The Echo….
Keeping you informed!
May 2014 Volume 12, Issue 9
ASCC Parent Education Presentation Monday – May 12, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Taking Care of Yourself: The Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers of Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders Presented by : Valerie McCants, M.S.W. (see pg. 2) Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the challenges of raising a child with autism? Do you find your stress level often reaches an all-time high with hectic schedule you keep? If so, please join us for this informative presentation where you will learn simple self-care strategies that you can easily squeeze into your busy life. IN THIS ISSUE
Autism is Hard - That’s Why We Do This Together By: Amy Perry, ASNC Autism Resource Specialist Whenever I see the movie "Mary Poppins" I smile at one of the early scenes in the film where the next door neighbor fires his cannon on a daily basis, and everyone in the house automatically anticipates this temporary disruption by manning their "posts" to catch falling breakables and straighten the pictures on the walls. While a blast that shakes the whole house would be a disaster in most residences, it is nothing short of routine maintenance and survival in the Banks household. This scenario reminds me of what it's like to live with Autism. In the wake of Autism Awareness month, I find myself wondering if the general public is actually aware of how hard it can be to have a child with Autism. Sometimes Autism is hard in ways that nobody talks about; like walking through the produce section of the grocery store with my 17 year old daughter, praying she doesn't take a bite out of a random piece of fruit - or sniff the wrong stranger. At home we keep the refrigerator locked because my daughter will drink a bottle of BBQ sauce if we forget to lock it. We keep extra rolls of toilet paper hidden because if we don't, we risk them all ending up in the toilet at once. It's fine to have dishes, cooking utensils or even junk mail on the kitchen counter, but for reasons I will never understand it is an unforgivable offense to leave out salt shakers or seasonings (that's my daughter's rule, not mine.) Our house has adapted to these "quirks" of Autism and I seldom think about them until I'm at an autism-less house. Autism presents challenges on several levels. There are the day to day survival tricks where we adapt and modify our behaviors or our environment and within our own family. There's the bigger picture of dealing with Autism within our extended network of family and friends. Have you ever had a well meaning friend or relative ask "How's _____ doing?" and your mental response is "you wouldn't believe me if I told you what I had to clean up last night" or "my life is somewhere between "Apocalypse Now" and "Madagascar" Then there's the big question, "What's going to happen in the long run? Does Autism grow up?" A question so scary I didn't allow myself to even ask it for years. There is a lot to worry about, think about and plan for. How can anyone survive this, and not only survive, but have a child with autism who is thriving? Recently, I read a research study on the benefits of parental support groups in families who have children with Autism. I wasn't surprised to see research reveal something I already knew. Parents of children with Autism who participate in support groups report a higher quality of life for themselves, their families, and their children with Autism. This is especially true for families who have recently had a child diagnosed with Autism. The CDC reports that the incidence of Autism is now 1:68. That's a lot of families, a lot of moms and dads struggling to adapt their lives for the special child that is no doubt their greatest joy as well as their greatest challenge. Cont. pg. 2
ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events in the enclosed program and calendar pages. See Page 2
Fundraisers– Join us! See Pages 4,5
Our Donors and Volunteers who support the ASCC– Thank you! See Page 6
ASCC Summer Calendar See Page 7
The Echo I Issue 9, May 2014
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ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children Parent Education Presentation Please join us on Monday, May 12, 2014 6:30 pm at the Partnership for Children Resource Center 351 Wagoner Drive, Multipurpose Room 343 for a presentation titled
Taking Care of Yourself: The Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers of Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders Presented by: Valerie McCants, M.S.W. Free respite care will be available on site through Community Based Developmental Services. Please contact Cynthia Billops at 488-5820 or 4884584 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. 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. After the Diagnosis: Get Answers, Get Help, Get Going workshop 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. (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, ASNC Autism Resource Specialist provides an opportunity for parents and providers to learn all about IEPs. It will be offered quarterly.
