Study into violence in families with a disability

A preliminary study has found disturbing levels of violence are endured by the brothers and sisters of people with a disability.

It found the siblings were sometimes violently attacked by their disabled brother or sister.

The topic is rarely discussed openly by families for fear that they'll be separated.

The study's author, Kate Strohm is speaking to Nance Haxton.

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3662209.htm

Autism Links

Secret Agent Society

http://www.sst-institute.net/au/index/


Autism: parents make the difference

http://www.west-info.eu/autism-parents-make-the-difference/


Autistic Child Defended in Cafe - video

Autistic Child Defended in Café | Video - ABC News


Does The Brain Come Unglued in Autism?

http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/12/12/does-the-brain-come-unglued-in-autism/49001.html



Boy With Asperger’s Lands ‘Jeopardy!’ Tryout

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/12/11/boy-aspergers-jeopardy/16926/

The Impact of Stress and Anxiety on Individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities

http://thesciencenetwork.org/programs/music-science-medicine-at-the-new-york-academy-of-sciences/the-impact-of-stress-and-anxiety-on-individuals-with-autism-and-developmental-disabilities

Dr. June Groden is considered one of the pioneers in the field of autism and developmental disabilities. Her primary areas of interest are stress and anxiety and procedures to reduce stress. She has focused on the development of relaxation and imagery based procedures for a population with autism and developmental disabilities. Dr. Groden is the Director of the Groden Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

Autism Links

A Modest Proposal for Autistic Employment

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/my-life-aspergers/201210/modest-proposal-autistic-employment


Online Resource Transition Package:
The online resource package has been developed to assist early intervention service providers (e.g. AQ and AEIOU), parents and teachers (Kindergarten and Prep) by providing information and resources to support children with ASD transition into Queensland schools.

http://education.qld.gov.au/asd-online-resource-kit/


Autism researchers unpack the tangled role of genetics

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/174494281.html


Key Points For Understanding Autism

http://mamabegood.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/key-points-for-understanding-autism.html

Autism Links

Study in Korea Puts Autism’s Prevalence at 2.6%, Surprising Experts

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/09/health/research/09autism.html?_r=1&


Dude, I'm an Aspie

http://www.dudeimanaspie.com/2012/04/dude-im-aspie-kids-edition.html


Large DSM-5 Study Suggests Most Children Will Keep ASD Diagnosis

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/large-dsm-5-study-suggests-most-children-will-keep-asd-diagnosis


Blog: Autism: in our own words

http://autismourwords.com.au


Silencing Ourselves- A Plea for Civility in the ASD Community

http://flappinessis.com/2012/02/01/silencing-ourselves-a-plea-for-civility-in-the-asd-community/

Autism Links

Famous Autistic People

http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2008/09/famous-autistic-people.html 


Defining Autistic Lives

http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/reviews/ckmontrubin0605.html


TMS Study Explores “Brain Plasticity”, Adaptation in Adults with Autism

http://catalyst.harvard.edu/pdf/hccrc/CRC_Newsletter_Issue_4.pdf


Morgan's Journey: My 16 year old son's journey through the criminal justice system, while living with Asperger's Syndrome

http://meredith-morgansstory.blogspot.com.au/

Australian Social Trends: Children with a disability

This article investigates the prevalence of disability among children aged 0-14 years, and the types of disability most common among children. It also examines the need for, and the accessibility of, assistance for children with a disability, both at home and at school.

http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features30Jun+2012

Autism Links

Is Autism an “Epidemic” or Are We Just Noticing More People Who Have It?
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2012/07/11/is-autism-an-epidemic-or-are-we-just-noticing-more-people-who-have-it/

S.A. scientists looking at baby teeth for clues to autism
http://www.kens5.com/news/SA-scientists-looking-at-baby-teeth-for-clues-to-autism-162253445.html
i find it quite mind boggling that Autism speaks have donated $100K to this study!

Complete guide to social stories
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_social_stories.html

Fragile X: Unraveling Autism's Secrets
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1818268,00.html?imw=Y


Autism: What's Sex Got to Do with It?
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200401/autism-whats-sex-got-do-it


Autism: the shameful truth
http://www.greaterdandenongweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/autism-the-shameful-truth/2617688.aspx?storypage=2

Teaching Flexibility for the Autistic Child
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/flexibility_autism/ 

 

Autism Links

Movie by a mum who used to live in the ACT, now in the UK
http://animoto.com/play/oDoI4k7VGykvq95pkD7R1g

Paper: The Intense World Syndrome – an Alternative Hypothesis for Autism
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2518049/

Autism rate is up on campus, in U.S.
http://www.mndaily.com/2012/04/26/autism-rate-campus-us

Non-speaking, low functioning (how things are not always what they seem)
http://www.shiftjournal.com/2012/01/11/non-speaking-low-functioning/

