ASO Digest: More events, information, resources, etc.

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO:

A variety of information on events, resource, etc. Details follow my signature. FYI - please share.

- New Book from AAPC

- The Seven Sees Vision & Sensory Integration Conference sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic - Cleveland

- Choice, Inc. presents... DiversABILITY Employment Summit - Columbus

- Harcourt Assessment Standardization - Research Study

- Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges in Autism - Fall Series, Toledo

- Fairfield County MRDD Family Resource Fair - Lancaster

- Only ten days until the 2007 NATTAP Conference begins! - Columbus

- Medicaid Buy-In Proposed Rules Available for Review and Comment

- Home Care and Transition Waiver Services Payment Rule Change for Review and Comment

- Next ODMRDD Family Advisory Council Meeting Scheduled - Columbus

- Tammet, author "Born on a Blue Day" Autistic Savant/Asperger's young man to Speak - Elyria

- Autism Today Conference - Ottawa, Ontario

- 1st Annual Fall Festival for Autism - Richfield

- SPARK September Meeting with Speaker from Whole Child Therapy - Akron

- Fundraiser for the Greater Akron Chapter of Autism Society on October 4th

- First Annual Leeds Pumpkin Farm Autism Harvest Festival - Ostrander, OH

- Brain Repair Institute Seminar - Warren

- Ohio MRDD Sponsors Emergency Preparedness Training around Ohio

- ASA Call for Artwork for Calendar

- ASA TriCounty Chapter events - Youngstown

- Scholarship for Individuals with ASD pursuing post-secondary education

- Gaming Night for kids 8 and up with Asperger Disorder or High-Functioning Autism - Akron

- Autism Supports for You

- Research Study

- The ABCs of PDDs - North Olmstead

- ASA NW Ohio Family Support Group Schedule

- Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Walk Now for Autism

Have you purchased your Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate yet? To purchase yours, visit www.oplates.com and click on "Specialty Plates" or visit our website at www.autismohio.org for more information.Sincerely,Barbara C. YavorcikPresidentAutism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...web: www.autismohio.org Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASO, either explicit or impiled.

New Book from AAPC

Ann Drew by Joan $17.95

, a fifth-grade boy with Asperger Syndrome, is back in Joan ’s sequel to her popular Whole Wyoming. This time, is in a new school and the story is through the voice of Hillary Branson, another fifth grader. Hillary Branson has a serious attitude problem, along with being spunky, independent, and a tendency to lie. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that when a teacher assigns her to complete a science project with , Hillary rebels in any way she can. As the story develops her troubled background is revealed. She and eventually discover that they have a lot more in common than they had first realized.

Ann Drew brings to light a truth that teachers have known for years – occasionally kids who have to deal with issues that are out of their control, such as , can become a guiding light for their peers. In Ann Drew , helps Hillary in a profound way, primarily by being himself – something Hillary has difficulty with. Ann Drew lets children with and without autism spectrum disorders get a glimpse of the frustrations that can drift into people’s lives. Through the experiences of and Hillary readers learn, from both sides of the spectrum, that people are people despite life’s circumstances. http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9993.htm

The Seven Sees Vision & Sensory Integration Conference sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic

This conference will explore sensory integration, the process by which the brain interprets and organizes various sensory experiences including visual, tactile, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, proprioceptive and vestibular input. Cool, Ph.D., FAAO, a developmental neurobiologist, will be the keynote speaker, along with other national experts in sensory integration. Our goal is to raise awareness of how sensory integration relates to educational issues, discuss it’s impact on children and disseminate information among area educational, medical and therapeutic professionals.

October 11, 12 & 13, 2007 - save the date!

The Forum Conference Center1375 East 9th StreetCleveland, OH 44114

Click here for Complete Conference Information http://www.clevelandsightcenter.org/SevenSees/default.htmClick here to Register Online Today https://clevelandsightcenter.org/SevenSees/registrationForm.aspx

Proudly Sponsored by The Cleveland Clinic

Choice, Inc. presents... DiversABILITY Employment Summit

Talent for a Winning Team!!

Celebrate October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month!! Join us forOhio's first DiversABILITY Employment Summit sponsored by AEP, WellPoint, Ohio RehabilitationServices Commission, and Ohio Business Leadership Network. This innovative summitwill educate employers, human resource professionals, supervisors, and managerson the benefits of including people with disabilities in their diversity initiatives.

Presenters from nationally recognized companies such as Proctor & Gamble, WellPoint,Fifth Third Bank, Wal-Mart, and IBM will share best practices, experiences, andresources in the areas of recruiting, marketing, accommodating, and providing customerservice. Participants will learn how to integrate disability awareness and inclusioninto all business initiatives. There will also be valuable information presented by Ohio Rehabilitation ServicesCommission, OSU's ADA Coordinator, and Ohio Bureau of Labor Market Information. THIS WILL BE A CONFERENCE YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!!

