MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'clothes'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:01:03 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139876&cid=t_106955_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F18%2Fwhy-you-cant-make-a-good-decision-at-500-pm-decision-fatigue%2F We live in the most prosperous society on Earth at this moment. You can walk into any Gap or Target store and choose from more than 2 dozen different types of jeans (and in some cases, more than 3 dozen). All of that choice comes at a price, however. It’s called “decision fatigue” and its full impact is only starting to be fully understood by psychologists and researchers. Our brains can suffer from “mental fatigue,” just as our bodies can become physically fatigued after a long workout. What is so surprising about this phenomenon is just how little people appreciate the importance of mental fatigue and its resulting decision fatigue — even when making decisions that can be life-changing. John Tierney in The New York Times has the lengthy story (5,350 w... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139876 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:17:30 +0100 5139876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086582&cid=t_106955_177_f&fid=38137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmissionimpossibleinfertile.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F31%2Fbusiness%2F I think it’s business as usual round these parts, or back to it, at least. Sigh. In other worse, in case I have failed to mention it, I have just spent the last entire whole week on a miraculous thing called annual leave and because I never have enough free time, this means I have been busier than a blue arsed proverbial trying to unkill my garden, untangle all the miscellaneous doll limbs from hair in the twin’s playroom, conquer my laundry pile (Last Load Today and I have even successfully committed laundry apartheid with the result that the whites are actually not a shade of reddy-brown for a change), purchase some visually acceptable maternity clothes that DON’T make me look like the arse-end of a barge and so on. I still look like the arse-end of a barge, in cas... Mission: Impossible (or adventures in infertility, pregnancy....parenting?) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086582 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 04:51:37 +0100 5086582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008305&cid=t_106955_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F08%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-8-2011%2F The stories you tell yourself about yourself are probably not only untrue, but could be hazardous to your health. This is particularly the case where those “stories” are negative and unconscious. I’ll share a personal story to explain what I mean. When I was about 8 or 9 years old, my dad got laid-off from his job. In order to collect unemployment, he needed to show he was actively searching for a job. One week he applied for a job as a courtesy clerk for a local supermarket. He didn’t think he would actually get it nor did he really want it. He assumed being in his thirties and working in management positions prior made him overqualified. But surprise, surprise, he got the job anyway. He remembers it as one of the most embarrassing days of his life and was a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008305 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:17:44 +0100 5008305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414572&cid=t_106955_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D1938 SAVE YOUR SKIN – SAVE YOUR ASS! Blue or Green Eyed Blonds be careful – you are at the highest risk for skin cancers – www.finest.se/asavesterlund , http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/article8464803.ab It’s the UVA and UVB rays that cause the problem, and a lot of sunscreens block only one of the two.  More importantly, the sunscreen must be applied often since sweat and water renders it ineffective as it leaves the surface of the skin.  Even “waterproof” blockers don’t stay on well. Chloe Sevigny and Marc Jacobs support melanoma research showing the biggest organ is indeed, your skin, and it needs to be protected!  Any volunteers to help protect Chloe protect her skin better? The Swedish Melanoma Study Group (SMSG) is a network of  Nordic... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414572 Sun, 30 Jan 2011 13:49:26 +0100 4414572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190450&cid=t_106955_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fthe-subconscious-cardigan%2F I like pretty clothes and a while ago, I bought this. It’s a brilliant cardigan: goes with lots of things, does for work and also looks good with jeans, fits well, and is a little bit different. (Well, as different as anything from Monsoon is likely to be.) So, I wear it quite regularly. People often comment that they like it. And people who know about my dance with cancer have been known to ask whether I realised when I bought it…. ….. that I was choosing a cardigan with a nice pair of tits on it. Well, I didn’t. Or maybe, deep down, I did. Whichever – it makes me smile all the more when I wear it. I feel as though if anyone deserves to be wearing a cardigan with a nice pair of tits, it’s someone who’s had a breast cancer, and is likely to have a... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190450 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:11:11 +0100 4190450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119787&cid=t_106955_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FbNVImus_xQo%2F Did you know you can instantly feel a lot better about your body simply by choosing clothes that fit and flatter you now, rather than putting it off until you reach some ideal weight? Or that the best way to exude sexuality and confidence is not by squeezing into skin tight clothes but finding outfits that work with your body? Perhaps you feel like it would be shallow or frivolous to worry too much about the way clothes look on your body. There are no laws insisting you have to care much about clothing to be happy and confident. However, most of us do feel better if we spend just a little time on our appearance. Many people find themselves stuck in a perpetually low cycle of self esteem. When we don’t feel good about ourselves, we either: ●            Buy clothes that comple... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119787 Sat, 30 Oct 2010 02:49:46 +0100 4119787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890472&cid=t_106955_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fpost-roundup-top-ten-on-thegloss%2F We could spend hours reading the musings of our colleagues at TheGloss. Sometimes we do. You should too. Here are our 10 favorite posts from TheGloss this week to start you out: 1. Gallery: The 10 Worst Beauty Ads Of All Time 2. Allie Brosh Presents: 6 Ways To Establish Workplace Dominance 3. Gallery: The 10 Best Dressed Characters On TV Right Now 4. I Am Not the World’s Best Mom, and I Am OK With That 5. What’s the Etiquette for Learning About A Friend’s Tragedy Via Facebook? 6. Introducing Grrr Friend: A New Comic by Ben Schwartz 7. The Misanthropologist: The Appeal Of The Hot-Crazy-Girl 8. Gallery: World’s Worst Workout Wear 9. Gallery: 10 Fashion Lessons I Learned from ‘Saved By the Bell’ 10. Why Is It So Much Fun To Hate ‘Eat, Pray, Love&#8217... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890472 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:00:27 +0100 3890472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3827121&cid=t_106955_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2F05%2F5-tips-to-end-the-summer-well%2F While the season of summer still has more than a few weeks to go, the reality of summer is quickly coming to an end. School is starting, parents are out shopping for their kids’ new clothes and school supplies already, and college students are preparing for their annual return to campus. What’s a person to do with the last few remaining weeks of summer? Well, I can’t tell you what to do or not to do, but I can offer these five tips for ending your summer well. Whether they work for you or not, you won’t know until you try them. But it’s a good bet that you be disappointed with the results if you only try. 1. Finish what you started. Sometimes we find ourselves putting off the end of a project because we believe we’ll always have time “later.”... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3827121 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:20:49 +0100 3827121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3794750&cid=t_106955_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fmy-office-sucks-worse-than-yours-dress-code-rant%2F Recently, a colleague handed me an article entitled, “10 Signs You Work In a Fear-Based Workplace.” I chuckled as I started reading, then gasped. My office fit eight of the ten signs listed. I knew my office was kooky. But isn’t everyone’s? I’d been working there for about three months, and my first hint that things were a little odd was when my boss led me into a conference room and, in hushed tones, asked me about an e-mail our vice president had sent. “What do you think Paul meant in his email?” she asked. This must be some sort of trick question, I decided. I answered, “Um, what he wrote in the email?” Silly me. Turns out, the V.P. meant exactly the opposite of what he had written. “You have to read between the lines,” said my boss, as if this explaine... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3794750 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:57:14 +0100 3794750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740566&cid=t_106955_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F10-things-we-want-to-do-this-weekend-7%2F After a short week, the weekend came as a pleasant surprise to us here at Blisstree. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a ton of things we want to fit in over the next few days: Have some chocolate. Even if it’s just a little square, we’ll be having a bite of chocolate this weekend. It was its birthday, we have to. It would be rude not to. Go camping. We’re ready to head out into the great outdoors and rough it for a night or two. But only with our eco-friendly camping supplies, of course. Read some foodie lit. We love reading about food almost as much as we love eating it (okay, maybe not that much). We might even read some good advice about how to eat well without gaining weight. Have a snack. Sometimes you just feel like snacking. We’ll be ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740566 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 22:39:48 +0100 3740566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3676804&cid=t_106955_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Fkeeping-baby-clothes-fresh-and-clean%2F Although baby clothes are tiny, infants are messy and produce massive amounts of laundry. Keeping up with the constant clothing changes and growing piles of soiled clothing is a real challenge. As soon as the baby is awake, which is always too early, the first outfit is off the hanger and the pajamas are in the hamper. By the end of breakfast, the first jumper is already stained by baby food and formula that the bib never seems to catch. To keep up with the frequent changes, it’s important to have lots of spare outfits, so laundry isn’t such an issue. Here are a few no-hassle ways for busy parents to keep all their baby clothes smelling good and looking fresh. Pre-treat clothes before putting them in the laundry basket. Hydrogen peroxide is a good stain remover for dairy and protein s... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3676804 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:52:44 +0100 3676804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662738&cid=t_106955_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F06%2F15%2Fpsychologist-says-antidepressants-are-just-placebos%2F I will dutifully report on yet another professional’s opinion about the research literature on antidepressants. This time the “antidepressant is just a placebo effect” argument comes from a psychologist. Irving Kirsch, a professor of psychology at the University of Hull in the U.K., says that antidepressants are nothing more than fancy and expensive placebos. He, of course, does not say this in a vacuum. No, of course not. He’s saying this in promoting his new book, The Emperor’s New Drugs (which, you know, is a “funny” play on the phrase “the emperor’s new clothes”). Read on for a quick deconstruction of his argument (his argument as presented in an interview online, anyways). The crux of the issue for me comes down to a question s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662738 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:55:54 +0100 3662738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526972&cid=t_106955_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F23%2Fprickly-heat%2F Prickly heat is one of the most common skin problems during the summer season especially in the unbelievable heat that is just around the corner! It is actually caused by blockage of the pores though which sweat comes out thereby trapping the sweat underneath the skin and manifests as rashes and itchiness of the affected area. The best way to treat prickly heat is to keep away from a hot environment-staying indoors and turning on the AC not only keeps the body cool but also pumps up the electricity bill! Other tips to help you get by include: Keep the body temp down by drinking lots of cool fluids and sucking on ice chips. Calamine lotion to help soothe that itchy rash. Avoid tight clothes and those made of synthetic fibers. Take cool baths frequently. (Source: Skin MD) Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526972 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:29:04 +0100 3526972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467933&cid=t_106955_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FIs9kdFk3Bos%2F Double Dot beach umbrella from PB teen I strongly believe in that “healthy summer glow.” My vitamin D levels are through the roof. In other words, I am a sun worshipper. I spend as much time as I can outside, avoiding the shade like the plague. Of course, I wear SPF (more or less) and no longer bask Bain de Soleil-style on a chaise lounge. The change in habits is due, in part, to the good sense that 30-some-odd years can bring, and, in part, because my two-year-old son (and ever-present tag-a-long) inherited his dad’s powder-like skin complexion. If I plan to go to the beach, park, or pool for any length of time with toddler in tow, I need to execute a two-pronged strategy: Divert and protect. Besides my handy SPF-45 spray, here are a few new tools to help keep my little one – and ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467933 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:09:20 +0100 3467933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370545&cid=t_106955_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Famacupuncturehttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Femperor-obama-wears-no-clothes.html For President Obama to get what he wants in the health care reform he must make it clear and provide a dynamic picture.    