Asperger Syndrome in the News

It's hard to believe this year ASPEN is celebrating its 10th Anniversary! We have accomplished much in our first ten years fulfilling our mission to provide support and education to individuals and families whose lives are affected by Asperger Syndrome and related disorders. In honor of our 10th Anniversary we are putting together an Ad Journal that will be distributed at our Fall Conference on October 26, 2007.

We invite you to support ASPEN as we embark on our next ten years of service to the Asperger Community by placing an advertisement or words of congratulations in our 10th Anniversary Ad Journal.

In addition, we are offering several conference sponsorship opportunities for businesses. Conference Sponsorship will include a full-page advertisement in the Ad Journal, and some sponsorships also include two conference registrations.

Click here to learn more

Governor Jon S. Corzine signed seven bills relating to autism spectrum disorders on September 12, 2007. Thank you to all who were involved is any way with getting these bills passed!

The seven bills are listed below:

• A2291/S690, which establishes an Asperger's Syndrome Pilot Initiative in the Department of Human Services. The initiative will provide vocational, educational and social training services to persons with Asperger's Syndrome. This will be accomplished through community-based service sites which offer appropriate support; guidance and education that will enable these individuals to further their education achieve gainful employment and become broadly competent adults who are able to lead fulfilling lives.
• A4057/S2559, establishing the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force in the Department of Human Services (DHS). The purpose of the task force is to study, evaluate, and develop recommendations relating to specific actionable measures to support and meet the needs of adults with autism. These include job training and placement, housing, and long-term care.
• A4055/S2558, providing for teacher training in awareness and instruction methods for students with autism and other developmental disabilities for candidates for teaching certificates, current teachers and paraprofessionals. The Commissioner of Education will develop recommendations to address a variety of issues including the characteristics of students with autism and other developmental disabilities; curriculum planning, assistive technology; and inclusive educational practices.
• A4056/S2568, requiring the Early Intervention Program in the Department of Health and Senior Services to address the specific needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. These activities involve developing guidelines for health care professionals to use in evaluating infants and toddlers for autism, ensuring the timely referral by health care professionals of infants and toddlers suspected of being on the autism spectrum to the Early Intervention Program and collecting data on statewide autism screening, diagnosis, and intervention programs and systems.
• S/698A4054, which makes changes to the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Infantile Autism, renaming it the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism.
• A4059/S2569, extending funding for autism medical research and treatment. The bill eliminates the five-year "sunset" for the $1 surcharge established under P.L.2003, c.144 for each motor vehicle fine and penalty imposed by the court, which is deposited in the "Autism Medical Research and Treatment Fund." The fund provides the financial support funding for the grant and contract awards of the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism.
• A2306/S2723 requiring the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to maintain a registry of reported autism diagnoses. The DHSS, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, will maintain an up-to-date registry to include a record of all reported cases of autism that occur in New Jersey; each reported case of autism in which the initial diagnosis is changed, lost, or considered misdiagnosed; and any other information DHSS deems relevant and appropriate to conduct thorough and complete epidemiologic surveys of autism, to enable analysis of this problem, and to plan for and provide services to children with autism and their families.

Nightline and World News with Charles Gibson Explore
"Asperger Syndrome In Echoes Of Autism: Different In The Middle"

April 4th and April 5th, 2007

ABC News and Nightline have reported extensively on Autism and how the fastest growing developmental disability impacts the more than one million people living with Autism and the people close to them. In their latest report on autism, the ABC News team of correspondent John Donvan and producer Caren Zucker look at Asperger Syndrome, a specific form of autism, in their latest installment of the series, Echoes of Autism: Different in the Middle.

Different in the Middle explores the experiences of kids in middle school who must navigate a teenage world while also confronting the social challenges of living with Asperger Syndrome. As Daniel Corcoran, a 21-year-old with Asperger Syndrome, puts it this way, "Middle school... the nightmarish days." His mother, Karrie Olick, remembers those painful days this way, "It doesn't feel so good as a parent when your kid comes home and says so-and-so 'called me a retard.'"

