1 in 166 children under age 10 are affected by autism - New statistics surrounding autism make it the number one growing developmental disability in the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates as many as one in 166 children under age 10 are affected by the disorder. Nearly two million people in the U.S. are living with autism. - Autism is a highly complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting sensory and motor systems, speech and language acquisition and communication and social skills. Children with autism face enormous challenges in interacting with others and engaging in the world around them.

A Credo for Support by Norman Kunc

A home without hugs or family meals - Christine Doyle meets a mother and daughter living with the emotional isolation imposed by Asperger's - "...Becky has Asperger's syndrome, which develops early in life and affects the way the brain processes information. It is grouped with "classic" autism as an autistic spectrum disorder, and has many similar traits, including difficulty in communicating and forming social relationships, a dislike of being touched and a lack of imagination and creative play," by Telegraph.co.uk

A Miss and a Milestone - "...Although Gloucester County has never had a Miss America, it was represented in the 2004 Atlantic City pageant by Pitman's 22-year-old Erica Scanlon. Proving that being crowned Miss New Jersey meant more to her than just winning a beauty pageant, Erica used the national spotlight to promote autism awareness. Autism, a complex developmental disability, has touched most of her life. Erica's 20-year-old sister, Jessie, was diagnosed with autism when she was 2, by Bob Shryock

An aspie quiz, A test aimed at the behavioral differences between NTs and aspie.

Are you saying autism is a disability? By New Scientist magazine, April 2001.

Asperger's man is releas

A misunderstood disability - By Jenn Abelson, Globe Staff, 12/7/2003

A series of articles from Mike Conner who is a chartered Educational Psychologist and has written widely (see catalogue). He has many years experience of working with children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Many of these papers summarise the current research findings on ASD.

A Syndrome With a Mix of Skills and Deficits

A writer aims to alter her readers' view of the world - At home with novelist Margot Livesey by Lisa Zwirn, Globe Correspondent

A World Apart From Autism, Asperger syndrome challenges experts to distinguish its symptoms and treatments by By Jamie Talan

Actor John Schneider Promotes Asperger's Syndrome Awareness

ADD, autism link may be overlooked, author says By William Croyle

After the Diagnosis - Where Do You Get Help? By Barbara Fowler

All about Autism - Medical News Today

All in a day's work / Woman finds her niche helping parents of special needs kids  - ""It's more about the child," said Miller, sitting at a table in the store. "When people come in and say, 'I have a child with autism or (Asperger syndrome)'I say, 'okay, but what are they like?'" by Amanda Parry

Answer, but No Cure, for a Social Disorder That Isolates Many by Amy Harmon

April for autism awareness Governor signs proclamation to kick off campaign by Oyaol Ngirairikl

Art of the M.I.N.D.: The Art Collection of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute

AS or ADHD? Alphabet Soup by Jed E. Baker, Ph.D.

Allowed to be Odd By David Noonan

America has got Asperger's syndrome by Niall Ferguson **WARNING - Political**

Asperger Children and Gifted Children by Lynette M. Henderson

ASPERGER group brings families together - "After her son was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, Carolyn Warden wanted to connect with others who were grappling with the autism spectrum disorder," by Kristen Park

Asperger Kids are Creative by Dan Kincaid

Asperger Syndrome by Kids Health

Asperger Syndrome - Articles from Fall 2000 Issue of NJ Psychologist Magazine

Asperger Syndrome by Romeo Lucioni – Alberto Farina – Ida Basso – Alessandra Amabile

Asperger Syndrome by Rosalyn Lord

Asperger Syndrome By Stephen Bauer, MD, MPH

Asperger's Syndrome: A Developmental Puzzle Contributed by Michael McCroskery

Asperger syndrome: an update by Ami Klin / Child Psychology and Psychiatry Yale Child Study Center. New Haven, CT, USA /  download article in PDF format 

Asperger’s Syndrome and Humor by Jason McCormick, Psy.D.

Asperger syndrome: diagnosis and external validity by Klin A, Volkmar FR
Full Text | PDF

Asperger syndrome from childhood into adulthood by Dr.Tom Berney / Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2004)

Asperger's Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, and Disorders of the Autistic Continuum"  by Sally Bloch-Rosen, PhD. Read this paper on Dr. Bloch-Rosen's AS website.

Asperger Syndrome: Through the Lifespan by Stephen Bauer, MD

Asperger Syndrome - Signal Failure by the Observer   With Asperger Syndrome it's impossible to interpret body language. Jo Carlowe reports on a much misunderstood form of autism.

Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact - This article is the  complete article by Leo Kanner, written in 1943 paper.  It appears on the Brazilian autism site of the Autistic Friends Association the home page of which is to be found at http://www.ama.org.br/main.htm

Author Diane M. Kennedy's National Book Tour and Seminar Series Examines ADHD and Autism: Is There a Connection? / Mother of Child with Asperger's Syndrome Uncovers Information that May Provide Answers to ADHD--A Major Public Health Controversy - Diane Kennedy, author of The ADHD-Autism Connection (WaterBrook Press, 2002), candidly addresses this question in an upcoming national book by PRNewsWire

Autism And Schizophrenia - by Uta Frith, from the book "Autism - Explaining the Enigma"

Autism by Psychology Today - 2002

Autism and Trauma: Reflections on Autism Awareness Month by Robert Naseef, Ph.D.

AUTISM AGONY OF 3400 SCOTS KIDS  - MORE than 3400 kids in Scotland have autism, a report has revealed. But there are shocking regional variations in the rates of the developmental disorder. First ever study into disorder. Exclusive by Judith Duffy

Autism as Metaphor - Some time ago, while trolling the Web, I came across a 30-year-old paper by William P. Sullivan, originally published in The Bulletin of the West Virginia Association of College English Teachers, that describes Melville's Bartleby as ''a high-functioning autistic adult.'' The notion struck me as far-fetched, but it certainly has had legs. A recent search using the words ''Bartleby'' and ''autism'' turned up, among other results, a 2004 Modern Language Association essay on the pale scrivener's ''autistic presence'' and a University of Iowa study guide that asks if Melville might have ''observed some of these attributes in himself.'' Bartleby even appears on a site listing literary figures with autistic traits -- along with Pippi Longstocking, Sherlock Holmes and several characters from ''Pride and Prejudice.''  By Polly Maurice

Autism 'causes greatest disability' - "..."For instance, over 90 per cent of people reporting autism, dementia or Down syndrome had severe disability." Personal and environmental factors such as place of residence, education level, marital status and socio-economic status had a strong influence on the level to which a condition impaired functioning, the report found.  But it concluded that it was impossible to predict the severity of disability caused by any given condition even when a wide range of factors was taken into account.  "It is hoped, however, that this new way of looking at these complex inter-relationships will aid our understanding of the measurement of disability and functioning," Dr Wen said.

