ASA Applauds Combating Autism Act; National Conference Wrap-Up

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I hope you are enjoying your summer. I am forwarding onto you info from the recent ASA National Conference. It was awesome! I will be sending you all a board update, with this included, in the next few days.

Stacey

ASA Applauds Senate HELP Committee's Passage of the Combating Autism ActLegislation Provides $1 Billion in Additional Funding for Autism Research

The Autism Society of America (ASA) praised the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP Committee) for its passage of S. 843, the Combating Autism Act. This critical legislation authorizes more than $1 billion in federal funding for autism-related research, early detection and intervention.

“ASA applauds Chairman Enzi, Ranking Member Kennedy, and bill sponsors Senators Rick Santorum and Dodd for their tireless efforts to move the Combating Autism Act through the committee,” said ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman. “This critical legislation ensures that the National Institutes of Health has the resources it needs to advance research into the cause, diagnosis and treatment of autism.”

This comprehensive legislation contains many important provisions to strengthen autism research, including a renewed investment into basic and clinical research, expanded research into the link between environmental factors and autism, and continued investigations into causation, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, control, intervention and cure for autism spectrum disorders.

“The Combating Autism Act is the first disease-specific legislation passed out of the HELP Committee in more than six years,” continued Grossman. “We are proud that the chairman and ranking member have made autism research a national priority. We look forward to working with our Senate sponsors and our champions in the House of Representatives to see this bill through to the President’s desk.”

To read more about the legislation, click here.

Autism News and Announcements

To keep our membership informed on the latest autism news, ASA has compiled a list of recent articles and announcements that have appeared in the news over the past two weeks.

Researchers find fewer neurons in the amygdala of males with autismAutism 'may affect one in 100'Researchers discover key deficiencies in brains of people with autismNew model of brain sheds light on triggers of autism

Visit www.autism-society.org/news for more articles

SPECIAL: ASA's 37th National Conference Wrap-Up

ASA’s 37th National Conference Lights the Way to HopeAutism Community Comes Together for Largest Autism Conference in Nation

The Autism Society of America (ASA) hosted its 37th National Conference in Providence, R.I., July 12-15, 2006. Thousands of ASA members and supporters attended the conference, which offered more than 100 sessions on a variety of autism-related topics applicable to individuals across the lifespan, including sessions on behavior issues and supports; communication; early intervention; education; family and sibling support; medicine and research; personal perspectives; sensory processing; social skills; technology; and transition planning and options for adulthood.

“The most significant part of the ASA conference is that it brings the entire autism community together annually, and unites us around issues and concerns that are important to our families,” said ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman. “This year, the conference provided an atmosphere where, in the spirit of education, advocacy and research, we also celebrated talents in the autism community.”

The ASA National Conference: A Must-Attend Event

This year’s opening ceremony began with a welcoming from Bestwick, NBC lead pit reporter for NASCAR, and the singing of the National Anthem by ASA’s “American Idol” contest winner Noah Cummins from Illinois, a 10-year-old young man with autism. ASA was pleased that Cordero, M.D., of the Centers for Disease Control, Providence Mayor N. Cicilline and Rhode Island Governor Carcieri were all on-hand to address attendees about the increase in autism diagnoses, the effect of this on families and the need for more and improved services for those with autism spectrum disorders.

Following addresses from ASA President Grossman and ASA Board Chair and Conference Committee Co-Chair Pratt, Ph.D.—where it was also announced that the Senate was due to pass the disorder-specific and ASA-supported legislation, the Combating Autism Act—ASA recognized the loss of an autism community hero and pioneer in the field, Schopler, Ph.D. Schopler passed away in early July after a battle with cancer. Speaking on his behalf was Betty Camp, a mother of an adult son with autism, who credits Schopler with giving her hope when she thought there was none.

