This Week's Special-Needs News and Views
Your second chance at all of the special-needs news stories, articles, and blog posts featured as "Today's News" in the past week. Updated daily. (Looking for older stories? Check the topic folders.)
Punishment: Why Are We Still Having this Conversation?
From About.com Special Education: "In Applied Behavior Analysis the accepted wisdom is that punishment should never be used because it is ineffective. Yet if you go online, it seems everybody is having a good ol' Wup Fest." (11/30/09)
From About.com Special Education: "In Applied Behavior Analysis the accepted wisdom is that punishment should never be used because it is ineffective. Yet if you go online, it seems everybody is having a good ol' Wup Fest." (11/30/09)
Gender differences in the course and co-morbidity of ADHD
From ADHDGirls.org: "The vast majority of research on ADHD has been done with boys, mostly due to the sex difference in the rates of ADHD. The few studies that have included girls have shown significant differences between boys and girls in a number of domains, including the physiological correlates of the condition, cognitive function, and co-morbidities." (11/30/09)
From ADHDGirls.org: "The vast majority of research on ADHD has been done with boys, mostly due to the sex difference in the rates of ADHD. The few studies that have included girls have shown significant differences between boys and girls in a number of domains, including the physiological correlates of the condition, cognitive function, and co-morbidities." (11/30/09)
Autism Behavior Therapy Successful In Kids As Young As 18 Months
From Disability Scoop: "Intensive behavior therapy in toddlers with autism can yield significant progress and even result in an improved diagnosis, first-of-its-kind research indicates. While behavior therapy is standard protocol for older children with autism, the study published online Monday in Pediatrics is the first to show that children as young as 18 months can benefit." (11/30/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Intensive behavior therapy in toddlers with autism can yield significant progress and even result in an improved diagnosis, first-of-its-kind research indicates. While behavior therapy is standard protocol for older children with autism, the study published online Monday in Pediatrics is the first to show that children as young as 18 months can benefit." (11/30/09)
Down Syndrome Births Jump 30 Percent
From Disability Scoop: "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at birth defect records from 10 regions across the country and found that between 1979 and 2003 the number of children born with Down syndrome grew 31.1 percent. That brings the number of Americans ages 19 and younger with the chromosomal disorder to 83,400 or 1 in 971." (11/30/09)
From Disability Scoop: "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at birth defect records from 10 regions across the country and found that between 1979 and 2003 the number of children born with Down syndrome grew 31.1 percent. That brings the number of Americans ages 19 and younger with the chromosomal disorder to 83,400 or 1 in 971." (11/30/09)
Deaf Students on Fox's GLEE
From Show of Hands: "This past espiode that aired on 11/25 titled "Hairography" showcased Deaf actors portraying Deaf characters from the fictional Haverbrook School of the Deaf in Dayton, Ohio." (11/30/09)
From Show of Hands: "This past espiode that aired on 11/25 titled "Hairography" showcased Deaf actors portraying Deaf characters from the fictional Haverbrook School of the Deaf in Dayton, Ohio." (11/30/09)
Commonly misdiagnosed condition is impacting society
From WDAY: "Stores you shop at are changing, so are school and families as more people discover they have celiac disease, an auto-immune disease that makes you very sick if you eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Experts say 40 of you have the gene for it, and one in every 100 people are getting it." (11/30/09)
From WDAY: "Stores you shop at are changing, so are school and families as more people discover they have celiac disease, an auto-immune disease that makes you very sick if you eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Experts say 40 of you have the gene for it, and one in every 100 people are getting it." (11/30/09)
In 100 Words or Less - What Should the Public Know About Autism?
