The Echo….
Keeping you informed!
January 2015 Volume 13, Issue 5
ASCC Parent Education Presentation Monday – January 12, 2015 at 6:30 pm
“Organizing the Day for Success” Presented by : Louise Buchholz Southern, M. Ed., BCBA Lead Trainer and Behavior Analyst, ASNC Does your loved one with ASD have difficulty structuring his or her day? Does he or she experience anxiety over a change in routine? Please join us for a presentation on the importance of using visual supports and structure to help individuals with autism organize themselves around time and activities, to support them in understanding what will happen, and to outline behavioral expectations. Strategies and examples will be provided that are relevant across age ranges and levels of functioning.
IN THIS ISSUE
Autism and Winter Weather : Tips to Avoid Cold Weather Dangers
ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events in the enclosed program and calendar pages.
“Autism & Cold Weather Dangers: Teen Needs Help Transitioning to Winter, ”(2014, Dec. 12). Autism Speaks.
T
he cold weather Make It a Habit blasted into many Since your goal is to have your child put parts of the counon his or her coats before going out in try this year, intensifying cold weather, make this part of your the challenges many morning routine. Add this new step to a families affected by auvisual or written schedule. tism face during the winter months. Psychologist To help your child master this change in Stephanie Weber of the Kelly O’Leary Center routine, use a simple mantra such as, for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Cincinnati “The weather is cold. We wear our coats Children’s Hospital Medical Center offers her outside.” With consistent repetition this tips for easing the transition into the winter may help your child understand your season: expectation and make the connection to protection from the cold. Ease Into the Change Begin with putting summer clothing Use a social story to help incorporate this change in routine and to help your away and out of sight. If your child asks child understand expectations. where it has gone, simply state, “It’s not
available until the weather is warm Take a Break again.” Many children who love to be outside Identify a reward to help motivate your have difficulty when cold weather conchild to wear his or her coat. Provide fines them indoors. Alternate your rewards for each small success or use a child’s need to be outdoors with “warm token or sticker board to earn “points” up” breaks indoors, and use positive toward a reward. reinforcement to transition your child to an indoor activity. Practice wearing the coat. Use a timer to manage the task of keeping the coat on for increasing periods of time. Build on each of your child’s successes with positive reinforcements such as a short cartoon break, stickers, etc.
To view the article in its entirety, go to: www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2014/12/12/autism-coldweather-dangers-teen-needs-help-transitioning-winter
See Page 2, 3
Camp Sunshine Camp Sunshine applications will be accepted from Monday, January 5 through Friday, January 30, 2015.
See Pages 4-6
2015 ASNC Conference Learn more about the upcoming conference and ASCC scholarship opportunity!
See Page 7
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ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children Parent Education Program Please join us on Monday, January 12, 2015, 6:30 pm at the
Partnership for Children Resource Center 351 Wagoner Drive, Multipurpose Room 343 for a presentation entitled
“Organizing the Day For Success” By
Louise Buchholz Southern
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!
M.Ed., BCBA
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.
Workshops 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 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.. Childcare will not be provided. The Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support
Please call the ASCC office at (910) 826-3004/3005 to register for all workshops. The After the Diagnosis Workshop is led by Amy Perry, ASNC Parent Advocate, and is held every first Tuesday of the month from 9:30 am—12:00 pm. (odd calendar months) Autism Resource Roundtable is led by Amy Perry, ASNC Autism Resource Specialist, and is held every first Tuesday of the month from 9:30 am12:00 pm. (even calendar months) The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Workshop, led by Amy Perry, provides an opportunity for parents and providers to learn all about IEPs. It will be offered quarterly.
Photos By Ray/Rachel Ray-Webb
ASCC Board Member John Allen and son Andrew drop the puck at the Dec. 13 FireAntz Game.
ASCC Families Celebrate at Autism Awareness
A
SCC families enjoyed an evening of fun and festivities on Saturday, December 13 at the FireAntz Hockey game. The FireAntz, who beat Huntsville 4-1, were hosting an Autism Awareness Night which focused on families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our families enjoyed VIP treatment, including concierge service, reserved seating, and free tickets to the game. In addition, the lighting and sound were adjusted to make the game more sensory-friendly for our families. Festivities included the puck drop by ASCC board member John Allen and his son Andrew, activities on ice, an arts and craft station for the kids and plenty of free pizza! In honor of the evening, players sported custom jerseys which were auctioned off following the game. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the ASCC.
