Michael KanterIL-CAN also has the puzzle ribbons - with a tiny white plastic boy or girl on the ribbon. (this is the kind I have). These ribbons are $3.00 each to cover material and postage (they are sent in a padded envelope to protect your plastic child). Please specify boy or girl ribbons and send order to:
847/541-9969
email [email protected]
(I believe most if not all ASI chapters should have these ribbons available.)
P.O. Box 6270
Lindenhurst IL 60046
[email protected]
JFSTo subscribe to this snailmail version of AutismNews donate $15 for 12 issues, checks made out to "JFS". Extra donations to help send complimentary copies to other first-time readers appreciated.
P.O. Box 5551
Elgin, IL 60121-5551[email protected]
(join the local AutismNews on-line list! )
This is not written for profit
- then it would seem like WORK!!!!
| All contents herein copyright 2001 by the Newsletter Mom. Freedom to recopy and share information fully granted as long as you credit the Autism Newsletter. Typos symptomatic of the rampant spring fever coursing through my veins. |
The most comprehensive list of autism support group meetings in Northern Illinois! Find one near you.
List of upcoming conferences on behavior, diet, language, vaccines, toileting, scientific research and more.
Conference to be held in conjunction with Washington, DC rally.
Read about Spring Fling, Steppers' Night Out, Pizza Party, Enchanted Castle Party, Cycle USA, Montel Williams' Show, CAN's Advances, Run for Rett, Race for Research, Open Your Eyes-3,500 pictures, FastForWord, Dept of Ed Commentary, Mothering Magazine, Talk & Play. Have Fun
A new project to relate to politicians the state of our families. Please help and tell your story.
set up a buddy program for your children
Attorney General investigating disparities in public parks' activities for children with disabilities.
April 2, Park Ridge 7:00pm
Parent-2-Parent for Special Students, meets at Maine Township Administration
Building, 1700 Ballard Road. This month is the first of a 4-part series
on "How To Get Your Student A REAL Education: The Rules of the Game", presented
by P2PSS member Sandra Gruba-McCalister, who will give parents the basics
that every advocate should know when attempting to gain services for their
student. Eva: 847 699-1223, email: [email protected]
April 3, Skokie 7:00pm
North Suburban ASI Chapter meets at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 W. Oakton
in the Lower Level Community Room. This month, from STARnet Region II comes
Pat Kluzik Stauch and Lisa Fisher, who will discuss Understanding and Developing
IEP's, including highlight relevant parts of IDEA'97 and Illinois State
Rules and Regulations. Michael: 847/541-9969 or email [email protected]
April 4, Romeoville 6:30pm
Parent support group meets at R.C. Hill Elementary School, 616 Dalhart
Ave. This month bring the kids for a Sibling Support Group! (parents will
have a meeting in another room. Daycare on site for special siblings and
younger kids). Miki : 815/886-0080.
April 7, Chicago, 10:00am
Chicago South Side ASI chapter meets at the Hayes Park District Building,
2936 West 85th St. on Saturdays from 10 - 1. This month Antoinette Taylor,
A.A.R.T., will present "Who Takes Care of You?" for the parents and care
givers. For more info: 708/614-4368 and 815/469-5870.
April 9, Chicago 6:00pm
Parent support group of Illinois Masonic meets at The Pediatric Development
Center, 3040 N. Wilton, 2nd fl. Kidkare is available IF you RSVP ASAP.
Wendy: 773/296-5677
April 9, Peoria 6:30-8:00pm
Parent support group will have an open parent forum this month at Faith
Missionary Church, 1825 S. Airport Rd. in Bartonville (close to Peoria)
. Child care provided by the supervised local high school key club. Contact:
Lauri Hislope 309-697-3300 or [email protected]
April 10, Chicago 6:00pm
The ASI Metropolitan Chicago Chapter meets at the Easter Seal Therapeutic
Day School, ITT campus, 3424 S. State St. We will be making autism puzzle
ribbons while enjoying our usual networking. Grace: 773-233-4716.
April 10, Villa Park 7:00pm
Parent support group meets at DuPage Easter Seals where pediatric neuropsychologist
Dr. Roger Stefani will present What Makes My Child Act This Way: Behavior,
Disability or Both?Ó (this is the first of a two-part presentation,
the second half will be a workshop May 15.) Limited on-site free kid-kare
if you rsvp asap - please call Sharon Pike at 630/620-4433.
