Babies Understand Thought Process of Others at 10 Months Old, Research Suggests

ScienceDaily (Nov. 1, 2011) — "New research from the University of Missouri indicates that at 10 months, babies start to understand another person's thought process, providing new insights on how humans acquire knowledge and how communication develops."Understanding other people is a key factor in successful communication, and humans start to understand this at a very young age," said Yuyan Luo, associate professor of developmental psychology in the MU College of Arts and Science. "Our study indicates that infants, even before they can verbally communicate, can understand the thought processes of other people -- even if the thoughts diverge from what the infants know as truth, a term psychologists call false belief."

During the study, infants were monitored during different trials of a common psychological test in which an actor indicated preference for certain objects. Researchers timed the infant's gaze, which is an indication of infant knowledge. The infants watched longer when the actor's preferences changed. This led the researchers to believe that infants understood how the actor interacted with the objects."

NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

Autism Moms Have Stress Similar To Combat Soldiers

Disability Scoop (Nov. 10, 2009)- Mothers of adolescents and adults with autism experience chronic stress comparable to combat soldiers and struggle with frequent fatigue and work interruptions, new research finds. These moms also spend significantly more time caregiving than moms of those without disabilities.

Researchers followed a group of moms of adolescents and adults with autism for eight days in a row. Moms were interviewed at the end of each day about their experiences and on four of the days researchers measured the moms’ hormone levels to assess their stress.

They found that a hormone associated with stress was extremely low, consistent with people experiencing chronic stress such as soldiers in combat, the researchers report in one of two studies published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

“This is the physiological residue of daily stress,” says Marsha Mailick Seltzer, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who authored the studies. “The mothers of children with high levels of behavior problems have the most pronounced physiological profile of chronic stress, but the long-term effect on their physical health is not yet known.”

Such hormone levels have been associated with chronic health problems and can affect glucose regulation, immune functioning and mental activity, researchers say.

In a companion study, the researchers followed up with the same group of mothers daily to interview them about how they used their time, their level of fatigue, what leisure activities they participated in and whether or not stressful events occurred. This information was then compared with data from a national sample of mothers whose children do not have disabilities.

Mothers of those with autism reported spending at least two hours more each day caregiving than mothers of children without disabilities. On any given day these moms were also twice as likely to be tired and three times as likely to have experienced a stressful event.

What’s more, these moms were interrupted at work on one out of every four days compared to less than one in 10 days for other moms.

Despite all of this, mothers of an individual with autism were just as likely to have positive experiences each day, volunteer or support their peers as those whose children have no developmental disability, researchers found.

To read more about Autism Moms, please click the above title.

Discovery Helps Explain Progression of Lou Gehrig's Disease, Offers New Therapy Approach

ScienceDaily (Oct. 17, 2011) — Researchers in Uruguay and Oregon have discovered a previously unknown type of neural cell that appears to be closely linked to the progression of amytrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that they believe will provide an important new approach to therapies.

There is now no treatment for this disease, which causes progressive death of motor neurons, serious debility, paralysis and ultimately death within a few years.

Even a way to slow its progression would be hugely important, scientists say.

The findings were reported October 17 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, by researchers from the Pasteur Institute of Montevideo, Clemente Estable Institute and the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

The scientists discovered a type of "astrocyte" cell that displays atypical behavior and causes motor neuron death. They are referring to them as aberrant astrocyte, or AbA cells. Astrocyte cells are very common in the brain, and usually help provide metabolic support and protection to neurons. But they can sometimes also become toxic and cause the death of neuron cells.

The researchers now have markers to identify the AbA cell, and found them adjacent to dying motor neuron cells in the spinal cord of laboratory animals with ALS.

The newly-identified AbA cells are selectively toxic to motor neurons, the researchers reported in the study, and 10 times more toxic than any other astrocyte cell known to exist. That level of toxicity is unprecedented, they said.

"We believe these aberrant astrocyte cells are helping drive the progression of ALS," said Joe Beckman, an OSU professor of biochemistry and principal investigator in the Linus Pauling Institute who has been working on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for more than 15 years.