There is sharp opposition and astonishing intensity about his health reform bill, but can he see himself on this issue as "the emperor who wears no clothes".As a medical physician for over 51 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects, and help your read betwwen the lines. You must come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary. This results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other malad... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370545 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:36:00 +0100 3370545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059912&cid=t_106955_180_f&fid=38613&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stevepavlina.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F12%2Flearning-fashion-part-2%2F This week I assimilated a tremendous amount of fashion knowledge from my fashionisto friend, who hopped on a plan this morning to return to Philly. He’s my best friend from high school and was also my best man at my wedding, and we always have a good time hanging out together. I’ve known about his fashion expertise for many years, but until this week it remained an area where we never chose to connect. I jokingly told him that teaching me about fashion was payback for all those evenings I helped him with his calculus homework during our senior year in high school. After 20 years I think we can call it even now. My head is still swirling with the different concepts I learned this week — low rise, slim fit, boot cut, spread collar, etc. It’s going to take me many mor... Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059912 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:33:22 +0100 3059912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3052426&cid=t_106955_180_f&fid=38613&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stevepavlina.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F12%2Flearning-about-fashion%2F An old friend of mine is visiting Vegas this week, and he’s been teaching me about fashion. Yesterday we went shopping together at the Forum Shops in Caesar’s Palace. I tried on different clothes while he explained some of the basic principles of fashion to me. We plan to go out again this evening. It’s been a very eye-opening experience for me. For many years I shunned fashion completely. I’ve long considered fashion to be a complete waste of time, a pointless distraction for those whose temporal and financial abundance greatly exceeds their intellectual abundance. This attitude is fairly common in the computer gaming industry where I worked for many years. Even if I was doing a presentation at a tech conference, “modern schlub” was perfectly acceptable... Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3052426 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:04:31 +0100 3052426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943866&cid=t_106955_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F29%2Fthe-homeless-highway-gentleman%2F The homeless highway gentleman walks as if he’s on a mission. He walks alongside a busy stretch of highway in southern New Hampshire every day, roughly at the same time, wearing the exact same clothes. You can tell he’s a gentleman because he wears a faded, outdated tan sports jacket. It’s seen better days, but so has the gentleman. He’s older, balding, and very much on his own. And yet, when you see him, you notice he has a sense of civilized purpose and dignity about him. It’s how and where he walks that gets people’s attention. He doesn’t walk on the grassy berm next to the four-lane highway, he walks right in the gutter on the road, often in the right-hand most lane. If you were a distracted driver and were fiddling with your cell phone or radi... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943866 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:03:23 +0100 2943866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809702&cid=t_106955_107_f&fid=34860&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corporeality.net%2Fmuseion%2F2009%2F09%2F19%2Flook-cool-in-the-birth-spiral-black-cap%2F Human anatomy is a fascinating thing and apparently there is something fascinating about wearing it also. I thinking especially of clothes with pictures or images that resemblance the human anatomy. As an example I often wear a T-shirt with a cranium on in. I don’t really know why or give it much thought. Really, it’s just a T-shirt. Just now when I was searching for info on The Visible Human Project I accidently stumbled onto this website on The Visible Embryo. What really struck me wasn’t really The Visible Embryo itself it was the merchandise one could by from their online store entitled: Shop The Visible Embryo. Here one can buy T-shirts, aprons, a pregnancy timeline full colour tote bag or (my personal favourite) a birth spiral ceramic travel mug. I’m not quite sure who the in... Biomedicine on Display blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809702 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 07:00:30 +0100 2809702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782073&cid=t_106955_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2Freflections-on-my-birthday%2F Yesterday, I did my civic duty and served on jury duty. It’s a reluctant responsibility many citizens in the U.S. serve, me among them. As luck would have it, I wasn’t called to actually sit on a jury, so Providence must have been shining on me a bit. An early birthday present, if you will. It also reminded me that living in a country such as the United States is a privilege, one that was earned on the backs and lives of millions of Americans who came before me. I am grateful for the opportunity offered me because of what my great grandparents decided to do — to immigrate to America with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Because of their courage, I’m here today, doing what I do. On events like my birthday, I get reflective and appreciative. I have a lot to be ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782073 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:53:14 +0100 2782073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744275&cid=t_106955_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F08%2F28%2Fugliest-clothes-in-the-world%2F A bit of frivolity before I tackle completion of my train trip story. (Writers will use any excuse in the world, doncha know.) Me, recorded today: Posted in Uncategorized Tagged: ugly clothes (Source: Donna Trussell) Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744275 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:17:52 +0100 2744275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741427&cid=t_106955_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F28%2Fself-esteem-the-great-weight-debate-acceptance-v-diet%2F Here’s the thing. There are people out there who hate their body for what it is. A lot of overweight people judge themselves in a way they would never judge anyone else. When we get like this, every ounce of our self-esteem is wrapped up in what the scale says. Our lives are measured by pounds lost and gained from day to day, week to week, month to month. At its worst, this way of thinking can lead to a serious, life-threatening eating disorder. But even at its best, self-esteem/weight dependency is not good. Yes, I struggle with being overweight, but I try not to hate myself for it. I am grateful for my body. It’s worked hard to keep me healthy over the years through all my relapses and dealings with chronic illness. God made us the stewards of the earth and our bodies. It&#82... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741427 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:51:45 +0100 2741427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859108&cid=t_106955_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fmy-foundation%2F I’m a newbie dad (about 7 years experience so far). Each day that goes by I am reminded of the strength and determination of one man: My father. He started out as a newbie dad once. He had five kids in all: 3 girls and 2 boys. He was poor, but I didn’t really know it or feel it. He worked his ass off in a factory. His children could have gone to public school for free, but he knew the value of education, so each one of them attended private schools through high school. His income went to food, rent, school, and clothes. He was also a young father. He wasn’t perfect by any means (but in my memory he comes damn close), but still he worked for all of us: Mom, Grandma, May, Jess, Thani, Alan and I. I see his sacrifice in retrospect and frankly, it floors me. Then one day he w... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859108 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:38:16 +0100 2859108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741544&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F36WhRP2l6Qg%2F I’m often envious of families with typical kids. Life seems a lot easier. So whenever we can do something that everyone else does — get out of the house within half an hour, see a floor that isn’t completely covered with toys, I’m basically thrilled. Photo courtesy of fab4chiky (flickr.com) Find a couple of restaurants you can all enjoy. Done! Alex can eat in coffee shops and Chinese restaurants and pizza places, which I took on as a project years ago. We often have to buy a box of Saltines for him during the meal, but that’s fine. We can eat breakfast, egg rolls or a large pepperoni pizza like everyone else. As I said to Jeff during the difficult years of making this work, “What’s our life going to be if we can never go out for a casual meal?&#8... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741544 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:52:35 +0100 2741544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511159&cid=t_106955_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F20%2Fthankful-for-my-dad%2F As we get older, we gain perspective, if we open ourselves up to understanding and knowledge. It doesn’t always come readily or naturally. Of course, one of the primary things you gain perspective about as you age is, well, aging. You grow older and people you know start dying. Friends. Family. Colleagues. Death is the ultimate giver of perspective. You begin to appreciate the richness of the lives that have been voluntarily shared with you, and stop taking them for granted. And you start to understand that despite all of the things our parents might have done wrong by us, they got a lot of things right too. I can’t complain about my childhood, as I grew up in a decidedly middle-class suburb in a university town, living a decidedly middle-class life. While I may have not gotte... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511159 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:11:11 +0100 2511159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512514&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FunDNljkQe3s%2F I call that a pretty good birthday. We were lucky to be able to snag the little gazebo in the 67th St. playground in Central Park. Our decorations (bandanas and a big red-white-and-blue thing) looked really festive. Our picnic basket got a great workout ferrying cupcakes and pink lemonade and napkins. Coincidentally, Ned was wearing an Old Navy flag t-shirt. Jeff was wearing a navy-and-white batik shirt. Alex chose a red, white and blue-striped t-shirt. Alex's birthday is also Flag Day Grandpa gave the hit present: a boxed set of twenty (count ‘em, 20!) Matchbox cars. Alex played with them and was completely mesmerized. Aunt Julie gave inspired gifts: a green plastic wire thingy that’s hard to describe, easy to love. It’s intriguing, and I showed Alex how great his ju... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512514 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:59:55 +0100 2512514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442378&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FBt3jDgGVx9s%2F Operating on the principle that into every child’s life a little boredom must fall, Alex and I went shopping today. Why inflict such cruel punishment on my autistic son? It’s Memorial Day. Practically mandatory to hit a sale or two. Ned and Jeff were at the Intrepid for a morning of Fleet Week activities, starting with breakfast on the flight deck. I needed something to wear. Old Navy flag t-shirts were buy-one, get-one-free today. Old Navy Flag t-shirt To sweeten the deal, we planned to go to Borders if Alex was good. (That’s what I told him. We were going to go anyway. I just wasn’t counting on actually getting to try anything on.) It actually went quite well. I repeated over and over again, “We’re going to a store where Mommy can try on some clothes. ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442378 Mon, 25 May 2009 20:40:42 +0100 2442378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2387103&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F8BfdI1D1eIM%2F I was sad not to have girls only because I love clothes. I could imagine adorable dresses… sparkly sandals… flowery headbands. Oh, well. I love my boys and it turns out I love not having daily clothing wars, like my friends who have daughters. There have been a few clashes, of course. Ned refused to wear overalls starting at age 2. (”That’s for BABY,” he declared.) And around age 5, Alex decided he would only wear black t-shirts. Black t-shirt (photo courtesy Kansir, flickr.com) Fine, I thought. Even though Alex and Ned mostly don’t seem to care what they wear, they have occasional outbursts of opinion. I was kind of relieved that Alex had a preference. Except that it’s not all that easy to find black t-shirts in very small sizes — especially... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2387103 Mon, 04 May 2009 01:42:30 +0100 2387103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376568&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35124&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspergerwoman%2F%7E3%2FFfXBHvi_wlc%2Faspie-bird-on-screen.html Yes Yes, in my humble opinion (ahum ;-)) I knew this day had to come.... (now you take a deep breath, have a deep sigh and smile?!): Aspie Bird will appear on screen.