Week in Review - September 7, 2012

WEEK IN REVIEW

NewNASETPublications and Articles of Interest in Special Education and Disabilities That Were Reported This Week

September 7, 2012 - Vol 8, Issue 33


 

Find us on Facebook

 

Forward this issue to a Friend

 

Join Our Mailing List!

In This Issue

TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Quick Links
ReadWeek in ReviewonNASET-Click Here

Renew Your Membership onNASET-Click Here(login required)

NASETResources -Click Here

NASETe-Publications -Click Here

Forgot your User Name or Password? -Click Here

Update/Manage Your Member Profile -Click Here(login required)


Dear NASET News,

Welcome toNASET'sWEEK in REVIEWHere, we provide you with the latest publications fromNASETto read and or download, as well as some of the most interesting articles that have happened this week in the field of special education. We hope you enjoy this publication.  Feel free to send us articles for this publication or let us know your thoughts about theWEEK in REVIEWatnews@naset.org.Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,


NASETNews Team

NASET Sponsor - Cal Poly Pomona

Cal_Poly_Pomona-8-12

To learn more -Click here

NASET Sponsor - Liberty Mutual

Liberty_Mutual_Bear

To learn more -Click here

New This Week on NASET

Special Educator e-Journal

September 2012

Table of Contents

*             Update from the U.S. Department Education

*             Calls to Participate

*             Special Education Resources

*             Update From The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities              (NICHCY)

*             Upcoming Conferences and Events

*             Funding Forecast and Award Opportunities

*             Book Review:  Swagger: 10 Urgent Rules for Raising Boys in an Age of Failing Schools (Author Lisa Bloom)-Written by Janet Herrera, Florida International University

*             Digital Literacy of the Digital Natives-Written by Maricel T. Bustos, M.A.

*             Acknowledgements


To read or download this issue -Click here (login required)
______________________________________________________

The Practical Teacher Series

Anxiety Disorders

By Robin Naope a Student at Chaminade University Hawaii

Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times.  People feel anxious or nervous before taking an exam, performing or making a speech or even making an important decision.  Anxiety helps one cope with the daily stress of life's experiences.  Anxiety disorder is a serious mental illness that causes such distress that it interferes with a person's ability to lead a normal life and has been known to run in families. For people with anxiety disorders, their emotional fears and worries are constant and overwhelming, and can be crippling. Anxiety disorders last at least 6 months and can get progressively worse without treatment. There are several types of anxiety disorders and treatment may vary. This issue of NASET's Practical Teacher, written by Robin Naope (a student at Chaminade University Hawaii), focuses on strategies that directly impact the school environment, and strategies that may be useful in and out of the classroom.

To read or download this issue -Click here (login required)

Airline iPad Policy Sparks Disability Dispute

American Airlines is taking heat for requiring a teen who is nonverbal to stow the iPad she relies on to communicate during a recent flight. Carly Fleischmann, a 17-year-old with autism from Toronto, lambasted American Airlines on herFacebookpage earlier this week for limiting access to the iPad she uses to speak. On her way home from Los Angeles last Friday, Fleischmann said that a flight attendant told her to put away the tablet for takeoff and landing and was unwilling to bend even after Fleischmann's aide explained that it was a communication device. "She stated to me that it was the policy of the airlines that I couldn't have my iPad and that with all her years of flying that she's never seen or heard anybody using an iPad to communicate before," wrote Fleischmann, who said that her communication needs have always been accommodated by the crew on previous flights. To read more,click here

Did You Know That....

Early intervention services are designed to meet the needs of infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay or disability. Sometimes it is known from the moment a child is born that early intervention services will be essential in helping the child grow and develop. Often this is so for children who are diagnosed at birth with a specific condition or who experience significant prematurity, very low birth weight, illness, or surgery soon after being born. Even before heading home from the hospital, this child's parents may be given a referral to their local early intervention office.

