2nd Annual NATTAP Conference a Success
Next Sensory Friendly Film on December 6!
CDC Seeks Contributors to Children's Book
Obama-Biden Transition Update
Struggle Between Parents' Genes May Predispose Children to Certain Mental Disorders
Unusual Use of Toys in Infancy a Clue to Later Autism
Inclusive Schools Week 2008
Teaching Reading with "Reading Rocks"
ASA National Conference, July 22-25, 2009, in St. Charles, Illinois Call for papers extended!
Holiday Letter to Friends and Family
New Book Offers Guide to Comorbid Conditions
"My Next Steps: A Parent's Guide to Understanding Autism"
Learning Life Lessons with "Loveable Liam"
Popular Manners DVD Re-released with Spanish Subtitles
ASA-ASO is now posting all research opportunities on our website. For information on available opportunities, visit our webpage www.autismohio.org, click on "Information" along the left side of the home page and then click on "Studies/Surveys".
Sincerely,
The Autism Society of America - Autism Society of
701
( 330) 376-0211
fax: (330) 376-1226
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
web: www.autismohio.org
Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASA-ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASA-ASO, either explicit or implied.
As you are aware, Autism Insurance Parity, HB170 is currently under consideration by the Ohio House Insurance Committee. The fall elections are coming and immediately following the elections it will be time to address next biennial budget for Ohio. Additionally, issues regularly come before the state legislature that impact individuals with autism, their families and those who work them throughout Ohio. And because of this, the Autism Society of Ohio needs your help.
We are in the process of putting together an autism advocacy network that has constituents in each of the districts of the members of the Ohio General Assembly, both the House and Senate. We are looking for advocates all around the state to help us with this effort.
You can volunteer to participate in
two ways:
·
Team
Leader: Each Ohio district will have an assigned team leader who is
responsible for carrying the key ASA-ASO/autism messages when meeting with the
legislator (Representatives and Senators), coordinating testimony or letter
writing for hearings, and for organizing the team members of their district,
etc.
· Team Member: Each Ohio district will have several team members that are available to share their own personal ASA-ASO/autism story, to write letters when needed, and to ask from help from their neighbors/families/friends. Team members may choose specialize on certain topics – ie. autism insurance parity topic, special education funding, etc.
ASA-ASO is also developing a Legislative Advocacy Manual and will provide local training to constituent volunteer advocates.
If
you are interested in participating in this effort, please send your Name,
address, city,
zip+4, phone, email address, House District Number and Senate
District number and whether you are interested in being a “Team Leader” or a
“Team Member” to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Please put AUTISM ADVOCACY NETWORK in
the subject line. To find your
district numbers, visit www.legislature.state.oh.us and follow the directions
under "Locating Legislators".
For more information, visit our website at www.autismohio.org
Both Houses of Congress return this week for a post-election lame duck session to address continued economic issues, propose varying stimulus package solutions, and hold party elections for leadership positions in the 111th Congress. Committee Chairmanships and ranking Minority Leaders will also be elected. In the House, Democratic leadership remain largely unchanged. Speaker Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) and Whip Clyburn (D-SC) face no opposition. The most closely watched Democratic contest will be outside the leadership hierarchy. Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Waxman (D-CA) will try to replace Representative Dingell (D-MI) as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Meanwhile House Republican Leadership is seeing a shift to the right with a line-up dominated by the conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC). Minority Leader Boehner (R-OH), aligning with the RSC recommendations, remains the favorite for his current position. Representative Cantor (R-VA) is set to become Minority Whip. While coveted GOP seats on committees remain up in the air, a more conservative, but smaller Republican minority is likely to signal a confrontational approach to the Obama Administration. Meanwhile the top Senate Democratic and Republican leadership positions are expected to remain unchanged.
Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:
All aboard!
Everyone in the greater Dayton area are welcome to join the Dayton Autism
Society as we board the North Pole Express on *Sunday, December 7th, 2008.*
Meet at Lebanon Station, 127 S. Mechanic, Lebanon, OH 45036 at 12:30 PM for
the vintage holiday train that departs promptly at 1:00 PM.
Group tickets are $14.40 for adults, $12.00 for youth 2-12, one and under
are free.
Ticket money must be received by Nov. 26, 2008.
