SafeMinds - Autism Mercury Thimerosal - Research -

SafeMinds - Neurotoxicology Conference Initial Report

Report on 2011 Neurotoxicology Conference

From SafeMinds President, Sallie Bernard

The annual Neurotoxicology Conference took place in Research Triangle, NC on October 30-November 2. The conference title was “Environmentally Triggered Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Focus on Endocrine Disruption and Sex Differences in Autism, ADHD, and Schizophrenia.” One day of the conference was webcast and archived, courtesy of Susan Daniels of the Office of Autism Research Coordination which supports the Interagency Autism Coordination Commmittee at NIH. View here.  The conference proceedings are expected to be published in a future journal issue of Neurotoxicology.
A conference on mercury, the endocrine system and autism was conceived several years ago by SafeMinds after reading a review paper by Shirlee Tan, Jesse Meiller and Kathryn Mahaffey of the EPA, “The endocrine effects of mercury in humans and wildlife” (Crit Rev Toxicol. 2009;39(3):228-69). SafeMinds reached out to Drs. Pessah and Zoeller to move the concept forward. Dr. Cranmer, the chair of the conference, graciously adopted the theme. SafeMinds directors Lyn Redwood and Sallie Bernard attended the sessions, and SafeMinds was a co-sponsor of the event.
Findings presented at the conference on neurotoxicology provided evidence that the endocrine system is dysregulated in people on the autism spectrum and common toxins like mercury might be behind this condition. Invited scientists offered supporting data that these alterations might be reversible or prevented through a variety of interventions.
Findings of low levels of sulphate and sulphur-containing compounds like glutathione in autism may be a marker for a more fundamental alteration in selenium status leading to deficiencies in selenoenzymes, according to Nicholas Ralston of the University of North Dakota and a conference presenter. Low circulating sulphate has been a consistent finding validated in autism studies. Selenoenzymes are essential to thyroid hormone homeostasis, repair from oxidative damage in the brain and endocrine tissues, cell signalling, immune function and basic metabolic processes. Selenium is a target of mercury, which tightly binds the selenium molecule, making it unavailable for biological use and disrupting selenium biochemistry. Conversely, selenium can bind mercury, rendering it inert. Dietary selenium, especially from low-mercury deep ocean fish, can counteract the negative effects of mercury exposure. more

Blog to Continue, End of Face to Face Meetings

“Parents of Individuals with Autism Support Group”

Sponsored by The McCarton Outreach Department

Facilitated by Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D, Nicole Pearson, M.A. & Kristin Foley, M.Ed.

The McCarton Outreach Parent Support Group is open to ALL PARENTS of individuals with autism across the age and ability spectrum. Offered as a free service to the autism community, the McCarton Outreach Parent Support Group is designed to facilitate parent-to-parent discourse and, in so doing, find solutions to some of the day-to-day problems they may face. The support group is an open forum wherein parents are encouraged to introduce topics of concern and interest at each meeting.

WHEN: 1^st Tuesday of each month, beginning March 1, 2011

Future dates: April 5, 2011

                May 3, 2011

June 7, 2011

August 2, 2011

September 6, 2011

October 4, 2011

November 1, 2011

December 6, 2011

TIME: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

LOCATION: The McCarton School Auditorium (1^st floor)

                     331 W 25^th Street (bet. 8^th and 9^th ave)

                     New York, NY 10001

COST: FREE but RSVP required

Space is limited for support group meetings so please RSVP to Nicole at

npearson@mccartonschool.org and you will receive a confirmation email reply. A monthly reminder will be sent and we ask that you please remember to RSVP each month.

NYU/Silver School of Social Work Conference

Clinical Approaches for Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum as They Transition

June 4, 2009 9:00am - 4:00pm

Kimmel Center for Student Life, 60 Washington Square South
NYU Silver School of Social Work

overview

The conference is a continuation of conference that we have convened related to disability across the life spectrum. This is the first in a seriesthat will focus on specific categories of disability. The autism spectrum has been identified on numerous occasions as a topic that is of great interest and relevance to social workers, mental health and other professionals, educators, and parents.
Less understood, often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, individuals on the autism spectrum face significant life challenges that impact them, their family, school, community, social interactions and the work place. Strategies for growth and successful outcomes will be highlighted.

