Volume 6, Issue 2

February 2002
 

Letter from the editor:

How do I top last month's intro? Well, first off I need to apologize to a group that I put a couple of articles in and forgot to give them credit. The winter activities and the autism ambassador items were from the AutismAwakenings newsletter. To my knowledge they still have an opening for the state of Illinois as I write this.

I want to let all of you know that I did apply for the Illinois Autism Ambassadorship and got it. Any information I get on that front, I will greatly pass on to you all. I still need a co-ambassador to apply. I'm really fun to work with!

Hope you all have a happy Valentine's day and if you know of anything that is coming up that I miss, please let me know. Best way to reach me is by email or snailmail.

This is a jammed packed issue, so I'm going to keep my comments short.

Please send all comments, criticisms, renewals, etc. to:

Also remember to make your checks out to Autism News now…

Happy Reading,

Amy
 

Contents for February 2002:

• Meetings
• Conferences & Workshops
• The Secretary of Education invites written comments
• ASI's 3rd Annual Golf Outing
• Gala to benefit CAN
• Cary Group Home update
• Autism & Airport Travel Safety Tips
• From Parent to Parent:

Meetings

To all Families, Funders and Donors:

I regret to inform you that as of January 15, 2002 the Northwest Illinois Respitality Program ceased to exist. This difficult decision was made due to several factors, including the following:

Funding sources expected for this past year did not materialize or were very delayed, therefore I operated the program for several months as a volunteer and often at my own out-of-pocket cost.

Funding sources for this year are not going to be available due to the poor economy and the tragedy in New York receiving donations that were expected locally.  Donations of getaways to the program dramatically decreased this past year and are projected to be even fewer this year.

In October my son was involved in a terrifying, life threatening situation and will be undergoing intensive treatment to recover.

As evidenced by the numerous letters of gratitude I have received, I am certain that the Program has been of help to many families. I am enclosing a few resources on Respite Care and Support for you as well. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions. I am still here to help families in my area at whatever capacity that I can. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Beth Randall, Program Coordinator
815-362-5303

The resource packet sent out to the mailing list includes resources such as the following:
· Illinois Respite Coalition www.illinoisrespitecoalition.org
· ARCH National State by State Respite Locator Service www.chtop.com/istates
· Illinois Lifespan Project 1-800-588-7002
· Easter Seals Children's Development Center www.il.easter-seals.org/rockford
· A list of Website resources from Family TIES 1-800-865-7842
· Mothers From Hell 2: Advocacy, information & support www.mothersfromhell2.org

Autism Society of Southern Illinois meets the first Saturday (second if it's a holiday weekend) at the O'Fallon Public Library, 120 Civic Plaza. Call 618-682-3783 or email [email protected] for info..
 

February 5, 2002, Springfield "Talking Through Asperger Disorder with Your Adolescent and Other Teen Issues"

Dr. Gail Richard-6: 45-8:15 PM, @ Springfield Lincoln Library, corner of Capital and 7^th St., reservations in advance please and a $7.00 donation at the door. Contact [email protected] or call Diana Noble 217-585-7276
 

February 5, 2002, Skokie 7:00
We will have a round table discussion about Autism Spectrum Disorder. We will also do some planning for the future of our chapter. We are still looking for some new leaders to help with the future success of our chapter. Unfortunately our immediate past president Michael Kanter will be unable to attend this meeting as he will be on his honeymoon with his newly married wife Magdalena (Congratulations Michael!!!). Our past secretary Cathy Elmi will be on hand to lead the discussion. Please plan to attend, as we need your support and input. Without it we cannot exist! They will be meeting at the Skokie Village Hall, 5127 W. Oakton, Lower Level-Community Room. Contact Michael at 847-541-9969 or email [email protected] for more information.
 

February 9, 9:30-11:30 Rockford.

Easter Seals CDC Family Support Information Group, The Northwest Illinois Autism Parent Group has been integrated with other parent groups in our community and is now called the ESCDC Family Support Information Group. We will still do ASD specific trainings, mailings, etc but the meeting will be inclusive of all disabilities. The next meeting will be a Question and Answer session on school related issues at ESCDC N. Main building, Rockford. Please call to register and to arrange childcare. 815-965-6745.
 

