October 2001 Vol. 5 # 10

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Wanted: clone of myself to sometime within the next 8 - 9 months take over this newsletter. I am getting pooped! I am also home schooling two of our four kids (second and fourth grades for now), and intending to add a first grader to the mix next year. So it seems the time has come to start looking for another "me". I know I am out there somewhere!
 

Also wanted - seems a good idea - another "newsletter mom or dad" to gear up and create a version of this newsletter for the southern chunk of the state. That person could coordinate with whomever becomes the new "me" up here to share information pertinent to everyone (information about therapies, book reviews, ISBE stuff etc.) while limiting meeting and workshop information to the local area. Big conferences with important topics or speakers, of course, would continue to be included in both the southern and northern editions of AutismNews. And everybody could jump on the on-line list.
 

Contents for October 2001

• Multiple Meetings
• Conferences - Workshops
• Fairy Tale Trail
• 2001 Parents Rights Guide
• Extended School Year Alert
• Different Roads to Learning
• Reducing Risk Situations
• organic buying club
• A Group Home in Cary

Back to AutismNews.net

All are opportunities to network/vent/commiserate with your fellow parents unless a speaker is mentioned. All data current as of 9/29
 

October 1, Park Ridge 7:00pm

Parent-2-Parent for Special Students meets at the Maine Twp. Admin. Bldg. , 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge. Due to the recent events, meeting may be canceled so please phone to confirm before attending. Eva:(847) 699-1223, email: [email protected]
 

October 2, Skokie 7:00pm

This month Alice Belgrade M.S. Ed., L.C.P.C., discusses "Habit, Ritual, and Aggression-Methods to Modify", including the function of ritualistic and aggressive behavior as it relates to autism. Behaviorally based methods will be offered which modify and controls challenging behaviors. Learn how to help prevent and manage aggressive responses in your children, including self-injurious and self-stimulatory behaviors. North Suburban ASI chapter meets at Skokie Village Hall ,5127 W. Oakton , Lower Level - Community Room. Michael: 847/541-9969, email [email protected]
 

October 5, Romeoville 6:30pm

Parent support group meets once again at R.C. Hill Elementary School, 616 Dalhart Ave. Miki:815/886-0080
 

October 6, O'Fallon, 10:00am - noon

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

October 8, 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. Val: 773/296-5854.
 

October 9, Wheaton

Advocacy 200 will hear from Superintendent Gary Cataloni this month. Come to the Wheaton Community Center. Brian: 630/690-6385 or 630/462-1980.
 

October 9, Villa Park 7:00pm

Parent support group meets at DuPage Easter Seals . Limited on-site free kidkare if you rsvp in ADVANCE - please call Sharon Pike at 630/620-4433.
 

October 9, Chicago 6:00pm

The ASI Metropolitan Chicago Chapter usually meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Easter Seal Therapeutic Day School, ITT campus, 3424 S. State St. I could NOT reach Grace to confirm this month's meeting so please try and call her yourself before you go. Grace: 773-233-4716.
 

October 9, Peoria 6:30-8:00pm

Parent support group will meet at Faith Missionary Church, 1825 S. Airport Rd. in Bartonville (near Peoria) to discuss IEPs and IDEA with Chris Wasik from Family TIES. (I could not confirm this). Please RSVP to Lauri at 309/697-3300 or [email protected].
 

October 9, Galena 6:30pm

Galena Parent Advocates meets monthly; locations vary-so check our website www.galenaparentadvocates.com closer to meeting date for locale. I do have Alternative Assessments as the topic this month. (Last months big event that was set for Sept. 11th will be rescheduled)

October 11, Gurnee 7:00pm

Come to the Warren Township Center (Southwest Corner of Washington and Almond Rds.) to hear from special needs attorney Brian Rubin; also Mary Ann Ehlert will discuss financial planning. Note this group now meets the second Thursday of the month. Eric: 847/543-4502.
 

October 11 & 25, Freeport 6:00pm

Networking For Families has found a new home at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, NICAA Head Start Program, 511 S. Liberty Ave. A pizza supper will always be provided, too! Oct. 11 - parents will hear from Rene Meyers from the Freeport Park District. Siblings age 8 and up have their separate sibling support group. As always, child care is provided, separately, for younger kids and kids with special needs. Oct. 25, Parent group will network and hear from Wendy Partridge, while the sibs group's has their own discussion . Beth: 815/362-2410.
 