A couple of Autism links

Moms of autistic children work less, earn less

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sns-rt-us-autisticbre82i058-20120318,0,5306089.story


‘Idol’ star, on greatest living rock stars list, performs locally

http://www.pbpulse.com/music/2012/03/22/idol-star-on-greatest-living-rock-stars-list-performs-locally/


Ariz. researchers battle autism before it begins

http://ktar.com/6/1517307/Ariz-researchers-battle-autism-before-it-begins

Aspergers & Autism Links

Kathy Lette : My Son has Aspergers
http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/news/inthemag/8422678/kathy-lette-my-son-has-aspergers

Aspergers and Genetics
http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2010/06/aspergers-and-genetics.html


Differences in White Matter Fiber Tract Development Present From 6 to 24 Months in Infants With Autism
http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/data/Journals/AJP/PAP/appi.ajp.2011.11091447.pdf


The autism epidemic and the battle for parents struggling to get help for their kids
http://www.centreblog.com.au/2012/02/25/the-autism-epidemic-and-the-battle-for-parents-struggling-to-get-help-for-their-kids/

My Obsessive Son: Just Like His Dad & Grandpa
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/health/conditions/my-obsessive-son-just-his-dad-grandpa

Survey about kids with ASD and play

It’s REALLY long (140 questions, I gave up when I realised) so be warned!

https://surveys.psy.uq.edu.au/Survey.aspx?forceNew=true&s=b9cd0d30-8364-4d57-bdd6-70a273245540

The following study, conducted by Karen O’Brien under the supervision of Dr Virginia Slaughter, is designed to help us understand how interactions with siblings and parents may influence the social and cognitive development of children with autism spectrum disorders. These children can get a great deal out of their interactions with siblings and clearly enjoy playing with them. This study is intended to lead to participation in a sibling play intervention aimed at increasing the theory of mind, executive function and social understanding in children with autism spectrum disorders. For this first study, all you are asked to do is fill in a survey rating different play behaviours your child with an autism spectrum disorder may engage in alone, with a sibling or with a parent.

Research Study : relationship between Stress and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Research Study Request for Participants to examine  the relationship between Stress and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Briefly, using an online questionnaire and face-to-face interviews, this study aims to examine the nature and lived experience of the stressors and stress response experienced by individuals with high functioning (HF) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the relationship between stress and coping in these individuals.
University of New England (UNE), in conjunction with Australian National University (ANU) PhD Student is looking for participants over the age of 18 years and with a diagnosis of a high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (including Autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder [AD] and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-not otherwise specified [PPD-NOS]).
For more information:  Monika Singh (PhD Student) via email on monika_s6@hotmail.com or mobile: 0452 596 723.

Tony Attwood With Temple Grandin - in Sydney, April '12

Where:	The Richmond Club, Corner Francis & East Market Streets, Richmond (AU).
Date:	26 Apr, 2012 - 27 Apr, 2012
Time:	09:30 - 16:00
Event description:
Tickets are on sale until sold out Temple Grandin will not be appearing in person only via pre-recorded video link. Day 1: Thurs 26th April 2012 The Richmond Club cnr Francis & East Market Sts Richmond   9.30am - 4.00pm Topics for Day 1: Temple will describe the challenges she has faced in life and offers ideas on how we can help people with ASD overcome these obstacles. Tony will discuss how people with ASD think & ideas to help them manage emotions.   (Topics will cover both males & females from young children through to adults) Day 2: Friday 27th April 2012 The Richmond Club cnr Francis & East Market Sts Richmond  9.30am - 4.00pm Topics for Day 2: Temple will discuss sensory challenges for people with ASD and how people with ASD form friendships. Tony will discuss how to assist the development of social skills & relationships in people with ASD. (Topics will cover both males & females from young children through to adults) Both Tony & Temple will speak each day, both speakers will answer questions each day. (Temple will speak & answer questions via prerecorded link) http://www.autismsupport.org.au/event/1/tony-attwood-with-temple-grandin.html

Training: Introduction to Sexuality and Health

Introduction to Sexuality and Health
Cost: $295 per person with discounts available for SHFPACT Members;
Organisations sending more than one staff member and full time students.
Dates: March 26th, 27th, and 28th.
SHFPACT's core unit in sexuality, Introduction to Sexuality and Health, is
designed for teachers, youth workers, community workers, social workers and
those interested in gaining knowledge and skills in the area of sexuality
and reproductive health.
During this 3-day course, participants will develop skills in:
- Basic knowledge and understanding of:
o Anatomy and physiology of human sexuality
o Sexual function and dysfunction
o Pregnancy, birth and contraception
o Reproductive and sub-fertility issues
o STIs, HIV and safer sex
o Sexuality events in the lifecycle
- Knowledge or community resources and organisations
- Ability to communication about sexuality effectively and
comfortably
- Preparing and providing appropriate information about sexual and
reproductive health to address the needs of individuals and groups of
clients in a non-judgemental manner
- Responding to confidently to questions about sexuality
- Familiarity with current resources in the area of sexuality