New Model of Muscular Dystrophy Provides Insight Into Disease Development

Muscular dystrophy is a complicated set of genetic diseases in which genetic mutations affect the various proteins that contribute to a complex that is required for a structural bridge between muscle cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) that provides the physical and chemical environment required for their development and function. The affects of these genetic mutations in patients vary widely, even when the same gene is affected. In order to develop treatments for this disease, it is important to have an animal model that accurately reflects the course of the disease in humans. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers at the University of Iowa report the development of a mouse model of Fukuyama's muscular dystrophy that copies the pathology seen in the human form of the disease. To read more,click here

Liberty Mutual Savings

NASET MEMBER'S BENEFIT -

Group Savings Plus from Liberty Mutual

As a member ofNASETyou qualify for a special group discount* on your auto, home, and renter's insurance through Group Savings Plus® from Liberty Mutual. This unique program allows you to purchase high-quality auto, home and renters insurance at low group rates.

 

See for yourself how much money you could save with Liberty Mutual compared to your current insurance provider. For a free, no-obligation quote, call 800-524-9400 or visit

www.libertymutual.com/naset,or visit your local sales office.

*Group discounts, other discounts, and credits are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state.  Certain discounts apply to specific coverage only.  To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify.  Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA.

Stresses of Poverty May Impair Learning Ability in Young Children

The stresses of poverty - such as crowded conditions, financial worry, and lack of adequate child care - lead to impaired learning ability in children from impoverished backgrounds, according to a theory by a researcher funded by the National Institutes of Health. The theory is based on several years of studies matching stress hormone levels to behavioral and school readiness test results in young children from impoverished backgrounds. Further, the theory holds, finding ways to reduce stress in the home and school environment could improve children's well being and allow them to be more successful academically. High levels of stress hormones influence the developing circuitry of children's brains, inhibiting such higher cognitive functions such as planning, impulse and emotional control, and attention. Known collectively as executive functions, these mental abilities are important for academic success. To read more,click here

Opinion: An Immune Disorder at the Root of Autism

In recent years, scientists have made extraordinary advances in understanding the causes ofautism, now estimated to afflict 1 in 88 children. But remarkably little of this understanding has percolated into popular awareness, which often remains fixated on vaccines. So here's the short of it: At least a subset of autism - perhaps one-third, and very likely more - looks like a type of inflammatory disease. And it begins in the womb. It starts with what scientists call immune dysregulation. Ideally, your immune system should operate like an enlightened action hero, meting out inflammation precisely, accurately and with deadly force when necessary, but then quickly returning to a Zen-like calm. Doing so requires an optimal balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory muscle. To read more,click here

Did You Know That....

Some children have a relatively routine entry into the world, but may develop more slowly than others, experience set backs, or develop in ways that seem very different from other children. For these children, a visit with a developmental pediatrician and a thorough evaluation may lead to an early intervention referral. However a child comes to be referred, assessed, and determined eligible-early intervention services provide vital support so that children with developmental needs can thrive and grow.

Multiple Abortions May Raise Risk of Preemie Birth Later

Women who've had three or more abortions are at increased risk for premature and low birth-weight babies when they first give birth, a new study indicates. Researchers looked at more than 300,000 Finnish mothers and found that 10.3 percent had had one induced abortion between 1996 and 2008, 1.5 percent had two abortions, and 0.3 percent had three or more abortions before a first birth. Compared to mothers who had no abortions, those who had three or more abortions had a 225 percent increased risk of having a baby with a very low birth weight (less than 1,500 grams or 3.3 pounds), a 43 percent increased risk of low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams or 5.5 pounds), a 35 percent increased risk of preterm birth (before 37 weeks), and an increased risk of very preterm birth (before 28 weeks). To read more,click here

NASET Sponsor - Cal Poly Pomona

To learn more -Click here

TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Guess the answer to this week's trivia question and we'll recognize you in next week's Week in Review.

Congratulations to: Marlene Barnett,Alexandra Pirard, Jessica L. Ulmer, Olumide Akerele,Prahbhjot Malhi, and Renee Nash who all knew the answer to last week's trivia question:

According to the Civil Rights Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles at the University of California, Los Angeles, one in four black students (25%) with disabilities was suspended at least once during the 2009-10 school year.



THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
According to a latest study out of Iceland on fathers and autism, men who have kids later in life may pass on more new genetic mutations to their offspring, possibly raising their child's risk of disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.New mutations arise in the sperm cells of men near the time of conception instead of being passed down through generations. They have been associated with relatively rare cases of non-hereditary autism. However, one of the criticisms and/or limitations of the study done is the size of the sample selected to analyze the data.  How many families were used in this study to analyze the results?

If you know the answer, send an email tocontactus@naset.org
All answers must be submitted no later than Monday, September 10, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.

Kids With Neurological Conditions at Higher Risk of Flu Death: CDC

Children with neurologic disorders such as cerebral palsy, intellectual disability or epilepsy are at increased risk of dying from flu, a new study says. The findings highlight the importance of influenza vaccination to protect these children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers analyzed data on influenza-related deaths among children younger than 18 during the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic. The number of flu-related deaths during the pandemic was more than five times the median number of children's deaths reported in the previous five flu seasons. To read more,click here

AASEP Logo

NASET MEMBER'S BENEFIT -

Board Certification in Special Education Available to NASET Members

Through an agreement with The American Academy of Special Education Professionals(AASEP), NASET members now have the opportunity to achieve AASEP Board Certification in Special Education - (B.C.S.E.) at a reduced fee.  AASEP Board Certification in Special Education - (B.C.S.E.) is a voluntary choice on the part of the candidate. The candidate for Board Certification wishes to demonstrate a commitment to excellence to employers, peers, administrators, other professionals, and parents. From the standpoint of the Academy, board certification will demonstrate the highest professional competency in the area of special education. Board Certification in Special Educationestablishes a much needed standard for professionals, across disciplines, who work with exceptional children.

 

For more information on Board Certification in Special Education,click here

Pregnancy Duration Predicts Stress Response in the First Months of Life

After waking up, the concentration of the stress hormone cortisol in saliva rises considerably; this is true not only for grown-ups but for babies as well. A research team from the Ruhr-Universität Bochum and from Basel has reported this finding in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.  "This gives us a new, non-invasive and uncomplicated possibility to already research the activity of the stress system during infancy," Prof. Dr. Gunther Meinlschmidt, of the Clinic of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the LWL University Hospital of the RUB, said. To read more,click here

Little Evidence on Value of Treatments for Autism: Report

There is just not enough evidence to determine whether or not current treatments actually help adolescents and young adults with autism, researchers report. "Overall, there is very little evidence in all areas of care for adolescents and young adults with autism, and it is urgent that more rigorous studies be developed and conducted," report senior author Melissa McPheeters, director of Vanderbilt University's Evidence-Based Practice Center, said in a university news release. Her team reviewed 32 studies published between 1980 and 2011 on therapies for people aged 13 to 30 with autism. To read more,click here

Adolescent Pot Use Leaves Lasting Mental Deficits; Developing Brain Susceptible to Lasting Damage from Exposure to Marijuana

The persistent, dependent use of marijuana before age 18 has been shown to cause lasting harm to a person's intelligence, attention and memory, according to an international research team. Among a long-range study cohort of more than 1,000 New Zealanders, individuals who started using cannabis in adolescence and used it for years afterward showed an average decline in IQ of 8 points when their age 13 and age 38 IQ tests were compared. Quitting pot did not appear to reverse the loss either, said lead researcher Madeline Meier, a post-doctoral researcher at Duke University. The results appear online Aug. 27 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. To read more,click here

