ASA-ASO DIGEST: July 20, 2009

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of 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:

- From OLRS: Official Notice to Parents/Guardians: Doe v. State of Ohio Class Action Special Education Lawsuit

- OCALI Conference - Save the Date!

- Ohio Developmental Disabilities Guide Available- ASA-ASO has Moved to Columbus!

- Use your Kroger Plus card and raise funds for ASA-ASO

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

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- Federal Update/Alerts

   Senate HELP Committee Moves Comprehensive Healthcare Reform

    HR3200 Update - Health Care Reform   

HELP Committee Gets New Ranking Republican; Holds Hearing on Bullying   

Medicaid Answers Questions on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act    IACC Holds Town Hall Meeting at Autism Society Conference

 

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- News from the Autism Society of America:

    Autism Society National Conference Opens Next Week   

ASA Conference Highlights   

AMC Sponsors Family Movie Night at Autism Society National Conference

   

Conference Symposium on " Science that Makes a Difference "    

Don't Miss Sensory-Friendly Showing of " Harry Potter "    

Rocking the Boat for Autism   

Autism Coverage Language Removed from Ohio State Budget

   

New Study Pinpoints Difference in the Way Children with Autism Learn New Behaviors   

Mothers of Children with Autism have Higher Parental Stress and Psychological Distress   

INDATA Project Hosts Special Pre-Conference on Augmentative and Alternative Communication   

New Tool to Help Children with Autism Sleep   

New Movie Tells Story of Asperger's Romance   

Asperger Syndrome and Dating: A Guide for Teenagers   

A Rare Glimpse of Life with Autism

- Special Needs Planning Seminar from ASPIES and ASA-Greater Akron, Cuyahoga Falls

- Autism Society Greater Cleveland: New Support Group for Parents and  their children with autism Ages 18 and up

- Book: Paper Words: Discovering and Living with My Autism

- Article: Students can plot career path with free online program- Book: Visual Thinking Strategies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

- Article: Family medical histories link autism to autoimmune diseases- IEP Questions Answered - From sLaw- NOVA scienceNOW Episode 18 features Genetics and Autism (July 2009)

- Disabiltiy Scoop: Accepting Questions About Violence, Abuse and Neglect- Week-Long Hands-On Teacher/Paraprofessional ABA

Training: How to Use Behavioral Interventions Effectively in the Public

School Setting, Cleveland- 2009 UPCOMING AREA SEMINARS / TRAININGS / EVENTS, Akron Area- Columbus Movie Days- Book: A Guide to Special Education Advocacy: What Parents, Clinicians and Advocates Need to Know

- Hidden Curriculum One-A-Day Calendar for Older Adolescents and Adults- Article: Sports offer many benefits for children with autism- Online Seminar: Getting Kids In Sync: A Sensory

Processing Approach to Challenges Associated with Autism, ADHD,

Learning and Behavioral Disorders- Sandusky County The Sensory Playroom and Autism Family Resource Center  Open House

    

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.

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.

 

Sincerely,

 

Autism Society of America - Autism Society of Ohio Chapter1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 205-CColumbus, OH 43215(614) 487-4726

fax: (614) 487-4725general email: askASO@...

web: www.autismohio.org

 

News From ASA-ASO:

From OLRS: Official Notice to Parents/Guardians: Doe v. State of Ohio Class Action Special Education Lawsuit

After

extensive negotiations, the parties in Doe v. State of Ohio have agreed

to a proposed partial settlement. The proposed consent order will bring

Ohio into line with federal regulations regarding the Ohio Department

of Education's (ODE) monitoring of school district special education

programs and investigation of complaints filed by parents or students.

In Doe v. State of Ohio, OLRS represents eight students with

disabilities, their parents, and a plaintiff class of over 250,000 Ohio

students with disabilities. OLRS brought the case to ensure that state

officials were meeting their obligations to ensure that children with

disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under

the IDEA, and because of the impact that inequities in Ohio's school

funding scheme have on the education of these children. Plaintiffs seek

relief under IDEA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of

the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the U.S. Constitution.