February 11, Oak Park
Teaching Children with Autism to Talk, Communicate and Play:
A Workshop for Parents will be given twice by Sally Bligh, MCD, CCC-SLP, a speech therapist with over 30 years experience teaching autistic children to communicate.
Saturday, Feb 2 from 2:00 to 4:30 and again Monday, February 11 from 9:00 to
11:30 at the Bligh Speech Therapy Center, 1011 Lake Street, #216 in Oak Park.
Call 708-386-8971

February 12 Wheaton 7:30p.m.
Advocacy 200 will meet at the Wheaton Community Center. Networking and support.
 

February 12, Peoria 7p.m. We will have a representative from the Holland Foundation speaking to our group. The Holland Foundation is a grassroots organization made up of parents of children with special needs ranging in age from birth to 21 years old. Our staff and Board of Directors have or 40 years combined experience advocating for their children and the children of others within the Special Education system. They are available to parents via the telephone, E-Mail, or in person to assist in the preparation for I.F.S.P and I.E.Ps, as well as, mediations and due process hearings.
They also provide training to parents and interested parties about the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, 504 Plans, and the American with Disabilities Act, ADA. They can be contacted at 1-877-452-6194, fax, 1-309-888-4403, email,
[email protected]. Ask for Kim Tarkowski or Gary Michaels.
They are non-for-profit and do not charge for their services.

February 19 Elmhurst 6:45p.m.

Center for Speech and Language Disorders will hold their monthly meeting. The topic will be Odyssey of the Special Needs Parent (Keeping Laughter in Your Life)to be presented by Richard Ney Ph.D. For more information, please email the CLSD at [email protected]. To RSVP call Evelyn Miko at 630-530-8551x 104 by Feb. 15.
 

February 19, 2002 Galena Parent Advocates Note Date and Location Change

DeSoto House Hotel
230 S. Main St
General Smith Room
6:30-8:30PM

Topic: Differentiated Instruction in the Regular Classroom
Participants will learn:

How to develop challenging and engaging tasks for every learner, how to provide flexible instructional grouping , how to create tiered assignments, how to grade differentiated tasks fairly, how to manage your classroom when students are doing different things at different times, how to differentiate for special populations, including GT and those with special needs, how to meet curriculum standards and requirements for every learner.

CEU's/CPDU's will be offered. Contact us for a registration form. [email protected]
 

February 9th Bloomington, IL
P.A.C.E. Meets with the Chair of the Illinois State Board of Education
Saturday, at noon, Interstate Conference Center, 2301 W. Market St., Bloomington, IL 61704

P.A.C.E. is taking its campaign straight to the top. At a November meeting with Deputy Governor of Education Hazel Loucks, P.A.C.E. negotiated a meeting with Ron Gidwitz, the Chair of the Illinois State Board of Education. In a few short weeks, P.A.C.E. will have the opportunity to begin an important relationship with Mr.Gidwitz. Given the impending change in administration in the Governor's office, this connection will provide P.A.C.E. with continuity in dealing with Illinois education officials. This meeting is an opportunity for parents to help Mr. Gidwitz understand how his staff hasn't kept its promises to investigate noncompliance to P.A.C.E. and to thousands of special education students. It is also an opportunity for Mr. Gidwitz to learn how he can act decisively to ensure that students with special needs get what they need to progress.

This meeting is a chance for parents to demonstrate that Illinois school district non-compliance is a statewide issue and not one that is limited to local areas. We need parents present at this meeting to show Mr. Gidwitz how important compliance is to our children across the state of Illinois. Pass the word on to the parents that you know, mark your calendars for Saturday, February 9 at noon and bring some folks. P.A.C.E. will be providing transportation from the Chicago south suburbs area. Many other P.A.C.E. member groups will be traveling to the meeting. To find out if transportation can be arranged for your area or to find out more, call Carol at 312.243.3035 or email [email protected].
 