(Do not wish to sound very arrogant, but something inside my mind tells me that I will be much more on publicity things in future...well of course after my book has been published)My job coach has chosen me to be one of the twenty something participants for the job agencies new commercial. Lucky me ;-)))This is an unique chance to show my capabilities to interest potential workgivers.The agency is specialised in job seeking things for people with autism. No offend but many people with autism might give a somewhat withdrawn first time impression. However my verbal abilities are pretty well, my voice will not be used for this co... The Art of Being Asperger Woman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376568 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 09:09:00 +0100 2376568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313534&cid=t_106955_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F08%2Fliz-spikol-is-a-threat-to-your-library%2F Liz Spikol has a great entry today about the Treatment Advocacy Center’s (TAC) press release about how mental illness affects our nation’s public libraries. The Treatment Advocacy Center is the organization that prefers that anyone who has mental illness get treatment, even if it’s against their will. Think of it as a stodgy old grandfather from the 1800s that might say, “Hitting a child is necessary and good for the child; the more often the better! Teaches them some manners…” Liz details the problems with the survey by TAC of librarians: Are library employees qualified to determine who has serious psychiatric disorders? I doubt it. I suspect they wouldn’t identify me as one of those people, but I’m guessing every disheveled person gets tarred wit... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313534 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:59:26 +0100 2313534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2027197&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2Fn1WgatgCdvs%2F I grow old … I grow old … I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled. I write fairly frequently here about Charlie growing up. Of course, he’s not the only one around here getting older: It’s my birthday today, and I’m 40. Fout-ohmygod, as one my mom-blog-friend puts it. Like the narrator in T.S. Eliot’s poem, I grow old, I do grow old, and I actually do roll the bottoms of my trousers (ok, pants), because I’m too lazy to get out a needle and thread and hem them. My mother did teach me to hem, years ago, and it really is years ago, due to this birthday thing. She taught us the basics; I think my first “creation” was a pocket made of fabric from the scraps of the Halloween costumes and jumpers and curtains and pillows she used to mak... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2027197 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:08:38 +0100 2027197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2005918&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F5IkGF7jirRU%2F Corduroy, velvet, denim. Leather, silk, a rock. Bubble wrap, fake fur, burlap. Not a list of supplies for a craft project, but a list of things with different textures—but if you felt each, with your fingers or on the soles of your feet, would they just be so many sensory sensation? Or might one say “security” to you, or one make you agitated, even angry? Does touching certain textures evoke certain emotions in you? If so, you may have “tactile-emotion synesthesia.” Synesthesia is an “involuntary joining in which the real information of one sense is accompanied by a perception in another sense”; it’s thought to be much more common in the general population than previously thought. Someone with synesthesia might attach certain textures or soun... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2005918 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:24:09 +0100 2005918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1996399&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FmdGhSk5C9rs%2F Did Thanksgiving and now full speed ahead into December with all of its festivities, plus a few extras. Today is “Black Friday” here in the US, formerly known as “the day after Thanksgiving when people line up at 5am to charge the stores to get super-special-deal-discounts on holiday purchases”—as you probably guessed, we didn’t hit any malls with Charlie in tow. He has a general aversion to shopping for clothes, electronics, and anything in the closed confines of the modern mall. Once upon a time, we went to malls with pretty much the sole intent of walking around for exercise on a cold winter day, with the promise of escalator and elevator rides. Charlie’s interest—desire—to ride the likes of those has waned (and, too, some rather pai... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1996399 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:38:12 +0100 1996399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1984964&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FaS2BWKrGbMw%2F I think this is, potentially, the perfect t-shirt for Charlie. Yes, I’ve ordered him one. Tags: asd, asperger, australia, autism, autism blog, condiments, developmental disabilities, Diagnosis, disabilities blog, disability, food, ketchup, mustard, relish, shirt, t-shirtShare This (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1984964 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:11:21 +0100 1984964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939213&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2Fy6sHYczflCs%2F Sensory processing is the topic of a presentation at the May 20089 IMFAR conference (International Meeting for Autism Research), as well as of a number of poster presentations. Here’s the description for a segment (#148 in the Program Book) on “Sensory Processing:The Interface of Research and Clinical Practice”: Sensory differences are commonly reported in people with autism. Often they are among the most problematic symptoms. This symposium will examine the phenomenon of sensory symptomatology, the research methodology used to characterize and explain the observed behaviors, and the treatments that are being used in the community. A translational approach will be emphasized to inform both basic researchers and clinicians on future avenues of study. Papers will look at ho... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939213 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:08:07 +0100 1939213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873108&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FLh5KuIMs-5s%2F I’ve a couple of ideas for posts about topics like prenatal genetic testing, vaccines and more about vaccines, gestation and future health problems and the like but since it’s getting later in the evening (out here on the East Coast) I’m just going to reference an article from no less august a body than the Style section of last Sunday’s New York Times and specifically an article on how the economic crisis is affecting teens whose parents have never been able to say, no, you don’t need more Abercrombie. Given the near-constant talk about the “cost” of raising a special needs and specifically an autistic child, I just wanted to note that Charlie’s never been one for having anything that’s “the latest,” whether it’s clot... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873108 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:08:06 +0100 1873108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1852751&cid=t_106955_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FBreastfeeding123%2F%7E3%2FsWUNBBUzZSg%2F Last week I listed five tips for nursing in public. One of those suggestions was to come up with a combination of clothing that makes you feel most comfortable breastfeeding in public. 5 Alternatives to Regular Nursing Clothing While it’s great if you can afford nursing clothing (see Where to Find Nursing Clothes) and can find styles that you like, there are other options. 1. Layer a button-down blouse over a tank top. When you lift up (or pull down) the tank top to nurse, the sides of the open blouse will offer coverage. 