To read more about ALS, please click on the above title.

PRO-Parents 2011-2012 Calendar of Workshops

THESE WORKSHOPS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC,
LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ACCOMMODATIONS WHEN REGISTERING.
TO SCHEDULE A WORKSHOP IN YOUR AREA
PLEASE CALL: 1-800-759-4776

2011
11/01/2011
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Is Your Child a Target of Bullying? Workshop
Kershaw County DSS Office
110 East DeKalb Street
Camden, SC
Rene Sharkey, PRO-Parents of SC
South Carolina Special Kids Project
Project Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/03/2011
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
ADD / ADHD Workshop
Marion School District 2
Mullins Early Childhood Center
111 Academy Street
Mullins, SC
Kim Preston, PRO-Parents of SC
South Carolina Special Kids Project
Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/08/2011
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Getting and Keeping the First Job Workshop
Aiken County DDSN
1016 Vaucluse Road
Aiken, SC 29802
Tanya Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/08/2011
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Positive Behavioral Interventions (PBI) Workshop
Horry County DSS Office
1951 Industrial Park Road
Conway, SC
Kim Preston, PRO-Parents of SC
South Carolina Special Kids Project
Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/09/2011
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Individual Education Program (IEP) Workshop
Newberry DDSN
115 Nance Street
Newberry, SC
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/10/2011
9:00 am – 11:30 am
Individual Education Program (IEP) Workshop
Greenville DDSN
12 Winchester Court
Mauldin, SC 29662
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/10/2011
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Communicating With the IEP Team Workshop
Greenville DDSN
12 Winchester Court
Mauldin, SC 29662
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/10/2011
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Workshop
Parent / Community REACH Center
Robert Smalls Middle School
43 W. K. Alston Road
Room L1
Beaufort, SC
Kim Preston, PRO-Parents of SC
South Carolina Special Kids Project
Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/14/2011
5:50 pm – 8:00 pm
Transitioning Out of Special Education Workshop
Sponsored By: Family Connection of SC
Center For Developmental Services
29 North Academy Street
Greenville, SC
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/16/2011
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
ADD / ADHD Workshop
Oconee DDSN
116 South Cove Road
Seneca, SC
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/16/2011
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Transitioning Out of Special Education Workshop
SC Youth Advocate Program
4995 LaCross Road
Suite 1075
North Charleston, SC
Kim Preston, PRO-Parents of SC
South Carolina Special Kids Project
Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/16/2011
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Is Your Child a Target of Bullying? Workshop
Marion County Schools
Mullins Early Childhood Center
111 Academy Street
Mullins, SC
Rene Sharkey, PRO-Parents of SC
South Carolina Special Kids Project
Project Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/17/2011
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Is Your Child a Target of Bullying? Workshop
Chesterfield County DSS Office
201 North Page Street
Chesterfield, SC
Rene Sharkey, PRO-Parents of SC
South Carolina Special Kids Project
Project Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

11/19/2011
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Individual Education Program (IEP) Workshop
Connecting for Kids
Greenville Technical College
Room TBA
Greenville, SC
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

12/02/2011
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Transition Into Special Education Workshop
Colleton County DDSN
728 Hiers Corner Road
Walterboro, SC
Kim Preston, PRO-Parents of SC
South Carolina Special Kids Project
Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

12/02/2011
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Transition Into Special Education Workshop
Pickens County DDSN
1308 Griffin Mill Road
Pickens, SC
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

2012
1/12/2012
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Getting and Keeping the First Job Workshop
Calhoun County DDSN
78 Doodle Hill Road
St. Matthews, SC 29135
Tanya Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

1/25/2012
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Journey to Adulthood, What Parents Need to Know Workshop
Sumter County DDSN
775 Electric Avenue
Sumter, SC 29153
Tanya Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

1/26/2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Is Your Child a Target of Bullying? Workshop
Parent / Community REACH Center
Robert Smalls Middle School
43 W. K. Alston Road
Room L1
Beaufort, SC
Kim Preston, PRO-Parents of SC
South Carolina Special Kids Project
Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

