They've
Given You a Number... ...and taken
away your name.
Welcome to the 2009
KOG.
KOG's
JANUARY QUESTION...
What
if Everyone Is Right?
What if the RtI camp
is right: that the traditional model does not assess special education
disabilities in a scientifically accurate manner? And what if the
traditional school is also correct: that RtI is a passing fad, not
ever to be easily or effectively implemented?
As diagrammed in
the 2X2 factorial, there are only four possible answers:
a.
+
+
Both camps are right;
b.
+
-
The traditional
model is right, RtI is wrong;
c.
-
+
The traditional
model is wrong, RtI is right; or
d.
-
-
Both camps are wrong.
Most likely "a" is
the correct answer. Both camps are right -- neither model seems
to be working. The KOG would like to commend both camps on being
correct.
(From RadPsyNet)
"Since its first appearance in 2003, this article has become required
reading in a number of college-level psychology courses. Because
this article is directed toward educated nonspecialist readers considering
psychological treatment, students of psychology are cautioned that the
terms "psychology" and "clinical psychology" are used interchangeably.
The field of human
psychology is a powerful force in modern society, and its influence is
widespread in language, law, the social contract, and in our perception
of ourselves. Because legal decisions are sometimes made based on
psychology, decisions that might cause someone to be incarcerated or freed,
it is important to establish whether psychology is a science or a simple
belief system. We should determine whether psychology can be relied
on to objectively support the social and legal policies that are based
on it. In modern times, such a serious public burden can only be
borne by a field that is based on reason, on science.
Which leads to
the question: is human psychology steered by science?"
Click
here or on the above link to read and review this resource.
KOG
INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM...
Cause(s)
& Diagnosis of Autism? No one knows
what it is or how to diagnose it (Part I)
Regular KOG visitors
know your Editor has been asking questions regarding the reliability, validity,
science, methods, and even, um, the existence of many of the DSM (and special
education) categories and diagnosis. I'm
not the only one.
I admit having plenty
of issues with the [seemingly] new fad of diagnosing as autistic fourth
graders who seem a bit "shy," "different," or "have a hard time making
friends."
For what they're
worth, the DSM diagnostic criteria are quite clear: real autism
(if there is such a thing) is evident by age three. Real autism can
be recognized and agreed-upon by all involved professionals. Real
autism is pretty well defined, even in our soft sciences. But since
you've heard me go on and on about this, I wanted to ask a true "expert."
This KOG investigation
took me to the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE). I asked a
couple of questions regarding present research and assessment methods.
The KOG would like to thank Vlad Kusanovich, Ph.D. for his open and honest
responses. The communication follows:
The following form
was submitted from the contact AGRE page of www.agre.org
on 12/12/2008:
Hi.
I'm hoping to find the answers to the following two questions: a)
has any research yet found any conclusive evidence of any type of actual
genetic (i.e., "nature") involvement or cause in autism? and b) have any
reliable and valid scientific or medical assessment methods been found
to accurately assess autism (and if so, please let me know what they are)?
Thank you in advance, Don Asbridge, School Psychologist"
Here was the response
from AGRE:
Dear
Mr. Asbridge,
Autism is a complex
disorder due to both multiple risk factors and how we look at the disorder.
Most clinicians and scientists view that autism is not a singular disorder
but a collection of related disorders with similar features.
There are some
disorders with many of the features of autism which have been unequivocally
shown to be due to a single gene. Rett Syndrome and Fragile X are
the two classic examples.
We are in the
process of identifying genetic changes which account for a broader autism
and thus this has been challenging. Nevertheless, we are identifying
genetic changes that are highly associated with autism. For example,
there is a genetic duplication of a section of chromosome 16 which has
been strongly associated with autism.
A few companies
are coming out with genetic or biochemical tests for autism. We are
not in a position to endorse any of these. Some clinical labs are
beginning to roll out genetic testing services but personally, I believe
this is premature. While the findings are exciting (some of them
due to our work), I would like to have some further evidence before these
kits are marketed.
So the answer from an
expert in the field is: a) there is not yet any conclusive evidence
of any type of actual genetic involvement; and b) there are no reliable
and valid scientific or medical assessment methods to accurately assess
autism.
Yet the diagnosis
of autism continues to grow by approximately 356% per year?
REAL
RESEARCH!!!
