Sensory Friendly Family Film this Friday

The Peter White Public Library will by showing The Secret of Roan Inish this Friday afternoon at 1:00 in their Community Room.  The movies in this series are all free.  The idea, based on a series offered by the Autism Society of America and AMC Theaters, is to offer movies in a setting where the noise levels aren't overwhelming and movement and sounds made by viewers won't get you kicked out of the show.  We leave lights on low and closed caption on for those who read better than they listen. 

The Secret of Roan Innish, set in Ireland, tells how two young cousins solve a mystery as they learn about the selkie folklore of their coastal community. 

Special Olympics Snowshoeing

Got the following notice from Heidi, a special ed teacher at Sandy Knoll School.   We've participated in Heidi's outings in the past-- she's lots of fun and anything she plans is sure to be a good time.  Give her a call if you have questions, otherwise just show up!

It is time again for

Special Olympics Snowshoeing!

What:      Snowshoe practice

Where:     The Fit Strip

(By the cemetery in Marquette off Seymour St.-up the hill from the

Mr. Tire on Washington)

Dates:      Thursdays Dec. 20 ~ Jan 3, 10, 17, 24

Sundays, Dec. 23  ~Jan 6, 13, 20

Time:        Thursday evenings at 6:00

                  Sunday afternoons at 1:00

You will need warm clothes, good boots and socks, snowshoes if you have them, and a water bottle.  We will have extra pairs of snowshoes if needed.

Winter games 1/26/12 at the Dome.  It will be snow fun!

For further information, please call:

Heidi Dougan

Email: hdougan@mapsnet.org

906-226-3519 home

906-361-2930 cell

Autism Speaks iPad Grants

The following appeared in my e-mail from Autism Speaks: 


Autism Speaks is thrilled to announce that through the generosity of Sevenly.org and the James W. Pickle Foundation, 625 financially disadvantaged individuals with autism and schools will receive an Apple iPad 2!
Eligible applicants are individuals who:
- Have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder by a licensed professional,
- Reside in the United States,
- Have limited income and cannot afford to purchase an iPad.
Note: If you already submitted an application for the iPad 2 grant in February 2012, you must re-apply to be considered for the new round.
  Technology Grant Timeline
December 3: Online Application Opens
December 7: Application Closes
December 7-14: Review Committee Selects Recipients
December 17: Recipients Announced and iPads sent out!!

   How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by the person with autism, an immediate family member of the person with autism, or a licensed teacher, social worker, or therapist. The Technology Grant Review Committee will review eligible applications based on established criteria and select the iPad grant recipients. Some applicants will be contacted by staff for follow up information. All applicants selected to receive an iPad 2 will be contacted on December 17. Others will receive an email informing them of their status.

Visit the AutismCares website to apply! You must create a login and select Autism Speaks iPad Grant.


Note: Please DO NOT complete the application entitled "AutismCares Application" if you are applying for an iPad. Only those applicants that complete the application entitled “Autism Speaks iPad Grant” will be considered.

Note: Only applicants in the United States will be considered. We cannot accept applications from outside the United States.
Earlier this year, Autism Speaks was able to award 180 iPads to families across the USA. Read more about it here!
 

From the Autism Society of Michigan

I received the Autism Society of Michigan Newsletter a couple of days ago.  Their spring conference will host the Wright of Wrightslaw this coming April.  Their conferences tend to revolve around one high-profile speaker and fill-up quickly.  If this interests you, more information is online here. 

SAIL Open House Dec. 12

If you haven't already heard, Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) is hosting an open house at their offices on Wednesday, Dec 12 from 5-7 pm.  More information is on their website. 

Michigan Autism Insurance Portal

The Autism Alliance of Michigan has a new webpage dedicated to providing information about the new Michigan autism insurance legislation benefit. 

Two free workshops next week

Michigan Alliance for Families is offering two workshops at MARESA this coming week.

On Monday, November 12 from 9 am to 3 pm the topic will be transition IEP's and on Tuesday November 13 from 9 to noon the topic will be communication and advocacy in IEPs.  As I understand it, these workshops are free, and Monday's meeting even includes lunch.  To register, call 1-906-635-8984.

I got an e-mail today from Barb at MARESA about a generous family in the Ann Arbor area that has created a foundation to give Ipads to families with non-verbal kids on the spectrum.  You can learn more about it and find their application on their Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/jasmynns-ipads-cost-money/application-to-become-an-ipad-recipient/437601882959272

More Halloween Tips

Kirsten our outpatient OT recommended this link from the American Occupational Therapy Association to me; it's full of ideas for a sensory friendly holiday. 

Love and Logic Parenting Workshop

Marquette General's Women and Children's Center is sponsoring a Love and Logic Workshop for parents.  The following information is from their poster:

Saturday  November 17, 2012, l0:30 am - 3:00pm
Cost: $25 per individual or $35 per couple
A workbook and lunch will be provided.

