June 12, 2023
- A phase 2b randomized controlled trial of psilocybin has demonstrated that withdrawing from antidepressants will not affect how well the psychoactive compound works for treatment-resistant depression. Of the 233 participants treated with a single dose of the investigational psilocybin treatment COMP360, a similar improvement of depression symptoms was observed whether or not the patients withdrew from their antidepressants or antipsychotics.
- The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 was passed last month to avoid a first-ever default on the country’s debt. The bill includes new limits on domestic spending, affecting a wide range of federal programs for people with disabilities. The final version of the legislation effectively cuts spending on special education, housing, vocational rehabilitation and many other programs by freezing funding at current levels until fiscal year 2025, when spending would rise just 1%, an increase that doesn’t account for inflation. These spending caps will likely impact disability programs for years to come. Fortunately, significant changes to Medicaid benefits were left out of the last-minute debt deal.
- An online charity named iddeate has recently launched to help adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are in need. The new nonprofit connects special needs adults with donors to provide resources that provide a meaningful impact on their lives. Adults with disabilities, family members, or caregivers can request funding for the following categories: coaching support (job, financial, life skills, communication, social skills, etc.), continuing education or certifications, social skills/peer groups, transportation support, professional attire or workplace accommodations, employment and job skills, technology, entrepreneurship support, and arts and crafts.
- The UC Davis MIND Institute was recently awarded a $552,000 grant from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to test a new supported employment model called Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) for people with autism and intellectual disabilities. The IPS model is founded on the following principles: no exclusions (they’ll help just about anyone who wants to work), a commitment to competitive integrated employment (CIE), a focus on the individual’s preferences and skills to target and customize the job, counseling on how to retain social security benefits, long-term jon support, and integration with other services, such as housing and transportation.
- TACA is holding a special one-day sale for its National Autism Conference featuring Dr. Temple Grandin as the keynote speaker. Don’t miss the $85 in-person ticket price on June 16th. Ticket prices will increase to $125 on June 17. TACA’s National Autism Conference will be held on October 20-22, 2023, at the Hilton in Costa Mesa, CA.
