Group items tagged

#addressBook { width: 550px; font: normal 11px Verdana, Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif; } #addybook_title { padding-left: 100px; } #addybook_title span { display: block; padding-top: 10px; } #address_book_login_error { font-size: 16px; } #addressBook a { color: #0f6ffe; text-decoration: underline; } #addressBook_alphabet { margin-top: 4px; } #addressBook_alphabet span { color: #ccc; font-weight: bold; } #addressBook_alphabet a { text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; } #addressBook #addressBook_name { border-left: 1px solid #dbd9d9; border-right: 1px solid #999; } #addressBook #addressBook_email { border-right: 1px solid #dbd9d9; } #addressBook .title { background: #dbd9d9; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px; } #addressBook .list { margin: 0 auto; border: 1px solid #c4c3c3; margin-top: 10px; height: 195px; width: 500px; overflow: auto; } #addressBook .list table { width: 100%; min-height: 195px; height: 0; } #addressBook ul { margin: 1em 0; } #addressBook li { height: 1.7em; padding-left: 10px; } #addressBook_email li{line-height: 1.7em;overflow: hidden;} #addressBook_name li{line-height: 1.7em;overflow: hidden;padding-left:20px;} #addressBook_name li.friend{background: transparent url(http://dingo.care2.com/ecards/v1/friends_frog.gif) no-repeat scroll 3px 3px;} #addressBook li.over { background-color: #daf6d1; cursor:pointer; } #addressBook li.selected { background-color: #e9e5c7;/*#fdf9db;*/ } #addressBook_add_button, .button_generic { font: normal 11px Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; display: block; color: #000; text-decoration: none !important; padding: 6px 0 9px 13px; background: transparent url(http://dingo.care2.com/ecards/v1/button_generic_left.png) no-repeat scroll 0 0; } #addressBook_add_button span, .button_generic span { color: #000; padding: 6px 13px 9px 0; background: transparent url(http://dingo.care2.com/ecards/v1/button_generic_right.png) no-repeat scroll top right; } * html #addressBook_add_button, * html .button_generic { display: inline-block; } .importer_buttons li { padding: 0 !important; } #plaxo_div { margin-top: 12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; padding-top: 12px; font: normal 12px Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; } #plaxo_div .powered_by { clear: both; background: transparent url(http://dingo.care2.com/ecards/v1/plaxo_powered.gif) no-repeat scroll top left; width: 132px; padding-top: 26px; height: 0; overflow: hidden; margin-left: 37px; margin-bottom: 15px; } #plaxo_div .import_button { display: block; background: transparent url(http://dingo.care2.com/ecards/v1/plaxo_import.png) no-repeat scroll top left; width: 173px; padding-top: 30px; height: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 15px auto; } #addybook_box { position: absolute; width: 570px; height: 366px; z-index: 999999; } #addressBook_alphabet .active { cursor: pointer; color: #0f6ffe; } Address Book Loading... /* tell a friend styles */ .tellafriend_container { color: #666; background-color: #ececec; line-height: 16px; padding: 10px 0 10px 25px; } .tellafriend_container .taf_error{ color: red; } .tellafriend_container .naturalState{ border: 1px solid black; } .tellafriend_container .errorState{ border: 1px solid red; } .tellafriend_container_extended { padding: 10px 0; width: 535px; background-color: #ececec; color: #666; } .tellafriend_container .send_success, .tellafriend_container .send_error { font-weight: bold; } .tellafriend_container .send_success{ color: green; } .tellafriend_container .send_error{ color: red; } .tellafriend_container .smallerFont{ margin: 0; padding: 10px; background: #ececec; clear: both; } .tellafriend_container label { padding: 0px; margin: 10px 0 0; display: block; clear: both; } div.tellafriend_container textarea{ padding: 5px; } .tellafriend_container input.inputwidth { width: 350px; padding: 3px; } .tellafriend_container textarea.inputwidth { width: 500px; } .tellafriend_container .inputborder { border: 1px solid #5E5E5E; } #addressBook_textarea { width: 500px; height: 75px; border: 1px solid #5E5E5E; color: #999999; } .addressbutton_section { padding: 15px; float: left; background-color: #D6D6D6; margin-top: 20px; position: relative; } .addressbutton_section img.taf_arrow{ position: absolute; left: 150px; top:-14px; } .addressbutton_inner { border: 1px solid #5E5E5E; background-color: white; color: black; padding: 10px; } .addressbutton_inner table.nologin{ width: 325px; } .addressbutton_inner a, .addressbutton_inner a:visited { color: #0000cc; text-decoration: none; } .addressbutton_inner a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } .addressbutton_inner img { border-width: 0px; } div.addressbook_care2btn { width: 139px; height: 24px; float: left; } div.addressbook_otherbtn { width: 192px; height: 24px; float: left; } .addressbutton_container { margin-top: 5px; } /* Care2 addressbook button */ div.addressbook_care2btn a, div.addressbook_care2btn a:visited { background-image:url(http://dingo.care2.com/c2/petitionsite/taf_button_sprite.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; text-decoration:none; display: block; width: 138px; height: 24px; } div.addressbook_care2btn a:hover { text-decoration:none; background-position: 0px -23px; } /* plaxo button */ div.addressbook_otherbtn a, div.addressbook_otherbtn a:visited { background-image:url(http://dingo.care2.com/c2/petitionsite/taf_button_sprite.png); background-repeat:no-repeat; text-decoration:none; display: block; width: 192px; height: 24px; background-position:-137px 0; } div.addressbook_otherbtn a:hover { text-decoration:none; background-position: -137px -23px; } /* plaxo button in Care2 Address book popup */ a.ib_other, a.ib_other:visited { background-image:url(http://dingo.care2.com/petitions/home/addressbook_otherbtn.gif); background-repeat:no-repeat; text-decoration:none; display: block; width: 192px; height: 24px; float: left; margin-top:10px; padding-top: 30px; height: 0; overflow: hidden; } a.ib_other:hover { text-decoration:none; background-position: -192px 0px; } /* tell a friend specific styles */ .tellafriendSection h3 a, .tellafriendSection h3 a:visited { color: #2B769C; text-decoration:none; } .tellafriendSection h3 a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } div.tellafriend_container ul.errorlist { list-style: outside; } div.tellafriend_container ul.errorlist li { color: #ff0000; margin: 5px; padding: 5px; } div.modal_box{ background-color: #FFFFFF; } div#tell-a-friend-form div.tafheader{ padding: 10px; background: #ececec; } /* send and cancel buttons */ a.tafpopupsubmit, a.tafpopupsubmit:visited { text-decoration:none; display:block; width: 94px; height: 27px; background-image:url(http://dingo.care2.com/petitions/home/tafpopupsend.gif); background-repeat:no-repeat; float: left; margin-right: 15px; } a.tafpopupsubmit:hover { text-decoration:none; background-position: -94px 0px; } a.tafpopupcancel, a.tafpopupcancel:visited { text-decoration:none; display:block; width: 95px; height: 27px; background-image:url(http://dingo.care2.com/petitions/home/tafpopupcancel.gif); background-repeat:no-repeat; float: left; } a.tafpopupcancel:hover { text-decoration:none; background-position: -95px 0px; } #addressBook_newGroup, #addressBook_newGroup table { font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal; } #addybook_box, #addybook_box table { font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal; } .floatright { float:right; } .largefont { font-size: 13px; } .sharetitle { font-size: 18px; color: #F4713B; } .tafShareSection { width: 580px; margin-left: 25px; margin-top: 25px; font-size:12px; } .tafShareButtonSection { padding-left: 25px; width: 535px; padding-bottom: 10px; background-color: #ECECEC; } From Your Email To