October 13 , Rockford morning event

The Northwest Illinois Autism Support Group is planning a trip to Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch (in Huntley) this month! Folks can meet there at 9:00am - if interested in car pooling from Rockford contact Marie Bernhardt at 815/232-6896 for details. (My kids love this place! It has everything!)
 

October 16, Elmhurst 6:45-8:45pm

Center for Speech and Language Disorders Parent Support Group meets at 195 W. Spangler, Suite B. "Self-Regulation for Children with Special Needs" will be presented by Misti Peppler, OTR/L. For more information e-mail CSLD at [email protected]. To RSVP, call Evelyn Miko at (630) 530-8551 ext. 104 by Friday, Oct. 12.
 

October 16, Bolingbrook 7:00pm

The Far West Suburban ASI Chapter will this month have a panel of teachers on hand to discuss how to facilitate the child with autism/PDD into the regular classroom .Come to the Bolingbrook Medical Center (630/226-8100 for directions ONLY; 630/969-1094 for support group info.)
 

October 16, Flossmoor 7:00pm

Chicago South Suburban ASI Chapter meets at Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchinson. Penny: 815/462-4556.
 

October 18, Plainfield 6:30pm

Support group to meet at Lakewood Falls Elementary School, 14050 S. Budler Rd. Lupe: [email protected] or call 815/293-0529. Note that October 20 the group will also meet to take a trip to the pumpkin patch! - call Kelly at 815/254-9008 for more pumpkiny details.
 

October 20, Chicago 10:00am - 1:00pm

Chicago South Side ASI chapter meets at the Hayes Park District Building, 2936 West 85th St. Speaker not yet confirmed as I "went to press" so call for info.Wanda: 815/469-5870
 

October 20, Hoffman Estates 6:30pm

Parents of daughters with Rett Syndrome can contact Paul at 847/310-8876, email: [email protected]. or go to : www.RettIllinois.org for more info about this group, including location.
 

October 21, North Riverside 2-4:00pm

Asperger/High-Functioning Autism Support Group has a new home a few miles south of the old location. Come to the North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. Des Plaines, to learn about State Government Services: What's available and how to get it for your child. Note too that the group now meets at 2pm. Debbie: 708/383-1209

October 22, Geneva 7:30pm

Parent support group meets at the Chronicle Building, 1000 Randall Road. Wendy Partridge will be on hand for a family forum to not only talk about resources available through the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Parent Training Project, but also to find out what topics local folks may wish to have future training on. For more info check the CTS website; www.commtx.com or call Shelley Swanson (she'd like ya'all to RSVP this month if possible) at 630/208-8880
 

October 25, Oak Lawn 7:00pm

Parent support group meets at Hope Children Hospital, sw corner 93rd & Kostner. Call Jean for more info: 708/229-0653.

October 30, Schaumburg 7:30pm

Northwest Suburban ASI Chapter meets at the Township of Schaumburg Meeting Hall, 25 Illinois Blvd., in Hoffman Estates. A sibling support group may be held concurrently - check with Randee before bringing the sibs. Randee : 847/884-9194.
 

Diet Group

Due to low turnout this group is on hold.

Kelly: [email protected] (preferred) or call 847/639-2858.

Contents

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 you'd like them to replicate it in your region. StarNet folks are waiting to hear from you. Don't make 'em guess what you want or need to learn about.
 

