The Parent Child Training Program (PCTP) at Action For Autism is a ‘model’ program that addresses the critical need for parent education. How to parent an autistic child is not an intuitive process. True parental involvement is the key to successful autism programming and activities.

PCTP’s training empowers parents to take charge of their children’s health and education. Parental involvement on this level not only helps educate children, but it heals the emotional stresses that parents face. The PCTP training program is a ten-week country wide opportunity.

The coursework covers behavior modification and skills maintenance. Mothers learn tools and tactics for facilitating learning. Most importantly, they gain confidence through community by meeting other parents. This is the goal of ICare4Autism’s conference and our institute at large. By sharing information we strengthen our skills.

Ms. Barua’s organization quotes that they hope for “a society that views the interdependence of people of every ability as valuable and enriching.” AFA seeks to provide equal opportunities for all. Their goals are not only research and expanding autism education in India but also independent life training and skills.

The AFA’s reach goes beyond Los Angeles and India to the Europe. AFA created “Activate Yourself!” to put into action the value of all people. Due to the nature Autism, people with this disorder have difficulties in terms of self-advocating their fundamental rights. Therefore “Activate Yourself” was developed to encourage active participation of young people with ASD; empower them as active citizens, make them aware of their role in creating their own future and promote their equal rights and opportunities. The project is supported by the Youth in Action Programme of the European Union.

This kind of active work is right in line with the International Center for Global Research. We learn as much in the classroom as we do from the scientists in our lab. How to educate our autistic youth comes directly from their communication and achievements.

Photo by: James Emery/Flickr

The Center for Disease Control reports that 1 in every 110 children in the United States is affected by autism [1]. These numbers are a stark contrast to the early 2000’s and 1990’s, when the prevalence rates were exponentially lower, and the disorder itself was not recognized or understood by many in the general population.

This increased prevalence has spawned a new social movement towards answers, awareness and empathy for the ASD community. There are several unanswered questions regarding the cause of this disorder; research has indicated a dual-causal model, with both genetic and environmental components influencing the symptoms.

As we scramble to find answers, many people glance feverishly at the rising prevalence rates and wonder whether America is in a trend of over-diagnosis, or if there is a real epidemic permeating through our society. Much of this can be made clear by looking outside of our borders, and observing diagnosis and incidences. While autism is still misunderstood in some cultures, and individuals who suffer from the disorder are often ostracized, many nations are working hard to battle stereotypes and provide treatment.

It is difficult to have accurate estimates on global prevalence rates. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not maintain specific global statistics on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders or appropriate treatments. In the WHO’s 2007 Global Burden of Disease report on mental and neurological disorders, the organization highlighted the critical situation the world faces with a growing population that includes those with autism [2].

In 2007, the Autism Society of America provided this estimate:

Chart A: Estimated Number of Individuals with Autism in Selected Nations, 2007 (calculated from prevalence rates in some cases)

Though these numbers are not current and are general approximations, from what we can gather, autism is becoming increasingly prevalent in other countries as well. For this reason, it is imperative that we continue to spread awareness past our own borders, so as a global collective, we can help to influence policy, provide care, and be catalysts for research and change.

Already, organizations like the U.N. are initiating more aggressive approaches towards helping developing countries in autism education and treatment. In 2008, they held the United Nations World Focus on Autism summit.

Ban Soon-taek, Chair of the Forum and wife of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke at the gathering, and stressed the importance of social and cultural outreach for autism:

“Not too long ago, those affected by autism-related disorders were set aside, placed in institutions, or dismissed as untreatable lost cases, today, sadly this reality is still prevalent in some parts of the world. [3]“

While extending our reach into the far corners of developing nations seems ambitious; it is essential. In many countries, individuals with autism are abused or avoided by members in their community. Often times this is because their disorder is not recognized, or mistaken for something else. Autism is a developmental disorder, and therefore accurate diagnosis and treatment is imperative to the success and wellness of an individual who suffers from ASD. Having trained professionals to identify symptoms in early-childhood development and the resources to provide early intervention is one of our biggest challenges on a global scale today.

