Special Education Parent Advisory Committee-- SEPAC

Was going through my daughter's papers (once again), and stumbled upon a newsletter I got last year from SEPAC.  I attended one of their meetings last spring it was a nice introduction to some of the special ed community I hadn't met yet. 

SEPAC members are parents/guardians of children with disabilities.  They represent the 13 school districts in Marquette and Alger Counties.  Their mission is to support and assist children in special education to reach their full potential.

Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at MARESA.  The next meeting with be Thursday, Nov. 18 from 7-9.  For more information, see their listing on the MARESA page.

Date for first meeting

Well the polls closed this morning with Sunday afternoon and Wednesday evening tied.  I went ahead and reserved the Shiras Room at Peter White Public Library for 7:30 pm on Wednesday, December 1.  If at a later date we decide we want to give Sundays a try, we can do that.  I'll be sending out PSA's to the media in the next couple of days.  Thank you to everyone who took part in the poll.

Do let me know if you have anything for the agenda!

Therapy dogs

Came across two postings on the same topic on the same day.  Seems there was a recent study in Canada that showed some good results for kids with ASD who were paired with therapy dogs.  
http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=16561

Also learned about an organization in Oregon that will match your child with ASD with a trained therapy dog (for a fee-- a big fee!)   (I LOVE the pictures on their website!)

So my brain is churning on this one.  There are dogs that are trained to work with kids here in Marquette as part of a reading program.  You can sign up to have your child practice reading aloud to a dog (dogs don't judge!).  The Youth Services department at Peter White Public Library (226-4320) has more information on this program. 

I wonder if we could work out a therapy dog program of sorts.  I don't know much about dogs, and less about training dogs, but I'm intrigued by the possibilities.  With the reading program, we had more dogs signed up than children.  Right now I'm imaging a Big brothers/Big sisters type program but with dogs.

Five more days to vote for meeting time and place

Right now Sunday at 1:00 in the library is in the lead because it has two votes and all other times have only one vote.  You can cast your vote in the polls on the right column.  

Autism Upper Peninsula Michigan Yahoo Group

Back when I was digging around Google trying to find something, anything regional that gives autism general information or support to families, I found this Yahoo Group.  It is a quiet, but friendly group, moderated by a mom up in the Houghton area.  I've made three good connections from this group:  the moderator, another local Marquette area mom, and an OT in the SOO area who is helping us with RDI therapy for our daughter. 

By the way, our blog is now searchable on google!

Timely Social Story

Got this trick or treating social story from Pam.  Check it out.

AT in the UP

We've been getting a lot of hits lately from the new link to our site from the AT in the UP blog.  AT stands for Assistive Technology.  This group was formed to develop assistive technology guidelines, resources and training to enable school districts to meet the mandated requirements of the reauthorizaton of IDEA (1997).  It is composed of members of all seven ISD's in the Upper Peninsula. 

When you check out their blog, scroll down and on the right hand side you will see a list of posts by category.  They've got a lot of neat tools to help kids with ASD.  You can contact them to see about incorporating some of these things in your child's educational program.

From MARESA

I talked to some one in the MARESA offices and have left messages in a few other places.  Here's one number-- 50 students in the schools in Marquette and Alger Counties.  I guess the next question is whether or not that puts us above or below the 1 in 110 number that's been tossed about lately.

Stats for Marquette County and or the U.P.?

Does anyone know any autism stats for our area?  I called the Marquette County Health office yesterday and they had nothing.  Am curious, and it could prove useful information down the road, to know just how many people are affected by autism in this area.  Any statistics at all would be a start, but wondering how many school age children, how many diagnosed locally, how many diagnosed down state or Wisconsin, how many receive services through Medicaid, how many don't.  There's a lot I don't know...

First Autistic Presidential Appointee Speaks Out

Found a link to this story on another autism board I follow.  This young man on the spectrum is in a position to help shape policy.  I find his perspective fascinating.

Autism Society of Michigan and other recommendations

I got a note today from Ginny who has been on the board of the Autism Society of Michigan and who's now grown son has benefited from her work with that organization.  She wanted to make sure we included it in our list of recommended sites.

Right now we just have Pam's list and a few other recommendations scattered in the comments.  In the future, I will create a separate page on this blog for a master list of lists.  My impulse as a librarian is to get as many options out there as possible, and then let the individual choose what is right for her or his needs.  Might be a good idea to pass along a clipboard during meetings to get everyone's favorite web sites and book titles.

I'm kind of keen on a book I'm reading right now:  Getting the Best for Your Child with Autism by Bryna Siegel, 2008 Guilford Press.  I like the way the author breaks down all the different things different ASD kids need help with and how different therapy approaches and can address those different needs.  I got this title off of the list of titles Dr. Nidiffer recommended in our follow-up from my daughter's spin through the Developmental Clinic at MGH.  I'll contact him about publishing his entire list.

Another list I'd like to get going on this site is favorite things to do/places to take kids on the spectrum.  One we like is "Kids' Climb" (scroll down) Friday nights at NMU's PEIF.  They use harnesses that are tethered to a spotter so my daughter can climb as high as she wants without giving her poor old mother a heart attack.  It's free for kids five and under. 