April 12 & 26, Freeport 6:00pm
Networking For Families will meet April 12 at St. Mary Catholic Church
(school building) 825 S. State Ave., where adults will discuss IEPÕs
and 504Õs. Siblings age 8 and up have their separate support group
(speaker TBA). Child care is provided for younger kids and kids with special
needs. April 26 - each group will enjoy open networking. Nancy: 815/235-7553.
April 14 , Rockford 9:30 - 11:30am
(note new time!!!) The Northwest Illinois Autism Support Group meets
at ChildrenÕs Development Center, 650 N. Main.. Everyone bring your
favorite and most useful resources to share this month. Patty: 815/965-6745.
April 17, Bolingbrook 7:00pm
Far West Suburban ASI meets at the Bolingbrook Medical Center to hear
from Marsha Moran, RN, B.A. from the Pfeiffer Clinic give a presentation
on autism and the clinic's treatment program (primarily vitamin/nutritional
intervention). 630/969-1094.
April 17, Flossmoor, 7:00pm
Chicago South Suburban ASI Chapter meets at Flossmoor Community Church,
2218 Hutchinson. As guest speaker for National Autism Awareness Month we
will have a Special Educator who is also the sibling of a person with autism.
She will speak from her perspective about living with autism and how her
family coped. Marie: 708/206-0379.
April 17, Elmhurst 6:45pm
Parent group meets at Center for Speech and Language Disorders, 195
W. Spangler, suite B. to hear Anne Maxwell, Ph.D. discuss "Behavior Modification
for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders." Margie: 630/530-8551, ext.
108
April 17, Gurnee 7:00pm
Come to the Warren Township Center (Southwest Corner of Washington
and Almond Rds.) to hear from Marrea Winnega. Eric: 847-543-4502.
April 22, Oak Park 3-5 pm
Asperger/High-Functioning Autism Support Group meets at Pilgrim Congregational
Church, Lake St. & Scoville Ave. Debbie: 708/383-1209
April 23, Geneva 7:30pm
Come hear from Mary Fleming, Dietitian at both Delnor Hospital and
the Pfeiffer Institute discuss dietary issues and our unique kidlets. The
Special Needs Support Group should be back at the Chronicle Building, 1000
Randall Road this month - check with Shelley Swanson first at 630/208-8880
before you drive over.
April 24, Schaumburg 7:30pm
Northwest Suburban ASI Chapter meets at the Township of Schaumburg
Meeting Hall, 25 Illinois Blvd., in Hoffman Estates. A teacher from District
54 will be on hand to discuss the PECS communication system. Randee : 847/884-9194.
April 26, Oak Lawn 7:00pm
Parent support group meets at Hope Children Hospital, sw corner 93rd
& Kostner. Amalia: 708/346-1356
River Forest
The Illinois Interdisciplinary Council will not meet this month. Jane:
708-771-1918.
Woodstock
This new support group may resume meetings in April - I don';t know
as Amy was in Florida all week when I tried to reach her. Call her yourself
(she should be back by the time you read this) at 815/337-1043.
Algonquin
Parent support group usually meets at Northwest Pediatric Therapy,
1320 Chase St. BUT Bram and Kim are busy getting ready for the upcoming
CARE Conference on April 20 instead. They will see you there, right? 847/352-7678.
Check out the BHARE Foundation web page at www.bhare.org. Lots of useful
info there.
Hoffman Estates
NEW GROUP! Parents of daughters with Rett Syndrome invited to attend
this support group, which will meet periodically (not this month) at 1325
Chatsworth Lane. For more info contact Paul at 847/310-8876, email: [email protected]
Wheaton 7:30pm
Advocacy 200 MAY meet at the Wheaton Community Center.... I could not
connect with Brian at 630/690-6385 to confirm either date or topic. You
try.
NOTE - StarNet workshops give priority to parents living within their region. If there is a workshop you wish to attend but it is not in your region - let your local StarNet folks know (parents living in Region II could call the Region II office and yelp "Hey, StarNet IV gets to hear Anne Maxwell - we want her too!").
Diagnosis Autism: What Next? Autism Awareness Month Workshop
for Parents and Professionals
ASI reports that this April 6 conference will have to be postponed!
As soon as we all know the new date y'all will also be told!
