upcoming seminars.......

[Guest guest]

Asperger Syndrome seminar, 7 PM, July 15, Brookwood Presbyterian Church, 2685 E. Livingston Ave.  Parents whose children have this developmental disorder are invited; discussion will include establishing a free alternative-education program for suspended or expelled students in grades 7-12.  Call 614-235-3451."

DAN! Mini Conference Defeat Autism Now presents a 2-day conference for parents and practitioners. To meet the request for smaller more informal programs, Dr. Jacquelyn McCandless and the DAN! Conference committee has established the Mini-DAN! These programs will occur in various locations and will consist of a full day program for parents, followed by a daylong intensive training for local practitioners. Next Mini-DAN! Is July 19th & 20th Los Angeles, California. For more information log on to www.danconference.com/html

FREE CME-Accredited On-line Seminars/Teleconferences: "The Management and Control of Refractory Seizures Utilizing VNS Therapy in People with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Particularly Those Who are In Independent Care Facilities (ICF's) TWO upcoming FREE Seminars/Teleconferences scheduled for July 16, 2003 at 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM and August 14, 2003 from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Continuing Medical Education (CME) accreditation will be offered through the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, and a blue-ribbon panel of experts will be presenting and moderating these sessions. And, you will be able to interact with these experts on line to respond to any questions you might have. You can register through EP http://www.eparent.com to participate or call 800-372-7368, extension 203.

Teaching Social and Communication Skills to Children and Teens with Autism, a one-day-back-to-school workshop, August 4, 2003, at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven (Mayfield Heights, OH) from 8:45am - 4:30pm.  Speakers include nationally recognized autism expert, Dr. Bridget , BCBA, from New Jersey, and local autism experts Sinclair, M.A., CCC-SLP, The Cleveland Clinic; Averill, Ph.D., Columbus Children's Hospital, and Toni Giannone, M.A., CCC-SLP, Monarch School.   Workshop Topics include: Improving Social Behavior of Children with Autism: Focus on Acquisition & Motivation, The Prevention and Treatment of Problem Behavior, Social Behavior Across the Lifespan, Prerequisite Skills for Inclusion and How to Teach Them, Getting Your Classroom and Classmates Ready for a Child with Autism, Transition to High School, Facilitating Interaction with Peers, Strategies for Unstructured Time, Increasing Language Output using Applied Behavior Analysis, Who should attend:  special educators, inclusion teachers, classroom aides, speech therapists, home therapists, and parents.  The Conference is being organized by Milestones with support of the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland; the Cleveland Conference fees are $60 before June 30 and $75 thereafter.  Tables are available for vendors and advertising space is available in the conference syllabus. For more information and a conference brochure, call Milestones at 216-321-0892.

The Role of the Classroom Aide- Training by Gwen Dwiggins and Cook, behavioral consultants. Aug. 7th, 2003 4 - 7PM at the Washington Township Community Center, 5985 Cara Road  (off of Avery road) Cost $25 per person or CAFS funding. Register by Friday Aug. 1st. Phone 740-881-1405 or email valeriecook@...

Autism & Reading Summer Conference, August 18-19 at the Hyatt Regency, 450 N. High St., Cols.

Cost $30 per day or $60 for both days. Lunch is included.  Speakers include Carol Gray, Dr. Emilio Amigo, Dr. on, and Dr. Diebold COSERRC. This conference sponsored by Dublin City Schools and registration deadline is 7/28 through the Dublin City Schools office, Pam White.

DAN! Conference October 3rd - 5th Portland Oregon For more information send an email to DANquestions@...

2003 ASO Conference "Forging a Path to Adulthood Through TEAMwork Transition, Education, Advocacy, Mentoring"

Oct. 17-18, 2003,sburg, Ohio. (Near Toledo) Holiday Inn French Quarter, sburg. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Corchesne, and Miles. For more information contact Autism Society of Ohio, 701 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44331 Telephone: (330) 376-0211   Fax: (330) 376-1226 email: askASO@...    web: www.autismohio.org

Ohio Walk F.A.R. for NAAR - Walk F.A.R. for NAAR is the signature fundraising event of the National Alliance for Autism Research. October 25 Free Lorain County Fairgrounds   ohio@...

