This page and web site is a place for anyone interested in bringing music into a care-giving environment. Care-giving environments can be such places [...]]]> My mission is to provide “Music for Caregivers” to integrate into the lives of people living in nursing homes and to those with physical, developmental or neurological disabilities living in our world.

This page and web site is a place for anyone interested in bringing music into a care-giving environment. Care-giving environments can be such places such as a nursing home, a convalescent center, a group home, a hospital or to individuals living in the community.  This is dedicated to all those people with either physical, neurological, or developmental disabilities and for all those that are all too often forgotten and hidden away by our self-absorbed culture.

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
And have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
Your walls are ever before me.

Isaiah 49:15-16

I have answered God’s call to stand up for the rights of these our brothers and sisters and most importantly come to them simply as a brother with his guitar and his voice. A little music can brighten one’s day, lift spirits, revive memories, and reduce depression and feel less lonely. All this is possible with no prescription and no side effects.

If you would like me to play at your nursing home or for your group, please contact me. Click here to Email Me

When: various, over the next two weeks, or by appointment

Where: varies, see below

My name is George Saidah, Founder of Heart of Sailing, a non [...]]]> Here is a great opportunity for you and your special needs child (or adult) that was brought to my attention by the wonderful Washington State Fathers Network.

Free Daysails with Heart of Sailing

When: various, over the next two weeks, or by appointment

Where: varies, see below

My name is George Saidah, Founder of Heart of Sailing, a non profit organization, that introduces sailing to special needs children and adults as form of education and recreational therapy. This free service is a family or group activity.

Check out our schedule, and choose the city of your choice:

Portland, Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Kirkland, Bellingham, Vancouver BC, and more …

Thank you for your time and I hope to sail with you soon, George

http://heartofsailing.org/mission.asp

Congressional Inquiry:  Restraint and Seclusion

Deadline:  Friday, August 14, 2009

National Protection and Advocacy has a Congressional inquiry regarding the use of restraint and seclusion in Washington schools and wants to hear of any examples of abusive situations.

Washington state’s protection and advocacy organization (Disability Rights Washington www.DisabilityRightsWA.org) [...]]]> Thanks to the Washington State Fathers Network for providing this notification.

Congressional Inquiry:  Restraint and Seclusion

Deadline:  Friday, August 14, 2009

National Protection and Advocacy has a Congressional inquiry regarding the use of restraint and seclusion in Washington schools and wants to hear of any examples of abusive situations.

Washington state’s protection and advocacy organization (Disability Rights Washington www.DisabilityRightsWA.org) is interested in any situation in a public school within the last two school years (07/08 and/or 08/09) where restraint and/or seclusion (including but not limited to time out rooms) was used in a manner in which the parents or someone else at the school deemed inappropriate and abusive.

Please do not include any personally identifying information if you wish to remain anonymous.  Send all responses via email or snail mail (USPO) by Friday August 14, 2009 to:

Mark Stroh, Executive Director
Disability Rights Washington
315 – 5th Ave South, Suite 850
Seattle, WA  98104

MStroh@DR-WA.org

There is an article on this in the Washington Times and there is a video news story by MSNBC.

Just watching this video gives me post traumatic stress and makes me [...]]]> It’s no surprise to me, but the GAO released a report detailing how public schools use abuse to deal with disabled children, including those with autism.

There is an article on this in the Washington Times and there is a video news story by MSNBC.

Just watching this video gives me post traumatic stress and makes me want to cry! Yes, I can say from personal experience the GAO investigation is correct. Some of these very same things were done to our daughter beginning in 1st grade. Since she entered school, the school district has put her in a box, locked her in a “cell”, hit her, sat on her, dragged her on the ground and ripped her skin off her body, sent her home with cuts, lacerations and bruises and turned over to police and had her handcuffed. Is there any wonder she doesn’t like going to school?

Have you had similar experiences?