From About.com Autism: "Yesterday I wrote a blog entitled How Should We Present the Autism Spectrum to the Public? It's received some very thoughtful responses, and inspired me to present this challenge to interested readers." (11/30/09)
From About.com Autism: "Yesterday I wrote a blog entitled How Should We Present the Autism Spectrum to the Public? It's received some very thoughtful responses, and inspired me to present this challenge to interested readers." (11/30/09)
How to stop autistic children from scripting
From Whitterer on Autism: "A three year old who scripts Boris Karloff may be the source of amusement, but with an older child, public opinion is less forgiving." (11/30/09)
From Whitterer on Autism: "A three year old who scripts Boris Karloff may be the source of amusement, but with an older child, public opinion is less forgiving." (11/30/09)
Find Scholarships for Learning Disabilities
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Learning disability scholarships can help you fund your college education despite having disabilities. These disability scholarship programs are designed to meet the unique qualifications and learning needs of students with disabilities." (11/29/09)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Learning disability scholarships can help you fund your college education despite having disabilities. These disability scholarship programs are designed to meet the unique qualifications and learning needs of students with disabilities." (11/29/09)
Can School Attorneys Legally Attend IEP Team Meetings?
From Wrighslaw: Clinic students observed school district attorneys at some IEP meetings. Some attorneys were helpful. Others were adversarial. The law does not include attorneys as members of the child's IEP team." (11/28/09)
From Wrighslaw: Clinic students observed school district attorneys at some IEP meetings. Some attorneys were helpful. Others were adversarial. The law does not include attorneys as members of the child's IEP team." (11/28/09)
2009 Holiday Gift Guide for People in Wheelchairs
From Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation: "Don't be intimidated when shopping for a gift for someone in a wheelchair this holiday season. We gathered some top-notch ideas from wheelchair users and scoured all types of manufacturers for their best bets." (11/29/09)
From Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation: "Don't be intimidated when shopping for a gift for someone in a wheelchair this holiday season. We gathered some top-notch ideas from wheelchair users and scoured all types of manufacturers for their best bets." (11/29/09)
SI writer: Eunice Shriver Deserves Recognition
From Disability News: "Sports Illustrated writer Selena Roberts nominates Eunice Kennedy Shriver for the magazine's Sportsman of the Year award." (11/29/09)
From Disability News: "Sports Illustrated writer Selena Roberts nominates Eunice Kennedy Shriver for the magazine's Sportsman of the Year award." (11/29/09)
Sarah Palin and Me
From the Wall Street Journal: "I don't presume to tell others what to do when they are faced with these difficult decisions. But I worry that women who find themselves pregnant with a child who has a physical or mental disability get only one message, which is all about the burden about to be dumped in their laps." (11/29/09)
From the Wall Street Journal: "I don't presume to tell others what to do when they are faced with these difficult decisions. But I worry that women who find themselves pregnant with a child who has a physical or mental disability get only one message, which is all about the burden about to be dumped in their laps." (11/29/09)
How Should We Present the Autism Spectrum to the Public?
From About.com Autism: "Over recent months, I've seen many videos, ads and fundraisers all focused on the goal of raising funds for or awareness of autism. For all of them, the challenge is the same: how do you present a disorder that includes such a spectrum of symptoms, challenges, abilities and needs?" (11/28/09)
From About.com Autism: "Over recent months, I've seen many videos, ads and fundraisers all focused on the goal of raising funds for or awareness of autism. For all of them, the challenge is the same: how do you present a disorder that includes such a spectrum of symptoms, challenges, abilities and needs?" (11/28/09)
7 Recipes for Gluten-Free Turkey Leftovers
From About.com Celiac Disease: "Do you have any turkey left over after your Thanksgiving meal? I've collected some great ideas for what to do with any leftover turkey, including recipes for turkey dumplings, turkey enchiladas, turkey tacos, turkey and corn soup, and more -- and all gluten-free!" (11/28/09)
