Autism in the News
Events
- "Green Our Vaccines Rally" in D.C on June 4th
The Green Our Vaccines Rally, lead by celebrities Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey and sponsored by Talk About Curing Autism (TACA), Generation Rescue, HEAL Foundation and Moms Against Mercury, will be held on June 4 in Washington, D.C.. The event will begin with a march through the streets of the nation's capitol and conclude at a rally site in front of the Capitol Building. As stated on the rally website, the purpose of the event is to demand a reassessment of the mandatory childhood vaccine schedule. The organizers believe children are receiving "too many, too soon." They feel vaccines are too toxic and they would like all toxins eliminated from children's vaccines. They believe a safer vaccine supply and schedule is possible. - Potomac 5K for Autism Speaks - July 4th
Autism Speaks' Potomac 5K Run/1 mile walk has raised more than $1 million over the past seven years. With the help of Race Director and event founder, Susan Pereles, this event has become a part of July 4th tradition in Potomac with fundraising dollars and attendance growing each year. Last year's event raised more than $200,000 with the largest attendance since its inception. - Ride Now's D.C Motorcycle Ride for Autism
Ride Now hosts motorcycle rides for Autism Speaks all over the country. On August 10th, 2008 Ride Now will lead a ride from Patriot Harley Davidson to American Legion Post 177.
Legislation
- May 5th - Florida's Senate Bill 2654
Florida's Senate Bill 2654 reaches crucial progress in the national effort to secure autism insurance coverage and end discrimination again families facing autism, a very important step in requiring coverage of necessary autism therapies.
Research
-
May 1st - Recent Autism Study
A recent study on Autism in the journal Brain describes significant anatomical differences in a facial processing area of the brain in people with autism. Plans are underway for further study of additional cortical areas implicated in visual processing. This continued research will be part of a larger project supported by Autism Speaks' Autism Tissue Program, the Brain Atlas Project. - April 2nd - Autism Speaks Teams with Allen Institute for Brain Science
New grant will allow scientists to examine molecular markers of genetic activity in the brain of patients with autism, providing insight into the biological causes that underlie the disorder, which could give the first window into brain development in autism. - May 9th - Autism Speaks Forms Multinational Collaboration
Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism advocacy organization announces today the formation of an international collaboration with North, South and Central America. This multinational initiative will help to raise awareness and develop research expertise focusing on public health and screening for early diagnosis and enhanced service delivery across the Americas
Organizations
- The Kennedy Krieger Institute
The Kennedy Krieger Institute recently opened the LEAP program, an intensive, 12-month special education program serving students aged 5 - 21 with a primary diagnosis of autism or a related disorder. LEAP will be the only specialty autism school of its kind in the county. This opening comes at a critical time, with more autistic students in Montgomery County than any other county in Maryland and as autism rates are on the rise nationwide. The Kennedy Krieger School was selected to open through a competitive bidding process conducted by Montgomery County Public Schools, one of the top public school systems in the country. - Camp Northwood
Camp Northwood & The Northwood Center have been providing quality programming to a coed population of 165 socially immature, learning challenged children in need of structure and individualized attention. "It is our 2:1 camper/counselor ratio, non-competitive recreational programming and intentional focus on social skill development that enables our students to experience acceptance in a thriving camp community." Northwood is located in Remsen, New York. - Camp Ramapo for Children
Ramapo's mission is to serve children with a wide range of emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities in a dynamic and stimulating outdoor environment, providing educational and recreational experiences that promote social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. "For over 85 years, Ramapo has kindled a spirit of hope in exceptional children. From anxious and fearful young girls and boys with functional disabilities to teenagers caught in a web of emotional and learning problems, Ramapo strives to offer youngsters opportunities for healthy growth and normal development." Ramapo is located in Rhinebeck, New York. - The D.C Chapter of Autism Society of America
The D.C Chapter of Autism Society of America was reorganized in the early 1970's by a dedicated group of parents with a strong desire to band together and be a united voice to represent individuals and families living with Autism and related disabilities. DCASA's mission is to assist families in responding to the needs of people with autism and related disabilities through advocacy, public awareness, education and other activities that improve the quality of their lives and integration into their communities. ASA is the home of the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon, one of the most recognizable cause-related symbols, and also the founder National Autism Awareness Month, which helps focus attention on autism in April of every year.