ASA-ASO DIGEST: April 27, 2009

[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:

- ASA-ASO featured on NBC 4 Columbus Autism Special and ASA-Central Ohio Chapter featured on Daytime Columbus

- Autism Insurance Coverage Bill HB 8 recommended to Full House by HAA Committee

- Watch the House vote on HB 8 LIVE!

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

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- Federal Update/Alerts

Updates from the Obama Administration Congressional Updates

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- News from the ASA:

One Week Left for Early Bird Registration for ASA National Conference Get a Sneak Peek at the April Issue of the "Autism Advocate" on the ASA Web Site ASA and "Horse Boy" in the News Disability Policy Seminar Asperger's Linked with Stress Hormone Levels Einstein Scientists Propose New Theory of Autism "Students with Asperger Syndrome" AFP Announces First in a Series of Webinars on Employment Special-Needs Children and Divorce Father Tells Story of Autism and His Family New Autism Magazine Available Video on Technology Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities AST Offers In-Home "Catch Up" Program for Infants and Toddlers with Suspected Developmental

Delays- ASA-NW Ohio Chapter Parents of Adults Support Group

- ASA-GREATER AKRON Chapter FUNDRAISER

- ASA-Greater Cleveland Chapter (ASGC) Summer Social Skills Camp 2009

- ASA-Greater Cleveland May Newsletter

- AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA - LIFE WITH AUTISM

- New PSA from Dan Marino Foundation Features Adults with Autism

- 2009 Monarch Summer Social Language Program- Article: Melatonin Aids Sleep in Children with Autism and Fragile X

- Article: Computer game teaches students how to take on bullies

- NEW from Project ACTION: Travel Training

- Article: Database Links Much Needed Participants With Autism Researchers

- Social Stories and More Website

- Cinco (Uno) de Mayo Party to Benefit Project iAM, Toledo

- New Books from AAPC

- Project Iam Cinco de Mayo Party, Toledo

- MEET AND EAT, Greater Cleveland Asperger Support

- RTI Special Report Available Free By Request

- Article: Can therapy help children overcome autism?

- s AUTISM LIBRARY GIVEAWAY

- Autism Today offers "Autism at Home"

- Autism One Conference: Legal Training for Attorneys, Parents, and Advocates, Chicago

- 4th Annual Project MORE Conference, Bowling Green

- Latest edition of "What Every Special Educator Must Know" available

- Spectrum Training Systems, Inc. offering Free Shipping

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". CHECK OUT NEW LISTINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES!

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:

ASA-ASO featured on NBC 4 Columbus Autism Special and ASA-Central Ohio Chapter featured on Daytime Columbus

On April 22, 2009, WCMH, Channel 4, the NBC affiliate in Columbus, ran a special on autism at 7pm - the first of three - called The Autism Puzzle, The First Piece. The special ran "commercial free" but aired "mini-features" with messages from the ASA-ASO, OCALI, the Educational Service Center of lin County, White Castle and Harry Slatkin who is affiliated with the Limited. We hope to have the feature on ASA-ASO available soon.

This first special was focused on diagnosis and early intervention. The second, to air on June 24, will focus on school age services and the final segment, to air in late summer, will focus on transition to adulthood, employment and residential services.

In addition to the special, NBC4 had their "Call 4" feature where individuals with questions can call in and get answers - folks from ASA-Central Ohio Chapter, ASA-ASO, OCALI, the ESC-CO and OSU Nisonger Center were on hand to answer questions via phone. There was also an "i-chat" feature with folks answering questions via live chat on the internet. There were over 130 phone calls that evening and 30 "i-chatters".