Well, it is finally April 2nd. The second annual World Autism Awareness Day. Here are some resources to help you become more aware:

Autism Speaks press release

My site’s entry portal into background information and resources for autism, developmental disabilities, dementia, Alzheimer’s and related topics.

A list [...]]]>

Well, it is finally April 2^nd. The second annual World Autism Awareness Day. Here are some resources to help you become more aware:

Autism Speaks press release

My site’s entry portal into background information and resources for autism, developmental disabilities, dementia, Alzheimer’s and related topics.

A list of great autism support resources that you might find helpful.

A growing list of musicians who support autism awareness. Comment or email me your additions and I will be happy to add them to the list.

And finally, but not least, a list of some of the charities, associations and foundations related to autism.

Autism Speaks to Celebrate Second Annual World Autism Awareness Day with an Array of International Events on April 2

New York [...]]]> Oh my gosh, it almost caught me off guard.  I realized that tomorrow, Thursday April 2nd is coincidentally enough the 2nd annual World Autism Awareness Day.  Below is what Autism Speaks has posted on the event:

Autism Speaks to Celebrate Second Annual World Autism Awareness Day with an Array of International Events on April 2

New York Stock Exchange Bell-Ringing, Yoko Ono Lennon Event at the UN, and “Walk on the Web” Highlight Global Awareness Activities

NEW YORK, NY (March 12, 2009) – Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, today announced a series of national and international events to mark the second annual celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, a global effort to heighten awareness about a disorder affecting millions of individuals and families around the world. WAAD is a result of a resolution passed unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008, making autism one of only three health issues to be recognized by the UN with its own “day.” The April 2 events will take place on multiple continents and in venues ranging from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to the United Nations and the Worldwide Web.

Autism Speaks Co-Founders Bob and Suzanne Wright, together with Autism Speaks Board Member Alison Niederauer – who has a son on the autism spectrum and is the wife of NYSE Euronext CEO Duncan Niederauer – will join other families affected by autism to kick off World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) at the New York Stock Exchange, where they will ring the opening bell for the second consecutive year.

“Last year’s WAAD events were a remarkable success, and we are confident that the scope of this year’s activities will help elevate autism as a topic of international discussion and exploration,” said Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks. “On this day, we will highlight the tremendous contributions of individuals with autism, as well as the strength and dedication of their families. Together, we are inspiring compassion, inclusion and hope by building a global autism community whose voice is finally being heard.”

Later that morning at the United Nations, artist Yoko Ono Lennon will unveil an original work called “Promise Piece” that she created for, and was inspired by, WAAD. “Promise Piece” is a unique work of art, done in a style Ms. Ono has been working in for more than two decades, in which a larger work is broken apart into smaller pieces. The 58 signed puzzle pieces will be auctioned throughout the month of April, with the caveat that they are to be “re-united” and re-assembled when the cure for autism is found. The event will be sponsored by the Chilean Mission.

“I am proud to partner with Autism Speaks in promoting awareness and advocacy for children with autism,” said Yoko Ono. “World Autism Awareness Day is not only a day to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, but also to celebrate another big step towards healing our world.”

To raise awareness about autism in various nations, several first ladies and dignitaries have recorded WAAD public service announcements. They include: Mrs. Ban Soon-taek, wife of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon; Dr. Liri Berisha, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Albania; Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, First Lady of Egypt; Mrs. Sarah Brown, wife of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Mrs. Vivian Fernandez de Torrijos, First Lady of Panama; Ms. Dalia Rabin, daughter of former Prime Minister of Israel; Mrs. Touré Lobbo Traoré, First Lady of Mali; and Señora Margarita Zavala Calderón, First Lady of Mexico. The ads will air on CNN on April 2 as well as in countries around the world, raising awareness about World Autism Awareness Day’s events and advocacy and services available around the globe.

In New York City’s Central Park, Autism Speaks and the Ad Council will sponsor a unique awareness event to highlight the 1 in 150 prevalence rate for autism.

