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Making the Most of the Summer week. A low-intensity program is most beneficial for children with autism who are functioning similarly to their typically developing peers.
As summer is fast approaching, many parents of children with autism are faced with the difficult decision of determining how to make the summer months optimally beneficial for their child. All children, not only children on the autism spectrum, are at risk for losing some of their recently acquired skills during the long, unstructured time of the summer. Unfortunately, for children on the autism spectrum, this “loss of skills” is extremely detrimental because it could result in becoming further and further behind their typically developing peers. Therefore, it can be quite necessary to find meaningful learning opportunities during the summer to ensure skill maintenance and acquisition. There are often many summer programs available to children with autism. These summer programs tend to range in their length and intensity. For children who are significantly behind their typically developing peers, it is often necessary to enroll in a program that is “intensive”, with intensity being defined as the number of learning opportunities that are provided in a given day. A high intensity program consists of a length of time per day similar to a regular school day. A low intensity program typically consists of a couple of hours of instruction, a few days per
At the Verbal Behavior Center for Autism, we facilitate a highintensity summer program that focuses on establishing social skills and building academic fluency. Learning opportunities between typically developing peers and children with autism are facilitated. Typically developing peers act as peer models by modeling appropriate classroom readiness behavior such as looking at the teacher when he/she is speaking, raising one’s hand to speak out in class, taking turns, and following group instructions. Exposure to the appropriate behavior of peer models can help facilitate appropriate behavior for children with autism in a group setting. Fluency of skills acquired during the standard school-year can also be targeted as a goal during the summer months. For example, a child may have learned some basic math facts during the schoolyear. Therefore, an appropriate summer program goal would be to establish quick responding (fluency) with math flashcards so that a child is ready to build upon their math repertoire when returning to school in the Fall for the new school-year. Structured summer programs are often beneficial for children with autism to ensure meaningful learning opportunities. For more information about the Verbal Behavior Center for Autism’s summer program, please call 317-848-4774 or visit our website: www.vbca.org.
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Reinforcing Your Child’s Behavior The following information is designed to work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), but is certainly applicable to all children regardless of their level of development. Children with ASD often have trouble communicating their wants and needs. Their social skills are often poorly developed and they may have sensitivities to sensory stimuli. They often have strong likes and dislikes that may make the use of typical rewards unrewarding. It is important to prepare your child for new and different activities. Children with autism often are resistant to new activities so providing your child the opportunity to learn about the activity, the chance to rehearse the appropriate behavior for the activity, and permission to make reasonable changes in the activity, will help make the new experience a positive one. For example, you have an appointment with the dentist for your child. This will be his/her first visit. How do you prepare for the appointment? Talk with your child about the dentist’s office. What will he/she see, hear, taste, or smell? What is the dentist going to do? By preparing your child, he/she has the opportunity to be prepared.. You will want to talk about the upcoming event repeatedly, prior to the appointment. Make sure you are very specific about the behavior you expect to see from your child. Take the time to do some role playing. You can be the dentist and pretend to clean your child’s teeth. Review the anticipated events and your behavior expectations immediately prior to the scheduled appointment. Once you have explained and practiced the upcoming appointment, determine what the reward will be for appropriate behavior. If you child complies with your behavior requests, what would be a logical reward
that would reinforce the behavior? Don’t assume you need to buy something for a reward. Very often there are special items or activities your child is particularly fond of. Maybe allowing him/her to choose the TV program for the family, letting him/her decide what to have for dinner, allowing your child extra time to play with a favored toy, or simply taking time to read a favorite book can provide the rewards you are seeking. When providing a reward for your child it is important that it be immediate. Asking a child (any child) to wait for their reinforcement creates a situation where the activities that occur during the waiting time may be rewarded and not the behavior you wanted to reinforce. You will want to provide a variety of options that your child can choose for their reward. If you choose to use a bigger reward (e.g., movie this weekend, play date with a friend, new toy) you must provide tangible proof that progress toward the reward is made. Perhaps you have promised your child a new toy. Take a picture of the toy and cut the picture into puzzle pieces. As your child complies with your behavior requests, a piece of the puzzle is rewarded. Glue the puzzle pieces on a sheet of paper so he/ she can see the progress made toward the reward. Keep the number of pieces low (36) so the task doesn’t seem so daunting. As soon as the puzzle is put together, the toy or activity is made available. Be creative and ask your child. He/she knows what they want to receive as their reward. Make sure you listen to their requests.
