Medscape News (Jan 13, 2012) reports nine specialized inpatient psychiatric care units have been set up in the US over recent years exclusively to serve children with developmental disorders. While six are in academic institutions, three are in private hospitals. Dr. Joseph Horrigan, MD of Autism Speaks commented, "These units address a significant unmet medical need that, up until this point, has caused great duress for families and their loved ones with ASD [autism spectrum disorder], especially when severe, disruptive behaviors are present and when there is an uncertain contribution of medical, psychological, social, and educational factors." "No one has ever done that before," said Dr. Matthew Siegel, who is medical director, Developmental Disorders Program, Spring Harbor Hospital, Westbrook, Maine who directs 1 of the 9 units in the US. Actually that's not true… (Continued)
A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Knowing What’s Up in School
Rande Peyton*
Maple Plain, MN
Where does the time fly? I can’t believe our youngest boy is in first grade all ready. I loved staying at home with our three boys when they were younger and now as they grow up I’m contemplating my new career I’ve decided to substitute teach at the boys schools. I have a teaching license that gives me some flexibility. Due to our middle son’s, having Autism, I have been called upon frequently to substitute for the special education department. I’ve found from substituting, that you learn so much about your child’s day, the educators and the environment they are in everyday. MORE

* Rande Peyton is the mother of a ten year-old son, Zachary with an autism spectrum disorder. Zachary had received several years of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention before enrolling in a regular education public school program.

National Institutes of Health Autism Information Resource
Autism
Speaks

![]()

In case you are wavering about attending the upcoming ABAI Autism Conference in Philidelphia Jan 27-29, 2011 here are a few highlights. Bob Koegel will be presenting a workshop on PRT in Asperger Disorder and HFA and Andy Bondy will be offering a workshop on PECs and related AAC approaches. Other invited speakers include Rob Horner, Phil Strain, Frank Symons, Howard Goldstein, Debra Kamps, Sandra Harris, Chris Hatton, Andy Lattal and Erik Carter. Themes this year are communication and integrated services.
Registration information is at: http://www.abainternational.org/events/autconf2012/index.asp

Review in Midwest Book Review, Vol.6, No. 7, July 2011
Individualized Autism Intervention for Young Children is a pick for educator and health collections alike, discussing two different approaches to use with young children with autism and helping professionals consider two competing behavioral models to respond to an autistic child's individual needs. This approach was developed by one of the nation's leading experts on autism and provides a fine set of practical tools and case studies to thoroughly teach and understand the different approaches.
Order now from Paul H. Brookes