Thursday October 18, 2007The Ohio State University's Fawcett Center2400 Olentangy River RdColumbus, OH 432108am - 5pm

Warrick, JD, MLHR, SPHR President, Warrick Consulting (Columbus) will kick off the conference with his upbeat and thought provoking presentationon "Intolerance of Intolerance Disabilities in the Workplace". is a favoritein the training world because of his fun but yet informative approach.Learn More www.scottwarrick.com Joyce Bender, BS, CEO/Founder, Bender Consulting Services, Inc. (US) (Canada) Joyce will be the featured luncheon keynote speaker. Joining us from Pittsburgh,Joyce captivates her audience as she explains why hiring people with disabilitiesis a good business decision that will pay off in dividends.Learn More www.benderconsult.com

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES:- Present the benefits of including disability as diversity within the business initiatives.- Showcase best practices in the areas of recruiting and hiring people with disabilities.- Discuss technology and accommodations.- Provide a platform to explore real-world applications of disability inclusion.- Explain the employers rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.- Offer a networking opportunity among Ohio businesses and various award-winning companies.

REGISTER TODAY!! SEATING IS LIMITED!! click here to register www.wrightchoice.org/events Early Bird Registration - $99 until 10/10/07Late Registration 10/11 - 10/15 - $125no registrations will be accepted after noon on 10/15 TyKiah , MBAExec. Director/Founder6230 Busch Blvd. Suite 101Columbus, OH 43229614.802.2364 vm614.802.2361 fxwww.wrightchoice.org

Harcourt Assessment Standardization - Research Study

Phase of the WAIS-IV and WMS-IV

GET PAID $200.00!!!

Harcourt Assessment is in the process of standardizing an intelligence and memory test and would like YOU to participate!

Asperger’s Disorder

Inclusion Criteria: Must:

*Meet DSM–IV–TR criteria for Asperger’s Disorder. Diagnosis must

be made by a qualified mental health professional. Documentation must be provided.

*Have a Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) ≥ 70. Documentation MUST Be provided.

Exclusion Criteria: Must not:

*Have a diagnosis of Autistic Disorder.

*Be diagnosed with a language disorder.

Autism

Inclusion Criteria: Must:

*Meet DSM–IV–TR criteria for Autistic Disorder. Diagnosis must be

made by a qualified mental health professional. Documentation must be provided.

*Have a Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) ≥ 70. Documentation DOES NOT need to be provided.

Exclusion Criteria: Must not:

Have a diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder.

Be diagnosed with a language disorder.

Those participating in either the Autism or Asperger’s group will be asked to take an IQ test which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and a memory test which takes approximately 2 hours. These tests are usually broken down into two sessions and participants will be paid $200.00 for completion of these tests.

Money is disbursed from Harcourt Assessment Company and will come in the form of a check. All payments for testing may take up to 4 to 6 weeks; however, it usually is received somewhat sooner.

For more information, to see if you are eligible to participate in this study, or if you have any questions, please contact:

Lounder, M.A. Beard, Psy.D.

(304) 374-1974 Licensed Supervisor

Additional Information:

Autism Asperger's 16-19 y/o 3 spots left 20-24 y/o 2 spots left20-24 y/o 9 spots left 25-40 y/o 4 spots left25-40 y/o 9 spots left Harcourt Assessment is also looking for people to test in non-clinical populations (i.e. no diagnosis). Once again, the spots are quite limited, but anyone from ages 16-90 may be eligible to participate. It is the same testing from what the attachment explains, the only difference being that the total payment for the non-clinical population is $80.00. This would be applicable to siblings, parents, grandparents, etc. I know this is a lot of info. but I thought that it's a good way for family members or friends to also make some money if they are interested. They can give me a call to get more information about eligibility. Once again, I know you must be busy, so thank you for your time!! A. Lounder, M.A.Doctoral Psychology InternChild & Adolescent Service CenterPhone: (330) 649-7373Fax: (330) 649-7377e-mail: llounder@...

Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges in Autism - Fall Series

A series of workshops designed to teach you strategies to cope with some of

the difficult behaviors exhibited by people of any age with autism spectrum disorders.

Oct. 3 & 4 You Can’t Put a Square Peg in a Round Hole - Finding & Funding a

Pragmatic Path to Supported Employment - Joe and Marilyn Henn

Oct. 17 & 18 Where/What Are We Transitioning To? - Assisting Transitioning Youth with ASD to Turn Their Individual Characteristics Into Vocational Assets - Soper and Dr. Ellen

Oct. 23 Make It – Take It session at the Great Lakes Center Resource Library

Nov. 7 & 8 Relaxation Training for You and Your Child - Kim Renner

Nov. 14 & 15 Toilet Training Your Child with Autism - Kim Renner

Nov. 28 & 29 Asperger Syndrome and Bullying: Empowering Adults and Students to Make A Difference - Rebekah Heinrichs

Dec. 5 & 6 The Verbal Behavior Approach - Lynch Barbera

Each workshop will be presented twice, once on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. and again the next Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m.

