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Happy Valentine’s Day from Autism Learning Partners! Holidays in school often lead to changes in daily routines and schedules. Your child might have a Valentine’s Day party at school this month or maybe just a designated time to exchange valentines. While this is an exciting time, this schedule change could be stressful or confusing to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Here are a few tips to help make this Valentine’s Day the best one yet!
Prepare
Providing your child with advanced notice of an event could be helpful. If your child enjoys consistent routines in school, having a Valentine’s Day party could be a stressful change. Provide your child with brief reminders throughout the week leading up to the party. This will hopefully make the schedule change less of a surprise.
Practice
Exchanging valentines could be something your child isn’t familiar with! If the concept of giving a valentine to each classmate is new, practice at home! 4
Typically, each child has a bag or box with their name on it for valentines to go in. Your family could practice at home by creating bags with names on them and having your child match the name on the bag to the correct valentine.
Go at your own pace
Making valentines should be a fun experience! If your child is not able to write his or her name independently, maybe allow them to pick a special sticker to go on each valentine. You could also break up the valentines into small groups. Instead of signing all 20 valentines at once, have your child sign 5 each day for a few days. Autism Learning Partners wishes you a Happy Valentine’s day. If you need any support with services or have any questions about Applied Behavior Analysis, we are here to guide you through the process. Call our team to find out how we can help your child today at 866-557-2750 or visit us at https:// autismlearningpartners.com/contact/.
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Stop Putting Pressure on Yourself Parents put way too much pressure on themselves to provide all that a child may need in life. It is difficult to raise a family. There is so much emphasis on providing the right opportunities and affording the right things. This puts extra pressure on you to set up every conceivable situation that will benefit your child. Not only will it leave you feeling hassled and fragmented, but you lose sight of the important things like self care, boundaries, limits, and spirituality. When people are too busy it takes away from their time to BE which then keeps them from feeling centered, balanced and focused on the important things in life. Does it sound like I am speaking to you? You are doing too much if: • you can’t afford the activities your child is involved in • you are exhausted • you are cutting into your workday or down time to transport your child more than 25% of the time. • your child sets up an agenda without asking you—that translates into they don’t ask if they can go but instead assume that you will drop your plans to accommodate them • you ignore that nagging feeling to say no When you do too much for your child, you not only burn yourself out but you also set up a condition that can affect your child. I have coined this "Entitlement Syndrome." Entitlement Syndrome is when kids expect their parents to provide a lifestyle that totally centers around them. It leaves them unable to develop empathy When children receive too much money, time or attention, three natural processes occur: • Children become self-centered and begin to expect the world to revolve around them. • They develop a skewed sense of reality that is not
reflective of the real world. • Children are most likely doing too much and do not have enough down time for the “kid essentials” like studying, cleaning their room, or interacting with family, especially their parents. Carol Juergensen Sheets Children with Entitlement Syndrome either develop narcissistic tendencies—“everything revolves around me”—or they become discouraged because secretly they feel inferior unless everything is provided to them. They, like so many adults, crave a lifestyle that is not realistic.
If, as a parent, you see yourself falling into the trap of doing too much or being too permissive, there are several techniques that can rein the child back into a slower, gentler lifestyle: • Stop doing so much! Yes, they will be mad and yes, they will try to make you feel guilty. You have the right to say no and use it as a complete sentence. • Start re-prioritizing their needs and saying things like, “I can’t afford to take all your friends out for your 6th birthday” or “I have discontinued the cellular phones because it didn’t fit into our budget” or “Mom’s too tired to pick you up.” • It’s okay to emphasize that you have had a wake-up call and that things are going to be different. Staying at home, being with the family, watching a video or eating a regular meal together builds character. Don’t be afraid to refocus your efforts. Know that you will be in for a battle because you set up this decadent lifestyle when you didn’t know better. Sometimes doing less is more. It builds character. And even if the kids act ungrateful, you will know in your heart that you are setting them up for success. And isn’t that really your job as a parent?
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. Please say “I found it in the IndyKids’Directory!” Thanks!