Autism spectrum disorders are surrounded by a haze of misconceptions, many of which are harmful for autistic children and adults. It’s time to straighten a few things out, and to spread the word on this complex series of cognitive and intellectual disabilities with a little good old-fashioned debunking. 1. Autistic people have no empathy. This is a common belief about autism; people think that because autistics are sometimes blunt or have difficulty navigating social norms, they aren’t empathetic. In fact, just the opposite seems to be true. Rather than not feeling enough, many autistics feel very intensely, and are easily overwhelmed by the emotions of those around them. 2. Autistic people can’t communicate. Autism spectrum disorders take a variety of forms, and some people with autism are nonverbal, but that doesn’t mean they can’t communicate. Some use communication boards and other methods to communicate with the people around them, but it requires patience to establish and maintain communication with them. Historically, people with more severe forms of autism were often isolated in institutions, but more modern treatment of autism encourages the use of therapy and other techniques to interact with patients and find a communication mode they feel comfortable with. 3. Autistic people are violent. This particularly damaging assumption about autism was widely bandied around in the aftermath of the horrific Sandy Hook shooting. In fact, autistic people are no more likely to commit acts of violence than anyone else, and when they are violent, self-harm is a much more significant concern. Autism and other disabilities also put people at an increased risk of violence, which means autistics have far more to fear about the world around them. Some autistic people do act out or have what are known as “meltdowns,” usually as expressions of frustration with themselves or situations, but this doesn’t equate to violence against other people; an autistic might throw objects in frustration, for example, without any desire or intent to hit people with them. 4. Autistic people are savants. Everyone who’s seen Rainman thinks autistic people are savants, capable of extreme feats of memorization and other amazing skills. While it’s true that some savants are autistic, not everyone with an autism spectrum disorder has these capabilities; some in fact have significant learning disabilities that require accommodations in the classroom. 5. Autism is the result of “refrigerator mothers.” This awful myth about autism has been largely debunked, but it’s still worth a mention. Some people used to believe that autism was caused by bad parenting, with a specific focus on cold or isolated mothers. The result was a lot of misinformation about autism, and terrible pressure on mothers who were already learning about how to navigate the world with autistic children. In fact, autism has no clear cause. 6. Autistics can’t make friends. Along with the belief that autistic people lack empathy comes the assumption that they live isolated lives and have difficulty making friends. Just like everyone else, though, autistics are perfectly capable of establishing and maintaining not just friendships but other kinds of relationships with the people around them. Isolating autistic people in a misguided attempt to protect them can be very harmful, just as it would be for anyone else. 7. Stimming (repetitive behavior like flapping or rocking), is undesirable and should be stopped. Stimming is familiar to many people who are at least vaguely familiar with autism — sadly, it’s often used in mockeries of autistic people, by individuals who think that making flapping gestures or imitative noises is funny. For autistic people, stimming is one way to deal with chaotic environments or stress, and rather than being something that should be suppressed, it can actually be a healthy method of personal expression and sometimes communication as well. Autistics who are forced to modify or hide their stimming behaviors can develop even more stress, which can interfere with focus, completing tasks of daily living, and other activities. It’s important to be aware that the autism spectrum is vast, and that autism spectrum disorders can manifest in a huge variety of ways. Every autistic is different, and every one deserves respect and dignity. That includes not perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and correcting people who falsely repeat them.

