The echo, vol 13, issue 7 march 2015 by Brandy Loughran Mello

The Echo….

Keeping you informed!

March 2015 Volume 13, Issue 7

ASCC Parent Education Presentation Monday – March 9, 2015 at 6:30 pm

“Utilizing the iPad to Promote Speech/Language Goals at Home” Presented by : Sonya Evans Oates, MSCCC - SLP/IFTS, Need Speech? (see pg. 2) This presentation will provide an interactive discussion on how to use the iPad to address speech/ language goals. Mrs. Evans Oates will explore simple game apps, review YouTube, and give information on specific speech/language apps that are fun but encourage language development. Please bring your iPad and your questions!

In the event the program is cancelled due to inclement weather, the ASCC will send out notification by email. IN THIS ISSUE

Simple Strategies to Stimulate the Speech of a Child with Autism

ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events in the enclosed program and calendar pages.

See Page 2/3

By Cindy Blanton, Speech Language Pathologist Assistant, Need Speech?

ommunicating with a child who has Autism may be more challenging than communicating with a typical child. Communication delays may prevent your child from speaking, speaking in complete sentences, or pronunciation of words may be difficult to understand. Here are a few ways you can foster language development at home. No matter how little the accomplishment, celebrate! If your child tries to say “ball” and only gets “ba,” that is success if your child has no language! By all means, continue to encourage speech. Celebrate every victory; the sense of accomplishment your autistic child will feel will encourage him to continue to try. Wait for it! As parents we want our children to respond when we ask them a question. For a child with autism who may struggle to express language, it may be unrealistic to expect a quick response. Be patient …… wait for it! Give your child time to answer. Provide an opportunity for your child to speak. Ask questions and allow your child the opportunity to answer: Would you like juice or milk? What would you like to do: read a book or watch TV? What would you like for your snack: apple or orange? Constantly talk to your child. Constant language is productive for the autistic child. Talk to your child as often as possible. While driving, explain where your are going; while making dinner, explain your cooking techniques; when getting ready for school, discuss clothing, colors and fabrics. One-on-one activities provide

Camp Sunshine Update Information on the status of Camp Sunshine applications and the next steps in the application process.

See Page 2

Board Member Opportunity you with opportunities to have your child’s undivided attention. Don’t forget to “wait for it” and allow your child time to respond to your questions and/or comments. Play. Constructive play time is beneficial. When is the last time you sat on the floor and played “Legos” with your child? Again, this is great one -on-one time with your child. While you play, talk to your child about the shape, colors and what you’re building. Give clear, simple instructions. Encourage your child to try and say the words or imitate your speech instead of pointing at objects. Eco . . . Repeating Language of Others. If your child repeats language heard on TV, music or even you . . . . some speech is better than no speech. This is echolalia (the often pathological repetition of what is said by other people as if echoing them), but it is speaking. Don’t be frustrated or discouraged; remember, it’s an accomplishment! It may be annoying, but it’s progress. Continued on p. 2, See Speech Strategies

Important information for Individuals interested in serving on the ASCC Board of Directors

See Page 5

Teacher Mini-Grants The ASCC announces six teacher mini-grant recipients for the 2014/2015 school year!

See Page 5

The Echo I Issue 7 , March 2015

ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children Parent Education Program Please join us on Monday, March 9, 2015, 6:30 pm at the

Partnership for Children Resource Center 351 Wagoner Drive, Multipurpose Room 343 for a presentation titled

“Utilizing the iPad to Promote Speech/Language Goals at Home”

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.

Sonya Evans Oates

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

Notifications of acceptance into camp will be mailed either via traditional mail or email by mid March. Parents, please complete the Parent Intake Form and return it to our office no later than April 1 2015. Parent Intake Interviews will be held in April/May. Please call our office once you receive notification of acceptance to schedule your appointment.

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 this valuable program!

MSCCC—SLP/IFTS, Need Speech?

ASCC Support Groups

Camp Sunshine will return to Loyd Auman Elementary School this summer! Camp dates will be June 29, 2015 thru July 31, 2015.

Applications for employment at Camp Sunshine must be received by our office no later than March 31, 2015.

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.

Dear ASCC Family & Friends:

Workshops 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 Workshop, led by Amy Perry, provides an opportunity for parents and providers to learn all about IEPs. It will be offered quarterly. Please Note: In the event a program or meeting is cancelled due to inclement weather, the ASCC will send out notification by email.