From the Desk of the Director… Dear Friends and Families, This is the last issue of The Echo newsletter for this fiscal year. All support groups will continue to meet as listed in the calendar on pages 3 & 7. Please visit our website at www.autismcc.org, or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/asccnc to stay informed of the latest information about our organization and upcoming events/ meetings. Please expect the next Echo newsletter in your mailbox during the first week of September 2014. We wish you all a safe and wonderful summer! Sincerely, Sylvia Adamczyk
ASCC Board of Directors The nomination and election of the Board of Directors will be held at the meeting of the general membership on May 12, 2014.
Autism is Hard– That’s Why We Do This Together- Cont. from pg. 1 One of the best things about the Autism Society is that at any event you go to - support groups, parent education, camps, conferences, workshops, it's full of people who "get it.” There are other people who have to lock their refrigerator or follow strange rules in hopes of avoiding a meltdown or a domestic malfunction. The Autism Society is here for you - because we are you - we get it - we do it every day. We sit in IEP meetings and feel lost, we struggle to accept or decline invitations at well meaning friends or relatives homes, we ignore strangers who stare, we pretend shrieking in the checkout line is normal. We learn from each other's experiences. There's the very special grin when we hear another person telling their story and it sounds so much like our own. Support for families really does make life better - for you as well as for your child. The Autism Society of Cumberland County offers a plethora of support groups, workshops and parent education meetings every month. I have no doubt that you want the best life possible for your child with Autism. The first step, the next step, just might be for you. Please visit one of our groups, workshops or trainings, find something that meets your needs where you're at. As an Autism Resource Specialist for the Autism Society of North Carolina, I teach a variety of monthly workshops for The Autism Society of Cumberland County designed to help parents who are new to the diagnosis, who are looking for more resources and a place to get their questions answered, or the ever popular topic of special education and IEP's. Autism is hard, that's why we do this together. I look forward to seeing you at an ASCC event soon.
The Echo I Issue 9, May 2014
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May 2014 Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1
Fri
Sat
2
3
9
10
10:00-12:00 pm Preschool Support Group PFCRC RM 343
4
5
6
7
After the Diagnosis : Get Answers Get Help, Get Going, Workshop
ABC Support Group
9:30-12:00 pm
9:30-11:00 am
PFCRC RM 414
12
13
9:30– 12:00
5:45-6:30pm HFA Support Group, PFCRC, RM 414
Cape Beard Follicles of Freedom- Pig Pickin’– 2-10 pm (Children’s Activities 2-6 pm)
10:00-12:00 pm Preschool Support Group PFCRC RM 343
PFCRC RM 414
11
8
14
IEP Workshop
11:30 am Autism Lunch Club (ALC) 6:30-8pm Parent Education Support Group—Red Presentation, PFCRC RM Lobster 343
15
16
17
10:00-12:00 pm Preschool Support Group
10:30 am-Rhythm and Rhyme
PFCRC RM 414
Sensory Story time Hope Mills Library
5/13– iPad Lending Project – 9:30-12:00 pm, Rm 414
18
19
20
21
22
9:30-11:00 am
10:00-12:00 pm Preschool Support Group
ABC Support Group
23
24
30
31
PFCRC RM 414
PFCRC RM 414
25
26
27
Memorial Day
ASCC Board of Directors Meeting
10:00-12:00 pm Preschool Support Group
PFCRC RM 414
PFCRC RM 343
ASCC Office Closed
11:00-1:00 pm
28
29
ASCC Golf Tournament at King’s Grant Tee time! 8:00 am
NEW DATE AND TIME!!!
iPad Lending Project Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month -1-4 pm
The Echo I Issue 9, May 2014
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Special Events– 3rd Annual Autism Awareness Pig Pickin’
Family Fun!
Raffle Prizes!
Live Music!
Bring your friends and family and join us!
