ASA-ASO DIGEST: November 24, 2008

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASA-ASO:

Happy Thanksgiving from ASA-ASO!

Visit ASA-ASO's website www.autismohio.org for an "easy to read" version if this does not come through clean on your listserv. Or sign up to receive your own copy by "registering" on the "login" section of ASA-ASO's homepage.

News From ASA-ASO:

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- ASA-ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

- 2008 NATTAP Conference a huge success!

- Federal Update

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- Dayton ASA hosts North Pole Express Train Ride Lebanon, Ohio!

- ASA-Greater Cleveland December Events and Newsletter

- ASA-Northwest Ohio December Events

- News from the ASA:

Save the Date for ASA's Day on the Hill 2009 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. , 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

- Understanding the MRDD System, Youngstown Area

- Social Skills and Human Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Columbus

- HOLIDAY FAMILY JUMP NIGHTS, Pump it Up, Medina

- holiday wine tasting, Chesterville

- Input needed on Help Me Grow System

- Attend The Ninth Annual Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion & Disability, Columbus

- Ohio Developmental Disabilities November E-Newsletter

- Information on New Books from the ASA

- Seminar: Protection under IDEA, Westlake NE Ohio

- Downloads from OAR

- Information on Ohio's Children's Buy-In Program

- Article: STACKING THE DECK FOR FAMILY HOLIDAYS

- Article: "What Autistic Girls Are Made Of"

- Holiday Dinners GFCF (gluten free, casein free) Style -

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".

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,The Autism Society of America - Autism Society of Ohio Chapter701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311( 330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...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.

News From ASA-ASO:

Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

Because of privacy concerns, the Ohio BMV will no longer be releasing the names and addresses of those who purchase the Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate to the ASA-Autism Society of Ohio. $25 from the purchase of each plate benefits the ASA-ASO and we have been sending thank you notes to all those who have purchased a plate. However, we will no longer be able to do so. The BMV is currently looking into options to add customer consent to the special license plate process so hopefully we will be able to go back to thanking folks formally in the future. But whether we are able to send a formal "thank you" or not, please know that the purchase of an autism awareness license plate makes a big difference and helps us help individuals with autism, their families and those who work with them throughout Ohio.

ASA-ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

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 askASO@.... 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

2008 NATTAP Conference was a huge success!

The Autism Society of America (ASA) and Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) was a huge success! Over 1400 people attended from all over the US and the world! Look for a complete recap and write up on the conference in next week's edition of the ASA-ASO DIGEST!

Federal Update

Obama Administration

President-Elect Obama began appointing key officials to his transition team and his White House senior advisors. Much of this information can be found on the transition website: www.change.gov.

U.S. CongressBoth 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:

Dayton ASA hosts North Pole Express Train Ride Lebanon, Ohio!

Hello everyone!All aboard!Everyone in the greater Dayton area are welcome to join the Dayton AutismSociety 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 forthe 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 underare free.Ticket money must be received by Nov. 26, 2008.Send name, email address, phone number, names and ages of attendees, andcheck made out to the Dayton Autism Society to P.O. Box 1013, Miamisburg, OH45343.This is not just for kids with autism! Bring your family, friends, andrelatives, 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, a30 minute train ride to LM & M Junction to pick up Santa, and a visit withSanta 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 butpublic facilities are available by the Lebanon Station and at thedestination. All rides run rain or shine.Hope you can join us for this fun-filled event!-- BernotaitisPresidentAutism Society of America - Dayton ChapterDBA Dayton Autism Societya 501©3 organizationhttp://www.daytonautismsociety.org

ASA-Greater Cleveland December Events and Newsletter

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. s 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 holidayparty@... 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.

For the newsletter, click here

ASA-Northwest Ohio December Events

1. Asperger Support Group This is a reminder that our Asperger Family Support Group will meet on Monday, November 24 from 6:30 - 8 pm at our office on Dorr Street. (We’re in the house with the red door.) This is our last meeting of the year as we do not meet in December.

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 PMWHERE: 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.

Linell Weinberg, MSWExecutive DirectorAutism Society of Northwest Ohio4848 Dorr Street Suite 1Toledo, OH 43615phone: 419-578-2766 (419-578-ASNO)fax: 419-536-5038e-mail: asno.org@...website: www.asno.org

Understanding the MRDD System, Youngstown Area

The Arc of Ohio Northeast Branch And Orange Village Care Center Present: Understanding the MRDD System Tues. December 9, 2008 Wedgewood Community Center4301 New RdAustintown, Ohio 44515 **no cost to participants, lunch provided** 9:00am-12pm (Registration begins at 8:30am) Keynote speaker: Tonks, M.Ed., Executive DirectorThe 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 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 Bionci or at (330) 707-1134jbionci@... **Seating is limited, please RSVP by Dec. 3, 2008**

