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AYFN Newsletter, January 22, 2010

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Alaskan Families'; Voice on Children's Behavioral Health
If you have questions about helping yourself or your family, call one of our youth or adult Peer Navigators at 907-770-4979 (in Anchorage) or toll-free (in Alaska) at 1-888-770-4979. A Peer Navigator helps you understand how the system of services can work for you, helps you prepare to attend school or treatment services meetings, can attend meetings with you and can be a support... because a Peer Navigator is someone who has been there (we are the parents and the youth who have done it ourselves, had training in how to support others and now we're ready to share what we know to support you and your family).
In this Update:

Limits proposed for Restraint, Seclusion of Students with disabilities
Mental Health Issues Up for High School, College Students
Keep up the Pressure for Health Care Reform
National Survey Indicates One in Four Girls Aged 12-17 Were Involved in Serious Fights or Attacks in the Past Year
Autism Numbers Rising. The Question is Why?
Is your Anxiety preventing you from living life to the fullest?
Pick. Click. Give Up and Running: File for Your PFD and Help Out AYFN!
When to help with Homework
AYFN Recommended Read: The Way of Boys
AYFN Statewide Groups and Classes

Limits proposed for Restraint, Seclusion of Students with disabilities

Two congressional lawmakers unveiled a bill seeking to impose strict limitations on practices of restraint and seclusion. The Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act would allow such practices only in crisis situations where a student or others are in immediate physical danger. While some advocates say the proposed law does not go far enough to limit the practices, some educators say restraints or seclusion are sometimes needed to keep students and teachers safe. For entire article: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2009/12/lawmakers_seek_halt_to_abuses.html

Link to press release of bill: http://edlabor.house.gov/newsroom/2009/12/lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan.shtml.  

Mental Health Issues Up for High School, College Students

Compared to the 1930s, five times as many American high school and college students are struggling with anxiety and other mental health issues, according to a new study.

Researchers reviewed the responses of 77,576 high school or college students who completed the Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory questionnaire between 1938 and 2007, the Associated Press reported.

The findings showed that, overall, an average of five times as many students in 2007 surpassed thresholds in one or more mental health categories, compared with students in 1938. In two areas, six times as many students in 2007 scored much higher in two areas:

  • The rate of hypomania (a measure of anxiety and unrealistic optimism) was found in 31 percent of students in 2007, compared with 5 percent in 1938.
  • The rate of depression among students was 6 percent in 2007 and 1 percent in 1938.

The study also found that 24 percent of students in 2007 scored high in a category called "psychopathic deviation" -- defined as having trouble with authority and feeling that rules don't apply to you -- compared with 5 percent of students in 1938, the AP reported.

The findings and the study will appear in a future issue of the journal Clinical Psychology Review.

Keep up the Pressure for Health Care Reform

Now that the Massachusetts Senate seat has been filled with a Republican, the Democrats lost the filibuster-proof Congress that they needed to pass health care reform. However, having only 59 Democrats in the Senate does not mean that health care reform is doomed to fail. What Democrats favor to happen is that the House of Representatives would pass the Senate version of the health care reform legislation, and then the Senate would pass a “clean-up” bill to fix things in the Senate bill that the House members don’t like. This last vote would go by a reconciliation process, meaning that only 51 votes would be needed for the bill to pass, which is important because in a normal vote 60 votes are needed.

Because of the massive size of the bill and the frustrations Democrats have had over its content, some have been wavering on their support over the bill, especially since Brown’s election. On a statewide level, some of the best insurance policies in Alaska rarely pay more than 50% for most mental health and substance abuse treatment (other than psychiatrists).  The result of this is that Alaskan families often wait until there is a crisis, requiring ER or acute residential treatment, before they finally see a counselor.   So we all pay more for health care because the cost of ER and residential treatment is subsidized by your full payments to providers or by public benefit programs like Medicaid and DenaliKidCare. Therefore, it is critical that we keep pressure on our legislators in the House and Senate. Please contact them ASAP to let them know that there is too much at stake to let health care reform die this year!  To send an email to the Alaskan delegation, log on to: http://www.ayfn.org/ and go to the Legislative Updates section to contact our leaders.

National Survey Indicates One in Four Girls Aged 12-17 Were Involved in Serious Fights or Attacks in the Past Year

A report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that, in the past year, one quarter (26.7 percent) of adolescent girls participated in a serious fight at school or work, group-against-group fight, or an attack on others with the intent to inflict serious harm.

“These findings are alarming,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D.  “We need to do a better job reaching girls at risk and teaching them how to resolve problems without resorting to violence.”

