NEWS
Autism Society Presents Public Service Announcement for Spring 2011
The Autism Society has released a new public service announcement highlighting the dire shortage of services and assistance facing adults with autism and their families. The piece features scenes from Wretches & Jabberers, a powerful new documentary that features the personal struggles of adult self- advocates as they seek to change public perceptions of competence and autism. Read more…
Join the Autism Society at TimesTalks, presented by the New York Times, this March
To commemorate National Autism Awareness Month, TimesTalks presents Gerardine Wurzburg, Academy Award-winning director of the new documentary, Wretches & Jabberers; the two men with autism featured in the film, Larry Bissonnette and Tracy Thresher, whose global quest is to change attitudes about disability and intelligence; and Lee Grossman, Autism Society president and CEO. Read more…
Autism Society Will Join Autism Community to Call for Autism Understanding and Acceptance this April
On World Autism Day, April 2, 2011, the Autism Society will join the autism community to unite in one global message calling for all people to truly understand and accept autism. Read more…
Don’t Miss the Next Sensory Friendly Film!
Join AMC Theatres and the Autism Society on March 12 for a special showing of Mars Needs Moms. We will be showing the movie at 10 a.m. local time in participating theatres nationwide. Don’t miss our new locations in Schererville, Ind.; Middletown, N.Y.; Fayetteville, Ark.; and Burlington, Wash. For more information or to find a theatre near you, visit www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms.
Autism Journeys: Jackie
In Autism Journeys, we ask individuals on the spectrum, professionals and family members of all kinds to share their stories of what they have learned in their journeys with autism. This week, a woman talks about her son, 40, who wants to live independently, but faces the challenge of shortages of state funds for supported living and housing. Read more...
Autism Headlines Weekly
The Autism Society brings you the most important autism news from around the Web. This week, a new study about how brain waves could predict potential risk of autism; special-needs students in a New Jersey school run a successful coffee shop; and a look into how people with autism are assets in the workplace. Read more…
ADVOCACY
Federal Budget Proposal Includes Funding for Autism Research, IDEA; Proposed Cuts Overall are Severe
President Obama’s fiscal year 2012 federal budget provides less painful cuts than expected to the funding of programs and initiatives designed to help individuals living with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Read more…
Federal Government Announces $4.3 Billion in New Funds for Community Alternatives to Institutional Long-Term Care
States will see significant new federal support in their efforts to help move Medicaid beneficiaries out of institutions and into their own homes or other community settings now and in the near future, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced this week. Read more…
Share Your Story: Help Families Get Expert Witnesses for IDEA Due Process Hearings
Advocates are working in support of a Congressional bill that would enable parents to recover expert witness fees for IDEA due process hearings and cases. Read more…
RESEARCH
Researchers Reveal First Autism Candidate Gene That Demonstrates Sensitivity to Sex Hormones
George Washington University researcher, Dr. Valerie Hu, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and her team at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, have found that male and female sex hormones regulate expression of an important gene in neuronal cell culture through a mechanism that could explain not only higher levels of testosterone observed in some individuals with autism, but also why males have a higher incidence of autism than females. Read more…
EDUCATION
Students with Autism Learn from Music Lessons at the Boston Conservatory
The Boston Conservatory is renowned for its intensive training in the performing arts, but on Saturday mornings, this Fenway institution offers a unique program: providing music lessons to children and young adults with autism. Read more…
CONFERENCES
Registration is Open for the Autism Society National Conference and Exhibition
Registration for the 42nd National Conference and Exposition is now open! Early bird registration rates are in effect from now until April 30, so register early. For the best deal, go to www.autism-society.org/conference to register today. Read more…
Autism Society Calls for Award and Scholarship Nominations
Each year, the Autism Society presents a number of awards and scholarships to individuals and organizations in recognition of their commitment to the autism community. Read more…
RESOURCES
Book Teaches Social Enjoyment Skills for Children, Teens and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Young people with autism spectrum disorders often feel uncomfortable and anxious in social situations, but socializing with classmates and colleagues can be made easier – and more enjoyable – with the book Guiding Toward Growth. Read more…
Applications Now Being Accepted for TERI and IALQ Scholarship
For a limited time, the Training, Education & Research Institute (TERI, Inc.) is pleased to offer a $1,000 referral scholarship to enroll in TERI’s Special Needs Life Quality Coaching online course. Read more…
Send Your Nominations to APSE for its 22nd Annual Conference
APSE, a national nonprofit working for integrated employment and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, is looking for individuals, organizations and employers to honor. Read more… 
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