Do2Learn.com offers a new service for individuals with autism, JobTIPS, provides real world examples, videos, and interactive materials to help people with autism learn how to be successful in the workplace.

Autism Society has lots of great information about the latest efforts in advocacy to protect services for individuals with autism and other disabilities. See the latest newsletter for great information and get involved!

Statement by Secretary Sebelius on National Autism Awareness Month

Every April we recognize National Autism Awareness Month and the special challenges faced by those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). CDC estimates that an average of 1 in 110 children in the U.S. have an ASD. At the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we continue to strive to meet the complex needs of all people with ASD and their families.

ASD symptoms range from mild to severe and the condition may pose significant communication and behavioral challenges. There is no cure, but we know that early intervention can greatly improve a child’s development. The first three years are particularly critical. That’s why we are educating more health professionals to recognize the signs and symptoms early, so children can get treatment when it is most likely to be effective.

Last year, we established a new national resource and information center to provide information on community-based services and interventions for people with ASD and their families. Last month, we announced a new website that provides job skills training for high school graduates who have ASD or other disabilities. New research funds are being used to deepen our understanding of ASD, test innovative treatments, study genes associated with ASD, and explore the needs of the growing number of adults with ASD.

The Affordable Care Act, the health care law signed a year ago by President Obama, will help ease the financial burden that often comes with treating and caring for people with ASD. The law requires new plans to cover autism screening and developmental assessments for children at no cost to parents, and allows parents to keep their children on their family health insurance until they turn 26. Insurers will also no longer be allowed to deny children coverage for a pre-existing condition such as ASD or to set arbitrary lifetime or annual limits on benefits.

This April, and all year, let us reflect on this urgent public health challenge and rededicate ourselves to addressing the needs of people and families with ASD.

For more information on the Department’s efforts regarding ASD, please visit http://www.hhs.gov/autism/ or http://www.healthcare.gov/foryou/family/soon/index.html

A new documentary file, “Wretches and Jabberers,” follows two Vermont men who have become global ambassadors for autism. It is showing April 9th in Santa Clara, CA. Visit the film’s website to see the trailer and screening information!

The Autism Society sponsored a Congressional briefing on transitions.

Here is the link to a great podcast on state budget cuts that Matt Tarver-Wahlquist, from Opportunity for Independence, and Rocio Smith, from Area Board 5, did for the radio. Be sure to listen!

This Autism Society news post about how students access services after high school, illustrates the gaps that often occur.

Another resource for transition information!

Autism Speaks has a new transition guide geared toward families with children on the spectrum ages 14 to 22. Check it out!

Dear Aascend Community,

Those who attended the last Aascend meeting heard my announcement that we are working on setting up a company tailored to employ the unique skills and talents of individuals on the spectrum in the Bay area. Here is a short summary:
This (as yet unnamed) Social Enterprise will be modeled after the Danish company Specialisterne, and Aspiritech which is in the Chicago area.

Our focus will be to provide software and product testing services to tech companies in the Bay Area. We will be operating in the city of San Francisco or a nearby community. The specific business details are still under discussion, but we are hoping to launch the enterprise early next year.
In terms of employees, we will be looking for people who:
• are on the Aspergers or High-Functioning Autism spectrum
• are over the age of 18
• be willing to work for at least 4 hours a day, 5 days a week
• have facility using computers and the internet

Prior knowledge or job experience of software programming and/or testing is not required – training will be provided. At this point, it is important for us to understand the level of interest in the Bay Area Aspergers community. If you, or someone you know, meet the above criteria, and would like further details as we progress, please respond to the short survey below:
• Contact email address:
• Relationship to potential candidate (self, parent, etc.):
• The Bay Area community in which the candidate lives:

The information below is optional, but will help to tailor the business structure of the Enterprise.
• Does the candidate have any social services like SSI, SSDI or MediCal (please state which):

If you respond to the survey, you will be put on an email list for updates on the progress of this project. Send reply to: mickey@aczel.us.

Thank you!
Andy Aczel