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The Comic/Tragic Politics of the Autism and Asperger World:
Columbia University Lecture
On April 12, 2011, GRASP and ASTEP Executive Director, Michael John Carley, was honored as the Columbia University Center for Bioethics' 9th Anniversary Herbert G. Cohen, MD, DOS Memorial Lecturer in Neuroscience. Carley was asked to speak on the political history of the
controversies surrounding the autism/Asperger world.
Click here to view the complete video (approximately
81 minutes long) from April 12, 2011, and to
download the slides used in the presentation.
Topics covered in this presentation are (1) the history of the negative
stigma surrounding autism and Asperger's Syndrome (AS), (2) 1993 and up:
"The real arguments begin," (3) Who the players are,
(4) The issues broken down: [a] The "cure" debate, [b] the vaccine debate,
[c] educational and behavioral strategies, as well as aversives,
[d] Conflicting messages, and [e] Research: What kind do we want?,
(5) Changes forthcoming in the DSM-V, (6) Myths dispelled,
(7) Context, and (8) Closing perspectives.
***
GRASP's 2011 Fundraising Benefit was a hit !!
Click here to see the photos -
What makes GRASP unique, other than its proven seven year-old support group network, its educational outreach, and its use as an informational clearinghouse on issues relating to the autism spectrum, are the stipulations GRASP must adhere to in accordance with our bylaws — that the Executive Director, 100% of the Advisory Board, and 50% of the Board of Directors of GRASP must be diagnosed with either Autism, Asperger Syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
In the News:
from our Twitter Feed - - -The DSM-V News Blast
What many of us have heard
over the last two years now seems official, that in the DSM-V (due to
be released around 2012-2013) Asperger’s Syndrome will no longer
exist as a diagnosis. The condition will be merged into “Autism
Spectrum Disorder.” Earlier this year, the DSM-V committee publicly confirmed
this.
As a result, there’s been a lot of press on the subject, and so
we bring you a special blast of articles, responses, and the new criteria.
For the downloadable word doc, click here.
Plus:
Subscribe to one of
our many GRASP e-lists
including new support group Networks in Western Massachusetts,
Chicago (South Suburbs), Chicago (Downtown Women's Group), Bridgeport CT,
or the first ever network for Senior Citizens only
(located in
New York
City).
These networks, like all our networks, will bring you news, meeting announcements,
and events tailored to your area.
Plus:
The Autism Speaks Conundrum:
GRASP prides itself on letting what we're "for"—as
opposed to what we're "against"—dictate our agenda.
However, in the early fall of 2009, the large organization, Autism Speaks,
released a controversial film called "I Am Autism." While
we understand that there are some who applaud it,
it was found to be incredibly hurtful to almost all of the many GRASP
members who saw it. While lengthy, you can click here to download
and read our response.
Plus:
GRASP reaches 6,000 members!!!
(up from 5,200 a year ago)
-----------------------
GRASP Executive Director,
Michael John Carley's
Asperger's From the Inside-Out: A Supportive
and Practical Guide garners
spectacular advance reviews!
To read them, please click here and scroll down half a page. You can also purchase the book through this link.
-----------------------
Actress Sigourney Weaver's
Public Service Print Announcement
for GRASP!
To download the full version,
click here
Find out
more information about the available GRASP networks
or about how to start one in your area.
Read about the staff and Boards of GRASP.
New to the autism world? Go
to this page to download
or read the best articles of the past ten years.
Welcome!