Fw: July Newsletter: Autism and Animal Assisted Interventions

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----- Forwarded Message -----From: Autism Resource Center of South Florida & Autism Teaching Tools.net To: deniseslist@...Sent: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 8:30 AMSubject: July Newsletter: Autism and Animal Assisted Interventions

Autism Newsletter

Articles Resources Books Teaching Tool DVDs Music July 2011

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

July 2011

Animal Assisted Interventions & Autism

Member Articles

Animal Assisted Therapy

for Children with Special Needs

Kids and animals are a natural combination. Pets are great companions, and they teach the value of responsibility to children. For children with disabilities, this companionship is particularly invaluable, as they may have trouble making friends with kids their own ages because of low self-esteem. Animals give children an opportunity to connect with another living being, which is extremely important to any child's development.

Article continued at bottom of page...

Animal Therapy Books

Click on book image to learn more...

Animal-Assisted Interventions for

Individuals with Autism

This book looks at how therapies involving animals can be used to help individuals with autism to develop skills, including sensory and social skills, to manage challenging behaviors, and improve quality of life. Whether participating in therapeutic horseback riding, utilizing a trained service dog, visiting a dolphin therapy center, or simply experiencing companion animal therapy, people with autism can reap a multitude of benefits from interaction with furry, feathered, and finned friends.

Price: $21.95

Healing Stories & Animals

view all "Personal Journey" Stories

Click on book image to learn more...

The Horse Boy: A Father's Quest to Heal His Son

When his son Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson was devastated, afraid he might never be able to communicate with his child. But when Isaacson, a lifelong horseman, rode their neighbor's horse with Rowan, Rowan improved immeasurably. He was struck with a crazy idea: why not take Rowan to Mongolia, the one place in the world where horses and shamanic healing intersected?

Price: $24.95

Children's Books with Animals

view all 18 Children's Books

Click on book image to learn more...

Apples for Cheyenne:

A Story about Autism, Horses and Friendship

Apples for Cheyenne is an engaging children’s book about a girl with autism who finds friendship through her time with Cheyenne, a gentle horse. Follow and her friends as they go on a horseback riding adventure. Children will delight in this heartwarming tale while also learning about autism and other disabilities.

Price: $14.95

Learn to Talk About Animals

view all 11 Flashcards

Click on image to learn more...

Learn to talk about Animals Flashcards

These cards are designed for use with Verbal Behavior, Applied Behavior Analysis and Traditional Special Education Programs.High quality laminated photo cards of animals that children love. Learn what they look like, the sounds they make and what they might eat. This pack is filled with domestic animals, farm animals, sea animals and animals we find in the wild.

Price: $12.95

Call for Articles

We are currently looking for

article submissions for our August 2011 Newsletter.

The deadline for all submissions is

July 15, 2011

Topic:

Preparing for School 2011

Everything You Need to Know about

IEP's, Behavior Management,

Classroom Management,

Dealing with Picky Eaters, Toilet Training

and more...

Please paste all text directly into your email.

(Do not send your article

as an attachment.)

You may also submit any free:

Autism Support Groups, Activities, Announcements,

Conferences, Meetings, Events,

and Workshops/Classes

Submit all info to:

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

The deadline for all submissions is

April 15, 2011

Thank you for all of your submissions.

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Member Articles Continued...

Animal Assisted Therapy

for Children with Special Needs

Animal Assisted Therapy provides an experience with an animal that is non-judgmental, gives affection unconditionally, and provides opportunities for physical and emotional therapy. This includes therapy for strengthening muscles through horseback riding, low-impact swimming with dolphins, and a boost of confidence with service dogs and companion dogs. These animals promote confidence and self-esteem while motivating kids to interact and get stronger.

Keep reading for more information about different types of animal assisted therapies including Equine/Horse Therapy, Canine Therapy and Dolphin Therapy.

Children’s F.E.A.T.’s

Equine Interactive

Psychotherapy Groups

(see our ad to the right)

While typical children enjoy their lives after school, going to

play dates, birthday parties and sleepovers, children with special needs have a different way of life. For most of them the afternoon and the early evening hours consist of a marathon of different kind of therapies. Physical, speech, occupational and A.B.A. therapy (Applied Behavioral Analysis) are, in most cases, conducted in one on one sessions in little rooms. But where isthe time to play outside with peers? Do special needs children

really have the tools to play like typical children with their

friends? How creative are they?

