Program, providing financial assistance to Northeast Ohio families raising a child or children with autism. NAA-NEO has awarded $36,000 in grants in 2008 to 65 families raising a child/children or dependent(s) with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the counties surrounding Cleveland and Akron. Grants have been given out in the amount of up to $1,000 to help pay for autism related treatments and therapies such as speech, music, behavioral and occupational therapies, summer camps, tuition assistance, biomedical treatments, respite care and others.

NAA-NEO has recently announced the 2009 Helping Hand Grant Program, receiving nearly 90 applications, representing nearly a 40% increase from last year. Grants for 2009 will be awarded up to $500 and announced in early February 2009. According to Mr. Pattison, NAA-NEO President, the increase in applications is due to the following circumstances. First, the deteriorating state of the economy affected all families, including families with autism. Next, there has been an increase in the cost of autism treatments and a rise in autism cases locally. Third, financial supports for families raising a child or children with autism remain very limited outside of household income and private insurance benefits. Last, Mr. Pattison believes that NAA-NEO received more applications this year partly due to an increase in awareness about the group's efforts and grant program amongst local parents and autism service providers.

NAA-NEO invites the public to support its mission by attending a benefit concert with Dan Zanes and Friends performing on March 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Independence Middle School in Independence, Ohio. Tickets for the Dan Zanes and Friends Benefit Concert for Autism will go on sale on December 5, 2008 and can be purchased through www.ticketweb.com for $16/child and $32/adult or at www.autismnortheastohio.org under Special Events .

Dan Zanes, the former lead singer and songwriter for the legendary rock and roll band The Del Fuegos, and his band perform exuberant, handmade music for enthusiastic crowds of kids and kid sympathizers. Filled with irresistible grooves drawn from a wealth of musical traditions, Zanes, his Brooklyn-based band, and his surprising and eclectic special guests, create a rollicking "Woodstock for Kids" including exuberant American traditional songs, dance classics, and smart, inventive originals. The audience is invited to "sing along with gusto" before things heat up and ultimately dissolve into an all-ages dance party. Dan Zanes and Friends has four critically acclaimed family albums, Rocket Ship Beach, Family Dance, House Party, and the Grammy Award winning CATCH THAT TRAIN!

NAA-NEO is a 501 © 3 founded in 2006 with a mission to help individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families access necessary treatments for autism. NAA-NEO assists families by offering financial assistance to help defray the cost of treatments as well as educational workshops and support group meetings on a variety of topics otherwise not available in the Northeast Ohio autism community. NAA-NEO links families with already existing community resources such as other autism organizations primarily through email and via our website available at www.autismnortheastohio.org.

NAA-NEO is seeking corporate sponsorships at this time and is looking forward to partner on this endeavor with the community at large. Interested parties should contact Don Pattison, President, at (216)280-4544 with any proposals or questions.

About the National Autism Association - Northeast Ohio (NAA-NEO) Chapter

NAA-NEO is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization formed in December 2006. NAA-NEO is a local chapter to the already well established national organization called the National Autism Association (NAA). NAA-NEO's mission is to help individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families access necessary treatments for autism.

For more information please visit our website at www.autismnortheastohio.org. Inquiries and tax-deductible donations can be placed online or may be sent to the National Autism Association of Northeast Ohio (NAA-NEO) at P.O. Box 221195, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 or via email to dpattison@....

2009 Summer Internships for Students with Disabilities in Washington, D.C

The American Association of People with Disabilities is looking for college students with disabilities to apply for the: 2009 Summer Internships for Students with Disabilities in Washington, D.C.!

To apply, visit http://www.aapd.com/internships.html

ACCESS TO THE GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM FOR ALLWHEN: FEBRUARY 4, 2009WHERE: DoubleTree Hotel South6200 Quarry LaneIndependence, OH 44131 Dr. A. Villa, Ed.D. has worked withthousands of teachers and administratorsthroughout North America and the world, todevelop and implement organizational andinstructional support systems for educating allstudents within the general educationclassroom.At this conference you will learn about topicssuch as:ï‚· Differentiating Instructionï‚· Universal Design for Learningï‚· Inclusion Strategiesï‚· Co-Teaching For more information about Dr. Villa, please visit his website atwww.ravillabayridge.com. About the ConferenceThis conference is not disability specific. It is designed tomeet the needs of parents, family members, regulareducation teachers, special education teachers, principals,administrators, paraprofessionals, service providers, andothers who represent the interests of children with specialeducation needs and their families.

