Neuroscientist Baroness Greenfield of Oxford University has created a firestorm of controversy by correlating autism with increased computer use amongst children. She contends that the use of social networking Web sites is altering children’s brains, creating shorter attention spans, an expectation of instant gratification and a lack of empathy (i.e. “autistic-like traits").
She proceeds to point out that individuals with autism are particularly drawn to using computers speculating, “Of course, we do not know whether the current increase in autism is due more to increased awareness and diagnosis of autism, or whether it can – if there is a true increase – be in any way linked to an increased prevalence among people of spending time in screen relationships. Surely it is a point worth considering,’” she added.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Mother Kills Self, Autistic Son, In Despair Over Debt, School Placement
What a terribly tragic story--our hearts go out to their family.
KENSINGTON, Md. -- Ben Barnhard finally had reason to be optimistic this summer: The 13-year-old shed more than 100 pounds at a rigorous weight-loss academy, a proud achievement for a boy who had endured classmates’ taunts about his obesity and who had sought solace in the quiet of his bedroom, with his pet black cat and the intricate origami designs he created.
But one month before school was to start for the special-needs teen, his mother, psychiatrist Margaret Jensvold, shot him in the head, then killed herself. Officers found their bodies on Aug. 2 in the bedrooms of their home in Kensington, Md., an upper-middle class Washington suburb. They also found a note.
“School — can’t deal with school system,” the letter began, Jensvold’s sister, Susan Slaughter, told The Associated Press.
And later: “Debt is bleeding me. Strangled by debt.”
KENSINGTON, Md. -- Ben Barnhard finally had reason to be optimistic this summer: The 13-year-old shed more than 100 pounds at a rigorous weight-loss academy, a proud achievement for a boy who had endured classmates’ taunts about his obesity and who had sought solace in the quiet of his bedroom, with his pet black cat and the intricate origami designs he created.
But one month before school was to start for the special-needs teen, his mother, psychiatrist Margaret Jensvold, shot him in the head, then killed herself. Officers found their bodies on Aug. 2 in the bedrooms of their home in Kensington, Md., an upper-middle class Washington suburb. They also found a note.
“School — can’t deal with school system,” the letter began, Jensvold’s sister, Susan Slaughter, told The Associated Press.
And later: “Debt is bleeding me. Strangled by debt.”
Autism, ADHD Share Genetic Similarities
A new study from Canada linking Autism and ADHD is garnering attention here in the U.S.
TORONTO, Canda -- Similar genetic changes found in some people with ADHD and in some with autism may help explain why children with the hyperactivity disorder often have symptoms of other developmental disorders, a new study reports.
The study identified several genetic changes that are present in a small portion of both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients and autism patients, and that are absent in people without these disorders.
TORONTO, Canda -- Similar genetic changes found in some people with ADHD and in some with autism may help explain why children with the hyperactivity disorder often have symptoms of other developmental disorders, a new study reports.
The study identified several genetic changes that are present in a small portion of both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients and autism patients, and that are absent in people without these disorders.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Self-Discovery and Asperger Syndrome: a Personal Story
A highly-personal account of an adult's life with Asperger's Syndrome.
I don't remember when I first heard of Asperger's Syndrome.
When I was a child, Asperger's Syndrome simply didn't exist. It wasn't even described in English until I was eight, and it didn't enter the DSM until I was nineteen. It's not like the introduction of a new diagnosis prompts people to systematically examine the schools, in any case. Either way, when I was a child, I knew what autism was: it was the classic Idiot Savant, staring into the distance and not saying much and calculating the weekday of August nineteenth, 4087BC. It certainly wasn't me.
I don't remember when I first heard of Asperger's Syndrome.
When I was a child, Asperger's Syndrome simply didn't exist. It wasn't even described in English until I was eight, and it didn't enter the DSM until I was nineteen. It's not like the introduction of a new diagnosis prompts people to systematically examine the schools, in any case. Either way, when I was a child, I knew what autism was: it was the classic Idiot Savant, staring into the distance and not saying much and calculating the weekday of August nineteenth, 4087BC. It certainly wasn't me.
Father of Child with Autism Starts Summer Camp
SAN FRANSISCO -- Like other parents of autistic children, classical musician Stephen Prutsman faced the challenging task of finding summer activities for his son to participate in. So he came up with the idea of a camp suited to such children.
Prutsman, who approached the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department with the idea, has seen his vision come to fruition at Camp Azure. This summer, the four-week-long Glen Canyon summer camp has accommodated 32 autistic children from ages 6 to 12.
Prutsman, who approached the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department with the idea, has seen his vision come to fruition at Camp Azure. This summer, the four-week-long Glen Canyon summer camp has accommodated 32 autistic children from ages 6 to 12.
9 Conversations To Have With Your Autistic Child
Growing up, Paul McAuliffe says he “felt like a Martian.” He was always saying the wrong thing or overreacting, but he didn’t know why. Then several years ago for his job as a case manager, the Panama City resident started reading online about the symptoms of autism.
“And I said, ‘My god,’” recalls McAuliffe, now 57. “‘That’s me.’”
“And I said, ‘My god,’” recalls McAuliffe, now 57. “‘That’s me.’”
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Enjoying Being Part of a Team
NEWARK, Del. -- In April, Geoffrey Steggell secured his first permanent job.
He went through training and orientation with the rest of his new co-workers, and now he works on the cash register serving customers and on production in the back room.
What does he like best about the work? Given that he works at the UDairy Creamery on the University of
"I get to eat ice cream after every shift," he said.Steggell, 22, is one of two students hired at the Creamery through a jobs program at UD's Center for Disability Studies.
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