The

proposed consent order is now available and a description of impact on ODE and districts is listed.  There is also information about how to make comments.  A must read for parents! 

http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/OLRSNewsDoeJuly09.asp-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OCALI Conference - Save the Date!

The OCALI Statewide Ohio Conference is going to be held in Columbus November 17-19, 2009!  ASA-ASO will again be subsidizing registrations for parents and will be sponsoring a " parents corner " as part of the exposition.  The Parent's Corner will be a place where parents can go to meet and network with other parents.  In addition, there will be informal sessions on a variety of topics including the autism scholarship, early intervention, transition, adult services, etc.  For complete information on the conference, visit http://conference.ocali.org/

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Ohio Developmental Disabilities Guide AvailableA Developmental Disabilities Resource Guide for parents and guardians of Ohioans with developmental disabilities is now available at http://www.DevelopmentalDisabilitiesGuide.com/   and may be downloaded online, directly from the site. The guide features 36 pages of helpful hints and information, and also has been posted at www.mrdd.ohio.gov/publications/public.htm

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ASA-ASO has moved to Columbus!

After being located in Akron and the NE Ohio area for our entire existence, ASA-ASO has moved, effective July 1, 2009, to Columbus.  Moving there puts ASA-ASO at the center of the state and no more than 2 1/2 hours from any part of the state.  Additionally, since state government is based in Columbus, it is the logical place for ASA-ASO to be located.  Our new location is in an office building on the southwest side of the city - just off of I670 and a quick drive to downtown.  Our new address is:  1335 Dublin Road, Suite 205-C, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, phone:  (614) 487-4726, fax: (614) 487-4725.

Use your Kroger Plus card and raise funds for ASA-ASO

 

Help raise funds for ASA-ASO just by using your Kroger Plus Card!  You can now earn funds for ASA-ASO just by using your Kroger Plus Card and it will cost you absolutely nothing!

 

For 125 years, The Kroger Co. has made a strong commitment to support the communities where its associates live and work.

In the Columbus Division (comprising most of Ohio and parts of West Virginia), the Kroger Cares program has helped more than 2,200 organizations raise funds for their own needs since its inception in 1995.

Beginning May 1, 2009, Kroger's is launching the Kroger Community Rewards Program and dedicating $5,000,000 to it! This program will enable them even more organizations, of all sizes - including ASA-ASO!

 

Remember, all of the funds raised stay right here in Ohio to help individuals with autism and their families throughout Ohio.  Visit the ASA-ASO website to see some of the programs and services that ASA-ASO offers.

 

Please share this information with any friends and family that may be Kroger shoppers!

 

TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

Register online at krogercommunityrewards.com

Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with ASA-ASO after you sign up.

If you do not yet have a Kroger Plus card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.

Click on Sign In/Register

If you are a new online customers, you must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the ‘New Customer?’ box.

Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions

You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.

Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.

Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.

Update or confirm your information.

Enter ASA-ASO's organization number - 83893 or name of organization as ASA AUTISM SOCIETY OF OHIO CHAPTER, select organization from list and click on confirm.

To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization’s name on the right side of your information page.

REMEMBER, purchases will not count for ASA-ASO until after you register your Kroger Plus card.

Do you use your phone number at the register?  Call 877-576-7587 to get your Kroger Plus card number.

You must swipe their registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to your registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.

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. 

 

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

 From the Autism Society of America:

Senate HELP Committee Moves Comprehensive Healthcare Reform

On July 15, 2009, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education,

Labor and Pensions (HELP) passed the Affordable Health Choices Act, a

comprehensive

healthcare reform package, by a vote of 13-10. The U.S. Senate

Committee on Finance, which also has jurisdiction over healthcare reform, is expected to release and make changes to its

version of the bill in the coming weeks. Read more:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=p-XPcPTSD6Z-xX2Oc1nxuQ..