For more information, contact: Mitchner Education Specialist The Arc of Greater Cleveland 1331 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115 Phone: 216-622-0755 Fax: 216-622-0752 Email: gmitchner@... Website: www.cmr-cleveland.org

DETERMINING DISABILITY UNDER THE ADA & ADAAA Thursday 2/26/2009 12:30-4:30 PMThe Ohio State University Columbus CampusSHRM CEU’s PendingOn January 1, 2009, the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) becomes Public law 110-335. The primary focus of the statute is to clarify the definition of disability in the ADA, extending its protections to more individuals. This workshop will provide an overview of the ADA as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 with an emphasis changes that will policy and decision making surrounding the accommodation process. A brief history provides a context for understanding the changes to the definition of disability. Building on this foundation a review of the court decisions that congress explicitly rejected and endorsed during passage of the ADAAA will identify how policy and practice can be brought into line with the new statutory requirements.The interactive approach allows frequent opportunities for reflection and questions emphasizing the principles process that can guide accommodation decision making. How did we get here?What has changed?How can I determine who is covered by the ADA?Will the accommodation process change?Fundamental Alteration, Essential Functions & Technical StandardsExtensive resource materials including the statute, case law, and model policies will be provided in an on-line format. Date: Thursday, 2/26/09 Time: 12:30-4:30 p.m. Location: Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Drive (West of the Jerome Schottenstein Center) The Ohio State University Campus, Columbus, OhioFacilitator: L. Lissner

Cost: $150.00 $100.00 OSU Employee $ 75.00 for individuals attending TACCLD http://www.taccld.org/ For additional information contact ADA-OSU@...L. Lissner University ADA CoordinatorOffice of the ProvostThe Ohio State University (614) 292-6207 (614) 688-8605 (tty)lissner.2@... HTTP://ada.osu.edu

Useful News from AUCD

Cate McClain (NM UCEDD) Receives “A+ Award†from Mayor Chavez

UNM Today; November 24, 2008

http://www.unm.edu/~market/cgi-bin/archives/003421.htmlUniversity of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability (CDD) Director Cate McClain, M.D., PT, was recognized by Mayor J. Chavez with the prestigious A+ Award on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the mayor’s State of the City Address. McClain was given the award for her outstanding work as a community leader, making a difference in the lives of many New Mexican families living with autism.

Legislative Database for Autism Bills Launched

http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/autism.htm

National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Autism Project under subcontract with the Act Early Regional Summit Project at AUCD and with funding from the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The on-line legislative database tracks autism bills for the 2008-2009 legislative sessions. The autism legislative database provides information to all 7,382 state legislators and thousands of state legislative staff in all 50 states and other jurisdictions. The comprehensive database is developed in an interactive platform that enables legislators and legislative staff to search autism bills in the directory by keyword. The database is also available to the public.

Family-Centered Care Tools

Family Voices, Inc.

http://www.familyvoices.org/

These newly-published Family-Centered Care Self-Assessment Tools ar e designed as an opportunity for health care practices and families to assess current areas of strength and identify areas for growth, plan future efforts, and track progress toward family-centered care. These tools include a Family Tool, a Provider Tool, and a Users Guide. An online feedback survey will soon be available on the Family Voices web site.

Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

COSD Main Site_ (http://www.cosdonline.org)

This website is geared for older students who want tojoin the workforce.

Transporters DVD for children with ASD

The Transporters is a new DVD that helps young children on the autism spectrum to recognize and understand emotions. We’ve been working on it for some years with Professor Simon Baron-Cohen at the Autism Research Center at Cambridge University, here in England. In his team’s evaluation of The Transporters, most children on the autism spectrum caught up with other children in their ability to recognize emotions by watching the DVD for as little as 15 minutes a day for a month.The official launch isn’t until January but I thought your members might be interested to know that The Transporters is available to the autism community from today, and at a special introductory price, from www.thetransporters.com. I'd be grateful if you could let them know. You may also get a message about this from the ASA.Please find attached further details about the DVD and the research behind it. Please do get in touch if you need any more information or if there's anything else I can do to help.Best wishes from an overcast London day. Harcup, Director, Changing Media DevelopmentLondon, Englandc.harcup@...www.thetransporters.com

Book: Top Ten Tips: A Survival Guide for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum

Top Ten Tips: A Survival Guide for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum by A. Cardon, M.A., CCC-SLP; foreword by Kristi SakaiISBN 978-1-934575-30-7October 2008Audience (i.e. age, profession) Parents and Caregivers of Children on the Autism Spectrum I get by with a little help ... Do you ever feel like you're in this parenting thing alone? Like no one understands what you're going through? Parenting children on the autism spectrum is an adventure with countless twists and turns. However, with a little help from 44 fellow parents and professionals your daily journey can be a little less bumpy. Top Ten Tips offers 520 practical, tried-and-true tips. The book is organized so that you don't have to read through theories or lengthy descriptions - it is all practical; short and sweet. The stuff you want to know NOW! The book is broken down into nine chapters with topics ranging from family outings, holidays, and frequent activities (bath time, meal time, etc.).

For complete information, click here.

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