The Echo….
Keeping you informed!
September 2013 Volume 12, Issue 2
ASCC Parent Education Program Monday- October 14 2013
Pictures Speak Volumes Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) for children, adolescents and adults with ASD By: Missie Holmes, Speech Pathologist (see pg. 2) IN THIS ISSUE
iPads and Autism: A Perfect Match? By: Amy Perry, ASNC Parent Advocate/Trainer The Spectrum, Volume 29, Number 2 Summer Edition On April 3, 2010, Apple released the first generation iPad. Steve Jobs called it a ‘magical device,” and in many ways, that is exactly what it is: a slate of glass possessing the power of a computer, the vast content of the Internet, and a bottomless well of software applications or “apps”. The iPad literally puts the world at your fingertips, requiring only the operator’s fingers and imagination. Simply put, the real magic of the iPad is that it is truly a blank slate, designed to be customized by each user for his or her unique needs. It was clear to everyone that this new and powerful technology had the potential to be world-changing, but few knew just how many worlds it would change for those with autism. The iPad is, in many cases, a natural match for people with autism. Stories are told every day of people who had been locked in their own worlds, unable to communicate, find a portal in the iPad to reach out an interact with families for the first time. Children who were thought to have severe intellectual disabilities are able to show intelligence and awareness no one thought was possible. A child who refused to hold a pencil or write on paper now draws and writes freely using the magic of his fingertip. You don't have to look very far to see lives changed by this technology, but about the iPad that makes it such a natural match with autism?
ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events in the enclosed program and calendar pages. See Page 2
Autism Resource Roundtable See Page 4
CCS Teacher Mini-Grants
See Pages 5
Design: The design of the IPad is simple: a 9.7-inch glass screen with one circular button at the bottom. Power and volume controls are on the sides and out of the main view: there are almost no visual distractions on the outside body. The layout of the screen is a natural grid made up of approximately 1-inch icon squares, each activated by a single touch. The number and layout of icons on any screen can be customized by the user so that the screen can contain only one or two choices, or as many as twenty-five. The ability to customize the number of choices and the amount of information on a page can be very helpful. Many people find that iPad screens mimic the ‘choice boards’ that the autism community has been using for years. Interaction: The beautify simplicity of the iPad is that it is operated by the touch of a finger; this is also what makes it such an ideal tool for people with autism. One of the skills that is looked for in early childhood development is the ability to point to indicate interest. The iPad requires the user to do exactly that, providing children with autism with many opportunities to develop this skill. (cont. pg. 2)
7th Autism Awareness Vera Bradley Bingo Night See Page 6-7
ASCC Membership Are you interested in becoming a member of the ASCC ? Learn how you can support the ASCC and stay connected with our organization.
See Page 8
The Echo I Issue 2 , October 2013
2
ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children Parent Education Program Please join us on Monday, October 14 2013, 6:30 pm at the Partnership for Children Resource Center 351 Wagoner Drive, Multipurpose Room 343 for a presentation titled
Pictures Speak Volumes Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) for children, adolescents and adults with ASD Missie Holmes, Speech Pathologist
Speech and Language Rehabilitation Services 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.
Ipads and Autism: A Perfect Match? cont. Pointing is one of the most basic forms of gestural communication, and the iPad responds instantly in an infinite number of ways. On the iPad, the finger can play musical instruments, write words, turn a page, pop balloons, make choices, complete puzzles, and even launch angry birds at towers of blocks. The mere interactive nature of the iPad can create a natural gateway for more gesture-based communication and even joint attention activities. Portability and Accessibility
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 is led by Amy Perry, ASNC Parent Advocate, and is held every first Thursday of the month from 9:30 am—12:00 pm. (even calendar months) The Autism Resource Roundtable is led by Amy Perry, ASNC Autism Resource Specialist, and is held ever first Thursday of the month from 9:30 am-12:00 pm. (even calendar months) 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 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.
