Missouri Autism Report

Missouri

Autism Report March 2012

Interview with Autism Chef, Radio Personality, Paul Cimins page 6

Spectrum Theatre coming to Springfield page 8

DSM-5 Editorial page 10

Don’t miss the Healthy Families Conference March 10! info on page 2

Page 2

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Letter from the Editor.....

Missouri Autism Report DAYNA BUSCH

The autism community is buzzing this month with excited preparations for Autism Awareness Month in April. With all the excitement, don’t forget the events of March. I have personally been privileged to be on the planning committee for the

EDITOR / PUBLISHER

Journalist and Autism mom, Dayna Busch is Editor and Publisher of the Missouri Autism Report

Healthy Families Conference, March 10. We have endeavored to prepare a conference that meets the unique needs of the autism community, and we don’t want you to miss it!

Along with the excitement, however, is an undercurrent of dread and helplessness as we watch the DSM-5 authors rewrite the definition of autism, eliminating help for thousands. This month editorial writer, Dayton Ault takes a swinging punch at the political side of the story. May someone hear.

After a busy month of sorting pictures, announcements, events and story edits, we bring you this issue, hoping that something here will touch you, inspire you, or at least give you something to look forward to!

Have a wonderful March!

DAYTON AULT EDITORIALS / ADVERTISING

Dayton Ault, holds a BA in economics and an MS in He a l t h Ad m i n i s t r a t i o n .

Presently he works with medical insurance and is the editorial writer and marketer for the Missouri Autism Report.

FREE online subscription: MoAutismReport@yahoo.com More information: www.MoAutismReport.com Contact: (417)209-0103

Inside

~Dayna Busch, Editor/Publisher

!

1. Cover: Chef Paul Cimins on AutismRadio.org 3. Leer from MAR Editor/Table of contents / MAR contact info 4. MAR Distribution/Subscriptions 5. CounterPoint Provides Autism Services 6. Interview with Chef Paul Cimins 7. Food for Medicine by Dr. Sonia 8. Autism-Accessible Theatre 9. Ipad Fundraiser in Springfield 10. Poignant look at the DSM-5 changes 11. Brief Legislative Update 12-13. Springfield, Branson area Events 13. Jefferson City/Columbia 14. Kansas City and Joplin area Events 15-16. St. Louis Area Events 17. Autism Gossip 18. Classified - NEW!

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Our Sponsors 2. Healthy Families Conference 5. CounterPoint Autism Services 6. Vision Enhancement Clinic 7. Health Quest and Dr. Robert Jason Grant Ed.D, LPC, RPT-S 9. Ozark Center for Autism 10. Mary Kay Cosmetics 11. Dunham’s Martial Arts, Lacknothing Remodeling 12. Rivendale Institute of Learning 15. TouchPoint Autism Services, Hart4Autsim 17. Mosaic Hair Design 18. Classified, Judevine Center for Autism and Take the Lead Dance Studio 19. Forest Institute: Spectrum Theatre 20. Burrell Autism Center

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MAR Printing, Distribution, and Subscription Information Springfield Developmental Center of the Ozarks 1545 E Pythian Burrell Autism Center 1300 Bradford Pkwy Greene County Library: all locations!

Rivendale 1613 W. Elfindale Lighthouse Lanes 350 S. Glenstone Redeemed Book and Music 4140 S. National Ave. The Garden Cafe 4315 S. National

Other Areas CC Counseling 380 E Hwy CC, Suite A105 Nixa Skaggs Medical Center Branson Developmental Connections 1533 E. State Hwy 76 Branson Behavior Intervention Services 10176 Corporate Square. Dr., Suite 220 Creve Coeur Health Quest Physicians 3349 American Ave Jeff City Kirksville Regional Office 1702 E LaHarpe Kirksville Ozark Center for Autism 3230 S. Wisconsin Ave. Joplin SCAN of Lebanon (Terry Faust) 417-718-7081 St. Louis Arc 1177 N Warson Rd Touchpoint Autism Services 1101 Olivette Executive Parkway St. Louis

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March 2012 - the Missouri Autism Report (MAR) is now in print, with several thousand copies, distributed across the state of Missouri.

Organizing the distribution and display locations is an ongoing process and we appreciate your patience as we work the kinks out of the program. If you would like to help with distribution in your area, or want to place copies of the MAR in your business or organization, please contact us at MoAutismReport@yahoo.com.

At this time, the locations listed to the right, have committed to distributing copies of the MAR. For changes and additions, please check our website at www.MoAutismReport.com.

Fair Grove Firefighter Delivers MAR We have been blessed to have so many volunteers offer to hel p w i th di fferent aspects of delivering the MAR across the state.

This month, volunteer Ken Vaught, firefighter for the Fair Grove, MO Fire Department helped us deliver to our Jeff City drops. Ken was traveling through to visit his son who is a Jefferson City firefighter. We may prevail on Ken again, as he assures me that he welcomes any excuse to visit family in Jeff. Thanks Ken!

Subscribe to get the MAR! To receive a copy of the MAR delivered each month to your mailbox, here's how to subscribe: • Send your mailing info and a check or money order for $15.00 to: Missouri Autism Report, PO Box 443, Fair Grove,MO. 65648.

• Or, you may subscribe by sending your info by email to MoAutismReport@yahoo.com and pay by paypal to Dayna@MoAutismReport.com.

