News
Doctor who linked autism to vaccine banned - 25 May 2010
Dr Andrew Wakefield has been barred from practicing medicine in the UK after his research, which linked autism to a combined vaccine, was branded 'unethical'.
Dr Andrew Wakefield was the first researcher to publish a peer-reviewed study suggesting a connection between autism and the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella.
That prompted legions of parents to abandon the vaccine in moves that epidemiologists feared could lead to outbreaks of the potentially deadly diseases. More...
Quality of Life for Caregivers of a child aged 6-16 years with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or an Intellectual Disability: A comparative study - 14 May 2010
Natasha Browne is completing her Master's Thesis in Psychology. Her supervisor on this project is Ian Evans, Professor, Massey University. Natasha's study hopes to highlight not only areas that need addressing, but also to highlight the positive aspects of the care-giving role. More...
You are invited to view the online information sheet and questionnaire...
Natasha would greatly appreciate your participation in this study.
Statistics New Zealand - Volunteers Needed - 11 May 2010
Every five years, Statistics NZ surveys people with disabilities to get a better picture of the well-being of all New Zealanders.
This survey collects important information that Government and community organisations use to make decisions that affect everyone living with a disability, including their families and carers. Between December 2009 and June 2010, Statistics NZ will test the survey to make sure the questions are easy for everyone to understand and answer.
For more information to help you decide.... or visit the Statistics NZ website... or contact: Mark Gordon on (04) 931-4620 (by voice or through NZ Relay) or email Mark.Gordon "at" stats.govt.nz
Request for Proposal ASD Communication and Behaviour Services - outside of Auckland - 06 May 2010
The Ministry of Health is seeking proposals for the provision of a communication and behaviour support service to children and young people (up to their 19th birthday) with suspected or diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder in regions outside Auckland. This seeks to provide services across the whole of New Zealand following a demonstration project undertaken since 2005 by IDEA Services in the Auckland region, and an evalution of the project in May 2007 by Donald Beasley Institute. Further information is available on the GETS website Ref 29633 or contact New Zealand Guidelines Group pbell "at" nzgg.org.nz for further information.
New website resource on Autism Spectrum Disorder for health and education practitioners - 19 April 2010
This website contains guidance on recognition and referral of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for people working in health, disability, education and community settings. ASD resources are drawn from the 'New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline' and cover areas such as: basic signs and symptoms of ASD, how to refer people for formal diagnosis when you suspect ASD, the formal process of diagnosis.
Further information available includes a Flier, Description of website features, Background information implementing the guideline recommendations, and Article on early detection
Contact for any further information: 04 471 4192 or asd "at" nzgg.org.nz
The OPEN MINDS Circle - 24 February 2010
Evidence-Based Autism Treatment Now "the Rule" in California
As of August 1, 2009, autism treatment provided by California's 21 state-funded regional centers must be limited to evidence-based practices. The regional centers are prohibited from providing or funding any experimental treatments that have not been clinically determined or scientifically proven as an effective and safe treatment as determined by the "National Autism Standards Report" released by the National Autism Center. More...
University seeks participants for auditory...
Individuals 16 years and over with Autistic Spectrum Disorder or Asperger's Syndrome are sought to take part in auditory experiment investigating the way we group various sounds whilst focusing on them.
It involves listening to various auditory sounds during an EEG brain recording and making a decision about them.
Participants will be paid $50 in vouchers upon completion of experiment.
To find out more, or to volunteer, email: v.lodhia "at" auckland.ac.nz, or phone: 373-7599 x 88636.
To print out a notice to advertise on your notice board
For more information about the study...
This study is being conducted by Dr. Michael Hautus (Senior Lecturer and Miss Veema Lodhia (PhD student) of the Department of Psychology at the University of Auckland.
APPROVED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND HUMAN PARTICIPANTS ETHICS COMMITTEE ON 10/02/2010 for 3 years from 10/02/2010 to 10/02/2013 Reference Number 2009/ 537
Radio NZ Interview re flaws in study which linked the MMR vaccine with autism - 11 February 2010
Interview with Brian Deer the journalist who uncoverd the serious flaws in the study. Link to the Radio NZ website or download the audio file.
