ASA-ASO DIGEST: May 26, 2009

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASA-ASO:

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend!

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:

- Contact your Senators about autism insurance coverage language in HB 1

- DEADLINE FOR SPRING SPECIAL RATE – MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009| 2009 OCALI Conference and Exposition

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

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- Federal Update/Alerts

Report Details Abuses, Restraints in Schools - Autism Society Calls on Congress to Enact

Protections From the ASA: Social Security Board of Trustees Give Annual Report to Congress

Disability Equity Act

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- News from the ASA: Sensory Friendly Films Expand In Theatres in three Locations in Ohio Autism Society Expands Partnership with Education.com Autism Society Leaders Honored by GRASP Comprehensive Autism Legislation Introduced in U.S. House Researchers Discover Mechanism for Social Development Absent in Children with Autism Study Suggests Melatonin a Treatment for Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Online Survey Seeks Parent Responses Register Today for the Autism Society National Conference and Expo in July--Continuing

Education Credits Available! Autism One Conference AAPC Sensory Gang Summer Reading Program Quality in Practice Tools First Assisted Communication Application for iPhone/iPod Touch Book Discusses Social Alienation in Individuals with ASD "Let's Cook! Life Skills for Kids on the Autism Spectrum" Hygiene Curriculum for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders- Max & Erma's Fundraiser for ASA-Greater Akron Chapter

- ASA-Greater Cleveland Chapter (ASGC) Summer Social Skills Camp 2009

- Latest News from ASA-NW Ohio Chapter

- Latest Newsletter from sLaw

- Book: Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? Dealing with Sensory Overload

- Book: Outsmarting Explosive Behavior - A Visual System of Support and Intervention for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

- Seminar: Planning a Comprehensive, Blended Method Classroom Program for Students on the Autism Spectrum, New Philadelphia

- Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift Present: Seminars for Families and Educators, Dayton Area

- New Sensory Issues Catalog--featuring Carol Kranowitz!

- Monarch School Invites Children with Autism and Their Families to a Special Adapted Showing of “Up."

- Q-and-A: Craft a more effective behavioral strategy

- LEND 4 HEALTH

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". CHECK OUT NEW LISTINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES!

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:

ASA-ASO Action Alert: Contact your Senators about HB 1

Ohio Sub. HB 1, the Ohio Budget bill has now moved on to the Senate for debate by the Senate Finance Committee.

There are several items in the budget bill that will affect individuals with Autism:

- Autism Insurance Coverage

- Funding for Special Education

- Funding for Charter Schools

- Help Me Grow Funding

Autism Insurance Coverage

This bill contains language that would require Autism Insurance coverage by health insurers - the language contained in HB 8 with three significant changes - a 6 month delayed start date, a $36,000 annual limit on services and additional licensing and oversight requirements for providers.

The Senate Finance Committee has begun hearing testimony on varying aspects of the budget. ASA-Autism Society of Ohio Chapter Executive Director Barbara Yavorcik will testified before the committee on Friday, May 15 in support of the Autism Insurance Coverage language in the bill.

Please contact your Senators to encourage them to support Autism Insurance Coverage language in Sub HB 1! It is especially important to contact members of the Senate Finance Committee (especially the Republican Members) to ask them to retain the Autism Insurance Coverage language in the version of the bill that is sent to the full Senate for consideration. Members of the Senate Finance Committee are:

Carey - R, Chair

Dale - D, Ranking Minority Member Mark Wagoner - R, Vice Chair

Ray - D Cates - R

Shirley - D Faber - R

H. - DTom Niehaus - R F. Patton - RBill Seitz - R Jimmy - RWidener - R

If you Senator is on the Finance Committee, please contact them as soon as possible. Even if your Senator is not on the committee, you can ask them to help.

Please use this link to write to your state Senator and urge him or her to support Autism Insurance Coverage language in Sub HB 1.

You can also click here to get contact information for your Senator if you are willing to write a letter or contact them by phone.

Funding for Special Education

Also, as you may be aware, the Ohio Budget Bill addresses funding for education, including Special Education.

Special Education students in Ohio are currently funded through a cost-based, special education funding methodology. Students are provided the same per pupil base funding as regular education students, and then this amount is enhanced through one of six special education weights, or multipliers, with the strength of the weight related to the severity (and related cost) of the disability. The policy logic that supports this funding model has strong bipartisan support in Ohio and it has won favorable attention nationally. Unfortunately, due primarily to funding constraints, Ohio’s model has never been fully funded or updated. It is currently funded at 90 percent of the original 2001 weights. The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (of which ASA-ASO is a member) supports an updated, fully funded, cost-based special education funding methodology as the right approach for Ohio.