____________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________ Mailing address ____________________________________________ City State zip  $15.00 check or money order enclosed for 1 year subscription to the Missouri Autism Report. www.MoAutismReport.com

CounterPoint Provides Specialized Services for Autism Arc of the Ozark’s CounterPoint Autism Services is o ff i c i a l l y c o m p l e t e , a s o f January 2012. The facility, which has been under construction, will now house the e n t i r e C o u n t e r P o i n t s t a ff .

“Although The Arc has always provided services to individuals diagnosed with autism, we recognized the need for more specialized services for individuals with ASD and their families and launched CounterPoint Autism Services in 2010,” says CounterPoint Director, Alisa Lowry.

In 2011, CounterPoint began to look at offering additional services to meet the needs of families and children in Southwest Missouri and acquired Behavioral Intervention Solutions (BIS) to work more closely with children

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with ASD,” says Lowry.

The name “counterpoint” was chosen because of its use in the world of music to describe the art of combining two independent melodies, while retaining the individuality of each melody throughout the composition. The term exemplifies their philosophy of improving the quality of life for the individual with ASD and their families, by maximizing the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Services will include an individually tailored program, addressing strengths and weaknesses in the areas of language, communication, play and socialization, daily living, and academic skills. Behavioral, educational, recreational, social, residential and vocational assistance will be available as needed. Board Certified

Behavior Analysts (BCBA) are on staff to utilize applications of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Key Points of CounterPoint • On-staff behavioral analysts • Specialized treatment and assessment facilities • Individualized treatment programs • Exceptional family support systems CounterPoint Con’t on page 6

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By Dayna Busch, editor The upcoming Healthy Families Conference, March 10, will feature keynote speaker, Chef Paul Cimins, who will present affordable, natural food options which can help decrease symptoms in persons with ASD. He will also share his experiences as an autism dad.

Cimins admits that before his son was diagnosed, he knew nothing about autism; he only knew food. “I come from a health background; always working out and, as a chef, always eating healthy,” says Cimins. In the process of studying autism, he met some biomedical doctors who convinced him to go the natural route with his son’s treatments. “To this day I’ve only used supplements,” says Cimins.

He continued to study and learn about autism and it’s effect on the body, and began sharing his knowledge with others, quickly being dubbed the “Autism Spectrum Chef”. Today Cimins hosts Autism Radio, which airs Monday at 8pm Eastern Standard time on www.Autismradio.org. the show is now syndicated in 26 US

Cites on FM Radio, soon to add seven more.

The program provides support and dietary tips to his listeners.

Additionally, Chef Cimins is working on a cookbook which not only shares favorite recipes, but will include stories of hope and

inspiration from other parents who are dealing with autism using natural means.

Autism Radio began 2 1/2 years ago as a pod cast intended to inspire and give hope to those parents who lack information and support elsewhere. “I didn’t have time to go to support groups when I started,” says Cimins. He

had no background in radio or media, but still wanted to create a radio support group that people could access from their living rooms.

“It’s about being positive and upbeat through food; it’s about having fun,” says Cimins. “I wanted the to be the voice of autism and tell parents it’s ok to share with me. The response has been tremendous. It was like a seed in the ground and it just grew. People love the concept and the content.”

Autism Radio isn’t just doing support through nutrition, but they are also helping autism families in need, and providing enriching activities, such as their upcoming Therapeutic Horseback Riding Showcase. This introduces therapeutic riding as an option for children on the spectrum who might not otherwise have even seen a real horse.

To hear Cimins at the March 10 Healthy Families Conference, go to www.thearcoftheozarks.org or call 417-864-7887.

CounterPoint Provides Specialized Autism Services “The new offices provide the space we need for a growing program,” says Program Coordinator Ben Thatcher. “We now have a conference area where we can meet with individuals and families, conduct social skills groups, have staff meetings and provide training. The new assessment/sensory area provides the space needed to do a variety of assessments and therapies with current and prospective clients. This assessment area is also equipped with one-way observation mirrors so that family members, on-staff behavioral analysts and other team members can observe without disturbing the session.” The Arc currently serves approximately 100 individuals with an ASD diagnosis.

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CounterPoint Director, Alisa Lowry says, "The goal of the program is to create an individually tailored support system for individuals and their families by building on personal strengths, improving social and academic skills and assisting families to maximize each individual's independence and capacity to participate meaningfully in community and family life".

If you have questions, or would like more information please contact CounterPoint Autism Services at the Arc of the Ozarks at 1501 East Pythian, Springfield, MO. 65802.

(417)864-7887.

www.MoAutismReport.com

Food as Medicine: Getting Started with Dietary Interventions

by Dr. Sonia O’Donnell-McGowin, D.C. Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.

–Hippocrates Food affects how we feel. The higher quality your food, the healthier you will be. Here are some ideas on changing your child’s diet for the better.

• • • • • • •

•

• • • •

•

Be willing to start small! Even baby steps are worth it.

Begin by decreasing (or eliminating!) food which is high in sugar. Sugar in moderation, if you must.

Eliminate all carbonated soda (even diet soda) and DRINK WATER! Use as many whole foods, in their natural form, when you can.

Avoid refined, processed, pre-packaged food which usually has little nutritional value and often contains genetically modified ingredients.

Buy organic when you can.

Remove as many synthetic additives as possible.

These include preservatives, sweeteners and colorings; especially red dyes, which can affect some children severely.

Eliminate glutamate from your diet. This includes MSG and all artificial sweeteners. These substances are poisonous to the body. Instead, use natural sweeteners such as Stevia, agave and coconut sugar &/or nectar.

Dilute fruit juice with water; fruit juice contains a LOT of sugar.

Try adding probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir and kombucha.