The Children’s Foundation for Equine Assisted Therapy, Inc.

a.k.a. Children’s F.E.A.T., has started a program to address thesequestions and issues. Along with their regular program of one on one Equine Assisted therapy sessions, Children’s F.E.A.T. started social pragmatic skills training groups for children with developmental disabilities and varying exceptionalities. The horses are utilized as a common denominator, motivator and tool for emotional growth and development. Horse trainer and behavior assistant, Anke Ebener is leading the groups in conjunction with a licensed clinical Social worker, or Art therapist.

“We have a syllabus for each group session addressing a variety

of goals and topics, but our main goal is to encourage interaction between the children and enhance creativity,†states Anke Ebener. She goes on to say, “We create situations where the children have to communicate, work together and depend on

each other, like painting on real horses, riding together on a

horse or working on art projects and creative stories, according

to their abilities. We were blown away by the dynamics these

groups developed, especially when we started to mix children with a wide range of exceptionalities, such as Autism and ADHD with children who have emotional issues. It is amazing how much fantasy is sleeping in an autistic child and how friendships can develop in children with Reactive Attachment Disorder.â€

Encouraged by the positive results, Children’s F.E.A.T. is planning more groups in the future. They state that they would like to experiment with buddy programs and include typical children and siblings, as well as working with adults dealing with issues such as eating disorders, trauma, addictions and other challenges. “Our biggest problem is the funding,†states Ebener. “Horses are expensive to keep up in south Florida.â€

One group consisting of 4-6 children costs the charity

approximately $1600. The prior groups were only possible

through the generosity of the Foundation, Walmart,

CVS Caremark , The Florida Marlins and the Junior League of Boca Raton. For future groups they are in need of more sponsors. Local individuals and businesses are asked and encouraged to donate to this worthy cause. If you can help, or for more information, please contact Anke Ebener at Anke@... or .

www.childrensfeat.org

The Difference a Service Dog Can Make

By Tom Niermann (father of 10 yr. old triplets, including son with Autism)

I have 10 year old triplets, one of which has moderate Autism. He is largely non verbal. I have worked extensively with him in a plethora of therapies encompassing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Music Therapy. All of which were aimed at connecting with him and assisting him to engage with the world around him.

His siblings love their brother. There is a sweetness and playfulness about him that makes it impossible not to love him. There is no denying however, that being raised in a family with a child with Autism creates a very different family dynamic. Whether it is explaining to your friends why there are locks with pass codes on all the external doors, or that you have a pass coded lock on your bedroom door to stop your brother from messing with your things. Perhaps it is being at school and being known as the kid with the sibling who does not talk and has melt downs for no apparent reason. Or maybe it is the regular disapproving stares in shopping centers and restaurants, when your brother, who looks normal, suddenly starts yelling or throwing plates across the

table.

When we first contemplated getting a Service Dog for it was an enormous leap of faith. Getting a service dog took a lot of effort, fundraising and planning. Was it really going to add that much more to our lives other than being a great pet? We had met with other families who assured us that it would change my son’s life. Until Alfalfa came happily bounding into our lives, we had no idea of the far reaching benefits that this amazing dog would bring. This includes the profound difference that he has made in the lives of our entire family.

Alfalfa came to us from an organization called 4 Paws for Ability which is dedicated to changing the lives of families and children with special needs through the provision of highly trained Service Dogs. The organization fulfilled its mission for my family in amazing ways I could never have anticipated. The most obvious benefit is the task training the Service Dog receives to mitigate my son’s disability (that is the wording needed to get the dogs into the school under the ADA). In my son’s case, Alfalfa was task trained in tracking, tethering and behavior disruption.

Tracking:

For an agile 10 year old with no sense of fear, it is not unconceivable for him to run away or get lost. However, if it does happen, Alfalfa will track him down. We practice his search and rescue skills regularly, inside, outside, at parks, in the neighborhood, at the school. While I hope never to have to use this skill, there is an amazing peace of mind that comes with having the capability on hand 24 hours a day.

Tethering:

Tethering my son to a dog was the one thing I was not supportive of initially. I did not want my son tied to an animal. Who would? Well, that was until I saw how much independence it gave my son and how much he loves it. After a lifetime of being gripped by the hand, my son now has a new level of independence, kept safe by his new best four legged friend. I still hold Alfalfa's leash, and my son can still go no further than the length of the tether allows. That couple of feet provide him with a new found sense of independence and self empowerment. In addition, it provides me with the critical thirty seconds it would take to prevent him running in front of a car, or running off in a crowded shopping center or amusement park. Just having two hands free to conduct the daily

mundane activities such as paying for groceries, is a new found luxury.

