Latest news with #Asperger
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Drug dealer found to be selling heroin and cocaine ordered to pay back £3,000
Drug dealer found to be selling heroin and cocaine ordered to pay back £3,000 Kaci Payne, 25, was found with a phone connected to a drugs line and claimed to be working under direction Kaci Payne, 25, was found to be dealing heroin and cocaine after police found him in possession of a phone connected to a drugs line (Image: South Wales Police ) A drug dealer who was found to be selling heroin and cocaine after he was found with a phone connected to a drugs line has been ordered to pay back £3,000 after benefiting by more than £18,000. He claimed to be working under direction and said he had no influence on those above him in the chain. Kaci Payne, 25, was stopped by police in Cardiff on November 20 last year in a Renault with three other men. He was found in possession of a phone which was linked to the 'J' drugs line. The defendant was discovered after he was seen on CCTV "topping up" a burner phone. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter. His home was searched and police seized a knife, £1,000 in cash, and high-value clothing. The burner phone was interrogated and a number of messages revealed he was involved in the supply of heroin and cocaine between October 4 and November 20 last year. The defendant was interviewed but answered "no comment" to questions. Article continues below Payne, of Verallo Drive, Canton, later pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. The court heard he has five previous convictions. These include offences of possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of cannabis, possession of a bladed article, possession of an offensive weapon, and drug-driving. In mitigation the court was told there was no evidence the defendant had influence over those above him in the change and was "acting under direction". The defendant was described as having a "challenging" childhood having been introduced to cannabis at a young age and later diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Payne was sentenced to a total of 36 months imprisonment last year. Article continues below At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, the court was told the defendant had benefited to the tune of £18,062 as a result of his offending, but only has assets worth £3,250. The Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke ordered the defendant to pay that sum within three months or serve an additional two months imprisonment in default.
Toronto Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
A new biography goes long and deep on the rise and fall of rock band Talking Heads
Talking Heads fans, rejoice! Hard on the heels of the re-release of 'Stop Making Sense,' the 1984 Jonathan Demme film widely considered the best concert movie ever made, Jonathan Gould has published a comprehensive biography of the seminal band that injected an art school vibe into popular music and forever changed rock 'n' roll. Gould, the author of well-received books on Otis Redding and the Beatles, chronicles in meticulous detail the rise and fall of the band that got its start in New York City's underground punk scene and ended up touring the world with a repertoire shaped by blues, funk and jazz. He begins 'Burning Down the House: Talking Heads and the New York Scene That Transformed Rock' with a vivid description of the drizzly June night in 1975 when the original trio – singer/songwriter David Byrne, bassist Tina Weymouth and drummer Chris Frantz – made its debut at the seedy club CBGB in downtown Manhattan, opening for the Ramones before a handful of patrons. With their 'unremarkable haircuts' and 'nondescript casual clothes,' they offered a sharp contrast to the 'baroque turn' that rock fashion had taken in the 1970s, Gould observes. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'The qualities that characterized this neophyte group in their first public performance centered on the awkward, disquieting intensity of their singer-guitarist, David Byrne, their sketchy, skeletal arrangements, and the quirky intelligence of their songs,' Gould writes. 'Tall and thin, with a long neck and an anxious, wide-eyed stare, Byrne stood stiffly at the microphone, his upper body jerking and jiggling like a shadow puppet as he scratched out chords on his guitar.… Instead of doing his best to command the stage and the room, Byrne looked trapped by his surroundings, as if he were prepared, at any moment, to make a break for the door.' Within a couple years of their zeitgeist-changing performances, they enlisted keyboardist/guitarist Jerry Harrison, adding a much-needed dose of professionalism to the band. Gould, a former professional musician, writes exceedingly well about music but suffers from a kind of completism, cramming in an almost mind-numbing level of detail including the name of the elementary school in Pittsburgh where a young Frantz first took up drums to every military posting of Weymouth's naval aviator father. Though much of the material is fascinating, including his observations about how Byrne's then-undiagnosed Asperger's syndrome may have influenced his music and relationships with the other band members, it is likely to be a bit too much for all but the most diehard fans. ___ AP book reviews:
