You have just a few more days to see “Autism Artism 2006”
at DIVA, Olive and Broadway. The exhibition comes down on Sunday.
Don’t miss it!
Our Gala Opening April 15 was a great success.
Everybody was there and having a fun time. Notecards with images
from the show literally flew off the rack. Four or five pieces
sold. Artists Renee Curtiss, Alex Curtis
Way, Max Lester, Carl Kinney, Kim
Miller and Ryo Mastrogiovanni were there, introduced and honored
by KindTree president Mary-Minn Sirag (in the show herself)
for their contribution to the world of art. It was a joyous
moment when they all gathered together in the front of the room,
facing the community and feeling the love. Yeeha.
Commissioner Morrison gave a great talk and
urged everyone to help her support the Combating Autism Act
of 2005, presently in the Senate. (See link below.) Mary-Minn
and Anna both wore red. They looked great! Be sure to look at
the photos from the event right here.
Mayor Kitty Piercy joined us, and presented
the first ever KindTree Productions “Thanks
to You” award to long time city employee Molly Elliot. Here’s
part of the Mayor’s remarks:
“Molly Elliott has
been a leader for the city and the community in the establishment
of a range of creative art and leisure activities. Working
with various artists in a variety of mediums over the years,
she has helped to promote the creative art accomplishments of
many people with disabilities. Her leadership has helped
to transform the stereotype of art by people with disabilities
as a “busy-work activity”, to art as a creative endeavor; including
establishing the Art Careers program at Hilyard Community Center.
It is that particular program that nurtures many of the artists
you see at this exhibition today, an excellent expression of
KindTree’s mission “To Serve and Celebrate the Autism Community.”
With deepest appreciation, here is our “Thanks to You” from
KindTree Productions, Autism Rocks “Autism Artism, 2006.”
Thank you, Molly.
All the unsold paintings are still available
at www.kindtree.org
Don’t you need something beautiful
on your walls?
KindTree would like to thank the people who
helped make it happen: Lane Arts Council, VSA Washington, Elizabeth
King & Four Leaf Press, Ruth and Ken Ross, Jeanne-Marie
Moore, Mary-Minn Sirag, LaFollette Gallery Off Broadway, Karen
Howe, Art Kennedy, GreyWolf Projects, Karen Hanson, George Mueller,
Nancy Bright, Dyan Campbell, Mary Ann Hanson, Paul Orbell, Tony Diaz, Jay Frazier, The Yachats Inn,
Chinook Winds Casino, DIVA, members of the KindTree board, and
the Slug Queen Slugnostra. Thanks for a great party.
NEXT UP is our annual Autism Forum. This is a great event for educational
interaction. We’ve put together a great bunch of knowledgeable
people to talk with. It’s free. Please come by. Here’s the scoop:
KindTree Autism Forum 2006
Free
($5 suggested donation)
Navigating
“the System”
Saturday, May 20 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Hilyard Community Center, 2580 Hilyard, Eugene,
Oregon
Sponsored by Doris Germain,
MA, Autism Specialist 541.520.0463
Mission:
To bring together families, individuals, service providers and
caregivers whose lives are impacted by Autism or Aspergers;
to provide an opportunity for dialogue and exchange of information;
and to provide a platform to discuss prevailing issues, concerns,
and possible solutions. Escalating demands on the system, a
diagnosis rate of 1 in 120 in Oregon children (one diagnosis
every 20 minutes), and state budget resources for adults that
are constantly shrinking, all present challenges to access services.
These panelists will help you find your way while you help them
understand what you need. Come, learn, share.
Panel Format: brief panelist
intro’s, questions, answers, and open discussion. Doors open
at 12:45 pm.
1:00 - 2:30 Children’s Services and Support
2:30
- 3:00
Networking
3:00
- 4:30
Adult Services and Support
4:30
- 5:00
Networking
Panelists include:
Larry Sullivan, 4J School
District
David
Abramowitz, Sheldon HS Life Skills
Chris
Peck, Lane DDS
Seth
Pfaefflin, Path Finder School
Pat
Wigney, Bridgeway House
Pam
Ring, Arc of Lane County
Alison
Miller, Direction Service |
Dr. Charlotte Higgins-Lee,
Ph.D., psychologist
Tracy Clark,
OVRS
Sarah Fields,
Full Access Brokerage
Liz Fox, Alternative
Work Concepts
Doris Germain,
autism consultant, Linn Benton E.S.D., social skills
teacher
Molly Elliott,
Hilyard
Community Center
Tom Keating,
advocate for brother with autism
|
Agency display tables available.
