Latest on autism research

From CNN Today…..

April 2 is U.N.-declared World Autism Awareness Day. A life touched by autism is one forever in search of new information, and answers to the questions “Why did this happen?” and “How can I help my child?” Here’s a brief wrap of some of the latest headlines about the mysterious neurological disorder, which affects as many as 1 in 110 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In March, a federal court ruled that the evidence supporting an alleged link between autism and a mercury-containing preservative in vaccines was not persuasive, and that the families of children who have  autism were not entitled to compensation. Vaccine court finds no link to autism

In February, a notorious study that linked the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism and digestive disorders, was retracted 12 years after it was published.  Its lead author Dr. Andrew Wakefield was found to have acted unethically in conducting the research by the British entity that oversees doctors.   Medical journal retracts study linking autism to vaccine

As research  indicates that the rates of autism are increasing and that about 1 percent of the children in the United States have the disorder,  there is an increasing body of science looking into causes and contributing factors to the mysterious condition.

Here are some major findings according to Autism Speaks, a leading advocacy and education organization.

1) Two major studies using different methodologies reached similar conclusions: autism is on the rise.  Four years earlier, autism spectrum disorder was found to affect 1 out of 150 children, but more recent data suggest it’s closer to 1 in 91 or 1 in 110 children, depending on the study.  Research also found that autism is four times more common in boys than girls.

Prevalence of parent-reported diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder among children in the US

Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders – autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network

2) Delivering early intervention programs for children with autism improved IQ, language skills and adaptive behavior even for those as young as 18 months.

Randomized, controlled trial of an intervention for toddlers with autism: the Early Start Denver Model

3) An autism genome study found a genetic variation associated with the genes cadherin 10 and 9, which are responsible for forming nerve connections. This suggests abnormal interactions between neurons may cause the deficits seen in autism.

Common genetic variants on 5p14.1 associate with autism spectrum disorders

4) Researchers analyzed submicroscopic DNA deletions or duplications called copy number variants in the autism genome and found a new cellular pathway called “ubiquitin pathway,” in the pathology of autism.

Autism genome-wide copy number variation reveals ubiquitin and neuronal genes

5) A study demonstrated that combining drug and behavioral treatments were more effective than drug treatment alone for reducing challenging behaviors.

Medication and parent training in children with pervasive developmental disorders and serious behavior problems: Results from a randomized clinical trial

For the complete list and expanded explanation, visit Top 10 Autism Research Achievements

Editor’s Note: Medical news is a popular but sensitive subject rooted in science. We receive many comments on this blog each day; not all are posted. Our hope is that much will be learned from the sharing of useful information and personal experiences based on the medical and health topics of the blog. We encourage you to focus your comments on those medical and health topics and we appreciate your input. Thank you for your participation.

Latest on autism research – Paging Dr. Gupta – CNN.com Blogs.

Enabling Devices – Assistive Technology – Products for the Disabled

Here is a great website, if you don’t already know about it, that contains assistive technology devices

Enabling Devices is a company dedicated to developing affordable learning and assistive devices to help people of all ages with disabling conditions.

They have a full online catalog and I would highly suggest that you get one of their catalogs as well!

Web Link: Enabling Devices – Assistive Technology – Products for the Disabled.

Help make the kids of the Broward Children’s Center rock stars!

Through the generosity of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the Broward Children’s Center was notified that they are donating a Rock Band kiosk(pictured) fully loaded with a plama TV, XBox 360 and full Rock Band gear. The Starlight Children’s Foundation helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. What a great entertainment device for the children of our center to enjoy!

Many of the children at the Broward Children’s Center use assistive technology to function in their daily lives.  I started hunting around the internet and found an adaptive guitar that allows us to tie devices such as sip-and-puff technology into the gaming system opening the door to even MORE of our kids and providing them with ability to enjoy this wonderful donation as well.

I ended up finding a device called AT-Play from Compusult to accomplish exactly what I was looking for.  As described on their website:

AT-Play allows physically disabled persons to independently play the Rock Band 2 video game for Xbox 360. Guitar strumming and chords can be controlled with your preferred arrangement of switches, including sip-and-puff devices, buttons, and foot pedals.