The Sub. HB 1 budget proposal for special education funding is both complicated and confusing. It proposes that Ohio retain a weighted special education funding model, but since it also proposes the elimination of the state’s per pupil foundation formula (base funding), the weights will be used to develop a revised funding model that purports to reflect the reality that it costs more to educate students with special education needs.

When talking with your Senators, please ask them to:

Address Special Education Funding Formula Issues: The basic logic of the proposed special education funding formula has not been made clear, nor have important details. For instance, the assumption that the special education funding model should include a 1/20 teacher pupil ratio when it is very likely the case that the special education teacher/student ratio, particularly when related service professionals (OTs, PTs etc.) are included, is lower and therefore more costly. Please retain, update and fully fund a cost-based special education funding methodology as is currently in use. Assure that any school funding reforms in Ohio produce a system that provides parity for special education: Students with special education needs, their families and other advocates have worked for decades to assure that they receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) as required by IDEA. This work has resulted in clear federal and state mandates, but in order for these rights to be fully actualized, there must be funding parity for these students. Sub. H.B. 1, as introduced, assumes that new weights for special education students are funded at 90 percent. Given the eight-year plan to substantially increase state support for public education, why are students with special education needs are only funded at 90 percent of a new funding model?

Encourage Full Funding of Preschool Special Education. Progress is not being made in Sub. H.B. 1 to improve preschool special education funding. Preschool teacher salary assumptions have not changed since 1989 and there are approximately 1000 unfunded special education units, which contributes to the shortage of preschool special education teachers and related services professionals. Research would indicate that for young children with disabilities, the sooner services are provided, the better the educational results. Based on this research, the federal government passed early intervention legislation in 1986 as part of IDEA which required all states to fully implement these services by 1991 for preschoolers. This is especially important for young children with autism!

Please note that the changes in special education funding as proposed under Sub. HB 1 will NOT affect the Autism Scholarship program in any way and are NOT in any way related to the fact that Autism Insurance Coverage language was included in Sub. HB 1.

Funding for Charter Schools

Finally, Sub. HB 1 cuts funding to community schools by as much as 25%. Many students with autism are utilizing the community schools. Ask your Senators to restore this funding.

Funding for Help Me Grow

ASA-ASO has learned that in considering the Ohio Budget, Help Me Grow funding may be in jeopardy of significant cuts or elimination completely. Help Me Grow (HMG) is Ohio’s birth to 3 system that provides state and federal funds to county Family and Children First Councils to be used in conjunction with state, local and other federal funds to implement and maintain a coordinated, community-based infrastructure that promotes trans-disciplinary, family-centered services for expectant parents, newborns, infants and toddlers and their families. The Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Early Intervention Services (BEIS) is the lead agency administering HMG program in Ohio. While there are concerns with the current Help Me Grow system, eliminating the program would leave a serious void for families and children. Additionally, the Autism Early Screening Pilot is part of the Early Intervention Services budget and could be in jeopardy if funding is cut.

Please contact your Ohio Senators today and use the following talking points:â— The Senate invested $270 million in Ohio's early childhood system in the last budget to begin to build the quality system that Ohio's children need.â— Instead of maintaining that commitment, the Governor and the House cut the early childhood system by $244 million, serving approximately 130,000 less children in our early childhood system thanin FY 2009.â— Cutting out that investment now will reverse the gains made in this crucial part of our education system and support system for working families.â— Please restore the $244 million cut to our early childhood system to bring us back to the Fiscal Year 2009 level of funding for early childhood education, health, and mental health. This includes:funding for Public Preschool and the Early Learning Initiative, impacting 8,800 children per yearfunding for Help Me Grow, and funding for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation.

â— Preserve funding for the Autism Early Screening Initiative.

Visit http://www.groundworkohio.org/getinvolved/contactrep.cfm to sign ane-advocacy letter that will be sent to your Senator and Senate leadership. You should customize the letter with personal stories of how the proposed changes might affect your family and/or business.

What happens next?

The Senate will debate and pass a version of the budget bill by early June. This version promises to be significantly different that the House version. The bill will then go to a conference committee made up of legislators from both chambers and parties to resolve the differences between the two bills. As these differences should prove to be significant, this should be a challenging process. You should also understand that many compromises will be made as part of this process and language that appears in one version of the bill and not the other may indeed be part of the final bill.

