Auburn Opelika Parents - September 2020 by KeepSharing

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September2020 22

Volume 11 Number 7

Columns

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

The Troubled Child

Parenting a child with anxiety, depression or other mental illness.

Parenting a Child With Special Needs?

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

You have special needs, too!

38 Parenting, Media &

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Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Special Needs Guide Local and national resources assist in caring for your child.

Common Sense Media Should you allow your tween girl to use social media?

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces

On The Cover Brock Harris is the son of Shayne and Jackie Harris of Auburn. He has an older brother, Chase, and a younger sister, Alivia. Brock is an 8th grade student at Auburn Junior High School. Brock is a happy, loving kid who adores his family. He especially loves spending time with his grandmother on the weekends and during summer vacation. In March 2019, Brock was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. With the help of his family and doctors, he is learning how to live his best life while managing his diabetes through food and medicine monitoring.

School Bits 39

Movie Reviews

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Publisher’sNote I hope this month’s magazine finds you and your family successfully settled into another school year. Students are schooling this year in various ways than in years before. Your children may be learning virtually at home or in the dorms, heading back into the classroom, while social distancing, or have opted to do a blended version of both. Regardless of the setting, school is in session and the goal is for learning to take place and to continue to support our students no matter what comes their way. Each student’s needs will vary and change throughout the learning process and it is vital that parents and educators are tuned into those needs and are able to address them, as a team. One particular group to consider are our special needs students and their families. Think about navigating an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for a student who has a learning disability (like dyslexia), from home, and relying on many virtual meetings with a Zoom that includes parents, teachers, administration and special education leaders. Or, imagine a student who has a hearing loss and relies heavily on lip reading and physical cues to communicate. Add the required mask, while in class, or them missing subtle body language cues that get lost while interacting via a web lesson. These are just a few variables that have become reality for special needs families in our community. These realities can lead to students to anxiety and parents feeling alone and exhausted. This month, our 2020 Guide for Special Needs Families includes some helpful resources that parents can utilize at the local, state and national level. From informational and research based groups to social and recreational programs right down the road, you will find multiple organizations that offer help and support related to schooling, therapy and the most up-to-date interventions and services. The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama is one of these great local organizations right here in Lee County. They provide a broad range of social activities designed to promote healthy living, support relationships, explore the arts, improve functional skills and foster community involvement. They also offers respite to caregivers, and provides a caring, safe place for loved ones to go during the day. Log onto their website and see their efforts first hand. Two other local resources to mention are Prevail Counseling and Wellness and Ferguson Psychology. Both work with individuals and families by offering services that include therapy and counseling related to daily stresses and adjustment issues. Not only are families with special needs navigating the school year and collaborating with education professionals, but these families are also dealing with very real anxieties, distresses and emotional impacts. In the feature article, Parenting a Child with Special Needs? You Have Special Needs, Too, the author reminds us that not only do parents need to educate and advocate for children with special needs, but also remember to take care of oneself physically and emotionally too. Parents need to give themselves a break and reach out to others when help is needed. Just being able to talk out your feelings and stressors can help with mental health, and asking for help from others can make you feel supported. This school year looks different and has many challenges for all. Here’s to settling into your September school days and really staying connected with your kids and their education. From one parent to another, you are not alone and your children will succeed with your guidance and encouragement.

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Gayla Grace Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Katie Meadows Judy Miller Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2020 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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In a world where you can be anything, be exceptional.

promote healthy living, support social relationships, improve functional skills and foster community involvement. By doing so, we enrich the well-being of families by offering a healthy, safe and professional environment where their loved ones will be supported and, most importantly, validated. Established in 2016, The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama currently hosts participants from 7 counties in Alabama and Georgia. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact us at 334.329.7773.

The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was created to provide a safe and engaging place for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded by 4 moms of children with special needs, the goal of EFEA is to enhance the quality of life for this beautiful, yet underserved population as they age out of the school system. Located in Auburn, Alabama, EFEA endeavors to provide social and recreational activities through engaging and inspiring programming designed to

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Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama

1171 Gatewood Drive, Suite 101 | Auburn, AL 36830 | 334.329.7773 | www.efofea.org 3

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Same Rules + Same Parent = Same Child In the midst of the shifting sands of back to school, or delayed back to school, or back to your dining room table for virtual school...it can suddenly become very apparent that each of your kids are handling transitions, stressors and uncertainty in different ways. This can leave a parent a bit bewildered because, HELLO…they are being raised under the same roof – why on earth are they not somewhat the same? In times of uncertainty we almost always default to the parental math that says same rules + same house + same parent = same child. And that’s when the scary, red pen comes out and marks that problem as incorrect. Because same rules + same house + same parent doesn’t actually equal same child but, in fact, equals individuality. Even more scary, that equation equates to a whole lot of unknown. Those who love math love it because it is predictable, so this very unpredictable equation just feels wrong. But if you’ve ever raised children into adulthood or have friends that have, you know that children who grew up together, who had the

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

same mathematical formula, can turn out vastly different from one another. So why is that? What is the X factor? The answer is in their individuality. They are each crafted with their own temperaments, their own temptations, their own strengths and stressors and will and weaknesses. Deciphering the puzzle of who they are, what makes them tick, and how to best support, equip and encourage them in their unique differences is just plain hard. Here’s what most parents fail to realize: much like your children are not the same, you are also not the same parent to each of them. As they have grown, you have grown. As they have entrenched new responses, you too have entrenched new responses. As they have learned patience and empathy and perseverance, you have learned patience and empathy and persevered. Thinking back to when I was raising four boys under four, almost 20 years ago, I can laugh at the things that used to upset me. A disrupted nap time, a child who failed to show a sibling grace or allow them first dibs at a toy, a child who could never remember to put his cereal bowl in the sink

– I was convinced that these were all going to lead them off the path and into a world of continual dirty cereal bowls, lack of strong character and no sleep. But, remember, parenting is a beautiful, fluid, growth process that encompasses the totality of the family unit. Each of you are not independent of one another. You are not all existing in separate entities, but instead are engaging and growing and imparting new relational constructs almost constantly, without even realizing it. To be surprised that each of your children didn’t turn out the same is to be surprised that you aren’t the same parent you were with your first child. They aren’t the same. You aren’t the same. And there’s beauty in that. There is perfectly imperfect beauty in that. So embrace it. Give it a hug. Welcome it into your formula, and stop trying to solve an equation that isn’t even done developing yet. You’ll get there together. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

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Chewacla Cha Cha 5k/10k Trail Race

Come out and run with us on the beautiful rolling trails at Chewacla State Park in Auburn, at 1245 Shell Toomer Parkway. Event date is September 13, 8:00am-11:00am. One 5K Scenic Trail or two Scenic Trail loops for 10K. Each runner will receive a race shirt and medallion as well as loads of trail cred! A portion of the proceeds for the fourth race in the SSTS will go to MercyMed. www.aotourism.com

Labor Day Weekend Concert @ Lake Martin

Celebrating 10 Years of Forest Friends

It's so exciting to announce that Mother's Finest will close the season at The AMP this year. So much fun! This has been an interesting year, but let's close it with some fun! Gates open, September 6, 5:00 PM with show time at 5:45 PM. with The Vintage Vixens, The Bank Walkers, and Mother's Finest! Tickets and more information are on The AMP website and will be available at the Company Store at Russell Crossroads and the Russell Lands Corporate Office! Grab your lawn chairs and coolers and make your way to The AMP on Lake Martin as we blow it out one more time this year! www.theamponlakemartin.com

Forest Friends is having its 10th birthday and you are invited! Join us, September 18, 4:30-5:30 PM. We would love to see all of our forest friends, past and present, as we celebrate this program through the years. We will have lots of fun activities, a slideshow, and visits from our forest friend teachers and animal friends. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn. www.preserve.auburn.edu

Dino Dig 2020

Are you ready to get a little dirty? Then Dino Dig, September 19, is perfect for you. Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is an educational program with hands-on experience and fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. Dino Dig is a combination of fun-filled and insightful educational program packed with a classroom lesson plan, real dig time (getting dirty), live animal presentations, and everyone leaves with a take-home, keepsake goody bag. Advanced reservations required. All participants must be registered no later than September 18, 12:00pm. This allows the opportunity to prepare for the number of participants. No tickets will be sold at the door on day of event. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) Fall Jr. Performers Present Jack and Lil and the Beanstalk

October 1-10 Performances at Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. A performance for the young and young at heart! Come away with us to the Appalachian Mountains for a foot stompinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, toe tappinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; retelling of a folk story classic. Be prepared to be swept up into the action and adventure as we join Jack and his sister Lil on a magical journey up the beanstalk. www.auburnact.org/jack-and-lil-and-the-beanstalk/ Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

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Indian SummerNight Downtown Art Walk

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 18, from 6-10 p.m. and join us for a creative evening in downtown Auburn. The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is a FREE arts festival that transforms downtown Auburn into its very own arts district, featuring the work of local and regional artists, live musicians, street performers, great food and children's activities. The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk will be from 6 - 10 p.m. along with the Starting Line Party and Strawberry Strut Parade which will be at 5 p.m. at Pebble Hill. Entertainment will kick off at 6:15 p.m. at Toomer's Corner with 8 Track Rewind. During this event, downtown merchants and restaurants remain open after regular business hours and people of all ages are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity to shop, dine and relax while enjoying the arts in downtown Auburn. Artists have works on display and live musical entertainment is provided. Make sure to bring your children too as they have an opportunity to participate in arts and crafts! www.auburnsummernight.org

