Special Needs Living Jan 2023 Issue

BY 21 VINES PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO

More than a Trampoline Park

Have a blast jumping on trampolines (of course), channeling your inner ninja warrior, making it to the top of the climbing wall, or challenging your friends in jousting. We are the largest indoor adventure park in Indiana, with 50,000 square feet of attractions, including our ALL NEW ropes course, warped wall, stunt fall, all sports course, harnessed climbing wall and MORE!!

Sensory Friendly Play every Monday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call or email to reserve your spot!

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

317-977-2375 317-676-4222

800-609-8448 877-241-8144 800-545-7763

800-545-7763

Arc of Indiana www.arcind.org

Autism Community Connection www.autismcc-in.org

Autism Society of Indiana Blind and Visually Impaired Services (BVIS)

Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS)

Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS)

DHHSHelp@fssa/in.gov

800-622-4968 888-673-0002 800-403-0864 317-232-7800 317-925-7617 877-511-1144 317-466-1000

Disability Determination Bureau Division of Aging (IDA)

Division of Family Resources (DFR)

Division of Mental Health and Addiction Down Syndrome Indiana Early Childhood and Out of School Learning (OECOSL)

Easterseals Crossroads https://eastersealscrossroads.org

911 800-545-7763 574-234-7101 317-232-0570 844-323-4636 317-233-4454 317-232-7770 812-855-6508 317-233-1325 844-446-7452 855-641-8382 800-332-4433 800-457-4584 317-232-7770 800-772-1213 800-772-1213 877-851-4106 317-871-4032 800-545-7763

Emergency First Steps

INSOURCE – www.insource.org

Indiana Department of Education: Office of Special Education – www.doe.in.gov/specialed Indiana Family to Family - www.inf2f.org

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) – www.in.gov/fssa/index.htm

Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities (GPCPD)

Indiana Resource Center for Autism Indiana State Department of Health Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) Indiana Works

INSOURCE – http://insource.org/ Medicaid Disability Medicaid Waivers

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Special Education Questions

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR)

Scan to view the past issues of Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas.

Scan or text the letters SNL to the number 55433 to get the digital copy of SNL through text message.

## Meet the Isaacks Family — Jason, Megan and Owen

## Sponsorship Spotlight: Piece By Piece Center

## Non-Profit Spotlight: Advocates For Education, Inc.

## Pastor’s Corner: A Renewed You

## Meet the Hopper Family

## Milestones and Favorite Memories in 2022

## Autism Masking — What Exactly Is It?

## Self Advocates: Meet Morgan

Achievers:

This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses who make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!

ABA & COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES

K1ds Count Therapy (317) 520-4748

ABA SERVICES

Autism Center for Enrichment (317) 436-7080

Link to Learn (317) 863-8388

Mindful and Modern ABA Therapies (317) 827-7777

Piece by Piece Autism Center (765) 481-2261

Step Ahead ABA (317) 732-8380

The Umbrella Center (463) 701-0909

ABA/COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES

The Hope Source (317) 578-0410

ACCOUNTING/PAYROLL/TAXES

Borshoff Consulting LLC. Sherry Borshoff (317) 902-6539

ADVOCACY/EVALUATIONS

PEAS for Kids (920) 980-1172

ATTORNEY

Hostetter & Associates (317) 852-2422

ATTORNEY-WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATE PLANNING

Law Office of Elizabeth A. Homes LLC (317) 660-5004

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

Supportive Behavior Services (765) 337-1895

www.supportivebehaviorservices.com

CASE MANAGEMENT

Connections Case Management (317) 440-0637

IPMG - Indiana Professional Management Group (866) 672-4764

CAT CARE & SITTING Bastet Cat Care & Sitting (317) 919-1948

CBD SUPPLIER Indy CBD Plus (317) 961-0191

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Ausome Indy (317) 331-2434 ausomeindy.org/

COUNSELING SERVICE Mark 2 Ministries (317) 777-8070

DAY / BEHAVIORAL SERVICES

Developmental Disabilities Systems INC. - DDSI (317) 477-8240

DENTAL Children’s Dental Center (317) 842-8453

FINANCIAL Munder Financial James Munder (317) 238-6621

WestPoint Financial Group Gordon Homes (317) 567-2005

GYMNASTICS

Body by GymRoots Studio (317) 579-9300

HEALTH & WELLNESS

LifeVantage - Team Richards Kristin Richards (317) 698-5264

HOME CARE Amiable Home Care Inc. (317) 802-1746

HOME CARE SERVICES

SafeInHome (855) 476-6665

HOME HEALTH SERVICES

Tendercare Home Health Services (317) 620-3992 www.tchhs.net/

HOME MODIFICATIONS / SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT

Specialized Home Care Services (888) 506-4182 www.specialized4u.com/

INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK

Adrenaline Family Adventure Park (317) 572-2999 www.adrenalinefishers1.com

INSURANCE

State Farm John Cole (317) 430-1958

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Dan Claxton Investment Advisory & Broker Dan Claxton (317) 250-8080

LANDSCAPING/LAWN CARE/ LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Franco Landscaping, Inc (317) 858-3858

MORTGAGE

CrossCountry Mortgage (317) 666-4679

MUSIC THERAPY Dynamic Music Therapy (317) 829-6654

Resounding Joy (858) 888-0899

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY Indy Neurofeedback (317) 888-8500

PARKS & RECREATION

Johnson County Parks & Recreation (812) 526-6809

PEDIATRIC THERAPY Wee Speak (765) 446-8300

REALTOR

F.C. Tucker

Nicole Lyon (317) 501-0639

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE/STEM CELL THERAPY

Destination ReGen (317) 522-1980

SCHOOL

Dynamic Minds Academy (317) 578-0410

Midwest Academy (317) 843-9500

SCHOOL - SPECIAL NEEDS The Fortune Academy (317) 377-0544

SCULPTURE, POTTERY & ART

Ripple Mobile Arts (317) 514-8469

SENSORY SPACES

Corporate Interior Solutions (317) 691-4156

SPEECH THERAPY

Positive Interactions Therapy (317) 518-0627 positiveinteractionstherapy.com

SUPPORT SERVICES

Easterseals Crossroads (317) 466-1000

Embracing Abilities (317) 825-8326

Joseph Maley Foundation (317) 432-6657 www.josephmaley.org

Noble (317) 375-2700

The ALTRUIST Group, LLC (317) 547-3041 x1005

Wabash Center (765) 423-5531

THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER

Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding Center (317) 733-9393

THERAPY & TESTING SERVICES

The Brain Center (317) 748-0034

VIDEOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY

Deliver Video Eli Walker (765) 602-1046

Special Needs Living - Indianapolis & Surrounding

Special Needs Living - Indianapolis

Angelica N. Gray, MA, BCBA, LBA – Writer

Jamie McCabe – Publisher and Area Director

Tasha Cleaver – SNL Account Executive

Christia Woodford –Publishing Assistant and Local Events

Brooke Russell –Operations and Events Manager

Lisa DeFilippo – Writer and Contributor

Maria Smietana – Editorin-Chief Dr. Darolyn “Lyn” Jones –Content Coordinator and Writer

Heather Gregg –Photographer, 21 Vines Photography

Christie and Nathan Buonanno –Buonanno Photography

Paul Hathcoat – Writer and Contributor

Kendal Ford – Kendal Nicole Photography

Christina McGairk – Editor and Writer

Tanya Sood – Writer and Contributor

DeAndra Yates – Writer

Sheila Wolfe – Writer and Contributor

Jane Gailey – Contributor

Dorie Zipperle – Writer and Contributor

Aaron Olson – Writer

Isaac Roman – Writer and Photographer

Matt Knight – Writer

Angela Arlington –Community Engagement Coordinator, Writer and Contributor

Publisher’s Note

Happy New Year from your Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas team!

