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Alyson’s Story
by Stephanie. (Alyson's mom) Alyson is an amazing 5 year old, who has been through many challenges since birth. She was diagnosed at one month old with Prader Willi Syndrome, a complex genetic disorder. From that point on our lives changed. It was no longer what was good for the family as a whole but what was good for Alyson. At 3 years old and a plethora of therapist, surgeries, and specialist later Alyson was diagnosed with autism. All myself and my husband could do was wonder what more can this sweet little girl handle. We felt hopeless. Then her developmental pediatrician recommended ABA therapy. We were willing to try and do anything for Alyson. At the time of her diagnosis with autism our family was living in Virginia. ABA services were minimal in that area, but we were able to find a small, but wonderful, ABA practice with the availability of part time services only. At that point my husband and I started to discuss what Alyson needed medically and how we could afford those opportunities. After much discussion, we made the decision to relocate myself and our two children, Alyson and her older sister Lilly, to Indiana. My family lived here locally and we knew the medical services were amazing. As we began to look for a house we also started our search for an ABA therapy provider. We found a place soon after our search began and became excited for what it meant for our family. After Alyson’s assessment, we received a care plan and everything was in order. The week we moved to Indiana, I contacted the center to let them know we were settled and Alyson was ready to start. Then, after a month of being told Alyson would start soon, they dropped a bomb shell on us: they didn’t have room for her at their facility. I was heartbroken and crushed. We just uprooted our family, left my husband behind in Virginia to finish his military
commitment, and now Alyson isn’t going to be receiving any services. In frenzy, I began a new search. I came across the Applied Behavior Center for Autism and crossed my fingers as I called them, expecting them to tell us they didn’t have any availability since that is all we had known. I told them my story and within a week I was in the Carmel center filling out paperwork, receiving a tour, and getting everything I needed in order. By the end of the following week they had Alyson in for her assessment and one week later she started at the Carmel center. They knew the importance of her starting services as quickly as possible. I felt at home there from the start. Alyson was welcomed with open arms and she truly enjoyed going every day. (After the first week at ABC, when I didn’t get Alyson ready to go to the center that Saturday morning, she brought me her backpack and cried because she loved going so much.) Alyson has now been at ABC for 10 months. She has made a lot of progress. She can now write the letter A and is working towards writing her name. She increased her ability to sign for everyday items, and recently she has started to use an electronic communication app as her main method of communication. For the first time in 5 years we are able to have a steady form of communication. Her life has changed for the better and we know this is just the beginning for her. She has a tremendous amount of potential and ABC has made it possible for her to have the capability to reach it. ABC has become our second family. They were the best happenstance and I am glad we found care through them! To inquire about our services, call us today at 317-849-KIDS.
Inquire today at 317-849-KIDS ext. 112 or visit us online at AppliedBehaviorCenter.org Please say “I found it in the IndyKids’Directory!” Thanks!
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Proud Sponsors of Resources for Special Needs Children Applied Behavior Center for Autism See pgs. 2, 3, 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. 6 Contact Sarah Cox: Scox@TheBACA.com 317.436.8961 High quality, intensive ABA Programs overseen by PH.D. behavior analysts. Brain Balance See pg. 10 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, sensory-motor and nutritional training into a highly effective, drug-free program that targets your child’s specific challenges.
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Natural Valley Ranch See pg. 6See 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. 21 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.