April 5, Orland Park
April 6 - 7, Indianapolis, IN
The Road Less Traveled: Supporting Individuals with High-Functioning
Autism and Asperger's
is this year'stheme for the annual MAAP Conference. Speakers will include
both experts in this field (Carol Gray, the Social Stories lady!, Cathy
Pratt, and many others) and several folks with ASD (Temple Grandin, Jean-Paul
Bovee and more). Call MAAP Services, Inc. at 219/662-1311 and ask for a
conference brochure or go to www.maapservices.org
****April 17, Techny
Family, School, & Community Partnerships to Promote Healthy
After-School Choices for Middle & High School-Aged Students
Louis Kraus, M.D., Evanston Northwestern Healthcare and Froma Walsh,
Ph.D., University of Chicago will discuss the above from 9:30am - 12:30pm
at Techny Towers, 2001 Waukegan Rd. Sponsored by the NSSED. Contact Ginger
Reese at (847) 831-5100 or [email protected] for more info.
April 18, Lincolnwood
"Biochemical Balancing for Behavior, Autism and Mental Health"
William J. Walsh, PhD. will discuss this topic. For more information call
847/60HEALTH (847/604-3258). Did you see Chicago Tomorrow on WTTW
last March 23?
April 18 & 19, Itasca
The Arc of Illinois 51st Annual Convention.
There are over 20 speakers listed, and the three that jumped out at
me include:
Charlotte Cronin Executive Director, Family Support Network on "Four
Programs Designed to Support Adults & Children With Disabilities in
Their Homes"; DHS's Jeri Johnson "Wading Through the Waivers" Janet Gully,
Bureau Chief of Early Intervention, DHS and Kim Fitzgerald, Project Director,
Voices for Illinois Children on "The Importance of Early Intervention in
Children from Birth - 3 Years. Two Perspectives about Early Intervention
in Illinois. Activities and respite care will be provided for children
of all ages and abilities. Contact the Arc of Illinois at 708/206-1930
for a full conference brochure about this event to be held at the Wyndham
Hotel or check out The Arc of Illinois website: http://www.thearcofil.org/
Note too that the Mothers From Hell 2 will be there with the other vendors
- stop by and say howdy!
****April 19, Naperville
When All Else Fails - Strategies for Successful Toilet Training
Patti Boheme & Jane Freiburger will run their popular workshop
on how to develop an effective training program to , er, train that leaky
kid! Workshop limited to 50 participants of StarNet Region II and it will
fill up quickly so call now! 847/803-3565.
This conference is being planned and sponsored by the dedicated parents of Autism Treatment Resources and the BHARE Foundation. Cost will be $100/person. For more information call 847/352-7678 or register through the BHARE Foundation website: www.bhare.org****April 21, Chicago
****April 21, Chicago
Cooperative Transition through Power Point
A nationally known Power Point team from Phoenix is to present this
workshop, but the flyer from FRCD does not explain to me WHAT exactly "Power
Point" is (I do not think they mean the slide show software called "power
point", judging from the flyer, but I could be wrong). Why don't you call
the Family Resource Center on Disabilities and ask them yourself? (my query
is as yet unanswered). The number is 312/939-3513.)
****April 21, Rend Lake Resort
(Whittington, IL)
Family Conference 2001
StarNet IV is having its annual get-together for parents in the southern
38 counties of Illinois, and believe it or not this newsletter gets read
down there, too! So you Southern Illinoisans call 618/397-8930, ext. 169,
and ask for a flyer about this all-day event if you haven't received one
already! Looks like some good presenters will be on hand to discuss IEPÕs,
self-esteem, advocacy, and more!
April 24, River Forest
Asperger Syndrome expert Dr. Tony Attwood will appear at an
all-day conference at Concordia University, co-sponsored by Oak Park School
District 97. Topics include appropriate assessments; methods for improving
social skills and communication skills: developing imagination and visual
thinking; and more. For more registration info contact Therapeutic Services,
Inc. at 888/7-THERAPY or 718/692-1929; www.therapeuticservicesinc.com
10. Time is of the essence. You cannot spend one more day hoping changes will be made in your state for the one you love living with autism, or for the others that will inevitably be diagnosed in the future.9. You will obtain, clear, easy to use, powerful tools and strategies on how to advocate for services, education, insurance and awareness, as well as create laws.
8. Professional autism lobbyists and experienced parents will teach you how to write a bill and follow it through the legislative process until it is signed into law.
7. A U.S. Congressman and Senator will teach you how to effectively gain and maintain the attention and support of your political leaders on community, state and national levels.
