April 2010 - Issue #7
FREE e n O e Ta k South Florida Autism Newsletter
Autism Awareness Month: Looking For Early Signs Preventing Autism From Pregnancy Designing Sensory Spaces for Sensory Kids
Water Safety Awareness Month: You could Save a Life Your Son Can Learn To Swim 1
Inside This Issue... GENERAL ARTICLES Designing Spaces For Children With Sensory and Developmental Challenges
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Contact Us.
AUTISM Awareness Month Articles Looking For Early Signs of ASD
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To add an event in our monthly calendar, please send the information with all the details to:
BioMedical Q&A By Debbie Mellen Nurse Practitioner
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autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com Subject: Calendar
Water Safety Awareness Month Articles You could SAVE A LIFE
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(Make sure we receive the information the first week of the month prior to the event)
What You Should Know About Chlorine
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To submit an article, send it to:
Autism Chatter
Page 7 autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com Subject: Article
Easter Egg Hunts Locations
Page 10 To publish a small ad in the classified section (free of charge), send the information to:
Recipe of the Month Easter Bunny Cookies (GFCF & SCD Legal)
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autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com Subject: Classified For general information or advertisement opportunities, please call us at (954)584-3198 or email at autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com
Luciana C Leo (786) 306-4967 Sarah Sweeney (786) 413-8017
SPECIAL THANKS TO: FOR SUPPORTING THE AUTISM COMMUNITY www.soloprinting.com
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2nd Annual Autism Resource Fair June 6th, 2010 At the Sheraton Hotel in Dania, Fl “We can make a difference” 1825 Griffin Road Dania, Florida 33004 Booth Exhibitions and Workshops Start at 10am The purpose of this fair is to increase awareness through education by giving parents the necessary tools and information to help them make decisions for their child’s well being. This event will be an excellent opportunity to learn about the many autism related programs, services, and providers. There will be more than 40 exhibitors and free workshops on many topics related to autism through the day. GUEST SPEAKERS
Free Admission with Early Registration: www.autismresourcefair.org
Stephanie L. Schwartz, M.S., CCC-SLP Boyd E. Haley, PhD Boyd E. Haley Ph. D. David Lubin, Ph.D., BCBA
M. Cissy Majebe OMD, M.S., L.Ac., DOM (NM), Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM) Deborah Mellen, Nurse Practitioner (Ms. Mellen)
Sponsored by
South Florida Autism Newsletter
For more information regarding the event or for Booth Spaces (954)584-3198 or visit our website www.autismresourcefair.org 3
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Designing spaces for children with sensory and Developmental challenges. By Deborah DiMare 4. Select soft, diffused lighting. Choose ceiling fixtures that are covered with frosted glass, table lamps that don’t give off harsh light, strung Christmas lights (if safe for child) and lamps draped with scarves. Don’t forget outlet covers.
Most of us have experienced what I refer to as "the square peg in a round hole" moment. It’s that uncomfortable feeling we get when we are completely out of sync with our surroundings or the people around us. To a child with Autism, this is not a temporary situation. Autism is a neurological disorder that impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. It’s associated with rigid routines and repetitive behavior. One in 150 children in this country alone is diagnosed with Autism and no cure has yet been found. Our fast-paced world is a constant struggle for these children. They have difficulty expressing their discomfort, which leads to tremendous frustration. In order to thrive and grow to their full potential, children with Autism, as do all of us, need to feel in control in an environment that is comforting and non-threatening.
5. Many children with challenges are drawn to animals. Hang wall coverings and art that portray happy images such as photos and artwork of baby animals. 6. Choose resilient, sturdy flooring that is washable. Install carpet or anchored area rugs that are allergy free, easy to clean, soft and plush to the touch. 7. Many children with Autism appear to react painfully to light touch or tickling. Use blankets that are heavy and enveloping. Consider organic sheets that can hold up to daily washing if necessary. 8. Furnishings should be low to the ground. In place of a traditional desk and chair, consider a small coffee table with big pillows to sit on or a lap buddy.