2/16/2012
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Getting and Keeping the First Job Workshop
Orangeburg County DDSN
2785 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29116
Tanya Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

2/17/2012
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Getting and Keeping the First Job Webinar
*** WEBINAR ***
Sponsored By: Richland / Lexington DDSN
Viewing Location: 301 Greystone Blvd
Columbia, SC 29210
Internet and Phone Line Required to Participate
Tanya Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

2/21/2012
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Individual Education Program (IEP) Workshop
The Kershaw Center
Kershaw County DDSN
1619 Jefferson Davis Highway
Camden, SC 29020
Tanya Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

2/22/2012
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Positive Behavioral Interventions (PBI) Workshop
Bamberg DDSN
(DSS Credit Training Hours Available)
16553 Heritage Highway
Bamberg, SC 29042
Tanya Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

3/13/2012
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Parent Resource Fair
Sponsored By: Aiken County School District
Byrd Elementary School
1225 Welldon Way
Graniteville, SC 29829
Tanya Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

3/16/2012
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Getting and Keeping the First Job Webinar
*** WEBINAR ***
Sponsored By: Chesterfield DDSN
Internet and Phone Line Required to Participate
Tanya Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

6/20/2012
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
TOPIC: TBA
Darlington County DDSN
201 North Damascus Church Road
Hartsville, SC 29550
Tanya Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call: 
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

Bio-Engineered Protein Shows Promise as New Hemophilia Therapy

ScienceDaily (Oct. 23, 2011) — A genetically engineered clotting factor that controlled hemophilia in an animal study offers a novel potential treatment for human hemophilia and a broad range of other bleeding problems.

Bio-engineered protein safely controls bleeding in mice with hemophilia

The researchers took the naturally occurring coagulation factor Xa (FXa), a protein active in blood clotting, and engineered it into a novel variant that safely controlled bleeding in mouse models of hemophilia. "Our designed variant alters the shape of FXa to make it safer and efficacious compared to the wild-type factor, but much longer-lasting in blood circulation," said study leader Rodney A. Camire, PhD, a hematology researcher at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

"The shape of the variant FXa changes when it interacts with another clotting factor made available following an injury," added Camire. "This increases the functioning of the protein which helps stop bleeding." Camire is an associate professor of Pediatrics in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

To read more about a possible treatment for hemophilia, please click on the above title.

Handbook Offers College Advice For Students With Autism

Disability Scoop (Oct. 25, 2011)- A new guide released this week offers a step-by-step look at college life for those with autism — offering tips on everything from classroom accommodations to dealing with roommates — and it’s written by adults with the developmental disorder.

At over 100 pages, the handbook produced by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network is said to be the first-of-its-kind to be geared toward individuals with autism rather than parents or professionals.

It’s punctuated by first person accounts and frank talk, offering young people with autism a look at the changes they can expect when transitioning to college both socially and academically.

The guide also touches on topics like self-advocacy, independent living and basics like maintaining good eating and sleeping habits.

Dubbed the “Navigating College Handbook,” the guide is available as a free download or in printed form for a fee.

To read more about the Handbook, please click the above title.

Bionic exoskeleton helps wheelchair users walk

Yahoo!News (Oct. 21, 2011)- Amanda Boxtel, who is paralysed, is helped to walk with the aid of the new 'Bionic Exoskeleton' during its launch at the Excel centre on October 21, 2011 in London, England. The device developed by Ekso Bionics is a wearable, battery-powered, robotic exoskeleton, designed to aid wheelchair users and those who have suffered from spinal chord injuries to stand and walk. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

For more pictures of the Bionic Exoskeleton, please click on the above title.

Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Resources, October 2011:

Early Childhood
1. Professional Training Resource Library
http://depts.washington.edu/isei/ptrl/ptrloverview.php
The Professional Training Resource Library (PTRL) is a searchable, web-based library with a wide range of free materials to support professional training in the field of early intervention. The PTRL is hosted by the International Society on Early Intervention (ISEI) in partnership with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD).