Send name, email address, phone number, names and ages of attendees, and
check made out to the Dayton Autism Society to P.O. Box 1013, Miamisburg, OH
45343.
This is not just for kids with autism! Bring your family, friends, and
relatives, but don't forget your camera!
Train ticket includes a photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph,
entertainment by Santa's elves, a cup of hot cocoa and a holiday cookie, a
30 minute train ride to LM&M Junction to pick up Santa, and a visit with
Santa on the train ride back to Lebanon Station!
The vintage train cars were constructed in the 1930's and are not heated,
air-conditioned, or handicapped accessible. The train has no restrooms but
public facilities are available by the Lebanon Station and at the
destination. All rides run rain or shine.
Hope you can join us for this fun-filled event!
--
Nancy Bernotaitis
President
Autism Society of America - Dayton Chapter
DBA Dayton Autism Society
a 501(c)3 organization
http://www.daytonautismsociety.org
Please click on the link below to find our December, 2008, Newsletter. We hope you find it helpful. Please don't forget our Holiday Party on Saturday, December 13, 2008 from Noon till 3:00 PM at St. Michaels Woodside Party Center at 5035 Mill Road, Broadview Hts., OH 44147. Lunch will be provided and each child/teen that attends will receive a free gift. Please RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at (216) 556-4937 with the number and ages of children and the number of adults attending. Admission is Free. We hope to see you there.
2. Practical Solutions workshop: When My Autism Gets Too Big! with Kari Dunn Buron Learning to regulate emotions is a must for our children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum. Kari’s tool, the Incredible 5 Point Scale can be used to help teach this important skill. Come hear Kari explain how to use this tool with your children, students, and adults with high functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. There is still time to sign up for her workshop which is part of our Practical Solutions series called When My Autism Gets Too Big! presented on either Dec. 3 or 4. Pre-registration is required. The information is pasted below my signature or you can download the registration form from our website: www.asno.org. Kari just presented at the NATTAP conference in Columbus. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see this nationally known speaker and author.
3. 5th Annual Holiday Party Join us for an afternoon of fun. Crafts and games include cookie decorating, face painting, and making Christmas tree ornaments. Santa Claus will visit and have small gifts for the kids. Pictures for families to take home.
WHEN: SUNDAY, December 7, 2008 2 PM - 4 PM
WHERE: GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
601 EAST BOUNDARY
PERRYSBURG, OH 43551
Party is in the Fellowship Hall. Parking in back.
ADMISSION: Please bring a non-perishable item for the church’s food collection bin.
MENU: CAKE, SNACKS, AND BEVERAGES PROVIDED.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please help us plan for this event. You must RSVP with your name, phone #, and the number of kids & adults attending to 419-578-2766 no later than December 4.
Executive Director
Autism Society of Northwest Ohio
4848 Dorr Street Suite 1
Toledo, OH 43615
phone: 419-578-2766 (419-578-ASNO)
fax: 419-536-5038
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
website: www.asno.org
Present: Understanding the MRDD System
Tues. December 9, 2008
Wedgewood Community Center
4301 New Rd
Austintown, Ohio 44515
**no cost to participants, lunch provided**
9:00am-12pm (Registration begins at 8:30am)
Keynote speaker:
Gary Tonks, M.Ed., Executive Director
The Arc of Ohio
8:30am-9:00am registration & continental breakfast
9:00am-9:10am introduction
9:10am-9:55am Navigating the System
9:55am-10:05am Break
10:05am-11:15am Understanding the Medicaid process
11:15am-12:00pm Waivers and Martin Waivers
12:00pm Lunch ~ Provided
Counselors and Social Workers: This program is co-sponsored by Help Hotline Crisis Center, Inc. and approved by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker Board for 2.5 contact hours. Help Hotline Crisis Center, Inc. is approved to provide counselor and social worker continuing education credits. (RCS-019401).
MRDD CEU’s –pending
RSVP to Jennifer Bionci or Linda at (330) 707-1134
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
**Seating is limited, please RSVP by Dec. 3, 2008**
Don't miss ASA's Day on the Hill 2009, an advocacy
training session and lobby day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on
February 25-26, 2009. This event will help ASA chapter leaders,
volunteers and autism supporters gain the skills they need to be
effective autism advocates, and take those skills to Capitol Hill to
build support for legislative priorities. It will also ensure that
legislators know how important these issues are to the voters back
home.
