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

I love someone with autism 2011 – Video from People CD Inc. on Vimeo.

I was referred to this video from @autismnews on twitter. It is really nice. I really like it.

I love what they are doing at www.usofautism.com.

Please take a look at the video–>
I totally get it, and can relate a great deal!!!

Please take a look at this interesting site, http://acousticforautism.org/about/ they also see to be trying to help raise money to help people with autism.

Here is more info:

Founded in 2008, Acoustic for Autism is a collaboration between childhood friends Louis Gendron and Michael Cusanelli. After 20 years, Louis and Michael reconnected and discovered the many things they still had in common, including careers in the entertainment industry, a continued passion for music, and the way autism had touched both of their families.

Acoustic for Autism features compelling, independent music specifically chosen to convey themes of love, compassion, hope and healing.

The goal of Acoustic for Autism is to increase awareness, acceptance, understanding for those with autism and to help raise funds for non-profit autism organizations focused on making a direct and immediate impact for children with autism and their families.

Why? Because autism is on the rise. Estimates in 2011 are that 1 in every 91 children is diagnosed each year and 1.7 million American families are currently affected by autism. Autism has become the most rapidly growing developmental disability – more common than Down’s syndrome, childhood diabetes, and juvenile cancer combined.

Most children with autism require specialized education and support services for their entire lives. However, an early diagnosis and intensive education can change the course of this childhood disorder. By supporting Acoustic for Autism, you support our beneficiaries who are helping our children with autism reach their fullest potential!

The following is my perspective on having High Functioning Asperger’s.

1) Kindergarden—> I realized that I was different in Kindergarden. In terms of academics it was crazy simple, I already new my numbers and letters prior to attending kindergarden and could already read. In terms of social interaction, I did not really know how to socialize with the other little people.

I have always felt like an old soul, with a greater awareness about many things, and am highly intuitive. I have watched some of the presentations that Dr. Temple Grandin has presented and I am similar in many respects. I am a bit visual and a bit pattern matching. I am obsessed as I have been told by other with defining my reality, wondering about many things. In a way being aspergers is like being the robot Johnny 5 from the Short Circuit movies, need more input.

By the time I was a pre-teen, I ready every science fiction book in the sci-fi section of the library near where I live.

Trouble from being aspergers—

I was supposed to skip grades 3 times, and one teach who was supposed to approve it in 3rd and 5th grade did not get me at all, and was not a fan. Part of the problem, is that when I was in his class in 3rd grade we had assignment where the one of the questions asked whether a tomato is a fruit or vegetable, I was quite aware that a tomato was a fruit. He it seems was not, I got the answer wrong and due to my lack of ability to give up or back down at times, and my sense of right and wrong I argued with him and irritated him a great deal. Mr. Chapman was his name. He did not allow me to skip the 2 grades that I was supposed to skip.

I was supposed to skip 7th grade, but my teacher, Mr. Jensen, told my parents, that I had the personality of a door knob, I tend to disagree, and no social skills, despite that I was blowing it out of the water in terms of my educational proficiency. In the early 1980’s things were different, the teachers just did not understand.

In middle school I did well academically but did not have a clue socially.

Besides my lack of a clue how to make friends, I have never been good at sports either. I have been ok but never great.

I think that part of it is that I trouble really getting into it, as they say. It is adrenalin rush, I barely have it. I lack the passion, I play it, by the rote, but stand there bored until the ball gets into my area and then I would throw it back.

I just do not get the point of it all.

I also notice a greater sense of awareness of sounds, able to read a 400+ page book in 3 to 4 hours. The kicker is that I have to be interested in the subject matter, actually, the more interested that I am, the faster that I can read it.

I have found a greater awareness of things like, I will tell my wife that her car sounds funny, and she says no it does not and then a week later it turns out that I was correct.

I am also crazy intuitive at times, which science tries to play down: No one sees the future, no on is reincarnated, it is all black and white. Being aspergers, and brighter than a carbon arc light as my computer teacher in college told me, I see things differently.

My perception of sound, smells, and visual ability seems enhanced at times.

I am better than most at figuring things out. I always seem to know be able to figure things out, what frustrates me is due to my weakness in the social side of things people tend to ignore my ideas or will not to take charge and make a difference.

That is a reason why I started my own website and soon to be non-profit, I want to make a difference for people especially autistic people and their families, since it is my endeavor, I can do what I see fit to make things back. There is no one saying you can not do this or that, the sky is the limit.

I have at times felt like a visitor in my own life, watching, cataloging, and have always felt different, less interfaced.

I have visual processing issues, and can not do the 3d puzzles where you are supposed to see the object hidden in the relate matrix of imagery. That really irritates and frustrates me.

I am also bad at depth perception especially when other people are near me. I hate parking my wife’s car and have some trouble perceiving how close the other cars are.

One of my sons is more on the autistic spectrum, I have noticed that he is entirely focused on what applies to him, and lacks certain compassion and concern. A few years ago, we were moving out of a house that we were renting, and while carrying a table, I dropped a large piece glass from a wooden table and it went through my toe and it was bleeding profusely, my more lower functioning autistic son came up to me and his one and only question was, dad I am hungry, when are we going to eat.

To be continued in a later article.

if you have questions email me, [email protected]

An amazing person on the Asperger’s/Autism Spectrum from YouTube Temple Grandin.

Good Luck to James Durbin, here is a video of his March 30, 2011 American Idol performance.
He is on the Autism spectrum just like we are.