6. You will learn how to hook a story in radio, print and television to keep the issues of autism in the news.
5. You will have four personal appointments on Capitol Hill to meet with the offices of 4 representatives from your specific state.
4. You will leave with a clear plan of action and an army of others standing with you to see your ideas put into action. (Not to mention making many new friends and powerful contacts).
3. We have some really fun and exciting surprises planned you won't want to miss :-)
2. ONLY THOSE that attend The Power of One! conference will be allowed to sit in on the historical, first ever, autism caucus meeting to be held on Capitol Hill.
AND!!!THE NUMBER ONE REASON YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS THE POWER OF ONE CONFERENCE!
1. If you do not do this for the one you love with autism, how can you be sure that someone else will do it for you?
Further information on registration and a complete agenda for the
conference (April 25 - 27) as well as information on The Power Of One!
Rally scheduled for April 27 in D.C. can be obtained at the Unlocking Autism
website: www.unlockingautism.org or by calling PJAdvisors, Inc. at 770-977-7991.
(note - I just poked around on the above website and you know what?
Even if we can't go to D.C., we can buy a $15 t-shirt from Unlocking Autism
and wear it all over town on the 25 - 27th! And, hey, also to the May 20
rally for Cycle USA in downtown Chicago!)
April 27, Oak Park
****May 11 encore date added!
Conducting Social Language Groups
Sally Bligh, MCD, CCC-SLP, originator of social language groups for
children with AS/HFA, and Susan Thompson Moore, M.Ed., are holding two
identical workshops on the above topic, each limited to 45 people. Subjects
to be covered include What is Asperger Syndrome? Developing Academic Strategies
and Social Skills, and How to Set-Up and Conduct Social Language Groups.
Short videos will also be used to impart information. Call the Bligh Speech
Therapy Center at 708/386-8971 for more info. (flyer that came with your
snailmail newsletter provided courtesy of S.B., and thanks!)
April 27, Matteson
ABA and Behavior Management in the Classroom.
Anne Maxwell, Ph.D. & Heidi Bleyer, M.S. will focus on behavior
management strategies used in applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment
programs. An overview of common behavioral challenges observed in children
with PDD, how to assess such problems, and how to intervene will also be
covered. For more info or to register for this workshop contact StarNet
VI at 708/385-2199.
****May 8, Tinley Park
If You Do That One More Time: Behavioral Approaches
David Hingsburger, a consultant who provides direct service to people
with developmental disabilities, will help attendees understand motivation
for behaviors and develop positive strategies to reinforce desired behaviors.
This all-day workshop is sponsored by the ARC of Illinois, so call 708/206-1930
for more information.
****May 8, Elk Grove Village
The Role of Emotions in Development: The Floortime Approach
Jennifer Rosina will explain Stanley Greenspan's five-step process
that can be used to support emotional, social, and communicative development
in youngsters. This workshop is open to parents living in the region covered
by StarNet II, so you folks can call 847/803-3565 for details.
****May 15, Tinley Park
Help Me Understand...Living With Autism
I am starring this as if it were a new conference since I have two
more speakers to add besides Temple Grandin, Ph.D., an adult with autism
who will discuss "This is Me." Carol S. Kranowitz, M.A., author of The
Out of Sync Child will discuss How to Help the "Whole Person" Develop Necessary
Life Skills. And, if you missed hearing him at Lake Forest in January,
here is another chance to get an update on findings in the biology and
neuro-chemistry of autism and learn about innovative treatment options
from pediatric neurologist Michael G. Chez, M.D.
This conference is a co-presentation of Blue Cap and The ARC of Illinois.
Call 708/206-1930 if you are not already on the ARCÕs mailing list
and wish to receive a conference flyer.
***May 15, Lake Forest
An Overview of University of Kansas Learning Strategies
Sue Meyer, Certified Learning Strategies Trainer, and Chris Fontanetta,
Special Education Teacher, Northbrook Junior High will present the above
overview from 9:30-11:00am at Lake Forest West, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Room
140. This is sponsored by the NSSED. For more info contact Ginger Reese
at (847)831-5100 [email protected]
****May 15, Carterville
A Floortime Approach: Supporting Emotional Development
Jennifer Rosina will explain Stanley GreenspanÕs five-step process
that can be used to support emotional, social, and communicative development
in youngsters. This workshop is open to parents living in the region covered
by StarNet IV, so you folks can call Gary at 618/397-8930, ext. 171 for
details.
