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E-News from the Oklahoma Autism Alliance
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Oklahoma Autism Network and Oklahoma Family Center for Autism Helping Families Affected by Autism
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May 2009 |
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Greetings!
This month has been very busy, hasn't it? I hope your summer planning is coming together with just the right plan to support your family.
This newsletter is packed full of information including an update on the legislative efforts, a new Spectrum Perspective, info from the parent groups across our state and a report from TeamAutism.org.
Summer is a great time to celebrate family time so check out the options for fun things to do. Also, Oklahoma will have several national speakers visiting our state this summer! Check them out in the training section at the bottom of the newsletter. Grab your calendar, read and enjoy!
Have and fun and safe Memorial Weekend!
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NEED HELP?
Do you KNOW your child needs help that he or she ISN'T GETTING? Do you want something new for your child's IEP, but don't know quite what?
If you are like me, you may know your child's program isn't quite what it should be, but you may be stumped as to how to make it better. I think in my case, I just have learned to accommodate my child and don't feel I have to think about it. Why is it so hard at school? How long has it been since I had a really fresh perspective on my own child, where they are, and what they need?
If these questions trouble you when you think about the next school year, it may be time to get new answers! On Monday, June 22nd,
Dr. Ruth Aspy and Dr. Barry Grossman are coming to Edmond, Oklahoma and you don't want to miss it!
Dr. Aspy and Dr.
Grossman are
nationally renowned, licensed psychologists, authors, and private providers specializing in the
assessment and interventions for persons with autism spectrum disorders. Their
book, The Ziggurat Model was awarded the Autism Society of America's National
Award for Literary Work of the Year in Education.
The Ziggurat model is a framework
for designing comprehensive interventions for persons with high functioning
autism and Asperger's Syndrome. The training will include how to identify the
associated features of autism by using assessment tools that address the
underlying characteristics of autism. The Ziggurat Model is used to design
specific interventions to improve weaknesses. Since these weaknesses are often not addressed they become barriers to independence. This training will help families, teachers, and professionals to learn how to develop positive programs
to encourage success.
Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman use a multimedia approach to involve the audience and engage everyone in the audience to help identify problems in children and teenagers that may not be identified. The
format for learning is fun and entertaining and very
informative. This program is the first day of Summer Advance 2009. However, the June 22nd program is applicable for ALL AGES! The cost is only $25 for the day long program and you can register online at www.regonline.com/SummerAdvance2009
A number of us saw this program in Texas at the State Autism Conference! It is a great program and can be life-changing for equipping parents and teachers to address the needs of our children!
If you are a teacher or professional, check out the rest of the week (June 23-26)! We are offing an in-depth training program to 20 teachers/professionals in our state. The total cost is $125, but scholarships are also available! The registration website provides an application that you can download and send in to the Oklahoma Autism Network.
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Autism Related Legislation Update
by Dee Blose, parent (in her personal capacity as an advocate)
On May 4th, Governor Brad Henry signed a bill to increase autism services, while at the same time challenging legislative leaders to approve insurance coverage.
On April 27, 2009, legislation designed to improve the provider network of autism specialists in Oklahoma left the chambers and headed for the Governor's signature.
Senate Bill 135 (orginally House Bill 2027) calls for enactment of a licensing process for national Board Certified Behavior Analysts and enhancement of existing state programs that would train doctors to diagnose and treat autism.
"Currently, children with autism in our state only have a handful of providers to turn to for their treatment," said House Speaker Pro Tem Kris Steele, R-Shawnee and author of the bill. "Our enphasis with this legislation is on increasing access to autism service providers, which will ensure much-needed services are available to these children in Oklahoma."
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Spectrum Perspectives
By Shawna Mums
Who left the Scissors Out?
You know how our kids tend to fixate on certain objects (toys, blankets, books,videos,foods etc...)? Well a few months ago when we were having a yard sale and while occupied, Jaymee got a hold of a pair of scissors and cut her waist length hair to her shoulders, some parts were even shorter. Needless to say I completely freaked out, went a little overboard emotionally, and finally came to my senses realizing it could have been worse. Read more...
Shawna is the parent of a child with autism, Jaymee, and psychology graduate student at Oklahoma State University. More Spectrum Perspectives can be read on our website.
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Oklahoma Parent Groups Have Fun in the Sun!
Mark Your Calendars!
Summer is a great time to do fun family activities, and yet, it can sometimes be very hard. Check out these events where you and your family will be accepted and embraced right where you are!