Boston Globe
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Hundreds of former R.I. special needs students could be compensated for state cutting their education short
Advertisement It took another seven years for the damages for the affected students to be negotiated. Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up The tentative settlement was publicly disclosed for the first time by House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi on Tuesday night. While briefing reporters on the late-night agreement on a $14 billion state budget, he said the process had been delayed by a last-minute request by the Rhode Island Department of Education to include a nearly $2 million appropriation for the legal settlement. 'We literally worked until 15 minutes ago' to fill the unforeseen budget hole, Shekarchi said around 9:15 p.m. The House Finance Committee approved the budget proposal before midnight. The settlement, which still requires a judge's approval, has not yet been made public. RIDE Spokesperson Victor Morente said the students who will be eligible for compensation from the $1.86 million settlement are those who were 21 between Feb. 10, 2012 and July 1, 2019, did not get a regular high school diploma, and lost access to public school when they turned 21. Advertisement The number of former students in that group number roughly 300, according to Sonja Deyoe, the lawyer for the plaintiffs. Two plaintiffs, identified by their initials K.L. and K.S, represented the wider class in the suit. K.S., who was a 20-year-old student at Toll Gate High School in Warwick at the time the lawsuit was filed, was about to be cut off from high school despite having Asperger syndrome and ADHD. She was working toward a traditional high school diploma when she was told she would have to leave school on her 21st birthday, the lawsuit said. K.L. had been a student at Chariho High School and suffered from a genetic disorder and developmental delays that left her at the 'cognitive level of a toddler,' the lawsuit said. She was cut off from school when she turned 21. The suit noted a similar case in Hawaii resulted in courts ruling Hawaii had to provide education up to age 22. Deyoe said it was 'very difficult' to come to an agreement on damages, as the two sides debated whether all the individuals affected in the class were eligible for compensatory services. She said the $1.86 million could be used to reimburse students for GED classes, tutoring, assistive devices, or other services like speech therapy they may have sought to assist them in getting education in lieu of the extra year of public school. Advertisement She said she has spoken to one former student who is paraplegic and plans to use the funds to pay for a device that helps them communicate. Deyoe said cutting students off from high school at 21 had a serious impact. 'There are numerous people who we initially talked to who were very close to graduation, who, if they were given that additional period of time, would have been able to graduate,' Deyoe said. 'It's very sad.' Deyoe said the issue at hand in the case was the word 'inclusive' in the federal requirement that free public education be provided for those ages 3 to 21. The plaintiffs interpreted that to mean inclusive of the 21-year-olds, not ending on their 21st birthday. In its 2018 decision, the appeals court noted that some students without disabilities — such as those who went to prison in high school — had access to education up to age 22, but the special needs students were cut off at 21. Rhode Island now provides education to students with disabilities until age 22, Morente confirmed. Morna Murray, the executive director of Disability Rights Rhode Island, said while it's not ideal that students will be compensated a decade later, 'it's never too late' to right a wrong. She said for students who need it, staying in school an extra year can make a big difference in their futures. 'Having those extra years is golden, before they have to face the world,' Murray said. 'It's really significant.' Disability Rights Rhode Island was involved in the negotiations for damages. It is not yet clear when a judge will consider approving the settlement. After that, there will be an opportunity for affected students to seek reimbursement from the $1.86 million fund. Advertisement The pool of money will also be used to pay an administrator to manage the fund, Morente said, along with legal fees. Unspent funds would be returned to the state after 20 months. The Rhode Island House is slated to vote on the state budget on Tuesday. Steph Machado can be reached at
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Is Elon Musk Hypomanic? Here's all about the lesser-known but serious mental illness
