Navy Region EURAFSWA EFMP Newsletter
Spring 2012
Exceptional Living Abroad Quarterly Exceptional Family Member Program Newsletter from Fleet & Family Support Centers of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia
Autism in April 2
Avoiding Burnout 3
Youth Programs 5
When it comes to special needs, OCONUS families face extra challenges in finding resources and community.
Caring for yourself helps you better care for others. Tips for managing your stress and finding local resources.
Child and Youth programs are open to ALL children. How to work with CYP to ensure your child is well supported.
´Tis the (PCS) season...
Moving is always stressful, and coping with your family’s special needs makes the process more challenging. These resources can help you NOW.
Moving is an integral part of military life. Sometimes when it seems that we’re finally settling in to our new home and community, it’s time to break out the boxes again, say goodbye to friends, and start anew. While frequent moves are just one of the aspects of military life that have helped us learn how to be resilient, moving can still be a frantic and emotion-‐filled time, and especially so for a military family with special needs. We as a military community understand this, and there are numerous resources that can help our special needs families. However, the first and most important step to getting help is enrolling in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). If you are a family with a special needs family member, the EFMP is the best way to
We know the system. We can help.
connect to resources tailored for your particular family need. The program can connect you with your new housing office and a relocation specialist who can help with such things as how to ship medical equipment without it counting against your household goods weight allowance and how to find accessible housing that accommodates your loved one’s needs, to name only a few. The next important step is to go to MilitaryINSTALLATIONS online. This trusted, DoD-‐sponsored website represents an enormous collection of information about your new duty station and can provide contact information for the people and offices there that can help you navigate around your new installation and your new community.
an extensive to-‐do list. Plan My Move is that list! It creates a calendar that takes you through the day-‐to-‐day process of moving, which includes those unique moving tasks of a family with special needs. Plan My Move is fully customizable, so you can move or change tasks that need to be done and even create your own. Plan My Move can create travel checklists, (cont. on page 4)
We all know that a successful move requires
1 .
Navy Region EURAFSWA EFMP Newsletter
Spring 2012
What Does Autism Look Like?
Learn the Signs. Act Early. By Jennifer Binkley, Autism Lead Teacher, DoDDS Europe April 1 marked the start of Autism Awareness Month, which is held to draw attention to what is known as the fastest growing epidemic affecting our children today. The Centers for Disease Control reports the national rate of autism currently exceeds 1 in 100, with incidence of autism in the military as many as 12,000 children. Autism can cause social, behavioral and communication challenges for the individual and can also cause stress and anxiety for families and caregivers. It is critical that parents and providers understand what “red flags” of autism are and how to obtain help. The following behaviors may indicate a child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder, and needs immediate evaluation. • • • • • • • • •
2
Lack of warm, joyful expressions Lack of sharing interest of enjoyment Lack of response to own name Loss of language Repetitive movement with objects such as spinning or lining up toys Repetitive body movements such as flapping or rocking Lack of speech or repetitive speech (echoing) Inability to play with other children or lack of interest in playing with others Resistance to being touched
If you have concerns about your child’s development, there are several resources in the region. Children under age three can be evaluated by your local Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) specialists. Children over age three can be evaluated by your local DoDDS elementary school. Families residing in areas without local EDIS or DoDDS support can call DSN 314.626.6951 or +39 081 568 6951 to arrange for assistance. Early identification is crucial for helping families move from unfocused worry to mobilized efforts. Parents can learn about the disorder, find help for their child, and move into some action plan. This mobilization is often a source of relief from some of the anxiety parents experience. Even more important, early diagnosis also enables parents and providers to choose the right strategies for each unique child. Children with autism learn most rapidly when they receive unique teaching and curriculum approaches, built for their distinctive learning profile. Many research studies have shown considerable IQ and speech gains and much better functioning in elementary school for children receiving intensive and specialized intervention by age 3. More resources are available online at: • Autism Society of America: www.autismsocietyofamerica.com • Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov • Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.com
We know the system. We can help.