Mika Adams
Autism Consultation, LLC
www.autismconsultation.net
866-968-3698
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Monday
Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu - 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060 CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free Chick Fil-A 3360 W. 86th St. The Pyramids Indy
Tuesday
Scotty’s Brewhouse 3905 E. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN & 1 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204 CR Heroes 10570 E. 96th St. Fishers, IN 46037 - Cancun - 6714 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu - 2301 Conner St. Noblesville, IN 46060 Massey’s Pizza Kids’ eat free w/ adult from pizza buffet - 172 Melody Ave., Greenwood, IN CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free Chick-fil-A Southport Rd. Indy Kids eat free Tuesday Evenings Chick-fil-A 6020 E. 82nd Castleton Mall Kids’ Eat Free Tuesday’s 4 to 8 Chick-fil-A Noblesville Buy one Get one Free Tuesday 5-9 Chick Fil A Carmel 14647 US 31 North Family Night each Tuesday from 5 till 8 Hellas Café 8501 Westfield Blvd Indy Champps Indy Northside 8711 N. River Crossing Blvd. 2 children eat free with 1 adult meal all day Tuesday Bob Evans’ Family Night Free kids meal with each adult entrée purchase. Every Tuesday from 4- 9 91 Byrd Way, Greenwood in 46143
Wednesday
CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free Michaelangelo’s 550 Westfield Rd, Noblesville, IN Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060 Chick-fil-A 3802 E. 82nd Indy at the Crossing Indy Kids’ Eat Free Wednesday’s 4 to 8
Thursday
Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060 CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free
Friday
Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060 Chick-fil-A Avon 10791 East US Highway 36
April 11th: Princess and Pirate Event 5:30-7:30 CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free
Saturday
Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060 Steak N Shake all Indianapolis locations CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free
Sunday
Scotty’s Brewhouse 3905 E. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN & 1 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Jim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free from the kids menu 2301 Conner St, Noblesville, IN 46060 Steak N Shake all Indianapolis locations CC Pizza all Indy locations 3 and under eat free (Please call ahead to verify details) 14
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Business SPOTLIGHT Serving Families Since 1997!
As the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders has increased, so has the need for high quality services. With this in mind and knowing there are so many parents in the Hamilton County area affected, we have opened our 6th center based facility in Carmel to be centrally located featuring a therapeutic indoor pool, custom built indoor playground, outdoor playground, and so much more. We know the earlier we can get children diagnosed with autism into treatment, the more successful they will become in the future. Many of the children we see do not have a way to communicate, which is at the heart of most behavior issues. We start by teaching each child to communicate while also working on behavior, daily living skills, and social skills on a 1:1 ratio. At the Carmel Center, typical peers will also be present, and therapeutic opportunities for interaction will be incorporated into many children’s individualized programs. For example, one of our children is learning age-appropriate play behavior by modeling the behavior she sees in a typical peer. The typical peer will play with a race car or small toy animals. Then the therapist will prompt them to mimic or imitate the typical peer’s play with the toy. Gradually, the therapist will fade out any instruction so the child begins to learn from their peers. These are just some examples where early intervention and therapy for children with
autism can give these children the skills to interact socially and within groups. For a child with autism who learns language and how to communicate at a younger age, he or she is likely to have fewer behavioral problems and begin to build the skills needed in individual and group learning situations. This opens a whole new world for the child and gives the family more hope for the future. Who might be an appropriate candidate for our Carmel Center? Children two & up who have a diagnosis of autism. This center features 2 separate distinct areas for different kids so that they are around peers and have access to the appropriate reinforcers, learning materials, and technology. Each child has their own tablet that is used for learning and reinforcement throughout the day. Some children will transition into a classroom setting and go on to school settings, while other children will be on a more intensive therapy track. If you have a child at home who exhibits language delays, problem behaviors, or you have a feeling something isn’t right with your child’s development, call us. We can help with diagnosis, and if that diagnosis is autism, then we can find the right therapy for your child. Please also feel free to contact us for services at any of our other locations throughout central Indiana.