 

When combined, 2006 to 2008 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows that 18.6 percent of adolescent females got into a serious fight at school or work in the past year, 14.1 percent participated in a group-against-group fight, and 5.7 percent attacked others with the intent to seriously hurt them; one quarter (26.7 percent) of adolescent females engaged in at least one of these violent behaviors in the past year.  Other key findings from the NSDUH survey include:

 

  • The prevalence of these violent acts in the past year decreased as annual family income increased. The violent behaviors were reported by 36.5 percent of adolescent females who lived in families with annual incomes of less than $20,000, 30.5 percent of those in families with annual incomes of $20,000-$49,999, 22.8 percent with annual incomes of $50,000 to $74,999, and 20.7 percent with annual incomes of $75,000 or more. 
     
  • In the past year, adolescent females who engaged in any of these violent behaviors were more likely than those who did not to have indicated past month binge alcohol use (15.1 vs. 6.9 percent), marijuana use (11.4 vs. 4.1 percent), and use of illicit drugs other than marijuana (9.2 vs. 3.2 percent). 
     
  • Adolescent females who were not currently enrolled or attending school were more likely than those who were in school to have engaged in one of these violent behaviors in the past year (34.3 vs. 26.7 percent).  Among those who attended school in the past year, rates of violent behaviors increased as academic grades decreased. 

Despite media attention on high-profile accounts of females’ acts of violence, rates of these violent behaviors among adolescent females remained stable according to the NSDUH report when comparing combined data from 2002-2004 and 2006-2008.

Violent Behaviors among Adolescent Females is based on the responses of 33,091female youths aged 12 to 17 participating in the 2006, 2007, and 2008 SAMHSA National

Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).  The full report is available online at: http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k9/171/171FemaleViolence.cfm. It may also be obtained by calling the SAMHSA
Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) or at: http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=18242

For related publications and information, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/.


Autism Numbers Rising.  Definitions are Broadening

One in 110 American children are considered to fall somewhere along the autism spectrum, according to the latest report released by the federal government. The new figure, which was released initially in October, comes from the most comprehensive set of data yet on the developmental health of eight-year-olds.

Increasing the previous federal estimate of 1 in 150, the new data suggest that 1% of children now exhibit some symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a collection of neurological conditions whose symptoms may range from mild social impairment to more serious communication, language and cognitive deficits. The estimate also represents a stunning 57% increase in prevalence since 2002, when health officials first began a nationwide effort to quantify the risk of autism in childhood.

For the detailed report, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers combed through health and education records in 11 U.S. cities. In some sites, the rate of autism was as high as 12 cases per 1,000 children, but averaged across the country the final autism case rate was calculated at 9 per 1,000 children. That's compared to a national rate of 1 per 2,000 children prior to the 1980s, and 6 per 1,000 children as recently as the 1990s.

The new figures also support past studies that suggest autism occurs more frequently in boys than girls. Federal statistics show that ASD prevalence jumped 60% among boys since 2002, compared with 48% among girls.

But as striking as the new figure is, it's not clear how much of the rise reflects a true increase in ASD risk and how much is due simply to improved awareness and diagnosis of the disorders. Increased access to special education classes and other therapies may also be inflating the numbers, as educators and parents enroll more children in hopes of optimizing their learning environment. Indeed, CDC researchers found that among sites where they had access to both health and education records, the prevalence of ASD was higher on average than in sites where only health information was available.

Previous studies looking at a narrower population of youngsters have suggested that as much as 40% of the rise in autism cases might be explained by broader diagnostic definitions and by heightened awareness of the condition.

To read the full article, go to: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1948842,00.html


Is your Anxiety preventing you from living life to the fullest?

Everybody worries or gets the odd case of butterflies in the stomach. But are you missing out on opportunity and happiness because of fears and worries? Is anxiety interfering with your life? Anxiety afflicts more than 20 million Americans, making it the most common mental illness. Find out if your anxiety is excessive with QueenDom's Anxiety Test. This test is designed to evaluate your general level of anxiety. Examine the statements in the test and indicate how often you feel that way. Take the test today to find out if anxiety is ruling your life! Go to:     http://discoveryhealth.queendom.com/anxiety_abridged_access.html

Pick. Click. Give. Up and Running: File for Your PFD and Help Out AYFN!

2010 Permanent Fund Dividend time is here!  The application deadline for this year is midnight, March 31, 2010. Alaska Youth and Family Network is participating in the "Pick. Click. Give." campaign that benefits nonprofit agencies across the state.   With a simple mouse click, you can donate a portion of your Permanent Fund Dividend to help AYFN continue to provide services to families, children and youth throughout Alaska. The bugs in the system appear to have been worked out so go Pick. Click. Give today!  To find out about this program AND to submit your PFD application, go to: http://www.pfd.state.ak.us/ 
 
AYFN uses donations to provide services to families just like yours. Grants we are awarded won't pay for all needs: emergency food or transportation for our families, food for support groups, stipends for parenting classes or wellness classes. You can donate on line at: http://www.ayfn.org/ and click on the Donate button at the bottom of the page.  You can contact  our main office at 907-770-4979 to learn how easy it can be to donate to AYFN over the phone, or mail in a donation to PO Box 233142, Anchorage AK, 99523-3142.