12th Annual Storybook Farm Kentucky Derby Day

Join Storybook Farm for our 12th annual Kentucky Derby Party on September 5! Derby Day is the most festive day of the year to show your support for Storybook Farm. Don your festive hats, bow ties and colorful clothing all while raising money to provide Hope on Horseback. Guests can participate in an auction, enjoy food and drinks and have the opportunity to explore our farm. Not only will Storybook Farm stream the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs but college football as well. For more information or to purchase tickets, www.hopeonhorseback.org/derby

AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles

Join the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center educators for a one-hour presentation on October 2 from 4:30-5:30 PM, on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond! Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining, hands-on program with live animals. Admission is $5/person. Children 3 and under are free. Pre-registration is not required. Proceeds benefit the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 2222 N. College Street near the AU Fisheries and Hwy 280. For more information, visit auburn.edu/preserve, email preserve@auburn.edu, or call 334-844-8091.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Eating healthy and staying active during COVID-19 has proven challenging in the midst of the scorching summer heat. As we are all adapting to our “new normal” it is very important to begin the school year getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy diet, taking vitamins and exercising. Starting healthy habits may be challenging while juggling many other responsibilities; however, following these tips will have a lasting impact on your child’s overall health and wellbeing. How many hours of sleep should my child be getting each night? Many factors come in to play regarding a healthy sleep schedule. Having a routine is very important. Going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, ensuring that your child gets enough quality sleep to conquer the day. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the following guidelines are provided to ensure your child is getting the hours of sleep their brain and body needs: Infants, 4-12 months old, should sleep 12-16 hours per day, including naps. Toddlers, 1-2 years old, should sleep 11-14 hours, including naps. Preschoolers, 3-5 years old, should sleep 10-13 hours per day, including naps. School-age children, 6-12 years old, should sleep 9-12 hours per

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

night. Teens, 13-18 years old, should sleep 8-10 hours per night. How can I ensure my child has a well-balanced diet? Changing one’s diet can be very challenging. For those children ages 2 years and older, a great place to start is Choosemyplate.gov. This helpful website guides parents to choose foods, such as grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and protein, to ensure children are getting the necessary nutrients with each meal. Balancing each group along with appropriate portion sizes will have a positive impact on your child’s nutrition. Another important factor in nutrition is what children are drinking. Water! Drinking water is the absolute healthiest choice. If your child (2 years and older) likes to drink milk, typically they should be drinking no more than 24 oz per day. Sodas and sweet tea contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine, which may contribute to inattention, obesity and dental cavities. What vitamins should my child be taking? According to the AAP, the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D for children is as follows: Infants: 400 IU per day; Children ages 1 year to 11 years: 600 IU per day; Children ages 12 years and older: 1,000 IU per day. Vitamin D is important in building strong bones and is naturally found in sun expo-

sure, some types of fish, eggs, and is commonly found in formula and milk. Seldom do children eat enough fish or drink enough milk or formula to receive the recommended daily dose. Therefore, vitamin D supplements are often necessary to ensure adequate daily intake for children of all ages. Is my child exercising enough? According to the AAP, most children should be moderately to vigorously active for at least 60 minutes on most days to maintain a healthy weight. Some helpful ways to become active include joining a school sport, swimming, taking a jog around the neighborhood, or planning to have a fun outdoor activity on the weekends. It always helps when the parents model the behavior of being active so that kids see the positivity in having fun together as a family while also maintaining healthy physical fitness. Whether your child is 2 years old or 22 years old, it is never too late to start instilling healthy habits. Katie Meadows is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner who joined Pediatric Associates of Auburn in July 2020. She is an Opelika native who began nursing school at SUSCC. She received her BSN degree from JSU and MSN degree from UAB. She is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Katie and her husband Conner live in Opelika and have one son. They are active members of Church of the Highlands and enjoy spending time at the lake as a family.

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Autauga County Schools

Welcome Back, Cary Woods!

Welcome Back, Wrights Mill Road!

It's the First Day of School! Teachers, staff, and administrators were excited to open the school doors and welcome students back! Wrights Mill Road Eagles are busy getting first-day photos and acquainting themselves with their teachers remotely and in person. Thank you to parents, guardians, and community for helping us succeed!

Cary Woods Elementary School Explorers navigated the logistics of their campus before they get ready to move into their new addition, while also discovering some good books along the way.

Welcome Back, Pick ES!

Pick Elementary School pride was shining bright today with happy students.

Welcome Back, Yarbrough ES!

Yarbrough Elementary School Knights of YES had great energy and enthusiasm on campus and in a virtual setting.

Welcome Back, Creekside ES!

Welcome Back, J.F. Drake!

Remote-learning and in-person teachers are hard at work so the Creekside Elementary School HAWKS are soaring.

J. F. Drake Middle School Jungle Cats are enjoying the aspects of their new campus.

Please send school news to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

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Welcome Back, Richland ES!

Richland Elementary School students are busy reading with their teachers and being creative with arts and crafts time.

St. Michael Teachers Ready for New Year!

St. Michael Catholic Preschool and Kindergarten teachers are working hard to get ready for the upcoming school year which will include new safety precautions and excited teachers ready to meet their new students.

Lee-Scott Academy is Proud of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Graduates!

Best of luck to this very special group of seniors as they begin classes at colleges and universities across the Southeast representing Lee-Scott Academy on 17 campuses this fall! One year ago today we welcomed them back to campus to begin a senior year that was unlike any other. We are so proud of each one of you and know that you will make an impact on the lives around you just as you did ours at LSA! We cannot wait to hear from you and see you on campus again soon to visit. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.

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Autauga County Schools

Welcome Back, AEEC!

Hello, From St. Michael Pre-K4!

Auburn Early Education Center students are taking first-day photos and learning how to properly wear their masks.

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St. Michael Catholic Preschool and Kindergarten Pre-K 4 class is wishing everyone a wonderful summer and we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see you in the Fall!

Welcome Back, Ogletree ES!

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Ogletree Elementary School students are taste-testing books to get ready for their 40-book challenge that they will keep up with in their personal reader notebooks this school year.

Please send your school news to: kendra@auburn opelikaparents.com.

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Training up the next generation of Christian leaders TCSOpelika.org | 334-745-2464 Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

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Welcome Back, Dean Road ES!

Dean Road Elementary School students are busy coloring, completing word searches, and successfully maintaining socially-distanced lines while making their way to recess.

Welcome Back, Auburn Junior HS!

During arrival, several of those first-day questions were answered by staff for Auburn Junior High School students as they navigated their way to classes.

Great First Day at Lee-Scott Academy

THANK YOU to our amazing parents and students for making the 1st Day of School drop off run so smoothly! All of our students were temp checked, masks on, and inside the buildings by 7:55am and our teachers started the school day right on time. We are so very thankful for the guidance of our administration and the teamwork from our faculty and parents as we begin the new year

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Autauga County Schools

Sidewalk Chalk Challenge Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center's first Sidewalk Chalk Challenge! All of the beautiful submissions can be seen in our virtual exhibition on our event page. The runners-up will be announced shortly! For Most Likely to Hang in a Museum: Randalyn Henry, inspired by Elizabeth Catlett. For Most Creative: Jack Mantooth, inspired by Pablo Picasso. For Best Mixed-Media Effects: The Noh Household, inspired by Claude Monet (use of tape as the bridge). For Best Child's Work: Olivia Solinska (6 years old), inspired by Salvador Dali.

Welcome Back, East Samford School!

East Samford School seventh graders are having a â&#x20AC;&#x153;flex dayâ&#x20AC;? as they learn their schedules.

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Please send your school news to: kendra@auburn opelikaparents.com.

Providing Counseling And Wellness Services For Teens and Adults Struggling With Emotional Distress

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Band Camp at Lee-Scott Academy

Nothing like the sound of Dr. Beat, instrument warm-ups, counts for dance team, and the fight song on campus this week to remind us that the start of school and football season is right around the corner! Thank you to Mr. Jeff Hudson and his team of parent volunteers for providing our students with the opportunity to participate in band camp this week safely. Special thanks to our amazing band members who adapted quickly to the social distancing, temp checks, hand sanitizer stops, and wearing masks.

Welcome Back, Auburn HS!

Behind the masks, smiles are beaming this morning as students make their way to their first block classes at Auburn High School!

St. Michael Teacher Zooms from Hawaii!

Mrs. Brown is Zooming with her St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Preschool and Kindergarten students throughout the week during this distant learning period. Even though Mrs. Brown was still in Hawaii she was able to meet with her class. 15

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Autauga County Schools

AHS Seniors Help Set up iPads

So grateful to these Auburn High School Seniors for helping set up AHS Student iPads! GO AHS!

Christy Sessions Named Alabama School Nutrition Association Manager of the Year

Congratulations to Christy Sessions of Auburn City Schools Ogletree Elementary. She was awarded ASNA Manager of the year 2019-2020.

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A New Year at Lee-Scott Academy

We are so very thankful for the opportunity to serve our students and families as we begin a new school year!

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901 SOUTH COLLEGE STREET AUBURN, ALABAMA

@JCSMAUBURN JCSM.AUBURN.EDU

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

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AEEC Welcomes New Assistant Principal

Big News! We are excited to welcome Mrs. Glori Lammons as Assistant Principal at AEEC. Please see message below and learn more about Mrs. Lammons' experience and philosophy. Dear Auburn Early Education Community, It is my pleasure to serve as the assistant principal of Auburn Early Education Center. Most recently, I taught second grade at Auburn Early Education Center. Previously, I taught first grade at Wrights Mill Road and kindergarten and first grade at Austin Elementary in Dunwoody, Georgia totaling 19 years in the classroom. This gives me actual experience in grades kindergarten through second grade. My education includes a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, and a specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama. Most recently, I received National Board Certification (Middle Childhood/Generalist) where I expanded my knowledge of content and curriculum. I love learning, and it’s a delight to share that love with students. I believe that every child can learn. I believe that schools should be nurturing, inviting, engaging, and a safe place that encourages creativity and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Auburn City Schools seeks to graduate students with career/college ready skills. As a PreK – 2 school, AEEC is in the perfect position to build the strong foundation that makes this a reality for our students. I am excited to work alongside the wonderful staff at AEEC to make this a successful year for all of our students, families, and community.