HR3200 Update - Health Care ReformRepresentative Mike Doyle (D-PA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Autism

Caucus (CARE), has taken a strong position to push insurance reform,

and other crucial interests related to autism, during the mark-up of

HR3200 over the next few days.  Please take a moment to send Rep.

Doyle a thank you note and encourage him to keep up the fight on

behalf of all those affected by autism.

Take Action

http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Pb3vXEXNvT6nBRQAUrV-7Q..

The House of Representative's three committees of jurisdiction

(the Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and Labor

Committees) known as the Tri-Committees, released a second draft of

their bill on July 14, 2009.  The Tri-Committees are expected to

begin making-up their version of the bill later this week.

Thanks to Representative Mike Doyle, there are several key provisions

in the Tri-Committees bill (HR 3200) that will have a positive impact

on families in the autism community such as:

*  Insurers will be prohibited from excluding coverage based on

pre-existing conditions;

*  Insurers will be prevented from selectively refusing to renew

coverage;

*  Insurers will no longer be able to charge people different

premiums based on their health status, gender or occupation;

*  A standardized annual out-of-pocket spending limit so that no

family faces bankruptcy due to medical expenses will be

required;

*  Annual and lifetime benefit caps are prohibited;

*  Mental health is covered;

*   " Habilitative " and " maintenance services " are covered.

Please take a moment to thank Representative Mike Doyle for his

continuing dedication to people with autism and his crucial work to

include people with autism in health-care reform.

http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=UGW1mNqy__Qqm__P9_eW5A..

Take Action

http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=_k5Mm0Y71osbwLMgrehPfA..

HELP Committee Gets New Ranking Republican; Holds Hearing on Bullying

Representative Kline (R-MN) became the Ranking Republican on the

House

Education and Labor Committee. The Committee's Early Childhood,

Elementary and Secondary Education, and Healthy Families and

Communities Subcommittees held a hearing entitled, " Strengthening

School Safety through Prevention of Bullying. " Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=rEcsrDfiDFwVS-ZviA9hiw..

Medicaid Answers Questions on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released one of

a series of Medicaid Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) designed to

provide guidance on the implementation of the American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The FAQs address questions that have been submitted to the ARRA mailbox, CMSOARRAQuestions@.... The

new FAQs can be accessed at: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=VI5PZauDxgJIrN1w4TJf0Q.. .IACC Holds Town Hall Meeting at Autism Society Conference

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) will hold a Town

Hall Meeting on July 24, 2009, at 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Autism

Society National Conference in St. , Ill. The town hall meeting

is an opportunity to share your comments, feedback and questions

regarding services for people with ASD and their families. Read more:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=RU0enr6n0_vNl3u4gKB2XQ..

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

News from the Autism Society of America:

Autism Society National Conference Opens Next WeekThe Autism Society will gather the many experts, families,professionals, and individuals with autism who make up the autismcommunity to St. , Ill., next week for the 40th National

Conference and Exposition on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Onlineregistration closes Sunday, July 19, so sign up today atwww.autism-society.org/conference. Read more:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Uwfb6FPEKJtHnbgGl1TI6Q..ASA Conference HighlightsMedicAlert Foundation and Autism Society Launch New Program to

Safeguard Individuals and Families Living with AutismMedicAlert Foundation International, the leader in emergency responsemedical information services, has teamed up with the Autism Society toprovide protection and peace of mind through a new program, Medic

Alert + Safe and Sound®, offered under the respective registeredtrademarks of the cooperating sponsors. The official launch of theprogram will take place at the Autism Society's 40th NationalConference at the Pheasant Run Resort and Spa in St. , IL, from

July 22-25. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=I7BOFAaspNQhhJXwGeNHrg..AMC Sponsors Family Movie Night at Autism Society National Conference

Don't miss Family Movie Night at the Autism Society NationalConference! Sponsored by AMC Entertainment, it offers a great chanceto relax as a family after a busy day at the conference. The moviewill be a showing of " Kung Fu Panda " on Thursday, July 23, from 7-9 p.m. in the St. Ballroom.