ere’s an infographic about some myths about education, from InformED, a blog by Open Colleges, an online education provider based in Sydney, Australia.

Silberman chronicles the history of autism and examines some of the myths surrounding our current understanding of the condition in his new book, NeuroTribes. Along the way, he revisits Asperger's calculated efforts to save his patients.

There are many mistaken ideas about Learning Disabilities (LD, NLD, EFD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These myths and misconceptions can stand in the way of your child's progress.

The Maryland State Department of Education has unveiled a powerful video debunking the myths of gifted education; rebutting misconceptions that students who are gifted will excel without addressing their unique learning needs.  Spearheaded and performed by students, the Top Ten Myths in Gifted Education eight minute video provides insight into the challenges that many students with gifts and talents address in accessing services and supports. 

There are many signs or clues to dyslexia which are discussed in depth on this website; however it is also important to be aware of the misconceptions and myths surrounding the disorder. There are several myths regarding dyslexia. We have highlighted some of the more common ones.

"Ten Employment Myths" Many employers misunderstand the Americans with Disabilities Act and are reluctant to hire people with disabilities because of unfounded myths. This seventeen-minute video responds to concerns expressed by employers, explaining the ADA in common sense terms and dispelling myths about this often overlooked pool of well-qualified employees.

"My Country" In this one-hour documentary, symphony conductor James DePreist, who contracted polio as a young man, profiles three people with disabilities whose lives have been shaped by the struggle for equal rights. Mr. DePreist is the nephew of African American contralto Marian Anderson, who in 1939 was prevented from singing at Constitution Hall. He draws parallels between racial barriers and the barriers faced by people with disabilities.

Ten Small Business Mistakes This thirteen-minute video identifies common mistakes that small businesses make when trying to comply with the ADA and addresses the importance and value of doing business with 50 million people with disabilities. The video features statements by store owners expressing their doubts or misunderstandings about the ADA followed by responses from the Assistant Attorney for Civil Rights and other Department of Justice employees explaining the law in common sense terms.

Imagine the level of frustration a young child must feel when he or she is truly putting all their effort into comprehending what they are reading, yet is unable to grasp any of the information. When I was in fourth grade I felt this frustration. I was told by many of my teachers that I “wasn’t trying” or “didn’t care” about the work, which left me feeling trapped. I had no way of proving that I wasn’t lazy and without a diagnosis of some sort, I didn’t know what to do.

No one wants the words “post-traumatic stress disorder” and “children” to appear in the same sentence. But recent events like the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting are reminders that children as well as adults can be exposed to events that cause this debilitating but highly treatable mental illness. Previous posts in this series explained why I advocate for children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), explored 5 myths and misconceptions about PTSD in children, and defined both trauma and PTSD from a child’s point of view.

While they seem like the least likely candidates, the elderly are killing themselves with greater regularity than any other age group in Montana. That’s also true across the country, eroding the myth that teens run the highest risk of suicide.