The event will take place at the Key Bridge Marriott, 1401 Lee
Highway, Arlington, Virginia. Save the date, and stay tuned for more
details coming soon!
2nd Annual NATTAP Conference a Success
ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman and Dr. Edwin Trevathan, Director
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities,
keynoted the 2008 Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance
Programs (NATTAP) conference this morning. The conference, held for
the second year in Columbus, Ohio, and sponsored by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), brought together hundreds of
educators, state teams and families to discuss best practices in
autism education and training. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=celnR7mHsKk0kszF7OIVGg..
Next Sensory Friendly Film on December 6!
Don't miss the next ASA/AMC Sensory Friendly on Saturday, December 6,
2008! December's show is "Bolt." Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=nkUyLe_9dOX0XICVGQuH-A..
CDC Seeks Contributors to Children's Book
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)
"Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign is seeking authors
and illustrators to develop content, storyline and illustrations for a
children's book to increase parental awareness of childhood
developmental milestones. The deadline for proposals is November 25. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=BOkyQAPkyqBW5GoIwjOfeQ..
Obama-Biden Transition Update
President-elect Barack Obama has tapped two experts to conduct an
audit of current disability policy, both of whom worked on the
campaign. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=sLpQM7Ig6T1eNtGCeNpTlw..
Struggle Between Parents' Genes May Predispose Children to Certain Mental Disorders
Two scientists have proposed a new theory about brain development.
Bernard Crespi, a biologist at Simon Fraser University in Canada, and
Christopher Badcock, a sociologist at the London School of Economics,
recently published a series of journal articles purporting that
"an evolutionary tug of war between genes from the
father's sperm and the mother's egg can, in effect, tip
brain development in one of two ways," according to an article
in the New York Times. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=V7CbnDmRpTlzbRNzAfiUvw..
Unusual Use of Toys in Infancy a Clue to Later Autism
Researchers at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute have found that infants
later diagnosed with autism exhibited unusual exploration of objects
long before being diagnosed. Studying a group of children at high risk
for developing autism, the researchers found that those eventually
diagnosed with the disorder were more likely to spin, repetitively
rotate, stare at and look out of the corners of their eyes at simple
objects, including a baby bottle and a rattle, as early as 12 months
of age. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=5TemjAhyA9MOqJeUIJ9Ttg..
Inclusive Schools Week 2008
The Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) will hold the 8th Annual Inclusive
Schools Week December 1-5, 2008. Inclusive Schools Week is an annual
event that highlights the accomplishments of families, schools and
communities that have dedicated time, labor and resources to promoting
inclusive education for all of the world's children. This
year's theme, "Together We Learn Better: Inclusive Schools
Benefit All Children," provides an opportunity to focus on the
advantages of inclusive schools in promoting quality education and
better educational outcomes for all students. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=2X3D1QqqJRy1kYWk5ED_Aw..
Teaching Reading with "Reading Rocks"
The "Reading Rocks" program aims to teach reading using children's
strengths, combining visual, hands-on, active lessons to motivate
children to read. "Reading Rocks" requires no oral responses and was
designed for children whose strengths are visual. Words are taught
with manipulatives, flashcards, and cut-and-paste worksheets. Each
"Reading Rocks" classroom kit features colorful magnets, laminated
magnetic flashcards and three binders filled with activities of
increasing difficulty. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=uDPi1uGR30MAQykS4asTvQ..
ASA National Conference, July 22-25, 2009, in St. Charles, Illinois
Call for papers extended!
The 2009 Call for Papers has been extended to December 3! We hope you
will consider submitting a paper to present this year. For more
information, please visit www.autism-society.org/conference.
The 2009 ASA National Conference will be held in St. Charles, Illinois,
at the Pheasant Run Resort July 22-25. We anticipate 2,000
attendees this year and more than 150 exhibitors, plus speakers from
around the globe. In 2008, we were able to expand our professional
credit offerings and create a comprehensive program that drew a record
number of attendees.
