The Echo December 2011
Volume 10, Issue 4
Heidi Choice Editor
Calendar of Events:
Dec 1, 9:00 am, Newly Diagnosed Workshop at PFC Resource Center, Room 414
The next HFA Support Group will meet on January 9, 2012.
The next Parent Education Meeting will be held on January 9, 2012.
Dec 13, 11:30 am, ALC Support Group at Capt. Jerry’s on Raeford Rd.
Dec 21, 9:30 am, ABC Support Group at PFC Resource Center, Room 414
Board of Directors Meeting will not be held in December.
Dec 22, 9:30 am, Preschool Support Group, PFC Resource Center, Room 414 Board of Directors: Chris Leacock, President Anna Finch, Vice President Lydia Short, Secretary Gwen Scott, Treasurer Warren Aronson Cynthia Billops Dr. Debra Gillum Brandy Mello Staff: Director of Programs and Outreach: Heidi Choice Program and Outreach Assistant: Mary Potter
The Board of Directors and Staff of the Autism Society of Cumberland County wish you and your family Peace, Joy, and Happiness during the Holiday Season and the New Year.
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December 2011
~Membership Drive~ Support Groups: ASCC Monthly Support Groups provide an opportunity to share, learn, and c on n e ct with oth e r s . Parents, caregivers, guardians, and professionals are welcome to participate in all of our support groups. The Autism Breakfast Club (ABC) Support Group will meet Wednesday, Dec 21 at 9:30 am at the PFC Resource Center, Room 414. Focus: Families of children with ASD up to age 12. The Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group will meet Tuesday, Dec 13 at 11:30 am at Capt Jerry’s on Raeford Road. Focus: Families of adolescents and adults with ASD. The Preschool Support Group will meet on Thursday, Dec 22 at 9:30 am at the PFC Resource Center, Room 414. Focus: Families of young children with ASD ages 1-5 years. The Stedman Support Group will meet on Monday, Dec 5 and Dec 19 at 6:00 pm at the Stedman Recreation Center. Focus: Families of children, adolescents, and adults with ASD. For more information, please call JoAnn Bass (910) 7055360.
Become a member of the Autism Society of Cumberland County and help us sustain our programs. Your $10 annual membership fee will ensure your voting privileges in matters discussed during Parent Education nights, priority selection for scholarships, as well as the continuity of all programs offered by the ASCC. You will also receive a free 8”x 4” “Autism Awareness” car magnet as displayed in the picture box. Please mail your $10 membership fee to the ASCC, 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, Fayetteville, NC 28303 today. Thank you! Questions? Please call (910) 826-3004.
~Vera Bradley Autism Awareness Bingo~ Thank you to all who helped make our 4th Vera Bradley Autism Awareness Bingo a great success. We are grateful for all our volunteers who are very much appreciated! Thank you also to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for allowing us to hold our event in their Parish Hall once again. The following sponsors generously supported our event and we sincerely appreciate their support: Gold Level Sponsors The Pilgrim Gift & Antiques
Silver Level Sponsors
Dr. and Mrs. John C. Pollard
Dr. & Mrs. Donald Gaylord
Mr. & Mrs. Ron and Liz Gillum
Mr. & Mrs. Hank Finch Ms. Gwendolyn Scott
Bronze Level Sponsors
Mr. & Mrs. Randolph Choice
Ms. Enedelia Rhode
CMSGT James Robert
Ms. Heather Alford
Mr. & Mrs. Neil Kennedy
Mr. & Mrs. Tony Mello
Ms. Monique Leacock
Ms. Martha Wright
Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Francis
Ms. Shanna Thurman Dr. Francisco Japzon Mr. Alan Sugar
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December 2011
~Something to Smile About~ Wednesday night homework assignments include “Use vocabulary in a sentence.” S. picked the word “WILL” and writes: “This is willy hard.” :)
~Did You Know~ A study by researchers at UC Davis has found that pregnant women with a particular gene variation are more likely to produce autoantibodies to the brains of their developing fetuses and that the children of these mothers are at greater risk of later being diagnosed with autism. The finding is the first to demonstrate a genetic mechanism at play in the development of the neurodevelopmental disorder among some children -- offering the possibility of a genetic test for some women at risk for having a child with autism, said Judy Van de Water, an immunologist and the study's co-principal investigator. "Association of a MET genetic variant with autismassociated maternal autoantibodies to fetal brain proteins and cytokine expression," is published online October 20 in the journal Translational Psychiatry, a Nature publication. "Our study gives strong support for the idea that, in at least some cases, autism results from maternal immunity gone overboard," said Judy Van de Water, a professor of internal medicine and a researcher affiliated with the UC Davis MIND Institute. "This is the first time that a genetic factor known to be important in autism and its effects have been demonstrated." To read more, please visit www.sciencedaily.com (NASET, Vol 7, Issue 39, October 28, 2011).