Use bone broth when you cook (Google the recipe!). It is simple, cheap, nutritious and very healing to the body.

Consider decreasing or eliminating any wheat protein and gluten, from your diet, especially if you commonly experience constipation, diarrhea or bloating.

Add these high quality supplements to your diet:

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o o o o

Essential fatty acids in the form of fish oil, cod liver oil, krill oil or flax seed oil A probiotic with a minimum of 10 billion colony forming units per dose Vitamin C Cook with organic coconut oil; a good source of beneficial fat and is very healing to the system.

Changing your child’s diet may not be easy, but it will definitely be worth it!

If your child is picky, consider “sneaking” in healthier ingredients.

These super foods contain protein, essential fatty acids and can help with digestion. They can be ground and added to baked goods or smoothies: • Chia seeds • Hemp seeds • Flax seeds or flax powder To help you learn new ways to feed high nutrient foods to your kids without them noticing, read these books: • The Sneaky Chef by Missy Chase Lapine • Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld.

Dr. Sonia O'Donnell-McGowin, D.C., is a chiropractor currently specializing in treating children and adults with autism and other disabilities. She is a DAN! / ARI (Defeat Autism Now! / Autism Research Institute) trained doctor, offering biomedical treatment at Health Quest Physicians Group in Jefferson City. She has worked in the field of autism since 1988, many years for the Judevine Center for Autism. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, son and daughter.

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What Exactly is Austim-Accessible Theatre?

By Paula Carter Football games, parades, the Fourth of July, school assemblies, birthday parties, restaurants, movies, vacations; the list goes on and on. The list of “where a spectrum family can’t go.” Though ADA regulations have improved accessibility for many Americans, the movement to explore adaptations for those on the autism spectrum has just begun. Until now, “accessibility” has been primarily associated with physical disabilities. Gradually, we are starting to see “sensory sensitive” events and movies becoming available, for those with neurological disabilities.

After 30 years in and out of the live theatre community, having majored in theatre, and studying in New York, I had performed everything from Shakespeare to musicals.

Yet, it was only a year ago that I sought to duplicate the sensory-sensitive film protocol for a live play, making it “autism accessible” so that my own child, and any like her,

could participate in something that was so deeply a part of my own life.

I founded the Spectrum Theatre Ensemble and began to create the content and adapted performance environment for a piece featuring a spectrum hero.

We staged Weird Beard, the Asperger’s Pirate at the end of October to sold out crowds, where the lights in the theatre stayed dim but not dark, sound levels were limited to prevent auditory overload, and children were encouraged to have freedom of movement and vocalization.

The play highlights the sometimes hidden gifts that many ASD people have, and promotes a theatrical look into the heart and mind of a person with autism.

After presenting on Spectrum Theatre at the November 2011 National Communication Association conference in New Orleans, word spread about our mission and we were invited by the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, to present our work on sensory-accessible theatre during their August 2012 conference in Washington D.C. In April, we are exciting to be traveling to Springfield, Missouri, for two showings of Weird Beard, the Asperger’s Pirate to the autism community, hosted by Forest Institute, in hopes of sharing our talents and message with a new audience.

Paula Carter has two daughter s, ages 9 and 7.

Both she and her oldest daughter are on the autism s p e c t r u m .

Paula is the creator and Director of the Spectr um T heatr e ensemble in Columbia, MO. (Members of the Autism Theatre Network) and is working on her PhD in playwriting at the University of Missouri. For more information, visit www.spectrumtheatre.org .

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MAR STORY MOTIVATES FUNDRAISER IN SPRINGFIELD

by Dayna Busch, editor The story of Gabriella Williams and her ipad, in the January 2012 issue of the Missouri Autism Report has inspired Springfield Special Education Parent-Teacher Association (SSEPTA) to choose a fundraising project for the Springfield District. “It has been a goal of SSEPTA since its beginning in 2007, to raise money for a special education project,” explained Dawn Rethman, SSEPTA President. “But

we’ve never focused on a specific project. Gabriella’s success with the iPad has provided us with a project we can really be excited about.”

Working with the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, Lisa Slattery, SSEPTA co-founder and VP of Fundraising, is spearheading a tshirt fundraiser with 3ELove. 3ELove products can be seen at www.

3elove.com. Tax deductible donations

are being accepted, as well as donations of ipads themselves.

Donations will go through the SPS Foundation, Jana Bachus, (417) 523-0144.

Even when the results aren’t as dramatic as in Gabriella’s case, the iPad has made a difference in other special needs families. Elizabeth Obrey, autism mom, reports that her family life calmed down significantly once her son, Nathan, received an iPad. “ Using it as a teaching tool and game center works for our family, but the possibilities are endless,” says Obrey. “After the newness of the original apps wore off I saw Nathan gravitate to ageappropriate apps; ones that I thought would be too hard for him.”

Obrey feels that Nathan's iPad has given him the independence to seek-out engaging activities, easing the heavy reliance upon those around him for guidance and instruction. “After struggling many years with falling asleep and wandering our home crying out at night, he can now focus on apps such as puzzles to calm and organize his thoughts. remaining in bed until sleep comes,” she adds.

SSEPTA isn’t the only Missouri organization to recognize the value of assistive technology to autism families. Ella’s Hope in Jefferson City is raising money to donate tablets and iPads to individuals in Missouri who might not otherwise have access to one. Hope McPheeters tells the MAR that their Tap Into Autism program recently gave away two tablets: one to a child in Columbia and one to woman in Springfield. To find our more about Ella’s Hope’s Tap Into Autism, go to: http://ellashope.org.