February 17 the North Riverside meeting of the Chicagoland AS/HFA Support Group will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave., North Riverside. The topic will be Sensory Integration Therapy, with speakers to be announced. For more information, interested persons should
call Debbie Mercer at 708-383-1209, or email me at [email protected].

February 25 LaGrange 6:30 p.m.
Therapeutic Interactions Autism Networking Night will be meeting at 12 N. Catherine.

Dr. Margaret Creedon will be presenting on
Listening Therapies. Seating will be limited, so please register in advance to Kim Reese-Lindberg at (708) 387-1234 X44 or email at
[email protected] A limited amount of babysitting will also be available.

February 25 St. Charles, Jennifer Bollero, attorney and parent of a special needs child, regarding the IEP process and ways to negotiate a win-win IEP. They will be meeting at the Delnor Community Residential Living Center, 975 N. Fifth Avenue. RSVP to Shelley Swanson or Brenda Horniacek at Community Therapy Services, 630-208-8880.

February 26 Highland Park, 7:00 p.m. the Classroom Connection is hosting a wine and cheese
evening for parents and professionals. The discussion will be lead by Sharon Rosenbloom, a Speech Language Pathologist and mother of a 14-year old boy with autism. The topic will be "Parenting a Child with Special Needs".
Wine and Cheese will be served and we hope it will be a nice opportunity for parents to share their experiences.
Cost for the event: $15 for non-Classroom Connection members $10 for Classroom-Connection

Classroom Connection
2868 Skokie Valley Road
Suite 4
Highland Park, IL
RSVP at (847)681-0324 ex. 3.

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Conferences-Workshops

Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project

If anyone is interested in attending the following Ill. Autism/pdd training workshops, please contact Alyson Beytein, assistant project director. If there is a lot of parents, from this area, that is interested in the same workshops arrangements could possible be made to have parents bused to the chicago training center or bring a workshop to our area. Email [email protected] or call 708-354-5730.

1.  February 20, 2002-"Marriage and the Child with Autism"
2.  February 26, 2002-"Kitchen and Mealtime Skills"
3.  March 7, 2002-"Toileting"
4.  April 25, 2002-"Bathroom and Bedroom Skills"

February 7, 2002- "Understanding Aspergers Disorders"-

Marrea Winnega, Phd. Presents this Overview of What Is and Isn't Aspergers Disorder. Theory of Mind Will Also Be Discussed. Contact Starnet Region V. For registration information 773-553-3413

February 7, Chicago
"Understanding Aspergers Disorder"
Marrea Winnega, Ph.D. presents this overview of what is (and isn't) Aspergers Disorder. Theory of mind will also be discussed. Contact StarNet Region V for registration information 773-553-3413
 
 

February 14, 2002- "Functional Behavior Assessments: Tools for Designing Behavior Intervention Plans for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders"
Sue Epcih and Lorrain Altamirano will cover the above topic- contact Starnet region V for registration information 773-553-3413
 

February 15, Chicago
"Functional Behavior Assessments: Tools for Designing Behavior Intervention Plans for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders"
Sue Epich & Lorrain Altamirano will cover the above topic-for more info or to register contact StarNet Region V at 773-553-3413.
 

February 19, Elk Grove Village
"PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System:
Teri Louer will run this workshop focusing on understanding and using PECS in place of using communication in "maladaptive" ways (kid, don't throw a sippy cup at me to get juice-hand me the symbol card for juice!). For registration info contact StarNet Region II at 847-803-3565.
 

February 22, Downers Grove
"Transition Planning-Why Is It So Important?"
Staff from Everyone is Welcome will present this workshop that will explain what transition development is, and why it is so important. Learn how to develop an effective plan for your child-there is life after high school. For more info contact the folks at everyone is Welcome 630-584-0970, [email protected]
 

February 23, Skokie
Day-long Special Education Law Seminar with Peter and Pam Wright
Yes, the folks from Wrightslaw are coming to Illinois! Peter Wright, the nationally know special education attorney and advocate along with his wife, psychotherapist Pam Wright, will present a day long seminar for parents, teachers, administrators and other related professionals. Register early, as this event will certainly be sold out. Limited seating available. [email protected] or call Special Connections at 312-914-0591.
 

