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From: Autism Society of America <asanet@...>
To: cap-nj@...
Subject: Autism Society of America Mourns Loss of Dr. Bernard Rimland
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 16:43:02 +0000

November 22 , 2006 Autism Society of America mourns loss of Dr. Bernard Rimland ASA Holiday Greeting Cards Katie Dolan, an activist who stood up for rights of disabled, dies at age 82 The Autism Advocate: ASA's Premier Magazine on Autism Spectrum Disorders Reminder: ASA to Serve as Association Partner for National Inclusive Schools Week, December 4-8, 2006 2007 National Conference Call for Papers Remains Open In the News: Newsweek covers "Growing Up with Autism" ASA Merchandise Autism Resources Happy Thanksgiving from ASA! Autism Society of America mourns loss of Dr. Bernard Rimland Dr. Bernard Rimland, ASA founder and pioneer in autism research and support, to be honored by community he founded.  The Autism Society of America (ASA) announces with profound sympathy today the death of its founder, Dr. Bernard Rimland.  A pioneer in the area of autism diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Rimland transformed the prevailing pessimistic view of autism in the medical and scientific community and built the largest parent support organization in the United States.  Along the way, he inspired hundreds of thousands of parents, advocates and professionals to treat individuals with autism with respect, dignity and care. “Bernie Rimland was among the first to realize the importance of combining a focus on medical interventions with treatments, supports and services,” stated Dr. Cathy Pratt, ASA Board Chairperson.  “There is not one parent or professional who has not been impacted by the knowledge, dreams and thinking of Bernie Rimland.”  Dr. Rimland's 1964 book, "Infantile Autism: The Syndrome and its Implications for a Neural Theory of Behavior," was responsible for challenging and changing the long-held belief that autism was an emotional disorder caused by poor mothering. Autism is now recognized as a biomedical disorder. Rimland devoted himself tirelessly to conducting and disseminating the results of research on methods of diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of autism. These treatment modalities, once considered radical, are now gaining wide acceptance as the news spreads about formerly autistic children who have been reclassified as normal. Dr. Rimland's determination was spawned by his own son's diagnosis of autism, at age two, in 1958. “Dr. Rimland was a hero to the autism community and his legacy will live on through the work of the Autism Research Institute, the Autism Society of America and the good work of others,” said Lee Grossman, President and CEO of ASA. “No one has done more for Autism than our founder, Bernie, and all in the autism community have been positively touched and have benefited through his decades of passion and dedication to our cause.” A private funeral will be held in San Diego, California.   ASA Holiday Greeting Cards You asked for them, we've got them! ASA has partnered with Brightdoc.com to introduce the first ever ASA Greeting Card Series. The greeting card series will feature artwork created by selected participants of the 2006 Celebrating Talents initiative, which showcased the talents of individuals with autism. The first card design, entitled "Argyle Lake," was created by Long Island-based artist Maria Illiou, an adult with autism. You can also select other holiday-themed cards like "Berry Christmas," "Mr. and Mrs. Claus" and the endeared autism ribbon. Each set contains 10 cards with the design of your choice on the cover, and the artist's bio on the back. You can choose a standard greeting or customize your very own. You can even add your family photo for a personalized touch! And for companies not wanting the hassle of mailing large volumes of cards, Brightdoc.com will mail them for you. Simply upload your mailing file and enjoy this time saving feature. All standard orders will ship in 1-3 business days. Be sure to visit us at www.brightdoc.com/asa to order. Holiday greeting cards are the perfect way to send your well wishes and support ASA! ASA Advocacy Update ASA Statement on Combating Autism Act   As you know, the Autism Society of America (ASA) has been working closely with Congressional leaders to pass the Combating Autism Act this year.  The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate in August of 2006, but House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) would like to make additional changes to the bill before sending it to the President’s desk. Chairman Barton’s version of the bill makes several significant changes to the legislation. It changes provisions related to the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) “Centers of Excellence” program, specifically, requirements that the NIH create separate Centers of Excellence in Environmental Health and Autism. Chairman Barton’s compromise does allow for the study of environmental factors and autism (including studies into the causes of autism), but does not mandate that these particular types of Centers be funded. ASA supports efforts to bolster research into environmental factors and autism, and supported the initial proposal to create Centers of Excellence. The legislative process, however, is one that requires negotiation and compromise. Chairman Barton’s current draft allows for research into this critical area, and he has also suggested that he would be providing additional, supporting documentation to the NIH to ensure that research in this area is expanded. ASA is working with Chairman Barton and the autism community to ensure that his statement (which provides guidance to NIH on the Congress’s intent for this legislation) clearly reflects his desire to provide for additional research into environmental factors and autism. We will continue to work with his office, and other Congressional leaders, to see that NIH is held accountable for the research it does, and that research efforts reflect the needs of individuals with autism and their families. While some autism groups are suggesting that the community abandon this bill with the hopes that we can pass a stronger bill in the 110th Congress, ASA believes that we cannot wait another second for the Combating Autism Act. The compromise that Chairman Barton has offered would provide almost $1 billion for autism related research at NIH. It would provide for research into a range of important areas, from neurobiology to genetics to toxicology. While the Combating Autism Act is not perfect, it is a step in the right direction -- one that will get us closer to finding better treatments, diagnostics, and interventions for autism. As an organization representing individuals with autism, their friends, families, and supporters, ASA supports this legislation and will do all we can to ensure its passage. Katie Dolan, an activist who stood up for rights of disabled, dies at age 82 By Mike Lindblom Seattle Times staff reporter Katie Dolan of Seattle, a pioneering activist