Autism centre to open in 2006 - A long-awaited centre for the education of autistic children will now open in Co Armagh three years behind schedule, it emerged last night. The all-Ireland Centre of Excellence for Autism is due to begin to offer services to children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders from Northern Ireland and the Republic from the autumn of 2006. The new timescale was revealed by the Department of Education in response to a request from the Belfast Telegraph.  By Kathryn Torney

Autism spurs debate over its cause and incidence / 18 STATES SEEK TO ASSESS WHETHER CASE NUMBERS ARE GROWING - Autism is a set of severe developmental disorders in young children, involving impaired verbal and non-verbal communication, sometimes accompanied by repetitive or self-destructive behaviors. The list of symptoms has expanded over the years, and health authorities now sometimes use the term "autism spectrum disorders" to describe them.

Autism information group in area gaining momentum - Mike Sciortino saw the pain and anguish autism was causing his grandson, Ethan. The Cape Girardeau man decided he had to do something. So, about a year ago, Sciortino started a group called Ethan and Friends for Autism and began holding weekly meetings for anyone interested in the disease by Callie Clark

Autism Grows Up - It has been less than 40 years since autism was recognized as a biological condition. Doctors used to think it was caused by bad parenting. Although a cause and cure remain elusive, medical science has learned a great deal about the treatment of children diagnosed with the disorder… but what about adults? Their best assistance begins at an early age by Canada.com

Autism services to be boosted - The province is about to boost services for autistic children in schools, says a London advocate for children with the disorder. Patricia Gallin, president of the London and District chapter of the Autism Society of Ontario, said the province will soon announce the hiring of consultants on autism spectrum disorders who will work with school boards.  Nineteen consultants have been hired for Southwestern Ontario, Gallin said. "They will work with teachers who support the kids and we can only build from that," she said yesterday at the chapter's Cycle for Autism event.
by Hank Daniszewski

Autistic author wants to give hope to others - Daniel Hawthorne always considered himself a ''freak'' and never understood why he couldn't be like everyone else. He recently completed and copyrighted ''Guidelines to Intervention in Autism.'' He wants to publish the work, hoping to inspire those suffering from autism with his firsthand account of coping with his disability, focusing on his strengths to succeed in life," by Jordan Blum

Autism begins to get its due in Lebanon by TerraNet Plus

Autistic Boy Goes Missing For Second Time - An autistic teenager from Millis, Mass., is missing for the second time in a month. Andrew Grant's parents awoke Tuesday morning to find the 15-year-old was not in his bedroom. They're asking for the public's help. Andrew was the subject of an extensive search in late August after he wandered off barefoot from his grandparents' home. The teen was found six days later in a wooded area several miles from his home. He was asleep and covered in dirt and mosquito bites. About 400 people took part in the search, including police, firefighters, a motorcycle club and other volunteers.  AMBER ALERT

Autistic children left hanging

Autism debate by Helen Branswell

Autism diagnosis on rise Doctors say odd behavior in many kids, adults is more than a quirk by Karen Gutierrez

Autism: Autism reaching 'epidemic' levels by By Joan Lowy

Autism - from bubbly baby to disconnected child  by Daniela Lamas 

Autism fund-raiser - It's not too late to sign up for the Cure Autism Now fund-raising walk, an annual event sponsored by the organization's Pacific Northwest chapter to raise money for the treatment of autism.

Autism: More autism cases reported, yet cause remains unknown by Erica Goode

Autism: Autism reaching 'epidemic' levels by By Joan Lowy

Autism and Asperger Syndrome : The State of Play - by Mike Connor

Autism and the Pew Lady by Dan Coulter

Autism and the Reptilian Brain - By Jon Hurst

Autism and Trauma: Insights and Reflections on Autism Awareness Month by Robert Naseef, Ph.D.

Autism, Asperger's conference comes to CNY - What can we learn from families raising austistic children? by Amber Smith

Autism cases exaggerated by paediatricians by The World Today

Autism debate by Helen Branswell

Autism film triggers touching replies by Dennis McCarthy

Autism in the United States - A Perspective by Dr. Yazab

Autism is the child of social disconnection  By Gabor Mate

Autism fears over disorder bill - A leading charity has claimed that a new law on anti-social behaviour could be used against autistic children - BBC

Autism: Learn and Educate Yourself, Part 2 by Fredalynn Mortera Hecita, KUAM News

Autism on rise, forcing debates - "The developmental disability is increasing both nationally and globally. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated last year that autism affects one in 250 children. The Autism Society of America estimates that the incidence of the disorder is rising by 10 percent to 17 percent a year and in the next decade the number of Americans diagnosed with autism will rise from 1.5 million today to 4 million," by Beth Quimby

AUTISM - Mild form defined by social ills by Daniela Lamas

AUTISM - Scientists attempt to understand cause of disorder by Daniela Lamas

Autism Stats Phonied Up? by Adelle Jameson Tilton

Autism's surge mystifies By Anita Manning, USA TODAY

Autism: More autism cases reported, yet cause remains unknown by Erica Goode

AUTISM: The Myths and the Realities' by U.S. Newswire

Autism - The Silent Epidemic is a video presented by Talk About Curing Autism (TACA).  It is a VERY POWERFUL presentation on Autism Spectrum Disorder's (ASD's) with valuable information, featuring beautiful children before and after autism hit and one child after recovery.

Autism Through Ages Baffles Science - By Robert Williams Jr., June 12, 2000 at Health24 News

Autism training for emergency workers urged - "With reports of autism on the rise nationally, a new coalition wants to train area police officers, firefighters, and other emergency responders on how to deal with people who have the disorder," by John Laidler

Autism 'up by 10,000 per cent' in Maryland by The Herald-Mail

Austism: Small steps become monumental on Bend child's path to maturity

AUTISM SKYROCKETS IN QUEBEC: A SECRET NO MORE by RFD Columnist, Dr. F. Edward Yazbak

Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Sorting it out by Martin L. Kutscher, MD

Autism toward a necessary revolution

Autism vs. Asperger's Syndrome - revised by Jim Devine.