****May 15, Villa Park
What Makes My Child Act This Way? Behavior, Disability or Both?
Dr. Roger Stefani, pediatric Neuropsychologist, offers the second-half
of a presentation on how behavior is affect by a child's disability - and
then gives some solutions to those often difficult situations. (The first
half is the 4/10 meeting at DuPage Easter Seals). To register for this
free presentation contact Sharon Pike at 630/282-2036.
May 24- 25, St. Louis, Missouri
Autism 2001
Featuring Dr. Lianne Holiday Willey, Elizabeth Gerlach (one of the
founders of the original Mothers From Hell!), Carol Gray, Michelle Winner,
De Anne Hyatt-Foley, and a High-Functioning Panel. For more information,
call 800/489-0727.
****May 31, Villa Park
How Does Your Engine Run?
Occupational Therapist Laura McElwee will discuss the Alert Program
and how it relates to attention, hearing and behavior. This is another
free, limited seating offeringfrom DuPage Easter Seals, so call Sharon
Pike at 630/620-4433 asap to rsvp!
****July 18 - 22, San Diego, CA
Millennium of Hope
ASA's National Conference on Autism. Information is available from
ASA Conference Registration, 4424 Montgomery Ave., Suite 201, Bethesda,
Maryland, hotline number: 1-888-233-2864, e-mail at: [email protected].
For more info contact the Chicago Southside Autism Support Group: Wanda B. Satkas at 708/614-4368 or 815-469-5870 (email is [email protected] )
The North Suburban ASI Chapter's 4th Annual Pizza Party will be
held on Sunday April 29, 2001, at the Leaning Tower YMCA, 6300 W. Tough
Ave., Niles, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. We will enjoy pizza in the "Oakwood
Room" and will then have access to the Y's "Mazing Kids" play facility.
The cost will again be only $15.00 for the entire family. Respite care
will be provided. You won't want to miss this once a year event! Respond
on or before April 25th so we know how many pizzas to order. Contact Michael
at 847/541-9969 or email him [email protected] to RSVP and arrange to send
him the $15.
Not to be outdone by the Skokie folk, the Romeoville area kidlets
will have their rescheduled Xmas party (drat that winter weather!) on April
12. All are welcome to attend - just call Miki for details at 815/886-0080.
Note the cost for adults will be $5, kids (who get tokens) will be $7.50
and pizza and soda pop etc will be provided.
--------------------
And make sure you arrange to get your self (bring your kiddies!)
to the Chicago CycleUSA Rally, Sunday May 20, 2001, Chicago Daily
Plaza from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. John Keating a parent and police officer will
be cycling across the USA to raise funds for Autism Research and to Promote
Autism Awareness on a national level. CycleUSA will begin on April 27,
2001 in New York on the Today Show. The trip will end at the ASA National
Convention on July 19, 2001 in San Diego, CA after completing 44 stops
along the way. Lets make a big media splash in Chicago by all showing up
downtown May 20!
Volunteers are still needed for CycleUSA. Much needs to be done. The
Cycle USA contacts and Co-Chairs in Illinois are Arlene Blaha and Marie
Amenta. Arlene has asked that you please contact Marie for any OFFICIAL
information or if you would like to help.
Marie Amenta
Chicago Leg Co-Chair CycleUSA
[email protected]
(708)206-0379
On Thursday, April 12, 2001, The Montel Williams Show will spend an hour discussing several issues regarding autism.
The show features the Gallaghers from Brick Township, NJ; Aidan and Shelley Reynolds from Baton Rouge, LA; and Didi Conn, who played Frenchy in the movie Grease. This is the first time that Mrs. Conn has gone public with her child's autism and she was absolutely fantastic! There were several people interviewed in the audience as well such as political officials from Brick Township, Sandy Levine, a behavioral therapist, and Dr. Jerrold Kartzinel, to name a few.
Montel had really done his homework and was asking great questions and making great points!
The show should be pretty comprehensive regarding autism awareness and covered just about every topic that there is from clusters of autism, genetic research, ABA, vaccines, diet, the increase throughout the country, the Congressional Autism Caucus, the Open Your Eyes project, congressional hearings to the cost of raising individuals with autism and how that figure impacts the general public. It covered just about everything you could imagine for the simple purpose of making the general public aware of autism spectrum disorders.
Again, the show airs on April 12th, right in the middle of Autism Awareness Month, so check your local listings. As we receive more information, we will let you know.