Additional information and updates on the fundraiser will be posted on “Springfield SEPTA” facebook page. SSEPTA can be found online at www.springfieldsepta.org.

www.MoAutismReport.com

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Songwriters, Tailgaters and the DSM-5 Editorial by Dayton Ault Songwriter Paul Simon recorded a popular song titled “Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover” with meaningful advice such as: “Get on the bus, Gus” and “Make a new plan, Stan”.

According to mathematicians, there are now 11 ways to qualify for a diagnosis of “Autism Spectrum Disorder” under the new version of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) scheduled for release in May of 2012. Not coincidentally, there were 2027 ways to be diagnosed with a form of “Autism” under the previous DSM-4.* While it can be rightfully argued that some criteria are much more prevalent than others, and tend to group naturally together, one thing is very clear; getting diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder will be getting diagnosed with Autism...will be much more difficult under DSM-5.

Pamela Cooper, consultant Ozark, MO 65721 Ph: 417-595-7153 http://www.marykay.com/ pamelacooper

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much more difficult under DSM-5, as currently drafted. This point is further accentuated by the elimination of h i g h e r f u n c t i o n i n g A s p e r g e r ’s Disorder and PDD-NOS definitions from DSM-5. Articles claim this new “precision” in diagnosis is supported by clinicians because it will make autism easier and cleaner to diagnose. In my opinion, the diagnosis of “Autism” is somewhat self-limiting. Do parents of a “difficult” child really want their child labeled with autism just to ransack state funds? I’d wager that denial of an autism diagnosis is much more common, as families watch their finances crumble, under the strain of getting help for their child.

the bottom line appears to be the usual suspect...money.

So, the bottom line appears to be the usual suspect…money. After we absorb the cost of bailing out selfdestructive financial institutions that still pay executive bonuses to congratulate themselves on survival, we don’t have money left to provide services to a broad set of those suffering from autism. Really?

I have read more cynical observers say that the goal is to “nip the autism epidemic in the bud”.

Why? Maybe it lessens the pressure on the number of cases stacked up in Vaccination Court. Maybe it serves the interests of insurance companies that don’t want to pay for services that can’t be verified with an MRI or surgically excised. Better to put the money into treating lifestyle related disorders, such as “binge eating disorder” which is newly added to the DSM-5. This new disorder is defined as: “Eating, in a discrete period of time an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar

circumstances”, and, “A sense of lack of control during the episode.” How squishy and subjective is that? It sounds more to me like most American households on NFL Sunday during football season. Do DSM-5 authors want to curtail treatment of higher functioning autism so they can battle binge eating?

Really? Does that sound like an economic black hole to you? It sure does to me.

Two recently published studies* contend that the definition of “Autism Spectrum Disorder” in DSM-5 is too strict and can be fixed with a relatively minor change. DSM-5 requires five of seven symptoms be present to diagnose autism, but these studies show that requiring four symptoms, instead of five, would prevent many high functioning people with autism from being excluded. This should be a policy goal of autism advocates.

A fellow advocate said it well when she said that changing the definition of “Autism” will change the needs of the autism community about as much as lowering the federal poverty level would change the needs of people currently defined as impoverished. I wonder what new diagnosis they will assign for all the kids who fall through the cracks. Back to the drawing board!

The new DSM-V’s definition of Autism is too tight, Dwight. Just make it fair, Claire. *Jabr, F. (2012, January 30). By the Numbers: Autism Is Not a Math Problem. Scientific American Author, Dayton Ault, holds a BA in economics and an MS in Health Administration. He presently is a grant and technical writer, works in the medical insurance field and resides in the Springfield, MO area. www.thewritechoice-mo.com

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Autism Coalition Legislative Update

by Ginger Luetkemeyer Jefferson City - Budget dominates again this year as Missouri politicians, decide where the cuts will be made to compensate for the projected $500 million deficit. Education is

the main area of recent activity, with examination of the funding formula for public schools and higher education funding.This session is expected to be a typical election year session, with bills moving slower, and "top tier" issues getting more floor debate time - which makes for good publicity. Lawmakers are positioning themselves as "candidates" endeavoring to build their public record by taking the stances they want to include in their campaign.

This session, there are a few items that we wanted to bring to your attention: HB 1518 / HB 1522 / SB 803: Behavior Analyst Licensure These bills all affect the licensure of behavior analysts, proposing to add criteria for obtaining a provisional license and a temporary license.The changes are being proposed in an effort to increase the number of licensed behavior analysts by streamlining the process, to ease the statewide shortage.

SB 595: IEP Due Process Hearings SB 595 modifies the qualifications for individuals who serve on a special education due process hearing panel. It prohibits panel members from having previously worked for a school district, either as an employee or as an independent contractor (lawyer) or consultant, within the last five years. The changes are being proposed in efforts to ensure impartial hearing officers. Other modifications are also being discussed as potential options, such as using administrative hearing judges or moving to a one-person hearing judge.

Missouri is only one of two states that still uses a three-person hearing panel. Cost savings and time efficiency of due process hearings are considerations, as well.

Ginger Luetkemeyer, "Autism M o m " f r o m J e f f C i t y, h e l p s facilitate Missouri Autism Coalition activities and is a legislative liaison for the Autism Society.

She has also served on the Central Missouri Autism Project Parent Advisory Council.

Carpentry done right!

• handicap-accessible remodels room additions • • weatherization • insulating • doors or windows installed • HVAC • property management www.MoAutismReport.com

jonathan@lacknothing.com Page 11

Events for Springfield, Branson and surrounding area...