News from the ASA:

Save the Date for ASA's Day on the Hill 2009Don't miss ASA's Day on the Hill 2009, an advocacytraining session and lobby day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., onFebruary 25-26, 2009. This event will help ASA chapter leaders,volunteers and autism supporters gain the skills they need to beeffective autism advocates, and take those skills to Capitol Hill tobuild support for legislative priorities. It will also ensure thatlegislators know how important these issues are to the voters backhome.The event will take place at the Key Bridge Marriott, 1401 LeeHighway, Arlington, Virginia. Save the date, and stay tuned for moredetails coming soon!2nd Annual NATTAP Conference a SuccessASA President and CEO Lee Grossman and Dr. Edwin Trevathan, Directorof the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention'sNational Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities,keynoted the 2008 Network of Autism Training and Technical AssistancePrograms (NATTAP) conference this morning. The conference, held forthe second year in Columbus, Ohio, and sponsored by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), brought together hundreds ofeducators, state teams and families to discuss best practices inautism 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 BookThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)"Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign is seeking authorsand illustrators to develop content, storyline and illustrations for achildren's book to increase parental awareness of childhooddevelopmental milestones. The deadline for proposals is November 25. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=BOkyQAPkyqBW5GoIwjOfeQ..Obama-Biden Transition UpdatePresident-elect Barack Obama has tapped two experts to conduct anaudit of current disability policy, both of whom worked on thecampaign. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=sLpQM7Ig6T1eNtGCeNpTlw..Struggle Between Parents' Genes May Predispose Children to Certain Mental DisordersTwo scientists have proposed a new theory about brain development.Bernard Crespi, a biologist at Simon Fraser University in Canada, and 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 thefather's sperm and the mother's egg can, in effect, tipbrain development in one of two ways," according to an articlein 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 AutismResearchers at the UC M.I.N.D. Institute have found that infantslater diagnosed with autism exhibited unusual exploration of objectslong before being diagnosed. Studying a group of children at high riskfor developing autism, the researchers found that those eventuallydiagnosed with the disorder were more likely to spin, repetitivelyrotate, stare at and look out of the corners of their eyes at simpleobjects, including a baby bottle and a rattle, as early as 12 monthsof age. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=5TemjAhyA9MOqJeUIJ9Ttg..Inclusive Schools Week 2008The Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) will hold the 8th Annual InclusiveSchools Week December 1-5, 2008. Inclusive Schools Week is an annualevent that highlights the accomplishments of families, schools andcommunities that have dedicated time, labor and resources to promotinginclusive education for all of the world's children. Thisyear's theme, "Together We Learn Better: Inclusive SchoolsBenefit All Children," provides an opportunity to focus on theadvantages of inclusive schools in promoting quality education andbetter 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'sstrengths, combining visual, hands-on, active lessons to motivatechildren to read. "Reading Rocks" requires no oral responses and wasdesigned for children whose strengths are visual. Words are taughtwith manipulatives, flashcards, and cut-and-paste worksheets. Each"Reading Rocks" classroom kit features colorful magnets, laminatedmagnetic flashcards and three binders filled with activities ofincreasing difficulty. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=uDPi1uGR30MAQykS4asTvQ..ASA National Conference, July 22-25, 2009, in St. , Illinois Call for papers extended!The 2009 Call for Papers has been extended to December 3! We hope youwill consider submitting a paper to present this year. For moreinformation, please visit www.autism-society.org/conference.The 2009 ASA National Conference will be held in St. , Illinois,at the Pheasant Run Resort July 22-25. We anticipate 2,000attendees this year and more than 150 exhibitors, plus speakers fromaround the globe. In 2008, we were able to expand our professionalcredit offerings and create a comprehensive program that drew a recordnumber of attendees.If you're interested in exhibiting, advertising in the conferenceprogram guide or becoming a sponsor, please contact Meg Ellacott atellacott@....If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us atconference@....Log on to Autism2008--The World's Biggest Online AutismConferenceAutism2008--the latest Awares International Online AutismConference--opens on November 24, 2008, for one week. Last year'sconference attracted thousands of delegates from around the world.Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=oFhzz-gPRKKhEbrkhR6QZg..

Holiday Letter to Friends and FamilyThe "Dear Friends and Family" letter was written forrelatives and hosts of holiday gatherings who might need a crashcourse 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 ConditionsRobbie Woliver's new book, "Alphabet Kids," explains comorbidconditions, from ADD to Zellweger Syndrome. Woliver covers 70 childhooddisorders, from common conditions like autism spectrum disorder anddyslexia to more exotic ones like Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder and Syndrome, providing information on signs, symptoms, causes,cures, treatments and prognoses. True-life stories of a child with theparticular 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 andstressful time for parents and families. "My Next Steps: AParent's Guide to Understanding Autism" DVD serves as a roadmapfor parents dealing with this challenging period and seeks to provideanswers to the many questions that arise during the journey fromautism 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 SubtitlesA 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 SocialSkills," produced by Coulter Video, has been distributed in theUnited States and internationally. The program covers personalhygiene, 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 DisordersDecember 2 - 3, 2008Columbus, OH For complete information, click here

HOLIDAY FAMILY JUMP NIGHTS Special Events!!