This same company has provided us with proven technologies in the past and are a very highly respected company.  They are also the makers of the Jouse 2 product which is their version of sip-and-puff technology.  Several of our kids at the Broward Children’s Center utilize this equipment every single day.

So with the kiosk on its way to our facility and the adaptive and assistive technology at our fingertips, I am trying to raise funds to help pay for this modified equipment.  To make a donation, no matter how  much, all you have to do is CLICK HERE. All donations will be processed through First Giving and donated directly to the Broward Children’s Center.  You can also click on the “widget” in the right hand column of this blog to make a donation.

If you would like to see this technology in action, I have included the video from Compusult below.  If you fast forward to about 3:00 into the video, you will see this modified technology in action.  Once we have this entire setup in place I am hoping to get some video of the kids at the center enjoying this great new addition!

Once again, I am asking for your help to raise funds for the adaptive part of the setup.  Donate Now to bring a smile to their face and help make the kids at the Broward Children’s Center a Rock Star!

Unfollow Twitter users who do not follow you!

Ever built up your Twitter list and found yourself at your “twitter threshold?” I have searched out many tools in the past and never found that “perfect” tool.

In addition, not too long ago, Twitter changed their API so that you could not unfollow a large group of people!  So, when I found this tool, I was quite happy.

It will log into your Twitter account, find everybody that you follow that does not follow you and then YOU have the choice to unfollow the people you wish.

Simple and straight to the point!!

Unfollow Twitter users who do not follow you!

Social Media Connector in Outlook 2010

Looks like Microsoft is looking to bring Social Media and Social Networking into our business daily use took, Microsoft Outlook.  As described here on the beta page, here is what they call the Outlook Social Connector:

Last chance to register for Fundraising With Social Media Seminar

Last and final chance to register for the 2010 Florida Fundraising With Social Media Seminar this Friday, the 19th.  It is going to be a fantastic day filled with useful information for YOUR non profit.

I am just putting the finishing touches on my presentation and anybody who knows me, knows that it will be one to remember…. so what I am trying to say is YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT!

For more information and to register, please visit:
Fundraising With Social Media Seminar.

Europe’s Biggest Technology Event “Techshare India 2010″ to Promote Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities inaugurated in Delhi

Saw this come across the wire this morning….

Techshare is India’s only Pan-Disability Conference and Exhibition

New Delhi, Delhi, February 15, 2010 /India PRwire/ — Techshare India 2010, India’s only technology conference and exhibition to promote assistive technology for people with disabilities was today inaugurated by Shri. Mukul Wasnik, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. The 2 day event show cases accessible products and technologies for people with disabilities. Brought to India by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (UK), BarrierBreak Technologies and National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), Techshare is one of Europe’s biggest technology events to promote accessible technology for people with disabilities.

The only activity of its kind in India, Techshare India 2010 highlights the importance of implementing accessibility standards and complying with different accessibilities laws. Techshare India 2010 also exhibits and showcase IT products and services that will allow visitors to browse through the latest in assistive technologies for people with disabilities. The exhibition showcases the role of technology in the lives of people with disabilities. In addition, web accessibility, software accessibility and accessibility on the move for mobiles and PDAs are displayed.

One of the highlights of the event is an experiential lab where visitors can get a first hand feel of what it is to have a disability and the role that assistive technology can play in the life of people with disabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Mukul Wasnik shared his perspective on the importance of an event like Techshare India 2010. He stressed upon the importance of making the environment inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities.

Ms. Shilpi Kapoor, Managing Director, BarrierBreak Technologies, said, “Today technology is playing a vital role in the life of people and has become a necessity but unfortunately it is equally not accessible to all – especially to people with disabilities.” “Assistive technology needs to be made available at the formative years which will empower people with disabilities to join the mainstream,” she added.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kevin Carey, Chair, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said, “The key is work together, not throw rocks at each other: Disabled people, governments, industry and commerce, now need to work together to make the promises of the convention real. To find solutions to help industry and commerce design better inclusive Information and Communication Technologies, to find way of getting better adaptive technology into people’s hands, and help people develop the new skills they need.”

