The Echo
ASCC PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM Monday, March 11, 2013, 6:30 pm
Keeping you informed!
March 2013
Volume 11, Issue 7 “The TEACCH Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders”
IN THIS ISSUE
ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events in the enclosed program and calendar pages. See Pages 2/3
iPads for Autism Project Learn how to use an iPad and autism specific apps on Mar 30. Call the office at 910 826 3005 to register for this free workshop! See Page 3
Camp Sunshine Camp Sunshine will be held at Loyd Auman Elementary School. See Page 2
Teacher Mini-Grants The ASCC announces seven teacher mini-grant recipients for the school year 2012/2013! See Page 2
ABC Breakfast Club The parents of the ABC Breakfast Club have decided to meet twice a month! Beginning this month, the ABC Breakfast Club will meet on the first and third Wednesday! We look forward to having you with us!
Families Deeply Impacted By Autism Aggression, Study Finds By Shaun Heasley, January 2013, Disability Scoop, LLC.
“Though aggression is not typical of everyone with autism, new research suggests that it affects many with the developmental disorder and brings significant and often lifelong challenges. In a study out of Canada, researchers followed 15 families of male children and young adults with varying levels of autism. Of the study participants, nine families said that aggression is an issue they face.
sion. Their findings suggest that there’s far too little support for individuals with aggressive tendencies and those affected by them. Parents described an “unbearable” level of exhaustion, with at least one mother comparing her situation to being in “jail for life.”
While generally speaking families were happy with the care their child received for core symptoms of autism, most said professionals offered only limited knowledge and assisIn-depth interviews were conducted with care- tance for dealing with aggression either givers in the families that cited aggression. through medication or behavior supports. One Researchers also conducted home visits with family was actually kicked out of a homeeight of the families, but the ninth declined based program for individuals with autism indicating that they were “pretty embarbecause of the boy’s aggression, with officials rassed” about their “damaged house.” concluding that the environment was not “safe or productive.” Overall, researchers found that families dealing with aggressive behavior struggled with The study authors from the University of Albersocial isolation, concerns about the safety of ta and the University of Calgary said they people and property, lack of respite care and hope that the findings will offer insight into limited professional supports as well as the the type of resources families need. added expense of repairs and home modifica“It is important to note that there were many tions. What’s more, the families were consimilarities in families’ experiences despite cerned about being able to find alternate much diversity in child and family characterishousing for their child with autism as they tics, such as child age and type of aggressive aged, according to the study published online behavior,” the researchers wrote. “From the this month in the journal Focus on Autism and perspective of the participants, there appears Other Developmental Disabilities. to be an urgent need for multidisciplinary Though the study was small, researchers professional services that adequately adbehind the report emphasized that little has dresses aggression in individuals with ASD been done to understand the daily experienc- across the life span.” es of families coping with autism and aggres-
The Echo I Issue 7, March 2013
2
ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents, Children, and Professionals Parent Education Program Please join us on Monday, March 11, 2013, 6:30 pm at the Partnership for Children Resource Center 351 Wagoner Drive, Multipurpose Room 343 for a presentation titled
“The TEACCH Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders” by Laura Savage, Fayetteville TEACCH Center Free respite care will be available on site through Community Based Developmental Services. Please contact Cynthia Billops at 488-5820 or 488-4584 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 first and 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!
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. 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.
2013 Camp Sunshine
Update Camp Sunshine will return to Loyd Auman Elementary School this summer! Notifications of acceptance into camp or placement on the waiting list will be mailed either via traditional mail or email no later than March 8, 2013. Parents, please complete the Parent Intake Form and return it to our office no later than April 1 2013 Parent Intake Interviews will be held in April/May. Please call our office as soon as possible to schedule your appointment. Applications for employment at Camp Sunshine must be received by our office no later than March 29, 2013. Volunteers are needed to make Camp Sunshine a great success. Please contact our office at (910) 8263004/3005 to find out how you can make a difference in the lives of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders this summer!
2012/2013 Mini–Grants Recipients The ASCC is pleased to announce seven Cumberland County Schools teachers who received mini-grants up to $200.00 each to improve their classrooms. All teachers work with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and are assigned to self-contained AU classrooms. Congratulations to the following teachers: Dawn Owens, Ramsey Street Alternative School Jennifer Baker, Lake Rim Elementary School April McGuire, Pine Forest Middle School Sheila Howell, John Griffin Middle School Joan Owen, Cape Fear High School Robin Edwards, Westover Middle School Alyson Hanners, Sherwood Park Elementary School
The Echo I Issue 7, March 2013
3
March 2013 Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
79:30 am—12 pm 8
9
SAVE THE DATE Saturday, June 8th, 2013 7th Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament Kings Grant Golf and Country Club
3
4
5
6 NEW!!! 9:30 —11:00 am
10
17
24
31
115:45-6:30 pm 12 HFA Support Group, PFCRC, Room 414 6:30 pm—8pm
Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group at the
Parent Education Program, PFCRC, Room 343
Carolina Ale House
18
19
25
Newly Diagnosed Workshop, PFCRC, Room 414
ABC Support Group, PFCRC, Room B
5:30 pm—7:00 pm
13
14
Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, Room 343
15
16
9:30 am—11:00 am
10:30 am—11:00 am
Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, Room 343
Rhythm & Rhyme Story Time, Hope Mills Public Library
20
21
22
23
9:30 —11:00 am
9:30 am—11:00 am
ABC Support Group, PFCRC, Room 414
Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, Room 343
26
27
28
29
30
11:00 am—1:00 pm
10 am —11 am
9:30 am—11:00 am
9:00am—3:00pm
ASCC Board of Directors Meeting PFCRC, Room 414
Parenting Children with Autism Workshop, PFCRC, Room 414
Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, Room 343
iPad Workshop Module I & Module II
The Echo
March 2013
Volume 11, Issue 7
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
Return Service Requested
Join us on Facebook
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
Sibling
Individual with ASD
Address:
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)
Telephone:
Donation $_________
Email:
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
Funded In Part By:
Alvita Blue Program and Outreach Assistant Rosaura Arreola UNC Pembroke MSW Intern
Cynthia Billops Chris Leacock
Editor:
Dr. Suzanna Fletcher
Heidi Choice
Cumberland Community Foundation