Auburn City Schools Senior Sendoff

Auburn City Schools celebrated graduates with a “Senior Sunset Sendoff” that featured a fireworks show! While this year has presented many changes and challenges, the event was an opportunity for the Class of 2020 to reunite on campus one last time before taking their next steps in life. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all who made the evening a success!

Please send your school news to: kendra@auburn opelikaparents.com.

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Autauga County Schools Great Beginnings for Auburn City Schools

Looking forward to the 2020-2021 school year, teachers new to Auburn City Schools participated in a three day orientation and induction program. ACS welcomes new teachers with training in technology and curriculum. New teachers eagerly engage with mentors and facilitators as they prepare to welcome students back to school! While Great Beginnings looks different this year and the breakfast celebration was cancelled, the modifications made to continue this annual event are providing 44 new teachers with the terrific opportunity to prepare for school.

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Auburn Seniors Pick Corn for Food Bank

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AHS Seniors Calen Paleologos and Sam Anderson recently picked corn to help with Auburn University's Agronomy Club's support of the East Alabama Food Bank! Hot work, but so appreciated.

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Auburn City Schools Celebrate Back to School!

AEEC New Teacher Spotlight

Hi! My name is Shandrika Smotherman! I am a first year teacher! Some of you may recognize me from being Mrs. Hendricksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intern this past spring. I received my Masters of Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix in April 2020! I am originally from New Orleans, LA and received my Bachelors of Marketing from the University of New Orleans in 2003. I have 3 children-a 13 year old boy, 12 year old daughter, and a 4 year old boy! I moved to Auburn following Hurricane Katrina and have loved it ever since!

Teachers in Auburn City Schools were hard at work preparing for the first day of classes on Monday, August 10th! As we look forward to welcoming students back we want to thank the community as a whole for working with us through these unusual times as we all adjust to the new normal.

Greetings AEEC families! My name is Alisha Johnson and I'm so excited to be a part of Auburn City Schools! I graduated from Alabama State University and taught for 2 years with Montgomery Public Schools. This year I will be teaching 2nd grade. I'm so excited for this new school year!

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Autauga County Schools

AHS Students Receive Ruby Thomas Scholarship

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Auburn Chapter recently bestowed The Ruby Thomas Scholarship to three members of AHS's Class of 2020! The scholarship is named for the late Ruby Reed Thomas, AHS Social Studies Teacher, and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority-Auburn Chapter. The three recipients were: Abb Jackson Smith ($1,500) who will attend Auburn University. Sidney James ($250) who will attend the University of South Alabama. Tanisity Smith ($250) who will attend Auburn University Montgomery. Mr. Travis Thomas, Ruby’s husband, spoke at the award ceremony and provided highlights of last fall’s Run 4 Ruby community event that generated the funds for the scholarship.

Auburn Early Education Center Congratulates Class of 2020!

Many Auburn High School seniors started right here at AEEC! Best Wishes from your Tiger Cub family. We’re proud of you!

Please send your school news to: kendra@auburn opelikaparents.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

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Adults and children alike struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, conduct disorder, bipolar disorder, and a host of other diagnoses every day.

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Unfortunately, society often shames and disregards those struggling with mental illness. It’s easier to deny there’s a problem than confront it and seek support. But...

Mental illness shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

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The National Institute of Mental Health says, “Mental disorders are common among children in the United States, and can be particularly difficult for the children themselves and their caregivers. Just over 20 percent (or 1 in 5) children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental disorder.” I was devastated when my oldest daughter was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at six years old. Accepting the reality that she needed medication to control her behavior created feelings of failure for me as a parent. But through education, professional help, and other means of support, we managed to help her through her elementary and teen years and put her on the path to emotional wellness. If you suspect your child is suffering from mental illness, don’t wait to seek assistance. Denial doesn’t make it go away. Here are a few tips on what to do.

Seek professional help while educating yourself. Start with your child’s

Mental Health Organizations: National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nin.gov Mental Health America www.mentalhealthamerica.net National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery http://ncmhr.org/ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration www.samhsa.gov

pediatrician and ask questions about behavior that seems unusual. Learn all you can--you don’t have to have a medical background to begin to understand mental illness. You know your child better than anyone and can offer valuable insight with medical professionals. I was first told my daughter had ADHD, but I suspected something different. As I continued to inform her doctor of her symptoms, the correct diagnosis emerged which led to appropriate help.

Break the silence. Talk with school officials, other parents, and appropriate leaders such as church pastors and community authorities to improve the situation for your child. Find a support group of parents coping with mental illness. Make an intentional choice to not hide in shame. Don’t let it destroy your family. Support one an-

Let go of your guilt. It’s not your fault. Parents of

other. Unite together as a team, educating other children in the family of the illness while being sensitive to your child’s feelings about the diagnosis. Don’t allow siblings to demoralize or make fun of their behavior. Help your other children understand their sibling cannot always control his or her behavior. In addition, stay calm in the face of danger or unusual behavior.

children with mental illness are quick to blame themselves and hide in shame, but there’s no reason to take responsibility for a biologically-based mental illness. Don’t feel guilty that your child behaves differently than your neighbor’s child. Good parenting doesn’t solve mental illness.

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Let your child know you love him and will always be there for him. Children with men-

tal illness need more reassurance than other children. They need to feel loved and understood, even on days when their behavior spirals out of control. Make your home a safe place and encourage your child to ask questions and express his or her feelings. We were careful to alleviate situations that might cause anxiety for our daughter such as leaving her alone or placing her in a vulnerable situation.

Oakley, brain tumor survivor

He’s taking on

life

Gregory Friedman, MD

Because he’s taking on cancer

The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama is ranked among the top pediatric cancer programs in the nation. Our team of over 300 dedicated pediatric healthcare professionals is committed to exceptional patient care and innovative research. At Children’s, we’re safely serving children — providing essential care just as we have since 1911.

Our Center treats more than 90% of Alabama’s children with cancer and blood disorders. Learn how you can help at: ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure

Keep an open mind about solutions. Don’t dismiss an alterna-

tive without exploring it. Stay educated of ongoing research to determine the latest methods of treatment. Seek others’ opinions on available options and try different methods. I was resistant to medicating my daughter in the beginning, but her psychiatrist helped me recognize that counseling alone wasn’t enough due to her heightened emotions. After several months of counseling, she learned how to manage her anxiety and was able to come off the medication a few years later. The impact of mental illness in children cannot be denied; but with the proper tools and education, more children can get the help they need to overcome its devastating effects and lead productive lives. A mental illness diagnosis doesn’t mean your child will never lead a normal life. I’m thankful to report my daughter recently graduated from college with an early childhood education degree and is excited about her next chapter in life as a role model for children struggling with issues she has learned to overcome. AOP

Gayla Grace holds a master’s degree in Psychology and Counseling and, as a freelance writer and mom to five children, is passionate about educating parents on mental health.

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

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“Fine” is a relative term. Any parent of a child with specials needs will tell you that. “Fine” is a day that is fairly calm, without outbursts, temper tantrums, and sensory drama. “Fine” is when a parent’s well of patience and emotion are not depleted within hours of waking, a day when she is not on the verge of tears, has no more to cry, or tiptoes on the edge of losing it. I know this because I am the parent of a child with special needs.

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Countless times I was judged and questioned about my parenting decisions, by those who know or do not know my child or me. Their responses ranged from non-verbal-the scoff or stare of disbelief-to verbal, something like, “Is she okay?” And I replied with embarrassment, anger, a need to protect my child, and a desire to draw into myself and disappear, “She’s fine.” She was, but only I knew that. I spent innumerable dedicated hours, days, weeks, and years with my daughter and her occupational therapist (OT) while we unlocked the spectrum disorder that cocooned my girl and shut her away from herself, her family, the rest of the world, and me. It used to be that my daughter regularly threw herself on the hardest surface available without warning in order to receive sensory input for her disconnected vestibular system. She lay there screaming and crying at the top of her lungs as she cycled through her process into a calm state. She got up afterwards and acted as if nothing unusual had happened; she flooded during the meltdown and had no memory of what had occurred. Sometimes the cycle lasted 15 minutes, but more often than not it was far longer. I learned to wait patiently and calmly, and to keep a large buffer of time between errands, commitments, and attending to my other kids. I learned that there was nothing I could do to reach my daughter until she came out on the other end. The painful input made my daughter “fine,” until the next time. Somehow she never bruised from hurling herself onto the pavement. But I did, again and again-deep raw pain and a throbbing chasm of apprehension that did not begin to dissipate until Carol came into our lives. Carol was my daughter’s OT and she helped my daughter reintegrate her sensory system over a period of six years. My daughter’s sensory processing system was completely out of sync, exhibiting difficulties with the tactile (touch), vestibular (movement), and proprioceptive (positioning) senses and responding with a combination of hyper- and hyposensitivity. These sensory difficulties affected her speech, hearing and sight as well. In her infinite wisdom, Carol sat me down one day and gave me a stern talking-to. She pointed out that as my daughter’s system became healthier she became manipulative. And although that was a good sign, a milestone, it was time for me to expect more, to stop enabling my daughter’s behavior. Carol went on to say that as the parent of a child with special needs I had 27

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special needs too. I needed to look out for and take care of myself. The veneer of my brave face cracked with that simple statement. Choking tears coursed down my cheeks down and the old-as-time mamaguilt loosened its hold on me. In that moment, I realized my mother love had pushed me to the background. I rarely thought of my needs or myself. I was emotionally spent. I thought back to how often I felt isolated. My emotional exhaustion took a toll on my health and on my relationships with other family members and close friends. I had let parenting a child with special needs consume me, and it had been easy because I had so much love invested in her. Today I hold Carol’s sage advice within the invisible pocket of my heart and take heed when I need to. I search for compassion, not pity, understanding, and support, in the form of comfort and

a listening ear. And my daughter? She has become even healthier because I have chosen to take care of my needs.

parenting a child with special needs is emotionally and physically taxing. Others probably don’t have any idea how you are feeling. Tell them how they can help you, like watching your child so that you have time to replenish yourself or offering a listening ear.