Behavior Disruption:

There are specific behaviors that I have spent countless hours trying to prevent my son from doing, such as banging his head, biting his fingers and running and throwing himself against a wall. Alfalfa is trained to respond on command to my son with nuzzling or 'kisses' to distract him from these self injurious behaviors. More and more I watch in amazement as Alfalfa spontaneously intervenes without even the need for commands.

Socially:

In the past few months Alfalfa has been associated with significant steps toward my son’s social development. For the first time he spontaneously said "I love you." While some would be disappointed that this utterance was directed at a dog he loves, not me, I was ecstatic. This was his first spontaneous utterance of these words, used in the correct context. It tells me that he understands what I mean when I say “I love you,†each and every night at bedtime. After 10 years of not knowing if he understood that I love him unconditionally, this was a gift.

My son now has his first best friend. Alfalfa is there when he goes to sleep and when he wakes up. He is by his side at school, at home and in therapy. Everywhere he goes, Alfalfa is there; always loyal, always loving and always happy. Only parents of a child, who has never had a real friend, can understand how much it means to see their child enthusiastically engage with another living creature with such love.

At School:

My son is no longer the strange kid who does not talk or want to play. He is the cool kid who gets to bring a dog to school. The other kids seek him out as he is always with Alfalfa. They smile at him in the hallways, say hello and ask him about Alfalfa.

In Public:

My son’s world used to be a sea of hostile faces comprised of people who did not understand his disability and routinely passed judgment on him. This was not through any real ill intent, but rather, through a complete misunderstanding of the nature of Autism. Today, however, he is faced with a constant stream of people smiling at him. Alfalfa is impossible to not smile at. I can only imagine how this changes my son’s experience of the world, which overnight became a welcoming and friendly place for him.

Alfalfa has become a walking bill board proclaiming, more loudly than words, that people should not to judge my son. Alfalfa communicates in a way that nothing else could, that my son is special and deserving of peoples’ support, not their judgment.

Getting Alfalfa has had a significantly positive impact on his siblings as well. At home, is less interested in annoying them to get a reaction and is more interested in playing ball with Alfalfa. This alone has brought a greater sense of peace into our home.

We are the only family in the school district that has a Service Dog. His siblings’ peers want to talk to them to find out more about my son and Alfalfa. His brother and sister have a new found sense of pride in their brother. They have both given presentations to their classes about Autism and Service dogs. They want to go out more, as they like the attention and admiration that Alfalfa brings to the family, whether it is at the local supermarket or fast food restaurant.

We are early on in the journey with our Service Dog. The vibrant and active support network of 4 Paws Service Dog families we are now a part of, gives me great hope for the future. The stories of the impact these dogs have made is amazing. The life changing experiences we have had to date on our Service Dog adventure has already made it worth all the effort. I can only imagine what the future holds, but I know that Alfalfa, will continue to play a significant role in it.

More information about 4 Paws for Ability can be found at http://www.4pawsforability.org.

Equine Facilitated

Psychotherapy: Striding Towards SuccessBy Dr. Terri Jennings, Licensed Psychologist

What is Equine Facilitated

Psychotherapy (EFP)?

EFP is an experiential therapy, combining traditional psychotherapy withtherapeutic riding and horse related activities. It is facilitated by a credentialed mental health professional and a certified equine professional working in conjunction with a horse or pony with the intent to promote growth and healing.

Therapeutic interactions integrate the healing power of the horse, the skills of the psychotherapist and the challenges and successes of the client to formulate and work towards a variety of therapeutic goals including psychological, physical, cognitive, social and behavioral goals. Because horses are bigger than humans, respect happens naturally and boundaries and limits are clear. Horses offer sensory information and immediate feedback about behavior, give non-verbal consequences, are forgiving and offer second chances.

Through the feedback provided by the horse, clientsalso develop an understanding of how their behavior affects others. In many cases the horse acts as a mirror or magnifying lens, helping to focus on goals for therapy. The special bond that grows between the horse and the client becomes a catalyst for learning new skills and working towards improved functioning.

How can EFP help children with autism spectrum diagnoses?

EFP for those with Autism and other developmental disabilities focuses on meeting the client where they are and moving them towards increased independence, confidence and higher functioning.

