ScienceDaily (2008-02-10) — Contrary to popular notions, people at the high end of the autism spectrum disorder continuum suffer most from an inability to model “self” rather than impaired ability to respond to others, according to a novel research study. This inability to model “self” can disrupt an individual’s ability to understand the world as a whole, according to researchers. … > read full article

Posted with permission from Greg Chivers.

I’m a documentary maker and I’m doing some reasearch for a series of films for the British broadcaster Channel 4.

The films are about people overcoming personal obstacles to learn to drive and one of the issues we’re looking at is Asperger’s and
autistic spectrum disorders.

I’m very keen to get in touch with parents (Specifically British families) who have run into problems with driving tuition or who are
keen for their kids to start learning.

I’d really appreciate it if anyone interested in talking to me about their/ their kids thoughts/experiences of learning to drive could
contact me at the e mail address below.

That’s gregchivers@fireflyproductions.tv

Many Thanks

Greg Chivers
Producer/Director
Firefly Film and Television Productions Ltd
gregchivers@fireflyproductions.tv
W: www.fireflyproductions.tv

Celebrating it’s 25th anniversary in 2008, the California Autism Foundation has announced the details for the 2008 Ride for a Better Chance.  Together with the Blacktop Knights Motorcycle Club, the California Autism Foundation will host a poker run with a barbecue to follow featuring live music.  The 2007 event featured over 300 motorcycle enthusiasts; this year the Foundation hopes to top that number.

The 2008 event will be held on Sunday, June 1.  The starting point is at the CruiserCustomizing Showroom in Livermore and the event finishes at the California Autism Foundation office located in Richmond.

For more information, view the Ride for a Better Chance 2008 website.

Larry King will be featuring Jason “J-Mac” McElwain on his show, Larry King Live, on Valentine’s Day - February 14, 2008.  J-Mac is known for his amazing three-point shots during a high school basketball game in 2006.  Playing his first game for Greece Althena high school, J-Mac came in and scored 20 points and made six three-point shots which tied a school record.  J-Mac was ultimately recognized by President George W. Bush, ESPN, and other agencies across the United States.  J-Mac is on the autism spectrum and will talk with Larry King on the Thursday show dedicated to autism spectrum disorders.

Others scheduled to appear on the show include celebrities Holly Robinson Peete, Doug Flutie, and Toni Braxton; all three of these individuals have a child on the autism spectrum.  Unlike other autism shows, the Larry King Live website promises “an uplifting hour with those who know!”

Source:  CNN.com