In the high-stakes world of tech innovation, few figures are as captivating—or as polarizing—as Elon Musk. From co-founding PayPal to steering Tesla , SpaceX , Neuralink, and X (formerly Twitter), Musk's prolific output often seems superhuman. But could there be more behind his relentless drive? According to Dr. Drew Pinsky—a well-known addiction medicine specialist and media personality—Musk's behavior may align with hypomania, a lesser-known but serious mood state on the bipolar spectrum. Dr. Drew: Musk May Be More Than Just Eccentric During a recent appearance on Newsmax, Dr. Drew praised Musk's intellect and groundbreaking work but raised concerns about his mental health: 'There's a flip-side of that success. Musk probably has hypomania,' he said. He pointed to Musk's intense work ethic, rapid-fire tweeting, impulsive decisions, and abrupt clashes with public figures—including a recent feud with former President Trump—as signs of behavior that 'goes beyond Asperger's.' Live Events Musk has publicly acknowledged having Asperger's syndrome, but Dr. Drew argues the Tesla CEO's erratic and hyper-energized public presence may point to a more complex mental health condition. What Is Hypomania? Hypomania is a state of elevated or irritable mood accompanied by increased energy, reduced need for sleep, impulsivity, and hyper-productivity lasting at least four days. Unlike full-blown mania, it doesn't usually lead to psychosis or hospitalization, but it still significantly deviates from typical behavior. It's most commonly associated with bipolar II disorder, where periods of high energy alternate with episodes of depression. Key Signs of Hypomania: Elevated, euphoric, or irritable mood Decreased need for sleep Rapid or pressured speech Racing thoughts or jumping between ideas Heightened distractibility Increased goal-driven activity Risk-taking or impulsive decisions Musk's erratic tweeting, rapid business launches, and unpredictable platform decisions with X are frequently cited as examples of this behavioral pattern. What Causes Hypomania? Several factors can contribute to the development of hypomania: Genetics: A family history of bipolar or mood disorders increases susceptibility. Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in dopamine, serotonin, or norepinephrine can trigger episodes. Stress and Overwork: High-responsibility roles with little rest (like Musk's) are common precursors. Sleep Deprivation: Musk has admitted to sleeping just six hours a night—low sleep is a known trigger. Medication or Substance Use: Certain medications or stimulants may induce hypomanic symptoms. The Risks Behind the 'Genius Zone' While hypomania is often romanticized—especially in entrepreneurs and creatives—as a source of extreme productivity and innovation, it carries notable risks: Emotional burnout Damaged personal or professional relationships Financial or reputational fallout from impulsive decisions Escalation into full mania or deep depression Dr. Drew warned that unchecked hypomania, while capable of fueling brilliance, can also create chaos and volatility—both internally and publicly. Diagnosing Hypomania Hypomania is diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional using the DSM-5 criteria, which consider: Duration and consistency of symptoms Degree of disruption to daily life History of mood swings Family psychiatric background Rule-out of drug-induced symptoms Treating Hypomania 1. Medication Mood stabilizers: Lithium, lamotrigine, valproate Atypical antipsychotics: Quetiapine, aripiprazole Caution with antidepressants, which can sometimes trigger hypomania 2. Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify patterns and manage impulses Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to regulate daily routines Psychoeducation for self-awareness and early detection of symptoms 3. Lifestyle Changes Consistent sleep schedules Mindfulness, meditation, or physical activity Avoidance of stimulants Use of mood-tracking apps Can Hypomania Be a Superpower? Some mental health experts believe that when mild and well-managed, hypomania can fuel creativity, charisma, and innovation—traits often seen in leaders like Musk, Steve Jobs , and other outliers. These individuals seem to operate in what psychologists sometimes call the 'productive edge' of the bipolar spectrum. But experts warn against glamorizing mental illness. Without treatment and boundaries, hypomania can tip into dysfunction, damaging lives even while building empires.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Elon Musk's 'abnormal behavior' linked to hypomania, says Dr. Drew Pinsky; know what it is and why it matters
