AutismTeachingTools.net: May Newsletter: Preparing for Summer

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Autism Newsletter

  Articles      Resources    Books   Teaching Tool   DVDs   Music                                                May 2011

 Proudly brought to you by www.AutismTeachingTools.net  & www.AutismResourceCenterofSouthFlorida.com

May 2011

Summer Preparation

for your loved ones with Autism

 

Member Articles

 

Off We Go!

7 Ways to Enjoy

a Family Holiday with Your Child

with AutismBy Krumins

Work has become tedious. The walls of your home seem to be closing in. Kids are bored. Your family needs a holiday. But the thought of disrupting the routine that gets you all through the day, especially for your child with autism, is less than enticing.

Article continued at bottom of page...

Travel Help

 

The Child with Autism Goes to Florida: 100s of Theme Park Do's and Don'ts!

YES—even YOUR family can enjoy the attractions

that Florida has to offer!Author and mom Kathy Labosh has done the work (and play!) for you and compiled her research, advice, and tips for famlies of children with Autism, into this handy little reference guide.

Price: $9.95

Making Friends

 

Be A Friend CD

Social skills training can be fun! Be A Friend features 16 original songs about making and maintaining friendships.

Price: $19.95

Click here to view all CDs & Music

Captain Tommy

More than a

delightful story, Captain Tommy teaches understanding and kindness. Tommy goes to “space camp " and meets , a boy who seems “spaced out " and different from other children. The camp counselor makes Tommy the captain of the spaceship, and gives him the job of getting to interact with the other space-kids. After several attempts, Tommy succeeds, and shows everyone how to climb a “space pole " and slide back down. The kids are impressed, and becomes a true part of the group, no longer “lost in space. " Great for kids with spectrum children in their lives! Binding: Paperback Pages: 31 

Price: $9.95 

 

Click here to view all Children's Books

 

 

Social Story Books

Click here to view all Social Story Books  & Movies

 

Now I Get it!

The Playground  & The Beach

This book helps children behave appropriately in community outings. The first story teaches children about safety and play skills at the beach. The second story teaches children play skills and appropriate behavior in the playground, as well as social elements such as calling for mom's attention. 

Price: $9.95  

Now I Get it! Series of 10 Books

 

 

Talking Together 

Social Rules 

& Having a Conversation

This book is perfect for children who:

Are learning to approach friends  and converse with them

Are learning to reciprocate in conversation

Are learning social graces such as apologizing and offering assistance

Are learning important social rules                                      such what do do if people are sad

Price: $9.95

Talking Together! Series of 6 Books

 

Storymovies DVD

Standard Edition by Carol Gray

Carol Gray’s Social Stories come to life! A “storymovie” is a Social Story illustrated with a short movie. This DVD contains 25 storymovies, addressing social skill areas such as asking questions, making a mistake, showing respect, and working with others. The included user’s guide offers tips and ideas for educators. Great for visual learners, ages 8-12.

Price: $89.95

New Social Story Book,

Revised and Expanded

10th Anniversary Edition

by Carol Gray

Over 150 Social Stories! Social Stories™

provide REAL social understanding! Carol Gray developed the Social Story™ in 1991 to promote social understanding in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Now, nearly twenty years after their inception, Social Stories have become a standard approach for teachers and parents all over the globe, and the stories are more effective than ever! 

Price: $34.95

Learn more...

In the Community & At Home

 

The Child with Autism

at Home  & in the Community:

Over 600 Must-Have Tips

 

Hundreds of easy-to-read bullet points provide tips that readers can put into action immediately. First they cleverly tackle home life, from breakfast to bedtime, and then they take readers on a trip through the community. This book offers essential do's and don’ts for going to:

restaurants

church

the doctor’s

the grocery store

family gatherings and more!                                                                     

Price: $14.95

Leisure TIme Activities

 

Developing Leisure Time Skills for Persons with Autism: Structured Playtime Activities

Free time should be part of the day that all kids look forward to. But for many children on the autism spectrum, it can be a painfully unstructured part of the day that causes anxiety and fear. This book provides comprehensive, structured strategies to help adults introduce meaningful activities to ASD children, which they can practice at

school or at home.