The special aired in 4 segments - to view each segment, visit:

Segment 1 -

Segment 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELDotbit5zA & feature=related

Segment 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8BsrPj4EuM & feature=related

Segment 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khMB1EjnNmg & feature=related

NBC 4 also has a blog about autism done by Jerod Smally called "Brady's Page". To visit, click here: http://www.wcmhblogs.com/bradys_page

Suell Denny, ASA-Central Ohio Chapter President and Bacon, ASA-ASO Board member were also guests of Gail Hogan on Daytime Columbus on April 22 talking about the supports and services that local ASA chapters can provide. Want to see the clip? Visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ7GeFvyUEs. Many thanks to Gail and her team at Daytime Columbus!

NBC 4 has made individuals with autism a focus of interest for the station and we appreciate their helping to raise awareness of autism with the general public! Special thanks go to Jerrod Smalley and Ellie Merrit for the news portion of the show and to Gail Hogan for "mini-features". And of course to all the NBC4 staff for working so hard on this special.

Autism Insurance Coverage Bill HB 8 recommended to Full House by HAA Committee

HB 8 has been favorably voted out of the House Healthcare Access and Affordability Committee!

Please use this link to write to your state representative and urge him or her to support HB 8.

This is a HUGE victory! Many thanks are due to co-sponsors Rep. Ted Celeste and Rep. Garland, HAA Chairwoman Rep. Lorraine Fende and the other members of the committee who supported this bill including Democrats Reps. Bolon, , Moran, Patten, B. and Republicans Reps. Hackett, Lehner and Snitchler. If one of these members is your legislator, please be sure to write and thank them for their support.

We are still waiting for word on when the bill will be up for a vote by the full House. Now is the time to contact your representative and ask them to support HB 8! Please use this link to write to your state representative and urge him or her to support HB 8.

The ASA-Autism Society of Ohio has created a web page devoted exclusively to Autism Insurance Parity. Click here to visit. It contains complete information on Autism Insurance Coverage and HB 8.

Watch the House vote on HB 8 LIVE!

Sessions of the Ohio General Assembly are broadcast live on "The Ohio Channel". There has been no indication of when the House will actually vote on HB 8, but when that information is available, ASA-ASO will publish it through all of our outlets. Interested parties should be able to go to the following website to watch the action live on the House Floor: http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/organizations/organization.cfm?organization_id=31

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

The Ohio Budget is currently under development and autism insurance parity legislation is ready to be re-introduced in the Ohio House. 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 ASA-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

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.

Federal Update

From the ASA:

Updates from the Obama AdministrationThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) named HenryClaypool to the position of Director of the agency's Office onDisability. Mr. Claypool has over 25 years of disability policyexperience at the federal, state and local levels. During the ClintonAdministration, he served as senior advisor to the Administrator ofthe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at HHS. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=nbLxFFiAtUiJAkmLGSUKyg..Congressional UpdatesCongress returned to work this week. It will remain in session forfive weeks until a week-long Memorial Day recess. Much work isexpected to be done in committees as priority bills begin to moveforward. Top priority issues include health care, global warming, theFY 2010 Budget Resolution, another emergency war supplementalappropriations bill and the continued Senate confirmation of ObamaAdministration nominees. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=cDrgAI1lz3MTheWcFYSXaQ..

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

News from the ASA:

