In her Huffington Post article, “What I Wish I’d Been Made Aware of When My Daughter Was Diagnosed With Autism” and her journalistic writings shared in Emma’s Hope Book, Zurcher accentuates the “ausome” qualities of autism. She demands that autism not be seen as a disease, but a people, like any other, with there own strengths and strangeness. She encourages skepticism of experts who claim knowledge of causes or treatment. Throughout Zurcher’s writings, she maintains a motto of confidence: confidence in your child’s competency, confidence in non-verbal communication (whether guided or intuitive), and confidence in your ability as caregiver.

The International Center for Autism Research & Education feels blessed to have Ariana Zurcher among our advisory committee, providing her scrupulously honest opinions.

To read the inspiring, reflective contributions of a community of caregivers, advocates, and autistics themselves or to share something ausome—visit Autism Positivity today.

Check out Dr. Stephen Shore’s work and many publications at his website: http://www.autismasperger.net/. The workshop, ‘Music for Children on the Autism Spectrum,’ will be streaming soon—stay tuned to see Dr. Stephen Shore speak and receive guided information on how to accommodate your child’s needs and accentuate his/her strengths through music education.

Dr. Joshua Weinstein and the First Lady of Panama at Centro Ann Sullivan de Panama (CASPAN)

The First Lady of the Republic of Panama, Marta Martinelli de Linares, opened the first education center in the country for people with different abilities in May 2012, Centro Ann Sullivan de Panama (CASPAN). The center was built after the model established by Dr. Liliana Mayo, Ph.D., who founded the Centro Ann Sullivan del Peru (CASP), in 1979 with great success. The center provides development of practices and successful experiences that help promote the success of full inclusion into society for people with different abilities.

Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Founder & CEO of ICare4Autism, visited the newly established CASPAN center as a guest of the First Lady. Dr. Weinstein toured the beautiful campus and was introduced to some of the centers practices, staff and children. In their visit, they discussed a planned ICare4Autism Autism Pediatrics Conference in Panama for April. Dr. Weinstein offered to help provide staff training and workshops at their center. ICare4Autism and the Republic of Panama are continuing their global awareness and collaboration. Working together continuously will lead to breakthroughs in research and care. ICare4Autism and the Republic of Panama have similar goals. They both want to create opportunities and growth for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Working together will help them realize that goal.

On November 6, 2012, the ‘Towards an Autism Strategy for Europe’ seminar will be held at the European Parliament to present successful national strategies for autism and discuss the possibility of a Europe-wide strategy for autism.

As any family affected by autism will tell you, searching for and coordinating services for a person with autism – such as adapted education and training, and psychological, medical and dental services can be a full-time job.

There are currently around 3.3 million people in the European Union who have autism, yet in most European countries there are not enough basic services to meet their needs, and coordination of services at national level is often poor.

Wales and some other European nations have developed successful national strategies to identify and meet these needs. By coordinating national policy across a range of fields – education, health, justice, employment, social care, research and others – they ensure a better quality of life for people with autism.

The seminar on November 6, presented by Autism-Europe, in conjunction with Autism Cymru and the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership, aims to facilitate the development of strategies for autism around Europe.

The first session of the seminar, titled ‘Benchmarks of success’, will highlight the achievements of autism strategies that are currently in place in Wales, Northern Ireland and other Celtic nations, comparing policy approaches and criteria for success.

The second session of the seminar will look at the European context and consider the possibility of a Europe-wide strategy for autism.

The seminar will be followed shortly after by a reception in the evening which will provide an opportunity for further discussion and networking among people with an interest in policy for autism.

Hugh Morgan, CEO of Autism Cymru, explains: “The seminar aims to promote our achievements and to support third sector organisations in other EU nations, as well as EU institutions, to develop successful strategies for autism.”

Autism-Europe’s President, Zsuzsanna Szilvásy, urges: “We encourage countries that do not have an autism strategy in place, to learn from successful autism strategies in Wales and other countries, and develop a strategy at their national level.”

As more and more people are diagnosed with autism (currently around 1 in 150 people in Europe), the need for coordinated policy approaches at national and European level is becoming more and more necessary.

“Providing appropriate support to people with autism and other disabilities is a human right – the member states of the European Union have confirmed that when they signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

“We urge national governments and the European Union to fulfill their commitments under the UNCRPD and consider strategic and coordinated approaches to meeting the needs of people with autism and their families,” concludes Ms Szilvásy

Towards an Autism Strategy for Europe seminar & reception

Date: Tuesday November 6, 2012

Time: Seminar sessions: 11.30am – 2.30pm & Reception: 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Location: European Parliament, rue Wiertz, Brussels, Belgium

Speakers will include:

Dr Kay Swinburne MEP for Wales (Host and Chair)

Gwenda Thomas AM, Deputy Minister for Social Services and Children, Welsh Government

Zsuzsanna Szilvásy, President of Autism-Europe

Antoni Montserrat, Directorate General for Health and Consumer Policy

Hugh Morgan OBE, Expert Advisor for ASD to the Welsh Government & CEO, Autism Cymru