Go See Night at the Museum!
Night at the Museum is the next sensory-friendly move offered by AMC and Autism Society of America. The shows are offered at AMC Crossroads 16 and AMC Quail Springs 24 on Saturday, May 23rd at 10 AM.
Canadian Valley Swim
The Canadian Valley group is planning a family swim event on May 30th from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. We have rented the Kingfisher indoor swimming pool just for families from our group and our friends. We will have a "bring your own food" picnic before we swim at the park located next to the pool. If you are interested in joining Read More...
Autism Speaks Walk - June 6th
The Oklahoma Walk Now For Autism is Saturday, June 6, 2009 at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. Registration starts at 8:30am, walk begins at 10am. It is a 1.5 mile walk, we also have a resource fair, moon bounces, face painting, tatoos, music and more. Read More...
EFCA is offering "Summer Time is Family Time"
On June 12th, we will have a family fun event at Pelican Bay from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. We have rented the entire park so bring your kids, towels, picnic and come have a great time!
Cherokee Nation/Healthy Nation and the Hope Foundation are sponsoring a 1K and 5K run
On Saturday, May 23rd at teh Three Rivers Health Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma. If you need more information, contact Jason at (918)-781-6569 or see the event posting Here... |
Team Autism Succeeds in Conquering OKC Memorial Marathon
By Stacey Danielson, parent
Fifteen members of TeamAutism.org ran and walked in the OKC Memorial Marathon on Sunday April 26th on behalf os someone with autism. TeamAutism.org was started to bring awareness and raise funds for families affected by autism in Oklahoma. It was started by a couple, Alan and Stacey Danielson who have an eight year old son with autism, to offer a way for people to make a difference in the lives of other families like their own, who have a child with autism. Read More... | |
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www.OKAutism.org: Did You Know?
 Did you know that you can access OAN trainings from home on your computer? If you always wanted to attend a training, but haven't been able to make it happen, check out the list of on-line trainings available from our website.
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This 'N That
Check out this winery in Japan that hires persons with autism! |
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Upcoming Trainings and Events
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Remember the days when training events weren't available?
Now, we can't list them on one page! Thank goodness things have changed!
In the next few months, we will welcome local trainings and trainings from nationally recognized leaders. So, no matter your interest, (biomedical, teens/young adults, handling meltdowns, school age children, or just diagnosed)--there really is something for everyone!
My Child Has Been Diagnosed: What Should I Do? Part II - Tulsa
May 27, 2009: This training is designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with autism. Learn strategies you can use now to support your child and family at home and in your community.
Dreams: How a Family Shaped Their Future
June 4, 2009: A parent/professional's real life story of inclusion. Dee Blose will share ideas on critical learning areas for children with autism and Aspergers, how she approached the service system to support her son's needs and what she sees as the keys to her son's future success.
July 22, 2009: This training is designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with autism. Learn strategies you can use now to support your child and family at home and in your community.
Autism Summer Symposium 2009
June 4-5 and 8-12, 2009
The Autism Summer Symposium provides intensive 7-day training for families, teachers and service providers to gain first hand knowledge about autism. The symposium staff is made up of an interdisciplinary team of professionals with expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Included disciplines: Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Speech/Language pathology, Social Work, School Psychology and family members of children with ASD. More information...
Dan Conference on June 13-14
Aaron's Bridge and the Autism Research Institute invite you and all of your members to an extraordinary opportunity for learning at the regional Defeat Autism Now! Conference at the Embassy Suites in Norman, OK on June 13-14, 2009. More information...
Get Ready for Life: Summer Advance 2009 
June 22 with Dr. Ruth Aspy and Dr. Barry Grossman
On Monday, June 22nd, Dr. Ruth Aspy and Dr. Barry Grossman will join us in Edmond at Cheyenne Middle School. the one-day training will focus on how to identify the underlying characteristics of autism and how to design appropriate interventions. This training is appropriate for parents and teachers of children of all ages who have autism.
No More Meltdowns July 7th with Dr. Laura A. Riffel
Dr. Vincent Carbonne in OKC August 13 - 15
Dr. Vincent Carbonne will describe the behavioral approach to teaching communication skills to children with autism and other developmental disablilites. This approach is based on B. F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and the research of Michael, Sundberg, Partington, and others. More information...
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If you have suggestions for how we can make this e-newsletter more valuable. E-mail us at melinda@okautism-ofca.org
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