New Autism Spectrum Books

We've added some new ASD books to our Children's Department Parenting Collection:

Bashe, Patricia Romanowski. The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome
Bolduc, Kathleen Deyer. Autism and Alleluias
Bolick, Teresa. Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Helping Preteens and Teens Get Ready for the Real World
Neisworth, John T. The Autism Encyclopedia: 500+ Entries for Parents and Professionals
Powers, Michael D., ed. Children with Autism: a Parents' Guide

What Families on the Spectrum Really Want for Christmas

http://www.masslive.com/metroeastplus/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1292228470214420.xml&coll=1

Free iPad for Families Living on the Spectrum

The Holly Rod Foundation, created by Holly Robinson Peete and her husband Rodney Peete, has a holiday campaign to give away free iPads to families living on the spectrum whose children are limited verbally. Go to the Mass Match site for more information about this program:
http://www.massmatch.org/whatsnew/news.php#Free_iPad

McLean Autism Study

A recent study conducted by researchers at McLean Hospital examined the use of brain scans to diagnose autism. Researchers examined MRI's of a group of neurotypical subjects and subjects with autism. The MRI's showed differences between the two groups in how the tiny fibers between cells were organized. To read this article go to http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2010/12/06/brain_scans_detect_autism_in_preliminary_study_at_mclean/?page=1

Holiday Travel for ASD Families

This article is from the Autism Speaks blog:
http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2010/12/02/a-little-planning-goes-a-long-way-individuals-with-autism-and-their-families-get-ready-for-holiday-travel/

New Link!

I've added a new link to the Autism Resources page. It's for Autism Cares. This agency provides financial assistance to ASD families struggling with cost of living expenses.
http://www.autismcares.org/site/c.mqLOIYOBKlF/b.4745901/k.BD21/Home.htm

Cell Dysfunction and Autism

A recent study at the University of California, Davis, suggests children with autism are more likely to suffer from mitochondria, a defect in cellular structure. To read more about this study go to http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/646694.html.