ASCC Parent Education Program Monday, April 8, 2013, 6:30pm Cheryl Merritt, Author
The Echo Keeping you informed!
April 2013
Volume 11, Issue 8
IN THIS ISSUE
Epilepsy Drug in Pregnancy Linked to Autism Risk in Study NASET Week in Review, February 8, 2013 - Vol 9, Issue 6
New research adds to dangers of valproate use for women of childbearing age. Women taking the epilepsy drug valproate (Depakote) while pregnant are at increased risk of having children with autism and other developmental problems, according to a small British study. Valproate is prescribed for epilepsy as well as certain psychiatric disorders and migraines. Other studies have shown its use during pregnancy is associated with birth defects and, more recently, lower IQ in school-age children. The American Academy of Neurology advises against valproate use during pregnancy, and some experts believe it should not be used by women of childbearing age. "Women for whom valproate is a treatment option should discuss the risks and benefits of this drug with their doctor prior to pregnancy, to ensure that their health and that of the potential child is optimized," said Rebecca Bromley, a clinical psychologist and research associate at the University of Liverpool, who led the new study. "Planning a pregnancy in collaboration with your doctor is important if you are taking antiepileptic drugs," she added. And evidence suggests the damage to the fetus occurs early in pregnancy, according to the study. But women should not alter their medication without talking to their doctor, she noted. For the study, published online Jan. 30 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, Bromley's team collected data on more than 500 pregnant women between 2000 and 2004. About half had epilepsy, of whom all but 34 took medicine to control their seizures. The drugs they took included carbamazepine (Tegretol), valproate and lamotrigine (Lamictal), the researchers noted. Of the 415 children for whom data was available, 19 were diagnosed with a developmental problem by age 6 years. Three of them also had a physical handicap. Twelve of these children had an autism spectrum disorder, and one was also diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the researchers found. Three children had ADHD alone and four had dyspraxia, a condition causing poor physical coordination and clumsiness. For more information, please visit: www.healthfinder.gov
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 Join us as we will kick-off the iPads for Autism Project on Monday, April 1, 2013 See Page 4
Camp Sunshine Update Parents of accepted campers, please be sure to schedule your mandatory intake appointment by calling (910) 826-3004/3005! 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 6/7
LIGHT IT UP BLUE April 2, 2013 is World Autism Awareness Day! Consider purchasing blue light bulbs for your porch and Light it Up Blue this year!
See Page 5
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ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children Parent Education Program Please join us on Monday, April 8, 2013, 6:30 pm at the Partnership for Children Resource Center 351 Wagoner Drive,
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.
Multipurpose Room 343 for a presentation titled
“New Teaching Strategies for Classic Autism” by Cheryl Merritt, Author
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 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 Parents of accepted campers, please be sure to schedule your mandatory intake appointment by calling (910) 8263004/3005! Intake forms were due on April 1, 2013 and must be on file prior to the intake appointment. Thank you for your help in preparing another fun summer camp! Camp Sunshine Direct Care Staff will be selected this month. Interviews will be scheduled and all staff will be notified of employment no later than April 30, 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!
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, ASNC Parent Advocate provides an opportunity for parents and providers to learn all about IEPs. It will be offered quarterly. The Little Miracles Child Development Services Workshop will be offered every fourth Wednesday of the month by Board Certified Behavioral Analysts. The workshops will cover different parenting topics every month.
Join ASCC in celebrating
Autism Awareness Month, by showing your support with an Autism Awareness yard sign available at the ASCC office for purchase.