SWAN Invitation Southwest Autism Network, (SWAN) is a place for your child to socialize while you meet and learn from other parents of children with ASD. Children are supervised by trained, caring respite staff with structured activities. Sibs are welcome. Respite is FREE! Meetings on the second Saturday of each month.

Contact: Annee Brandenburg 3burgers2go@opexonline.com

(417)655-2235 swautismnetworkmo.weebly.com

Thursday, March 1

Families4Families meeting (1st Thurs.) at 6:30 pm, Tom Watkins Nbhd.

Bldg., 2100 W. High St. Contact billiespall_1@yahoo.com or Lynn (417) 987-0811.

Saturdays, March 3-31 SWAN Tae kwon do classes for Elementary Social group, (Saturdays), 10-11am at the Living Room Studio in Mama Jeans, 1727 S. Campbell for only $5 per child! Space is limited. Please RSVP at 3burgers2go@opexonline.com o r h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SWMOAutism

Tuesdays, March 6-27

Arc of the Ozarks. Contact Teddy 13 at 417-890-1399 or 800-420-7410.

Heaton, ( 4 1 7 ) 8 8 3 - 6 6 8 0 Open to persons referred by DMH. teddy.heaton@wfadvisors.com Tuesday, March 20 www.ozarktroop2.com Enabled Service at Central Assembly Tuesday, March 13 of God Fusion Center (3rd Tues).

Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Contact Ethel Campbell at (417) meetings (2nd Tues.) for families new to 343-9027 or info@enabled2serve.org the area or newly diagnosed with ASD. Locations announced on SWAN website each month: http:// Monday, March 26 swautismnetworkmo.weebly.com/

Saturday, March 10

People First of Springfield monthly meeting (2nd Sat.) 11am - 12:30pm. At Wesley United Methodist church, 922 W. Republic Rd., Spfd. For more information contact Marisa Clary at 886-7180 or marclary@aol.com.

SWAN (Southwest Autism Network) meeting (2nd Sat.) 1-3pm at Wesley United Methodist Church, 922 W. Republic Rd., Spfd. Dr. Grant will present on treatment approaches.

Attendees may bring refreshments to share. Contact person Annette(417) 8 3 3 9 3 5 9 3burgers2go@opexonline.com

SCAN of Lebanon support meeting back to regular schedule in March (4th Mon) at Hilcrest Baptist Church, 399 Hoover St., Lebanon! 6:30-8pm.

Childcare provided at Stringbeans Childcare 511 Harrison St. 6:20-8:10.

Please bring a food item from the list posted on our notes page, for our Child to Child program. All Donations go to Shepard’s Backpack program. RSVP on Facebook or Contact Terry Faust(417) 718-7081 scan4kids@yahoo.com Touchpoint Art Group for consumers ages 8-12. Please RSVP by Thursday, March 22 at 417-890-1399 or 800-420-7410. Open to persons referred

by DMH.

Tuesday, March 13 March 27-April 24

SSEPTA Board Meeting 6:30-8pm at Library Center. SSEPTA is in need of volunteers to run for office for the 2012-13 school year! Also, we will be volunteering at the Spfd.Council PTA Clothing Bank on March 14. Go to Springfield SEPTA FB page or call (417) 886-9312 for info.

Music with Miss Morgan, 5-week course just $10. Classes run from 5-6pm and will include all abilities, ages 6-15. Held at Drury’s C-Street Gallery. Register at (417)873-6983 or artsadmin@drury.edu

Thursday, March 15

Tuesday, March 28

Touchpoint St. Patrick’s Celebration Sensory Night at Jump Mania, (4th Troop 2 meetings for Boy Scouts of for adults ages 17-up. 6-7pm social hour Tues) from 7-8:30pm. 2745 S. Kansas America, every Tues. at 7-8:30 pm at with snacks. RSVP by Tuesday, March Expressway, (417)881-5867

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Events for Springfield, Branson and surrounding area...

Judevine FREE March Workshops: Tuesday, March 6 - Jasper County After Diagnosis, Then What?

9:30am-11:30am & The Tsunami of Children Becoming Adults 12pm-2pm at The Clubhouse, 115 N. Madison, Webb City, MO 64870.

Saturday, March 10 - McDonald County,After Diagnosis, Then What? 10am-12pm & You Are Yo u r C h i l d ’s Vo i c e !

12:30pm-2:30pm at McDonald County Library, 808 Bailey Rd., Pineville, MO 64856.

Monday, March 12 - Christian C o u n t y, I s I t A u t i s m ? o r Adolescence? 5:30pm-7:30pm at O z a r k Te c h n i c a l C o l l e g e Richwood Valley Campus, 2nd floor, Room 228 & 230, 3369 W. Jackson St., Ozark, MO 65721.

Thursday, March 22 -Cedar C o u n t y, M e e t i n g t h e Educational Needs of Your Child 10am-12pm & Ain’t Misbehavin’ Just Communicatin’ 12:30pm-2:30pm at The Community Center, 135 W. Spring St., El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.

Saturday, March 24 - Ozark County, You Are Your Child’s Vo i c e ! 1 0 a m - 1 2 p m & T h e Tsunami of Children Becoming Adults 12:30pm-2:30pm at the Ozark County Library, 200 Elm St., Gainesville, MO 65655.

Tuesday, March 27 - Lawrence C o u n t y, M e e t i n g t h e Educational Needs of Your Child 5:30pm-7:30pm at The Church of the Nazerene, 512 S. Griffith Ave., Aurora, MO 65605.