The staff of Unlocking Autism
The premiere, long-awaited edition the Cure Autism Now's newsletter,
Advances,
has been mailed! It contains heaps of information about AGRE; The Children's
Health Act; recent large donations to CAN and autism research; an overview
of research recently funded by CAN; how to access research abstracts and
text articles via the internet; updates on Secretin; Neuroimagins and Neuropathology
studies; genetics; and more.
Contact the main CAN office for more information ( a $40 membership
in CAN will get you a subscription to Advances)
Cure Autism Now
5455 Wilshire Blvd., suite 715
Los Angeles, CA 90036-4234
www.cureautismnow.org
______________________________________
The Michael G. Chez, M.D. Foundation
for Autism and Epilepsy Research
invites you to a Day at the Races
Saturday, June 30, 2001
12:00 noon (1:05 Post Time)
Buffet Lunch and Cocktails
International Room
Arlington Park Racetrack
Arlington Heights, Illinois
$100 per person
Business Casual Attire Required (no jeans, racing silks or lab coats)
R.S.V.P. by Friday, June 22, 2001
Reservations are limited to 350 guests.
Enter Racetrack at East Gate
Wilke Road Entrance
Pick up Tickets at Gazebo
To order tickets or for additional information
please call Cathy Williams
at 847/202-6542
Unlocking AutismPictures should be mailed with a release form (just scribble a note giving permission for Unlocking Autism to use the photo in their display). They are looking forward to seeing all those great school photos taken this past fall! For further information about this project call (225) 926-3252 or e-mail them at [email protected]. For more information or to get an official release form visit their website at www.unlockingautism.org. Thank you in advance for supporting this project!
PO Box 1086
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-1086
BERKELEY, Calif., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific Learning Corporation (Nasdaq: SCIL) announced today that the Chicago Public Schools has expanded use of the Company's Fast ForWord system of language and reading programs to include site licenses at 12 schools, with a total population of nearly 12,000 students. .....This is the District's third large order of the neuroscience-based technology programs and is based on rapid, measurable results in reading skills among students who have used the training programs since 1999. Previously, the District purchased programs for use with up to 2,000 students......For information on Chicago Public Schools, contact Lucy Ramirez, Office of Communications, 773-553-1620.
Ms. Jennie Gallo, Principal at Smyser Elementary School used Fast ForWord Language with students with autism last summer and decided to expand use of the programs with a special focus on impacting retention rates.
"We have high standards in our school for grade advancement and want to be sure that our students are reading well in the third grade," said Ms. Gallo. "Based on the gains made by our students with autism, I believe Fast ForWord will help to prevent problems from developing with general education students, as well as rapidly improve language and reading skills for students at risk of being retained." .....
Scientific Learning offers CD-ROM and Internet programs developed by leaders in brain research. The Company's Fast ForWord system of intensive computer-based training programs for language and reading "train the brain" to learn faster. These training programs use patented technologies to adapt to each student's skill level, allowing students of all ages to make gains in language and reading in just weeks, rather than years....... To learn more about Scientific Learning's family of neuroscience-based products, call 888-665-9707 or visit www.ScientificLearning.com or
www.BrainConnection.com .
Need I add, the Newsletter Mom's son benefited from his eight week
stint of FastForWord, which, however, our district did NOT pay for. Why
U-46's Director of Special Education has arbitrarily stated that she does
not want FastForWord for any of the students in the stateÕs second
largest school district baffles me - how is an education individualized
if someone decides in advance that a particular device or way of teaching
could not possibly be appropriate for any child in her district????? They
must be breeding different kids in Chicago than the suburbs.
____________________________________________
ok, that is a big addie - go to this newsletter on our website (www.autismnews.net)
and cut and paste the above addie from there (unless you are already reading
this on the website, in which case never mind the above comment that was
aimed at snailmail readers. Oh, you guys are getting me all confused!)
The March/April issue of Mothering magazine, on sale at newsstands now (and on their website as of 4/15: www.mothering.com) contains the following:
Show Us the Science: An Exclusive Mothering Report on the Second International Public Conference of the National Vaccine Information Center
Lisa Reagan provides a detailed report on the September gathering that explored the science and ethics of vaccination.What About Mercury? Getting Thimerosal out of Vaccines
Present in over 50 licensed vaccines, mercury may be a link to autism. Lisa Reagan gives an update on the congressional debate to make vaccinations Thimerosal-free.The Mind Institute: New Hope for Autism
Started by four fathers of children of regressive autism, the organization has raised over $40 million to fund independent research on vaccines and autism, writes Rick Rollens, an Institute co-founder.