Cause(s)
& Diagnosis of Autism... No one knows
what it is or how to diagnose it (Part II)
Autism
Overflows: Increasing Prevalence and Proliferating Theories by Lynn
Waterhouse From Neuropsychology
Review Issue:
Volume 18, Number 4 / December, 2008
Abstract:
"This selective
review examines the lack of an explanation for the sharply increasing
prevalence of autism, and the lack of any synthesis of the proliferating
theories of autism. The most controversial and most widely disseminated
notion for increasing prevalence is the measles/mumps/rubella/thimerosal
vaccine theory. Less controversial causes that have been proposed
include
changes in autism diagnostic criteria, increasing services
for autism, and growing awareness of the disorder. Regardless
of its causes, the increasing prevalence of autism has put pressure on
the field of autism research to generate productive and predictive theories
of autism. However, the heterogeneity of brain deficits, impaired
behaviors, and genetic variants in autism have challenged researchers and
theorists, and despite 45 years of research, no standard causal synthesis
has emerged. Research going forward should assume that autism
is an aggregation of myriad independent disorders of impaired sociality,
social cognition, communication, and motor and cognitive skills."
No one knows what
it is or how to diagnose it.
Note: italics and bold text added by KOG Editor for
emphasis.
SPEAKING
OF KITS TO DIAGNOSE AUTISM...
Learn
to Assess Autism!
As you know (click
here for the KASP Events Page), The Kern Association of School
Psychologists is holding a January workshop where you can learn the
ADOS system to diagnose autism. The KOG is happy to provide the following
related information:
Wow... modern science
sure has has come a long way. Remember ECT? A medical miracle! The article below
is from Popular Science, 1940... 69 years ago!
Thankfully ECT is
gone forever now that we're living in a more humane world.
...Now
They're Called "Current Medical Improvements!"
ECT is now called,
"Brain Stimulation" and it is apparently thriving in Europe.
Brain Stimulation Volume 1, Issue
4, Pages 326-336 (October 2008)
www.brainstimjrnl.com
Efficacy of repetitive
transcranial magnetic stimulation/transcranial direct current stimulation
in cognitive neurorehabilitation
Carlo Miniussi, PhDa,
Stefano F. Cappa, MDb, Leonardo G. Cohen, MDc, Agnes Floel, MDd, Felipe Fregni,
MD, PhDe, Michael A. Nitsche, MDf, Massimiliano Oliveri, MDg, Alvaro Pascual-Leone,
MD, PhDe, Walter Paulus, MDf, Alberto Priori, MDh, Vincent Walsh, PhDi
Summary of article:
"Cognitive
deficits are a common consequence of neurologic disease, in particular,
of traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders, and
there is evidence that specific cognitive training may be effective in
cognitive rehabilitation. Several investigations emphasize the fact
that interacting with cortical activity, by means of cortical stimulation,
can positively affect the short-term cognitive performance and improve
the rehabilitation potential of neurologic patients. In this respect,
preliminary evidence suggests that cortical stimulation may play a role
in treating aphasia, unilateral neglect, and other cognitive disorders.
Several possible mechanisms can account for the effects of transcranial
magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation
(tDCS) on cognitive performance. They all reflect the potential of
these methods to improve the subject's ability to relearn or to acquire
new strategies for carrying out behavioral tasks. The responsible
mechanisms remain unclear but they are most likely related to the activation
of impeded pathways or inhibition of maladaptive responses. Modifications
of the brain activity may assist relearning by facilitating local activity
or by suppressing interfering activity from other brain areas. Notwithstanding
the promise of these preliminary findings, to date no systematic application
of these methods to neurorehabilitation research has been reported.
Considering the potential benefit of these interventions, further studies
taking into consideration large patient populations, long treatment periods,
or the combination of different rehabilitation strategies are needed.
Brain stimulation is indeed an exciting opportunity in the field of cognitive
neurorehabilitation, which is clearly in need of further research.
Keywords: cognitive
deficits, cognitive rehabilitation, memory, attention, language, repetitive
transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation
This article may be
of particular interest to those of you using the NEPSY, the Halstead-Reitan
Test Batteries, or anyone else who regularly assesses invisible "cognitive
deficits" and is hoping to, uh, "help."
"Brain
stimulation is a much nicer term than ECT, don't you think?"