To register for any of the Judevine Workshops, contact Karen at (800) 780-6545 or by email at ContactUs@JudevineCenter.org

Jefferson City /Columbia Fridays, March 2-30 Adapted Gymnastics at Tiger Performance Complex, Champions Drive on MU campus, Columbia.

3-9yo. meet 6:30-7:30pm. 10-18yo meet 7:30-8:30pm. We still have openings in these classes!

Contact Jeff Krug for more info

( 5 7 3 ) 8 8 2 - 3 5 6 1 krugi@health.missouri.edu

Thursday, March 29 Cole County Autism Support Group, (last Thurs.) 6:30 pm at 1908 Boggs Creek Rd., Jefferson City. For info, call (573)634-4555

Springfield Swimming

Saturday Mornings January through March 17 Swim Meet March 24 Gymnastics & Aquatics Springfield Public Schools Natatorium

Soccer

Begins Wednesday, April 4 6:30 pm Lake Country Soccer

Branson

Swimming

Tuesday Evenings January- March 20 Box Car Willie Swim Meet March 24 in Springfield To register an athlete or for more information please call (417)890-1599 or e-mail sqmiles@championathletes.org

Thursday, March 1 Moments of Magic Benefit hosted by Special Learning Center

5:30 Reception 7:30 pm comedy Show

Miller Performing Arts center Jefferson City

Tickets: $30-50

SAVE the DATES: April 10 is the APSE-MO Professional Development Day in Jeff City from 9:30-4pm in the Governor’s Offic Building, room 450, 200 Madison St. For more information, go to http://www.apsemo.org/ April 18 Annual Autism Rally at the State Capitol. More to come!

April 20-21 is the Capital City Cook-Off at Jeff City Fairgrounds. Friday night is one price, all you can eat, drinks and music. Proceeds go to support Special Learning

www.MoAutismReport.com

For Tickets contact Special Learning Center, Heather Renkemeyer, 573-634-3070.

Center, For more info call 573-634-3070 or go to www.speciallearningcenter.com.

Saturday, April 28 is Ella’s Hope Mid-MO Walk for Autism, 10am at Cosmo Pk, Columbia, MO. Info at www.ellashope.org.

Saturday,May 5 is Bowling for Autism. Families welcome to participate in tournament, Columbia,MO. For info contact Touchpoint Columbia at (573)874-3777

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Kansas City Area ASD Events. . . . . . .

Monday, March 5

Wednesday, March 14

LEE'S SUMMIT - MOAFAA meeting (Missouri Advocates for Families Affected by Autism) (1st Mon) 7pm at Legacy Christian Church of Lee's Summit, 2150 East Langsford, Lee's Summit, MO Phone: (816)554-3017

Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit support group meeting (2nd Wed) 7-9pm at Blue Springs Christian Church, Room A234) 7920 S. 7 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO. Please use east entrance.

Saturday, March 17

Thursday, March 8

North Kansas City Support Group, (2nd Thurs) 7pm at Autism Works, 915 Hwy H, Liberty, MO. Contact Jenny at radioturtle@hotmail.com

Caffeine Addicted Moms of Kids with ASD meeting, (3rd Sat)11am 1pm at Cupini’s, 1809 Westport Rd., Kansas City

Thursday, March 29

Tuesday, March 13

Northwest Autism Spectrum Family Support Group (last Thurs) 7-8pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 207 N 7th St., St. Joseph, MO.

Cass ASD Support Group (2nd Tues) 6-8pm, Casco Area Workshop, 1800 Vine, Harrisonville, MO.

March is Developmental Disabilities Month!

You are invited to the MOVIES, 6:30-8pm: Thursday, March 1: The Key of G About a young man with Mowat-Wilson syndrome Thursday, March 8: Boy & Soul: Diana & Kathy Advocates model a grand experiment in activism and independent living.

Thursday, March 15: The Collector of Bedford Street A community pulls together to help a neighbor with a disability.

Seating Limited - Reservations Required Call (816)363-2000 EITAS Training Center, 8508 Hillcrest Road, KCMO

Contact Jamie at (816)390-8545 or Robin at (816)792-2823.

Friday, March 30 Touchpoint Spring Fling Social Group, 5:30-6:30pm at First Baptist Church of Clinton, 209 E.Jefferson.

RSVP by Wednesday, March 28 at 417-890-1399 or 800-420-7410.

Open to persons referred by DMH.

Saturday, March 31 EITAS 5K Run, Walk and Roll at 8am at Swope Pk. Register online at www.eitas.org or www.active.com.

Family friendly activities. Volunteers and participants welcome. Amy (816) 595-8274

Jackson County Parks & Recreation’s Special Population Services presents:

Pirates Promenade Date : Friday, March 2, 2012 Place: Harris Park Community Ctr. 100 SW Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, MO. 64063 Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $2.00 per person 816-763-5130

Door Prizes * D.J.

JOPLIN AREA EVENTS . .

Tuesday, March 6

Ozark Center for Autism Support Group, Joplin (1st Tues.)

6-8pm, 3230 S. Wisconsin. Free and open to the public. For info, contact Heather (417)347-7850.

Touchpoint Lunch & Movie (ages17-up), 11:30am-2:30pm.

Bring $5. Meet at office or call for transportation request. RSVP by M o n d a y, M a r c h 5 a t 417-890-1399 or 800-420-7410.

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Open to persons referred by DMH.

Tuesday, March 27 Touchpoint Bowling (ages 17up) from 1-3pm. Meet at office or call for transportation request.