Peter White Public Library  Community Room

What is Love and Logic® all about? The Love and Logic Institute is dedicated to making parenting and teaching fun and rewarding, instead of stressful and chaotic. We provide practical tools and techniques that help adults achieve respectful, healthy relationships with their children and help them prepare their kids for the real world. All of our work is based on a psychologically sound parenting and teaching philosophy called Love and Logic®. Love and Logic® is easy to use, raises responsibility in kids, and changes lives.

Why does it work:

• Uses humor, hope and empathy to build up the adult-child relationship  
• Emphasizes respect and dignity both for children and adults 
• Provides real limits in a loving way
• Teaches consequences and heallthy decision-making

Please call the Women’s &  Center to register - 225-3081.

Sensory Freindly Family Films

I've planned another round of Sensory Friendly Family Films at Peter White Public Library for this year.  The first one will be next Wednesday, Halloween at 2:30.  I'll be showing Wallace & Gromit and the Curse of the Were Rabbit.  (That Wednesday is an early release day for Marquette Schools.)

At Peter White Public Library, sensory friendly means:
• Sound: moderate volume
• Lights: on at low level
• Restlessness: expected
• Closed caption: on for readers 

All Sensory Friendly Family Films are shown in the Community Room in the lower level and are free and open to all. 

Copper Country Autism Awareness

Recently I spoke with one of the founders of the new Copper Country autism support group.  Their group was started by four individuals with grandchildren on the spectrum.  They've been able to really tap into the community and get some things happening for their community.  If you are in the area, I would definitely check them out.  Here's their website:  http://www.ccautismawareness.org/.

SAIL Bowling Fundraiser

SAIL has an event approaching on Saturday October 2, 1-4:00 pm.  It is the first ever Bowling Fundraiser Match with AMVETS. SAIL is looking for participants to bowl for FREE!  They will have 6 teams for their organization with three people on each team.  Any bowler at any skill level is welcome to participate.  Come out and support two fantastic organizations and enjoy food, friends and of course, FUN!  The event will take place at Superior Entertainment Center here in Marquette.

If you’d like to join a team and bowl for FREE, please contact Jessica at 228-5744

Halloween Tips

The Autism Society of Michigan's October Newsletter contained a link to an article called Trick-or-Treat Safely with Autistic Children.  I thought it might be helpful for some. 

Understanding health care options

Michigan Family to Family is hosting a day-long workshop at MARESA next Monday, October 15. 

Accessing Health Care Coverage & Services for My Child provides family members and anyone who serves as a support person to parents of children with special needs with information and resources
necessary to assist parents in:
• Understanding Their Insurance Policy
• Identifying Types of Public Health Care Coverage Available to Children and Families: MI Child, Healthy Kids, Children’s Special Health Care Services
• Applying for Benefits On-line
• Gaining Information and Access Coverage for Mental Health Services
• Being Familiar with Social Security
Programs for Young People Including Medicare and Medicaid

To Register For This session visit www.bridges4kids.org/f2f
or Families May Register by calling (800) 359-3722
Workshop: $10 (Includes Meal) • CEUs: $15

October 15, 2012
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Marquette-Alger RESA
321 East Ohio Street
Marquette, MI 49855

Back to school resources

Maybe the dust has settled on the start of the school year, but for those of you still struggling to create an ideal school situation for your child, both of the big national autism advocacy organizations have updated their school support materials.  Check out the School Community Tool Kit from Autism Speaks here.  And Autism Society Back to School Resources are online here. 

The National Forum on Disability Issues

 I recently stumbled upon some talk about this upcoming forum.  The description below comes from their website (http://www.nfdi.org/ ) where you can follow the forum online. 


The National Forum on Disability Issues- Sep. 28th, in Columbus, OH
The National Forum on Disability Issues is an historic nonpartisan event. The 2012 event builds on the success of the first ever forum organized by the disability community in 2008. The forum will focus on the disability positions of the 2012 Presidential candidates. Candidates for the U.S. Senate seat from Ohio will also be invited to participate. The candidates will be given the opportunity to provide their positions on a wide variety of disability issues directly to the disability community.

It will be the only national event to focus specifically on disability issues.

Minutes for meeting 16 September

Another small group on what might be the last really nice Sunday of Summer.  Still a lively discussion and a chance to meet some new people, which is always a pleasure.  Attendees included a grandmother who's son recently moved back home with his two sons, one of which is eleven and has autism.  Sounds like a rocky start to the new school year.  She already knew about MARS, but thanks to Heidi, I was able to let her know about the other advocacy option in town:  Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services. 