Refreshments
will be provided. Questions? 689-2228
Forum@kindtree.org
NEWS-
Autism Prevalence Based on Special Education
Needs Deemed
Inaccurate BY Martha Kerr
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Apr 13 - The notion that the prevalence
of autism is increasing would seem to be borne out by the increasing
rate seen in special education programs in the US, but that's a fallacy according to
Dr. Paul T. Shattuck.
"The
special education numbers cannot in any way be seen as accurate
or representative of what is happening in the population with
respect to autism prevalence," said Dr. Shattuck, of the
Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Dr.
Shattuck made that comment while discussing with Reuters Health
his study of the effect of diagnostic substitution on autism
prevalence figures in the US special education system
, published in the April issue of Pediatrics. He examined
the relationship between the rising prevalence of autism in
relation to changes in prevalence estimates of other disabilities.
He
found that the administrative prevalence of autism rose from
0.6 cases per 1,000 students in 1994 to 3.1 cases per 1,000
students in 2003. Seventeen states reported increases in autism
rates that would qualify as an epidemic.
During
the same time period, the prevalence of mental retardation fell
by 2.8 cases per 1,000 students and the prevalence of learning
disabilities fell by 8.3 cases per 1,000 students. The increase
in autism prevalence was significantly associated with declines
in mental retardation and learning disabilities.
"Autism
was not added as a separate category until the early 1990's,
and all newly introduced categories experience explosive growth.
No one is claiming there's an epidemic of brain injury, for
instance," Dr. Shattuck commented.
He
also notes in his paper that prevalence findings from special
education counts are well below epidemiological estimates for
most states, and so do not support the claim of an autism epidemic.
In
the broader context of widespread public concern that autism
rates have been increasing sharply, and that childhood vaccinations
are to be blame, Dr. Shattuck said, "I hope the article
creates more informed consumers of prevalence claims. Many bright
people, including doctors, have turned to the special education
counts hoping to find meaningful information...in the absence
of good quality surveillance data."
He
noted that discussing the issue with parents has to be highly
individualized. "If you have someone who passionately believes
there truly is an epidemic and that vaccines are the cause,
then you have to consider whether to try and convince them otherwise
or just agree to disagree and focus on caring for their child
as best you can."
On
the other hand, "If it's someone who has more questions
than conclusions, then you can educate them about the history
and context of special education classification (of autism),"
he advised.
Pediatrics 2006;117:1028-1036.
THIS SITE HAS FACTS AND
EVIDENCE ABOUT AUTISM.
READ THE LAST PARAGRAPH THAT EXCESSIVE VACCINATIONS ARE THE
CAUSE...........AND THAT THIMEROSAL IS STILL PRESENT IN CHILDHOOD
VACCINATIONS...........DR. MARK GEIER HAS PROVEN AND FOUND DISTURBING
EVIDENCE ABOUT THIMEROSAL IN VACCINES. HERE IS THE
WEBSITE: TAAP
Autism Today would like to invite you to watch the much awaited
1.5 hour online multi-media presentation by David A. Geier,
B.A. & Dr. Mark Geier on Thimerosal
(Mercury) & Neurodevelopmental
Disorders!
In this presentation, an overview of the latest population epidemiology,
clinical, molecular, and animal model evidence will be reviewed
showing a direct relationship between increasing doses of mercury
from thimerosal-containing childhood vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, an overview of
a new novel treatment therapy for some children with neurodevelopmental
disorders will be presented.
Press the link below for full details: http://www.autismtoday.com/geieraeo.htm
Sincerely, Autism Today sales@autismtoday.com
| 
Read More Here…
|
 |
Custom vests $95.00 for six pounds
of weights
$5.00 for each additional pound
|
I met a man named Tom Parish who specializes
in music and sound effects. Coincidentally, he works with
a woman, Sonora
Lee, who is a music therapist working with children with
autism. From AUTISM TODAY.
Press Below For Full Story: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/adtrack.asp?AdID=70937 |
Hi --
I have a daughter with sensory
problems and I could not find a weighted vest that she
would wear so I made her one that fit her and her personality.
I have sold these to other parents of kids in her therapy
groups and am now looking to sell them to other parents
for their children. I have made this brochure and
would love if you could distribute to your group members.
I will work hard to customize each vest so that the child
will love it.
Please let me know if you or any of
your members have questions.
Thanks for you time. Jill Daniels
708 354 9271 jill.daniels@ifractal.com
Dear friend from Autism ONE,
Many kids on the autism spectrum suffer
from food intolerances, allergies, and conditions that
affect their behaviour. Families may not be aware that their child
may also have an impaired immune function and a condition
called leaky gut which may lead to further allergies.