ASA-ASO will keep you posted as to developments with this most important budget bill.

Please contact your Senators today! Share this email with any of your friends and family that might be willing to contact their legislators and help us in our efforts!

DEADLINE FOR SPRING SPECIAL RATE – MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009| 2009 OCALI Conference and Exposition

Don't miss your chance to register for the 2009 OCALI Conference.November 18-19, 2009 | Greater Columbus Convention Center | Columbus OHThe premier event in autism, assistive technology and low-incidence disabilities.Spring Special rate – only $100DEADLINE FOR SPRING SPECIAL RATE – MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009Save $50 by registering before May 18. Registration rate increases to $150 on Tuesday, May 19, 2009Details and registration information are online:[ http://conference.ocali.org ]

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

The Ohio Budget is currently under development and autism insurance parity legislation is ready to be re-introduced in the Ohio House. 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 ASA-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. =/P>

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

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.

Federal Update

Report Details Abuses, Restraints in Schools - Autism Society Calls on Congress to Enact Protections Bethesda, MD (May 19, 2009) -- Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on “Examining the Abusive and Deadly Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Schools.†The Autism Society applauds the GAO and Representative (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, who called for the report, for this unflinching look at the human rights violations in our nation’s schools – the first Congressional investigation to do so. “Parents of special-needs children shouldn’t be afraid of sending their children to school, and even more importantly, children should feel safe in their educational setting,†said Jeff Sell, Autism Society Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy, who attended today’s Congressional committee hearing on the report. There are many dedicated teachers in America’s schools, and many proven techniques that do not require aversive interventions or unsafe restraints and seclusion. Sadly, the GAO found “hundreds of cases of alleged abuse and death related to the use of these methods on school children during the past two decades,†with almost all involving students with disabilities. Still, investigators could not ascertain the full extent of this problem - cases often go unreported, with some states not even keeping track of incidents. Through efforts such as the Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance (NATTAP), the Autism Society works with educators to help give them the best tools to help both child and teacher succeed. Research suggests that schools that fully implement schoolwide positive behavior supports have fewer discipline problems than those who do not, write education experts Kathy Gould and Pratt, Ph.D., in their article, “Looking Beyond Behavior: Schoolwide Discipline and Individual Supports for Students with ASD,†published in the September 2007 edition of the Autism Society’s flagship magazine, the Autism Advocate. “Schools that are more effective in teaching positive behaviors and addressing behavioral issues, such as bullying, in a more systematic manner are going to be more supportive settings,†they write. Currently, the GAO report points out, there is no federal system restricting the use of seclusion and restraint to emergency circumstances in school settings, as there are for hospitals and other residential treatment facilities. State laws vary: the report states that 19 states have no laws or regulations on seclusions or restraints; others have regulations, but they may only apply in certain situations; eight states specifically prohibited use of prone restraints. In a few rare cases, abuse resulted in the death of a student – and still the educator was allowed to remain in the classroom, or moved to teach in another state. “It is wholly unacceptable for the egregious abuse of a child to be considered less criminal because it happened in a classroom,†said Representative at the hearing. “Congress must step in and fill the void that has resulted in scars that may never heal for these children and their families who have been victims of this abuse. I hope the next step will be to enact a federal policy to ensure the tragic stories we will hear today will never occur again.†“It is the hope of the Autism Society that this report brings about fundamental systems change to help eliminate these human rights abuses, and that Congress takes actions to create protections for our children,†Sell said.

You can view testimony from today’s hearing on seclusion and restraints in schools here: http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/2009/05/examining-the-abusive-and-dead.shtml. The full report is now available here: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09719t.pdf.

From the ASA: Social Security Board of Trustees Give Annual Report to CongressThe Social Security Board of Trustees has released its annual reporton the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds. TheTrustees project that program costs will exceed tax revenues in 2016,one year sooner than projected in last year's report. Thecombined assets of the Old-Age and Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds will be exhausted in 2037, four years sooner thanprojected last year. The worsening of the long-range outlook for theSocial Security program is due primarily to the recent economicdownturn and faster reductions in mortality than previously assumed.Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=9I1Dj8Sjr0s8G2ODhanMJA..Congressional Briefing to be Held on the ABLE ActA Congressional briefing will take place on Tuesday, July 2, 12-1:30 p.m. focusing on the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2009 (ABLE), which would provide tax-advantaged savings instruments tofamilies that have a child with a disability. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=kMVULEoz3CxZ8TmKnuaAyw..

