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Frequently Asked Questions About Autism 1. What is Autism? Autism is a developmental disability that is typically diagnosed in children before the age of three. A diagnosis of autism is primarily marked by: 1). Delays in communication, 2). Deficits in establishing appropriate social skills, and 3). Restrictiveness in behaviors related to activities and interests.
2. How can I tell if my child has Autism? A parent or caregiver may become worried about their child’s development when hints at deficits in communication, social skills, and restrictive behaviors are noticed. More specifically, the following areas are detailed indicators that may be signs of an Autism diagnosis: • Communication: ~ Fails to begin babbling ~Does not gesture to communicate ~ Delays in spoken words ~ Repeats the same word or phrases, oftentimes out of context • Social Skills: ~ Lack of smiling when approached by caregivers ~ Lack of imitating expressions ~ Does not respond to name ~ Poor eye contact ~ Does not reach up to caregivers to be picked up • Restrictive Behaviors: ~ Unusual body movements, such as stiffening arms and/or legs ~ Delays in motor movement, such as crawling and walking milestones ~ Demonstrates insistence on sameness in routines
3. What should I do if I suspect my child may have an Autism diagnosis? Don’t wait. Share your concern with your child’s Pediatrician. Many Pediatricians have checklists that can be used to “interview” you and get a better sense of whether or not your child is at-risk for an Autism diagnosis or another Developmental Delay. If your child does, in fact, have an Autism diagnosis it is often best to take action quickly by seeking out
research-based treatment options. The current method of treating Autism that is the most evidence-based, and therefore, most effective is called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy. Early intervention is critical, as outcomes for the most progress tend to occur when a child has started receiving quality services at a young age. Many decades ago it was believed that children with autism could not learn. Especially in the past 20-30 years, ABA Therapy has demonstrated that children with autism can learn. Even more so, parents and caregivers of children with autism should expect children to learn. The higher the expectation that can be set for a child, the more that child is given the opportunity to demonstrate his/her knowledge. Over the past several years, the philosophy of treating autism has changed because parents and professionals have began demanding that treatment strategies be research-based and guided by data collection (the careful observation of a child’s responding).
4. How is the future looking for children with Autism? The future is looking bright for children and families affected by Autism. An individual with Autism can be expected to make meaningful progress as long as research-based treatments, such as Applied Behavior Analysis, are provided consistently with a significant number of learning opportunities incorporated into each day. For more information regarding services for children with Autism, please visit www.vbca.org or call 317-848-4774. Dr. Breanne Hartley, BCBA-D (Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctorate) Clinical Director of the Verbal Behavior Center for Autism
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We started our son at Brain Balance this past September. Austin was 14 years old and has diagnosed of Asperger’s and ADHD. His behavior had gotten so out of control that we were lost. His anger and rage were putting even us as his parents at risk. We lived almost 3 hours one way from the nearest location. We hesitated with “we can’t excuses”. He was so behind in some areas that he was at a four year old level with certain brain functions. At that point we had tried everything and he needed help so why stop now. We drove six hours three days a week to Brain Balance. At first we didn’t see a lot of changes but the school started seeing big changes in his socializing and his grades were all A’s and B’s. During Thanksgiving for the first time he actually left his room, attended dinner and played games with all of us. That was a first EVER! Things just started to fall into place. He was still having some anger so I talked with the center and they suggested a neurotransmitter test. After completing the test we started natural supplements and we now have seen a completely different child. We have not seen the rage at all! I am not saying he is perfect but he is completely different and a much better young man. He just turned 15 years old and started driver’s education and doing great. The program has definitely been worth all the driving time and financial issues.
Austin's Story
Thank you Brain Balance for changing not only Austin’s life but our lives as well! ~Brent, Mistie & Austin
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March Calendar Friday, February 20 – Sunday, March 1 Indianapolis Boat, Sport, & Travel Show at Indiana State Fairgrounds. This event showcases product from Sporting Goods, Toys & Games, Travel & Tourism, Marine & Boat industries. February 20 – March 21 Beef and Boards presents Live Theater for Kids “Charlotte’s Web” Each musical is one hour long with no intermission and includes a juice and snack. Based on E.B. White’s popular children’s book of the same name, this musical brings to the stage the tale of an unlikely friendship. www.beefandboards.com Sunday, March 1 “Annie: The Musical” at The Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world's best-loved musicals. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts, despite a next-tonothing start in 1930s New York City. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00 – 8:00pm Women Like Us Foundation – Women’s Service Group Indianapolis at 2255 N. Pennsylvania St. Join to support women led causes in our community through fundraising, volunteering, empowering women and creating awareness of womenled charities that are changing the world. See more at: www.womenlikeusfoundation.org Thursday, March 5, 6:00 – 9:00pm Taste of Carmel at The Ritz Charles. Orchard Park Elementary 12th Annual Taste of Carmel includes 40 are establishments providing food and beverages. There is a silent auction, activities, a photo booth, and caricature drawings.
