Fwd: ASA Environmental Health and Autism Takes Off; Bush Signs Combating Auti...

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December 22, 2006

Happy holidays from the Autism Society of America!

ASA Environmental Health and Autism Initiative Takes Off

Collaborative on Health and the Environment Tackles Autism

ASA Applauds President Bush’s Signing of Combating Autism Act

ASA in the News

The Autism Advocate: ASA's Premier Magazine on Autism Spectrum Disorders

ASA 2007 National Conference: Save the Date

ASA Shop

Autism Resources

ASA Environmental Health and Autism Initiative Takes Off

ASA Releases Research on Environmental Health and Autism

Autism Advocate Special Edition and Website out today explore the role of neurotoxins on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in America

Bethesda, MD (12/21/2006) -- The Autism Society of America (ASA) today released a special edition of its magazine, Autism Advocate, which explores the critical effect on environmental toxins on the incidence and treatment of individuals with autism. Paired with a new ASA environmental health website highlighting leading scientists and ASA’s partnership with the UC MIND Institute, this two-platform media launch is the first-ever effort to bring leading scientists, doctors, therapists, families and individuals with autism together to examine the linkages between environmental health and autism.

By highlighting the role of neurotoxins in triggering autism spectrum disorders, ASA hopes to change the current paradigm of autism diagnosis and treatment, now focused mostly on behavior and social interaction. “Autism is a whole body condition,” said ASA President Lee Grossman. “For too long, parents receive the diagnosis of autism and are told there is nothing that can be done medically. As the evidence presented by these publications shows, children with autism present with medical symptoms that can be treated, which may then improve their abilities to learn, live and recover.”

Articles from these issues include:

Time to Get a Grip - Martha R. Herbert, M.D., Ph.D. (Harvard University)

Can Exposure to Environmental Toxicants Influence Autism Susceptibility? - Isaac N. Pessah, Ph.D.

Autism’s New Paradigm – Lerner, Ph.D. (Commonweal)

We Can't Wait – interview with Dr. Insel (Director, National Institute of Mental Health at NIH)

Epidemiologic Approaches to Autism and the Environment --Craig J. Newschaffer, Ph.D.

The Prenatal Environment and Neuroinflammation in Autism – Connors, M.D., Pardo, M.D. and Zimmerman, M.D. (s Hopkins)

This effort is part of a broader project funded in part by a grant from the Merck Fund. ASA’s project is overseen by an Advisory Board on Environmental Health, who is undertaking a " campaign of influence " for early 2007 which will build a grassroots community to continue research and awareness of the effect of environmental influences on autism.

To access the website, visit www.autism-society.org/environmental_health.

Collaborative on Health and the Environment Tackles Autism

ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman and Dr. Martha Herbert Speak on Rethinking Autism: Towards a Whole Body Paradigm

The Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE) held a conference call on December 12 entitled " Rethinking Autism: Towards a Whole Body Paradigm. " Elise , M.Ed., Executive Director, Institute for Children’s Environmental Health, and Coordinator, CHE Working Group on Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative, moderated the call.

Martha Herbert, MD, Ph.D., discussed the paradigm shift in autism from that of a brain disorder to a whole body condition. " We're saying, yes, autism is biological, but more than genetic or gene environment...it's more than the brain, it's the whole body, " she said. Herbert said the older model of autism, " where genes affect the brain and the brain generates behaviors and that's where we get autism, " has been driving federally-funded research into the disorder, but isn't leading to answers about autism or helping treat children.

In her and her colleagues' research, they are finding that there are changes in the brain in those with autism after birth, as well as ongoing physical illness. " Up to 80% of children with autism have [various forms of] gastrointestinal disease, " she said. " From an environmental standpoint, the idea that the brain and body are both affected can be seen in findings in the gut and immune systems because these are gateways to the body's encounters with the environment. " As this new paradigm in autism develops, Herbert said brain research will look at changes in brain function, as well as treatments targeted at the body's resiliancy in restoring body and brain adaptive capibilities.

ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman, covered ASA's Environmental Health Initiative, which was undertaken in March 2006, as a step toward changing public policy regarding autism. " From a public policy standpoint, autism has been treated through an archaic and limited developmental disability and mental health system, " he said. " If we can change public policy to look at autism as a medical condition and have the same resources available as any other chronic medical condition, we will help families and those affected by autism. " Grossman also said that ASA's initiative seeks to bring credibility to the science of environmental health and autism, an issue which has been surrounded by much controversy and divisiveness.