If you're interested in exhibiting, advertising in the conference
program guide or becoming a sponsor, please contact Meg Ellacott at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Log on to Autism2008--The World's Biggest Online Autism
Conference
Autism2008--the latest Awares International Online Autism
Conference--opens on November 24, 2008, for one week. Last year's
conference attracted thousands of delegates from around the world.
Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=oFhzz-gPRKKhEbrkhR6QZg..
The "Dear Friends and Family" letter was written for
relatives and hosts of holiday gatherings who might need a crash
course in what to expect from their guest with autism. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=m-wltyiqe6TOW5gxEwd4JA..
New Book Offers Guide to Comorbid Conditions
Robbie Woliver's new book, "Alphabet Kids," explains comorbid
conditions, from ADD to Zellweger Syndrome. Woliver covers 70 childhood
disorders, from common conditions like autism spectrum disorder and
dyslexia to more exotic ones like Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder and
Williams Syndrome, providing information on signs, symptoms, causes,
cures, treatments and prognoses. True-life stories of a child with the
particular disorder illustrate each chapter--often heartbreaking,
but always inspirational. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=ycnBi-WZjSA8n9IE2LOuwQ..
"My Next Steps: A Parent's Guide to Understanding Autism"
A first-time diagnosis of autism in a child can be an overwhelming and
stressful time for parents and families. "My Next Steps: A
Parent's Guide to Understanding Autism" DVD serves as a roadmap
for parents dealing with this challenging period and seeks to provide
answers to the many questions that arise during the journey from
autism diagnosis to treatment. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=QpkRFr5i2Q7J0N5mXhpCBw..
Learning Life Lessons with "Loveable Liam"
"Liam Knows What To Do When Kids Act Snitty: Coping When Friends Are Tactless" is one of six books written by Jane Whelen Banks, which she created for her youngest son to help teach him some of the social and verbal skills that so often eluded him. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=IobZo7XCEvveggVbglppMQ..
Popular Manners DVD Re-released with Spanish Subtitles
A popular English language manners DVD that shows how to act in some of most common social situations has been re-released with Spanish subtitles. "Manners for the Real World: Basic Social
Skills," produced by Coulter Video, has been distributed in the
United States and internationally. The program covers personal
hygiene, conversations, introductions, telephone and Internet use,
table manners, behavior for ladies and gentlemen, manners in public,serving as a host and being a guest. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=PvJouabsG7xypNNAcYPUeg..
Social Skills and Human Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders
December 2 - 3, 2008
Columbus, OH
For complete information, click here
Special Events!!
extravaganza! At Pump It Up they¢¢ll have tons of fun in our huge arena filled with gigantically fun inflatables. After we¢ve managed to drag all your happily exhausted kids out of there, the festivities continue in our brightly decorated party room with pizza and drinks. And all along the way, our trained staff will supervise and help out with everything. So jump on over to Pump It Up for these special nights of fun.
Cost: $10 per child and $3 per adult (Pizza & drink included)
Ages: 2 - Adult (children must be 34" high to jump)
Reservations are required. Space is limited so reserve your open jump time tickets now at www.pumpitupparty.com. RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!
1065 Medina Road Suite #400
Medina OH, 44256
www.pumpitupparty.com
Thursday, December 4
6:00-9:00 pm
Enjoy generous samples of over 25 wines and unlimited gourmet hot and cold cuisine, along with auctions and entertainment.
call 440.488.3473 for tickets
All proceeds benefit Northeast Ohio Autism Group
happy holidays!
The Early Childhood Cabinet members are grateful to the cross system stakeholder “review team” that gathered to participate in a
facilitated discussion. To date, the review team has developed a set of recommendations regarding the service delivery system but
RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN presented to the Early Childhood Cabinet or the Ohio Family & Children First Cabinet.
The review team did discuss the current governance and administrative structure of Help Me Grow. Options and/or recommendations regarding the role of the lead agency will be developed by the Governor’s policy staff. The role of the Family and Children First Councils was also discussed by the review team and will be part of the conversations that the Early Childhood Cabinet and the Ohio Family & Children First Cabinet will jointly begin towards the end of November.
In addition, the Cabinets are utilizing the Help Me Grow Advisory
Council to provide further input on items that were discussed but not fully developed by the review team. The Advisory Counci met on November 10 to begin to work through its assignment. The work of the Advisory Council will be woven into the conversations of the Early Childhood Cabinet and the Ohio Family & Children First Cabinet.
