Quirky "R" Us
www.centreforthemind.com
Dr Allan Synder has developed a ÒThinking CapÓ which can turn a Neuro Typical mind, temporarily into an Autistic Spectrum mind. Using graduate student volunteers (their brains are dispensable), Dr Snyder was able to turn off the left side of the brain, and allow the Neuro typical volunteer to depend on the right side. Creativity and focus on detail improved greatly.
The Huge Entity: Autism, Reality and the Flooding of Minds
BPS RESEARCH DIGEST: Rare counting ability induced by temporarily switching off brain region
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www.autisticadvocacy.org
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing advocacy and support for the autism spectrum. Our cooperative membership includes adults on the autism spectrum, parents, family members, educators, and other individuals who feel passionate about autism advocacy. We seek to provide support for individuals on the autism spectrum, while working to raise acceptance and understanding of the diversity of the autism spectrum among members of society. We believe that the autism spectrum is a natural, legitimate and permanent part of human genetic diversity. We are committed towards advocating the full and meaningful realization of all rights, legal protections, and services for individuals on the autism spectrum. You can find out more about ASAN by visiting our website at
www.autisticadvocacy.org, or by sending an email message to
info@autisticadvocacy.org
Our Core Missions:
Public Policy Advocacy
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network was established on the belief that the autistic community must be active in advocating for our own interests. Our members advocate for public policy change to promote the interests of the autistic community for many important policy issues, ranging from education to civil rights. Only by taking a leadership role can the autistic community ensure full realization of the inalienable rights of all people on the autism spectrum. ASAN is committed towards leading that process as part of our broader mandate for self-advocacy and self-determination for the autistic community.
Social/Support Groups
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has established social/support groups for adults and adolescents on the autism spectrum in several states and the country of Australia. We are in the process of establishing additional social/support groups throughout the U.S. These groups provide a comfortable, friendly atmosphere for members to share experiences, aspirations, successes, and challenges, while also serving as outlets for social interaction outside of the typical support group model.
Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is the self-advocacy communityÕs organizational partner for AASPIRE, the Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research in Education. AASPIRE is a research partnership between academic researchers, autistic adults, and other stakeholders (e.g. parents, educators) that engages in research pertinent to autistic adults. AASPIREÕs current project is investigating barriers in accessibility and usage of healthcare services by autistic adults. To read more about AASPIRE visit the website
www.aaspireproject.org.
Increasing Understanding, Decreasing Stereotypes & Misperceptions
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has spearheaded numerous efforts to increase public understanding of autism, while countering stereotypes and misperceptions. Our joint response with more than 22 disability organizations to the NYU Child Study CenterÕs heinous ÒRansom NotesÓ ad campaign in December 2007 influenced the quick ending of the ads.
Other Initiatives
We maintain a speakerÕs bureau of adults on the spectrum who can speak on a diverse array of topics, including living on the autism spectrum, employment, college transition, the autistic community, and numerous other topics. ASAN also offers consulting and advisory support on educational policy and classroom issues to primary schools, secondary schools (middle school and high school), postsecondary schools, and other academic institutions.
For more information on any of the above, or to find out about how to get involved with ASAN activities in your area, please email us at
info@autisticadvocacy.org Attn: Paula Durbin-Westby