Autism: What Pennsylvania needs to do - Some education-related recommendations from the upcoming Pennsylvania Autism Task Force executive summary report: SHORT TERM - School districts need to dramatically increase the capacity of special education teachers to provide appropriate care. They need to find people with specific expertise and provide teacher in-services to raise the expertise in the classroom. MEDIUM TERM - The state needs to give counties and school districts flexibility to combine funding streams to coordinate services. This would prevent a duplication and inefficiency of services that children with autism receive.  LONG TERM -  Pennsylvania must develop autism training programs in colleges, offering loan forgiveness to encourage people to become teachers of the autistic. Also the state needs to create a system of service provider accountability so providers offering better, proven programs will be reimbursed at higher rates. The state needs to license and certify autism service providers and create a plan of what it will and won't pay for - both in the education and health systems by Bucks County Courier Times

Beating the Odds by April Curtis

Bettleheim's Worse Crime - Autism and the Epidemic of Irresponsibility by Michelle Dawson  

Beyond Asperger Syndrome - Paper by Sula Wolff

Blame for Autism By LENORE SKENAZY

Blinded By Their Strengths: The Topsy-Turvy World of Asperger's Syndrome by Diane Twachtman-Cullen

Brilliant minds linked to autism by the BBC News UK

California Autism Numbers Decrease Causing Some in Boise to Wonder... by Linda Patton

Can ADD, or ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome Occur Together? By Barbara Fowler

Cases of child autism have increased 850 percent in Missouri  April 2004

Castlemilk high-flier triumphs over personal adversity - "...But what makes his achievement even more remarkable is that he has overcome the challenge of Asperger's syndrome, a condition often associated with dyslexia, writing problems, and difficulty with mathematics," by Elizabeth Buie

Catching up with autism by Susan Fitzgerald

Centerpiece: Early detection of autism can make a difference by Beth Francis

CHAIRMAN BURTON TO EXAMINE THE STATUS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES IN THE U.S. - According to the United States Census Bureau, there are currently over 49 billion individuals in the United States living with some form of disability. Unfortunately, a majority of this underserved population doesn’t enjoy nearly the same quality of life that many of us take for granted everyday. Chairman Dan Burton will convene a hearing to examine the quality of life experienced by persons with disabilities in the U.S. In addition, the Subcommittee plans to discuss a wide range of efforts on the part of the Federal Government, as well as non-governmental organizations to expand the participation of and contributions from this population of America. 7/2004

China reports rising number of children suffering from autism  - "Children suffering from autism, a brain disorder, have been rising rapidly in China and now there are altogether 1.8 million children with autism across the country.  Bai Xueguang, a professor of neurology with the People's Hospital of Hubei Province, based in Wuhan City, the provincial capital, said on average he had five to six children seeking medical treatment with him a month. During summer vacation the number has been higher, he said," by China View

Coming real soon to a theater near you - The Offbeats, a group of college students, are sitting in a circle around UNCG junior Kristen Woetzel's living room. "We're not going to be able to get guns," says film student Josh Jones. "Do you think we could use knives if we needed to?" asks Woetzel, the team leader. It sounds like this group is plotting to rob a mini-mart, but they are actually throwing around ideas for cop movies -- part of the team's preparation for the 48-Hour Film Project being held in Greensboro this weekend. The festival, which came to the Triad for the first time last year, gives local movie makers the chance to produce a short film.

Count to determine if autism on rise BY Dave Parks News Staff Writer

County services for autistic children debated by Joe E. Carmean Jr.

Critical shortage of support services for parents raising children with autism has been confirmed by UTS research, highlighting a need for drastic reform. The findings come hard on the heels of controversy over the tragic death of autistic ten-year-old Jason Dawes at the hands of his mother, who had received only three of the 20 hours per week of early intervention that her child needed since the age of 18 months." by Medical Condition News

Disorder still largely a mystery

Does DSM-IV Asperger's Disorder Exist?  by Susan Dickerson Mayes [1,2]; Susan L. Calhoun [1]; Dana L. Crites [1]

Early Diagnosis of Autism Critical to Treatment by wavy.com

Early treatment of autism yields results, expert says by Peggy Anderson

Einstein and Newton 'had autism' by the BBC News

Einstein, Newton, and Asperger Syndrome - Did both men have this condition? by Lisa Barrett (the Washington Post 1/14/03)

Emanuel Miller lecture: Confusions and controversies about Asperger syndrome bu Uta Frith

Epidemiologic data on Asperger disorder by Fombonne E, Tidmarsh L Full Text | PDF

Examining Autism - CBS News Sunday Examines Autism, "The problem has reached such proportions that the federal government recently convened the first National Autism Summit. Though the overall picture is gloomy, one encouraging finding has emerged, according to Nancy Wiseman of the advocacy group First Signs: Clear, early and intensive intervention can profoundly impact the quality of life for every child and family at risk."

Executive Functioning - Executive Functioning is the brain's ability to absorb information, interpret this information, and make decisions based upon this information. For example, most people have a routine when they get up in the morning. Some mornings you might look out the window and see something is dripping from the sky. This dripping is interpreted as "rain" which implies a set of rules (i.e., needing to wear different clothes, the soccer game will be canceled which means you need to make other arrangements for an after school activity, rolling down the windows while you drive is not wise, you don't need to water the grass today, etc.), by Alex Michaels

Experts challenge autism 'myths' by BBC News

Experts: Spike in autism could be anomaly - "As the number of children with autism in California continues to multiply, so too are the questions about what has caused the rise.  Meantime, some health and education experts question the validity of the statistics that point to the increase in caseload," by Emily Fancher

Facing Off Against Autism by Shannon McCallum

Families hit by cost of diet to help treat autism - "CALLS have been made for specialised dietary foods used as a treatment for autism to be made available on the NHS as parents struggle to cope with the costs. The wheat and dairy-free diet, which is increasingly popular with parents of autistic children, can send a family's shopping budget soaring as the products can cost up to 10 times more than standard alternatives," by Darren Devine - Whales

FAMILIES share stories about life with autism - ... Now his diagnosis is Asperger's syndrome, children who often possess great academic ability but poor social or communication skills. "Autism is weird by phillyburbs.com

Family hopes to bring attention to autism by Jeffery Womble

Finding the genius within, against the odds - "In his new book, "Burro Genius" (Rayo, $24.95), the acclaimed author of the 1991 book "Rain of Gold" uses his own experience as a Mexican-American child struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia to condemn an educational system he says destroys our natural genius," by Michelle Morgante

Fitting together Autism group fills a niche in the community by Susan Bacon, Pilot & Today Staff

Five Survival Strategies To Help Children With Asperger's Syndrome Overcome Inertia by George T. Lynn, M.A., C.M.H.C.

Food Safety to release review of implied claims for A2 milk - "The implied claims have included that A2 will not trigger some forms of heart disease, autism, schizophrenia and diabetes," by Kent Atkinson

Forum offers resources for a social-cognitive disability By Gloria A. Hoffner

Friends’ deaths prompt creation of memorial mural - As Tracey Sykes drove home from a friend's funeral, she thought about memorials.  A golden-haired angel takes shape with Tracey’s Sykes’ paintbrush. After the stabbing death of one friend and the drowning of another, the art therapist kept thinking there should be a happier spot than a cemetery where she could go and remember them. Now there is. Sykes is painting a colorful "Wall of Remembrance" at Bank and Lafayette streets in Northeast Decatur. She can paint up to 600 names in memory of people or to honor those still living. Sykes started daydreaming about this type of art project as she drove home from the funeral of high-school friend Mike Lucas, who was stabbed in Huntsville two years ago. She remembered another friend, Cliff Poole, who drowned in a boating accident. "I just thought there should be something on a building that won't go away and isn't in a graveyard — somewhere that's appealing, so you want to go visit and celebrate their lives," the Decatur resident said. "That helps people." By Gary Cosby Jr.