I am a decorator and have been designing homes and offices for nearly a decade. I also design spaces for children and adults with Autism, ADD, ADHD and other sensory and developmental issues. As the mother of twin girls, I had always been intrigued by each of my daughter’s “unique emotional blueprints.” Due to their distinct personalities and needs, their attraction to specific textures, patterns and furnishings were completely different from one another. I went on a mission to determine what draws each of us to certain colors, sounds, surfaces and scents and how that alters our development and behavior. I quickly recognized the extraordinary effect of “sensory” environments. I began incorporating these elements into my client’s spaces, specifically the ones who had children with developmental issues such as autism.
9. In order for the child to learn while at play, store small toys and items in clear bins with labels and graphics to match. 10. Secure a cork board to the wall for family photos and child’s art. Change the artwork frequently. Use putty in place of thumbtacks. 11. Transitioning, or going from one task to the next can be challenging for a child with autism. So, hang a transition chart to guide them. 12. Regardless of the child’s age, treat the space as if it’s being designed for a young child, assuring safety and unexpected dangers. Consider an upholstered, low platform bed and a snug mattress, preferably organic.
When approaching the design of a space for a child with Autism, Sue Kabot, Director of Clinical Services of NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute says, “think about your goals for the room. Know your child. Every child is different and every child with Autism is also different. Consider safety first, especially when designing a space where the child may not be supervised. Reconsider items that hang from the ceiling, that have cords or strings, breakable mirrors etc. Furniture, especially larger, heavier pieces should be anchored to walls.”
13. Bean bags, floor cushions, small tents for cocooning, rocking chairs, tunnels and swings are wonderful additions to the space. 14. Smell is the strongest sense in our body. It appears that children with autism have a keen sense of smell. Use organic aromatherapy in the space to calm or stimulate. 15. White noise, such as the sound of a whirring fan, could sound like nails on a chalkboard to a child with autism. Incorporate calming nature sounds such as waterfalls, the ocean, rain and birds chirping.
Julia Harper, Occupational Therapist and founder of Therapeeds in Cooper City states “the best design of a room is a space that addresses the child’s specific arousal level. Do they need a stimulating or calming environment? This will enable them to have the security to learn and function.”
According to Nancy Amar, renowned Pediatric Occupational Therapist and owner of iam Therapy Center, “within all of us lies the ability to tune in or tune out sensory information. However for a child with autism, this is a constant challenge; one that creates a state of imbalance. By creating a sensory space that promotes well-being we help children find harmony from the outside in. It is fundamental for all children to first trust their environment so that they can explore it, interact with it, learn from it and thrive.”
Therefore, consider the following design and therapeutic elements when creating a space for a child with sensory and developmental issues; 1. Studies have shown that children with autism see the color red as fluorescent and appear calmer in pink and soft blue surroundings. Select paint colors that are relaxing and toxin free.
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
2. Research suggests that children with autism might visually process their surrounding differently which could alter how they spatially interpret a room. Keep the space as clean and as clutter free as possible.
Deborah DiMare is the owner of DiMare Design Group, Inc. 888-932-4021. www.DiMareDesign.com, info@DiMareDesign.com
3. Add multisensory toys and products such as microphones, koosh balls and slinky’s to the space. Consider items that address gross and fine motor skill function and objects for pushing, pulling, rolling and hugging. Incorporate visually stimulating products such as clocks, wind chimes, crystals and toy fish tanks.
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Looking for Early Signs of ASD By Sarah Sweeney Child development is the biological and psychological changes that occur (Resource From: Wetherby, A., Woods, J., Allen, L., Cleary, J., Dickinson, H., & Lord, C. Early indicators of autism spectrum disorders in the second year of life. Journal of Autism in human being between birth and the end of adolescence. Development (2004). and Developmental Disorders, 34, 473-493. Based on research at the Florida State University doesn’t happen in the same way, at the same time for all children. FIRST WORDS® Project.) Children with ASD may have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not Physical and Medical signs: want to change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have Ÿ Diarrhea or constipation for an extended time (more than 1 month) different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. ASD Ÿ Picky eaters (only eats 3 or 5 things mostly Gluten and Casein) begins during early childhood. Autism is the most commonly known type Ÿ Eczema in the body of ASD, but there are others, including “pervasive developmental disordernot otherwise specified” (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome. Ÿ Applies pressure in the abdomen (laying against something) or self mutilation (hitting or biting themselves) Red Flags of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Ÿ Dark circle under the eyes If your baby or toddler shows two or more of these signs, please ask your Ÿ Bloated bellies or acid reflux pediatric healthcare provider for an immediate evaluation. Ÿ Sleeping disorders Impairment in Social Interaction: Ÿ Flapping, stimming or walking on tip toes · Lack of appropriate eye gaze Ÿ Muscle weakness · Lack of warm, joyful expressions
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Lack of sharing interest or enjoyment Lack of response to name
Most children are not being diagnosed until they are two or three years old, but you may notice symptoms before they reach that age. Early intervention is the most important tool to support children as they grow and mature into healthy individuals. Healthy means the best possible outcome of physical, mental, and social functioning. Do not wait to get an official diagnosis for your child!!! Parent’s expertise is very valuable, trust yourself and communicate your concerns. Don’t be afraid to disagree, some time you will need to find other assessments. Your observations and feelings count.
Impairment in Communication: · Lack of showing gestures · Lack of coordination of nonverbal communication · Unusual prosody (little variation in pitch, odd intonation, irregular rhythm, unusual voice quality) Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests: · Repetitive movements with objects · Repetitive movements or posturing of body, arms, hands, or fingers
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For a full milestones checklist go to: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/milestoneschecklists.pdf
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S US UR 9 L O L 47 9 CA OUT ! 1 B PS 6)25 A U 8 T O 7 o OU GR or ( z.inf D 4 id FIN 578 ll4k O 4 T .a Focusing on all behavior issues and the autism spectrum ) 4 3 www 4 5 9 ( Aeleen B. Garrido-Tortorici MS LMHC Ÿ Early Intervention
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***WATER SAFETY AWA By Julie Gross Have you ever wondered what would happen if you ever found yourself in an emergency situation? What would you do? Could you offer help? What kind of lifesaving skills would you use? If you asked most parents and caregivers if they have taken CPR/First Aid classes most would reply “Yes I had to take those classes when my child was first born but that was several years ago and I think I might have forgotten a lot of what I learned.” It is very important to take refresher CPR/ First Aid classes every year if you are a parent or caregiver and even for your workplace and in “every day” life situations. Most people think it can never happen to them!!! They may say, “Oh my child is never going to fall in the pool and drown “ (Please see Ednamaemcgovernfoundation.com for more information) or “My child would never get so seriously hurt and become unconscious.” The bottom line is that 10 out of 10 kids have an accident “at times” and sometimes so serious that it requires immediate medical attention. When seconds count and the child’s life is in danger it is IMPERATIVE that we start the chain of emergency care IMMEDIATELY!!!!! Knowing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and Rescue breathing can help circulate blood containing oxygen to vital organs necessary for their survival. This immediate attention helps sustain life until professional emergency care arrives. Also available now at airports, some workplaces and larger stores and malls are AED’s (Automated External Defibrillators). These devices analyze the heart’s electrical rhythm and, if necessary, prompts you to deliver a shock to a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. If trained properly by a Red Cross certified instructor you can offer help in these emergency situations and possibly SAVE A LIFE. The life you save could either be someone close to you such as a child or a family member or it could be a total stranger. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that you were able to give assistance in an emergency situation? I’m sure you would hope someone would do the same for you!!!
Let’s give the gift of life this Swimming Season and sign up for a Red Cross CPR/First Aid Class today. See emergencies as opportunities to help someone in need Ask someone nearby if you can help out especially if the person hurt is a child Vital signs…. Look, listen and feel for breathing and a pulse for no more than 10 seconds Emergency action plan…. Check the scene, Call for help (911) and offer immediate Care Always call for help (911) in an emergency situation Learn proper CPR and First Aid skills and take refresher courses every year Invite your friends and family members and plan a “CPR” party at your home so everyone can get certified Find time to talk to your family about an emergency plan for your home and review it often Every second counts so it is important to know what to do in an emergency situation. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!!! Please call 954 956-9955 for CPR/First Aid classes in your area today www.SwimwithMrBlue.com
Mild Hyperbaric Therapy at
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The blue in the first picture (Before mHBOT) indicates low blood flow and limited brain activity. yellow area in the second picture, same patient (After mHBOT) indicate higher blood flow and brain activity
Autism ADD / ADHD / PDD-NOS Asperger’s Syndrome Speech Delay Cerebral Palsy Brain Injury And more ...
Call us to find out about our monthly package $700 unlimited!!!
For more info call (954)584-3198 or go to www.bodymedonline.com 6
ARENESS MONTH!!!!*** Autism Chatter By Rachael L. Baldassarra, mother of a 3 years old boy with autism. President of MyKidsCounty.org, inc I have a 3 year old son with autism and I was very scared to place him in swim classes. Especially after a bad experience and failed attempt at a local Special Needs Group swimming class. Most children with Autism have uncanny memories, and if this was another bad learning experience, it would be almost certain to set us back years in teaching him to swim. Autistic children, in general, learn very well from visuals, repetition, and from associating. Miss Julie's lessons were PERFECT for this aspect of his learning needs. She has a wonderfully entertaining DVD filled with fun songs which my son memorized immediately. Miss Julie came to meet and spend time with my son the week before lessons to develop a trust and a bond with him and brought Mr. Blue along with her. She caught my son's attention instantly and made the experience interesting and fun for him right off the bat. Since the songs in the DVD sing the lesson that is being taught, and since we read the book everyday before the lessons started, my son knew what to expect when it was time to get into the water, no surprises to set him into a panic. Miss Julie exhibited the utmost care for my son's need to feel secure in the water, constantly reassuring and praising him during and after each lesson. Within 5 days.. he was swimming like a little
fish...not just swimming, diving to the bottom of the pool to pick up toys! She also taught my 2 year old son to swim in the same time. Yes, I watched my child with Autism learn to swim at the same rate as my younger, typical child, using the same exact lesson plan. This is something we rarely see in our everyday world, and I was blown away. They still watch the DVD, sing the songs, and my youngest son even goes to sleep every night with his Mr. Blue and Po Po toys. If anyone has a child on the Spectrum, I highly recommend using Miss Julie. She has a natural ability to get inside their world and it seems as if her lesson plan was created just for children on the Spectrum. This was not just a swim lesson, it was an amazing learn to swim experience! Thank you! Autism Chatter is the parent’s corner of the newsletter. This section is dedicated to the families in order for them to express themselves. If you want to share a story or write about something, please send us an email at: autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com, subject: Autism Chatter.
What you should know about Chlorine... By Luciana C Leo Summer is around the corner and many children are going to be enjoying the swimming pools daily!!! Most of the children I know LOVE the water and specially children with ASD. Water calms them down, they feel relaxed ,and secure in it. On the other hand, many pools have chlorine which is a chemical added to the water for the purpose of killing bacteria and keeping the pool clean. Chlorine is a free radical initiator. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that arise normally during metabolism in the body as a consequence of a chemical reaction. These are regulated by antioxidants in the body. Un fortunately, most children with ASD do not produce enough antioxidants on the body and there is an overproduction of free radicals. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the severe damage they can do to many cells in the body, including developing brain cells. Exposure to chlorine accelerates and increases this dominoes chain reaction. There are many things that you can do to lessen the effects of chlorine in your child: BATHING OR SHOWERING BEFORE AND AFTER SWIMMING EPSOM SALTS Ÿ Use Epsom Salt baths after swimming: Mix 1 cup of Epsom Salt and ½ cup of baking soda in the bath tub and let your child play in it for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse well (specially children that have a sensitive skin, the Epsom Salt can cause itchiness) Ÿ There is an Epsom Salt Cream available (Good option for “On the Go”) to use before and after swimming. The name of the cream is Magnesium Sulfate Cream and you can get it at: Kirkman: www.kirkmangroup.com OurKids: www.ourkidsasd.com Ÿ You can also mix Epsom Salt with baking soda and water in a spray bottle and spray your child before and after swimming (Good option for “On the Go”) SKIN PROTECTORS: they act as a barrier in between the skin and the water. Put lotion all over the body of your child. Ÿ Gloves in a Bottle, shielding lotion. You can get it at www.glovesinabottle.com.
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Swimmer's Skin, barrier lotion. You can get it at www.swimonline.com.au PROBIOTICS AND ENZYMES Chlorine can cause your child to lose good gut flora and digestive enzymes, especially if water is swallowed. Give enzymes and probiotic's with the two biggest meals of the day (especially during summer time) YEAST OVERGROWTH The chlorine of the swimming pools can increase yeast overgrowth, so if you see yeasty behaviors increase [Poor attention, hyperactivity, anger, mood swings, irritability, "Spaciness", inappropriate behavior (such as making odd noises, or talking very loudly), and memory problem, in between others], this could be the reason why! IF HIGH COOPER LEVELS IN YOUR CHILD If your child has high cooper levels, you may want to check this levels during the summer or if he goes regularly to a pool because many algaecides contain cooper! OTHER ALTERNATIVES Ÿ Try to go to the beach if possible instead of the pool Ÿ Try salt water pools Ÿ If you have a pool at home, try looking for alternatives to chlorine. One alternative is the NPSC. For more information go to www.naturalpoolcleaner.com ONE MORE TIP! Hot water vaporizes the chlorine creating a toxic mist that can cause more reactions in those children that have sensitivities or problems detoxifying. Try to avoid hot tubs and indoor pools. SUNSCREEN Watch out for these bad ingredients: Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), Micronized Titanium Dioxide, Nano Titanium Dioxide, Nano Zinc Oxide. Most people know that swimming is a wonderful activity for children that provides aerobic exercise, sensory stimulation, social interaction, and safety skills. Every child has the right to enjoy a great day at the pool, we just have to take necessary precautions to avoid future problems.
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BioMedical Q&A By Debbie Mellen, Biomedical Practitioner Our bodies are made with a system set up to get rid of things that are bad for the body. The process is called detoxification. It is remarkable how some people can abuse their bodies and stay healthy, and yet the next person must nurture their body to stay healthy. Feeling healthy depends a lot on your immune system and your ability to detoxify toxins that enter your body by breathing, drinking, eating and absorbing compounds through your skin. Your health care provider may check for detoxification impairments by checking your glutathione or cysteine levels. Both are active in the body’s ability to identify a toxin or metal and usher it out of the body. Detoxification impairment would mean that it would naturally take your body a lot longer to rid itself of toxins like aluminum or mercury. In some cases, it just stores the toxin in your body.
Dear Ms. Mellen, “Is there anything I can do to prevent autism in preparation for pregnancy?” Prevention simply means reducing risks and implementing precautionary measures. In prevention, the emphasis is on information, awareness, and education. It may surprise you but the first thing you must begin to think about is not the baby, but you. What has your environment been for your entire lifetime? Where have you lived? What work have you done? What have you been exposed to? When you go to your OB doctor he or she makes sure that your body is as healthy as can be and is there to guide your pregnancy. But, what I hear in your question is that you want to do more than that. You acknowledge the risk that there is a chance that your baby might develop some of the traits and characteristics that we see in the autism spectrum. What can you do? In addition to all the good advice you will hear from your friends and family, there are many things you can do to have a healthy baby. If you are concerned about autism you may want to go an extra mile in preparing for pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
During pregnancy an breastfeeding Give up your toxic cosmetics. Did you know your favorite lipstick could be exposing you to lead? Think about what you absorb from facial make ups, nail treatments, acrylic nails, hairspray's, hair dyes and perfumes. Try to keep toxins out and away. Eat food as whole and as organic as possible, and decrease your sugar intake. Try to limit pre-packaged items, frozen items, and boxed foods that have preservatives and artificial sweeteners and coloring. Limit fish intake to no more than once a week. If you are going to eat fish, avoid tuna, and get wild catch fresh fish. Stay off the soy. Soy has phytoestrogens or isoflavones which can produce mild hormonal actions within the body. During early pregnancy, sex hormones are very important. The hormone estrogen is usually at high levels during pregnancy. Within soy is Genistein, an isoflavone that is known to have significant estrogen-like properties. In two separate studies, one in animals and another in humans, suggest that a diet high in soybeans and other legumes during pregnancy and breastfeeding may have a subtle but long-term impact on the development of children.
Six months prior to trying to get pregnant Have your amalgam fillings removed. Amalgam fillings release mercury every time you chew on them. If you have amalgam fillings, you are absorbing mercury from the fillings at tiny amounts every day. To remove the amalgam safely, it has to be done according to protocol. The dentist needs to know what he is doing or you could get a good dose of mercury when the fillings are disturbed during removal. Go to the website: www.iaomt.org for more information and for a listing of a qualified dentist. Consider chelation after removal. Pregnant women, along with nursing mothers and young children should not eat the following fish because they contain high levels of methylmercury: Swordfish, Tilefish, King mackerel and Shark. Fish in the diet is the major source of methylmercury, and eating certain types of fish leads to the accumulation of methylmercury in the body. Methylmercury can build up in your blood stream, and can then pass from you to your unborn child. Methylmercury is removed from the body naturally, but it may take over a year for the levels to drop to a safe level. So, it may be present in a woman even before she becomes pregnant. Stay away from aluminum. Avoid cooking with aluminum pots and pans, aluminum foil, or using pouches/cans. Stop using aluminum containing antiperspirants or aluminum-containing vaccines.
Getting the baby’s room and stuff ready!!! Use eco-friendly and lead free paints for the baby’s room. Avoid vinyl wall papers that trap moisture and promote mold and emit VOC’s. Buy mattress and bedding organic and free of PBDEs and antimony. Use natural cleaning products to clean the baby’s room and if possible the rest of the house (go to www.checnet.org for a list of the products available). Get a lead testing tool kit to check all the baby’s toys for lead. If is possible use glass baby bottles, if you are going to use plastic choose #1,2,4,5 recycle triangle. Avoid #3 (PVC), #6 (styrene) and #7 (BPA). If you are going to use plastic bottles, do not heat up the milk inside the bottle and avoid using the microwave. Use stainless steel feeding utensils.
Three months prior to trying to get pregnant Begin taking pregnancy vitamins. Dads should take a multi vitamin and mineral supplements too, as half the genes for the baby come from him. Now is the time to develop good habits and stop the bad ones, like smoking and drinking. Start exercising if you are not already on a routine. Join a gym, a yoga class or get outside and start moving.
Once the baby arrives Breast-feed the baby as soon as it is deemed that the baby is stable because babies usually have a window of wakefulness right after birth where they are most likely to latch and give a good suck. According to the AAP, babies should be breast-fed for a minimum of one year or longer if desired. If the baby must be formula fed, consider using one hypoallergenic predigested formula like Nutramigen, Alimentum, Pregestimil or Neocate.
Based on your history, get some testing done. If you want to know if you have pesticides or heavy metals that you are carrying around with you, you will have to get some testing done. Some people choose to test the mother only rather than both parents of the baby since she will provide the environment for the developing baby. Consider testing for blood lead levels, toxic heavy metals and porphyrin levels. Porphyrin levels tell us if mercury is sequestered in the body. You may want to consider hair analysis to determine if you have been exposed to any toxins. (Hair used in the hair analysis cannot be treated with chemicals as in straightening or dying the hair. It will throw the results off). If heavy metals are positive on the lab test, then you would want to remove the metals through chelation and / or infra red sauna. There is a relationship between heavy metals and autism.
Probiotics can be introduce to newborns, specially if the delivery was via C-Section. If the baby is using formula, you can mix the probiotic in the bottle. If the child is breastfeeding place the probiotic in the nipple. Essential fatty acids are great food for the brain and they can be introduce after the three months of age. Consider the modified schedule for immunizations, for more information go to www.generationrescue.org/pdf/user_friendly.pdf. Ask your pediatrician for Thimerosal free vaccines and never give multiple shots in a same day. You can also ask your doctor to check for vaccine titers before giving boosters. (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/vacadmin/downloads/contraindications-guide-508.pdf ).
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Bounce, jump and slide in our private arenas filled with gigantically fun inflatable's. Meet with support groups to share experiences and resources in our party rooms. Provide education and therapy in a safe, inflatable environment. Pump It Up is an ideal location for support groups, play therapy and social events for individuals with special needs, their family and friends, and the professionals who work with them. SPECIAL NEEDSSENSORY JUMP EVENTS Pump It Up of Ft. Lauderdale offers an Open Jump Night exclusively for families with autistic and special needs children. Families meet the third Thursday of every month from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Cost $8.00/ child and $6.00/ siblings. Parents are free! Regular monthly meeting can also be scheduled for any group. Your group will have exclusive use of a private Pump It Up facility for up to 2-hours. Children will play in the supervised, inflatable arenas for 90 minutes, and then families will eat and engage in fun, interactive activities together for the last 30 minutes of the event. RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY FOROURBIG AUTISM EVENT APRIL 22, 2010. Socks and Signed waiver are always required to play at Pump It Up. 954-915-8484 Pump It Up of Ft. Lauderdale 6555 Nova Drive, STE308 Davie, Fl 33317
594 Riverside Drive. Coral Springs, FL 33071 Call us at 954.344.6550
Pragmatic and Social Skill Groups Groups are offered to generalize new skills, improve social skills, develop friendships, increase play and leisure skills, improve communication and language and infuse turn-taking skills.