Some countries already have treatment centers and government grants for research springing up through bustling cities and quiet suburbs. The Israeli Society for Autistic Children known as ALUT provides educational, residential, vocational and leisure-time services to people with autism. They work to improve the services available to those affected by autism and their families [4].Also, in Israel, are global affiliate offices of the International Center for Autism Research and Education, ICare4Autism. In July 2010, the global non-profit hosted a worldwide conference in Jerusalem that featured over 30 top autism experts, from around the globe, giving original dissertations and other presentations. There were also symposiums, panels and collaboration between experts.

At the 2010 International Autism Conference, ICare4Autism’s Founder and President, Joshua Weinstein, Ph.D., M.B.A., made it a special point to speak with as many attendees as possible. At the event, Dr. Weinstein said that he felt “fortunate to be able to provide this educational event.”

Further south, Action for Autism, based out of Delhi, India, is providing support and funding research throughout India for autism. South Africa, a nation that has struggled with social/cultural stigmas in relation to autism, is receiving much support from organizations like Autism South Africa. ASA has helped to develop programs, special schools, and hosts symposium for the community that spotlights autism and ASD-related issues.

As the autism epidemic hits us hard at home in the U.S., I can’t help but wonder how developing countries, countries that are poverty stricken, and those that are amidst war and civil unrest must be managing this issue. We must all work to make this a cohesive, aggressive effort for the betterment of future generations.

A list of autism organizations in various countries can be found here: http://www.autism-india.org/worldorgs.html.

SOURCES

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders―Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, United States, 2006. MMWR Surveillance Summaries 2009;58(SS-10)

1. “Incidence Numbers from Other Countries .” Autism Society . N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Sept.2010.<http://www.autismsociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=community_world_incidence>.

1. Abedin, Shahreen. “Autism efforts go global at U.N. forum.” CNN Health 26 Sept. 2008: 1. CNN Health. Web. 3 Sept. 2010. <http://articles.cnn.com/2008-09-26/health/un.focus.autism_1_autism-rates-geraldine-dawson-world-autism-awareness-day?_s=PM:HEALTH>.

1. “a few words about us.” ALUT – The Israeli Society for Autistic Childrens. ALUT, n.d. Web. 3 Sept. 2010. <http://alutfriends.org/index-1.html>.

Alex Willan and William Rudd. (Photo by: Bernard Fleming/Research Autism)

William Rudd and Alex Willan are two exceptional young men whose lives have been deeply touched by a 13-year-old boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

His name is Jamie. No one knows the sound of his voice. He cannot talk. His world is silent and at times, frustrating. He is Rudd’s cousin. And he (Rudd) has witnessed firsthand the effects Jamie’s illness has on his (Jamie) life and that of his family and extended families.

ASD has no known cure. And researchers have not been able to find an exact cause for its attack on children. Symptoms usually manifest around age two. Research continues into its mystifying origin.

Willan and Rudd, two secondary school friends, who lives in the United Kingdom, journeyed to the United States of America on a laudable fund raising feat for Research Autism. Their aim: to raise £25,000 cycling from New York to San Francisco.

On his personal page on the JustGiving website, through which donations are made for Research Autism, William wrote of Jamie’s disorder in the following words.

“Imagine not being able to talk. Imagine understanding everything going on around you, but not being able to comment. Imagine having to be dressed every morning in clothes you don’t choose, and then hurting your parents as you try to tell them you wanted the blue shirt today. Imagine being swamped by having to hear everything that everyone is saying around you, and not being able to listen to just one thing at once.”

He wrote about Jamie’s love for floating in a swimming pool, “legs held motionless by the weight of the water,” his ears underwater, hearing nothing, to help him relax. He noted that Jamie “understands everything and appears to have a photographic memory, except, he is unable to release his thoughts. Frustration leads to despair, and anger, which is just one of the many things that his family has to deal with. He has extremely specific eating requirements and requires round the clock supervision.”