From devastated mother to pioneering researcher - Lorna Wing, psychiatrist and pioneer of the concept of the autistic spectrum, was motivated by her daughter's autism. ^- Lorna Wing is a renowned authority on autism. She was a founder member of the National Autistic Society in the United Kingdom and her paper on Asperger's syndrome stimulated interest in this condition in English speaking countries. Lorna and her colleague Judith Gould set up the first centre for social and communication disorders for both children and adults.  Mareeni Raymond reports

Funding not going into fighting autism - Canadian Press - "When Dr. Noni MacDonald starts talking about the debate over whether childhood vaccinations cause autism, her words are steeped in anger. She thinks the public ought to be angry, too.

Garrett arranges autism forum - "State Sen. Susan Garrett (D-29th) of Lake Forest will co-sponsor a two-part Autism Forum in early September in conjunction with the Jewish Children's Bureau and the Autism Society of Illinois," by Pioneer Press

George’s Place - Autism swept him off to a secret world. Could his grandmother find a way to meet him halfway? By Carolyn See, September & October 2004 AARP Magazine

Get out and do a good deed Autistic professor of animal science believes that understanding yourself and others can make a difference in a sometimes brutal world - a letter from Temple Grandin .

Girls, Boys and Autism by  Geoffrey Cowley - Newsweek / Sptember 2003

Great minds don't think alike by Mark Lythgoe

Great physicists 'had Asperger's'  by David Derbyshire, Science Correspondent

Hans Asperger - Born in Vienna. He identified a pattern of behavior and abilities that he noted in four in boys he called "autistic psychopathy," meaning autism – self and psychopathy – personality. The pattern included "a lack of empathy, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversation, intense absorption in a special interest and clumsy movements." Asperger called children with AS "little professors," because of their ability to talk about their favourite subject in great detail.

Healthbeat: Early Diagnosis of Autism - Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and unusual or limited interests and activities. According to the Autism Society of America, the disorder affects up to 1.5 million Americans and occurs in about one in 250 births. No single cause has been found by Jen Christensen

Helping the disabled - Editorial- Bill offers needed support to the learning disabled.
A nonpartisan group of lawmakers is preparing to submit a bill supporting people with a range of developmental disorders to the upcoming extraordinary Diet session.
The legislation covers learning disabilities which can affect one's ability to learn in specific areas like reading, writing and arithmetic; attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is marked by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity; and such social disabilities as autism and Asperger Syndrome, the sufferers of which have a difficult time communicating and relating to others. - Tokyo,Japan

Helping Children with Autism Learn By Bryna Siegel, Ph.D.

How do you tell if your child is autistic? And what should you do if he or she is? by AMY LENNARD GOEHNER

History Makers Suffered Extreme Form of Autism by By Victoria Ward, PA News

House passes Medicaid waiver for autism services - State Rep. Thomas J. O'Brien (D-Kingston) announced that the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed House Bill 4177- An Act to Maximize Federal Reimbursement for Special Education Services for Children with Autism. House Bill 4177 must now be addressed in the Senate.

How autism gives an insight into animal world - Dr Temple Grandin believes autism has made her a modern-day Dr Doolittle. Chris Benfield reports. WHAT colour startles cows most? The answer, according to Dr Temple Grandin, is yellow and her conviction that she is right comes, she believes, from being autistic, a condition she insists gave her a rare understanding of how animals think and feel. - One of her odder anecdotes about being autistic starts with watching cattle being innoculated inside a "squeeze chute", a rancher's device which clamps the animal inside two metal frames, hinged at the bottom to make a V. Being squeezed like that seems to calm the animals, and Grandin, as a troubled teenager, instinctively understood why. She did not like being hugged by people because "it was just too overwhelming", especially when combined with perfume, but she knew she wanted her own squeeze chute. She built one out of plywood and still uses it for self-therapy today.

How is Social Anxiety Different Than...Asperger's Syndrome? - by the Social Anxiety Institute.

If you took a test for autism, how would you fare? Astonishingly, as many as 1 in 300 of us would "pass", maybe more. And a large number of those would be male scientists, according to Simon Baron-Cohen. A clinical psychologist at Cambridge University, he heads the first team to have come up with a simple test for autism. And he runs a clinic for Asperger's syndrome, a form of the condition. The clinic and the research which shaped the test have helped Baron-Cohen forge a new theory of autism and a fresh approach to it.

In Autism, New Goal Is Finding It Soon Enough to Fight It

IN BRIEF: Autism centre - Five out of every 10,000 Thai children may suffer from autism, with males four times more likely to be diagnosed as autistic than females, according to a by The Nation, Thailand - Bangkok,Thailand

In search of a cure for autism - Parents spend thousands on therapies that claim to help autistic children live normal lives, but most of them are unproven. Now doctors aim to find out what really works By Jane Feinmann

Inside a child's quiet world by Patrick O'Neill - "the new Program for Autism Research, Education and Treatment, a collaboration between Oregon Health & Science University's Child Development and Rehabilitation Center and the nonprofit Hearing & Speech Institute. The institute is on the OHSU campus but is organizationally independent."

Is Asperger’s syndrome/High-Functioning Autism necessarily a disability? by Simon Baron-Cohen

Is it Asperger's or ADHD? by Daniel Rosenn, M.D.

Is It Bipolar Disorder or Asperger Syndrome? By Barbara Fowler

Is It Really Asperger's Syndrome? By Barbara Fowler

John Schneider promotes Asperger's Syndrome Awareness

Journey into a choppy world By Michael Handelzalts

Judith Gould - Autistic Spectrum Disorders and DISCO

Kennedy Jr. speaks out about Vaccinations causing Autism - On July 20^th, the ‘Power of Truth’ rally in Washington D.C. was held to bring together more than 700 people for the Autism-Mercury Debate.  Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a nephew of President John F. Kennedy, has spoken out reaffirming that vaccinations containing thimersol most likely were the cause of many of the childhood neurological conditions and the government has covered up and protected the vaccine companies from being held responsible.  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was published on www.Salon.com on June 16^th, 2005 and also an article in Rolling Stone June issue. By Nicole Wilson

LETTER: Tristan's Troops to walk to support autism research ... Unfortunately, autism will always be a part of his life. Tristan has a great sense of humor, but autism makes it difficult for him to communicate clearly, by Cathy Papargiris