Workshop #1 You Can’t Put a Square Peg in a Round Hole - Finding & Funding a Pragmatic Path to Supported Employment

- Joe and Marilyn Henn

At age 19, Henn’s profile for possible employment was: IQ less than 20, non-verbal, severe behavior problems, screamer, many tics and compulsions, functioning level - bottom 10% of individuals with autism.

At age 31, ’s life consists of working 40 hours per week at union scale with benefits; having her own car and going on vacations; living, working, and recreating in the community; going to the church of her choice; living in a family consortium with 3 other young women; and along with her job coach, paying more in taxes than she receives in SSI & food stamps. has received national awards from both APSE and ASA.

This presentation includes video documentary spanning 30 years showing how the Henn’s daughter progressed from pre-school to school to work experiences and finally to full-time employment for over 10 years with full benefits. The presentation will outline how family agencies and funding sources collaborated to provide their daughter with individualized housing, transportation, job development, recreation, and ongoing behavioral supports.

Outcomes

Participants will:

· Appreciate how to use the “possibility thinking†to drive educational and adult services for a person with a disability

· Understand the process of bringing schools, agencies, families, and parents together to develop powerful transition plans

· See how community work experiences can be used to improve behavior, explore career options, and obtain employment for a student with a disability

· Identify six sources of funding that can be combined to provide residential options, employment with supports, transportation, and recreation

About the presenters: Marilyn and Joe Henn are parents of a daughter with significant autism. They have presented nationally on how they developed transition services that led to their daughter’s full-time employment. Marilyn, an RN, has received extensive training in behavior management, transition, and supported employment. Joe, a retired executive, has become an expert in Social Security Work Incentives, Medicaid, MR/DD funding and housing.

Who should attend: Parents, County Board and school personnel, service delivery professionals. This presentation is geared towards parents and transition service providers who are interested in how to develop effective transition plans and funding strategies for individual children/students with disabilities who don’t fit current service models.

The same workshop will be presented twice. You may attend one or both sessions.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007 6:30-9 pm

Thursday October 4, 2007 9:30 am - Noon

Location: Toledo Hospital Education Center Auditorium in the Jobst and McIntosh Towers

Pre-registration is required.

Cost: Parents: $10 per session

Professionals: $15 per session

Scholarships available.

Please remit payment with the form below to:

Workshop Series, Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, 4848 Dorr Street, Ste. 1, Toledo, Ohio 43615

(Checks may be made payable to Autism Society of Northwest Ohio.)

If you would like a confirmation, please include a stamped self-addressed post card with your registration.

Questions? Call 419-578-2766 or check www.asno.org

Name(s): __________________________________________________________________________________

Please check all that apply: ___ Parent ___ Family Member ___ Professional

For Lucas County Families only: Do you currently receive or are you eligible for services from the Lucas County Board of MR/DD? (Examples: Family Resources, waivers, case management, transition specialist, early intervention, day services, waiting lists) ___ yes ___ no If no, would you like to have someone contact you about eligibility? ___ yes ___ no

Address: _________________________________­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________________County: ________________

Phone (H)/(W)/©:______________________________ Age of person with autism that I deal with: ________

Session: Wednesday evening Oct. 3 _____ Thursday morning Oct. 4 _____ Total submitted ______________

Workshop #2: Where/What Are We Transitioning To?: Assisting Transitioning Youth with ASD to Turn Their Individual Characteristics into Vocational Assets

Presenters: Soper, MRC, CRC, LPCC and Ellen , Ph.D.

This presentation will focus on assisting parents and families to better prepare for life after graduation. Presenters will overview recent advances in educational and clinical assessment, and will discuss how transition teams can maximize post graduation opportunities, particularly in the area of career preparation. Discussion will include how to succeed in post secondary education, and how to prepare for a meaningful and contributing life in the community.

Outcomes

Participants will:

1) Develop additional insight into the impact of the family on their child's vocational outcome

2) Identify individual characteristics that can become vocational/job assets

3) Demonstrate an understanding of various post-high school options

Soper, is the Director of Adult Options for the Lucas Board of MR/DD. She has 25 years experience in vocational rehabilitation, mental health, and mental retardation. is a CARF surveyor and the parent of an adult with autism.