BTW:  I contacted the Autism of Society of Michigan a few days ago about what would be entailed in becoming one of their chapters and what the benefits might be for our group.  Not sure if we will want to go that route or not.  I personally don't know enough about it, but we could put it out for discussion when we meet.

Special Olympics: Young Athletes

Special Olympics: Young Athletes 

The link above will take you to a story from the national Special Olympics website.  Sounds like this is a new program from Special Olympics and an even newer program for Marquette.  When I dropped my daughter off at her ECDD program this afternoon, there was a flyer in her cubby introducing the local program.  It will be held every 1st and 3rd Monday evening from 6:30-7:30 in the Sandy Knoll Gymnasium, starting next week, October 18.  The flyer describes it as "A developmentally appropriate play program for children with intellectual disabilities, ages 2 to 8."  Sounds like they have some good people involved:  Heidi Dougan, Special Ed Teacher from MAPS; Barb Nelson from MARESA; and NMU students in the Adaptive Physical Education program.  Heidi Dougan can give more information at 226-3519.  There will be forms to complete on October 18.

Update:  Here's another link to the Special Olympics site with a better description of the program, including a guide to the kinds of activities they will be doing.  I'm planning on giving it a try.

We've made the map...

Have you seen this cool map of Michigan support groups from bridges4kids?  Don't you just love our blue star?  Thanks to everyone, more than twice as many people viewed our site yesterday than any other day so far.

To those of you viewing this site for the first time, welcome!

What's SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation.  That's blogspeak for trying to get your site found when people go googling for your services.  That's what I want to happen to this site-- I want people to be able to go to Google, type in "Autism and Marquette" or "Autism and the Upper Peninsula" and find this site. 

It's not happening yet, but from what I understand it will take a few weeks, and the more people who come to this site and link to this site from other places (I know there are people putting the link on their facebook pages), the faster we will gain SEO. 

So thank you again to everyone who is passing on the URL, leaving comments, and doing what they can to help gain visability. 

Great Start

Thought all the mom's might be interested in Great Start, the new umbrella agency that is picking up where 4C's left off and then some.  Part of their mission is get all the agencies that work with young children to work together and to work with a parent coalition.  Getting involved with the parent coalition could be one way to have a voice in the services we see in the Marquette area. 

One wonderful way Great Start has helped the community already is the Regional Childcare Resource Collection at Peter White Public Library.  They've donated a large collection of books for parents, teachers and children; games; puzzels; music; and a few dvds.  There will be an open house at the children's department Thursday evening.  More information on the collection and the open house can be found on the library's blog.

New gadgets

As I get more familiar with blogger, hopefully this site will get nicer.  I've added some gadgets to the side where you can vote for preferred meeting times and locations.  I'd also like to figure out how to add just a general comment section on the side where users can add any ideas at all.  I mean for this to be a community blog, not just Ellen's autism blog.  Until I figure out how to add a comment box, please free to add comments anywhere you see a link for comments.  They will all come to my e-mail and you can request whether or not a comment is for general posting. 

Thanks everyone for your support!  Posters are now up at Superior Therapies offices at the Bell Teal Lake facility and at Peter White Public Library.

And about the polls -- set the polls for meeting times and locations to close a few weeks into the future.  I figure by then hopefully we will have attracted a bit of attention.  Will probably set first meeting time about a month from the close of the polls so we can send out PSA's to the media.  

List of websites from Pam

Here's a list that Pam sent to me of good ASD books and websites.  She is a mom trained in ABA.

Books:  


Right from the start: Behavioral intervention for young children with autism by Sandra L. Harris, PhD and Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA

A cup of comfort for parents of children with autism: Stories of hope and everyday success Edited by Colleen Sell

Let me hear your voice: A family's triumph over Autism by Catherine Maurice

Girls under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders: Practical solutions for addressing everyday challenges by Lori Ernsperger, PhD, and Danielle Wendel

The elephant in the playroom: Ordinary parents write intimately and honestly about the extraordinary highs and heartbreaking lows of raising kids with special needs by Denise Brodey

Thinking in pictures: My life with autism by Temple Grandin

Autism and ABA resources:

http://www.behavior.org/group.php?id=17

The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies is a nonprofit organization that promotes practical, evidence-based applications of behavioral science in the home, school, and the workplace. Our primary goal is to create and deliver trustworthy information on high quality behavioral services and science around the world.

http://www.abainternational.org/ba.asp

Since 1974, the Association for Behavior Analysis International^® (ABA International) has been the primary professional organization for members interested in the philosophy, science, application, and teaching of behavior analysis. 

http://www.centerforautism.com/getting_started/aba.asp

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) diligently maintains a reputation as one of the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and related disorders. Following the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we develop individualized treatment plans for your child. We are proud to provide autism services around the globe.

http://www.maximumpotentialkids.com/abacourse-1.htm

Maximum Potential has created 17 different modules that will give any potential instructor the ability to learn everything they need to know about ABA, the set up of an ABA session and how to counteract different challenges associated with ABA. Each set of modules will contain examples from actual ABA therapy sessions and will included printable guided notes that can be used to refresh information learned in the courses. The program also offers a data collection package and picture cards that are set up for use with the ABLLS^®-R