Don Asbridge, 2008
Be sure to read the
KOG Bonus Section ("A Real Letter"), later in this issue for more
on this topic.
"The real
hook of the Massachusetts policy is to provide financial incentive to "diagnose"
children: With the diagnosis doors and services can open to you.
Children -- in particular
those on Medicaid -- are being turned into a captive consumer drug market
without regard for the harmful consequences."
Click
here for the original 2005 November KOG article ("Be Careful
What You Ask For... Less is More")... The KOG -- always ahead of it's
time.
Too bad Massachusetts didn't read The KOG
back then... 460,000 American children could have been saved from this
"screening."
Situationism is premised
on the social scientific insight that the naïve psychology —t hat
is, the highly simplified, affirming, and widely held model for understanding
human thinking and behavior — on which our laws and institutions are based
is largely wrong.
Good to see Harvard
hopping on board with the KOG.
Just a friendly reminder
to all of you on the DSM-V
task force that the integrity and ethics of your diagnosis and
recommendations will suffer if you're getting any type of a kickback from
any pharmaceutical company.
Have a great year! Miss Dx
KOG's HEROES
IN EDUCATION SERIES
In November, responding to the report
that one in five teenagers has a personality disorder...
"It used to be known as the teenage
years." Bill Handel
Click
here to submit your letter to the KOG Editor
Dear KOG Editor,
I really enjoy surfing the internet.
Signed, "Surfin' Safari"
Dear Surfin' Safari,
It
sounds like you have one of those new DSM-V disorders... an internet
addiction. You will no doubt require a lifetime of therapy
and meds to help you with this severe disorder.
Signed, KOG Editor
Dear KOG Editor,
I'm a "manly man!" I take great pride in being a manly man... I'm
not going to be one of those "girly men!"
Signed, "California Governator"
Dear California Governator,
It
sounds like you have one of those new DSM-V disorders... a hypermasculine
disorder. You will no doubt require a lifetime of therapy and
meds to help you with this severe disability.
Signed, KOG Editor
Dear KOG Editor,
About thirty years ago, I remember wondering one memorable night what it
would be like to a member of the opposite gender. Does this mean
anything?
Signed, "Had A Thought"
Dear Had A Thought,
It
means you have a DSM-V disorder; a gender identity disorder.
You will no doubt require a lifetime of therapy and meds to help you with
this severe problem
Signed, KOG Editor
Dear KOG
Editor,
I've been giving the NEPSY... I seek out and identify previously invisible
cognitive deficits. Do you think I should start recommending brain
stimulation?
Signed, "Neuropsych Superstar"
Dear Neuropsych Superstar,
You
might as well go ahead and finish what you've started...
Signed, KOG Editor
Dear
KOG Editor,
I wanted to have a cookiefest tonight, but my Mom is in a bad mood.
What should I do?
Signed, "Junior in High School"
Dear Junior in High
School,
Throw
a temper tantrum and spend the rest of the night in your room. Then
don't talk to her for three days.
Signed, KOG Editor
Dear KOG Editor,
How can I make money as a psychologist?
Signed, Recent Graduate"
Dear Recent Graduate,
The
opportunities are limitless. Just open your eyes. You might
want to start by learning how to diagnose autism.
Signed, KOG Editor
Dear KOG Editor,
When I read the KOG, I can't tell if your serious.
Signed, "Regular Visitor"
Dear Regular Visitor,
There
are two kinds of KOG readers: those who get it and those who don't.
Signed, KOG Editor
Dear KOG Editor,
I've been feeling really blue the past few weeks. I lost my job and
my house as a result of the past, uh, eight years. Is there anything
you can do to help?
Signed, "Typical American"
Dear Typical American,
You
lost your job and house due to a bipolar disorder as defined by
the new DSM-V. You probably have a DSM-V stress disorder too.
Quit blaming the president! You will no doubt require a lifetime
of therapy and meds to help you with your issues.
Signed, KOG Editor
This letter from
MindFreedom was forwarded through RadPsyNet and has been edited by your
KOG Editor: any and all references asking for donations or membership
to MindFreedom have been deleted as the purpose of the KOG publishing this
letter is not to get you to join any group or contribute to any group.