Conference attendees were also treated to three keynote addresses throughout the conference by leaders and experts in the autism community. The opening keynote session speaker was Sally J. , Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California Medical Center. ’ keynote looked at imitation in autism, including the roles of imitation in human development, the social impact of imitation and mimicry, and impaired imitation in autism and the mechanisms underlying these problems.

Keynoter Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D., of the pediatric neurology department at Massachusetts General Hospital, discussed the new paradigm in autism research that could ultimately open up options for treatment and recovery for individuals with autism. This new paradigm recommends that researchers shift from the current thinking of autism research as a genetically determined brain disorder to a genetically influenced, environmentally triggered disorder that affects the brain.

And final keynoter, Mark Durand, Ph.D., of the University of South Florida, St. sburg, gave a talk entitled, “Optimistic Parenting: Hope for Parents with Challenging Children.” Durand’s recent work with parents of children with autism suggests that although there are excellent techniques for working with children with challenging behavior, these approaches are not successful with up to 40% of these families. In addition to the traditional approach of providing support and skills training, parents who feel out of control with their child’s behaviors must be provided with additional specific supports.

ASA was also pleased to welcome Metin Bereketli, the internationally-acclaimed L.A.-based painter whose works have been featured in museums, galleries and exhibitions worldwide. His pieces also are often seen on shows such as "Friends," "Will & Grace” and “ER,” and will soon be seen in new episodes of “The Apprentice.” Metin signed lithographs of his beloved piece, "Jollification," at the ASA development booth in the exhibit hall throughout the conference.

And in keeping with ASA’s “Celebrating Talents” theme at the conference this year, ASA’s Rhode Island chapter presented “Artists with Autism,” an exhibit and sale during the conference of artwork by people with autism from around the country. Young students to professional adults—many of whom visited the show and were thrilled to see their work displayed—submitted several hundred paintings, drawings and photographs to be exhibited. One hundred percent of the sale price of all artwork will help develop an art studio in Providence for clients with autism.

The Generations Club Reception: The First of Many Meetings

The Generations Club—ASA’s membership club dedicated to grandparents of individuals with autism and parents of adults with autism—held its first gathering during the conference at a special VIP reception, hosted by Lee and Nina Grossman in the ASA presidential suite. Joy was in the air as members used this time to meet, mingle, and share stories and experiences. A surprise ending to the evening was a violin solo by young Grossman. We hope the members will join us next year for an on-demand performance!

Once again, a warm welcome to all founding and new members, and a special thanks to Ruth Elaine Hane whose efforts helped bring the Generations Club to fruition.

The Evening of Champions Gala Dinner: A Night to Honor, Applaud and Boogie Down

For the fifth year in a row, ASA honored leaders in the autism community at its Evening of Champions gala dinner. The Evening of Champions dinner was created as a forum for ASA to honor those individuals who have contributed in ways big and small to education, advocacy and research for autism. This year’s honorees included ASA’s co-founder, Ruth Christ Sullivan, Ph.D., Margaret Bauman, M.D., the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, autism safety expert Dennis Debbaudt, Rep. (R-N.J.) and Rep. Kennedy (D-R.I.). Kennedy attended the event and gave a stirring speech to a captivated crowd. Each honoree was presented with a beautiful recognition award created by renowned artist Rosenthal.

Also joining us was our very special guest, Metin Bereketli. Metin, whose work has twice been featured in the Autism Advocate magazine, was on hand to lend his wonderful talents, warm heart and exuberant personality. He generously donated the rights to his beautiful “Jollification” painting to ASA.

This year—also in keeping with the “Celebrating Talents” theme—the EOC theme was built around the “Jollification” image. Guests were greeted by the melodic sounds of a three piece ensemble as they entered the cocktail reception. Afterwards, they were whisked into the elaborately decorated ballroom awash with soft lighting and vibrant colors of celadon and melon. Each guest received a beautiful “Jollification” ornament. Staying true to the evening’s theme, oversized banners of “Jollification” served as a stage backdrop and were later auctioned off.