Lessons From the Little Professor by Lisa Barrett (The Washington Post 1/14/03)

Lessons From the Little Professor Asperger's Syndrome: 'Wired Differently -- Not Defectively' By Lisa Barrett

Life-Changing Autism Intervention - The most recent statistics show as many as one in 200 children have a condition that falls under the category of autism. There are many drugs for the behavioral symptoms that come with these disorders, but new research shows you may not need them. Now a drug-free treatment may change lives.  When you see 5-year-old Sarah Beard today, you'd never guess that a year ago, her life was filled with tantrums and rituals -- methodically lining up toys and spinning in circles. She'd scream at her own birthday parties if anyone sang happy birthday.  Today, that old Sarah is hard to find. "Myself is something who is the personality, and I am a special person of 'anality," she tells Ivanhoe.  Sarah was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome - an autism spectrum disorder - at two. Mom Colleen says that early diagnosis changed her little girl. "The amount of progress she has made - she's a different girl today than she was 14 months ago," Colleen says by Ivanhoe Broadcast News

Life, love and autism: A tale of one couple's journey by MAJA BECKSTROM

Little Professors - Dateline 10/13/00

Living With Executive Dysfunction - Executive dysfunction involves problems with planning and executing tasks. Sometimes the "simplest" tasks, such as grooming, are very difficult for autistics due to executive dysfunction. However, there are some things which can be done to help overcome these difficulties.

Logan left a powerful message to the community - When Logan Mitcheltree was discovered missing Saturday afternoon, the South Williamsport community and its neighbors joined together in a mission - to find Logan alive. Hundreds of volunteers combed Logan’s neighborhood, the municipality and the hills surrounding it.    In an age when we worry about prejudices toward people based on race, religion and handicaps, Logan’s autism did nothing to mute the effort of volunteers, police, fire and other emergency personnel. They searched everywhere for Logan on what may turn out to be among the three most bitterly cold days and nights of the next three months. When Logan’s lifeless body was found Tuesday, there was a collective feeling of anguish, frustration, failure and sadness.  All those emotions make sense. But during times of grief, when we all ask why something so tragic happens, it is helpful to look at the positive message beneath the surface, even if that message doesn’t entirely answer the question, byThe Sun-Gazette

Lorna Wing - DISCO and the triad of impairments

Lost Boys - Autism and My Son - They used to be thought of as loners, misfits, even geniuses. Now they're being labeled "autistic." But here's the scary part: The diagnosis may boil down to an excess of maleness By Lou Schuler / Men’s Health 9/2004

Magnets have new attraction / Instead of tying a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree, Americans now slap multi-colored magnets on the rear ends of their vehicles to show their support -- for any cause. For decades, yellow ribbons pinned to trees were symbols of hope that loved ones sent to war would return safely. - Today, those symbols of hope are red, white and blue, and black, yellow and pink ribbon-shaped magnets sticking to cars and SUVs across the nation’s highways by By Stephanie Whalen

Making music making money for a cause  / Local musicians donate time
and talent to help others - "We had a line out the door all night long in the middle of a Cincinnati winter," says Storm, whose son has Asperger syndrome, which is considered a form of autism," by C.E. Hanifin

Making Their Way Despite Critics, Autistic Youths Still Typing by ABC News

MedicAlert Reunites Lost Autistic Boy with Family / Robert “Alex” Cason, a 5-year-old nonverbal autistic boy, recently wandered off from his home through a downed fence board and became lost in the early morning hours while his family slept. Since Alex is nonverbal, a Good Samaritan noticed he was wearing a MedicAlert® bracelet and contacted the organization's 24-Hour Emergency Response Center to report the incident. - PRWeb - Press Release

Michelangelo May Have Been Autistic by AFP/ABC Science Online

Mind as a Dynamical System: Implications for Autism, They argue that the central feature of Autism is attention-tunnelling, monotropism.

Miss N.J. puts her best foot forward - Regardless of the outcome, Mrs. Scanlon and her husband, Jim, say Erica -- whose autism awareness platform is a way to give her autistic sister, Jessie, 20, a voice -- is already a winner by Theresa Katalinas

MOBILE PHONE AUTISM ADVERTISEMENT RULED OFFENSIVE by Jackie Dent - Guardian

Move over, you neurotypicals . . .  Autism and Creativity: Is There a Link between Autism in Men and Exceptional Ability?  by Michael Fitzgerald. Hove: Brunner-Routledge, 2004. Pp 304. £29.99. ISBN: 1 58391 213 4. Media Review

Moviemakers set to tell Moe's story / Rain Man co-writer puts together deal by Dave Perkins

Music keeps brain, body in harmony - I think I learned to appreciate the soaring possibilities of the human voice from my Uncle Sam, a bachelor who lived with us in Brooklyn and couldn't sing a note. But when he wasn't arguing politics, Sam's two abiding passions were the New York Yankees and his old recordings of Enrico Caruso by Saul Freidman

Music unlocks doors for some autistic children / Making Music - Program: Music as Language for the Autistic Child Where: Northampton Community Music School When: Classes meet weekly, two at the music school, one at the Jackson Street Elementary School, Northampton For info: (413) 585-0001

NASCAR Good Guy: Tony Stewart - Elliott Sadler raises awareness and money for the Autism Society of America in honor of his niece, who has autism. One of his events brought in $45,000-plus last year; in May, he raised another $70,000 through his Race for Hope. Kurt," by FOXSports.com

New Autism Website has its Own Autism Encyclopedia - The new website ChatAutism.com has an amazing resource for information. For those of you who don't know what a wiki is, its an online encyclopedia. The one on the new autism site called www.ChatAutism.com is a brand new initiative. It is all about autism and asperger's syndrome and is written by people who have autism themselves, it gives a real-life perspective to the facts of autistic spectrum disorders. The site itself will offer support to parents of children with autism and Asperger's, and also has a chatroom to discuss any issues that are related. There has been a large increase in the amount of diagnoses of autism within recent years, prompting concern by parents, and a real need for up-to-date information on education, medication issues, and therapies. At www.ChatAutism.com parents can communicate and ask questions on the forum, or receive advice directly in the onsite chatroom. http://www.chatautism.com - Press Release (PRWEB)

New center lends a hand to families of autistic kids - "Little Friends, a nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities, hopes to help more parents such as O'Brien by opening an affiliate, Little Friends Center for Autism," by Amy Boerema

New expectations by Callie Clark

New UO program trains autism specialists - The University of Oregon this week will launch the state's first teacher training program dedicated solely to preparing specialists in autism, a perplexing neurological disorder affecting an increasing number of children. Project PASS (Preparing Autism Specialists for Schools) aims to boost the ranks both locally and statewide of educators trained to identify and work effectively with children with autism, said Dr. Cindy Herr, assistant professor and research associate in the College of Education's secondary special education department by Anne Williams