Treatment goals typically include:

increasing tolerance for transitions

increasing compliance

decreasing aggressive behaviors

increasing social skills

increasing attention

increasing efficiency of verbal & non-verbal communication

decreasing symptoms of anxiety

increasing frustration tolerance

increasing self-confidence and self-esteem

increasing the ability to bond with others

Horse related activities are not limited to riding. Clients typically participate in grooming, feeding, saddling, and finger painting the horses. In addition, support is provided to parents to enable the work started in session to continue at home.

For more information about EFP and Healing Hooves Psychotherapy, Inc., please contact Dr. Jennings, _tjenn89112@..._ (mailto:tjenn89112@...) , _www.healinghoovesinc.com_ (http://www.healinghoovesinc.com/)

Arabian Mare Changes the life

of an 11 year old boy with Autism

Aleksander D. is a 11 year old boy diagnosed with autism. He

does not talk, he doesn’t like to play like other children, and he

is unmotivated to learn new skills. Since beginning the equine

assisted communication program at the Children’s Foundation for

Equine Assisted Therapy,Inc. his life changed dramatically. By

using the picture-card system on horseback Aleksander has

learned about 90 new words. He has even accomplished an entire

sentence: I want to go fast. By using the horse as reinforcement, Aleksander has learned new life skills. In addition, he is now willing to play with balls, does some physical exercises on horseback and has learned incredible riding skills. He is now able to post-trot- a very challenging activity. Lately Aleksander has even begun to hug, pet and feed his favorite horse- a 13 year old Arabian mare named Marayah.

Aleksander’s mother, Dora, is thrilled. She is baffled by the program and states, "It is like having occupational, physical, speech and behavior therapy in just one session", all while experiencing the beneficial emotional and social aspect of equine therapy. Anke Ebener , the therapist fells as though, "The program not only benefits the children a great deal,but I also feel as though I benefit from the children. The smiles they bring to my sessions are worth a million words."

Dolphin Assisted Therapy

Swimming with dolphins has an immediate effect on just about everyone who experiences it - it generates feelings of euphoria and joy. If you've ever watched a video of people swimming with dolphins, you'll notice the expressions of delight on each face as the dolphin tows them through the water. It is a magical experience.

Dolphins generally have a very positive attitude toward humans, they are very social animals, and they love to play. They like human contact, so they are easy to train, and they are extremely intelligent. Their exotic appearance, their gentleness, friendliness and playfulness, and the fact that the therapy is conducted in water all combine to create an ideal therapeutic experience.

Sometimes, the experience is used as a motivation to work because swimming with them is so much fun. Each time a child masters a task, he or she is allowed to pet, hug, kiss, stroke, or swim with the dolphin. This therapy increases a child's attention span and ability to focus, and motivates him or her to accomplish goals such as improving speech and breathing, fine motor skills and large motor skills, and cognitive thinking.

The gentleness of the dolphins combined with the aquatic environment ease pain, decrease stress, and inspire a feeling of well-being. Dolphins also encourage children to swim, which increases flexibility, strength, and muscle tone.

Dolphin Assisted Therapy has had good results with children who have Cerebral Palsy, teenagers and adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, spinal cord injury, speech problems, phobias, anxiety, depression, autism, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and a variety of emotional problems.

Assistive Technology & Dolphin Therapy

by Eli

“I want pudding please.†These are words that might be taken for granted, but what makes this so special is that Madison is telling her mom what she wants to eat for the very first time. It is therapist Gretchen son (B.S., Sp.Ed.) from Island Dolphin Care, who introduced a special eye-tracking computer called the MyTobii to Madison and her family. She is an adorable four-year-old child who attended Island Dolphin Care’s five-day program with her parents and twin sister Madeline.

The program at IDC includes creative classroom sessions and motivational in-water therapy sessions with the dolphins. Activities are tailored to meet the needs and abilities of each child. During the sessions, family members are welcomed to join in the fun while learning techniques that they can take home.