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Friday, March 6, 6:00pm 16th Annual Ice Miller Wine Fest at Crowne Plaza Union Station. A memorable evening of fine wine tasting, stimulating conversation and entertaining festivities at one of Indy's premier historic destinations. www.wfyi.org/winefest Beginning March 7th The Children’s Museum presents “Teansformers: Robots in Disguiser”. Take a magical journey through the museum where you can be Bumblebee, Martimus, Bucky, or many other characters! Learn about book making, and then fill the pages with your own story. Use the process of writing to create a story of your adventures and then illustrate your story. www.childrensmuseum.org Saturday, March 7 Punch and Judy at Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio. Our guest puppeteer, Guy Thompson will present his child friendly version of the classic hand puppet show, 'Punch and Judy'. He is sure to have your kids giggling and laughing throughout the show! www.peewinklespuppets.com Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 – 9:00pm Wine as an Investment at Corner Wine Bar. This event is part of our 2014-2015 tasting series, UNCORKED: Getting Back to Basics. Each event features engaging speakers, food pairings and at LEAST 8 delicious libations. Advanced registration is required for all events. www.localwineevents.com Thursday, March 12 – Saturday, March 14 Indy Kids Sale – Hamilton County Sale at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. Indy Kids Sale offers new and gently used children's clothing up to teen sizes, toys, furniture and gear. You can expect to find all of the
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of Events top name brand items that you would find at any children's store as well as boutique and specialty items. If you like to buy brand name clothing, gear and toys at a fraction of the retail cost then Indy Kids Sale is the for you! www.indykidssale.com Thursday, March 12, 6:00 – 8:00pm Ladies Pampering Night at The Beauty Lounge in Carmel. Join us for a relaxing evening as you unwind while enjoying a glass of wine as The Beauty Lounge pampers you. Sessions include hair styling, makeup touchups, polish changes. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. Services are complimentary, gratuity is appreciated. Friday, March 13 – Saturday, March 14 Time Out for Women at Indiana Convention Center. Join in for an inspirational weekend of messages and music. For over 10 years, Time Out for Women has been inviting faithful women to step away from the daily routine and make space for themselves and their spiritual lives. It is an inspirational weekend event full of music, cheering, presenters, friends, and laughter. Women are choosing to be uplifted, reenergized, educated, entertained, and inspired with thousands of women all over the world. Time Out for Women gives women a chance to gather together through its various programs and take a “time out” from the stresses and challenges of life. Learn more at www.TOFW.com Saturday, March 14 Jim Hensons Dinosaur Train Live! Buddys Big Adventure The Center for the Performing Arts. Come join Buddy, Tiny, King, Don and more in this fun-filled, interactive and immersive live trip back in time to an age when dinosaurs roamed the
earth … and rode trains! Kids will be up and dancing in the aisles. www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 22 Indiana Flower & Patio Show at Indiana State Fairgrounds. The 56th edition of the Indiana Flower & Patio Show will be having a field of flowers, gardening products & patios. There is truly something for everyone! Indoors and out, construction to design, economical to lavish… you’ll find something that fits you! Thursday, March 19 – Saturday, April 18 Rumpelstiltskin at Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio will bring this classic fairytale to life for your youngsters...all presented on a vintage style marionette stage with classic hand crafted marionettes. Unlike many of our other shows, the puppeteers will not be seen. www.peewinklespuppets.com Friday, March 20 – Saturday, March 21 The Marriage You Want at The Bunker @ Flexware Innovation. The Marriage You Want is a class for couples who want to make their marriage great. It is a research-based marriage education class that is designed to equip couples with skills needed to have a great marriage. Visit www.bettertogether.us for more information.