February 23, 6 p.m.
Illinois Gubernatorial Forum on Special Education
Sponsored by Parents' Alliance for Compliance in special Education (P.A.C.E.)
Saturday, February 23rd at 6 p.m.
(following the Wrightslaw Conference)
Benedictine University, Krasa Center
5700 College Rd., Lisle, IL 60532
Questions? Please Contact:
Carol McCullough
Education Organizer, NTIC
work: 312.243.3035 cell: 773.636.8252
[email protected]
 

February 25-26 Glen Ellyn
"Educating and Supporting Students with Asperger Syndrome".
Nan Negri Ph.D., Jenny Potanos, M.A. CCC/SLP and Kate McGinnity M.S. present this 2 day training offered by the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project. Priority in attending this workshop will be given folks (combinations of parents and professionals) registering in teams of 3-4 professionals and a parent. Gather up your kid's teacher and grab the inclusion facilitator, etc and contact Kathy Gould or Alyson Beytien at 708-354-5730 to request a registration application. For more info also check out www.illinoisautismproject.org.
 

February 26 Rockford
"PECS, Social Stories and Social Skills"
Peg Mazeika will lead a hands-on day exploring all of the above. Yes, another from the NIA series-figured I'd best include them all, since they do fill up fast. Registration is best by mail only, so call NIA 815-226-3302 x14 and as to be sent a registration form TODAY if interested. Preference given to folks living in Rockford and surrounding counties.
 

February 26 Carol Stream
"Introduction to Autism and Visual Strategies for Children with Autism and other Communication Disorders"
One of the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project Parent Trainings. Contact Kathy Gould, Project Director at 708-354-5730 or email [email protected] or visit www.illinoisautismproject.org.
 

February 26 Elgin
"Families, Staff and Schools Collaborating to Serve Young Children"
Vaughn Morrison will lead a workshop that will combine lecture, questions and answers, problem-solving and skill-building activities designed to enhance the participants' ability to work collaboratively for increasing student success in learning environments. Included will be state regulations, IDEA regulations and IEP requirements regarding children making progress. Strategies will emphasize working together to minimize conflicts that necessitate mediation or outside intervention. Contact StarNet Region II at 847-803-3565 for more information.
 

February 28-March 1 Matteson
PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System.
Andrew Bondy Ph.D. and JoAnne Matteo M.S., CCC/SLP will be presenting this workshop on PECS. For more information contact Kathy Gould or Alyson Beytien at 708-354-0733 or visit them on the web at www.illinoisautismproject.org.
 

March 12-14 Peoria
"Autism Middle/High School Team Training
Nan Negri, Ph.D., Jenny Potanos, M.A. CCC/SLP, Kate McGinnity, M.S. Victor Morris, L.C.S.W. and Michael Shoultz, Ph.D. present this 3 day training offered by the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project. Priority in attending either of these extensive workshops will be given folks registering as a team of 3-4 professionals and a parent. Gather up your kid's teacher and grab the inclusion facilitator, etc. and contact Kathy Gould or Alyson Beytien at 708-354-5730 to request a registration application. For more information also check out www.illinoisautismproject.org
 

March 15 & 16, 2002 - Oakbrook
" The Continuum of Asperger's Syndrome / Autism / Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities -Clinical Features, Diagnoses & Treatment"
Margaret Bauman, MD - Boston, MAMartha Burns, Ph.D. - Chicago, IL Rosemary White, OTR - Seattle, WA Jerry Newport - Author & Adult with Asperger's Syndrome
This program is designed for practicing clinicians that are working with these children in school, home & clinic. This program will also be of interest to parents.
This program will provide the latest information on the neurobiology & biochemistry of these disorders as well point out the similarities and differences. Practical tips & techniques that can be immediately applied to the clinicians work setting will be provided along with a detailed course Syllabus. Participants will also learn first hand from an adult with Asperger's Syndrome who will discuss his life experiences and what therapists worked and what didn't.
For more information contact Linda S. Neilson, PhDC/o Continuing Education Programs of America PO Box 52 Peoria, Illinois 61650 Telephone - 309-263-0310E-Mail - [email protected]
 