The World Health Organization and the Qatar Mission will host a panel luncheon on the subject of autism at the United Nations on April 2. Bob Wright will be a participant in the panel discussion, which will be attended by permanent representatives and other UN officials.

The day will conclude with the premiere of the contemporary dance piece “beyond.words” by dre.dance, a New York-based contemporary dance company at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. The special performance combines dre.dance’s propulsive choreography with interpretive actions gleaned from typical autism spectrum behavior. Artistic Directors Taye Diggs and Andrew Palermo created the piece to shed light on the beauty and spirit of individuals with autism. This fundraising event supports the work of both organizations and includes admission to the performance, a post-performance reception and a post-performance question and answer period with Diggs, Palermo, the dre.dance company and representatives from Autism Speaks. For tickets, contact Eileen McDonough at emcdonough@autismspeaks.org or call 917-475-5060.

This year, Autism Speaks has teamed up with Wubbzy – star of Nick Jr.’s whimsical animated preschool television series “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” – to promote WAAD. Autism Speaks and the Ad Council produced television and web banner public service announcements (PSAs) featuring Wubbzy. A special web site, Walk with Wubbzy on the Web, is a “virtual walk” that is an extension of Autism Speaks’ Walk Now for Autism, which takes place in more than 75 communities across the United States, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. The Walk with Wubbzy on the Web site provides ideas about how people can celebrate World Autism Awareness Day in their local community, and also accepts donations to fund autism awareness and research efforts. Last year’s Walk Now on the Web raised more than $40,000.

The WAAD web site, www.worldautismawarenessday.org features links to autism organizations, autism information that can be printed in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Korean, Russian and Spanish, and a list of worldwide WAAD events. To date, there are events planned in more than a dozen countries, including Aruba, Bahrain, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Panama, Romania, the U.K. and the U.S.

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139 declaring April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in perpetuity. This UN resolution established WAAD as one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days, with the goal of bringing the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions.

World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of people with autism, and features community events around the world where individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced.

About Autism
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks funds more than $30 million each year in new autism research, in addition to supporting the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, Autism Clinical Trials Network, Autism Tissue Program and a range of other scientific and medical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning, multi-year national public service advertising campaign with the Ad Council. Autism Speaks’ family services efforts include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit and the distribution of community grants to local service providers. Its government relations division has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the federal government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to require insurers to cover medically-necessary autism therapies. Each year, Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism fundraising events are held in more than 70 cities across the country, as well as Canada and the United Kingdom.

About the Co-Founders
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. He also serves on the board of directors of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation and RAND Corporation. Suzanne Wright has an extensive history of active involvement in community and philanthropic endeavors, mostly directed toward helping children. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and is also Trustee Emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, her alma mater. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

REFERENCE POINTS:

New National Center For Parents with Disabilities and Their Families

REFERENCE POINTS is an activity of TATRA, a project of PACER Center:

Through the Looking Glass recently announced its new National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families. This National Center is funded [...]]]> I just learned about this and I thought I would pass it on:

REFERENCE POINTS:

New National Center For Parents with Disabilities and Their Families

REFERENCE POINTS is an activity of TATRA, a project of PACER Center:

Through the Looking Glass recently announced its new National Center for
Parents with Disabilities and their Families. This National Center is
funded by NIDRR, U.S. Department of Education. The Center targets three
national populations: parents with diverse disabilities; family members;
and, service providers and trainees who have a particularly critical
impact on parents. The Center’s activities focus on priority issues
facing parents with disabilities and their families: custody and
parental evaluations; family roles and personal assistance; paratransit;
and, intervention with parents with cognitive and intellectual
disabilities and their children. The overall goal of this project is to
improve the quality of life among parents with disabilities and their
families. Further information about the Center can be found at
http://lookingglass.org/ncpd/index.php

REFERENCE POINTS is administered by PACER Center http://www.PACER.org as
a technical assistance activity of the TATRA Project. The T ATRA Project
is funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

Even though the results from the original 1998 research were based on a statistically insignificant sample [...]]]> So, have you seen the news report from The Times of London that Dr. Andrew Wakefield manipulated data in his research that sparked the scare of an autism link with the measles, mumps and rubella vacine?

