Today is Earth Day. It is the 43rd year that people across the globe have brought awareness to the environment around them and how to best preserve it for future generations. Some ways that people choose to celebrate is by planting a tree, riding a bike to work/school, and participating in a beach clean-up.
What are some ways that you are bringing awareness to preserve our home, the Earth?
Autism is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder and is mainly characterized through delays in language and social interactions. It was first used to describe a diagnosis by Leo Kanner in 1943. Until the 1960's, it was thought to be linked to Schizophrenia. Back then, about one person in 2,000 were being diagnosed with autism. In the 80's, that number increased to 1 in 1,000. In the beginning of the new millenia, that number had increased again to 1 in 150. Today it is estimated that 1 in 88 are being diagnosed. Experts are not sure if there is in fact a rise in the actual disability or a rise in awareness so that people who would not have been diagnosed, are now receiving the diagnosis.
Researchers agree that there is a genetic link to Autism, but there is no exact known cause. They do know what is being affected for those who do have Autism versus those who do not. The main centers of the brain that are affected by Autism are the Cerebral Cortex (perception and behavioral reactions are controlled by this area of the brain), Amygdala (emotional responses), Hippocampus (short-term memory), Basal Ganglia (regulation of autonomous movement), and the Cerebellum (balance and body movement). Knowing this helps to indentify the best possible treatment for an individual who has Autism.
The only treatment plan that has been proven to be effective is early behavioral intervention. Since Autism is such a unique disability, treatment must be tailored to each individual. This can become very costly. Fortunately in July of 2012, SB 946 came into effect in California and this treatment now must be covered under medical insurance.
Some interesting facts about Autism (from Autism Speaks)
Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys
Autism prevalence figures are growing
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism
Tuesday, April 2nd, is Autism Awareness Day. Supporters are encouraged to "light it up blue" to show that they support Autism. Hope to see you in blue tomorrow!
What a great Feel Good Friday story! Click on the link below and learn more about Tim, a restaurant owner in Albuquerque, NM. What an inspiration!
https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=482169788516162
CIS has joined the Amazon Associates Program which helps us raise funds for the Angel Gala and other events. Use our Amazon link on the “Contribute” page of the website or add this horribly un-memorable shortened URL http://amzn.to/WL2li0 to the bookmarks in your web browser. It costs you nothing and CIS earns a percentage of every sale. Tell all your friends and enemies alike! Big thanks to everyone who has already contributed.
We are pleased to announce that the CARF audit was an unequivocal success! We want to thank everyone involved in this huge effort for all of their tenacity, attention to detail and positive "get it done" attitude. You guys rock!
CIS - Rosio Interview from Digital Design Factory on Vimeo.
Serving people with disabilties since 1983.
Dig out that tuna casserole recipe and dust off your frisbee. The CIS Potluck Picnic is coming up fast and might just be the last chance to end the summer with a bang. Enjoy live music, organized games with all your CIS pals. Consumers, staff & families welcome! Bring your own blankets, chairs, picnic paraphernalia and a potluck dish to share.
When: September 10th from 2 - 5 pm
Full press release can be found on the DRC Web Site.
The San Diego County Fair will be here before you know it & once again you can obtain fair tickets, season passes, ride tickets & now game & food tickets through CIS. If you’re new to CIS the best deal is the season pass for $13 that allows you unlimited access the entire time the fair is open! The catch is you need a photo ID, your name on the ticket must be written in ink & it must match your ID & it’s available to anyone 6 years & older.
Please see the attached FLYER for details; the absolute last day to order tickets through Val will be Friday, June 3, 2011, no exceptions please. Any questions please call Val or leave her a voice mail at extension 100. Checks should be made payable to CIS.
Vroom Vroom…race you to the fair!
The Family Assistance Clinic will be available for Children and Adults with Disabilities in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Download the flyer here.
KTLP.org has a great article about Lanterman Rights on their blog:
"In the Lanterman Act's forty-one year history, it has come under attack by governors, legislators and bureaucrats many times. Two governors have made unsuccessful attempts to suspend it; over the years administrative department officials have repeatedly tried to define it more narrowly and restrict access to services and supports; and legislators have made attempts - many of them successful - to reduce funding and thereby limit services."
See the full article at KTLP's blog.
A few local San Diego students have launched a creative national campaign challenging our preconceptions about normalacy. Here's an excerpt:
"Whether you are an athlete, musician, video game expert, or have just created your own style, we all have unique personalities, talents and interests to share with the world. We think that people should not have to fit a mold in order to fit into a classroom or community. We want the world to abandon its outdated perceptions of normalcy and learn to embrace and appreciate diversity among individuals. We want people to see that real inclusion can only happen by bringing together diverse groups of people and ensuring that everyone is supported, understood, and respected."
Watch videos and learn more on the I am Norm website.