2. Layer a regular shirt over a loose-necked tank top. To nurse, lift the shirt up, pull the neck of the tank top down to expose the breast, and your belly will remain covered by the tank top. Or instead of pulling down the tank top, you could cut slits in the tank... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1852751 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:30:04 +0100 1852751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1847986&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2Ft4e2TJcodAY%2F Hoodies banned at some NJ schools, the September 12th NJ.com reported. Fortunately, not Charlie’s school: What would one do without a soft blue hood to pull over one’s ears and head, whatever the weather? And now that it’s gotten fall crisp and cool, a hooded sweatshirt isn’t just fashion, it’s necessary, especially while waiting for the schoolbus on a misty morning. We’ve gotten Charlie a new blue hooded sweatshirt as the sleeves on the one he wore up till July are now “bracelet length” on him. The new sweatshirt’s big and floppy and not quite the right fit. But a little room to grow into is good too. Tags: asd, asperger, autism, autism blog, clothes, disabilities blog, disability, Family, family blog, fleece, Health, hoodie, New Jerse... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1847986 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:00:33 +0100 1847986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844802&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2Fq3wdySY-X9Y%2F Size 7 1/2. That’s the size of bowling shoes I got for Charlie on Wednesday afternoon, when we go to a local bowling alley with a group of kids like Charlie and their families. I loosened the laces and pulled out the shoe’s tongue so Charlie could slide his feet in and as he did I remembered how, last week, he’d had to struggle to shove and, really, jam his heels into a size 7—a size that was simply too (duh, Mom!) too small for him. No wonder he’d been on edge last Wednesday, told me “no bowling,” sat unmoving on a bench with his head adamantly down, and swiped at a plate of fries. Too tight shoes and smashed toes and trying to let me know by his asking to leave: I didn’t get it and Charlie’d gotten more and more frustrated until there... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844802 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:03:22 +0100 1844802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1770628&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fknitting-award.html Please Scroll down for Photo Hunters and our regularly scheduled programme, or glance in the sidebar to your right.Yes, a little deviation but I have been wanting to do this for a very long time.First of all many grateful thanks to "Angela" from "Memoirs of a Chaotic Mommy" the button making genius for creating these buttons for me in the first place.First to "Anne" from "Anne's House," funnily enough. You can see some of her work on her post called "how was your weekend."Then to "Crazy for Yarn" at the "Yarn collectors anonymous" although I can't link to a specific page if you scroll down [past cats and squirrels......[see why I like it?] then you get to see the knitting.Then to "knit and Tonic" loads of brilliant idea here to suit all comers as well as lots of helpful hints.Also to "mini... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1770628 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:46:00 +0100 1770628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1730718&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FoF0kedvJ_vs%2F Has lugging loads of (soaking wet) laundry led to your developing the muscles in your arms (though not as much as this Olympian mom)? Imagine if you had an iBasket, a combination laundry basket/washing machine, rendering the lugging-laundry-basket step unnecessary—-now, how about automating the next step, hoisting the cleaned but still wet items into the dryer……… Tags: asd, asperger, autism, autism blog, clothes, disabilities blog, disability, Family, family blog, Health, housework, ibasket, invention, laundry, melanie roach, olympics, Parenting, pdd-nos, Technology, washing machineShare This (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730718 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:17:04 +0100 1730718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1582049&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F327576053%2F Green Our Vaccines-ista Jenny McCarthy has spoken about her boyfriend, comedian and actor Jim Carrey, as the “autism whisperer.” Carrey was lauded for marching and speaking at the Green Our Vaccines rally and putting on a Green Our Vaccines t-shirt. Autism, as Carrey said, “made me a man“—-certainly enough, it seems, recently to suit up in some quite feminine beach attire, courtesy of an aforementioned friend. (Not that anyone still knows what green vaccines are, not that we need to!) Tags: asd, asperger, autism, autism blog, beach, celebrity blog, cross-dressing, disabilities blog, disability, Family, family blog, jenny mccarthy, jim carrey, malibu, Parenting, pdd-nos, swimsuitShare This (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1582049 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:04:39 +0100 1582049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1553075&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F322315523%2F Not that I’d get it, but I’m thinking Charlie might once have been entranced by this number scarf from the Little Factory. He learned 1-10 quickly and easily when he was 2 1/2 and had a certain fascination with 3 (he’d turn a letter E block backwards to make it look like 3) and, sometimes, 8. Letters were much harder for Charlie to learn. So many more of them, too many rhyme with “ee,” and what do you do about b/d/g/q/p all looking just alike enough to be close cousins? (Yes, there’s a letter scarf too, and it’s almost sold out.) Tags: asd, asperger, autism, autism blog, clothing, design, disabilities blog, disability, Family, family blog, letters, little factory, Numbers, Parenting, pdd-nos, scarf, wearable artShare This (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1553075 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:12:12 +0100 1553075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1508540&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F309028329%2F 96 degrees here in New Jersey today. I don’t mean to turn this blog into a weather report, but changes in the weather—-in particular, when it starts to get humid before a thunderstorm—can affect Charlie. He’s not able to tell us why he might be feeling uncomfortable: At school and home we have been working on teaching him what’s the right clothes to wear when it’s hot, cold, raining. (Not that Charlie’s yet ready to relinquish his hooded blue sweatshirt.) Whatever the season, we go to the pool (indoor and outdoor) several times a week, both for the physical activity and also, as I’ve learned, because being in the water is just something Charlie needs. It seems to soothe and calm his sensory needs; it’s fun; it’s good to be around ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1508540 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:50:34 +0100 1508540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494390&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F305008539%2F “Change the schedule!” This appears to be the rallying cry of today’s Green Our Vaccines rally. CBS news quotes comedian Jim Carrey: Led by actors Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey, they’re marching against the medical establishment that says there’s no evidence vaccines cause autism, CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook reports. “We want to send the message to the CDC and our federal government that vaccinations schedules are not one size fits all for all children and that each child is different,” said concerned parent Michael Williamson. Their new battle cry: Spread out the vaccine schedule. “Thirty-six vaccines in the first few years of the life are too many too soon,” Carrey said. I’ve been wondering what in the world &... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494390 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:45:26 +0100 1494390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1466118&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F296883078%2F In the back-and-forth about 13-year-old Adam Race, deep pressure was mentioned as a technique to help calm an autistic individual. Animal science professor and author Temple Grandin has frequently noted the calming effects of deep pressure, “type of surface pressure that is exerted in most types of firm touching, holding, stroking, petting of animals, or swaddling.” Grandin invented a “squeeze machine” so she could self-administer deep pressure. Special weighted vests, blankets, and other articles of clothing have also been created. Brian Mullen, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering recently won the $50,000 UMass Amherst Technology Innovation Challenge for a new “self-hugging vest is being developed For a few months in town we used to live in, Charlie ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1466118 Fri, 23 May 2008 22:58:23 +0100 1466118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1459262&cid=t_106955_105_f&fid=36987&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FIvorKovicMd%2F%7E3%2F294667508%2F Threadless is a hugely popular online apparel store mostly famous for its creative t-shirt designs. What is unique about it is that members from all over the world submit designs online, which are then put to a public vote. Almost all of the submissions are brilliant, because they are mainly the work of professional designers or very talented passionates, but only a small percentage of submitted designs are selected for printing and sold through the store. This process ensures a higher quality of the final product, design version of peer review in scientific journals.  I have been following submissions to the store for a while and have noticed that quite a substantial number of designs that end up being sold on Threadless are inspired by medicine, anatomy, dentistry, scienc... Ivor Kovic, M.D. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1459262 Wed, 21 May 2008 00:57:21 +0100 1459262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1429102&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F285843297%2F The decision to put an autistic child on medication is never easy for a parent to think about. When the medications in question are antipsychotics (like Risperdal) and antidepressants (like Zoloft), and when the child is disabled and has little or no language to explain how he feels while on the meds, a parent has to proceed with caution. Weight gain is a frequently reported side effect of taking Risperdal and a new study on the use of antipsychotic medications in children indicates that taking these drugs results in an almost immediate increases in body mass index (BMI) and triglyceride levels, as reported in the May 7th WedMD. John Newcomer, MD, the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, presented preliminary research from a study of children taking Zyprexa, Risperdal, or... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1429102 Thu, 08 May 2008 04:55:24 +0100 1429102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1401389&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F278391714%2F Mid-70s weather last week and Charlie’s still wearing his blue fleece jacket with the hood pulled far over his head, or his fleece vest with the zipper all the way zipped, or his fleece gloves (which, having survived several turns in the washing machine, are decidedly un-fleecy). He’s not been wanting to shed his winter gear at the end of April because, for the past several months, it’s become his routine to wear all those items whenever he goes out. There’s another reason besides the strong force of habit for why Charlie has been keeping his fleece “armor” on. Charlie—-like seemingly every person on the spectrum I’ve known—seems to take in sensory data (sounds, sights, smells, textures, tastes, even the quality of the air) in ways that... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1401389 Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:13:02 +0100 1401389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375103&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F271044343%2F It’s supposed to be in the high 60s and into the 70s all this week and sunny. This means yet another transition for Charlie: He’s been donning his blue fleece vest, blue fleece coat, and blue fleece gloves routinely for the past several months. Last Saturday in New York he kept moaning in 60-plus degree weather and that fleece get-up, and looked surprised then was smiling when he removed his fleece items (his armor, I guess you could say). I do think Charlie been grateful for the big hood on the coat to screen out sounds (which he has been much more sensitive too of late) but summer is coming, and the sensory delights of the salty ocean, foamy waves, and sand (wet and dry). I think we’ll be able to make an exchange of fleece for the beach. Eventually. Tags: asd, asperger,... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375103 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:32:30 +0100 1375103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1367951&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F268805581%2F Charlie has always had a big head—-this was apparent from the first time I saw his ultrasound image. It’s only been from looking over his baby and toddler photos that we’ve noted that, until he was around 5 or so, the top part of his head was really big. We always had to buy him bike helmets and hats that were big enough for Jim and me, it seemed. Researchers at the University of Washington’s Autism Center are studying if accelerated head growth might be a biomarker for autism. Today’s Technology Review (MIT) reports on a new project under neuroscientist Eric Courchesne to study the the organization of the brain cells of autistic persons in much more detail. Previous studies have revealed “unusual growth patterns in very young children [in the first two ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1367951 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:05:50 +0100 1367951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1360663&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F267111196%2F Seven extra hours of washing, dusting, vacuuming, tidying up, putting away: A new study from the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research has found that that’s how much more housework women who are married do. From Science Daily: “It’s a well-known pattern,” said ISR economist Frank Stafford, who directs the study. “There’s still a significant reallocation of labor that occurs at marriage—men tend to work more outside the home, while women take on more of the household labor. Certainly there are all