NEWS

Sensory Friendly Films Coming to New Theatres This Weekend

Don’t miss the next ASA/AMC Sensory Friendly Film on October 11! We have added nearly 30 new theatres this month for a showing of Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Read more …

Vote 4 Autism Shirts

Don’t miss the chance to show off your advocacy stripes this election season with ASA’s new Vote 4 Autism t-shirt! Also newly available are ASA logo and ASA ribbon t-shirts. Check them out at: http://www.raisemoneyforautism.com/servlet/Categories.

Workplace Giving

This time of year, many employers encourage charitable giving.  Did you know that you can contribute to ASA through your workplace giving campaign, and your company may match up to 100% of your contributions? ASA is a proud participant in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #11808), United Way and Independent Charities of America. Ask your employer how you can sign up to contribute to ASA today!

Golf Benefits Held in Support of ASA

Two golf benefits for ASA were held on opposite sides of the country last week by generous businesses whose combined efforts raised over $50,000 to help our organization in its mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism. Read more …

Ticket to Ride I Dallas a Success

The Thunder rolled in Dallas September 27 for the 1st Lex and Terry Ticket to Ride Dallas. Hundreds of riders participated in the 40-mile lake ride sponsored by 97.1, Dallas Harley-Davidson, autismontheseas.com, Miller Coors, Starbucks, Strokers and others. Voodoo Blue rocked the stage, and the Dallas Desperado Dancers other performers made appearances throughout the day. With the local chapters and amazing volunteers from the Dallas area, the event was truly a success! Check out pictures at http://www.lexandterrytickettoride.org/.

Autism Society of America—Northern Virginia Chapter Presents the 4th Annual Walk for Autism—Virginia

The Autism Society of America—Northern Virginia Chapter is pleased to announce its 4th annual Walk for Autism—Virginia to be held on October 25, 2008, at the Prince William County Fairgrounds in Manassas, Va. This autism walk, fun run and community resource fair will help raise awareness about the increasing frequency of autism and fund mini-grants for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Read more …

ADVOCACY

Mental Health Parity Passes

On Friday October 3, Congress passed the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act. The President signed the bill into law after it was tacked onto the $700 billion financial bailout bill. Read more …

Department of Defense Bill Includes Funds for Autism

New legislation in the FY 2009 Defense Appropriations Bill includes $8 million for the Department of Defense Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Program (the DoDASDRP). Read more …

RESEARCH

Autism Research Centre Links Autism and Genius

New research suggests that some of the genes responsible for autism are also connected to mathematical, musical and other intellectual skills. Read more …

New Research Gives Clues to Neurologic Disorders

Neuroscientists at Children's Hospital Boston have identified the first known "master switch" in brain cells to orchestrate the formation and maintenance of inhibitory synapses, essential for proper brain function. Read more …

EDUCATION

Don’t Miss the 2nd Annual NATTAP Conference!

Register today for the Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs (NATTAP) Conference, November 19-21 in Columbus, Ohio. The conference will feature numerous opportunities for learning, growth and discovery with the overall goal of improving outcomes for individuals ages 3-21. Read more …

Autism School Opens YouTube Channel

The Mariposa School for Children with Autism in North Carolina is the subject of a new YouTube channel. The school specializes in one-on-one education for children, and the videos collected on the channel show the power of early intervention. Read more …

CONFERENCES

Call for Papers Open for the 2009 ASA National Conference
To be held in St. Charles, Illinois, at the Pheasant Run Resort July 22-25, 2009

We anticipate 2,000 attendees and more than 150 exhibitors at the conference this year, plus speakers from around the globe. In 2008, we were able to expand our professional credit offerings and create a comprehensive program that drew a record number of attendees.

We hope you will consider submitting a proposal this year. For more information, please visit www.autism-society.org/conference. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at conference@....

If you're interested in exhibiting, advertising in the conference program guide or becoming a sponsor, please contact Meg Ellacott at ellacott@....

Webinar on Special Diets

An October 15 webinar will cover how the GFCF diet can improve the digestive health of many children with autism, steps to ensure proper nutrition for your child while following the GFCF diet, and tips, recipes and other resources for successfully managing a special diet. Read more …

Autism Society of Illinois Conference

Space is still available at the October 18 Autism Society of Illinois Conference. The conference is a learning opportunity for parents, adults on the spectrum, therapists, educators and other professionals working with individuals who are on the autism spectrum or who have social, emotional, learning or sensory challenges, including ADD and ADHD. Continuing education credits are available. Read more …

2008 Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State Annual Conference

The 2008 Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State Annual Conference will take place October 20-22 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany. The conference will feature respected speakers from across the country sharing their expertise in assistive technology, education, health care, clinical services, public relations, development, finance, management and other topics. Read more …

The Autism Society of the Panhandle Presents “Creating Camp”

This 2-day hands-on seminar provides the strategies, tactics and tools necessary to create a cultural transformation in your community. Following the Autism Society of the Panhandle’s proven model, you’ll learn how to develop leadership to empower your community to meet the needs of those with autism. Read more …

Healthy Lives, Healthy Minds Conference

The Healthy Lives, Healthy Minds conference, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Minneapolis, is free and open to the public! Parents, educators, health professionals and more are encouraged to participate. Read more …

RESOURCES

It’s National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week

It takes a community to prevent bullying of children. The Third Annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, Oct. 5-11, 2008, encourages communities nationwide to work together to increase awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on all children. Read more …

New Resource Available for Families Living with Autism

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S., with an approximate 10-17 percent increase in the 1990s. As more is learned, more resources for patients and caregivers are being developed. One of these resources is a new anthology, Voices of Autism: The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength, chronicling the stories of more than 40 families living with autism. Read more …

Sloan Network Publishes Report on Work-Family Issues

The Sloan Work and Family Research Network recently released an action plan generated from a panel meeting in May on Work-Family Issues for Employed Parents of Children with Disabilities. Read more …

New CDC-TV Video

To support early detection efforts for developmental disabilities, CDC-TV recently released a new video in its “Health Matters” series entitled “Baby Steps: Learn the Signs. Act Early.” The video provides up-to-date information and guidance on identifying developmental disabilities and builds upon resources such as NCBDDD's Learn the Signs. Act Early. campaign. Read more …

Cruise for Families Affected by Autism

"Autism on the Seas" cruises are dedicated to servicing the cruising needs of families and individuals faced with autism. Group cruises are offered onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, where the activities and services are customized to accommodate the needs of families affected by autism. Read more …

New Film About Asperger’s Syndrome Premieres in NYC

The film Ben X, which tells the story of a young man with Asperger’s Syndrome, will be opening in New York City Friday, October 24, at Cinema Village. Read more … 

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