One Week Left for Early Bird Registration for ASA National ConferencePlanning to attend the 2009 ASA National Conference? There'sjust one week left for the best registration rate - the early birdregistration has been extended to April 30. This year's conferencewill be held in St. , Ill., at the Pheasant Run Resort July22-25. The full conference program with breakout sessions andpresenter information is now online. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=A4tFRtrnbXmquIwYzu79gA..Get a Sneak Peek at the April Issue of the "Autism Advocate" on the ASA Web SiteIf you are not an ASA member, you can get a taste of what our flagshipquarterly publication, the "Autism Advocate," is all about: The articleentitled "The Culture of Autism" by our guest editors onthis issue, Paradiz, Ph.D., and Ruth Elaine Hane, both adultson the autism spectrum, is now available online. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Dc07HAq7qjrP3lgIsd7cyg..ASA and "Horse Boy" in the NewsDon't miss ASA and "The Horse Boy" in the news this week! We havebeen featured in the Austin American-Statesman, the Chicago Tribune, ABC News, and the New York Times, and a segment is scheduled to run on the CBS Evening News tonight. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=8Wtnh6jEEudYV0nVL3ZSzQ..Disability Policy SeminarASA Board Chair Dr. Pratt and Jeff Sell, ASA Vice-President ofAdvocacy & Public Policy, will be presenting at the DisabilityPolicy Seminar co-sponsored by The Arc, United Cerebral Palsy,American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities(AAIDD), the National Association of Councils on DevelopmentalDisabilities (NACDD), Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered, and theAssociation of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) April 27-29.Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=rHBcKM3jp4Lk58MSYvpYFw..Asperger's Linked with Stress Hormone LevelsSome of the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome (AS), such as a needfor routine and resistance to change, could be linked to levels of thestress hormone cortisol, suggests new research led by the Universityof Bath. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=rEbRSFheVBqsEiSvhiJqWw..Einstein Scientists Propose New Theory of AutismScientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of YeshivaUniversity have proposed a new theory of autism that suggests that thebrains of people with autism are structurally normal but dysregulated,meaning symptoms of the disorder might not be hard-wired, butchangeable. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=mRE3UQSjt3LZ-cVRulAjAQ.."Students with Asperger Syndrome"Accommodating college students whose disabilities very likely fall insocial and self-regulatory areas is a new challenge for disabilityservices providers who are not used to reaching out to so many areasof student life. The complex social world of college that studentswith Asperger's Syndrome must navigate can be unforgiving anddifficult when those around them do not understand the disorder. Readmore: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=4oCr0o7MlR7uIzYFAAEEPQ..AFP Announces First in a Series of Webinars on EmploymentThe Alliance for Full Participation (AFP) has recently launched amajor initiative to improve the employment infrastructure, servicesand outcomes for people with developmental disabilities. To supportstate teams and bring awareness to the cause of increasing employmentfor people with developmental disabilities, the Alliance is hosting aseries of quarterly webinars. The first of these webinars will be heldon May 7 at 4:00 p.m. ET. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=wXHl6fili1mjJGgBYU0UpQ..Special-Needs Children and Divorce"The Special Needs Child and Divorce" by Margaret "Pegi" Price takes apractical look at what special needs are, how they are relevant in thearena of divorce, and how lawyers can make the system work better forthese children and their families. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=d9zMO_J0GZaYCbBdDtWv0w..Father Tells Story of Autism and His FamilyJeff Stimpson, the author of ": The Fathering of a Preemie,"discusses the next five years of his son's life in " the Boy:Episodes From a Family's Life With Autism," as 's family grappleswith issues of sleep deprivation, 's limited diet, his (sometimesdangerous) public behavior with autism and a host of other issues.Chapters are broken out by subject and study questions are includedfor educators and book groups. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=dJKK2a_WklnTiHqnQ7TW3g..New Autism Magazine Available"How.2.Own.Autsim" is a new magazine for parents of children justdiagnosed with autism. It shares real-life stories, with real-lifechildren, families and issues. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Z8QELr7AibYMV7cRFx3QVg..Video on Technology Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities"The Changing Face of Technology" is an 11-minute film produced by theMinnesota Developmental Disabilities Council that provides numerousexamples of how electronic records management is a sound businessdecision and that people with disabilities are a tremendous match forthis important work. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=zakqmRW9uwUxNxweI64T_A..AST Offers In-Home "Catch Up" Program for Infants and Toddlers with Suspected Developmental DelaysAutism Spectrum Therapies (AST), an agency providing services toindividuals with autism and their families, now offers in-homeassessments and a four-month "catch up" program forinfants and toddlers with suspected developmental delays. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=XWKv2ZY9axdvhzQPK5O9vA..