Dr. Ellen , a Professor of Intervention Services at Bowling Green State University, has established expertise in special education, transition, and ASD. She is a Board Member of Sunshine, Inc., and NWORAAC.

Who should attend: Parents, educators, County Board and school personnel, and service providers who are interested in how to develop effective transition plans for individual children/students with ASD.

The same workshop will be presented twice. You may attend one or both sessions. Please note different location for each session.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 6:30-9 pm

Location: Toledo Hospital Education Center Auditorium in the Jobst and McIntosh Towers

Thursday October 18, 2007 9:30 am - Noon

Location: UT Health Science Campus

Health Ed. Bldg., Room # 103

Pre-registration is required.

Cost: Parents: $10 per session

Professionals: $15 per session

Scholarships available.

Please remit payment with the form below to:

Workshop Series, Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, 4848 Dorr Street, Ste. 1, Toledo, Ohio 43615

(Checks may be made payable to Autism Society of Northwest Ohio.)

If you would like a confirmation, please include a stamped self-addressed post card with your registration.

Questions? Call 419-578-2766 or check www.asno.org

Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________

Please check all that apply: ___ Parent ___ Family Member ___ Professional

For Lucas County Families only: Do you currently receive or are you eligible for services from the Lucas County Board of MR/DD? (Examples: Family Resources, waivers, case management, transition specialist, early intervention, day services, waiting lists)

___ yes ___ no If no, would you like to have someone contact you about eligibility? ___ yes ___ no

Address: _________________________________­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________________County: ________________

Phone (H)/(W)/©:______________________________ Age of person with autism that I deal with: ________

Session: Wednesday evening Oct. 17 _____ Thursday morning Oct. 18 _____ Total submitted ____________

These workshops are partially funded by a grant from the Lucas County Board of MR/DD.

Family Resource Fair

Fairfield County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

Family Resource Fair

September 25th, 2007

From 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This event is located at Forest Rose School, 1592 Granville Pike, Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

We will have exhibitors, blood drive, and activities for children, snacks and door prizes.

For additional information, contact them at:

Administrative Offices 795 College Ave.Lancaster, OH 43130-1082Administration: (740) 687-7244Community Services: (740) 687-7240Fax: (740) 687-7250

www.fairfieldmrdd.com

Only ten days until the 2007 NATTAP Conference begins!The Ohio Center for Autism and the Autism Society of America invite you to participate in the Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs (NATTAP) ConferenceSeptember 26-28, 2007 | Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OHRegister online through Friday, September 21, 2007 [www.ocali.org/nattap2007]Onsite registration is availableSpecial Parent Registration Rate: $185Don't miss your opportunity to participate!For information about sessions, presenters and topics, visit the conference website: www.ocali.org/nattap2007

Medicaid Buy-In Proposed Rules Available for Review and Comment

We all worked hard to make Medicaid Buy-In a reality in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has drafted rules to make Medicaid Buy-In a reality. Please comment director to ODFJS through the following before October 1, 2007. YES…it is still called Medicaid Buy-In. Some of you were concerned that the name would be changing.

Clearance 6096: HPE: Medicaid Buy-in for Workers with Disabilities is available on the InnerWeb and Internet for your review and comment.

The comment deadline is 10/1/07. Please respond on or before the deadline.

The originator of this clearance is Lucas.

Click the link below to review and comment:

Innerweb

http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/clearances/inner.asp

Internet

http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/clearances/inter.asp

INSTRUCTIONS:

By clicking in the Comment button on the right of the Clearance title you will bring up a comment form. Each box on this form must be completed to submit it. You may have someone else review the clearance for you, but if someone reviews for you, be sure that they say they are doing so in their message.

If you have any questions, please e-mail "CLEARANCE" in GroupWise.

Clearance Staff

Office of Legal Services

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

Phone: 614-466-4605

Fax: 614-752-8298

Home Care and Transition Waiver Services Payment Rule Change for Review and Comment

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is distributing a proposed administrative rule regarding payment for Home Care and Transition Waiver Services. Please follow the instructions below if you would like to comment directly to ODJFS: Clearance 6090: HPP: Reimbursement Rates for ODJFS-administered Waivers is available on the InnerWeb and Internet for your review and comment. The comment deadline is 9/28/07. Please respond on or before the deadline.The originator of this clearance is Sara Abbott. Click the link below to review and comment: Innerwebhttp://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/clearances/inner.asp Internethttp://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/clearances/inter.asp INSTRUCTIONS:By clicking in the Comment button on the right of the Clearance title you will bring up a comment form. Each box on this form must be completed to submit it. You may have someone else review the clearance for you, but if someone reviews for you, be sure that they say they are doing so in their message. If you have any questions, please e-mail "CLEARANCE" in GroupWise. Clearance StaffOffice of Legal ServicesOhio Department of Job and Family ServicesPhone: 614-466-4605Fax: 614-752-8298

Next ODMRDD Family Advisory Council Meeting Scheduled

ODMRDD Family Advisory Council for October 16th 10a.m.-2:30p.m. in the Columbus Developmental Center (CDC) training room at 1601 W. Broad Street in Columbus.

