Study: Rise in Autism and introduction of Aborted Fetal DNA in Vaccines Correlate

BY LIFESITENEWS.COM

·         Thu Jun 03, 2010 11:15 EST

·          

By James Tillman

PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 3, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com)—Dr. Theresa Deisher, founder of the pro-life Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute, presented a study revealing the link between autism and aborted fetal DNA in vaccinations at the International Meeting for Autism Research in May.

"The temporal connection between the introduction of aborted fetal DNA and autism rises is found over decades and across continents," Dr. Deisher told LifeSiteNews.  "This temporal connection is more compelling than any mercury connection," which, she said, had no temporal connection to rising rates of autism.

As the abstract of the study indicates, autism rates in the US and the UK began to increase around the same time that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine switched from using animal cells to using human cells that had been derived from aborted fetuses.

The use of such cells means that the vaccine might contain residual human DNA fragments.  Dr. Deisher told LSN that "short fragments of human DNA residuals in vaccines present two well-documented potential physiological dangers" and "the possibility for auto-immune reactions."  While the immune system recognizes the DNA as foreign, its similarity to an individual’s own DNA can cause the immune system to attack parts of the individual's own body...    read full article

Just In: Aspergers Prevalence Predicted To Fall To Zero

Emily Willingham, Contributor

Forbes.com  PHARMA & HEALTHCARE | 12/04/2012 @ 4:12PM |8,681 views

full article here

Today, I was one of four people speaking on Forum with Michael Krasny, on KQED (Northern California Public Radio; listen here). The big news and the show’s focus is that Aspergers (and the less-mentioned, PDD-NOS [pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified) will no longer be diagnostic entities in the DSM-V, the guide clinicians theoretically use to diagnose these developmental conditions.


As the show’s site says: The American Psychiatric Association voted this weekend to remove the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome from the so-called bible of psychiatry, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders. People with Asperger’s will now more likely be diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder. The APA says the change will lead to more accurate diagnoses for people with autism — but critics say removing the diagnosis may result in fewer people getting the services and care they need.

NEW DATA REGARDING QUALITY OF LIFE ASSESSMENT NEEDS, STRESS LEVELS FOR AUTISM CAREGIVERS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012


 We Help Sressed Out Parents

Dr. Gary Sweeten


Did you know that rearing a child with a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum has about the same amount of stress as a soldier in Iraq? Yep, no joke. In fact, it can be like suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (PTSD)



This is one reason we are starting to focus on families with a member who has a chronic disease. We have developed simple materials designed to lead people to ways that can lower stress, exhaustion, conflict and hopelessness. During our yearlong research process with parents and kids we learned that a well designed Quality Of Life Self Assessment could serve as an in home Mentor and Wise Guide for the care givers...



Dr Gary Sweeten, Ed. D. University of Cincinnati, Founder and Chairman of the Board Lifeway Counseling Centers, Practice limited to Consultant, Coach and Mentor to leaders, pastors, executives and organizations. full article here

Temple Grandin Reveals Her Advice for Educating Autistic Kids

Dr. Temple Grandin has unique insight into the minds of autistic children. Her approach—stay positive.

By Dr. Temple Grandin

August 15, 2012

Comment

Dr. Temple Grandin offers tips for special educators and parents with autistic children. (Photo: Rosalie Winard)

The following essay was written by Dr. Temple Grandin exclusively for TakePart.

Special educators need to look at what a child can do instead of what he/she cannot do.

There needs to be more emphasis on building up and expanding the skills a child is good at. Too often people get locked into a label such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism, and they cannot see beyond the label. Kids that get a label often have uneven skills. They may be talented in one area and have a real deficiency in another.


In my case, I was really good at art, but doing algebra made no sense. It is important to work on areas where a child is weak, but an emphasis on deficits should not get to the point where building the area of strength gets neglected...

[full story]

Autism Group Calls For End To ‘Infighting’

By MICHELLE DIAMENT

August 7, 2012


(Updated: August 7, 2012 at 1:19 PM CT)

A leading national advocacy group is calling for a summit this fall in an effort to mitigate divisiveness within the autism community.

The Autism Society wants to bring together all of the major autism organizations to establish a series of joint goals.

“The infighting that a lot of times characterizes the autism community needs to stop,” said Scott Badesch, president of the Autism Society. “Until we come together, we’re not going to be able to move the needle on enhancing autism services.”

Tension has been brewing for years with parents and even professionals at odds over everything from possible causes of the developmental disorder to whether precious dollars should be spent on research or services for those on the spectrum...

Read full article and comments here

Read AMR editor's commentary on her blog

Washington Examiner: Boom in Autistic Students Prompts New Montgomery School Centers

Winston Churchill High School in Potomac is one of the Montgomery County schools that will house an autism resource center. (Examiner file photo)

 "Montgomery County Public Schools is planning to open autism centers at three high schools in the new school year, as the district grapples with a fivefold increase in the number of students diagnosed with autism over the last decade.