Even though the results from the original 1998 research were based on a statistically insignificant sample size of 12 patients apparently the report caused a herd mentality drop in MMR vaccinations in the UK.  Subsequently, the number of reported measles cases went from 56 in 1998 to 1,348 in 2008.

This speaks to me to the enormity of the burden parents of autistic children feel upon their shoulders.  Many on the outside might not realize the incredible stress it places upon a family to provide 24/7/365 care for a child with this condition.  And due to this stress, it is often tempting to jump in head first to what appear to be promising new revelations relating to the origin, and hopefully prevention or cure of autism.

The link to the article in The Times is here:  http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5683671.ece

However, I am making an exception right now, a week and a half before our presidential election, because it is of vital importance to our future.  I cannot support [...]]]> People who know me know that I very rarely talk about politics.  I don’t like politics (in government or at the office) and I am not political.

However, I am making an exception right now, a week and a half before our presidential election, because it is of vital importance to our future.  I cannot support Barack Obama’s candidacy for president.  Senator Obama fails the most fundamental test of what is necessary in a US president:

Q.  Has Senator Obama demonstrated that he supports the most basic of our constitutional and God-given human rights?

A. No.

Q. Does he support the right to live for all people, from conception to natural death?

A. No.

The preamble to the United States Declaration of Independence states this so eloquently:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Senator Obama has a solid voting record of voting against any restrictions against abortion at any time or any form.  He has a consistent record of voting to allow people the ability to kill unborn babies.

We need a president that we know beyond a doubt will use the office to protect our lives.  If we have leaders who will not protect the unalienable right to life of one group of people – the unborn – how can we be sure others who are vulnerable, the mentally ill, the disabled, those with birth defects, the elderly, those with developmental disabilities will not find their lives in danger?

Given my devotion to the concerns of autism/developmental disabilities and aging issues of Alzheimer’s and dementia, I cannot remain silent.  This is part of the war in the contest between what the late Great Pope John Paul II referred to as “The Gospel of Life” and “the culture of death”.  Today, we have a battle between good and evil, between the forces of light and the forces of darkness.  This is the time for all men and women of good will, no matter your religion or political party to take action and make a difference in the defense of LIFE.

The following excerpts are from an article in Life News about questions posed by Pastor Rick Warren on August 16, 2008:

At the Saddleback Civic Forum on the Presidency, evangelicals had their chance to meet Mr. Obama and to compare his brand of Christianity to theirs.

Pastor Rick Warren then posed his question about abortion – a pivotal issue for evangelical Christian and Catholic voters alike – this way: “At what point does a baby get human rights, in your view?” It was a question of how Mr. Obama’s faith would inform his conscience and his policy. The Illinois senator’s answer – “Answering that question with specificity, you know, is above my pay grade” – fell flat, both because it seemed to many people to be a casual answer to a very serious question, and because it simply did not connect with a Christian audience for whom it is an article of faith that God is the author of life.

Mr. Obama’s words at Saddleback and actions as a legislator leave no doubt about where he stands. He opposed a partial-birth abortion bill that passed in the Senate by a 2-1 margin, and later criticized the Supreme Court for upholding the law. As an Illinois state senator, he was among a handful of legislators who opposed a state version of the Born Alive Infants Protection Act. And he has promised that the first thing he’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act, eliminating all existing restrictions on abortion, including the Hyde Amendment’s ban on federal funding.

A helpful voter’s guide to the 2008 presidential election has been compiled by Priests for Life.

The Asperger Support Network is a place to find resources related to living life with Asperger’s Syndrome and relate conditions in Seattle, the Puget Sound, and Washington State.

So, if you [...]]]> I have updated my concert schedule on the Live page.  In October I will be performing for the Seattle Asperger’s Support Group’s 10 year anniversary celebration.

