The Echo Keeping you informed!
February 2013
Volume 11, Issue 6
Happy Valentine’s Day!
IN THIS ISSUE
Autism Early Intervention Found to Normalize Brain Activity in Children as Young as 18 Months
ASCC Programs & Events
NASET Week in Review, Volume 8, Issue 41
An intensive early intervention therapy that is effective for improving cognition and language skills among very young children with autism also normalizes their brain activity, decreases their autism symptoms and improves their social skills, a nationwide study has found. The researchers said the study is the first to demonstrate that an autism early intervention program can normalize brain activity. "We know that infant brains are quite malleable and previously demonstrated that this therapy capitalizes on the potential of learning that an infant brain has in order to limit autism's deleterious effects," said study author Sally Rogers, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and a researcher with the UC Davis MIND Institute. "The findings on improved behavioral outcomes and the ability to normalize brain activity associated with social activities signify that there is tremendous potential for the brains of children with autism to develop and grow more normally," Rogers said.
ed with normalized brain activity in young children with autism," found that the children who received the intervention exhibited greater brain activation when viewing faces rather than objects, a response that was typical of the normal children in the study, and the opposite of the children with autism who received other intervention. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 88 children born today will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Hallmarks of the neurodevelopmental condition include persistent deficits in social communication and relatedness, and repetitive or restrictive patterns of interest that appear in early childhood and impair everyday functioning.
Named the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), the intervention method was developed by Rogers and Geraldine Dawson, chief science officer of the research and advocacy organization Autism Speaks. The therapy fuses a play-based, developmental, relationship-based approach and the teaching methods of applied behavioral Published online October 26 in the Journal analysis. of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the randomized, case- To read more, please visit controlled, multi-centered study titled www.sciencedaily.com "Early behavioral intervention is associat-
Find information on upcoming programs and events in the enclosed program and calendar pages. See Pages 2/3
Parent Education Program Feb 11, 2013: Learn more about mental health services available in our community! See Page 2
Parent Scholarships The ASCC announces parent scholarship recipients. See Page 2
Save the Date! Learn more about how you can help make the 7th Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament a great success! See Pages 4/5
Thank You! The ASCC thanks its volunteers and donors! See Page 6
ASCC Board Development Are you interested in becoming a member of the ASCC Board of Directors? Learn more about the election process in this issue. See Page 7
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ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents, Children, and Professionals Parent Education Program Please join us on Monday, February 11, 2013, 6:30 pm at the Partnership for Children Resource Center 351 Wagoner Drive, Multipurpose Room 343 for a presentation titled
“What Services Are Available?“ by Kerri Erb Community Services Administrator, ASNC Learn more about recent changes in mental health services, and what services are available to you. Free respite care will be available on site through Community Based Developmental Services. Please contact Cynthia Billops at 488-5820 or 4884584 to reserve your space at least 24 hours in advance.
ASCC Support Groups Support Groups provide an opportunity to share, learn, and connect. Parents, caregivers, guardians, and professionals are welcome to participate in all of our support groups. Please check the calendar on page three for meeting dates/times/locations. The HFA/Asperger’s Support Group meets every second Monday of the month, Sep—Nov, Jan—May, immediately preceding the Parent Education Program. This group meets in Room 414 of the PFC Resource Center. Focus: Families of children, adolescents, and adults
diagnosed with HFA or Asperger’s. Childcare will not be provided. The Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group meets every second Tuesday of the month at various Fayetteville restaurants. Focus: Families of adolescents and adults with ASD. Childcare will not be provided. The Autism Breakfast Club (ABC) Support Group meets every third Wednesday of the month at the PFC Resource Center, Room 414. Focus: Families of children with ASD up to age 12. Childcare will be provided. The Preschool Support Group (The High Fives) meets weekly on Thursdays at the PFC Resource Center, Room 343. Focus: Families of young children with ASD ages 1-5 years. Childcare will be provided. While every group focuses on a specific age range, parents of children of all ages are welcome to attend all support groups!
2013 Camp Sunshine
Update Dear Camp Sunshine Applicants: Registration for Camp Sunshine is now closed. Thank you for submitting your child’s application to attend the 2013 Camp Sunshine. We are currently reviewing all camp applications and will notify families of their acceptance or placement on the waiting list no later than Friday, March 8, 2013. Staff applications will be disseminated via Cumberland County Schools and per request in March. Camp Sunshine offers many volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in making a difference in this year’s camp, please contact the ASCC office at (910) 826-3005.