Accreditation:
This course fulfils the unit CHCCED311A Provide sexual and reproductive
health information to clients
Assessment tasks include a pre-assessment, participation in interactive
modules, and a post-course workbook. Assessment may also include Recognition
of Prior Learning or Competence.
Enrolment:
Please register your interest in the course as early as possible as a
minimum number of participants is required in order for the course to run.
Enrolments will be accepted up until 2 weeks before the start of the course.
Contact us:
For more information or to register interest please check our website at
http://www.shfpact.org.au or telephone Megan on 6163 3420

Train for Free through PPPDo you know someone who needs extra skills to get into the workforce?
CIT has a limited number of places for eligible jobseekers to train for FREE in key areas of demand.
If you're working less than 15 hours per week, and not currently studying, you may be eligible to train for free under the ACT Government's Productivity Places Program (PPP).
Specific courses have been selected for funding in industries that are currently in demand in the ACT. This means employment opportunities are plentiful for people with the right skills.
You could study any of the following courses free of charge, starting straight away for semester one, 2012.

Course Places available:

· Certificate II in Business 30

· Certificate II in Hairdressing 14

· Certificate III in Disability 20

· Certificate II in Information Technology 20

· Certificate IV in IT (Networking) 15

Next Steps:
To determine your eligibility, go towww.cit.edu.au/ppptrainforfree. If you think you meet the criteria come to an information session onTuesday 14 February 2012 at either 10.00am or 5.30pm to find out more about the course and put your name forward.
Meet at the CIT Student Services Hub,A Block, Reid campus, to be taken to the venue so you don’t get lost. Please bring photo ID. Job Service Australia representatives will also be in attendance.
You can read more about the available courses, your eligibility, and start dates atwww.cit.edu.au/ppptrainforfree, or call CIT on (02) 6207 3188.

This information is current as at 7 February 2012. Due to limited places, some of these places may have filled. The Productivity Places Program (PPP) is a joint initiative of the Australian and ACT Governments.

Authorised by Dr Nicole Stenlake, Executive Director, Governance and Executive Services, Canberra Institute of Technology

Autism-related Links

Autism Therapy More Successful When Peers Involved Too
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/11/29/autism-therapy-peers/14528/

Kids with autism fare significantly better socially when their typically developing classmates are taught how to interact with them, new research suggests. Often students with autism are targeted for social skills training. But that alone may not be the best approach, according to a study published this week in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Autism Moms Have Stress Similar To Combat Soldiers
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/11/10/autism-moms-stress/6121/

Mothers of adolescents and adults with autism experience chronic stress comparable to combat soldiers and struggle with frequent fatigue and work interruptions, new research finds. These moms also spend significantly more time caregiving than moms of those without disabilities. Researchers followed a group of moms of adolescents and adults with autism for eight days in a row. Moms were interviewed at the end of each day about their experiences and on four of the days researchers measured the moms’ hormone levels to assess their stress. They found that a hormone associated with stress was extremely low, consistent with people experiencing chronic stress such as soldiers in combat, the researchers report in one of two studies published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Ricky Stuart opens up about autism and his daughter Emma
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/a-fathers-love-knows-no-bounds/story-e6frfgbo-1226256006863?sv=c0f8fb8dbba7da08688387547830350c

NOT so long ago Ricky Stuart was in McDonald's with his daughter, who is 14, waiting for her to finish her thickshake. It was time to go and even though she still had a little of the shake left, he told her it was time and got up to leave, and this is where life takes a left-hand turn. Emma Stuart was nowhere near ready to go so, in protest, she picked up her shake and threw it all over her dad. Imagine the looks the people gave. Milk everywhere, the daughter of a high-profile footballer who is now a high-profile coach. Rather than go crook on her or discipline her, Stuart spoke quietly and then he walked his little girl out with all those stares in his back. What he couldn't say, what he wouldn't say, because it has never been his way to explain, was the reason why.

Congratulations to Gay von Ess, who recently won an Australia Day Award!
Life devoted to children with special needs
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/education/life-devoted-to-children-with-special-needs/2433422.aspx

When Gay von Ess completed her training and started as a preschool teacher in the late 1960s, she felt an instant attraction to the two special needs children in her care. ''I really felt they were more interesting than the mainstream children,'' she said. She quickly moved into the area of special education and has been helping Canberra families with children with autism and Aspergers syndrome ever since. Today she receives a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to people with autism spectrum disorders and their families, as an advocate and educator.