Before iPads, the closest thing we had to portable technology was laptop computers. But laptops are heavier and more cumbersome, making them less accessible to young children and people with physical challenges. Laptops also require a touchpad or a mouse, which can be a barrier to use. While the average laptop weighs 6-8 pounds, iPads weigh just 1.5 pounds, are approximately one-third smaller than a laptop, and can be placed in a variety of cases to make them easy for even very young children to hold. Laptops typically can run four hours or less requiring a recharge. IPads have up to ten hours of battery life on a single charge. Software or “apps” for iPads are also much more readily available than computer software, new content can be purchased from the App store instantly on the iPad with just a few taps, and where are no disks or system requirements to keep up with. Additionally, more and more programmers are developing apps specifically for the autism community. What Can’t the iPad Do? For all of the terrific things the iPad can do, there are many things it cannot do. I cannot “cure” autism, it is not a “magic bullet”, and simply placing it in the hands of a person with autism isn't necessarily any more beneficial than putting them in front of a computer or television. An iPad should never be a substitute for personal interaction, nor should it be replace opportunities to practice real world skills. It should never be imposed on a child who is uninterested or unwilling to use it. When iPads are used by caring parents and professionals to help people with autism reach their highest potential, wonderful things can happen. Permission to reprint by Amy Perry
The Echo I Issue 2, October 2013
3
October 2013 Sun
Mon
Tue
1
Wed
2 9:30-11:00 am
ABC Support Group PFCRC RM 414
Thu
3 9:30-11 am Preschool Support Group PFCRC RM 414 9:30-12:00 pm
Fri
4
Sat
5
9:00-12:00 pm iPad Lending Project PFCRC Conf. RM B
Autism Resource Roundtable PFCRC RM 414
6
7
8
1:00-4:00 pm iPad
11:30 am Autism
Lending Project
Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group
PFC RM 414
9
Lone Star Restaurant
10
11
12
9:30-11:00 am Preschool Support Group
9:00-12:00 pm IPad Lending Project
ASNC Triangle Run/Walk for Autism
PFCRC RM 343
PFCRC RM 414
Raleigh, NC For more information, please call:
(800) 442-2762
13
14
1:00-4:00 pm
15
iPad Lending Project, PFCRC RM 414
16 9:30-11:00 am ABC Support Group, PFCRC RM 343
5:45-6:30pm HFA Support Group, PFCRC, RM 414
17 9:30-11:00 am Preschool Support Group PFCRC RM 414
6:30-8pm Parent Education Program, PFCRC RM 343
20
9:00-12:00
pm IPad Lending Project PFCRC RM 414
Vera Bradley Bingo Night! (doors open at 5:00 pm)
19 10:30 am-Rhythm and Rhyme Sensory Story time Hope Mills Library
26
21
22
23
24
25
1:00-4:00 pm iPad Lending Project
11:00-1:00 pm
10:00-11:00 am Little Miracles Workshop
9:00-12:00 pm IPad Lending Project
3:00 pm—6:00pm
ASCC Board of Directors Meeting
9:30-11:00 am Preschool Support Group
PFCRC RM 414
Children Pumpkin Patch Party, PFC Parking Lot
PFCRC RM 414
27
18
28 1:00-4:00 pm iPad Lending Project PFCRC RM 414
PFCRC RM 414
PFCRC RM 414
29
30
PFCRC RM 414
Partnership for
A free and fun family event!
31 9:30-11:00 am Preschool Support Group PFCRC RM 343
7th Autism Awareness Vera Bradley Bingo Friday, October 18 at 6 :00 pm Doors Open at 5:00 pm Location: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 2844 Village Drive, Fayetteville NC
The Echo I Issue 2, October 2013
4
The Echo I Issue 2, October 2013
5
The ASCC Supports Children and Teachers in Cumberland County Schools The ASCC is excited to announce the availability of funding for teacher mini-grants again this school year. Teachers of self-contained autism classrooms are eligible to apply for this grant. All mini-grant requests must be written for no less than $100.00 and no more than $200.00. We hope that this opportunity will provide some assistance to teachers as they are serving students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Applications will be
emailed in mid November and are due to the ASCC no later than January 17, 2014.
Camp Sunshine campers visited the Millstone Theatre this summer!
Learning with iPads at Camp Sunshine 2013 was a great experience!
Thank you Isaiah for your donating your birthday gifts to the ASCC!!!
The ASCC would like to invite our Families out for a great day of fun!
The Echo I Issue 2, October 2013
6
The Echo I Issue 2, October 2013
7
The Echo
October 2013
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
Volume 12, Issue 2
Return Service Requested
Like us on Pinterest
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”
Membership & Donations
The Autism Society of Cumberland County is an affiliate of the Autism Society of North Carolina.
Please make checks payable to: Autism Society of Cumberland County 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410 Fayetteville, NC 28303
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.
Name: Parent/Caregiver Sibling
Telephone:
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.
Email:
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.
Please remember the ASCC with your tax-deductible charitable contribution. Thank you!
Individual with ASD
Address:
Vision Statement:
Disclaimer:
Professional
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.
Annual Membership ($10.00) Donation $_________
FY 2013/2014 Board of Directors & Staff
Funded In Part By:
Board of Directors: Anna Finch, President Gwen Scott, Vice President Brandy Mello, Secretary Chris Leacock , Treasurer John Allen Cynthia Billops Dr. Kelly Charles Ronda Holden Dr. Suzanna Fletcher Staff: Sylvia Adamczyk, Director of Programs & Outreach Alvita Blue, Program & Outreach Assistant
Cumberland Community Foundation