AutismOregon.org

Did you ever wonder why an autism organization didn't have nationwide fundraising efforts like the Multiple Sclerosis Association, Juvenile Diabetes Association, Children's Miracle Network and many others? Why big box stores didn't have huge drives to raise funds for autism?

Well no more. I walked into the new T.J. Max store in Corvallis and low and behold they are pushing every single buyer to donate. My mouth almost fell on the floor. I couldn't help but donate $5 - I was proud. Our causes are finally making the big time.

http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/opb/posts/list/754814.page

Autism in Oregon
Posted by Sarah Jane Rothenfluch on Thu, Jan 31

I'm the parent of a young child, and this is what could happen to me tonight: I put my one year old to bed and head out to the couch to watch a bit of television before I go to bed myself. ABC's premiering a new legal drama, Eli Stone -- perfect relaxation TV, I figure.

Then the show starts and I discover this episode is focused on the link between autism and vaccinations. It is a fictional show, but still: fear strikes.

An autism drama on ABC will cover the topic of an attorney that worked for a vaccine manufacturer that turns around and sues said manufacturer on behalf of a mother with a child with autism. Somehow thimerisol becomes "mercuritol." Oh the shame. GlaxoSmithKline actually commented that they hoped parents didn't stop vaccinating based on this fictional drama. Maybe GlaxoSmithKline should comment on independent studies they should be doing showing that vaccines are actually effective - and not harmful.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/arts/television/23ston.html?8dpc

I'm not a fan of American Express or Autism Speaks but ... Autism Speaks (under the name of Cure Autism Now - CAN) is 1 of 50 finalists to become the recipients of a donation effort by American Express.

Good Lord the autism community needs something. As big as it is, we really get nothing.

If you have an AMEX card, go here:

http://www.membersproject.com/Health_Fitness/50

Register, login, vote.

Here’s the deal. Go to http://difflearn.com and pick ANY one item costing $50 or less (not including shipping). Then post your choice (a direct link to the item would be nice) at http://autismoregon.org . A random post will be chosen and that poster will get the item for free. Can it get any better than that? If so, tell me – Kathy at kathyandcalvin dot com (you know the deal, put the email together correctly).

Here is how to make an entry:

A story on http://npr.org peaked my interest on a medical doctor named T. Berry Brazelton. He created a Touchpoint system by which 3 categories of children (three age groups starting at 0-3) exhibit basic stages of childhood often from the point of view of the child.

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.

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.