From About.com Celiac Disease: "Do you have any turkey left over after your Thanksgiving meal? I've collected some great ideas for what to do with any leftover turkey, including recipes for turkey dumplings, turkey enchiladas, turkey tacos, turkey and corn soup, and more -- and all gluten-free!" (11/28/09)
Bipolar Disorder May Be Tied to Body Clock
From HealthDay: "Study finds gene variation believed to affect circadian rhythm." (11/28/09)
From HealthDay: "Study finds gene variation believed to affect circadian rhythm." (11/28/09)
Order a Whitney Original Christmas Wreath to Support Autism Research
From Age of Autism: "Smell the fresh pine! Order an affordable Whitney Original Christmas Wreath and they will donate 20% of the proceeds to The National Autism Association." (11/28/09)
From Age of Autism: "Smell the fresh pine! Order an affordable Whitney Original Christmas Wreath and they will donate 20% of the proceeds to The National Autism Association." (11/28/09)
Study: Cost of treating diabetes to triple by 2034
From CNN: "By 2034, 44.1 million Americans will be living with diabetes -- nearly twice the current number of 23.7 million, according to the report, published in the December issue of the journal Diabetes Care. About 90 percent of those with diabetes have type 2, a version of the condition that develops over time." (11/28/09)
From CNN: "By 2034, 44.1 million Americans will be living with diabetes -- nearly twice the current number of 23.7 million, according to the report, published in the December issue of the journal Diabetes Care. About 90 percent of those with diabetes have type 2, a version of the condition that develops over time." (11/28/09)
Vision Exams Are Important for Children and Adults
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Vision examinations are an important part of any assessment for learning disabilities, but it is also an important preventative measure for all children. Some visual problems and eye conditions can be successfully treated with early detection and intervention." (11/27/09)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Vision examinations are an important part of any assessment for learning disabilities, but it is also an important preventative measure for all children. Some visual problems and eye conditions can be successfully treated with early detection and intervention." (11/27/09)
Facepalm: Deaf Choir on Glee
From Squidalicious: "I was so pleased with Glee's portrayals of people with special needs in the episode Wheels ... and then last night's episode thread about a competing Glee club from a Deaf school dripped patronizing treacle. Blech." (11/27/09)
From Squidalicious: "I was so pleased with Glee's portrayals of people with special needs in the episode Wheels ... and then last night's episode thread about a competing Glee club from a Deaf school dripped patronizing treacle. Blech." (11/27/09)
After fire, boy with autism on road to recovery and rebuilding
From CNN: "Objects and belongings are especially important to children with autism. And everything Jonathan had loved was gone, from the cherished blanket he clutched to sleep, to his fixation -- more than 500 Hot Wheels cars." (11/27/09)
From CNN: "Objects and belongings are especially important to children with autism. And everything Jonathan had loved was gone, from the cherished blanket he clutched to sleep, to his fixation -- more than 500 Hot Wheels cars." (11/27/09)
Genetic disease: Mother hopes for cure for dying children
From CNN: "Every 15 minutes, a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease by the age of 10." (11/27/09)
From CNN: "Every 15 minutes, a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease by the age of 10." (11/27/09)
Parent Mentors Can Improve the Asthmatic Care of Minority Children
From Newswise: "Researchers have found that informed adults can help families stave off complications associated with asthma. The findings ... suggest that interventions by parent mentors -- caregivers of asthmatic children who have received specialized topical training -- can effectively reduce wheezing, asthma attacks, emergency room visits and missed adult workdays." (11/26/09)
From Newswise: "Researchers have found that informed adults can help families stave off complications associated with asthma. The findings ... suggest that interventions by parent mentors -- caregivers of asthmatic children who have received specialized topical training -- can effectively reduce wheezing, asthma attacks, emergency room visits and missed adult workdays." (11/26/09)
Dance Offers Key To Mobility For Actor With Cerebral Palsy
From Disability Scoop: "For three decades Gregg Mozgala struggled to walk with cerebral palsy forcing his body up on its toes and wavering from side to side. But at 31, that's all changing thanks to a choreographer." (11/26/09)