ASA-NW Ohio Chapter Parents of Adults Support Group This is a reminder that our Parents of Adults Support Group will meet next Tuesday, April 21 from 11:30 am – 1 pm at our office at 4848 Dorr Street, Toledo. We’re in the house with the red door. Feel free to bring your lunch.

For more information, contact Linell Weinberg, MSW, Executive Director, Autism Society of Northwest Ohiophone: 419-578-2766 (419-578-ASNO), fax: 419-536-5038 e-mail: asno.org@..., website: www.asno.org

A.S.A. GREATER AKRON Chapter FUNDRAISERBRICCO RESTAURANT1 W. EXCHANGE STAKRON, OH 44308(Corner of Main & Exchange)Tuesday, April 28, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. 20% of all food proceeds will be donated to the local chapter of the Autism Society of AmericaAll you have to do is come downtown, between 5:00 and 8:00 PM (if it's after 8pm, they will let you slide) and eat. That's it! The donation is made by your eating dinner. Guest servers that night will be (so far)....Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh and Mayor Don Plusquellic. As a bonus, it's also Bricco's open cork night, which means if you don't finish your bottle of wine, you can take it home. Make it a date night, Girl's Night, or night out with friends, but come to Bricco! It's a great charity. Please be sure to call and make a reservation in advance and tell them your coming for the Autism Society fundraiser (330) 475-1600. (See map for location: http://www.briccoakron.com/akron.php)

ASGC Summer Social Skills Camp 2009for children ages 6 thru 18 with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger's or PDDThe Autism Society of Greater Cleveland is very pleased to announce the start of a fantastic opportunity for children ages 6 thru 18 with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger's or PDD. With the help of a team of dedicated Special Education Teachers, experienced in autism, we have developed a Summer Social Skills Camp for July, 2009. The camp sessions will be:Session One: July 6 thru July 10, 2009 for ages 6 thru 12Session Two: July 13 thru July 17, 2009 for ages 13 thru 18The camp will run from 9:00 AM till 2:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. It will be staffed with a ratio of 4 campers per certified teacher. There will also be one typical peer/student aid per four campers. The cost for the camp is $250.00 per week. There will be a limit of 20 campers with a diagnosis of autism, asperger's or PDD per session. The camp will be held at The City of Independence Old Recreation Bldg., 6200 Elmwood Ave., Independence, OH 44131. The building is located within the city park. It has access to a pavilion, playground, baseball, soccer fields and basketball courts. It includes full kitchen/bathroom areas. There are three separate rooms to accomodate teaching, play and a quiet area. It is located west of Brecksville Road, South of Rockside Road (I-77/480).Participants in the ASGC Social Skills Summer Camp will have opportunities to practice such skills as problem solving, conflict resolution, respecting the ideas of others, cooperation and team work without direct instruction. Positive social interactions promote healthy relationships, a sense of belonging and well being. ASGC Social Skills Summer Camp's goal is for children with autism spectrum disorders to further develop social skills taught and practiced at camp into their daily life. The Summer Camp will also provide educational support as identified through the camper's Individual Education Plan (IEP).If you have any questions or if you would like to be placed on a registration list, please call us at(216) 556-4937. This program will fill up fast, please contact us as soon as possible if you would like your child to enroll. Thank you.The Autism Society of Greater ClevelandP.O. Box 41066Brecksville, OH 44141(216) 556-4937

ASA-Greater Cleveland May Newsletter

Please click on the link below for our May, 2009, newsletter. We hope you find the information helpful.The ASGC is very excited to announce our new Social Skills Summer Camp in July, 2009. Details are in the newsletter. If you would like to sign your child up, please call (216) 556-4937. The class is filling up fast.

Please plan on joining us May 4, 2009, for our parent meeting at The City of Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence, OH 44131 at 6:30 PM. Our guest speaker will be Barrie Galvin.

