Family Connections Annual Conference

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Brookland Banquet and Conference Center
1066 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, SC

A Conference in Support of the Child with Special Needs

This conference is for parents and professionals to explore issues and challenges families face in caring for children with developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses and long-term health needs.
Be sure to attend the Family Night Social at EdVenture Children's Museum on Friday, March 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm!

Childcare only provided for 30 children, so if childcare is needed, register ASAP!

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International Study Finds New Autism Genetic Links

By Will Dunham

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - "Scientists revealed the most extensive findings to date on the genetics of autism on Sunday, pinpointing two new genetic links that may predispose children to develop the complex brain disorder.

The five-year study, led by an international consortium of researchers from 19 nations, indicated autism had numerous genetic origins rather than a single or a few primary causes."

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Artificial Retina Implant Holds Promise for Blind

By Julie Steenhuysen

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - "A tiny electrical implant that attaches to the retina may someday restore partial sight to millions of patients blinded by age-related macular degeneration, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.

The device, in the early stages of human clinical testing, is part of a new class of so-called "smart" prostheses that link with the brain and nervous system to restore function lost to disease or injury, the researchers told reporters at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in San Francisco."

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Message Born of 'Hopes, Dreams'

"Steve Riggio's daughter Melissa is a senior in high school who works at the YMCA, sings in the school chorus and is a member of the swim team. She's just like millions of students nationwide, and that's exactly what Riggio wants others to understand."

"Melissa, 18, has Down syndrome, and her father, the CEO of book retailer Barnes & Noble, has helped launch a campaign aimed to show the public that people with the disorder aren't that unusual and can lead normal lives."

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Science finds new ways to regrow fingers

NEW YORK - "Researchers are trying to find ways to regrow fingers — and someday, even limbs — with tricks that sound like magic spells from a Harry Potter novel."

"There's the guy who sliced off a fingertip but grew it back, after he treated the wound with an extract of pig bladder."

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Autism disorders affecting 1 in 150

By Anita Manning, USA TODAY
"The number of children who have an autism disorder — as many as 1 in every 150 — is significantly higher than previously thought, according to a new federal report being billed as the most complete assessment to date."

"Earlier estimates placed the rate at 1 in 166 children. But Catherine Rice, lead author of the analysis released Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says the previous estimates were based on smaller studies, some from other countries, using different study methods."


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PRO*PARENTS Calendar of Workshops

The 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. The most up-to-date CALENDAR OF WORKSHOPS can be viewed on http://www.proparents.org/calendar.html

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Teen Connection

"The TEEN CONNECTION has just been started and facilitated by Sherry Larson...It is a group just for teens that are ages 12-18 years old and is for those that are high-functioning and would like to meet other teens that may share the same interests!
The next event is Saturday, February 10 at Capital Senior Center, 1650 Park Circle at USC/Blossom and Pickens Streets. Country Spirit will be providing dance lessons, free of charge, on the following Saturdays...Feb 10, 17, 24; March 3, 10, and 17 from 9:30am - 10:30am...There will be a dance on Saturday, March 24 from 3:30-5:30pm!!! Please pass on this info and to anyone that you know that has a child that is 12-18 years old and with a disability, and will enjoy this event!!!"

Community Film Forum: Wally

The Nickelodeon Theatre sponsors a Community Film Forum the second Monday of each month. We screen the film and then have a discussion about it, very casual.

WALLY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12
ONE SCREENING ONLY AT 7 P.M.

The director of the film will be present and Lyssa Harvey will facilitate the discussion.

"Wally Meyer, a 56 year-old man with Mental Retardation and Cerebral Palsy who has never been taught the skills of independent living..."

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Prescription Soccer

"Web Exclusive
By Barbie Nadeau
Newsweek

Jan. 18, 2007 - Sports therapy has long been considered helpful for those suffering from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, abuse, amnesia and even shyness. But Italian doctors have taken this often-marginal treatment a step further: they’re using the highly strategic game of soccer as part of a treatment plan for complex mental illnesses like schizophrenia and depression."

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Health Alert: Environmental Toxins and Autism

"(National) Jan. 26, 2007 - The number of children being diagnosed with autism is on the rise. Improved detection could be one reason, but many experts believe environmental toxins may play a bigger role than you may think.

The Centers for Disease Control says autism spectrum disorders affect one in every 166 children. The cause is still unknown, but researchers are focusing on a possible link between environmental toxins and autism. Toxins like pesticides could be especially dangerous during pregnancy."

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