From Disability Scoop: "For three decades Gregg Mozgala struggled to walk with cerebral palsy forcing his body up on its toes and wavering from side to side. But at 31, that's all changing thanks to a choreographer." (11/26/09)
Giving Thanks... and Fight It! Friday
From A Shot in the Dark: "The campaign is called Fight It! Friday and the goal is to raise $4,000 for individuals with diabetes (and their families) who are financially struggling/uninsured. Money raised will help cover their medical costs and supplies over the holiday season." (11/26/09)
From A Shot in the Dark: "The campaign is called Fight It! Friday and the goal is to raise $4,000 for individuals with diabetes (and their families) who are financially struggling/uninsured. Money raised will help cover their medical costs and supplies over the holiday season." (11/26/09)
Traffic, Dust Linked to Asthma in Kids
From HealthDay: "Infants exposed to outdoor traffic pollution and indoor endotoxin are at increased risk for asthma, researchers say. Endotoxin -- a component of bacteria believed to trigger an immune response in humans -- is found in dust." (11/25/09)
From HealthDay: "Infants exposed to outdoor traffic pollution and indoor endotoxin are at increased risk for asthma, researchers say. Endotoxin -- a component of bacteria believed to trigger an immune response in humans -- is found in dust." (11/25/09)
Athlete Sues for Right to Compete; State Passes Athletics Equity Law
From Wrightslaw: "Tatyana McFadden has spinal bifida and uses a wheelchair. She is a Paralympics medalist and world record holder. As a high school freshman, Tatyana sued her school for the right to compete on the same track, at the same time, as her non-disabled teammates. Her high-profile case ... led the Maryland General Assembly to pass a unique law." (11/25/09)
From Wrightslaw: "Tatyana McFadden has spinal bifida and uses a wheelchair. She is a Paralympics medalist and world record holder. As a high school freshman, Tatyana sued her school for the right to compete on the same track, at the same time, as her non-disabled teammates. Her high-profile case ... led the Maryland General Assembly to pass a unique law." (11/25/09)
To Avoid Scolding, Teen With Asperger's Spends 11 Days Riding Subway
From Disability Scoop: "The incident began when the teacher called the boy's mom because he didn't complete an assignment for school. When he called his mom to say he was on his way home, she told him that she'd heard from the school and wanted to have a serious talk. But instead of going home, Hernandez removed the battery from his cell phone and boarded a subway car." (11/25/09)
From Disability Scoop: "The incident began when the teacher called the boy's mom because he didn't complete an assignment for school. When he called his mom to say he was on his way home, she told him that she'd heard from the school and wanted to have a serious talk. But instead of going home, Hernandez removed the battery from his cell phone and boarded a subway car." (11/25/09)
If You Could Read My Mind
From Bloom: "Parents of children who can't speak or gesture understand why a device that decodes likes and dislikes by measuring brain activity ranks as one of the 25 Ideas That Are Changing the World in a Toronto Life Magazine feature this December." (11/25/09)
From Bloom: "Parents of children who can't speak or gesture understand why a device that decodes likes and dislikes by measuring brain activity ranks as one of the 25 Ideas That Are Changing the World in a Toronto Life Magazine feature this December." (11/25/09)
Book: Howie Mandel on OCD, ADHD
From Disability News: "Comedian Howie Mandel answers questions about his new book, 'Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me,' arriving in stores today. The book details his lifelong struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder." (11/25/09)
From Disability News: "Comedian Howie Mandel answers questions about his new book, 'Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me,' arriving in stores today. The book details his lifelong struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder." (11/25/09)
Woman fights to use adaptive technology during bar exam
From Disability News: "UCLA law graduate Stephanie Enyart is suing the National Conference of Bar Examiners for the right to use adaptive technology when taking the bar exam. She has a form of macular degeneration that has taken away her central vision but leaves her some peripheral vision." (11/25/09)
From Disability News: "UCLA law graduate Stephanie Enyart is suing the National Conference of Bar Examiners for the right to use adaptive technology when taking the bar exam. She has a form of macular degeneration that has taken away her central vision but leaves her some peripheral vision." (11/25/09)
Thanksgiving's Near, Are You Gluten-Free Ready?