He stated that Jamie’s disorder was severe and added that while many children suffered with the disorder “it is shocking that so little is known about it.” The page expires on November 30, 2014.

The journey which started on April 25, 2010, took the men through 17 states, among them, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. They cycled across The Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains, braved freezing temperatures and high altitudes, and, after 64 days of cycling, rode into San Francisco, on June 27, 2010. It was the end of their journey.

They had covered 3,878 miles and raised £18,607.09. The fund raising drive is still on and anyone who wishes to donate to the cause can visit http://www.justgiving.com/researchautism and set up a page to help Rudd and Willan achieve their goal.

Rudd has spent most of his life in Kenya and is a certified safari guide and sailing instructor. Willan is a BASI ski instructor. They will enter university later this year to study Geography.

“We wanted to raise money and awareness for autism by doing something different and challenging before entering University and cycling across America fills both those roles,” he wrote on his blog which provided a comprehensive account of their journey.

Research Autism is a United Kingdom charitable organization solely focused on ASD. It conducts research on health, educational, psychological and social intervention as it relates to the disorder.

JustGiving, the UK’s first online fundraising website was founded in 2000 by Zarine Kharas and Anne-Marie Huby. Since then over 9,000 charities have joined and the site has raised some £700 million in donations.

Founder and President Dr. Joshua Weinstein (photo by: Ron Uriel)

On July 5-6, 2010, major strides were made towards the autism epidemic, as the International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICare4Autism) hosted the 2010 International Conference in Jerusalem, Israel. The grand event was held at the newly renovated Ramada- Renaissance.

ICare4Autism’s 2010 International Autism Conference brought in over 500 attendees; including educators, researchers, and those touched by autism. This conference was Israel’s first major international autism conference.

The conference, aimed at connecting professionals from around the globe, to synchronize the research and various methods of successful autism treatment. At the conference, professionals discussed their latest research and findings in the medical and educational fields. Conference attendees glowed throughout the event as participants enjoyed connecting to better the lives of the 1 in 91 children diagnosed with autism.

Doctors discuss autism (photo by Ron Uriel)

ICare4Autism’s Founder and President, Joshua Weinstein, Ph.D., M.B.A. , made it a special point to speak with as many attendees as possible. Dr. Weinstein told me that he feels “fortunate to be able to provide this educational event.”

To view photos from the event, please CLICK HERE. Over 200 more photos, coming soon! Video footage will be available online, beginning within the next month. Some footage will be at no-cost, some will be for sale.

Sponsors, affiliates and partners for the event included UJA Federation of New York, Shema Kolainu- Hear Our Voices: School and Center for Children with Autism, Ben Gurion University, Bar Ilan University, Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, Assaf Harafeh Medical Center and more.

The autism conference featured six different rooms of speakers giving original lectures and dissertations (photo by: Ron Uriel)

Speakers for the event, in alphabetical order, included: Kenneth J. Aitken, PhD. (Scotland), Dafna Ben Bashat, Ph.D. (Canada), Esther Ben Yitzchak, Ph.D. (Israel), Doreen Ben Shalom, Ph.D. (Israel), Agantino Battaglia, M.D, DNeurol (Italy), Yoram Bonneh, Ph.D. (Israel), W. Ted Brown, M.D, Ph.D. (USA), Eitan Eldar, Ph.D., BCBA-D (Israel), Kenneth D. Gadow, Ph.D (USA), Eynat Gal, Ph.D. (Israel), Doreen Granspeesheh, Ph.D., BCBA, Lior Greenbaum, MD (Israel), Tal Kenet, Ph.D. (USA), Yoav Kohn, M.D. (Israel), Dhavendra Kumar, M.D. (Wales, UK), Amos Rolidor, Ph.D., BCBA (Israel), Lauren Schreibman, Ph.D. (USA), Stephen von Tetzchner, Ph.D (Israel), Sigal Tidhar Paz, MA, BCBA (Israel), Tamar Weiss, Ph.D. (Israel), Ditza Zachor, M.D. (Israel), Gil Zalsman, M.D. (Israel), Ofer Zeevy (Israel), and Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, M.D. (Canada).