Navy Region EURAFSWA EFMP Newsletter
Spring 2012
Taking Time for Yourself To Better Care for Others Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but without support the responsibilities can become overwhelming. Juggling a job, family and social obligations on their own are challenging, and taking care of a family member’s special needs compounds the stress. You may be too busy in your daily routine or are too caught up caring for others that you ignore the impact on your health. Some caregivers don't pay attention to these signs until an emotional crisis or health breakdown occurs. But by recognizing these signs early, you can make changes that will help alleviate your stress and help you to stay physically and emotionally healthy. SpouseFit, a program pioneered by U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, is just the help you need. An excellent resource for those who care for others, SpouseFit offers integrated support and wellness services in a unique program that is part classroom and part work-‐out. The 10-‐week program educates participants on the unique challenges of living abroad, stress and coping, nutrition and the psychology of weight management, how to track your nutrition and tools for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while balancing family and caregiving needs. SpouseFit is a base-‐wide collaboration to address the broad range of needs you have when caring for others. Counselors from Fleet & Family Support Center, a USNH Naples nutritionist, Command Fitness Leaders, Nursing staff and MWR personal trainers all work together to help spouses and caregivers learn healthy ways to live and cope with life’s stress. Contact Health Promotions to sign up.
Interactive learning sessions on stress, weight loss, preventing injury with lifting techniques and other Q&A are followed by fitness introductions to free weights, yoga and pilates, circuit training, kickboxing, cycling, Zumba/dance party and hi/low conditioning. Not in Naples and want SpouseFit in your area? Talk to your MTF Health Promotions Coordinator to see about launching locally. Meanwhile, there are several things you can do on your own to help avoid or alleviate caregiver stress. • Talk with your family on a regular basis about how to share responsibilities such as cleaning the house, grocery shopping, preparing meals or running errands. • Formal respite care is not available at most OCONUS Navy installations, but spouse groups, faith-‐based organizations or Child & Youth Programs (CYP) often have free or low-‐cost opportunities for respite, such as Parent’s Night Out or babysitting co-‐ops. • Talk about your feelings with a professional, such as your doctor, a FFSC counselor or clergy member. They can be an impartial sounding board and give you unbiased feedback to release stress and reduce anxiety. • Develop a support system of family, friends or outside sources. Join spouse or community organizations to branch out and meet others. Attend support group meetings and find online discussion groups where you can connect with others in similar situations. Caring for others can take a toll, but by taking care of yourself first you’ll be better for everyone else in your life.
“Incorporating positive thoughts and actions into daily life builds resiliency against burnout.”
We know the system. We can help.
3 3
Navy Region EURAFSWA EFMP Newsletter
Community. Connection. News you can use.
http://on.fb.me/EURAFSWAEFMP
Your Local EFMP Points of Contact
Fleet & Family Support Center EFMP Liaisons offer information, resources and assistance to families. MTF EFMP Coordinators help with enrollment and status updates. You can also find your Command EFMP POC through your installation or command CMC. To contact your area FFSC EFMP Liaison, email EFMPLiaison@gmail.com or call the FFSC numbers listed below. To reach your MTF EFMP Coordinator call or email your MTF Fleet Liaison office below. Naples (Italy)
FFSC EFMP Liaison: DSN 629-‐6559 USNH Naples EFMP Coordinator: fleetliaison@med.navy.mil, DSN 629-‐6325
Rota (Spain)
FFSC EFMP Liaison: DSN 727-‐3232 USNH Rota EFMP Coordinator: fleet2@med.navy.mil, DSN 727-‐3554
Sigonella (Italy)
FFSC EFMP Liaison: DSN 624-‐4291 USNH Sigonella EFMP Coordinator flt-‐2@med.navy.mil, DSN 624-‐4842
Bahrain (Bahrain)
FFSC EFMP Liaison: DSN 318 439-‐4046 BHC Bahrain EFMP Coordinator: DSN: 318.439.4260 flt-‐2@med.navy.mil
Souda Bay (Greece)
FFSC EFMP Liaison: DSN 266-‐1690 BHC Souda Bay (Sigonella) flt-‐2@med.navy.mil
Germany/Benelux/United Kingdom
FFSC EFMP Liaison: DSN 314 626 6951 EFMPLiaison@gmail.com RMC Landstuhl EFMP Coordinator: DSN 314 486-‐8127 navyliaison@amedd.army.mil
Camp Lemonnier (Djibouti)
FFSC EFMP Liaison: DSN 311 824-‐4539 or 314 626-‐6951
4
Spring 2012
(continued from Page 1)
PCS Moves and Special Needs arrival checklists, and lists of documents to hand-‐carry and important phone numbers. Finally, Plan My Move is (accessible on-‐line or you can print your personal calendar and each of these checklists to have a hard copy with you as you travel. Perhaps the best resource for moving families with a special needs member is the advice and fellowship of other special needs families. There is an online discussion group for military families to share their advice, experiences and words of encouragement to other families with special needs preparing for a move. If you’ve got tips, please join the discussion. If you’ve got questions as we all do when moving, please ask. Military families know how to families take care of each other.