• If you are a family who does not live near a qualified therapist
• If you struggle with the cost of private ABA therapy
• If you want to follow up with your child’s therapy or add additional hours by training others

...then Maximum Potential’s Video Based training is for you.

http://autisminsurancemichigan.blogspot.com/

This site has been created to promote networking and information sharing in regard to pending legislation for Autism Insurance Reform in Michigan.

http://www.youtube.com/TheAutismSociety

TheAutismSociety's Channel

http://www.childnett.tv/

The mission of Childnett.tv® is to reach out globally to families, clinicians, and educators through the internet to provide information related to autism and other neurological disorders. Viewers can watch personal stories, therapies, and the latest medical research 24 hours a day from home, work, or wherever high-speed internet access is available - all for free.

http://www.hiyah.net/

This educational software is made for children 18 months to 4 years of age  (or higher for children struggling with language delays due to autism or other causes).

http://www.patrickecker.org/quickpics.htm

QuickPics is a FREE software program to develop communication and language boards. The program allows you to design boards to meet the needs of the child. Graphics are included in the program and are searchable by keyword. The storybook graphics are colorful and engaging.

http://www.modelmekids.com/

Model Me Kids® videos demonstrate social skills by modeling peer behavior at school, on a playdate, at a birthday party, on the playground, at a library, at the dentist, restaurant, and more. Real children model and narrate each skill. DVDs for ages 2-17.

Designed as a teaching tool for children, adolescents, and teenagers with Autism, Aspergers, PDD-NOS, Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD or NLD), and developmental delays, the videos are used by parents, teachers, and therapists. The videos are also helpful for teaching children with developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome.

http://www.zacbrowser.com/

The first Internet browser developed specifically for children living with variants of autism spectrum disorders.

http://www.autism-society.org/

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

MICHIGAN: Final autism hearing in senate (2010-10-06)

MICHIGAN: Final autism hearing in senate (2010-10-06)

This article from Michgian NPR gives some more supportive information from a spokesperson from the organization Autism Speaks.

Advocates push for more autism coverage in Mich. - WLNS TV 6 Lansing Jackson Michigan News and Weather - WLNS.COM |

Advocates push for more autism coverage in Mich. - WLNS TV 6 Lansing Jackson Michigan News and Weather - WLNS.COM

Looks like the Michigan insurance coverage for autism bill got a nudge forward today. Wish I could find more news coverage.

Spreading the word

I've created a word document with six little fliers on a single sheet that you pass along to your contacts to get the word out about the blog.  If you send me your e-mail address (you can use the comment form if you don't know me, and I will refrain from posting the comment publicly), I will send it to you as an attached file.

Want to help organize?

As I said in my first post, I'm hoping that the autism community in this area can once again become organized, or at least that we can create a central, free, easy-to-find place where people can get at least a few answers and or a little direction.

In the past there was a local chapter of the Autism Society of America that met periodically at the hospital.  Because I work at Peter White Public Library, it would be no trouble for me to set up a room and a time for a first meeting there.  Probably wouldn't be hard to call the hospital on this either.  Maybe we could get a meeting place by contacting Great Start.  Other ideas?  Times that are good or bad?

I'm going to start trying to get the word out that this blog exists and see what kind of response it generates.  Please leave a comment to show your interest.  You don't need to identify yourself.

Article on first autism patient

A couple of weeks ago I came across this article http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/10/autism-8217-s-first-child/8227/ .  It was referred to me from two different directions.  I find it pretty interesting-- autism in old age.  Am particularly struck by his travels.  I sometimes get the feeling that radical change is easier than small changes.

A place to start...

Hello,

I'm a parent of a little girl on the autistic spectrum.  The official diagnosis came down a few weeks ago, but I began to seriously think we might be looking at ASD about a year ago.  I started looking around for the local support network shortly after that, and didn't find much.  I'm a librarian and know a few things about research.  I don't, however, know everything I want to know about how to help my daughter.  I think a lot of things I want don't exist yet.

I'm hoping that we, parents and friends of those on the spectrum, can get organized.  This blog, I figure, is just a place to start.  I will monitor posts, for clarity mostly, but please feel free to post here if you have a questions or information of an event or other item to share.  Eventually, I hope to get enough interest generated to start local periodic meetings in Marquette again.  From there, I've got bigger dreams!  What about pooling resources to get parent training?  What about getting a P.L.A.Y. group in the UP?  What about speakers?  What about... your ideas?

Guest Book-- please add your comments, thoughts, ideas, suggestions etc.

If you have any questions or information to share or have any other reason to send me a message, please enter it in the box below. (Scroll down to see box.)  All comments will be moderated by me, Ellen the moderator.  If you would like me to post or not post, please indicate.   Otherwise, I'll probably just post.

I will not see your e-mail address, unless you include it in the text of the message so I will not be able to contact you directly unless you include contact information in your message.

If you wish to contact me directly, you may call me at the Peter White Public Library reference desk:  906/226-6971.
 
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