Price $29.95

 

Call for Articles/Resources

 

Call For Articles

 

 

 

for our June 2011 Newsletter

Autism, Art, Music & Movement 

Topics may include, but not be limited to, the benefits of utilizing various modalities with persons with Autism Related Disorders.

 

Submit all info to:

AutismResourceSF@...

Be sure to include your contact phone number,

event address, county, event date(s), and email.

 

The deadline for all submissions is

May 15, 2011

Please paste all text directly into your email.

(Do not send your article as an attachment.)

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Call For Resources

 

  You may also submit any free:

Autism Support Groups, Activities, Announcements, Conferences, Meetings, Events, Workshops and Classes

  

Submit all info to:

AutismResourceSF@...

Be sure to include your contact phone number, event address, county, event date(s), and email.

 

The deadline for all submissions is

May15, 2011

 Please paste all text directly into your email.

(Do not send your information as an attachment or flyer.)

 

Advertise with Us

Are you an....

 

Art TherapistYoga InstuctorMusic TherapistMovement Therapist

or Occupational Therapist?

then...

 

Advertise in our June 2011 issue

Autism, Art, Music & Movement

andReach nearly 5,000 families,

service providers & individuals

affected by Autism.

 

Click here to learn how.

 

Member Articles

 

....continued from top of page

Off We Go! 7 Ways to Enjoy

a Family Holiday with a Child with AutismFamilies need vacations: time to escape the regular chores, schedules and habits of daily life. Holidays mean a chance to break away from the familiar and explore. They offer a change of pace, new settings, different food, people and activities - not exactly conditions that are autism friendly! Traveling with children is always more challenging, but planning a vacation that includes a child with autism can seem downright daunting.

Don’t give up yet! There are ways to alleviate some of the stress and create an enjoyable getaway. Some simple guidelines and smart planning will make a big

difference!Start Small

Children with autism learn best in small steps. The more familiar a child becomes with a new activity the less anxiety he’ll experience. If your child has never spent time away from home, start with a “mini vacation” for a few hours. Build gradually to a whole day and soon after that, a night away. A few hours spent in an activity close to home, as similar as possible to what you plan to do on vacation, will be worth the time and energy. You may choose to visit a local museum, a nearby beach, a mall or spend some time on a boat or hiking in the woods. The more practice a child has with an activity (given the proper strategies) the more he will be able to know what to do, regulate emotions and enjoy the

experience. 

Take Time to Preview

Our anxiety levels typically increase when we have no clue what to expect about an upcoming event. Many people have a difficult time with the “unknown.” This is particularly true of kids with autism! As adults, we may browse a travel guide, read rating scales and look at photo galleries of places we plan to visit. This helps us know what to expect. Our children with autism will benefit from these activities as well. Browse the Internet, peruse travel brochures and maybe even visit a bookstore and/or library to allow your child to read about a specific place you plan to visit. There is an abundance of books about traveling on an airplane, visiting

grandparents, the marvels of the ocean, or life in big cities. Whatever you decide to do as a family, reading about it is an awesome way to acquaint your children with a new setting and the attractions it offers.

Don’t Leave Home Without VisualsVisual supports are an absolute necessity when traveling with children with autism who are visual learners (not all are!)…even if you are away from home for only a day! Pictures, calendars, maps, brochures, and photos provide individuals with autism the priceless gift of predictability and order. Holidays can be filled with distractions, changes of plans, new events and unknown people. The potential for meltdowns is high, especially when family members are tired, routines are off, and emotions and expectations are on overload. Visual supports can reduce anxiety and be a welcome

relief.

 

Individuals with autism gain a sense of calm from predictability and familiarity. When planning a trip, highlight the route on a map and if you know where you plan to stop, mark those spots on the map. Maps are often appealing to children with autism and they provide a visual tool the child can hold and manipulate during travel. For children who can read, consider providing a list of some of the towns or cities through which you will travel. Children can check them off as they go or use them as a reference when they want to know where they are. Maps and trip itineraries are useful tools to reduce anxiety because they provide a tangible reference point and predictability. Route changes can also be made quickly on the map or just written on a piece of

paper.