 Conference Symposium on " Science that Makes a Difference " This year's Autism Society National Conference will feature thefirst-ever Science Symposium, on July 23 beginning at 8:15 a.m. The

day opens with a panel discussion on how the key institutions thatserve our citizens with autism and their families will view progressand challenges for families and professionals in the future, followedby a series of cutting-edge talks with extensive opportunities for

speaker-panel-audience discussion. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=UxiDbYfMQFSrRX6ruubLvw..IACC Holds Town Hall Meeting at Autism Society Conference

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) will hold a TownHall Meeting on July 24, 2009, at 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. at the AutismSociety National Conference in St. , Ill. The town hall meeting

is an opportunity to share your comments, feedback and questions

regarding services for people with ASD and their families. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=RU0enr6n0_vNl3u4gKB2XQ..

Don't Miss Sensory-Friendly Showing of " Harry Potter " The next AMC/Autism Society Sensory Friendly Film will be " Harry Potterand the Half-Blood Prince, " July 25 at 10 a.m. local time. We will also

be showing " G-Force " on August 1. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=C5z_wWXGCbNv6CkVbhQtMw..

Rocking the Boat for AutismFive men are rowing up the east coast to make a difference in the

lives of people affected by autism. Lose, Larry Maher, DanMcCann, O'Donoghue and Meyer are " Rock the Boat forAutism " -- a grassroots nonprofit organization -- who are rowingfrom Boca Raton, Fla., to Sea Isle, N.J., this summer to raise

$250,000  for the Autism Society. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=xU8M_jkuyEw05GTR2n_gGg..Autism Coverage Language Removed from Ohio State Budget

The autism insurance language in the Ohio budget bill, which wasincluded in the senate version, was dropped in the conferencecommittee. Although we were not able to secure the autism insurancelanguage in this budget bill, our voices were heard, and those

advocacy efforts will help us in the future. Further updates oninsurance coverage for autism may be available when HB 8, which is theoriginal bill that addressed autism insurance coverage, is considered.New Study Pinpoints Difference in the Way Children with Autism Learn

New BehaviorsResearchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and s HopkinsUniversity School of Medicine have collaborated to uncover important

new insights into the neurological basis of autism. Their new study,published in the journal " Nature Neuroscience, " examined patterns ofmovement as children with autism and typically developing children

learned to control a novel tool. The findings suggest that childrenwith autism appear to learn new actions differently than do typicallydeveloping children. As compared to their typically developing peers,children with autism relied much more on their own internal sense of

body position (proprioception) rather than visual information comingfrom

the external world to learn new patterns of movement. Furthermore,

researchers found that the greater the reliance on proprioception, the

greater the child's impairment in social skills, motor skills and

imitation. Read more:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=igtm81cFzZZirLFAtEALTA..Mothers of Children with Autism have Higher Parental Stress and Psychological DistressResearchers at the University of Washington's Autism Center askedmothers about their experiences raising their children, and found thatmoms of children with autism had higher levels of parenting-related

stress and psychological distress than mothers of children with otherdevelopmental delays. Children's problem behavior was associated withincreases in both parenting-related stress and distress in bothgroups, but this relationship was stronger in mothers of children with

autism. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=c1A1kDEyCfsHt_KraNIrbg..INDATA Project Hosts Special Pre-Conference on Augmentative and Alternative CommunicationThe INDATA Project will host a special pre-conference focusing onAugmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) on Thursday, August6, 2009, at 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center, 100 South

Capitol Avenue, Room 209, in Indianapolis. This AAC pre-conference isbeing held in conjunction with the 2009 Statewide Assistive TechnologyConference taking place the following day, Friday, August 7. Read more:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=whCmB9Vq4IqEg-pnpqiSrA..New Tool to Help Children with Autism Sleep