To learn more about how The Applied Behavior Center for Autism improves language and social skills and decreases problem behaviors, contact Jenny Lanham, Director of Business Development at 317-849-5437, ext. 112.
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April Calendar of Events Friday, April 4, 7:30 – 9:00 pm “Moonlight Madness” Egg Hunt in Broad Ripple Park. Get ready for one spectacular egg hunt. All kinds of candy and prizes will be hidden. There will be “egg” citing crafts, games, the bunny hop and best of all a visit from our big cuddly Bunny! www.indy.gov.
Thursday, March 13 – Saturday, April 12 Cinderella at Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio. This classic, well loved fairytale will be presented on a specially designed set with marionettes. Classic music, a glittering coach and a bit of shadow puppetry will keep your youngsters spellbound. www.peewinklespuppets.com.
Friday, April 4 – Saturday, April 5 Superhero: The Story of a Man called Jesus This critically acclaimed, full-length modern ballet follows the last week of the life of Jesus told through the perspective of Jesus, the women surrounding Him, and His complicated relationship with Judas Iscariot. Set in “anytime” and “everyplace”, this beautiful work portrays both large and small events in Jesus’ last days, both of which are ultimately significant. www. thecenterfortheperformingarts.org.
Wednesday, April 23 – Saturday, April 26 Just Between Friends Consignment Sale at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville. It just keeps getting bigger and better...make plans now to be part of the Indianapolis’ LARGEST children’s and maternity consignment sale where you will find the best in new and gently used baby, children’s, and maternity items. Join as a shopper, consignor, or volunteer and see how fun it is to SAVE money and MAKE money with JBF! www.northindy.jbfsale.com.
Saturday, April 5, 10:30 – 11:45 am “Eggscellant Egg Hunt in Broad Ripple Park. Hop on out to Broad Ripple Park for an ‘egg-stra’ special flashlight Surprise egg hunt. Games, arts, crafts and refreshments are all part of this fun program. Be sure you bring a flashlight and dress appropriately. Limited space, so sign up now! www.indy.gov.
Friday, April 25 – Sunday, April 27 Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing at The Old National Centre. When Elmo casts a spell with Abby Cadabby’s magic wand, there’s something in the air and Sesame Street becomes a nonstop, all-singing, alldancing musical montage! What will children learn about the power of musical magic? Join the conga line of fun to find out! www.sesamestreetlive.com.
Wednesday, April 9, 12:00 pm Seussical at Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University. “Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’s bestloved characters and stories collide in an unforgettable musical caper! The Cat in the Hat is the host and emcee in this romp through the Seuss classics. Based on the hit Broadway production, this musical is especially adapted to captivate young audiences. www.cloweshall.org. Thursday, April 10, 6:30 – 9:00 pm IndyFamilyFest presents Rock the Cradle at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. This is a “Celebration for Expecting and New Parents’. This event features exhibitor booths offering attendees valuable information on the latest and greatest products and services. A variety of family and children activities will take place. www. indyfamilyfest.com. Saturday, April 12, 9:00 – 10:00 am Beyond the Exhibit: How Does Your Garden Grow? at The Children’s Museum Indianapolis. Ever wonder what makes your garden grow? Join us for a morning of exploration as we learn about plant cycle, sustainability, and rain gardens. Visit our Biotechnology Learning Center to be an investigator and solve a mystery. Start a garden that you can take home. www.childrenmuseum.org.
