WEST CHESTER – When Tammy Andersson launched her web-based business, Got-Autism.com, she had a personal mission as well as a professional one.

Her son, Lucas, 13, had been diagnosed five years earlier with Asperger’s Disorder, a developmental disability that’s a form of autism. Having experience with the disorder, Andersson knew the difficulties of finding educational tools to help her son – and her family – cope with his challenges.

For more information click here–>http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110410/BIZ01/304100005/1071/SPT04/Executive-takes-autism?odyssey=nav|head

We are filing our non-profit paperwork this week, and are on our way to help with autism support.

According to the United States of Autism, http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1159849552/united-states-of-autism-movie-post-production

They need support in their post production costs, so take a look at their movie trailer and their site.

About this project

We are excited to take the next step in our film release for the United States of Autism. Already winners of the Pepsi Refresh Project, we were able to travel 11,000 miles in 40 days around America filming families and individuals affected by autism. We have been able to generate a huge amount of interest in the film and we are looking forward to getting our message out there to the American people and abroad.

Currently, we are in need of funding to cover some of our post production expenses. As you can see from our trailer, we have many skilled individuals willing to give a lot of their time and effort to this project. However, we still need to travel the country to talk to the news media, hand out media kits, bring in and compensate animators, colorists, artists and editors to finish the film, and put together submission fees for our festival tour.

We really believe a movie like this can transcend the autism community. It is as much a story about America as it is about autism, and a lot of people have already expressed interest in moving it forward. We are already done filming and could almost finish the movie. However, we are here to make a great movie for the people of America about our families, friends, and individuals affected by autism.

This is why we’re putting together a kickstarter campaign to finish our project.

Here is the video trailer—>

I found an interesting article that talks about the brains of autistic people and how we process things differently. It totally makes sense, and from my perspective mine are definitely different.

Canadian-led research into the brain activity of autistic people could explain why they often have enhanced perceptive skills compared to the rest of the population.

Those behind the research say it highlights fundamental brain differences in those with autism and provides another reason to see autistics not as inferior, but simply as different.

A research team, consisting of individuals from the University of Montreal and Massachusetts General Hospital, conducted an analysis of more than two dozen studies done between 1995 and 2009.

Read more: http://www.windsorstar.com/health/Autistic+brain+processing+differs/4572921/story.html#ixzz1IsxasfbE

For the rest of the story–>http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Autistic%20brain%20processing%20differs/4572921/story.html

My kids and I met Jim here in Las Vegas a few years ago. He is an inspiration, and very talented at basketball and as a human being. Here is a clip about him.

Here is a nice video from Jim Calhoun in honor of autism awareness day a couple of years ago. It is very inspiring as well. He has grandkids with autism, I can relate I have 3 autistic kids as well, can totally relate.

This is a nice video from Jim Calhoun, the famous and most excellent NCAA Basketball Coach, it promotes autism awareness and the amazing Autism Speaks Organization.

Here is a link to Autism Speaks’ article as well:–>http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2011/04/04/thanks-jim-calhoun/

Here is a video with regards to the Puzzling pieces challenge and fundraiser!!!

Autism Information

Autism

Autism – or more precisely the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) – represents a broad group of developmental disorders characterized by impaired social interactions, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors, or severely limited activities and interests.

General Information

* Statement by Secretary Sebelius on National Autism Awareness Month
* Autism Spectrum Disorders Facts About ASDs – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) autism spectrum disorders facts about autism, types of ASDs, signs and symptoms and other general information
* NIMH Autism Spectrum Disorders – National Institute of Mental Health general information about Autism.
* NINDS Autism Information Page – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke autism general information page.
* NHGRI symptoms of autism – National Human Genome Research Institute general information about autism.
* Autism – Medline Plus general information about autism.

Here is a link from the US Governments page on autism:

http://www.hhs.gov/autism/

This was a nice comment from Mr. Obama.
It is very nice indeed.

Presidential Proclamation–World Autism Awareness Day

A PROCLAMATION

With autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affecting nearly one percent of children in the United States, autism is an urgent public health issue with a profound impact on millions of Americans. World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of individuals with ASDs and rededicate ourselves to the cause of understanding and responding to autism.

Men and women on the autism spectrum have thrived and excelled in communities across America and around the world. Yet, despite great progress in understanding ASDs, challenges remain for these individuals and their loved ones. For too long, the needs of people living with autism and their families have gone without adequate support and understanding. While we continue to encourage the development of resources for children on the autism spectrum and provide necessary resources for their families, we must also remember that young people with ASDs become adults with ASDs who deserve our support, our respect, and the opportunity to realize their highest aspirations.

As our understanding of the autism spectrum grows, my Administration remains dedicated to supporting children and adults impacted by autism. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services, we have expanded investments in autism research, public health tracking, early detection, and services — from early intervention for children to improved long-term services and support programs for adults. My Administration maintains a firm commitment to advance autism research and treatment, as well as promote education, employment, and equality for all individuals with autism, from early childhood through employment and community life. We will continue to work with the Congress, experts, and families to improve Federal and State programs that assist individuals with ASDs and their families and to bolster the impact and reach of community support and services. I encourage all Americans to visit www.HHS.gov/autism for more information and resources on ASDs.

With each breakthrough in research and each innovative treatment, we open endless possibilities for the many American families who have been touched by autism. As we mark World Autism Awareness Day, let us recommit to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by ASDs and creating a world free from discrimination where all can achieve their fullest potential.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2 of each year as World Autism Awareness Day. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA