Featured In this issue:

Articles
1. My Mind is a Web Browser - How People with Autism Think - Temple Grandin
2. Biochemical Approach to Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders - Doctor Edward Danczak

Opinions
1. Poll - Do Environmental Toxins cause Autism?

Creative
1. The Art of Amin Collins
2. Story - How David found his voice - by Liane Gentry Skye

Reviews
1. Book review - "Little Rainman breaks down barriers and enlightens"

Discussions Topic - Questions and Answers

Contest - submit your stories, poetry, art or music and be entered in our contest.

Submitting articles and getting published

Books - Top Ten Autism Best Sellers

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Article 1. My Mind is a Web Browser - How People with Autism Think - Temple Grandin

Since writing Thinking in Pictures, which described my visual way of thinking, I have gained further insights into how my thought processes are different when compared to those of people who think in language. At autism meetings, I am often asked, "How can you be effective at public speaking when you think in pictures that are like video tapes in your imagination?" It is almost as though I have two levels of consciousness that operate separately. Only by interviewing people did I learn that many of them think primarily in words, and that their thoughts are linked to emotion. In my brain, words act as a narrator for the visual images in my imagination. I can see the pictures in my memory files.

To see the full article, visit http://www.autismtoday.com/webbrows.htm/?01
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Article 2. Biochemical Approach to Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders - Doctor Edward Danczak

I have some 200+ autistic children on my list and see an additional one or two new children each week. The programme is biochemically organised and has nothing to do with Psychological support.

In view of the recent work on immunology it is clear that the target has to be managing the immune system using immune regulators. Most conventional regulators are suppressants whether it is behavioural e.g. Haldol, naltrexone, risperdal or systemic such as the use of Nystatin or Salazine drugs. Almost none of the complementary therapies work in isolation although all physicians will claim to have cures on children with single therapies e.g. DMG, B6, Nystatin…

To see the full article, visit http://www.autismtoday.com/biochem.htm/?01

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Opinion Poll

There has been a lot of talk about environmental toxins such as mercury and lead contributing to the cause of autism.
To vote on this question or to view the results so far, visit http://www.autismtoday.com/?01
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Creative

1. Visit our site at http://www.autismtoday.com/?01 to see the art of Amin Collins.
2. Story - How David found his voice - by Liane Gentry Skye

There was a time when I couldn't take my five-year old son out. David is autistic. His inability to communicate his wants and needs to us made our lives a never-ending guessing game. We used trial and error to try and determine what it was David wanted to tell us as he had no method of functional communications.

To read the rest of the article, visit http://www.autismtoday.com/davidvoice.htm/?01

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Book Review- "Little Rainman breaks down barriers and enlightens"- Review By Regan Pinloski

Little Rainman is a poignant story about autism told through the eyes of a child. Karen Simmons Sicoli tells about the actual events in her son Jonathan's life through his perception of this experiences.
The book is illustrated through the combined efforts of three people, Rob Woodbury, a 30-year-old man with autism, Mitzi Bruhn and Susan Simmons (respectively, Karen's mother and sister). These pictures do a beautiful job in clarifying and supporting what Jonathan is telling us verbally and non-verbally.
In Little Rainman we learn about how autism can affect babies and children. We find out why a child with autism may behave in a way that seems inappropriate. But, we also discover that a child with autism can do some ordinary and some extraordinary things. Here there is a snapshot look at life through Jonathan's eyes.
What parent could not chuckle over Jonathan's desire to flush things down the toilet to a guy named Hoagy, replicating one of his computer games? Yet, what parent would not beam with pride as Jonathan began reading (out loud) when he was 2 ½. His first word was "recycle," an interesting choice for a child of the 1990's. How appropriate too, that Jonathan should start using the computer at the age of two.
What parent would not empathize with Jonathan's super sensitivity to truth, sounds, and people crowding around him. He can, for example, hear a helicopter long before you and I can. Who would not cry out in frustration with Jonathan as he tries to follow his tap dancing class?
It is Karen's hope "that the world will learn to enable rather than disable autistic individuals in their lives."
It is my hope that by reading Little Rainman, knowledge will dispel fear, and we, too, will be able to meet Jonathan and other individuals with autism at least half way in their journey.
As a suggestion for the format, could Jonathan's actual words written in italics be highlighted with his favourite color, blue?
On a personal note, I have has the pleasure of teaching Jonathan in our children's liturgy program a church. Karen L.Simmons Sicoli and I have met over parent meeting at Robin Hook and most recently with reference to the Keen Foundation. Karen is a powerhouse of energy and ideas, especially with respect to education as she seeks to build new roads in the area of inclusion. Our youngest child, Teresa has Down's syndrome. As with Jonathan, she was part of Robin Good's early intervention program and is now attending Eastgate pre-school.
We have high hopes for Teresa as she walks along her journey of inclusion.

