Tag Archives: autism

Researchers find link between protein and learning disabilities

A protein called APC may hold a clue to the causes of learning disabilities, a new study suggests

image Tufts University

Science Daily – A clue to the causes of autism and mental retardation lies in the synapse, the tiny intercellular junction that rapidly transfers information from one neuron to the next. According to neuroscientists at Tufts University School of Medicine, with students from the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts, a protein called APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) plays a key role in synapse maturation, and APC dysfunction prevents the synapse function required for typical learning and memory.

Editor – this is a research finding and has not resulted in any practical treatment at this time.

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The findings are published in the August 18 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience. Continue reading →

Government has shuffled paper for 2 years on Autism

Children with autism need help now and PEI report called Inaction Strategy

Ronnie Nicholson image: CBC

By Ronnie Nicholson

I feel the need to speak out on the recent release of the PEI Autism Action Plan. I attended the release and my indignant reaction to the Plan received some media attention in both the Guardian and CBC News.

It was not my intention to rain on Minister Currie’s parade at the media launch last Tuesday. My intention was to watch an historic moment unfold where autistic children on PEI would be given the much needed supports they need, but was soon let down by what proved to be a dismal response to a critical moment for these children.

I believe that Minister Currie is a good man and quite competent at the helm of the Education portfolio. I could not help but feel empathy for Mr. Currie as I grilled him on his Department’s meager resources allocated to early intervention in the Action Plan.
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Autism strategy token effort says Bagnall

Opposition Leader says the government’s new Autism Action Plan is typical of how the Ghiz administration responds to pressure from Islanders on controversial issues.

Jim Bagnall calls autism paper token gesture

“Once again we see this government handing out another glossy document, but as per usual we see only a fraction of that report set to be implemented and offering only token measures,” said Opposition Leader Jim Bagnall.

“It’s sole purpose is try to make government look good in the eyes of the public.”

Bagnall said he can understand the frustration and anger of Islanders who have to fight every day for their children.

“These parents know how important early intervention is to their child, and they know that every day, every month that goes by, without professional help hurts their child’s ability to adapt and become a part of their environment, socially, emotionally and academically. ”

“They know how vital early intervention is, they need help and this action plan does not deliver it.”
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PEI unveils autism care strategy

Parents concerned they were not consulted

CBC News – The P.E.I. government released a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of autism Tuesday, but the Autism Society says concrete results are a ways off.
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PEI’s Currie makes autism announcement

Short notice and no press release which is typical disability abuse on PEI

Doug Currie promising reforms in 2007 but nothing has changed

“Minister Doug Currie will release Provincial Autism Strategy. Staff and individuals from the Autism Action Group will be on hand to answer questions about the strategy. The public is welcome to attend Today @ 1:30 pm pm at the Shaw Building (south) 95-105 Rochford Street, Ch’Town, PEI” (From Autism Society Prince Edward Island)

“Short notice! Gov’t likes it that way!” says one Facebook comment.

This is typical government procedure to bury all disability issues. An important issue – autism – gets an announcement held almost secretly.

Despite promising reforms prior to the election in 2007, the Ghiz government has made little if any progress in services to people living with disabilities.

Less than 5% of the disability community qualifies for benefits. Seniors are still excluding from receiving assistance like wheelchairs. Many people with disabilities live far below the poverty line, many of them are women. Continue reading →

James Delorey 7 year old autistic child dies in hospital

James Delorey, age 7 boy with autism died from hypothermia

Heroic efforts of Cape Breton and Nova Scotia communities to rescue lost boy ends tragically

Parents, family and friends are grieving in South Bar, Nova Scotia for 7 year old James Delorey who died from the effects of exposure early today.

James was a seven year old boy who had autism. He wandered off into the woods with his dog on Saturday when the weather was balmy.

He didn’t speak fluently and had the autistic trait of shying away from people who might call out to him.

He didn’t return and efforts to find him started immediately.

The first winter storm of the season blanketed Atlantic Canada and Cape Breton with up to 20 centimeters of snow. The community called for more support and more than 100 people joined in the search and rescue for the young boy. Video follows the story break.

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PEI gets failing grade on UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The PEI Government has failed to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Islanders with disabilities have the lowest incomes, receive only minimal supports and have their human rights abused on a daily basis without recourse.

Premier Robert Ghiz, "we are going to show respect for Islanders with disabilities"

PRLog – Today marks the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Despite 15 years of consultation and program development, it also marks another day when PEI fails to meet its commitment of inclusion and human rights for persons with disabilities.

Islanders with disabilities have the lowest incomes, receive only minimal supports and have their human rights abused on a daily basis without recourse.

“Government will take today to press release their commitment to the disabled while in fact only giving lip service to the real problems faced by those living with disabilities,” said Stephen Pate, director of PEI Disability Alert Inc.