NEWS Autism Society Launches YouTube Channel Check out the Autism Society’s new YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/TheAutismSociety. We have uploaded several videos from our recent National Conference in St. Charles, Ill. Don’t miss “The Future of Autism” and “The Culture of Autism”, two special videos produced for the conference, and Autism Society President & CEO Lee Grossman’s introduction to Thursday’s keynote discussion on the future of autism. More keynote videos are coming soon, so be sure to subscribe to the channel to get the latest updates! Autism Society Announces New e-Store The Autism Society is pleased to announce its new and improved e-Store! The products listed in the e-Store are all selected and are being used by therapists associated with the Autism Society. What's more, every purchase generates a donation to advance our vital mission to support autism research, services, awareness and advocacy. Read more … Disability Community Mourns Passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver The Autism Society was deeply saddened by the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver Tuesday morning. She was 88. Shriver, who founded Special Olympics and led the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, devoted her life to helping improve the lives of people with disabilities. Her work significantly changed the way those with intellectual and developmental disabilities are viewed by society, and her loss will be felt throughout the entire community. Read more … San Diego Autism Society Meets with Adam Creators The San Diego Autism Society was recently invited to an interview with Max Mayer and Hugh Dancy, director and star of the new motion picture Adam, which tells the story of a man with Asperger’s Syndrome who forms a romantic relationship with his neighbor. Chapter president Cherri Cary and administrator Kay Freeman discussed the implications of the movie with Mayer and Dancy. Read more … ADVOCACY IACC Issues Request for Information On behalf of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), the National Institute of Mental Health is seeking comments to inform the annual update of the IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research, as required by the Combating Autism Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-416). Read more … Update on Health Care The health-care debate has moved back to the Congressional Districts, as members of Congress hold town-hall meetings while home on the recess. This heated debate has caused much confusion about health-care reform and autism. Health-care, and access to health-care, is a critical issue in the autism community and the disability community generally. All of the proposals currently available for public review are being considered favorable for the general disability community. Read more … New Analysis of Medicaid for Americans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) recently released a report on Medicaid services for Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The annual “Case for Inclusion” gives advocates a chance to see how their state ranks, figure out where services can be improved, and observe the examples of top performing states in key areas. Read more … RESEARCH Study Links Social Reasoning and Brain Development in Preschoolers New research at Queen's University shows that the way preschool children understand false beliefs can be linked to particular aspects of brain development. This research may aid in understanding developmental disorders such as autism. Read more … Study Finds Autism Affects Ability to Read Body Language The way people with autism see and process body language could prevent them gauging people’s feelings, according to new research. The Durham University study suggests visual processing problems could be contributing to their day-to-day difficulties with social interaction. Read more … EDUCATION Autism Society Expert Featured in School Library Journal Article Autism Society Chief Programs Officer Dr. Brenda Smith-Myles was featured in a recent School Library Journal article on how libraries can be inclusive of children with autism. It highlights several helpful resources, and includes a sidebar, “What You Can Do,” with several specific strategies from Dr. Smith-Myles. Read the article at the School Library Journal Web site. CONFERENCES 2009 Autism Society Conference Recordings Coming Soon Recordings of the Autism Society 2009 Conference sessions will be available in a few weeks; until then early bird pricing is in effect. To order, please go to the conference Web site: www.autism-society.org/conference. A sampling of conference videos are also posted on YouTube, including Autism Society President and CEO Lee Grossman’s introductory address to the Future of Autism panel discussion on July 23, and more keynote videos will be posted over the coming weeks. Check them out at www.youtube.com/TheAutismSociety. Save the date! The Autism Society’s 2010 Conference will be in Dallas, Texas, July 7-10. The Call for Papers will open in mid-September at the conference Web site: www.autism-society.org/conference. We look forward to receiving your submissions! Minnesota Regional ARI/Defeat Autism Now! Conference The ARI/Defeat Autism Now!® Minnesota Regional Conference will take place at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, September 12-13. Read more … OCALI Statewide Ohio Autism Conference The 2009 Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) Conference will take place November 17-19 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Read more … RESOURCES Second Volume of Activity Book Released Playtime with Zeebu recently announced the release of Eye Power 2, an activity, coloring, and sticker book for children with social learning delays. This series is a tool that will help caregivers interact with children while building a foundation for social learning. Read more … New Resource for Transitions The Autism Transition Guide is a road map for teenagers with autism, their families, teachers, counselors and transition specialists to navigating the crucial, sometimes tricky journey from high school to adult life. Authors Carolyn Bruey, Psy.D., and Mary Beth Urban, M.Ed., walk readers through the process of planning for key areas. Read more …
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