In the 2000-2001 school year, 266 students on the autism spectrum enrolled in MCPS. By 2010-2011, that number had jumped to 1,642, as autism became better diagnosed thanks to its federal classification as a disability and more awareness of the disorder's symptoms..."

read full article 

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough Manages to Offend Entire Autism World-- Demonstrates Stunning Ignorance

BREAKING NEWS FROM WWW.CHANGE.ORG WEBSITE -

http://www.change.org/petitions/joe-scarborough-msnbc-retract-your-statements-about-autism-and-the-colorado-shooting

"On Monday morning, July 23, Joe Scarborough of MSNBC asserted that James Holmes is probably on the autism spectrum, and that autism would explain why he allegedly committed mass murder. These statements are ignorant and potentially damaging to people who already struggle against stigma and prejudice. There is absolutely no link between autism and criminal behavior; in fact, people on the autism spectrum are far more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators..."


Read Scarborough's comment below:

"As soon as I hear about this shooting, I knew who it was. I knew it was a young, white male, probably from an affluent neighborhood, disconnected from society -- it happens time and time again. Most of it has to do with mental health; you have these people that are somewhere, I believe, on the autism scale...I don't know if that's the case here, but it happens more often than not. People that can walk around in society, they can function on college campuses -- they can even excel on college campuses -- but are socially disconnected."

The petition letter was composed by autism advocate Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg who is affiliated with Change.org, as well as publishing her writings on www.journeyswithautism.com, www.autismandempathy.com and www.sojournerartist.com .

For further information and commentary view AMR editor's 7.23.12 blog at www.livewith.autism.us

Autistic Pianist Performs Concerto with Symphony

Autistic Pianist Performs Concerto with Symphony

Sheffield, Alabama, 6/6/12—Awetism Videos announces the publication of their first advocacy short video on their Youtube channel.

The 4 minute video features a 50 year old pianist, Sharon Howarth, who was diagnosed as an adult, with Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning sub category of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Ms. Howarth’s performance is exceptional in that she is not a ‘savant’ type of autistic musician, which has previously gained much attention in the media.

Instead, she has been able to achieve a level of mastery in perception and musical expression, unlike many autistics featured in past media pieces, including her ability to create, produce and distribute her own recordings.


read full story here

CNN's Robin Meade features Autistic Teen: Breakthrough Women

"Amanda LaMunyon was diagnosed with a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome when she was eight. Asperger's made it tough for her to communicate -- until she picked up a paintbrush.

According to her website, since she began painting Amanda has "emerged from an inward world to a world of giving and caring." She's become an activist, speaking and even singing to groups about her journey. 

She writes, “It is important that we as Americans must take the lead to find the cause, cure and prevention of Autism. We have the privilege and freedom in our great country to raise money and speak about our concerns."

LaMunyon sells her paintings to raise money, and has given them to President George W. Bush and former First Lady Nancy Regan among others.

You can read more about her journey, her art and all the things that make her a Morning Express with Robin Meade breakthrough woman on her website:amandalamunyon.com. "

see full video and CNN article

What Would You Do? - Autistic Child Defended in Cafe

ABC's John Quinones does an interesting piece on this autistic child's public behaviors. This YouTube link has generated some controversial comments from both autistic and neurologically typical viewers. Warning : some profanity in the approved comments if you view directly on YouTube,  but the video is informative.

ARTICLE LINK David Finch--Combatting Asperger's: A Losing Proposition

Learn to say yes to your best possible life.

Published on February 20, 2012 by David Finch in The Journal of Best Practices

Finch and his saintly neurotypical wife, Kristen.

Though I've had Asperger syndrome my entire life—more than thirty-four years, now—I've only known about it for the past few years. Like many who are diagnosed as adults, I was surprisingly relieved when I found out: It all makes sense now, I thought. I'm supposed to be different from the other 109 people around me at any given time; this is how I'm wired...When I realized, for instance, that my marriage was in trouble largely because of my behaviors and detachment from my wife, Kristen, I immediately blamed Asperger's. (I don't pay attention to her needs? Asperger's! I don't help with the housework? Also Asperger's! It takes me three hours to make my breakfast yet I can't find time to help the kids get ready for school? Yep, that would be the Asperger's, too...I'm sure of it.) I thought the only way to save our marriage would be to somehow conquer my disorder. After all, erasing my neurological condition would automatically make me a better husband. Wouldn't it? read article at Psychology Today

Revised Autism Insurance Reform PASSES the Alabama SENATE

News Release

Cam Ward
State Senator - District 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, contact:
(205) 664-1066
(205) 566-6746
www.camward.com

April 5, 2012 – Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Senate passed SB 283 today, reforming the coverage requirements for children who are on the Autism Spectrum. This legislation will coincide with an industry decision to triple the amounts of speech and occupational therapy available to children with Autism. It also provides more access to Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy, which can foster basic skills such as looking, listening and imitating, as well as complex skills such as reading, conversing and understanding another person’s perspective.

