The Echo, Vol 14, Issue 1, September 2015 by Brandy Loughran Mello

The Echo….

Keeping you informed!

September 2015 Volume 14, Issue 1

ASCC Presents Our Newest Program!

Lego Club Monday, September 14, 2015 6:30-8:00 pm

Children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, their siblings, and parents are invited to take part in a new ASCC LEGO club. All ages are welcome to attend, but space is limited! Please register is advance: 910-826-9100 ext 2268 ASCC members: $3.00 for child, $2.00 for sibling; Non-member: $4.00 for child, $3.00 for sibling

IN THIS ISSUE UNC Pinpoints How a Single Genetic Mutation Increases Autism– and How an Existing Drug Might Help Mark Derewicz, August 6, 2015 Researchers have identified more than 1,000 gene mutations in individuals with autism, but the science on how these mutations increase risk for autism was uncertain. Now, UNC School of Medicine researchers are the first to discover how one of these mutations immobilizes a molecular switch in one of these genes and causes autism. In the journal Cell, the research indicates that an enzyme called UBE3A can be turned off when a phosphate molecule is latched onto UBE3A. In neurons and during normal brain development, this switch can be turned off and on, leading to tight regulation of UBE3A. But a research team led by Mark Zylka, PhD, associate professor of cell biology and physiology, found that an autism-linked mutation destroys this regulatory switch. Destruction of the switch creates an enzyme that cannot be turned off. As a result, UBE3A becomes hyperactive and drives abnormal brain development and autism. When Jason Yi, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in Zylka’s lab, sequenced the genes from the cell samples – including cells from the child’s parents – he found that the parents had no hyperactive UBE3A but the child did. “When this child’s mutation was introduced into an animal model, we saw all these dendritic spines form on the neurons,” said, Zylka, “We thought this was a big deal because too many dendritic spines have been linked to autism.” Their findings thus pointed to hyper activation of UBE3A to be the likely cause of this child’s autism. It was previously thought that too much UBE3A might cause autism because duplication of the 15q chromosome region – which encompasses UBE3A and several other genes – is one of the most frequently seen genetic alterations in people with autism. This is called Dup15q Syndrome. As part of their study, Zylka and Yi found that protein kinase A (PKA) is the enzyme that tacks the phosphate group onto UBE3A. This finding has therapeutic implications, particularly since drugs exist to control PKA. One of the drugs, rolipram, previously had been tested in clinical trials to treat depression but was discontinued due to side effects. One of the symptoms associated with Dup15q syndrome is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. In light of these life-threatening seizures, Zylka pointed out that it is important whether lower doses of rolipram, or other drugs that increase PKA activity, provide some symptom relief in Dup15q individuals. “The benefits might outweigh the risks.” For the full article, please visit: http://news.unchealthcare.org/news/2015/august-1/unc-scientists-pinpoint-how-a-single-genetic-mutation-increases-autism-risk

ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events in the enclosed program and calendar pages. See Page 2

ASCC Camp Sunshine 2015 See Page 2

Spring & Summer Donor & Volunteer Support– Thank you! See Pages 4-5

Vera Bradley Bingo– New Location! See Page 6-7

The Echo I Issue 1 ,September 2015

ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children Parent Education Program Please join us on Monday, September 14, 2015, 6:30 pm at the Partnership for Children Resource Center 351 Wagoner Drive, Multipurpose Room 414

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.

for: 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.

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.

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) The Autism Resource Roundtable is led by Amy Perry, ASNC Parent Advocate, and is held ever first Tuesday 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.

ASCC Families and Friends, This summer was a wonderful experience for families, campers, and staff! Past friendships were reestablished, new enrichment experiences were had by all, and most of all special memories were made each day! We were fortunate to host Camp Sunshine again this year at Loyd Auman Elementary School where 30 campers arrived each day with smiles and excitement in their eyes in anticipation for a great day at camp! As part of Camp Sunshine’s 20th Anniversary, campers not only experienced swimming, bowling, and skating each week, but they had the opportunity to attend the movies at Millstone Theatre and participate in Rhythm and Rhyme Story Time. They also got to play video games provided by Happy Time Gaming Truck. They participated in a new program called Kindermusik: Music & Me where campers got to play different instruments and learn about music. Each day our campers had the opportunity to learn and connect with the world around them in such unique experiences. Just to share a few parent comments about Camp Sunshine 2015: “My daughter made some great progress and overcame

many obstacles while attending camp!” “We will definitely return next year!!” “This camp is awesome!” We would like to give a special thanks to our parents for placing your trust in our Camp Sunshine staff again this year. In addition, we would like to thank the Cumberland Community Foundation (CCF) Summer Time Kids Grant partners, The Ben Lucero Family and their generous scholarship support, The Ronald McDonald House Charities, and an amazing Camp Sunshine staff. Your support allowed the ASCC to host another great year at Camp Sunshine!

See you at Camp Sunshine next summer!