Nude stars are hot property - A nude charity calendar featuring Welsh celebrities is selling around the world.  Autism Cymru's fundraising calendar Cnawd was launched last month, with naked but tasteful shots of famous people, by the Daily Post

Miss New Jersey proves you can go home again - ""I'm very proud of her platform," said Valerie Furlong, of Pitman, who Craine was visiting for the day. "I work in special education in Cherry Hill so it's good to see her raising awareness for autism." by Mathew Ralph

My Name is Autism By Omri Fiman/Marty Murphy  .pdf

... In response to "My Name Is Autism," by Kathleen Seidel / neurodiversity.com

....In response to "My Name is Autism" / Our Names Our Autism Too - An open letter from some "with" autism

New device can track those who wander - If the funds can be raised to bring a tracking and rescue program to Kalamazoo County, caregivers of individuals with autism, Alzheimer's disease or other similar disorders may soon be able to breath a bit easier.  The rescue service called Project Lifesaver uses a one-ounce battery-operated wristband -- also able to be worn on the ankle -- that emits a radio frequency, said Beverly Bishop, the president of the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Autism Society by The Kalamazoo Gazette

New Scottish law 'could be used against children with autism' by BBC News Online

No easy fix for kids with developmental disorders - Even after the establishment of a law that aims to provide support for people suffering from developmental disorders, treatment remains problematic due to a shortage of specialists in the field.  A House of Councillors plenary session has approved the law in a move that was welcomed by officials assisting those who suffer from such disorders as autism, asperger syndrome or attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is characterized by low concentration span and impulsive behavior. According to research by the Education, Science and Technology Ministry, ADHD could be the result of developmental problems as 6.3 percent of children suffer from the disorder by Medical News Today / Japan

No Longer "Fair Game," Human Rights for Nerds Wierdos and OddBalls by Judy Singer

Notes on the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders by Lorna Wing and David Potter (1999)

Noteworthy message: Miracles can happen / A musical genius despite blindness and autism, Randolph man proves 'impossible' doesn't apply - "The blind, autistic 30-year-old man from Randolph wowed an audience of Greater Lowell Technical High School teachers Tuesday, proving to them he is much more than his disabilities would describe," by Rebecca Piro

Núñez names two to stem-cell panels - Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez on Friday named an autism group's founder to the committee that will oversee the state's new stem-cell research program and picked a former teachers union official from Fair Oaks to serve on its financial accountability panel.  He appointed Jonathan Shestack, a Los Angeles producer who founded Cure Autism Now, to an eight-year term on the Independent Citizen's Oversight Committee, by Laura Mecoy

Oliver Sacks - Dr Sacks discusses his views on autism

On the road to a miracle by Mike Harris

Oppressed Group: Schizoid A Personality Not a Disorder By Allison J. Himelick {December 5, 1997 SLW 603 Dr. Beckett}

Our Names are Autism too - In her essay "My Name is Autism," Marty Murphy, a 41 year-old (by self-description) "high functioning" autistic woman describes what autism means to her. In a "Dear Sir/Madam" letter, which frequently was circulated in conjunction with the "My Name is Autism" essay, Ms. Murphy, posing as a 25 year-old male, claimed to be speaking for all autistics (using such phrases as "those of us with autism would like an answer" and "we are all waiting for our answer"). We, the undersigned, neither agree with Ms. Murphy's conception of autism nor appreciate Ms. Murphy's claim to be speaking for "those of us." - Letter to the Autism community from those "with" Autism.

Outback Open For Lunch For A Good Cause - "Hundreds went out to lunch to The Outback on Friday to help a little boy. At 18 months old, Chase Miller was diagnosed with Immune deficiency and Autism. The Outback is not normally open for lunch, but today they offered ten dollar meals, with steak or chicken, to help Chase's parents with medical costs not covered by their insurance," by ABC KLTV

Outcome research in Asperger syndrome and autism by Tsatsanis KD Full Text | PDF

Out of the Darkness - Primetime Special  4/2004

Owens went too far in implicating Garcia - "GOOD INTENTIONS: Give props to Titans rookie defensive end Travis LaBoy, who will give up a chunk of money, between $120,000 and $150,000, to honor his 12-year-old brother, Preston Curley.Curley suffers from Asperger Syndrome, a neurological disorder that include's autistic-like behaviors. LaBoy will use part of his $1.7-million signing bonus to start a foundation Supporting Autistic Causes and Kids or SACK," by Roger Mills

Papers presented at the Autism '99 Conference

Passport to another world by The Guardian

Paul Collins HISTORIAN OF AUTISM by Dan Cryer

Peaceful Coexistence" Autism, Asperger's, Hyperlexia

Poet W.B.Yeats 'may have had Asperger's syndrome' by Reuters; The Scotsman

Public invited to forum on autism - "Since last fall, the Ohio Autism Taskforce has been meeting monthly to develop legislative proposals for Gov. Bob Taft and the Ohio General Assembly. Our comprehensive report will be presented by Nov. 26, when we hope to set out several ideas for streamlining state services for the autistic," by Jon Peterson

Raising awareness Norwell man lobbies Washington for autism research by Lisa M. Cataldo

Report calls for end to neglect of autism - Switzerland lags far behind many European countries in the treatment it offers to sufferers of autism, according to a report.  The survey found that the authorities were also failing to provide adequate support and advice for parents of autistic children.

Report outlines new battle plan for autism - The state task force charged with recommending ways to improve the organization, financing and delivery of services and treatment for Pennsylvania residents with Autism Spectrum Disorder released Wednesday what it calls its "blueprint for change." By Jo Ciavaglia

Service dog gives girl with autism cuddles and care / Trained to help: Aspen assists Molly when she has anxiety attacks and Molly's parents say her symptoms have improved -  After playing for a while, Molly curls up on the floor next to her service dog Aspen, who also is ready for a little quiet time. (Paul Fraughton/The Salt Lake Tribune) A smiling child waving from the window to greet a visitor is an everyday experience for most families.  To Lisa and Russ Drury of Draper, it is almost a miracle. Their 7-year-old daughter, Molly, was diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome (a disorder classified on the autism spectrum) four years ago. Although she is high-functioning, she sometimes can be nonresponsive and unpredictable. "Molly's disorder is manifested by severe, disabling anxiety attacks," her father said. "She lacks social skills and the ability to regulate her emotions."  By Judy Magid

Sophia A. Colamarino, Ph.D., Named Science Director of Cure Autism Now - The Cure Autism Now Foundation announced that Sophia A. Colamarino, Ph.D., recognized for her exceptional research background in developmental neurobiology, has been appointed Science Director, effective immediately.  Dr. Colamarino comes to Cure Autism Now with an impressive track record in both scientific research and public outreach including her recent work at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California. "We are very excited to have a talented neuroscientist such as Dr. Colamarino heading up our Science Program at Cure Autism Now," said Portia Iversen, co-founder of the organization. "Sophia is the ideal person to fill this critical role, especially now, when each week research is bringing us closer to understanding the causes of autism. She has exactly the right mix of talents and experience to integrate these findings and maintain our leadership role in cutting edge research," Iversen concluded.