Madison was born with cerebral palsy and cortical vision impairment. As a result, she has very limited use of her extremities and is just starting to walk with assistance. She is predominately non-verbal, with the exception of a few words (“moreâ€, “yesâ€, “hugâ€). Madison is an incredibly smart girl that understands much more than she can express. Just how intelligent she is became apparent to son after placing the MyTobii in front of her. A series of cameras pick up the movement of Madison’s eyes, while software determines where to place the cursor. What was so amazing about this for Madison was that it enabled her to communicate with her eyes, which is truly her best way to make choices. Madison’s mother and son began designing pages for her to use while participating in class and during

meals. A combination of illuminated symbols and black backgrounds provided an effective way for Madison to distinguish between choices. Now that she was able to see objects on the screen, the team needed to find an exciting way to capture her attention. It was determined that twin Madeline’s voice sounds most like Madison. Her speech was recorded to each button on the computer screen. son first introduced Madison to pages containing two options (i.e. ‘Eat’ or “Drinkâ€). After she used her eyes to select the desired button, the computer spoke and she was reinforced with the food, paint color or toy immediately. Madison was learning cause and effect each time she selected a button.

Using the computer allowed Madison to interact with her family in a way that she never had before. Rather than guessing, she was finally able to tell them exactly what she wanted. At the same time Madison was learning to use her new voice, her twin Madeline was beginning to realize she could now carry on a conversation with her sister. Madeline had longed for a relationship where the two of them could exchange words. The more Madison was using the computer, the more exciting the possibilities became. “How can I incorporate this with what happens during the swim session with the dolphins?†son asked. The next day, everyone in the classroom waited with smiles while Madison chose between pictures of herself in the water with her dolphin friend Squirt. Using two pictures at a time, she could select a picture

of herself kissing Squirt or holding onto the dorsal fin and swimming. Each time the computer announced the choice, everyone cheered. Madeline was of course stationed nearby with glue to help her sister create the art activity.

Facilitating communication for a non-verbal child is crucial; however, computers and water do not mix well. While in the water, the clients interact one-on-one with the therapist and dolphin. The dolphins are used as motivational tools that reward children for hard work. Whether a child is being asked to extend an arm or communication effectively, they learn that this will result in a dolphin interaction.

son had shown Madison that she can make choices in the building with the MyTobii, but a different technique was needed in the water. The solution was to use large communication boards. The notebook size boards offer bright contrasting colors and symbols that were large in size. Madison was now able to choose what she wanted by looking at one board that said ‘Yes’, or the other trhat said ‘No’. Her mother, father and sister all took turns asking Madison if she wanted Squirt to play with a big rubber duck. She simply looked to ‘yes’ if the idea sounded fun, or to ‘no’ if she was thinking about a different toy like a volleyball. Having the opportunity to interact with Squirt in different ways empowered Madison to make choices using the symbol boards. She left the water and the classroom each day

with increased confidence and the understanding that she can communicate with the people around her using assistive technology like the Yes/No boards or the MyTobii.

Island Dolphin Care works to find positive solutions for families like Madison. They not only come to swim with dolphins, but to learn techniques and strategies that will help improve the quality of their lives across all environments: school, home, work, the community, etc. The program is designed to assist children and adolescents who have chronic medical, developmental, or physical disabilities. The "family" is a main focus of the program.

Island Dolphin Care150 Lorelane PlaceKey Largo, FL 33037Phone- Fax-

therapy@...

Island Dolphin Care is a 501©3 non-profit organization located in Key Largo, Florida that provides dolphin assisted therapy to children and families with special needs from all over the world. Please visit Island Dolphin Care’s website for additional information (www.islanddolphincare.org). You may also contact the office by email (Fonzie@...) or phone at . The MyTobii Speech Generating Device enables individuals with special needs to communicate using only their eyes. The MyTobii is a Windows XP tablet style computer that can be mounted to a wheelchair or used at a desk allowing users to interact with it by just looking. It makes communication much more effective for users who previously relied on slow and cumbersome access methods such as single or multiple switch, scanning or head-mounted

pointing devices. User’s that benefit from MyTobii include people of all ages and cognitive functioning with Cerebral Palsy, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and many other conditions. MyTobii’s unique ability to deal with large head movements has opened up eye control for people who are unable to use other eye controlled systems, including children and users with CP. The MyTobii takes only minutes to set up. The user does not need to “do†or “wear†anything. You just sit in front of the unit and look at keys or symbols displayed on the screen, as in front of a regular computer. After a fast, one-time calibration, no additional adjustments are needed. Eye control is fully automatic and so easy that individuals of all cognitive levels can communicate with the system.The MyTobii can interact with a broad range of leading communication packages such as Viking Communicator 4, Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamically Pro and

Intellitools Classroom Suite. The MyTobii is Medicare/Medicaid Approved and has been authorized by many private Insurance Companies. For more information visit www.tobiiati.com.

www.AutismResourceCenterofSouthFlorida.com

www.AutismTeachingTools.net

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

Local Phone:

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A Note from

the Editor

Welcome to our community of Individuals with ASDs, families, and service providers. Our goal is to connect families and service providers to each other, and to the products and resources that they need.

