A town hall meeting on Saturday May 3rd, in Sacramento, CA. has been opened to the general public. The meeting is sponsored by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. They are looking for input from paretns on what priorities should be set for research into treatments for autism. This is the first meeting of its kind conducted by the committee. Sacramento was chosen because of its proximity to UC Davis long considered a "hotbed of environmental health sciences research" and a large group of researchers specifically exploring autism therapies

An informal presentation by a group of clinicians specializing in linguistics has uncovered things not known about the abilities to communicate for those that have autism. Robert Stainton, a professor at the University of Western Ontario believes that many of those with autism that have communcation issues have the largest problem with "pragmatics" or the use of metaphor, sarcasm, irony, etc. Most take a literal approach to language so often many may at times, become confused at our choices of words.

Researchers at the University of Missouri are utilizing a video game called "Space Race" to see if the brainwaves of children affected by ASD can improve areas of focus and concentration. The game assists to "retrain the brain" in showing a child what it feels like to pay attention and be more alert and regulate their own brain function. The goal of the program is to show improvements in many areas such as focus & attention span, social interaction, improved sleep, and appetite.

After a 9 year battle to get the bill heard, the Steven Geller Autism Coverage Act, named in honor of its sponsor passed a unanimous 38-0 vote in the Florida Senate. There is some concern however that a companion bill written by Rep Ari North may make it more difficult to pass the house. House Republican leaders, in typical fashion are arguing the fiscal impact to insurance companies will have a negative impact on everyone and they are leery of a state ordered mandate.

The American Heart Association recommends a thorough physical exam, including an EKG and finding out family history of heart problems, for those being prescribed many of the popular drugs used in combatting ADHD.

The South East regional Partners in Autism kick off "I Exist" to raise awareness about Autism in the UK.