March 15, Arlington Heights
"Legal and Future Care Planning for Your Relative with a Developmental Disability"
Theresa M. Varnet M.S.W., J.D., parent and experienced advocate, also specialist in probate and estate planning for folks with disabilities, periodically gives this useful presentation on a topic we all most likely need to think about and deal with. This presentation will be hosted by Glenkirk. Call 847-504-2732 for more details.
 

March 15-16 Oakbrook
Continuum of Asperger's Syndrome/Autism/ Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities-Clinical Features, Diagnoses & Treatment" Margaret Bauman, MD-Boston, MA, Martha Burns, Ph.D.-Chicago, IL, Rosemary White, OTR-Seattle, WA, Jerry Newport-Author & Adult with Asperger's Syndrome
This program is designed for practicing clinicians that are working with these children in school, home & clinic. This program will also be of interest to parents.  This program will provide the latest information on the neurobiology & biochemistry of these disorders as well point out the similarities anddifferences.
Practical tips & techniques that can be immediately applied to the clinicians work setting will be provided along with a detailed
course Syllabus. Participants will also learn first hand from an adult with Asperger's Syndrome who will discuss his life experiences..what therapists worked and what didn't.

Additional Information Contact:
Linda S. Neilson, Ph.D.
C/o Continuing Education Programs of America
PO Box 52
Peoria, Illinois 61650
Telephone - 309-263-0310
E-Mail - [email protected]

March 22, Downers Grove
"How Parents Can Effect Positive Change in Our Schools"
Staff from Everyone is Welcome will teach strategies for effectively collaborating with schools on behalf of one's child. Also learn how to join with other parents to be voices for all children and how to start a parent group. For more information contact the folks at Everyone is Welcome: 630-584-0970 or [email protected].
 

APRIL 2, 2002- Springfield
"Sensory Issues"- Julie Hoyland-occupational Therapist
6:45-8:15 Pm, @ Springfield Lincoln Library, corner of capital and 7^th street, reservations in advance please and a $5.00 donation at the door. Contact [email protected] or Call Diana Noble 217-585-7276

APRIL 17 AND 18, 2002- Giant City, Illinois " 2002 Autism Seminars" Barbara Doyle, Ms Clinical Consultant, Call C.j. Sizemore at 217-356-8323
 

April 3-6, 2002
2002 CEC Annual Convention and Expo
New York City
Contact: www.cec.sped.org/spotlight/nyc
or call 888/CEC-SPED (232-7733).
 

April 12, Hoffman Estates
2nd Annual CARE (Curing Autism through Research and Education)
The BHARE Foundation will be holding their conference at the Stonegate Conference Center in Hoffman Estates. Speakers will include Dr. William Walsh of Pfeiffer Treatment Center, Raun Kaufman from the Option Institute (The Son-Rise Program), Dr. Kenneth Bock (pediatrician specializing in autism), Genevieve Jereb, OT, DR. Vijendra Singh, and Betsy Prohaska with Vicki Martin, R.N. to discuss "what's new" about the GFCF diet. Last year sold out so register early to guarantee a seat. Go to www.bhare.org for a registration application to mail in or fax. Address and fax number is on the website.
 

April 19, Downers Grove
"Navigating Uncharted Waters: Understanding Your Rights and Case Law"
Matt Cohen, widely know for his legal advocacy on behalf of children with disabilities, will address your rights, rules governing special education, and recent federal and state court cases relating to special education. For more information contact Everyone is Welcome 630-584-0970 or [email protected].
 