COFEAT - Central Ohio Families for Effective Autism Treatment - An ABA, Applied Behavioral Analysis, support and advocacy organization meets the 2nd Thursday of every month except December at the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. For more information or directions go to www.cofeat.org. Regular meeting begins at 7:30, Bonnie's Bunch and New Parents orientation begin at 6:30 and end at 7:30   August 14th Hammer, PhD of OSU and Nisonger Clinic, and Jim Khoury, M.A., Chief Psychologist for Muskingum Valley Schools and MRDD will speak on the public school funded ABA program at Starlight School      "Little FEATS and Big Leaps" that they developed.  September 11th Tom Fish of Nisonger Center will discuss sibling/family issues in families with children with autism. Mr. Fish is experienced in sibling and family issues and has developed programs to help families and individuals. COFEAT Picnic is August 2 from 4 to 7.  ALL are welcome. You do not have to be a member of COFEAT to attend. They have graciously extended a personal invitation to the Central Ohio Chapter. Let's try to have a good group of people from our chapter attend as we can get to know other parents and families and forge stronger bonds between our organizations. They are asking that everyone RSVP on the COFEAT hotline (614-470-2976) so they know how much meat (hot dogs, brats) to get.  COFEAT provides the meats, paper-ware, and drinks. They are asking that everyone bring a dessert if their last name begins with A-M or a side dish if their last name begins with N-Z.  Instructors and professionals are invited as our guests and don't need to bring a thing!  It is at the Lane Road Park in Arlington. 

For Young Artists With Disabilities- Deadline: August 15, 2003 VSA arts http://www.vsarts.org/, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities through the arts for people with disabilities, and Volkswagen of America have issued a call for artists with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, ages 16 to 25 and living within the U.S., to participate in a juried exhibit entitled "Road Trip: A Journey of Discovery." Fifteen finalists will be awarded a total of $30,000 and will be honored in a public exhibition in Washington, D.C., in October 2003.  The theme "Road Trip: A Journey of Discovery" invites artists to take the viewer on a pictorial journey, imaginary or real, and to evoke the feelings associated with the experience through their work. Entries may be abstract or representational and may also depict how living with a disability affects the artist's journey.  A disability is defined as an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.

AIT available in Central Ohio if 5 or more families are interested. Jackie Rockwell is a speech-language pathologist and audiologist personally trained by Dr. Guy Berard in AIT.  She has over 10 years experience doing AIT with individuals with autism, and is able to travel to Central Ohio location to provide Berard Auditory Integration Training (AIT) when there are 5 or more families who register.  She was also personally trained by Cassily to offer Interactive Metronome Training, and with a minimum group of 5 (AIT and/or IM) registrations, can come to our area for IM.  Families who are interested in scheduling a date for me to come to the central Ohio area for AIT and/or IM should contact Jackie Rockwell, Giant Steps Therapy Center, 800-952-0288 or email giantsteps@....  www.giantstepstherapycenter.com

Internet email support group for adults with autism.  Unlocking Autism has formed a forum for discussion and support for older teenagers and adults with autism and their families and caregivers.   Issues may include, but will not be limited to, socialization, employment, SSI, living facilities, group homes and self-determination.  It's a wonderful resource within which autistic adults can interact with one another and for the parents of autistic adults to observe conversations regarding issues their adult child may share. To subscribe send an email to UA-ADULTS-WITH-AUTISM-subscribe

Oasis - O nline A sperger S yndrome I nformation & S upport - is a Website dedicated to information about asperger's.  It is located at: www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/. They provide a listing of support groups for asperger's throughout the country.

California Autism Cases Nearly Double In 4 Years A new report released by the California Department of Developmental Services shows that new cases of diagnosed full syndrome autism in the state doubled in the four-year period between 1999 and 2002, and increased a staggering 634 percent in the 15-year period from 1987 through 2002. The new California report documents a significantly greater growth rate than the 273 percent increase previously reported by the state for the period 1987 to 1998. This dramatic increase is all the more astounding in that both studies deal with only full syndrome autism and do not account for the rest of the disorders in the autism spectrum, such as Asperger's Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). It is important to note that the diagnosis of full syndrome autism historically occurs at a much smaller rate than many other categories on the autism spectrum. "This study confirms ASA's stated position that the growth of autism in children is accelerating.  It is more imperative now than ever before that we step up our efforts in getting children diagnosed and treated as early as possible," ASA President Lee Grossman said. For more information on the report, including ASA's full response and a link to the report go to ASA's homepage and click on "news." To view a copy of the report, click here or go to the California Department of Developmental Services Web site - www.dds.ca.gov/autism.