What You Can Do for Yourself

Cry. Stress hormones, found in tears, negatively affect every system and organ in the human body. Crying provides health by eliminating harmful stress hormones. Haven’t you found that you feel relief after a good cry?

Educate yourself about your child’s special needs.

Give yourself personal time. Walk, write in a journal, or participate in an activity you enjoy. Every day.

Knowledge provides understanding. I found that the more I learned about my child’s special needs the more confident I felt about how to help her cope, handle situations, and advocate for her. I was a more effective caregiver.

Consider therapy for yourself.

You need to be as healthy as you can for your child. You can feel a whole range of emotions-anger, fear, and uncertainty among them. Your emotions are normal.

Get support. Develop or join a net-

work of parents who have children with special needs. Or ask your child’s occupational therapist or physician for ideas or contacts. Many parents of children with special needs share that they feel isolated.

Ask for help. Tell your spouse/part-

ner/significant other and friends how you feel. You are the primary caregiver, and

Take care of you. Make sure you are eating food that is healthy, drinking plenty of water, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep.

*SPD Resources and Support SPD Foundation, http://spdfoundation.net/ about-sensory-processing-disorder.html The Out-of-Sync Child, Carol Kranowitz (my “bible”) AOP

Judy M. Miller works with pre- and adoptive parents, equipping them with new techniques and information and encouraging and empowering adoptive families through difficult times. She is a Certified Gotten Educator and the author of the internationally known parent guide, What to expect From Your Adopted Tween, and a workbook for adopted adults, Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

SAFER AT HOME

SUNDAY PUZZLES Each week we are sharing a new puzzle featuring an artwork from the Museum’s collection. Whether a solo personal challenge or joint family effort, we make it easy for you to get solving—simply play on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Play now at mmfa.org/blog. Leonard Koscianski (American, born 1952), Red Fish, 1990, oil on canvas, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Association Purchase, 1991.17

Blount Cultural Park One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

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September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness month! (Emi Ajero, Jason Flowers, Bailey McConnell, Herman Payne, Ashley Williams)

Reuters Health reported that suicide is the leading cause of death for teens worldwide, and wherein the odds of suicide th attempts are associated with prescription drug abuse. In US alone, suicide rate has been on the rise for years and now is the 10 leading cause of death (NCHS Data Brief, 2020). When the pandemic had hit our country, authorities could only hope a decrease in substance abuse due to shut down and with lesser access to prescription drugs; however, it was the other way around. A report on CDC website stated that from June 24-30, 2020, US adults reported considerably elevated adverse mental conditions associated with COVID-19. Further, it indicated that younger adults, ethnic minorities, essential workers and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation. Let’s Help Prevent Suicide

Risk Factors of Prescription Drug Abuse & Suicide

Let’s Help Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse

At times, everyone feels sad or hopeless, BUT if someone says they are going to kill themselves, take it seriously! Encourage that person to talk to you or someone that they trust; it is important to offer and seek professional help but equally important to listen. If you think someone you know is considering suicide, keep a close eye on that person and show that you take their concerns seriously, do not minimize or reduce what a person is going through, for the reason that it could increase their sense of hopelessness. It’s also critical to be aware of the warning signs such as talking about death or suicide, reckless or risky behavior, significant change in appetite or weight, rage, withdrawal from friends or family, or increased alcohol or drug use. ~AW

Risk factors are characteristics that increase the chances of danger. While prescription drug abuse and suicide have many unique risk factors, here are some of those which are shared:

Follow your doctor’s orders! If a prescription says take 2 pills in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, take as directed! Don’t take more or less than what’s prescribed. That makes you guilty of prescription drug misuse. If the medication is prescribed to you, it is only intended for you. Sharing it with a friend or family makes you guilty of prescription drug abuse. If your name is NOT on the medication bottle, it is dangerous and ILLEGAL for you to consume the medication. When a doctor prescribes you a drug, he/she keeps the dosage and strength solely for your own medical needs which may be dangerous for other people’s consumption. Please DO NOT take the liberty to alter or share the drug prescription that you have! Let’s help battle prescription drug abuse. ~HP

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family history of suicide and/or substance abuse personal history of mental illness chronic pain or other physical ailment stressful life events (divorce, financial crisis, personal loss)

Other risk factors for suicide include having access to weapons, previous suicide attempts, family history of child maltreatment, bullying and/or relationship problems, history of alcohol and substance abuse, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and exposure to another person’s suicide. ~JF

Understanding the Connection Between Prescription Drug Abuse and Suicide Over the last 15 years, suicides related to opioid use have doubled. Over one-third of prescription drugs prescribed to adults are known to increase the risk of depression, and list “suicidal thoughts” as a side effect. The more a person misuses a drug, the more likely they are to develop suicidal ideation and/or depression. The opioid overdose epidemic is not limited to people with addictions who die by accidental suicide, but a number of people who have decided to take their own lives with prescription drugs. ~BM

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Local Community Resources All For Children ad on page 11

2204 Ogletree Village Ln Ste A, Auburn, AL 36830 ALL (Auburn Language and Learning) is a pediatric, private practice offering speech, language, auditory, occupational therapy, physical therapy, literacy and math services to children of all ages. Our practice consists of speech-language pathologist, auditory-verbal therapists, special educators and occupational therapists. ALL for Children has been providing quality speech, language, auditory and literacy to children in our area and surrounding areas since 2010. Services include evaluation and treatment of a variety of speech and language difficulties, language-based reading difficulties, occupational therapy, auditory verbal therapy for hearing loss utilizing hearing aids and cochlear implants, feeding therapy for children with behavorial and sensory issues after surgery, early language therapy in children’s native language in Spanish and much more. (334) 209-2009

www.all-forchildren.com

East Alabama Mental Health ad on page 3

2506 Lambert Drive, Opelika, Alabama 36801 We provide services for persons with mental illness, substance abuse problems, and intellectual disabilities. It is our vision to provide a continuum of comprehensive, outcome-oriented, and cost effective services to the residents of Lee, Russell, Chambers, and Tallapoosa counties. We strive for these services to be driven by consumer and family needs and to be readily accessible, and continuously improving. We are here as a public safety net for persons who need us. CHINS Intervention Program-The Center provides a range of services for children residing in Lee County who have been, or are at risk of being adjudicated CHINS (Child in Need of Supervision). These children display behavior problems such as truancy, breaking curfew, and refusing to follow the rules at school and at home. Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

ABC Child Development Center- The ABC (Actively Believing in Children) Child Development Center provides intensive services for toddlers and preschool children with autism or pervasive developmental disorders in an integrated child care setting. Godparent Project -The Godparent Project provides parenting education, life skills training, and referral to community resources for pregnant and parenting adolescents. Special Deliveries-The Special Deliveries program provides parent education, support, and referral services for families of infants and toddlers. The program also provides intensive inhome family support services for at risk families of children ages 0 to 5. Other programs-Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Parent Power, In-School Programs, After-School and Summer Alternative Programs, Family Strengthening Programs, Mommy and Me, & ACATA: Alliance Counteracting Alcohol and Tobacco Advertising. 334 -742-2700

www.eastalabamamhc.com

Ferguson Psychology, LLC ad on page 7

709 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 Working with a broad range of individuals throughout the lifespan including children, adolescents, college students, and adults. Utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address a wide range of issues in psychotherapy including: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), behavior problems, social skills deficits, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and general adjustment issues. Providing evidence-based treatments to assist individuals with their concerns. Interventions are tailor-made for a client’s individual needs. Providing therapy and brief assessment services to children and their parents. Utilizing a systems-based approach, I work with families to establish the ideal environmental contingencies in order to help the families reach their full potential. Services offered include parenting skills training, behavior modification, and social skills training. 334-226-7222

www.ferguson-psychology.com

Prevail Counseling and Wellness ad on page 14

166 North Gay Street, Suite 22, Auburn, Al 36830 Providing counseling and wellness services for adults and teens who are struggling with emotional distress. The emotional, physical, and social demands of life can severely impact one’s mental health. Let’s work together to gain a sense of balance toward a life

worth living. Offering individual counseling, online therapy and walk & talk therapy. 334-226-2141 monica@prevailcounselingandwellness.com www.prevailcounselingandwellness.com

The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama ad on page 29

300 N. Dean Road, Suite 5-177, Auburn, AL 36830 The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama is a nonprofit organization established to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provide opportunities for those participants to thrive and be engaged in social and recreational activities. The need for our services within this community is great. With high numbers of local individuals with special needs, an increased number of families that have relocated to our area due to school-aged services, and the number of families in need of support, the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama offers services to those families and individuals in a number of ways. The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama offers respite to caregivers, and provides a caring, safe place for loved ones to go during the day. Our program alleviates hardships, as caregivers are able to work with peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are cared for during the day. The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities residing in Lee, Chambers, Tallapoosa, Elmore, Montgomery, Macon, Bullock and Russell Counties in Alabama and Muscogee, Harris, and Troup Counties in Georgia. 334-329-7773

www.efofea.org

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

Talladega, Alabama Alabama School for the Blind- 256-761-3260. Alabama School for the Deaf- 256-761-3278. Helen Keller School of Alabama- 256-761-3377. The Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program- Talladega, Alabama has a covered indoor arena and a 3/4 mile Sensory Trail for students from preschool age to middle age for both therapeutic and recreational riding year round. mgheques@aidb.state.al.us 256-345-2883

www.aidb.org

Alabama Scottish Rite Foundation Learning Center

offers evaluations for Alabama school age children, generally age 7 through 9th Grade. Program has a network of speech/language pathologists, available to perform this free service. Children from all over Alabama are evaluated at various locations as time and funding permit. If you have a child at least 7 years old (and has been in a structured reading program for at least 6 months) that is exhibiting signs of learning language deficits,

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www.alsrlcenter.org/ALSR_Learning_Center/Welcome

American Cancer Society

3054 McGehee Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36111 Support Groups-Bossum Buddies: EAMC Health Resource Center, Opelika. 334-288-3432. Caregiver Support- Oak Park Dining Room, 1365 Gatewood Drive, Auburn. 3rd Thursday of the month. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Cheri Rudgers 334-826-1899. TOUCH (Today Our Understanding of Cancer is Hope)- This general cancer support group is for survivors and their family and caregivers. East Alabama Health Resource Center, Opelika. 334-288-3432. I Can Cope- EAMC Health Resource Center, Opelika. 334-288-3432. General cancer educational program for recently diagnosed cancer patients. Look Good, Feel Better- 334-288-3432. Free program conducted by cosmetologists to improve appearance related side effects of cancer. Sessions conducted as cancer patients request services and as cosmetologists are available. 334-288-3432

www.cancer.org

Auburn Therapy and Learning Center

2408 E University Dr, Suite 109. Auburn, AL 36830 Our mission is to empower and encourage functional daily living skills for all ages, specifically focusing on providing the highest quality treatment to improve those skills pertaining to communication, fine motor skills, sensory integration, and feeding difficulties. We are conveniently located in Auburn, Alabama and also service the surrounding communities. Our clinicians are fully licensed and trained to provide quality treatment in Speech and Language

Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Feeding Therapy. We welcome clients of all ages who are in need of our therapeutic services. We do require a referral by your doctor prior to evaluation.

(334) 734-5511

www.auburntlc.com

Auburn University

Autism Center provides: a model demonstration site for best practice education of persons with autism spectrum disorder, diagnostic services for children with autism spectrum disorder, outreach consultation services for families, schools and agencies that serve people with autism spectrum disorder, training for families, teachers and related professionals, and research opportunities relative to effective intervention strategies for people with autism spectrum disorder. Best Buddies- The largest chapter of Best Buddies International, an international organization that promotes one-to-one friendships between college students and buddies. Speech and Hearing Clinic- Haley Center, 8449600. offers screening tests for the general public free of charge each semester. The clinic performs audiological and speech-language evaluations, aural rehabilitation support and other clinical services for children and adults. Motor Behavior Lab- in the Department of Health and Human Performance provides a motor development program for kindergarten children with low motor proficiency. 334-844-4483. The Center for Disability Research and Service- 215 S. Donahue Dr. in the Dawson Building, Auburn University Campus. offering additional resources to improve the lives of Alabama citizens with significant disabilities. www.auburn.edu

Autism Hope Center

Columbus, Georgia The Autism Hope Center is a free resource to both families and professionals throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. Since 2005, we have been instrumental in bringing programs, services, and support to individuals and their families in our area. We host a monthly support group and a number of monthly inclusive events. Additionally, the center helps connect families to advocates and helps promote self-advocacy. 706 604 6333 autismhopecenterllp@gmail.com www.autismhopecenter.com

Autism Society of Alabama

4217 Dolly Ridge Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243 The Autism Society of Alabama (ASA) responds daily to requests for information. Parent SupportASA has support groups to address a variety of issues. Monthly meetings in a variety of settings throughout the state provide support and information, guest speakers, informative topics, and question and answer sessions. Lending Library- ASA has over 400 books and media on autism spectrum disorders that are available to our members. Items can be checked out through the office. If you have books on autism that you are willing to donate or for info on our lending library, please call. ASA collaborates with various state and local agencies to increase awareness in the community, schools, and in the medical and professional arenas to promote education, understanding, resources, and to encourage the early diagnosis of autism. 1-877-4AUTISM

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Benson Behavioral Services

Auburn, Alabama 36830 “From Challenge to Change”. Practical behavior therapy for parents and teachers. Offering in-home or school-based behavior therapy for autism and developmental disabilities. Hours and availability determined on a case-by-case basis. 334-452-1709

jnbenson1@hotmail.com

Brain Jogging & Camp Academia-

1507 Vernon Road, LaGrange, Georgia 30240 Areas of focus: Dyslexia, language processing deficiencies, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and processing speed. Camp Academia has four primary programs designed to help your child achieve his or her potential: Consultation / Testing Services– Full evaluation of your child’s strengths and weaknesses in learning utilizing both formal and informal methods and recommendations for charting their educational path. Brainjogging– Camp Academia’s research-based learning tool is designed to enhance learning efficiency and proficiency by “exercising” weak areas of the brain. Camps– Three-day residential camps designed to prepare your child for the upcoming school year. 706-884-4492 info@campacademia.com www.campacademia.com

Cast Ministries

Auburn, Alabama 36830 Amputee Support- If you or someone you love has suffered a loss of limb, we invite you to join our “team” as we learn to turn our weaknesses into our strengths. The Christian Amputee Support Team is committed to: “pursuing abundant life for amputees through the love of Christ.” 334-332-8411

www.castministries.org

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

Easter Seals Alabama

5960 E Shirley Ln, Montgomery, Alabama 36117 Consists of eight community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp, Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation. Easter Seals Achievement Center- 510 W Thomason Circle, Opelika, AL. 334-745-3501 Camp ASCCA Easter Seals- 5278 Camp ASCCA Drive, Jackson’s Gap, AL 256-8259226 or 800-843-2267. A special place where campers with disabilities have the opportunity to express their individuality and independence within a carefully supervised setting. Their families also are provided with a chance to relax in the knowledge that over thirty years of experience goes into providing a safe environment where fun can be had by all. The activities offered at Camp ASCCA include horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, repelling, zip-line, water tubing, archery and rifle range, mini-golf course, paved nature trails, and more. www.campascca.org 334-395-4489

www.easterseals.com/alabama

Hospice of East Alabama Medical Center

665 Opelika Road, Auburn, Alabama 36830 Hospice treats the whole person instead of the disease. Its focus is on the family as well as the individual. Hospice emphasizes quality of life rather than duration. The patient’s pain is treated aggressively, and suffering is recognized and dealt with by members of the interdisciplinary team. The patient’s final wishes are attended to, and efforts

are made to allow terminally ill patients and their families to remain together in peace, comfort, and dignity as they experience the end of life. Hospice services extend to any location: a home, the hospital, an assisted living facility, Bethany House, or a nursing home. Our goal at Hospice of EAMC is to help our patients live fully by managing pain and symptoms so that their days are filled with more joy and comfort. We seek to provide patients and their families with physical, emotional, social and spiritual support throughout their journey. Hospice of EAMC now serves parts of eight counties within a 50-mile radius of its office in Auburn, AL. Hospice of EAMC is the only area hospice linked directly with the services and support of East Alabama Medical Center. We can offer seamless transitioning of patients from inpatient care to their own homes or to a nursing home if needed. 334-826-1899

www.eamc.org

In His Hands: Special Friends Ministry

Lakeview Baptist Church, 1600 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Alabama 36830 Program designed to help families who have children with special needs be able to worship together while their children are shown and taught about the love of Christ by familiar adults. Our goal is to form teams of buddies for each special friend that will assist them on Sunday mornings. Buddies will volunteer on a weekly or monthly rotation. 334-887-7094

www.lakeviewbaptist.org

Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy

601 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 After realizing the need for a local non-profit for the benefit of the autism families in Lee County,

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a group of dedicated parents has worked to develop Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy. Together with educators, business professionals and parents we hope to bring the communities of Lee County a better understanding of autism spectrum disorders and how families are affected as well as provide workshops, trainings and support for educators and parents. Monthly meetings will be held the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Age appropriate social groups are also available. 334-740-0716 info@leecountyautism.com www.leecountyautism.com

Lee County Youth Development Center

1109 Spring Drive, Opelika, Alabama 36801 Times Change, Our Commitment Remains the Same. The Lee County Youth Development Center is uniquely set apart - singular in its design of offering a broad continuum of services and care for youth and families. Our agency strives to maintain the highest standards of quality care and innovative practices with expertise in the areas of prevention, intervention and residential care. One area served is Psychological Services:Comprehensive clinical support for all residents admitted to our Intensive Residential Treatment Facility, Residential & outpatient psychological assessments, therapies, and other clinical services for children, adolescents, and families served under the LCYDC umbrella, 24-hour/7-days a week/365-days a year On-Call Emergency Psychological Services to clients, residents, and programs at LCYDC, Emergency Mental Status Examinations, Psychiatric Clinic for all program clients, with ongoing psychiatric consultation with clinical staff, Psychological Staffing for all program clients, with ongoing psychological consultation for clinical staff by licensed professionals and Referrals accepted from the Department of Human Resources, the Alabama Department of

Youth Services, and the Juvenile Court System.

334-749-2996

www.lcydc.org

The Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool (Helping Auburn Parents-Intervening Early)

721 E. 14 Drive, Auburn, Alabama 36830 The preschool program is designed to provide intensive early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities ages 3-5 years old. We utilize strategies based on the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in teaching our children. We also offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy as needed for children enrolled. The primary focus of intervention is language acquisition but additional areas such as self-care skills, play skills, social skills, and pre-academic skills in preparation for kindergarten are also important. Our teachers plan developmentally and age appropriate lessons for children enrolled and utilize thematic teaching. Additional teaching procedures used at Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree include but are not limited to the following: discrete trial teaching, incidental teaching, least-to-most prompting sequences, most-to-least prompting sequences, shaping, reinforcement and differential reinforcement. There are four classrooms, each of which is supervised by a Lead Teacher certified in Early Childhood Special Education. Each Lead Teacher has the support of a full-time Teacher Assistant. 334-887-4956

www.auburnschools.org/Page/2503

March of Dimes Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama We help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. If something goes wrong, we offer information and comfort to families. We research the problems that threaten our babies and work on preventing them. The March of Dimes helped

to conquer polio by funding the research and development of the Salk vaccine. AllKids insurance, newborn (30) screening test, and more.

205-824-0103 al307@marchofdimes.com www.marchofdimes.org/alabama

RehabWorks 4 Kids

2450 Village Professional Pkwy, Opelika, 36801 A service of East Alabama Medical Center. We offer pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapies to children 0-18 yrs of age with a variety of diagnoses including: cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, receptiveexpressive language delays/disorders, feeding/ swallowing disorders, sensory integration disorders, torticollis, augmentative communication needs, sensory-motor group that meets weekly for 3-week sessions throughout the year & referrals to other community resources. 334-528-1964 kelly.shaw@eamc.org www.rehabworks.eamc.org/Kids

Smith Group Behavioral Consulting

2206 Executive Park Dr, Opelika, Alabama 36801 Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Organizational Behavior Management, and Education. 1) Working with Educators: Behavioral observation and consultation, functional assessments and functional analyses of maladaptive behavior, skill assessments, social skills training, development and monitoring of behavior reduction plans, competency-based training in ABA for teachers and school system staff, and classroom set-up and modifications to maximize learning. 2) Working with Families: ABA intervention programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, helping parents maximize their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning at home by evaluating the home environment and

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

home schedule, academic tutoring, development of behavior plans to reduce maladaptive behaviors at home, potty training programs, and training for immediate family members, extended family members, church staff, babysitters, etc.... on Autism Spectrum Disorders, ABA or other related topics.

334-332-9077 info@smithgroupbehavioralconsulting.com www.smithgroupbehavioralconsulting.com

Storybook Farm

300 Cusseta Road, Opelika, Alabama 36801 The year-round equine assisted activities are tailored to serve children ages 2 years to young adults who are challenged with life-threatening illnesses, disabilities, mental and/or emotional trauma, and grief. The gentle nature of our horses provides hope and healing. In addition to our “hope on horseback” riding programs, Storybook Farm also provides weekly Enrichment Classes for local school system’s inclusive special education classes, “Forever Families” quarterly events for families created by adoption or fostering, as well as annual events such as Easter Eggstravaganza, SBF Horse Show, Fall Festival, and the Christmas Celebration. 334-444-5966

www.hopeonhorseback.org

The Exceptional Outreach Organization (E.O.O.)-

Auburn, Alabama 36830 Organized in 2000, the Exceptional Outreach Organization is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to provide programs for exceptional individuals with special needs by fostering growth through recreation, education, and social activities. Comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors with zero administrative costs, E.O.O. works to raise funds and awareness to sponsor and support Special Olympics of Lee County, the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Summer Camp, Best Buddies of Auburn University, Premier Athletics Shining Knights Therapeutic Cheerleading Team, and other therapeutic related programs. E.O.O. hosts the annual Love Your Heart Run and Crank Your Heart Ride as its sole fundraising event. www.loveyourheartrun.com

Alabama Resources Alabama’s Early Intervention System

602 S Lawrence St , Montgomery, 36104 Provides supports and services for infants and toddlers birth through age 2 (0 to 36 months of age) who have a medical diagnosis that can delay normal development or who have a developmental delay causing the child to not meet developmental milestones. Early intervention supports and services focus on teaching the parents and other caregivers ways to help the child learn and participate in everyday activities. AEIS also prepares infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays for transition to the Alabama State Department of Education’s and local school systems’ preschool program for 3- to 5-year-olds. 800-543-3098 www.rehab.alabama.gov/individualsand-families/early-intervention

ADA Center- Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

602 S Lawrence St , Montgomery, 36104 ADA Center- Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services- (800) 205-9986. DBTAC - Southeast ADA Center; 1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA. 800-949-4232; www.sedbtac.org 334-613-3471

www.rehab.state.al.us/ada

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

Blind or Visually Impaired/Deaf or Hard Hearing, Deaf-Blind

205 South Street E, Talladega, Alabama 35160 Is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program serving individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deaf-blind and multidisabled. Founded in 1858 by a young medical doctor who wanted to educate his deaf brother, AIDB now serves more than 22,500 infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services literally span a lifetime including five campuses in Talladega, eight regional centers located in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Tuscumbia with programs that range from early and senior intervention, traditional and nontraditional education services and a manufacturing facility that is the state’s largest employer of adults who are blind and deaf. 256- 761-3238

www.AIDB.org

Career and Technical Education

Alabama Department of Education, 50 North Ripley Street , Montgomery, Alabama 36130 Focused on helping students achieve success through leadership development, career awareness, and academic excellence. This division also provides service to Alabama’s teachers, education administrators, and counselors through professional development that works to further K-12 student achievement and project-based learning. 334-242-9111

www.alsde.edu

Children with Disabilities

Alabama Department of Education, 50 North Ripley Street , Montgomery, Alabama 36130 Ages 3 through 5- Contact Special Education. Transition Services/ Special Education Services -Alabama State Department of Education 334-242-8114

www.alsde.edu

Developmental Disabilities

Alabama Department of Education, 50 North Ripley Street , Montgomery, Alabama 36130 provides a comprehensive array of services and supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in the state through contractual arrangements with community agencies, five regional community services offices, and three comprehensive support service teams that assist with behavioral, medical, psychiatric and dental services and supports. 334-242-3107

www.mh.alabama.gov

Developmental Disabilities Council

Alabama Department of Education, 50 North Ripley Street , Montgomery, Alabama 36130 Has a mission to support independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities 800-232-2158

www.acdd.org

Enable Savings Plan Alabama

• Tax-Free Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities • Keep Your Disability Benefits and Save for Your Future Enable Savings Plan Alabama provides taxfree savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities., its features include: • An individual with an eligible disability can open one account. The owner and beneficiary are the same. • Any person can contribute to the account. • Three risk-based investment options, an FDICinsured bank savings option and FDIC-insured check writing option with a debit card. Created in partnership with the Alabama State Treasurer’s Office, the State of Nebraska Treasurer’s Office and First National Bank of Omaha. (866) 833-7949

www.EnableAL.com

Mental Health Rep for Children/Youth

Office of Children’s Services/Ala Dept of Mental Health, 100 N Union, Montgomery, 36130 Mental Illness services are comprised of a comprehensive array of treatment services and supports through four state-operated facilities and contractual agreements with community mental health centers across the state. The MI/SA Central Office staff provides oversight and support for the continuum of care through its offices of quality improvement, consumer relations, deaf services, community programs, certification, facilities management, and the indigent drug program. 334-353-7110

www.mh.alabama.gov

Respite Care/Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network

1856 Keats Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35810 Respite Care- is temporary short-term relief for caregivers of individuals with special needs such as: developmental and physical disabilities or other chronic illnesses that are related to health concerns, medical fragility, or for those at risk of abuse and neglect. 1-866-RESTALA

www.alabamarespite.org

Special Education Services-Alabama Department of Education

50 N Ripley Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 800-392-8020

www.alsde.edu

Special Format Library: Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

6030 Monticello Dr, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 www.statelibrary.alabama.gov

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Special Health Care Needs - Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services/ Children’s Rehabilitation Service

602 S Lawrence St , Montgomery, Alabama 36104 Serving children and teens from birth to 21. CRS provides services for children and adolescents from birth to age 21 with special health-care needs and their families. Every county in Alabama is served through a network of 14 community-based offices. Staff members work closely with local school systems to enable children with disabilities to participate fully in school. 800-441-7607

www.rehab.alabama.gov

Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities)-Montgomery, AL.

602 S Lawrence St , Montgomery, Alabama 36104 STAR has been and continues to be a resource to provide Alabamians free access to information, referral services, educational programs, and publications in accessible format on extensive topics related to disability rights, laws/policies, and funding opportunities for assistive technology 800-782-7656

www.rehab.alabama.gov/star

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. www.asha. org/public. www.asha.org

University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Civitan International Research Center

UAB, 1719 6th Ave S, Birmingham, 35233 Through partnerships with consumers, professionals, organizations, and agencies, the Civitan Center seeks to shape policy decisions related to research

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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and to increase the opportunities for inclusion, independence, productivity, and personal life satisfaction for individuals with developmental disabilities. 800-822-2472

www.circ.uab.edu

Vocational Rehabilitation-Department of Rehabilitation Services

602 S Lawrence St , Montgomery, Alabama 36104 The department’s largest division, VRS provides specialized employment- and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed. The VRSBlind/Deaf program provides assistance through its Blind, Deaf Services and Older Alabamians System of Information and Services programs. 334-281-8780

www.rehab.alabama.gov

Disability-Specific Organizations 4217 Dolly Ridge Rd, Birmingham, Alabama 35243 ASA collaborates with various state and local agencies to increase awareness in the community, schools, and in the medical and professional arenas to promote education, understanding, resources, and to encourage the early diagnosis of autism. ASA maintains a website that provides up to date information and provides direct links to other important informational sites. Our website also acts as a source of support for families and parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. 877-4-AUTISM contact@autism-alabama.org www.autism-alabama.org

256-325-8600

Landover, Maryland The Epilepsy Foundation is committed to people with epilepsy, their family members and caregivers; to advocating for funding for epilepsy programs, research, and a cure; to policies that promote research and innovation; to improving access to and coverage of quality care and essential services; and to the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities. 800-626-1582

info@sbaofal.org

www.sbaofal.org

Tourette Syndrome-Tourette Association of America

The premier national non-profit organization working to make life better for all people affected by Tourette and Tic Disorders 888-4-touret

www.tourette.org

Asthma & Allergies-Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America

www.epilepsyfoundation.org

Landover, Maryland AAFA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergic diseases through education, advocacy and research.

Learning Disabilities-Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama

Main purpose is to make sure that those who do have special educational needs are given the help and support they need to go on to achieve everything they have always wanted while also making sure that everything is done to unleash their true potential. Idaal work to help children and adults of normal intelligence, but who have coordinated, conceptual or perceptual difficulties. 334-277-9151

Autism- Autism Society of Alabama

related to this birth defect.

Epilepsy- Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama

800-727-8462

www.aafa.org

Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Lanham, Maryland Children with ADHD are eligible for special education services or accommodations within the regular classroom when needed, and adults with ADHD may be eligible for accommodations in the workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act. CHADD is a success story, inspired by the desire of countless parents to see their children with ADHD succeed.

www.ldaal.org

Speech and Hearing- Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama

PO Box 238, Capshaw, Alabama 35742 Advance the disciplines of speech-language pathology and audiology in order to provide support for professionals while advocating quality services.

800-233-4050

256-325-8885 Info@AlabamaSHAA.org www.alabamashaa.org

www.chadd.org

Blind/Visual Impairments- American Foundation for the Blind

New York, New York Sees a world where people with vision loss have equal access and opportunities to excel at school, at work, and in their communities. Each day, we come a step closer to creating that

Spina Bifida- Spina Bifida Association of Alabama

PO Box 35, Gadsden, Alabama 35902 Provide families affected by Spina Bifida with the most up-to-date medical and social information

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TIMOTHY DUNNIGAN III TRAVIS JOHNSON TRAVON MATTHEWS TRENT REED TRENTON CLAYTON TRESHUN PHILLIPS TRIPP SPRINGER TROY POWELL TUCKER MCLAUGHLIN TUCKER WEBB TURNER SMITH TYJAH SMITH-OWENS TYLER BECKON TYLER MACHEN TYQUAVIAN WILKES TYRA PITTS TYRESE PITTS VALERIA REYES VANESSA FLYNN VANESSA LOA VICTORIA PORTER VIRGINA HEFELFINGER VIRGINIA GRANT VIVIANNE PAYNE VIVIENNE MATTHEIS WALKER MELTON WALTER NIMS WAYLON BARNETT WELLER ROLLING WESTON SANDERS WESTON MATHIS WHITMAN HAWKINS WILLIAM BRYAN WILLIAM GREEN WILLIAM JACKSON WILLIAM MCCARLEY WILLIAM NEIGHBORS WILLIAM PACK WILLIAM RAFFERTY WILLIAM ROBINSON WILLIAM TUCKER WILLIAM MADDOX WILLIS GOLDEN WILLOW HYPPOLITE WILLOW MESSER XAVIER MICHAUD XZYIAH WHITE YANRU XUAN ZACHARY EVANS ZANIYAH BAILEY ZARIAH RANDOLPH ZAYVIAN JAMES ZIAH RAY ZIYEASHA RAY ZOE AKINS ZOEY RICHARDSON ZOEY TOLBERT ZOYA AYDAROVA-ROUE ZYDARRIEN JACKSON ZYLIE HODGES

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

world. Our award-winning programs and services address the most pressing needs of people with vision loss. 800-232-5463

www.afb.org

Downs Syndrome- Down Syndrome Alabama- Birmingham

1929 Canyon Road, Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35216 Down Syndrome Alabama’s mission is to promotes lifelong Awareness, Acceptance and Advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.

abilities (I/DD) and their families. This advocacy is provided through Information and Referral services, educational opportunities like the annual Alabama disAbility Conference, and public policy initiatives. 866-243-9557 info@thearcofalabama.com www.thearcofal.org

Mental Health- NAMI Alabama

205-988-0810 www.downsyndromealabama.org

1401 I-85 Pkwy, Ste A, Montgomery, 36106 To provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected by these brain disorders.

Food Allergies- The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

Sensory Processing Disorder

McLean, Virginia Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for lifethreatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in 13 children in the United States – or roughly two in every classroom. 1-800-929-4040

www.foodallergy.org

Head Injury-Alabama Head Injury Foundation

3100 Lorna Rd, Ste 203, Hoover, Alabama 35213 To improve the quality of life for survivors of traumatic brain injury and their families. 800-433-8002

www.ahif.org

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities- The Arc of Alabama, Inc.

557 S Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104 To advocate for the rights and protections of people with intellectual and developmental dis-

800-626-4199

www.namialabama.org

Greenwood Village, Colorodo STAR Institute is the premier treatment, research and education center for children and adults with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This includes feeding disorders and other disorders with sensory issues such as autism and ADHD. 303-221-STAR (7827)

www.spdstar.org

Parent Organizations Family Voices of Alabama

Encourages families to develop individual partnerships with their children’s care providers, and to look for opportunities to impact systems change by working collaboratively with the many agencies in the state that care about services for children and youth with special needs. www.familyvoices.org

Parent Training and Information Center / Early Intervention Family Alliance- (APEC)

10520 US Hwy 231, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 Formed to provide parents with training and information to help them become meaningful participants in their children’s education. 866-532-7660

www.alabamaparentcenter.com

Partners in Policymaking of Alabama

100 N Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 Tp support independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities. 800-846-3735

www.acdd.org

Recreation and Social Events Auburn Parks and Recreation

ad on page 7

307 South Dean Road, Auburn, Alabama 36830 Offers recreational activities, programs/leagues, social activities and field trips for citizens who have mental and physical disabilities. We provide an opportunity for children and adults to build friendships in a fun, encouraging and safe environment. The programs are designed to strengthen and “show off” the participants’ abilities, rather than their disabilities. All programs are free, unless otherwise noted. The Therapeutics Program also supports the Lee County and State of Alabama Special Olympics programs and the Auburn University chapter of Best Buddies. 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/specialolympics

1452 Opelika Road 334.502.0200 Stop In Where Good Health Hits Home. SHOP OUR AWARD-WINNING COLLECTION Oil Tinctures | Water Solubles | Topicals Soft Gel Capsules | Bath & Beauty Pet Products & more! *Mention this ad and receive 15% off your first order

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Lee County Special Olympics

Auburn Parks and Recreation supports Special Olympics by sponsoring teams for many of the Special Olympics events. Currently we support athletes for aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf, power lifting, softball, track and field, and volleyball. Practices take place throughout the year with the help of local Special Olympics’ volunteer coaches. You must be at least 8 years of age and meet the requirements of the Alabama Special Olympics Guidelines in order to participate. We currently need Coaches for our Special Olympics Athletes, if you have the time and the interest to help coach these dynamic and fun-loving kids, please contact the Lee County Special Olympics Director or the State office today! www.facebook. com/specialolympicsalleeco

Opelika Parks and Recreation

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Alabama 36801 Discover Group- Discover is an opportunity for high-functioning, intellectually disabled citizens that are no longer enrolled in school. We will discover together through various activities and will travel once a month. Scheduled trips may change meeting times. There are costs associated with this program. Expressions of a BraveHeart ProgramBraveheart is a fine arts program offering art, music and dance classes to youth and young adults with moderate to severe disabilities. The schedule will be given out on the first day of class. Special Olympics Swim Team: Competitive swim team for children and adults with special needs. Fee: FREE 334-705-5560

www.opelikasportsplex.com

The Miracle League of East Alabama

1600 Covington Ave, Opelika, Alabama 36801 “Every Child Deserves A Chance to Play Baseball.” The Miracle League is an organization that provides the opportunity for persons of ALL AGES with cognitive or physical disabilities to play baseball. Giving ability a chance The Billy Hitchcock Miracle Field Complex -the largest of its kind in the country-will serve disabled people of all ages and their families from the East Alabama and West Georgia area.The complex is located alongside the other baseball fields and the playground area at West Ridge Park. The playground includes slides, tunnels, a sandbox and swings all completely accessible for the disabled. eamiracleleague@gmail.com

www.miraclefield.org

Recreation Camps Camp ASCCA

5278 Camp ASCCA Rd, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. 256-825-9226

www.campascca.org

Camp Frog

5278 Camp ASCCA Rd, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 ASA hosts 35+ families at the annual September Family Camp ASCCA, Camp FROG. Children on the autism spectrum enjoy traditional camp activities in a supportive environment with their families. The Autism Society of Alabama. Camp ASCCA, Jackson’s Gap. September 13-15; Ages 6-18 years and their families. Scholarships available. 205-951-1364

www.autism-alabama.org

Camp Shocco for the Deaf

Talladega, Alabama This camp gives every hearing impaired student, ages 8-high school, an opportunity to have an unforgettable week of fun, games, and spiritual growth. Not only that, they learn the essence of teamwork, while also developing their own unique abilities and talents that can often be overlooked. 256-761-1100

www.campshocco.org

Camp Smile-a-Mile

Children’s Harbor, Alex City, Alabama 35010 Year round challenging, recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost. Our purpose is to provide these patients, families and survivors with avenues for fellowship, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life after cancer. 1-888-500-7920

www.campsam.org

Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris

500 Chase Park S, Birmingham, Alabama 35244 Provides kids with the chance to learn about effective diabetes management, while at the same time allowing them to interact with other children living with this same illness. 205-402-0415 info@campsealeharris.org www.southeasterndiabetes.org

Lakeshore Foundation

4000 Ridgeway Dr, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 Offers a wide range of fitness, recreation, athletic and education programs to children and adults who experience diagnostic conditions including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, amputation, and visual impairment. 205-313-7400

www.lakeshore.org AOP

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Should I Let My Tween Girl Use Social Media?

the drama will follow her everywhere her device goes. And if she’s socially awkward, it’ll probably come off that way online, too (though online communication might be less stressful).