I have not completed our agenda at this time. Besides the Director speaking I wanted to get your input regarding speakers or subjects you would like to hear. Please email me and I will try to accommodate. We will also update you on the activities of the Futures Study Committee.

Please respond directly to my email: Peggy.@...

Tammet, author "Born on a Blue Day" Autistic Savant/Asperger's young man to Speak

Lorain County Community College 1005 Abbe Road Elyria, OH 44035-1691

http://www.lorainccc.edu/stocker+arts+center/mgm.htm This is the link for Lorain County Community College Stocker Arts Center--Meeting Great Minds Series. They are bringing Tammet, author "Born on a Blue Day" Autistic Savant/Asperger's young man. IT'S FREE FREE FREE. You have to pre-register to get a seat. So when you get to the page and read the bio of Mr. Tammet right above that is a link to follow to the registration page and it will allow you to chose how many tickets you would like! For the month of October (beginning on the 11th-Nov.18th) they are also showcasing Seth Chwast's artwork in the Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery. Just thought everyone would like to know about this opportunity.

Autism Today Conference

Mark Your Calendars! Nov 2 - 3, 2007 - Ottawa - Ontario, Canadahttp://www.autismtoday.com/ottawa2007.htmFeaturing: Dr. Jeff Bradstreet, Jed Baker Ph.D., Berle, Shore Ed.D., Bill , Paradiz Ph.D., Stan Kurtz and Lori Knowles.Experience two incredible days that will give you ways to enhance communication and social behavior in the home, classroom, or clinical setting immediately! You will not want to miss these fascinating presentations by some of the most highly regarded experts in the field of Communication, Behavior and Biomedical for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Press on the link below for full details:http://www.autismtoday.com/ottawa2007.htm

1st Annual Fall Festival for Autism

October 21, 2007

1:30-4:30

Activities: Family Hayride, Snacks, Petting Zoo, and Pumpkins

Luthers Farm

5150 Alger Rd

Richfield, OH

330-659-2526

This event is sponosred by Life Center for Autism Foundation. There is free admission fo rthe first 200 individuals and family for members effectited by autism. Pre-registration with Life Center for AUtism is required for free admission. Regular admission to this event is $10 per person. To pre-register or to gain further information, email KateJ@... or call her at the offices of Wholesale Supplies Plus (12-2pm) 440-526-6556x214

http://www.lifecenterforautism.org/Default.aspx

SPARK September Meeting with Speaker from Whole Child Therapy

Please join us for SPARK's September meeting presenting:

Jordye Joyce of Whole Child Therapy

Sensory in the Home

Thursday, September 27, 2007

6-8pm

Akron Children's Hospital

Considine Building, 2nd Floor, Rooms 5 & 6

There is no child care at this time. Snacks will be provided.

SPARK (Sharing Perspectives and Autism Resources for our Kids)

Part of

ASA Greater Akron

www.asagreaterakron.com

Fundraiser for the Greater Akron Chapter of Autism Society on October 4th The Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of America will be hosting its 2nd Annual fundraiser, “Pull the Cork on Autism,†to benefit the chapter’s goal of training first responders – such as police, fire and EMS – in how best to help individuals with autism in an emergency situation. Please help us inform the community by publishing this information in community events and calendars. We also have families available who can talk about living with autism if you would like to interview them for a story. WHO: GreaterAkron Chapter of the Autism Society of America WHAT: Pull the Cork on Autism, a wine tasting event WHEN: Thursday, October 4, 2007 7:00 – 10:00 PM WHERE: The Vue Restaurant and Lounge 49 Village Way , Hudson Special guest Matt from WKDD will host the evening’s events, which includes live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and raffle. The cost is $75.00 per person. Reservations accepted, but not needed, to be called into The Vue Restaurant and Lounge at 330-650-1883. Also, from 11:00 – 4:00 p.m. the same day, at the Hudson Library & Historical Society, local neurologist Dr. Nevada will speak about autism and its impact on the family and society. Weaver and Cahoon, Board members of the Greater Akron Chapter of the ASA, will present “A Parent’s Perspective on Autism.†The Summit County Prosecutor’s Office will also be there to discuss the “Take Me Home†database, a program established with Summit County law enforcement to provide identification and a safe return for special needs children and seniors if they should become lost or missing. This event is open to the community and admission is free. For more information about either event, please go to www.asagreaterakron.com or call the Greater Akron Autism Society of America at 330-543-3955. You may also send your name and address to asagreaterakron@... to request an invitation be mailed to you.Note: The Greater Akron Chapter Of the Autism Society of America has some 200 members and serves Summit , Portage , Stark, Medina and Wayne Counties . The Akron ASA does not have any paid employees and is managed by a volunteer advisory board.