The Echo I Issue 1, September 2015

September 2015 Sun

Mon

Tue

After the Diagnosis Workshop 9:30am12 pm Room 414

9:30-11 am

8 11:30 am

Labor Day- office closed

ALC Support Group @ IHOP on Skibo

10:00 am12pm Preschool Support Group

iPad Lending Project 1-4 pm Rm 414

Multipurpose Room

14 5:45-

ABC Support Group Multipurpose Room

16 9:30-11am ABC Support Group, Room 414

6:30-8pm

LEGO Club Club, Multipurpose Room

22 IEP

Workshop– 9:30am– 12:00 pm Multipurpose Room

Fri

Sat

10:00 am-12 pm Preschool Support Group Multipurpose room

17 10:00 am-12 pm Preschool Support GroupRm 414

Greek Festival 11:00 am-

10:00 pm

19 Tootsie Roll Drive– Walmart on Ramsey St. 10 am-6:00 pm

SEPTA Fair 69 pm

10:00 am-12 pm Preschool Support Group

26 Tootsie Roll Drive– Walmart at Spring Lake 10 am– 6:00 pm

Multipurpose Room

11:00-1:00 pmASCC Board of Directors Meeting

Thu

6:30pm HFA Room 414

12-6pm

Wed

Volunteers Needed! 2015 Greek Festival: September 11th-13th For more information, contact Sandra Surles at surles1064@aol.com or call 910-425-0821 Knights of Columbus: Tootsie Roll Drive: October 17thSpring

Lake Wal-Mart For more information, call 826-3004

The Echo I Issue 1, September 2015

9th Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament Thank you for another successful Autism Awareness Golf Tournament at King’s Grant Golf Course. Thank you to our corporate sponsors, hole sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and community partners who made this tournament an event to remember. We look forward to seeing you on the ’green’ next year! CORPORATE SPONSORS

Jersey Mike’s Subs (Ramsey St)

Paris & Potter Management Group

Spinners Pizza

(KFC & CiCi’s Pizza) Hank’s Car Wash Valley Regional Imaging Jerome T. Scott– The Insurance Guy

Brick Oven Pizza Eaton Corporation Therapeutic Destinations, Inc. Luigi’s Italian Restaurant & Bar

Captain Jerry’s Seafood Restaurant, Inc. Peter Tilton- Heitkamp, Inc.

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS

Beasley Media Group

David Quinn

American Federation of Government Employees, Local 1170

Jason’s Deli Venetian Spa

Cape Fear Orthopedic Clinic

Carolina Panthers

Merrill Lynch

Baldinos Subs Scrub Oaks Restaurant

HOLE SPONSORS

Fayetteville Swamp Dogs

Highland Family Practice

Beasley Media Group

Mary Pollard Potter

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Hank and Anna Finch

Local Edge

Katherine Fasul

Fantasy Lake

Dena Potter

Memphis BBQ

Judith and John Dewar

Sam’s Club

David and Kathleen Quinn-Merrill Lynch

KFC

Wanda and Richard Bardone– Merrill Lynch

NAPA

Stacy Bledsoe– Merrill Lynch James McLean Jr. –Merrill Lynch Camp Ground United Methodist Men McDuffie Pest Control Robert and Anita Lucero Rudolph and Jenny Singleton James and Angelica Pantelakos Fayetteville Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Highland Pediatric Dental

Luigi’s Italian Restaurant & Bar Logan’s Roadhouse Market Fair 15 Bonefish Grill

The Echo I Issue 1, September 2013

The Work of Volunteers is PRICELESS! We would like to thank the fol- Cape Beard Follicles of Freedom Chris Leacock lowing hard-working volunteers Christopher Roberts who donated many hours of their Crystal Harrell time during the months of April, Cynthia Billops May, and June of 2015: David Gurt David Quinn Adrian Moore Eric Williams Alison McNeil Gwen Scott Alyssa Sessions Jaece Kroll Amanda Goldberg Jasmine Bourque Anna Finch John Allen Avlani Keechu John Goldberg Brandy Mello Josh Lyden Briana Caldwell Lucy Bourque Brittany Brody

McKynzie Vantassei Melissa Reed Misty Surles Natika Shepherd Nicole Ginn Patricia Glass Rachel Jenson Ralph Plourde Sandra Surles Sandra Turner Sheila Harvey Stephanie Craig Todd Lyden Tony Mello Vicki Britton

Thank You to ASCC Donors! We would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their monetary donations and in-kind donations to the ASCC during the months of April, May, and June of 2015: Cape Beard Follicles of Freedom

Katrina Plourde

Gwen and Jerome Scott

Wendy and Ralph Plourde

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry

AJ Henderson Lodge 792

Misty Manning

Wicked Jeeps

Power Swain Chevrolet

The Dragon’s Lair

Lee Hyundai

Mary Pollard Potter Square One Counseling Tony and Brandy Mello Shear Dimensions Chris and Desiree Leacock John and Clarissa Allen Community Based Developmental Services

Joe’s Crab Shack

Walter Swing

Bronze-Level Sponsor

In-Kind Donations

Paul Verna Family and Friends of Joshua Plourde

Eric Williams - Coastal Family Services, LLC

Nona Fisher - Bottom Line Accounting

Grace Roman

Fayetteville Observer

Cumberland County Foundation AT & T Employee Giving Campaign

Vera Bradley Bingo

Aaron’s Inc.

Gold-Level Sponsor

Peter Tilton

Dr. and Mrs. John Pollard Hank and Anna Finch Jerome and Gwen Scott

Walter Greet Henny Penny Mary Montgomery Erma Wilson

Silver-Level Sponsor Freedom Biker Church Dr. Debra Japzon Gillum and Family

In-Kind Sponsorship The Pilgrim Gifts & Antiques Market Fair 15 BJ’s Wholesale Club Pepsi Bottling Ventures

The Echo I Issue 1, September 2015

The Echo

September 2015

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 14, Issue 1

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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 2015/2016 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 Staff: Margaret Dizon, Director of Programs & Outreach Kiana Spencer, Program & Outreach Assistant

Cumberland Community Foundation