1. You are a hero for your kids. You are. You’re a go-the-distance, fight-the-dragon, face-the-challenges hero for your kids. Taking a beating makes that more true. Not less. 2. We all struggle. Every parent. Everywhere. We all second-guess ourselves. And we all want to quit sometimes. Hold the good times close, and when things are tough, remember “this, too, shall pass.” 3. Finding the funny may not save your soul, but it will save your sanity. Or maybe it’s the other way around. Either way, look for the humor and embrace the crazy. Laughter is a lifeline. 4. Every day, you will feel like you have mishandled something. Like you’ve been impatient. Like you’ve misjudged. Like you’ve been too harsh. Like you’ve been too lenient. You may be right. Apologize if you need to and then, whatever. Seriously. Just whatever. Let it go. 5. The crazy, the crying, the cuddles. The screaming, the sacred, the scared. The minutes, the magic, the mess. It’s all part of it. And it’s all worth it. 6. Family is the best. Even when it’s not perfect. And it’s never perfect. Ever. 7. At the end of organization, at the end of patience, at the end of perfection, we die to ourselves. And then love rises from the ashes. It sucks. And then it gets better. And then it sucks again. Still, love rises. 8. You will never regret parenting. Except for the teeny, tiny tons of times when you secretly wonder if you maybe regret it just a little. But, overall, never. And overall is what counts in the end. 9. Parenting is like climbing the big mountain. Look for the base camp. That’s where you rest, meet other climbers, take in oxygen and acclimatize. Base camp is what makes summiting possible. 10. You are not alone in this strange, vast, parenting ocean. Even in the dark of night. You are not alone. You’re not. 11. Kids know the way to magical and they’ll give you a free pass to come along. Breathe in the magic as long as you can because that same kid is going to poop his pants in just a minute. 12. There’s a very fine line between enjoying the chaos and barely surviving. Actually, there’s no line at all. It’s all mixed up together. That “fine line” thing is a lie. 13. If you pay attention, kids will teach you how to laugh loudly, how to love deeply and how to live fully. They will also ruin all your stuff. 14. Any number of kids is a lot of kids. 15. Look for joy. You’ll find it in the middle of the busy. Or under the ridiculous. Or hanging from the overwhelmed in its underpants. Joy’s like that. It’s in the middle of everything. It’s completely unpredictable. And it will surprise you when you’re not expecting it. Like vomit and diarrhea, except good. 16. You will fall apart and do it all wrong. Forgive yourself. Ask your kids to forgive you. Set an example of resilient fallibility. Set an example of practicing the art of love — both loving yourself and loving others. No one does this parenting gig right the first time. Or the last time. Or the times in between. Showing your kids how to keep going after getting it wrong is a wonderful gift to give them. 17. Kids are difficult, gross, confusing and awesome. So are you. 18. Parenting will bring you face to face with yourself. It may be terrifying. It may break you. But it will also rebuild you, and you will be stronger than you ever thought possible. 19. Balance is a myth. Parenting isn’t a tight-rope walk; it’s a dance. Strive for rhythm instead of balance, and trust yourself to move to the ever-changing beat. 20. Yes, you will have days where you wonder where the hell the capable and organized you went. Yes, you will sit on the floor of the main aisle at Target by the check-out area with a child who is thrashing, screaming and calling you names. Yes, you will have to tell your child that the dog is not a napkin and to put down the urinal cake. If you do not do all those things literally, then you will do them figuratively. And yes, you will also hold that child and rock back and forth and tell him you love him and tell him he’s safe and tell him you’re not leaving even though he will someday leave you. This is parenting. It is tragic and triumphant. Messy and magical. Sacred and spectacular. And it is, always, fiercely worthwhile.

It’s hard to assign a number to describe the incidence of bullying — data from different sources report different findings — but one thing is certain; the deeper you dig, the clearer it becomes that the prevalence of bullying is staggering. *

Animated Minds is a series of short animated documentaries which use real testimony from people who have experienced different forms of mental distress. A single aim underpins all the films: to help dispel myths and misconceptions about ‘mental illness’ by giving a voice to those who experience these various difficulties first hand.

Eustacia Cutler is the mother of four children. Her oldest child is Temple Grandin, who is known as the most  successful person with autism in the world today. Eustacia is a graduate of Harvard. She has been a band singer at the Pierre Hotel, New York City, performed and written for theater and cabaret, and written documentaries on disabilities for major television networks. Her current book, "A Thorn in My Pocket" describes raising Temple in the conservative world of the 1950’s. Eustacia was one of the first to tread new territory as she overcame the difficulties of "challenging the system." Like every parent, she wanted the best for her child. She understands the myth, reality, angst, and guilt a family experiences in society. She is where you will be in the future: looking back on the things you did to help your child.  When the “system” is not meeting the needs of your child, you must be creative and design your own program. Piece by piece, you and your child can develop a meaningful, interrelated reality. Eustacia will inspire you to reach beyond your current resources and make it work for you and your child.

As recently as 2002, an international group of leading neuroscientists found it necessary to publish a statement arguing passionately that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was a real condition.