Mr. Javed Abidi, Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) expressed his sentiments on the subject and said, “It is very well to have conferences and seminars and meetings, where wonderful things are said and promises made. But what is the ground reality? India has been callous in this area. A blind person can’t use an ATM. Nor can he operate a washing machine or a microwave. He cannot watch his favorite show on T.V. with the help of a digital set-top box. It is not that such assistive goods or the technology is not there. The available/ appropriate technology is not applied. As a result, the goods that one needs for day to day life are not accessible or disabled- friendly. Leave alone a policy, India has not even done enough thinking in this regard.”

Dr. P. Anandan, Managing Director – Microsoft Research Lab India, in his keynote address, said, “To ensure inclusive growth in society, it is imperative to integrate people with special abilities into the mainstream. Technology can go a long way in empowering the specially-abled and help them realize their aspirations. A fundamental consideration for us is to fully integrate accessibility options into every stage in the product lifecycle, from product research, planning, design and development, to testing. Microsoft is committed towards continuously innovating to facilitate the next-generation of accessible technology.”

The two day exhibition and conference has witnessed participation from more than 500 delegates from government and non-profit organizations, educational institutes and corporate sectors from across the globe; where more than 50 speakers will address the issues related to accessibility standards and law. The exhibition has more than 40 stalls with a display of almost 100 different IT hardware and software products and services for people with disabilities.

Some of the key speakers at the conference include Mr. Javed Abidi, Honorary Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), Mr. Kevin Carey, Chair, Royal National Institute of Blind People (UK), Dr. P. Anandan, Managing Director, Microsoft Research, Mr. Om Deshmukh, Research Scientist, IBM India Pvt Ltd; Ms. Janaki Pillai, Ability Foundation among many others from government, non-profit, education institutes, and corporate from across the globe.

Notes to Editor

About Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB), UK:

RNIB is UK’s leading charity offering information, support and advice to over two million people with sight loss. Their pioneering work helps anyone with a sight problem – not just with braille and Talking Books, but with imaginative and practical solutions to everyday challenges. Their projects such as Talk and Support and Parent’s Place make a difference to people’s lives. They campaign extensively to eliminate avoidable sight loss and support research into the causes and latest treatments of eye disease.

About BarrierBreak Technologies:

BarrierBreak Technologies is an innovative firm that provides solutions in the field of Accessibility for People with Disabilities. BarrierBreak works with corporates, institutions and individuals to provide accessibility training, accessibility testing and accessibility consulting services that would empower people with disabilities to avoid discrimination and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

About National (NCPEDP):

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) is a non-profit voluntary organisation working as an interface between Government, Industry, International Agencies and the Voluntary Sector towards promotion of better employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

To know more about Techshare India 2010 – visit: www.barrierbreak.com

2010 Florida Fundraising with Social Media Conference

Here is an article about me about an event I am speaking at on February 19th. Are you a non-profit in South Florida? Want to come see me and some other top industry experts speak on social networking for non-profits?

Skip Kimpel to be featured at 2010 Florida Fundraising with social media conference Social media “guru”, Skip Kimpel, will be a featured speaker at the 2010 Florida Fundraising with Social Media Conference in Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 19, 2010

Skip Kimpel has been actively involved in the Internet since the Internet first started and has owned his own website marketing and software development company for over 10 years. Currently, he serves as IT director for a nonprofit, which serves as a hands-on “laboratory” for his social media theories and practices.

His forthcoming book, Social Networking for Nonprofits: Making it work and making it matter, addresses the special challenges–and opportunities–that nonprofits face in tough economic times. The good news is that social networking is a way to attract millions of new individuals and organizations that share a similar passion related to worthy causes. Kimpel asks the $64,000 question: You’ve heard of Facebook and Twitter, but do you really know how to use these widely acceptable forms of communication to raise money for your organization? And he gives the answer: Fundraising 2.0.