This conference will focus on the spectrum and differential diagnosis, evidence based practices, transition points and how to plan for them and navigate through them, the role of the social worker and other professionals in the transition process, the team and how to build and sustain an effective interdisciplinary team with family and consumer partnerships. Through lectures by professionals, parents, consumers, educators and counselors, participants will be provided with current knowledge, skill building, and resources.

This conference is of value to social workers (agency based, case managers, private practice), rehabilitation counselors, educators, school counselors, advocates, occupational therapists speech therapists, and related professionals.

content summary

Introduction to the Field will address current thinking, an examination of the spectrum and what it means, evidence based practice, transition points, the role of the social worker in transitions, the team and how it works, and family and consumer partnerships. Leader: Lynda Geller, PhD

Consumer Presentation will consist of a personal narrative discussing developmental experiences from a non-speaking child to a college professor, what the journey has been, who has been involved, lessons learned, experiences, trials, tribulations, and successes. Leader: Steve Shore, EdD

Panel Presentation will explore the challenges faced in transitioning from preschool to school, through adolescence and into adulthood, navigating personal, familial, school and work systems. Facilitator: Patricia Schissel, LMSW

Techniques of Practice in the Context of Social Work
Facilitator: C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW

Workshops will provide information about the experiences of individuals on the spectrum and the skills and techniques that are effective in maximizing care.

Individual work as well as group work and treatment teams and collaborations will be emphasized..

8:45 - 9:15 am Registration Coffee, light fare

9:15 - 9:20 am Welcome Address Eileen Wolkstein, Ph.D.

9:20 - 10:15 am Introduction to the Field Lynda Geller, PhD

10:15 - 11:00 am Consumer Presentation Steve Shore, EdD

11:15 - 12:30 am Panel Presentation Facilitator: Patricia Schissel, LMSW

Parental Perspectives:
C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW and Veronica Acosta

Social Work Perspectives:
Lisa Bell, LMSW; Erica Levy, LMSW; Harry Nussbaum, LMSW

12:00 - 1:45 pm Lunch (on your own)

1:45 - 2:15 pm Techniques of Practice in the Context of Social Work: C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW

2:30 - 4:00 pm WORKSHOPS

From Assessment to Delivering Services: Skills, Techniques, and Resources

Each participant to choose one workshop:

a. Applications of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Leader: Valerie Gaus, PhD

b. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 3-10 Leader: Donna Mizrachi, LMSW and Patricia Mahalko, MS

c. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 10-18 Leader: Ellen McHugh and Lisa Bell, LMSW

d. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 19 and Above Leader: Harry Nussbaum, LMSW; Patricia Schissel, LMSW; Rachel Pollack, JD and Halley Ceglia, LMSW

e. Developing Social Skills: Leader: Lynda Geller, PhD and Rhea Hopper, MS

$90 for the day (incl. breakfast & materials) Silver School of Social Work

25% discount for Silver School of Social Work Alumni, Field Instructors, and agency groups of 3 or more.

7 CEUs will be awarded for the day.

Name:
Email:
Mailing Address:
Phone :
Degree earned:
Title: Agency:
NYU SSSW alumni Year of graduation:
Make check payable to: NYU Social Work

Mail or fax this form to:

New York University
Silver School of Social Work
1 Washington Square North, Room 205
New York, NY 10003
Attention: Priany Hadiatmodjo, Training Manager
Fax: 212.995.4172

Co-Sponsored by:

Federation Employment and Guidance Services (FEGS) and Young Adult
Institute (YAI), Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA)

UJA Autism Symposium

UJA-Federation Autism SymposiumPromoting Inclusion: Best Practices for Education, Vocation, and Socialization Across the Age Continuum

Details and registration http://www.ujafedny.org/autismsymposium09

A symposium for agency executives, program directors, school administrators, and parents.

Organized in Collaboration With The Hilibrand Foundation

Program
Breakfast and Registration (8:30 – 9:00 a.m.)
Welcome and Introductions (9:00 – 9:15 a.m.)

Keynote, Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D., President and Chair of Scientific Council at the Organization for Autism Research (9:15 –10:15 a.m.)

Today, families and learners with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are beginning to redefine the outcomes of the transition process beyond employment to include such measures of quality of life as personal satisfaction, choice, control, and happiness. This presentation will provide an overview and practical suggestions for supporting adults with an ASD label to lives of competence and quality. Particular attention will be paid to understanding social challenges that can limit individual opportunities, positive behavior support, and personal independence across multiple environments.