Below you will find

Florida based resources and services in addition to helpful products that I have used with my own students with ASDs.

Articles submitted by members of this site are included in order to illustrate a wide perspective on various topics relating to ASDs.

We appreciate your numerous submissions and welcome topic ideas and input from our community.

Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive monthly listing of Florida Autism Resources. For questions, comments or suggestions, please email us at: AutismResourceSF@... We look forward to hearing from you.

Resources

In this issue...

scroll down to view

Transition to Adulthood (new)

Support Groups

Social Skills Groups

Activities & Events

Playdates

Announcements

Conferences

Workshops/Classes

Homeschool Groups

Meetings

Networking Groups

Please note: resources listed below are updated monthly so be sure to check them out for new announcements

Articles

In this issue...

Animal Assisted Therapy for Children with Special Needs

The Difference a Service Dog Can MakeBy Tom Niermann

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy

By Dr. Terri Jennings, Licensed Psychologist

Children’s F.E.A.T.’s Equine Interactive Psychotherapy Groups

Dolphin Assisted Therapy

Assistive Technology & Dolphin Therapy

Books

In this issue...

Animal Assisted Interventions

Healing Stories

& Animals

Children's Books

Learning to Talk About Animals

Search

for a Resource or

Service Provider

in our free Florida based

Autism Service Provider Directory

Add

a Resource or Service Provider

to our free Florida based

Autism Service Provider Directory

SERVICES

Teach

Conversation

with

Conversation Starter

Flipcards

Click here for

Florida

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

Social Skills Groups

listed by county

Teach

Social Skills

with

Social Story Books

for

Home, School & Play

SOME SKILLS

YOU CAN TEACH

WITH THESE ITEMS

Social skills

Personal safety

Reading & comprehension

Respect, negotiation & cooperation

Preparing for success

Resources

listed below...

Transition to Adulthood

Summer Training Series

Employment: Know Your Legal Rights

North Miami Beach

July 5thPresenter: Mathew W. Dietz, Esq., Attorney Learn what you need to know to get and keep a job, when you have a disability.

UMâ€NSU CARD,

Nova Southeastern University,1750 NE 167th ST1st Floor

Conference Room BNorth Miami Beach, FL Tuesdays, 7:00â€8:30 pmContact: Deborah Chin:

954â€262â€8555dchin@...

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Summer Training Series

Autism Spectrum Disorders & Growing Up:

The Role of Therapy

for Kids With ASD

as They Become Adults

North Miami Beach

July 19thPresenter: Dr. Maccarrone, Clinical PsychologistA discussion about the benefits of therapy for young adults with autism spectrum disorders.UMâ€NSU CARD,

Nova Southeastern University,1750 NE 167th ST1st Floor

Conference Room BNorth Miami Beach, FL Tuesdays, 7:00â€8:30 pmContact: Deborah Chin:

954â€262â€8555dchin@...

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Summer Training Series

Adult and Career

Technical Education:

Is it for Me?

North Miami Beach

August 2Presenter:

Robin Matusow, M.S.Ed., Mâ€DCPS Teacher/TestingThis presentation discusses some of the educational choices available after high school andhow to choose one which fits your needs.

UMâ€NSU CARD,

Nova Southeastern University,1750 NE 167th ST1st Floor

Conference Room BNorth Miami Beach, FL Tuesdays, 7:00â€8:30 pmContact: Deborah Chin:

954â€262â€8555dchin@...

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

Summer Training Series

Making Transition a Success

North Miami Beach

August 16Presenter:

Goldberg, Senior Advocateâ€Investigator Disability Rights FloridaLearn about transition services for students with disabilities, including services provided byDisability Rights Florida.

UMâ€NSU CARD,

Nova Southeastern University,1750 NE 167th ST1st Floor

Conference Room BNorth Miami Beach, FL Tuesdays, 7:00â€8:30 pmContact: Deborah Chin:

954â€262â€8555dchin@...

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Vocational Evaluationsfor Persons with ASDsEaster Seals South Florida is now also offering vocational evaluations specifically forpersons with autism spectrum disorders. It is specifically developed to assess each individual’s abilities, strengths, and interests as well as living, social, preâ€vocationalskills & sensory profiles.

