College prep for students with ASD

Summer Advance 2011: Be Ready for College is available for 10-12 students between the ages of 17 - 23 who plan to attend or are attending college. Students must be at least a high school junior and taking a college preparatory course load in anticipation of being accepted as a student at UCO or other Oklahoma college. The program will be offered at the University of Central Oklahoma beginning on Sunday, June 26 at 3 PM through Tuesday, June 28 at noon.

Lots of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders plan to attend college. But sometimes, the college experience can be very difficult. Many times students are expected to be aware of information that is not reviewed by instructors or advisers. Summer Advance 2011 is designed to prepare students for the college experience and address the challenges that students often experience.

Summer Advance provides the information that all college students are expected to know when they arrive on campus in the fall. Some of the experiences that students will enjoy include: a social experience to get to know other classmates and mentors, staying in a residence hall, experiencing a college class, scavenger hunt to learn the campus, "College Concepts"--such as what is a 3-hour class, a syllabus, what to do when you get sick, etc. In addition, we will visit the Wellness Center, eat at the Nigh Center, visit the Library, and learn how to find the resources you need while attending college. Students will be assigned peer mentors (upperclassman and graduate students) and there will be supervision for the overnight experience. .

Parents will also participate! There will be financial sessions and social experiences to get to know other parents. These sessions are scheduled for Sunday, June 26 from 3-7 PM and on Monday, June 27 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

To participate in this program, you have to apply! Applications are due to us by May 15th! The cost of this program is $100 per student. To access a student application click here:
http://okautism.org/ofca/college/

Autism Awareness Book Giveaway

Each April Brookes Publishing gives away a ton of great books as part of their celebation of Autism Awareness month. This year they are featuring 6 mini-libraries of great books and if you win --- you get to pick which selection best meets your needs! 3 mini-libraries will be awarded to lucky winners each week in April. To get your name in the drawing & check out the different books available, visit:
http://www.brookespublishing.com/autism/giveaway/index.htm

Oklahoma families with autism on OETA

Check out the OETA program Stateline as it presents, "The Faces of Autism in Oklahoma". The program has already aired but is available on the OETA on demand page at:
http://www.oeta.tv/video.html

Brain scan could diagnose autism in 15 minutes

Courtesy of Autism Today ....

"As scientists develop a brain scan which could diagnose autism in 15 minutes, Chris Goodchild, who has Asperger's syndrome, tells Channel 4 News the importance of being quickly diagnosed.

The research, by scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London and funded by the Medical Research Council, could lead to a simple, biological test for autism, and a clear diagnostic process, for the first time ever"

Click here to read the entire article

Are you potty training? Here's help!

How to toilet train... a child with disabilities?

Here's one article: http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/parentingadvice/a/sp_needs_potty.htm

And here's another: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/potty-training-children-with-disabilities.html

Want something more specific?
• tips for a child with autism
• tips for a child with cerebral palsy
• tips for a child with developmental disabilities
• tips for a child with developmental disabilities
• tips for a child with OCD

Study Shows Oxytocin May Improve Social Skills for Some People With Autism

A new study shows people with high-functioning autism disorders, such as Asperger's syndrome, who were treated with oxytocin responded more strongly to others and displayed more appropriate social behaviors. Read more about the study and it's results at WebMD

Discussion list for Military Families in OK

This is a new discussion group for military families in Oklahoma who have children on the autism spectrum to share resources, doctors, and therapies that are covered by Tricare, ECHO, etc. Check it out at:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/militaryASDinOK/

Sensory Friendly Film

Have you heard about AMC Theaters Sensory Friendly Film Program? This is a wonderful opportunity for families who have a member who is not able to go to movies because of noise, crowds, or any other reason.

AMC Theaters offer a current movie every month where it is okay to bring in special snacks, sing, shout or move around during the movie, with some lights on, and the volume on the movie turned down.

Theaters participating in Oklahoma include:
AMC Crossroads 16
1211 E I-240 Service Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73149

AMC Quaill Springs 24
2501 W Memorial Rd -Ste E, Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Find out more at Autism-society.org.