This survey is being broadly distributed to allow stakeholders,
partners and consumers an opportunity to comment on successes and
challenges of the Help Me Grow system. The surveys are being collected by Community Researcher Partners, an evaluator who has assisted Ohio with our participation in the Build Initiative.
If interested, please go to the link below to share your ideas. The link will be available until November 21. The results will be shared with the Early Childhood Cabinet and Ohio Family and Children First Cabinet Directors. Please fee free to share this e-mail.
http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=1094850
Thank you in advance for your input!
Early Childhood Cabinet
30 E. Broad Street
32nd Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-644-1191
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
April 28 and 29, 2009 - The Ohio State University Columbus Campus
This year’s theme “Change, Challenge & Collaboration” reflects the critical place in history we occupy. Since the last conference the United Nations has adopted the Convention on Disability; Congress passed the ADA Amendments Act, a new GI bill with significant support for disabled veterans and the Higher Education Opportunity Act which includes significant provisions on disability; the Access Board is proposing changes in Section 508, and the Department of Justice is in the final stages of a comprehensive review and update of the regulations for the ADA’s Titles II and III.
Student Posters accepted through March 30th, 2009
Sponsorship opportunities
Additional Information & Program Updates Http://ada.osu.edu/conferences
"Fun with Messy Play"
Ideas and activities for children with special needs
Funny smells, sticky hands and squishy textures are all part of the way in which children develop sensory awareness. Fun with Messy Play is an activity book that heightens the sensory perception of children with special needs through the imaginative use of everyday messy materials like baked beans, condensed milk, jelly or glue.
The activities in this book are fun for children and can help to improve their coordination, communicative and cognitive abilities, as well as their self-esteem and social skills. Each exercise focuses the child on a movement or sensation that they will later be able to apply to everyday life. Allowing children to explore their senses while having fun, messy play provides a relaxing therapy that encourages sensory responsiveness without placing stressful expectations on the child.
This is an easy-to-use, practical resource for parents and professionals. It includes ideas and examples from practitioners, along with helpful suggestions for different types of equipment that can be used.
Learn more or purchase the book at Amazon.com.
New Book Offers Suggestions for Asperger
Couples
"Asperger Counselling for Couples"
Asperger Counselling for Couples provides a complete model for counseling couples where one partner has Asperger Syndrome (AS). The book, published in the U.K., provides details of the seven different stages of the model and includes anecdotal evidence from clients who have used it. The author explains the importance of initial separate counseling and describes the co-counseling process using case studies to demonstrate useful strategies. The book offers valuable advice on improving communication and cooperation, and includes activity sheets.
Based on considerable experience, this book will be invaluable for counselors treating couples where one partner has Asperger Syndrome. Its insight into the world of AS will also benefit such partners who may not have access to counseling, but still wish to use for themselves the many and varied strategies it contains. Parents with children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as teachers and other professionals working in this field, can also benefit from it.
Learn more or purchase the book at Amazon.com.
Protection under IDEA
Many children with disabilities have inappropriate
behaviors that are part of their disability. IDEA provides protection for any
child who is subject to discipline and who is eligible for special education.
During the first hour of this workshop, Franklin J. Hickman, JD, Hickman &
Lowder Co LPA, will cover circumstances and reasons a school district can
suspend or expel a student with disabilities, procedures that must be followed,
and limitations for special education students. During the second
hour, Barbara Rutt, Information Specialist, Ohio Coalition for the
Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD), will talk about the functional
behavioral assessment, who is involved, what it looks like, and how to put it
into the IEP.
Date:
Check
in:
Time:
Location:
Achievement Centers for
Children,
Cost:
$10.00
Advance Registration is Required: Please call Linda Kresnye at 216-229-5757, Ext. 126
Please forward this email to anyone who may benefit from
attending. Thank you.
Our thanks to the Nord Family Foundation for
financial support of this workshop.
Tools for Today and Tomorrow workshops are designed for
parents and caregivers. Professionals are also welcome to attend.
Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to
provide professional advice or guidance for individual issues. For
individual issues, consult with a qualified professional of your
choice.
Linda
Kresnye
Program Manager
Tools
for Today and Tomorrow
Ronald
McDonald House of Cleveland, Inc.