Who: Children ages 3-6 years of age with a diagnosis on the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Spectrum.
Preliminary study criteria: Children should follow two-step directions with out prompts and uses 4- 6 word sentences spontaneously.
Where: Easter Seals DuPage- 830 S Addison Ave Villa Park, Il 60181
When: June 18 - August 16, 2001 (the program will not run the week of
July 2- 6)
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
Group A: 11:00- 12:00 Group B: 1:00 - 2:00
Participants will be assigned to group "A" or "B" according to the parameters of the study. Participants will be required to attend ALL scheduled therapy sessions, as well as complete a 10-15 minute homework assignment three nights a week.
Call (630) 620-4433 ext. 1234 to receive an application packet. Study
Coordinators: Jamie Griffin and Jeannie Thomas. Applications are due April
20, 2001 Selected participants will be notified by June 1, 2001.
Illinois is 48 out of 50 states for providing services and support to persons with autism and their families. Some politicos, when confronted recently by a desperate parent whose family is in dire need of help, have expressed concern and said that they are NOT hearing about our and our children's needs! They WANT to hear from us! One parent, who needs to remain anonymous here due to getting enough grief from the local schools and DHS (etc.) has decided to take the initiative and collect stories from fellow families "in crisis." "Crisis Parent" will then take your stories to the politicians who have expressed concern and interest in our families. This parent, a person I know, has the ability and determination to follow-though on this task. I heartily endorse this project! Here is what he/she wrote:
"I want to gather all the stories of Illinois families who are in crisis and deteriorating in large part due to the autism they and their children face. I want to know people's horror stories -- so I can take the info to the grand pooh-bahs at DHS and the local politicians. I want to be a BIG VOICE who won't take "no" for an answer. I have a lot of determination. If I can't slay the giant of autism with my one little stone, at least I can take on the uneducated administrators, politicians, and educators and maybe, just maybe, make a difference in how our communities HELP us. "
To preserve anonymity please send your stories to me, snailmail
form at the newsletter (JFS, P.O. Box 5551, Elgin, IL 60121-5551.) Please
mark the corner of your envelope "crisis" and I will give it unopened to
"Crisis Parent". You may also email them to me for forwarding ([email protected]
- do NOT post your story to the autismlist unless you really want to go
public!) .
Include your name/email/phone etc so "Crisis Parent" can contact you
back (you'll get their identity then. They just don't want it in this newsletter
and I can not think of any other way to help get this project rolling than
by using the newsletter as a "front man" ).
Rebecca Lakey ,Collaborative Linkage Study of Autism
UNC-Chapel Hill, Dept. of Psychiatry, CB# 7160
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7160
By Clara Claiborne Park
Little, Brown, 225 pages, $23.95
This book, which continues the life story of Jessy Park that mom Clara first wrote of in her 1967 book The Siege was reviewed in the Sunday, March 18 Chicago Tribune by fellow parent David Royko. If you can access the Trib, either on-line or at your local library, you will find Royko's review in the Book Review section. He not only reviews the book, (which is going on my "must read" list) but prefaces it with a description of life with his own little son and observations about autism that are touching to read. If you can get your hands on it, read RoykoÕs review. Clip it and mail it to your mom/aunt/sister who just doesn't get it.
There - I just reviewed a book review - that is a first!
AN ACT making appropriations.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:Like I said - now you know as much as I do about this.Section 5. The amount of $3,500,000, or so much of that amount as may be necessary, is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for the purpose of a pilot program to service children that have been diagnosed with a disorder along the autistic spectrum.
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect on July 1, 2001.
Here is welcome news - parents of children with special needs opened
Respite House about a year ago, to provide a place parents can leave their
children in capable hands while they, the parents, go off for some needed
Òtime offÓ. To introduce themselves to the community, Respite
House has arranged many events for March and April (I got their info too
late for the March newsletter, so here at least are the April events. Too
bad - there was a ÒDate nightÓ but the RSVP deadline was
3/24):
Note - call first to RSVP. If the program is already full, at least leave your name and address in order to get timely notice from Respite House of future events.
Mom's Day Out!!
Wednesday, April 18.
RSVP by April 4 to 630/271-9155
Fee: $15
Come with your special child to learn about Respite House, and then have the afternoon free to shop, have lunch, take a nap, whatever. Your child will be cared for by pediatric nurses and volunteers while you indulge yourself.