Q&A With Keynote (10:15 – 10:45 a.m.)

Break (10:45 – 11:00 a.m.)

Panel: Promoting Independence: Best Practices to Achieve Success in the Workforce, Institutions of higher education, and Independent Living (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon)

This panel will address multiple strategies to promote a successful transition toward vocation, higher education, and independent living for young adults spanning the autism spectrum. The panelists will discuss the range of skills necessary to obtain employment, higher education, and live independently, as well as the additional roles of job coaches, professional advocates, and parents in assisting with the transition process and offering ongoing support. Panelists will further provide insight as to best supporting host agencies to ensure a mutually successful experience for both the employee and employer.
Panel will feature:

* Michael Storz, M.B.A., Director of Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Transition Program and Executive Vice President of Chapel Haven, Inc.
* James Rein, President of B&R Resources, Inc
* New York State Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals With Disabilities (VESID)
o Debbie Gross, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at VESID
o Paola Nappo, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at VESID


Q&A With Panelists (12:00 noon – 12:30 p.m.)
Lunch (12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)

Afternoon Lecture: No More Meltdowns: Positive behavioral supports to manage and prevent challenging behaviors.: Jed Baker (1:15 – 2:00 p.m.)

Students on the autism spectrum often present with difficulty regulating their feelings and interacting socially. This presentation will describe how to handle meltdowns and design effective behavior plans to prevent these moments and reduce frustration and anxiety.

Q&A With Jed Baker (2:00 – 2:30 p.m.)

Break (2:30 – 2:45 p.m.)

Afternoon Breakout Session (2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.)
Title: Social Skills across the age continuum
Presenter: Jed Baker, Ph.D., Director of the Social Skills Training Project
Description: This breakout session will address social skills and positive behavioral supports for students with Autism, Aspergers and other Social-Communication Problems. We will review strategies to motivate students to learn, ways to teach social skills, how to generalize skills into the natural setting and increase acceptance and tolerance from peers.

Title: Social Groups with LST – Language/Sensory/Technology
Presenter: Phoebe Tucker, Speech/Language Pathologist, Augmentative/Alternative Communication Specialist, and Director of the Montano Assistive Technology Center — A Division of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Southern Connecticut
Description: Learn the role of the three senses and how they effect communication outcomes. Preview software and voice-output devices that solidify concepts. Discover a pioneer intervention — virtual reality — as it relates to social interaction. Learn strategies for intervention that include the nuances of communication, critical for an older person’s success with peers and prospective employers. Win Point for Technology prizes based on your interaction during presentation

Title: Best Practices for Inclusion in the School Environment: A Case Study of an Elementary School
Presenters: Julie Cohen, Ph.D., Private Practice With Children and Families in Stamford, Connecticut, and Former School Psychologist at Parkway School Greenwich, Connecticut; and Sandra Mond, Ph.D., Educational Consultant
Description: This presentation will offer the discussion of an effective inclusion model in a school community, including techniques to support classroom and special-education teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, special needs and typical students, as well as other members of the school community, such as cafeteria workers, custodians, and bus drivers. Some of these practices are modifications in programming and curriculum, parent support groups and workshops, sibling groups, a "circle of friends," and inclusive social-skills groups. Both positive and negative experiences will be explored, and presenters will welcome input and questions.

Title: Social-Skills Instruction for Transition-Age Youth With ASDs
Presenter: Daniel Baker, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Pediatrics in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Description: Social-skills problems are a significant barrier for many people with ASDs. This interactive breakout session will lead attendees through a process for understanding why social-skills problems are likely and then provide a “menu” of common-sense, easy ways to improve social skills. This presentation will focus on transition-age youth.

Conclusion and Evaluations (3:45 – 4:00 p.m.)

March 22: Adaptive Technology Fair at the JCC, 76th & Amsterdam

Adaptive Technology Fair: Pre K-5

Innovative ‘assistive technologies’ (AT) can dramatically change the way challenged students of all abilities become successful learners during the critical years from preschool to elementary school. Experts in the field will address educators, therapists and parents on current research in the use of AT for literacy, communication, improving attention, cognitive development and physical access to educational materials. On exhibit will be a range of effective technologies available with opportunities for ‘hands-on’ demonstrations. Co-sponsored with CogniTech Café and Pace University Thinkfinity Initiative.