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Spring Break Advice for Parents of Children with ASD… or Maybe for All Parents Before I give you any advice, I suppose you should know a little bit about who it is that’s giving these recommendations. I’m not a parent of a child with autism so I recognize the advice I give may not resonate with you. I am a parent, though. Four boys ranging in age from eleven to eighteen, so we’ve seen our fair share of spring breaks. My experiences with these annual occurrences fit four descriptions:
1) 2) 3) 4)
SURVIVE Feel Guilty Relax Enjoy
With both parents working outside the home, our first thought during spring break is “What the heck are we going to do with everyone while we’re at work???” This is followed closely by the guilt involved when I recognize how much extra time my kids are just going to spend on electronics. No hand making crafts to foster my children’s academic skills, no structured play dates to promote social skills, and certainly no exotic trips to far off lands! Still, there are some hidden benefits I tend to forget with spring break. I typically get to sleep in just a little bit more because I don’t have to drop them off at school. And, there are moments during the week (or two?!) that I do find myself enjoying. Of course, my enjoyment is often in inverse proportion to the expectations I set. Here’s what I mean. One year, we did decide to go on a trip and because our kids were so young, I figured it would be horrible - someone would get sick, constant bickering, endless potty breaks! But actually, most of that didn’t happen. I set my expectations incredibly low and then was pleasantly surprised when things went better than I thought!...Is that a bad thing?!?!
are already tons of spring break advice columns out there to help. Just google “spring break autism advice.” You’ll probably notice the number one piece of advice is to keep your kid’s schedule as consistent as possible, which is good advice…but probably only going to happen if you’re already a consistent person! Second, there are also a few articles on family friendly activities for children with autism in Indianapolis, if you are so inclined. Just google “spring break autism family friendly Indianapolis.” I find the information provided at https://indywithkids.com/category/ special-needs-resources-and-fun/ and www.belikebuddy.com/indiana to be especially helpful. Third, for those of you so bold, there is also a wealth of advice on traveling (google “spring break autism travel”) although I’ve always been partial to the AutismSpeaks resources at www. autismspeaks.org/traveling-autism. Most importantly, don’t forget that one of the words in spring break is “break,” and that perhaps the person who needs the break the most is you. Advice has a way of becoming an expectation and that’s a problem. The truth is, there’s no one way to handle spring break. Follow the advice you think will help your family during spring break, but don’t get down on yourself if you fall short of the advice, and don’t get down on yourself if the advice doesn’t work as you expected. As a behavior analyst, I know you’re doing the best you can, and honestly, that’s enough.
At any rate, with that in mind, here’s my advice for parents of children with autism for the upcoming spring break. First, there Please say “I found it in the IndyKids’Directory!” Thanks!
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February February 7th – 9th World of Wheels at the
Indiana State Fairgrounds. The 61st Annual O’Reilly World of Wheels is America’s Premier Custom Show Car Series, with special appearances from Tony Stewart, Cody Walker, and John Schneider.
Friday February 7th FAVOR DANCES 5:00 – 7:00 pm Enjoy an evening of fun, excitement and dancing
every FIRST FRIDAY of the month, 5pm-7pm at 5$ locations alternating monthly to cater to all areas of Indy. Please call or text for locations. Catered for all intellectually challenged youth and Adults (All Guardians, Caretakers and staff admission free)Contact Favor N U @ 317978-0565 or 317-400-7734 orFavornu@yahoo.com
Friday February 7th 6-8 pm Family Sweethearts Dance at the Jordan YMCA.
Make your sweetheart feel special this Valentine's Day by taking him or her on a date to the YMCA. The event is open to the community and is sure to be an evening to remember with refreshments, dancing, games and more!
February 8- 9 Monster Jam at Lucas Oil Stadium tickets available at Ticket
Master.com. This is the largest Monster Truck Tour with the biggest names in the business. Come route for your favorites as we begin the 2020 season. 12
Saturday February 8th
at 2 PM Shen Yun 2020 at Old National Centre 502 N New Jersey St. Indianapolis, IN. Discover the breathtaking artistry of classical Chinese dance. All new for 2020. “Beautiful… a nimble mastery of traditional talents” – Chicago Tribune. Live Orchestra. Stunning Visuals. Breathtaking Dance.