ASA Supports Develop. Disability Research Legislation The ASA recently offered its support to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for legislation she released on June 10, 2003, to research the relationship between environmental chemicals and developmental disabilities. In his letter to Sen. Clinton on behalf of the society, ASA President Lee Grossman said: "The legislation you are sponsoring is one step in ensuring that families are given the support they need to understand and protect their children with autism" To view a copy of the letter visit the ASA Web site and click on "ASA Makes Its Voice Heard" under "News."

Baby Hair Needed for National Autism Research Study-Arizona State University is conducting a research study of the level

of mercury, toxic metals, and essential minerals in the baby hair of children with autism compared to non-autistic children.  The purpose of this study is to replicate two previous studies: A study by Dr. Amy Holmes et al. that found very low levels of mercury in the baby hair of children with autism, and our recent study (submitted for publication) which found low levels of several essential minerals in children with autism. The study is open to any child in the United States who meets the following criteria: 1) Born in 1988-1999 2) Has a sample of the "first-cut" baby hair between 12 and 24 months 3) Can provide a copy of vaccination records up until the first haircut, including manufacturer's name and lot number (this information should be available by calling your pediatrician) 4) For children with autism, a written diagnosis of autism per DSM IV criteria by a certified professional 5) For non-autistic children: a) normal development - no ASD/PDD/ADD/ADHD or speech/language delay; no asthma, severe atopic

allergies, Type I diabetes, or other autoimmune  disease; c) no first or second degree relatives with ASD/PDD/ADD/ADHD; d) normal vaccination schedule up to age of first haircut   We also ask for your help in finding typical non-autistic children to provide baby hair samples, even if your child cannot participate in the study. Participants will be asked to fill out a 1-page medical history and a 1-page evaluation of the severity of their child's autism. Benefits:  Participants will receive the results of their child's hair analysis, a $20 gift certificate to Toys 'R' Us, and a copy of the study findings.  We hope that this study will help us determine possible causes of autism, so that we are better able to treat it. To Participate:  please send us your email address (preferred) or mailing address:  Email: Jromdalvik@... (preferred mode of contact) Mail: Prof. B. , Arizona State University, PO Box 876006, Tempe, AZ 85287-6006. This study is led by Prof. B. , Ph.D., at Arizona State University, http://www.eas.asu.edu/~autism we gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Autism Research Institute (directed by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D). We also gratefully acknowledge the support of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS, a branch of NIH), which will conduct the hair analysis.

Options Institute Getaway -It's a two-day getaway in pastoral New England at The Option Institute! Treat yourself to a two-day getaway (weekend or mid-week) or even a more extended stay at The Option Institute, in an environment that has helped so many people change their lives. We are opening our campus to past and prospective participants to come and experience our special corner of the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts while having the freedom to plan your days, as you like. You'll stay in our luxurious new Roy residence and have a free dialogue with one of our certified Mentor/Counselors to explore any personal issues you want. Our pastoral, 95-acre campus, offers trail hikes, waterfalls, wildlife, woodlands, elegant sunrises, and breathtaking vistas. All of this for the low price of $410 for one person for two nights, or $525 per couple Continental breakfast is included While you are here, experience the surrounding community and its manner of arts, such as theater, dance, and music, including Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. There is limited space available, call Zoe today to register at 413-229-8063, ext. 133 For more information about The Option Institute's programs via printed literature and catalogs, please go to http://www.option.org/i_lit.html. By doing so, you'll be also be notified of special events and special offers.

Vocational Support Program for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Ohio State University Services offered by the program are, Job finding skills, job application and interview skills, Resume building, job development, job placement, job coaching,

employer support, follow-up services, in-depth knowledge and experience with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Social and vocational skills support group "Aspirations" Contact Mastriani program Coordinator for information at 614-293-2350 or 614-293-5183.  

The Ohio Tri-County Chapter of the ASA is offering several grants: a Teacher Project Mini-Grant, Tuition Conference Mini-Grant, and a Summer Fun Grant.  For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit www.triautism.com/mini-grants.htm.

Exciting happenings on the State level.  Legislation has passed both the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate as part of the biennial budget for 2004-2005. Provisions within the bill establish a Governor appointed Autism Task Force, an autism Medicaid waiver and school vouchers for school-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder's whose parents wish to have services provided by someone other than the school district of residence. We will update you with more information as it becomes available.