Back to School Resources for Parents

Recognizing reading (and other) problems early: Programs for parents.
Empowering Parents, a PBS special hosted by Al Roker, visits schools to help families identify early signs of reading problems and find ideas for getting their kids the help and support they need to succeed at reading.
http://www.readingrockets.org/shows/launching/empowering

Concerned about your child's food allergies at school?
Managing food allergies at schools can be challenging. Education, communication, and cooperation are the keys to preventing allergic reactions.
http://www.foodallergy.org/school.html

Have you met Alex?
First, meet Alex's mom. She wanted the IEP team at the new school to see her son as a person, not a label, so she made a wonderful 3-minute video to introduce him at the beginning of the IEP meeting. It worked even better than she expected. Check it out.
http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.video.moody.htm

Parents get involved.
Project Appleseed is the #1 ranked resource in Google and Yahoo! for "parental involvement in public schools" (or so they claim). But a look at this organization's bristling-with-purpose website is bound to make parents feel...well, like getting involved. Find out how at the link below. Pssst: National Parental Involvement Day is coming up soon (November 19th) but we thought we'd tell you early, so you can plan ahead.
http://www.projectappleseed.org

Communicating with your child's school.
This resource from CADRE offers specific communication skills that may be helpful to parents as they develop and maintain partnerships with their child's school.
http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/success.cfm

Building a good relationship with your child's teacher.
From the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
http://www.ncld.org/at-school/general-topics/parentschool-partnership/building-a-good-relationship-with-your-childs-teacher

Effective IEP meetings: Tested tips.
Here's another from CADRE, offering suggestions for convening successful IEP meetings. It includes preparation tips for parents and educators.
http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/testedtips.cfm

Interested in autism?
CDC (the Centers for Disease Control) has a new autism website. Very snazzy.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html

A parent's guide to developmental delays: A podcast.
LD Podcasts are a weekly event at LDonline about all aspects of learning disabilities and kids who struggle in school, and this one focuses on DD. Listen at:
http://ldpodcast.com/2006/11/20/show-31-a-parents-guide-to-developmental-delays/

Is challenging behavior a problem at home?
Then you may be interested in what the Center for Evidence-Based Practice: Young Children with Challenging Behavior (CEBP) has to say. This document gives parents eight practical tips they can use when their young children exhibit challenging behavior. Each tip includes a brief explanation and an example to show parents how they might use the specific approach with their own family in everyday life.
http://www.tats.ucf.edu/wg_inclusion/PositiveSolutionsforFamilies_CEBP.pdf

Planning your transition from high school: A tool kit.
A very good tool kit from PACER for youth with disabilities and their parents.
http://www.pacer.org/tatra/2009Award.pdf

Resource list excerpted from the NICHCY newsletter, News You Can Use - Sept 09

Sensory Friendly Movies in OKC

AMC theaters and th Autism Society of America have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the theaters will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own glueten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie.

Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. Tickets are $4-6, depending on the location.

Upcoming shows:
Harry Potter anhd the Half-Blood Prince
Saturday, July 25 @ 10:00 am

G-Force: August 1 @ 10:00 am

The two AMC theaters in Oklahoma are:
Quail Springs 24 and Crossroads 16

Check out the website: www.autism-society.org (Sensory Friendly Films) for more info.

Autism Info at your fingertips!

The Maternal & Child Health Library at Georgetown University has released a new Knowledge Path about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This resource offers the latest information about ASD screening and diagnosis, treatment and intervention, as well as resources that address early identification, early intervention, education concerns, and more.

Click here to check it out!

Creating an Ally Map

Back to school time will soon be here. It can be a really scarey time for students who are moving to a new school or even a new building within their school district.

Transitions to new environments can be especially challenging for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Conventional wisdom suggests that “previewing” the new environment and meeting key people is a valuable orientation or transition tool.

Another tool that has proven extremely useful is what I call an “Ally Map.” It is easy to create and is useful for students transitioning to new schools as well as recreational programs, camps and other new situations. It can be applied to job sites as well.