February 8th – 9th Great Train Show 1202 E 38th St. Indianapolis IN. The
Great Train Show is the nation's only coast-to-coast model train show. The show is designed for the general public, modelers, hobbyists, families, and the just plain curious
February 11th ABATE Kids Day at the Statehouse. A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR ALL KIDS WHOSE PARENTS ARE ACTIVE ABATE MEMBERS Kids will learn how government works during this fun and educational experience. Meet at 9:00 AM at the State Capitol.
Friday February 14th at 6 PM Cinch: World’s Toughest Rodeo at Bankers
Life Fieldhouse. The CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo returns to Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15, 2020 (pre-show begins at 6 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m.).
Monday February 17th Presidents Day at the Children’s Museum of
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2020 Indianapolis. FREE Museum Admission. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote with fun activities and historic facts.
February 19- March 1 Seussical at Clowes Memorial
Hall Music by Stephen Flaherty, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) Directed by Emily Ristine Holloway
Sessions, both progressive and stand alone, are geared for beginning and intermediate learners.
Tuesday February 25th Little Gardeners at
Broad Ripple Park. Bring your preschoolers to Broad Ripple Park for a nature themed class every week. This hour long class has a start time of 10:00 am or 2:00 pm and costs $11 per child. Registration is required.
February 19 – 20 Midwest Children’s Apparel Show- Indianapolis 2020
February 29th Museum by Moonlight at The Children’s
Monday February 24th Genealogy Learning Series
If you would like your event included in our monthly calendars, submit it by going to
at Embassy Suites North, Indianapolis. Midwest Children's Apparel Show - Indianapolis 2020 will be held at Embassy Suites North from February 19th to 20th, 2020. It is the largest children's apparel show in the Midwest. The Midwest Children’s Apparel Group, or MCAG, is the largest organization of independent sales representatives in the Midwest who specialize in selling baby and kid’s apparel, gifts, accessories and shoes.
at Indianapolis Public Library Beech Grove Branch Join members of the Samuel Bryan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for an introduction to multiple genealogy research topics and resources that can enhance family history searches.
Museum of Indianapolis. This year is going to be BIGGER and BETTER. We’re pulling out all the stops for Museum by Moonlight 2020! On Feb. 29, from 8 p.m. until the Water Clock strikes midnight, American Funds from Capital Group and the world’s largest children’s museum are throwing a party for kids at heart. Exclusively for adults 21 and over, guests can explore five floors of new and classic exhibits, enjoy drinks (first one's on us!), and refuel with free food samples from restaurants.
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Monday Thru Sunday Multiple Days Steak N Shake all Indianapolis locations Kids 12 and under Eat Free Saturday and Sunday for dine-in customers with every $9 purchase. Perkins 250 Noble Creek Dr. Noblesville Tuesday 4 to close 776-2800 Barley Island Brewing Co. 630 Conner St. Noblesville 770-5280 Wednesday/Thursday evenings The Original Pancake House 3 Free Pancakes for children 7 and under with adult entrée purchase Monday through Sunday at Noblesville, Fishers, and Indianaopolis locations Tucanos Brazilian Grill Noblesville Kids 6 and younger eat free everyday. 770-6988 Chef Mikes Charcoal Grill 102 Woodland Dr Indy Kids 5 and Younger eat for 99 cents All Indianapolis area MCL Cafeteria Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday all day 2 kids meals free with adult entre Fresh to Order Saturday and Monday all day Hamilton Town Ct Noblesville and Castleton Indianapolis Free Kids Meal with Adult entre. Monday Mexico City Grill Emerson Ave Indy . Free kids meal with adult meal. 884-4901 Roscoe’s Taco’s Greenwood Kids meal free with Minimum $6 adult meal. Culvers Kids Night Fishers 96th St Every Monday, 5:30-8:30 pm and Indy 71st and Georgetown – Every Monday, 5:30 – 8:30 pm Tuesday All area Fazoli’s 99cent Kids meals Tuesday evenings 5-8 call for details. CR Heroes 10570 E. 96th St. Fishers 576-1070 5-p Face Painting & Balloon Animals Culvers Kids Night Indy 96th Street – Every Tuesday, 5:30 – 8:30 pm and Greenfield – Every Tuesday, 5:30 – 8:30 pm Face Painting Balloons and Clowns