Rather, this letter is being published in follow-up to the previous KOG
section on brain stimulation in Europe, the role of psychiatric overmedication
in the United States, the ongoing KOG view that mental health "services"
should be always be a choice, and MindFreedom joining the KOG in
a plea for a peaceful, non-violent revolution in mental health.
From: News
and alerts from www.MindFreedom.org
23 December 2008
3:09:22 pm
Dear readers of the
MindFreedom News Public Alerts:
Ray Sandford phoned
the MindFreedom office this morning, as he does most days.
As you probably know,
Ray has received about 35 involuntary electroshocks. MindFreedom's
Ray Campaign has activated hundreds of people like you to support Ray.
This won Ray national publicity and a new hearing last week.
Ray gave me the bad
news that the judge ruled against him. Again.
That means Ray is
scheduled for another of his every-other-Wednesday involuntary electroshocks
tomorrow, 24 December 2008.
Christmas Eve.
Ray says, "I'm really
disappointed in that." Ray thought that maybe his family's holiday
get togethers would delay this week's forced shock.
But Ray said that
instead of the gathering, "I'll be having tacos with my aunt tonight to
celebrate Christmas."
So tomorrow morning
Ray will be woken up early in his group home, and escorted to a forced
shock.
Ray told me this
morning: "It's a painful awful experience. Every time.
It takes away memory viciously. It is scary as hell every time I
go."
Ray says he always
objects.
"I say, 'I don't
want to do this, I don't want to do this,' which I've known since the first
time. Everyone figures I'm totally nuts."
Ray is not giving
up.
So we are not giving
up.
We ask that you not
give up.
Eye-witnesses at
Ray's hearing, held in a dreary hospital basement, knew he did not have
much of a chance.
Ray's court-appointed
attorney, Jon Duckstad, refused to call any expert witness to testify for
Ray's side. (See MFI Blog for more on the hearing.) Mr. Duckstad
has refused to respond to any offers of help from MindFreedom, including
a number of skilled attorneys we've found who offered to assist for free.
Ray is keeping his
spirits up.
Ray is so grateful
to MindFreedom members and supporters for speaking out. Ray is proud
that even a relative in Alaska heard him oppose his forced shock on National
Public Radio (click on http://www.mindfreedom.org/ray
to hear that, and read more about Ray).
I am deeply impacted
by Ray's ongoing psychiatric torture out in the community.
All abuse is bad,
but severe outpatient abuse is traumatizing to all of us, like me, who
have experienced mental health system human rights violations. It
means none of us are safe, even in our homes.
So this e-mail is
not one more alert. We'll do another alert soon.
This is a brief note
from the heart.
Reform is not enough.
Let 2009 be the year of a nonviolent revolution in mental health.
We are not giving
up on Ray, and thousands of people like him.
David W. Oaks, Executive
Director
MindFreedom International
454 Willamette,
Suite 216 - POB 11284
Eugene, OR 97440-3484
USA
MindFreedom International
is an non-profit coalition with a vision of a non-violent revolution in
mental health. Accredited by the United Nations as a Non-Governmental Organization
(NGO) with Consultative Roster Status.
"Human
salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
KASP Membership
Information
To
become a KASP member...
...contact Traci Taber Rivas directly at: rivast@gfusd.k12.ca.us
Summer isn't
here yet...
She wants to live in the Rockies
She says that's where we'll find peace
Settle down, raise up a family to call
our own
We'll have a home
We sailed into the sunset
Never gave a thought for tomorrow
300.29 is here with me
Let tomorrow be...
NOTES
& DISCLAIMERS: Any
opinions expressed in the KOG are opinions only and are not necessarily
approved or supported by the KASP organization or anyone else, including
the KOG Editor. On the other hand, any facts expressed or implied
are indeed, facts. Just as is true for everything else in this world,
you get to decide what is opinion, what is fact, and what is research based,
and if and how they may or may not all go together. Please note that
just because something is research based doesn't necessarily make it a
fact; and not all facts are research based. Some opinions are
facts and research based. Some opinions are not facts, yet are still
research based. Just because something is research based doesn't
necessarily make it a fact, or ethical. Some facts are facts for
some but not facts for others; the same concept holds true for opinions
and research. The same can be said for humor, satire, parody, and
serious notes. Some opinions are just opinions. However, one
thing is always certain... everything counts.
January KOG Published Wednesday,
December 31st, 2008