Lerner, Ph.D., of Commonweal, talked about autism as a highly individualized disorder, where a " one size fits all " approach may not fit in clinical treatment. He discussed treatments such as removing gluten from an individual with autism's diet as " not treating autism per se, but treating the health problems of autism...sometimes the symptoms improve. " Lerner also acknowledged the continuing controversy over vaccines and autism, recognizing that while the debate is not yet over, vaccines should not take all the headlines in this important debate.

To hear the MP3 recording of this conference call, go to: http://www.healthandenvironment.org/articles/partnership_calls/788.

The CHE is a diverse network of over 2,400 individual and organizational partners in 39 countries and 48 states, working collectively to advance knowledge and effective action to address growing concerns about the links between human health and environmental factors.

ASA Advocacy Update

ASA Applauds President Bush’s Signing of Combating Autism Act

Landmark bill provides nearly $1 billion for autism research and education

ASA sends its heartfelt thanks to President W. Bush for signing S. 843, the Combating Autism Act, earlier this week. This critical legislation authorizes almost $1 billion through 2011 in federal funding for autism-related research, early detection and intervention.

After signing the Act, the President issued the following statement: “For the millions of Americans whose lives are affected by autism, today is a day of hope. The Combating Autism Act of 2006 will increase public awareness about this disorder and provide enhanced federal support for autism research and treatment. By creating a national education program for doctors and the public about autism, this legislation will help more people recognize the symptoms of autism. This will lead to early identification and intervention, which is critical for children with autism. I am proud to sign this bill into law and confident that it will serve as an important foundation for our Nation's efforts to find a cure for autism. "

ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman expressed his gratitude to the President and all the members of Congress taking leadership on this effort. “This is only the beginning of ASA’s commitment to ensure federal for autism is spent wisely and, in the most effective way,” commented Grossman. “Now, we hope that Congress will get to work on a comprehensive services bill for individuals with autism, including reforming Medicaid-funding waivers, employment incentives, housing improvements, job training and so much more.”

ASA will work actively on the Hill in the 110th Congress to ensure further legislation for autism services, education, and environmental health.

S. 843, authored by Senators Santorum and Dodd, first passed unanimously in the Senate on August 3, 2006. The U.S. House passed an amended version on December 6, 2006. Key provisions of the bill include:

Developing and implementing a strategic plan for research related to autism spectrum disorders;

Reauthorizing Autism Centers of Excellence and providing funds to the centers for coordination of services and information for patients;

Supporting basic and clinical research into the fields of developmental neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, pharmacology, nutrition, immunology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, psychopharmacology, and toxicology;

Improving coordination of the various federal, State, and local supports and services available to persons with autism and families affected by autism;

Increasing the number of providers that can screen, diagnosis and provide interventions to persons with autism; and,

Promoting research to determine evidence-based best practices for diagnosis, early detection, prevention, intervention and possible/potential cure for autism spectrum disorders.

Please take a moment to thank President Bush for signing and encourage him to call for appropriating funding in 2007.

ASA in the News

ASA has appeared in the news often over the past month, particularly as a leader in getting the Combating Autism Act passed by Congress and signed by the President.

The following lists ASA's recent media coverage:

Newsweek-- " Growing Up with Autism " :

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15792805/site/newsweek/

CBS's " Up to the Minute " with Meg Oliver:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/19/politics/main2281401.shtml

PBS's " Newshour with Jim Lehrer " :

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/july-dec06/brain_11-29.html

WTTG Fox 5 in Washington, DC:

http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=1747608&version=4&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=5.2.1

NPR 's " Weekend America " :

http://weekendamerica.publicradio.org/programs/2006/12/16/autistic_as_an_adult.html

Legal Times-- " A 'Sweet Victory' in the Fight Against Autism " : http://www.law.com/jsp/dc/PubArticleDC.jsp?id=1165917917688&hub=TopStoriesMore

The Wall Street Journal-- " How Many Kids Have Autism? " :

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB116481159830835726-ruJnRx3EF1iafD5jh0ETvDHh_YY_20061229.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top

ASA Education Update

Autism Advocate: ASA's Premier Magazine on Autism Spectrum Disorders

This is the one you've been waiting for! The 5th edition of the Autism Advocate, a special issue on environmental health and autism, is off-press and will hit homes in the next 2 weeks! The first publication of its kind, this issue convenes pre-eminent researchers and professionals to discuss the spectrum of environmental impacts on autism.