****October 2, Rockford

"Understanding. Including and Supporting Children with Asperger Syndrome, PDD and High-Functioning Autism"

Barbara Doyle leads this workshop for NIA. Since registration was by mail only I am sorry I did not know about this event in time to give you the info last month. Well, call the folks at NIA and ask to be put on their mailing list for future workshops at 815/226-3302 ext. 14
 

October 5, Elk Grove Village

"Autism and the Role of the Social Worker"

Carmen Gendel, L.C.S.W. and Diane L. Gould, L.C.S.W. lead workshop that should be most helpful, esp. to their fellow social workers. To be held at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center starting at 8:00am. For more info contact the Autism Society of Illinois at 630/691-1270, [email protected]
 

October 5,6,7 - San Diego, California

DAN! 2001 Defeat Autism Now! Conference

This conference will feature a parent forum with Karen Seroussi, Mary Megson, Andrew Wakefield, and others; Practitioner Training Sessions to clue other medical professionals in as to how and why to utilize the DAN! protocol; and general sessions for parents and professionals with speakers including William Walsh, Ph.D.; Paul Shattock, Jeff Bradstreet, M.D., Andrew Wakefield, M.D., and more (including of course Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.!!) For more info (ask for the 18-page conference flyer) call 609/921-3717 or email [email protected].
 

October 10 -12, Springfield

"Sharing A Vision: Expanding the Possibilities"

7th Annual Illinois Collaborative Early Childhood Conference. For info call Susan Ferry at 217/824-4776 or email [email protected]

October 10, Springfield

"A Day with Madelyn Swift"

Madelyn Swift, M.Ed., will discuss aspects of Discipline in the Classroom and Dealing with Angry People: How to be Heard without Shouting . All the StarNet Regions are co-sponsoring this workshop, seating limited to 20 folks per region so call your local region today! Folks attending the "Sharing a Vision" conference listed next please note this workshop with Madelyn Swift requires a separate registration! Region I and III: 800/227-7537

October 12, Downers Grove

"What Now & Do I Need an Adult Services Broker?"

Second in the series from the good folks at Everyone is Welcome, this workshop addresses the problem of what to do after school is over; what is and is not available for adults with disabilities in Illinois; and how to begin planning for your child's future now. For more info about this workshop series contact the folks at Everyone is Welcome: 630/584-0970, [email protected].
 

****October 12, Skokie

"Asperger Syndrome - Teaching Techniques and Social Language Groups"

Sally Bligh, MCD, CCC-SLP and Susan Thompson, M.Ed present this informative workshop. See included flyer for full details or call 708/386-8971 for more info.
 

October 13, Collinsville

"Autism: Related Health & Community Issues"

Patricia Kane, Ph.D. is the keynote speaker for this conference pf The Autism Society of Southern Illinois. Additional speakers will discuss the DAN! protocol, the tooth and body connection, the role of the pharmacy, and more. If you live down thataway contact ASOSI via email at [email protected] or call 618/632-3783.
 

****October 16, Rockford

"Integrating Sound into Sensory Integration for Individuals with Autism"

Sheila Frick, OTR will provide practical discussion on how to use auditory techniques at school and home. Videotapes and listening labs will be included throughout the day. This is one of a series of workshops sponsored by The Northwestern Illinois Association. Registration is by mail only, so call NIA 815/226-3302, ext. 14 and ask to be sent a registration form today if interested. Preference given to folks living in Rockford and surrounding counties.
 

****October 18....all over via satellite

"Fragile X Syndrome: A Genetic Disorder that Impacts Development, Behavior, and Learning."

Judith M. Gray, MS,R.N., CS

StarNet Regions I & III, in coordination with the Western Illinois University/ISBE Satellite Education Network, is able to send this seminar to over 100 downlink facilities in Illinois. Please call 800/227-7537, ext. 293, for info on how to register to receive written support materials, and how to connect with your nearest downlink site. OR: you can arrange to borrow the video for viewing after the broadcast.

October 19, Downers Grove

"Evaluations - How to Interpret and Effectively Use Testing"

Third in the EIW series, this all-day workshop will cover the different tests schools use as part of a case study, how to interpret the reports and scores, and how to effectively use this testing in preparing your child's education plan. For more info about this workshop series contact the folks at Everyone is Welcome: 630/584-0970, [email protected].
 

****October 22, Glen Ellyn

"Social Stories"

Nan Negri will give this presentation, with Lisa N. Jones, for StarNet Region V. They will provide an overview of how learning characteristics of kids with Asperger's are best supported through visual strategies and predictable routines, in addition to introducing the concept of social stories, describing components, how written, how used. For more info contact Region V at 773/553-3413 and ask for a registration form.
 