Other Important Resources
For school needs of your special needs family member, the DoD Education Activity (DODEA) Special Education web page also covers relocating, course descriptions and the eligibility criteria for special education services within the DoD school system. You’ll find contacts for the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services which provide early intervention and related services to all eligible DoD dependents at overseas locations. MilitaryHOMEFRONT’s Special Needs/EFMP section includes the DoD Special Needs Parent Toolkit. The toolkit navigates you through the maze of medical and special education services, community support, benefits and entitlements.
Download it or order a free hard copy by calling Military OneSource at 800-‐342-‐9647. Military HOMEFRONT’s Special Needs/EFMP section offers the recently revised Special Care Organizational Record – SCOR – for Children with Special Health Care Needs. SCOR tracks and organizes a child’s information to make it easier for another person to take over the role as caregiver during a parent’s absence. With the SCOR, simply hand a provider your child’s historical medical, school and other information instead repeating it over and over again! The new SCOR for Adults is specifically designed as an organizing tool for families with an adult member with special needs—their needs are unique and very different from a child’s. Military OneSource provides families with 60-‐minute consultations up to 12 times a year with a Special Needs Specialty Consultant. Consultants will speak with you about your needs and provide information and make referrals on a wide range of issues, such as housing, special education, TRICARE and more. Call (800) 342-‐ 9647. The bottom line is that the Department of Defense and your Military Service understand the challenges of moving with a family member with special needs, and help is available. Take advantage of the many programs and services offered to you. The goal is to make your move to a new duty station as seamless as possible and to quickly and efficiently connect you and your family to formal services and support that you will need.
We know the system. We can help.
Navy Region EURAFSWA EFMP Newsletter
Spring 2012
Child and Youth Programs: Inclusion, Not Exclusion communication, advance planning help your child participate... and THRIVE Good By Chris Kasparek Director, Child & Youth Programs, Naples Child and Youth Programs offers a crucial and incredibly diverse set of services for our families in OCONUS locations. The Child and Youth Programs Division includes Child Development Centers, School-‐Age Care Program, Child Development Homes, Youth Sports, School Liaison Officer Program, Teen Center and Teen Programs, and a variety of workshops, classes and special events. CYP’s number one mission is full-‐time and part-‐time day care for active duty families – ALL active duty families, including those with special needs children. Unfortunately, many families mistakenly believe that CYP services aren’t open to their special needs child and thus miss out on the support CYP can provide. It can’t be repeated often enough or loud enough that children with special needs are welcome in ALL CYP programs. Many families hesitate to answer questions about food, behavioral or environmental concerns, fearing their child won’t be allowed in the program. Nothing could be further from the truth. Again, children with special needs are welcome in ALL CYP programs.
These questions are only being asked so that we can provide the services your child your child needs. This may include additional training for staff, the purchasing of new equipment, additional meetings with parents. Whatever the need, staff will work with you to find the best option for your child, so that they are in a safe, nurturing environment that serves their needs.
Families enrolled in EFMP are familiar with Tricare’s benefit for respite care. Even though formal respite care programs aren’t available OCONUS, Child & Youth Programs offers many opportunities for parents to get a much needed break. Parents’ Night Out, Youth Lock-‐Ins and teen dances are all a chance for parents to take time to rest, recharge your batteries and reconnect with each other. Special needs children are welcome at all these activities, because we adapt our program and environment through a relationship with the parents. We want to work with you to meet the accommodations of individual children’s needs and abilities. Three things are needed for CYP to effectively serve your children: 1) Open and honest communication across the board, 2) ample time for advance preparation and planning, and 3) understanding and flexibility on the part of families and all staff in the Child and Youth Programs Division. Staff in CYP are motivated by the mission of serving our military children... ALL our military children. We are here to listen and accommodate your children into our programs; please let us be a partner in your child’s development.
Published by Fleet and Family Support Programs of Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia. To submit story ideas, questions or concerns email EFMPLiaison@gmail.com. For program information or assistance with family support needs, contact your installation FFSC EFMP Liaison. For assistance with enrollment, disenrollment or status updates, contact your installation MTF EFMP Coordinator. Visit EFMP on facebook at http://on.fb.me/EURAFSWAEFMP for news, tools and helpful information.
We know the system. We can help.
5 .