AutismOregon.org

http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/x371741753/Couple-donate-3-million-to-r...

Okay, so this article isn't about Oregon. But it does point out that Kathy Henley's dream of an autism center can happen. It happened in the small town of Joplin, MO - yes, the town devastated by a hurricane in 2011. This town of 50,000 received a 3 million dollar donation to rebuild their autism center.

Read the full story at:
http://www.thestylus.net/author-clarifies-fair-use-of-autism-label-1.262...

As most people know, Temple Grandin is a high functioning adult with autism - with a twist: she has a PHD, has written several books, and is wildly popular. One reason could be just that - she is reasonable. Here are some excellent quotes from the article that might be helpful for newly diagnosed parents:

PBS NewsHour is giving a 6 part miniseries on autism hosted by Robert MacNeil, formerly of MacNeil/Lehrer Report. At 4pm each day you can tune into PBS to find the segment within the one hour show. The preview is located at:
http://video.pbs.org/video/1865831018/

You can see part 1 and part 2 (and future links for 3-6):
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2011/04/viewers-guide-autism-today.html

A newer ad on the radio has shown up that I think is one of the more effective ad spots I've heard yet from the Ad Council. It starts with a young boy saying he's never heard of autism to the same boy as a man just getting an autism diagnosis for his son. Maybe it is effective because it seems to hit home for me but it may not resonate as well with those without children with autism.

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.