October 23, Matteson

"Social Stories"

I also have Nan Negri and Lisa N. Jones listed as presenting the above workshop for Region VI the next day. If you are not on the StarNet VI mailing list call 708/342-5370 for a registration form.
 

October 23 & 24, Mt. Vernon

"Recognizing and Supporting People with Autism/PDD"

Barbara Doyle again offers this two-day training session which could be useful to parents not yet self-educated about autism; also it would be good for new teachers and staff who probably learned very little about autism in college. For more info call UIC Community Education at 312/413-1535. Note this will also be offered in Sept. and Nov. at other locations.
 

****October 24, LaSalle

"Making Connections - Information on Social Skills, Peer Interaction and Increasing Functional/Vocational Applications of Academic Skills for Middle School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder"

Peg Mazeika covers the above - for more info contact Barbara Harte at 815/433-6433.
 

October 26, Oakbrook Terrace

"Effective Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Schools"

Cathy Pratt, Ph.D. is the keynote speaker for the 17th annual conference of the Center for Speech and Language Disorders. Additional speakers will cover topics as diverse as using TEACCH, ABA, Sensory Processing, or Floortime in the classroom; also covered will be Hyperlexia, Functional Communication, Social Interactions, and more! Conference brochures were mailed in August - call 630/530-8551 if you did NOT get one, or check out www.csld.com
 

****November 1 - 3, Schaumburg

Illinois Council for Exceptional Children: "Working Together for a Brighter Future"

Opening General Session: "Creating Positive School Climates So That All Students Really Do Learn" Additional workshop topics include: Legislation, Recertification, Alternate Assessment, Instructional Strategies, Behavior Interventions, Curriculum Modifications, Autism, Inclusion, Diversity, Special Workshops for Paraeducators and more!!!!!!!! Call 847/244-8816 or 815/875-2645 for more information
 
 
 

November 2, Lisle

Autism Society of Illinois 24th Annual Conference

Ronald B. Leaf, Ph.D.   will speak on the topic of Basic Applied Behavior Analysis in the Treatment of Autism.

Dr. Leaf, a licensed psychologist who has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of autism, as long worked with Dr. Ivar Lovaas at UCLA, where after achieving his doctorate he served as Clinic Supervisor, Research Psychologist, Interim Director of the Autism Project, and Lecturer. Dr. Leaf was extensively involved in several research investigations, contributed to the Me Book and is a co-author of the Me Book Videotapes, a series of instructional tapes for teaching children with autism. He is also the co-author of A Work in Progress, a recently published book on Behavioral Treatment. In other words, he knows his stuff and this will be the "don't miss" conference of the year! Kudos to ASI for getting this presenter for us! Additionally, local parent Dr. Ronald Kallen will provide an update on the use of Risperdone as a medication for some kids with autism.If you are already a member of ASI do know that the conference brochure will be mailed to you; if not a member, contact ASI to request membership information.

Autism Society of Illinois

2200 S. Main Street, Suite 317, Lombard, IL 60148-5366

630-691-1270 - Fax 630-932-5620

www.autismillinois.org
 

****November 7, Rockford

"Understanding Communication and Social Challenges & Providing Appropriate Intervention Strategies for Individuals with Autism"

Jenny Potanos, everyones favorite SLP, will provide this am. workshop. In the afternoon, another SLP, Michele Ricamato, who has trained with Greenspan and Weider, will present "Down on the Floor: An Overview of Dr. Stanley Greenspan's Developmental Individual-Difference Relationship Based Theory". This is one of a series of workshops sponsored by The Northwestern Illinois Association. Registration is by mail only, so call NIA 815/226-3302, ext. 14 and ask to be sent a registration form today if interested. Preference given to folks living in Rockford and surrounding counties.
 

November 7 & 8, Staved Rock (Utica)

"Recognizing and Supporting People with Autism/PDD"

Barbara Doyle yet again offers this two-day training session which could be useful to parents not yet self-educated about autism; also it would be good for new teachers and staff who probably learned very little about autism in college. For more info call UIC Community Education at 312/413-1535. Note this is repeat of what was offered in Sept. and Oct. at other locations.
 

