Researchers from McMaster University believe that routine autism screening for all children is not necessary. They say that “there is not enough sound evidence supporting the implementation of a routine population-based screening program for autism.” Their report is published in the journal Pediatrics.

Proposals recommending routine screening of all children for autism gets a thumbs down from researchers at McMaster University. In a study in the online edition of the journal Pediatrics, the researchers say there is “not enough sound evidence to support the implementation of a routine population-based screening program for autism.

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH) has launched a multi-year study to help identify environmental and other factors that may put children at risk for developing conditions within the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Different people with autism can have very different symptoms. Health care providers think of autism as a “spectrum” disorder (ASD), a group of disorders with similar features. One person may have mild symptoms, while another may have serious symptoms. But they both have an autism spectrum disorder.

A clinically extensive and mathematically powerful study of 1000 families with one autistic child and one unaffected sibling has validated a controversial theory of autism’s complex genetic causation. The study for the first time estimates the minimum number of locations in the human genome — 250 to 300 — where gene copy number variation (CNV) can give rise to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The Federal Communications Commission will hold the next EAAC meeting on July 8, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Washington, DC. The EAAC works to determine the most effective and efficient technologies and methods to enable access to Next Generation 911 emergency services by individuals with disabilities. This link opens a PDF document. This information is also in text format.

Share of Cost: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and NeighborWorks® America have announced a new program called the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP). EHLP helps homeowners who have experienced a reduction in income and are at risk of foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment due to economic conditions or a medical condition. Read the frequently asked questions for more information about this program.

The Information Network for Resident Online Access and Delivery of Services (inRoads) evaluates you for possible eligibility for benefits, allows you to apply for/review benefits offered by the state of West Virginia and lets you check on your benefits information online.

Check our share of cost site for additional information.

A website by the U.S. National Library of Medicine for patients and families that provides information about diseases, illnesses, health conditions and wellness issues. Pages contain links with health information on over 800 topics, as well as information on drugs and supplements and videos and tools.

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released the 2011 edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors. This publication has information about health care, pensions, education and training, home loans, life insurance, transition assistance and how to appeal a decision on a claim for benefits.

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The State of the Art Conference on Postsecondary Education and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities will be held on November 3 – 4, 2011 in Fairfax, VA. Colleges and universities, researchers, program staff, parents and self-advocates will discuss the current state of policies, research and practice in the field.

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The Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) will host a free webinar from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern on June 30, 2011. During the webinar business leaders will talk about recruiting and hiring Veterans with disabilities and including people with disabilities as part of their diversity strategy.

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Experts testified at a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) meeting that employers nationwide continue to discriminate against job seekers based on their race, sex, age, national origin, disability or other prohibited bases. An EEOC trial attorney described the case of two deaf applicants who were denied employment by Walmart because they were deaf. The public can submit written comments by mail or email on any issues or matters discussed at the meeting until July 6, 2011.

Get Your Share of Cost Threshold with Dental Insurance Compare share of cost with dental insurance in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arkansas, California Medi-Cal, Colorado Office of Medical Assistance, Connecticut Social Services, Delaware Health and Social Services, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, Georgia Community Health, Hawaii Med-QUEST Division, Idaho Health and Welfare, Illinois Health and Family, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada Medicaid Check Up Program, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to strengthen affirmative action requirements of federal contractors and subcontractors for Veterans protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA). Comment deadline is July 11, 2011.

Get Your Share of Cost Threshold with Dental Insurance Compare share of cost with dental insurance in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arkansas, California Medi-Cal, Colorado Office of Medical Assistance, Connecticut Social Services, Delaware Health and Social Services, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, Georgia Community Health, Hawaii Med-QUEST Division, Idaho Health and Welfare, Illinois Health and Family, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada Medicaid Check Up Program, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Information about the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C., a ruling that requires states to eliminate unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities and make sure that they receive services in the most integrated setting possible. Includes information about the “Year of Community Living” and enforcement of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The U.S. Department of Justice also has a document that explains obligations and rights under the integration mandate of the law.

Get Your Share of Cost Threshold with Dental Insurance Compare share of cost with dental insurance in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arkansas, California Medi-Cal, Colorado Office of Medical Assistance, Connecticut Social Services, Delaware Health and Social Services, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, Georgia Community Health, Hawaii Med-QUEST Division, Idaho Health and Welfare, Illinois Health and Family, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada Medicaid Check Up Program, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a disability discrimination lawsuit against the Tideland Electric Membership Corporation for not accommodating an employee and then firing him because of his disability. The employee takes a legally prescribed narcotic medication to manage a chronic pain condition. After learning about this, Tideland EMC terminated the employee without giving him time to change his medication regimen to keep his employment. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act it is unlawful to discriminate against an employee based on a disability.

Get Your Share of Cost Threshold with Dental Insurance Compare share of cost with dental insurance in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arkansas, California Medi-Cal, Colorado Office of Medical Assistance, Connecticut Social Services, Delaware Health and Social Services, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, Georgia Community Health, Hawaii Med-QUEST Division, Idaho Health and Welfare, Illinois Health and Family, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada Medicaid Check Up Program, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming