Autism World Magazine Issue 13

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Issue 13 / February 2014

essential reading for those who care

Autism W rld Magazine When Puberty KICKS IN

April’s Art JOURNEY Back to School

lunch box

TREATS

The Power of

ONE

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Autism W rld Welcome to the PDF version of Autism World Magazine If you are opening this on an iPhone or iPod use the “Open in iBooks” option. For all other PDF Reader, please refer to your specific instruction manual. Pictures labelled “Click on picture to play video” will take you to the video. Any problems, send us an email at contact@magswest.com

Hyperlinks, video and emails work when you are online. Book pictures link you straight to Amazon or similar, giving you the opportunity to buy books. Autism World Magazine - 2

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Editor’s Note

Welcome to the first anniversary edition of Autism World Magazine. A year ago we set off on this journey not knowing if anyone would join us, so I truly thank you for your support. In this issue we focus on the Power of One. The sad story of Avonte Oquendo is clearly in all our minds. Can his death change the world for our loved ones who wander? We meet April, the former wild child, who found herself through art. Chantal Sicile-Kira offers some advice on how to cope when puberty kicks in. What’s in your school lunch box? And as important, what is your lunch box made of? Our resident nutritionist Paula Tazzyman guides the way. Food lovers, check out the beautiful beetroots on page 62 with our Certified GAPS Practitioner Jacinta O’Connor. And there so much more. Please do share the word of Autism World Magazine. We are a not-for-profit organisation and all money from magazine sales goes back into the magazine and supporting our community. Our magazine is designed for those on the spectrum, parents, carers, teachers, professionals and all those who care about someone with an autism spectrum disorder. Best wishes to you and your family,

iain iain croft editor and publisher iain@magswest.com www.facebook.com/worldautism

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CONTENTS ISSUE 13 / FEBRUARY 2014

18

09 18

WILD%CHILD Artist&April&Grif+in&the&wild& child&who&found&her&way.&

09

UNDERSTANDING%PUBERTY Chantal%Sicile=Kira&on&the& understanding&and&care&for& when&puberty&kicks&in.

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09

Publisher:

© Copyright 2014 MagsWest PO Box 99 Mosman Park WA 6912

info@magswest.com

Autism World Magazine

06 HOW%ABOUT%THEM%APPLES Heidi%Heeman

77 WORKFORCE%INCLUSION Monica%Holloway%&%Tom%Everill

29 HOW%ABOUT%THEM%APPLES Di%Maitland

87 EMPLOYMENT%PERCEPTIONS Malcolm%MayGield

30 TRIED%AND%TESTED Monique%Simpson

93 AVONTE%HAS%POWER Jocelyn%Davis

35 RDI%PARENT%TRAINING Maisie%Soetantyo

100 AND%FINALLY Bri%Bronson

is available digitally for iPad, iPhone, PC or portable device. Subscribe via the Apple Newsstand or iTunes Or via autismOz.com

Editor: Iain Croft

Website: autismworld magazine.com

Facebook: facebook.com/ worldautism

43 WHAT’S%IN%YOUR%LUNCH%BOX? Paula%Tazzyman

Front Cover: April Dawn self portrait

54 SUPPORTING%THE%GAPS%DIET Jacinta%O’Connor 66 USING%VISUALS Catherine%Crestani%and%Diana%Wolf 69 GET%OUR%FREE%VISUALS%BOOKLET Heidi%Heeman%&%Jacqui%Little 70 ANXIETY%&%SOCIAL%FEARS Brian%Wisnowski

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STATEMENT OF POLICY AND DISCLAIMER ‘The views expressed in any articles included in this publication are not necessarily those of Autism World Magazine or the publishers MagsWest Pty. Ltd. Autism World Magazine and the publishers do not promote or recommend any specific therapy, treatment, institution or professional viewpoint. Please check with a doctor when changing any diet or major nutritional change.

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HOW

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ABOUT THEM APPLES with Heidi Heeman

GREAT NEWS !! For the first time EVER in his eight years, Sam told me:

“I feel sick”

The bad news: he threw up soon afterwards

Priceless Autism World Magazine - 6

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Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto:

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Artwork: Real Life and Its Messiness by Jeremy Sicile-Kira www.jeremysvision.com

When Puberty

KICKS IN with Chantal Sicile-Kira

Why$do$young$people$on$the$autism$spectrum$4ind$puberty$dif4icult? Chantal$Sicile:Kira!is!a!leader!in!the!,ield!of!autism,!adolescence!and! transition!to!adulthood,!an!international!speaker!and!an!award6winning! author!of!,ive!books.!Having!!,irst!worked!with!individuals!with!autism!in! California,!and!then!raised!her!son!Jeremy!!in!three!different!countries!gives! her!a!perspective!few!in!the!,ield!have.!Recently!Chantal!founded! AutismCollege.com!! In!this!exclusive!article!for!Autism'World'Magazine!Chantal$Sicile:Kira! offers!suggestions!to!help!those!you!love!and!care!for?!

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Most%children%with%autism%have%a% terrible%time%with%change.%They%like% things%to%stay%the%same,%as%they%are%used% to%the%familiarity%of%routine.%If%there%are% no%new%things,%they%don't%have%to% anticipate%for%any%‘attacks'%to%their% senses;%they%can%anticipate%what%is% coming%next.% Many%will%spend%time%lining%up%their%toys% or%objects.%Some%parents%have%reported% that%when%they%have%moved%the% furniture%around,%the%child%will%move%it% back%to%where%it%used%to%be. Now,%imagine%that%you%are%the%type%of% person%who%cannot%stand%change,%that% you%are%afraid%of%it.%And%then%you%notice% something%really%freaky%E%your%body%is% changing%on%you%and%you%have%no%control% over%it.%It%is%even%worse%if%no%one%has%told% you%what%was%going%to%happen.% Boys%start%noticing%the%hair%on%their%legs% growing%in%tougher%and%longer,%and%hair% sprouting%in%places%there%wasn't%any% before.% Then,%they%notice%their%Adam's%Apple%has% grown%and%become%more%prominent,%and% their%voice%is%starting%to%change%and%is% cracking%at%times.%Not%only%that,%but% something%weird%is%happening%‘down% there'%E%their%penis%gets%hard%and% sometimes%there%is%a%liquid%leaking%out.% How$weird$is$that??!!

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For%girls,%it%is%much%the%same%E%think%of%all%the%ways%a%girl's%body%changes,%and%imagine% how%frightful%that%could%be%if%you%don't%like%change.% Especially%when%the%girl%begins%to%menstruate,%if%no%one%has%explained%to%her%in%a%way% she%can%understand%what%that%is%all%about,%then%she%will%have%a%difJicult%time%going% through%this%change%towards%womanhood. Puberty%is%really%scary%for%most%children%on%the%spectrum%and%parents%have%a%difJicult% time%knowing%how%to%explain%the%changes%to%their%preEteens.

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Here$are$some$tips$that$I$share$on$my$ interactive$Autism$College$course$on$ Adolescents$on$the$Autism$Spectrum: • It%is%best%to%start%explaining%to%the%preteen%what%bodily%changes%to%expect%before% puberty%hits.%For%girls,%puberty%usually%starts%at%age%9%or%10,%for%boys%at%10%or%11.% However,%better%late%than%never. • Explain%what%will%happen%to%both%the%male%and%female%bodies%during%puberty,%so% that%the%child%is%not%surprised%when%they%see%their%peers%changing%as%well. • Show%pictures%of%trusted%,%loved%adults%of%both%sexes%E%mom,%dad,%aunt,%uncle%E%as% babies,%then%children,%then%teens,%then%as%adults,%so%that%they%see%how%the% transformation%has%happened%to%everyone,%and%that%it%is%a%positive%thing%to%go% through. • Explain%the%bodily%function%inherent%to%being%a%boy%(hardening%of%the%penis,% ejaculation)%and%being%a%girl%(menstrual%cycle).If%you%have%a%girl%on%the%spectrum,% it%might%be%a%wise%idea%to%have%her%wear%a%pad%for%a%while%before%she%begins%her% menstrual%cycles,%so%that%she%gets%used%to%the%sensory%aspect%of%wearing%the% sanitary%pad. • The%use%of%social%stories%and%a%picture%book%you%can%create%with%the%above% information%is%helpful.%You%can%then%go%over%the%picture%book%and%social%stories%as% often%as%needed. The%point%is,%body%changes%are%scary%for%those%who%do%not%like%change,%but%by%telling% them%and%showing%them%the%changes%that%will%happen%can%make%it%much%easier%for% them.% For%more%information%on%teens%and%autism%visit%http://autismcollege.com/books/.%%

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Teens with autism have same challenges as other teens. But%many%parents%think%that%means%their% autism%is%getting%worse. Something%happens%when%children%turn% into%teenagers.%They%go%from%demanding% your%attention%to%wanting%their% independence.%For%those%on%the% spectrum,%it%may%look%like%nonE compliance;%they%don't%seem%to%want%to% follow%through%on%your%requests% anymore.% As%a%parent%it%may%be%hard%to%appreciate,% but%this%is%a%necessary%development.% Being%appropriately%nonEcompliant%is%a% positive%step%towards%selfEadvocacy.% However,%it%is%important%to%differentiate% between%appropriate%teenage%nonE compliance,%and%problem%behaviors%that% must%be%stopped.%

As%a%parent%it's%important%to%support% your%teen%as%he%struggles%to%become%his% own%person. When%tweens%on%the%spectrum%go% through%puberty%and%hit%the%teen%years,% they%also%have%the%same%hormones% acting%up%as%the%neurotypical%teens,%and% they%feel%the%need%to%be%more% independent,%only%they%don't%have%the% same%outlets%as%neurotypicals%to%show% their%independence.%Thus%we%see%more% deJiant%and%onEcompliant%behavior. Neurotypical%teens%are%able%to% communicate%to%us%that%they%are%needing% independence,%they%need%more%time% away%from%their%parents,%and%more% choice%over%how%they%will%spend%their% time.%Sometimes%they%start%acting%up%by% staying%out%later%than%a%preEestablished% curfew,%go%to%parties,%and%get%into% environments%where%they%have%to%make% choices%about%their%behavior.%

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They%usually%have%friends,%and%start% negotiating%with%us%to%change%our%house% rules%in%regards%to%their%social%outings.% At%school,%they%are%involved%in%small% group%project%or%on%sports%teams%and% they%get%to%make%choices%that%effect%the% team. For%example,%my%daughter,%Rebecca,% loves%alternative%rock%concerts,%and%has% been%asking%to%attend%them%since%she% was%11EyearsEold.%Now,%at%17,%the%rules% have%changed%in%regards%to%attending% concerts.%When%she%was%11,%she%could%go% on%a%weekend%night%with%a%few%friends%if% there%was%a%trusted%parent%who%went% with%them%and%stayed%with%them%the% whole%time,%and%she%had%to%be%home%at%a% certain%time.%Now%at%17,%she%is%allowed%to% stay%out%later,%does%not%have%to%have%an% adult%accompany%her,%and%at%times%can% go%during%the%week,%depending%on%school% and%sport%schedule.

The%rules%changed%because%as%she%got% older,%Rebecca%argued%her%case%to%us,%her% parents,%about%why%she%should%be% allowed%to%stay%out%later,%and%to%show% her%responsibility. PreEteens%and%teens%with%autism,% however,%don't%usually%negotiate%or%tell% their%parents%they%need%more%space,% even%if%they%are%verbal.%They%rarely%have% opportunities%outside%the%home%with% other%teens%that%are%testing%their%parents% authority.%Yet,%they%have%the%same% hormones%and%the%same%urge%to%have% more%freedom.%This%leads%to%nonE compliance%E%which%is%never%any%fun%for% those%involved.So,%how%can%we%as% parents%and%educators%%provide%them% more%freedom,%more%space?%%

Here(are(some(tips: •

Give%them%more%opportunities%to%make%choices,%within%parameters.%%For% example,%if%a%teenager%has%had%a%schedule%to%stick%to%after%school,%why%not%give% him%the%choice%%of%what%order%to%do%it%in? At%school,%provide%more%opportunities%for%making%choices,%perhaps%in% choosing%the%group%activity,%or%more%control%over%planning%his%schedule,%and% in%%how%he%spends%his%day. Give%him%or%her%%the%choice%of%what%%the%family%will%eat%for%dinner,%(within% limits)%once%or%twice%a%week%–%maybe%he%can%even%go%do%the%shopping%and%help% prepare%for%the%meal%with%a%helper.%responsibility,%and%that%is%a%lesson%all%teens% need%to%learn. Instead%of%always%planning%activities%or%outing%%for%your%teen%on%the%weekends,% pick%one%day%where%your%teen%can%%choose%on%a%regular%basis%%what%his% afternoon%will%look%like.

For%more%information%on%teens%and%autism%visit%http://autismcollege.com/books/.

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Chantal(Sicile7Kira’‘s(newest( book(is(the(revised(edition(of( Autism(Spectrum(Disorders.(The( new(title(is:(Autism(Spectrum( Disorder:(The(Complete(Guide( To(Understanding(Autism((US( edition,(Penguin,(January(2014).(((

Click on the book picture to order via Amazon

Chantal’s other books: A Full Life With Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum; Autism Life Skills; What is Autism? Understanding Life with Autism or Asperger's.

chantal’s book chantal’s book chantal’s book chantal’s book chantal’s book chantal’s book chantal’s book chantal’s book

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Autism W rld Magazine

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WILD CHILD April Griffin

April Griffin is an Autistic artist who began working with oil paints and winning adult competitions at the age of eight. She recently came equal third in ‘Visual Arts’ at the International Autistic Achievement Awards representing Canada, tying with her friend, Silke Heyer of Germany. In 2014 April will be serving as Canada's Ambassador at the awards in Scotland. Autism World Magazine - 18

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I was labelled a wild child with problem behaviour. I screamed when people tried to dress me because the fabric or laundry soap used on it hurt my sin. I hit myself, I raked my nails across my face, bit, banged my head into walls, trashed my room and classrooms, I ate things I should not, I felt sounds, fluorescent lights made me sick and, at one point, they thought I was deaf because I would not respond to my name.

Sometimes I did rebel in my own ways. I have done all the psychology and intelligence and aptitude tests. I got bored so sometimes instead of writing their tests I checked the answers in this order A) - C)- D)- C). ACDC! It was my rebellion. I did not care about the tests anymore and I doubted they would notice. I stopped caring about what I scored. I did not know what they thought was wrong with me and I spent a lot of time worrying about that.

I had over 200 allergies and had been through test after test to determine what was making me so sensitive. Special diets and medication were tried. I refused to speak or I talked too much. I would never talk to certain people, including every doctor my family tried at the hospital. I did speak to a social worker and she became the communicator between myself and the people who wanted me to keep writing tests. I was called a lot of things back then including retarded by my grade one school and later a genius. I could paint but my written work was so messy I failed every subject. I was kicked out of Algebra and put into "rubber math" and "rubber reading" despite a documented above average IQ and reading at a college level. My IQ meant I was seen as bad because my sensitivities made me difficult. At the time I started painting with oils, my family made frequent trips to the University of Saskatoon where I would go through a door that had a sign on it which said "Psychological Research". I would not be diagnosed until I was 36.

Raven (Aboriginal bird)

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Exhale My parents tried different things to help me. Video games for hand eye coordination, dogs and horses for bonding. I had my own herd of goats. My family believes work is good for you. I did sports too and that made me much less clumsy. What helped the most was when my Aunt Margret Rupert, from Codette, came over for coffee. She was a 78-year-old eccentric painter and after watching me drawing the objects around the living room, she told my Mother, "April is an Artist. When she is 10 bring her to me." I was a very lonely girl and so excited that an artist was going to teach me to paint. I had dreams about us painting together side by side. I felt that was how it would happen. I knocked on her door every couple days with new drawings.

"Aunt Margret will you teach me to paint now? Look I have been practicing." She did not really want to deal with a kid that young but I pestered her relentlessly so by the time I was eight and a half we had begun and I had turned out a series of oil paintings. By the time I was 10 I had won an arts scholarship through competition that I was too young to accept. I failed art at school. Aunt Margret had me draw an apple. I did. Drawing lessons were over. We went right to the paint. She showed me how to mix my paints. I just know how to mix colour; it’s something I always understood so I did not use colour wheels. Autism World Magazine - 20

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April The Ballerina Autism World Magazine - 21

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The Tree Of Life at the Nipawin Art Gallery with April standing beside

I do not have to think about colour theory and I can colour match when mixing. That is something I just know. I don't need to think – it’s instinct.

I have a small art studio and I do photography, painting, web design, knitting, jewelry and I have 47 raised garden beds and a worm farm.

My Mom and Dad bought me anything I wanted for my art. I taught myself after that with help from mentors, more experienced artists who adopt me and guide me along to help me learn. They taught me about gallery contracts and gave me business advice and new techniques. It has helped me become independent.

I have always used my talents to mask my disabilities. Though I prefer the term ‘different set of abilities’.

Today I own my own home. It’s fully paid for.

Our specialist skills can open doors for us and make a place for us in the community.

Employers cater to my needs because I can do jobs no one else can do. I am a serious believer in talent development. To find our talents we must be exposed to them.

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I do not want to see any more gifted children labelled as misfits.

I know I am an odd duck. I knew I had to work harder to keep my jobs because of it. I really continue to work on developing my talents and my kids’ talents. I use my art to help create autism awareness. I hope it will help people look at autism in a positive light. I want them to consider potential in a differently wired mind and employing our specialist skill sets. It was an incredibly long, hard road to diagnosis for me; I want to see that change for others. I do not want to see any more gifted children labelled as misfits.

I want to the next generation to have an easier time fitting in and living in a world of acceptance. I often fund-raise for talent related autistic causes. I participate in Artists and Autism, The Art of Autism, and I am an ANCA Ambassador. I have had the opportunity to solo exhibit in my hometown of Nipawin to raise Autism Awareness. A neighbouring village, Aylsham, Saskatchewan, held a Craft and Trade Show and Market which was organised by my good friend, Shirley Chancellor, who is a friend to the autistic community.

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She asked me for a good way to raise money.

I believe in these kinds of grass roots efforts.

I have raised funds to supply an autistic artist so they can have mentoring. I suggested that happen again so it is going to Nipawin Autism Spectrum Disorders Services, which provides services to more than 80 local children and it will be used to get more kids what they need to be ready for mentoring.

I am not waiting for government to catch up. We need to support our autism workers and support our children's talents. Art Classes. Music. Drama. Computers, whatever the talent is support it. We need to develop talents early. They are the key to the puzzle everyone is talking about.

You can see more of April’s work at www.aprilgriffinartstudios.com

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To watch a six minute video on April Griffin and her work click on the image below. CLICK ON THE PICTURE BELOW WHEN ONLINE TO VIEW THE VIDEO She asked me for a good way to raise money. I have raised funds to supply an autistic artist so they can have mentoring. I suggested that happen again so it is going to Nipawin Autism Spectrum Disorders Services, which provides services to more than 80 local children and it will be used to get more kids what they need to be ready for mentoring. She asked me for a good way to raise money. I have raised funds to supply an autistic artist so they can have mentoring. I suggested that happen again so it is going to Nipawin Autism Spectrum Disorders Services, which provides services to more than 80 local children and it will be used to get more kids what they need to be ready for mentoring. She asked me for a good way to raise money. I have raised funds to supply an autistic artist so they can have mentoring. I suggested that happen again so it is going to Nipawin Autism Spectrum Disorders Services, which provides services to more than 80 local children and it will be used to get more kids what they need to be ready for mentoring. She asked me for a good way to raise money. I have raised funds to supply an autistic artist so they can have mentoring. I suggested that happen again so it is going to Nipawin Autism Spectrum Disorders Services, which provides services to more than 80 local children and it will be used to get more kids what they need to be ready for mentoring. She asked me for a good way to raise money. I have raised funds to supply an autistic artist so they can have mentoring. I suggested that happen again so it is going to Nipawin Autism Spectrum Disorders Services, which provides services to more than 80 local children and it will be used to get more kids what they need to be ready for mentoring.

April Griffin Artist Documentary by Bamboo Shoots Productions for Sask Tel Max

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Portrait of Canadian Musician Thilo Many Bears

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April also provided this artwork for this musical collaboration to benefit the International Naturally Autistic Awards. The album includes performances by songwriters Samantha E, Ashley Hautala, Thilo "Many Bears" and Tim Steinruck "TheMightyOne". Leonora Gregory Collura and Charlie Collura of the ANCA速 Foundation brought it all together. Produced by Tim Steinruck. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Begin Studio.

Available via www.cdbaby.com/m/cd/anca

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THE AUTISM WORLD NEEDS

YOU Share your story to help the next generation of ASD families. You can contact Autism World Magazine via: Email: story@magswest.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/worldautism Website: www.autismworldmagazine.com

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HOW

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ABOUT THEM APPLES with Di Maitland

I collected Nick from school at lunchtime

and as we were driving home, he made the

sign for "airplane" and then "Dad". I was so surprised with this that I had to contact Bronny at school to ask if she had spoken

to him about this coming weekend. It turns out he must have overheard a conversation. Just because my child can't talk doesn't mean that he doesn't understand. Always presume competence. Autism World Magazine - 29

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TRIED AND TESTED WITH MONIQUE SIMPSON Speech Pathologist Ba.App.Sc (Sp Path)

Expanding ideas is critical to building more language

Monique Simpson As the founder and speech pathologist at Connect Therapy in Sydney, Monique Simpson has specialised in the field of autism for 12 years, treating only children diagnosed with ASD. Through the diversity and volume of clients under her care she has developed an enormous wealth of knowledge and practical experience on effective ways to treat children with ASD, Asperger’s and PDD-NOS. Monique brings Tried and Tested solutions to those across the autism spectrum.

www.connecttherapy.com

A child’s ability to talk well is not just dependent upon having the speech motor skills to be able to shape sounds into words and words into sentences. But more importantly the child needs to have thoughts, ideas and feelings that they want to ‘share’ and communicate with others. The reason that I want to talk to you about this today is because I had a session with a little girl named Stella this week. She is a delightful child who has many of the preverbal skills necessary to be able to talk. In fact she has already started to appropriately use some important words in her life, like “more, go, biscuit”… which is a wonderful start. However it is very obvious that the area of development that is going to get in the way of Stella’s language and speech development is going to be the ‘limited interests’ in her life. Stella’s world currently revolves around food, lining up objects, food, some simple sensory play and MORE food. If we do not keep expanding Stella’s world of play and new/ motivating experiences then I can already foresee what is going to happen with Stella’s language development…

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She will get very good at requesting for her very basic needs and wants with words, but then she is going to plateau with the different ways that she can use her language because she will not have a desire to speak about anything but her request for food. I have come across so many kids with ASD over the past 16 years where the parents have understandably been desperate for the child to start talking. However this has sometimes turned to disappointment because when they finally start talking, it does not amount to much.

We want to help kids with ASD see the value in trying new things by using the warm, trusting relationship that we have with them to encourage them to take risks. The trick is to take something they’re familiar with, that motivates them, and combine it with something else that they like. The first obvious step is that you need to know what they like and what already motivates them. This will make your job much, much easier. Write lists.

Because of this I am training Stella’s parents to really focus on improving her play skills and idea development..

As an example, let’s pretend that your child likes jumping on the trampoline, singing songs, blowing bubbles and playing with balls…

They’re also following the tips in my audio “7 Steps to Unlocking Your Child’s Social Skills‘.

So the next time they’re jumping on the trampoline… rather than simply jumping, try singing a song or blowing some bubbles whilst they are jumping, or put a few small balls on the trampoline and watch them bounce everywhere as they jump! You could even try just adding one ball at first, then adding more as they adjust to the new experience.

In our therapy sessions I remind them that whilst we are working on increasing the number of words that Stella can say, it is really vital that we keep expanding her world and interests. This is important so that Stella does not become one of those kids whose language plateaus shortly after she starts talking. The key to doing this successfully is by taking small steps and introducing new things very gradually so you don’t overwhelm the child. It is this fear of uncertainty and the need for predictability that often keeps a child’s interest in the world very narrow.

Introducing these new ideas around the trampoline play will hopefully build new and different language and communication opportunities. For this reason I think it is critical to always focus on the development of a child’s ideas in therapy. If it’s obvious that your child is not enjoying a new experience, go back to what they like and then try again later or try another idea. Don’t be pushy. Autism World Magazine - 31

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“trial new ideas very slowly and respectfully”

It’s important to trial new ideas very slowly and respectfully and watch carefully to witness the child’s reaction. You can challenge the child but not to the extent that they become totally dysregulated by the experience. We want them to gain positive associations with new experiences so tread carefully and considerately. By introducing new things in this way the child can focus on the new experience (the songs, bubbles or balls) while being comforted by the familiar and motivating sensation of jumping on the trampoline.

This technique can be applied to just about anything your child likes to do. You’re only limited by your imagination! “Ideas can be life changing. Sometimes all you need to open the door is one more good idea” (Jim Rohn) How does your child cope with new experiences? Have you tried any particular strategies? How well did they work?? Please share your experiences and feedback by sending us an email CLICK HERE Happy connecting! Monique

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www.connecttherapy.com Autism World Magazine - 33

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Need$someone$to$talk$to?

24-Hour Autism Hotline

1300 222 777 (Australia*Only)

The Autism Advisory and Support Service (AASS) runs a 24-Hour Autism Hotline which is staffed by parent volunteers who have children with Autism. You can call any time of the day or night, from anywhere in Australia, to chat to someone who can offer service and guidance from a parent's perspective. Whenever you call AASS you are speaking a parent of a child with Autism so you know that you are talking to someone who understands what you are experiencing. Parents and carers waiting for a formal assessment and diagnosis, looking for the right intervention and joining the long waiting lists can be extremely overwhelmed, confused and frustrated. AASS will help with unbiased advice, encouragement, guidance and support. If you get the answer-phone please leave your number and a message. We will call you back. Autism World Magazine - 34

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IS RDI FOR YOU?

RDI Parent Training with Maisie Soetantyo Autism World Magazine - 35

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Solutions for busy parents Here is a common scenario that most parents of a special needs child can identify with: “After dropping Joey at school, I have to schedule a playdate for him this week, order vitamins online, go grocery shopping, finish a work project, call my dentist, reschedule Joey’s speech therapy session, email his teacher to see if the reward system at school is working… After pick up, Joey has to go to OT today, then I have to pick up Ally at her friend’s home, help her finish the science project due tomorrow, make dinner and somehow put both kids in bed at a reasonable hour because hubby will be working late tonight”.

Sounds familiar? The scenario above is exactly what many of us experience as parents of typically developing children, rushing and juggling to get through the day. But, when you are parents to a child struggling with issues related to inflexibility, lack of communication abilities, poor self-regulation, potty training, school learning and challenging behaviours, family life can be particularly stressful. Most mortal women would need eight arms, 36 hours in the day, endless cups of coffee and a 24-hour personal assistant to handle all of that.

The Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) is a unique parent-based program designed to help parents develop tools to become better guides to their special needs child. The heart of the program is about empowering parents to make a difference in their child’s overall level of functioning, improve lifelong learning and independence and, most importantly, to improve quality of lives for the whole family. All of this is done through meaningful, daily opportunities at home and later community settings.

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Take a look at this video of a mother and her son practicing trust building and slowing down their communication pace, and learning to just ‘be’ with each other:

CLICK ON THE PICTURE BELOW WHEN ONLINE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDIRDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI RDIRDI

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On February 24-27, 2014, a team of husband and wife Certified RDI Consultants, Peter Dunlavey and Maisie Soetantyo, will be hosting a four day RDI Parent Training in the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia. In addition to these two presenters, Paul Louden, a well-known Autism advocate, radio talk show host and an accomplished writer with Asperger Syndrome will be co-presenting throughout the training. His understanding and input on dealing with challenges living with ASD are invaluable for parents to be mindful of as they make changes in their parenting and communication skills. Bali was chosen for its peaceful and beautiful settings so that couples can get a much needed time to refresh their marriage, connect with each other, as well as learning from other parents in similar situations.

Informative and interactive presentations on how to build trust and a closer relationship with a family member diagnosed with ASD, to remediate deficits in areas of communication, independent learning, problem solving, dynamic appraisal, social and emotional development and self-regulation will be taught through hands-on exercises in a small group setting. By the end of this four day Parent Training, couples will have a specific set of objectives, as well as a list of practical ideas on how to implement RDI principles within their family culture. For more information and a flyer, please visit www.catchclinic.com or email: catchmaisie@comcast.net

Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana Hotel

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Maisie Soetantyo Ms. Soetantyo, co-founder of the CATCH clinic, has been working with children under the ASD spectrum since 1994. Maisie received her degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from UCLA under the supervision of Dr. Ivar Lovaas of the Young Autism Project. Upon graduation, Maisie worked under Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders for 6 years, holding the titles of Supervising Therapist and Clinic Supervisor. As supervisor, she was responsible for providing ongoing ABA program supervision to families in Michigan, Ohio, San Jose, as well as the East and North Bay areas. In 2001, Maisie co-founded the Comprehensive Autism Treatment for Children (CATCH) clinic in Sunnyvale California. The clinic was designed to be a facility to combine all aspects of treatment for ASD children and adolescents into one, all-inclusive treatment plan. In 2004, Maisie was a member of the inaugural class of Dr. Steven Gutsteins’ RDI® Consultants Certification program and has maintained her re-certification credentials annually since that time. Maisie is committed to bringing RDI to her native country of Indonesia, and has maintained a consistent presence in Jakarta as well as Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

In 2007, Maisie was one of the first RDI® consultants invited to supersede Dr. Gutstein in his role as host and primary speaker for the Connections Center’s extra-Houston Four-Day Parent Training workshops, and frequently serves as a breakout specialist for the Connections Center’s domestic Parent Training Seminars. In addition, Maisie is also part of the certification committee for the Connections Center, and she also provides supervision to RDI Certifications program trainees.

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Enriching the lives of people affected by Autism in Western Australia

www.autismwest.org.au

CLICK ON THE PICTURE WHEN YOU ARE ONLINE TO PLAY VIDEO

autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism w wh whw hw h wh est video autism west video autism west video autism west video autism we st vi deo auti Inside Autism West

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Become a Full or Professional Member of Autism West and, on top of our fantastic Centre, Support and Resources, get the Digital Edition of Autism World Magazine FREE each month. For iPad, iPhone, PCs, Desktop and all portable devices. You get so much more with Autism West. Autism West offers the following Membership Options:

Full(Membership $25(per/annum • • • • • • •

Access&to&Argonaut&Autism& Resource&Centre&at&Autism&West Can&request&items&for&us&to& purchase&using&our&funding&from& Argonaut&Limited Electronic/email&Autism&West& updates Family&Advocacy&support Free&family&entry&to&the&end&of&year& party 10%&discount&on&Autism&West& workshops&and&conferences 12&month&subscription&to&the&Digital& Edition&of&Autism&World&Magazine.

Professional%Membership $50%per/annum • Access&to&Argonaut&Autism&Resource& Centre&at&Autism&West • Can&request&items&for&us&to&purchase& using&our&funding&from&Argonaut& Limited • Electronic/email&Autism&West& updates • Family&Advocacy&support • Free&family&entry&to&the&end&of&year& party • 10%&discount&on&Autism&West& workshops&and&conferences • 12&month&subscription&to&the&Digital& Edition&of&Autism&World&Magazine • Invitation&to&professional&events& hosted&by&Autism&West • Hire&our&rooms&at&Autism&West&at&a& discounted&rate • Access&to&a&TOBY&Consultant • Professional&updates&about&Autism& Resources

Au#sm&West&Support&Inc&&&&&&&&|&&&&www.au#smwest.org.au 41&Broadway&Nedlands&WA&6009&&&&|&&&PO&Box&666,&Nedlands&WA&6009 Tel:&08&6389&1833&&&|&&&Fax:&08&6389&2600&&|&&&Mobile:&0414167345 Autism World Magazine - 41

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eat play Learn

Essential thinking on food, education and play from the most respected minds across the Autism world.

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What’s in your lunchbox? with PAULA TAZZYMAN Accredited Practicing Dietitian BSc Ma Nut & Diet (Sydney Uni)

As we face another school year, many parents are focused on the challenge of what to put in our kid’s lunch boxes (understandably) that we don’t consider the lunchbox itself!

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You may not have even given it a thought that the materials in lunch boxes and containers could be toxic to your child! All children and adults will benefit from removing toxins from our bodies. However children with ASD can be more sensitive to all chemicals as they may not be able to break down or detoxify these chemicals effectively. It makes sense to reduce the total chemical loading thus reducing the “chemical burden� your child is exposed to. Many parents try to eat as organically as possible, have filtered water and are very careful with the environmental chemicals in their homes. Don’t forget that these environmental chemicals extend to the lunchbox and drink bottles.

Also consider the cooking utensils that are used. Non-stick pans with a Teflon coating can be toxic if the Teflon becomes damaged and plastic is released into your food. I use only stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans.

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Easy changes you can make to make lunch non toxic! • Buy Bisphenol A (BPA) free lunch boxes, containers, drink bottles and lunch boxes. The #7 plastic classification includes Bisphenol A (BPA). Do your best to avoid!

• BPA is also found in the lining of canned foods. Aim to buy in glass jars instead of cans where possible and dispense into safe containers for school for school.

• Check the lunchbox is made with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) #3 plastic classification. When vinyl comes in contact with sunlight and air it can release lead laden dust! Lead is a know toxin for the brain. Look for leadfree containers.

• Avoid reheating food in plastic containers or even worse Styrofoam. You don’t want toxins leaching into the food. “Microwave safe” or “dishwasher safe” ONLY means that the plastic will not wrap when heated. It does not mean that it is a healthy practice.

• Use stainless steel, ceramic and glass whenever possible. Send hot foods/drinks in a Thermos.

• Water is the best drink for children. While Australia has an excellent water supply, if your child cannot detox it is best to send filtered water to school. Old, rusty water pipes can leach copper into the water supply. High levels of copper are common in ASD.

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So be sure to check the plastic classification of the school lunchbox and containers and choose non-toxic options. Here’s to a great 2014 school year for your children! Notes: The plastic number is enclosed by the recycling symbol found at the bottom of the product. The link below gives some background information. http://healthychild.org/easy-steps/know-your-plastics/ • In summary, plastic numbers to AVOID - 3, 6 and 7. • If you are going to use plastic, numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 are a

somewhat of a “better” choice. • If you can’t find toxic-free lunch boxes and containers

many of my clients buy online from: http:// www.biome.com.au/274-lunch-boxes

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S T A E R T Y TAZZ t Ideas a e r T l schoo

xic o t n no e h t for box h c n lu

1. Make sure breakfast contains protein to wake up the brain. A protein rich breakfast will support brain function better than a carb rich breakfast. Think eggs, A2 milk and yoghurt, quinoa even meatballs! 2. Ensure your child is well hydrated to boost the brain power! 3- The brain needs to be well rested so focused on quality sleep. More info here http://www.paulatazzyman.com.au

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Tazzy Treats Carrot and zucchini bread

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Ingredients 1 1/2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 eggs 1/2 cup oil of choice 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 3/4 cup grated zucchini (squeeze excess moisture) 1/2 cup grated carrot

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 180 C degrees. Grease a 8�x4� loaf pan 2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda

and cinnamon. 3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and oil until well blended. 4. Add sugar and vanilla, and whisk until combined. 5. Add zucchini and carrot, stirring until combined. 6. Add flour mixture to zucchini mixture, gently folding until just

combined. 6. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 7. Let cool in pan for 5 to 10 minutes and then move to wire rack to cool completely. Autism World Magazine - 49

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Tazzy Treats Quinoa blueberry slice Two of the most nutrient rich foods, gluten and dairy free Ingredients 2 cups quinoa flakes 1/2 cup buckwheat flour 1/2 cup shredded organic coconut without preservatives 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder a good pinch iodized sea salt 1/3 cup virgin coconut oil 1/2 cup maple syrup 2 large free-range organic eggs 1 cup blueberries, ideally organic, frozen is fine Recipe from www.mydarlinglemonthyme.com/ 2013/12/blueberry-lemonquinoa-slice-recipe.html

Directions: Preheat oven to 160C. Grease slice tin Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl, mix well. Heat coconut oil, maple syrup in saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted. Pour into dry ingredients and mix. Add eggs and mix well. Fold through blueberries Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Slice once cooled Can be frozen. Autism World Magazine - 50

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Now for the

Tazzy Treats Healthy banana cookies Ingredients 3 ripe bananas mashed 2 cups rolled oats (uncontaminated if avoiding gluten or use quinoa flakes) 1 cup pitted dates, chopped 1/3 cup oil of choice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon Directions: Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Line tray with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add oats, dates, oil, vanilla and cinnamon, and mix well. Let sit for 15 minutes. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonful onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake cookies for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes and then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes about 24 cookies These are best enjoyed the day after baking. Autism World Magazine - 51

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Paula’s Wellness Tips e-Handbook It has been a treat to have spent the last six months compiling an easy to read reference for families to support their nutritional health I have gathered all my knowledge and put together"Wellness Tips: A Practical Guide For Family Health" to support many of the common concerns families grapple with; concentration, constipation, mental health issues, behaviour, sleep, digestive distress, food intolerance and food additives are all covered. This e-Handbook accompanies the free “Food for the Brain” report on my website, which covers nutritional deficiencies that influence brain function concentration and learning. There are also many free blogs and video post that your clients can access. This project has being a labour of love for me. My aim is to support as many families as I can especially those that may not be able to see me privately. It is my sincere hope that you and your family will benefit from my insights.

The endless hours that have gone into this document have all been made worthwhile by comments like this:

"I have just finished reading your e-book. Thank you so, so much for writing it. It contains so much information and helpful advice, that as parents we usually aren't given. When reading about certain deficiencies I just gasped and went OMG that's ME, others a light came on and I thought of my boy!!! After a child has just been diagnosed as having ASD or another developmental delay, the paediatrition should hand them the child’s report and a copy of your book. That way every mother can have a copy, which will give her the information necessary to raise a happy, healthy little tot! Thank you Paula " Hayley.

To purchase Paula Tazzyman’s e-Handbook go to: www.paulatazzyman.com.au

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Gemmill Gemmil GemmillGemmill

Killarnee Killarnee Killarnee Killarnee Killarnee Killarnee Killarnee Killarnee

Variety WA Variety WA

Variety WA Variety WA

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Supporting the

GAPS Diet ™

re-inoculate the gut with probiotic (fermented) food Autism World Magazine - 54

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GAPS™ is the registered trademark of Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride. The GAPS Journey is made easier with the support of others. Each month in Autism World Magazine Jacinta O’Connor takes you through some of the practical steps to help GAPS work for you and your family. And if you are using GAPS send us an email and let us know how you are going. support@magswest.com

Jacinta O’Connor Kardinya, WA, Australia nutritionmatters@ozemail.com.au

Jacinta runs GAPS workshops and

Jacinta O’Connor support groups in Kardinya and Nutritionist * Naturopath * Nedlands, Western Australia Certified GAPS Practitioner * MINDD Practitioner * Additive Alert Presenter nutritionmatters@ozemail.com.au

Autism World Magazine - 55

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Managing& Cons*pa*on&on& the&GAPS&Diet& !!!Jacinta!O’Connor!

Cer#fied&GAPS&Prac##oner&!

Constipation is often part of the symptom picture of a child or adult with Autism. Many parents report a positive change in behaviour following a bowel movement, relieving constipation. ’AWM’s Resident Certified GAPS Practitioner Jacinta O’Connor offers some advice.

Replace high protein dairy (kefir and yogurt) with high-fat dairy (sour cream).

Remove dairy products from the diet, apart from ghee and butter, if tolerated, as the dairy protein may be constipating for some. For many people just replacing whey, yoghurt, kefir and cheese (highprotein diary) with sour cream (highfat dairy) does the trick.

High protein dairy can aggravate constipation. The high fat content of sour cream will assist in lubricating the gut wall and softening the stool. It is important to make the sour cream at home, preferably from raw cream. The recipe for delicious sour cream is towards the end this is article.

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GAPS Milkshake Impaired bile production is a major cause of constipation. When not enough bile is excreted by the liver into the duodenum, the fats do not get digested properly. Instead they combine with salts and turn into ‘soap’ in the intestine, binding food together and making a person constipated. The most common reason for poor bile production is gallstones. Drinking a GAPS Milkshake regularly, and on an empty stomach, helps to eliminate gallstones quicker and improves fat digestion. To make the milkshake, take fresh juice from a mixture of fruit and vegetables. Whisk one-two raw egg yolks into it and two generous dollops of homemade sour cream.

The GAPS milkshake provides a balanced mixture of juice with raw protein and fat, which stimulate bile production, cleanse the liver and allow it to flush the bile and gallstones out. If you are not ready to have egg yolks or sour cream yet, then drink juices regularly and have plenty of animal fats with meals. Sour cream can be replaced by coconut oil in the milkshake. You can add your daily dose of cod liver oil to the GAPS milkshake and other supplements, as it disguises their taste somewhat.

I recommend drinking a GAPS milkshake first thing in the morning, about 20-30 minutes before breakfast. When making juice use highmagnesium organic fruit and vegetables, such as green apples, carrots, celery, cabbage, beetroot and greens. (Avoid fruit, beets and carrot if Candida is an issue). The active substances in juices slowly dissolve calcium salts in the gallstones and make them softer, so they can be eliminated from the bile ducts easier.

GAPS Milkshake with a base of carrot and cabbage juice.

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Drinking more water

Sauerkraut and beet kvass

A rule of thumb for daily water consumption is 30ml for every kilogram of body weight. Your day should always start with a glass of still mineral or filtered water with a good sized piece of lemon squeezed into it. Water should be enjoyed slightly warmed or at room temperature. You should drink between meals. Drinking a lot of water with meals in not advisable, as it may interfere with digestion.

Introduce/increase sauerkraut juice and introduce other fermented vegetable juices such as Beet Kvass. Start with small amounts at a level you can manage in order to control the die off reaction. Recipes for Sauerkraut and Beet Kvass are at the end of this article.

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Modify the diet Following the Full GAPS Diet rather than the Introduction Diet, as the higher amounts of fibre in the Full GAPS Diet may help. If it is necessary to follow the GAPS Introduction Diet, then increase the amount of cooked vegetables in proportion to the meats - more vegetables with animal fat and less meat. For some, muscle fibres from meats can aggravate constipation. Reduce muscle meats in the diet and replace them with gelatinous meats instead - meats around joints, bones, skin of poultry or pork, bone marrow etc. If you are following the GAPS Introduction Diet, introduce freshly pressed juices earlier. The juice will stimulate bile production as many cases of persistent constipation are due to poor bile production. When there is not enough bile, the fats in the food do not digest well. Ox Bile supplementation can assist where bile production is poor. Increasing animal fat consumption with meals helps in many cases.

Increase your vegetable fibre Add more vegetable fibre, with avocado, cooked cabbage, beetroot, brussel sprouts, celery, spinach and kale, if tolerated. Magnesium Supplements Supplementing magnesium may help. Use amino acid chelates of magnesium as a daily supplement. Spirulina, blue-green algae or chlorella These algae supplements can be very useful in resolving constipation, particularly in children. Supplementing seaweed can also assist, particularly iodinerich seaweed. Algae and seaweed may help by boosting thyroid function with iodine, as low thyroid function can lead to constipation.

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Enemas It is very important to make sure bowels move every 24 - 36 hours or it will contribute to the toxic load in the body. Enemas will provide immediate relief from constipation and reduce the toxic load in the body quickly and effectively. Enemas are safe, removing faecal compaction from the bowel, introducing probiotics directly into the bowel, cleansing the liver, healing haemorrhoids and dealing with many other issues. If you are not prepared to try enemas yourself, you may wish to visit a colonic irrigation clinic. A red beetroot enema can be helpful with constipation in children and adults. Peel 500 grams of fresh organic raw beetroot, finely grated and put into glass or ceramic bowl with a lid. Pour in 1 litre of boilinghot water and mix with the beetroot. Cover and leave for 20-40 minutes at a room temperature. After that, filter the beetroot solution and cool down to body temperature. Use as an enema.

Castor oil rub This helps with constipation, particularly in children. At night, apply a handful of castor oil on the abdomen and massage it well with gentle clockwise movements (moving along the natural peristalsis of the bowel from the right hip up, across the belly and down to the left hip). Cover the abdomen with a towel, put a hot water bottle on it and let the person go to sleep. The oil absorbs through the skin overnight and helps to loosen the bowel in the morning. Apart from castor oil, other cold-pressed oils may be used such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil or a mixture of oils. As an occasional remedy, castor oil can be taken internally to provide relief.

Increase Oils Increase Fermented Cod Liver Oil until you are taking the therapeutic dose and take this at the same time as your juice. You can start introducing olive oil earlier in stage two of the Introduction Diet and increase other fish oils, if tolerated.

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GAPS Sour Cream Recipe • 500&ml&raw&cream • Starter&R&50&ml&yogurt&&&or&&&&50ml&fresh&kefir&&&or&&&&2&Tbsp&kefir&grains& • Raw&Cream&–&Mix&yogurt&or&kefir&starter&with&the&raw&cream.&Cover&with&tea&towel&or& cloth&and&leave&for&24&hours&on&the&kitchen&bench.&Then&refrigerate.&Note:&If&you&have& used&kefir&grains,&you&will&need&to&remove&the&grains.& • If&you&are&using&a&powdered&starter,&check&the&instruc#ons&for&the&quan#ty.&Always&add& starter&to&room&temperature&cream.&Alterna#vely,&warm&a&small&amount&of&cream&to& around&35C&and&add&starter.&Mix&well&and&then&add&in&starter&into&remaining&cream.& Cover&and&leave&on&the&bench&for&24&hours.&Refrigerate&once&the&fermenta#on&is& complete. • Pasteurised&Cream&R&Heat&the& cream&to&80&degrees&C.&Cool&to& less&than&40C.&Pour&into&glass& jar.&Add&yogurt&or&kefir&(as&the& starter).&S#r.&Cover&with&tea& towel&or&cloth&and&leave&for&24& hours&on&the&kitchen&bench.& Note:&This&fermenta#on&#me& may&be&shorter&in&the&height& of&our&Australian&summer.&& A^er&24&hours,&place&lid&on&jar,& or&decant&into&smaller&jars&and& refrigerate.

GAPS Sour Cream

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Beetroot Kvass

Start with lovely garden fresh beetroot

Recipe • 3&medium&sized&beetroots& sliced&finely&(NOT&in&food& processor) • ½&&cup&whey&or&vegetable& starter&if&dairyRfree • ¾&&tablespoon&of&sea&salt • 1.5L&filtered&water

Cut finely

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Add salt to the beets

Place&all&ingredients&in&your&PicklRIt&jar& or&in&a&Mason&jar.&Do&not&ďŹ ll&past&the& shoulder&of&the&jar.&&Cover&with&a&tea& towel&to&keep&the&light&out. Ferment&in&a&warm&place&for&3&–&4& weeks. Transfer&to&the&refrigerator&when&the& fermenta#on&is&complete.&It&may&take& another&2&weeks&or&so&for&the&salty& taste&in&the&ferment&to&diminish.

Beetroot Kvass Ready after a lovely long four week ferment

As#well#as#a#probio-c#food,#beet#kvass#is# wonderful#blood#cleanser,#a#tonic#for# cons-pa-on#and#great#for#your# adrenals.

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Raw Sauerkraut

Start with a lovely organic cabbage

Recipe • 1&head&of&cabbage&(green&or&purple&cabbage) • 1&tsp&caraway&seeds&(op#onal) • ½&cup&of&whey&or&vegetable&starter&if&dairy&free • Salt&–&½%&to&1&¼&%&of&vegetable&weight&(around& 1&to&2&tablespoons) • Take&off&the&outer&leaves&and&set&aside. • &Slice&thinly&a&medium&sized&white&and/or&red& cabbage&(not&chopped&in&the&food&processor).& • &Add&some&Cel#c&sea&salt&to&your&taste.&(1&R2& tablespoons).& • Knead&the&mixture&well&with&your&hands&un#l&a& lot&of&juice&comes&out.

Finely cut cabbage with salt and caraway seeds - ready to be massaged

The 'juice' from the sauerkraut after being massaged Autism World Magazine - 64

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Cover the chopped cabbage with full cabbage leaves to ensure all the cabbage stays under the brine solution

• Pack&this&mixture&into&1&or&2&litre&glass&jars& leaving&3&R5&cm&at&the&top&empty,&as&the& cabbage&will&expand&with&fermenta#on.& Pack&the&cabbage&into&the&jar,&pressing& firmly&so&there&is&no&air&trapped&and&the& cabbage&is&drowned&in&its&own&juice.&If& there&is&not&enough&juice&to&cover&the& cabbage&add&some&filtered&water.& • To&ensure&all&shredded&vegetables&are& under&the&water,&push&down&any&shredded& vegetables&above&the&water&line.&&Place&the& outer&cabbage&leaves&on&top&of&the& sauerkraut.&Place&a&small&rock&on&top&of& the&cabbage&leaves.&Close&the&jar&loosely& with&a&lid.& • Cover&the&jar&with&a&kitchen&towel&to&keep& it&in&the&dark&and&leave&at&room& temperature&to&ferment.&It&should&take&10& –&14&days&inside&the&house&for&the& sauerkraut&to&be&ready.&(This&fermen#ng& #me&is&based&on&a&constant&room& temperature&of&20&degrees&Celcius). Delicious sauerkraut Your starter to every mail meal on the GAPS Protocol

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Using Visuals with ASD children Catherine Crestani and Diana Wolf

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Following(on(from(last(month’s(ar1cle(on(school(readiness,( Catherine(Crestani(and(Diana(Wolf(take(us(through(the(many(uses( of(visuals(in(assis1ng(children(with(ASD.(( Fortunately&for&parents&and&therapists,&most&children&with&ASD&are&visual&thinkers&and& learners&R&they&will&think&in&pictures&first,&and&the&words&that&associate&with&the& pictures&tend&to&come&later.&Technology&today&provides&us&with&a&mul#tude&of&ways&in& which&to&use&visuals&to&help&our&kids.& We&are&surrounded&by&visuals,&and&see&and&use&them&on&a&daily&basis.&For&instance,& road&signs,&images&and&labels&for&shops,&maps,&QWERTY&symbols&on&the&computer,&just& to&name&a&few.&&They&help&us&to&understand&what&to&do,&to&get&through&our&day&and&to& follow&rou#nes&in&a&smooth,&efficient&manner. The&benefits&of&using&visuals&with&our&ASD&children&are&that&they&are&adaptable,& changeable&and&portable.&They&can&be&made&to&be&very&meaningful&to&the&child&that& they&are&being&created&for.&Visuals&can&be&used&to&support&not&only&your&child’s&speech& and&language&development,&but&also&their&ability&to&understand&rules,&different&social& situa#ons,&and&to&par#cipate&in&daily&rou#nes,&both&at&home&and&at&school.&&This&helps& to&allay&stress&and&to&promote&confidence&and&even&independence. Visuals&can&be&either&pictures,&photos&or&videos.&There&are&several&types&of&visuals&that& can&be&used: • Sign&language • Visual&schedules • Choice&boards • Emo#ons&charts& • Social&stories

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Visuals&can&be&produced&in&many&ways: • • • •

Using&a&camera&–&to&take&true&meaningful&pictures Using&computer&programs&e.g.&Boardmaker,&PECS Taking&photos&on&smart&phones&and/or&tablets& Videos&of&behaviours&and/or&rou#nes

The&key&equipment&required&to&produce&visuals&are&a&camera&and&printer.&You&may&also& choose&to&use&your&computer;&visual&so^ware;&and&a&good&quality&laminator,&as&it&will& be&used&over&and&over&again.&&If&your&child&has&FaHCSIA&funding,&you&would&be&able&to& purchase&these&using&the&amount&set&aside&for&resources.& Most&preschools&and&schools,&par#cularly&those&that&have&children&with&special&needs,& will&produce&visual&pictures&and&schedules&in&order&to&help&the&child&communicate&their& needs,&and&to&diffuse&any&anxiety&that&they&may&encounter&when&parts&of&their&day&may& become&unpredictable. Over*the*next*few*issues*we*will*discuss*in* more*detail*the*different*types*of*visuals* that*can*be*used*with*your*child,*as*well* as*provide*examples*of*what*they*look* like.*

Catherine Crestani and Diana Wolf

Nepean Speech & Language Services

www.nsls.com.au

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VISUAL COMMUNICATION AIDS AND RESOURCES Non or Semi Verbal child or adult? Our good friends Heidi Heeman and Jacqui Little from the Resources for Special Needs Facebook Group have created this wonderful booklet to make life easier. It's all about Visual Communication, Ideas, Websites/links, Schedules, Product info, FREE downloads for PCS/PECS etc. TO DOWNLOAD THIS FREE BOOKLET FROM THE AUTISM WORLD MAGAZINE WEBSITE SIMPLY CLICK HERE Please feel free to share around.

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Overcoming Anxiety and Social Fears

Brian Wisnowski from the National Autism Network explores some of the common responses to anxieties and social fears and discusses strategies to manage these difficulties.

Social fears and anxiety is something that we have all experienced on some level throughout our lives. As we age, we move further away from our innocence and journey into world of social responsibility where we must overcome our anxieties and social fears to interact and build relationships with others. Social fears and anxiety exist hand-in-hand, especially for individuals with autism or aspergers who may not grasp or understand the various social norms.

Social fears have been described as involving “excessive anxiety about being judged or evaluated poorly by others or fear that one might do something that would be humiliating or embarrassing in front of others.� Much of what we learn on how to conduct ourselves comes from our social interactions with and observations of others. However, individuals on the autism spectrum are typically adverse to social interaction, making it difficult to for them to grasp its intricacies. Since we all tend to fear the unknown, it is only natural for individuals with autism to develop anxieties related to their social fears.

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Research has shown that social interaction is often lacking for teenagers and adults with autism. A research study in 2013 found that nearly 40 percent of young adults with autism never saw friends, half were not receiving any phone calls or being invited to social activities, and 28 percent had no social contact at all. These numbers are alarming and help to illustrate just how difficult social interaction can be for this population. The social information that isn't taught but is assumed that everybody knows has been dubbed the "hidden curriculum." Neurotypical individuals take for granted the fact that they seemingly absorb the world around them in such a way that allows to them conduct themselves in a “socially acceptable� manner almost subconsciously.

Unfortunately, an individual on the spectrum can feel isolated and confused if they do not have a basic understanding of the hidden curriculum. It is not uncommon for an individual with autism to become ostracized for unknowingly committing a social faux pas. Forget the tough stuff like flirting with girls, proper table etiquette, resisting stimming behaviors in public, avoiding social blunders at the workplace, and preventing meltdowns, autism spectrum disorder can make it difficult to comprehend and pick up on basic social norms such as the importance of eye contact, initiating conversation and staying on topic, gauging and assessing other people's emotions and body language, or even displaying proper reactions to other people's dialogue.

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One-on-One Practice

Do Not Put Up Barriers

Individuals on the autism spectrum can experience social difficulties because they typically exhibit restrictive and obsessive interests, have difficulty understanding slang, sarcasm, and idioms, and lack theory of mind.

You are not going to master the art of conversation in a day, year, or lifetime even, so don't put that much pressure on yourself. It is alright if you make a mistake, but you cannot let that mistake inhibit you from future attempts. People experience embarrassing moments all of the time that they wish they could go back and change, but learning from those experiences is what helps to shape who we are today.

The best way to learn the hidden curriculum is to expose yourself to it gradually by practicing social norms. While neurotypical individuals follow societal norms through intuition, individuals with autism may require direct instruction to understand the hidden curriculum. To avoid embarrassing and potential friendship deterring instances, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of social interaction. Find an individual that you are comfortable asking personal questions to and who won’t make you feel embarrassed if you commit a social gaffe. The hidden curriculum varies by gender, age, and culture, so you are going to find someone with whom you share these traits. You are going to have to be able to ask this person personal questions so make sure this individual is somebody you can trust that understands your diagnosis and the social challenges it can generate. Talk about appropriate actions in public, including restrooms, traffic, schools, playgrounds, sporting events, restaurants, etc. You will want to schedule regular activities with your partner to practice various social exercises such as what to do when you meet new people or how to successfully initiate conversation. Engage in social narratives with the trusted individual explaining different instances of when you experienced anxiety directly resulting from a social endeavor. Use Social Stories (see Technology, below) to recreate past occurrences of social anxiety or create fictional episodes to practice your skills.

It is really easy to try and fail and never try again, but we don't learn that way, and more importantly we can't grow that way. A lot of people feel as if the social anxiety they experience is directly proportionate to how much emphasis they put on another’s opinion. For example, trying to get the approval of the head cheerleader or football captain is going to cause more anxiety than earning the respect of a stranger. Before you neglect to approach someone because of your anxiety, ask yourself "why is this causing me such anxiety and what is really the worst that can happen?" Chances are you will realize the worst possible scenario isn't the catastrophic disaster that you built up in your head. Besides, the individuals who shun you for making one or two social blunders aren't the types of individuals you want to build long relationships with anyway. Once you rationalize your fears, you will find them easier to overcome as the consequences of not living up to your own expectations will seem less severe. You should push yourself to get out there and set goals such as I will introduce myself to someone new this week or I will ask if I can join play pick-up basketball.

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Relaxation Techniques

Technology

Everybody gets stressed and overwhelmed from time to time and there are a variety of healthy ways to combat anxiety. It is important for you to manage these feelings of stress and anxiety as it can have adverse effects on your health. The simplest advice for battling these feelings is to just breathe. Participate in activities that help you relax, like video games, reading a book, or listening to music, to help keep your mind off of what was causing the anxiety. However, don’t allow these activities to become a refuge every time you are faced with a difficult situation.

It may seem a little unusual to be discussing technology in an article promoting human interaction, but it can help provide you with the tools you need to understand the hidden curriculum. Video modeling has been shown to help individuals on the autism spectrum learn various skills by observing an individual demonstrate a certain behavior and imitating that behavior to learn a new skill or strengthen a skill.

Exercise is another great way to reduce anxiety as it produces natural chemicals that can enhance your mood and cognitive function. Generally, 30 minutes of rigorous, aerobic exercise can help reduce the effects of stress and anxiety and leave you feeling like a million bucks. Try exercising in the morning to enhance your disposition before you start your day. Meditation is another way to physically reduce stress. There are analytical ways to reduce stress and anxiety as well. Create a table of ALL daily situations that cause you anxiety. It can be as simple as being nervous talking to a new coworker or as frightening as public speaking. Grade each event and include the symptoms you felt due to your anxiety such as: sweaty palms, increased heart rate, dizziness, dry mouth. Keep this record along with a set of relaxation techniques that help to lessen your anxiety so that you will know to utilize them when confronted with future anxiety-inducing challenges. Do not turn to increased sleep, food, medication, drugs, alcohol, or even inactivity as a coping mechanism for your anxiety. These avenues will only lead to destructive paths for yourself and possibly those you care about.

Video modeling, combined with task analysis, which is an evidence-based practice that involves breaking down a skill into more manageable steps, can help the learner to better absorb the skill. Online videos and blogs can be a great resource for individuals coping with anxiety issues and social fears. Autism Talk TV, produced by Wrong Planet, has some video modeling examples of how to join a social circle and make friends, how to flirt and get dates, and how to prevent teasing all geared towards teenagers and young adults on the spectrum. Other pieces of technology includes apps specifically designed to introduce you to the hidden curriculum, social story apps that can be used to create and recreate any social situation you can think of, social media networks, including the National Autism Network's Social Network. The recently launched social network is a great way for individuals on the autism spectrum to connect with others locally using various search filters including the ability to search for others locally by zip code and radius. Simply click on the 'My Autism Network' tab at the top and complete your social profile. Trial by Fire/ Practice Makes Perfect You can only create social stories and learn about the hidden curriculum second hand for so long. Sociability may not come naturally to individuals with autism, but that does not mean they don’t yearn for friends and deeper relationships.

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“retain your identity”

Eventually you must thrust yourself into social situations and test your skills. Use what you learned from social stories, video modeling, and social scripts and put it into practice. There are going to be times here you will be embarrassed, but you should try and learn from your experiences and remember that everyone is embarrassed sometimes. You can give yourself a leg up on meeting new people by doing a little research ahead of time. If you are interested in a person or a group, take to social media and find out about their interests. Knowledge is power, and being able to relate through common interests will keep the other party interested. When you are ready, explore the social world first hand. Start small and ignore that voice in the back of your head that says “you’re going to mess up.” Take what you learned from video modeling, one-on-practice, social stories, relaxation techniques, readings, apps, and reflections and employ them to overcome your social anxieties.

Do not leave your comfort zone too fast. Use social cues and pick your spots to engage a group of students in your high school library or to go out to lunch with your co-workers. There are opportunities for social interaction all around. Remember that it is important to retain your identity and that navigating the hidden curriculum does not mean changing who you are fundamentally. Instead, think of learning the hidden curriculum as a means of self-growth and as a way to not only benefit yourself, but those around you by providing them with the pleasure of your company. The important thing is to not let your fear prevent you from attempting to build relationships in the first place.

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National Autism Network seeks to unite parents, providers, family members and individuals on the autism spectrum by providing a forum to share stories, support and victories. The National Autism Network works to provide the most comprehensive and updated information and news related to Autism. We strive to inspire hope and community by promoting advocacy, outreach and by celebrating the success and triumphs of our families, providers, researchers and legislators. We are all in this together and are one community! Join us and together we can make a difference! nationalautismnetwork.com/index.php? app=membership&module=register&section=register

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18 + 1

What happens to your child once they turn 18? This is the question troubling

many families. Autism World Magazine hopes to answer some

77

Work Inclusion

by Monica Holloway and Tom Everill

Creating the right environment for inclusion in the workplace.

of your concerns in our 18 PLUS Section.

87

Perfection by Malcolm Mayfield

Future Employment: - Reframe the parameters of success and failure. We need to rethink our doubts and self belief.

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Inclusion)in)the)Workforce By Monica Holloway, author of bestselling autism memoir Cowboy & Wills, and Tom Everill, President and CEO of Northwest Center

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Inclusion)

is&incredibly&

important&for&those&with&special&needs,&and& with&inclusion&comes&crea#ng&an&enabling& environment&where&the&right&things&can& emerge. I&recently&had&the&privilege&to&keynote&an& event&for&Northwest&Center,&a&leader&in& advancing&equal&opportuni#es&for&children& and&adults&with&developmental&disabili#es,& and&at&that&#me&I&learned&so&much&about& workforce&inclusion&from&the&Center&and& Tom&Everill,&President&and&CEO&of& Northwest&Center. The&ďŹ rst,&and&most&profound&thing&I&learned& from&Tom,&was&that&our&children,&families,& friends&with&special&abili#es&should&never&be& treated&as&if&including&them&in&all&aspects&of& society&was&a&kind&and&"charitable"&act.&

As&Tom&states,&"It&is&their&civil&right"&to&hold& a&job,&arend&school...&to&be&an&individual&in& their&own&right.&Tom&empha#cally&said,&"in& our&society,&we&NEED&every&single&person."& There&is&no&one&who&is&here&on&the&earth& that&is&to&be&discarded&or&shoved&aside&due& to&a&disability&R&or&for&any&other&reason.&We& must&(and&we&have&a&responsibility&to)& include&all&people.&It&makes&us&a&berer& society&overall. I&knew&this&already,&but&I'd&never&heard&it& stated&in&such&a&way&that&I&completely& understood&that&my&child&has&a&right&&(a&civil& right)&to&go&to&college&if&he&chooses&and&to& work.&&And&that&society&needs&each&and& every&one&of&us.&The&Northwest&Center,&by& successfully&hiring&people&of&all&abili#es,&and& through&their&"high&school&to&job"&programs& has&proven&this.&

monicaonemonicaonemonicaonemonicao monicaonemonicaonemonicaonemonicao monicaonemonicaonemonicaonemonicao monicaonemonicaonemonicaonemonicao monicaonemonicaonemonicaonemonicao monicaonemonicaonemonicaonemonicao monicaonemonicaonemonicaonemonicao monicaonemonicaonemonicaonemonicao monicaonemonicaonemonicaonemonicao monicaonemonicaonemonicaonemonicao Monica speak at Northwest Center's 2013 Golden Hearts Luncheon on the power of inclusion for people of all abilities. Autism World Magazine - 78

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The*only*way*I*could*possibly*express*how*lifeCchangingCly*important*the*ideas*and* concepts*of*the*Northwest*Center*really*are,*is*to*have*Tom*Everill*tell*you*himself. Here*is*my*newest*friend,*a*huge*hero*of*mine,*Tom*Everill,*telling*you*in*his*own*words.

Mutuality.&& It&is&obvious&to&most&people&that&including& people&with&developmental&condi#ons&like& au#sm,&Down&syndrome,&cerebral&palsy,& and&so&on&benefits&those&people.&&A^er&all,& they&are&the&ones&so&o^en&excluded&and& ostracized.&&And&to&stop&oppressing&the& oppressed&is&certainly&a&step&in&the&right& direc#on.&&But&the&real&news&here&is&that& inclusion&benefits&everyone.&&People&who& experience&the&world&differently&evoke& possibili#es&in&the&rest&of&us&that&cannot&be& accessed&any&other&way.&&The&benefits&of& inclusion&are&mutual,&making&inclusion&a& marer&not&just&of&benevolence&but&of&selfR interest.

Diversity.&& The&very&word&disability&is&o^en&a&red& herring&that&takes&us&down&the&wrong&path.&& It&assumes&that&there&is&only&one&correct& way&to&experience&the&world,&and&that&all& other&approaches&are&the&result&of& disorders&or&pathology&or&brokenness.&&This& has&been&a&favorite&technique&of& oppressors&throughout&human&history& where&survival&of&the&firest&has&meant& marginalizing&those&who&are&different&from& us,&making&them&somehow&smaller&–&not&in& reality&but&because&we&say&so.&&If&we&are&to& progress&from&a&primi#ve&life&of&fear&to&a& more&highly&evolved&life&of&rich&human& experience&in&a&complex&world,&we&must& look&beyond&demeaning&labels&and& embrace&diversity&for&the&genera#ve,&lifeR enhancing&asset&it&is.&&

anotherNWvideoanotherNWvi anotherNWvideoanotherNWvi anotherNWvideoanotherNWvi anotherNWvideoanotherNWvi anotherNWvideoanotherNWvi anotherNWvideoanotherNWva notherNWvideoanotherNWvva Click on the picture above to watch inclusion in action.

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Ability.&& The&word&disability&simply&defines& someone&who&is&“not&like&me.”&&Our& experience&at&Northwest&Center&is&that& when&we&look&beyond&labels&to&focus&on& what&people&actually&can&do,&amazing& things&emerge.&&For&example,&at&Northwest& Center&we&astonish&customers&by&designing& and&manufacturing&intricate&magne#c& components&that&only&people&with&au#sm& have&the&concentra#on&and&focus&to& assemble.&&We&produce&perfect&quality& scores&for&major&global&brands&in&our& packaging&business&because&of&the&unique& capacity&our&employees&have&for&repe##ve& work.&&Our&businesses&are&successful&not&in# spite&of&inclusion,&but&because&of&it.&&&&

Challenge.&& Developmental&condi#ons&o^en&impose& extraordinarily&unique,&difficult,&and& terrifying&challenges&on&families&across&a& wide&spectrum&of&behavior,&medical,&and& social&issues.&These&challenges&must&not&be& minimized&or&trivialized&in&any&way,& especially&by&someone&like&me&who&has&no& personal&experience.&&Yet&I&am&struck&by& how&o^en&life’s&challenges&take&people&to&a& deeper&place,&not&in&spite&of&the&difficulty& but&perhaps&because&of&it.&&Living&a& superficial&life&of&mindless&consump#on,& materialism,&and&popular&culture&is&not&an& op#on&when&your&daughter&paints&the& walls&with&her&feces,&or&when&your&son& cannot&move&or&speak,&or&when&people&in& the&supermarket&are&afraid&of&your&child& because&she&grunts&and&drools.&&These&are& searing&experiences&that&tend&to&focus&the& mind&on&what&really&marers&–&lessons&we& can&all&learn&from.&&&

hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere hyperling jere

https://www.facebook.com/nwcenter Autism World Magazine - 80

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Courage.&& To&leave&behind&primi#ve&assump#ons&of& survival&of&the&firest&and&to&evolve&instead& towards&diversity&requires&careful&aren#on& to&assump#ons&and&condi#oning&–&of& yourself&as&well&as&others.&&The&world&is& filled&with&wellRinten#oned&disability& advocates&who&plead&with&employers&to& hire&people&with&disabili#es&as&“a&way&to& give&back”&as&if&inclusion&is&some&sort&of& peniten#al&compromise,&as&if&they& themselves&acknowledge&that&people&with& disabili#es&are&inferior.&&The&courage&to&see& this&charitable&urge&in&ourselves&as&limi#ng& and&demeaning&can&be&the&most&difficult& part&of&the&journey.&&Our&own&prejudice&and& assump#ons&o^en&cons#tute&a&barrier&far& more&difficult&to&overcome&than&the& diagnosis&of&the&person&we&call&“disabled.”&

At Northwest Center, we see conditions like autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy not as problems to be solved, but qualities to be leveraged. Because inclusion works.

Love.&& How&o^en&have&we&heard&the&stories&of& uncondi#onal&love&that&cause&a&mother&or& father&to&know&their&son&will#learn&to&read,& will#arend&college,&will&find&a&girlfriend,&will# get&a&job,&will#accomplish&the&impossible,& despite&his&developmental&condi#on&and& despite&the&dire&assump#ons&of&doctors,& experts,&family,&neighbors,&and&friends?&& This&is&the&power&of&love,&to&see&beyond& assump#ons&and&to&create&a&posi#ve&future& through&high&expecta#ons&and&faith&–&in& them&and&in&yourself.&&

Support.&& We&o^en&talk&about&people&with&“special& needs”&in&a&sort&of&hushed&and&polite&way& sugges#ng&darker&assump#ons&about&what& we&really&think&of&their&status&and& capabili#es.&&But&as&the&father&of&children& who&have&grown&up&without&any&of&these& terrifying&diagnoses,&I&can&safely&say&I&have& never&met&a&child&(or&adult,&for&that&marer)& without&“special&needs”.&&My&kids&required& a&ton&of&support&for&their&unique&quali#es& to&flourish&–&in&school,&sports,&arts,&health,& etc&–&and&they&got&it.&&Why&should&any&kid& not&get&the&support&they&need&to&flourish?&& I&can&also&safely&say&that&in&more&than&40& years&of&management&experience&in& organiza#ons&large&and&small,&I’ve&never& had&an&employee&who&did&not&have&special& needs,&who&did&not&have&a&unique&way&of& experiencing&the&world,&who&was&not&a& head&case&at&some&level.&&So&get&over⁢&no& one&thrives&without&support.

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Embrace.&& The&charitable&urge&to&accept&or&tolerate&all& people&is&perhaps&a&good&thing&but&does& not&go&far&enough.&&It&somehow&suggests& darker&assump#ons&that&lurk&beneath&the& surface&of&consciousness.&&&I&can&“accept”& you&even#though&you&are&inferior&or&weaker& than&me&–&say&because&you&are&black&or& white&or&gay&or&straight&or&man&or&woman& or&Chris#an&or&Muslim&or&have&au#sm&or& Down&syndrome.&&In&fact&what&other&reason& do&I&have&to&merely&accept&you&other&than& because&of&my&percep#on&of&inferiority?&& To&accept&an&equal&is&an&insult,&a& condi#onal&quality&that&keeps&its&distance& and&suggests&reluctance.&&People&of&real& value&deserve&to&be&embraced,&not&merely& accepted,&to&be&celebrated&for&the&worth& they&themselves&bring&and&the&worth&they& evoke&in&others,&for&the&way&they&make&the& whole&greater&than&the&sum&of&the&parts.&&&

At the Northwest Center package and assembly plant, which has a 0% error rate thanks to their inclusive model!

Service.*&

JusJce.&

Likewise,&the&wellRinten#oned&urge&to&help& people&can&be&a&good&thing.&&But&the& concept&of&help&by&defini#on&invokes&a& power&equa#on:&&those&who&help&are& stronger&while&those&who&are&helped&are& weaker.&&So&benevolent&organiza#ons&that& “help&the&disabled”&are&also&inadvertently& diminishing&people&in&the&process&through& assump#ons&about&weakness&or&brokeness.&& In&contrast,&service&is&mutual.&&Service& benefits&the&person&who&serves&at&least&as& much&as&it&benefits&the&person&served.&& Service&acknowledges&the&fundamental& equality&and&value&of&everyone&involved.&&

Perhaps&beyond&all&of&these&concepts,& inclusion&of&all&people&is&fundamentally&and& existen#ally&right.&&As&human&beings&we& have&no&moral&right&to&label&one&another&as& strong&or&weak&or&able&or&disabled.&&We&are& all&manifesta#ons&of&something&large&than& ourselves.&&As&the&physician&and&educator& Rachel&Naomi&Remen&summarizes&the& teachings&of&Mother&Theresa,&we&serve&life& not&because&it&is&broken&but&because&it&is& holy.&&The&world&needs&everyone,&and& everyone&deserves&to&be&included.&&It’s&that& simple.&&

It&is&compassionate&in&the&sense&of&shared& suffering&and&experience,&sharing&what&it& means&to&be&human.&&&&&&&

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My&trip&to&the&Northwest&Center&buoyed& my&hopes&for&my&son's&future,&but&also,&for& the&future&of&all&of&us!&&What&a&wonderful& world&it&will&be&when&each&and&very&human& being&is&respected,&given&an&educa#on&and& a&job;&when&people&of&ALL&abili#es&maintain& a&digniďŹ ed&life&ďŹ lled&with&hope&and& personal&success&through&inclusion. Northwest&Center&has&proven&that& inclusion&is&not&a&compromise,&and&that& diversity&and&inclusion&make&all& organiza#ons&stronger&and&more& successful,&for&the&company&and&for&all& involved.& It&is&our&hope&that&other&businesses&and& groups&will&see&Northwest&Center&as&a& model&for&what's&possible&in&the&world;& that&there&is&an&opportunity&for&all&people& to&be&transformed&and&everyone&should& have&that&opportunity.

Click*the*below*video&to&see&Larissa's& progress&working&for&Alyssa&through& Northwest&Center,&where&she's&gone&from& producing&about&11&product&samples&in& four&hours&to&comple#ng&140&samples&in& that&#me. Since&1965,&Northwest&Center's&mission&has& been&to&promote&the&growth,&development& and&independence&of&people&with& disabili#es&through&programs&of&educa#on,& rehabilita#on&and&work&opportunity.& We#encourage#everyone#to#promote# inclusion,#understanding#and#acceptance# for#those#with#disabili-es. Love#Monica#xx Author#of#au-sm#memoir#Cowboy#&#Wills# www.monicaholloway.com

Click!the!below!video!to!see!Larissa's!progress!working!for! Alyssa!through!Northwest!Center,!Click!the!below!video!to! see!Larissa's!progress!working!for!Alyssa!through!Nor!thw! est!Center,!Click!the!below!video!to!see!Larissa's!progress! working!for!Alyssa!through!Northwest!Center,!Click!the! below!video!to!see!Larissa's!progress!working!for!Alyssa! through!Northwest!Center,!Click!the!below!video!to!see! Larissa's!progress!working!for!Alyssa!through!Northwest!C! enter,!Click!the!below!video!to!see!Larissa's!progress!w! orki!ng!for!Alyssa!through!Northwest!Center,!Click!the!belo! w!video!to!see!Larissa's!progress!working!for!Alyssa!gress! working!for!Alyssa!gress!working!for!Alyssa!gress!working! CLICK ON PICTURE WHEN ONLINE OT PLAY THE VIDEO Autism World Magazine - 83

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One of Tom's amazing messages is:

"Make your own weather!" I say: “Let's do it.” If the system isn't working for our families - let's "make our own

Monica with Tom Everill

COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS

Click on the book picture to order via Amazon

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Future Employment: Part 5: Perceptions

Malcolm Mayfield

Managing Director Autism STAR Pty. Ltd

This part five of the future of autistic employment explores lack of self belief as one of the causes behind the AJ Drexel Autism Institute research findings that individuals with autism spectrum conditions have worse employment and independent living outcomes than people with other disabilities. Autism awareness has been one of the catchcries of the community for several years. In fact, the campaign has been so successful that there are now very few people in Australia that are unaware of autism. However, community understanding of the autism spectrum is sadly lacking.

When an individual is confronted with a concept that they don’t understand, the first impulse is to find a point of reference. Some people will do this by researching articles, posts, books and other sources to gain greater understanding of the concept. Others will rely on their own experiences to fill the gaps. Then there are the people between these two groups. Unfortunately, when we have an academic community that tends to focus on the “problems” with autism and a media that has a drive for sensation and for bathing in negative emotion, the information encountered by most of the above people is predominantly focused on the “can’t do” view of the autism spectrum.

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Therefore, some autistic individuals who choose to disclose their diagnosis are treated with pity and limitations by others who genuinely believe that the autistic person is not able to achieve the successes enjoyed by their neurotypical counterparts. On the other hand, should the individual choose non-disclosure, they often receive uninformed and unfair judgment from society peers that likewise impedes a path to success. It is possible that many business managers will not take the “risk� of employing a disclosed autistic individual because of the belief that the effort required to manage and coach that individual will be too much of a strain on the human resources of the company.

All of the above occurs because we as a society have awareness of autism without a clear understanding of what it means to be autistic. So where do you start the process of gaining understanding? By finding out about autism and Asperger syndrome from those that live it, not from those that study it. Put aside anything you think you know about autism and approach the individual with an open mind and open eyes. Another necessary piece of advice can be drawn from Professor Stephen Shore of Adelphi University, who says that if you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism. In other words, each person that you meet on the autism spectrum is unique.

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Picture courtesy: Danny O’Connor http://docart.bigcartel.com

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Furthermore, the reason in my opinion that research findings about autism appear to conflict each other is that each research team is exploring different aspects of the autism spectrum. So why would we as a society want to define autism in singular terms?

My firm belief is that there is more “can do” in the autism spectrum than “can’t do”. Will you let your belief propagate the negative perception of the autism spectrum? Or will you put aside the opinions of others and see the autistic world through open eyes. I choose the latter.

There are many websites dedicated to listing famous celebrities and historical figures who either have a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum or who were believed to be on the spectrum. Included in that list are Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Marilyn Monroe, Susan Boyle, Temple Grandin, Michael Palin, and many others.

I look at autism through the eyes of living on the spectrum. I also grew up without the label and therefore the opinions of others to define me. I therefore define myself by my beliefs and by my deeds as did many of the people in the list referred to above. I am autistic and I am honoured to be so.

Fictional media celebrates undiagnosed autistic characters such as Sherlock Holmes (BBC’s Sherlock), Doctor Temperance Brennan (Bones), the Vulcan race (Star Trek franchise), the characters in the Big Bang Theory (except Penny) and so on.

Allow the label to be one of empowerment. Then we are one step closer to a brighter future of employment for autistic and neurotypical alike. Part six of this series next month will address lack of training.

Malcolm*Mayfield Managing&Director Au/sm&STAR&Pty.&Ltd. www.au/sm;star.com Adelaide,&Australia

MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL co-author of MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MALMalcolm MAL MALMayfield MAL MALisMAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL“The MAL Hidden MAL MALCurriculum MAL MAL MAL of Getting MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MALand MALKeeping MAL MALaMAL MAL MAL MALthe Job: Navigating MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MALSocial MAL MAL MAL MAL of MAL MAL MAL Landscape Employment.” MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL Click onMAL book MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL picture to order MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL Autism World Magazine - 90

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JOCELYN DAVIS - IN MY OPINION

Avonte Has the Power If We Allow It

Jocelyn Davis is the author of the children's book ‘There Will Always Be Love’, written by Jocelyn and illustrated by her twin Jess, who is on the spectrum. They travel around the United States with Jess talking about Autism and our experiences. They also host an online show on Sunday nights, discussing disability topics of the day.

Avonte'Oquendo'was'141year1old,'who'went' missing'from'his'school'in'Queens,'NewYork'on' October'4th'of'last'year.'''He'was'auCsCc'and' non1verbal.''He'liked'trains'(of'which'there'are' many'in'New'York'City)'and'had'sensory'issues.'' He'was'a'beauCful'boy,'lost'in'a'city'that'can'be' quite'ugly.''A'massive'search'took'place'in'New' York'over'three'months,'with'police'officers,' ciCzens'and'even'subway'crews'scouring'the' city.''Even'with'the'immense'search,'high'profile' media'coverage'and'a'big'dollar'reward' supporCng'the'effort'to'find'Avonte'there'was' no'sign'of'the'boy. On'21'January'2014,'that'all'changed.''The' remains'of'Avonte'Oquendo'were'found'on'the' banks'of'the'East'River'in'Queens.''His'body'was' dismembered,'and'had'to'be'idenCfied'by'DNA.'' AuthoriCes'have'yet'to'find'the'enCrety'of' Avonte’s'body.''

The'invesCgaCon'is'sCll'pending'on'how'Avonte' ended'up'in'the'East'River,'but'some'accounts' indicate'that'aTer'leaving'his'school,'he'ended' up'in'a'nearby'park,'where'he'was'scared'by' dogs'to'the'point'that'he'ran'in'a'state'of'sheer' terror'unCl'he'ended'up'in'the'water.''Unable'to' swim,'he'drowned.''Others'have'indicated'that' there'is'foul'play'involved,'ciCng'that'Avonte' was'wearing'different'underwear'than'he'was' on'the'day'he'went'missing.''For'now,'there'is' no'clear'answer'as'to'what'happened'to'Avonte' aTer'he'leT'school'grounds. Avonte’s'case'is'the'ulCmate'case'of'wandering,' and'it'is'a'tragedy'involving'being'lost'in'one'of' the'most'famous'and'biggest'ciCes'on'Earth. Yet,'in'the'midst'of'this'tragedy,'even'while' Avonte’s'mother'had'to'spend'Christmas' without'him,'Avonte’s'story'can'save'lives.

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I'have'been'following'the'story'since'the' beginning,'hoping'that'one'day'Avonte'will' suddenly'turn'up.''If'I'sCll'lived'in'the'New' York'Metropolitan'area,'I'would'look'for'him.'' Even'aTer'being'missing'for'months,'I'sCll' hoped'that'people'were'looking'for'him,'that' everyone'sCll'had'their'eyes'out'for'this' beauCful'boy'who'was'lost'and'that'one'day,' his'mother'would'get'to'hold'him'again.' I'have'also'been'thinking'really'hard'about' Avonte’s'story,'and'how'it'is'just'another'tale' in'a'long'string'of'auCsCc'children'who'go' missing.''I'think'about'my'nephew,'who' walked'out'the'front'door'at'5:00'am,'and' wandered'across'the'street,'and'how'terrified' his'mother'was'when'she'told'me'the'story.''I' remember'her'relief'in'finding'him'with'a' neighbour,'safe,'sound'and'happy.''She'sCll' fears'that'he'will'run'off,'and'the'incident'was' four'years'ago.

Security'tapes,'showing'the'boy'walking'past' the'main'security'desk'and'out'the'door,'were' not'accessed'unCl'2:30'pm;'unCl'that'Cme,' security'insisted'that'Avonte'never'leT'the' building.''Instead'of'searching'the'perimeter,' or'locking'down'the'building,'they'stuck'with' their'story. All'school'administraCons'need'to'have' protocols'in'place'for'this'type'of'situaCon.' The'search'for'a'missing'child'must'start' quickly,'as'Avonte’s'tale'shows'any'delay'could' result'in'a'disaster.''If'our'schools'do'not'have' protocols'for'missing'children,'especially'those' who'may'have'sensory'issues'or'who'may' have'needs'that'would'make'it'more'difficult' to'find'the'child,'it'is'Cme'that'procedures'are' put'in'place.

Avonte'is'going'to'force'us'to'talk'about' wandering.''Avonte’s'story'is'not'just'going'to' go'away.''Avonte’s'name,'city'and'age'might' change,'but'the'discussion'must'be'had'so' that'maybe,'just'maybe,'Avonte'will'start' being'the'excepCon. Avonte'exited'his'school'at'12:37'pm'on' October'4th.''Teachers'reported'Avonte' missing'to'school'administraCon'within'five' minutes.''His'mother'was'not'noCfied'unCl'an' hour'later.'' The'school'was'not'locked'down'unCl'2:00'pm,' nor'were'the'police'called'unCl'that'Cme.''

Avonte Oquendo

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If'there'are'not'cameras'in'the'schools,'there' needs'to'be.''Not'only'to'protect'the'students' and'teachers,'but'also'to'aid'in'cases'where'a' child'might'go'missing. School'is'the'one'place'that'we'trust'our' children'to'be'safe.''We'must'urge'them'to'do' right'by'our'children.''It'is'within'the'power'of' everyone'involved'with'a'child'to'help'prevent' another'case'like'Avonte’s.''It'is'within'your' power,'as'a'parent,'as'an'advocate,'to'start'that' dialogue. We'all'know'that'a'child'can'go'missing'at'any' Cme,'and'that'wandering'is'not'something'that' only'auCsCc'children'do.'There'are'many'

legiCmate'reasons'that'children'wander'that' should'also'be'explored:'fear,'sensory'overload,' anxiety,'curiosity,'etc.''We'should'not'fear'our' auCsCc'children,'nor'should'we'be'afraid'to' discuss'wandering'and'wandering'prevenCon.'' We'should'allow'ourselves'to'be'prepared,' especially'if'a'child'shows'a'propensity'to'go' missing.'''At'home,'it'is'just'as'important'to' have'a'plan'as'it'is'at'school.''Furthermore,' while'you'are'not'able'to'retrofit'a'school'to' your'personal'anC1wandering'needs,'you'CAN' do'this'to'your'own'home.'' I'have'some'suggesCons.

1.*Develop*your*own*Emergency*Plan Figuring'out'what'to'do'or'who'to'call'when'in'a'state'of'panic'while'a'child'is'missing'will'waste' precious'Cme,'and'will'make'an'unbearable'and'scary'situaCon'even'worse.''Emergency'Plans'do' not'have'to'be'complicated'and'can'be'tailored'to'your'community.'If'you'have'neighbours'or' police'officials'that'you'trust,'it'will'help'to'have'them'involved'in'your'planning.'''Plans'should'be' kept'where'they'are'easily'accessible,'and'keeping'one'in'your'vehicle'is'not'a'bad'idea'either.'' Some'things'to'include'in'your'emergency'plan'might'be: Phone'numbers'to'the'police'department'and'family'members; Phone'numbers'for'neighbours'or'others'who'may'be'able'to'assist'in'locaCng'your'child;'and A'copy'of'your'child’s'fingerprints'and'a'recent'picture'of'your'child,'along'with'physical' descripCon'informaCon.''It'might'also'be'useful'to'include'sensory'or'medical'consideraCons' for'those'who'may'be'looking'for'your'child'in'a'wandering'case,'including'what'your'child' may'be'drawn'to'(in'Avonte’s'case,'his'fixaCon'on'trains'prompted'a'full'scale'search'of'the' subway'systems).''If'your'child'is'found,'it'will'be'less'traumaCsing'if'those'searching'know' that'loud'noises'or'lights'cause'distress.

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2. Fit*your*house*as*you*deem*appropriate Wandering'differs'case'by'case,'but'you'know'your'child'and'what'your'child'will'respond'to.''A' smaller'child'will'have'different'risks'than'a'larger'child'or'adult.''Some'ways'to'oucit'your'house' include Window'and'Door'Sensors'1'If'your'child'is'like'my'nephew,'and'has'a'history'of'bolCng'out' the'door'in'the'middle'of'the'night,'having'an'alert'system'will'allow'you'to'know'that' someone'is'leaving,'or'coming'in,'when'they'shouldn’t.''Many'sensors'have'different'sedngs' and'can'be'used'on'both'doors'and'windows.''This'soluCon'is'great'for'those'who'feel'like' they'must'stay'up'all'night'to'make'sure'their'child'does'not'wander,'especially'when' tradiConal'locks'do'not'work'anymore.''The'only'downside'to'the'sensors'is'that'the'alarms' tend'to'be'extremely'loud,'which'may'exacerbate'sensory'issues'and'cause'fear'in'the'child.'' This'recommendaCon'is'for'those'who'are'on'constant'alert'for'wandering. Visual*Prompts''1'Some'children'respond'very'well'to'a'simple'visual'prompt.''Placing'stop' signs'on'doors'or'windows'may'serve'as'a'prompt'to'children'who'respond'well'to'visual' prompts. Adding*extra*locks''1'Adding'extra'locks'can'be'helpful'while'your'child'is'smaller,'as'they'can' be'kept'out'of'reach.''It'will'prevent'going'outside'unless'an'adult'unlocks'them.

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3.'OuQit*your*child Thankfully,'the'technology'and'creaCvity'exists'to'assist'in'finding'or'helping'a'lost'child.''Some' ways'to'oucit'your'child'include: Medical*Bracelet'1'If'your'child'is'willing'and'able'to'wear'a'bracelet,'include'informaCon' about'who'to'call'if'found,'as'well'as'any'medical'or'sensory'issues'that'the'child'may'have.''It' is'very'similar'to'wearing'an'allergy''bracelet,'and'especially'assists'those'who'are'non1verbal' so'that'others'can'idenCfy'who'the'child'is'and'who'to'call'if'they'have'come'upon'the'child.'' They'also'make'products'that'will'affix'to'a'child’s'shoelaces'that'accomplish'a'similar'goal. Indelible*Marker'1'Permanent'markers'are'a'great'tool.'Perhaps'you'can’t'afford'medical' bracelets'or'anything'fancy.''You'can'use'a'permanent'marker'to'write'on'shoes,'on'shirts,'on' tags,'on'book'bags1on'lots'of'things!''I'am'not'saying'to'write'in'huge'lefers'on'a'child’s'shirt' all'of'their'personal'informaCon,'but'it'can'be'done'permanently'on'a'piece'of'clothing'or'on' shoes'that'could'help'in'a'situaCon'where'a'child'is'lost.''It'can'be'done'inconspicuously'or' semi1conspicuously. Child'Find'or'Child'GPS'1'This'is'a'prefy'cool'idea'and'is'less'expensive'than'a'cell'phone'and' plan.'SEE*VIDEO*BELOW.*I'am'not'advocaCng'for'the'tracking'of'auCsCc'persons'at'all'Cmes' but,'if'a'child'has'a'tendency'to'wander,'having'a'GPS'signal'as'to'where'they'are'is'extremely' helpful'in'locaCng'them.''They'are'small,'compact'and'can'be'afached'to'clothing.

Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert tracker for kids video Amber alert CLICK ON THE PICTURE WHEN YOU ARE ONLINE TO PLAY VIDEO Autism World Magazine - 97

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Avonte*is*my*reason*for*wriJng*this*arJcle.** I'truly'believe'we'need'to'talk'more'openly' about'wandering.''We'need'to'take'away'the' shame'from'parents'who'do'their'best'day'in' and'day'out'and'focus'on'ways'to'keep'our' children'safe.''Wandering'is'a'problem;'it'is'a' community'problem'that'will'not'be'solved'if' we'insulate'ourselves'from'meaningful' discourse'and'honesty.''The'consequences'of' wandering'are'scary,'and'we'need'to'be'able'to' talk'about'it'without'judgment'and'to' remember'that'through'it'all,'it'is'our'children' that'we'are'looking'out'for.''We'also'need'to'be' mindful'that'we'are'including'the'auCsCc' community'(as'in'those'who'are'auCsCc)' involved'in'these'discussions'for'further'insight' into'why'these'things'might'happen'as'well'as' accepCng'and'non1intrusive'ways'to'keep' children'safe.

Avonte'will'save'lives;'I'am'sure'of'it.''Avonte' has'started'the'discussion.'' It'is'Cme'for'all'of'us'to'take'Avonte’s'lead'and' never'stop'talking'about'this'issue'that'affects' so'many'of'us'so'deeply.''It'is'Cme'for'us'to' conCnue'to'hold'those'accountable'who'expose' our'children'to'harm'through'negligence'or' ambivalence.''Avonte'is'not'the'first'tragedy,' Avonte'will'not'be'the'last,'but'Avonte'can'be' our'inspiraCon'to'ensure'that'those'in'authority' and'their'lack'of'care'for'children'in'their'charge' will'never'lead'to'a'tragedy'again.''It'is'Cme'to' start'talking,'Cme'to'stop'being'scared'of' children'who'wander'and'Cme'to'do'something' about'it.''If'they'push,'push'back'harder.'' Never*stop*unJl*the*news*headlines*are*no* longer*filled*with*the*preventable*death*and* injury*of*children.

Love Jocelyn

OPINIONS You have them, we like to share and discuss them, here at AWM. Email: story@magswest.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/worldautism Website: www.autismworldmagazine.com

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Avonte’s Law

Federal money will be used to buy tracking devices for autistic students and other children with developmental disorders that put them at risk of fleeing their caregivers, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has said.

At a congressional hearing in Washington, Mr. Holder told lawmakers that he will make existing Justice Department grant funds immediately available for the tracking devices. The money already is being used to buy tracking devices for older people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The decision came two days after U.S. Senator Charles Schumer proposed a bill, "Avonte's Law," named after Avonte Oquendo, to provide tracking devices for children with autism.

We’ll test GPS devices over the next few months here in Autism World Magazine. If you already use a GPS device please get in touch and let us know what you think of it: contact@magswest.com

US Legislators have already moved into action.

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And finally... Bri Bronson

My son Noah went for a cat scan. Afterwards I took him to lunch. He told everyone how he went into a machine that took pictures of his insides. The manager gave him a free ice cream cone for being so brave. Our dog, Tasha, wanted in on some of it. Took a few minutes of shock but then he said: ‘Why not. You and dad share germs.� Lol love these two!! Autism World Magazine - 100

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