Also in attendance from Escanaba was Tammy Krassick, who participated in my virtual meeting over the summer.  She has a 13 year old son whom she has been able to help through naturalpathic methods.  She now works with other families, and you can learn more about her business on her website: http://healthinfo.vpweb.com/default.html.

I made some announcements about some upcoming things going on in our area. 

This afternoon and evening,  The Autism Alliance of Michigan is offering a couple of free webinars to inform parents about the changes coming in October to Michigan's insurance law and how autism treatments will be covered.  The workshop will be offered at noon and again at 7:00.  You can register and learn more about it here:  http://aaomparentworkshops.eventbrite.com/.

Tomorrow (Wednesday September 19) at 6:00 pm is SAIL's Walk & Roll event at the Lower Harbor.  The next day, Thursday, is their Action Day between 8 and 3:00 in the NMU Great Lakes Rooms.  More information and registration forms on their website:  http://www.upsail.com/events.php.  I'll have a table out in the hall with information about the support group.

Next week people are welcome to participate either in Escanaba or via Telecast at the MARESA offices on Ohio Street here in Marquette, in a two day workshop presented by the Autism Society of Michigan.  See more information in the post right below this one. 

I also mentioned the Next Chapter Book Club, a weekly social group for adults with any developmental disability.  Members do not need to be able to read.  If you know anyone who would be interested in participating or facilitating a group, let me know.  Our first group is formed and meeting.  We hope to start a couple more groups this fall.  Those interested can call me at the library:  226-4312.

Autism Society of Michigan available via telacast at MARESA

Later this month, September 26-27, Kathy Johnson of the Autism Society of Michigan is offering a two day workshop in Escanaba that will be telecast to the MARESA building here in Marquette. 

The topics will be "Understanding Autism" and "How to Prepare for Future Transitions." Read more about these workshops here.  I called the ASM office this afternoon and learned the Wednesday evening session will focus more on transition, Thursday morning will be focused more on understanding autism, with more on transition again that afternoon.  I also clarified that the cost applies even if you attend the telecast and are a parent. Those who attend on Thursday will be fed lunch.

Kathy Johnson has a Masters degree in Special Education and taught students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities for 17 years in New York State. Kathy is also certified in Paralegal Studies. Currently she is an Independent Educational Consultant, advocate and training specialist and the Board President of the Autism Society of Michigan.

Special Needs Classes at YMCA

Once again, the Marquette YMCA will be offering Special Needs Classes.  Karate for kids 5 and up and swimming for kids 3 and up will both be offered on Saturdays, starting next week.  My daughter learned to swim last winter after a few sessions of the swim class.  This fall we'll try Karate. More information at 227-9622.

Learn about new Michigan Autism Benefits

The Autism Alliance of Michigan is offering a couple of free webinars on September 18 to inform parents about the changes coming in October to Michigan's insurance law and how autism treatments will be covered.  The workshop will be offered at noon and again at 7:00.  You can register and learn more about it here:  http://aaomparentworkshops.eventbrite.com/.

August notes

Sorry the blog has been a bit quiet this summer.  Our family was gone for almost three weeks in July and well, it's been nice out!  Hope all is well with you.

Anyone looking to find a little more fun for summer can peruse the offerings in the summer SPAR Update newsletter. 

For anyone interested, there will be a SEPAC (Special Education Parents Advisory Committee) meeting tomorrow night at 7:00 at MARESA (E. Ohio Street in Marquette).  These meetings are for any parent with a child receiving special education services in the Marquette-Alger school district.  I find the meetings friendly and informative.  Anyone interested in becoming an official member of this group can be reimbursed for travel and child care costs. 

At tomorrow's SEPAC meeting, I'll be introducing a program that Sarah Peura from SAIL and I have been working on bringing to Marquette called Next Chapter Book Clubs.  This would be a joint Peter White Public Library and SAIL program for adults and teens.  In order for it succeed, we will need a core of participants and volunteer facilitators.  Contact me if you know someone who'd be good in either role. 

If you're a teen on the spectrum or the parent of a teen on spectrum, I recently came accross a website called Autism After 16 that looks like it is full of excellent relavent information.  Check it out:  http://www.autismafter16.com/.

First Virtual Meeting

Just finished chatting with Tammy Krassick, a health and wellness practioner in Escanaba who specializes in autism therapies from a natural perspective.  She was the only other person to log-in to our first virtual meeting via clobby, a chat application on Facebook.  Tammy has a 13 year old son who now has almost no autism.  To learn more about what you does in her practice, you can visit her website at http://healthinfo.vpweb.com/.

The chat format seemed to work fine.  I did hear from another mom who is interested in being able attend virtual meetings in the future if we can do so from the blog and bypass Facebook.  So I will look into that.  I'm also not entirely comfortable with the Facebook environment.