~Rhythm and Rhyme Sensory Story Time~ The Cumberland County Public Library’s Hope Mills Branch will offer a Rhythm and Rhyme Sensory Story Time for exceptional children and their families on Saturday, December 17, 10:30 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. For more information about this new event, please call Vicki Sheeler at 425-8455, ext. 225.
~Farewell~ Effective December 30, 2011, Ms. Mary Potter will leave her position as the part-time Program and Outreach Assistant with the ASCC. We are immensely grateful for the superb service Mary has shared with us in the past 21 months and wish her well in her future endeavors. Mary was an avid supporter of the ASCC before she became a paid staff and plans to continue these efforts in the future. She has expressed a desire to write a small letter to our friends. Please enjoy her note below: Dear ASCC Friends, As has already been announced above, I am leaving my position as ASCC Program and Outreach Assistant as of Friday, December 30, 2011. This change is bittersweet for me because while I am excited about focusing on my graduate school studies, I have loved my time working for the ASCC and getting to know so many families. Thank you for letting me serve the community in this position, and thank you for allowing me to learn with you and from you. The ASCC, its Board of Directors, its staff, and all of its families are a wonderful support system for me and my family, and for this I will be forever grateful. My daughter, CJ, and I look forward to seeing you all at upcoming meetings, workshops, and other ASCC events. With thanks, Mary Potter
December 2011
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351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410 Fayetteville, NC 28303 Tel: 910-826-3004/3005 Fax: 910-868-5881 E-mail: autismcc@ccpfc.org Web: www.autismcc.org
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Winner of the Autism Society of North Carolina affiliate of the Year Award—1996, 2002, & 2003
“Supporting Individuals Within The Autism Spectrum”
The Autism Society of Cumberland County is an affiliate of the Autism Society of North Carolina.
Mission Statement:
~Donations~ Please remember the ASCC with your tax-deductible charitable contribution. Make checks payable to:
The Autism Society of Cumberland County is committed to providing support and promoting opportunities which enhance the lives of individuals within the autism spectrum and their families.
Vision Statement: The Autism Society of Cumberland County strives to create a community where people within the autism spectrum and their families receive respect, services, and supports based on individual differences, needs, and preferences.
Autism Society of Cumberland County 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410 Fayetteville, NC 28303 Name: Address: Amount of Contribution:
Disclaimer: The Autism Society of Cumberland County does not take any position regarding studies of ASD, nor endorse any particular form of treatment, intervention, or therapy. This newsletter allows us to pass along current information in the field of ASD to our families and organization members.
Funded In Part By:
~Membership~ Autism Society of Cumberland County
Annual Membership Categories:
351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410 Fayetteville, NC 28303
__ Local ASCC Membership only: $10.00
Name: ________________________________ __ Parent/Caregiver
__ Professional
__ Sibling
__ Individual with ASD
Address: _______________________________ _______________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: _________________________________
(Make your check payable to: Autism Society of Cumberland County
OR __ Combined State & Local Membership: $45.00 (Make your check payable to: Autism Society of NC) __ Yes, I would like $10 to be returned to the ASCC for local membership fees. )