Man with Autism stuns an entire crowd
http://www.godvine.com/Man-With-Autism-Absolutely-Stuns-an-Entire-Crowd-881.html

Grants for women to study/train to re-enter the workforce

Grants of up to $1000 are still available for women on low incomes who
have been out of the workforce for an extended period due to caring
responsibilities (this may be children, other family members or any type
of caring role of 12 months or more). The grants can be used for
study/training and related costs to help women improve their
employability. The program is funded through the ACT Office for Women in
the ACT Community Services Directorate and is administered by the
Women's Information and Referral Centre.
Please contact the Program Coordinator (see below for details) or go to
www.women.act.gov.au and click on Grants and Scholarships to access the
application form and further information.
Kind regards,
Heidi
Heidi Gill
Women's Return to Work Grants Coordinator Women's Information and
Referral Centre
Ph: 6205 2885
www.women.act.gov.au<http://www.women.act.gov.au>
For grant information click on "Grants and Scholarships" in left hand
column

Autism related links 22/1

Social Media & Autism : A Lifeline
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/autism-unexpected/2010/may/30/social-media-and-autism-life-line/#.TxZ0rS-3zHc.facebook

Social media is all the rage these days. Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, Digg, StumbleUpon, Kirtsy, blogs, and the myriad of other ways that individuals around the world connect online these days have changed the face of the world.

It's easy to make fun of social media. How many ways do you need to broadcast what you are doing right this second? For parents of children with autism and people with autism themselves, however, social media can be a lifesaving conduit to a social world that is too difficult to interact with IRL—in real life. For people like us, social media is real life.

High functioning person with an autism spectrum disorder: a "tourist" in his native country http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/high-functioning-person-autism-spectrum-disorder-tourist-his-native-country-3899943

Suppose parents describe their son or daughter's problem as very similar to that of a tourist visiting the United States from a foreign country. Upon arrival to the United States, a tourist would find that he does not understand some of the cultural and linguistic aspects of our daily lives. He may not understand the colorful and sometimes questionable slang used by our teenagers. He could be confused, for instance, by slang such as “awesome.” He might want to talk about subjects on which he is very knowledgeable. Unfortunately people may talk about topics he does not understand or about which he does not have a point of reference.

Jake: Math prodigy proud of his autism (movie & script)
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57358845/jake-math-prodigy-proud-of-his-autism/

At age two, Jake Barnett was diagnosed with autism and his future was unclear. Now at age 13, Jake is a college sophomore and a math and science prodigy. Jake says his autism is key to his success.

Gluten Intolerance & Autism – Is There a Connection?
http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-free-society-blog/gluten-intolerance-autism-is-there-a-connection/

The popularity of the gluten free diet has grown dramatically. More and more parents are turning toward a gluten free diet to help alleviate symptoms of autism and other learning disorders in their children. To a large degree, many in the medical community have ridiculed this, stating that diet and the autistic spectrum have nothing to do with one another. Medical research and anecdotal evidence however shows that thousands of people have had improvement with diet alterations.

The Key to Findings in Three Major Autism Genetics Studies 
http://www.iancommunity.org/cs/simons_simplex_community/key_genetic_findings

The June 9, 2011 issue of Neuron featured three groundbreaking studies on autism genetics. Findings in all three were only possible thanks to families participating in the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC), a unique autism initiative that has worked with more than 2,700 families that have just one child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

From Outlaws Towards Inclusion

A conference on 10 years of challenges and progress in rights and human services for people with intellectual disability in contact with the criminal justice system.

The Conference marks 10 years since the release of The Framework Report

This was a study of the human service needs of offenders with intellectual disability and those at risk of offending.

The Framework Report was written by NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) & Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS)

Opening Address Greg Smith SC Attorney General and Minister for Justice

10 years of challenges and progress since The Framework Report Jim Simpson Senior Advocate NSW CID and co-author, The Framework Report

Progress and challenges in the legal system Chris Bruce SC, Public Defender Janene Cootes Executive - (IDRS)

Mental Health John Basson Former NSW Chief Psychiatrist and Statewide Clinical Director, Forensic Mental Health

The Latest Research Eileen Baldry Professor of Criminology, University of NSW

• What it’s really like? - A person with intellectual disability
• Drugs and Alcohol - Astrid Birgden Forensic Psychologist and former Director, Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre NSW
• What have we learnt about addressing offending behaviour? Matt Frize Clinical Psychologist and Team Leader, Practice Development, Community Justice Program, ADHC Natalie Marmone Chief Psychologist, Juvenile Justice NSW and A/Director, CJP, ADHC Philip Snoyman A/Principal Officer Disabilities, Corrective Services NSW
• Question & Answer Panel Advocates & Key Agency Representatives

Friday February 17, 2012

Chemical Sciences Mezzanine

Theatre M17 (lower campus)

University of NSW, Kensington

Registration from 8.30am

9am - 5pm

Drinks follow til 6pm

Program updates and venue maps will be available at www.idrs.org.au from Jan 2012