Parents, bring the kids to Pump It Up and take the night off!

Let the kids enjoy a bouncing, laughing, sliding, ecstatic 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.

Dates: Friday, Nov. 28th, Friday, Dec. 26th, and Friday Jan. 2nd

Time: 11:00-12:30pm and 5:00-6:30 pm 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!

Visit our website for more information.

330-598-1627

Pump It Up of Medina 1065 Medina Road Suite #400Medina OH, 44256www.pumpitupparty.com

holiday wine tastingThursday, December 46:00-9:00 pm

Colonial Beverage

8389 Mayfield Rd.

ChesterlandEnjoy generous samples of over 25 wines and unlimited gourmet hot and cold cuisine, along with auctions and entertainment.call 440.488.3473 for ticketsAll proceeds benefit Northeast Ohio Autism Group

www.neoag.orghappy holidays!

Input needed on Help Me Grow System

The Early Childhood Cabinet has spent the last seven months reviewing Help Me Grow’s service delivery system and its governance and administration. This review process was developed to determine if any policies, the design of the program or accountability systems needed to be updated, created or revised in order to serve families as effectively and efficiently as possible. The Early Childhood Cabinet members are grateful to the cross system stakeholder “review team†that gathered to participate in afacilitated discussion. To date, the review team has developed a set of recommendations regarding the service delivery system butRECOMMENDATIONS 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 AdvisoryCouncil 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 andchallenges 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!

Leatherman, DirectorEarly Childhood Cabinet30 E. Broad Street32nd FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215614-644-1191alicia.leatherman@...

Attend The Ninth Annual Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion & Disability

Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion & Disability: Change, Challenge, & CollaborationApril 28 and 29, 2009 - The Ohio State University Columbus CampusThis 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

Ohio Developmental Disabilities November E-Newsletter

http://omggetsresults.com/oddc/pdf/ODDC_Nov_2008.pdf

Information on New Books from the ASA

From the Autism Society of America:

"Fun with Messy Play"Thursday, October 23, 2008 By: Carin Yavorcik

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 CouplesThursday, October 23, 2008 By: Carin Yavorcik

"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, lin 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: December 10, 2008

Check in: 6:15-6:30 pm

Time: 6:30-8:30 pm

Location: Achievement Centers for Children, 24211 Center Ridge Road, Westlake 44145

Cost: $10.00

Advance Registration is Required: Please call 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.

Kresnye

Program Manager

Tools for Today and Tomorrow

Mc House of Cleveland, Inc.

10415 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44106-4709

www.toolsfortoday.org

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

When trying to access the information below, the website shown is incorrect due to spacing issues. Use:

http://jfs.ohio.gov/OHP/cbi/index.stm instead.

As you may know, the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services began the Children's Buy-In (CBI) program in April. CBI was expected to cover 5,000 kids with special health needs whose working parents were struggling to cover their health care costs. So far, only two children have successfully been enrolled. Part of this is due to the eligibility requirements and the other is simply because families aren¢t aware of the program. CBI targets working families with income ABOVE $42,000 per year. To date, 90 percent of those who have applied have actually bee n under income. Anything you can do to spread the word to eligible families would be greatly appreciated.

Here is the link to the CBI Web site: http://jfs.ohio. gov/OHP/cbi/ index.stm. Families can only apply online. Feel free to add this link to your Web site or in any newsletters/ mailings you may send to families and providers working with children. Since CareSource will be the providing access to the services, a marketing brochure is available that includes income requirements, covered services and associated costs. If you have any questions or would like to request a presentation for your organization, please contact me using the information below. Thank you!

Toni BigbyConsumer Advocacy DirectorCareSource Management Group65 E. State Street, 8th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215 (614) 255-4673 (o)(937) 396-3659 (fax)Email: Toni.Bigby@csmg- online.comWeb: 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 articlesand information on his website at: www.coultervideo.com.Copyright 2008 Dan Coulter Used by Permission

Article: "What Autistic Girls Are Made Of"

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/05/magazine/05autism-t.html?_r=1 & scp=90 & sq=dyslexia & st=nyt & oref=slogin

Holiday Dinners GFCF (gluten free, casein free) Style -

A compilation of recipe and food resources that are gluten free, gfcf and gfcfsf for the autism community.

Check out the recipes such as Macaroni & Cheese, Sweet Potato Pudding and even Red Velvet Cake!

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