There's one more thing I had hoped to bring up at the virtual meeting, but didn't do to lack of local participants.  I talked to a member of the Marquette Access Group today.  There had been a movement to establish a "low tone zone" at the Fourth of July parade this year where those with hearing sensitivities could count on a less raucous noise level.  Unfortunately, the parade commission, though interested, didn't feel they could enforce the policy.  So not this year, but Marquette Access Group does want to try again for next year.  If this sounds like something you would like to get involved in to help make it happen, let me know.

Video games that help autistic kids

A co-worker clipped out the following article from USA today for me.  Thought it was facinating.  I know very little about video games, but this article has intrigued me. 

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-05-31/video-games-autism-students/55319452/1

SEPAC Meeting and Family Support Network of Michigan

There will be a SEPAC meeting this Thursday evening, June 21 at MARESA.

I got the following information from Karin about this interesting traing aopportunity: 

Family Support Network of Michigan

Remember when your child was newly diagnosed?  Would it have helped to have someone to talk with who has "been there"?  If so, become a Support Parent.

In our free, interactive Support Parent training, learn afrom a fellow parent about:

• Parent-to parent support,
• communication skills,
• listening techniques,
• community resources, and more.

You'll become a FSN Support Parent-- a trained volunteer who gives one-to-one moral support and shares resources with fellow Michigan parents of children who have special needs.  You'll become part of our statewide "heart to Heart" network of parents supporting each other.

Support parent training in Escanaba
July 20-22, 2012
Peninsula Bay Inn
2603 N. Lincoln Rd.
Friday:  6:30-8:30 pm, Saturday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (breakfast and lunch inluded), Sunday 8:30-noon (breakfast included)
Lodging included, mileage and childcare reimbursed, onsite childcare included (with prior registration).  Space is limited to 25 registrants.  Register by June 29.
For more information, or to register, call Dianna on the CSHCS Family Phone Line at 1-800-359-3722.


I was really intrigued with this training opportunity, but will be out of state at that time.  I called the 800 number to see if the training might be available at other times and was directed to their online course:  http://training.mihealth.org/coursedetail.htm#cshcs .

Lakestate Industries Marquette project meeting

Cheryl of Lakestate Industires will be holding a meeting at Peter White Public Library on Wedensday July 11, 2012 1:00 PM Eastern Time.  Here's your chance to help bring this resource to Marquette. 

Action Day Conference-- Call for presenters

I got the following letter from Sarah at SAIL.  Please note the dates and pass on the word anyone you think will be interested in presenting or attending this event. 

Dear Prospective Presenter:

On September 20, 2012, SAIL is hosting the 9th Action Day Conference at Northern Michigan
University in Marquette, MI. Action Day 2012 is a conference for individuals with disabilities, their
families, guardians, advocates and professionals. In previous years, the conference attracted over 300 attendees from across the Upper Peninsula, with the number of attendees growing each year. Action Day is a U.P. wide conference that provides opportunities for education, socializing, networking, political activism, and personal growth geared specifically toward the disability community.

In addition, on September 19, 2012, we will be hosting the 3rd Walk & Roll fundraising event at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette. Walk & Roll 2012 is an event to create awareness and  support for inclusive social and recreational activities in the U.P. community for people with disabilities. Participants raise $25 and enter by walking/rolling a ½ mile, 5K or 10K depending on their abilities in support of the SAIL
SPAR program.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 906-228-5574, toll free 1-800-379-7245 or e-mail: sarahp@upsail.com.
Sincerely,
Sarah

To register for each of these events, visit www.upsail.com/events.php for forms OR by call the SAIL office at 906-228-5744 or toll free 800-379-7245.

Point of SAIL spring newsletter

Learn about all the fun things the Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) has planned for this spring and summer in their quarterly newsletter:  http://www.upsail.com/news.php.

Great opportunity for teen girls

Her Power! Her Pride! Her Voice! will take place on August 24-27, 2012 at Camp Fish Tales in Pinconning Michigan. The event cost is on a suggested scale that ranges from $35-$70 per girl. This includes: food, lodging, activities, T-shirt and art supplies.  It is open to girls with ANY disability, visible or not. 

More information can be found on their website:  http://herpowerherpride.weebly.com/index.html.

Free workshop series "Design Your Own Life"

Got word Sarah from SAIL that the folks from the Developmental Disabilities Institute at Wayne Sate University are coming up to Marquette this summer to conduct four different workshops that should be pretty useful for teens and adults.

Training #1, June 12 at 6 pm:  "Supporting Growth Through Opportunity and Choices."  This training is designed to provide information about how to support people with disabilities in making their own choices without influencing them in their decision-making.

Training #2, June 26 at 6 pm:  "Supporting People in establishing Friendships and Making Community Connections."  This training is designed to give information about ways to support people with disabilities in developing relationships/friendships with people in the community.