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Sam’s Autism Journey By: Carol B (Sam’s Mother)
I will never forget what it was like to receive Sam’s diagnosis. It was just a few weeks after his second birthday. We met with the specialist. He evaluated Sam and then he said the words. He said “I really believe your son has autism.” Right then my mind went blank. I had a tingling sensation all over me. I was hot and cold at the same time. I was numb and shocked and tremendously afraid. These feelings kept happening over and over again, not just in that moment. I remember wondering how I could be devastated when I’m with my beautiful son who exudes constant joy and makes me so happy–and yet both the joy and the devastation were very real in those moments. At that time, Sam did not imitate sounds. He didn’t say any words. He did not imitate gestures. He did not follow any directions. He really preferred to spend the entire day by himself and I was so frightened by that. As a mother, my heart would ache looking at the children at the playground thinking “I just want him to have fun. I want him to go down a slide or swing on the swings,” but in that moment I knew I had to face the truth. I knew so little about autism and I felt completely helpless so I began to research. I knew in my heart that he needed intensive therapy. I wanted him to be at a place with a proven research model which is what ABA therapy provides. The first reason I chose ABC was the feeling that I had walking through the door. It was just a few months after the diagnosis so I was still very raw but the atmosphere was so warm and caring. The way that the staff explained the ABA process made me believe. I believed in something that I did not know well but we beginning to learn.
I also loved the accountability structure that is in place at ABC. From the therapists and how they are trained to the program coordinators who help support them and are constantly evaluating Sam’s progress, I knew that my Sam would see progress here. About 7 weeks after starting therapy, my boy began imitating sounds. It was one of the most glorious moments of my life. Then, within two weeks he was imitating every single sound! I was overjoyed because that gave me hope. Today, there are so many directions that he follows in detail. It has been an incredible progression to see. What excites me the most is that Sam gets so excited about his own progress. At four years old, he started wanting to play on the playground and he loves it now! That was something that I thought I would never get to see. I will never forget the day when Sam’s therapist came out to the car at dismissal and she said “I need to show you something.” I followed her into the building and they sat me down across from Sammy. His therapist looked at him and said “mmm.” Sam said “mmm.” She said “k.” Sam said “k.” She said “milk.” …and he said it! My Sammy said a word. I was overjoyed! I looked over at the therapist who had been working so hard with Sam every day. She was looking at him and in that moment she had a tear of joy rolling down her cheek. There was so much pride in her eyes as she watched that progress and it was just another snapshot that confirmed for me that this is the right place. To inquire about services, contact us at Sheiletha@appliedbehaviorcenter.org or 317-849-KIDS.
To inquire about services, call us at 317-849-KIDS ext. 112 or email us at Sheiletha@appliedbehaviorcenter.org. Please say “I found it in the IndyKids’Directory!” Thanks!
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See pg 16
See pg 7
See pg 12
See pg 6
See pg 9
See pg 7
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& Applied Behavior Center for Autism See pgs. 14, 15, 28 www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org ABC for Autism is proud to be Indiana’s largest and longest running ABA therapy provider. With 7 locations statewide (Indy North, Early Childhood Center, Indy West, Greenwood, Richmond, Terre Haute and Carmel), ABC provides one-on-one individualized programming in the areas of ABA therapy, behavior consulting, speech therapy, occupational therapy and special needs swim lessons for ages 2 and older. BACA Behavior Analysis Center for Autism See pg. 4 Contact Sarah Cox: Scox@TheBACA.com 317.436.8961 High quality, intensive ABA Programs overseen by PH.D. behavior analysts. Brain Balance See pg. 8 www.brainbalanceindy.com 317.843.9200 9510 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis Brain Balance’s Program has changed the lives of kids suffering with ADHD, learning disorders and behavioral issues. We integrate cognitive, sensorymotor and nutritional training into a highly effective, drug-free program that targets your child’s specific challenges. Conduct Curb conductcurb.com 317.966.1987 Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Property Destruction, Tantrums, Refusals & Inappropriate Public Behavior.