216-229-5757, Ext. 126
Downloads from OAR
The Organization for Autism
Research has several publications available for downloading at no cost from
their website including: Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for
Transition to Adulthood, An Educator's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and A Parent's
Guide to Research and a Parent's Guide to Assessment. These publications
are also available to order in print form.
They also have a DVD
"Understanding Asperger Syndrome: A Professor's Guide" that can be ordered
or downloaded (at no cost) from the website.
OAR collaborates with the ASA and
OCALI!
www.researchautism.org (look under the Resources heading)
Information on Ohio's Children's Buy-In Program
Consumer Advocacy Director
CareSource Management Group
65 E. State Street, 8th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 255-4673 (o)
(937) 396-3659 (fax)
Email: Toni.Bigby@csmg- online.com
Web: www.csmg-online. com
Article: STACKING THE DECK FOR FAMILY HOLIDAYS
By Dan
Coulter
It's family holiday gatherings season.
So, do you feel
anticipation or anxiety?
If you have a child with an autism spectrum
disorder, you might feel a bit of both.
My wife and I are veterans of
years of extended family gatherings with our son who has Asperger
Syndrome. We've learned that the proper preparation is a great insurance
policy toward making the gathering a positive experience for everyone.
First, size up the situation realistically. What will your family
event be like? How is your son or daughter with an ASD likely to react in
that environment? What can you do to influence the environment and prepare
your child?
Let's say you have a son named Bill who has Asperger
Syndrome.
If you're going to be seeing family who doesn't often interact
with Bill, consider writing a letter or email to those who will attend. Tell
them you want to help ensure that everyone has a good time, so you want to
explain that, because Bill has Asperger Syndrome, he may act or react a bit
differently than they're used to.
The letter should be
positive. It should not tell people how they have to act to accommodate
Bill. It should focus on the nice experience everyone can have if family
members make some adjustments to help Bill fit in.
For example, Bill
loves studying weather, has learned a lot about weather, and is always eager to
talk about weather. You can write that it would be great if you could work
with the others who will attend the gathering to plan some games or activities
or decorations that relate to weather. And explain that if Bill goes on a
bit too long about weather, it's O.K. to say, "I'm really impressed with all you
know about weather, Bill, but I'm not as interested in it as you are, and I'd
like to talk about something else now."
The key is to help others
understand how Bill is likely to act and react, and give them suggestions on
interacting with Bill that will help keep things positive. If Bill is
likely to exhibit behaviors that could be interpreted as rude or tactless,
explain that he doesn't mean to offend, it's just the way his brain processes
information. Be honest, but upbeat. Ask parents to share appropriate
information about being patient with Bill with their children.
Consider
past experience to determine how closely you, or someone else who knows what to
expect, needs to supervise Bill in this environment. You may need to limit
your stay or identify a quiet place where Bill can be by himself with a book or
a game or a DVD if the situation becomes overwhelming for him.
In
your letter, you can also inquire about the other children who will attend and
ask if there's anything special the group might plan or do for them. After
all, you want the visit to be special for everyone.
Finally, talk with
Bill about what to expect and help him practice the social skills you want him
to use. The more Bill knows about the gathering in advance and how to deal
with it, the more confident and comfortable he's likely to be.
You might
choose to write a social story describing the upcoming event. My wife once
wrote a "news story" about our niece's wedding and read it to our son in the car
as we traveled to another state for the ceremony. Consider your child's
history as you plan your briefing. You may decide to provide less detail
if your child is very literal minded and gets upset when things don't turn out
exactly the way he or she expects they will.
A lot of families (ours
included) have attended events simply hoping for the best. But we've
learned that hope is more realistic if you stack the deck. Where extended family
gatherings are concerned, you may need to mark it, stack it, and stick a few
cards up your sleeve.
But everybody wins.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dan
Coulter is the producer of the DVD: "MANNERS FOR THE REAL WORLD: Basic Social
Skills," which has just been revised and re-released with English and Spanish
subtitles. You'll find more articles
and information on his website at:
www.coultervideo.com.
Copyright 2008 Dan Coulter All Rights
Reserved Used by Permission
Article: "What Autistic Girls Are Made Of"
A compilation of recipe and food resources that are gluten free, gfcf and gfcfsf for the autism community.
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