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August 9, 2010 My friend, Kelly Jad'on, at BasilandSpice.com, is compiling a book about prayers that have been answered by God, and she is, in particular, interested in hearing from individuals on the autism spectrum. She can assure anonymity for publication in the book but, for the sake of permissions, she will need to have your release contact information. For more about Kelly's intriguing project, you may get in touch with her directly at kjadon@basilandspice.com July 25, 2010 Friend Connie just sent the link to a YouTube video of a news profile that underscores the mantra "always presume intellect." It's a powerful and compelling reminder about the deceiving exterior of others. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq--75v4lI8 June 29, 2010 A new acquaintance, Laura Nadine, is a gifted violinist who also happens to experience Asperger's Syndrome. I am sharing her gorgeous video tribute to her mentor with you here. Enjoy! www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJm9_UaO-PQ June 27, 2010 Anyone intrigued by my Autism and the God Connection book trilogy may be interested to learn that I will be interviewed today by George Knapp on the Coast to Coast radio program. The two-hour spot will be live with call-in opportunities beginning at 10:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The program will also be archived on the Coast to Coast site at www.coasttocoastam.com. One of my most ardent supporters, Kelly Jad'on, at BasilandSpice.com, has posted a news announcement of my appearance on the show. Read all about it here: www.basilandspice.com/journal/6272010-autism-spirituality-author-to-appear-on-coast-to-coa.html June 8, 2010 I'm typing from Niagara Falls, NY with several updates to share in the form of a number of Web site links. First, a television interview that went live today via WKBW News in Buffalo. Many thanks to reporter Patrick Taney for his respectful portrayal of not only my contributions but also that of my new friend, Chris Fabiano. Appreciations, also, to Cindy Oberjosh and Mark Bonaccio of Niagara County Community College for hosting my two-day presentation, and coordinating the interview. www.wkbw.com/news/local/95907004.html The next two are recent interviews I've given, the third is a piece that references my work at an Hispanic Web site (look for the June 4, 2010 article), and, finally, filmmaker Teo Zagar remains ever diligent trying to fund our Autism Self-Advocacy DVD and discussion guide project. Check it out and see what you think. www.basilandspice.com/journal/autism-2010-telepathic-exchange-credible-communication-facto.html www.welcome-to-normal.com/2010/06/exclusive-interview-with-renowned.html www.refresheverything.com/autismasap May 18, 2010 Two dichotomous takes on parenting. First, a charming and poignant video of a son with Asperger’s interviewing his mother, and animated:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO7sKVKMO2s
Next, a call to action for all parents:
The Preventing Abusive Restraint and Seclusion Act in Schools is being threatened for passage in the Senate by parent testimony that claims restraint and seclusion or other aversive interventions were necessary for their children so they would no longer harm themselves or others. We need your help. Please:
April 30, 2010 An interesting surprise this week by way of mom, friend, and advocate, Deirdre Wright,who e-mailed to say that on April 27, 2010, in the closing scene of NBC-TV's hit series Parenthood, my book, The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome, was featured prominently in this episode. Apparently the son of one of the show's couples has Asperger's. The show can be viewed online up until September 10, 2010 at www.nbc.com. The timing's right too; the newly revised second edition of my book is about to publish. I am particularly pleased to share that my friend and colleague, Dr. Nick Dubin, himself an author and a person with Asperger's, has written an eloquent new foreword. April 3, 2010 Admist the recent and nonsensical controversies over what best represents autism---blue puzzle pieces versus rainbow-colored ribbons---my good friend, Annette Becklund offers some rational clarity, as follows: We’re All Connected
In honor of Awetism Awareness Month, the kids and some adults in the office have been making paper chains with “what is great about me” and “thoughts I have” about autism. All of the multi-colored chains have then been connected and will be decorating the office for the month of April. Some have had first names and the words, phrases as follows: “gentle,” “smart,” “bright,” “kind,” “love cats,” “unique,” several symbols and pictures indicating “peace,” “love,” and “happiness.” One of my favorites, however, is “I’ll have a pizza with Asperger’s on top.”
