Autism in the News

Autism in the News[1]
Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Families and Services

Taekwondo Lessons Help Autistic Kids Battle Through (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
Instructors say the physical exercises develop strength, flexibility, and coordination. Read more.
Website offers help to families with autism.

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A new social networking site for parents and families dealing with autism is available at AutismVictory.com. Read more.
Autism strain extends far beyond parents (Seattle, Wash.).
We looked at the stress on parents raising autistic children today in Autism's Hidden Victims, but there was not space to detail the startling and mounting stress on schools, therapists and medical providers. Read more.
State Of Autism: Minn. Students Get Extra Help (Minn.).
"We had concerns about Thomas, probably early on," said Thomas' mother, Antonia Edwardson. "When a child is diagnosed, your whole world changes." Read more.
New Autism Web Site (Okla.)
The Oklahoma Autism Network at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the Oklahoma Family Center for Autism has created a new Web site for Oklahomans who want more information on autism. Read more.
Awareness and Fundraising (awareness of autism seen in the statistics and data tables below).

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Ernie Els Invitational put on hold for 2008.
It was announced with regret on Tuesday that the Ernie Els Invitational would not be taking place in December 2008 due to the timelines of the Sunshine Tour. Read more.
Project U.S. fundraiser will aid many causes (Belleville, Ill.)
Nearly every disease, issue, cause or effort has a ribbon attached to it. For example, pink ribbons are for breast cancer; red ribbons are for HIV/AIDS; purple ribbons represent domestic violence; a jigsaw puzzle ribbon represents autism; and a yellow ribbon is for suicide prevention. Angela Barnes revealed her vision for a united fundraising effort -- Project U.S. --Monday morning in Belleville. The project would combine all the ribbon-related causes in St. Clair County into one Weaving of the Ribbons Walk and use in the county all the funds raised on the walk. Read more.
Goal is helping others to understand (West Hazleton, Penn.)
Hair salon owner Kim Kuzma held a fundraiser to benefit Autism Speaks. Read more.
Elliott Sadler's Autism Awareness Helmet Online Auction is Underway
for the month of April; Elliott Sadler has worn a specially designed Autism Awareness helmet at every track. Now, that very same helmet will belong to whoever wants it most. Read more.
Government Relations
State autism office advances in Assembly panel vote (New Jersey)
New Jerseyans with autism would gain a government office to advocate on their behalf, under a bill approved Monday by an Assembly committee. Read more.
Robert Glasgow: Funding cuts for disabled care make no sense (Fla.)
I am on the board of directors of Down Syndrome Supported Living, Inc (DSSL). One of their state-licensed capabilities has been to manage group homes since 1995. One man will to move to a more independent living facility this June. Our goal is to establish five group homes, provide supported living development, and home care for developmentally disabled citizens living in their own residence. Due to budget cuts, which are limiting our ability to expand services, our admirable goal has been put on hold. Read more.
Editorial: Autism drama offers high hope (Fla.).
The emotional last-gasp salvage of legislation to help Florida families with autistic children was an enormous encouragement. Read more.

Group asks court to ban rules on Medicaid autism services (Columbus, Ohio). [5]
A state advocacy group for people with disabilities has filed a complaint asking a federal court to prevent the enforcement of new rules that would reduce or eliminate services for autistic children. Read more.

[1]Autism Speaks Inc. 2008. Autism Speaks. accessed April 1, 2008.

[2] Institution of Educational Sciences. 2008. Institution of Educational Sciences. <ies.ed.gov/ncser/pubs/20073005/figures/t3.gif >. accessed April 1, 2008.

[3] Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2008. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <images.theglobeandmail.com/archives/RTGAM/images/20070706/wlautism06/_done_0706autism_350big.jpg >. accessed April 1, 2008.

[4] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2008. National Institute of Mental Health. < accessed May 1, 2008.

[5] Columbia University. 2008. Department of Statistics. < accessed April 1, 2008.