Remarks at the 2008 Howard County Autism Society
Pieces of the Puzzle Gala

by John P. Hussman, Ph.D.

One of the symbols of autism is a puzzle piece - a missing puzzle piece. It's tempting to think of that piece as some ultimate answer or cure. But if you ask people with autism who have any ability to communicate, you'll find that they're divided on whether they want a cure, but they are united in saying that what they want most is to be accepted, and valued, and seen as competent.

By Merope Pavlides Adapted from her book, Animal-Assisted Interventions for Individuals with Autism

There is a Native American legend that says that after creating humankind, the Spirits created a chasm between their world and ours. And although Dog had the opportunity to return to the spirit world, at the last moment, he leapt over the widening gap to remain with us. Scientifically speaking, archaeological records confirm that the relationship between humans and canines dates back at least 14,000 years. Since the beginning dogs have been not just companions but workers as well, helping us hunt and driving other prey animals away from human encampments. Throughout history they have farmed with us, fought with us, and played with us. It is no surprise that humans would turn to dogs for assistance in managing disabilities.

In November, the Howard County Autism Society (HCAS) began its second year of work in partnership with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue. For a second year in a row, HCAS is providing training on autism spectrum disorders to the Department’s paramedics. Last year, HCAS conducted six trainings and will conduct an additional six trainings between November 2007 and January 2008. When completed, all of Howard County’s paramedics will have received 2.5 hours of training on how to recognize, communicate with, and serve individuals with autism.

(July 2007) HCAS Executive Director Kim Manning and Chief of Police William McMahon signed the agreement bringing Project Lifesaver to the county.

The Howard County Autism Society and Howard County Police Department have finalized all plans and training to bring Project Lifesaver to our County. If you feel that you are a family that would benefit from this program please send an email to request an application packet.

Most high school students with autism take classes in general and special education settings, but are less likely to actively participate in these classes, according to a U.S. Department of Education report, Secondary School Experiences of Students with Autism.

The Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Committee approved its version of the FY 2008 spending bill, including a 52 percent increase for autism-related activities at the CDC and Health and Resources Services Administration. This is the full amount authorized for these programs under the Combating Autism Act.

(from remarks by John Hussman at the 2007 Gala)

Imagine if every time you wanted to say something, you had to carve it out of a block of stone.

You would hope that people would recognize that just because somebody isn’t able to speak, doesn’t mean they have nothing to say.

Communication is sometimes compared with playing tennis ‘ volleying the ball back and forth. But imagine playing tennis ‘ in a hailstorm’ of tennis balls. Where the thing you’re trying to focus on is just overwhelmed by countless other things coming at you, with equal weight. And even though you know what you want to do; what you want to say; what you want to accomplish; there’s enormous interference between your best shot, and what actually comes across the other side of that net.

The second annual Pieces of the Puzzle Gala capped off the Howard County Autism Society's April celebration of Autism Awareness Month, raising funds to support its newly opened resource center. Nearly 300 people attended the black-tie event April 27 at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City.

Generously cosponsored this year by the Gilbane Building Company and the Hussman Foundation, the gala began with a reception and live and silent auctions. Attendees viewed almost 150 auction items, including popular vacation packages, sports memorabilia, jewelry, artwork, a plasma television, a catered dinner and wine tasting by Iron Bridge Wine Company, and a variety of overflowing gift baskets.

Guest speakers Andrew Faber, of Gilbane Building Company, and John P. Hussman Ph.D., of The Hussman Foundation, expressed their support of the Society.

By Rabbi Joanne Yocheved Heiligman
Congregation Shalom
Aleichem, Columbia
March 2007

With all the energy that it takes to help our children succeed in their everyday school settings, sometimes the thought of enduring a similar struggle for their religious lives can seem so daunting that we postpone their religious education and/or participation long past the time we would provide it to a typical child. I have the dual perspective of being the parent of children with autism spectrum disorders as well as being a rabbi. I'd like to share some of what I have learned, from both sides, about integrating our children into faith communities.

From Science Daily
February 19th 2007

The largest search for autism genes to date, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has implicated components of the brain's glutamate chemical messenger system and a previously overlooked site on chromosome 11. Based on 1,168 families with at least two affected members, the genome scan adds to evidence that tiny, rare variations in genes may heighten risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).