This year has been a blast. As we take time to reflect on the last year, we want to take a moment to thank each person for taking the time to contribute and share your story in Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas each month. These stories are so personal, real, sometimes challenging and very touching. So many times this year, we have had people reach out to thank us for some of the stories shared and resources found. Our goal is to help individuals and families in the special needs community not feel so alone or isolated. The stories are shared to give hope, encouragement and sometimes even a shift in perspective.

We have enjoyed putting on events this year to help the community connect. We have enjoyed watching parents connect with other parents (sometimes for the very first time). Parents share with us how much they enjoy watching their kids do something new for the first time, and the events have given them the

confidence to go out into the community more often and try new things.

Thank you to each of the supporters listed in the index who help make this magazine and the events we do possible. What a blessing each of you is for helping to make this resource possible for so many in the special needs community. If you are in need and looking for particular support, please reach out to them, they would be delighted to help.

Personally, our 10-year-old autistic son, Jordan, is having his best year ever. He is not eloping as far out of range; this is nice when we go camping and take hikes at the park. Jordan is also starting to communicate his needs more; he loves music, so we often times will pause during a song, and he will pick back up with the melody. Jordan also hit a 10-month period of time without a seizure, and this was the longest stretch of time we have ever gone without him having one. The milestones he reached this year gave us hope for his future and what is possible.

We were proud to expand Special Needs Living-Indianapolis

& Surrounding Areas to Akron/ Canton, Ohio, this last year. We are excited to bring Special Needs LivingIndianapolis & Surrounding Areas to Michigan in the spring of 2023. This makes me incredibly thankful. There has been such an impact having SNL here in Indy, we are excited to watch the impact happen in local communities nationwide.

If you ever have an idea, suggestion, feedback or someone you would like to nominate to share their story in a future issue of Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas click this link or scan the QR code below — https://linktr.ee/community.stories.

Thank you so much for your continued readership. Have a wonderful 2023

Your Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas Team

Jamie McCabe Publisher, Area Director Jamie.McCabe@n2co.com 248-882-8448

ISAACKS Family Meet the

At 8 years old, Owen Isaacks is a force to be reckoned with. A future all-sport athlete and sports enthusiast, like his Dad. Owen had stints in baseball, basketball, soccer and swimming and, most recently, received his yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do, with winter plans to try wrestling!

Hard to believe much of anything has ever slowed this kid down. Meet proud parents, Jason and Megan Isaacks, and superstar, Owen Isaacks.

IN THE BEGINNING

When first-time parents Megan and Jason Isaacks went in for their 20-week gender-reveal ultrasound, they heard they were having a sweet baby boy, and they were

over the moon. Those feelings of elation soon changed to worry as they also learned there was an issue with the development of the baby’s right arm — something they wouldn’t know the full extent of until Owen was born.

“Owen was born with a genetic condition called phocomelia, which resulted in his right arm not fully developing,” explains Megan. “He has a small hand with three fingers that formed off his right shoulder, but there is no limb.”

After Owen was born, he was seen by a geneticist who immediately identified the limb difference as phocomelia. Jason and Megan decided to undergo genetic testing as well in hopes of finding answers.

We are so lucky that he has a great support system of friends in the Westfield school system.

- MEGAN

“The most difficult part about learning of the limb difference [at 20 weeks] were the unknowns since they weren’t able to identify the exact cause,” said Megan. “After genetic testing, we discovered we both have a recessive gene that resulted in the phocomelia, which is essentially a one in a million chance of us finding one another and procreating.”

Megan goes on to explain how lucky they are; that many phocomelia cases include multiple limb defects, both upper and lower, and can also cause a heart condition, as it did for Owen, but thankfully by six months of age, the small hole in his heart completely closed.

“When we saw the extent of his limb difference, we definitely worried about how he would get through life,” shared Megan. “Our family was the thing that got us through it all. My mother is a retired special education teacher, and she has a brother who was born with a moderate intellectual disability. My sister is a developmental preschool teacher in the Hamilton Southeastern school district, plus my own career working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities [as Social Services Manager at Janus Developmental Services, a company that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities] shows that my family is no stranger to the special needs community!

“A limb difference to the extent that Owen was born with was definitely different than anything we had experience with before, but we all came together to support each other and figure out whatever it was that was needed.”

In terms of services, Megan says First Steps made all the difference for your child’s family, providing in-home physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) from the time Owen was a few months old until he aged out at 3 years old. “I had pregnancy Medicaid at the time, and the hospital social worker gave us information on First Steps after Owen was born. First Steps was an amazing resource that not enough families know about. My advice is to always reach out for an evaluation if you ever have any concerns about their development.

“First Steps also assisted in setting up the evaluation through Westfield schools to qualify Owen for developmental preschool, which was life-changing for him, including the bus ride. He received speech and OT through the school while also developing amazing social, emotional, and academic skills,” she continued.

Owen entered kindergarten with an IEP with a primary diagnosis of orthopedic impairment, and by the end of second grade, that IEP turned into a 504 plan stating OTs would be on consult for his teachers, if needed, in the future.

“His OTs at Westfield were amazing at finding adaptations for him,” gushed Megan, although as Owen has gotten older, he has found his own ways of doing things. “Towards the end of first grade, Owen started rejecting some of the OT’s recommendations, such as using items to steady his paper so he doesn’t develop back problems later in life. Instead, he chooses to lean down to use his “baby arm,” as he affectionately calls his right arm.

“He doesn’t like to use the different items because other students don’t have to use them,” explained Megan. “We are now exploring options to be proactive, instead of reactive, like chiropractic care and physical therapy.

The biggest challenge for Megan and Jason was whether or not to pursue a prosthetic for Owen at this time, although he has been asking about one, Mom says, for the last year or so. “Owen received his first prosthetic when he was 9 months old. Prosthetic Solutions of Indiana-Indianapolis custom made the arm for him, and they were amazing to work with.”

Although the doctors were excited to work with someone as young as Owen, they had never worked with anyone with such a significant upper limb difference. “The prosthetic that they created for Owen had to wrap around his upper torso in order to stay in place,” Megan explained. “Owen absolutely hated it and would cry every time we put it on. We decided that we would never force him to wear a prosthetic, and we would let him decide when and if he wanted one.”

The lack of information on such an extensive prosthetic, the cost, and the need for a new one to be made each time he grows — which Mom is convinced is at least an inch a week — are challenges the family continues to navigate. As for Owen, Mom says he is convinced it’s going to be immediately like a superhero arm. (Pretty sure you already have one of those, kid.)

“Owen has always surprised us along the way in his life,” she continued. “He has accomplished things we never could have imagined. He had a six-pack by the time he was 9 months old because he would just use his abdominal muscles to pull himself up (from laying down to a sit-up) instead of using his arm to prop himself up!”

As Owen has gotten older, his parents wondered how sports would come into play, but along his young athletic career, the Isaacks have met the most wonderful people who have helped find adaptations for him. “Time and time again, Owen has proven to us that he is resilient and has always been able to figure out his own way of doing things!” cheered Megan. “Owen is a kind-hearted person at his core and has always been empathetic

towards others. He is also very inquisitive and smart. He will always strike up a conversation, especially with adults. He has frequently, throughout his sports career, not been paying attention to the game out on the baseball field or basketball court because he was too busy talking to his coaches!”

Owen had a speech delay when he started developmental preschool, finally overcoming the delay right before kindergarten, and watching all his progress just makes every word that much sweeter, says Mom. “Now he never stops talking!”

The Isaacks share that one thing they are concerned about when looking to the future is how other kids will treat him because of his limb difference. “We are so lucky that he has a great support system of friends in the Westfield school system,” Megan said. “There is actually another boy who is a year older than Owen who was born with an upper limb difference as well! This friend lives right down the street from us, too! It is definitely fate that we live so close to another person and family to share our experiences with one another.”