April 21 Washington, DC 12 noon to 5pm.
Mark your calendars now to attend the
3rd Annual Autism Awareness Rally
in April 21, 2002.
Unlocking Autism once again brings you The Power of ONE! this year on the mall in Washington, DC
Pack your blanket and sunscreen and come for a day of family and community fun!
We will have an activity section for the kids.
Learn how YOU can make changes in your state and across the nation.
Keep tuned to the our website at www.unlockingautism.org
for speakers and additional information.
Grab some friends, rent a van, fill it up
and head for DC this spring!
We hope to see you there!
 
 

May 9-11 Boston, MA
DAN 2002 Conference

Sheraton Boston Hotel
for More Information
Call 609-921-3717
Email: [email protected]
Save the Date: FALL CONFERENCE
* San Diego, CA * October 25-27

SPEAKERS: Sidney Baker, M.D. * Jayne Barese, R.N. * Mark Blaxill, MBA * Kenneth Bock, M.D. * Jeff Bradstreet, M.D. * Timothy Buie, M.D., Ph.D. * Jane El-Dahr, M.D. * Barbara Loe Fisher * Sudhir Gupta, M.D., Ph.D. * Paul Hardy, M.D. * Walter Herlihy, Ph.D. * Woody McGinnis, M.D. * Jon Pangborn, Ph.D. * Karl Reichelt, M.D., Ph.D. * Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. * Karyn Seroussi * Paul Shattock, Ph.D. * Andrew Stoll, M.D. * Andrew Wakefield, M.D. * Rosemary Waring, Ph.D. * Carol Wester, MSN, CSN *

TOPICS: Neuro-toxic effects of and successful treatments for elevated mercury and other heavy metals * The role of immunizations in autism and how to decrease the risk * A fresh look at the epidemiological studies supporting the relationship between autism and thimerosal * The latest research on secretin * The MMR controversy * Nutritional strategies for improving health and cognitive function of the autistic child * The role of omega 3 fatty acids * Understanding the immune system's role in autism
 

May 3 Naperville
LDA/IL STATE SPRING WORKSHOP Holiday Inn, Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For a Registration Form, contact the Illinois LDA Office at 708-430-7532
E-Mail: [email protected]
FAX: 217/243-7596
http://www.ldaamerica.org/Affiliates/IL/
 
 

Editor's note: I know that this is a little early to be put in, but I figure that it will most likely be a sellout.

October 14 - 15, 2002 Kansas City, Missouri
Asperger's Syndrome with Dr. Tony Attwood

This conference will cover two days. Day One will include the topics: Encouraging Friendship Skills and Managing Emotions. Day Two will include discussion of Asperger's Syndrome in the Adolescent Years and a question and answer forum.

The conference registration fee includes all materials and handouts, continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon refreshments. Participants can either register for either day or both days. Early registration fees will be $175 for BOTH days and $125 for ONE day. For Groups of 4 or more, please contact BusyWeb Solutions, Inc. for information on discounted fees.

Registration received after September 1, 2002 will be $215 for BOTH days and $165 for ONE day.

Fees can be paid by check, credit card, money order or purchase order. Please contact BusyWeb Solutions by phone 618-397-2131 or e-mail to receive a registration form. A printable registration form is also available at www.tonyattwood.com
 

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Here is a perfect opportunity to tell congress what Special Education is REALLY like!!!

The Secretary of Education invites written comments from the public on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to assist the Department in preparing for reauthorization of the Act in 2002.
In order to ensure that your comments are considered by the Department in preparing its legislative proposal on IDEA, we encourage you to submit the comments before February 25, 2002.
All comments concerning the reauthorization of IDEA should be addressed to Thomas Irvin, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, and submitted by one of the following methods:
 

1. Internet. We encourage you to send your comments through the Internet at the following address: [email protected].
You must use the term IDEA Reauthorization in the subject line of
your electronic message.

2. Surface Mail. Alternatively, you may submit your comments via surface mail to: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Mary E. Switzer Building, Room 3086, Washington DC 20202-2570.