Proud Sponsors of Resources for Special Needs Children Potential! Dramatic Results using Cutting-edge NASA Technology! Natural Valley Ranch See pg. 7 www.NaturalValleyRanch.com www.NaturalValleyTherapeuticRiding.org Marie@NaturalValleyRanch.com 317-509-3577 Birthday Parties, Trail Rides, Lessons, Petting Zoo Hayride/Bonfire, Therapeutic Riding Pilipis Behavioral Group LLC See pg. 9 b.weir@pilipisbg.com www.pilipisbg.com tel. (317) 572-1313, fax (317) 572-9999 152 S 9th St., Noblesville, IN 46060. Specializes in School Social Work and provides support and guidance to families and children. The Verbal Behavior Center for Autism See pgs. 2, 3 www.vbca.org 317.848.4774 9830 Bauer Drive Indpls., IN 46280 The Verbal Behavior Center for Autism provides year-round services offering one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to children with autism ages 1-13. All programs are overseen by Board Certified Behavioral Consultants. Call or come in for a tour today – walk-ins are always welcome! For more information about the VBCA and pictures of our center, visit our website at vbca.org.
I Can We Can See pg. 6 www.icanwecan.org kelly@icanwecan.org 224.515.9060 Aquatic Therapy Gymnastic-Based Therapy 1:1 & Small Group Sessions Available
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All Tantrums Are Not Bad!
By: Denise Hubble, MA, BCBA and Karen Lake, MA, ABA Therapist Tantrums are a necessary part of a child’s learning and interacting with his/her environment. As parents we need to learn how to cope and accept that they are going to happen. We as adults, tend to work too hard to try and avoid and/or deal with them in an emotionally detached way. This unintentionally makes tantrums more likely in the future. Take for example: You and your child are at a store and he is demanding a new car, you hesitate and then say “No, you have all the cars you need.” Your child proceeds to tell you numerous reasons why he just has to have it, not once but over and over with his volume of speech increasing while creating a reinforcing audience. You begin to wear down and your child senses his power while continuing the onslaught of reasons for needing the toy. You as an adult “give in” because you want the tantrum to stop, you’re embarrassed, tired, have guilt feelings or don’t have the time to deal with it, thus reinforcing tantrum-like behaviors without realizing what you have just done.
In ABA therapy we regularly analyze behaviors using the ABC formula. A = Antecedent: What happens before the behavior (seeing a toy) B = Behavior: Concise behavior noted (escalation from asking to tantrum) C = Consequence: What happens to the child (child gets the toy, consequence for parent the tantrum stops at that moment and why parents continue to treat similar, future behaviors in the same way) Professional therapy suggests if possible “think ahead” and prepare yourself and child for such situations before they happen. It is understood that you cannot avoid all unwanted behaviors so arm yourself with appropriate means of extinguishing such behaviors. In the above situation remain calm, use a low-keyed but firm voice and remove your child from the store. Give little attention to your child until he is calm and can listen, proceed to working together on a plan for how he can earn the toy in the future.
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Monday Thru Sunday Multiple Days
Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free 2301 Conner St.773-3288 Noblesville PaPa Roux 8950 E. 10th Indy 603-9861 Nightly after 4 Perkins 250 Noble Creek Dr. Noblesville Monday Thru Wednesday 4 to close 776-2800 Barley Island Brewing Co. 630 Conner St.Noblesville 770-5280 Tuesday and Wednesday Quizno’s 14300 Mundy Dr Noblesville 7 days a week 4 to close dine in only 773-7041
Monday
Chick Fil-A 3360 W. 86th St. The Pyramids, Indy 871-5330 Latitude 39 4016 E. 82nd Fee Game Bowling, Kid’s Meal and $5 game card with adult meal 813-6565 Mexico City Grill Fishers 11653 Fishers Station Rd 577-1900 Mexican City Grill Indy 8028 S. Emerson Ave 884-4901 Castlers Kitchen and Bar 11501 Geist Pavilion Dr.596-9810 Fishers 5-9 Texas Road House Fishers 12950 Publishers Dr. 585-5020 Family Night 1.99 Kid’s Meal
Tuesday
MacKinzie River Pizza Carmel and 82nd St Castleton 564-4211 and 288-0609 Scotty’s Brewhouse 3905 E. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN & 1 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204 CR Heroes 10570 E. 96th St. Fishers 576-1070 5-p Face Painting & Balloon Animals Cancun 6714 E 82nd St, Indianapolis 578-7054 Chick-fil-A Noblesville Buy one Get one Free Tuesday 5-9 773-4100 Chick Fil A Carmel 14647 US 31 North Family Night each Tuesday from 5-8pm 815-9465 Hellas Café 8501 Westfield Blvd 257-6211 Indy Champps Indy Northside 8711 N. River Crossing Blvd. 2 children eat free with 1 adult meal all day Tuesday Bob Evans’ Family Night from DJ 6-8pm One kid eats free with adult meal purchase. Greenwood In Perkin’s Castleton East 82nd St. Indy 842-9447 4-9 Joe’s Shelby St. Diner Indy 783-9590 Cheese Burger In Paradise South Indy 883-4386 Patriot Grill Restaurant 1265 N. Madison Greenwood 851-8252 Kid’s Eat Free and Magician Teddy’s Burger Joint 222W.Southport Rd Indy 893-2791 Thr3e Wise Men Brewery 1021 Broad Ripple Ave Indy 255-5151 Max and Erma’s Carmel and Greenwood 705-3988 and 882-4477 Panda Express 17055 Geist Pavilion Dr. Fishers 5-9 770-9684 Chick Fil A Avon Rt 36 March 3rd is our Mother/Son Mystery dinner event