FUN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ISAACKS FAMILY

• Jason is a manager at Kona Jack’s/Daddy Jack’s in Indianapolis. “All the employees are very supportive of Owen and treat him like he owns the place anytime he is there!” shares Megan.

• They share their home with their two black kitty cats, Poosy Cait and Szechuan, the “best cats ever!”

• The family enjoys amusement parks (Owen’s favorite is the wave pool), Mexican food, and watching all the sports (Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers). Owen’s favorite movie currently is Sing, and he loves both dancing and singing.

• Owen and Jason play games like Roblox together. Owen plays on an old phone, and he is able to use the fingers on his “baby arm” for some of the controls.

• Owen was given the chance to be Jr. Blue at an Indianapolis Colts game in 2019. “It was the coolest experience,” said Mom.

MEET MORGAN

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

The Self Advocates of Indiana (SAI) have many chapters in the state. Their mission statement is “Self-advocacy is important because it is a way for people to know that all people, including people with disabilities, have rights. We help people understand that we want to be treated with respect.”

“By becoming a self-advocate, it’s helped sharpen my skills in both leadership and efficient communication. Being a self-advocate means being able to not only give back to the community but to help people with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) find their voice and become more independent and better leaders,” Morgan Hickman explains. “I feel like anything is possible by being my own advocate.”

Morgan graduated from Erskine Green Training Institute(EGTI) in 2016 and studied prep cooking. He also has been a speaker at community events. “I have spoken at the Ritz Charles, the Sky Line Club, and Country Club.”

“I enjoy meeting new people with diffident stories and backgrounds. Learning what we have in common has led me to make many connections in the community.” Morgan attends many group activities as a member of the Self Advocates of Indiana.

Morgan enjoys playing the piano and writing songs and poetry when he is not busy. “I spend my time doing art design and cooking for myself and others. I love spending time with my family and friends.”

Advocates for Education, Inc.

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

Shellee Woodward shared that Advocates for Education’s mission statement is, “To support students with disabilities (or suspected disabilities) by providing comprehensive educational advocacy services at no cost to families. We work collaboratively with community organizations, schools and families to assess students’ educational needs in an effort to close academic, social and/or emotional gaps in educational attainment.”

FREE SERVICES OFFERED:

• Educational evaluations/screenings for social/emotional/ learning disabilities.

• A full educational evaluation report to be sent to medical professionals and schools to support the need for further testing, accommodations, modifications, etc.

• Comprehensive educational records review

• Parent support and preparation for case conferences

• Family education on special education law/rights

• Literacy intervention training/education

• In-person support at case conference meetings

• Recommendation of appropriate programming and services

• Assistance with documentation and letter writing

• Attendance at resolution and/or mediation meetings

• Customized workshops/seminars for parents and community organizations

• Career and college counseling

“Students are struggling, said Shellee, who serves as the organization’s educational diagnostician. In the post-pandemic era, we are finding significant losses in learning attributed to inconsistencies in the amount and quality of education over the pandemic period. The loss of learning across the board is making it difficult to identify students who need services — not due to losses in educational attainment from the pandemic but due to unidentified disabilities. It is imperative that families have access to advocates that can evaluate children for disabilities, educate families regarding special education laws, prepare them for case conference meetings, and recommend appropriate programming and services. Put simply, families need help navigating the special education system.”

“We found this true while serving children at Family Promise of Hendricks County. Family Promise works with transient, homeless families as they find community support and permanent housing. Family Promise asked to partner with us to assess children coming into their program. Out of the first four children we assessed (randomly), all were being retained at grade level. Three of those children were found to have unidentified disabilities, which made them eligible for school services. We educated the families on special education and special education law and provided comprehensive reports for the school and medical professionals. As we have worked with more families, we are finding more instances of students with unidentified disabilities and/or families who need help navigating the system.”

WAYS TO SUPPORT: “Since we don’t charge families for services, we rely on donations from individuals and organizations. Donations are always appreciated!” Shellee explains, “We hope to have volunteer opportunities for interested individuals soon! Contact Advocatesforeducationinc@gmail.com if you would like to be notified of future volunteer opportunities.”

Before we met the ladies from Advocates for Education, I was unaware of the options both my son and myself had in regard to our education. I was able to get my son evaluated and on the right path to succeed in school. He is doing a million times better!

— CASSIE A. — WESTFIELD, IN

LOCAL EVENTS

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Prior to attending any events, please be mindful of any COVID-19 restrictions. Please review the state mask executive order. There are exemptions within the order, including that children under 2 years of age should not wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation, and any person with a medical condition, mental health condition or disability that precludes wearing a face covering is not required to do so. Since COVID-19 is still among us, there is a possibility that the events listed and places to go could be canceled, rescheduled or closed. Please confirm the event status and listed details in case event details have changed since posting.

NOTE:

Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and all participating locations for $2 per family member per visit for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. Qualifications include the following:

• Hoosier Healthwise Insurance (Indiana’s health care program for low-income families, pregnant women and children)

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Apply here: https://www.childrens museum.org/visit/hours/access-pass.

MUSEUMS

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Various Events

Jan.1-Jan. 31

Opens at 10 a.m. 3000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-334-4000 https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/ calendar?date=01/08/2022

Conner Prairie Indiana’s Living History Museum

Sensory-Friendly Hours

The second Sunday of every month, from 10 a.m. to noon, will be sensoryfriendly hours at Conner Prairie! Enjoy a calm environment.

Check-in with Guest Relations, stating that you are here for sensory-friendly hours. You will get free admission and may stay as long as you wish.

Various events Dec. 1-Dec. 31 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038 Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836 https://www.connerprairie.org/ events/list/

SPORTS

Indianapolis Colts

Jan. 8 Texans

Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225 https://www.lucasoilstadium.com/

Indy Fuel

Jan. 11, 14, 20, 22, 27, 28

Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 https://www.indyfuelhockey.com/ news/2022/5/fuel-announce-202223-regular-season-schedule

FAMILY FUN

Indianapolis Zoo

Various events are scheduled daily

Check the calendar for events. https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/visit/ daily-schedule/ 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 317-630-2001

HOURS: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Thur., and 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sun. and holidays

The Studio Movie Grill

3535 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-315-8113

Sensory-friendly screenings of movies! Check the website for movies and times. https://www.studiomoviegrill.com/movie/ special-needs-screenings

THE ARTS

Beef and Boards “Clue” Dec. 28 through Feb. 5 9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-872-9664 https://www.beefandboards.com/Online/default.asp

Jubilate Choir

Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133 Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 p.m.

The Jubilate Choir is for singers with special needs in grades 3-9.

The Jubilate Choir singers with varying abilities meet each week to grow musically. This tuition-free choir focuses on proper singing techniques, music theory and sight-reading, part-singing, and social skills involved in being a member of a musical ensemble.

Though the choir has, at its core, the same goals as other choirs in the ICC. Singers in Jubilate engage in additional activities like visual and tactile experiences that are catered specifically to the current members of the choir.

Director: Lauren Southard

Start Date: Sept. 22, 2021

For more information, contact Lauren Southard at 317-940-8065 or lsouthar@icchoir.org. https://icchoir.org/special-needs/

Gigi’s Playhouse

Various classes during the week. 5909 E. 86th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-288-8235 indy@gigisplayhouse.org

EVENTS

Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas magazine hosts NEW YEAR’S BASH!

Jan. 21, 2-5 p.m.

DDSi and Adaggios Banquet Hall 5999 W. Memory Lane, Greenfield, IN 46140

This will be for adults and kids with special needs, along with the supporters of Special Needs LivingIndianapolis & Surrounding Areas There will be childcare/activities/games for kids, and you are welcome to bring your caregiver to the event to help. Parents will be able to enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment.