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Tuesday Con't. Chick Fil A Carmel 14647 US 31 North Family Night each Tuesday from 5-8pm 815-9465 Hellas Café 8501 Westfield Blvd 317 257-6211 Entertainment by Sunny From Clowns etc. Joe’s Shelby St. Diner Indy 783-9590 Wednesday Michaelangelo’s 550 Westfield Rd. Noblesville Kids Eat Free 773-6066 Johnny Rockets Greenwood Mall and Castleton Mall 881-6240 and 578-8015 5-9 Barley Island Brewing Co. Noblesville In Free Kids Meal with Adult meal Wednesday and Thursday Johnny Rockets Castleton Mall Kids meal free with each adult meal 5 to 9 Books and Brews 9402 Upton Dr Suite 1400 Free Kids meal w/ Adult Purchase Thursday Johnny Carino’s Greenwood 885-5735 Barley Island Brewing Co. Noblesville Free Kids Meal with Adult meal Wednesday & Thursday Detour American Grill Fishers In Kids Eat Free with adult Meal Tuesday & Thursday. Johnny Carinos Greenwood Kids meal free with adult meal. Culvers Kids Night Noblesville – Every Thursday, 5:30 - 8:30 pm Face Painting Balloons and Clowns Friday Illinois Street Food Emporium Indy Free kids meal with each adult meal 4 to close Skyline Chili Indy Locations Kids meal 99 cents 5 to close. Saturday Indianapolis Indianas Victory Field Kids Eat Free with at least an $8 purchase Sunday Michaelangelo’s 550 Westfield Rd. Noblesville Kids Eat Free 773-6066 Granite City Food and Brewery 150 W. 96th St Carmel 218-7185 5-9 Magician 5-8 Grindstone Charley’s Rockville Rd and Crawfordsville Rd’s Indy 243-8760 and 481-1870 Rock Star Pizza 922 E. Main St. Brownsburg 858-1188 all day dine in Only Indianapolis Indians Kids Eat Free Sundays: Children 14 & under receive a voucher good for a hot dog, bag of chips & bottle of water with price of admission. Books and Brews 9402 Upton Dr Suite 1400 Free Kids meal w/ Adult Purchase Grand Junction Brewing Westfield Free kids Meal with Adult Meal (Please call ahead to verify details).
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& Access Behavioral Solutions Clinic www.accessbehavioralsolutions.com Info@accessbehavioralsolutions.com 317.802.7447
Access Behavioral Solutions is making ABA services available by bringing the therapy to you- in your home, in your community, or in the clinic.
Applied Behavior Center for Autism Pgs 10, 11 & 20
7901 E. 88th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256 The Applied Behavior Center for Autism is Indiana's longest running ABA provider. With over 20 years of service, ABC is building brighter futures every day. Each of our center offers unique attributes that allows us to provide high quality treatment to children and teens with autism spectrum disorder. With locations in Greenwood, Carmel, Castleton, Terre Haute, Richmond, and West Indianapolis we offer ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, diagnostic testing, special needs swim lessons, and so much more! We are now enrolling for part-time and full-time schedules. Find us on social @ABCforAutism to learn more.
www.AppliedBehaviorCenter.org info@ AppliedBehaviorCenter.org 317-849-5437
Proud Sponsors of Resources for Special Needs Natural Valley Ranch www.NaturalValleyRanch.com www.NaturalValleyTherapeuticRiding.org Marie@NaturalValleyRanch.com 317-509-3577 Birthday Parties, Trail Rides, Lessons, Petting Zoo Hayride/Bonfire, Therapeutic Riding
Phoenix Karate www.phoenixrisingkarate.com 317-228-1872
Martial arts are great for children! A psychological study found that children in martial arts have an increased sense of responsibility, a decrease in the willingness to take foolish risks, and a higher sense of self-esteem.
St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf Pg 2 www.sjid.org 317.471.8560 Leaders in Listening and Spoken Language.
Supervision Infrared Sauna SupervisionWeightLoss.com 317-849-8446 For treatment of autism.
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