2. Understanding New Part C Regulations: Side-by-Side Comparison
http://www.cec.sped.org/Content/NavigationMenu/PolicyAdvocacy/IDEAResources/Celebrating_25_Years_of_Early_Childhood_Programs/PartCRegsSideBySideFULL.pdf
To help special educators and early interventionists in their monumental task of implementing the updated regulations, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), its Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and the IDEA Infant Toddler Coordinators Association (ITCA) have released a side-by-side comparison of the 2011 final Part C regulations, published on Sept. 28, to Part C regulations from 1999.

Education
3. Characteristics of States’ Alternate Assessments Based on Modified Academic Achievement Standards in 2010-2011
http://www.cehd.umn.edu/NCEO/OnlinePubs/Synthesis85/default.htm
In 2007, federal regulations introduced another assessment option for students with disabilities—the alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards (AA-MAS). The Institute on Community Integration's National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) has been tracking the characteristics of states' AA-MAS since 2007 and reports their findings here.

4. 2009 State Policies on Assessment Participation and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
http://www.cehd.umn.edu/NCEO/OnlinePubs/Synthesis83/default.htm
The National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) has been tracking and analyzing state policies on assessment participation and accommodations since 1992. The purpose of the analysis reported in this publication is to update information on these policies that was last reported by NCEO in 2008 (based on 2007 data). Policies from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are included in the report. In addition, current state accommodations policies were analyzed by grade and content area.

Fundraising
5. Million Dollar List
http://www.milliondollarlist.org/
Compiled by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, this list includes data on more than 60,000 gifts of $1 million and up since 2000 from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Gift information can be searched based on geography, dollar amount, type of charity, individual donor, organization name or other customizable criteria. Searches can also reveal trends and look for potential collaborations that help leverage giving for the greatest impact.

Health
6. Achieving Health Weight by Reducing Obesity and Improving Well-being for People with Disabilities Across the Life Course
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disabilityandobesity.html
This report, from the CDC’s Division of Human Development and Disability, examines a number of challenges and barriers to weight management specific to people with disabilities, and explores opportunities to enhance research, programs, education, and tools. Specifically, the report recognizes the need for publicly funded programs to include people with disabilities in mainstream, and sometimes targeted, health programs and health services that help reduce obesity.

Medicaid and Medicare
7. Rebalancing Long-Term Services and Supports: Progress to Date and a Research Agenda for the Future
http://www.hilltopinstitute.org/publications/RebalancingLTSS-ProgressToDateAndResearchAgendaForFuture-June2011.pdf
This report, from the Hilltop Institute at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), discusses progress in rebalancing Medicaid LTSS spending, how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can support states’ continued efforts to rebalance LTSS, and opportunities for future research to support continued system transformation.

8. Examining Medicaid Managed Long-Term Service and Support Programs: Key Issues to Consider
http://www.kff.org/medicaid/upload/8243.pdf
There is increased interest among states in operating Medicaid managed long-term services and support (MLTSS) programs rather than paying for long-term services and supports (LTSS) on a fee-for-service basis, as has been the general practice. This Kaiser Family Foundation issue brief examines key issues for states to consider if they are contemplating a shift to covering new populations and LTSS benefits through capitated payments to traditional risk-based managed care organizations (MCOs). It draws on current literature as well as discussions conducted during the spring and summer of 2011 with a variety of respondents – federal and state officials, researchers, representatives from managed care organizations, service providers, and consumer advocates.

9. Medicaid and the Budget Control Act: What Options Will Be Considered?
http://www.kff.org/medicaid/upload/8238.pdf
This Issue Brief, from the Kaiser Family Foundation, examines the potential Medicaid changes as a result of recent budget negotiations. It will examine the options available to Joint Select Committee, also known as the “Super Committee”, created by the 2011 Budget Control Act, as well as the Obama Administration’s Plan for Economic Growth and Deficit Reduction, which was released in September.