November 9, 10, 11 - Tysons Corner, Virginia

(Washington D.C. area

"Autism and Disorders of Relating and Communicating - Breaking New Ground in Clinical Care"

A whole slew of folks (Greenspan, Brazelton, Teitelbaum, Carbone, Chez, Merzenich, etc.) will present on topics as varied as Verbal Behavior Therapy to Sensory and Pain Thresholds to Neuropharmacological Treatments to GI Tract, Immunizations and Autoimmunity. Oh, why not make a quick phone call and ask for your own copy of the conference flyer - it is as big as one of my newsletters. 301/656-2667.
 

****November 13, Tinley Park

"Sexuality and the Person with Disabilities"

Orieda Horn Anderson, sex educator for over 58 years and long-time family life educator for persons with disabilities will present this workshop that is designed to address the concerns of parents and caregivers regarding the issue of sexuality and persons with disability. This is not a topic we as parents can ignore as puberty is an eventuality for all our kids. For more info about attending this workshop contact the ARC of Illinois at 708/206-1930.
 

POSTPONED* November 13 & 14, Chicago area

2-Day Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Trainings

Andrew S. Bondy, Ph.D. and Jo-Anne Matteo, M.S.CCC/SLP Contact Pyramid and ask to be sent a brochure when available. They are at 888/732-7462, email [email protected]. Website is www.pecs.com

* this was postponed before Sept. 11.
 

****November 14, Carol Stream

"The Adolescent and Young Adult (14-21 years) with Autism/PDD"

One of the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project Parent Trainings. For more info about this training contact Kathy Gould, Project Director, at 708/354-5730, email [email protected], or visit www.illinoisautismproject.org
 

****November 15, Chicago

"Auditory Integration - Sound Training"

Dawn Zibricky & Sarah Aimaro will discuss the merits and uses of AIT to help kids with various disabilities, including autism. A discussion of hands-on approaches to home and classroom interventions will also be included. Contact StarNet Region V for more info at 773/553-3413
 

****November 16, Palatine

"Early Identification of Autism and Appropriate Intervention"

Karen Simon-Leff will cover early signs that can indicate a child is at risk for an autism diagnosis; also how to help families get started, and various pathways to treatment. Contact StarNet Region II for this one: 847/803-3565
 

****November 29, Rockford

"Strategies for Success"

Peg Mazeika will present structured teaching strategies that can be used at school or home. Practical applications will be featured - please bring your own markers, scissors and glue!! This is one of a series of workshops sponsored by The Northwestern Illinois Association. Registration is by mail only, so call NIA 815/226-3302, ext. 14 and ask to be sent a registration form today if interested. Preference given to folks living in Rockford and surrounding counties.
 

****December 4-5, Carol Stream

"Discrete Trial for Games/Recreation/Leisure"

One of the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project Parent Trainings. For more info about this training contact Kathy Gould, Project Director, at 708/354-5730, email [email protected], or visit www.illinoisautismproject.org
 

****December 5, Rockford

"Behavioral Support in the Classroom: Design to Implementation"

Victor Morris, L.C.S.W. will include a model for understanding student behavioral needs as part of this presentation. This is one of a series of workshops sponsored by The Northwestern Illinois Association. Registration is by mail only, so call NIA 815/226-3302, ext. 14 and ask to be sent a registration form today if interested. Preference given to folks living in Rockford and surrounding counties.

****December 10, Lake Zurich

"Do's & Don'ts for Serving Children with Autism: Mistakes Along the Way"

Karen Simon-Leff , using videos that demonstrates integrated therapy & services, explores the benefits of this model, practices that work, and what happens when interventions backfire. Strategies for shaping a child's progress over time will also be discusses. Contact StarNet Region II for registration info at 847/305-3565.
 

****January 16, Schaumburg

"Building an Effective IEP: 8 Steps of Negotiation"

Jennifer Bollero & Pat Kluzik Stauch

Parent and Attorney Jennifer Bollero has developed an 8-step negotiation process that can help parents and professions collaborate effectively to create IEPs that can truly benefit a child. An overview of IDEA is included. If you haven't yet had a change to absorb Jenny's knowledge, now's your chance. Contact StarNet Region II for registration material at 847/803-3565
 

****February 23, 2002, 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 known 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 26, 2002, 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 by mail only, so call NIA 815/226-3302, ext. 14 and ask to be sent a registration form today if interested. Preference given to folks living in Rockford and surrounding counties.
 