Reflecting on the past several years, I have seen a great deal of growth occur, not only with the kids and adults I work with, but also in myself. The connectedness that we seem to share results in mutual respect and for me, I find myself in a constant state of awe and appreciation. I have observed individuals, strong individuals, rise above the most horrendous of circumstances and learn to appreciate who they are and what they are able to accomplish because they are lucky enough to have a strong, unconditional support system. I smile at the intensity and perseverance these individuals seem to have to remain non-conformists in a world that demands conformity. But who wants a cookie-cutter kid, right?
How to help the kids? Unconditional acceptance, unconditional support, unconditional love, and remember we are more alike than we are different. Therein lies our connectedness and a reason to celebrate in April.
—Annette L Becklund, MSW, LCSW
March 20, 2010 The Autism Prophecies has published, and is presently making its way to Amazon.com and bookstores nationally. In the interim, here is the link to a recent radio interview with Lea M. Hill, spiritual intuitive, about the book and my work: http://webtalkradio.net/shows/the-spirit-connection/ February 28, 2010 It's been a long winter and hopefully spring will soon be upon us. Here are some updates on my doings:
The Autism Self-Advocacy Project
ASAP, the Autism Self-Advocacy Project, is an interactive DVD by filmmaker Teo Zagar, with accompanying Discussion Guide, that documents the emerging autism rights movement by showcasing the experiences and voices of individuals with autism themselves, and serves as a resource for families, caregivers, educators, and support groups. Acclaimed writer and self-advocate William Stillman curates a panel of self-advocates in an engaging and entertaining documentary film format. The DVD and Discussion Guide package will be available nationwide to individuals and institutions. A fundraising campaign to raise funds to underwrite the project---and further, detailed information---may be found at the following link:
Autism and the God Connection Trilogy is Completed
The third and final book in the Autism and the God Connection trilogy has gone to press with an official publication date of April 20, 2010 although it may be available sooner. The Autism Prophecies: How an Evolution of Healers and Intuitives is Influencing Our Spiritual Future will be published by New Page Books, publishers of The Soul of Autism. It is available for pre-order now on Amazon.com for $10.19. Not only is this my last autism-and-spirituality book, it is my last book about autism (after eight books in as many years, I've said all I can say). And it promises to be my most compelling work to date! Details and a link to pre-order on Amazon.com may be found here:
Click here: Demystifying Autism from the Inside Out | Bill's Books
Everything Parent's Guide to Asperger's Second Edition
A revised, second edition of my 2005 book, The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome will be forthcoming from Adams Media. Information, bibliography and other resources will be updated for the new edition.
Foreign Translations
I'm pleased to report that, in addition to Autism and the God Connection and The Soul of Autism, Michael Nagula, of Amra Verlag, has acquired the rights for a German translation of The Autism Prophecies. Additionally, Russian rights to The Soul of Autism have been acquired by Ves Publishing House, and a Danish publisher is taking rights to Empowered Autism Parenting under consideration.
National Webcast of "Demystifying Autism"
A one-time, national live Webcast of my "Demystifying Autism" presentation will take place on April 28, 2010. I'll be speaking from
January 7, 2010 Here is information from a documentary filmmaker with whom I have been in contact: Sager Productions is producing a documentary about the coming of age of autism. The program will explore what happens to young adults with autism when they age out of the school system. The documentary is intended for national distribution to Public Broadcasting stations. It is being presented by WGBY-TV in Springfield, MA. The producer is looking for families with adult children with autism to feature in the program....specifically families who are struggling to find appropriate support services,vocational training and housing. If you are struggling to find the appropriate level of care for your adult child with autism and want to learn more about participating, please contact the producer, Catherine Sager at catsag@aol.com. Please provide a contact number where you can be reached during the day if possible. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you. We are also looking for positive stories to tell, situations where an individual is able to live a full and joyful life because adequate supports are in place. --Catherine Sager, Sager Productions
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