Snoring Kids Should Be Screened for Sleep Apnea: Experts

Kids who snore should be evaluated for sleep apnea. That's the main recommendation that comes from a set of updated guidelines released by the American Academy of Pediatrics."The evidence is much stronger today," said Dr. Carole Marcus, a professor of pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Pediatricians should routinely ask parents about snoring, but if they don't, parents should bring it up," she said. "Snoring in kids can be a sign of a serious medical illness." Marcus was referring to sleep apnea, which is marked by pauses in breathing that occur throughout the night and disrupt sleep. When left untreated, sleep apnea in children can result in behavioral and learning difficulties and may also affect growth. These consequences are largely related to lack of quality sleep. To read more,click here

Developmental Delay Often Overlooked In Hispanic Children

Hispanic children may be more than twice as likely as other kids to have developmental delay, new research suggests, but in many cases the condition is going unnoticed. In what's believed to be the largeststudyyet to compare the development of Hispanic and non-Hispanic children, researchers found that more than 6 percent of Latino kids had developmental delay. That compares to a rate of just 2.4 percent among other children in the study of over 1,000 California kids ages 2 to 5. The high rate of developmental issues among Hispanic kids suggests that many children may not be receiving needed services, researchers said of the findings reported in the journal Autism. To read more,click here

Stopping Controversial Asthma Drugs Could Have Downside: Study

It's OK for some patients with asthma to stick with a combination of medications instead of abandoning one because of concerns about complications, a new analysis of existing research suggests. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that asthma patients who take both long-acting beta-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid medications should be cautious about using them together once their condition is under control. Long-acting beta-agonists -- such as drugs known by the brand names Serevent, Foradil and Brovana -- could cause side effects, the FDA cautioned, as could combination drugs. For that reason, the agency suggested that patients consider going with inhaled corticosteroids alone. To read more,click here

Did You Know That....

The IFSP is a written document that, among other things, outlines the early intervention services that an infant/toddler and family will receive. One guiding principal of the IFSP is that the family is a child's greatest resource, that a young child's needs are closely tied to the needs of his or her family. The best way to support children and meet their needs is to support and build upon the individual strengths of their family. So, the IFSP is a whole family plan with the parents as major contributors in its development. Involvement of other team members will depend on what the child needs. These other team members could come from several agencies and may include medical people, therapists, child development specialists, social workers, and others.

How the Paralympics Checks Intellectual Disability

Athletes with intellectual disabilities competed for the first time in the 1996 Paralympic Games, in Atlanta. They competed again in Sydney four years later - but a scandal erupted when 10 out of 12 members of the Spanish basketball squad were unmasked as impostors without any disability. The Spanish players went to great lengths to conceal their deception - growing beards and wearing bobble hats off the court, in the hope that they wouldn't be recognised. They won gold, but one player blew the whistle, an investigation followed, and they were stripped of their medals. After that, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said that until there was a reliable system for verifying intellectual disability, no further events in this category would be held. To read more,click here

Kindergarten Readiness: Are Shy Kids at an Academic Disadvantage?

Parents of young children hope for a successful kindergarten experience that will set their youngsters on the right path of their educational journey. Some worry about their kids not adapting to the school environment, particularly when the children are talkative and overactive. Yet, a new study by the University of Miami (UM) shows that overly shy preschool children are at greater academic risk than their chatty and boisterous peers. The study is one of the first to follow the social and academic progress of children throughout the preschool year. The report shows that children displaying shy and withdrawn behavior early in the preschool year started out with the lowest academic skills and showed the slowest gains in academic learning skills across the year. The findings are published online, in advance of print, by the Journal of School Psychology. To read more,click here

In Texas, More Parents of Children with Special Needs Opt out of Public Schools

For thousands of Texas parents, the start of the school year has taken on a new meaning: an end to the conflicts, struggles and disappointment with the public school system. A growing number of parents of special-needs children are opting out of public schools, deciding instead to home school or to pay for pricey private schools. The number of secondary students who left public schools to home school increased 50 percent from 2003 to 2010, reaching 2,040 7th- through 12th-graders, according to theTexas Education Agency. The number of middle- and high-school special education students who withdrew for private school increased 75 percent, reaching 772 in 2010. To read more,click here

Food For Thought..........

Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.

Muhammad Ali

forgot username or password?