The Asperger Support Network is a place to find resources related to living life with Asperger’s Syndrome and relate conditions in Seattle, the Puget Sound, and Washington State.

So, if you belong to the Asperger’s group, please attend!  And happy birthday!

If love were only a feeling, there would be no basis for the promise to love each other forever.”

Eric Fromm

With the number of autistic children growing, researchers are targeting new technologies to help detect the disorder at ever-younger ages in hopes of reversing some of autism’s worst symptoms. See the article in the Wall Street Journal. www.WSJ.com

(This list was provide by “Autism Connections” MySpace site.)

Please let me know if there is someone else we can add to the list!

Chris Hartzog www.chris-hartzog.com (Wrote a song “Michelle, When I Hear Your Name” about his daughter who has autism)

Candlebox www.myspace.com/candlebox

Marc Rizzo of Soulfly http://www.myspace.com/marcrizzo or  www.myspace.com/soulfly

Chris Daughtry [...]]]>

Some of the Musicians Who Support Autism Awareness:

(This list was provide by “Autism Connections” MySpace site.)

Please let me know if there is someone else we can add to the list!

Chris Hartzog www.chris-hartzog.com (Wrote a song “Michelle, When I Hear Your Name” about his daughter who has autism)

Candlebox www.myspace.com/candlebox

Marc Rizzo of Soulfly http://www.myspace.com/marcrizzo or  www.myspace.com/soulfly

Chris Daughtry www.myspace.com/daughtry

Goo Goo Dolls www.myspace.com/googoodolls

Eels www.myspace.com/eels

Beck www.myspace.com/beck

Stereolab www.myspace.com/stereolab

Spoken www.myspace.com/spoken

Jayne Nelsen http://www.myspace.com/jaynenelsen

Mark Leland http://www.myspace.com/markleland (Wrote the song “Missing Pieces – A song for Autism” )

Denielle Hann http://www.myspace.com/deniellehann

Geoff Sewell http://www.myspace.com/geoffsewell

Aaron Yorke http://www.myspace.com/aaronyorke

Jamie Manning http://www.myspace.com/autismsongs

Clay Aiken: http://www.myspace.com/clayaiken

MUSIC IS HOPE compilation CD – http://www.myspace.com/musicishopecharity

Brett Schieber http://www.myspace.com/brettschieber

Shirley Levi http://www.myspace.com/shirleylevi (Shirley worte the song ” Ann Marie” about a girl with autism.)

Adam Cherrill http://www.myspace.com/adamcherrill

(The song “Little Boy” is written from his personal experience as a parent of a child who experiences autism )

Coles Whalen http://www.myspace.com/coleswhalen

The Vines http://www.myspace.com/thevines

Patrick Andrew www.patrickandrew.com

The Dimension Mix http://www.myspace.com/dimensionmix

Aguafuego http://www.myspace.com/aguafuego

Phoebe Snow http://www.myspace.com/tonisphoebesnow

Type Jordan http://www.myspace.com/typejordan

Johnny Otto/Re-Bel Records http://www.myspace.com/johnnyotto

Constance Alex http://www.myspace.com/constancealex

Kat Wyand http://www.myspace.com/katwyand

Vo Fletcher http://www.myspace.com/vofletcher

Please let me know if there is someone we can add to the list!

Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old. This set of signs distinguishes autism from milder autism spectrum disorders (ASD) such as Asperger syndrome.[2]

Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of [...]]]> From the Wikipedia entry:

Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old. This set of signs distinguishes autism from milder autism spectrum disorders (ASD) such as Asperger syndrome.^[2]

Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is unclear whether ASD is explained more by multigene interactions or by rare mutations.^[3] In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects.^[4] Other proposed causes, such as childhood vaccines, are controversial and the vaccine hypotheses lack convincing scientific evidence.^[5] Most recent reviews estimate a prevalence of one to two cases per 1,000 people for autism, and about six per 1,000 for ASD, with ASD averaging a 4.3:1 male-to-female ratio. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, at least partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved.^[6]

Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is poorly understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child’s life. Early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills. There is no cure.^[7] Few children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, but some become successful,^[8] and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing that autism is a condition rather than a disorder.^[9]

I have also turned this post into a permanent page on my site for future easy access.  This is the beginning of deeper information that will be available here on the previously mentioned “niche“.