kinds of individual differences here, but in general, this is what happens after marriage. And the situation gets worse for women when they have children.” The researchers did find that the amount of housework that women have been ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1360663 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:07:33 +0100 1360663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1243479&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F237791444%2F Friends have told me about their kids having an overpowering need to smell things—-perhaps these Kool-Aid scented shoes from Reebok would have been just the right thing, over and over numerous sets of “smelly” markers and scratch ‘n’ sniff stickers. I wouldn’t say that my son Charlie is oversensitive to smells. There have been times when he has sniffed every piece of food before eating it; he does seem to tolerate some smells that are quite unpleasant more patiently than many people. (Too, it’s possible that he is just not telling us that the smell bothers him; just as well that fewer women (15%) are wearing perfume, as reported by the New York Times.) Certainly the one place where Charlie particularly likes to be—-the ocean—–is a... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1243479 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:34:43 +0100 1243479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1238196&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F236824046%2F Parents don’t cause autism and neither do vaccines. Further: More and more evidence is being found that rejects the hypothesis that there is a link between autism and mercury; more and more evidence is also being found that rejects the hypothesis that there is a link between autism and the MMR vaccine. Nonetheless: Proponents of the hypothesis that a vaccine or something in vaccines (such as mercury in the form of the preservative thimerosal) causes autism remain as vocal as ever about their views, which they make known via full-page ads in national newspapers; celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy; and press releases issued post-haste by “mercury causes autism” organization such as Safe Minds. Those who subscribe to such hypotheses of autism causation tend, too, to voice di... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1238196 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:46:29 +0100 1238196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1233279&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F235305006%2F Self-cleaning clothes, made from wool and silk, no less? Can’t even begin to imagine the possibility of spending less time with the washing machine, and the Shout, and the ketchup and soy sauce stains……. Tags: asd, asperger, autism, autism spectrum disorder, chemicals, children, clothes, pdd-nos, Psychology, red wine, self-cleaning, silk, washing machine, woolShare This (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1233279 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 02:40:52 +0100 1233279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1126230&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F209975169%2F I’ve referred more than once to Charlie’s liking for all things polarfleece, and soft, and fast-drying, and machine-washable. (Well, the last two refer to my preferences for his clothes and numerous blankets.) Soft (clothing for all children) is a new line of “inclusive clothing” to be launched in December 2008; it is “designed with the needs of all children in mind, including those with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, and a range of sensory sensitivity.” The company uses “flat seaming for extra comfort, 100% of the softest combed cotton, wide collars, printed labels, custom fits, and much much more.” Soft (clothing for all children) is a start-up company founded by a Brooklyn educator, Jessica Elsas: Go here to read About.com’s po... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1126230 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:30:02 +0100 1126230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1090500&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F199361249%2F Clothes maketh a difference?—– A mother notes that specially designed garments called Theratogs have (according to a December 7th ABC7News.com report) helped her 2 1/2 year old autistic daughter, Emily, to concentrate and focus better. Beverly Cusick, a physical therapist, invented TheraTogs, which were originally designed for children with “complex neuromotor disorders.” The clothes are made of a “patented, hand-washable composite fabric consisting of nylon and spandex with a foam backing”; this particular set is for children with sensory integration/sensory processing disorder, as well as autism. According to Cusick,  “[Theratogs] act like little muscle supports and little postural assists. The child gets to live in the changes I know I can g... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1090500 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:00:24 +0100 1090500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=838105&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F151790144%2F Learning how to fold laundry—-shirts and towels, for a start—is on Charlie’s IEP goals amid those for reading and counting and speech, et alia. Having “folding laundry” on a 10-year-old self-contained special needs classroom fifth grader’s educational plan smacks of nothing less than “pre-vocational skills”: No, it’s not that we’re thinking “job training not academics” for Charlie’s education. Charlie seems to enjoy doing things (”chores,” some would call them) around the house, from taking out the garbage to carrying in groceries and putting them away. (He does tend to put a number of food items in the refrigerator that don’t really need to go there, but it is a big help to have everything unl... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=838105 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 22:00:51 +0100 838105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=541839&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F108877681%2F “Giving back is the new black,” according to Fashiontribes.com: Beyoncé is “fighting autism through fashion” via Clothes Off Our Back. Does that mean that the usual “autism mother uniform” (machine-washable, stain-proof, quick-drying, rumpled. needing-to-be-washed) might be the next choice of the It Girl? (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=541839 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 19:54:12 +0100 541839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=499539&cid=t_106955_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F104212483%2F Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, is on record as saying that “‘It has never been a better time to have autism‘” because …………… there is a remarkably good fit between the autistic mind and the digital age. For this new generation of children with autism, I anticipate that many of them will find ways to blossom, using their skills with digital technology to find employment, to find friends, and in some cases to innovate. I have another reason, much more mundane, pragmatic, and downright touchy-feely. I am only speaking in regard to my own autistic son Charlie and to what I have observed about him. But more than a few times per day, I have to say, I am grateful for one 20th-century innovati... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=499539 Sun, 25 Mar 2007 03:31:56 +0100 499539