for the rights of disabled people in Washington state, died Saturday morning at the age of 82 from complications following a heart attack. In her last few months, Mrs. Dolan worked to fulfill her longtime vision of a "MediCard" containing bar-coded health information, so people would not have to fill out a battery of difficult forms in a medical office, said Parul Houlahan, a family friend. A prototype card, issued by Northwest Center, is expected to go into use next year, Houlahan said. Mrs. Dolan's son, Patrick, was born with autism in 1950. Mrs. Dolan rebelled at the notion that developmentally disabled children should be institutionalized. To read the entire article, go to: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003406293_katiedolan12m.html ASA Education Update The Autism Advocate: ASA's Premier Magazine on Autism Spectrum Disorders The 5th edition of the Autism Advocate, a special issue on environmental health and autism, will be mailed December 7. The first publication of its kind, this issue convenes pre-eminent researchers and professionals to discuss the spectrum of environmental impacts on autism. Don't let your friends and family miss this and future issues! Forward the link below and get them informed! Already a member? Go to www.autism-society.org/magazine to read the Autism Advocate online. ASA to Serve as Association Partner for 6th Annual National Inclusive Schools Week, December 4-8, 2006 Week Celebrates Progress of Nation's Schools in Providing Services to Students with Disabilities National Inclusive Schools Week highlights and celebrates the progress of our nation's schools in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students with disabilities, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and English language learners. The Week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children. ASA will serve as an association partner of this year's National Inclusive Schools Week. For more information about the Week and what you can do, go to: http://www.inclusiveschools.org/ ASA Conferences Update 2007 National Conference Call for Papers Remains Open ASA's 2007 National Conference theme, "Together a Brighter Tomorrow," reflects our belief that success will be achieved with all affected by autism -- individuals, families, professionals and friends -- working together. During this conference, to be held in Phoenix, AZ, July 11-14, 2007, ASA will bring together experts from various disciplines with the creative ideas and energy to address the diverse challenges individuals with autism and their families face. Our goal is to provide conference attendees with the opportunity to learn from innovators and access critical information to improve their lives and those of the people they love, treat and inspire. With collaboration and armed with knowledge, ASA is sure that there will be a "brighter tomorrow" for the autism community. Submit your abstract/paper for consideration to speak at ASA's 38th National Conference: http://asa.confex.com/asa/2007/cfp.cgi ASA Director of Chapters and Membership Jeff Sell recently attended and spoke at the World Autism Congress in Capetown, South Africa. A write-up about the Congress will be available on the ASA Web site, http://www.autism-society.org/, in the next week. In the News: Newsweek features "Growing Up with Autism" on their cover of the November 20, 2006 issue. ASA CEO Lee Grossman was interviewed on Newsweek's article looking at the challenges facing children on the autism spectrum as they graduate from services beyond high school. Visit http://www.newsweek.com/ for the article and podcast. CBS Evening News with Katie Couric ran a 2-part series on older fathers and their biological clocks, featuring ASA member Jim Katchko and his 6 year old son with autism. To view, visit http://www.cbs.com/. ASA Merchandise Holiday Gift Items for Her The Jollification scarf—inspired by the beautiful painting, “Jollification,” by renowned artist Metin Bereketli captures all the precision, detail and vibrancy of the original painting. This high quality scarf measures 34.6" x 34.6" and makes a wonderful gift for the special lady in your life. Visit our store to purchase. "Art as a Catalyst:" The Gary Rosenthal Collection Artist Gary Rosenthal's gorgeous line of hand crafted, fused glass and metal artwork is back by popular demand! Choose from an assortment of earrings, necklaces, money clips, book marks, Christmas tree ornaments and dreidels. These beautiful handcrafted items will be cherished for years to come. Limited supply available! For more information, contact ASA Administrative Assistant Bianca Bronson at (301) 657-0881 ext 129. Cascade Evergreen Create warm holiday memories this year by ordering fresh, fragrant Pacific Northwest Evergreen products from Cascade Evergreen. Choose from an assortment of mixed wreaths, door swags or holiday center-pieces, perfect for the home or office. Place orders for you, your family and friends, or business associates while helping to support ASA. ASA will receive 15 percent of the total sales from your purchase. Visit http://www.cascadewreaths.com/ to order your holiday evergreens. All orders must be placed by November 17 to ensure timely delivery. Be sure to use charity code ASOA when placing orders. For more information contact Bianca Bronson at (301) 657-0881 ext 129. Autism Resources For our Spanish speaking members: Los Trastornos del Espectro de Autismo de la A a la Z, by Emily Doyle Iland and Barbara T. Doyle. For the first time in the United States, an autism specialist author who speaks fluent Spanish has published a book, Los Trastornos del Espectro de Autismo de la A a la Z  (Autism Spectrum Disorders From A to Z) in Spanish. Although some books about autism have been translated into Spanish, their authors cannot speak directly to the Hispanic/Latino community as can Emily Doyle Iland. Mrs. Iland is the mother of three children, one of whom has an autism disorder. She co-authored her book with her sister Barbara T. Doyle who has been a professional educator in the field of autism for more than thirty years. The book was named Outstanding Literary Work of the Year, Educational Division, at the ASA National Conference in Providence. Understanding Autism for Dummies, by Stephen Shore and Linda Rastelli, with a foreword by Temple Grandin. Autism affects more than 1 million children and adults in the United States, and parents may be confused by the behavior of autistic children. This book provides help-and hope-by explaining the differences between various types of autism and delivering the lowdown on behavioral, educational, medical, other interventions. Featuring inspiring autism success stories as well as a list of organizations where people who support those with autism can go for additional help, it offers practical advice on how to educate children as well as insights on helping people with autism use their strengths to maximize their potential in life. Order from Amazon.com and support ASA at the same time!  Visit: www.autism-society.org/shop

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