First Annual Leeds Pumpkin Farm Autism Harvest Festival

Please join us for the first annual Leeds Pumpkin Farm Autism Harvest Festival!! Date: Saturday, September 22, 2007Time: 8:00 to 10:00 amWhere:Leeds Farm, 8738 State Route 36, Ostrander, OH 43061Cost:Free to children with autism and their immediate family—including grandparents! What:

Two reasons for one great event!1. Leeds Farm is hosting central Ohio children with autism and their immediate families at no charge. From 8:00 to 10:00 am on Saturday, September 22nd, Leeds Farm will be open exclusively for children and families with autism. Leeds Farm opens to the public at 10:00 am, but families are welcome to stay as long as they want. 2. Autism awareness and service provider booths—learn the early signs of autism and gather information from service providers for children with autism RSVP:Please RSVP to Sherry Fisher at (740) 225-3256 or sfisher@... About Leeds Farm:Leeds Farm features fall family fun on the farm. The farm is open six weekends in September and October. Farm activities include many barnyard and Play Barn activities such as hayrides, feeding farm animals, corn maze, farm pond, mountain slides, zip lines, human hamster wheels, and thousands of pumpkins and gourds grown right on the farm. For more information visit www.LeedsFarm.com or call (740) 666-2020.

Brain Repair Institute Seminar

Dear concerned parents and friends,

We at the Brain Repair Institute of Canada will be conducting a workshop on brain plasticity and the potential for treatment of mental disorders such as autism, add, and ocd for parents and teachers on Saturday September 22 at 10:00 am in Warren, Ohio.

At the Brain Repair Institute, part of our mission is to teach and train parents of children with special needs. Our expertise has been recognized by the Government of Canada and with their funding we have developed a number of different workshops.

I am e-mailing you with the hope that you will consider forwarding this on to the families and professionals that you help so that this information can reach and benefit those people that would find it useful.

All parents and teachers are welcome to attend the presentation.

The title: With MAPS, you are allowed to dream of a happy, normal future for your child with autism.

Duration: 2 hours

Ticket: Due to recent funding and success we are able to offer a limited number of free tickets.

Venue: St. ph Medical Health Center, Medical Education Room #667, Eastland Avenue, Warren, Ohio 44484

I included the poster for the workshop below. Registration is online, accessible from the home page of our web site www.brainrepairinstitute.com.

Parents who attend this seminar will learn the following:

How Serotonin and dopamine levels are crucial for healthy brain development,

How and why mental processes can go wrong physiologically,

How to recognize and eliminate sources of stress, which prevent healthy brain function,

How the brain receives and translates messages from the environment,

How the brain qualifies the processed information as pleasurable and worth seeking,

What can be introduced into the child's environment in order to re-balance chemical levels without medication.

Claudie Gordon-Pomares, a neuroscientist from France, has developed a method of enriching the learning environment of children, based on 50 years of fundamental research on brain plasticity and her own research on brain development. Claudie is officially the published expert (August 2002, journal of behavioral and developmental pediatrics) on the sense of smell of non-verbal children, thanks to her extensive work on the subject.

This condensed 2-hour workshop will train parents to optimize the environment surrounding their child with special needs in order to at least maximize their existing potential to grow naturally.

Thank you. :-)

P.S. For those interested, Claudie also offers a breakthrough treatment for autism that we have been using to remove most symptoms related to autism. To find out more about this or any other program we offer, call (1-877-532-7246)

Ohio MRDD Sponsors Emergency Preparedness Training around Ohio

The Ohio Department of MR/DD will be presenting Emergency Preparedness training for individuals during the month of September. These trainings are free. There will be at least one training held in each region. You may register on the ODMRDD website or contact the person listed below.

The trainings are scheduled as follows:

September 18, 2007 NODC 10:00 am – 12:00 noon and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Northwest Ohio Developmental Center is located at 1101 South Detroit Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43614. The training will be held in Building 610. For more information contact Sara Lawson at (419)447-1450 ext. 288. Seating is limited to 100 per session.

September 19, 2007 SODC 10:00 am – 12:00 noon and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Southwest Ohio Developmental Center is located at 4399 East Bauman Lane, Batavia, Ohio 45103. The training will be held in the small conference room in the Administration Building. For more information contact Jim Seminara at (513)735-8253. Seating is limited to 50 per session.

September 19, 2007 GDC 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Gallipolis Developmental Center is located at 2500 Ohio Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631. The training will be held in Activity Center training room. For more information contact Porter at (614)302-1146. Seating is limited to 50.