Lord Dafydd Wigley, Patron, Autism Cymru

Aurélie Baranger, Director, Autism Europe

Dr Pat Matthews, Chief Executive, Irish Society for Autism

Cathy Maclean, Celtic Nations Autism Partnership

For interviews, more information and photos, please do not hesitate to contact:

Aurélie Baranger, Director of Autism-Europe: Tel: +32 (0)477 70 59 34 Email: aurelie.baranger@autismeurope.org

Cathy Maclean, Coordinator of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership: Tel +44 (0) 77 18 52 60 24 Email: Catherine.Maclean@gmail.com

Guides to autism that have been developed for a range of government sectors are available on the Welsh Government’s website: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/health/nhswales/majorhealth/autism/?lang=en

For the latest news on autism in Europe, sign up for their online newsletter: www.autismeurope.org

Dr. Alexis L. Reyes- Associate Professor of the Developmental Pediatrics department at the University of the Philippines

Dr. Alexis L. Reyes is the former president of the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, as well as, the Associate Professor of the Developmental Pediatrics department at the University of the Philippines.  She was chosen to speak at ICare4Autism’s International Annual Conference in Jerusalem this month, to share her expertise on children in the Philippines who are on the autism spectrum.  Dr. Reyes is considered to be the Philippines “leading Developmental Pediatrician,” according to the Autism Society Philippines (ASP).  Her topic during the ICare4Autism’s conference was, Patterns and Outcomes in Autism-A 20 year Review of Filipino Children within the Spectrum.  This study included mostly males and only fifteen percent of the participants were females.  Dr. Reyes discovered that there is not a substantial amount of data regarding the prevalence of people with autism.  The number of cases reported still does not paint an accurate picture of the population who are on the autism spectrum.  This, she says is because it is still not being diagnosed.  It is usually the parents who bring the issue to the attention of the doctors.  In an article on MIMS.com, Dr. Reyes encourages doctors to “listen to the parents.  Ninety percent of the time they are correct, although in some cases parents are in denial and the grandparents are the ones who express concern over their grandchild’s behavior.”

Currently, two hospitals in the Philippines, which include, the Philippine General Hospital and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, have decided to establish a registry to keep a record of the number of incidences of autism.  Having doctors who are able to detect early signs of autism is a vital key to ensuring that early intervention services can be delivered to those children.  As a means to train more pediatricians on how to screen for autism, the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics provides workshops.  Upon completion of these workshops, pediatricians will be able to administer the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) screening, as well as the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Screening Test (PDDS).

Being able to screen children for autism is only the first step, however, after a child has been diagnosed it will take more than just the child’s pediatrician to help manage the child’s autism.  Dr. Reyes believes that for the best possible management of the disorder the parents have to play a role, and they should also make sure that there is a therapist, psychologist and psychiatrist, in addition to the child’s pediatrician, on their team.  She also believes that treatments like “social skills training, early intensive behavioral intervention, Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children (TEACCH)” are all effective treatments for autism.   To hear Dr. Reyes speak about autism issues in the Philippines go to http://talkminer.com/viewtalk.jsp?videoid=rVcJtx7ow9U&q=#.UD4MAJgW9c8.

http://www.icare4autism.org/

http://www.mims.com/India/pub/topic/Medical%20Tribune/2010-08/Pediatricians%20play%20key%20role%20in%20early%20diagnosis,%20assessment%20of%20autism

http://autismsocietyphilippines.blogspot.com/search?q=12th+national+conference&x=0&y=0

Dr. Aljunied is an invited speaker at the ICare4Autism August 2012 Autism Conference in Israel. During Dr. Aljunied’s visit she took a tour in the facility. She observed the students through a double sided observation rooms, she entered classrooms, toured the Snoozelen Room, and the Adaptive Learning Skills Center. During her classroom observations she highlighted the importance of feeding instruction and the lack of focus in this area. She shared the difficulties in her country in teaching such skills and the need for a team approach in order to achieve success. She discussed the importance of socialization training and her shared vision with Dr. Weinstein of the future of vocational training and employment opportunities led by ICARE4AUTISM called the” Workforce Initiative”.

Dr. Aljunied and the Educational team continued to discuss Shema Kolainu’s educational philosophy. The importance of individualized programming and the need for data analysis on regular basis was also highlighted as a key component and a major predictor to student success. Future collaborations of ICare4Autism and Dr. Aljunied were discussed, such as, teacher training opportunities, research collaboration and conferences such as the International Autism Conference in Jerusalem on August 2012.

Prior to becoming a founding partner in Autism Therapeutics, Professor Snape was the founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Neuropharm Group PLC, a UK based autism focused drug development company, and was part of the team that took Neuropharm through an IPO less than twelve months after the first private financing. Professor Snape was an Associate Director and Head of Pharmacology for Vernalis PLC, a UK based CNS focused drug development company. He was also a principal scientist at Cerebrus Ltd, the first UK based CNS focused biotech company, where he was responsible for the neurodegeneration drug discovery group and the project initiator of CEB 1050 for autism. Prof. Snape began his career as a senior scientist at Astra Neuroscience Research Unit.