Speech Strategies Continued from Page 1 Remember to be mindful of what you say in the presence of your child, what he watches, and the music he hears. Children will pick up bad language as well. Mouth, Tongue, and Facial Exercises. Blowing Bubbles, playing with a straw (blowing air through the straw) and poking your tongue out as far as it will go are great exercises to promote an autistic child’s mouth muscles and tongue. Have a competition to see who can make the silliest face, and this really stretches all the muscles and articulators in the child’s face. You can come up with a lot of exercises all by yourself, by using a little creativity and ingenuity. Flash Cards, Flash Cards and More Flash Cards. Each day devote time to flash cards. Flash cards should have an item and the word typed in large print. For example, a yellow banana with the word “banana” typed underneath. Through repetition your child will begin to recognize the item and word. Your child will hopefully try to pronounce the word; always encourage your child. Once your child has mastered the flash card, it is time to teach more words and get a different set of carts. Teaching your child to speak is a “team effort” between you and your child’s speech language pathologist, but know with consistence and working with your child at home the probability of speech is higher. It is important to work with your child every day and all day. Remember to celebrate every accomplishment and be patient. Have realistic expectations; improvement in your child’s speech will take time.

The Echo I Issue 7, March 2015

March 2015 Sun 1

Mon 2

Tue

Wed

Thu

After the Diagnosis Workshop 9:30 am - noon

ABC Support Group 9:30 - 11am

Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm

Multi-Purpose Rm 343

Multipurpose Rm. 343

Fri

Sat

Multi-Purpose Rm 343

Rhythm and Rhyme Sensory Story Time Hope Mills Library

HFA Support Group 5:45pm Conference Rm 414

Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group 11:30 am -

Parent Education Program 6:30pm

iPads for Autism 1 - 4pm

Multi-Purpose Rm 343

12 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm

Memphis Barbeque

Multi-Purpose Rm 343

Conference Rm. 414

ABC Support Group 9:30 - 11am

Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm

Multi-Purpose Rm3 43

Multi-Purpose Rm 343

St. Patrick’s Day

24 ASCC Board of Directors Meeting 11 am - 1pm Conference Rm B

26 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm Special Outing

SAVE THE DATE!!! 10TH AUTISM AWARENESS VERA BRADLEY BINGO

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015 – 6:00 PM ST.PATRICK’S CHURCH

The Echo I Issue 7, March 2015

FY 2014/2015 ASCC Board of Directors Opportunity The ASCC is seeking interested individuals who would like to serve as members of the ASCC Board of Directors beginning July 1, 2015. If you are willing to serve, you must be a member of the ASCC and notify the ASCC office of your intent to serve no later than Friday March 13, 2015. You will then receive an application which must be completed and submitted to the ASCC no later than March 31, 2015. The ASCC Board Development Committee will review all applications and recommend nominees to the Board of Directors. The nomination/election of the Board of Directors will be held at a meeting of the general membership on May 11, 2015.

Congratulations to our 2014-2015 Mini-Grant Recipients! “ A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite imagination, and instill a love of learning.” (Ward) The ASCC is pleased to announce six 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: Alison McNeill White, Westover High School Corrie Harris, Glendale Acres Elementary School Julia King, Lake Rim Elementary School Stacy Henry, Gallberry Farm Elementary School Helen Frey, Luther Nick Jeralds Middle School Nisi Farley, Ponderosa Elementary School

Fundraising with the ASCC– How Can You Help? Our mission at the ASCC is to provide support and to promote opportunities which enhance the lives of individuals within the autism spectrum and their families. In order to provide the best support for our families we are dependent upon fundraisers, donations, contributions, and grants to ensure our families continue to receive the quality services we provide each year. What are the BENEFITS of fundraising for the ASCC?

How can you help RAISE FUNDS for the ASCC?

 Help spread autism awareness

 Become a SPONSOR or HELP FIND SPONSORS for an annual event

 Help share the story and mission of the ASCC

(Autism Awareness Vera Bradley Bingo and Autism Awareness Golf Tournament)

 Help support organizational costs for the ASCC

 Make a donation to the ASCC

 Help provide program services for families

 Spread awareness with your personal and professional networks who

 Connect with like-minded people with a common cause  Become life-long partners with the ASCC

support our mission

 Tell others your personal story about how the ASCC has helped you

Please note: The use of our logo without prior permission is prohibited. If you are interested in holding a fundraiser to benefit the ASCC, please contact our office to obtain a copy of our fundraising guidelines.

The Echo I Issue 7, March 2015

The Echo

March 2015

Volume 13, 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 Like us on Pinterest

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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”

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