 

Not knowing how days will be filled and what will happen next is unnerving for individuals who live with autism (and for many who don’t)! We rely on electronic gadgets or day planners to keep us feeling directed, calm and in control. When planning your family trip, pack a calendar or a day planner of some sort. Attach a strip of Velcro on each day and bring along pictures of activities or places associated with each day. Photographs, brochure cut outs, or homemade pictures will work. If the child is able to read, supplement visuals with words. These strategies give our children the opportunity to see what is coming and organize the time in their minds. Velcro offers the flexibility of changing plans if necessary. It also demonstrates to our kids

that events are not always fixed; plans can change. The key is to teach the child to refer to the calendar when anxiety begins. Be sure to reward them when they do so. The alternative may be listening to a constant barrage of questions or working through a meltdown.

 

One last point to consider: even if your child doesn’t rely on visual supports while at home, he may need the additional support while on vacation. The added stress and anxiety of unfamiliar locations, people and activities means his ability to process and remain calm is already compromised from the moment he gets out of bed.

Balance the DayChoose a few favorite activities rather than trying to cram too much into the day. Limiting the amount of time “on the go” will make the trip more pleasant for the whole family. A visit to Disneyland can be a sensory nightmare for a child with autism. Do you really have to visit all of the theme parks? Must you participate in all of the resort activities? Your child with autism may not be capable of managing the sensory, emotional and social stimulation that more typical children handle with ease.  

Holidays, by nature, tend to be novel, unpredictable and highly social. Children with autism need downtime from the hustle and uncertainty. This may mean carving out

time in the schedule for him to participate in a favorite stress-reducing activity on a regular basis. It may mean the child spins, jumps, twirls a sensory toy or just sits in a chair. Watching the history channel while the family is down at the beach may be just what the teen with autism needs. The trick is to make sure the activity is child driven and not parent driven. Use a timer or visual clock to set parameters on the activity. Keep in contact via cell phones or Walkie Talkies.  

Plan for Unstructured TimeMost trips involve some measure of unstructured periods, like standing in line, waiting for flights, time on an airplane, or all those in-between moments while getting dressed in the morning, taking showers in tandem, etc. Children with autism may not be able to generate ideas to amuse themselves and parents shouldn’t have

to be entertainment directors. Smart parents pack a bag of favorite items to help the child through these times. Start with a written or picture menu of all available items. Fidget toys, digital toys, magnetic travel games and puzzles, iPods, handheld games, a whiteboard with markers are invaluable when down time is non-negotiable.

“Wait cards” and “Unavailable cards” are helpful to let a child know that an activity or item is either delayed or not available. Be sure the child is familiar with using them before leaving for holiday.Put all the toys and activities together in a bag and be sure to have it handy when the waiting begins. Using a timer or a schedule helps the child know how long the wait will last.

Practice Social Skills and ExpectationsChildren with autism may have no idea what behaviors are

expected in a certain setting (especially a new one). Generalizing behaviors and social skills from one setting to another is not a strong point in individuals on the spectrum. Furthermore, there is a good chance they may not be concerned about what is expected! Social behavior is highly driven by context of the situation and different settings have unspoken conventions that maintain social order. This is especially true when traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures. Whether you are visiting a museum, church, art gallery, public park, zoo or amusement park, think about the hidden rules that most people instinctively “know.” Avoid frustration and embarrassment for child and parent by reviewing the relevant social rules ahead of time. Keep them short, sweet, and concrete. Ask the child to repeat them back to you and be clear about a reward or

reinforcement for abiding by the conventions. Do a short review just before walking into the building or setting.A social script can be quickly written on paper and carried into the venue, or quick reminder notes can be written on the spot. For example, the rules of hanging out on the beach could be written as a social script and reviewed each time a child goes to the beach:

 

People like to play on the beach and some people like to lie down on the beach.

We are careful not to kick sand on people when we walk in the sand.

We can lay our towels next to each other in the family.

We can lay our towels 1 or 2 big steps away from someone we do not know.

When we lift our towels we are careful not to shake sand on other people.

The beach is fun.

Choose to Have FunOur thoughts affect our experience to a large measure, so it is worthwhile to affirm in your own mind that the holiday will be fun. Remind yourself to watch your children as they experience new things; smile, breathe deeply and laugh often together. When plans don’t quite work remind yourself that “it is what it is” and your reaction to a situation is really what determines the outcome. Relaxed pleasure and laughter is contagious, but so is stress and anxiety. Choose to be cheerful and positive and your mood will likely rub off on the rest of your family, including your child with autism.