AMC's Ridge Park Square theater at 4788 Ridge Road, Brooklyn, will feature a sensory friendly moving on Saturday, May 23, 2009, at 10:00 AM. They will show "Night at the Museum 2 - Battle of the sonian. The lights will be brought up, the sounds turned down and the "silence is golden policy" is not enforced. Outside food is permitted. Admission is reduced to $4.25.

The information in the attached newsletter is for educational purposes only. The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland does not endorse any specific product, method of therapy or organization. Our aim is to provide information that assists our membership in making educated decisions. Thank you.

http://www.admail.net/file/5929/9f09/

AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA - LIFE WITH AUTISMLife With Autism is a new series of inspirational and informative stories about those who are touched by autism.You may be aware that AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.LEARN MORE: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=ga_AR1VmC8WDe-IhoQu5-Q..Now read how this wonderful, nationwide program came to be, thanks to the efforts of one determined mother confronting the challenges of her daughter's autism...Taking a Chance on Families Living With Autismby nne RossThe sensory friendly movie idea started in the summer of 2007, when my daughter, Meaghan, who was 7 at the time, was thoroughly enjoying Hairspray but was asked to leave a movie theatre because she exhibited self-stimulating behaviors, such as hand flapping and jumping up and down.This negative experience prompted me to find a way for Meaghan and other special needs children to enjoy a movie regardless of their physical or behavioral differences.Dan , manager at our local AMC Columbia 14 Theatre, didn't hesitate for a second when I called to ask if he would consider allowing the County land Autism Society of America to host a movie for special needs children.I explained the challenges that our children face, specifically sensory issues with lights, volume and self-stimulating behaviors. Dan, rather than being dissuaded, embraced these issues with his positive attitude. He envisioned a monthly program that featured current movies with essential accommodations to ensure a successful outing for all families with special needs children.I arranged to advertise the movies through the County-ASA and the County school system in order to reach each family with school-aged children in the county. Meanwhile, Dan networked with the AMC Theatres corporate office to create a national program and an official partnership between AMC and the Autism Society of America.The first movie was a huge success in November 2007, and the program went national this April in 68 theaters in 36 AMC markets. They are also going to start employing people with autism in the theatre's, with support from ASA!Our thanks go out to nne and Dan for showing us how enlightened individuals can come together to help those with ASD reach their full potential.

New PSA from Dan Marino Foundation Features Adults with Autism

"No Myths" was filmed inside the Nashville Parthenon, which is a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple. Against this dramatic backdrop, an all-autistic cast discuss myths and stereotypes about autism. You can find more information at http://www.nomyths.org about the production of this excellent PSA. Youtube:

Captioned Version: http://www.overstream.net/view.php?oid=udtvrbt0rlao

2009 Monarch Summer Social Language ProgramJune 22 – July 24For Children 6-16

The experience lasts a lifetime.Located in Shaker Heights, the Monarch Summer Social Language (SSL) Program isdesigned for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ages six through 16. Primaryemphasis is placed on building social and communication skills, through a highly engagingcurriculum, in a therapeutic and recreational environment. The result is a fun-fi lledexperience where children gain self-confi dence while creating lasting friendships.IEP-Driven ProgramAll of our activities are designed to coordinate with the children’s Individual EducationalPrograms (IEP) – while the kids are having fun, we continue to teach.Low Child-to-Staff RatioWe purposely limit the number of attendees so that your child can get the small-group andone-on-one attention needed to ensure a successful experience.Highly Trained StaffAll staff members are professionally trained Intervention Specialists, Speech, Music andArt Therapists, and college assistants.Peer ModelingThere are typical peers in all of the Monarch Summer Social Language Program groups.TuitionThe tuition per child for this five-week program is $2,950.Typical Camp Day9:00AM Arrival9:15AM Morning Circle9:30AM Music Therapy10:00AM Group Speech10:30AM Art Therapy11:00AM Change/Van/Pool/Change/Return12:30PM Lunch12:50PM Recess (Structured and Unstructured)1:15PM Social Skills/Play Skills1:30PM Staff’s Choice1:45PM Photo of the Day (sent home to dicuss and enjoy)2:00PM DismissalCall 216.320.8658, email hessk@...or visit bellefairejcb.org/monarch for an application