Critical funding situation for SCATP

URGENT
The SC Assistive Technology program wanted to make you aware of this critical funding situation.

The issue: The draft Fiscal Year 2012 Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill contains new language of a mandatory Alternative Financing Program (AFP) set-aside of funding for State Assistive Technology Acts. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education has the right to remove this language from the bill before sending to the Senate. Action is needed by Friday, October 28th.

What it means: Under the new proposal, a major change would require State Assistive Technology Programs to spend 25% of their federal allocation for alternative financing programs through contracts with community-based organizations. These cuts would have significant negative effects on device reutilization, device loan and device demonstration activities.

What it means for SC: The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program’s (SCATP’s) AT Reutilization Program connects consumers, agencies and other organizations in the donation and sale of used medical equipment to people who could not afford it otherwise. The past two years, this initiative resulted in a cost savings of $695,172 to consumers, state and federal agencies and other organizations. Funding cuts would also greatly impact SCATP’s Device Demonstration and Device Loan Programs. In FY 2011, over 350 people participated in SCATP’s device demonstration program and people got a chance to borrow over 400 devices to “try before they buy” through SCATP’s device loan program. These programs greatly reduce demand for funding and promote responsible decisions for purchasing devices using Medicaid and Medicare dollars.

What can you do? If you feel that the proposed language of a new mandatory Alternative Financing Program set-aside in the draft 2012 Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill would negatively affect the lives of South Carolinians who have disabilities and those who serve them, consider these steps:

EMAIL and CALL your SC Congressmen and suggest they speak to the members of the House Appropriations LHHS Subcommittee and share how this legislation would impact SC though cuts in essential equipment reuse, demonstration and loan programs administered by SCATP. If you, a family member, friend, or client have reaped benefits from these programs, you might share those personal stories.

The Honorable Joe Wilson (R-SC)
Staff: Melissa Chandler- melissa.chandler@mail.house.gov, 202-225-2452
United States House of Representatives, 2229 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Trey Gowdy (R-SC)
Staff: Christopher Ingraham- christopher.ingraham@mail.house.gov, 202-225-6030
United States House of Representatives, 1237 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515

We'd also appreciate your sending an electronic copy of your letter to CarolPageSLP@gmail.com.

Key discussion points to consider:
It is urgent that the proposed language of a new mandatory Alternative Financing Program set-aside for State Assistive Technology Act Programs be removed from the Fiscal Year 2012 Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill.

You could emphasize the role that SCATP has played in ensuring that assistive technology is purchased and used effectively by South Carolinians. The proposed language of the set-aside means SCATP will be forced to cut funding we currently use to implement SCATP’s AT Reutilization program which connects consumers wanting to sell or give away used medical equipment to consumers in need of used equipment. Funding cuts would also greatly impact SCATP’s Device Demonstration and Device Loan Programs. These programs reduce the demand for federal funding by millions of dollars and promote responsible decisions for purchasing devices using Medicaid and Medicare dollars.

You could mention the ways SCATP serves as a resource in helping agencies and individuals in activities ranging from education to health care and even jobs, as well as the outreach to rural, underserved and minority populations. If you are in the education field, you can emphasize how SCATP has helped school districts and students meet the goals of the "No Child Left Behind" legislation. It might also help if you let them know how much the SC Assistive Technology Program has helped you, a friend, relative or client with disabilities.

If you have questions, contact carolpageslp@gmail.com and we can update you on progress of this legislation and help you determine what you might do.