St. Mary's moving toward goal of becoming autism center - St. Mary's Residential Training School has taken a major step forward in its quest to become a premier center for the care of autistic people and research into autism. Dr. Gina Green, a consultant from San Diego, visited the center and the surrounding area "to meet with people in the community interested in autism and to determine what the needs are. "Resources in this part of the state on autism are very limited," she said, by Jim Leggett

Seeking the First Signs of Autism

Seminar sheds light on autism by Michael Rose, Statesman Journal - 170 people gathered at the Red Lion Hotel in Salem on Saturday to hear experts talk about the condition.

Senator aims to broaden way state defines autism - KIds with Asperger's would Benefit by Kristin Park

Separate realities;  a plain narrative of A'posteriori cognition: an analogue for comparisons with and between Asperger's syndrome and other autistic spectrum conditions by Andrew Walker

Sex Education for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Sheep like smiles say researchers by BBC News

Sheep put brave face on stress - LONDON, England -- Sheep have shown researchers why stressed-out people are comforted by the sight of a friendly face by CNN.com

Shifty-eyed children are smarter, researchers say by THE OBSERVER , LONDON

Since its founding in 1975 institute has been led by one person, David L. Holmes - "Since its founding in 1975, the Eden Institute in West Windsor and its "family of services" to autistic adults and children has been led by one person, David L. Holmes.   Last week, Dr. Holmes stepped down as Eden's president and executive director to conduct research on what he called "an autism epidemic" and to help raise money for research," by Jeff Milgram

Silent for years, now 10-year-old Ben Rushin can't stop talking by Bob Miller

Similarities Between Horses and Autistics By Barbara Locke

Some Extremely Reasonable Suggestions for “Typical” Parents, Family, and Teachers on Behalf of Kids With Asperger’s Syndrome.  By Jennifer McIlwee Myers, Aspie-at-Large

So You Think it May be Asperger’s…Now What? by Jill Goodman, Stephanie Loo, et al.

Spatial Frequency and Face Processing in Children with Autism and Asperger  Syndrome by Christine Deruelle, Cecilie Rondan, Bruno Gepner, Carole Tardif - 2/2004

Stability and Change Among High-Functioning Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders: A 2-Year Outcome Study 

State puts new focus on autism disorders New division will oversee services by Boston Globe

Sticks and Stones Will Break My Bones... by Jed E. Baker, Ph.D.

Take the AQ Test - Wire Magazine 2001

The Age of Autism: Rep. wants Amish study - A U.S. Congressman who is a medical doctor said Wednesday he will seek funding to study the autism rate among the largely unvaccinated Amish.  "I want to get somebody to do a study on that community," Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Fla., told United Press International. "I would like to get funding and have somebody go into the Amish community and do a survey."  By Dan Olmsted

Tantrums, disorganization may be sign of Asperger Syndrome by Myrna B. Shure

The 14 Signs of Autism - Autism Today

The keys to ‘unlocking’ autism / Boca woman says her autistic son’s condition improved during recent hurricane-related power outages - Throughout history, people have lived with what is known today as “autism spectrum disorders,” according to Dr. Jack Scott.  Scott, the director of Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) says his group serves 681-area residents.  The words “autistic” and “autism” are derived from the Greek word “autos” meaning “self.” The words are used to describe an individual’s exclusion of the outside world and virtual withdrawal from social life by John Johnston

This is Serious Fun / Can videogames equipped with neurofeedback help kids deal with their learning disabilities? by N'Gai Croal

Titans' LaBoy wants bright future for all - "Travis LaBoy's 12-year-old brother Preston Curley has Asperger's syndrome, one of five neurological disorders which include autistic-like behaviors. Travis knows what it's like to live in a household where money and time take on new meaning. He knows the spectrum of autism.  He wants to make a change," by Jessica Hop

Matching Strategies in Cognitive Research with Individuals with High-Functioning Autism: Current Practices, Instrument Biases, and Recommendations /  Special Issue: Research Methodology—Matching by Laurent Mottron - 2/2004 

My Name is Autism By Omri Fiman/Marty Murphy

... In response to "My Name Is Autism," by Kathleen Seidel / neurodiversity.com

....In response to "My Name is Autism / Our Names Our Autism Too - Petition

Multicultural Issues in Autism by Tina Taylor Dyches, Lynn K. Wilder, Richard R. Sudweeks, Festus E. Obiakor, Bob Algozzine - 2/2004

The art of living with autism - "Autism is a variety of developmental disabilities that affect the functioning of the brain, particularly areas used in social interaction and communication skills. As many as 1.5 million Americans are estimated to have some form of autism such as Asperger’s Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, according to the Autism Society of America. Those affected can be very high functioning, such as Patton, or be totally incommunicative," by Jennifer L. Boen

The secrets of Cherie Blair's new lifestyle guru / Lilias Curtin offers all manner of cures for modern ills. And word is starting to spread fast among London’s smart set - Now, in her first interview, Cherie Blair’s new guru reveals that it was her younger son’s severe autism that inspired her to explore alternative therapy and develop an array of techniques which have London’s smart set flocking to her consulting room. Curtin, 41, is now an expert in many unusual treatments, such as electronic gem, thought-field and vortex therapies. Rory Bremner publicly credits her with curing an allergy problem, while Cherie Blair is a regular visitor to Curtin’s clinic in Fulham, with its lilac-painted walls and polished, wooden floors, by Alice Hart Davis

Theatre reaches out to autistic children - For children with autism, theatre can rank among the worst of experiences / London by Reuters

The autistic detective: Novel illuminates Asperger syndrome - In writing his best-selling first novel, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” Mark Haddon did not set out to become a spokesman for people with Asperger syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism characterized by obsessive behavior, brilliance in some areas and social ineptitude," by Mel Gussow

The Empathy Quotient: An Investigation of Adults with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism, and Normal Sex Differences by Simon Baron-Cohen and Sally Wheelwright  2/2004 

The "Refrigerator Mother" Hypothesis of Autism - Although it is hard to find the specific instance when the “refrigerator mother” hypothesis of autism was first used, it is not difficult to find who first proposed it. As early as his 1943 paper, Leo Kanner was calling attention to what he saw as a lack of parental warmth and attachment to their autistic children. In his 1949 paper, he attributed autism to a “genuine lack of maternal warmth” and the “Refrigerator Mother” theory of autism was born, by James R. Laidler, MD