A Vocational Evaluation Authorization can be received through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Any person with a disability can make an appointmentat their local Vocational Rehabilitation office. If the vocational counselor recommendsa Vocational Evaluation, Easter Seals South Florida would be pleased to provide this service.

Contact:

Kathleen Grenier

305â€547â€4724or

Sue Gist

954â€497â€2910 ex 204

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S.T.E.P.S. TRANSITION CONFERENCE

Helping Students with Disabilities & Their Families Prepare for Life After

High SchoolSaturday, October 1, 20118:00am- 1:00 PMSouth Miami

Senior High School6856 SW 53rd StreetMiami, Florida 33155Breakout sessions offered inEnglish, Spanish, and Creole.

Support Groups

Parent Support GroupBoca Raton(During Kids' Club)Thu, July 144:30pm – 5:30pmFlorida Atlantic UniversityCollege of Education

Room489Parents and caregivers are invited to join us for open discussion, networking opportunities and problem solving.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. ALL GROUPS AND TRAININGS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO LACK OF REGISTRATION.Contact:

OR E-MAIL CARD@...

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Parent Support Groupsfor Parents

of Children with Autism

Tallahassee

Children’s Medical Services, 2390 Road, 1st floor conference room.

2nd Wednesday of each month

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Bring your lunch.

Contact: Lesly Erdmann

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Autism Support Group

Tallahassee

A more-or-less formal group for individuals with autism spectrum disorders their close friends and family members.

Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month

7pm to at least 8pm.

2898 Mahan Drive,

Suite 1 (within the Mahan Plaza office park) in Tallahassee. Advance notice of first-time arrival much appreciated. Free.

Contact: Jarl K. ,

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Monthly Support Group

for Parents of

Exceptional Children

Weston

1st Weds of each month

7:00 pmMiami Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Center

Weston, FL 33331

Contact: Broward Autism Society

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Asperger Syndrome

Support Groupfor Parents, Caregivers, Educators & Individuals Working with Childrenwith Asperger’s Syndrome Contact: Hugo

(954)746-9400 x2120Please note Respite Care needs at the time of registration.----------------------------------------

South Florida GFCF/SCD Group

Plantation

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

Spring Hill

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

Ocala

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

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Southwest Florida

Autism Coalition

Bradenton

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

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Autism Monthly

Support Group

for those affected by Autism

Pasco County

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

1st Tue

5740 Moog Rd.

Pasco County

Contact: Bice

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Parental Encouragement for Autistic Children

Lakeland

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

MiamiParent Resource Center7990 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

West Volusia

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.

Zephyrhills

Speakers monthly.

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

7900 Fort King Rd., Zephyrhills, FL

Contact: Johanna O'Toole

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Biomedical Support Group

TallahasseeThis is a group of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders doing biomedical and dietary interventions.

Contact:

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For Parents of School Age Children

with Any Disability

Tallahassee

Children’s Medical Services, 2390 Road, 1st floor conference room. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Bring your lunch. Contact: Heron

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County Autism Support GroupTallahasseeThe County Autism Support Group for parents or caregivers of children on the autism spectrum

2nd Tuesday of month

the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church located on the corner of Jefferson and Clinton Streets in nna. Use the Clinton Street entrance across from Hancock Bank. 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. (CST). Contact:

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Bay County

Adult Asperger's GroupPanama CityInformal gathering for adults with Asperger's Syndrome/High Functioning Autism. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month.

FSU Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

2611 W. 23rd St., Suite A, Panama City

(In Liberty Square) Contact: McAulifferavenbear47@...----------------------------------------

ASP Grandparents Support Group (GASP)

Pensacola 3rd Fri. of each month ARC Gateway Administrative Building 3932 N. 10th Ave. Pensacola

9:30 a.m.

Contact:

Social SKills Groups

Kids' Club

Boca RatonThu, July 144:30pm – 5:30pmFlorida Atlantic UniversityCollege of Education

Room 447Children with an autism spectrum disorder

ages 7-11 will have the opportunity to make friends, play games and talk about issues in a safe and friendly environment.REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. ALL GROUPS AND TRAININGS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO LACK OF REGISTRATION.PLEASE CALL

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Teen Group

Community Outing

Boca RatonThu, July 14,

6:30pm – 7:30pmLocation TBATeenagers with an autism spectrum disorder ages 12-17 will have the opportunity to meet others, make friends and problem solve issues

that teenagers may experience. Some meetings are held

in the community.Contact: REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. ALL GROUPS AND TRAININGS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO LACK OF REGISTRATION.PLEASE CALL

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Asperger’s Syndrome

Middle School Group

Tallahassee

This is a group of teens (5th through 8th grade) with Asperger’s Syndrome and their parents who plan, organize and participate in monthly social activities together.