Acquisition Programs A comprehensive assessment will assist in the development and implementation of an individualized skill acquisition program targeting the following areas: behavioral, expressive and receptive communication, social reciprocity, cognitive, visual-motor imitation, fine motor, feeding, gross motor, etc
Therapy Links Therapy Links is an intensive therapeutic day program that is based on Behavior Reduction Programs the principles of ABA. This drop-off program is designed for children 1.5 Assessment will be completed and a behavior plan will be written and to 3 years of age. Individual schedules, visual aides and functional monitored to reduce maladaptive behaviors and teach appropriate communication systems are utilized as supports. The staff includes Board replacement skills. Certified Behavior Analysts, Licensed teachers and therapists with a strong background in ABA methodology. Class contains 4-5 children with 2 Parent Advocacy therapists. School observations Attending and supporting families at IEP meetings and informal teacher meetings.
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Recipe of the Month
Calendar of Events Easter Egg Hunts
Easter Bunny Cookies - GFCF and SCD legal!
Dade County Ingredients:
Miami Seaquarium April 10, 11 and 12 - 10 am to 4 pm 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami 305-361-5705 ext. 225 Tickets are $35.95; $26.95 for children ages 3 - 9. Parking is $8
Ÿ 3 cups of almond flour Ÿ 1 stick softened butter or ½ cup of softened coconut butter (can also be replace by ½ cup of spectrum 100% palm oil organic Ÿ 1 egg (or egg replacer)
Florida Marlins Easter Egg Hunt April 12 - 12 pm Dolphin Stadium, NW 199th St., Miami Gardens 877-MARLINS For children 12 and younger. Attendees must have a baseball ticket
Ÿ ½ cup of honey Ÿ 2 teaspoons of vanilla Ÿ ¼ teaspoon of salt (less if using salted butter)
Jungle Island April 2-4 - 11 am to 5 pm 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, FL 33132 phone (305) 400-7000 Adults $29.95 - Children $23.95
Ÿ 12 oz of GFCF semi sweet chocolate chips (Optional) Ÿ Sliced almonds (Optional)
Broward County Flamingo Gardens April 11 and 12 - 9:30 am to 12 pm 3750 S Flamingo Road, Davie 954-473-2955 $8.50 for ages 12 and older, $4.25 for children 4-11. Children under 4 are free West Lake Park's free Spring Egg Hunt April 11 - 9 am to 11 am 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood 954-926-2480 For children ages 4 - 11. Park entry is $1.50 per person; and free for children under 5 Pembroke Shore Park April 11 - 9 am 501 SW 172nd Ave., Pembroke Pines Children ages 12 and under are invited. Free
Ÿ Shredded coconut for decorating (Optional) Directions Cover a cookie sheet with baking parchment paper. Combine all ingredients (with exception of the shredded coconut) thoroughly to make a stiff dough. Put dough in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Place a ball of the chilled dough on the parchment, and cover with another sheet of parchment. Roll out dough between sheets of parchment paper with a rolling pin, until 3/16” thick. Peel off top of sheet of paper. Using cookie cutters with open centers (bunny shapes or Easter theme shapes), cut shapes directly on the parchment-covered cookie sheet. Press firmly. Keep close together as dough does not spread while baking. Preheat oven to 300 F. Bake 5 - 10 minutes. Watch carefully, edges brown quickly. Remove and cool thoroughly to preserve shape before removing from parchment. Decorate the cookies with the shredded coconut!
Pines Recreation April 11 - 9 am 7400 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines Children ages 12 and under are invited. Free Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park April 11 - 9 am to 12 PM 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach 954-360-1315 For children up to 10 years
Extra Tip Instead of adding the chocolate chips in the mix of the dough, you can save them and use them for decoration also. Place the chocolate chips in top of a double boiler over hot, no boiling water, stirring until is melted. Dip the cookies on the melted chocolate and let them cool.
Palm Beach County The Whitehall Society April 3 - 9 am One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach 561-655-2833 Admission is $5 for children; $15 for adults Village Park's softball and baseball fields April 11 - 10 am 11700 Pierson Road, Wellington 561-791-4005 ext. 0 10
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