Article: Melatonin Aids Sleep in Children with Autism and Fragile X

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/Autism/13735

Article: Computer game teaches students how to take on bullies"Braincells," a Canadian computer game, is helping Massachusetts students tackle cyberbullying by showing them how to team up to stop bullies. "Computer games often glorify bullies. This game does the reverse. It shows how students can act together to bring an end to bullying," said Drew Ann Wake, the president of the company that developed the game. "Very few bullies will take on a group." http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2009/04/16/anti_bully_pulpit/

NEW from Project ACTION: Travel Training Tuesday, May 12. Register by May 5.Easter Seals Project ACTION presents a new resource titled, "Travel Training for Student Success: The Route to Achieving Post-Secondary Student Outcomes." An introduction, booklet, slide shows, questionnaire, and linked ESPA Clearinghouse resources provide ideas and information on travel training for those helping young adults meet their needs for public transportation.

http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_resources_supporting_young_adults_TravelTraining & autologin=true

Article: Database Links Much Needed Participants With Autism Researchershttp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102852254 & ft=1 & f=1007

Social Stories and More WebsiteKids Can Dream - Main Pagehttp://www.fr=eewebs .com/kidscandrea m/main.htmKids Can Dream Social Stories Page - Page 1http://www.freewebs .com/kidscandrea m/page12. htmKids Can Dream Social Stories Page - Page 2http://www.freewebs .com/kidscandrea m/page13. htm

Article: Scoop Essentials: The Dollars And Cents Of Disability

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/04/07/dollars-cents-disability/2792/

Article: Scoop Essentials: Holding Your Ground In The Face Of Bad Behaviorhttp://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/04/14/behavior-questions-answered/2852/

Cinco (Uno) de Mayo Party to Benefit Project iAM, ToledoWhat: ConcertHost: ZUB Productions and Project iAmStart Time: Friday, May 1 at 3:00pmEnd Time: Saturday, May 2 at 12:00amWhere: Erie St. MarketFor more information: http://aboutprojectiam.com/?page_id=6

Article: Maternal Immune Response To Fetal Brain During Pregnancy A Key Factor In Some Autism

Women whose immune systems do not properly recognize their fetus may trigger an infection in the fetus' brain that can cause autism symptoms, according to researchers. The scientists injected antibodies from women whose children were born with autism into pregnant mice and found that those offspring were more likely to have autism-like symptoms than ones from a control group.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090417182954.htm

New Books from AAPC

Hygiene and Related Behaviors for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders: A Fun Curriculum with a Focus on Social Understanding by Mahler

This innovative curriculum teaches important hygiene skills and associated social understanding using a fun approach that targets the core characteristics and learning styles of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. The author's generous use of structure, predictability, self-monitoring, and ways to convey and check for social understanding is worked into all discussion and activities. Ranging from basic daily hygiene to picking, using public restrooms, burping, and farting, topics focus on healthy and socially acceptable behaviors.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9030.htm

The Hidden Curriculum: Practical Solutions for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations by Myles, L. Trautman, and Ronda L. Schelvan; Foreword by: WinnerThis book offers practical suggestions and advice for how to teach and learn those subtle messages that most people seem to pick up almost automatically but that have to be directly taught to individuals with social-cognitive challenges. Given the serious consequences that can befall a person who violates a social rule, the strategies and detailed lists of curriculum items make The Hidden Curriculum a much-needed resource. http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9942.htm

Asperger Download: A Guide to Help Teenage Males with Asperger Syndrome Trouble-Shoot Life's Challenges by Josie and Damian Santomauro

