The Echo….
Keeping you informed!
March 2014 Volume 12, Issue 7
ASCC Parent Education Program Monday – March 10, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Effective Transition Planning: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 Presented by : Julie Aul, CCS Director of Exceptional Children’s Services and the CCS ASD Specialist Team (see pg. 2)
IN THIS ISSUE
Autism affects different parts of the Brain in Women and Men University of Cambridge (2013, August 9). Science Daily.
Scientists at the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge used magnetic resonance imaging to examine whether autism affects the brain of males and females in a similar or different way. They found that the anatomy of the brain of someone with autism substantially depends on whether an individual is male or female, with brain areas that were atypical in adult females with autism being similar to areas that differ between typically developing males and females. This was not seen in men with autism. “One of our new findings is that females with autism show neuroanatomical 'masculinization'," said Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, senior author of the paper. "This may implicate physiological mechanisms that drive sexual dimorphism, such as prenatal sex hormones and sex-linked genetic mechanisms." Autism affects 1% of the general population and is more prevalent in males. Most studies have therefore focused on male-dominant samples. As a result, our understanding of the neurobiology of autism is malebiased. "This is one of the largest brain imaging studies of sex/gender differences yet conducted in autism. Females with autism have long been under-recognized and probably misunderstood," said Dr Meng-Chuan Lai, who led the research project. "The findings suggest that we should not blindly assume that everything found in males with autism applies to females. This is an important example of the diversity within the 'spectrum'." Dr Michael Lombardo, who co-led the study, added that although autism manifests itself in many different ways, grouping by gender may help provide a better understanding of this condition. He said: "Autism as a whole is complex and vastly diverse, or heterogeneous, and this new study indicates that there are ways to subgroup the autism spectrum, such as whether an individual is male or female. Reducing heterogeneity via subgrouping will allow research to make significant progress towards understanding the mechanisms that cause autism." Permission to Reprint by Creative Commons License
ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events in the enclosed program and calendar pages. See Page 2,5
ASCC Customer Survey See Page 4
2013-14 Teacher Mini-Grant Recipients See Page 4
8th Autism Awareness Vera Bradley Bingo Event See Page 6-7
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ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children Parent Education Program Please join us on Monday, March 10, 2014 6:30 pm at the Partnership for Children Resource Center 351 Wagoner Drive, Multipurpose Room 343 for a presentation titled Effective Transition Planning: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 Presented by: Julie Aul, CCS Exceptional Children’s Director and the ASD Specialist Team 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 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!
Workshops Please call the ASCC office at (910) 8263004/3005 to register for all workshops. The Newly Diagnosed 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 Autism Resource Specialist, and is held every 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. 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.
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.
iPads for Autism Workshop
Parent Scholarships The ASCC is pleased to announce that we will offer a limited number of Parent Scholarships to attend workshops and trainings offered by the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) between March and June 2014. Parents who are interested in attending one of these workshops, please contact the office at 910-8263004/05 for more information.
ASCC Workshops/Educational Events Guardianship: What is it? Who needs it? March 20– 10:00 am—11:30 am ASNC Main Office- Raleigh, NC Cost- $15 per couple/$10 for a parent
The IEP Process: Building Success for Your Child at School April 15– 10:30 am-1:30 pm ASNC Main Office– Raleigh, NC Cost- $30 per couple/$20 for a parent
Beyond the IEP Basics May 8– 10:00 am-12:00 am ASNC Main Office– Raleigh, NC Cost- $30 per couple/$20 for a parent
HFA/Asperger’s Support Group Are you looking for a support group where you can build new relationships with families who have children with high-functioning autism? Do you want to be a part of a parent support group where you can share YOUR ideas with others about what it means to have a family member with autism? Join us every 2nd Monday at 5:45 pm in the CCPFC Room 414 to share your experiences with others like you. See you then!
