Autism One Newsletter

[Guest guest]

Sunday, October 29 , 2006

Dear Friends and Colleagues -

AUTISM NEWS

PARENTS CALL ON HASTERT, BARTON TO LET CONGRESS PASS AUTISM BILL. BARTON AND HASTERT ARE NOT STANDING UP FOR CHILDREN; THEY ARE JUST STANDING IN THEIR WAY!!

Barton Holds Children with Autism Hostage By Refusing to Release the Combating Autism Act for a Vote in the House. Political Gain Outweighs Helping Hundreds of Thousands of Children with Autism.

Frisco, TX – Parents of children with autism will hold a press conference in on Monday, October 30, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. regarding the status of the Combating Autism Act (Senate Bill 843).

WHO: Families of children with autism

WHAT: Press Conference

WHERE: The Renaissance Hotel at 900 E. Lookout Drive in

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is affecting American children at an alarming rate. One out of every 166 children born today will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This life long, severely debilitating disorder currently affects millions of children across the country; yet legislation that would provide critical help to those children and their families is being held up by congressional leaders. The Combating Autism Act (Senate Bill 843), which has unanimously passed the United States Senate would, among other things, wage a nearly 1 billion dollar war on Autism over the next five years. The Act would attack Autism on a multiple of fronts: much needed public awareness and early identification, funding research to identify the best medical practices and treatment of Autism, and basic biomedical research. Yet, despite unanimous support in the Senate and 228 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives, Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., and U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, are refusing to let the House vote on this critical legislation. Their refusal to act is essentially robbing children with Autism of their voice in the political process.

Come hear parents explain how the Combating Autism Act is essential if we are to rescue an entire generation of children already at risk of being lost forever to this devastating disorder. Listen as families explain how this legislation will help them meet the tremendous challenges they face by caring for children with Autism. These parents and their children will be gathered in front of the Renaissance Hotel in , where Speaker Hastert is scheduled to present a key note address at a fundraising event at noon. Families will call on Speaker Hastert and Congressman Barton to stop holding their children hostage to politics and let the House vote on the Combating Autism Act.

For more information contact Mara LaViola (214) 387-0889, (972)-358-8230 or Kristi Hammer (972) 335-5460

(Autism One Radio will broadcast excerpts/information from this rally during Autism Global Week in Review on Wednesday, November 1.)

National Autism Association Announces Atlantic City Poker Tournament

Poker Players to go “all-in” for autism research in No Limit Hold ‘Em tournament

Atlantic City, NJ – The National Autism Association (NAA) today announced the first No Limit Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, to be held Thursday, November 2 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City in the hotel’s new 85-table poker room. The tournament will get underway at 7:00 pm with sign-in beginning at 5:00 pm.

According to Borgata’s Director of Poker Marketing Ray Stefanelli, “Borgata is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Hosting the NAA Tournament is consistent with that mission.” The event will follow genuine No Limit Hold ‘Em tournament guidelines with cash pay-outs to the winners. “It’s real Texas Hold ‘Em action and excitement. Poker players can win while supporting a great cause,” said Stefanelli.

For more information on autism and the No Limit Hold ‘Em Tournament, visit www.nationalautism.org.

Mainstream Misdirection

Mainstream autism news, at least for the last four to five years, seems to cycle like some unwanted computer virus constantly creating pop-ups with offers of authentic fake Rolex watches, spy cams, and re-financing mortgage schemes.

Autism themes generally ping-pong between misdirection, denials, and outright false information. One particularly opprobrium misdirection campaign attempted branding historical figures of genius as suffering from autism, thereby establishing autism as a time-honored disease complete with heroic role models. Michelangelo – autistic; da Vinci – autistic; Shakespeare – autistic; Einstein - autistic. It’s a historical revisionist form of misdirection.

The most recent news cycle finds misdirection of a more contemporary nature. Let’s call it medical misdirection or autism du jour. Herein great play, minus precision, is given to the possible causes of autism.

Cases in point:

Watching too much TV may trigger autism

Autism More Likely in Children of Older Fathers

Fertility problems linked to autism

CAN YOU HELP?

Ideas/Experience Wanted

A mother recently contacted me regarding a problem they are having with their son. The young man who is in his early 20s is extremely talented when it comes to gambling. Recently, he left home to attend college but the experience traumatized him to such a degree upon returning home he isolated himself in his room.

The traumatic experience of attempting to participate in the “real” world coupled with his ability to earn money via online gambling convinced the young man to forego further efforts to participate in any other meaningful personal interactions.

If anyone has ideas or experience helping a young adult who is gifted in some ways, but lacking in others find the path to a more balanced life please feel free to contact me at 714.680.0792 or earranga@....