Don't let your friends and family miss out on the Autism Advocate! Forward the link below and get them informed!

Already a member? Go to www.autism-society.org/magazine to read the Autism Advocate online.

ASA Conferences Update

ASA 2007 National Conference

Save the date

Be sure to mark your calendar for the 2007 ASA Natonal Conference. The conference will be held at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in sdale, AZ, July 11-15, 2007. Visit www.westin.com/kierland and see the facilities of this spectacular 5-star hotel. The Westin will be providing attendees with conference rates starting at $129. This is a great conference to which to bring your whole family.

Registration is expected to open in January. Save the date...you will want to book your space early this year!

More information about the 2007 ASA National Conference will be posted shortly. If you have questions concerning the conference, please contact us at conference@....

ASA Shop

Holiday Greeting Cards

You asked for them, we've got them! ASA has partnered with Brightdoc.com to introduce the first ever ASA Greeting Card Series. The greeting card series will feature artwork created by selected participants of the 2006 Celebrating Talents initiative, which showcased the talents of individuals with autism. The first card design, entitled " Argyle Lake, " was created by Long Island-based artist Illiou, an adult with autism.

You can also select other holiday-themed cards like " Berry Christmas, " " Mr. and Mrs. Claus " and the endeared autism ribbon. Each set contains 10 cards with the design of your choice on the cover, and the artist's bio on the back. You can choose a standard greeting or customize your very own. You can even add your family photo for a personalized touch!

And for companies not wanting the hassle of mailing large volumes of cards, Brightdoc.com will mail them for you. Simply upload your mailing file and enjoy this time saving feature. All standard orders will ship in 1-3 business days. Be sure to visit us at www.autism-society.org to order.

Holiday greeting cards are the perfect way to send your well wishes and support ASA!

Holiday Gift Items for Her

The Jollification Scarf-Inspired by the beautiful painting, Jollification, by renowned artist Metin Bereketli, this beautiful silk scarf captures all the precision, detail and vibrancy of the original painting. This high quality scarf measures 34.6 " x 34.6 " and makes a wonderful gift for the special lady in your life. Visit www.autism-society.org/shop to purchase.

God's Butterfly ASA Limited Edition Collectible

This beautiful collectible item was inspired by the painting, God's Butterfly, created by ASA 2006 Celebrating Talents winner Knox. With fine detail and colors of surreal brilliance, this ornament is sure to make a great family treasure for years to come. The God's Butterfly Limited Edition collectible is the 3rd in the series of dated collectibles produced by Chemart, maker of the renowned White House Historical Society ornaments. Visit www.autism-society.org/shop to purchase

Autism Resources

HHS Launches New Web Site Promoting Long-Term Care Planning

HHS has a new Web site that will make it easier for consumers to get the information they need to plan for long-term care. The National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information Web site provides comprehensive information about long-term care planning, services and financing options, along with tools to help people begin the planning process. It also supports the “Own Your Future” education campaign, a joint federal-state initiative designed to increase consumer awareness about planning for long-term care.

For more information, please visit www.longtermcare.gov.

CMS Open Enrollment Toolkit

The following materials are available at www.medicare.gov to help people with Medicare review their current health and prescription drug coverage and make a confident decision that meets their needs:

1) Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder Training Materials.

2) Information about How to Access the Medicare & You 2007 Handbook and Dynamic Landscape of Local Plans on the Web.

3) Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Personal Information Worksheet.

4) Guide to CMS, SSA and Plan Mailings.

5) “My Health. My Medicare. Your Guide to Medicare Rx Costs, Coverage & Customer Service in 2007.”

CMS has also posted a summary of Part D enrollment data by state and county for Part D eligible people with disabilities who are under age 65.

***A big thanks to the Dan Marino Foundation for its $10,000 donation to ASA. For more on the Dan Marino Foundation, go to www.danmarinofoundation.org***

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