The Echo I Issue 9, May 2014
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8th Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament
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THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS! We are grateful for the following donors who have supported the ASCC with monetary contributions during the months of January-March 2014:
Mr. & Mrs. David Quinn
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Branch
Kohl’s
Katherine Fasul
Knights of Columbus Council 9847
Mr. & Mrs. William Summers
(Sons of Mother Seton)
Cynthia Billops– Community Based Developmental Services
Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Knights of Columbus Council 2838
Mr. & Mrs. Tildon Downing
(Cardinal Gibbons)
Wilburt Gunter Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Scott Anna & Hank Finch
GAP Inc.
Best Buy
Cathy Howell
Eric A. Williams– Coastal Family Services, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Don Lucero Michael Taylor
Jersey Mike’s– Yadkin Road Store
In-Kind Donations– Car Quest and O’Reilly Auto Parts
Your donations help support the ASCC monthly programs, workshops, and support groups offered to our families.
iPads for Autism Workshop
Circle of Parents– Preschool Support Group
Circle of Parents– Core Training
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS! We value our volunteers. Your efforts and your willingness to make a difference in the services we provide make the ASCC shine. Thanks to the following volunteers for the months of January-March 2014.
Brandy Mello
Chris Leacock
Ann Palmer
Anna Finch
Cynthia Billops
Trish Schnabel
Dr. Suzanna Fletcher
Dr. Kelly Charles
Linda Annas
John Allen
Andrea Bennerman
Roszella Major-Williams
Gwen Scott
Samantha Brockney
Nancy Childress
Ronda Holden
Adam Jackson
Julie Aul
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ASCC Summer Calendar of Events June 2014 Sun 1
Mon 2
Tue 3
Wed
Sat 7
12 Preschool Support
Group, 10-12 pm, Rm 343
13
14
18 ABC Support Group
19 Preschool Support
20
21
9:30-11:00 am, Rm 414
Group, 10-12 pm, Rm 343
25
26 Preschool Support
27
28
6/3- Autism Resource Roundtable – 9:30-12:00 pm, Rm 414 10 iPad Lending Pro11
9
Fri 6
4 ABC Support Group 9:30-11:00 am, Rm 414
8
Thu
5 Preschool Support
ject, 1-4 pm, Rm 414
Group, 10-12 pm , Rm 343
Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group 11:30 am– Logans
15
16
22
17
23 Camp
24
Group, 10-12 pm , Rm
Sunshine begins!
29
30
July 2014 Sun
Mon
Tue 1
Wed 2 ABC Support Group 9:30-11:00 am, Rm 414
6
8 Autism Lunch Club
9
10 Preschool Support
(ALC) Support Group 11:30am– Sammio’s HM
14
20
Group, 10-12 pm , Rm 343
7/1– After the Diagnosis: Get Answers, Get Help, Get Going – 9:30-12:00 pm, Rm 414
7
13
Thu
3 Preschool Support
15
21
22
4
Fri Fourth of July
Office Closed
Sat 5
11
12
18
19
25 Camp Sunshine ends
26
1
2
Group, 10-12 pm, Rm 343
16 ABC Support Group
17 Preschool Support
9:30-11:00 am, Rm 414
Group, 10-12 pm, Rm 343
23
24 Preschool Support Group, 10-12 pm, Rm 343
27
28
29
30
31 Preschool Support Group, 10-12 pm , Rm 343
August 2014 Sun 3 10
Mon 4 11
Tue 5
Wed
Thu
6 ABC Support Group
7 Preschool Support
9:30-11:00 am, Rm 414
Group, 10-12 pm Rm 343
8/5- Autism Resource Roundtable – 9:30-12:00 pm, Rm 414 12 iPad Lending 13
14 Preschool Support
Fri
Sat
8
9
15
16
22
23
29
30
Group, 10-12 pm, Rm 343
Project, 1-4 pm, Rm 414 Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group 11:30 am– Smokey Bones
17 24
18 25
19 26 11:00-1:00 pm ASCC Board of Directors Meeting, RM 414
31
20 ABC Support Group
21 Preschool Support
9:30-11:00 am, Rm 414
Group, 10-12 pm, Rm 343
27
28 Preschool Support Group, 10-12 pm, Rm 343
The Echo
May 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
Volume 12, Issue 9
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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