AUTISM ONE RADIO – SPOTLIGHT ON THE WATERS

Hosts and Sandy Waters (“The Candy Store”) in the news

The NBC Chicago affiliate featured the Waters’ song Faith, Love and Hope while Autism One Radio hosts and Sandy Waters interviewed Joe Mantegna, actor and spokesperson for Easter Seals, about the groundbreaking ceremony in Chicago for Easter Seals’ new school/residence/research center dedicated to serving the needs of children and adults with autism. See the NBC story at http://www.nbc5.com/video/10177738/index.html# Tune in to the archive of the interview with Joe Mantegna that aired on Autism One Radio at www.autismone.org/radio on Sunday, October 29, 12:00 noon ET. The Waters wrote the song Faith, Love and Hope for their 6-year old daughter, Candace (after whom the Waters’ program “The Candy Store” was named) who has autism.

On Halloween, tune in to hear the Waters’ special broadcast with visionary artist, singer, and songwriter Shirley Levi. Shirley is a concerned and active advocate who has worked with persons with autism. Visit Shirley Levi’s website to hear her beautiful recording of “Anne Marie,” written for a woman with ASD who Shirley worked with. This song is available on Shirley Levi’s website, www.shirleylevi.com, in both English and Spanish (televised performance on Telemundo). You can also visit http://www.myspace.com/shirleylevi. Bob Waters begins this program with a Halloween song dedicated to the Waters’ 1-year old son Evan, whose birthday is on Halloween. Tune in; this music is great!

Also on October 31, Autism One Radio airs two interviews with regard to the threat to Illinois Special Education law, as the Waters interview Illinois Senator Wendell and Beverley Holden s, President of the International Association of Special Education in Illinois.

Invited to Sing

The Waters have been invited to perform their song at Illinois Senate President Emil Jr’s Autism Community Seminar on November 3rd. Senator (D) of the 14th District is strong advocate for funding public education and social justice in Illinois.

County Board Joins and Sandy Waters Honoring Autistic Children

“At the September 7 board meeting, Cook County Board President Bobbie L. Steele and Commissioners passed a resolution which seeks to heighten awareness of the devastating brain disorder known as autism.

Introduced by Cook County Commissioner Ann Doody Gorman, the resolution honored special children and their families.

During a recent board meeting, President Bobbie L. Steele, who is a former Chicago Public School teacher, and the entire board joined and Sandy Waters in celebrating the sixth birthday of their daughter, Candace, who was diagnosed with autism. Gorman’s resolution praised the Waters’ love of their daughter especially their writing a song, “Faith, Love and Hope,” to help educate people about autism.

Gorman said the Waters’ song “has now touched people around the world.” The resolution honored their efforts to inform people about autism which is a brain disorder that many times interferes with a person’s ability to communicate with and relate to others.

Mr. and Mrs. Waters not only sang happy birthday to their daughter but they also sang their song dedicating it to all children who suffer from autism.”

AUTISM ONE RADIO Coming Attractions:

Welcomes a new host, Saidah, Founder and Executive Director of the Heart of Sailing Foundation. Heart of Sailing, the international branch of France-based “Au Coeur Des Voiles,” (in operation since 2001), teaches sailing to special needs children as a form of recreational therapy.

A sailor for more than 35 years, Saidah dreamed of combining his love of the ocean with service to the community. Saidah has devoted his time to developing Heart of Sailing to create a fun, educational and therapeutic opportunity for children with developmental disabilities.

Although alternative forms of therapy such as art and music therapy, as well as horseback riding, have become widely accepted in the last few years, sailing is a unique environment for participants. Sailing encourages abstract thought and teamwork, develops problem-solving skills and ultimately helps one learn patience and self-respect. The experience of sailing is not limited to the physical, although for many participants, it is their first opportunity to enjoy the unique sensations associated with sailing: the feel of the wind, the movement of the waves, the sounds as the boat cuts through the water, all of which are stimulating and exhilarating.

Support Autism One Radio! Learn how. Click here.

THE ZEN OF AUTISM

I will continue with the Zen of Autism series next time. While I am reluctant to talk about my life, rules must sometimes bend to share great news.

Recently, Teri Small and I were married. Teri is Ian’s mother. In a moment, my family doubled from two to four. Now I have a stepson and my son has a brother.

His body races forward, hands flitting around his eyes, eyes shining, smile radiating, shout of glee infectious.

His body arches backward, eyes haunting, mouth grimacing, shout startling, fighting what would capture, hold him, define him, confine him.

Like all of our children, he is stunningly beautiful. Like any typical little boy he loves to play, dance, explore, be tickled, roughhouse.

His language is expressive in its melody of sounds. His eyes full of intelligence shine outward, looking, seeking, wondering.

His hand slips into mine. He fills my present, is my future. He captures my heart.

Together we will find his light, he lights my way. I am blessed.

Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or ideas. Thank you.

My Best,

Ed Arranga

714.680.0792

http://AutismOne.org

earranga@...

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