Start small, preview, use visuals, balance the day, plan for unstructured

time, practice social skills and expectations, and choose to have fun… follow these seven suggestions – and you will!

 

BIO Krumins is a full time teacher in Ontario, Canada and the author of two books: Been There. Done That. Finally Getting it Right and One Step at a Time: ABA and Autism in the Classroom. Visit her website at www.autismaspirations.com.

Copyright © Autism Asperger’s Digest. Reprinted with permission from Autism Asperger’s Digest, March/April 2010 issue. www.AutismDigest.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Autism Camp Packing Tips

Here are parent autism camp packing tips and other special considerations. Most camps will provide you with a list of items your child should bring with her – if not, call ahead for a recommended list of items. Packing to send our loved one off to camp will be much easier with these simple but useful tips:

•Write a social story.

•Pack a favorite toy, book, music and board game.

•Be sure to include a snuggle toy or blanket to sleep with.

•Pack an extra pillow case. Camp pillows are usually thin

•Don't forget their favorite stuffed animal.

•Mark or label every item with your child's name.

•Pack a few family photos (a sure remedy for homesickness).

•Pack a disposable camera.

•Pack a few pre-addressed postcards with stamps.

•Disposable flashlight with extra batteries.

•Pack some warm clothing for rainy days and chilly nights. 

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Water Safety:The Ultimate Life SkillBy Ball, BCBA-D

The summer season is starting, complete with vacations, barbeques, parties and trips. It’s also the time to keep cognizant of the one thing most kids on the autism spectrum love… water! Water play, water activities, water fun – it can all be a great experience for our kids, but it can also be a constant reminder to those of us who are responsible for them (as parents, educators, or service providers) of how vulnerable these kids are and how dangerous this “fun” can be. It is up to us to make sure that, regardless where our kids fall on the spectrum, they are taught appropriate

skills to enjoy and more importantly, survive around water.According to the National Autism Association, drowning is the #1 cause of injury-related deaths in children with an autism spectrum disorder. In 2005, 14 children with ASD died from drowning, when these children wandered off and were attracted to the water. Children with ASD do not fear “death” the way we do. At early ages, they do not understand the finality of death nor are they afraid of those things that could cause death, like water.

We know:-    Kids drown without a sound.-    It takes approximately one inch of water to drown in – a frightening statistic.-    90% of drowning deaths occur while the child is being supervised.

Therefore, it is critical that right from the very beginning when our

kids are young, we teach them water safety and how to swim. Learning this lesson too late can be tragic and heartbreaking, as the following story illustrates.I had the great fortune of attending a fundraising event for the Autism Society in ville, Florida several years ago. During the event I met the most wonderful woman, a grandmother of a child on the spectrum. We spent several hours discussing many topics, including her grandson, about whom she had written a children’ book. And here is where the story sinks. Her book was about teaching kids to seek out help in emergency situations, and it was based on her own personal experience. One day her son was outside watching his children play; one was on the spectrum. He was distracted for no longer than one minute and when he turned back to them the kids were gone. A frantic search ensued, ending in catastrophe; his son

had drowned in the nearby shallow stream. The other two children had panicked and just ran away. The courage this grandmother had to turn their family’s loss into an education for others was commendable. For me it highlighted yet again the importance of water safety and the need to make it a priority for our spectrum kids.  

Teaching Water Safety and SwimmingSensory IssuesA significant proportion of kids with an ASD have sensory issues, which complicates how we teach them to swim. The old-fashioned way our parents did it (throw you in and see what happens) just doesn’t float. (Yup, that’s what my father did, and I’m lucky I made it!) Kids with an ASD may need to ease into the pool and get used to the water before

they are able to enjoy the experience enough for concrete lessons to start. Others may love the pressure they get from the water and just jump right in, not cognizant of drowning as a danger. It’s important we make the experience enjoyable from the start. From there you can teach them what they need to do once in the water.

Teach SwimmingThe same teaching strategies that make kids with an ASD successful in the classroom will also make the child a successful swimmer.