After award presentations, dinner, and the live and silent auction, the Midnight Hour Band played for a crowded dance floor, kicking off the dance hour with a resounding version of Kool and the Gangs’ “Celebration," a favorite of Reggie Miloron, an adult with autism who loves to dance. Not to be outdone, Metin and Ruth Sullivan, joined by her family, took the dance floor by storm. Later, as the crowd dwindled down, guests were delighted by an impromptu jam session featuring the band and one very talented young guest who treated us to her rendition of the popular song “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.

ASA would like to thank Metin for his generous contribution of the original “Jollification” painting to ASA, Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D., for her tremendous job as emcee for the evening and our very own Artie Kempner, ASA board member, for leading an energetic live auction for items including a trip for four to swim with dolphins in Bermuda donated by the Planning Factory, as well as exquisite pearl and diamond jewelry made by ASA Connecticut Chapter President Kim Newgass. A very special thank you to our sponsors: CVS/All Kids Can, Coca-Cola, Autism Spectrum Quarterly, Easter Seals, and Sonnenschein, Nath, and Rosenthal, as well as those who purchased tables at the dinner to help underwrite the cost of the evening. Even more importantly, this year’s dinner broke all records, allowing ASA to provide even more services to the autism community. Thanks to all who supported this event.

So you missed the conference in 2006? Start thinking ahead to 2007!

ASA’s 38th National Conference & Exposition on Autism Spectrum Disorders will be held in Phoenix, AZ, July 11-14, 2007. Stay tuned for conference promotions and information on ASA’s Web site, http://www.autism-society.org/, and in the Autism Advocate and ASA-Net.

Or…experience the 37th National Conference even if you were unable to be there in person (or if you missed sessions you wanted to see and hear) by ordering online access to recordings or a DVD-ROM recording of most of the sessions presented in Providence. For more information: http://asa.confex.com/asa/2006/recordingpayment.cgi

Note: Photos from the conference will soon be available on ASA's Web site. Please check back shortly.

The Autism Advocate: ASA's Premier Magazine on Autism Spectrum Disorders

The following article appeared in the 3rd edition 2006 issue of the Autism Advocate, ASA's premier magazine on autism spectrum disorders. By joining ASA, you will receive this publication that will regularly provide you with timely information and articles on autism written by leaders in field. To join ASA and receive the Autism Advocate in full, along with ASA's many other benefits, go to www.autism-society.org/join.

Read article: "The Art of Giving Back: How Hollywood Artist Metin Bereketli Uses His Talents for Good"

Already a member? Go to www.autism-society.org/magazine to read the Autism Advocate online.

Conference News & Notes

National Safe & Sound Training SeriesMinneapolis, MN August 26-27, 2006

ASA’s first of many National Safe and Sound trainings will begin in just over one month in Minneapolis, MN. The trainings will utilize lecture, video and fully interactive discussions throughout the two days focusing on: the definition of autism and common behaviors and characteristics; autism recognition and first response; public safety issues; criminal justice issues; initial contact options; establishing communications; behavioral de-escalation techniques; restraint and arrest options; perpetrator and victim trends; dilemmas in interrogation and interview settings; prosecution and court room issues; working proactively with families; advocacy organizations and school systems; and creating an effective training program and cross-educational opportunities for first responders and persons who have autism.

This training can help law enforcement and first response agencies to become compliant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), increase officer and citizen safety, enhance officer communication and response skills, save valuable time and resources, avoid litigation, and build community partnerships.

Please note: The training is appropriate for patrol and investigative law enforcement professionals, law enforcement training officers and supervisors, school resource officers, crisis intervention team members, juvenile justice and victims rights specialists, correctional officers, prosecutors, judicial and forensic criminal justice professionals, fire-rescue, 911 dispatch telecommunications professionals, EMS/EMT, paramedics and emergency room professionals.

For more information, http://www.autism-society.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail & id=4221

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