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Zoe, Zoe, Zoe. I thought that we would NEVER get answers as to why she couldn't gain weight, why she would not interact with children her age, and why she had so much trouble with change, etc... We graduated from Pulmonology, GI, Neurology, and First Steps. We were so happy that our appointments at Riley every 2 weeks were over. We continued to see Developmental Pediatrics, but never left feeling satisfied with the appointments. They never had any answers and just wanted to count her calories and keep food journals. We found our answer! Brain Balance! For years Zoe has struggled, but Brain Balance has helped her overcome. She eats 2-3 pancakes (gluten free/dairy free) instead of her 2-3 bites (NOT gluten or dairy free) she used to take! She can sit still at school now...she used to be a flight risk! Zoe can play Barbies and dollhouse in her room with her "sister" for hours. This would have NEVER happened before! I am astounded by her increased speech, both clarity and conversationally. Her voice becomes hoarse now. Can I tell you about the DECREASE in tantrums? We are seeing changes in every aspect of her life. There is a light at the end of the tunnel now. She is always so excited to see Rhonda, Michael, Jennifer, and Emily! We love Brain Balance! Thank you from the bottom of my toes! Janna, Zoe's mom
Zoe’s Story
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Working with the Teacher My career has been spent working with children with disabilities. From my years as a speech therapist to the middle school and high school classrooms and as an administrator, I have found that there are a few rules that make children more successful in school. It has been said that “it takes a village to raise a child”. It is also true that educating a child to reach his/her full potential is the job of many working together toward that goal. In special education this group of individuals is called a multi-disciplinary team. Each member of the team brings special knowledge about the student and his/her unique needs. It is important to remember that the student is the focus. Personal opinions and feelings should be set aside and all ideas should be heard and considered. Keep in mind the long range goals set for the student. As the team works together to develop the educational plan, the long range goals should be used as a framework for the development of educational planning. What skills will move the student forward? Will these skills result in maximum independence? How can each member of the multi-disciplinary team contribute toward the development of the essential skills? How can these developing skills be supported across a variety of settings? Communication is critical. Communication among the team members is required to make sure all are reinforcing the same skills, using the same techniques and speaking the same language. Through the use of email, it is possible to communicate frequently regarding a student and their progress. Problems can be avoided with communication. Consistency among the team members working with a student enhances a child’s ability to learn and apply new skills. Knowing that the expectations are the same regardless of the setting the child is in will enhance the
progress the child is able to achieve. High expectations are important. Don’t underestimate the skills the child can accomplish. Not expecting a lot from a student will allow them to achieve minimal independence not the total independence that is desired. Don’t do something for a student that they can be taught to do for themselves. We need to remember that the ultimate goal is for the child to become as independent as possible which makes high expectations necessary. Encourage social skills. All children need the ability to interact with others. It is important that children have friends who are close in age. This allows the student the opportunity to find the behaviors that best fit in with their peers. Many schools have a buddy program that provides opportunities for students to spend time with their same age school mates. This is beneficial to both buddies because we all need to know and understand one another. One of the most critical team members is the parent. While the educational professionals can develop and support the students educational needs, the parent must be on board with the plans. Encouraging the child to be responsible for chores at home and having the same expectations can allow a student to grow and achieve more quickly. Parents who are partners with the student’s educational team will find their child accomplishing more that they might have thought possible. Each child achieves more when everyone is on the same page.