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Saturday, April 26, 11:00am – 4:00 pm Earth Day Indiana Festival at The White River State Park. A free outdoor, family-oriented festival promoting environmental awareness, conservation of natural resources and sustainable living, with more than 130 exhibits, live music, children’s crafts and entertainment, a display of alternative fuel vehicles, food vendors and more. www.earthdayindiana.org. Monday, April 28, 10:00 am Kids Koncerts – Free Children’s Concert at The Monon Community Center. Recommended for Ages 2-5, Carmel Clay Parks and Rec. offers a free hour of entertainment that is designed to encourage your kids to sing along and dance with the musical entertainment. Mik the Music Man will perform. Monday, April 28 – Saturday, May, 3 Whale of a Sale Spring Sale at The Indiana State Fairgrounds. Indiana’s largest upscale children’s consignment event featuring 47,000 square feet of clothing, toys, equipment, bedding, furniture, boutique, maternity, fabulous vendors and more... at a fraction of retail price! www.whale-sale.com.
If you would like your event included in our monthly calendars, submit it by going to wwwIndyKidsDirectory.com.
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See pg 26
See pg 8
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See pg 22 See pg 12 See pg 18
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Helping Kids Deal with Fear Does your child worry unnecessarily? Many kids are overwhelmed by the thought of their life changing and that is why moves, divorce, the birth of a sibling or thought of a new teacher frightens them. It can be painful to see your child struggle with fears, anxieties or worries and not know how to help. Normalize the Feeling It is important not to discredit your child for feeling the fear. It is most helpful when you normalize it and help him to realize that fear is a normal response to new situations. Mental Rehearsal One of the most helpful things that you can do is help your child to “mentally rehearse” a situation so that they can experience and see the scenario that feels frightening. Sometimes you can show them how you would approach the situation and role play for them how you might handle the circumstance. Other times you might ask a sibling or friend how they could handle the event so that your child can hear a variety of responses. Reframing If your child is afraid of a change you can help them to brainstorm all the positive things that may come from the change. When they imagine the positives, they are reframing the situation and making it more palatable. If a child is changing schools or moving to a new neighborhood, it is always helpful to visit the area and role model all the conceivable possibilities that can come from a new change. Talking about the new friends, the new parks and swimming pools and the new dance classes helps a child to “look forward” to the potentiality of a situation. Transitional Objects Children need transitional objects to help them move from one transition to the other. Objects can be an important vehicle to keep
the child feeling more safe and secure. When I work with kids I encourage them to take a picture of their mom, dad or puppy with them to school and to imagine that they are right there with him. You can let your child know that his feelings are special guides that are teaching him that he needs to build in Carol Juergensen Sheets more security. Children often do better with anchoring which means they can create a ritual that increases a sense of security. Sometimes I encourage the child to take something with him and keep it in his pocket and when he is feeling scared he can rub it and know that the more he rubs it the better he will feel. Emotion Regulation Teach your children that they are in control of their emotions and that they can choose to control their feelings by changing their breathing by slowing down their breaths. This is a simple technique that kids can use to create that sense that they are the masters of their body. The next time they feel scared tell them...”Ok, now we are going to count to slow our bodies down so that we won’t feel so worried or scared.” Find times when you can model that behavior for them so that they can see that you, too, use the breathing method. Educate Your Child Tell them that they can’t feel two feelings at the same time and show them if they can find something to get excited about or to laugh about...they will be moving their worried thoughts away and creating happy thoughts to replace them. Empowering your child is the key to helping them to master their feelings!
