DO YOU HAVE HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISM, ASPERGER’S DISORDER, OR PDD-NOS?

Are you between the ages of 21-75?
Are your cognitive abilities within the low average to above average range?
Would you be interested in learning more about yourself and how you feel about relationships and sexuality?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you are eligible to participate in a research study being conducted by researchers at the North Shore-LIJ Center for Autism and the University of New Brunswick.

The purpose of this study is to better understand sexuality and relationships of adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The information collected from the study may increase knowledge of how best to help teens and adults with ASDs experience healthy sexual development.

Participation in this study involves completion of a set of online questionnaires at www.unbstudy.com that will take between 45 minutes and 1¼ hours to complete.

For more information about this project, please contact

Shana Nichols, Ph.D., Psychologist at (516) 802-8600
or
Sandra Byers, Ph.D., Psychologist at (506) 458-7697
 

The Autism Society of Edmonton Area is currently seeking interested participants for the Asperger Teen programs.  Groups run for 4 to 5 hours on Friday and Saturday nights and are for children age 8 - 17 years of age. Please contact Meredith Porter for more information at meredithporter@autismedmonton.org.

Memo: To all Autism Society Canada Members
 
June 18th, 2008 (Ottawa, Ontario)

Autism Society Canada has received a notification from Dr. Louise Nolet, Chief Coroner in Québec urging us to make our members aware of potential dangers associated with the use of weighted blankets for children with autism. On April 18th 2008, a young boy with autism died in the province of Québec. This incident was not in the media, but there was reference to the use of a “weighted blanket” (French: Couverture proprioceptives, Création Messim) in his school classroom.

This intervention is also referred to as "proprioceptive" input or "deep pressure" technique. Deep pressure is used to assist the individual to self-calm and relax so that sensory stimulus can be processed. The use of a weight blanket is thought to provide the child with unconscious information from the muscles and joints. This therapeutic technique is used in schools, clinics, homes, and communities.

Coroner Catherine Rudel-Tessier, Québec recommends;

“Because the therapeutic value of weight blankets does not seem to be proven scientifically, and because of the fact that they pose a risk for children’s lives, we could be tempted to prohibit their use altogether.  However, I believe that it is possible to manage usage in a strict manner in order to minimize the danger.  I believe that certain ground rules must be respected by those who wish to use this sensory pressure technique, namely:

ASEA's Summer Respite and Supported Community Participation Program for 2008 is accepting registrations. Registration deadline is June 9th 2008. Please contact the ASEA at 453 3971 for more details, or e-mail Summer Program Coordinator Meredith Porter at meredithporter@autismedmonton.org for more details.

NOTE: This announcement has been updated with a new brochure and with information about an additional Parent Information Night on June 16.

The King's University College would like to invite you to participate in a study that focuses on challenges experienced by upper elementary and junior high school children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The purpose of the study is to research tools for successful, reciprocal communication skills involving youth (ages 9-14) with ASD.

The research involves a commitment of 4 weeks: one week session June 9-13 and a three week session July 7-25, 2008.

Parent Information/Registration Night to be held on Monday, June 16 at the King's University College at 7 p.m. in room N201.

Click here to read a brochure highlighting the study.

For further information please contact Alana Gushuliak-Soldan (Research Coordinator) at 465-3500 ext. 8197 or via email at: alana.gushuliak-soldan@kingsu.ca
Faculty Supervisor Dr. Lydia Doschak: lydia.doschak@kingsu.ca