New ADHD Drug--Pfizer has launched Quillivant XR (controlled-release methylphenidate hydrochloride) for the treatment of ADHD. This is the first once-daily, extended-release liquid methylphenidate for ADHD available in the U.S.

The FDA approved Quillivant XR in September 2012 for use in patients 6 years old and above. It uses Tris Pharma's OralXR+ platform, which coats tiny drug particles so that they release the drug over 24 hours and then suspends them in a liquid. Known as LiquiXR, this liquid formulation masks the taste of the drug, is easier to swallow than tablets or capsules, and allows accurate dose adjustment, making it ideal for use in children. It is available from pharmacies and under Pfizer's Helpful Answers patient assistance program.

As with any other medication, consult your doctor for their recommendation.

Gluten Free Webinar--Oded Fisher (professional baker/'condituria' chef) is hosting a webinar Monday night, January 28, 2013, demonstrating how to change and substitute different types of flour in various recipes, including gluten free. The link is: http://www.bamixer.co.il/pt_events/%D7%95%D7%95%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A0%D7%A8-%D7%90%D7%9D-%D7%90%D7%99%D7%9F-%D7%A7%D7%9E%D7%97/

USA

Birthright Trip To Israel--YACHAD and Taglit Birthright have joined to provide an opportunity for participants with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities aged 18 to 26 to enjoy a 10 day supervised group trip to Israel. This fully accessible trip will visit Jerusalem, Northern Israel, Masada, ride camels, and other exciting activities around the country.

This trip is open to anyone who has not previously been on a peer trip to Israel. There will be a 1:3 staff to participant ratio. It is not appropriate for persons needing constant medical supervision. Activities will be mixed gender, with separate sleeping accommodations.

Last day to register February 12, 2013. Contact Nichole Bodner, 212-613-8266 or

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Foster/Adaptive Parent Seminar—Ohel is sponsoring an 8 part series on “Caring & Loving A Child That Is Not Biologically Yours”. It is geared to those who have adopted or are planning to adopt a child, foster parents or those looking to become one, or families who have someone else’s child living with them. Though it does not focus specifically on the additional challenges of children with special needs, it includes many issues common to all. Topics addressed include: Addressing Challenging Behaviors, Promoting Attaching and Bonding, Learning About Discipline, Enhancing Parenting Skills, Promoting Effective Communication, and Reducing Parent-child conflict. Free admission, but registration required. See Beineinu’s Calendar for the full schedule. For more information, contact 718-972-9338, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ISRAEL

Tamid B’Kesher Down Syndrome Information Center--Kesher Jerusalem and BeYachad have opened an information center to assist parents of children with Down Syndrome with utilizing their rights. Call, 02-623-6116 Sun-Thurs between 9 am and 3 PM, and ask for Ruthy Abraham.

Down Syndrome Support Group-- Yad Halev in Bnei Brak is conducting special support groups for mothers and family members of children with Down syndrome. The support groups are separated into two groups – one for mothers of older children with DS, and one for mothers of younger children.  They also run workshops for brothers and sisters of children with DS in which they receive real support. For information contact Tzipporah- (Hebrew) 03-678-6808.

Autism Services—At a recent session, the government appointed a commission composed of representatives of the Ministries of Welfare, Education, Health, Treasury and the Bituach Leumi to deal with issues related to the increasing number of citizens with autism. They are inviting the public to comment on ways to improve services and improve cooperation between ministries. Send your comments to fax number: 02-6752525, or to email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before February 6, 2013.