Mika Adams
Autism Consultation, LLC
www.autismconsultation.net
866-968-3698
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Call for Attendance to Our Autism Support Group for Parents, Caregivers and Families At Autism Parent Care: www.autismparentcare.com call 317-503-129 or email autismparentcare@yahoo.com for details
Even though the incidence of autism is rising, resources on this topic mainly centers on treatment for the child. Seldom is the important subject of the psychological journey of the parents brought to the forefront. The exclusive focus on helping the child to get better neglects the other side of the equation: the psychological well-being of the parents and caretaker, even though the well-being of the child is dependent on the attitude and actions of caretakers. The outside world has little understanding of the magnitude of the inner struggle of parents: physically, emotionally, financially, professionally and socially. Not only must parents care for the child (sometimes multiple children) with special needs but they must also maintain the 14
role of breadwinner. It is time to adjust the focus, and turn the spotlight on the people who suffer by this condition. The real heroes and heroines are the parties who have to bear it day in and day out without respite. Autism is not a condition with recovery as an endpoint; those with autism have to adjust to a world they neither understand nor have a great desire to be a part of. The future direction is to look ahead with acceptance. Autism challenges society to think outside the box; it is consciousness expanding. With the rise in incidence, there will be many who need a place, where they could thrive while being who they are. Is our society ready for this challenge? Let us get together to encourage each other. Attendance to our parent support group is free of charge and centered on giving strength to parents. Call us for reservation. Phone: 317-503-1296 or email autismparentcare@yahoo.com
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K
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 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
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 Culvers Kids NightFishers 96th St Every Monday, 5:30-8:30 pm and Indy 71st and Georgetown – Every Monday, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Face Painting Balloons and Clowns Tuesday
MacKenzie 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 Hero's event Tuesday June 2nd from 5:30-7:30 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
(All Information subject to change without notice. Call ahead for details) 16
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ily Fam ht g i N & ree at F . E s d i K Con’t
Wednesday
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 Johnny Rockets Greenwood Mall and Castleton Mall 881-6240 and 578-8015 5 to 9
Thursday
Johnny Carino’s Greenwood 885-5735 Culvers Kids Night Noblesville – Every Thursday, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Face Painting Balloons and Clowns 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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Bounce U for Kids Parties & More Bounce U of Fishers recently was purchased by Cassi Weber, local mom with over 15 years of experience in the kid’s attraction industry, and is happy to have been serving the Fishers and surrounding community for the past year. BounceU brings endless fun and excitement to the local community. BounceU offers two large climate controlled bounce stadiums with 6 giant inflatables, inflatable games and two private party rooms. BounceU is a 100% private indoor party venue for children and their families. The staff ensure a stress-free party experience for parents, taking control of the party from the beginning allowing parents to sit back, relax and enjoy! Parents can even bounce for free! Our awesome Party Pros lead the children from room to room, serve food and manage the flow of the party from start to finish. Birthday parties are completely
customizable at BounceU, where parents can crank up the fun and experience the WOW by adding Cosmic Bounce to their child’s party. Cosmic Bounce adds interactive special effects lighting for an enhanced party experience. Other addons include a photography service where BounceU captures all of the memorable moments from the party. Parents can then share the photos on Facebook or download them to keep. Book the Spectacular Package and we will take care of all the details from pizza, drinks, cake, goodie bags, balloons and paper products! BounceU of Fishers has endless offerings. Join us for a weekday open bounce session, schedule a field trip, bring your team for team celebration or utilize our unique fundraising package to raise funds for your organization. For more information, visit www.bounceu.com/ fishers-in to reserve your next event!
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See pg 23 See pg 23
See pg 23
See pg 19 See pg 5
See pg 6