Disability Equity Act

from the National Council on Disability (NCD), An Independent Federal Agency The Disability Equity Act (H.R. 2263), which eliminates the two year waiting period for Medicare benefits and the five month waiting period for SSDI, was introduced on May 4 by Representative Betty Sutton (D-OH). According to NCD Chairman R. Vaughn, "Lengthy application processes, eligibility determinations, and waiting periods are often cited as the reason someone with a disability is without income, health coverage, personal assistance services, or access to housing or transportation. Surely, the human cost and the cost to society when someone with a disability falls through one of these cracks is significantly greater than the cost of the bridges that could facilitate a seamless transition. Elimination of the Medicare 24-month eligibility qualifying period for Disability Income beneficiaries will go a long way toward correcting a process that has had an extremely negative impact on individuals and families affected by disabilities."NCD has long been interested in eliminating these disparities for people with disabilities. For additional information on this issue, please see NCD’s 2009 National Disability Policy: A Progress Report http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2009/Progress_Report_HTML/NCD_Progress_Report.html and NCD’s 2005 The Social Security Administration's Efforts to Promote Employment for People with Disabilities: New Solutions for Old Problems. http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2005/ssa-promoteemployment.htm

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

=SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">News from the ASA:

Sensory Friendly Films Expand In Theatres in three Locations in OhioDon't miss the next AMC-Autism Society Sensory Friendly Film,"Night at the Museum: Battle of the sonian," this Saturday, May 23,at 10 a.m. local time. In Ohio, you can attend in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, Learn more about the program and find a theatre near you at www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms.Autism Society Expands Partnership with Education.comThe Autism Society has been contributing content to Education.com, aleading web destination for parents of school-aged children, for thepast couple of years. This year, however, in addition to contributingnew and updated articles and information to the site, the AutismSociety is also serving as Guest Editor of an upcoming Education.comSpecial Edition on Asperger's Syndrome. The Asperger'sSpecial Edition will give readers access to the latest information onAsperger's Syndrome along with original articles from worldexperts and educators in the field. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=AdOPKFOwPiF_kwSECyrrKw..Autism Society Leaders Honored by GRASPThe Autism Society congratulates two of its leaders on their honors atthe 2009 Global and Regional Asperger's Syndrome Partnership (GRASP) Awards on May 16. Dr. -Myles, Autism Society ChiefProgram Officer, was awarded the 2009 Divine Neurotypical Award, andDr. Shore, an Autism Society board of directors member, wasawarded the 2009 Distinguished Spectrumite Medal. Learn more about theGRASP awards at http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=VvpNLQ8X0QDJb9L9VR5lhw.. .Comprehensive Autism Legislation Introduced in U.S. HouseOn May 14, the co-chairs of the Coalition on Autism Research andEducation, Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Rep. (R-NJ), alongwith Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Rep. Hank (D-GA), introducedthe Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009 (ATAA). The AutismSociety applauds this comprehensive autism legislation focused aroundenhancing the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrumand their families. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=E2ifDUXqN2Li0Rr1cFi7Kg..Researchers Discover Mechanism for Social Development Absent in Children with AutismA new study suggests that two-year-olds with autism lack an important building block of socialinteraction that prompts newborn babies to pay attention to otherpeople. Instead, these children pay attention to physicalrelationships between movement and sound, and miss critical socialinformation, researchers at the Yale School of Medicine have reported. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=eTrK0beSg6qs27tGnr0TWA..Study Suggests Melatonin a Treatment for Sleep Problems in Children with Autism A study in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical SleepMedicine determined that over-the-counter melatonin medication canshorten the length of time it takes for children with autisticspectrum disorder (ASD), Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) or both to fallasleep at the beginning of the night. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=8Ni3NYmyMzpE_LZIHk00Pw..Online Survey Seeks Parent ResponsesResearchers at the University of Memphis are asking for parentresponses to an online survey as part of a study to better understandparents' needs directly related to raising a child diagnosedwith autism spectrum disorder. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=VMbaY3vxekFs4otgbhbY_g..Register Today for the Autism Society National Conference and Expo in July--Continuing Education Credits Available!This year's conference will be held in St. , Illinois, at thePheasant Run Resort July 22-25. The full conference program withbreakout sessions and presenter information is now online atwww.autism-society.org/conference. For 2009 we are offering CEUs for BCBA and ASHA as well as educators.We are also hosting a Science Symposium on Thursday and a full-day CME track on Saturday, July 25.ASA has negotiated discounts with United and Continental Airlines forall conference participants. Visit our Hotel and Travel site for more information: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=lxhVRvDNIf1GjDc8QbhfQg.. .This year's conference and expo promises to be your bestmarketing vehicle of the year: 2,000+ attendees will have more time tospend at the expo, and there will be on-floor programs to drivetraffic. Booth space and sponsorship opportunities are stillavailable. E-mail Meg today at Ellacott@... or call 302-260-9487 for more information regarding the expo. Respite care information and registration are also online. We arethrilled to be able to offer a theatre workshop as a respite careoption. This workshop will be run by the Applied Theatre Research andAutism Network (ARTRAN) and is open to all children ages 7 and up. Itwill be fully staffed by our respite care providers and ARTRAN staff.You can access all information about the conference and registrationon our Web site: www.autism-society.org/conference.If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us atconference@....Autism One ConferenceThe Autism One conference is taking place this week, May 20-May 24, in Chicago. The conference aims to educate parents andprofessionals about the most up-to-date aspects of autism. Workshops,roundtables, classes, an arts festival and special events will provide apowerful experience and education in autism. Leading experts fromaround the U.S. will gather to present their findings, several of whom areAutism Society advisors, including Edelson, DoreenGranpeesheh, Martha Herbert, Paradiz and Shore. Learnmore about the conference at http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=XXhZRuaO8zmBtve7TwK0Sg.. .AAPC Sensory Gang Summer Reading ProgramKids look forward to summer vacation all year--it's a breakfrom the daily grind of the school year. But just because we take abreak from the classroom, doesn't mean taking a break from learning. It's important for students--especially those with autism--to continue to keep their minds active over the summer. A great way to do this is with a good book and some fun activities to go with it. The Autism Asperger Publishing Company will host its Sensory Gang Summer Reading Program June-August 2009 for early elementary, elementary, and middle and high school students. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=NgEXDMk3Ax4iU66Zf_oQ6g..Quality in Practice ToolsThe Council on Quality and Leadership, a group that works with publicand private organizations with a commitment to improving the qualityof services and supports to people with disabilities and mentalillness, has developed several Quality in Practice (QIP) tools. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=lQ_mbyxZOmMK3LQ6U3EQ6Q..First Assisted Communication Application for iPhone/iPod TouchXcellent Creations, Inc. and special education teacher Ian Waldenhave developed iConverse, an iPhone/iPod touch application that allowschildren or adults with special needs to use push-button images toconvey their basic needs to those around them. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=JocxQuC1LYet_vUWb933qg..Book Discusses Social Alienation in Individuals with ASDDigby Tantam's new book, "Can the World Afford Autistic SpectrumDisorders? Nonverbal Communication, Asperger Syndrome and theInterbrain" explores current theories on nonverbal communication andpresents evidence that deficits in nonverbal communication are at theroot of social difficulties in persons on the autism spectrum. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=JnnZ4SN4wyZeHxLdu-KrEA.."Let's Cook! Life Skills for Kids on the Autism Spectrum"MyWire.com, a consumer Web site that syndicates high-quality,professionally created content from hundreds of publishers, is hostinga new, multimedia publication created for parents and educators ofchildren with autism. "Let's Cook! Life Skills for Kids on theAutism Spectrum" combines video, slides and downloadable visual aids inan entertaining and informative digital format that demonstrates howto help kids with autism learn an important life skill--cooking. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=6jLH_MTttNL4mkMmACgtTg..Hygiene Curriculum for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders Mahler has taken her belief in the importance of personalhygiene skills and transformed it into an innovative curriculum thatteaches social understanding as part of a focus on hygiene and related issues: "Hygiene and Related Behaviors for Children and Adolescentswith Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders--A Fun Curriculum witha Focus on Social Understanding." Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=w1kW3vpNHYwlhQ4O8quljA..