New Version of Mental Health Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - 10 February 2010
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has announced the release of a draft of the fifth version of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manaul of Mental Disorder (DSM-V). From The Economist More....
Lancet withdraws paper on MMR vaccine (NZ Herald) - 3 February 2010
The controversial research paper that sparked an international scare over MMR vaccine was yesterday withdrawn by The Lancet medical journal, 12 years after it was published.
The Lancet said it had taken the decision following last week's preliminary verdict by a disciplinary panel of the General Medical Council which found the lead author, Andrew Wakefield, and two of his co-authors had acted "dishonestly" and "irresponsibly" in carrying out their research. More...
Medical journal retracts study linking autism to vaccine (CNN) - 2 February 2010
The medical journal The Lancet on Tuesday retracted a controversial 1998 paper that linked the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism.
The study subsequently had been discredited, and last week, the lead author, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, was found to have acted unethically in conducting the research. More...
Ministry of Health Disability Support Services - Autism Spectrum Disorder Newsletter - December 2009
News from the National Autism Center (USA)
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National Standards Project Update
The National Autism Center (NAC) are happy to announce the National Standards Report, a conclusive guide to effective treatments for kids and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. More... or to download the report
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In the News
Executive Director Dr. Susan Wilczynski was featured recently on a Fox News (Washington, D.C.) segment about autism in the military. Access the clip through the website! -
In the Community
The National Autism Center was honored to collaborate with the Ford Hall Forum recently in presenting a panel discussion in Boston entitled, Autism: Looking Beyond Cause and Cure — Critical questions surrounding one of today’s greatest healthcare challenges. To read more about the forum...
Altogether Autism Information Coordination - 29 April 2009
Altogether Autism is pleased to advise that Autism New Zealand is to undertake provision of Information Coordination roles in regions throughout New Zealand under contract to Altogether Autism. This follows the recent disestablishment of ASD Advisor positions and the signalled transformation of the approach to provision of regional services.
Adri Isbister, LIFE Unlimited Chief Executive said that this new arrangement enhanced the regional availability of information about autism throughout New Zealand. There would be benefits for families and people with autism being able to access good quality evidence based information within their regions and have consistent regional get togethers and Hui. The integrity of the centralised specialist information service remains strong with all information requests under strict quality control and reviewed by the Professional Expert Group when required. More...
World Autism Awareness Day - 2 April 2009
In December 2007 the United Nations passed a resolution to make 2 April every year World Autism Awareness Day. It is estimated that around 35 million people worldwide have ASD. The intention is to increase awareness of autism and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. An information backgrounder was provided by the Ministries of Education and Health For more information...
First ever autism law tabled in the UK - January 2009
A private members bill was tabled in the UK recently aiming to make provision of ASD services mandatory for all local councils and health authorities and trusts (equivalent of DHBs). Read the National Autistic Society Press Relase or a copy of the draft Bill.
ASD Guideline Implementation Advisory Group - December 2008
The December newsletter has information on the process by the Implementation Advisory Group for determining priorities for allocation of funding approved by the Ministry of Health for improving ASD services, as well as other general updates and information.
ASD Guideline Implementation Advisory Group - April 2008
At the Parliamentary lauch of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Evidence-based Guideline on 2 April 2008, Minister of Health David Cunliffe announced that from May 2008 forwards, work to implement the Guideline would commence. For more information click here
Memorandum of Understanding Press Release - March 2008
Friday 22nd March 2008 was a milestone for two organisations working in the disability sector facing similar challenges. Altogether Autism, (a partnership between Parent to Parent New Zealand 
and LIFE Unlimited), and Autism NZ, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a protocol for providing a complementary working relationship throughout New Zealand. The organisations agree that with a scarce resource, working in a collaborative manner will be mutually beneficial and add value to the services each organisation provides for people with autism their families and whanau and interested other.
The Memorandum of Understanding states that the organisations agree to work collaboratively - share information, issues or information, which affect people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Altogether Autism, will work with Autism NZ branches to ensure that duplication of service does not occur and the two organisations will refer people to each other as appropriate.
Both Altogether Autism and Autism NZ see the benefit of future collaboration in professional development and services. This MoU is about the people we serve.