An ingredient check from The Savvy Celiac. (11/24/09)
An ingredient check from The Savvy Celiac. (11/24/09)
101 Sensational Stocking Stuffers 2009
From Hartley's Life With 3 Boys: "This year I began researching things that were worth spending money on, things that would benefit my kid in multiple ways (sensory, social, small motor skill) and that my kids would like." (11/24/09)
From Hartley's Life With 3 Boys: "This year I began researching things that were worth spending money on, things that would benefit my kid in multiple ways (sensory, social, small motor skill) and that my kids would like." (11/24/09)
JFActivist: ABC to Air Documentary on Faith and Disabilities
From JF Activist: "'A Place for All: Faith and Community for Persons with Disabilities' explores the courageous stories of persons with disabilities as the succeed in making their faith communities truly inclusive." (11/24/09)
From JF Activist: "'A Place for All: Faith and Community for Persons with Disabilities' explores the courageous stories of persons with disabilities as the succeed in making their faith communities truly inclusive." (11/24/09)
Day Care Centers Turn Away Boy Due To Cerebral Palsy
From Disability Scoop: "Mary Ellen Pollard recently learned that her son James could no longer attend the church day care he had been going to. But when Pollard approached a series of licensed day care centers in the Huntsville, Ala. area, who are required to service children with special needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act, she was turned away as well." (11/24/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Mary Ellen Pollard recently learned that her son James could no longer attend the church day care he had been going to. But when Pollard approached a series of licensed day care centers in the Huntsville, Ala. area, who are required to service children with special needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act, she was turned away as well." (11/24/09)
Medical Marijuana 'Balanced' Son With Autism, Mom Says
From Disability Scoop: "Mieko Hester-Perez gives her son Joey Perez, 10, brownies laced with marijuana to help his appetite and calm his behaviors. Before trying the pot brownies, Hester-Perez says her son exhibited self-injurious and extremely aggressive behaviors and would run out of the house." (11/24/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Mieko Hester-Perez gives her son Joey Perez, 10, brownies laced with marijuana to help his appetite and calm his behaviors. Before trying the pot brownies, Hester-Perez says her son exhibited self-injurious and extremely aggressive behaviors and would run out of the house." (11/24/09)
The Chicago Tribune Takes on Alternative Autism Treatments
From About.com Autism: "This week, the Chicago Tribune came out with a long piece entitled Autism treatment: Science hijacked to support alternative therapies and subtitled Researchers' fears about misuse of their work come true. In essence, the article is a condemnation of the Defeat Autism Now or DAN protocol and other biomedical treatments for autism." (11/24/09)
From About.com Autism: "This week, the Chicago Tribune came out with a long piece entitled Autism treatment: Science hijacked to support alternative therapies and subtitled Researchers' fears about misuse of their work come true. In essence, the article is a condemnation of the Defeat Autism Now or DAN protocol and other biomedical treatments for autism." (11/24/09)
Gym Class as a Disability Right
A boy with diabetes wins the right to have gym class every day. (11/24/09)
A boy with diabetes wins the right to have gym class every day. (11/24/09)
First look: Harrison Ford goes to 'Extraordinary Measures'
From USA Today: "In Extraordinary Measures, he's a loner scientist whose theories could treat a degenerative disease and save the children of a desperate father (Brendan Fraser).The kids, ages 7 and 9 by the end of the film, have Pompe disease, a genetic disorder that confines patients to wheelchairs and respirators, often ending their lives before they hit double digits." (11/24/09)
From USA Today: "In Extraordinary Measures, he's a loner scientist whose theories could treat a degenerative disease and save the children of a desperate father (Brendan Fraser).The kids, ages 7 and 9 by the end of the film, have Pompe disease, a genetic disorder that confines patients to wheelchairs and respirators, often ending their lives before they hit double digits." (11/24/09)
New Tool for Helping Pediatric Heart Surgery
From Newswise: "A team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego and Stanford University has developed a way to simulate blood flow on the computer to optimize surgical designs. It is the basis of a new tool that may help surgeons plan for a life-saving operation called the "Fontan" surgery, which is performed on babies born with severe congenital heart defects." (11/24/09)
From Newswise: "A team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego and Stanford University has developed a way to simulate blood flow on the computer to optimize surgical designs. It is the basis of a new tool that may help surgeons plan for a life-saving operation called the "Fontan" surgery, which is performed on babies born with severe congenital heart defects." (11/24/09)
Smoking During Pregnancy, Lead Exposure Raise ADHD Risk in Kids
From HealthDay: "Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy or who were exposed to lead have more than double the risk of having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as other children, new research shows. And with exposure to both cigarettes and lead, the chances of having ADHD soared." (11/24/09)
From HealthDay: "Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy or who were exposed to lead have more than double the risk of having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as other children, new research shows. And with exposure to both cigarettes and lead, the chances of having ADHD soared." (11/24/09)
Gluten-free pie crust
A recipe from the blog Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef. (11/24/09)
A recipe from the blog Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef. (11/24/09)