Is there an autism epidemic?

More people than ever before are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but is almost five times more common among boys than among girls. CDC estimates that about 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

It is unclear exactly how much of this increase is due to a broader definition of ASD and better efforts in diagnosis. However, a true increase in the number of people with an ASD cannot be ruled out. The CDC believes the increase in ASD diagnosis is likely due to a combination of these factors.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

To continue the celebration of our recent honor, a new graphic is now available for all LLCC employees to include in email signatures! Just save this image and add it to yours!

Our sincere condolences to Bill Harmon, professor of agronomy, on the passing of his mother, Georgia “Jody” Harmon. Visitation will be Saturday, April 9 from 10-11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Taylorville. Funeral will follow at 11:30 a.m. Family has asked for donations to American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

What are the causes and risk factors for autism?

We do not know all of the causes of ASD. However, we have learned that there are likely many causes for multiple types of ASD. There may be many different factors that make a child more likely to have an ASD, including environmental, biologic and genetic factors.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

I’d like to thank my LLCC family for all the ways you’ve supported me since my mom’s passing.  Each and every hug, message, card, phone call, chat and tearful moment many have shared with me have further made me realize how lucky I am to work here.  My mom would have been touched to learn about the donations made by LLCC and employees to the APL.  She adored her animals; they were part of her family and your donations will help the APL will help them in their mission to place animals in good homes.  Thank you so much.

The total costs per year for children with ASD in the United States were estimated to be between $11.5 billion – $60.9 billion (2011 US dollars). This significant economic burden represents a variety of direct and in-direct costs, from medical care to special education to lost parental productivity.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

Practical Response to Active Shooters
Facilitators: LLCC Police Department
Wednesday, April 6, 4-6 p.m. | Menard Hall, 1168

If you ever found yourself in an active shooter event, would you know what to do? As with any emergency situation, prior thought and planning play an immense role in our individual response to these highly stressful incidents. Presented by members of the Lincoln Land Community College Police Department, this hands-on training will provide you with options on what to do during an active shooter incident, teach you how to do them, and then give you an opportunity to actually practice these newly learned skills in a supportive, non-stressful environment. Full-time and adjunct faculty are encouraged to attend. Click here to register for this session.

The remaining workshops offered by ITDE this semester are:
Rethinking Diversity by Including Disability – Wednesday, April 13
Blackboard Open Lab – Wednesday, April 20 and Monday, May 9
How Can Blackboard Make Your Life Easier? – Thursday, April 21
For more information or to register for one of these sessions, click HERE.

Our sincere condolences to Nancy Walton, professor of nursing, on the passing of her mother, Agnes (Aggie) Mahkovtz.  Private family services are being held. To read the obituary or leave online condolences, visit www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com.  Memorial contributions be made to the Carlinville Area Hospital Lifeline Program or to the Elizabeth Rosenberger Scholarship with the LLCC Foundation.

About one in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.  ASD is almost five times more common among boys (one in 42) than among girls (one in 189).

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

LLCC won “Best College/University” in the recent Reader’s Choice Awards sponsored by the State Journal Register! Get your photo taken with the plaque this week and we’ll post it on the LLCC Facebook page. The photo with the most likes by April 15 wins a swag bag of LLCC items including a gift certificate to the LLCC Bookstore! Everyone (students, faculty, staff) is eligible. Here’s the schedule for traveling plaque photo opportunities:

TODAY: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., A. Lincoln Commons
Tuesday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Workforce Careers Center, outside Bistro Verde
Wednesday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., A. Lincoln Commons
Thursday: 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Cass Gym
Friday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., A. Lincoln Commons