****February 26, 2002, 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. For more info about this training contact Kathy Gould, Project Director, at 708/354-5730, email [email protected], or visit www.illinoisautismproject.org

Contents

Halloween's A-Comin'!!!

There are only five Fairy Tale Trails across the country, and this is the only one in the greater Chicagoland area. It is being sponsored and offered by the West Suburban Special Recreation Association. Focus is on fun, not fright. Kids attending can:
 

Children of All Abilities, Ages 3 to 8 accompanied by an Adult, are welcome to attend (well, I will be sliding in my ten-year-old who believes Captain Hook is real.....!). There will be hand-on activities, and treats to collect along the way. Fee is $4 per child, adult chaperones are free. Proceeds benefit WSSRA therapeutic recreation programs.

Visit on Friday, October 26 4:00 to 8:00PM, Saturday, October 27 11:00 to 5:00PM, and Sunday, October 28 Noon to 4:00PM. Come to Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison, Franklin Park (north of Grand, west of 25th Ave/Rose). For more info or to arrange group reservations please call 847/455-2100.

Contents

from a helpful parent on the on-line list:

Just an FYI--I was talking to the people at ISBE today and they advised me that the 2001 Parents Rights Guide is now available. You can either access it on-line or get a hard copy by calling 217/782-5589 (Springfield). Supposedly, there is more information than before and some great resources listed.

Contents

Remember, moms and dads, the most important evidence for your child's need for extended school year (ESY) next summer needs to be developed now and this fall.

Your child is entitled to ESY if he or she would regress considerably without it, and would require a substantial amount of time after school starts to recoup losses from an extended school break.

If you didn't get ESY this summer, you need to document evidence of regression. Request and save notes, evaluations, tests, and all materials describing your child's behavior and skills at the end of the last school year. When school starts in the fall, ask your child's teacher to make notes, and give you copies of all materials describing your child's performance. Make your own dated notes and observations about how long it takes your child to catch up. Save tests, assignments, and notebooks.

Do the same for shorter school breaks, like winter and spring vacation. Regression documented during shorter breaks will help you prove the need for summer ESY programming.

If you did get ESY, you should document how it prevented regression compared to prior years in which your child did not get ESY, and/or how it wasn't extensive enough to prevent regression. Remember, the school district is required by law to provide services that are necessary for the implementation of your child's IEP.

Make sure you bring all this evidence to the next IEP meeting, and request that the need for ESY, and if possible a detailed description of the ESY program, be written into the IEP.
 

reprinted courtesy of Brimstone Bulletin, Vol.7 No. 3, the publication of the original Mothers From Hell. (As current editor of the MFH2 version of the Brimstone I have access to, and can glean from, all past issues. The above piece by Judith is still useful today, although technically regression can not be used as the sole measure of whether or not a child is entitled to ESY. But, if you can prove regression, it makes a case for ESY the schools most easily can accept.)

Contents

"Different Roads to Learning has a great catalog full of useful information for parents of special need's kids. Toys, photo cards, books and computer games. With almost everything geared towards the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders. For further information or to request a free catalog call (800) 853-1057. "

Contents

Individuals with developmental disorders are seven times more likely than other people to come into contact with police and their responses to encounters with the law may not always be socially appropriate. How can the needs and responses of people with autism spectrum disorders be reconciled with the duties of the police to serve and protect the community? In this book, private investigator and autism advocate Dennis Debbaudt provides essential information for both groups. He explains how typical manifestations of autism spectrum disorders, such as running away, unsteadiness, impulsive behavior or failure to respond, may be misunderstood by law enforcement professionals, with serious consequences. For individuals with ASDs, he offers advice on how to behave in encounters with police and other law enforcement professionals. Aimed at raising awareness and facilitating communication between people with autism and law enforcement professionals, this much-needed book will be a valuable resource for both communities.
 

Jessica Kingsley Publishers books are available from good bookshops and online bookstores everywhere. You can also order from the following local distributors, where stocks of our books are held.
 