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June Calendar Saturday, May 30, 9:00am Walk for Autism Speaks at The White River State Park. Join those affected by autism, their families, friends and supporters at Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Celebration Plaza in White River State Park. Funds raised will go towards autism awareness, research and advocacy. www.walknowforautismspeaks.org Saturday, June 6 – Sunday, June 7 Midwest Toy Fest at Wyndham Indianapolis West. Our mission is to support and expand the geek community while providing a big convention experience without the big convention price tag. Midwest Toy Fest offers comic book, toy, collectibles, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture enthusiasts of all ages a place to share their hobbies and passions with other fans and a friendly place to geek out over all the things they love. www.midwesttoyfest.com Saturday, June 6, 10:00am – 6:00pm Kids Ultimate Fitness Challenge at American Legion Mall. The Kids Ultimate Fitness Challenge— held on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—is a childhood obesity awareness festival that is dedicated to helping keep kids healthy and active. The event features loads of activities for the whole family to enjoy including music, food, games, and on-site programming designed to inspire kids and families to live a more active and healthy lifestyle. www.allstaractive.com Saturday, June 6, 10:00am Pete’s Dragon at The Athenaeum at The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). Parents and kids are 24
invited to experience Cereal Cinema, a unique family friendly experience created by the Indy Film Fest, The Athenaeum and the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). Cereal Cinema features the two things every family needs on a Saturday morning—a classic movie that the whole family can enjoy and a cereal bar! Sunday, June 7, 12:00 – 6:00pm Strawberry Festival at Mallow Run Winery. Our Annual celebration of all things Strawberry! Enjoy our yearly small-batch release of sweet Strawberry Wine, plus GINORMOUS strawberry shortcakes and fresh berries to take home. We’ll also have a menu of barbecue eats available and live music on the patio. It should be a berry good time! Tuesday, June 9 – Sunday, June 14 Dirty Dancing – The Musical at Clowes Memorial Hall. DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Friday, June 12, 6:00 – 8:00pm The Children’s Museum After Dark – Transformers: Robots in Disguise. Kick back with friends and associates, grab a beer, and explore Transformers:
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Robots in Disguise without the kids! Adults 21 and older can eat, drink, network, and experience this one-of-a-kind exhibit as well as What's Your STYLE and Dinosphere®, featuring Leonardo: The Mummified Dinosaur. Proceeds benefit The Children's Museum Annual Fund! Friday, June 12, 5:30pm Zoobilation: Bommerang Bash at the Indianapolis Zoo. The zoo's premier annual fundraising gala, a black-tie event featuring samples from 70 Indy restaurants, live music, entertainment, and more. 5:30 PM to midnight (zoo closed to public). www.indyzoo.com Saturday, June – Sunday, June 14 Talbot Street Craft Fair at Herron Morton Place. It’s a premier event in Gifts & Handicrafts industry. Friday, June 19, 6:00pm WZPL’s Birthday Bash at The Conradp. State of NAWBO. NAWBO is celebrating 40 years. Plan to attend so you can hear exciting news about your NAWBO-Indianapolis Chapter. www.nawboindy.org Friday, June 19, 6:00 – 8:00pm Geist Lake Experience (GLX) at Bella Vita. GLX, LLC will be hosting a fashion show/boat show in the pool area/docks at Bella Vita called Geist Lake Experience. The fashion show will feature several of the top Indianapolis fashion boutiques while the boat show features Indianapolis' finest boat dealerships. Attendees will be able to schedule demos on the boats at the event with the dealership of their choice. Proceeds will benefit
ABA Autism Service by Damar Services. Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28 Indy Pop Con at Indiana Convention Center. PopCon was founded to celebrate all aspects of pop culture, rather than just hyper focusing on a specific genre. We have a wide variety of interests – just like our fans – so we created a con to celebrate them all in one awesome weekend! https://Indypopcon.com Saturday, June 27 – Sunday, June 28 Kids Takeover Broad Ripple at Broad Ripple High School Field. All families in attendance will receive a “passport” with locations of all of our Broad Ripple family friendly businesses, a.k.a "Discovery Sites". Make your way around to all and enter to win a "Summer Fun Kit" for your family!! The goal of Kids Takeover is to engage families in Broad Ripple and increase awareness and support for familyfriendly businesses in Broad Ripple!
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Good Parenting Is Good Self Care Are you running in the fast lane when it comes to providing for your family? There is so much emphasis on providing the right opportunities and affording the right things. This puts extra pressure on you, the parent, to set up every conceivable situation that will benefit your child. Not only will it leave you feeling hassled and fragmented, 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. So if you are looking for guidance to determine if you are doing too much, answer the bullets points below and make the following adjustments. You are doing too much if: • You can’t afford the activities your child is involved in. • You are cutting into your workday or down time to transport your child more than 25% of the time. • If the only life you have is arranging your child’s activities. • If your child sets up an agenda without asking you—that translates into they don’t ask if they can go and they don’t ask if it will fit into your plans. • If 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. 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 cell 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. But you deserve to provide your own self-care! Sometimes doing less is more. It builds character. 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.
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