I had one of these experiences that I think songwriters long for: The Instant Jello Experience. Suddenly, a song, lyrics…verses, chorus and music, just gels up and comes into being [...]]]> Warning! Stand clear – I feel a song coming on! Looks like from last count, this will be Musing Mana # 5

I had one of these experiences that I think songwriters long for: The Instant Jello Experience. Suddenly, a song, lyrics…verses, chorus and music, just gels up and comes into being seemingly out of nowhere.

At least, that is how it kind of felt at the time. In reality, I know that my mind had been accumlating bits and pieces and mulling over things for a long time.

I have wanted to write a song for my daughter, Michelle, for a very long time. She is a special girl. She definitely has many angels surrounding her since the moment she was conceived. She is very loved and wanted. We adopted Michelle as an infant. She left the hospital at 4 days old and came to us. It was a quintessential Pacific Northwest moment….her adoption worker rode with her across Puget Sound and met us on the beach on a beautiful, sunny May day and placed her in our arms. We are, to this day, convince an angel, a bonafide angel, was there and spoke to us that day. It is a moment only my wife and I can truly appreciate and we treasure it deeply in our hearts.

This is also a song about rainbows. God’s symbol of love for His people and a reminder to us on those dark days to “have faith”…it will be okay. Coincidentally, Michelle is absolutely fascinated by and in love with rainbows.

So, having said that…that is this is what this song is about…real life….real love…a parent’s love….God’s love…beauty…life!

Check back in a day or two…the mixing is almost done and I will post it ASAP.

Do you work for Microsoft? Do you live in the Seattle area or know someone who lives here?

Did [...]]]> I am going to try this one more time. I know I haven’t gotten anyone’s attention yet, and that is okay. I am patient and I believe this is an idea that deserves waiting on.

Do you work for Microsoft? Do you live in the Seattle area or know someone who lives here?

Did you know Wired Magazine ran an article (The Geek Syndrome) discussing findings of autism rates much higher than average among children of high tech workers in Silicon Valley? Other research has uncovered similar links.

The Pacific Northwest, especially Seattle, Portland and Vancouver, British Columbia are high tech communities and hold the possibility of higher rates of autism.

I wrote a post a few days ago, “How About a Seattle Area Concert for Caregivers?” offering to host a free concert – sing along – get together somewhere in the Seattle metro area especially for long term caregivers who need a little break away from things.

So, I reiterate:

If you live in the Seattle area and would be interested in coordinating this, please comment. My idea is for this to be a FUN event…and an INTERACTIVE event…i.e. some audience participation (sing along) and an ENJOYABLE event…i.e. Somewhere where everyone can RELAX, such as a coffee shop (Yep, we have those in Seattle) or a restaurant, or maybe a club (Eagles, American Legion, etc.) where you can enjoy some food and beverages. Do you think you can pull together 10, 15 or 20 couples to do this?

While I was driving home last night, an idea popped into my head (this seems to happen a lot [...]]]> I will probably post about this a number of times due to the fact that since I have no readers and no fans it will most likely take some time to get this idea off the ground!

While I was driving home last night, an idea popped into my head (this seems to happen a lot when I drive). I know from experience that people who are a caregiver for someone with disabilities or with a serious health condition often find themselves socially isolated. There were many days that my wife and I felt like prisoners in our own home due to the difficulties involved in going out in the community with our daughter who is developmentally disabled and on the autism spectrum.

There are many other people out there in similar situations, who have either a child, spouse, parent or other person that they are responsible for which requires 24/7 level of effort. Are you or do you know someone who is a full time caregiver?