Researchers estimate that between 40 and 80 percent of children withautism have difficulty sleeping. Difficulty falling asleep,inconsistent sleep routines, restlessness or poor sleep quality, and

waking early are just a few of the problems, according to WebMD. TheGood Nite Lite offers parents a way to help their kids learn healthyand acceptable sleeping habits that fit in better with the family'snormal schedule. Read more:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=1aMGv7ox_a8zHPv8PWdmWA..New Movie Tells Story of Asperger's Romance

Romance can be risky, perplexing and filled with the perils ofmiscommunication - and that's if you aren't " Adam, " for whom life itselfis this way. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=04jd9uI6nqDP2qA_46v5tQ..

Asperger Syndrome and Dating: A Guide for TeenagersIn " The Guide to Dating for Teenagers with Asperger Syndrome, " JeannieUhlenkamp

addresses common topics that arise when talking about teens and dating,

with a focus on the needs of teens with AS. Using the fictional characters Haley and Jerome, Uhlenkamp presents theinformation in an advice-column format written in language thatresonates with young people. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=MXuiQCxl07H1R6iWI8qfpQ..

A Rare Glimpse of Life with AutismHave you ever wondered what it would be like to see life through theeyes

of someone with autism? Walk a mile in his or her shoes? Diagnosed as

an adult, Judy Endow gives you the unique opportunity to do just this through her latest book, " Paper Words: Discovering andLiving with My Autism. " Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=SgVW2wL0gMIu8pZhfPCFtg..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Special Needs Planning Seminar from ASPIES and ASA-Greater Akron, Cuyahoga Falls

 

ASPIES Greater AkronSupport Group for parents of children w/Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, & PDD-NOS

 partnering with ASA-Greater Akron Chapter Presents " Are You Prepared for the Unexpected? " (Special Needs Planning)Attorney Barbara J. WeinschenkFrom the Law Office of Margaret H. Kreiner

2020 Front Street, Suite 202Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221330-923-5315 Please RSVP to insure you receive the 60-page handout! NOTE ROOM CHANGE!!!!Rooms 1 & 2 - Considine Professional Bldg.

 Tuesday, July 21st - 6:30-8:30 pm (Childcare not provided.) To RSVP or for further info, contact Joy Spencer at 330-745-5115 or Rreindeer@...

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New Support Group for Parents and  their children with autism Ages 18 and up

New Parent Support group to meet in Shaker Heights:A special thank you to Judi Greenspan who has organized a support group for parents of adult children (age 18 and above) with autism. The adult children with autism will have an opportunity to meet in a separate room at the same facility to have their own support group meeting while their parents attend the parent support group. This is open to people in any county who are 18 and up. Parents who have young adults who are not 18 are still welcome to the parent support group.

This group will meet from 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM at the Shaker Community Building now called the Tubbs Building at 3450 Lee Road, Shaker Heights, OH.   The next  meetings have been scheduled.

July 27, 2009August 10, 2009 Please RSVP to:  jgreenspan@... or call 216-932-1989The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland

P.O. Box 41066

Brecksville, OH  44141(216) 556-4937www.asgc.org-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Book: Paper Words: Discovering and Living with My AutismThe opening words of Judy Endow’s latest book, Paper Words: Discovering and Living with My Autism, show how the author, a highly visual thinker, translates her thoughts into words. Thus, the unusual and irregular spacing between the words represents how long it takes for the pictures to fluidly move so as to connect smoothly with the next thought to form meaning. Soon the reader is swept up into a fast-paced journey of how Judy noticed her differences early on, how she discovered her autism, and how she embraces life autistically.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9036.htm---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article: Students can plot career path with free online programA Microsoft online course aims to better prepare students for work by encouraging them to think about possible careers and the skills they'll need. The free CareerForward program was launched in Michigan two years ago and will be adopted statewide in Alabama this fall.

