AutismOregon.org

http://www.katu.com/news/7374746.html - Story
http://www.katu.com/news/7374746.html?video=YHI&t=a - Video

Search is on for early diagnosis of autism disorders
By Natali Marmion and KATU Web Staff

VANCOUVER, Wash. - Isaac Jensen looks like a normal, young school-age boy. He plays with blocks, reads books and is extremely well-spoken.

But when Isaac plays with his multi-colored blocks, and other people come into the room, he doesn't know it, or has little recognition. His unwavering focus is on the blocks, and nothing else.

Couple challenges appeals court ruling in 5J schools suit

Published: May 4, 2007
By CHRIS COLLINS
ccollins@bakercityherald.com

A recent ruling by the 9th U.S. District Court of Appeals in a lawsuit which a Baker City couple filed against the Baker School District almost six years ago proves that the district provides quality service to special education students, the district's attorney, Dan Van Thiel, contends.

Tracking technology hits the ground running

Wednesday, May 2, 2007
By NANCY FRANCIS for kgw.com

GPS technology will soon be at your feet, offering peace of mind to loved ones of Alzheimer’s sufferers, people with autism, active preschoolers and others who might wander into harm’s way or get lost.

A Los Angeles-based company that sees opportunity in the merging of GPS tracking technology and footwear, has developed several prototypes of GPS tennis shoes.

District officials say legal bills exceed $175,000

Published: May 4, 2007
By CHRIS COLLINS
ccollins@bakercityherald.com

The Baker School District has racked up legal fees of more than $175,000 in a six-year dispute over special education services the district provided to a child with autism.

Dan Van Thiel, a Baker City attorney who gives legal advice to the district, told board members in a special meeting Tuesday night that the district should seek additional insurance coverage to help pay these costs.

Autism education making advances
By Valerie Close
and Judy Newman
Published: Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Tyler is a 4-year-old boy who goes to a neighborhood preschool, likes to build large structures with Legos and can identify all the letters of the alphabet. An early childhood special educator helps his teacher adapt activities so he can learn.

Ryan is a 4-year-old boy who goes to an intensive specialized preschool where he practices specific skills and is learning to use pictures to com- municate.

Tyler and Ryan both have autism, yet these boys have very different educational needs.

On Saturday, May 5, 2007, Bridgeway House in Eugene is holding a dinner and auction. Join the beginning of a new tradition: Cinco De Mayo Silent Auction and Dinner! This will be a fun and festive event where you can dress up, go out, bid on some great items and support a local cause! Our emcee this year will be Chris Edwards.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 5th. Stay tuned for further details. If you have any items you would like to donate to the auction please contact Patricia Wigney at 345-0805 with your tax-deductible donation.

AutismOregon.org will be giving away one copy of "Fitting in and Having Fun" VHS video (retail $49) to a randomly picked entry. Different Roads to Learning has some info on the video (this points to the DVD version): http://difflearn.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DRV%20108

Here is how to make an entry:

• Create an account at http://autismoregon.org/user/register if you don't already have one. If you have an account, login by going directly to http://autismoregon.org/user
• Ensure you are logged in

I already posted this on the list but this is just a reminder that there are two general web/email based information and support groups available.

http://www.clackamasreview.com/features/story.php?story_id=1177001323663...

Local parent joins autism walk

By Ellen Spitaleri
The Clackamas Review, Apr 19, 2007

Christina Davis, a Milwaukie resident, will be participating for the first time this year in the fifth annual Autism Walk-a-thon, held on April 22 at Oaks Park. (See sidebar)

“I am trying to give back to the community, and also to be an example to other parents. If it wasn’t for the Autism Society of Oregon, I would not have had as much help, and I want to make other people aware,” she said.

The Arc of Multnomah-Clackamas are proud partners with Portland Parks & Recreation to bring Camp Ky-O-Wa to children with disabilities. Camp Ky-O-Wahas operated since 1966, as the only inclusive local day camp experience for both children with and without disabilities, age 5-11, offering a chance for kids to participate in activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, games and outdoor play. For over 40 years, this unique camp has touched thousands of lives.