-    Minimal DistractionsMake every attempt to minimize distraction while the child is in the water. If there are a lot of people in the pool turn the child around, so she can’t see what is going on at the other end of the pool. Also, pool areas echo, so be prepared if the child has any vocal “stims” and try to redirect the child back to the swimming. Or schedule lessons on off times, when less people are present, or if needed, do private lessons.

-    Use of VisualsUse pictures to show the child the steps involved in swimming. Combing the visual with your explanation will give him multiple ways of understanding the sequence of steps and your expectations. Laminate the pictures and bring them in the pool. You may also want to show the child a video of swimming prior to getting in the pool. Video modeling is a great way to teach new skills. If you can’t find a pre-packaged teaching video, create one of your own using a neurotypical sibling or friend as the “actor.”

-    ConsistencyWhatever approach you decide to use (there are tons of examples on the web) make sure you use it consistently every time. Spectrum children learn through repetition, and lots of it!

-    Task AnalyzeBreak down the steps to swimming and teach each one until the child can do the skill with little or no guidance. Do not overwhelm the child with too much information all at one time. Just putting his face in the water may be a huge accomplishment in and of itself!

Teach Water SafetySwimming and water safety are not synonymous. They are different skills and should be addressed differently. All children, whether or not they ever want to put their little toe in the water, should be taught water safety skills. And the #1 rule is this: unless an adult is present the child should

never go into any body of water, be it a kiddie or adult pool, a fountain, a stream, a pond or lake, or the ocean. They need to be taught this very specifically and concretely.The more able child:  Many children on the autism spectrum are highly rule driven (sometimes to a fault). In this instance it is a great thing!

 

Make specific rules around water.-    You do not go near water without an adult with you. You may even make it more specific, adding distance to the water, how near the adult should be (i.e., an arm’s length away, in visual sight, holding your hand, etc.) and/or citing specific people, like Mommy/Daddy/Grandpa).

After the rule is established, practice it. Don’t assume the rule on paper makes complete sense to the child in a real life situation. Take the child around water and see what happens. You want to know if there are loopholes in your thinking and make necessary adjustments in your teaching. Each time the child follows the rule, heap on the praise and

reinforcement.The less able child:  We still use rules for the less able child, but we may break them down more concretely and use more visuals to teach them. For instance, the rule might be something like this: “You do not go into the water without a familiar adult holding your hand.” Have the child take your hand, walk to the pool and jump in with you. Every other time the child is around a stream, pool of any sort, lake or ocean, have her take your hand, walk to the water and go in together. Again, reinforce the child when he follows the rule and does what is expected.  

Water is an awesome sensory experience for children with an ASD. It can foster language, social skills, and fine/gross motor development. It can also be a place where tragedy can strike at any moment. Remember, enjoy the water, but also respect it. Teach your child what to do

around water and how to be safe. Then go out and have a wonderful summer!------------------------------Copyright © Autism Asperger’s Digest. Reprinted with permission from Autism Asperger’s Digest, “Early Intervention and Autism” column, July/August 2010 issue. www.AutismDigest.com

 

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Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.Email: info@...

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BECOME A MEMBER

 

Resources

In this issue...

Support Groups

Social Skills Groups

Artist Groups

Activities & Events

Playdates

Announcements 

Conferences

Workshops/Classes

Homeschool Groups

Meetings

Please note: Resources listed below are updated monthly so be sure to

check them out for

new announcements.

Submit a Resource

to our Florida Directory

 

Articles

In this issue...

 

Off We Go!               7 Ways to Enjoy a Family  Holiday with   a Child with Autism

Summer Camp        Packing Tips 

Water Safety

Find

an Autism Summer Camp

in Florida

 

Books

In this issue...

Social Story Books

In The Community

& At Home

Travel Help

Making Friends

Leisure Time

Search

for a Resource or

Service Provider

in our free Florida based

Autism Service Provider Directory

 

 

SERVICES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teach

Conversation

with

Conversation Starters 

 

 

Click here for

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Parent Support Groups listed by county 

 

Teach

How to Answer ?'s

" WH " Question Series

Flashcards

 

Click here for

Florida 

Summer Camps

listed by county 

 

Teach

with

Responsibilty

Checklists

for Home & School

 

SOME SKILLS

YOU CAN TEACH

WITH THESE ITEMS

Responsibility

Independence

Organization skills

Following a schedule

Elementary skills in the home or school

Planning

 

