Monthly Archives: March 2012

  • Autism Diagnoses increase to 1 in 88

    In the most recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on autism, the CDC estimates that 1 in 88 children “has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).” This represents a 23% increase from the CDC’s 2009 report and a 78% increase from their 2007 report. Children of color had Continue Reading

  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY ! ! !

    Our own Amber Bharoocha is seeking families to participate in her dissertation research, which focuses on “examining the effects of culture on disability services” with particular attention being paid to “looking at how families of Asian Indian descent experience intervention and disability-related services.” Please distribute this information widely. To participate or to obtain more information, Continue Reading

  • Brain Injury Conference Draws over 150 survivors, caregivers, and professionals

    Over 150 people attended the 3rd Annual Brain Injury Center Conference on Saturday to hear about the latest research on brain injury from Keynote Speaker Dr. Mayumi Prins from the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center. A variety of workshops occurred throughout he day that provided survivors, professionals, and caregivers with information and tools to support Continue Reading

  • Families of Children with Autism Earn Less

    “Why Autism Moms Earn Less“. Research from the Journal Pediatrics reported in Disability Scoop finds mothers of children diagnosed with autism earn 56% less than mothers of typically developing children. Even when compared to mothers of children with other health impairments, these mothers earn 35% less. The study authors speculate the reduction in earning is Continue Reading

  • Brain Injury Conference

    Lisa and Jeff Hayden will give a talk at the Ventura County Brain Injury Center’s 3rd Annual Conference this coming Saturday. The presentation, entitled “Behavioral Motivation,” will include basic principles of behavior and how brain injury might impact how a person behaves. Dr. Hayden will talk about the technique of “Motivational Interviewing”, which is a Continue Reading

  • Snoring Tots May Develop Behavioral Issues Later.

    Snoring Tots May Develop Behavioral Issues Later.  Research from the journal Pediatrics, reported in Medline finds that infants and toddlers who snore or have other breathing difficulties during sleep are more likely to have behavioral challenges by age 7. While disordered sleep impacts fatigue and irriatability, others suggest that disordered sleep may have more serious Continue Reading

  • Mother of Adult Child with Autism Kills Son Then Self.

    Sunnyvale mom kills autistic son, self, police say. A mother who recently told others she felt overwhelmed by caring for her son who had autism, reportedly shot her son, then herself. To read the entire story from the SF Gate, follow the link:  SF Gate Article Caregiving demands will increase sharply in the coming years, Continue Reading

  • Toddlers’ Autistic Behaviors Linked to Preteen Psychosis

    A Schizophrenia Research article reported in the Family Practice News indicates 20% of children who exhibited “autistic-like behaviors” by age 7 experienced psychotic episodes by age 12. The FPN author notes that “It’s unclear whether the associations are driven by a common neurobiological underpinning, social stressors associated with autistic characteristics, or a combination of both, Continue Reading

  • Lasting cognitive sypmptoms for children suffering concussion

    Research published online in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine indicates children who experience concussive incidents may experience cognitive symptoms up to a year after the event. Symptoms were greater for those children who lost consciousness or who had abnormal neuroimaging results. These children demonstrated reliable decreases in health-related quality of life as well Continue Reading

  • Disabled Adults More Apt to Be Victims of Violence

    An article published on MedlinePlus indicates adults with disabilities are 1.5 times more likely to be victims of violence than adults without disabilities. Reviewing the previous year, the investigators found that 6% of adults with intellectual disabilities were victims of violence, while 25% of those challenged with mental illnesses were victimized by violence. To read Continue Reading