Max & Erma's Fundraiser for ASA-Greater Akron Chapter Host: Autism Society of America - Greater Akron (Ohio) ChapterStart Time: Wednesday, June 3 at 11:00amEnd Time: Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00pmWhere: Max & Erma's , West Market Street

http://www.asagreaterakron.com/files/autism_society_of_american_greater_akron_chapter.pdf

ASGC Summer Social Skills Camp 2009for children ages 6 thru 18 with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger's or PDDThe Autism Society of Greater Cleveland is very pleased to announce the start of a fantastic opportunity for children ages 6 thru 18 with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger's or PDD. With the help of a team of dedicated Special Education Teachers, experienced in autism, we have developed a Summer Social Skills Camp for July, 2009. The camp sessions will be:Session One: July 6 thru July 10, 2009 for ages 6 thru 12Session Two: July 13 thru July 17, 2009 for ages 13 thru 18The camp will run from 9:00 AM till 2:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. It will be staffed with a ratio of 4 campers per certified teacher. There will also be one typical peer/student aid per four campers. The cost for the camp is $250.00 per week. There will be a limit of 20 campers with a diagnosis of autism, asperger's or PDD per session. The camp will be held at The City of Independence Old Recreation Bldg., 6200 Elmwood Ave., Independence, OH 44131. The building is located within the city park. It has access to a pavilion, playground, baseball, soccer fields and basketball courts. It includes full kitchen/bathroom areas. There are three separate rooms to accomodate teaching, play and a quiet area. It is located west of Brecksville Road, South of Rockside Road (I-77/480).Participants in the ASGC Social Skills Summer Camp will have opportunities to practice such skills as problem solving, conflict resolution, respecting the ideas of others, cooperation and team work without direct instruction. Positive social interactions promote healthy relationships, a sense of belonging and well being. ASGC Social Skills Summer Camp's goal is for children with autism spectrum disorders to further develop social skills taught and practiced at camp into their daily life. The Summer Camp will also provide educational support as identified through the camper's Individual Education Plan (IEP).If you have any questions or if you would like to be placed on a registration list, please call us at(216) 556-4937. This program will fill up fast, please contact us as soon as possible if you would like your child to enroll. Thank you.The Autism Society of Greater ClevelandP.O. Box 41066Brecksville, OH 44141(216) 556-4937