Low Birthweight Infants Five Times More Likely to Have Autism, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (Oct. 17, 2011) — "Autism researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing have found a link between low birthweight and children diagnosed with autism, reporting premature infants are five times more likely to have autism than children born at normal weight.The children, some born as small as about a pound, were followed for 21 years making this study, published in the journal Pediatrics, one of the most remarkable of its kind. The infants were born between September 1984 through July 1987 in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties in New Jersey at birthweights from 500 to 2000 grams or a maximum of about 4.4 pounds.
"As survival of the smallest and most immature babies improves, impaired survivors represent an increasing public health challenge," wrote lead author Jennifer Pinto-Martin, MPH, PhD, director of the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology (CADDRE) at Penn Nursing. "Emerging studies suggest that low birthweight may be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders."
Links between low birthweight and a range of motor and cognitive problems have been well established for some time, but this is the first study that establishes that these children are also at increased risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
"Cognitive problems in these children may mask underlying autism," said Dr. Pinto-Martin. "If there is suspicion of autism or a positive screening test for ASD, parents should seek an evaluation for an ASD. Early intervention improves long-term outcome and can help these children both at school and at home."
In future studies, Penn researchers will investigate possible links between brain hemorrhage, a complication of premature birth, and autism by examining brain ultrasounds taken of these children as newborns."
NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

Pollutants Linked to 450 Percent Increase in Risk of Birth Defects in Rural China

ScienceDaily (Oct. 19, 2011) — "Pesticides and pollutants are related to a 450 percent increase in the risk of spina bifida and anencephaly in rural China, according to scientists at The University of Texas at Austin and Peking University.Two of the pesticides found in high concentrations in the placentas of affected newborns and stillborn fetuses were endosulfan and lindane. Endosulfan is only now being phased out in the United States for treatment of cotton, potatoes, tomatoes and apples. Lindane was only recently banned in the United States for treatment of barley, corn, oats, rye, sorghum and wheat seeds.
Strong associations were also found between spina bifida and anencephaly and high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are byproducts of burning fossil fuels such as oil and coal. Spina bifida is a defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. Anencephaly is the absence of a large part of the brain and skull.
"Our advanced industrialized societies have unleashed upon us a lot of pollutants," says Richard Finnell, professor of nutritional sciences and director of genomic research at the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas. "We've suspected for a while that some of these pollutants are related to an increase in birth defects, but we haven't always had the evidence to show it. Here we quite clearly showed that the concentration of compounds from pesticides and coal-burning are much higher in the placentas of cases with neural tube defects than in controls."
The study, which was published in August in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the result of a more than decade-long collaboration between Finnell and a team of researchers in Shanxi, a province in northern China."
NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

SCAAIDD Conference

October 18, 2011--
Yesterday I exhibited the CDR Library services at the South Carolina Chapter of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities annual conference. This year's theme was entitled, "Finding Ways to Enhance Quality." Overall, it was another great event at the Laurelhurst Conference Center, and I really enjoyed meeting and talking to over 100+ people that stopped by the booth to hear about the library and/or MedlinePlus.gov.

NOTE: Click on the title above to go to the SCAAIDD web site to read more about the conference sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors.

Downs Designs, a clothing line for people with Down syndrome

Springwise.com (Oct. 10, 2011)-When Karen Bowersox’s granddaughter was born with Down syndrome, she saw the challenges her mother faced trying to find clothes that fit her properly. After extensive research she still could not find any clothes made specifically for people with Down syndrome and so took matters into her own hands, launching her own fashion line Downs Designs.

Bowersox’s goal is to produce clothes for people with Down syndrome that suit their body shape as well as being stylish. In 2010, she hired a designer to develop a new size of clothing which she calls “down sizing”. They started with a basic range of adult-size jeans and long-sleeved t-shirts, and used Down syndrome models to ensure the sizing was correct. Many factories were reluctant to produce their designs due to the irregular sizing, but they soon found a willing supplier in China. Sample garments were taken to the National Down Syndrome Conference in Florida, in order to get feedback and make final adjustments. The products proved popular — with easy-to-use fasteners and specific tailoring around the knees and elbows — and are now available to buy via the website. There are full instructions online about taking measurements and calculating sizes, and free phone consultations are available. Sale items start at USD 30 and the range covers adults, teens and kids. Downs Designs have plans to expand with more designs and a range of outerwear.

As we’ve seen many times in the past, personal experience is so often the catalyst for innovative solutions. One to be inspired by!

Website: www.downsdesigns.com
Contact: questions@downsdesigns.com