To utilize an Ally Map, simply obtain or create a map of the site on a sheet of paper, at least 8x10”.

For example:
Pre-select adults in key locations throughout the site: As they are introduced, place their names and roles on the map. An alternative is to have the young person taking the tour do the recording himself (don’t forget a clipboard). Be specific about defining each location on the map. It may also be helpful to take a facial photo of each person met.

Subsequently create at least two copies of the map – one compact enough to carry in a backpack or binder (laminated) and one(s) to go on the refrigerator at home, the locker at school or the bulletin board in the dorm room (these can be larger, but also laminated). Print the names and include photos if possible.

“Pilot” the map on a second trip – can the individual find each person? (it can be set up as a kind of treasure hunt for younger students; each person they find might even have a small gift or treat for them). Repeat as many times as appropriate for the young person to feel comfortable and confident that should he become confused, disoriented or upset along the way, he will be able to locate an ally, a helping and receptive adult whom he has already met, in any location on campus or in a particular building.

Reinforce this as a lifelong strategy by having the individual create Ally Maps for new places and situations.

This great tip came from Ellen Korin. Ellen is a special educator with over 35 years of experience. Retired in 2005 from the Lexington, MA, public schools, she maintains an active consulting and coaching practice and speaks frequently at conferences. She is the author of an interactive workbook for adolescents, Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual: What You, Your Parents and Teachers Need to Know

Update on Immunization Forum

Don't miss this opportunity to hear experts talk about immunization from a variety of perspectives. Will be covering:

=> What immunizations are required by the state of Oklahoma and our local school districts.
=> What options are available to parents who are concerned about immunization.
=> What are the risks and benefits of each option.
=> What does current research says about the connection between autism and immunization.

Answers to YOUR Questions
Plus...if you have a burning question about your child & immunizations...THIS IS YOUR CHANCE. Send it in now to immune_questions@yahoo.com and we will include it in the forum!

Dates & Times
Hear everything our panel of experts has to say by tuning in to Channel 11 for one of these Saturday, May 2nd at 4:00 pm
Monday, May 5th at 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 9th at 12:30 pm
Monday, May 11th at 6:00 pm
Friday, May 15th at 2:30 pmviewing opportunities:


Panel Members will be:
1. Dr. Malhotra – Developmental pediatrician - specializes in children with Autism & ADHD

2. Susan Mendus - Immunization Educator from the Oklahoma State health dept.

3. Rene Daman from the Oklahoma Autism Network

4. Dr. Laura McGuinn - Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician from OUHSC Autism Clinic

6. Catherine Rott - Parent & founder of the Oklahoma Vaccine Information Network

Ask an Autism Expert

Brookes Publishing features a wide range of books related to special needs topics and they recently started an Autism Resource Center. One of the nicest features of the center is the ability for anyone to ask questions and have them answered by autism experts with extensive clinical, research, and practical expertise working with individuals with autism, their families, and service providers.

Here's just a sampling of their expert panel

-- Christina Whalen, editor of our groundbreaking new book on generalization

-- Paul Wehman, author of Autism and the Transition to Adulthood

-- Pat Mirenda, editor of Autism Spectrum Disorders and AAC (augmentative communication)

-- Travis Thompson, author of Freedom from Meltdowns

Click here to check out ALL of the available experts & submit your question.

Expert panel to talk about Immunization - risks & benefits

As a parent, do you worry about taking your child for routine immunization shots?

Many parents do. They are concerned about infectious diseases and how to protect their children and yet they are bombarded by media reports citing links between vaccines and chronic conditions such as autism.

It's enought to leave any parent confused about how best to protect their child.
So let's get right to the point!

Listen in as we host a panel of experts and learn the real risk & benefits of immunization. We'll talk about things like....

=> What immunizations are required by the state of Oklahoma and our local school districts.
=> What options are available to parents who are concerned about immunization.
=> What are the risks and benefits of each option.
=> What does current research says about the connection between autism and immunization.