I would like to offer to put on a free concert somewhere in the Seattle metro area especially for caregivers who need a little break away from things.

If you live in the Seattle area and would be interested in coordinating this, please comment. My idea is for this to be a FUN event…and an INTERACTIVE event…i.e. some audience participation (sing along) and an ENJOYABLE event…i.e. Somewhere where everyone can RELAX, such as a coffee shop (Yep, we have those in Seattle) or a restaurant, or maybe a club (Eagles, American Legion, etc.) where you can enjoy some food and beverages. Do you think you can pull together 10, 15 or 20 couples to do this?

Research Study on Autism

I am a doctoral student at the University of Washington, and I am conducting a study on autism. The purpose of this study is to get Asian parents’ perspective on raising a child with autism. I am seeking Asian parents to interview [...]]]> I received this via email and am posting for wider dissemination:

Research Study on Autism

I am a doctoral student at the University of Washington, and I am conducting a study on autism. The purpose of this study is to get Asian parents’ perspective on raising a child with autism. I am seeking Asian parents to interview who have a child diagnosed with autism. Interviews will take approximately one hour to complete, and will be audiotaped. A $20 gift card to Starbucks coffee shop will be given to each pair of participating parents. Your participation is voluntary and anonymity will be ensured. If you are interested, please contact Nicole Casillas at (206) 898-0100, ncasillas@juno.com

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Help Western Washington Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day – April 2, 2008

On December 18, 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 declaring April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. This UN resolution is one of only [...]]]> The following comes to us from Autism Speaks:

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Help Western Washington Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day – April 2, 2008

On December 18, 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 declaring April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of children worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to make this possible. Visit the website at www.worldautismawarenessday.org to find out more!

Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and April Autism Awareness Month in the Northwest!

1. Win great prizes by registering in April for the Walk Now for Autism in Tacoma on July 19 at www.walknowforautism.org/tacoma and/or in Seattle on Oct. 4th at www.walknowforautism/seattle . If you can’t make either of those dates, participate in a Virtual Walk in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. If you register for one of these walks before April 30th and raise at least $100, you will be eligible for a drawing for one of two $50 gift certificates to one of eight McCormick and Smicks Restaurants! If you raise $500 or more, you will be eligible for a drawing for deluxe accommodation at Trout Lake Resort in Washington State in the Mount Adams Wilderness area for a 3 to 5 day vacation including a dinner for two!
2. Post autism facts on the bulletin board at your school or office. Visit Us Online for facts on Autism.
3. Send an e-mail to all your friends, relatives and co-workers containing trivia questions about autism, and offer to buy lunch for the person with the most correct answers.
4. Take your lunch on April 2 and do an e-mail blitz to share your story of how you are affected by autism, and invite people to link to your team page. Ask them to join your team and make a donation.
5. Link the Walk or World Autism Awareness day logo or page to your corporate intranet, your internet signature, your blogs, newletters, or your myspace page.
6. Wear your Autism Speaks Puzzle Pin.
7. Inform your friends and family about World Autism Awareness Day by forwarding this email.
8. Read a book on autism, then donate the book you’ve finished to your local library.
9. Visit your local Barnes & Noble for a special “Let’s Be Friends Storytime” during Autism Awareness Month.
10. Encourage your school to celebrate with these activities.
11. Encourage your company or local businesses to celebrate with these activities.
12. Invite a speaker to your school, church or business for a “Lunch and Learn” about autism.
13. Show “Autism Everyday”, a powerful video that showcases everyday life with a child on the spectrum. Contact seattle@autismspeaks.org or call 866-362-6227 for a DVD to show at your business, school, church or service group.
14. Buy tickets for you and your co-workers and friends and family to the 2nd Annual Seattle Mariners Autism Awareness Night on May 7th at www.mariners.com/autismspeaks

For more ideas on how to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day in your community, visit www.worldautismawarenessday.org.