Latest News from ASA-NW Ohio Chapter

1. Check out the new look to our website www.asno.org Ourwebsite has a new look so be sure to check it out. We have pageslisting whats going on in the community, our events, informationpages (many are still under construction so check back often), picturesof our events, links to community resources (again, many are stillbeing added), fund-raisers and more. The newest addition is our SummerProgram Flyer. Keep checking back as more information is added.http://www.asno.org/http://www.autism-society.org/site/DocServer/ASNO_Summer_flyer_2009.pdf?docID=139012. Practical Solutions Spring workshop;There is still room in our last workshop in this year's series.MR/DD personnel have approval for CEUs for this workshop. You will geta squishy keyboard when you register in advance. Workshop Title: 21 Ways to Teach Your Child Keyboarding Skills:Fun with Squishy Keyboarding and MoreWorkshop description: Do you know a child who struggles with producinglegible written work? Maybe, you know someone who is struggling withkeyboarding in school? Making keyboarding fun is essential in order tooffer students the greatest opportunity for success. Multi-sensorykeyboarding uses fun and creative techniques to learn keyboardingskills. You will learn 21 or more strategies to use with children athome or at school, including on-keyboard and multi-sensory off-keyboardactivities, to promote learning. You will receive a Squishy keyboard totake home to use right away!About the speaker: Criss, OTR/L is an occupational therapistwho is presently on staff OT at the Autism MODEL School, as well asbeing an instructor and the Coordinator of Fieldwork and ProfessionalDevelopment in the occupational therapy department at the University ofToledo.Who should attend: Parents and professionals who want to try toteach a child to use the keyboard.Keyboarding: Wednesday, June 3 2009When: 6:30 - 8:30 pmLocation: Toledo Hospital Croxton Memorial Auditorium.Cost: $10 per parent; $15 per professional NOTE: You must pre-registerfor these workshops.(Scholarships for parents are available.)These workshops are partially funded by a grant from the Lucas CountyBoard of MR/DD. Print the Registration Form or download from ourwebsite www.asno.org http://www.autism-society.org/site/DocServer/Keyboarding_Flyer_Spring_session.pdf?docID=13721http://www.asno.org/Complete and mail the registration form with fees (checks may be madepayable to Autism Society of Northwest Ohio) to: Workshop Series,Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, 4848 Dorr Street, Ste. 1., Toledo,Ohio 43615. If confirmation is required, please include astamped, self-addressed post card with this registration. Certificatesof attendance are available. Questions? Call419-578-2766. 3. Turbokick for Autism event and fund-raiser Janice Hill isorganizing the second annual Turbokick for Autism. Turbo in Toledo hasdecided to participate in "1Power4Autism." Please join theirevent and help them raise money on June 6th at The University ofToledo's Rec Center! The more people the merrier, and the morefunds they can raise for the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio (ASNO).Janice says, & ldquo;We need your support, so please do anything youcan. You can join our event and help us raise funds and awareness forautism, or just make a donation on our behalf. You can do either byclicking on the link below. For more information on our event please goto http://www.turbointoledo.com/Click the link below to visit Janice's personal page or visit:http://www.autism-society.org/site/TR/1Power/1Power_interior?px=2513345 & pg=personal & fr_id=1440 & et=h5s3JuQojcXNnH7syv7stg.. & s_tafId=2340 Click here to view the team page for Turbo for a Cause!http://www.autism-society.org/site/TR/1Power/1Power_interior?team_id=4310 & pg=team & fr_id=1440 & et=eXy7mIWtng6ie_VLveqVIg.. & s_tafId=23404. Buy a FanClubCard and help support ASNOhttp://www.fanclubcard.com/This is a new fund-raiser for ASNO. When you purchase a membership tothe FanClubCard.com website a significant amount of the membership feecomes directly to support the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio! Anyonecan visit the site, but only members can access=the great deals. On thesite you will find enormous discounts from over 150 local businesses onitems you use every day. The list gets bigger as new businesses areadded every week, making your card more valuable every day! You willeven receive email alerts when new businesses and great new offers areadded. The best part is you can use your FanClubCard over and over,there are never any limits! When you purchase and use your FanClubCard,you & rsquo;re helping the local economy and ASNO! You don & #39;t need tosell anything, we simply encourage you to purchase 1 or 2 membershipsfor your household then ask your friends, family, and co-workers tojoin so they can get the great deals, too. This will help us meet ourgoal of 500 memberships before May 30th! That will raise an incredible$5,000 for our cause! On behalf of the people we serve, I personallyendorse this great program and truly feel FanClubCard.com is a greatfit for our organization. Please help us reach our goal! It & #39;s soEASY to do and remember you will get great savings on things you andyour family really need. Click herehttp://www.fanclubcard.com/GetTheCard.aspx to get a card.5. Volunteers needed for Give Autism the BootVolunteers are needed for June 19 and 20 to stand with law enforcementprofessionals and first responders to collect at Kroger stores andother locations in Lucas and Wood counties for this year & rsquo;s GiveAutism the Boot, a two day fund-raiser for autism organizations inNorthwest Ohio. All the money raised is granted back to organizationsin the community that serve people with autism. This year, the GreatLakes Center for Autism (GLCA) is requiring each organization thatapplies for funds to provide volunteers for the two collection dates.This will be taken into consideration when deciding how to distributefunds.There is a place on the form where volunteers indicate whatorganization they are volunteering for. Please consider volunteeringfor ASNO. You can fill out a volunteer registration form and eithermail in or email by June 12. Go tohttp://www.greatlakesautism.org/giveautismtheboot/volunteers/ for moreinformation and to downloaded the form. You may also receive one in themail if you live in Lucas or selected counties.

Latest Newsletter from sLaw

http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/09/nl.0519.htm

Book: Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? Dealing with Sensory OverloadWritten and Illustrated by Veenendall$18.95Meet Izzy, a feisty first grader, whose behavior is often misunderstood as she tries to cope with sensory overload in her new surroundings. This brightly illustrated book creates an environment that is accepting of students with sensory modulation difficulties, including many on the autism spectrum. It's a great resource for occupational therapists, teachers, and parents to share with children. Resources for adults at the end of the book include definitions of sensory processing and sensory modulation disorder, suggested discussion questions, and lists of related books and websites. http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9037.htm

Book: Outsmarting Explosive Behavior - A Visual System of Support and Intervention for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

by Judy Endow, MSW; Foreword by Myles, Ph.D.$49.95Even the most calm and level-headed among us can't avoid those unexpected moments that cause anxiety, anger, and sometimes rage. But before most let their feelings get out of control, they have the ability to calm down and think before they act. For those on the autism spectrum, however, this process often escalates quickly and without apparent warning, leading them down a seemingly one-way path toward explosive behavior. If unchecked, explosive behaviors can result in a lifetime of anxiety and social exclusion, or worse yet, encounters with the criminal justice system that can have far-reaching consequences.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9035.htm

Seminar: Planning a Comprehensive, Blended Method Classroom Program for Students on the Autism Spectrum