When to help with Homework
from the folks at Love & Logic!

Alex and Jason come home with the same math homework.

Alex complains to his mom, "It's just not fair. Mr. Jenson gives us too much homework. I don't know how to do this. He never explains anything. You need to help me. It's going to take too long!"

"How did he explain this homework?" asks mom.

"I don't remember. You need to help me," says Alex.

Mom opens the book and points out the answers. She gets the task over quickly and then lectures, "You'd better start paying attention in class!"

Jason makes the same complaint to his mom.

"How did your teacher explain this homework?" asks mom.

"I don't remember. You need to help me," says Jason.

"How sad," answers Mom. "I'll be happy to help when you work harder on your schoolwork than me, and I know that you are listening in class." With that, she tells Jason to open his book and try to remember how the teacher told him to do the work. "You can watch your program when it's finished," she tells Jason.

Which mom did the best job of parenting? Which kid is more likely to start listening better in class? I bet you know the answer.
AYFN Recommended Read:  The Way of Boys
By Anthony Rao, Michelle Seaton 

In a book that's part advice and part expose, psy­chologist and expert on boyhood development Dr. Anthony Rao challenges some of the potentially harmful assumptions, attitudes, and behaviors we've developed toward young boyhood over the last few decades.

Boys are being bombarded with a slew of diagnoses—ADHD, Asperger's, bipolar disorder—at an alarming rate and at younger ages. The Way of Boys urges parents, educators, pediatricians, psychologists, and other developmental experts to reevaluate and significantly change how we deal with our youngest boys. It's time we stopped trying to "fix" young boys. When parents understand the wide spectrum for normal boy development, they can successfully communicate with their son—and everyone in their son's life—and help him grow into a healthy, smart, strong man.

To purchase this recommended read, please got to: http://astore.amazon.com/alayouandfamn-20/detail/0061707821 .  Not only will you get a cool book, you will also help AYFN with your purchase from Amazon!  

AYFN Statewide Groups and Classes

In Anchorage : Join us for our interactive youth classes. Two classes are offered for youth ages 16-25, "Get Your S*#@ Together, Keep Your S*#@ Together!"(WRAP for Youth), and "Mood and Affective Skill Building (Anger Management)". Do you feel your life is out of control or that everything is swirling around you? We can help you pull it together, without blowing your top. Contact: will@ayfn.org for class info and registration!

YouthMOVE Alaska is here at AYFN! Help Will and all of Alaska become part of the nationwide collaboration of youth who want to improve services for youth! It's not just a group, it is a movement! Take part in YouthMOVE in the valley (third Monday of the month, 4-5pm), or in Anchorage at the AYFN office on Northern Lights (Wednesdays, 5-6:30 pm). See our calendar of Upcoming Events for details or contact Will at: will@ayfn.org.

Parent-to-parent support and youth groups are every Friday of the month from 6pm to 8pm. A light meal is served. AYFN is located at 401 E. Northern Lights, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK. For more info, contact us at: will@ayfn.org.

In Mat-Su : Parent Support Groups are held the 1st and 3rd and 5th Wednesday (if there is a 5th!) of the month from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Pandemonium Book Store in Wasilla. The address is 1325 East Palmer-Wasilla HWY #101, Wasilla, AK. Parent support group also meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Mat-Su Public Health Clinic in the Garrett Medical Building on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway (across from the bowling alley). For more information on the Parent Support Groups, call Nancy at 907-715-0707 or email at: nancy@ayfn.org.

The New Youth Group is Here! YouthMOVE Alaska has landed in the Valley! Be part of the nationwide movement! Call Shae at 907-982-4998 or email her at: shae@ayfn.org. Youth Support group meets every other Friday from 6pm to 8pm. For more information on the Youth Support Groups and the location of the meeting, please call Shae at 907-982-4998 or email her at: shae@ayfn.org.

In Juneau : An adult support group meets each Thursday from 6pm-8pm at the Catholic Community Services downtown. Call Chlora at 907-321-2213 for more information.

In Fairbanks : Groups are meeting in Fairbanks, email Debbie for more information: debbie@ayfn.org.
Upcoming Events
Complete Calendar


Click on an event topic for more information


Native Theatre Festival, 1/23

YouthMOVE Anchorage, 1/27

Eating Disorder Support Group, 1/28

Parent & Youth Support Group, 1/29

Parent Resource Sharing Group, 2/2


What would you like included in this e-newsletter? Let us know the type of information that would be most or least useful to you. We started this newsletter because families asked for it. We'll also change it based on your feedback! E-mail us at: admin@ayfn.org

This newsletter and all programming of Alaska Youth and Family Network is supported with funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, State of Alaska Behavioral Health Division and The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and with local support from Walmart, Moose's Tooth Restaurant, Diane's,and your private contributions.