“With more and more of our children being diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, it is only right that families are provided more access to care by their insurance companies,” Senator Cam Ward, SB 283 sponsor said. “I know first hand what families go through to assure access to these proven and needed therapies, because my own daughter is among those on the autism spectrum. While this bill is not perfect, it is another step down the road to providing adequate insurance coverage to those on the Autism Spectrum. This bill will give employers the opportunity to offer insurance coverage for their employees that is unprecedented in Alabama today.”

It takes people coming together to accomplish something truly remarkable. Passing Autism insurance reform is the result of the work of many people, including The Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council, House Sponsor Rep. Mac McCutcheon (R-Capshaw) and Insurance Companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.  Senator Ward worked long hours through tough negotiations to fight for this access to care for Alabama’s children and families afflicted by Autism Spectrum Disorders.

“I am so proud of my colleagues for their votes on this bill. This is something I have worked tirelessly on for many years,” Senator Ward said. “If this legislation will allow just one child to gain improved skills from this affliction, it will stand among my proudest accomplishments not just in elected office, but of my entire life.”

“Families of individuals with autism work hard to provide for their loved ones – to provide opportunities for growth and learning,” Anna McConnell, State Autism Coordinator said. “Expanded insurance coverage can help ease the financial stresses that these families face every day.”           

While state officials and the IACC worked hard on this legislation, no one does more than citizen advocates like The Autism Society of Alabama. Senator Ward was effusive in his praise for Bama Hager, Policy Advisor to The Autism Council of Alabama, and all of the families and friends of Autism Awareness who did ­­­yeoman’s work to keep this issue at the forefront of the legislature’s agenda this year.

“At Autism Society of Alabama, we are encouraged and thrilled that the Alabama Legislature recognized that Autism Insurance Coverage is an important issue to thousands of Alabamians affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Hager said. “We look forward to better access to services for ASD and improved coverage for ASD therapies.  ASA would like to thank Senator Cam Ward and the State Senate Leadership for their relentless support as we pursued Autism insurance coverage improvements. We are looking forward to the House of Representatives vote on the Autism Insurance Reform Bill.”                      
 

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11 yr old Autistic boy uses talents

Autistic game designer Jack is an internet hit

9:20pm Sunday 13th September 2009

An autistic Swindon boy has become an internet hit thanks to his series of online games.

Jack Booth, 11, of Beech Avenue, Pinehurst, has created scores of games to challenge players around the world – including City Of The Dead, which no player has managed to complete in over 2,000 attempts.

Now Jack hopes his achievements will help to challenge perceptions of autism.

“I would like to show people they shouldn’t be scared to be friends with me,” said Jack.

Read full article

Autism and Employment Issues Article

As of the publishing date of this article, only 4 individuals had been employed by this non-profit corp. Much more to do?

N.J. adults with autism undertake hardest job by entering workforce


by Karen Keller/The Star-Ledger

Thursday September 17, 2009, 9:40 PM

For an autistic worker, the hardest part of a job is often the easiest for everyone else: Joking with co-workers, sharing desserts on a special day, instinctively treating your boss with respect.

Being socially correct is grueling. And for some autistic adults, an impossible task.

Autism advocates are saying this is an issue more companies in New Jersey will have to start dealing with, as there will soon be a surge in autistic adults in the workforce.


A state-commissioned report due out this month is starting to tackle the problem. It's an issue that faces more challenges as unemployment reaches historic heights and as public interest and dollars still remains fixed on autistic children.

"A lot of public awareness has been around children with severe challenges," said Leslie Long, public policy director for Autism New Jersey. "You have to now look at John who's now 20. Putting him on a brochure for funding isn't going to work anymore. He has a right to work and wants to work. How do you help him?"

New Jersey's progressive special-education laws allow autistic children to receive a comprehensive education until they reach age 21. But after that, funding drops and many autistic adults today sit at home with little to do, Long said.

Graduating autistic students often don't find jobs on their own, said Jane Wilkie, adult services director of the Midland School, a special-education school in Somerset County.

"If we weren't able to put them in jobs they were going home not to do anything," Wilkie said.

One in 94 children in New Jersey is diagnosed with autism, compared with one in 150 children in the nation, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are no reliable statistics for the number of autistic adults in New Jersey because many have been misdiagnosed, Long said. The state recently launched an online registry for autistic adults, but the numbers so far are sketchy. Unemployment nationwide for disabled adults in general hovers at about 70 percent, Long said.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/nj_adults_with_autism_undertak.html

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