A study of more than 5,000 kids with autism suggests that those on the spectrum are more likely than other children to be overweight even at very young ages. (Thinkstock)

A new study is warning that children with autism face a heightened risk for obesity and they start packing on the pounds at much younger ages than their typically-developing peers. Read more.

A 13-year-old boy with autism says he performed the Heimlich maneuver on a classmate at his New York City school after learning the technique from “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Brandon Williams was eating lunch at Barnes Intermediate School on Oct. 28 when he noticed that classmate Jessica Pellegrino was choking on a piece of apple. Read more.

The National Union of Healthcare Workers, which represents 1,400 psychologists, therapists and social workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities in Northern California, is asking them to strike starting Nov. 16.

The Emeryville-based union, led by longtime Kaiser foe Sal Rosselli, cited inadequate staffing and alleged “retaliation against whistle blowers” as reasons for the proposed strike. Read more.

California risks losing billions in health care dollars if the state and federal governments can’t agree this week on a plan to fund reforms of the Medicaid program, hospital officials and experts said.

Public hospitals throughout the state are counting on the $7.25 billion in state and federal funds to treat large numbers of low-income and uninsured patients. Read more.

Understanding eligibility for NBRC, what services are provided, and how to appeal decisions regarding service denials are just a few of the important information topics found in the new Guide to NBRC. This is a ‘must have’ for all individuals and families receiving services as well as those public agencies making referrals to NBRC. Please feel free to download this Guide to your personal computer and contact your Service Coordinator if you have questions.

Every year state regional centers like NBRC enter into performance contracts with the state Department of Developmental Services to provide and coordinate services. In an effort to continue reducing disparities between different ethnic groups regarding accessing and receiving services needed, this year NBRC has added satisfaction goals to its performance plan. NBRC will utilize baseline National Core Indicators (NCI) data that states the number/percent of individuals who are satisfied with services to identify actions that will address disparities;  and analyze data related to services making a difference in helping to keep a family member at home to reduce barriers identified.

Public input is critical to our efforts to reduce disparities and we encourage your feedback. Take a look at our Plan by clicking here and give us your input by clicking here.

The State Council’s Regional Self-Advocacy Newsletter highlights some important innovations impacting the regional center system. Ari Ne’eman, Autistic Self Advocacy Network co-founder, brings light to the new CMS rules and how these promote community integration and choice. Sara Murphy  of WorkLink/TransCen describes the merits of “braided services” to promote employment. Read more.