from 5-8pm
(All Information subject to change without notice. Call ahead for details) 24
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ily Fam ht g Wednesday i N & ree Michaelangelo’s 550 Westfield Rd Noblesville Kids Eat Free 773-6066 Grindstone Charley’s Rockville Rd and Crawfordsville Rd’s Indy 243-8760 and 481-1870 EatF . s d i K Con’t Johnny Rockets Greenwood Mall and Castleton Mall 881-6240 and 578-8015 5 to 9 Thursday Johnny Carino’s Greenwood 885-5735
Friday Saturday
Steak N Shake all Indianapolis locations
Sunday
Scotty’s Brewhouse 3905 E. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN & 1 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Granite City Food and Brewery 150 W. 96th St Carmel 218-7185 5-9 Magician 5-8 Steak N Shake all Indianapolis locations Rock Star Pizza 922 E. Main St. Brownsburg 858-1188 all day dine in Only (Please call ahead to verify details)
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You Are Your Child’s Greatest Teacher A couple of months ago I wrote about techniques that child therapists can teach to enhance self soothing for children and how they can decrease the anxiety in children. I wanted to expand on this because I got so many emails thanking me for talking about children and anxiety. You as a parent can help your children to learn how to slow their world down and view life with a positive spin. As a psychotherapist of 34 years I am learning that the number one thing I can do is to learn the neuroscience. Neuroscience allows us to find ways to change brain chemistry and when we change brain chemistry we change how we perceive situations, people, and places. This means we can choose how others affect us. When you internalize difficulties differently, your brain develops different circuitry which is healthy and more resilient. In schools where children learn mindfulness, there are dramatic improvements in behavior and self-esteem. If a child takes two minutes for a brain break three times a day he will improve his optimism in the classroom by 80% and on the playground, aggression will go down about 30%. These changes occur when a child learns to slow his brain down for 3 minutes — three times a day! A curriculum that includes this type of programming might include a gratitude circle where kids can go to the circle and tell each other what they're thankful for. We all know that when gratitude is used happiness and empowerment increases You probably didn't know that you can help your child create better coping skills right now through simple exercises with mindfulness. As a parent you can have a gratitude exercise during dinner asking each person in the family to identify one thing that they are grateful for. This results in children realizing that they are not victims to their
own lives but can focus on what is working for them. Another great way to teach them these principles is to role model them yourselves. Do you have a gratitude journal or Carol Juergensen Sheets make it a practice to share with your children what you're grateful for in the middle of a crisis or difficult situation? You also can teach your child that his thoughts contribute to his success. Many people believe that we become what we think. As you experience a negative thought there are many neuroscientists that believe that negative thoughts create certain circuitry in the brain which perpetuates a negative worldview because those thoughts loom over and over again. When you have a negative situation it's helpful to create three positive thoughts about it. This is also a fun exercise to do in the car with your kids. When you hear somebody saying something negative… You say “okay let's think of three positives that can occur because of that negative situation.” If you hear your child telling his sibling, “I hate my teacher” you can ask him “even though you're not liking your teacher right now … share with us three things that you like about your teacher.” Don’t let the eye rolls and negativity get to you because you are teaching skills that will allow for better coping skills that not only feel better but thicken the cortex in the brain allowing your child to make better decisions and feel more connected to others. What a wonderful gift that is to be able to teach your child how to get along better in life and how to feel more empowered in this world to deal with difficult situa
Carol Juergensen Sheets LCSW PCC is a psychotherapist and personal life coach. She does motivational speaking and empowerment trainings locally and nationally. To find out more about her services--contact her at www. carolthecoach.com or call her at 317-218-3479. 26
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