Click here for

Florida 

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 listed by county 

 

 

Teach

Social Skills

with

Social Story Books

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Home, School  & Play

 

SOME SKILLS

YOU CAN TEACH

WITH THESE ITEMS

Social skills

Personal safety

Reading  & comprehension

Respect, negotiation & cooperation

Preparing for success

 

Support Groups

 

 

Monthly Support Group

for Parents of

Exceptional Children

1st Weds of each month

7:00 pmMiami Children’s Hospital  Dan Marino Center

Weston, FL 33331

Contact:  Broward Autism Society

----------------------------------------

Grandparents Assisting and Lending Support(for Grandparents Only)

Tuesday May 3 & June 76:30PM-8PMUM-NSU CARDMain OfficeFred  & Helen Donn Filpse Bldg. 

5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd.,

Room 502 Coral Gables, FL 33146

Contact: Munoz

(305)284-3722

Registration required

Free Admission----------------------------------------

 Asperger Syndrome

Support Groupfor Parents, Caregivers, Educators & Individuals Working with Children

with Asperger’s Syndrome Contact: Hugo

(954)746-9400 x2120

Please note Respite Care needs at the time of registration.----------------------------------------

Support Group for Adultswith Asperger SyndromeMay 18 & June 15

6:00 pm - 7:30 pmSchomber Conference

Room 201UM-NSU CARD Main OfficeFred & Helen Donn Filpse Bldg.

5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd.,Coral Gables, FL 33146Contact: Registration RequiredFree Admission

----------------------------------------

Special Gals

Support Group

Open to parents, caregivers, professionals and others in the community involved in the life of a special gal

May 19, 2011

 Vienna Coffee House5724 South Flamingo Road, City Florida

Contact: 

Terri Jennings, Ph.D.

----------------------------------------

South Florida GFCF/SCD Group

This dietary support group is to assist parents that are seeking to pursue dietary intervention for the treatment of ASD. 

 Meetings include recipies, food saples, & help with shopping & food selection.

3rd Tue, 7p-9p Free.

Whole Foods

7720 s Rd

Plantation, 33324

Contact: Wallitsch

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Hernando Autism Parenting & Personal Experience Network

This is a support group for parents & other relatives of children on the Spectrum

120 Fountain Ct

Spring Hill, FL3rd Wed 7-9p

 Contact: Bolen

 

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Parents Helping Parents Florida 

PHPF Helping Hands support group for parents/families of children with autism & related disabilities. Ocala Last Wed  6-8p, Free

Ocala Public Library, 2720 East Silver Springs Blvd.

Contact: Sylvia

----------------------------------------

Southwest Florida

Autism Coalition

Monthly support group for parents & professionals facing autism.

Topics include Financial Planning, Sensory Integration, Social Skills Training, and Communication

3rd Thu, 7-8:30p

At the Pinnacle Academy

6215 Lorraine Rd

Bradenton, FL 

Contact: Dr. Kirstina Ordetx

----------------------------------------

Autism Monthly

Support Group

for those affected by Autism

Various topics & speakers ranging from diet, therapy, & advocacy. 

1st Tue

5740 Moog Rd.

Pasco County

Contact: Bice

----------------------------------------

 Parental Encouragement for Autistic Children Everywhere

Our mission is to educate, empower & provide a positive support environment to Families with children on the Autism Spectrum. Lakeland 1st Tue 6p-8p, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. 33805,

Contact:

ext. 228

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Parent to Parent of MiamiParent Resource Center

7990 SW 117th AveSuite 201Miami, FL 33183Parent to Parent of Miami is a community parent resource center for families of children and adults with all disabilities.Find information, workshops, and other resources to help make decisions about early intervention, early childhood, education, vocational training, employment, college opportunities, as well as the laws that protect the rights of children and adults with disabilities.

Contact: Isabel C.

----------------------------------------

BFOCASD Support Group

for families, educators & therapists of children & adults with ASDs

7-9p - Free

 1st Wed

First Baptist Church of Melbourne

3301 Dairy Road

West Volusia, FL 

----------------------------------------Aware 4 Autism

Support group

for all people affected by autism & the autism spectrum. 

Speakers monthly. 