Your local staff person is Lisa Yeager. She is here to assist you! You can reach her at Seattle@autismspeaks.org or at 866-362-6227.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Autism Society of America

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer

Autism Society of Washington

http://www.autismsocietyofwa.org/

The ARC of the United States

http://www.thearc.org/

The ARC of Washington State

http://www.arcwa.org/

University of Washington Autism Center  

http://depts.washington.edu/uwautism/

The other day my daughter and I ate Chinese and here is the fortune she got in her cookie. Can any of you parents relate to why this was so funny to me?! [...]]]> Like so many parents of special needs children realize, humor helps lighten the load and increase our bonds with our children.

The other day my daughter and I ate Chinese and here is the fortune she got in her cookie. Can any of you parents relate to why this was so funny to me?! (It is possible that no one but me will understand the back side….)

———————–

I have decided to create a bit of a musical art gallery and publicize the output from my creative endeavors into the vast uncharted waters of the Internet. So now you all get to watch me in a bubble and observe my growth, or lack thereof, over time in [...]]]> Aloha my ‘ohana!

I have decided to create a bit of a musical art gallery and publicize the output from my creative endeavors into the vast uncharted waters of the Internet. So now you all get to watch me in a bubble and observe my growth, or lack thereof, over time in my life as a songwriter, musician, singer and recording engineer.

As I talk about on my “Kilika” MySpace site, my underlying theme here is on “aloha” and “mana” in the Hawaiian understanding, especially as described by Queen Lili’uokalani. If you are not familiar with these concepts, you can read more about them here: Aloha and Mana. Also, the book “The Betrayal of Liliuokalani: Last Queen of Hawaii 1838-1917” by Helena G. Allen, available on Amazon.com contains a great wealth of background information. In addition, I am taking to the airwaves, well umm, the byte waves, in the spirit of kanikapila – “Everyone can and should sing and make music!” The Hawaiian version of Folk Music….people’s music.

And of course aloha and mana resonate perfectly with my Christian faith in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. My faith in Christ has influenced every aspect of my life, including my music. I dedicate this site and what ever I produce on it to His glory.

I must be sure to give credit to fellow musician Jonathan Coulton for providing me the inspiration to take this step. I too, like Jon, have worked in the software and high tech industries for a number of years; I am not a certified geek-head software engineer, but rather a manufacturing and quality assurance engineer. Furthermore, I am not so bold as to quit my day job. I love my day job. This project is definitely a weekend and evenings thing!

In my project, I have more modest goals. Of course, as you might be able to guess, my main goal is to write, record, produce and publish my own music. But, I will tell you right now that I am not promising that I will attempt to record a new musical piece every week of the year like Jon Coulton. My goal will be more modest and I will only say that as the inspiration strikes me and as I find the discipline to get things recorded I will post them here. It might work out to be once a week if in this process I get so jazzed that I can’t but help put out at that rate, or it might be once a month or something else. Only time will tell.

Anyway, my objectives for this undertaking are:

1) To push my creative capabilities by writing and recording to a self-imposed (but somewhat loose) deadline.

2) To test the viability of the Internet and Creative Commons licensing concept as vehicle capable of supporting an artist financially. (Even though I have a great day job, I realize the benefit of having a supplemental income stream and a possible second career after retirement!)

To advance my objective number 2, I plan to actively support the use of my songs in student/amateur films, podcasting, and/or in remixes. Since all of my music is released under an Attribution-NonCommercial Creative Commons license this means you can download my music to your Apple iPod, Sony MP3 player or Dell laptop and perform any kind of non-commercial re-use as long as you:

a) Credit me and link to this site, and

b) Do NOT use it to make money (this does not apply to songs with material that I do not own, such as cover songs). There is no need to ask permission, you are free to go make something. If you want to know more about Creative Commons, please visit the Creative Commons site.

So…..having said ALL of THAT, it is time for me to get to it. Check back often for updates. I won’t promise what I come up with will all be brilliant or complete, I will post what I have, it might only be a clip of me pushing my lawnmower, but I’ll let the world decide.

Aloha,

Chris

(Kilika)