In Kimpel’s words, “From consistent branding to approaching these new concepts with the passion that is needed to succeed, my book will explain to you the steps that need to be taken to make sure your efforts are not wasted. Not only will I enlist you in a Social Networking boot camp, I will explain how it all works together. Once all the elements are in place, you will have an easy-to-use system that is simple to update and keep your followers engaged in your content and your organization. I will also explain the tools involved to make this process work and break it down into simple terms. You will learn little known industry secrets to stay ahead of your competition. This book is for anybody who wants to succeed in today’s Internet market and create a consistent brand. It also explores in detail how an ambitious nonprofit can explore new techniques, new ideas and engage in a fresh attitude of fundraising efforts for very little marketing dollars.”

Come see this event on February 19th! Click here for more info.

Ex-Colt Crockett hosts fundraiser

This was an event that the Crockett foundation held for the Broward Children’s Center and another non profit down here in South Florida..  Funny how the non-profits did not get any of the publicity!

MIAMI — Philanthropic NFL brothers Henri and Zack Crockett were tuxedo-clad at Ocean Drive's chic Clevelander on Tuesday night as they hosted their “Diamond Ball,” an inaugural pre-Super Bowl fundraiser.The event, which offered guests a chance to rub shoulders with professional athletes and sports personalities, raised funds for the Crockett Foundation's educational, mentoring and tutorial programs for youngsters.

On the way in, the Crocketts and their friends — including former New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Danny Kanell and former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nat Moore — posed for pictures outside on green Astroturf carpet (rather then a traditional red one).

Inside, DJ Sage was spinning records on a turntable and hip-looking partygoers were bathed in colored lights that matched Ocean Drive’s nighttime neon vibe. A silent auction included everything from footballs to guitars.

Lots of short, short dresses and high, high heels were spotted, as well as one woman in a tiara. Men wore suits, but created casual South Beach airs by leaving neckties at home.

The Crockett brothers, who live in South Florida, spent most of the evening posing for photos with guests and hanging out on The Clevelander’s modern-style furnishings.

But they did stop to talk.

Zack, a running back for the Indianapolis Colts from 1995-98, and Henri, who played for the Falcons, said their hearts are with the Colts this week. They have family living in Indianapolis and a long history with Colts starting linebacker Clint Session, who hails from the Pompano Beach area.

Zack said Session’s father was his little league football coach when he played for the Pompano Chiefs as a kid.

“I kind of raised him,” added Henri, 35.

Chic set

Guests at The Clevelander event (and anyone who drops in on South Beach’s famed Ocean Drive area this week) will find a whole lot more than just pre-Super Bowl buzz.

The spot, famous for its art deco look and celebrity-watching potential, is a veritable feast of fashionable eye candy.

Hotels and restaurants decorate with a theme here: posh chic. Modern furnishings mix with animal prints (one hip hotel lobby is partially decked with a wall of tortoise shells). Along Ocean Drive, limousines of every size and shape cruise through pastel neon lights next to restored classics as well as sleek and exotic European cars — symbols of performance and wealth.

Amid all of that activity stands a must-see for the fashion set: the mansion where Italian designer Gianni Versace lived and was murdered in 1997. The famed gated estate is obvious because of two large planters outside that are emblazoned with Versace’s trademark Medusa symbol.

“Miami Beach, it’s all around fashion. It’s a very modern place,” said Charlie Gurri, who works nights at the stylish Hotel Nash’s front desk. This week, rooms there are more than $300 a night.

“There are a lot of parties at night. It can be kind of wild sometimes,” he said.

via Ex-Colt Crockett hosts fundraiser | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star.

8 Tips to Design a Charity Website

Here is an article I was reading today.  I think it will help quite a few of you out there who work for non profits.

A lot of charities rely on voluntary funding. This funding is carefully distributed and there are often more important things ahead of a generous budget for the website.So how does a charity get the most out of its website? It needs to let users find out information about the charity, but the main objective of the site is to get people involved with the charity, usually resulting in the user donating money.

In this article, we look at 8 principles that you should follow when creating a charity website.

Read more… 8 Tips to Design a Charity Website | Webdesigner Depot.