Sun, Mar 22, 3:30-6:30pm
Free HSRATT00W9

To register call 646.505.5708 or visit jccmanhattan.org

Please call Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460, for additional information.

Protect Services for People With Developmental Disabilities

The Governor’s budget proposals will greatly damage critical services for people with developmental disabilities:

No trend (cost of living increase) for OMRDD services. For the first time in 15 years, there is no trend for OMRDD services! The trend provides a salary increase for the hardworking and underpaid direct support staff who keep our children safe and help them gain new skills. The trend is critical in helping to stem the turnover of our valued direct support staff! It’s downright heartless to deprive direct support staff in voluntary agencies of a trend, while staff who do exactly the same work for the state will get a trend as part of their contract!

Cuts to day habilitation services. Day habilitation services provide education and life skills experiences to 10,000 adults every day, through small-group community activities. The Governor is proposing a huge cut to these services, amounting to a total annual loss of $28 million—a huge 4%! In addition, he is asking for a regional flat fee for all day habilitation programs, so that, for example, a program serving people with complex medical needs who require intensive staffing would receive the same fee as a program serving people who require a much lower staffing ratio. Day habilitation programs cannot absorb these two cuts without (a) rejecting individuals with more severe disabilities; (b) cutting staff, thereby endangering individuals’ safety; or (c) shortening program hours, thus jeopardizing the jobs of the many parents who will have to stay home to care for their children!

Moratorium on residential development. Residential projects currently in progress have been delayed, cancelled, or put on indefinite hold because the proposed budget provides only minimal funding for residential development. The Governor’s budget breaks New York State’s commitment, guaranteed in law, to provide residential services for families who are too old or infirm to continue caring for their adult disabled children at home. Parents are frightened about their children’s future!

Federal stimulus money should be used to preserve essential services for people with developmental disabilities:

The federal stimulus bill will send billions of dollars in federal money to New York State, including $11 billion for Medicaid funding for human services. This money can help to restore the cuts and provide vital increases. But only if we speak up! We face tremendous competition from other groups for the available federal funds. We must make our voices heard!
Call or e-mail the Governor and key legislators today. Visit your own local legislators in their home offices. Keep calling and writing. E-mail and calls should be continuous. Get family and friends to call, too. Volume is critical.

Use the following message, use the website below, or use your own message:

We urge you to use federal stimulus money to support services for people with developmental disabilities:

Don’t penalize our dedicated and underpaid direct support staff. Restore the trend for OMRDD services!
Don’t devastate day habilitation services for adults with developmental disabilities. Restore the 4% cut and reject the regional fees for day habilitation services!
Uphold New York’s commitment to families unable to continue caring for their adult children at home. Provide sufficient resources for residential development for families in need!

Contact 5 State Legislators:

You can easily contact all 5 at this website: Go to www.nysacra.org , click on Resources, click on Action Center, scroll down to Action Alert – Protect Services for People with Developmental Disabilities, click on Take Action, and follow the simple instructions.

To call or send your own e-mail:

Governor David Paterson: 518-474-8390 or http://161.11.121.121/govemail

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver: 518-455-3791 or 212-312-1420 or Speaker@assembly.state.ny.us

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith: 518-455-2701 or 718-528-4290 or Masmith@senate.state.ny.us

To find your own state Assemblymember: 518-455-4100 or www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem

To find your own state Senator: 518-455-2800 or www.senate.state.ny.us; click on Senators

Reach for the Stars Benefit

Laughing

Matters

A Cocktails, Dinner* and Comedy Revue

To Benefit

THE REACH FOR THE STARS LEARNING CENTER

FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

April 1st 2009- 6:30 PM

MANHATTANPENTHOUSE

80 5th AveNew York, NY10011

Featuring

Ophira Eisenberg (Comedy Central)

Mark Anthony Ramirez (Comic Remix)

Bill & Betty Holland (Punch 59)

Susannah Perlman (Last Comic Standing)

Dave Konig (HBO/Showtime)

To Purchase Tickets Go To

www.jjoproductions.com

Or call 347 284-6087

*Kosher Catering and Supervision by

Zami Catering 707 Avenue U Brooklyn, NY 11223