Psst … What does that mean? A son and mom writing team has the answers for young men on the autism spectrum. The teenage years are simultaneously shared by teens and their parents. In Asperger Download: A Guide to Help Teenage Males with Asperger Syndrome Trouble-Shoot Life's Challenges, Damian Santomauro and his mother, Josie, share their dual experiences by defining major terms that teenage males encounter during their journey into manhood. Damian was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of five. Now he's in college and ready to share his experiences with teens who are experiencing what he lived through.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9990.htm

Project Iam Cinco de Mayo Party

Project iAm is again so fortunate to join with Zub Productions to present the Cinco de Mayo Party on May 1st at the Erie St. Market!! Music begins at 5:00 with Arctic Clam, followed by ny Rocker and the Hitmen and the Headlining is everyone's favorite cover band...The Menu's. Tickets are $10 at the door, but only $5 with a Project iAm wristband!! For complete details, visit http://aboutprojectiam.org

MEET AND EAT, Greater Cleveland Asperger Support Date: Monday April 27, 2009Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Next reminder: The next reminder for this event will be sent in 3 days, 3 minutes.Location: PerkinsStreet: Bagley & Engle Roads (just west of I-71 exit)City State Zip: Middleburg Heights, OH Notes: Come for an informal meeting of sharing, support and exchange of information for parents and caregivers of children affected by Asperger's Syndrome and other Autistic Spectrum DisordersMonday, April 27th6:30 pm (latecomers ok - we will adjourn between 8 - 8:15 pm)Menu includes sandwiches, salads, dinners as well as breakfasts. Children's menus are available. Come for a meal or just drop in for coffee/tea. RSVP to gcas21@... , so we will know what size table to reserve and be able to communicate any important changes.http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en & q=7175+Engle+Road,+Middleburg+Height s,+Ohio & oe=UTF-8 & ie=UTF8 & ei=QzbnSYeWGZGctgPqoonyAQ & cd=1 & ll=41.3747 8,-81.823962 & spn=0.006731,0.010836 & z=16 & iwloc=A

RTI Special Report Available Free By RequestMaking RTI Work is a groundbreaking new guide created under advisement from recognized Response to Intervention experts K. Burns, S. Shapiro, Ysseldyke, and others. Click here for your free copy. http://www.renlearn.com/RTI/

Article: Can therapy help children overcome autism?After two years of intensive behavioral, speech and occupational therapy when he was younger, Jake Exkorn, 13, no longer has autism, his doctor says. But some are skeptical that a complete recovery is possible, prompting some researchers to study children who have appeared to recover from autism.http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/04/17/autism-recover/2919/

s AUTISM LIBRARY GIVEAWAY

There's still time to enter the s AUTISM LIBRARY GIVEAWAY! Register by April 28th to win nearly $500 of titles written by leading experts in the fields of autism and behavior. Click here to register for the giveaway: http://www.brookespublishing.com/autism/giveaway/

Autism Today offers "Autism at Home"

http://www.autismathomeseries.com/Home.html

Legal Training for Attorneys, Parents, and Advocates Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22at the Autism One 2009 Conferencewww.autismone.org

4th Annual Project MORE Conference

on Monday, May 18, 2009 at BGSU's Bowen- Student Union.

If you have not registered we are extending the deadline for registrations until Thursday, April 30th! Following is the link for online registration: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228YFEVJH5C

Latest edition of "What Every Special Educator Must Know" available The sixth edition of the "red book" presents CEC's ethics, standards and guidelines for special-education preparation and practice. This is an invaluable resource for faculty developing curriculum and seeking CEC national recognition, state policymakers evaluating licensing requirements and special educators planning their professional growth.http://www.cec.sped.org/ScriptContent/Orders/ProductDetail.cfm?section= & pc=P5904

Spectrum Training Systems, Inc. offering Free Shipping

Spectrum Training Systems, Inc. offering Free Shipping for April. See their complete offerings at:

http://store.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/aubo.html

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