New summer camp for teens and young adults

I recently received the following letter from the Fowler Center:

The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning is excited to announce an innovative new camp experience for campers with autism.
During the summer of 2014, The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning will be offering a transitional program for teens and young adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The Life TREX program requires campers to actively engage in the transitional process throughout the course of a 4-week residential, outdoor educational experience. This innovative experience encourages campers to engage in new behaviors and skills which are targeted to improve independent living, social, and vocational functioning, in a supportive environment.
The program will serve 12 campers between the ages of 14 and 24. To qualify for participation, applicants must meet the following criteria:
(a) confirmed diagnosis of ASD; (b) able to self-ambulate; (c) able to alert program staff to individual needs; (d) able to refrain from behaviors that pose a risk to oneself and/or others, including, but not limited to, aggressive, self-abusive, and truant tendencies; (e) able to complete activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene, toileting, cleaning, and dressing, with prompting and/or minimal assistance; and (f) able to make choices.
The transitional program's structure emphasizes the development and reinforcement of specific functional domains each week. Skill topics are introduced each week and built upon as the program progresses. Such topics include: communication, social functioning, independent living, budgeting, menu planning, organizational skills and problem-solving.
While on a wilderness trip planned by campers, the developmental process continues as the program shifts focus to vocational interests, skills and abilities. During the final week of the program, campers apply for a position within the camp, complete an interview, and partake in a supported work experience in one of six vocational areas.
Life TREX Participation Timeline: January 1, 2014: Applications Available February 15, 2014: Application Deadline April 1: Program Acceptance Letters May-June: Parental Interviews / Initial Assessment July 20-August 20: Life TREX Program September-October: Post Program Assessments
Please refer to our brochure for additional information on the
Life TREX program. We ask that parents and guardians interested in applying to the Life TREX program for their child contact the main office at 989-673-2050 and provide contact information so that we may send an application to you.
We are hopeful this program can benefit your child and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Kyle L. Middleton, CTRS
Executive Director
The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning
Michelle Bitgood
Life TREX Program Coordinator

Young Athletes starts anew!

I just got an e-mail from Heidi Dougan, she is starting Young Athletes again.  She says, "We will meet in the Sandy Knoll gym from 6:30-7:30 on Tuesday, October 1"  

For those not in the know, Young Athletes is a program for all children with developmental delays ages 3-8 and their families.  We meet in the gym and play circle games and try different activities in stations.  In the past, NMU students and Americorps volunteers have been on hand to provide support. 

Autism walk this Saturday

9:00 am, Gravereat courtyard, be there or be square!

Actually you might want to get there a little earlier than that to register. 

The walk is only a mile and is being sponsored by a special education teacher at the Marquette alternative high school.  A $10 donation is suggested.  All proceeds go to support both research and local school programs.  But mostly we are interested in seeing you (and all your friends) there. 

Happy summer-- Catching-up on the news

I think you will understand that it is hard to maintain a blog during Marquette's summer, even when it's not warm enough if swim in Lake Superior (my daughter will argue that it is warm enough).

I do have a few things that I'd like to let people know are available or coming up.

1.  SAIL has lots of activities planned for the rest of summer.  Check out what's available in their latest Point of Sail newsletter, available online from their website:  http://www.upsail.com/news.php.

2.  Amanda Erspamer, a special ed teacher at the alternative high school, is busily planning a Walk for Autism, right here in Marquette.  The plan is to leave from Graveraet court yard at 9 am on Saturday, September 28.  Mark your calendar now and check back here in the next few weeks for more details. 

3.  Autism Speaks has recently released another of their Tool Kits that look pretty useful:
Employment Tool Kit

4. 

On October 2^nd and 3^rd there will be a Universal Design Conference held at Peter White Public Library.  Registration is open!  You may register online through the website or by phone, e- or snail mail, fax or in person through the programming office extension: 906-226-4318 or mboyle@uproc.lib.mi.us or lynette@uproc.lib.mi.us.

Cynthia Leibrock will be the keynote presenter along with many other fantastic presenters/sessions.  Below is the website for speaker details, registration and other event information:

http://www.uproc.lib.mi.us/pwpl/events/UD2013.html

5.   Michigan Partners for Freedom will be holding a day long Self Determination Workshop Thursday September 12^th at MARESA from 10am-3pm.  Lunch will be provided.  The registration deadline is Friday September 6^th.

6.  On Wednesday October 9th there will be a day-long Parent Empowerment through the Lifespan of Children with Disabilities Conference at the Holiday Inn in Marquette.  This conference is being sponsored by MARESA, SPEAKS Education, Michigan Special Education Mediation, and SAIL.