We will have live bands thanks to Rock Garage & Voyager, a performance with The Mind Tripping Show, Socializing, Dancing, Appetizers, Beverages, Games, and more!

To Register, Scan the QR code or click this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-needs-livingnew-years-bash-tickets-195367017007

Autism Community Connection

IRCA Family Support Webinar (Online) Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Building Executive Functioning Skills: Flexible Thinking and Emotional Regulation

Learn strategies to use at home to support your child with the development of flexible thinking and emotional regulation skills.

Presented by: Amy Moore Gaffney, M.A., CCC-SLP Educational Consultant, Indiana Resource Center for Autism

Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana University

Register: https://iu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ YrDMCu3GSumHAdayI6jWOQ

Is there a local event for the special needs community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at SpecialNeedsIndy@n2pub.com.

Special Needs Living - Indianapolis

A Renewed You

BY PAUL HATHCOAT

As the new year arrives and we get to reflect on the year behind, I often think about new resolutions. I think that New Year’s resolutions get a bad rap. I’ve heard many people say that they just set us up for failure in the future. I disagree, though. I think a new year gives us a ripe opportunity to reflect, take time to pause and decide on who we are going to be in this time of renewal. Let’s look at the idea of becoming new and see what the Bible has to say about this idea from a pastor’s perspective.

We would all do well to remember that we can renew ourselves, our lives and our faith through commitments that we invite the Lord into. Hollow and earthly-based resolutions have a way of losing momentum and even weighing us down because, frankly, we feel the weight of carrying the burden of true change ourselves. We can however, resolve to change for good by inviting the Holy Spirit into our journey toward Christlikeness and renewal. We would do well to remember that no matter how far we feel removed from our faith or how disobedient we have been as believers, with the Lord’s help, we can begin anew.

So, what is it? What is the recipe for real, life-altering, resolute renewal, even when we feel like we have tried before yet failed? I say the answer can be found in the Book of Ephesians. Ephesians 4:22-24 says this, “but that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything — and I do mean everything — connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life — a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.” (Eph. 4:22-24, MSG)

of genuine transformation and renewal in 2023 is nearly zero. We need to be made “new in the attitude of our minds.” (Eph. 4:23) You can be a new creation modeled after the Lord and fully different because of what He can and will do for you, not what you or I can do for ourselves.

If you are working toward a resolution this year and are at the point in your life where you truly want to be transformed from the inside, then consider the offer that the Lord makes to all of us. He sees us in our sinfulness and watches as we strive and stress to make our lives comfortable and livable. In His heart, though, and through His word, we know that He understands that apart from Him, our efforts will be fruitless. The best of what we have to offer that comes from our sin-stained hands is like filthy rags to the Lord and helps us only for a fleeting moment. But, if we truly invite the Lord into our desire to be made new, and we repent for the sins of our daily lives, then He points us toward the only lasting way to be something other than who we are now, His son Jesus Christ. Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you invited Him into your life to free you from the bondage of sin and the world around you? If you have, then rejoice with me in ringing in a new year that will be full of grace and faith, founded in an understanding of an eventual complete renewal in heaven. But if you have not, then do not let another year come and go where you delay in accepting His offer.

I hope and pray that we all have a blessed and fulfilling year in 2023. I believe the Lord is doing great things in the special needs community. I see where parents and caregivers are finding community and faith all at the same time, and I see where Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas magazine is becoming a big part of that process. Thank you for continuing to invite me into your monthly lives, and thank you to those of you who are responding to my articles and the Lord himself. May peace and love fill your year ahead, fully renewed and fully clothed in the righteousness of the Lord! Do you have a thought, idea or information that you would like to see in this section in an upcoming issue? Email Paul Hathcoat at phathcoat@wrcc.org.

We must “get rid of it” and “take on an entirely new way of life.” It can be like changing clothes. We need to remove the old, soiled rags of before and put on the God-given garments of truth and life now. If, as men and women, we hold onto the old clothes that got us to where we are today, then the chance

AUTISM MASKING — WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

BY MATT KNIGHT

If you have heard of the condition known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you have also probably heard of the term “masking.” Masking has gotten a lot more attention these past few years as many news organizations and social media influencers have brought more attention to it. While this has certainly helped raise awareness of the issue, I do think that many neurotypical people still lack a critical understanding of what masking really entails for people on the spectrum as opposed to how neurotypical people would mask.

I do think that masking is something that everyone (neurotypical and neurodivergent) does to some extent, but I think the biggest difference for people who are masking ASD is that it is not as natural for ASD people to read emotions and understand social cues due to our unique neurobiology. Keep in mind that I consider this to be a companion piece to my article on autism and depression in this publication back in May of 2021, so if you haven’t read that one, try to read it if you can. It will help shed some light on the impact that masking autism has on the individuals with it.

I think that one of the biggest challenges with regard to “masking” is how neurotypical and autistic people perceive the concept differently. Neurotypical people tend to see “masking” as “temporary” or “short-term,” such as adjusting to any particular social situation (regardless of whether is distressing or not).

However, masking, as it relates to autism, can be best described as the “long-term” process/strategy that people

on the spectrum create and use in social situations to “fit in” and/or to not get “punished” for being different. If you want, you can also view autism masking as any combination of the following phrases listed below:

1. Putting on an “act”

2. Playing an “acceptable” character while in public

3. Putting up appearances

4.People-pleasing taken to an extreme

5. “Fake it till you make it”

Personally, I hate feeling like I must conform to society’s “social norms” simply for the sake of conformity and/or trying not to make other people feel as uncomfortable as I do when I’m out in public. However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t mask my autism like many others on the spectrum. I have found that masking my autism includes the following coping strategies, but for you and/or any friends or family members, the process of masking will be different:

1. Monitoring my own facial expressions and emotional tone and mimicking/imitating facial expressions/ gestures, so I don’t offend someone else.

2. Paying careful attention to/monitoring facial expressions and body language in order to interpret their “intent” more correctly.

3. Trying to remember the things I have said and shouldn’t say in the future based on people’s reactions.

4. Pushing through bad/intense sensory discomfort (including, but not limited to, loud/sharp noises, bright lights, strong scents, etc.).

5. Occasionally forcing eye contact during conversations.

6. Learning social cues from a) watching random conversations while in public and b) various forms of media (i.e., TV/movies, internet articles, books, etc.).

7. Controlling/limiting/disguising stimming behaviors, or just attempting to use more “acceptable” ones (examples = fiddling with pens/ pencils, twirling keys, using squishy balls, etc.).

8. Hiding and/or minimizing personal interests/ thoughts (i.e., pretending to be a “yes man” and NEVER saying what I really think/what is on my mind at any given moment, etc.).

9. Anticipating what people will say and/or do so that I can say and do the right things or each specific situation and develop a repertoire of rehearsed responses to questions.

I think that the biggest issue with masking autism is that it is REALLY HARD to stop once someone starts. This is because the “normal/neurotypical” people around the autistic individual(s) will eventually come to accept the “mask” as the “real/authentic” version of the said autistic person due to (at least in my opinion) any combination of the following:

1. The autistic individual(s) continually “prove” to others that the “mask/character” that they wear/use to hide is worth associating with (i.e., everything that they say and/or do while masking is authentic/true/honest).

2. Other people are too busy and/or lazy to really reflect on the action(s) of the people around them (i.e., “Why would I want to make myself sad/angry/ jaded/etc. by reviewing the actions of random people to see if they are manipulating me or not?

If I’m not being hurt emotionally/physically/ financially/etc. even though one or possibly many people are consistently lying to me, I’m fine with it. I’d rather just enjoy my life.”).

3. The people around an autistic individual want me to start masking again because (often) they think they are just acting out and/or being too weird/different/ immature/etc. for them to handle whenever they try to stop masking and/or have a meltdown.

As a result, it is easy for those who mask to see that doing so is a lie/trap that becomes even more cemented with time as one gets more “successful.” More often than not, it feels like I can see the errors in my “programming/code” that shaped me, but I also feel like I’m completely burnt out from masking as well. However, I also know/fear that I must keep it up because I stand to lose EVERYTHING that I have worked for with regard to my career if I don’t.

Overall, masking autism is an emotionally complicated but damaging process that many on the

spectrum have to do in order to survive here in the “real” world, but it doesn’t always have to be like this if more neurotypicals (not just ones that know and/or are related to someone on the spectrum) could see how emotionally exhausting it is for autistic individuals to hide their authentic selves (quirks and all) for HOURS at a time.

However, I also think that autistic people that are masking their autism need to start unmasking, if only to 1) start feeling more confident in themselves and 2) to show everyone around them that what they see isn’t always reality.

Once both of these things start to happen, just maybe we can start building a society together that is more accepting of those who are “different” but just want to be happy with “who they are.”

If you want to watch the video that I did on masking for my YouTube Channel (Knight Bros. Commentary), here is the URL (you can also scan the QR code as well). Admittedly, it is pretty long, but it does provide a more in-depth analysis of the effects of masking autism — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuE_ kI3Ek80&list=PLCzEM2VR8UTpGHnz43_ vcGaGM7TsVTx3m&index=1.

Meet the Hopper Family

Leslie, Jamie, Kate and Dylan

BY MARIA SMIETANA; PHOTOS BY BUONANNO PHOTOGRAPHY

Jamie Hopper is one of the approximately 500,000 Americans who suffer from Crohn’s disease, one of two chronic conditions (the other is ulcerative colitis) that fall under the category of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). He was diagnosed nearly a decade ago.

A Chicago native who grew up near South Bend, Jamie met his wife Leslie at their hometown church in 1992.

They both attended IU Bloomington and have been married since 2000. Their children, Kate and Dylan, are students at Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate Junior High School. Leslie is a long-time teacher at Thorpe Creek Elementary School. The family moved to Fishers in 2015 and love living there.

By most measures, Jamie, a Registered Financial Consultant, lives

a successful and fulfilling life. But Jamie’s bouts with Crohn’s can have a significant impact on his family life as well as his personal well-being. “I never [envisioned] that having Crohn’s would end up being a journey for my family,” he said. “The hardest part for all of us is knowing that I have to get through my morning “digestive routine” before I am ready to leave the house. That means that there

are many days where we don’t schedule events in the morning, or if we do, we leave much later than we would have liked. This is especially hard when we plan road trips or other activities where we will be gone for an extended period.”

Jamie worries that it’s tough on his kids to see him sick. “They are strong, but knowing their dad isn’t 100% is hard on them,” he noted. “For the most part, I don’t have too many days that I don’t feel well enough to do normal activities but having a digestive disease drains energy from your body faster than anything else. I often wake up tired because of what’s going on in my body.”

Since individuals with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to all kinds of infections, the Hoppers were especially careful to stay out of public places at the start of the COVID epidemic, and to wear masks when they did go out. “Eventually, we did start to go back out after we got vaccinated,” Jamie said. “We also have a strong faith, and that allowed us to go back out knowing the armor of God was surrounding our family.”

According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory conditions that damage the gastrointestinal tract and impair the function of digestive organs. While Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly affects the area where the small and large intestines meet. Ulcerative colitis is usually limited to the colon and rectum. Symptoms can include pain, persistent diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and weight loss.

Though the cause of Crohn’s and colitis are not well understood, there is increasing evidence that affected individuals have a genetic predisposition for immune reactions that attack their own digestive systems. These immune responses are triggered by unknown environmental factors. The bacteria and viruses that normally live in the digestive tract are now known to play a role, too.

Or as Jamie puts it, “Essentially, there is inflammation in my digestive tract, and no one knows what is causing it. My body’s immune system basically attacks the good bacteria in my digestive tract, making the disease worse. Modern medicine’s response, because they can’t find a cause, is to prescribe medicine to weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system can be scary in the era we are in today.”

Though there is no cure, treatments include corticosteroids, antibiotics, immune modulating drugs, monoclonal antibody-based drugs, and aminosalicylates.

Insurance coverage is a struggle that the Hoppers contend with regularly. “They [insurers] have decided on a few occasions that they do not want to cover my medicine or my procedures,” Jamie said. “I take a shot every four weeks that costs $29,000. Our insurance won’t pay for it, so I had to find a program that would. Also, when a healthy person gets a colonoscopy, insurance pays for it. When someone with a chronic illness gets one, they pay [out-of-pocket] for each one. We don’t even get a discount for every second or third one.”

Jamie’s advice to those that suffer from Crohn’s or colitis is to not fight alone. “Do not sit at home and read horror stories in chat rooms,” he said. “Our family is very involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation--Indiana Chapter. We have been volunteering there since 2019. We were the 2022 Honored Heroes for the Take Steps event at Connor Prairie on June 11. Our team’s name is Don’t Stop Believin’, from the song by Journey, my favorite band. It has been a huge blessing to surround ourselves with this supportive network of people. Get involved with our foundation because they offer a lot of support and resources.”

Additionally, Jamie and Leslie are very thankful to people they have met recently who have introduced them to alternative remedies that are now helping Jamie tremendously. “My wife and I are really big into all-natural solutions, and these things are a huge step in that direction,” Jamie said. “After 8 years, I just want to be in remission. We don’t care how I get there. We have recently been introduced to BEMER. Their equipment uses electromagnetic therapy to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing. It’s made a huge impact on several issues we were dealing with. We have also used chiropractic care, Juice Plus+, LifeVantage, CBD, and supplements from an all-natural doctor to heal naturally.” Jamie is also an advocate for Indiana Health Fund, which helps families pay medical bills before they go into collections. “I have not been

able to use their services, but I tell everyone about them.”

As president of his own Money Concepts financial planning center, Jamie says it has been a real blessing to work from home and make his own schedule. “This allows me to do administrative work and participate in Zoom calls in the mornings when I am not ready to go out into public quite yet.”

The Hoppers attend Heartland Church in Fishers and are involved in volunteering, leading and participating in small groups. “We have a huge heart for helping people,” Jamie said. “After the experience of losing my mother, I helped start a senior support team to help families through tough caregiving situations. We help by introducing them to resources and funding that may benefit them. Our pastor, Darryn Scheske, taught us that we don’t go through hard times just to test us. We go through them so we can help other people through them later. That’s why the things we are doing with the foundation are so important to us.”

One night a week, the Hoppers carve out family time to play a game or watch a show together without distraction. They eat dinner at home almost every night. “Leslie and I didn’t eat meat for a long time, and she still doesn’t,” Jamie said. “We tend to eat many different things. I would say our favorites are hamburgers and hotdogs from the grill, Italian nights, and tacos. Thank goodness, Leslie is an amazing cook! When we do go out, we aren’t fancy. We enjoy Chuy’s, Olive Garden, and Red Robin. We like to visit the Fishers Farmer’s Market in the summer.”

Vacation planning is a bit more complex for the Hoppers than for most families. “Road trips have to be thought out because sometimes there are huge gaps between public restrooms, but we have made it work,” Jamie said. “Beach destinations are great because we are usually on the sand right in front of our condo and close to whatever I may need.” Lately, the family has started to explore more of Indiana’s great state parks, which tend to offer many amenities, including decent restrooms. “If you are ever in public and need to know where the bathroom is, ask an IBD patient,” Jamie laughs.

Always looking for opportunities to grow, Jamie’s life took a positive leap in 2021, when he found Synergize, a group of supportive professionals who want to grow in community and make the world a better place. “I have never found a group outside of our church that loves each other, makes such a large ripple of positive impact on the world, helps each other be successful, and prays for each other,” he said. “If you’ve never been to a Synergize event, please look at the website and come to our next 4:30 Meetup!”

Though Jamie’s illness definitely changed his life, he is grateful that he and his family can still do most things that others enjoy. “Too many people fight these diseases alone because digestive issues are not something we generally talk about in public,” he said. “I’m trying to change that stigma. I think it was huge for us to know that we can still live the life we want to live and not the one we have to live.”

MILESTONES AND FAVORITE MEMORIES OF 2022

In 2022 our Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas family and friends have been busy making incredible memories and achieving amazing millstones!

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

Gonzalez Family —

We moved our two sons with autism (Victor, 10, and Tony, 6) from New Jersey to Indiana in March. They recently started playing with each other … and in the water! Our oldest wasn’t the biggest fan of the pool, but he sure likes splashing his brother, while our youngest is even speaking better! Huge milestones are happening here.

McCabe Family

Grace Ponto

—

One of our favorite memories in 2022 was taking ‘our son Jordan, who is nonverbal and has autism, and his little sisters, to Disney World for the first time. They had great accommodations to support our son and family during this experience.

Grace is doing adaptive water skiing this past June. The organization is Camp Wack, located in Lafayette, IN, that provides children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in adaptive water skiing using specially equipped skis and outriggers to ensure a positive and rewarding ski experience. It was an amazing experience, and we will make it an annual event. The people that run it are all volunteers, and it’s a day-long event. Visit their website: http://campwack.org/.

Lola Howell

Lola was waiting for the bus while holding her white cane. She’s been using her cane more and more, which is a huge milestone in her world!

The Denton Family — From Open Heart to Graduation!

The Gonzalez family

The McCabe family

The Denton family

Grace Ponto

Lola Howell

The Smith Family Don Eduardo Chura Apaza was born in the Q’ero Community that cultivates and develops the wisdom and knowledge about the ancestral healing andt is part of a long line of masters of Andean medicine of the Quechuas Queros located in the upper Andes of Peru, performing ceremonies and healings with the intention of spreading the sacred teachings of his father, Francisco Chura.

The Ancestors Within: Reveal and Heal the Ancient Memories You Carry by Noah Smith. Your ancestors have waited your whole life for this moment … the day you reveal and heal the ancient memories

you carry. The world of ancestral healing opens up possibilities for mind, body, soul and spirit wellness you’ve never imagined. The Ancestors Within offers a collection of life-changing experts’ stories and practical tools in the field of ancestral healing so you can understand what’s possible and experience improved health, wealth and happiness.

Feeling stuck in negative, repetitive physical, mental or emotional patterns? What if your ancestors held the keys to relief? This book not only shows you the path, but it will also open your eyes to exactly how to access the knowledge, wisdom and ancient medicine waiting for you. The tools here go beyond DNA analysis. Get ready to take a journey and discover the answers to the questions you’ve been asking for a lifetime. https://www.amazon.com/Noah-Smith/e/ B07GCFMP3W?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_w0m_abau_000000

The Ancestors Within: Discover and Connect With Your Ancient Origins by Adriana Smith. Your ancestors have waited your whole life for this moment ... and the next! What if you had an opportunity to discover and connect with your ancient origins; what if that connection brought healing you never expected possible?

Amy

Gillespie Dougherty and her expert author cast give you exactly that in this second book in a powerful series.

The Ancestors Within, Discover and Connect with Your Ancient Origins is a collaboration that brings the best of the world’s ancestral healing professionals together to help you understand how to open up a magical door to a better life, mind, body and soul.

The stories and tools offered here are placed upon a unique altar, specifically designed for your reading pleasure but infused with energy that transcends most barriers. The combined knowledge and wisdom here are breathtaking. The genuine passion these authors have to guide you on your journey to health, wealth, and happiness is palpable. With tools that surpass DNA analysis, get ready to journey within and uncover answers to questions you’ve been asking for a lifetime. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ B09K3HXJMV/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0. Noah and Adriana were also featured on LIVE TALK, a free Virtual Summit that aired on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. EMBRACING ANCESTRAL CHAOS: MANAGING YOUR BODY CONTROL FROM AN AUTISM PERSPECTIVE. Adriana and Noah are both non-verbal autistic and communicate through “facilitated communication” with the assistance of their mother, Sharon. Also, check out the lesson under the TAW BOOK TWO: The Interviews module: https://www.sharonsweb.com/.

The Miller Family

One of our greatest milestones this year was Beau’s ability to go on walks in public and not elope/dart off constantly. He has learned safety commands and stays close to mom now. We have enjoyed so many nature walks in the past month because of this. A huge milestone for us at age 7! He’s so happy outside, and now we can explore more together.

Andean Spirit Eduardo Chura Apaza (Smith family)

Noah Smith

Adriana Smith

Quinn and Noah Smith

Smith family and Eduardo Chura Apaza

The Miller family

Mark2Ministries

Hello, dear friends and partners in the advancement of the gospel! As I sit at home with a sick child, I am reminded, yet again, of God’s faithfulness — in the good times as well as in the challenging times. My favorite hymn is “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” The lyrics draw us closer to the Father as we reflect on His faithfulness in times of plenty and in times of want. In Him,

Testimonial — “Well, thank you for starting such an awesome ministry. We now have six kids who all have buddies. We are continuing to grow in buddy volunteers. We would not have known where to start without you guys! It is truly one of the most exciting programs we have started in the last year because it is transforming lives. Kids, parents and volunteers!”

1. All of this is done at no cost to these churches because of your faithfulness in giving to and praying for our ministry! Thank you!

2. Our biblical counseling and relationship coaching services continue to grow and bless families!

there is no darkness. He never changes. His compassions don’t fail. His mercies are new every morning. Whether it’s summer or winter (plenty or need), He is faithful. Oh, how good our God is! Praise

His name!

As I sing His praises today, I’m excited to share with you how He has been faithful to our ministry and our friends with special needs. Here is a rundown of the past several months:

1. To start, God has faithfully answered your prayers for us!

1. You prayed for more church partnerships. God delivered! Thanks, and please keep it up!

2. You prayed for our website to reach more people. God delivered! Thanks, and please keep it up!

3. You prayed for our new tax filing method required by the IRS. God delivered! Thank you!

2. To expand on how God answered your prayers in 1a above, we have just scheduled our fifth initial ministry consultation of 2022. These are pre-pandemic numbers here, folks! We have all prayed and prayed for God to open up churches again to be welcoming of our friends, and He has blessed those prayers abundantly.

1. Please pray for these churches as they begin or continue their newly formed ministries!

• Brandywine Community Church, Greenfield

• Indiana Chin Baptist Church, South Indianapolis (Southport area)

• Church at the Crossing, North Indianapolis (Keystone at the Crossing area)

• Life Church 180 Assembly of God, Southwest Indianapolis

• Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, East Indianapolis (Lawrence area)

1. Here is what Andrea at Holy Spirit Lutheran had to say about working with Mark 2.

1. We are currently going through our marital enrichment program (Prepare/Enrich or P&E for short) with three (3) families. This program is like a spring of fresh water in the desert of a weary relationship. It’s an immense joy to watch marriages flourish where they once withered!

2. We have also already “graduated” two (2) other couples from our P&E program earlier this year.

3. We were also able to provide biblical counseling and life coaching for two (2) adults on the Spectrum.

4. All of this is done at no cost to these individuals/ families because of your faithfulness in giving to and praying for our ministry! Thank you!

3. Our partnership with Special Needs LivingIndianapolis & Surrounding Areas (SNLM) continues to bear great fruit.

1. We were able to lead a breakout session at SNL’s Parent Empowerment Conference in September. There were dozens of families who attended live and several others who attended virtually. All were blessed by the great love of our great God.

4. Programming via RightNow Media(RNM) is still available for your use, compliments of Mark 2! We’re grateful that several of you have started using this platform to guide your personal devotions and small group studies.

1. To get access to the RNM library via text message, simply text “MARK2” to 49775.

2. To get access to the RNM library via the web, use this QR code.

3. As a reminder, RNM has more than 20,000 Bible studies, podcasts, and other video-streaming content to encourage and equip families and ministry leaders. This is a huge help in the event of a shutdown or quarantine, but it’s also a great way to draw close to God in between corporate worship services.

Mark2Ministries — Special Needs Living Parent and Care Giver Empowerment Day

Mark2Ministries Inclusion Ministry Team

Mark2Ministries

Mark2Ministries RNM Library

By: Stephanie Tebbe PT, DPT Physical Therapist

Here’s Why:

Some of the benefits of crawling include:

Is Crawling a Milestone?

If you are worried about your child’s ability to crawl on hands and knees, a quick Google search may tell you crawling is no longer considered a milestone and that some babies skip crawling all together.. Earlier this year, the CDC updated developmental milestones and crawling is no longer listed as a specific milestone. Despite crawling being removed from the list of developmental milestones, many physical therapists consider crawling to be a vital skill necessary for infant development.

● Development of hand and grip strength

● Development of core strength as well as shoulder and hip stability

● Enhanced body awareness and balance

● Improved coordination of both upper and lower extremities

● Improved visual tracking

Muscles of the upper body, lower body, and core help us with fine motor skills and developing balance. Crawling helps develop a child’s visual field, improve depth perception, develop hand-eye coordination and is important for brain development. Crawling involves using opposing arm and leg muscles at the same time, enhancing communication between both sides of the brain.

How to Help:

How can you help your child learn to crawl? It starts with tummy time! Babies can start tummy time as soon as they are born. Aiming to do some tummy time during each wake window is a good place to start. In addition to tummy time, aim for as much floor play as possible! Playing on the floor encourages your baby to move around and explore their environment. If you have questions or concerns about your little one’s ability to crawl, reach out to a KCT physical therapist for more tips and information!

●

● Speech Therapy

● Occupational Therapy

● Physical Therapy

● Mental Health Services

● School Services

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Need to know who to connect with to ask a question? This is where you find out who you need to know!

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

ARC OF INDIANA

317-977-2375 or 800-382-9100 www.arcind.org

Special needs trust, advocacy network, support in applying for waivers and social security, family support, Self Advocates of Indiana

AUTISM SOCIETY OF INDIANA 800-609-8448 www.autismsocietyofindiana.org Resources, support, events

BUREAU OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES (BDDS) 800-545-7763

Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver, Family Supports Waiver, Supervised Group Living, consumer and provider education and resources, Caregiver Supports Services, Contact to update and track if on a waiver wait list.

DIVISION OF FAMILY RESOURCES (DFR) 800-403-0864

Receives applications and determines eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Refugee Cash Assistance.

DOWN SYNDROME INDIANA 317-925-7617 www.dsindiana.org information, resources, events

EASTERSEALS CROSSROADS 317-488-1000 www.eastersealscrossroads.org

Adult Day Services, Adult Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Programs, Children and Adolescent Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Programs, Employment Services, Community

Services, Assistive Technology Supports and Services

FAMILIES UNITED FOR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT (FUSE) 317-462-9064 www.fuseinc.org Serves families of children with disabilities of all types. Events, support groups, resources, monthly newsletter

FINDER INDIANA DISABILITY RESOURCES www.indianadisabilityresourcefinder.org/ Directory of services for the disability community First Steps 800-545-7763 www.firststeps.in.gov Early intervention for children from birth-3 years old with developmental delays, evaluations and therapies in-home

DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES OF INDIANA 317-426-7733 www.disabilitylegalservicesindiana.org

A nonprofit organization offering free and low-cost legal services to the disabled community on any civil matters

INDIANA FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (FSSA) 317-233-4454 www.in.gov/fssa/index.htm Serves families, children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and mental illness

INDIANA FAMILY TO FAMILY 844-323-4638 www.inf2f.org Information, education, training, outreach and peer support for families

INDIANA RESOURCE CENTER FOR AUTISM (IRCA) 812-855-6508 www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/index.html

Online articles, resources, training and conferences Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation 800-545-7763 www.vrs.in.gov Vocational counseling and training, job placement assistance, physical and mental restoration services Rehabilitation technology (e.g., adaptive devices, vehicle modifications)

IN*SOURCE 800-332-4433 www.insource.org Special needs education support, Advocates for IEP help

National Suicide Prevention Hotline 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255)

Resources and support for any kind of mental health issues

NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) — INDIANA 800-677-6442 www.namiindiana.org

Support groups, classes, resources, conferences, information 211 database of organizations to help with any type of needs by location in Indiana

PATINS www.patinsproject.org Supports students in public schools with accessible educational materials, assistive technology, Universal Design for Learning, expos

Have a suggestion for an important connection that could be added to this page? Email your suggestion to Jamie.McCabe@n2co.com.

You’re Invited to the Special Needs LivingIndianapolis & Surrounding Areas New Year’s Bash

Come Celebrate the New Year with many Special Needs families at the New Year’s Bash!

Jan. 21, 2-5 p.m.

DDSi and Adaggios Banquet Hall 5999 W. Memory Lane, Greenfield, IN 46140

This will be for adults and kids with special needs, along with the supporters of Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas. There will be activities and games for kids, and you are welcome to bring your caregiver to the event to help. Parents will be able to enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment. We will have live bands, thanks to Rock Garage & Infinity, socializing, dancing, appetizers, beverages, games and more!

To Register, Scan the QR code or click this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-needs-living-new-years-bash-tickets-472305206587.

Call today so we can talk more about ways I can help your special needs family nd your next home!

Piece By Piece Center

BY MARIA SMIETANA

Piece by Piece Autism Center has grown quickly since Meg Mitchell and her partners opened the first location in 2019. “We are a small, familyowned business that is local and has a heart for bringing quality services to rural communities [and smaller cities],” Meg said. “We now have seven clinics in seven different towns — Lafayette, Ft. Wayne, Lebanon, Monticello, Frankfort, Cloverdale and Crawfordsville.”

Meg grew up in West Lafayette and received her Master’s degree in ABA and BCBA. She worked in other autism clinics before starting Piece by Piece. She has resided in Zionsville since 2016.

Unlike many other clinics, Piece by Piece is not owned and operated by an out-of-town hedge fund. The owners of Piece by Piece are Indiana natives who believe that families and children living in suburban and rural areas deserve access to the same highquality therapy services found in larger cities.

We believe every child is unique and special just the way they are and that every child is a piece to our puzzle — our family here at Piece by Piece. Piece by Piece uses applied behavior analysis techniques to teach children with autism and other disabilities fundamental skills and socially significant behaviors that equip them to gain independence. Social skills, interpersonal skills, verbal communication, daily living skills, and fine/gross motor skills are learned through one-to-one teaching techniques using

ABA therapists across settings such as school, home, community, and clinic. We are here to be a tool and resource to the families of children with autism and to determine the best treatment package for your child.

ABA therapy focuses on increasing socially significant behaviors such as activities of daily living, communication, leisure, and social skills while decreasing maladaptive behavior such as tantrums, verbal refusal, physical aggression, property destruction, and/or self-injury. Each child is assigned a morning therapist and an afternoon therapist who works one-on-one to reach their individual goals. We work on developing skills such as potty training, feeding, academics, functional communication, social skills, and daily living skills to help transition children to lesser intrusive environments.

All therapists employed by Piece by Piece receive their Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential within their first 90 days. RBTs are supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), masters level clinicians responsible for creating individual treatment and behavior intervention plans for the clients they oversee.

Studies have shown that full-time, intensive treatment programs typically provide the greatest benefit; however, we do offer part-time services if that is what is best for your child!