Date: August 10-14, 2009*Location: Starlight School, 518 Church Ave SW, New Philadelphia, OHPlanning a Comprehensive, Blended Method Classroom Program for Students on the Autism SpectrumDescription: For teachers, occupational and speech therapists and other professionals who work with students with autism Pre-K through grade 5. This 5-day training is designed to provide foundational training for classroom teachers and school district teams in the development and design of a blended method program for students with autism spectrum disorder. Each participant will receive a training manual.Cost: $750 per registrant. School districts sending 3 or more is $725 per registrant.Note: Certificates of training & 28 hours of direct instruction towards CEUs will be issued to participants at the conclusion of the training. Two graduate credit hours from Ashland University available for an additional fee.Information: Helen Mack, 216/292-9700 x 248, Helen.mack@..., or www.achievementcenters.org

Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift Present: Seminars for Families and Educators New Students New Questions: Supporting the Classroom Teacher in an Inclusive School Friday, June 19, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Target audience: Educators and Families As an increasing number of students with disabilities are being included into regular classes, there is growing consensus among teachers about what supports need to be in place for inclusion to be manageable and successful. Based on personal experience and the input of classroom teachers throughout North America, Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift examine five areas of support which need to be present if teachers are to welcome students with disabilities into their classrooms: information; collaborative planning; shared agreement on goals and expectations; classroom and school based supports; and classroom assistants. This session also addresses the question of fair and appropriate evaluation and briefly describes some ideas for supporting students with atypical or disruptive behavior. Being Realistic Isn’t Realistic! The Power of Imaginative Thinking Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Target audience: People with Disabilities and their Families and FriendsPeople with disabilities CAN live productive, enjoyable and meaningful lives. What often stands in the way is not the limitations of a particular disability, but the presumption of what is and isn’t realistic. In a fast paced, entertaining speech filled with “ah-ha†insights, Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift draw on their experience of disability and show how playful creativity, incessant innovation and working from the presumption of inevitable success can reap rewards beyond our most daring dreams.Miami Valley Regional Center, State Support Team - Region 10 and the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) present this FREE educational opportunity for families and professionals If you are interested in attending this free workshop, please complete the form below and return to Kelli Cook, State Support Team - Region 10, 4801 Springfield Street, Dayton, OH 45431 or FAX to (937) 233­0161 or email requested information to kelli.cook@.... Participants are accepted on a “first come, first served†basis. Priority is given to participants from our six county area (, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Preble). If you need additional information, please contact Gay, Family Consultant or Kelli Cook, Secretary at (937) 236-9965 or Dena Shepard, Consultant at (937) 287-8514 or via email at patricia.gay@... or kelli.cook@....

New Sensory Issues Catalog--featuring Carol Kranowitz!

Future Horizons is proud to announce the acquisition of an entire line of books and videos covering all sensory issues affecting behavior, understanding and social interactions. Our featured author is the world famous Carol Kranowitz, author of The Out of Sync Child as she offers many new ideas and strategies. Receive yours today by calling 800-489-0727 or by going to www.FHsensory.com.

Monarch School Invites Children with Autism and Their Families to a Special Adapted Showing of “Up." Monarch School for Children and Adolescents with Autism, a division of Bellefaire JCB, is hosting with Cleveland Cinemas a unique movie viewing experience for the entire family. We are inviting families who have children with autism spectrum disorder to join us for a private showing of “Up. †The movie will be light and sound adapted. Children are encouraged to bring personal sensory support items and special snacks (the theater’s concession stand will be open, as well). When: Saturday, May 30, 2009 Time: Movie begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. without trailers and ads. Please arrive at 9:45 a.m. to buy tickets and choose seats. Where: Solon Theaters6185 Enterprise Parkway Solon, OH 44139 Price: Tickets are $5.50 each. Cash only! In addition to the special light and sound adaptations, a designated area outside of the theater if anyone needs a break. Please direct any questions or concerns to Karin Hess-Hopkins at Monarch School at 216-320-8658.

Q-and-A: Craft a more effective behavioral strategyBehavior specialist Deborah Lipsky offers special educators tips for designing behavioral plans for students with disabilities. Consequences must quickly follow inappropriate behaviors, and positive reinforcement can be used to reward good behavior, she says. http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/05/19/behavior-game/3304/

LEND 4 HEALTHLend4Health is a website that facilitates community-funded, interest-free microloans for health. Currently, loans are being funded solely for the biomedical treatment of autism (e.g., DAN! doctors, supplements, tests). Microloans (commonly $5-$25) are made via PayPal for a specific family and, when combined with other microloans for that family, loan requests are fulfilled on average within 2 weeks.

http://lend4health.blogspot.com/

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