September 21, 2007 CDC 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Columbus Developmental Center is located at 1800 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The training will be held in the Administrative Building training room. For more information contact Ann O’Connell-Null at (937)233-8108 ext. 281. Seating is limited to 50.

September 24, 2007 MVDC 10:00 am – 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Mount Vernon Developmental Center is located at 1250 Vernonview Drive, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. The training will be held in the Great Room located in the Administrative Buiding. For more information contact Gavin Coriell at (740)393-6259 or Ann Weisent at (614)644-5507. Seating is limited to 100 per session.

September 26, 2007 YDC 10:00 am – 12 noon and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Youngstown Developmental Center is located at 4891 East County Line Road, Mineral Ridge, Ohio 44440. The training will be held in the training room. For more information contact Rob Auer at (330)544-2231. Seating is limited to 40 per session.

September 27, 2007 MDC 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Montgomery Developmental Center is located at 7650 Timbercrest Drive, Huber Heights, Ohio 45424. The training will be held in the gymnasium. For more information contact Loper at (937)233-8108 ext. 235. Seating is limited to 40.

CALL FOR ARTWORK The ASA is creating a calendar for the coming year and we would love tofeature the artwork of our children! If you have children's drawings depicting the seasons and traditions ofthe year, including artwork for April that spotlights NAAM or our"Hometown Heroes" initiative, we would like to feature some of them inan ASA calendar for 2008! The drawings chosen for the holiday months and NAAM may also beavailable as note cards in the coming months! Please mail your submissions and your signed release form (attached) assoon as possible to the attention of Rose Jochum at our office inBethesda. Art sent without a release will not be considered. We willtry to return all artwork.The artwork will be chosen by a panel comprised of a graphic designer,ASA staff members and an individual with ASD. Those chosen will benotified and receive a free calendar and a one year individualmembership. Thank you so much for your support of the Autism Society of America andhelping us to improve the lives of all those affected by autism.Gratefully,Rose JochumChapters and MembershipAutism Society of America7910 Woodmont Ave. Suite 300Bethesda, MD 20814301-657-0881 x1641-800-3-AUTISM x164Fax: 301-657-0869

Upcoming Events - TriCounty ASA Chapter

October 17, 2007Regular MeetingTime: 7:00 p.m.Social: 8:30ITAM Club- Second floor115 S. Meridian Rd.Youngstown, OH

5th Annual Reverse Raffle and Dinner DanceITAM Club115 S. Meridian Rd.Saturday 5:30 PMOctober 27, 2007Contact Helen Aiello foradditional information at330-720-1365Halloween theme for this year’s event

http://www.triautism.com/

Scholarship for Individuals with ASD pursuing post-secondary education

Schwallie Family Scholarship

Organization for Autism Research

http://www.researchautism.org/news/otherevents/Scholarship.asp

Application deadline: September 28, 2007

Anticipated number of awards: 3

Award ceiling: $3,000

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is delighted to announce the Schwallie Family Scholarship, to support qualified individuals with autism or Asperger Syndrome pursuing post-secondary education. Beginning with the spring semester 2008, OAR will present one award of $3,000 in each of three categories: 1) Four-year undergraduate college or university; 2) Two-year undergraduate college, and; 3) Trade, technical or vocational school.

Gaming Night for kids 8 and up with Asperger Disorder or High-Functioning Autism

KindsLink Neurobehavioral Center, Twinsburg

www.kidslinkohio.org

Gaming NightSaturdays from 10:30- NoonFall Sessions: October 6, October 20, Nov. 3, Nov. 17 and Dec. 8

Designed for kids 8 and up with Asperger Disorder or High-Functioning Autism$100 for fall sessions or $25 per week

Friday Night FunFridays from 7:30- 9:30 pmFall Sessions: October 12 (Mini Golf), October 26 (Laser Tag), Novemeber 9 (Rock Wall), November 30 (Movie Night), Decemeber (Bowling Party)

Designed for teens age 12 and up with Asperger Disorder or High-Functioning Autism$100 for fall sessions or $25 per week

To enroll, please call 330-963-8600 or click on "Schedule Appointment" at www.kidslinkohio.com

Autism Supports for You

A tool to help parents talk with teachers is atwww.AutismSupportsForYou.com . The Classroom Support Plan asks about achild's specific learning needs and offers recommendations. The plan isdesigned for children in preschool through fifth grade.....