The forms linked below are for anyone interested in presenting or hosting a display.
To present:   http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QPBSF79
To display:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QNCHC6P

 

Summer camp for high school girls with disabilities

Her Power, Her Pride, Her Voice! is a four night program for teen girls held every summer near Grand Rapids.  Registration closes the end of this month for this summer's program.  Learn more about it at their website:  http://www.herpowermdrc.org/.

BALANCE Therapy class at PEAK Gymnastics

I enrolled my daughter in a new gymnastics class over at the new gymnastics center on Wright Street here in Marquette.  The teacher is a young man with a bachelor's in psychology and a lot of experience working with kids on the spectrum.  The class started today and runs till July 20, but since my daughter is the only one enrolled at this time, if you are interested, chances are you can start next week.  Vanessa is the director of the program and she is very accommodating.  For more information, call her at 906-273-0696.

Two day ABA workshop in Traverse City

The Autism Alliance of MI will be holding an educational workshop with evidence-based practice, diagnostics and treatments for Autism.  The workshop will be held May 13-14 in Traverse City.  Topics will include:

·         Overview, Definition, and Requirements of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Socially Significant Treatment Approaches
·         Innovative Learning: Scaling a Frontline Workforce in Basic ABA Principles Utilizing Technology
·         Focusing on Developing Early Social Communication Skills in Young Children with Autism Utilizing a Behavior-Based Approach (Project ImPACT)
·         Beyond ADOS Training: Recognizing Key Developmental Milestones for Assessment & Dual Diagnosis
·         ABA and Gentle Teaching: A Review of the Literature, Philosophy, and Practice

Complete information is available at http://aaom051314.eventbrite.com/# .  (Scroll down for all the details.) 

It's IEP season...

I was able to attend a day of the Special Ed Conference held at NMU in February.  While I was there, I was reminded of all the wonderful resources listed on the Bridges4Kids website:  http://www.bridges4kids.org/.
Don't forget that free mediation services are available to you if you need some support going into your IEP meeting.  Good look to all! 

Marquette Monthly Short Story Winner

John Taylor, a facilitator for the Next Chapter Book Club and an active member of our community, won the Marquette Monthly short story contest this spring.  His story explores the relationship between a father and a son who has Asperger's syndrome. 

You can read the story online at the Marquette Monthly website:  http://www.mmnow.com/z_current_a/b/c/feature.html

Congratulations, John!

A neat expanation of Asperger's and autism by 13 year old girl

Hello all,

I just learned about this wonderful little BBC film where a 13 year old girl explains her Asperger's and her little brother's classic autism.  It's about 14 minutes long.  http://www.wimp.com/explainsautism/

This BBC page gives a little more background on the clip:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/15541226

Family Fun at Marquette YMCA

Don't miss SEPAC's family fun event at the YMCA tomorrow evening.  Pizza, swimming, tumbling and general fun for all kids with IEP's in the Marquette -Alger area and their families.  My daughter and I have attended this event in the past and found it well-organized and lots of fun.  That's tomorrow night, Sunday March 3, from 6-8 pm. 

Sensory Friendly Film this Friday at Peter White Public Library

I  will be presenting the classic Japanese anime movie, My Neighbor Totoro, sensory-friendly-style on Friday, February 15 at 1:00.  There's no school in Marquette that day due to the February break. 

Sensory friendly means the sound is set to a moderate volume, the lights are on at a low level, restlessness and movement is tolerated, and closed caption is on for readers.

My Neighbor Totoro is a magical story of two sisters who move to pastoral Japan as their mother recuperates from a long illness.

All Sensory Friendly Films are free to the public.

Tips for Supporting Individuals with Social Learning Challenges in a Group

I came across the following article on Michelle Garcia Winner's Social Thinking blog.  I could see it as a useful tool for those times when I am trying to get my daughter involved in a group that is run by someone with little training in working with kids on the spectrum.  Often people ask me for ideas of how to work with her and this is something I could hand them.  (Though it's a bit long, but it is something that can be easily skimmed.)

20+ Tips and Strategies for Volunteer & Group Leaders: Supporting Individuals with Social Learning Challenges in Your Group

U.P. Special Education Conference

The Upper Peninsula Special Education Conference will be held on Thursday and Friday, February 21-22 at the Bottum Center at Northern Michigan University.  The conference is free for parents, though registration is required.  I've gone to at least part of it the last few years and have learned something useful each time.  More information, including online registration, can be found at http://www.maresa.org/.

SAIL's Chocolate Bash

This year, the Superior Alliance for Independent Living will be holding their annual chocolate bash at a new time and place.  The popular chocolate feast, featuring treats from such fabulous local venders as the Marquette Baking Company and Donckers, will be held in the Great Lakes Rooms of NMU's Bottom Center on a Friday evening. 