1st Sat 2-4p. First Congregational Church,

7900 Fort King Rd., Zephyrhills , FL

Contact: Johanna O'Toole

 

 

 Social SKills Groups

 

Miami-Dade Teen TimeSocial Skills GroupMay 23 & June 20

6:30 pm - 8:00 pmUM-NSU CARD Main OfficeFred and Helen Donn Flipse Bldg.5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd.,2nd FloorCoral Gables, FL 33146Contact:

  Lis De Gasperito schedule a screeningappointment with the facilitator below.

Boys Group: Drew ComanGirls Group: Coman

 -------------------------------

 Broward Teen TimeSocial Skills GroupUM-NSU CARD

Satellite Office6100 RoadDavie, FL 333144:30 pm - 5:30 pmMIDDLE SCHOOL GROUPMay 9 & June 13HIGH SCHOOL GROUPMay 9 & June 13Contact:

Grana M.S. & Green, M.S.Ed.

 -------------------------------

Together..You & Me

Social Engagement between Parents & Toddlers

UM-NSU CARDSatellite Office6100 Road

Second FloorDavie, FL 33314

 10:00 am - 11:00 amMay 3, 5, 10, 12, 16, 19

Contact:

Registration Required

 -------------------------------

Gal Time: Open to Special Gals of All Ages!

This is a FUN opportunity for your gal to do activities with her peers including: makeovers, manicures, shopping and more. Teen volunteers will be on hand to help your special gal socialize and enjoy these unique experiences.

May 12, 2011

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Please call for

directions and location

Contact:

Sotelo, Ed.D.

Register so each special gal can get her own personalized shopping bag!

 

 Artist  Groups

 

Artists With AutismA South Florida Networking group uniting artists with autism. Members create art individually, and exhibit as a group. Membership is free. Members learn how to manage a personal website to sell art,  show at local galleries, and sell their artwork at craftfairs.

 Upcoming event dates and more information can be found on the website.

Contact:

 

Activities & Events

 

UM-NSU CARD9th Annual Tropical NightsSaturday May 21st

InterContinental Hotel, Miami, FLContact: .

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InSync with Autism

Free musical experience

to bring those touched by Autism Together

Sunday, May 1, 2011New Horizon United Methodist Church5741 S. Flamingo Road, SW RanchesFeaturingCalypsoMusic by:Pan ParadiseLimited SeatingRSVP:

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AIA MIAMI GOLF TOURNAMENTBenefiting UM-NSU CARDMay 6, 2011

Check In: 11:30AMTournament begins at 1PMContact:

----------------------------------------

Family Fun DayFlamingo GardensJune 5th, 201110AM - 2PM

Free for first 250 people

Wildlife Encounter Showsat 11:30 AM or 12:30PMContact: Sotelo

 

Playdates

 

Tampa 'Playdates'

Support Group

This time has been reserved for our support group members who have children on the spectrum only.

3rd Tue 6p to 8p

$6 per child

Come Join Us at

Gator Fred's Party Center!

West Village Commons

5360 Ehrlich Rd. 33625.

Contact:

Kim Larochelle

Marilyn Santiago

 

Announcements

 

Free Autism Screening

For Toddlers

The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in Lee County, in partnership with the Mc House Charities® of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to 36 months of age.

The ASD screening is conducted by the Neurosciences Center at The Children’s Hospital, under the guidance of pediatric neurologist Colon, MD, MPH, and pediatric psychiatrist nne Krouk, DO. The screenings are administered by an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.

A physician referral is not required

Contact:  

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Free Autism Screening

15 Months through 4 years of age

Face Autism, Inc. is providing free autism/ASD screenings to children 15 months through 4 years of age, in Sarasota/Manatee/Charlotte counties who show signs of autism/ASD.

The screenings will be performed by a certified Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist / certified Floortime Therapist. The tool used for the screening will be the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). If a child is at risk for autism/ASD, they will then be referred back to their pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, child psychologist, or developmental pediatrician for further evaluation/diagnosis. Early detection leads to early intervention.