Has she been diagnosed with a mental health disorder? Plenty of kids with anxiety and depression find support online and through social platforms, but for kids with documented struggles, the risks of negative experiences are higher.

Living during a global pandemic is no joke. And the isolation most of us are experiencing is even tougher for tween girls, who take their blossoming social lives very seriously. So it’s no surprise if you’re considering TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat sooner than you’d expected, in order to foster the kind of connection and support kids can only get from friends. It’s a big decision -- and one that makes sense for lots of tweens and teens (with appropriate precautions). But there’s a small subset of young girls who are particularly vulnerable to the negative aspects of social media -- and if yours is one of them, you should wait. The big question, of course, is how do you know? These questions aren’t a diagnostic tool, but more of a guide to help you unearth potential markers of emotional vulnerability. If your kid could benefit from having a social media community, by all means, take advantage. But if the answers to these questions lead you down a different path, it’s perfectly OK to wait, find other ways for her to connect, and support her entry into social media with more caution and care.

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may want to wait. When you do introduce social media, do it slowly, carefully, and with extra protections in place.

Here are some tips for how to introduce social media cautiously:

Ever docu

Hold off, if you can. In pre-pandemic times, this advice might have been easier. But maintaining social connections is super important right now -- and unfortunately, online is the best way to keep them going. Take it slow. Social media that’s less about “likes” -- for example, Zoom, FaceTime, and regular texting -- are probably OK to start. Social apps centered on social comparison, such as TikTok, can be introduced one at a time after you see how your kid does with them.

Does she frequently compare herself to others? If she talks a lot

Find substitutes. Nothing will replace having the cool app everyone’s talking about, but finding fun games or quasisocial apps for her to use can help her feel less left out.

about what friends look like, what they wear, nice things they own, and the like, and puts herself down in the process, she may not be ready for the constant stream of perfectly curated lives on Instagram, for example.

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Use it together. If you want to give the OK to Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, set up the app on your device first and let her use it with you at her side. This isn’t going to work forever but can be a good place to start because you can see what’s happening and discuss whatever comes up. Remember:

Has she been bullied in the past? Online lives are typically exten-

sions of offline lives, so if your daughter has been bullied at school, it’s possible it could happen again through comments on TikTok or disappearing messages on Snapchat.

Does she have a history of victimization? Girls who are survivors

Create a social media contract. However you decide to introduce social media, it’s wise to set rules about when and how she can use it.

of abuse could be at a heightened risk of online victimization. Girls who have been sexually assaulted or abused may act out through sexualized social media posts, which can make them a target of pedophiles and traffickers on a variety of platforms.

Once she starts using social media, make sure to keep checking in about it. Even though you might not be able to track everything she does or sees, you can let her know you’re available for when she has trouble.

Does she have trouble making and keeping friends? If the

friendship drama is constant in person, using social media means Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

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www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Grac drea

Grading This Week’s Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and DVDs 14 August 2020

Fearless

Bombardier Blood

Boys State

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-Y7

A-

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

Unrated

A-

Apple TV+

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

A-

C-

Every summer, thousands of teens are brought together to learn how to create representative government from scratch. This documentary follows a Boys State camp in Texas – and it might make you nervous about the future state of American politics.

Endless

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

Unrated

C-

A-

C-

When Chris dies in a car accident, his girlfriend is consumed with grief…until he finds a way to connect with her again. What the young couple doesn’t know is that the universe doesn’t like it when people break the rules and someone has to pay the price. This unrated movie clocks in at a PG-13, but it has some disturbing themes that aren’t teen-friendly.. Photo ©Quiver Distribution

Magic Camp

Disney+

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

A-

Struggling to succeed as a professional magician, Andy seizes the opportunity to return to the magic camp he attended as a kid, this time as a counselor. When he runs into an old rival, things get personal. Goofy and fun, this is family-friendly entertainment.

Zombies 2

Disney+

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-G

B+

A-

Zombies have finally been accepted in Seabrook, working and going to school with humans. But then werewolves show up and reignite the community’s fear of monsters. Now human and monster friends are going to have to work together so everyone can go to prawn a.k.a. prom. This movie’s message of tolerance and diversity will resonate with kids and tweens .

Violence

This inspiring documentary follows Chris Bombardier, who was born with hemophilia, a life-threatening bleeding disorder. Now he’s climbing the highest mountains on each continent to raise funds for other hemophiliacs who are struggling to pay for treatment.

ng he

Overall

Photo ©Netflix

”

enbe id

Rating

Reid is obsessed with video games and has made it further than anyone in his favorite game, Planet Master. When three babies with superpowers warp from the game into his backyard, Reid and his best friend Melanie must find a way to get them back to their father while avoiding the evil villain. Sadly, for a movie that sounds like a lot of fun, Fearless isn’t.

ty h of

Netflix

Photo ©Disney+

The High Note

Now on DVD

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

C+

A-

C+

Grace is a musical megastar. Maggie is her overworked and ambitious personal assistant who sees an opportunity to make her own dreams of being a record producer come true when she hears an aspiring young singer. Grades range from: A= absence of content concerns to D= excess of content concerns Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com 39

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Worried About College

Q. My husband and I are about to start Baby Step 5. We want to save money for college to help our children, but we’re a little worried about starting a 529 Plan and being penalized if we pull the money out for trade school or they don’t finish their studies. What do you think we should do? A. You’d only be taxed on the growth, not what you put into the plan. And you’d be taxed on the growth anyway if you put it into something else, so there’s no reason not to go with a 529 Plan. The truth is a 529 will work for a lot of trade schools. It may not be accepted if they do a straight-up apprenticeship, but it’s fine for a course of study at a vo-tech school.

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2020

Now, if you don’t use all of what’s in your 529 for education, the portion that goes unused will be taxed. You’ll want a chunk of cash sitting in your 529, enough to make a difference in their educational goals, but you don’t want to overfund it.

Accept a Gift from In-Laws?

Q. My in-laws have very generously offered my wife and I $250,000 to help with a down payment on a home. I know the amount exceeds the IRS’s yearly gift allowance, but they want to structure it as a family loan and have already told us they don’t care if we pay it back. If we accept, we technically owe them a lot of money. If we say no, they may be offended. What

do you think about this and how it might impact the relationship?

A. Well, it makes sense your wife would be onboard with the whole thing. It’s her dad making the offer, so of course she would be a lot more comfortable with the idea than you are. This is a big deal, and it’s something you two should have a very serious conversation about. Get on the same page in every regard. Also, I’d recommend making sure you get everything in writing. See to it, as well, that it can be forgiven at the maximum allowable annual gift rate. In addition, in the event of death make sure it’s included in the estate, it’s forgiven, and there will be zero call on the note. In effect, that would make it an advance on your inheritance instead of debt. Under no circumstances should they, or any other heirs, have grounds to call the note. That’s a good question. And a nice gift!

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ADMISSIONS

OPEN

“Alabama’s High School ”

SEPTEMBER 1

Alabama 9th & 10th Graders Can Apply Free at www.asms.net

FREE

TUITION, ROOM, AND BOARD

ASMS is a public residential high school for academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in mathematics, science, computer science, and humanities.

• Early College Experience • Dedicated Instructors • Diverse Community • Leadership Opportunities • Experiential Learning

Find out how the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science can lead you on a path to success. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your online application September 1, 2020 at www.asms.net. ASMS students have access to hands-on, experiential learning focused on research and collaboration. Students take a variety of college-level courses in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, History, English, Communication, Physical Education, and Fine Arts.

COGNIA ACCREDITED

Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.2100.

1255 DAUPHIN STREET

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND OUTREACH MOBILE, AL 36604 I 251.441.2100 I ADMISSIONS@ASMS.NET

WWW.ASMS.NET

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ALABAMA CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY QUICK SAFETY TIPS

• RIGHT SEAT: Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height. • RIGHT PLACE: Keep all children in the back seat until they are 13. • RIGHT DIRECTION: Keep your child in a rear facing position for as long as possible! When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. • INCH TEST: Once your car seat is installed, use your non-dominate hand and shake the seat at the belt path. A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch. • PINCH TEST: Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots. Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go!

DID YOU KNOW? • Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the US.

ALABAMA CHILD RESTRAINTS LAW REQUIRES CHILDREN UNDER 6 TO BE PROPERLY BUCKLED IN AN APPROPRIATE CAR SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT. CAR SEAT RECOMMENDATIONS: • Infant only seats and convertible seats used in the rear facing position for infants until at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds. • Convertible seats in the forward position or forward-facing seats until the child is at least 5 years of age or 40 pounds. • Booster seats until the child is 6 years of age. • Seat belts until 15 years of age. *American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children remain in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.

FREE CAR SEAT CHECK Still have questions or concerns? For help (or to even double check your work), contact:

• Car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crash by 71-82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone.

Michelle Richardson (Perry, Walker, Lamar counties): (205) 554-4529

• An estimated 46% of car seats and booster seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness.

Anna Odom (Washington, Clarke, Baldwin counties): (251) 946-8012

Penny Roney (Madison, Marshall, Morgan counties): (256) 533-8712 Sharon Franklin (Macon, Elmore, Bullock counties): (334) 322-8431 Elizabeth Payne (St. Clair, Etowah, Calhoun counties): (256) 533-8712 1