Parent & Child Sleep Over
Saturday, April 21
RSVP by April 14 to 630/271-9155
Fee: $25
Bring your child with special needs and visit with other parents. Pediatric nurses will care for your child. Have a home cooked dinner prepared especially for you and spend the night just relaxing and enjoying the comforts of Respite House. Rise and shine for a leisurely breakfast. You can depart knowing that Respite House is here ready and waiting to serve your family.
Respite House
1019 School Street
Lisle, IL 60532
630/960-2467
A good Source for DMG, Super Nu-Thera, and other vitamins and
supplements for kids on the spectrum is Kirkman Labs. Here is how to reach
them to place an order or request a catalog:
http://www.kirkmanlabs.com/
Kirkman Laboratories
P.O. Box 1009
Wilsonville, OR 97070
Phone: 1 (800) 245-8282
We had a flurry of posts on the AutismNews on-line list recently in which folks amicably discussed how a parent is supposed to follow the recommendation often given to "take time for yourself". This is the gist of one post that contained great information from parent Sandy V. on how to access high schoolers as "buddies" for your child. This idea, as Sandy relates, not only provided her son with valuable social interaction, but some "time for herself", too. I thought this idea too good to keep to ourselves on the list, and with Sandy's permission hereby share it with you folks not on the AutismNews list, too.
High Schoolers as "Buddies":
How One Family Has Done This For Eight Years!
"When our son was diagnosed 8 years ago, and the advice we got from Dr. Lord* was to bombard him with people, places and events, it seemed impossible at the time. I had a child diagnosed with severe autism and a daughter with heart disease and cancer to boot and another child as well as a career and all the other stuff life holds: Sunday school teacher, volunteer for hospital board etc. What helped me the most and also helped my family was going to our local schools and asking them if any of the kids (seniors) were interested in being a "buddy" for a kid with autism. The students could use the hours for National Honor Society, Key Club, Scouts etc. The students welcomed this innovative way to do community service and would come 2 at a time an hour a day, 5 times a week. Sometimes I would have kids come at 6, 7, 8, on one night. First they would just get used to Jack and he with them. Go outside and swing, or jump together on the trampoline, (my husband and I were always nearby). As time went by and we all trusted each other, the kids would go to McDonald's or our Recreation Center. They usually took a sibling of Jack's as well. I would get a few minutes (sometimes that is all we need) to shave my legs or talk to my husband or help another kid with homework, whatever. Jack got this great social experience and we all were happier. This has continued for now 8 years and every August I have kids calling me to do "Jack's project" for Scouts, Honor society or parochial school community service hours. It took a little organizing and we had set rules about dependability, etc., but in 8 years I have never been disappointed. Jack gets "A's" in conduct, he was described by Jenny Potanos "the most social kid with autism she had ever seen" and I have to think it was the exposure to all these great young men and women, that have been Jack's buddies for the past 8 years. It may not work for all, but it was a workable solution for us and continues to be."
Sandy -Mom to Jack almost 10 and two other children one still battling cancer and one battling us for his driver's license
* Dr. Catherine Lord, University of Chicago.
Have you received the recent lists of new offerings from the following
publishers of books targeting the parents and teachers of special needs
kids? No? Well then, how will you know what new books to ask your local
public library to purchase (making sure you get first dibs on checking
out the books when they arrive)? Contact the following and ask for their
latest lists of books for special needs:
Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
P.O. Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
www.brookespublishing.com
800/638-3775
Peytral Publications, Inc.
P.O. Box 1162
Minnetonka, MN 55345
www.peytral.com
952/949-8707
Info taken from a piece by Rick Rollens - that ran in FEAT 2/10/2001
In California the numbers of cases of autism continue to soar .... a 38% increase in two-years.........Remarkably, between 1994 to 1999 we DOUBLED the number of cases by adding an additional 5,100 new children in just five years! Most disturbing of all is the fact that in 1999, 2000, and the first half of 2001 we will add at least another 5,100 new cases ... this time in just 2 1/2 years!.....As the best data source in the world on autism, California continues to lead the way in documenting the number one public health care crisis in the United States today ... the autism epidemic..... six new children and their families everyday of the week in California alone.Wonder what the numbers would be here , if Illinois had thorough documentation of cases of autism?
http://www.ag.state.il.us/disabilities/recopps.htm