CDC: 1 in every 110 children diagnosed with autism

New federal report confirms a study earlier  this year that found autism is more prevalent than had been thought. About 1 percent of children had the diagnosis in a 2006 study of 307,790 eight-year-olds in 10 communities across the country by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Catherine Rice, a behavioral health scientist at the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, says autism is far more common in non-Hispanic whites and that the cause is still unknown.

Gonzalez: Asperger’s made me do it. Bah humbug

Scrooge

No it didn’t. Stop the lie now because it’s selfish and potentially, incredibly harmful to all the smart, talented people with autism and Asperger’s who are positive contributing members of society. Stop blaming your hacking ways — and other criminal pursuits — on Asperger Syndrome. That’s my message to the the most infamous computer hackers of the moment. Viachelav Berkovich earlier this year was sentence to 55 months in prison for his role in a multimillion-dollar computer fraud scheme and cited Asperger Syndrome. Gary McKinnon, the admitted Pentagon hacker, played the Asperger’s card in his defense. Now comes the mastermind behind one of  the biggest cases of credit card fraud in U.S. history:  Albert Gonzalez. He  is accused of hacking into consumer accounts at TJ Maxx, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sports Authority and stealing the numbers to millions of credit and debit card accounts. Gonzalez, who was scheduled to be sentenced Monday, is blaming Asperger’s although it’s unclear if he even has a diagnosis. His sentencing has now been delayed. Honestly, I can’t say whether any of these guys are on the spectrum or not. But when you break the law, when you understand right from wrong and choose the latter, when you are of average and higher-than-average intelligence as are people with Asperger Syndrome — you ought to take responsibility for your actions. Don’t blame Asperger Syndrome, blame yourselves.

Hanukkah, Christmas and the irresistible urge to shop

Even sellers of autism-related products are jumping on the holiday bandwagon. Cafepress.com, Zazzle.com and Autismshop.com are just a few of the online retailers hawking goods carrying the universal symbol for autism — the puzzle piece.  But no matter what gifts are on your list, don’t let the good mood and generosity of the season tempt you to blow your budget. In this time of recession, frugal, practical gifts are the safer course. Especially for college students who are piling on student loans and other educational expenses. Know how much you want to spend and stick to it. Check websites like shopping.com, shopzilla.com and other price-comparison sites to make sure you get the best price. And steer of using credit cards, wherever possible. You’re much more likely to exceed your budget if you’re not paying cash. And don’t forget to use coupons and seek out discounts. Most retailers are struggling this holiday season as consumers tighten their belts. Good deals and sales abound.

Drop that video game guilt

DJ Hero is one of the hottest games for the holidays.

Just in time for Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, there’s potentially good news for gamers. Lovers of computer and video games can breathe a bit easier as the medical establishment announces new research aimed at learning whether those games can have positive health benefits. Even for those with Asperger Syndrome and autism. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation  is behind the national  Health Games Research program, which has award nearly $2 million in grants to study games and potential health benefits for people of all ages. Researchers at  Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will test whether games can help people on the spectrum in picking up on subtle differences in body language and facial expression.  George Washington University will study games’ role in physical activity.

Tuition costs rising but book discounts abound

State budget crunches nationwide are forcing public and private colleges to hike tuition and other fees. Students are protesting the rising costs which, in some cases, are adding thousands of dollars to educational costs. And those 529 college savings plans are still a bit anemic. But smart shoppers can at least find bargains on required books and textbooks for their Spring 2010 courses. Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Borders along with Wal-Mart and Target are lowering prices of thousands of books — especially those supplemental texts that professors are fond of requiring. And the big online book retailers all provide discounted and free shipping for some textbooks. Used books are a great value, too, and you can find them online at Amazon and eBay’s Half.Com as well as at your campusl bookstore. It’s rare these days to have to pay full price for most textbooks. Chegg.com even lets you rent them. So take advantage of the deals while they last.

Movies with ESP: Extra sensory protection

Can’t take the pounding Dolby Digital sound at movie theaters? Once a month, AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society sponsor Sensory Friendly Films at 88 participating theaters across the country.  It’s a chance for people who are sensitive to light and sound to watch first-run  films in a more accommodating theater environment. Planet 51 will be shown on Nov. 21. Most viewings are at 10 a.m. local time. Talking during the movie and walking around is allowed.  AMC theaters will turn the lights up, the sound down, and allow families to bring in their own snacks. Tickets are $4 to $6 and can be purchased on the day of the event. Up next: The Princess and the Frog, Dec. 12, and Alvin and the Chipmunks 2, Jan. 9. For a list of participating theaters, click here.  

Journal admits that it is “half-baked”

The Journal of Whole Food and Nutrition was launched in December 2008- so it is only half-baked,” the website acknowledges. But with few credentials and no apparent backing by a significant scientific, educational or federal agency, the Journal has declared November as National Autism and Vaccine Awareness month. Beware of studies, journals, advocacy groups and others that purport to be voices of credibility for the autism community.

Wrangling the course registration process

Pre-registering for your spring semester courses can be a nightmarish time as you try to line up the right mix of courses at the right times for your busy schedule of classes and extra-curricular activities. But the earlier you do it, the greater the likelihood that you’ll get into the classes you most need and want. If you’re a freshmen, try to get several of your core requirements out of the way early (Check out the Allegheny College video, above). Whatever your level, schedule classes with your temperament in mind. If you’re not fully awake until 9 in the morning, it’s probably best to avoid 8 a.m. classes. Check out www.ratemyprofessor.com if you’re not familiar with the person teaching the course you’re considering. In fact, when possible, schedule a brief meeting before you sign up in order to meet the professor, discuss the course and get a syllabus for the class. The more you know about a course, the better. You want to schedule for yourself a mix of classes that balances those that are writing and reading intensive with those that have a lighter workload. If you know your major, be sure to incorporate classes that count toward your major’s requirements. The goal is to have a well-rounded schedule that keeps you challenged, on track for graduation and that spices your week with electives that enlarge your world view.

Training your thoughts on the holidays

Dreading the long lines, security checks and bag fees at airports this Thanksgiving travel season? Lots of students are opting to travel home by train.  Amtrak expects an uptick in holiday travel compared to last year’s  659,184 riders nationwide during the week of Thanksgiving. Students using the Student Advantage Card get a 15% discount on fares. Many colleges will provide shuttle service to and from the local Amtrak station if it is not within walking distance.

More counseling help on campus

Stress levels tend to be highest among young adults — especially those grappling with college, new careers and ever-changing social relationships. And more are seeking counseling. Colleges and universities are hurrying to meet the demand. The University of Idaho is offering free screenings Thursday at its Counseling and Testing Center. Universities across the country are adding counselors. And the City University of New York (CUNY) is using an innovative computer game called AtRisk by Kognito to train faculty to recognize students who are overwhelmed. A recent poll found that 85% of colleges and universities have seen an increase in mental health problems on campus. Often the problems are severe. Some 2.35 million of an estimated 18 million college students are struggling with severe depression, according to the National College Depression Partnership, which is working with 20 select colleges to quantify and  mitigate the problem. However, many young adults in need of counseling or other mental health services don’t seek help. In a 2006 study, the American College Health Association found that nearly 50% of students said they had been so depressed at one time in the previous 12 months that they found it difficult to function. Colleges are working hard to make sure students know that counseling is available and stigma-free.