Training #3, July 17, 6 pm:  "Living a Self-Determined Life."  This training module will examine aspects of living self-determined life in greater detail by breaking down the various characteristics and elements of a self-determined life.

Training #4, Jul 31, 6 pm:  "Ten successful and Assertive Steps for Working with Professionals."  This training is designed to give practical ideas on how to increase your own level of assertiveness when working with professionals in service to people with disabilities.

All trainings will be held at the Superior Alliance for Independant Living (SAIL) office, 1200 Wright St, Marquette.  Call 906/228-5744 or email Kristine Tollefson and kristinet@upsail.com to register by June 5, 2012.

Minutes for May 2012 meeting

As I posted early, our guest was not able to attend.  We still have an interesting meeting with five attending.

Chiropractor Brandon Turino and his wife Mercedes Turino (who some may know as a Social Worker with MAPS) stopped by.  They wanted to let us know about his business, Integrated Wellness Chiropractic, and an upcoming workshop at Peter White Public Library.  The workshop title, The Perfect Storm, refers to the combination of causes behind neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, adhd, and sensory processing disorder.  The workshop will be held June 12 at 7 pm in the Community Room at Peter White Public Library. 

Heidi reported a few items from SEPAC.  As I posted Monday, now is the time to register for this summer's Lose the Training Wheels session.  There will be a meeting at MARESA this Thursday, May 17 at 6:00 pm.

Heidi also brought my attention to another advocacy option for parents:  Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services.  This statewide agency has a local office on Baraga and their mission is to advocate and protect the legal rights of people with disabilities.  Among other things, they provide a variety of advocacy information and services related to disability issues in Special Education.   Their local number is 228-5910.  Heidi says to ask for Judy.

I shared some information about the Autism Society of Wisconsin conference I attended last week in Green Bay.  It was awesome!  I was able to sit in on seven different presentations on topics ranging from bullying to using video technology.  Each breakout period offered several options to chose from.  One of the sessions I found most intriguing was on Social Thinking groups.  Social Thinking, obviously has to do with social skills.  The term was coined by Michelle Garcia Winner.  I've started to collect some books and a DVD on this topic that I'll be donating to the Peter White Public Library.

Young athletes-- last time till fall

5/14/12  Update:  We are meeting at Harlow Park not Sandy Knoll, same time:  6:30.


The final meeting of the school year of Young Athletes will be held tomorrow (Monday, May 14) evening at Sandy Knoll School's gymnasium at 6:30 pm.  Stop on by with your youngster (age 3-8) for fun and exercise.

Lose the Training Wheels-- register now!

Will try to get all caught up tomorrow night, but wanted to post regarding the Lose the Training Wheels program tonight.  Registration for this summer's session closes this Friday, May 18.  If you have a child age eight or over who has not yet mastered the art of riding without training wheels, this program can change his or her entire summer.  The success rate has been over 90% most years. 

This year's camp will run June 11-15, that's the first week of summer vacation.  Students participate in one 75 minute session each day.  The training will take place at Lakeview arena.  For more information, call Karin at 361-2932 or check out their website at http://www.losethetrainingwheelsmqt.org/.

bad news, good news

The bad news is that our guest speaker for next Sunday's meeting had to cancel-- a medical emergency that couldn't be helped. 

The good news is that we will still meet at 1:00, Sunday May 13 at Peter White Public Library.  Hope to see you there!

Autism coverage to be become part of Michigan law

 Finally it's official! 
Autism coverage to be become part of Michigan law

(Update 4/21) For more information, check out http://www.michigan.gov/autism .

Two new Michigan resources

First, last week I heard from Sarah at SAIL who let me know about this new resource out of Wayne State University:  Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI).  This website is dedicated to providing families and professionals with information regarding diagnosis and treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Second, if you've been to our facebook page, you've seen the link Pam posted regarding the message from Gov. Snyder's office about the newly passed insurance coverage:  Autism Insurance What Parents Need to Know.

SPAR Update and Talent Night

The new SPAR Update newsletter is out.  It's chock full of fun activities taking place this April, May and June:  dancing, fishing, basketball, bowling, movies, art and more.  Check it out!

Of special interest is Talent Night, 6-8pm on April 19^th at the Masonic Red Room in Marquette, $2 per spectator, free to performers.  Call SAIL (228-5744) by April 16 to register your act if you want to be IN the show! 

(SPAR stands for Single Point for Activities and Recreation. SPAR is a new program at SAIL (Superior Alliance for Independent Living) created in the summer of 2009.)

Michigan Family Support Initiative May Events in the U.P.

The Michigan Family Support Initiative (MFSI) will hold three events in  the U.P. on May 7 (Sault Ste Marie), 8 (Houghton), and 9 (Escanaba).  The theme is "Community Living for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities."
Families that attend will receive a $25 gift certificate and be served a light supper.  For more information and to register, call 888/978-4334.  Registration closes Friday, April 20.