Purchase yours for $15.00
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April 2013 Sun
Mon
1
1-4 pm iPad Lending Project
7
8
5:45-6:30pm HFA
Support Group, PFCRC, RM 414 6:30pm-8pm Parent Education Program, PFCRCC, Room 343 1-4 pm IPad Lending Project
14
21
Tue
2 1-4 pm iPad Lending Project
9 11:30am Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group at On The Border
3 9:30 -11am ABC Support Group, PFCRC, RM 414
10
1-4 pm iPad Lending Project
1-4 pm iPad Lending Project
22
23
24
1-4 pm iPad Lending Project
11 am-1 pm ASCC
10 am -11 am Little Miracles Child Development Workshop, PFCRC, RM 414
30
1-4 pm iPad Lending Project
1-4 pm iPad Lending Project
Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, RM 343
119:30 -11am 9:30– 12 pm Newly Diagnosed Workshop, PFCRC, RM 414
16
29
Fri
4 9:30am-12pm 5
Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, RM 343
15
Board of Directors Meeting PFCRC, Room 414
Thu
9am-12pm
Sat
6
iPad Lending Project 6-9 pm Twisted Jeweler, Family Fun Night
1-4 pm iPad Lending Project
1-4 iPad Lending Project
28
Wed
12
13
9am-12pm iPad Lending Project
179:30 -11am
18 9:30 -11am 19
20
ABC Support Group, PFCRC, RM 414
Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, RM B
10:30 am—11:00 am
9am-12pm iPad Lending Project
25 9:30 -11am 26 Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, RM 343
Rhythm & Rhyme Story Time, Hope Mills Public Library
27
9am-12pm iPad Lending Project
SAVE THE DATE ASCC Vera Bradley Bingo October 2013 Date to be Announced St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
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Autism Society of Cumberland County
iPads for Autism Lending Project
Who?
For children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and their parents
What?
FREE iPads for Autism Lending Project
When?
Beginning April 1, 2013 Every Monday and Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Every Friday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where?
Autism Society of Cumberland County, 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, Fayetteville, NC Register by calling (910) 826-3004/3005
How?
Learn how to use and enjoy the iPad by using autism specific applications such as social express, injni, proloquo2go, going places for one hour per lending period.
Why?
FREE access to iPads and autism specific applications!
...
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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.
April is Autism Awareness Month! What is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental disabilities—including classic autism, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Rett’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Asperger’s Syndrome—that affect a person’s ability to understand what they see, hear, and otherwise sense. It is a brain disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. Individuals with ASD typically have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, objects, and events. No two people with ASD are the same. As its name implies, ASD is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and with varying degrees of severity. Additionally, ASD is often found in combination with other disabilities.
How common is autism? Autism spectrum disorder is the second most common developmental disability following mental retardation. ASD is more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis combined. It is estimated that one out of every 88 people born today has some form of ASD. Roughly translated, this means as many as 2 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. Autism knows no boundaries of race, ethnicity, social status, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family and any child. Although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is on average 4 to 5 times more likely to occur in boys than in girls.
Information for kids: People with ASD are born with brains that work differently than others, so they learn differently. Many times a person with ASD will have a hard time talking with people and understanding what they are saying. Some people with ASD cannot talk, while others talk a lot. Certain things may not feel, sound, smell, or taste the same to a person with ASD, and sometimes this difference is upsetting. Sometimes people with ASD rock back and forth or wave their arms and hands. They may not know they are doing this or how it looks to others. It is important to remember that each person is different whether or not he or she has ASD. We all have unique qualities that make us special.
What is the ASCC doing? Join us as we raise awareness in our community:
· · · · · · ·
iPads for Autism Project, Apr 1 World Autism Day - Light It Up Blue for Autism, Apr 2 April Parent Education Meeting, Apr 8 Public Service Announcements with Beasley Broadcasting Station Autism Awareness Feature Story in the Fayetteville Observer Autism Awareness Ad in the Fayetteville Observer Create a special autism awareness bracelet at The Twisted Jeweler any day during the month of April
What Can You do? · · · · ·
Raise awareness on April 2, 2013, World Autism Day, and “Light It Up Blue” by inserting blue light bulbs in your porch lights Write a letter/article for your child’s school newsletter or your church bulletin Create a display board for your child’s elementary school, YMCA, or place of worship Thank your child’s teachers and others who make a difference in your child’s life Provide ASCC brochures to your pediatrician’s office, your child care center, your child’s school, your church, and other local agencies
The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013
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The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013
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The Echo
April 2013
Volume 11, Issue 8
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
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: Anna Finch President Warren Aronson Vice President Gwen Scott Treasurer Brandy Mello Secretary Cynthia Billops Chris Leacock Dr. Suzanna Fletcher
Funded In Part By:
Staff: Sylvia Adamczyk Director of Programs and Outreach Alvita Blue Program and Outreach Assistant Rosaura Arreola UNC Pembroke MSW Intern Editor:
Sylvia Adamczyk
Cumberland Community Foundation