Bring $5. RSVP by Monday, March 26 at 417-890-1399 or 800-420-7410. Open to persons referred by DMH.

Save the Date: Joplin Walk for Autism Awareness Saturday, April 21 One-mile walk begins at 8am JCPenney Court at Northpark Mall

Walk will benefit scholarship assistance program at Ozark Center for Autism. Teams forming now.

Registration begins in March. Corporate sponsorship opportunities available. Fr more info, call Heather at (417)347-7697 www.MoAutismReport.com

Events for St Louis and surrounding area Friday, March 2 Open House at Forest Institute, St. Louis, 5-7pm at 11477 Olde Cabin Rd., Creve Coeur, MO. Find out about ABA program and meet faculty and staff. Info at (314)997-3447

Saturday, March 3 ICAA monthly autism support meeting (1st Sat.) at 6pm NEW LOCATION TBA, St. Louis. Families welcome. Refreshments served. For more info, go to www.icaaonline.org or info@icaaonline.org.

Dad’s Disability Support Group, from 5:30-7:30pm. Location TBA. For more info, go to www.slarc.org or call (314)817-2211

Tuesday and Wednesday, March 6-7 Autism & Employment Conference for Professionals, Sheraton Westport Hotel, lakeside Chalet, 191 Westport Plaza, St. Louis,MO. To register, contact joy@classicevents.net (800)296-5954

Wednesday, March 7Wednesday, April 11

Saturday, March 10

NAMI Basics Program: Fundamentals of Caring for Family and Child with Mental Illness, Maryland Heights, 9-11:30am a race Church, 2695 Creve Coeur Mill Rd., St. Louis, Rm B211. (314)962-4670 for more info.

Friday, March 9 Kid’s Meet-Up Group (2nd Friday) for boys and girls 5-12 on the spectrum and their friends or sibs.

Meet at St. Louis Arc, 1177 N. Warson, St. Louis. Go to www.slarc.org to register. Event is FREE. More info call Sharon at (314) 852-8229. or sspurlock@slarc.org Families with Young Children Support 9:30-11am. Coffee and networking group for caregivers of children 5 and younger. Kids can play in fully equipped playroom, supervised. Call to register at (314) 817-2285 or Iramirezpresberg@slarc.org.

Asperger Mom’s Group, 9-11am for moms with child with aspergers. (2nd Sat) Meets 2nd floor of Kaldi’s Coffee at Schnucks - Des Peres, 12332 Manchester Rd., Saint Louis, MO. Contact (314)817-2222 or sspurlock@slarc.org

Wednesday, March 14 Sibshops/Teen Sibshops, 6-8pm (2nd Wed.) Recreational support programs for sibs ages 6-11, Teen Sibs ages 12-18. For info, contact amangelsdorf@slarc.org or (314) 817-2275.

Wednesday, March 14Wednesday, April 18 NAMI Basics Program: Fundamentals of Caring for Family and Child with Mental Illness, Maplewood, 5:30-8:30pm at Christ United Church of Christ, 7126 Bruno, Maplewood, MO. Childcare provided with registration. (314)962-4670 for more info.

Tuesday, March 20 Dad’s Support Group, 5:30-7:30pm. Informal to discuss raising child with a disability. Location varies.

Contact Mark Keeley at (314)-817-2269 or mkeeley@slarc.org.

Wednesday, March 28 Monthly ASD Support Group (4th Wed.), from 7-8:30pm at Gateway Center for the Arts, 204 Elm St., Washington, MO. Contact Kim (636)239-8939.

Friday, March 30 Teens with Aspergers, (last Fri) at 6-8:30pm at Masonry Centre, 1429 S. Big Bend Boulevard, Richmond Heights. For more info, go to sspurlock@slarc.org or call (314)817-2222

www.MoAutismReport.com

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Events for St Louis and surrounding area SSD Parent Workshops, St. Louis area Transition Planning & the IEP: Through the Doorway to Adult Life Thursday, March 1, 7-9 p.m.

Presenter: Joann Noll SSD Central Office, Room 61

Orientation for Parents to Special Education & the IEP Process Tuesday, March 13, 7-9 p.m.

Presenter: Joann Noll SSD Central Office, Room 57

Transitioning to Employment: Rights, Responsibilities & Success in the Workplace Wednesday, March 28, 7-9 p.m.

Various Panel Members SSD Central Office, Room 61

Disagreement Resolution Processes Monday, March 5, 6-9 p.m. (originally scheduled for March 12) Presenter: MPACT staff SSD Central Office, Board of Education Room (upstairs)

Supports for Including Your Child in the Neighborhood School Wednesday, March 14, 6:30-9 p.m.

Presenters: Pat VanDeRiet, Laura Torode, Nancy Martin, Rachel Valenti SSD Central Office, Room 61

Helping Children Develop Friendships & Social Skills Tuesday, March 6, 6:30-9 p.m.

Presenters: Joann Noll, Beth Jacoby SSD Central Office, Room 61

Positive Behavior Interventions Monday, March 26, 6-9 p.m.

Presenter: MPACT staff SSD Central Office, Room 61

Comprehension Strategies for Elementary Readers Thursday, March 29, 7-9 p.m.

Presenter: Mitzi Brammer, Ph.D. SSD Central Office, Room 61 To register for parent workshops, call 314-989-7807 or 711 (Deaf/HOH), or register online at www.solutionwhere.com/ ssd (call the registration number for assistance with setting up an account).