http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=59642------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Book: Visual Thinking Strategies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders - The Language of Pictures by Ellyn Lucas Arwood, Ed.D.; Carole Kaulitz, M.Ed.; and Mabel Brown, M.A.Visuals of all kinds (photographs, checklists, line drawings, cartoons, flowcharts, stick figures, etc.) are commonly used as supports for individuals on the autism spectrum who tend to think and learn visually. However, not all visuals are created equal and, therefore, visuals don't all work equally well. This companion to Learning With a Visual Brain in an Auditory World helps the reader understand how to match the developmental levels of pictures and visuals to the developmental level of the person looking at the visual. In this way, appropriate visuals provide the language development for children with autism spectrum disorders. Drawing from their experience with children and youth for decades, the authors also show how effective communication can help reduce the confusion and anxiety that often lead to behavioral outbursts.  http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9040.htm

-------------------------------------------------------------------Article: Family medical histories link autism to autoimmune diseasesResearch has discovered a possible link between autism and autoimmune diseases. Danish doctors found that children with autism were more likely to have a family history of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which antibodies that normally fight infection attack the body instead.  http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-07-12-autism13_N.htm

------------------------------------------------------------------------------IEP Questions Answered - From sLawhttp://www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.index.htm

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NOVA scienceNOW Episode 18 features Genetics and Autism (July 2009)Join astronomers hunting for Earth-like planets, see how computers distinguish authentic art from forgeries, meet a spider biologist who studies sexual cannibalism, and learn about genes that may be involved in causing autism. Watch now (47 mins.)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/programs/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Disabiltiy Scoop: Accepting Questions About Violence, Abuse and Neglect

Last week we brought you Scoop Essentials: Preventing Violence, Abuse and Neglect, http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/07/07/preventing-abuse/4004/ a conversation about abuse prevention with Fitzsimons, an associate professor of social work at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is responding to reader questions. Click here to submit your own questions to her and check back in the coming weeks to read her responses.

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/questions-for-nancy-fitzsimons/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Week-Long Hands-On Teacher/Paraprofessional ABA Training: How to Use Behavioral Interventions Effectively in the Public School SettingMilestones Autism Organization presents its Week-Long Hands-On Teacher/Paraprofessional ABA Training: How to Use Behavioral Interventions Effectively in the Public School Setting

When: August 17-21, 2009; 8:00am- 4:00pm. What: Week-Long Hands-On Teacher/Paraprofessional ABA Training Beachwood, Ohio. Includes hands-on training in small groups with BCBA trained instructors, school observation, and follow up workshop with fellow team member.

Topics Include:           o How Motivation Impacts Performance          o Using Multiple Instructional Methods/Strategies within ABA          o Discrete trial, natural environment, pivotal response training/teaching, incidental teaching, schedules, verbal behavior, group instruction

          o Data-Based Decision-Making and Troubleshooting          o Strategies to Promote Independence          o Flexibility with Data          o Behavior Plans          o Effective Shadowing          o ing Peer Interaction

Cost: $1000 (includes week-long training, CEUs, observation, followup workshop)Application Deadline: August 1, 2009. For an application, call 216-464-7600, email info@..., or download from www.milestones.org.

Financial Commitment Due Date: August 1, 2009Capacity: Limited to 25 participantsPDCs: Professional Development Credit (35) (included in price), Graduate Credit (2-3) (additional fee for graduate credits and final project by participants).

For more information call 216.464.7600 or email info@.... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2009 UPCOMING AREA SEMINARS / TRAININGS / EVENTSJULYWed., 07-15 Guardianship (Brecksville)Sat., 07-18 Demystifying Autism An Inside-Out Perspective (Berea)Tues., 07-21 ASPIES Parent Support Group - " Are You Prepared for the Unexpected (Special Needs Planning) " - Attorney Barbara J. Weinschenk  Please RSVP to Rreindeer@... with names of those attending so we can be sure to have plenty of copies of the 60-page handout!