Taylor & Francis Inc.
325 Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tel: 1 215 625 8900
Fax: 1 215 625 2940

[email protected]

Contents

"There is an organic buying club in Illinois called Timber Creek Farms. They deliver various boxes of produce to your home (you must order at least once a month). Their prices are comparable to Whole Foods. If you order at least twice a month, you also get access to Blooming Prairie's Whole Sale Catalog [I used to be part of a coöp in Elgin that used Blooming Prairie and it is GREAT - organic foods, toiletries, homeopathic stuff - the works! jfs.]." For more info contact them at:

Timber Creek Farms
Yorkville, IL 60560
630/553-1119
 

From the Chicago Tribune on September 16, 2001:
 

“A proposal to convert a house in Cary into a treatment center and group home for autistic children is drawing fire from neighbors.

The Cary Village Board next month will consider a plan to convert a house on West Main Street into a treatment center and home for six autistic children ages 6 to 12.

About 25 neighbors on both sides of the issue appeared Thursday before the Cary Board of Zoning, Planning and Appeals. After an emotional debate, the panel endorsed the plan for the non-profit Children's Center for Autism in a 4-2 vote.

Some neighbors say the home would lower property values and increase traffic.

Alterations to the home would include adding a 5-foot fence and door alarms.

"The reality is, nobody seeks out a home next to a group home," said Dennis Oltz, who lives near the home. "A fence around the place and alarms? ... I'm the one who will be living with this decision. I strongly oppose it."

Shawna C. Egan, executive director of the center, said the house was the best site her group could find. Egan said she wanted to give the children a safe place in a residential neighborhood to help them assimilate into the mainstream.

The Village Board is expected to take up the issue Oct. 2.”

Copyright © 2001, Chicago Tribune

The most effective way to show support for this group home would be to write all of our local and state legislators about the need for autism services, specifically addressing this group home that Shawna and other parents are trying to open, and the opposition they are being met with.
 

Shawna has provided a sample letter as a model, should you be inclined to help. Having one's child in a safe, supported group home in their home community (where a parent can also still be a part of their child's life as much as possible) is the best option possible when a child's disability is too severe (and support services too meager) to permit continual residence in the family home.
 

Dear Governor, Senator, Representative,

I have a son/daughter diagnosed with Autism. Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain and interferes with the normal development of the brain in the areas of sensory and cognitive processing, social interaction and communication skills.

There is a huge void throughout Illinois human service systems in recognizing and serving the unique challenges of children with Autism and their families. It is estimated that 1 out of every 400 babies born today will be diagnosed with Autism. This state and my local community are lacking services in the following areas: therapeutic group homes for those children with severe Autism, Autism special education programs in the public school system, respite for families, and family support.

Most children with Autism require an intensive, structured special education program during the school day. In addition, they also require this intensive, structured programming in the home environment as well. Due to the complexities of Autism, families struggle every day to care for their Autistic child in the home. The stress and strain on siblings and parents is astronomical. The already staggering divorce rate doubles when parents have children with a disability. Ultimately, everyone in the family is severely affected by Autism.

I would like to specifically draw your immediate attention to the Children's Center for Autism located in Cary, IL. They are a parent driven organization trying to open a group home for six autistic children, ages 6-12. The local newspapers have been covering this issue for months citing the old NIMBY sentiments. The Children's Center has been strongly opposed by neighbors and other members in the community because of blind fear and ignorant prejudice. I strongly urge you to call upon your fellow legislators to support this group home.

In addition, we need you to advocate that more money be allocated in the budget to provide Autism related human services - especially therapeutic group homes, respite, and special education.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

“Despite all the NIMBY sentiments, WE WILL OPEN THIS GROUP HOME! It is my goal, once we are up and running, to help other parents open group homes in their communities.  I will share all the information needed - no dancing around funding issues or zoning ordinances.  We hope to provide a step by step program so that group homes in our communities are not an exception, that they are the rule.  And that every child with a disability - of any kind  - has the right, morally, ethically, and legally to live in society - right smack dab in the middle of our neighborhoods.  What a concept.  If there is anything you can do to help, I would say please call or write your legislators and tell them about the lack of services for our kiddos with ASD.  Specifically mention all the resistance we are being met with to open the group home in Cary, IL. Thank you. “

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