A baby’s “head lag” may be an early sign of autism and a new DNA test may be able to increase autism detection.

CNN.com, May 17, 2012

Baby’s poor head and neck control may be an autism clue

Early research suggests that if a 6-month old baby has “head lag,” or weak head and neck control, it may be an early sign of autism or another language/social developmental delay.

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U.S. News & World Report, May 16, 2012

Genetic Test May Spot Raised Autism Risk

Researchers report that a new DNA test may be able to spot an increased risk of autism in children as young as 6 months old.

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New York Daily News, May 14, 2012

1 in 3 autistic young adults having hard time finding work after graduating: study

A study finds that one in three young adults with autism have no paid job experience, college, or technical schooling nearly seven years after high school graduation, a poorer showing than those with other disabilities.

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We’ll be lining up on E Street in downtown Santa Rosa at 9:00am (Division 1, spot 123), decked out in our Anova blue t-shirts and rock star attire. Think bandannas, leather pants, crazy wigs, hot pink, and don’t forget the ROSES!

Visit the official Luther Burbank Rose Parade website for more details and information.

Questions? Call Meghan or Elizabeth at (707) 527-7032

Omaha World-Herald, May 11, 2012

Robot ‘teacher’ reaches out to autistic kids

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have begun integrating robots into a behavioral therapy program for children with autism.

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San Jose Mercury News, May 10, 2012

Autism-friendly ‘Guys and Dolls’ at Saratoga Civic Theatre

South Bay Musical Theatre in Saratoga is offering an autism-friendly performance during its upcoming run of “Guys and Dolls.”

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WTVM.com, May 11, 2012

Columbus students with autism write book

Ohio students have written and illustrated a book of short stories in “A is for Autism.”

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Town Hall Meeting!

May 24th, 2012 5:30pm‐7:30pm
at
Becoming Independent
1425 Corporate Center Parkway, Santa Rosa

Join ACT as we discuss the new California law mandating private insurance to provide behavioral services for persons with autism

• What does the law say?
• How to access specialized medical care through insurance
• Accessing Care: A Parent Perspective

The discussion will be followed by a forum on parents’ concerns and questions about the new service delivery system through private insurance

With:
Kathy Foster, M.D.
Robert Phillips, Area IV Board
Patrick Maher, M.D. NBRC

Join Us!
Contact North Bay Regional Center: Dr. Patrick Maher: (707) 256‐ 1111 or
PatrickM@nbrc.net if you have questions.

Researchers use Microsoft Kinect to detect autism and doctors reviewing DSM-5 recommend keeping Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder.

Popular Science, May 8, 2012

Using the Microsoft Kinect to Detect Autism

The University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development uses Microsoft Kinects to monitor students, looking for signs of unusual behavior that might indicate a potential autism spectrum disorder.

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CBS News, May 10, 2012

Panel suggests DSM-5 psychiatry manual drops two disorders, keeps new autism definition

A panel of doctors reviewing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 have recommended to drop attenuated psychosis syndrome and mixed anxiety depressive disorder, while keeping Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder.

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Autism Speaks launches automated autism screen, students with autism use the power of television to raise awareness, and new data suggest that proposed new diagnostic criteria for autism do not reduce the number of children diagnosed with the condition.

Autism Speaks, May 7, 2012

Automated Autism Screen Now Available on Autism Speaks Website

Autism Speaks has announced the launch of an automated version of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers.

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KGET.com, May 7, 2012

Students with autism produce news shorts raising awareness

A group of students with autism is turning to the power of television to raise awareness about the disorder.

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Wall Street Journal, May 6, 2012

Study Damps Fears on Autism Change

Proposed new diagnostic criteria for autism don’t appear to reduce the number of children diagnosed with that condition, according to preliminary data presented at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting on Sunday.

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Last Chance for Public Feedback on DSM-5

For a third and final time, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has opened up the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for public comment.

This final period of public feedback will last 6 weeks and will close on June 15.

The APA reports that in preparation for this final comment period, members of the DSM-5 Task Force and Work Groups have updated proposals for diagnostic criteria.

The revised criteria reflect recently published research, results from DSM-5 field testing of the criteria, and public comments received since 2010.