To find out more or to purchase this book online visit http://www.exceptionalresources.com/?01

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Discussion Topic - Discussions moderated by Karen Leigh Simmons - guest expert at About.com

1. Subject: Language development and Children

Question - What do the researchers say about language development and
children?

Answer- I'll give it my best shot. This is a big question as there are all types
of researchers and experts who deal with language development. There are
so many variables, such as the age of the child, their initial language
patterns, etc. Some children with autism may not speak for a long time
and finally develop language. Other children may have language until
around two and then all of the sudden loose it completely. The prognosis
in this case is usually not good. The experts don't even know what causes
this or how to predict outcomes.

You might want to do a search on Google using: autism + speech and
language and see what comes up. There are usually entire organizations
set up to deal with this complex issue as it is vast.

2. Subject: diagnosing autism
Question -
I have 12 month old child who is about to receive his next vaccine and i
am wondering abut the relation between autism and vaccines; but in
reality i really would like to know how can i tell from day to day
activities if my child should be tested for autism.

Answer -
You may know a child with autism…Do they spin objects around and around? Is
their speech repetitive, like an echo? Are they attracted to shows like
Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy? Do they like to watch the same movie over and
over again? Are they fascinated with numbers and letters? Do they seem
unafraid of things that they should be afraid of? Is it hard for them to
make eye contact? Do they shun away from being touched?

Characteristics: The symptoms of autism and PDD are hard to understand. These children seem to have less control over their emotions, they perceive in odd ways and their understanding seems severely impaired compared to their concrete skills.
They seem to have special problems in learning language and social skills.

You will find a child having difficulties in most or all of these
areas:

Language: All children communicate, but children with autism or PDD
have special problems. Some never learn to use spoken language, while
others will only learn the basic language specific to their needs. A child
may mostly repeat what he hears (echolalia). Others develop advanced
speech, but have problems if affect, in their ability to express feelings
or ideas, or in knowing the right way or time to say things.

Social: The actions of others are confusing to these children and they may withdraw
from social interactions. Many have difficulty with interactive play. They
may have difficulty picking up social clues so their actions may not be
appropriate for the situation. Activities With their difficulty
understanding abstract ideas, these children usually prefer and learn best
through the concrete. Some show little imaginative play, some have
imaginative play, but it tends to follow set themes or interests. Many
prefer to repeat the same activities over and over. The child may even
"withdraw into himself", engaging in repetitive self-stimulation such as
rocking or rhythmic moving of the hands.

3. Subject: Genetics
Question -
What are the possible genetic causes of autism, and is it possible for
more than one child of the same parents to be autistic?

Answer -
Genetics are a complicated issue to say the least and it hasn't been until
just a couple of years ago that the gene was isolated. Truly we are
embarking upon a new frontier! I would advise checking with
http:www.autism.org for more information in this area.

Absolutely it is possible for more than one child of the same parents to
be autistic. In fact Dr. Peter Tsatsmari is conducting a study of multiple
siblings in one family having autism.

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Contest- Submit your stories, poetry, art or music and be entered in our contest. Best submission wins 2 genuine faceted pear shaped Garnets 5 X 3 mm perfect for earrings!
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Submitting articles and getting published

We'd love to have your autism-related articles and stories on our site! We are interested in providing our readers with:
· the latest medical information
· humorous or inspirational stories
· resource information
· speaker and conference information
· art and music from persons with autism

You can submit your article by e-mail to info@autismtoday.com. We can also work with you to publish and market your books, videos and other resources.
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Top Ten Autism Best Sellers!!

#1 - A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies for Individuals with Autism
by Beth Fouse PhD
This book offers comprehensive insights into the entire spectrum of behavioral challenges of a person with Autism/PPD and answers to improve those behaviors. Starting with Beth's position that behavior communication and the need to respond to the cause for the behavior and continuing into her techniques and therapies, this is an excellent guide for anyone who has a child or student with behavior challenges, she discusses the different intervention options in clear, concise language.
$65.95 Canadian (appx $39.95 U.S.)