Mark your calendar for Friday, February 8, 6-9 pm.  Come before or after dinner, or just dine on dessert!  Tickets, available at the door or at the SAIL office, are just $5 and the money raised benefits a wonderful asset to our community.

Blue Cross Autism Coverage

The following comes from a Blue Cross newsletter: 

Expanded autism benefits now available Blue Care Network began offering expanded coverage for autism spectrum disorder on Oct. 15 in compliance with Michigan law. There have been some updates since we first announced the expanded coverage in the Sept.‑Oct. 2012 BCN Provider News.

                        Only applied behavior analysis counts toward the $50,000 annual benefit limit.

                        In order for applied behavior analysis services to be covered the following must occur: An autism diagnosis must be made or confirmed by a BCN-approved autism evaluation center.

                        The treatment plan recommendations prepared by the AAEC must include a recommendation for applied behavior analysis.

                        The applied behavior analysis must be provided by a board-certified behavior analyst who participates with the member’s health plan.

                        The board-certified behavior analyst must obtain prior approval from BCN before providing applied behavior analysis services.
                       
                        Services other than applied behavior analysis require an autism diagnosis from a BCN health care provider participating with the member’s health plan.
                        Physical, occupational and speech therapy services, when performed for an autism diagnosis, are managed by BCN’s Care Management department, not Landmark or BCN Behavioral Health. The treating provider must submit an authorization request to BCN through e-referral or call BCN Care Management at 1‑800‑392‑2512. A treatment plan does not need to be submitted for physical, occupational or speech therapy services for autism unless these therapies are being reviewed for medical necessity.
                        Physical, occupational and speech therapy providers who provide autism services can request autism as a service in their listing in the online BCN provider directory. Send an email with the annual number of autism patients you treat and the percentage of your practice focused on autism to bcnproviderpictures@bcbsm.com.
                        Nutritional counseling requires an order or prescription from a physician, but does not require authorization by BCN.
BCN, together with parent company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, mailed letters in October explaining the new autism benefit to primary care physicians, psychiatrists, fully licensed psychologists, pediatric neurologists and therapy providers. A copy of the letter is available on web-DENIS in BCN Provider Publications and Resources on the Autism page. Check this page for the latest information on BCN’s autism coverage. Resources available on the web-DENIS Autism page include:

                        Letter to providers

                        Provider FAQ

                        Reimbursable autism procedure codes

                        Member notice

                        Letter to hospitals about approved autism evaluation center designation

                        Letter of intent to apply for AAEC designation
Remember:

                        Expanded autism coverage does not apply to all members. Always check member eligibility and benefits before providing services. If a member has autism coverage, it will be noted on web-DENIS on the Medical Benefits page under Mental Health Outpatient.

                        Autism-related physical, occupational and speech therapy services are subject to medical outpatient therapy deductible, copayment or coinsurance. Other outpatient autism-related services apply the primary care physician copayment and deductible when applicable. Physical, occupational and speech therapy services used as part of the autism benefit do not count toward the number of medical visits or day limit for these therapies.

                        There is an age limit through the age of 18 (until the member’s 19th birthday) for any autism services. There is also an annual benefit limit of $50,000 applicable only for applied behavior analysis services. Services beyond the dollar benefit limit or age limit will be reviewed for medical appropriateness and may be covered if medically necessary.

If you have questions, please contact your BCN provider representative.

You can find this and more on page 24 of: http://www.bcbsm.com/newsletter/providernews/current/bcnprovidernews.pdf

Autism Society of Wisconsin Conference in the Dells

 I got an email from the Autism Society of Wisconsin about this year's convention.  It is scheduled for April 18^th – 20^th at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells.

Their full conference program will be available soon but here are some highlights:

·         Don’t Worry, Be “Appy” presented by Susan Stokes

·         Use of Psychiatric Medication in Autistic Disorders presented by Dr. Richard Barthel

·         The Nuts and Bolts of the Children’s Long Term Support Waiver

presented by Julie Bryda and William Murray

·         The Hidden Curriculum of Getting and Keeping a Job: Navigating the Social Landscape of Employment presented by Judy Endow

For additional conference information visit the ASW Website.  

I attended this conference last spring when it was held in Green Bay and found it to be very informative.  I learned a lot about what was possible in the area of autism supports and education.  Because we are so isolated here in the U.P., I found it very refreshing to be surrounded by so much expertise. 

Best of 2012 Research

I stumbled upon this top ten list from Autism Speaks-- thought others might find it interesting. 

MGH Parenting Workshop

Once again, Marquette General Hospital is offering a Love and Logic parenting class.  Love and Logic gives parents some nice strategies for child management. 

Parenting your Toddler with Love & Logic^™

January 19th, 2013 10:30am-2:00pm @ MGH's Conference Room 1. Cost: $15 per individual/ $25 per couple. Healthy lunch included.

More information here or call 225-3081.