(Photo by Flickr/Leonid Mamchenkov)

Australia’s Good News Week television show recently ran into some controversy when English comedian Russell Kane appeared as a guest on the program.

While speaking to host Paul McDermott, Kane said that his comedy festival team “went at you like an autistic kid on a drum, we destroyed you.” McDermott was immediately taken back by the offensive remark.  He commented on behalf of the silent audience and said, “You can see they don’t like autistic humor here.”

Regardless of McDermott’s acknowledgment that Kane’s remark was over the line, many parents were upset.  The parents wanted an apology from Channel 10, and they received it.

A spokesperson for the network said, “We are sorry for any offense the autistic comment may have caused but felt Good News Week host Paul McDermott’s immediate comment of ‘you can see they don’t like autistic humor here’ made it clear it was a step too far.”

Even in light of the issued apology, parents of children with autism remain appalled.  Parents voiced their anger on blogs, to the network, and even to Parliamentary Secretary Bill Shorten.

Shorten himself found the remark over the line, and has since reached out to the producers of Good News Week to meet with him to discuss the matter.

The network’s spokesperson continued to reiterate that the network is a supporter of autism and autism awareness, and that they will increase their commitment to foundations that work with families who have children that have autism.  The network will also be updating their website and adding a link to an autism support organization so visitors could familiarize themselves.

(Photo By Flickr / x o x o l i c i o u s)

Scientific studies in Greece have been using stem cells found in bone marrow and abdominal fat to treat children with autism. With evidence, from results in a young 9-year-old boy named Yannis, the doctors involved are preparing a protocol to submit to the Ministry of Health to prove the autism treatment.

Yannis is the son of physician Dr. Solmos and had been diagnosed with autism but never responded to standard treatments. Dr. Solmos commented, “My Boy has simply not been able to speak to me on the phone before.”

At Kratiko Nikaias Hospital young Yannis underwent a hour long mini-liposuction procedure for the stem cells of his abdominal fat. Using this cheap and quick harvesting technique, developed by bio -tech company AdiStem, the abdominal stem cells were singled out and activated. These stem cells were then intravenously returned to Yannis, so his body would not reject them.

Merely one month later Dr. Solmos says of his son, “His school tells me his attention has improved. We experience him nearer to us and he feels us. I see a change in his ability to connect with other children. He plays with them now, which he used to avoid. He has also become more interested in letters and numbers.”

To treat Yannis, AdiStem has borrowed methods previously used to treat blood disorders and repair damaged tissue.  Adistem’s new innovations also include treating type II diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Because the procedure borrows stem cells from one area of the body and places them in another, it avoids ethical issues.

Still, Terry Grossman, M.D., a stem cell research from Colorado who witnessed Yannis’ progress remains skeptical, “Further studies are needed, but it is possible that stem cell therapy will soon be available as a powerful new tool to help children with autistic spectrum disorders.”

For more information on this story, please check back. The International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICare4Autism) will continue to post on this topic, as new details are received. Official link to autism news website: www.icare4autism.org

(Photo by Flickr/Thomas Roche)

Earlier this week in Milan, a judge took a stand for autism, and a stand against Google. Why? Google had apparently hosted a video of an autistic teenager being picked on, and were going to reap profit from the advertisements displayed on the same page as the video.

Judge Oscar Magi felt this was a privacy violation on behalf of the autistic teen, and convicted three Google employees accordingly.

Magi justified his decision by stating: “In simple words, it is not the writing on the wall that constitutes a crime for the owner of the wall, but its commercial exploitation can.”