Workshops Please call the ASCC office at (910) 826-3004/3005 to register for all workshops. The Newly Diagnosed Workshop led by Amy Perry, ASNC Parent Advocate, is held every first Thursday of the month from 9:30 am—12:00 pm. Due to a conflict in scheduling, this workshop will be held on February 14, 2013. The Individualized Education Plan Workshop, led by Amy Perry, provides an opportunity for parents and providers to learn all about IEPs. It will be offered quarterly. The Parenting Children with Autism Workshop will be offered every fourth Wednesday of the month by Board Certified Behavioral Analysts of Little Miracles Child Development Services. The workshops will cover different parenting topics every month.
2012/2013 Conference Scholarship Recipients The ASCC is pleased to announce three scholarship recipients who will attend the Annual Autism Society of North Carolina Conference in Charlotte, NC, on February 8 and February 9, 2013. This year’s conference is titled “Autism Grows Up” and promises to be a great learning opportunity! Congratulations to the following parents: Dana Williams Sarah Espinosa Kris Veno
Have a great time of learning!
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February 2013 Sun
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SAVE THE DATE
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ASNC Conference, Charlotte, NC For more information please visit: www.autismsocietync.org
ASNC Conference, Charlotte, NC For more information please visit: www.autismsocietync.org
Saturday, June 8th, 2013 7th Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament Kings Grant Golf and Country Club
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7 5:30 pm—7:00 pm Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, Room 343
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115:45-6:30 pm 12 HFA Support Group, PFCRC, Room 414 6:30 pm—8pm
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Parent Education Program, PFCRC, Room 343
Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group at Cheddar’s
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Newly Diagnosed Workshop, PFCRC, Room 414
10:30 am—11:00 am Rhythm & Rhyme Story Time, Hope Mills Public Library
9:30 am—11:00 am Preschool Support Group, PFCRC Room 343
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President’s Day
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ABC Support Group, PFCRC, Room 414
Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, Room 414
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11:00 am—1:00 pm
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ASCC Board of Directors Meeting PFCRC, Room 414
Parenting Children with Autism Workshop, PFCRC, Room 414
Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, Room 343
PFCRC: Partnership for Children Resource Center, 351 Wagoner Drive, Fayetteville
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ASCC Volunteers are Priceless! “Volunteers are paid in six figures... S-M-I-L-E-S. ~Gayla LeMaire We are all S-M-I-L-E-S about our volunteers! Thank you all for supporting our organization with your time during the months of October, November, and December 2012. Your continued support helps us execute and sustain our programs and services! We are greatly indebted to you and appreciate you very much! Adam Jackson Adrienne Roach Allison Cales Anna Finch Ariel Martin Brandi Johnson Brandy Mello Chris Leacock Cynthia Billops Dawnita Shively, Little Miracles
Dustin Fowler Erica Garcia Gwendolyn Scott Heather Alford Imelda White Jamie Scruggins Kallie price Katelyn Soja Kimberly Yard Kris Veno
Mary Potter Michelle Morris Misty Surles Nadine Ninneman Nicole Vickers Rashael King Sandra Surles Sandy Riopel, Lucki Multimedia Sandy Turner Sara Gage
Shirley Francis Smanatha Roden Stephanie Cales Suzanna Fletcher Svetlana Shamshidov Theresa Thomas Tinisha Snipes Warren Aronson Wesley Turner Zollie Tabb
Thank You to ASCC Donors! Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to donors who have supported our organization with monetary donations during the months of October, November, and December 2012. We are honored that you have chosen the ASCC to share your generosity. Please know, that your continued support helps us sustain our programs and services, especially this year, as we have recently lost funding. Thank you!
Bob and Ann Lucero organized and donated all the proceeds of the Third Ben Lucero Memorial Golf Tournament to the ASCC.
Adolph and Delma Brown Anna Finch April Kumm, AMCAF Brandy Mello Bob and Ann Lucero, Ben Lucero Memorial Golf Tournament
St. Elisabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church donated funds to the ASCC. Charlie Van Stone, Ernesto Chapa, Anna Finch (President of the Board of Directors for the Autism Society of Cumberland County), John Pollard, Father Jack Kelly.
