Research Study for Kids with Autism and ADHD

Has your child been diagnosed with both autism and ADHD? If so, you may be interested in this research study going on at the OU Child Study Center.

The study is enrolling children from 6 to 11 years of age who have symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study involves the use of a medication called Daytrana (methylphenidate transdermal system) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Daytrana is a patch that is worn on the skin, similar to a band-aid and has the ability to control ADHD signs and symptoms such as inability to:

• Pay attention
• Sit still
• Complete tasks
• Wait his/her turn
• Think before acting
• Follow through on instructions

Children who qualify to participate in this study will receive assessments by a medical doctor, medication and a small amount of money to cover some expenses for approximately 8 weeks at no charge.

To learn more about the study, contact Lora Tusing at 405-271-5700 ext. 45167

Services Under IDEA for Your Preschool-age Child

Every month the National Center for Learning Disabilities hosts an online talk that gives parents across the country the chance to connect with experts they might never have access to.

This month, the topic is preschool kids and what services parents can access under the Individuals with Disabiliteis Education Act, even before kids are right to start school!

Often times children are not identified at birth as having a disability, but rather exhibit more subtle issues between the ages of three to five, such as:

• Speech and language delays or disorders;
• Putting shoes or mittens on the wrong feet or hands;
• Seeming uninterested in playing early learning games or listening to stories; or,
• Seeming mildly uncoordinated.

If you think you need to wait until your child's enrolled in school to address your concerns--think again. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was created for children from birth to age 21. Join Luzanne Pierce for this important and informative LD Talk, "Services Under IDEA for Your Preschool-age Child," as she offers her expertise and her knowledge of IDEA to answer questions, allay fears and empower parents with the facts about the preschool services available under IDEA.

When: Tuesday, September 24, 2007

Time:

• 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. ET
• 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 CT
• 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. MT
• 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. PT

Click here to read NCLD’s Parent Advocacy Brief, Preschool Services under IDEA by Luzanne Pierce.

How to Participate:
Submit advance questions for the discussion now or join in at discussion time from the LD Talk website at: http://www.ldtalk.org/.

No special equipment other than Internet access is needed to participate in this text-based discussion. A transcript will be posted shortly after the discussion.

Successful life after high school...learn transition planning essentials!

Sooner SUCCESS is hosting a FREE workshop on Transition Planning Essentials for School and After School Success and we'd love to have you join us!

Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Time: 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Location: Kingfisher Middle School Gymnasium
601 S. 13th St., Kingfisher OK

Who should attend: Parents of children 10 & older that have special needs, high school age students with special needs, special education teachers, school counselors, community based service providers for individuals with disabilities.

What will we cover: Transition education consists of 3 big ideas and 7 basic concepts. We will examine each and provide examples of what effective transition education looks like. You will leave the workshop understanding what your role should be in the transition process and how you can increase the likelihood of a successful transtion from school to adult life for yourself or someone you care about.

Our presentors: The workshop is being presented by Dr. Jim Martin, Chen-Ya Juan, Wendy Pharr, and Cynthia Smith all from the Zarrow Center at the University of Oklahoma. The Zarrow Center specializes in transition, self-determination, and post-secondary education for individuals with disabities.

To learn more or register to attend: Contact Garfield County Coordinator Lisa Simmons at lrsimmons@gmail.com

Are you looking for low-cost assistive technology items?

Oklahoma ABLE Tech's Equipment Exchange Program currently has 112 assistive technology devices available for FREE or for sale.

Individuals list items that they are willing to give awy or resale prices far below the cost of purchasing the item new. Many of the items are in excellent condition, some rarely used.

Check out the Equipment Exchange at http://oec.okstate.edu/

Examples of items currently available include: Snugseat Giraffe Stander for a child, EZ Stand Magician, Walker, power wheelchairs, scooters, adapted cars and vans, lifts for vehicles, vertical home lift, wheelchair scooter lifts, bathtub lift, hospital beds, mattress systems, recliner lift chairs, Snug Seat PonyGait Trainer, Snug Seat Traveler Plus car seat, CPAP machine, and aids for daily living.

To see if what you need is available, visit the ABLE Tech website at: http://oec.okstate.edu/

Lisa
Garfield County Coordinator
Sooner SUCCESS

Join us for the September meeting of the Sooner SUCCESS Coalition of Garfield County

The Garfield County Sooner SUCCESS Coalition will meet next Thursday, September 13, 2007 at the Integris Bass Health Center in Enid, OK. All Garfield County residents who are concerned about children and youth with special needs are invited to attend. Please read the specificsbelow carefully.

TIME: Noon to 1 p.m.

LOCATION: Northeast Conference Room
Integris Bass Health Center
600 S. Monroe
Enid, OK 73703

This month our agenda includes discussion on:

• Fall disability awareness sessions including Kids on the Block puppet programs for 4th and 5th graders and a multi-media Ability Awareness discussion with 6th grade classes across the county.
• Fall training workshops planned for October and November. The October session will be in Kingfisher and focus on Successful Transition Planning and the November workshop will be here in Enid and assist parents in putting together their own Care Notebook for their child with special needs.
• Strategic planning as we discuss results from a survey of Garfield County parents and professionals on what they see as unmet needs in our county.

We have a lunchtime meeting format. Please feel free to bring a brown bag lunch or purchase lunch in the hospital cafeteria to enjoy during our meeting.

If you have questions, concerns, or just need directions contact Lisa at 603-1580.

I look forward to seeing you next week!

Lisa Simmons, Garfield County Coordinator