Dr. Snape has been involved in clinical studies in autism since 1997, and has been responsible for conceiving and executing multiple clinical studies in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

Sitting on the scientific board of FRAXA a Research Foundation created by a small group of parents, Dr. Snape helps them accelerate progress for finding a cure for Fragile X. Dr. Snape began working with FRAXA in 2006, after discovering FRAXA’s studies on the internet and concluding, on the basis of those studies, that developing a Fragile X treatment would fit well into Neuropharm’s programs. The result is the recently completed trial of fenobam in adults with Fragile X.

Dr. Snape’s Autism Therapeutics Ltd. Program primarily focuses on progressing disease modifying therapies for the two rare and severe genetically-linked causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); Rett Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome. He recognizes that there is no cure, but that medical treatments for symptoms of ASD can be very transformational in the symptoms and thus the lives of patients.

Medical treatments for symptoms of ASDs comprise a variety of pharmacologic agents that are generally intended to treat common comorbidities of ASDs. There remains an unmet medical need for an effective pharmacotherapy to treat the core symptoms of this serious disorder given that there are no approved marketed drugs for this indication. Only two medications have received FDA approval to treat irritability (an associated, not “core”, symptom of autism) in children with autism. Dr. Snape will speak more on the medical treatments in August.

International Autism Experts to Gather in Jerusalem: Experts are planning to convene in Jerusalem from around the world in August to learn the latest about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Experts are planning to convene in Jerusalem from around the world this August on the issue of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Thousands of researchers, educators and policy experts will join families affected by the condition at Icare4Autism’s 2012 International Autism Conference, set for August 1-2.

The gathering is aimed at sharing current research into the causes and treatment of ASD, a group of conditions that include Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Hebrew University, the Weitzmann Institute, Tel Aviv University, Haifa University and Bar Ilan University are all partnering with the organization to sponsor the Jerusalem conference.

The conference will focus primarily on the latest developments in biomedical research and practice, education and behavioral research and practice, and ASD policy and awareness.

There will be a special exhibition of innovative assistive technologies for those with autism at the conference, as well as professional workshops led by lecturers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

“We have entered a new era of autism research and advocacy,” said Dr. Joshua Weinstein, CEO and founder of Icare4Autism. “On one hand, we have seen an unprecedented uptick in autism, while at the same time there have been incredible advances made in research and early diagnosis, and more effective intervention.

“It’s a critical period in which the world is beginning to understand – and treat – autism in a more urgent, effective way.”

The conference will be held under the auspices of Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, and headlined by Dame Stephanie Shirley, the first UK Ambassador for Philanthropy, who also heads the Shirley Foundation.

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.

Attendees at past ICare4Autism International Autism Conference

On August 1-2, 2012, more than 1,500 leaders in autism research, educationand policy from every continent will gather in Jerusalem, Israel, for ICare4Autism‘s 2012 International Conference, “Autism: A Global Perspective“.

Dr.Joshua Weinstein, CEO & Founder indicated that the, “Conference will highlight groundbreaking research into the causes and treatments of Autism Spectrum Disorders, and serve as a catalyst for powerful new collaborations to tackle the global autism crisis”.

Students from around the world are invited to present their autism research at a poster session. One poster will be selected by the review committee to receive a scholarship to attend the Conference.  The scholarship will cover travel, hotel accommodations and conference registration fee. The scholarship winner will also be invited to participate on one of the Conference panels. The Poster Session consists of physical displays (aka posters) of information shown during a 60-90 minute session, with presenters standing by their poster reporting empirical research and pilot projects for future research.  Attendees have the opportunity to speak with the presenters about their work.

Dame Stephanie Shirley, The British Government’s Founding Ambassador for Philanthropy, and Chairman of the Shirley Foundation, will deliver the Keynote Address and The First Lady of Panama Mrs. Marta Linares de Martinelli will be giving opening remarks.

They will be joined by distinguished researchers and practitioners from more than 20 countries who will unveil their latest biomedical discoveries andeducational innovations.

Groundbreaking biomedical research will be presented; notably Henry Markram, Ph.D, the Director of Blue Brain Project, Coordinator of the Human Brain Project and Professor at Swiss Federal Institute for Technology (EPFL) will present, “Prospects of using detailed brain simulations to explore possible causes and treatments of Autism”

Innovativeeducational practices will be featured in presentations by Dr. S. Mariam Aljunied (Senior Autism Specialist, Singapore Ministry of Education); Dr.Carlos MarcinSalazar (Director of the National Autism Clinic of Mexico); and Dr. Pamela Wolfberg (Director, Autism Spectrum Program,UniversityofCalifornia San Francisco). Attendees will tour the campus where ICare4Autism will open the world’s first Global Autism Research andEducationCenterin 2015.

ICare4Autism (InternationalCenterfor Autism Research & Education) is a charitable organization, founded in 2004 to catalyze breakthrough innovations in autism research, diagnosis and treatment.