Contact: Leatzow

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Asperger’s Syndrome

Young Adult Group

Tallahassee

This is a group of

high school & college-aged individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and their parents who plan, organize, and participate in monthly social activities together.

Contact: Leatzow

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T*A*S*C* Social Activity

Tallahassee

A more-or-less regular social or recreational event or activity for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, , their families and friends. Events, times and locations vary and may include museum visits, going to movies,lunches at area restaurants, hikes in area parks and more.

Contact: Jarl K. ,

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The Gathering

TallahasseeAn informal social

get-together for individuals on the autism spectrum, their friends and family members.The weekly get-togethers are held every Saturday in the 'Seattle's Best' coffee shop of the Border's Bookstore on Apalachee Parkway from around noon to about 2 PM. Advance notice of first-time arrival much appreciated. Free.

Contact: Jarl K. ,

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Adults with ASDs

Support GroupPort St. LucieAdults with an autism spectrum disorder ages 18 and older are welcome. The group meets to discuss issues, problem solve and form friendships.Tue, July 19

7:00pm – 8:30pmLocation to be announced upon registration.Contact: Cathy Allore

Activities

& Events

Eden Autism ServicesNaples Invitational

Art FestJanuary 29 & 30, 2012Contact:

Play-dates

'Playdates' Support Group

Tampa

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

Lee County

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

42nd Autism SocietyNational

Conference & Exposition

OrlandoJuly 6-9, 2011Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention CenterOrlando, FloridaContact:

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American Medical Autism Board (AMAB) & C. DeMio, MDpresent theThird Annual Conference on Autism Spectrum DisordersIndependence, OhioFocusing on biomedical and other treatments that offer hope to individuals and familiesFriday July 22nd & Saturday July 23rd, 2011General Sessions (anyone can attend)Sunday July 24th, 2011Special Sessions for Physicians and otherHealthcare Professionals(qualifies for AMAB credits)Holiday Inn6001 Rockside RoadIndependence, OhioContact:

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Florida Association for Behavior Analysis 31st Convention (FABA)Daytona BeachSeptember 21- 24, 2011Hilton Ocean Walk ResortDaytona Beach, FLContact:

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SPARC 2011 Conference

LargoSaturday, Sept. 24, 20118AM - 5PMLargo, FloridaContact:

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US Autism & Asperger Association 2011

World Conference & Expo6th Annual ConferenceSeattle, WashingtonOctober 27-30,Contact: Pat

Workshops/Classes

ASD: Characteristics, Education and TreatmentBoca RatonFri, July 1

11:30am – 1:00pmFlorida Atlantic UniversityCollege of Education Room 411A thorough review of characteristics of Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, PDD-NOS, Retty Syndrome & Childhood Disintegrative Disorder will be presented. Education and treatment approaches will also

be provided.REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. ALL GROUPS AND TRAININGS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO LACK OF REGISTRATION.Contact: -------------------------------------

Behavior BasicsBoca RatonParents and professionals will learn basic behavior management strategies that can be used in the home and the community to promote positive behaviorsFri, July 1511:30am – 1:00pmFlorida Atlantic UniversityCollege of Education

Room 411REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. ALL GROUPS AND TRAININGS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO LACK OF REGISTRATION.Contact: --------------------------------------Helping Our Toddlers

Developing Our

Children's Skills

Hillsborough County

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

Home-School Groups

Homeschool Group

Winter Haven

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

Meetings

Autism Society of the Panhandle's Evening Meetings

Pensacola

3rd Tue of each month

6:30 p.m.

Pollak Training Center of the ARC Gateway on 10th Avenue in Pensacola. Sitters available with reservation 3 days prior to event. 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

Sunrise

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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Emerald Coast Autism SocietyOkaloosa CountyWe are an established chapter under the ASA serving mostly Okaloosa and Walton counties, however we do have some members from the Navarre area.Contact: Whatley

Networking Groups

RDI Networking MeetingsTallahasseeThis group meets monthly to study the principles and discuss the implementation of the Relationship Development Intervention program.One Monday a month7:00 p.m.Progressive Pediatric Therapy Services, Progressive Pediatric, 1915 Welby Way, Suite 5, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Contact: Sophie

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