Mon., 07-27 Swim Party (Sebring)Mon. thru Fri., 07-27 thru 07-31 Teacher-Prof Workshop Blended Classroom Prgm (Highland Hills)Thurs., 07-30 Understanding the Evaluation Process (online audio - OCECD)

For more information on any of the above, email me at:  Rreindeer@... .  Let me know which event(s) you need more info on, and I will send you the flier/first notice that was sent out.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------Columbus Movie DaysCome join us at our next Movie Day: Saturday, July 25th, for your choice of either Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or G-Force! Both movies will be showing at the same time, so you get to choose which you want to see. Movie Days are special screenings of family movies for families with special needs members. Participants enjoy a slightly quieter movie with extra lighting in a special needs friendly environment. Tickets go on sale at Marcus Cinema, Crossroads, located at 200 Hutchinson Avenue, Columbus, beginning at 9:30 am on the morning of the event.  Bring the whole family! Friends, too!

 Movie begins at 10:00 a.m. Cost is $5.50/person. Children must be accompanied by an adult.(Haugland Consulting/Learning Center receives no profit from these events.) For more information, call (614) 602-6473 or email carol.jackson@...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Book: A Guide to Special Education Advocacy: What Parents, Clinicians and Advocates Need to KnowBy Matt Cohen

A Guide to Special Education Advocacy - What Parents, Clinicians and Advocates Need to Know tells parents and professionals all they need to know to gain better provision of special education in schools. Despite the services and accommodations that have been provided for students with disabilities, many children with disabilities still do not get the services they need and are not placed in appropriate programs or settings. Matt Cohen's accessible guide provides an overview of the current state of disability law in the United States and gives a practical vision of how a parent or professional can become an advocate to achieve a more inclusive and rewarding education for a child with a disability. Peppered with tips on how to use the law to the greatest effect, the book shows how even small individual efforts can create real change.

This book gives parents, advocates, professionals and clinicians involved in special education advocacy invaluable insight into current special education and disability law and how it works, highlights the attitudes, politics and bureaucratic pressures that often interfere with appropriate services for kids with disabilities and identifies practical ways for building positive and effective relationships with schools where possible and for challenging resistant schools when necessary. "

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Special-Education-Advocacy/dp/1843108933/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8 & s=books & qid=1247842128 & sr=1-1

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hidden Curriculum One-A-Day Calendar for Older Adolescents and Adults - Items for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations

by Judy Endow$15.95Recognizing the need for more resources for adults on the autism spectrum - and after many successful years of bringing you The Hidden Curriculum One-A-Day Calendar - AAPC is excited to launch The Hidden Curriculum One-A-Day Calendar for Older Adolescents and Adults. Similar in format to the original Hidden Curriculum Calendar, the latest version is written by Judy Endow, an adult on the spectrum, who has based many of the entries on her personal experience. The thoughtprovoking hidden curriculum items have broad applicability across adulthood. Items cover topics such as social relationships, community, money matters, workplace, and many others.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9039.htm--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Article: Sports offer many benefits for children with autism

Sports offer exercise, physical therapy, social interaction and an opportunity for achievement to children with autism, writes Dr. Alessi, the chief of neurology at a Connecticut hospital. He suggests appropriate sports for children with autism and describes the benefits of different athletic activities.

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/x631627968/Dr--Alessi-Sports-can-help-autistic-children

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Online Seminar: Getting Kids In Sync: A Sensory Processing Approach to Challenges Associated with Autism, ADHD, Learning and Behavioral Disorders

Online Seminar:  9 hours over a two-week period from November 1 to 14, 2009.http://shop.sensorytools.net/as_course-registration?productID=2334

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sandusky County The Sensory Playroom and Autism Family Resource Center  Open HouseSandusky County The Sensory Playroom and Autism Family Resource

Center will have an Open House on July 25th from 11 am until 3 pm at

1908 Ave., Fremont, Ohio 43420. Please come by and check out all

the resources that will be offered to our families in this area.