Behavioral services provide the extra support needed to improve overall life quality and maximize one’s potential. Behavioral Therapists provide individuals with skills and training to help achieve their goals within their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Meg believes in giving back to the community. She and her family support Traders Point Christian Church, Horizon International, and National Relief Network.

They also sponsor children in Nicaragua and Africa.

Piece by Piece gives back to all the communities in which they operate, whether that’s helping with food drives, adopting families at Christmas, donating to local Boys and Girls Clubs, or helping out the schools.

BUSINESS CONTACT INFORMATION www.Piecebypiececenter.com

Meg Mitchell

mmitchell@piecebypiececenter.com

MEET ISAAC ROMAN

BY ISAAC ROMAN

Indiana is my birthplace. Throughout my childhood, living with my sister and father after my mom died when I turned 4, I could not figure out how to process my sadness over the loss. At age 7, my autism was misdiagnosed as ADD/ADHD. I got a correct diagnosis at 18, but after so many years, being diagnosed correctly was a joke. Don’t get me wrong. Anyone can make mistakes. But being misinformed for so long shouldn’t have happened. My school life and my social life could all have been better if we had [known sooner].

PEAS for Kids

PEAS for Kids specializes in educational consultation, advocacy, and customized assessment plans for children (grades PK-12+).

Assessment plans address emotional concerns and learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, as well as characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

PEAS for Kids strives to utilize the results of our evaluations to provide recommendations for, and work with parents in advocating for their child's educational needs within the school setting.

I’m a self-published author, struggling to get all my stories out to other readers. My first book, Alpha Spirits, started during my high school years in a lunchroom. While other students focused on their studies, I focused on an idea that was given to me by a friend to get my ideas out.

This was when my life changed around. I’m not talking about how my stories had a huge impact that told me who I am. They were created because everyone shunned me for who I was. Because I was different. Being different is a cancer to others, for they cannot fathom what it feels like to be in your shoes. Yet still deciding to seek help when no one could help me, I figured it was time to help myself.

The ideas of writing certain characters, places, plots, and even laws of how a fantasy world works, don’t come from imagination. I mean, they do, but figuratively we can take a look at how to make a world without playing God. In writing ideas in order for a story to make sense, you first throw your thoughts on the table like dice. Whatever the number rolls to be, you go for it and see if it makes sense. If it doesn’t, roll again. The way I make a story that many find original is by reading it back and forth. Doesn’t matter how many chapters there are. You need to see if the characters match the plot. If the plot performs well in a conflict. Most importantly, have a character to be. What I mean is, act out a character. Write a script if possible. Even if it makes you look silly. The readers who draw a picture in their head will understand and enjoy it. Also, my golden rule of writing a story: Never make a world perfect.

I live with my dad and am grateful for his support. I would like to have my own place. Since my other interest is photography, I have started working as a school photographer to partly support myself.

M Charette, Ed.S. Nationally Certified School Psychologist

Founder, PEAS for Kids (920) 980-1172 • www.peas4kids.com allison@peas4kids.com

I enjoy collecting Legend of Zelda games. Nothing to brag about, but I need to make more room since it’s starting to get overcrowded.

I’m working on a second book, which will be in two parts. The first part is being edited now. Anyone interested in learning more can visit my Facebook page or my website at www.idroman.com.

Allison

Psycho-educational Evaluations and Advocacy Solutions (PEAS) for Kids

Behavior Consultant Spotlights

Regina obtained her Masters degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in Psychology. Regina went straight into behavior services as a Behavior Clinician. Regina coordinates a social group each month with the individuals she supports. These social groups promote development of emotional management, decision making, self awareness, and improve communication skills. Regina lives with her spouse, Angela and her two children Alaiya, 15 and Malachi, 7 and her puppy Oreo. Regina also has a 22 year old son Jacob and a 1 year old granddaughter.

“While working with my clients, there is this moment when you find the right tools for their behaviors and personalities; and the message just “clicks”! It's easily the best part of my job. I get to help facilitate positive change in my people's lives. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to walk this journey with them!”

After obtaining her Masters in Psychology from Ball State University in 2019, Kara began her career and has now been a Behavior Consultant for over 3 years. Kara also serves on our Human Rights Committee. Though a resident of the south side of Indianapolis, Kara sees individuals throughout much of the city. Regardless of proximity, she is a firm proponent of inclusivity and in making connections within the community for the individuals she supports.

“Knowing that I can help provide my clients, their families, and their teams the tools they need to be successful is what drives me each and every day. Supporting my clients as they create lives for themselves that they can feel proud of has truly been an honor.”

Supportive Behavior Services is Indiana’s best and largest Medicaid Waiver provider of Behavior Management services with over 80 Masters Level Behavior Consultants across the state and is looking to hire Behavior Consultants to expand its statewide teams.

Behavior Consultants at Supportive Behavior Services:

“I love working as a BC because of the joy it brings to others. It gives me a sense of self worth when I can positively affect someone and bring forth meaning and fulfillment while they achieve their goals”. - Are the highest paid in our industry - Paid $54.60 - $65.52 per billable hour - Have Indiana Behavior Association membership - Client appointments around their schedule - Choose when to take time off and their holidays - Do not have billing minimum requirements - Can complete all their CEUs in-house at SBS

- Choose their own caseload size and driving radius - Work from home, home office, and in the field - Assess behavioral functions to create the FBA - Create and implement Behavior Support Plans - Write Quarterly Reports & go to quarterly meetings - Provide ongoing Behavior Management supports - Train staff members on completed BSPs

Required: Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Applied Behavior Analysis, Counseling, Education, or related field (460 IAC 6-5-4). State and County background checks, CPR-First Aid certification, negative TB test, professional liability insurance, and reliable transportation with vehicle insurance are required.

Submit Resumes through Indeed or on our website.

Patrick Haas obtained his Masters Degree from Ball State University, earning certificates in both Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Autism. Patrick started his career in Waiver Services as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and worked as a Case Manager while completing his graduate degree. Patrick has two young adult children; and resides in Jeffersonville with his wife, Megan, and their four dogs.

Here’s a link to view all the past issues of Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas — https://issuu.com/specialneedslivingindy.

If you would like to learn more about Special Needs Living-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas or find ways we can partner together to better impact the community, I’d love to set up a call to chat more. Here is a link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/jamie-mccabe/ special-needs-living-magazine.

Here is a great past article we did about local support groups in Indiana https://issuu.com/specialneedslivingindy/ docs/december_2021-special_needs_living/s/14014143.

Here is one we did about outdoor sensory parks, places and spaces in Indiana https://issuu.com/ specialneedslivingindy/docs/sep_2021_special_needs_ living_indianapolis_surro/s/13231556.

Here is one we did about indoor sensory parks, places and spaces in Indianahttps://issuu.com/ specialneedslivingindy/docs/aug_2022_special_needs_ living_indianapolis_surroun/s/16460960.

If a family would like to share their story, click this link https://form.jotform.com/202464921200140.

Here is a link to see all the ways to share a story in SNL https://linktr.ee/community.stories.

Link to sign up to get Special Needs LivingIndianapolis & Surrounding Areas — https://form.jotform. com/223146774923158. I hope you find these resources helpful.

We have been blessed to have Tendercare for the past 9 years, and they have always been very caring and reliable. Our nurses have been like family to us.

– The Nestas (Tendercare family since 2002)

Do you have a child with disabilities? Want to be paid as a Tendercare Family Caregiver?

Come join Top workplace Tendercare Home Health services as a family caregiver! You or a family member can work as an RN, LPN, or Home Health Aide (free HHA training provided) to work with your child! We provide 24/7 nursing support, training by RN case managers and expert clinical staff to support your needs. Tendercare has been locally owned and operated for the last 30 years in Indianapolis.

Call today at 317-251-0700

• Specialized, in-home nursing care by Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

• In-home physical therapy • In-home occupational therapy • Speech therapy • Home health aide services • Attendant care services