#2 - Special Diets for Special Kids
Implementing a Diet to Improve the Lives of Children with Autism and related Disorders
by Dr. Lisa Lewis
An area that is receiving the most attention currently is the area of nutrition. Reviewers praised Dr. Lewis' clarity and common sense approach to this complex subject. An educator and parent of a son with autism, Dr. Lewis describes the effects food intolerances can have on individuals with autism. Topics include detecting sensitivities, medical tests, research, and eliminating gluten and casein from the diet. Over 150 good-tasting recipes are provided covering everything from breakfast to holiday foods. There is also information on mail order food sources, dairy substitutes and surfing the net for more help. The results from those who have followed her recommendations are very impressive!
$41.50 Canadian (appx $24.95 U.S.)

#3 - Comic Strip Conversations
by Carol Gray
(Conversations en Bandes Deninees)
An excellent communication-teaching tool that offers colorful, illustrated interactions for students with autism and related disorders. These drawings help the student to comprehend the exchange of information in a conversation.
$14.95 Canadian English (appx $8.95 U.S.)

#4 - Toilet Training
by Maria Wheeler
Co-author of the best seller, "A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies for Children with Autism", Maria now brings us an excellent guide through the special difficulties encountered when toilet training an individual with autism. This book brings over 200 toilet training tips, 50 case examples from which you can learn and 40 cautions.
$29.95 Canadian (appx $19.95 U.S.)

#5 - Asperger's Syndrome, A Guide for Parents and Professionals
by Dr. Tony Attwood
An excellent book on the most rapidly growing area of the P.D.D. Spectrum.
It encompasses diagnosis, understanding, behavior modification and stress relief for the parent and person with Asperger's. Endorsed by Drs. Temple Grandin, Lorna King and Uta Frith.
$29.95 Canadian (appx $19.95 U.S. )

#6 - What Does It Mean To Me? NEW
by Catherine Faherty
Provides tools in a very structured and user-friendly manner to help the individual with higher functioning autism, teachers, assistants, parents and other professionals deal with the many everyday difficult concepts and life lessons associated with this disorder.
Extensive workbook style sections include self awareness, ways of thinking, the sensory experience, autistic talent, people, understanding, thoughts, communication, school, friends, feeling upset and much much more. It provides tools on how to make learning a natural progression. Emphasis is placed on learning in different settings, the importance of learning age appropriate skills, and creating a home program that involves the enjoyment of learning.
$64.95 Canadian (appx $39.95 U.S.)

#7 - The New Social Story Book - Illustrated Edition NEW
by Carol Gray
Social Stories provide individuals with autism with accurate information regarding situations they encounter. Social stories, now with pictures!
$55.95 Canadian (appx $34.95 U.S.)

#8 - Do, Watch, Listen, Say NEW
By Kathleen Ann Quill, Ed. D.
Children with autism pose a perplexing and inconsistent puzzle when it comes to their social skills and communication development. You need research-based techniques that will enable you to support the acquisition of these vital skills. In this guide, you'll get this and more as you apply new state of the art assessments, discover a range of proven strategies combining the best of behavioral and developmental intervention practices, find hundreds of suggested activities to build social play, group skills, and communication in fun and creative ways, while charting your interventions with the easy to use data collection forms and guidelines.
$97.00 Canadian (appx $56.95 U.S.)

#9 - Building Bridges
by Ellen Yack, M.Ed. B.Sc. (OT), Shirley Sutton, BSc.(OT), Paula Aquilla, B.Sc. (OT)
Written by three Occupational Therapists, this book provides the reader with the following: a wonderful overview of the theory of sensory integration, method's to assess a person's ability to receive sensory information and many practical suggestions for home and school. Written for parents, childcare providers and especially children with P.D.D., it is the author's hope that Building Bridges will increase understanding while providing successful strategies for success.
$49.95 Canadian (appx $31.25 U.S.)

#10 - A Work in Progress - Behavior Management Strategies and
a Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism
by Editors Ron Leaf & John McEachin.
A new two-part manual written by Autism Partnership:
Part One: Behavioral Management and Teaching Strategies with Autistic Children which give parents insights and methods for dealing with difficult behaviors and self stimulation, helping to manage and reduce disruptive behavior and offering guidelines on sleep problems, toileting issues, eating issues, social skills and learning to play.
Part Two: Autism Partnership Curriculum for Discrete Trial Teaching with Autistic Children which is a complete curriculum for teaching skills to children with step by step instructions as well as creative ideas on how to make learning a natural progression. Emphasis is placed on learning in different settings, the importance of learning age appropriate skills, and creating a home program that involves the enjoyment of learning.
$64.95 Canadian (appx $40.00 U.S.)

To purchase any of these books visit http://www.exceptionalresources.com/?01