Contact:

 

Conferences

 

Autism Society 42nd National Conference & Exposition

Jul 6-9 2011

Orlando Gaylord Palms

Hotel & Convention Center

The National Conference of the Autism Society is the only conference that addresses the range of issues, including early intervention,

education, employment, behavior, communication, social skills, biomedical interventions & others, across the entire lifespan. Contact:

 

Workshops/Classes

 

Free Yoga for Parents of Children with Autism

Sunday, May 22, 20115PM -7PMAnuttara Yoga Shala620 S.E. 10th StreetDeerfield Beach, FL. 33341RSVP by May 5, 2011Contact:

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Pivitol Response Training (PRT)

Presented byDr. OpendenFree

May 10, 2011

8:30 - 3:00 PMRegistration begins at 7:30Hilton Miami Airport5101 Blue Lagoon DriveMiami, FL 33126

Contact:

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Special Gals Workshop

Body Changes & Your Special Gal

Join us to learn more about helping your special gal with puberty. This workshop will provide information on designing a personal hygiene kit box especially made for a special gal all about her body changes

May 11, 2011

10:00 am to 11:30 am

Southwest Ranches Home*Please call for directions

Contact:

Mona Nasser

Please call and register so we can have a special gal’s kit box waiting for you!----------------------------------------

 Language Links

an Alternative/Augmentative Communication (AAC) & visual supports workgroup where parents, caregivers, and professionals work together to

expand their knowledge of

no-tech through high-tech communication aids. May 5, 2011Time: CHOOSE ONE: 9:30 am -10:30 am or 12:00 Noon - 1pm

Facilitators: Dr. Robin & Green, M.S. Ed.Location: UM-NSU CARD Satellite Office - 6100 Road, Davie, FL 33314

Contact:

Registration Required

Free Admission

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Behavior Systems that Work

(for Parent/Guardians only)

May 31, 2011

9:30 am - 11:30 amUM-NSU CARD Satellite Office

3rd Floor Conference Room6100 Road, Davie, FL

Contact:

Registration Required

Free Admission

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Family Empowerment Series

Social Skills 101May 59:30 am - 11:30 am

Fred  & Helen Donn Filpse Bldg. 

5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral

Room 502

Gables, FL 33146

Contact:

Registration Required

Free Admission

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Families, Schools  & Community

Working Together

to Improve Outcomes

(for families & professionals)

May 17, 2011

B. s Exceptional Student Education Center Multi-Purpose Room,2935 County Rd 193,

Clearwater, FL

Topic and Presenters:Employment Supports and Benefit Coordination. Vocational Rehabilitation & Benefit Planning Outreach and Assistance: Coordination of Employment and Benefits.

Featured Presenter: Representatives from Vocational Rehab & WIPA.

Childcare not available.

----------------------------------------Helping Our Toddlers

Developing Our

Children's Skills

HOT DOCS classes are available in both English and Spanish, and are offered several times a year at various sites in the community, including our USF site located in the Children's Medical Services (CMS) building. HOT DOCS has been recognized as an outstanding community resource, and has received awards from Early Steps, Early Childhood Council, and the Hispanic Heritage Committee. HOT DOCS is funded by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County. Funded by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County.

 Contact: 974-1189

 

Homeschool Groups 

Homeschool group for special needs families in the Central Florida area: Our Amazing Kids is a group for families in the Central Florida area who are homeschooling their special needs child(ren). We welcome families of every ability, focusing on providing resources to parents who are new to the homeschooling community. We are open-minded and have an interest on living and learning naturally.

Contact: Dory HubbardWinter Haven, FL(863)318-9461

 

 

Meetings

 

Autism Society of the Panhandle's Evening Meetings

The Autism Society of the Panhandle meets the 3rd Tue of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Pollak Training Center of the ARC Gateway on 10th Avenue in Pensacola. Sitters available with reservation 3 days prior to event.

Pensacola 3rd Tues. 6:30p, no cost Corner of 10th Avenue & Fairfield Drive 

Contact: Byram

 ---------------------------------------Puzzle Peace Web Forum

Puzzle Peace is a web meeting place for parents trying to define themselves without having a developmental disorder do it for them.  Join the movement!

Contact: Kristi Vannatta

----------------------------------------Autism Society of

Broward Meeting

Support groups meet monthly* where parents & guest speakers, specializing in the area of autism, share information & resources.Our meetings are open to all that are interested in autism.

3rd Wed  7:30p

ARC Broward

10250 NW 53rd Street 

Sunrise, FL 

Contact:

 

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