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March 2014 Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
1:00-4:00 pm
9:30-11:00 am
iPad Lending Project
ABC Support Group
PFC RM 414
9
10
1:00-4:00 pm
iPad Lending Project, PFCRC RM 414 5:45-6:30pm HFA Support Group, PFCRC, RM 414 6:30-8pm Parent Education Program, PFCRC RM 343
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23
17
11
12
11:30 am Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group
9:30-11:00 am Preschool Support Group PFCRC RM 343
13 9:30-11:00 am Preschool Support Group PFCRC RM 343
7 iPad Lending Project PFCRC RM 414
14
15
9:00-12:00 pm
10:30 am-Rhythm and Rhyme
iPad Lending Project PFCRC RM 343
Cheddars
18
21
1:00-4:00 pm
9:30-11:00 am
iPad Lending Project
ABC Support Group
9:30-11:00 am Preschool Support Group
9:00-12:00 pm iPad Lending Project
PFCRC RM 414
PFCRC RM 414
PFCRC RM 414
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26
27
28
1:00-4:00 pm
11:00-1:00 pm
10:00-11:00 am
9:00-12:00 pm
iPad Lending Project
ASCC Board of Directors Meeting
Little Miracles Workshop
9:30-11:00 am Preschool Support Group
PFCRC RM 414
PFCRC RM 414
iPad Lending Project PFCRC RM 414
PFCRC RM 414
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PFCRC RM 414
24
1:00-4:00 pm
Sensory Story time Hope Mills Library
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31
8
9:00-12:00 pm
19
PFCRC RM 414
30
PFCRC RM 414
6
iPad Lending Project PFCRC RM 414
SAVE THE DATE!!! 8TH AUTISM AWARENESS VERA BRADLEY BINGO FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014– 6:00 PM– ST.PATRICK’S CHURCH
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ASCC Customer Survey We need your help. The ASCC is conducting our Customer Survey. Your feedback provided on this survey will allow us to assess the quality of the services that the ASCC provides families and professionals. It is not required that you have received services or contacted the ASCC for a referral to complete the survey. The survey is anonymous. Please complete the online survey using the link below by March 31, 2014. If you have any questions contact the office at 910-8263004/05. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support! ASCC Customer Survey Link: http://kwiksurveys.com/s.asp?sid=vcfmwyyex5ni2hk286741
Congratulations to our 2013-14 Teacher Mini-Grant Recipients “ A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite imagination, and instill a love of learning.” (Ward) We would like to thank all of the AU self-contained teachers in Cumberland County Schools who applied for the 2013-14 ASCC Teacher Mini-Grant. We are very proud of the dedication of these teachers who work with children with autism. Their commitment to improving the quality of education of special needs children is to be applauded! Congratulations!
Helen Frey– Pine Forest Middle School Jaqueline Smith– 71st High School April McGuire– Pine Forest Middle School Sharon Jernigan– Hope Mills Middle School
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) 8263004.
Serving our Military Families The Army Community Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) will offer a Sibling Education Group to help children ages 9-12 better understand a brother or sister with a developmental disability. The group will allow siblings to meet peers who may share similar experiences. The group will involve fun, interactive activities and will meet weekly. Sessions will begin in the spring. If you are interested in more information please contact Laura Savage at 910-907-5623. Space will be limited.
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WHICH WORKSHOP IS BEST FOR YOU??? Newly Diagnosed Learn about autism and discuss questions or concerns ·
Basic information about autism
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Treatment options
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Strategies for home
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Ways to advocate EVERY FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (ODD CALENDAR MONTHS)
IEP Workshop Discuss strategies and tools that help create effective IEPs ·
Who needs an IEP?
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What is IDEA and what are my legal rights?
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How can I prepare for my IEP meeting?
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Who should come to my IEP meeting?
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What if my child needs more help? QUARTERLY
Autism Resource Roundtable Open Forum for Parents with Children Diagnosed with ASD ·
Does my child have the right IEP goals?
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What should I do if I am having problems at my child’s school?
·
How can I get more help and support for my child?
EVERY FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (EVEN CALENDAR MONTHS)
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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?
Help spread autism awareness
Help share the story and mission of the ASCC
Help support organizational costs for the ASCC
Help provide program services for families
Connect with like-minded people with a common cause
Become life-long partners with the ASCC
How can you help RAISE FUNDS for the ASCC?
Become a SPONSOR or HELP FIND SPONSORS for an annual event (Autism Awareness Vera Bradley Bingo and Autism Awareness Golf Tournament)
Make a donation to the ASCC
Spread awareness with your personal and professional networks who support our mission
Tell others about your personal story about how the ASCC has helped you
ASCC Annual Fundraising Events 8th Autism Awareness Awareness Vera Bradley Bingo Event April 25, 2014 @ 6:00 pm 8th Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament June 14, 2014 @ 8:00 am
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The Echo
March 2014
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”
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 Dr. Suzanna Fletcher Ronda Holden Staff: Sylvia Adamczyk, Director of Programs & Outreach Alvita Blue, Program & Outreach Assistant
Cumberland Community Foundation