They may also suffer from certain vitamin, mineral
and enzyme deficiencies which will make their condition
and behaviours worse.
Press on the link below for full details:
http://www.autismtoday.com/thrive.htm#diet |
CALENDAR:
The
Family Action Coalition Team (FACT) is having a public hearing
for proposed health care coverage and would like your stories.
If you would like to participate in any of these forums or know
someone in your community who has had problems getting insurance
coverage for their child with autism, here are dates and times:
5:30-7:30 p.m., childcare provided with 2 days advance notice:
Thursday,
April 27th Corvallis: New Fire Station #5 4950 NW Fari Oaks Dr.
Tuesday, May 2nd, Portland: Benson High School
Thursday, May 4th, LaGrande-LaGrande Middle School, 1108 4th St.
For more information conatct FACT at 503
777-4166, ext. 250 or e-mail at ajonesfact@spiretech.com.
Disability
FILM FEST!
Documentary films challenging social stereotypes
about disability.
EVENT:
FREE! Three-day Film Festival at the UO and DIVA
WHEN & WHERE:
• NOW
• FRIDAY, April 28,
6:30-9:30 p.m. - 100 Willamette
Hall
• SATURDAY, April 29,
6:30-9:00 p.m. - Downtown Initiative for the
Visual Arts (DIVA) at 110 W. Broadway
Autism Training and Supports:
Strategies for Working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
8:30am every Friday
in April and May of 2006. (541) 689-2327
Bridgeway House: Tuesdays - Handwriting
in Motion, 3:30pm
/ Parent Support Group (2nd & 4th) 7pm. Wednesdays - Music
Ther-apy 4pm. First Saturday - Exploring Aspergers Syndrom
with Nan Lester, MS, 11:30am. 345 0805.
Sundays,
30. Autism Awareness Walk. Oregon State
Capitol Bldg, front steps, 900 State
St, Salem. Rhonda
Brown, par-ent. Fun and prizes. catrhonda@comcast.net
Friday, May 5, 10
am - 7 pm Art
Show and Sale
Hilyard Community
Center, 682-5311, 2580
Hilyard Street
An Afternoon with David Kirby by Bridgeway
House
David Kirby, author of Evidence of
Harm; Mercury In Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy,
will be speaking at Studio One in the Hult Center. Please join us!
Friday, May 12th
at Noon
Tickets are $25.00 Tickets can be purchased through the Hult
Center Ticket Office. You can contact them by calling 541-682-5000
or (800) 735-2900 or visit theirwebsite at www.hultcenter.org. For more information, call (541) 345-0805
Saturday,
May 20, Hilyard Center 1 - 6pm KindTree Autism Forum. “Navigating the System” for
children and adults. Come participate. FREE!
Tuesday
night, May 23rd, ASO – LCC meeting. 6:30 at Bridgeway House. Mark your calendars.
AUTISM
ONE 2006 CONFERENCE
Wednesday, May 24 – Sunday, May 28
Chicago Westin O’Hare Hotel http://AutismOne.org Hope
is Real. Healing is Real
Monday-Friday
June 26-30, Autreat
by ANI Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Featuring Mary-Minn Sirag on "Traveling with a Purpose
Overseas: Benefits and Strategies for Autists," www.ani.autistics.org
Autism Speaks is sponsoring an Autism Walk
next September in Eugene.
Watch for it.
Every
Month at Bridgeway House (345
0805)
Current Classes: Dad’s night out, Dad’s support group, Social
Peer Play Sessions, Music Therapy, The Listening Program Support
Groups: Sibling Support Group, Parent Support Group, Spanish
Speaking Parent Support Group, Gluten & Casein Free Diet,
Support Group Gluten & Casein Free Bread Baking Demonstration,
Low Cost Counseling Service.
The first Saturday of every month, 11:30 - 1pm The Asperger Advocacy Coalition strength-based diagnostic discussiongroup meets , at Bridgeway House, Nan Lester 345-3467.
Second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30pm Asperger Advocacy Coalition open meetings Understanding Aspergers,
featuring speakers, diagnostic information and support.
Now
at Bridgeway - Please sign up - no fee
Offering 1 hour introductory ABA
sessions for children with autism or other developmental disabilities.
Becky Watson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst specializing
in behavioral approaches to teaching language (verbal behavior)
and critical learning skills. For more information or to schedule
a session, please call Bridgeway House at 345-0805. If you would
like more information about consultation services, please call
Becky at 345-2043 or e-mail at watsonbcba@yahoo.com.