Send us your questions
Do you have a question on immunization you’d like the panel to answer? Just send your question to immune_questions@yahoo.com by April 22, 2009

Tune In & Hear the Answers
Be sure to tune and watch our experts as they respond to your questions. The panel presentation will be broadcast by Pegasys on public access television during the first week of May and DVDs of the program will also be available for purchase from Pegasys following the broadcast. For more details, check your TV listings or stayed tuned to this blog!

Panel members will include:
1. Dr. Malhotra – local developmental pediatrician - specializes in children with Autism & ADHD

2. Emily Burton – local immunization field specialist

3. Susan Mendes - Immunization educator from State health dept.

4. Rene Daman from the Oklahoma Autism Network

5. Dr. Laura McGuinn - Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician from OUHSC Autism Team

6. Catherine Rott - local parent & founder of the Oklahoma Vaccine Information Network

The Oklahoma Autism Network is sponsoring several training events in February specifically for parents, including this one for families who are struggling to support children on the autism spectrum who engage in challenging behaviors.

Training: Challenging Behavior: What Should I Do?

Part I: A positive behavior support (PBS) framework for determining why children engage in challenging behavior.

Part II: Use the PBS framework to prevent and replace challenging behavior.

Location: OKC (9:00am – 3:00pm)
Date: Part 1: February 26, 2009 & Part 2: March 26, 2009

*Part I required prior to Part II.
*Technical assistance available.

Register at least 7 days prior to the course. Please include your name, address, email address & phone number. You may register by:
E-mail: okautism@ouhsc.edu
Fax: 405.271.1707
Mail: Oklahoma Autism Network 1600 N. Phillips, OKC, OK 73104
Training location will be confirmed once registration is received.

Helping your child on the autism spectrum in school

The Oklahoma Autism Network is sponsoring several training events in February specifically for parents, including this one for families who have school age children on the autism spectrum.

Training: Dreams: How A Family Shaped Their Future

A parent/professional’s real life story of inclusion. Dee Blose will share ideas on critical learning areas for children with autism and aspergers, how she approached the service system to support her son’s needs and what she sees as the keys to her son’s future success.

Location: El Reno (9:30am – 2:30pm)
Date: February 19, 2009

Register at least 7 days prior to the course. Please include your name, address, email address & phone number. You may register by:
E-mail: okautism@ouhsc.edu
Fax: 405.271.1707
Mail: Oklahoma Autism Network 1600 N. Phillips, OKC, OK 73104
Training location will be confirmed once registration is received.

Child newly diagnosed with autism? This one's for you

The Oklahoma Autism Network is sponsoring several training events in February specifically for parents, including this one for families who have just received their child's diagnosis......

Training: My Child Has Been Diagnosed: What Should I Do?

A training designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been
diagnosed with autism. An introduction to autism including core characteristics,
services and resources in the state, a framework for making decisions regarding
interventions, and an overview of common characteristics of effective
interventions.

Location: Tulsa (10:30 am – 2:30 pm):
Date: February 11, 2009

Register at least 7 days prior to the course. Please include your name, address, email address & phone number. You may register by:
E-mail: okautism@ouhsc.edu
Fax: 405.271.1707
Mail: Oklahoma Autism Network 1600 N. Phillips, OKC, OK 73104
Training location will be confirmed once registration is received.

Including your child in the local soccer game

What does it take to include a child with autism in a game of soccer?

This article from About.com's guide to Autism offers a few hints and tips along with some great visual tools to help your child learn the basics of soccer.

Follow the advocacy efforts for Nick's Law this legislative session

If you would like to keep up to date on the progress of Nick's Law through the Oklahoma legislature this session, here is an easy way to do it.

Check out the Nick's Law Blog and and follow along with all the events regarding Nick's Law. there.

Just below the picture of Nick on the right hand side, there is also a sign up for
receiving media posts with newspapers or TV events about Nick's Law.

To get involved with Nick's Law advocacy efforts, contact:
Wayne Rohde
405 973 7049
wrohde@cox.net