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January 2015 Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu 1
Fri
Sat
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3
9
10
16
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Submit Camp Sunshine Camp
applications beginning
Sunshine
January 5 through January 30. New Year’s Day Office Closed
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After the Diagnosis Workshop 9:30 am—12pm
ABC Support Group 9:30 - 11am
Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm
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HFA Support Group 5:45pm
Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group 11:30 am - Casual Jack’s
Multi-Purpose Rm 343
Multi-Purpose Rm 343
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Conference Rm 414
Parent Education Program 6:30pm
18
Multi-Purpose Rm 343
iPads for Autism 1 - 4pm
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Multi-Purpose Rm 343
15 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm
Multi-Purpose Rm 343
Teacher Mini Mini--Grant Applications Due
Conference Rm 414
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ABC Support Group 9:30 - 11am
Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm
Multi-Purpose Rm 343
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Multi-Purpose Rm 343
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27 ASCC Board of Directors Meeting 11 am - 1pm Conference Rm 414
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29 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm
Multi-Purpose Rm 343
Applications Due
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Dear Families: Enclosed in this newsletter, please find the 2015 Camp Sunshine Application along with the 2015 Camp Sunshine Financial Assistance Scholarship Application. Camp Sunshine is a 5-6 week state-licensed developmental day camp providing services from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to campers, ages 3 to 21 years of age, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). All campers must have an evaluation with a diagnosis of ASD and must reside in Cumberland County. Please complete the application in its entirety and return it along with a copy of your child’s most recent IEP, diagnosis, and current photograph of your child to our office. If your child is 18 or older, you will also need to submit proof of legal guardianship. If you do not have legal guardianship of your child, please contact the ASCC office for guidance immediately. Applications will be accepted from Monday, January 5, 2015 thru Friday, January 30, 2015. The ASCC office is open Monday—Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. If your child attended Camp Sunshine between 2008 and 2014, a diagnosis is already on file in our office, and an additional copy will not have to be submitted. A $10.00 non-refundable registration fee must be submitted with the application. Camp Sunshine slots fill up quickly, sometimes before the submission deadline, and applications are accepted on a first-come first-serve basis. Families will be notified of their acceptance no later than March 6, 2015. It is our intent to provide individualized quality services to your child. Field trips to various locations including bowling, skating, and swimming, along with special camp visitors will also be offered. Upon acceptance into Camp Sunshine 2015, parents will be required to complete a detailed parent packet and visit the ASCC office for an in-depth parent intake interview. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you, the parent, as the first teacher of your child. Upon the completion of required forms, you will receive the Camp Parent Handbook, and with your help, we will create an individualized service plan carefully taking into consideration your child’s IEP and your expectations for camp. Preschool age children must be accompanied by a current IEP or other qualifying document (i.e. for home-schooled children). Combining these two most valuable elements will ensure a positive camp experience for your child. While dates and camp fee information will be provided along with the parent packet at a later time, payment of parent fees will be due during the Parent Intake Interview to be held during April 2015. Payment options will be available. Financial assistance is available to families experiencing financial difficulties. To be considered for a scholarship, please complete the Camp Sunshine Financial Assistance Scholarship Application printed on the back of the camp application and return it along with supporting documents no later than January 30, 2015. The ASCC Scholarship Committee will carefully select scholarship recipients based on their needs. Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to the Parent Intake Interview and will have to pay either partial or no camp parent fees. We are honored to offer this program as a result of the Ben Lucero Scholarship Fund established by Bob and Ann Lucero in memory of their son, Ben. In an effort to reduce the administrative costs and tasks in our office, we are asking that you please share your email address on the application. We hope to correspond with you via email to ensure all administrative requirements are met. Please keep this letter in your files and return the camp application, scholarship application, supporting documents, your child’s current IEP, the most recent diagnosis (if your child is new to Camp Sunshine), and current photograph of your child, along with the $10.00 non-refundable application fee to the ASCC office at 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, no later than January 30, 2015. For more information, please call (910) 826-3005/3004.
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Autism Society of Cumberland County Camp Sunshine Developmental Day Program Application 2015
Child’s Full Name _________________________________________________________________________________________ Child's Age ________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________ Current School/Program/Teacher’s name _____________________________________________________________________ Parent Name ____________________________________________________ Cell # __________________________________ Place of Employment _____________________________________________ Work #__________________________________ Parent Name____________________________________________________ Cell # ___________________________________ Place of Employment ______________________________________________ Work #_________________________________ Home Address ___________________________________________________ Zip Code _______________________________ Email Address____________________________________________________ Home # _________________________________ Is your child in a traditional or year-round school? (Circle one) year-round How many days per week will your child attend?
(Circle one) 3 days
Which days will your child attend? (Circle all that apply)
Mon
traditional 4 days
Tue
Wed
5 days Thu
Fri
Is your child a new/returning Camp Sunshine client? New Returning If your child is returning, what is the last year that his/she attended_________________________________________________ Does your child receive NC Innovations (CAP) services? Yes No If yes, what is the name and phone number of the provider? ______________________________________________________ Yes No Does your child receive respite or community support services?________________________________________________ If yes, what is the name and phone number of the provider? ______________________________________________________ Is your child a resident of Cumberland County? Yes No Is your child’s current IEP enclosed? Is your child’s evaluation enclosed?