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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What began as idle lunch chat between two longtime friends has blossomed into one of Fishers’ most rapidly expanding businesses. j&R Tutoring Academy of Indiana, LLC provides individualized reading and math instruction for children from kindergarten through grade six, and kindergarten readiness for the pre-Ks. If you believe your child is underachieving, or perhaps has never caught up to his friends, then j&R’s program is a perfect fit. Each child is individually assessed using an internationally recognized diagnostic exam. Those results provide the foundation for tutoring instruction. Children are retested every 90 days to monitor progress and ensure that the instruction is on the right path. Parents sometimes learn too late that kindergarten is now what the first grade used to be. If you find yourself in this situation and are concerned about your child’s readiness, then j&R can help. j&R offers a readiness screening and the necessary instruction to ensure each child is ready to meet 28
the rigors of kindergarten! Even home school parents may realize that their child could be lacking in some skills. The j&R screening will identify any weak areas and work with parents to strengthen the necessary skills. Flexible scheduling allows home school parents to incorporate tutoring within the regular home school schedule. j&R’s instructors are experienced teachers, certified by the State of Indiana, and have an MA in Education. Only qualified educational professionals are entrusted with your child’s tutoring. The basic instruction is two 45 minute sessions per week and parents may select the days that best meet their schedule. Additional days may be added. This summer j&R will offer special summer packages in reading, math and kindergarten readiness.
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& Applied Behavior Center for Autism See pgs. 16, 17, 32 www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org Locations in Greenwood, Indy West, and Fishers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) focuses on using proven procedures to increase desired behaviors and decrease unwanted behaviors. Brain Balance See pg. 30 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. Our Program provides lasting results because we don’t just work with your child’s strengths or compensate for a weakness, we tackle the issue head on, by addressing the root cause at the most fundamental level. We integrate cognitive, sensory-motor and nutritional training into a highly effective, drug-free program that targets your child’s specific challenges. Children’s Dentistry of Indianapolis See pg. 19 www.indychildrensdentist.com 317.580.9199 9240 N. Meridian St., Suite 120, Indianapolis Noblesville Kid’s Dentistry http://noblesvillekidsdentistry.com/ 317.565.4959 9669 E 146th St Ste 260, Noblesville Infants, Children, Teens, Special Needs Children. Kids Abilities See pg. 15 www.kidsabilities.com 317.851.8419 Kids Abilities is a pediatric therapy clinic that provides high quality services for kids.
Proud Sponsors of Resources for Special Needs Children Minds In Motion See pgs.6 www.mimlearning.com 317.571.8752 879 W. Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 A Revolutionary Way to Help All Children Achieve FULL Potential! Dramatic Results using Cutting-edge NASA Technology! Noble Summer Camps 2014 See pg. 5 mynoblelife.org d.gann@mynoblelife.org For youth with and without disabilities. Pilipis Behavioral Group LLC See pg.11 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 yearround services offering one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to children with autism ages 2 -12. All programs are overseen by Board Certified Behavioral Consultants who together have a combined 45 years of experience. Tour our center, call us or view our website today!
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Jazmyn is a loving, funny, kind-hearted 9 year old who struggled with
learning her whole life. Learning the alphabet, reading and simple math equations left her frustrated, angered and hopeless about learning. Not only were academics a problem, but she also struggled with social and behavior issues. Jazmyn would have difficulties making new friends her own age and was afraid to venture on her own. Jazmyn was unable to ride a bike, sit through an entire movie without getting motion sickness or even sled down a snow hill without fear and anxiety. She has seen many doctors with many different diagnoses, prescription medications were given and suggestions of therapy and tutoring. We tried everything the doctors told us to do with no glimmer of hope because we were at our wits end! After Jazmyn’s initial evaluation and finding out she has a left hemisphere deficiency, it all made sense to us. It was not just ADHD, or Dyslexia, Jazmyn had so many other issues that no one could figure out, or they viewed them as all separate diagnoses. 36 sessions later, a change to her food regiment, vitamins and home exercises for the brain, Jazmyn wants to go to school, is improving in math and reading, and has a new group of her friends her own age! Jazmyn went sledding for the first time this winter and loved it! She had no fear or anxiety! We look forward to teaching her how to ride her bike this Spring. We are thankful for discovering Brain Balance and their nonmedical, realistic, caring and compassionate approach to help a struggling child, and frustrated parents.
Jazmyn’s Story
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