According to the APA, key changes posted for this round of public review include the following:

• Revised proposals to place Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome and Mixed Anxiety Depressive Disorder in Section III of the manual, covering conditions that require further research before their consideration as formal disorders
• Added language to Major Depressive Disorder criteria to help differentiate between normal bereavement associated with a significant loss and a diagnosis of a mental disorder
• Added rationale for changes to Personality Disorders, with field trial data now supporting the reliability of dimensional measures and the categorical diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder
• Modified diagnostic criteria for Pedophilic Disorder to make the category more consistent with the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases
• Condensed diagnoses within Communication Disorders to only include Language Disorders and Speech Disorders
• A proposal for a new diagnosis of Suicidal Behavioral Disorder
• Modified diagnostic criteria for numerous disorders, including some in the Neurocognitive Disorders and Anxiety Disorders chapters
• A proposed Cultural Formulation Interview, which includes specific questions to help clinicians more effectively assess cultural aspects of psychiatric diagnosis

All responses submitted via the DSM-5 Web site will be considered by the DSM-5 Work Groups, which are charged with assessing the latest scientific evidence and recommending the disorder definitions and criteria to be included in the manual.
Dr. John Oldham

Nearly 10,800 comments from healthcare professionals, mental health advocates, families, and consumers were submitted in the first 2 public comment periods in 2010 and 2011.

“The comments we have received over the past 2 years have helped sharpen our focus, not only on the strongest research and clinical evidence to support DSM-5 criteria but on the real-world implications of these changes,” said APA President John M. Oldham, MD. “We appreciate the public’s interest and continued participation in the DSM-5 development process.”

After that, the site will remain viewable but will be closed to comments as the Work Groups and Task Force complete revisions and submit criteria for evaluation by the Scientific Review Committee and the Clinical and Public Health Committee. The Task Force will then make final recommendations to the APA Board of Trustees.
Dr. David Kupfer

The final version of DSM-5 is expected to go before the Board of Trustees in December 2012.

“As with every stage in this thorough development process, DSM-5 is benefitting from a depth of research, expertise, and diverse opinion that will ultimately strengthen the final document,” noted David J. Kupfer, MD, chair of the DSM-5 Task Force.

Publication of DSM-5 is expected in May 2013.

A detailed list of changes made to draft proposals since July 2011 is available online.

Evans Launches Regional Task Force on Autism
Appoints Local Advocate Chair

SACRAMENTO – Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) today announced the formation of the North Coast Area Regional Task Force (NCART) for the Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders. Senator Evans is a member of the fifteen-member Select Committee and recently co-authored legislation resulting from the group’s efforts to provide insurance coverage to children with autism.

Evans has appointed Andrew Bailey MA, MFT, as Chair of NCART and will be working with him to organize the regional Autism Task Force with suitable autism advocates, experts and stakeholders from throughout the North Coast.  Bailey, who lives in Sebastopol, has worked with children with autism for 26 years as a therapist and teacher.   In 2000, Bailey founded Anova, a Santa Rosa-based provider of educational, behavioral, and therapy services for children and adults with disabilities throughout Northern California.  Mr. Bailey will be working with Senator Evans’ offices to develop the group’s member base and embark on a needs assessment for the North Coast area.

“Andrew has been a long-time provider and advocate for people with disabilities,” said Senator Evans.  “His experience, passion and knowledge of the North Coast’s autism resources will benefit the people we serve, their families and their communities.  I look forward to his leadership.”

NCART will provide a public policy and legislative forum for research, analysis, deliberations, and outreach on the most pressing issues and concerns facing families who are living with autism spectrum disorders. They will focus mainly on addressing four factors related to the disorder:

•    To see that children are evaluated, identified and treated at the earliest possible age;
•    To assure private health plans do their fair share to provide medically necessary services;
•    Work to provide access to adequate employment opportunities; and,
•    Develop and expand appropriate and affordable housing.

“As a clinician and educator for people with disabilities I am honored to serve in this position for the community,” said Bailey.  “Working together, this Task Force will seek to improve lives and promote understanding of people with autism.”

NCART is currently accepting applications on an ongoing basis from a diverse cross-section of the public to serve on the Task Force.  Members of the public who live in or near Senate District 2 and possess the passion, expertise and commitment to serve on this voluntary Task Force are asked to contact Andrew Bailey for more information at 707.527.7032 or abailey@anovaeducation.org.

State Senator Noreen Evans represents the Second Senatorial District, including all or portions of the Counties of Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma. Senator Evans Chairs the Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Committee on Judiciary.

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Los Angeles Times, May 1, 2012

California agency ripped over disparities in autism spending

California lawmakers and advocates for children with autism assailed the state Department of Developmental Services during a hearing Monday over the deep racial and ethnic disparities in how it spends money on the disorder.

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UPI.com, April 30, 2012

Autism disorder may have link to smoking

Researchers say that children of women who smoked during pregnancy were more likely to have high-functioning autism, such as Asperger’s Disorder.

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