Yes Yes
Have you enclosed proof of legal guardianship of your child (18 or older)?
No No Yes
No
Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________ Date ___________________________________ Please drop off or mail this application, copies of most recent diagnosis and IEP, and the $10.00 non-refundable registration fee to: Autism Society of Cumberland County, 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, Fayetteville, NC 28303.
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Autism Society of Cumberland County 2015 Camp Sunshine FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Child’s name attending camp:___________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Caregiver name (s):______________________________________________________________________________ Number of people in household: ________________________________________________________________________ Number of child dependents: ___________________________________________________________________________ Number of individuals earning income:____________________________________________________________________ Place (s) of Employment:________________________________________________________________________________ Does anyone in the household receive SSI?
_________ YES
_________ NO
If yes, please list everyone who receives SSI________________________________________________ If yes, how much SSI is received per month (total amount): $__________________________________ Household monthly net (after taxes) of all sources of income: $_________________________________
Please explain any extenuating circumstances which you feel should be taken into consideration when financial aid decisions are made:
_________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
By completing this application, I understand that financial aid is not guaranteed for my child who is attending Camp Sunshine. If I am selected for assistance, I will be notified prior to the Camp Sunshine Parent Intake Interview. In order to be considered for financial aid, you must submit proof of income in the form of: a copy of your most recent 2 months of paycheck stubs or your most recent 2 months of Leave and Earning Statements (LES) for all sources of income, including SSI. If you have no income, you must supply a notarized letter stating that you have no source of income. Please call (910) 826-3005/3004 for more information. Please be aware that we will not contact you for proof of income if it is not included with your application.
_________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature
_________________ Date
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2015 Autism Society of North Carolina Annual Conference Schedule “Autism: Lifelong Learning Schedule”
Friday, March 27 7:15 AM - Registration opens 7:30 AM - Exhibit Hall and Continental Breakfast open 8:45 AM - Welcome remarks 9:00 AM - Pivotal Response Treatment: Improving Functioning, Improving Lives, presented by Drs. Lynn and Robert Koegel 10:30 - 11:00 AM - Coffee break and book signing 11:00 AM - Pivotal Response Treatment: Improving Functioning, Improving Lives 12:30 - 1:30 PM - Lunch 1:30 PM - Pivotal Response Treatment: Improving Functioning, Improving Lives 3:00 - 3:30 PM - Refreshment break and book signing 3:30 - 4:30 PM - Pivotal Response Treatment: Improving Functioning, Improving Lives
Saturday, March 28 7:15 AM - Registration opens 7:30 AM - Exhibit Hall and Continental Breakfast open 8:45 AM - Welcome remarks 9:00 AM - State of the Science in Autism Research, presented by Dr. Geri Dawson 10:30 - 11:00 AM - Coffee break 11:00 AM - Concurrent Workshops: "Autism Plus" What do we know about medical & psychiatric comorbidities and what do we need to find out? - Presented by Dr. Jim Bodfish "Sexuality and Autism" - Presented by Dr. Mary E. Van Bourgondien 12:30 - 1:30 PM - Lunch 1:30 - 1:45 PM - Room Changeover 1:45 - 3:15 PM - Concurrent Workshops : "Collaborating with Parents Towards Positive Outcomes for Students with ASD" - Presented by Kim Tizzard "Employing Adults with Autism: Creating Successful Small Business Ventures" - Panel discussion of business owners moderated by Gregg Ireland 3:15 - 3:45 PM - Refreshment break and final chance for purchases in Exhibit hall 3:45 - 5:00 PM - Project IGNITE: Creating a Model Program for Adults - Panel discussion by members. Moderated by Leica Anzaldo, BCBA 5:00 PM - Adjourn For more information, please visit: www.autismsociety-nc.org
ASCC Scholarship Opportunity The 2015 Autism Society of North Carolina Annual Conference, “Autism : Lifelong Learning , “ will be held March 27-28 at the Hilton University Place Hotel in Charlotte. Throughout the two-day conference, self-advocates, families affected by autism, and professionals in the autism field will have the opportunity to network, learn more about available resources, meet with a variety of businesses that support the autism community, shop the ASNC bookstore, and earn continuing education units (CEUs). The ASCC will offer scholarships for parents to attend this conference. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact our office at (910) 826-3005/3004 or email: autismcc@ccpfc.org no later than January 9, 2015.
The Echo
January 2015
Volume 13, Issue 5
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
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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 2014/2015 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 Melissa Reed Eric Williams
Staff: Jeannie Hodges, Director of Programs & Outreach Jennifer Lyden, Program & Outreach Assistant
Cumberland Community Foundation