Please be sure to register for workshops as they are sometimes canceled due to low enrollment or inclement weather – we need to be able to contact you!

Save the Date: Great Circle Parent Education Group Training on Saturday, April 14 from 10am-4pm at the Edgewood Children’s Center Campus, 330 N. Gore, Webster Groves, MO. Space limited to 20 parents. A family education group for children with autism and sibs from 6-19, held concurrently. Follow-up group on Wed., May 2, from 6-9pm. RSVP to Angela Bratcher, (314)-256-4920 or angela.bratcher@great-circle.org.

2012 St. Louis Youth and Family Volunteer Fair Sunday, April 15 1-3:30pm Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum Kirkwood, MO. Learn how teens can get involved in the community.

Admission cost: nonperishable food item for food bank. For more info go to www.stlouisvolunteen.com or c o n t a c t simone@stlouisvolunten.com or (314)503-5853 Page 16

Spring Break at Camp Warson

St. Louis Arc Centene Family Center 1177 N. Warson, MO

March 19th –23rd 9am-3pm Cost: $200.00 for the week Extended Day available ages 13-up more info: (314)817-2235 llmiller@slarc.org

Family Workshop Series from St. Louis ARC Thursday, March 1 - 6:30-8:30pm Residential OptionsThinking Outside the Box for caregivers of older teens and adults.

Tuesday,March 6 - 6:30-8:30pm - Planning Ahead Estate Planning for caregivers of any age person.

Tuesday, March 27 - 6-8pm - Transitioning from First Steps to RO Services - for parents of children ages 0-3.

Thursday, March 29 - 3:30-7:30 PM - Family Resource Market - One-on-one with reps from agencies and organizations for disability care.

Workshops are free and take place at the St. Louis Arc Family Center at 1177 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63132. For more info or to register, go to www.slarc.org or email amangelsdorf@slarc.org or call 314-817-2275. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the workshop starts to sign-in.

www.MoAutismReport.com

Autism Gossip.....Autism Gossip......Autism Gossip......

SAVE THE DATE! April 18, 2012 Annual Autism Rally Jefferson City, MO

More info to come!

http:// www.missouriautismcoalition. com/providers

Power Up 2012 Conference & Expo April 2nd & 3rd, 2012 Holiday Inn Executive Center

Columbia, MO Conference Contact: Missouri Assistive Technology 1501 NW Jefferson St. Blue Springs, MO 64015 (800) 647-8557 (voice, within Missouri) (800) 647-8558 (TTY, within Missouri) (816) 655-6700 (voice) (816) 655-6710 (FAX)

Free Online Conference on Autism Safety and Crisis Prevention available from the Autism College. Learn about: • • • • •

FREE NAMI Basics Education Program The fundamentals of caring for you, your family and your child with mental illness Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Wednesday, April 11, 2012 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Grace Church 2695 Creve Coeur Mill Rd. St. Louis, MO 63043 Room B211 314.962.4670 jjohnston@namistl.org

reducing the risk of sexual abuse bullying prevention depression and suicide wandering preventing the use of restraints and seclusion More info at http://autismcollege.com/.

2012 Autism Intervention Conference Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 Holiday Inn Executive Center 2200 Interstate 70 Drive, SW Columbia, MO. sponsored by Thompson Center. For info on speakers and registration, go to http://muconf.missouri.edu/AIC2012/ Index.html

www.MoAutismReport.com

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Classified Classified Services

Services

The Baby Signs速 Program helps children develop both language and cognitive skills.

Studies show that babies who sign actually develop speech sooner and have larger vocabularies when they do start talking. Early intervention, use of sign and parent suppor t can make a positive impact in a child's life.

Christi Eads MS CCC SLP h t t p : / / www.babysignsprogram.com/ withchristi/ 417-300-2752.

The Drury University Center for Music Therapy and Wellness offers small group therapy classes, performance groups and individual weekly music therapy sessions.For more info, call: Julie C a s s i t y, D i r e c t o r , 417-861-7345

Runnymede School for Boys Therapeutic home for troubled boys ages 9-16 with behavioral problems.

We accept boys with high functioning ASD. www.runnymedeschool.com (417)-335-0550 admissions@runnymedeschoo l.com

Professional disability advocacy for special education and disability service systems.

Georgia Mueller, MS Visioneers 4 Access 913-963-8349 www.VisioneersKC.com info@visioneerskc.com

Computers Computers at cost; Desktops and Laptops.

All come with Windows 7 , O f f i c e S t a r t e r, DVDRW. Processors, ram and hard drives will vary. Prices start at $200.

417.886.6143 hph417@gmail.com for more information.

Volunteers SSEPTA needs volunteers to run for office for the 2012-13 school year. For more info, call Dawn at 417-886-9312

Your The Robert J. Announcement Murney Clinic at Here!

Forest Institute, To inquire about putting your Springfield will announcement in the begin offering Classified section, ABA therapy contact(417)209-0103. services in March. MoAutismReport@yah For more information:

417.865.8943 877.865.8943

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oo.com

Prices starting at $20

www.MoAutismReport.com

www.MoAutismReport.com

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First Annual Developmental Disabilities Statewide Event THE FUTURE IS NOW: SUPPORTING REAL LIVES, REAL PEOPLE

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March 15-16, 2012

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Holiday Inn Executive Center

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Columbia, MO

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Registration is limited!

If you are a Self-Advocate, Family Member, Employer, Service Provider, Educator or Direct Support Professional DO NOT miss this event!!!!!

For more info, contact Carol at 314-821-3316 or e-mail cracarol@aol.com