From the [Toronto] Globe & Mail:

Canadian parents of children with Asperger’s syndrome are resisting a proposal by scientists to remove the Asperger’s label from psychiatry’s diagnostic manual. The parents say such an action would cause confusion and potentially impede treatment for people with the disorder. Scientists say the change is needed for the sake of clarity.

… “I don’t think that it’s a good idea,” says Gene Semchych, president of Asperger Manitoba Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the syndrome. “My fear is that if … the label of Asperger’s is not recognized under the DSM, then it would be very easy for the people with Asperger’s syndrome to fall between the cracks as they did before.”

… Back after Labor Day. I’ll do a roundup when I return, so please do keep those emails coming in while I’m away.

From the New York Times:

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic say the strict gluten-free or dairy-free diets often favored by parents of kids with autism may not be warranted, and may actually cause problems.

The study is published in the journal Pediatrics. Lead researcher Samar H. Ibrahim suggested that the diets be used only after appropriate diagnostic testing.

“There is actually no trial that has proven so far that a gluten-free and casein-free diet improves autism,” she said. “The diets are not easy to follow and can sometimes cause nutritional deficiencies.”

Investigation into abuse of restraints on students with disabilities — CNN’s Situation Room

CA compromise: Students in special ed won’t have to pass exit exams — San Jose Mercury News

The unvarnished reality of Asperger’s — New York Times Motherlode blog

Guide dog users denied service — Tacoma Park [MD] Gazette

Family seeks damages in arrest of daughter with autism — Foster’s Daily Democrat, Dover, NH

Blind fifth grader is a triathlete — Chicago Tribune

Tentative lawsuit settlement could give Ohio more oversight over special education — Cleveland Plain Dealer

Mom’s efforts led to Michigan autism facility — Detroit Free Press

Kansas project builds communication skills for kids with autism — Lawrence [KS] Journal-World & News

Six fired in connection with death in Texas institution — AP/Houston Chronicle

For some kids with autism, competitive swimming is invaluable — Washington Post

L’Arche creates opportunities for those with, without disabilities — Windsor [Ontario] Star

Marine with autism gets bad conduct discharge — ABC News

From the Houston Chronicle, Associated Press:

Texas Governor Rick Perry signed legislation on Thursday to revamp the state’s troubled institutions for people with intellectual disabilities. The state schools have been cited by federal authorities for the widespread abuse and neglect of residents, and more than 50 preventable deaths.

Lawmakers proposed the $48 million bill as part of a $112 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department to add new protections for residents, including:

• Video surveillance in common areas
• Enhanced criminal background checks, random drug testing and more on-the-job training for employees
• State investigations of abuse and neglect complaints involving residents living in privately run facilities

In addition to the funding for the residential facilities, Texas also plans to spend $418 million in the next two years to create community living options and give about 8,000 people with disabilities access to those services.

Critics are wary of continuing to invest in the residential care facilities without benchmarks or standards.

See earlier posts here and here.

From the [Jacksonville] Florida Times-Union:

James Ballas is trapped in his rented condo in suburban Jacksonville, Florida, because the condo association and management company have not agreed to let him to build a ramp to the parking lot at his own expense. Ballas and his wife say they were told the ramp would be an eyesore.

Florida officials say Ballas, who is preparing a federal lawsuit, is part of a larger trend. They say they’ve seen an increase in the number of people with disabilities who are being denied housing or the right to make reasonable modifications.

They expect the problems to increase as the population ages, as more people will be living with physical disabilities and more people will take elderly parents into their homes.

“You cannot basically depend on everybody being able to be able-bodied all of their lives,” said Danille Carroll, director of the Civil Rights Unit of the Florida Attorney General’s Office. “It’s a real possibility that this is going to be a bigger and bigger factor.”

(James and Lucile Ballas stop at the top of the steps outside their condo. Photo from Florida Times-Union.)