Carole Horne, Avon Cynthia Billops Dellar Fowler Dr. M.R. Andrews-McCall Eric A. Williams Gap, Inc.
George and Helen Dais Gwendolyn Scott Heart of Christmas Association Jenny Washington John and Faye Ramirez Sandra Surles
Carol Horne, Avon Representative organized the first Avon fundraising event and donated all proceeds to the ASCC.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Suzanna Fletcher Texas Roadhouse Velma Nelson
Thank You to ASCC Donors! We would like to thank the many generous donors who brought numerous goodies, gifts, and special treats in support of the 2012 ASCC Goody Bag Program. Your efforts made this program possible and enabled us to bring goody bags filled with treats and information to 450 students assigned to self-contained AU classrooms in Cumberland County Schools! Thank you for all of your help and support!
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Membership Drive 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 programs, priority selection for scholarships, as well as the continuity of all programs offered by the ASCC. You will also receive a free 8”x4”
“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) 826-3004/3005.
FY 2013/2014 ASCC Board of Directors Nominees The ASCC is seeking interested individuals who would like to serve as members of the ASCC Board of Directors beginning July 1, 2013. If you are willing to serve, you must be a member of the ASCC and inform the ASCC of your intent no later than Thursday, February 28, 2013. You will then receive an application which must be completed and submitted to the ASCC no later than March 15, 2013. The ASCC Board Development Committee will review all applications and recommend nominees to the Board of Directors. The nomination and election of Board of Directors will be held at the meeting of the general membership on May 13, 2013.
Bullying Takes Toll On Kids With Autism
By Michelle Diament, Disability Scoop, LLC
“Children with autism are experiencing high rates of bullying and face significant emotional consequences as a result, a new study finds. In what’s believed to be the largest look ever at autism and bullying, researchers found that 38 percent of children with the developmental disorder were bullied over a one-month period, in many cases repeatedly. What’s more, of those who were victims, 69 percent experienced emotional trauma and 8 percent were physically harmed as a result. The findings were published this month in a study in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. They are based on a survey of parents of more than 1,200 kids with autism from across the country. Initial results from the survey were first released last March, but the research published this month offers a more complete picture. The findings add to a growing body of evidence supporting concerns in the autism community that those on the spectrum are disproportionately affected by bullying. “Our findings show that not only are these children being bullied more, but they are also experiencing significant short-term, and likely long-term, effects of being bullied,” said Paul Law, the study’s senior author and director of the Interactive Autism Network at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, which conducted the poll. In the 63-question survey, parents were asked about their child’s school as well as their level of functioning and their experiences with bullying. Of those who said their kids with autism were bullied, 14 percent of parents said their child was scared for his or her own safety after facing a bully while 40 percent said their child responded with a meltdown or outburst. Nearly 1 in 10 kids with autism were identified as being bullies themselves. Children diagnosed with autism and psychiatric conditions like depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were more likely to be victims of bullying, the study found. Meanwhile, kids with autism and conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder were more often bullies.”
The Echo
February 2013
Volume 11, Issue 6
351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410 Fayetteville, NC 28303 Tel: 910-826-3004/3005 Fax: 910-868-5881 E-mail: autismcc@ccpfc.org 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.
Membership & Donations Please make checks payable to: Autism Society of Cumberland County
Mission Statement: 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. 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.
351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410 Fayetteville, NC 28303 Name: Parent/Caregiver
Professional
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Individual with ASD
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A great way to help support our program is to become a member. As a member of the ASCC, you enjoy voting rights during membership meetings, you are eligible for election to the Board of Directors, and you receive priority for conference scholarships. Membership is effective for one year. Please remember the ASCC with your tax-deductible charitable contribution. Thank you!
Annual Membership ($10.00)
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FY 2012/2013 Board of Directors & Staff Board of Directors:
Staff:
Anna Finch President
Heidi Choice Director of Programs and Outreach
Warren Aronson Vice President Gwen Scott Treasurer Brandy Mello Secretary Cynthia Billops Chris Leacock Dr. Suzanna Fletcher
Funded In Part By:
Alvita Blue Program and Outreach Assistant Rosaura Arreola UNC Pembroke MSW Intern Editor: Heidi Choice
Cumberland Community Foundation