Minutes for April 1 meeting

Seven of us gathered last Sunday to share what we know and ask questions. 

First timers included Mary who is concerned for her adult nephew who she suspects is on the spectrum.  I gave her Dr. Karl Hill's information, as he is a clinical psychologist licensed in applying the ADOS diagnostic tests.

Also attending for the first time was a student from the NMU speech lab who is working with a youngster on the spectrum who seems to be experiencing a lot of sensory issues that interfere with his ability to focus.  She was particularly interested in learning what Kirsten Matthews, our special guest, had to say.

Barb Summersett drove over from L'Anse to hear Kirsten as well and to introduce herself.  Barb will be the guest speaker next month.  She is also an OT and will be talking about art as a sensory integration tool.

We spent the first part of the meeting talking about the changes that can take place when adolescence starts.  For many what was working, become more challenging. 

Kirsten then proceeded to introduce us to herself and her work.  She is an OT at Bell Teal Lake in Ishpeming, working primarily with children.  She is certified in sensory integration work.  She talked at length about the many ways Sensory Processing Disorder is manifested in children, covering the history of the field, and some of the assessment approaches.  Two books she recommended were Sensory Integration and the Child by A. Jean Ayres (the original pioneer of this field) and Sensational Kids by Lucy J. Miller. 

I also reminded attendees of some of the upcoming events this month at Peter White Public Library.  The Sensory Friendly presentation of the movie Charlotte's Web on Tuesday was well-attended-- over 50 people were there.  You won't want to miss Autism the Musical on Monday April 23 at 7:00 pm.  This documentary explores the experiences of five very different young people at play rehearsal and at home as they prepare a musical show.  Tell your all your friends who are interested in learning more about the autism spectrum. 

Resource Guide Available On-line

The Marquette Area Autism Resource Guide is now available online.  Print copies should be available for distribution some time next week.

4/8/12 Update:  If you tried the above link earlier and weren't able to access the document, please try again.  I've changed the settings in google docs so anyone should be able to download the document.  

Autism Awareness Month 2012

It's been a bit wild lately if you think about autism all the time with both the Michigan insurance bill clearing the House and the CDC coming out with new figures (1 in 88 now) all on the same day.  . 

If you've been following the Marquette Autism Spectrum Support Group Facebook page, Pam's been posting information about the Michigan Bill.  Latest is that it will likely be signed by Govenor Snyder on World Autism Day, April 2.  Autism Speaks has a campaign in place to have monuments lit up in blue light in support of autism awareness that day.  I hear there are plans to light up the Mackinac Bridge. 

I've sent out an e-mail blast if you're on my list about the meeting tomorrow and other upcoming autism awareness events coming up.  The Marquette Monthly was kind enough to publish a short article on local autism happenings that you can read here.

Advocates push for medical coverage for autism treatments - News - Source Newspapers

Here's some good coverage of the House committee discussion last week.  As I'm sure we all know, the Michigan Senate has passed this bill.  Not sure when it will go to vote in the House.  Similar bill passed the House a couple of years ago and got stalled in the Senate. 

Advocates push for medical coverage for autism treatments - News - Source Newspapers

Call for Applicants: Leadership Training for Autistic College Students

If you're interested in this program, so act quickly as the deadline is close at hand.  The following is the information that was forwarded to me:

The ACI Summer Institute is a week-long training for Autistic college students.

The training is meant to prepare students to engage in self-advocacy and pro-neurodiversity activism on their college campuses.

 

Who is eligible for the ACI Summer Institute? Any current Autistic college student in the United States is eligible to attend.

Students should have at least one more year remaining in college. Because of the support we are receiving from our partners,

we are offering this institute at no cost to the students chosen for the program, including travel accommodations, room and board.

The institute will take place August 12th through August 17th in Baltimore, MD.

 

What will participants learn at the ACI Summer Institute? With curriculum based on our collaboration with the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation in the Empowering Disabled Leaders handbook and materials produced and developed with the help of University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability, the participants will learn how to engage in activism and advocacy activities on their college campuses.

 

Applications are due by March 30, 2012 with accepted applicants being contacted in May 2012. If you feel you would like to participate, please fill out the application< http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109287901487&s=6257&e=001O3DGtmWd1tWaZbOGbUmCNV9jRYPhUNzfNIhB4Z9Zbh8LHtdZfX-uzMVMeFHVnz38c6GoMrv18209xxvQQlvxkyL6Hyh1F7fe10ZofMVuSYvbSooKVkfQ49tThim54SsOWXzz7IKVpyPIUsPPX-JHEY6adDo7j8kGQ_B7xElCy8s= > and submit it with your responses to the essay questions and your resume to Melody Latimer at   mlatimer@autisticadvocacy.org < mailto:mlatimer@autisticadvocacy.org . 