Invitation To Comment

We encourage your comments on the broad areas identified in the preceding paragraphs (under Need for Reauthorization). Because we believe that reforms to IDEA should be based, to the greatest degree possible, on evidence that demonstrates the need for reform and that can guide those reforms, we are also particularly interested in receiving factual information and research in these broad areas. We also seek comment on the following specific areas:

(1) Accountability. How, and to what degree, are children with disabilities being included in State and local accountability systems? What barriers exist to inclusion of these children in the
accountability systems? What recommendations do you have to eliminate
these barriers?

(2) Personnel Issues. In what areas of special education and related services (or early intervention services) are States and school districts (or lead agencies) experiencing problems in finding and retaining qualified personnel? Are funds that are available at the Federal, State, and local levels being used effectively to address personnel shortages? For teachers, administrators, and others responding to these questions, what recommendations do you have to alleviate personnel shortages? Are the pre-service and in-service training programs offered by State and local educational agencies based on research-derived methods that are proven to improve results for children? Do regular and special education teachers believe their college preparation programs prepared them to teach students with disabilities? Do local administrators believe the regular and special education teachers they are hiring are qualified to teach students with disabilities?

(3) Parent Involvement. For parents of children with disabilities, what barriers to meaningful participation in your child's education have you experienced? For school districts, what barriers have you faced in ensuring meaningful parent involvement? For parents and professionals involved in the early intervention program under Part C, what barriers have you experienced? In each of these cases, have you experienced any efforts to increase parent involvement that you believe are successful? If so, please describe them.

(4) Transition to Post-School Endeavors. To what extent are school-aged students with disabilities routinely participating in their IEP meetings? What barriers exist to full implementation of the IDEA's current transition requirements? What recommendations do you have to eliminate these barriers?

(5) Excessive Paperwork. For administrators, teachers, or other personnel, describe any burdens you are experiencing in implementing the Part B (or Part C) requirements. What specific requirements are problematic, and what kinds of problems are you having? What recommendations do you have to resolve these problems? What paperwork requirements do little to further educational goals of children with disabilities and/or provide appropriate protections to the children and their families? What paperwork is completed by clerical staff, administrators, special education teachers, and regular education teachers? What paperwork now completed by teachers and administrators could be completed by clerical staff, if they were available? What steps have you taken in order to try to reduce IDEA paperwork burden?

(6) Local School Districts--20 Percent Funds. Under section 613(a)(2)(C), a school district may treat as local funds up to 20 percent of the amount it receives under Part B that exceeds the amount it received during the prior fiscal year. To what extent are school districts using this authority? How are school districts using the local funds that become available?

(7) Use of Insurance under Part C. To what extent are private and public insurance used in paying for early intervention services under Part C in your State? Have parents suffered any financial or other difficulties resulting from the use of their insurance? What difficulties do lead agencies have in accessing public or private insurance? In submitting your comments, please identify the area of your involvement in special education, regular education or early intervention, as well as your role, if any, in that area (e.g., parent, teacher, student, service provider, administrator, or researcher). In addition, if appropriate to your comments, please identify the specific Part and section of IDEA that is the subject of your comments, and specify why the statute needs to be amended.
 
 

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Children's Center for Autism update: We are at 40% of our fundraising goal. Our first annual progress report will be mailed by the end of January. Anyone wanting to be on our mailing list can call 847-269-4211. A great volunteer folder will most likely be sent to you for the asking.

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Traveling through airport security will never be the same. Every traveler passing through a security checkpoint will now encounter waiting in long lines, having to produce two forms of picture identification at multiple locations, mandatory questioning and inspections of personal belongings by strangers and the increasing likelihood of a light touch by stranger holding a geiger counter-like sound producing wand. When you add to the mix the possibility of a complete physical frisk or pat down and the presence and scrutiny of armed, uniformed paramilitary personnel the accompanying sensory-enhancing gauntlet of sounds lights and touch can tax the system of any traveler let alone one who has autism. This experience has quickly become standard operating procedure at U.S. airports. People with autism, parents and caregivers may want to consider taking some extra measures to make passing through a security checkpoint easier.