US Dept of Ed report on "No Child Left Behind" Copies can be ordered at www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html, by emailing edpubs@..., by calling 1-877-433-7827.   The report summarizes the law.

ASA Signs Letter Opposing Changes To Head Start The Autism Society also signed on to a letter from the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities to Congress expressing concern over President Bush's proposal to shift Head Start to the states in the form of a block grant or similar mechanism. The CCD, of which ASA is a member, is concerned that these changes could result in the loss of protections and comprehensive services for poor children with disabilities. The Head Start Act and its federal performance standards have led to the creation of a comprehensive, inclusive early childhood education program that is responsive to the needs of children with and without disabilities. To view a copy of the letter, visit the ASA Web site at www.autism-society.org and click on "ASA Makes Its Voice Heard" under "News."

Senators Introduce Bipartisan Mental Health Parity Bill-  [source: Employee Benefit Plan Review.] Senators Pete Domenici (R-N.Mex.) and Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), along with 24 cosponsors, have introduced the Senator Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act of 2003 (S. 486). A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Jim Ramstad (R- Minn.) and Kennedy (D-R.I.), along with two cosponsors. The bill was referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. S. 486 would prohibit a group health plan from treating mental health benefits differently from the coverage of medical and surgical benefits. According to a statement from Senator Domenici, S. 486 is modeled on the mental health benefits program for federal employees and would expand the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996. Mr. Wellstone (D-Minn.), who was killed in a plane crash last fall, had partnered with Senator Domenici in the 1990s to promote mental health legislation. The bill will provide full parity for all categories of mental health conditions listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as long as the condition is included in an authorized treatment plan that meets standard protocols and medical necessity criteria. The 1996 parity law does not provide for coverage of treatment for mental health conditions that is equal to coverage of treatment for physical conditions; that law allows plans to set limits on the number of days or visits for treatment and on dollars paid per treatment for mental conditions. Like the 1996 law, the Domenici-Kennedy legislation only applies to group health plans that already cover treatment for mental health conditions; it would not mandate that plans provide coverage of treatment for those conditions or for substance abuse. The bill also contains an exclusion for companies with 50 or fewer employees. Copyright Aspen Publishers, Inc. Apr 2003      

Helpful Interventions Spotlight Latest Issue of Autism Magazine  - The July-August 2003 issue of the Autism Asperger's Digest, a bimonthly 52 page magazine devoted to autism/AS, has just been released. Spotlighting this month's issue are articles addressing a variety of helpful interventions for individuals with autism, including: Proactive Strategies for Managing Problem Behaviors, Play as a Strategy for Interaction and Coping, Incidental Teaching, The Young Autism Program: Returning Children to Regular Kindergarten by Age Six, Curriculum Planning for an Inclusive Classroom, The SCORE Skills Strategy Program, Tips on Traveling Solo (for adults with autism/AS), The Road to Effective Intervention: What Speech-Language Pathologists Need to Know to Work with Students with ASD Schedules, Schedules, Schedules, Give Us our Daily Bread... Please! Finding a Good GF/CF Bread, The Denver Model: Putting Relationships at the Helm of Treatment, Available by single copy or subscription, the Autism Asperger's Digest features originally written articles, book excerpts and regular columns by some of the top names in the autism field: Temple Grandin, , Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Jerry Newport. For more information, visit their Website: http://www.autismdigest.com or call Future Horizons, at 1-800-489-0727.

ODEP-Home Modification grants Office of Disability Employment Policy - Home Modification Grants. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) announces the availability of $500,000 to award up to ten competitive grants in the amount of $50,000 to $100,000 each to provide home modifications as a means of further expanding the community integration of individuals with disabilities, and particularly those seeking employment. http://www.dol.gov/odep/regs/home.htm http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/pdf/03-13399.pdf

ACTION ALERT Bulletin:  Request to all families who have been affected by children with autism, to support Federal legislation HR 1350 amendment H.AMDT.98, to provide training first responders and school safety personnel how to best respond to children

with autism author U.S. Congresswomen Loretta and was agreed by voice vote. However the US. Senate S.1248 did not include this very important issue of training first responders or school safety personal how best respond to children with autism. We need to be sure to let our Senators; House Representatives know to include this in the final Conference report to be sent for President W. Bush to sign into law.

Remember to visit the Central Ohio Chapter ASA Website at www.autism-centralohio.com