Elon Musk's 'abnormal behavior' linked to hypomania, says Dr. Drew Pinsky; know what it is and why it matters In the relentless race of modern tech entrepreneurship, few names shine as brightly—or stir more debate—than Elon Musk . From co-founding PayPal to helming Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, Musk's achievements seem almost superhuman. But psychologist and addiction medicine expert Dr. Drew Pinsky, known to many as "Dr. Drew," recently shared a compelling perspective: Musk's behavior may be consistent with hypomania, a clinical mood state that exists on the bipolar spectrum. Musk himself disclosed he has Asperger's syndrome, but Dr. Pinsky suggests his energetic and erratic public behavior may indicate something more. Here you can delve into what hypomania actually is, what causes it, how it's diagnosed and treated, and why it matters—whether or not a public figure like Elon Musk lives with it. Dr. Drew on Elon Musk: A brilliant mind, but possibly 'hypomanic' On a recent appearance on Newsmax, Dr. Drew Pinsky applauded Musk's accomplishments and intelligence, but cautioned: "There's a flip‑side of that success that Musk probably has hypomania" He noted Musk's exuberant energy, nonstop tweeting, unfiltered outbursts, and sudden policy clashes—like his highly publicized feud with President Trump—as examples of behavior 'beyond Asperger's.' This suggests a possible mood dysregulation consistent with hypomanic episodes. What is hypomania Hypomania is a mood disorder characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, and hyperactivity lasting at least four days. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubre cómo Amazon CFD puede ayudarte a invertir como un pro Empezar ahora Subscríbete Undo It sits below full mania in severity—hypomania doesn't typically involve psychosis or hospitalization—but still represents a significant deviation from normal functioning. It is one phase in bipolar II disorder, according to the DSM‑5, and can reflect both impressive creativity or productivity—what some might call 'the genius zone'—as well as impulsive and risky behavior. Causes of hypomania 1. Genetics Family history of bipolar spectrum disorders significantly increases the risk of hypomania. 2. Neurochemical imbalance Fluctuations in dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels—critical in reward and arousal—may trigger hypomanic states. 3. Life stress or overwork High-pressure roles like Musk's, with irregular schedules and intense responsibility, frequently precipitate episodes. 4. Sleep deprivation Reduced need for sleep—Musk often says he sleeps just six hours a night—is a known trigger. 5. Medication or substance use Certain drugs, stimulants, and even prescription medications can induce hypomanic symptoms in susceptible individuals. Common symptoms of hypomania Hypomanic behavior manifests in several recognizable ways: Elevated or irritable mood Decreased need for sleep, without feeling tired Rapid or pressured speech Flight of ideas, jumping between topics Distractibility Increased goal-oriented activity Risk-taking, such as impulsive investments or unfiltered tweets These symptoms must persist for at least four consecutive days. In Musk's case, frequent behaviors—such as launching companies in rapid succession, launching rockets at breakneck timelines, and administering controversial Twitter/X changes—suggest recurring hypomanic patterns. The dark side of hypomania: Know its risks Though often glorified as 'super-focus' or a creative edge, hypomania carries significant risks: Burnout Strained relationships triggered by irritability Impulsive financial or strategic decisions Rapid cycling into depression Escalation into full-blown mania if untreated Although Musk has channeled his energy into extraordinary accomplishments, Dr. Pinsky warns that 'the flip‑side' of hypomania can lead to impulsiveness and unpredictability—factors that can impact both personal life and public perception. Hypomania diagnosis and assessment Hypomania is diagnosed via a careful psychiatric evaluation based on the DSM‑5 criteria. Mental health professionals assess: Duration and nature of symptoms Functional impact on daily life History of episodic mood changes Family mental health background Exclusion of substance- or medication-induced symptoms Hypomania treatment options 1. Medication Mood stabilizers: Lithium, lamotrigine, valproate Atypical antipsychotics: Quetiapine, aripiprazole Cautious use of Antidepressants, as they can sometimes trigger hypomania 2. Psychotherapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for recognizing triggers Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to stabilize routines Psychoeducation for awareness and early detection 3. Lifestyle Adjustments Regular sleep schedules Stress reduction via mindfulness or exercise Avoid stimulant medications or substances Mood tracking through apps or journals Living with hypomania: Can it be an asset Some psychologists have argued that hypomania, when mild and well-managed, can be a 'productive' state, especially in high-achieving individuals like entrepreneurs or artists. People like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and other visionaries often display traits associated with hypomania: relentless drive, charisma, and unconventional thinking. However, romanticizing mental health conditions can be dangerous. Without proper boundaries and treatment, hypomania can quickly spiral out of control. Also read | Pandemic 2.0 alert: Wild animal markets could trigger the next global outbreak; experts warn of imminent risk One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