Research Study

You are invited to participate in the research project entitled, Autism Early Intervention: What Experts Recommend and How Parents and Public Schools Provide, which is being conducted at the University of Toledo under the direction of Dr. Caroline Roettger and Lori Reffert. The purpose of this study is to determine the number of hours of early intervention being provided by the public school district, what early intervention strategies public schools provide 3-6 year old autistic children and what types of supplemental interventions parents are providing to their children on the autism spectrum that are not provided by the schools.

http://tinyurl.com/yodcsw

The ABC's of PDDs

WHAT: The ABCs of PDDsThis workshop will provide an overview of the PDD(PervasiveDevelopmental Disorders)s as well as look in-depth at the most commonspectrum disorders. It will provide participants with information oninteracting (both educationally and day-to-day) with individuals withspectrum disorders to help make interactions as successful for bothparties as possible. The workshop will increase the partcipantsknowledge of the characteristics of PDDs as well as popular treatmentoptions through video clips and hands-on demonstration.WHO: This workshop is for families (including caregivers) ofindividuals recently diagnosed with autism (or other spectrumdisorders) or who want more information about autism. It is alsogreat for professionals who encounter individuals with autismthroughout their line of work (teachers, social workers, first-responders, medical professionals, etc), as it will teach effectiveways to interact with these individuals.WHEN: Two workshops will be offered (you need only attend one):Friday, October 12 4pm-7pmSaturday, October 13 10am-1pmWHERE: Ascension Lutheran Church; 28081 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted,Ohio 44070COST: $25/person before October 1st; $35 after October 1stSpace is limited, so send your registration (with check made payableto Meghan ) to:Meghan Behavioral Consulting1410 Holly Ave.Dayton, Ohio 45410If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to emailme or call me at 937-974-6176. Also, you can visit my website:http://abehavioralconsult.tripod.com

ASA NW Ohio Family Support Group Schedule

Autism Society of Northwest Ohio Fall 2007 FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP SCHEDULE

This is a reminder about our support groups which start up again next week. Please share.

IMPORTANT CHANGES: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW MEETING TIME 6:30 – 8 PM for our evening groups.

The Lucas County Family Support Group has been suspended due to lack of attendance. We encourage you to attend the Wood County Support Group (see below.)

Wood County Family Support Group will meet at the Grace Church, 601 E. Boundary, sburg, on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13, and Dec.11 from 6:30 - 8 pm.

Sandusky County Family Support Group will meet at the Stricker Family Development Center, 765 S. Buchanan St., Fremont, on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month (Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13) from 7 – 9 pm. Childcare is available for this group. Contact Tori 419-547-4878.

Asperger Family Support Group will meet at the Great Lakes Center for Autism on the 4th Monday of the month (Sept. 24, Oct. 22, and Nov. 26 – No meeting in December.) from 6:30 - 8 pm.

Parents and Family Members of Adults with ASD will meet at the Great Lakes Center for Autism on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month (Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, and Dec. 18) from 11:30 am - 1 pm.

SibShop for 8 - 13 brothers and sisters of children with ASD. Parent registration meeting (required) Saturday, October 6 from 1 – 3 pm. Group will meet at the Grace Church, 601 E. Boundary, sburg on the 3rd Saturday of the Month (Oct. 20, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15) from 1 -3 pm. There is a onetime $15 fee for this group.

For additional information, call the Autism Society Office at 419-578-2766.

Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Walk Now for Autism

Sunday, September 30, 2007Location: s Field 2401 Ontario Street Cleveland, OH 44115

Distance: 3 Miles (approx) Download Walk Route

Registration: 9:00 a.m.

Start Time: 10:00 a.m

Parking: Available at Gateway East for approximately $4. (Parking Garage Entrance is located off of Huron)

Download directions to s Field.

Fundraising TipsThe beginning of a new school year is a great time to connect with those you may not have seen over the summer months and a perfect opportunity to recruit sponsors and walkers! Here are a few ideas:- Bring brochures to fellow parents, teachers and school administrators to recruit potential walkers for your team.- Distribute copies of your letter to new contacts and local businesses.- Have your children hold a bake sale/lemonade stand, kid’s “art†sale, or miniature golf tournament.

Did you know…it is more than just a Walk? It is also a super Family Fun Day and Resource FairThis is an event for families living with autism where no one is judged and everyone is accepted. Entertainment includes famous pianist Jim Brickman signing autographs, moonbounces, facepainters, magicians, famous mascots, Star Wars characters, WKYC - TV personalities, kid-friendly music and so much more. The Resource Fair will have vendors with services of interest to families affected by autism. If you are an autism service provider and would like to have a booth at our Resource Fair you can download an application form now.

Did you know…about matching gift programs?Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer, and send it completed and signed with your gift. We will do the rest. The impact of your gift to Autism Speaks may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses.Find out if your company has a matching gift policy

Thank You for your support of Autism Speaks. Walking together we’ll find the missing pieces!

If you have a great idea to share, or a question about the Walk please contact us.

Sincerely,The 2007 Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Planning Committee

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