As daunting as a security checkpoint is for some children and adults with autism, we must consider the point-of-view of the security professional. The behavior or characteristics of the child or adult with autism may make the security professional extremely anxious. Consider the reliance on visual cues and innocent echolalia a person with autism may display, such as repeating a phrase observed on a close-by
poster. At a security checkpoint that phrase might include words that cite the laws or warn against the use of the words "bomb threat" or "hijacking." Someone who repeats this phrase would quickly come under suspicion at a security checkpoint. Those that repeat a question, run from or blanche at passing through a metal detector, or become over-anxious at attempts to touch them would also merit extra scrutiny. Left unexplained, the behaviors and characteristics of some person's with autism may delay their trip and cause unnecessary anxiety. These encounters are the types of situations that can easily escalate into misinterpretations, verbal and physical confrontations, physical containment and restraint.

As reported in my latest book, Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals (www.jkp.com):
"Those with autism, parents and caregivers may want to consider carrying autism handout information which would at least include a basic autism brochure, and a person-specific handout that at least includes their picture, description, information about behaviors that security may find suspicious and the best way a security professional can communicate with or interact with that person. Many parents find business card handouts that might contain a message such as 'Perhaps my son/daughter's behavior is surprising to you.

This is because he/she has autism', a brief definition of autism, and the phone number/website address of a local or national advocacy organization." These are grass roots, one-on-one autism awareness campaigns. Make sure to carry enough generic information to leave behind with the security professionals you may encounter. Anyone reading this message can download the informational handout "Educating the Community...and Law Enforcement" at www.policeandautism.cjb.net make copies and hand them out. An expanded version of this handout and other awareness and educational materials are available in my new book.

If possible, make travel plans well in advance. Call the airlines and security companies (soon to be mainly federalized) and ask what you can do to help the security experience go more smoothly for the person with autism and the security professionals they will interact with. If the trip has to be made suddenly, arrive extra early, bring plenty of handouts and explain to the gate agent what your needs are. Those that have the time may want to inquire with their air carrier about assistance plans they may offer inexperienced travelers. Northwest Airlines, for example, offers the Adult Assistance Program for a fee ranging from $40.00 to $75.00. This may prove to be money well spent. The program offers personal assistance from check-in, through security and boarding and through the destination airport. While the program does not assist with eating, personal hygiene or medication issues, it does provide assistance through the crucial security checkpoints. Parents and caregivers of a passenger using travel assist can also pass through security with their loved even if they are not traveling with them. Special security passes would be issued in lieu of tickets. A program like Northwest Airlines' Adult Assistance could be utilized by caregivers even if they are traveling with a loved one.

Anticipating the worst is never a pleasant proposition. But it's something we do all the time in our everyday lives when we put on seat belts, lock our back doors, pay the life insurance. The downside for not doing these things is extremely negative in each example. But do we shudder in fear every time we do these things? Of course not. They are common sense options associated with everyday life.

Taking extra precautions is also an everyday consideration that those with autism that can, parents and caregivers also become accustomed to taking. When traveling through our communities, and airports, taking the precautions--alerting security, carrying ID and informational handouts, considering the needs of others, anticipating the possibilities--can help make our trips and travel a lot safer and a lot more relaxing. Give yourself at least two weeks to seek the best that our airlines and airport security can offer. But it's never too late to alert the airlines and security professionals to a special request for assistance.

Contact author at: [email protected]
copyright 2001 by Dennis Debbaudt
(Special thanks to Mike Flotteron of Northwest Airlines for his assistance in preparing this report. Most major airlines offer programs similar to the Adult Assistance Program. Check with your air carrier about special travelers services they offer).

This was reprinted with permission from Dennis. Email him with your questions. He is a really nice guy to talk to. I will be reviewing his book next month.
 

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This is something that I would like to start so that all of the readers can be a part of it. I had someone get in touch with me who has a son that is having trouble sleeping. She wants some ideas as how to help him and she gets a full night's rest. Please send replies to me at the Autism News address and I'll put the answers in next month's issue. Thanks!

HAPPY READING and see you guys next month.
 

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