All questions should also be directed to Melody.

I also found this website with more information.  

Library display

Heidi and I set up the autism awareness display in the case on the main floor of the Peter White Public Library.  It's not perfect, but a start.  If you get a chance, check it out and let me know if you have something to add.  I'll be tweaking in in the next few days.  It will remain up through the month of April. 

Michigan Budget Proposal Includes Autism Spending | LifeHealthPro

Michigan Budget Proposal Includes Autism Spending | LifeHealthPro

Michigan's 3 bills

If you haven't seen our new facebook page, you've missed a linked article from Pam.  So here it is,  from the Detroit Free Press, on the three autism bills now proposed in the Michigan legislature.  I did manage to catch part of the teleconference with Tom Casperson that the Great State Collaborative planned.  I asked him where he stood and he is in support of passing at least one of these bills.  Seems like the momentum is there now for something to move forward.

Michigan Budget Proposal Includes Autism Spending | LifeHealthPro

Michigan Budget Proposal Includes Autism Spending | LifeHealthPro

Social Group for 6-8 year olds

I talked to Dr. Gary Wautier, a clinical psychologist at Marquette General, this morning about a group he is trying to form.  I heard about it from another parent.  He is interested in working on social skills with a group of six to eight-year-olds who are either ADHD or high-functioning ASD.  His plan is to meet weekly for 10 weeks on Tuesday's after school for about an hour and a half.  The kids would have a snack and play games.  If you are interested in learning more, you can reach him at 225-3985.

Minutes for February 2012 Meeting

Just me and another mom at the meeting this afternoon, but I left with a whole lot to think about so I am glad I showed up.

We talked a bit about Autism awareness coming up in April.  I have some ideas of how to expand it for next year.  One thought that's been circulating is having a walk or a run.  I understand that would take about six months's worth of advance planning and a certain amount of cash upfront to print off t-shirts and take care of other expenses.  Another thought I had was a puzzle party, maybe hold it in the Marquette Commons.  Right now the idea is kind of rough in my mind, but it would involve a game and everyone would have a puzzle piece-- make it a fun event for families.  

Right before the meeting I ran into the library events planner and she informed me that we have the display case for March and April, not April and May as I had thought.  Lucky I found out sooner rather than later.  I had brainstormed some ideas and Heidi had some : 

Autism stuff:  Wilbarger Protocol brush, weighted vest, picture of swing, what else?

Autism books:  10 things, sensational kids, what else?

Little signs shaped like puzzle pieces with factoids:  How to be a friend to a child on the spectrum, How to support a family, Why Autism awareness is important to everyone, Why early intervention is important,  Autism as spectrum, Why the puzzle piece, where to get screening, ages to stages questionnaire online, what does sensory friendly mean.

Information about the group

Posters for upcoming sensory friendly and autism awareness movies

Next we went through the following list of up and coming events:

Thursday-Friday Feb 23-24:  Special Ed. Conference at NMU—Thursday presentation on Aspergers, free for parents, register on MARESA’s website

March

Monday 12^th:  Young Athletes

Thursday 15^th:  SEPAC meeting Dr. Erika, pediatric dentist guest speaker.  Heidi added that they are planning to introduce Skype technology so people living in more remote districts can participate. 

Sunday 18^th:  Family fun at YMCA for all special ed kids and families

April

Autism resource guide will be available

Sunday 1^st:  Library display, next support group meeting with Kirsten Matthews, OT specializing in sensory integration

Tuesday 3^rd:  Sensory friendly film Charlotte’s Web

Monday 23^rd:  7:00 pm Autism awareness movie:  Autism the Musical (co-sponsor is Michigan Rehab)

May

Thursday 3rd-Saturday 5th:  Wisconsin Autism conference in Green Bay

Thursday 3rd-Friday 4th:  Autism Society of Michigan workshop in St. Ignace

I told about how I had this idea of doing online virtual meetings for those who have a hard time balancing meetings with everything else they need to do on a Sunday afternoon.  That way we could have them when the kids are in bed or at least otherwise safely occupied in our own homes.  Heidi said I really needed to get the group on Facebook and that we could manage it all through that venue.  So....

...Introducing Marquette Area Autism Spectrum Support Group now on Facebook!

Wisconsin Conference May 3-5

For those who are curious about the conference in Green Bay in May, there is now detailed information about the breakout sessions in the Autism Society of Wisconsin winter newsletter. 

Minutes for Autism Summit

The minutes for the Autism Summit held on 20 January 2012 in Marquette are now available.  I created a separate page (http://marquetteasdsupport.blogspot.com/p/autism-summit-1202012-minutes.html) to post them as they are quite long.  I've got them organized organized according to the worksheet we used where we listed resources and needs by life stages.  Following this list is an attempt to reproduce some of the discussion that took place during the summit.  Following the discussion is some of the follow-up that has taken place since the summit.