The right move - "Two families made the difficult choice of relocating for the sake of their special needs child. They share their stories with readers.  IT IS not everyday that parents with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) child have the opportunity to make a decision that could greatly improve the quality of education that their child will receive. We had that opportunity recently, and it was one of the hardest decisions we had to make in all our years of marriage," by Our Voice 

The many faces of autism by Andrea Pyenson/ Special needs

The Autism Spectrum  byThomas Sowell

The Definition and Prevalence of Autism: A Review - by Lorna Wing

The Emanuel Miller Memorial Lecture 1991 Autism and Autistic-like Conditions: Subclasses among Disorders of Empathy By: Christopher L. Gillberg

The exact mind: Empathising and systemising in autism spectrum conditions 

The extreme male brain theory of autism 

The Geek Syndrome - Wired Magazine, December, 2001

The Secrets of Autism - Time Magazine

They're like little professors' by  Tess Nacelewiz, Portland Press Herald Writer

The topsy-turvy world of autistic people by by Eric Sewell

Their Own Home / Brothers would benefit from shared home - "...Tyler is sweet, charming and curious. He's fascinated by how things work, loves trains and likes to build things. He exhibits some characteristics of Asperger's syndrome (a form of autism) but attaches well with his foster parents and teachers and is up to grade level in his day-treatment program. Tyler is 6 1/2. These boys will need some time to transition into their new home. If they are not the only children in the family, they should be the youngest. -- Ralph Wells

They just can't help it.  Do you have a male or female brain? by Simon Baron-Cohen

Things to Remember when Bringing your Child Home for Holidays, School Vacations, and Weekend Visits from Residential or Group Home Care - Produced by Parents for Residential Reform, a project of the Federation for Children with Special Needs

This is  what Autism looks like by Melissa Faye Green

Thoughts and Observations on Asperger Syndrome by Richard Howlin

Transcript of Science Times Event on Asperger Syndrome

Turn Down the Volume by Stefanie Sacks

Uncovering autism's mysteries Is there more autism? Or just a new definition?

Understanding Our Gifted and Complex Minds: Intelligence, Asperger's Syndrome, and Learning Disabilities at MIT By Brian G. R. Hughes '77

Understanding Asperger Syndrome - plus info. on Dr. Janet Fletchers new AS support group in Rogue Valley, Oregon

U. of Chicago fires child psychiatrist - Dr. Bennett Leventhal, a child psychiatrist and autism specialist who helped change how the medical profession and the public viewed mental illness in children, has been removed as the University of Chicago's chief of child and adolescent psychiatry.  Leventhal, who had been with the school 26 years, also will leave his job as a nontenured professor. He remains as director of the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, a university-affiliated program that treats problems in children and teenagers.  University spokesman John Easton would not say why Leventhal was dismissed, and Leventhal said he was not given an explanation.  Leventhal, 55, said he was stunned. "I've committed my life to this work and this university," he said, by Herbert G. McCain

USA loses top autism columnist by The Los Angeles Times

Video games benefits - Many people will argue that video games are nothing but bad for kids. And no doubt, there’s a growing body of researching which points to the problems associated with video games. But are they all bad? By Dr. Mike Rosen

Video Modeling Applications for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Blythe A. Corbett, Ph.D., M.I.N.D. Institute - Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.  February 20, 2003 

Virtual Clinic Will Offer Solution to $25 Billion Autism Crisis -  As the incidence of autism grows to epidemic proportions, a Canadian woman has enlisted technology and people to wage war on autism with an innovative approach. Her solution will bring training and intervention guidance directly into the homes of those in desperate need of a new solution. - “Worldwide, 1 in 250 children are born with autism each year,” said Cynthia Howroyd, President and CEO of Virtual Expert Clinics (VEC). “It was 1 in 10,000 thirty years ago, and the problem is doubling every two years. Costs in North America alone are a staggering $25 billion annually and timely, quality services are still out of reach for many families.  With personal experience herself as a clinical therapist in autism intervention, Ms. Howroyd has combined a powerful set of digital tools and a team of world-class experts to offer an innovative approach that promises to revolutionize autism service delivery and make it universally accessible." by PRWEB / Press Release

US officials counter autism fears - US Federal health officials affirmed the safety of vaccines this week in an unusual news conference called to counter a growing movement alleging that vaccines can cause autism. Autism activists planned a rally in front of the US Capitol on Wednesday to press their contention that the government has covered up evidence linking autism to a mercury-based product once used in vaccines. They will also demand more research into autism, which they say is a growing problem. "There has been a renewed interest in the issue of vaccine safety, particularly on the issue of whether the preservative thimerosal ... may be linked to the occurrence of autism in children," Dr Julie Gerberding, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told the news conference.

What Are Executive Functions and Self-Regulation and What Do They Have to Do With Language-Learning Disorders by Bonnie Singer & Anthony Bashir

What Asperger Syndrome has done for us - Michelangelo might have had it. So, too, may Einstein, Socrates and Jane Austen. All are claimed to have had Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. What is it about this developmental disorder that can lead to genius? by Megan Lane BBC News UK

What Is Asperger Syndrome? By Barbara L. Kirby

What Is Asperger Syndrome or Asperger's Disorder? by Barb K. Kirby

What is Asperger Syndrome?  Asperger's Syndrome, a neurological disorder often descibed as a mild variant of autism, is among the autistic spectrum disorders. by Page Wise

What is the Point of Autism by Andrew Walker

What We Can Learn from Robots - "...On Kawato’s lapel is a button that reads “I ♥ Robots!” But there is a difference between him and other attendees. Kawato loves robots not because they are cool, but because he believes they can teach him how the human brain works. “Only when we try to reproduce brain functions in artificial machines can we understand the information processing of the brain,” he says. It’s what he calls “understanding the brain by creating the brain.” By programming a robot to reach out and grasp an object, for instance, Kawato hopes to learn the patterns in which electrical signals flow among neurons in the brain to control a human arm," by Gregory T. Huang

What's The Difference Between Asperger's , Autism and PDD-NOS? by Barbara Fowler

When a Child Can’t Relate: Asperger's in Parade Magazine

Why Don't We Call Them Quirky? by David Noonan/Newsweek

Why “I” Don’t have AS… - Satire

Why Nerds are unpopular by Paul Graham

Writer's celebrated mystery of the mind - Protagonist with Asperger syndrome hailed by expert.  Variant of autism called `extreme form of maleness' - In writing his best-selling first novel, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, Mark Haddon did not set out to become a spokesman for people with Asperger syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism characterized by obsessive behaviour, brilliance in some areas and social ineptitude,"by Mel Gussow

Written Statement to the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and
Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee by Ron Beck, President and CEO of the ASA - 4/2004 

Yeats May Have Been Autistic, Psychiatrist Says - Reuters