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Autism and it's Mysteries

In the article I read today, it talks about autism, it's mysteries, and a story of three triplet boys who were diagnosed with it. These three boys, Hunter, Nicholas, and Zachary Gaston, were all born happy and healthy. But then, when the boys were about eighteen months old, something changed. For example, Zachary wouldn't socialize and he always kept to himself. Also, Hunter would roam around the house at night and scream at the top of his lungs. In addition, Nicholas just stopped talking completely. Their parents were very concerned about this condition and notified their pediatrician immediately. However, their doctor said, "she (their mother, Lynn) was overreacting and they should wait and see,". But, doctors say that it is best to find out if children have autism early so they have a better chance of treating it. There was also another question the Gastons kept asking themselves which was, "Where is the trigger?". They've been asking this question because both parents looked through their family history and found no trace of autism. Some parents believe the trigger is from thimerosal which is a preservative in childhood vaccines. They believe this because after their children were given these vaccines they were diagnosed with autism. However, most medical experts highly doubt that is true because this chemical was removed from all vaccines but autism cases are still rising. Fortunately, despite these theories, the Gastons are going to always stay dedicated to their sons care. Both parents even sold their house in order to pay bills for therapies and doctors. Additionally, Randy Gaston, their father, says, "The one thing that he (Zachary) has to know for the rest of his life is that I did everything for him. That's what it comes down to. I love him,". In my opinion, this article is interesting and it helps me become more aware of what people go through with having autistic children and what some parents believe causes it. Both of these parents have struggled with doctors telling them to wait and see what happens when their triplets are older, and it turns out, all three boys were officially diagnosed with autism at the age of four. But, they have kept their heads held high and persevered through what seems like a never ending battle. Now, Nicholas, Zachary, and Hunter are going to therapists and doctors to help them so they can become as capable of things as they can. All in all, this is what I read today in my article and how I feel about it.

I found my article from:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/31/autism.main/index.html

I found my picture from:

http://www.tariareed.com/blog/uploaded_images/AutismPuzzle-703082.gif

For S.S: Middlesex Schools Raise Test Scores and Spirits!

In the article I read today, Middlesex County is trying to raise test scores for various schools. For example, one of them is Mommouth Junction. In this school, the students have a friendly competition and answer many questions on Study Island. Study Island is a website designed to help students study for state tests and improve their scores. According to the New Jersey Assessment of Knowledge and Skills tests last year, "100 percent of the fourth-graders at Mommouth Junction School scored proficient in language arts and science--among the best in Middlesex County,". However, there are also other schools that are trying to raise their test scores. One of them is Lynn Crest, a K-5 school in Woodbridge. Nearly 79 percent of their fourth-grade students scored above proficient in math at their school. This was able to happen because they started an "Everyday Math" program three years ago and it's been helpful and effective ever since. Furthermore, in East Brunswick, the students have steadily progressed with proficiency in the past years because they take numerous assessments throughout the year to make sure they are prepared for the NJASK. They also believe that this gives them a chance to focus on individual children and their own specific needs. In my opinion, these strategies are very good and will most definitely improve test scores. I believe this because in the article most of the schools have had 75-80 percent of kids getting proficient or more because of these helpful, motivating, pre-tests and skills practice activities. All in all, this is what was in the article I read today and how I feel about it.

I received the article from:

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/middlesex/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1233811672202480.xml&coll=1

I received my picture from:

https://www.measinc.com/NJASK/Images/NJASK_120px_tall.jpg

For Social Studies: Iraqi Women Run for Office!

In the article I read today, it talked about 4,000 Iraqi women in Baghdad running for office. These women are running for office because they have been neglected for many years and want to be a part of the government. According to the International Crisis Group, parties must have their third chair for a woman. Also, a woman named Nibras al-Mamuri, says that, "I've entered a battlefield where women have to prove they are competent, I have to forget about fear." In my opinion, that statement was very powerful because it shows that this woman, a canidate for this event, wants to prove that women can do anything and that she cannot be afraid. In addition, al-Mamuri thinks that Saturday's vote will improve women's position in society. Furthermore, activists say that women were pushed back into the Dark Ages of covering their faces from the public and being neglected because of the rule of Sadam Hussein. Another woman, named Rissala Khalid, said that, "Iraqi women form the core of society," which means that these women are more important than most people would assume because they are taking a chance at running for office and are able to come up with ideas for the government. She also believes that they have potential of becoming a great part of the government. In my opinion, this event is extremely important because I too, believe that these women of Baghdad can become a great part in the government. For example, they could help work out problems in their country and avoid having more fighting and killing take place. Additionally, their decisions could potentially help their society overall and make people more happy and more considerate. All in all, this is what I read in this article today and how I feel about it.

I found my article and picture from:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/01/31/iraq.women/index.html?iref=newssearch