Jed Baker is a psychologist who teaches social skills to kids who, like Daniel, have Asperger Syndrome says , "In some areas, there have been reports that 90% of kids with Asperger are getting bullied on a daily basis." But over time, Daniel has learned that he just needs to continue trying to figure out how to live with Asperger, accept himself for who he is, and hopes that others will also love him. Mr. Donvan and Ms. Zucker's report, Echoes of Autism: Different in the Middle aired on ABC News World News with Charles Gibson on Wednesday, April 4th and in greater depth later on Nightline. The next night, Thursday, April 5th, Donvan and Zucker talked to experts who offer possible solutions to this problem. World News is anchored by Charles Gibson and airs at 6:30 (EST) weeknights on the ABC Television Network. Jon Banner is the executive producer Nightline is anchored by Cynthia McFadden, Terry Moran, and Martin Bashir. James Goldston is the executive producer. Nightline airs at 11:35 p.m. (ET/PT) weeknights on the ABC Television Network.

On February 13, 2007, The United State Senate adopted a resolution designating April 2007 as "National Autism Awareness Month." The resolution reflects the Senate's acknowledgment of the autism epidemic, in light of the CDC's new statistic of 1 in 150, in an effort to raise awareness within the general public. April has typically been Autism Awareness Month, recognized and promoted nationally by the autism community. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) introduced the resolution with co-sponsors Sens. Russell Feingold (D-Wis.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). This is the third such resolution Sen. Hagel has introduced in drive for improved research, treatment and support for autism, particularly in light of the recent studies by the CDC.

"This resolution recognizes the importance of autism awareness," Hagel said. "The prevalence of autism among children remains high, while the causes of autism are poorly understood and there is no cure. It is critical to support research and improve treatments of autism that will foster the health and well-being of autistic individuals."

White House News

"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."

- President George W. Bush, 12/19/2006

Today, President Bush Signed The Combating Autism Act Of 2006. This Act authorizes expanded activities related to autism research, prevention, and treatment through FY 2011. There are more than 1.5 million cases of autism in the United States.

Since The President Took Office, National Institutes Of Health (NIH) Funding For Autism-Related Research Has Increased By Over 80 Percent From $56 Million In 2001 To An Estimated $101 Million In The 2007 Budget, Including Support For Autism Centers of Excellence. In addition, the Budget includes approximately $15 million at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for autism surveillance and research, including five regional Centers of Excellence for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology. In October, CDC initiated a $5.9 million study to help identify factors that may put children at risk for autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.

The Combating Autism Act Enhances Research, Surveillance, And Education Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Act Authorizes Research Under NIH To Address The Entire Scope Of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism, sometimes called "classical autism," is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS).

The Act Authorizes Regional Centers Of Excellence For Autism Spectrum Disorder Research And Epidemiology. These Centers collect and analyze information on the number, incidence, correlates, and causes of ASD and other developmental disabilities. The Act also authorizes grants to States for collection, analysis, and dissemination of data related to autism.

The Act Authorizes Activities To Increase Public Awareness Of Autism, Improve The Ability Of Health Care Providers To Use Evidence-Based Interventions, And Increase Early Screening For Autism.

The Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to:

• Provide information and education on ASD and other developmental disabilities to increase public awareness of developmental milestones
• Promote research into the development and validation of reliable screening tools for ASD and other developmental disabilities and disseminate information regarding those screening tools
• Promote early screening of individuals at higher risk for ASD and other developmental disabilities as early as practicable; Increase the number of individuals who are able to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of ASD and other developmental disabilities
• Increase the number of individuals able to provide evidence-based interventions for individuals diagnosed with ASD or other developmental disabilities
• Promote the use of evidence-based interventions for individuals at higher risk for ASD and other developmental disabilities as early as practicable

The Act Calls On The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) To Enhance Information Sharing. The IACC provides a forum to facilitate the efficient and effective exchange of information about autism activities, programs, policies, and research among the Federal government, several non-profit groups, and the public. The Combating Autism Act requires the IACC to provide information and recommendations on ASD-related programs, and to continue its work to develop and update annually a strategic plan for ASD research.

Autism Asperger Publishing Company asked Lisa Barrett to put together of book of essays, poetry, monologues, and remarks by children with Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism.

This is an exciting opportunity to let our kids' voices be heard. So many people have misconceptions about our kids - not realizing how truly amazing and diverse they are. The project is tentatively entitled "More Than Little Professors", on the new web site. The site includes a few samples of submissions already received. There's some great stuff - but a lot more is needed!

If you're the parent of a child with AS or HFA, I hope you'll consider submitting something he/she has said or written for the book. Your child's identity will be protected, and you'll be helping others gain insight into our kids' thoughts and feelings.

If you're a professional in the autism/asperger field, I hope you'll share info about this project with your colleagues and with parents.

AAPC - Autism Asperger Publishing Company
Phone: 877-277-8254
Website: http://www.asperger.net/contact.htm