We hope to have a resource directory available for distribution by April 1.  If you have questions about the summit, more ideas to add to the discussion, or if you'd like to request a directory, please feel free to leave a comment to this post or contact me through the guestbook.

Pump-up the Dome

 I was a little wary of this event last year as I was afraid it would be too crowded for us, but reports from other moms who went said their special needs kids had fun and that it was a great physical outlet for them.  We have our support group meeting that day, but we might hit this early, before the meeting at 1:00.

 

Pump up the Dome!  Sunday, February 19, 11:00 - 6:00pm

$10-General admission, $7-Four years and younger, Adults FREE when accompanying a child

Enjoy inflatable games and activities, including bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses,

AND Wildcat Willy!

227-2519 for more info

Transition tool

Just learned of this neat guide called Getting My Own Address from Oakland County California full of tips for independent living.  I've added it to the List of lists page. 

Interesting goings on in California

Blue Shield agrees to cover autism therapy . Wonder what the fallout will be nationally. Hmmmm.

SPAR Winter Events

Please excuse the lateness of this post but the SPAR winter events email came to me between travel and Christmas and got buried in my inbox.  (Excuses, excuses.)  Still lots of fun to be had this winter:  Bowling, dances, snow shoeing at Presque Isle-- check out the details at www.upsail.com/events.php.

SAIL Chocolate Bash coming soon!

I attended this event last year when it was at the mall.  It will be nice to have it right down town this year.  Hope you can come out and support a great organization. 

Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL)
3rd Annual Chocolate Festival
February 4, 2012, 11:30am-1:30pm
UpFront & Company Banquet Room

$5 per ticket, 5 and under FREE!

Our SWEET participants: Wahlstrom's, UpFront & Company, Sakylly's, Gourmet Girl Cafe, Huron Mountain Bakery, MQT Food Co-op, Sinfully Seductive Sweets, Doncker’s, DeRose Delights and Jilbert's Dairy

Attend to win door prizes including a SonicCare toothbrush, Gift cards from Aubree’s, Casa Calabria, Midtown Bakery cake, Marquette Baking Company, Border Grill and much more! Handmade silent auction items such as scarves, mittens, quilts and photos up for bid too!

Michigan resources

I got an email today from Mary Swift that directed me to this great section of the michigan.gov site.  Check out these resources from the Michigan Department of Community Health . 

See if you qualify for the Family Support Subsidy program. 

Check out this brochure describing how the Respite program works.

Or see if the State can help you better work with your insurance company to get the services your child needs:

Insurance Advocacy

The Insurance Advocacy for Home-Based Alternatives Program works statewide to help families maximize insurance coverage for home care services. The program: helps families understand the benefits available under their insurance contracts, coaches families through the process of negotiating approval for home care services that may or may not be regular benefits under the insurance contracts, and assists families in resolving denials of home care services. In addition, the program reviews each referral to ensure prompt coordination with all publicly funded home care resources and use of all available routes to achieve Medicaid eligibility. Services: Over 900 children and families are served annually. Contact: Kathy Neville, (616) 844-1056 Nevillek@michigan.gov

There are several other cool resources listed on this page; some that I was aware of I now have a little cleared understanding of how they work. 

Marquette Autism Summit

I wanted to write a brief post on the Autism Summit held yesterday at Women's Federated Club in Marquette.  It was a very positive and informative gathering.

There were professionals there from several area agencies:  Pathways, Bay Human Services, SAIL; and Early On.  Rep. Steve Lindberg was there as well as a rep from Senator Debbie Stabenow's local office.  Laura Reissner from NMU's education department who coordinates the autism endorsement program was there as well as Peter Holliday from NMU Student Services.  Serving the public schools, we had the special education coordinator from Ishpeming Schools, the Superintendent of Special Education for all of MARESA, the SEPAC president, and Barb Nelson, autism consultant.  Outpatient therapists from Bell Rehab Services at Teal Lake were there as well.

The discussion was organized by life stages:  Birth-three, preschool age, school age, and adulthood.  For each stage the goal was to identify available resources and needs.  I learned a lot, took notes and will have something up here in terms of general minutes in the next few weeks.  In truth, right now my head is still spinning!  By April, autism awareness month, the goal is to have a document that will be widely distributed throughout the area, listing available resources.  

Many thanks to all who participated in the summit!

DSM 5

I wanted to add a couple of links here that discuss the changes to the diagnostic tool used in the medical community to identify and define where one might fall on the autistic spectrum.  Here's one from the New York Times and one from Web MD

State of the State

If you haven't already heard, in Governor Synder's state of the state address Wednesday night, he specifically addressed the insurance reform legislation that was reintroduced this year.  You can read more about it on Autism Votes.