Google did not sit quietly by the decision.  They feel that the internet is supposed to be a place where there can be a free exchange of ideas. They wrote in their statement: “”If these [freedom] principles are swept aside, then the web as we know it will cease to exist, and many of the economic, social, political and technological benefits it brings could disappear. These are important points of principle, which is why we and our employees will vigorously appeal this decision.”

Magi wanted his decision to be seen as a wake-up call to those who do not monitor or pay attention to what they host.  Magi did not necessarily disagree with Google’s statement, rather he felt that the idea of freedom on the internet can only be pushed so far.

Magi wrote in his ruling, “”But on the other hand, there also is no such thing as the endless prairie of the Internet where everything is allowed and nothing can be banned.”

(Photo By Flickr/madaise)

As if autism weren’t hard enough to identify, a U.K. study has recently discovered that children with autism were being punished and excluded for their aggressive behaviors prior to diagnosis. Most of the children were thought to have had rude behavior, when they really were afflicted with autism. As a result almost 4,000 school children had been excluded from class.

Published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, The Institute of Child Health, at University College London conducted the study involving researchers that asked teachers in 16 primary schools to evaluate 26 students who were identified as detrimental, and as a result, cast away from the classroom. After collecting the data, parents were interviewed and tested to determine if the children could indeed be diagnosed with autism.

David Skuse, professor of neuroscience, who led the study, said, “Teachers should be supported to identify these children before they are unfairly excluded from school, and miss out on the education and learning opportunities they deserve.”

After the diagnoses showed that almost a third of the misbehaving children were diagnosed with autism, the study concluded that these “bad behaviors” are actually symptoms of autism.

The study also lead to the idea of establishing Swedish-style “free schools,” which are run by parents. These are thought to empower parents to identify autism early on through careful and thoughtful supervision.

Image is Courtesy of the New York Times

According to an Official Statement, made by the White House, President Obama spoke with President Michelle Bachelet to express his condolences for the losses Chile suffered as a result of the tragic earthquake.  The President commended President Bachelet for the Chilean government’s response to the disaster and recognized Chile’s capacity and expertise in responding to earthquakes.

Joshua Weinstein, Ph.D., M.B.A., Founder and President of the International Center for Autism Research and Education, (ICare4Autism) gave made an anticipated statement to the press.

“My heart goes out to all the Chile residents who endured the quake and are left picking up the pieces,” said Dr. Weinstein.

Obama later reiterated that the United States stands ready to assist the Chilean government’s rescue and recovery efforts. President Bachelet thanked President Obama for his call, and said that she would be in touch should Chile require any support.

Following this statement, I received further notification that President Obama would soon make another announcement.

“The United States stands ready to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts, and we have resources that are positioned to deploy should the Chilean government ask for our help,”  said Obama.

According to multiple reports, from creditable sources, the areas in Chile affected by the earthquake include: Santiago, Rancagua, Talca, Dichato, The Valparaiso Region (Main Seaport), Juan Fernández Islands and Concepción. Concepcion is home to the University of Concepcion (Universidad de Concepción). This University is home of much research. This university also has a department that includes matters of autism. This is learned through the Alasbinmn Journal. To view the journal, CLICK HERE.

According to the New York Times- online, there was at least 31 people were killed in Concepcion (the Bio-Bio region). The online report also reported that a major bridge was destroyed and several buildings collapsed, including one where 60 people are reported missing. The NY Times also estimated that sixty thousand were affected in the city and said that tsunami waves hit nearby city of Talcahuano.

As an International Center for Autism Research & Education, reporters here at ICare4Autism, will be continuing to report on this devastating series of events. Please continue to check back to the official website www.icare4autism.org.

According to www.earthquake.usgs.gov these are the most recent earthquakes in Chile.

Time                            Magnitude                 Location

7:15am EST                 6.1                              Maule, Chile (Map)

2/27/10                        6.9                              Off the coast of Bio-Bio, Chile (Map)

2/27/10                        8.8                              Offshore Maule, Chile

If you would like to attend a fund-raising event for “Global Autism Initiative,” please CLICK HERE to view upcoming events in your area.

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