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Oklahoma Autism Alliance
Helping Oklahoma Families Affected by Autism
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August 2009 |
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Greetings!
Wow summer has come and gone and now it is time for us to get back in the swing of things. The rest of the year has great and exciting things coming for the autism community, from marriage retreats, to the first autism conference, to some great new trainings just for you. In this issue you will also find some great tips for back to school IEP's, news about TeamAutism.org and their new adventures, and more.
We hope you will join us for some of these great events coming your way! |
| Two Questions Yet to be Answered
By the Oklahoma Autism Network
Two of the most commonly asked question by parents, professionals, and legislators is "Why the increase in the number of children affected by autism?" and "How many children in Oklahoma have autism?" Unfortunately these questions have yet to be clearly and definitively answered. Multiple theories exist as to the increase in the number of children being diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. One theory is that with more research and increased awareness children are being identified and diagnosed at a younger age than in the past. Another theory is that with the addition of Asperger Syndrome to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition in 1994, children with milder characteristics of autism are being diagnosed, contributing to larger numbers of children who qualify for an ASD diagnosis. Some individuals contribute the increase to the higher amount of pollutants in our environment. These theories are described in more detail in the American Academy of Pediatrics Identification and Evaluation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (2007). Read more... | |
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Spectrum Perspectives
By Shawna Mums
How many trash cans are at the Zoo?
The Oklahoma City Zoo is something my older children truly enjoy visiting. Jaymee, on the other hand, has never been a huge fan of the Zoo as she seems to have minimal interest in the lions, tigers, etc. Until this past year, the only interest she ever showed was in the train rides and food court. Needless to say, our family did not frequently visit the zoo. A few years ago, we were introduced to a wonderful annual function known as Dream Night at the Zoo. What this means is that, for one night, the Zoo is closed to the general public, and open only to families of people with disabilities. For my family, this private engagement is an opportunity to enjoy an evening without stares, gasps, embarrassment, or judgment. This year did not shield my family from any of these situations as Jaymee found a new interest within the Zoo grounds.
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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| TeamAutism.org is Off and Running Again!
TEAMAUTISM.ORG was established to train walkers/runners for marathon events located in fabulous destinations like Hawaii and Florida while raising funds to help the Oklahoma Family Center for Autism. All of the proceeds from our marathon fundraising efforts go to the OFCA to help them change the lives of those affected by autism here in Oklahoma. TeamAutism.org has had the honor and privilege of helping to raise over $54,000 to date!
We started Teamautism.org as a result of Alan's desire to get healthier and to take on the incredible challenge of walking a marathon while raising money for autism. Our oldest son was diagnosed with autism two years ago and like all families with children, who have autism, it has radically affected our lives. As a result, we desire to help other families like our own. Please consider getting involved with Teamautism.org's important mission.
There are several ways you can help to make a difference, find out how at www.teamautism.org.
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| STATE WIDE CONFERENCE |
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Registration is now OPEN!!!
Oklahoma Statewide Autism Conference
November 6 - 7, 2009
To register go to www.okautism.org or contact 405.271.7476
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| LINK PROJECT |
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The LINK Project is funded by organizations including the Child Care Resource Center and Community Service Council, and is made up of child development specialists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists and audiologists. LINK Project evaluation teams are now scheduling free developmental and autism screenings at the ACT office, 6585 S. Yale, Ste. 410 in Tulsa. Contact ACT at 918.502.4823 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Christina Newendorp Development Director Autism Center of Tulsa formerly the Tulsa Autism Foundation 6585 S. Yale, Suite 410 Tulsa, OK 74136 918.502.4669 direct 918.502.4823 phone 918.502.4329 fax www.autismtulsa.org Autism Center of Tulsa presents: "Family Education Series: Parenting A Child With Autism"
Parenting children with autism is often challenging and stressful. This series of courses will provide strategies, ideas, and realistic ways to make living with autism manageable, productive, and even fun. All of the courses meet on Wednesday afternoons from 12:15pm - 2:15pm. Most of the classes meet at the Lemley Campus of Tulsa Tech, 3638 S. Memorial in the Training Center Building. The October 7th class will meet at the Autism Center of Tulsa in the Williams Bldg., 6585 South Yale, Suite 410.
September 9th: Managing Autism at Home
September 23rd: Taking Your Child with Autism into the Community
October 7th: Resources for Children with Autism
October 21st: Strategies for Children with Autism
November 4th Organizing Your Life with a Child with Autism
Enroll in person at any Tulsa Tech location, or enroll by phone using VISA or MasterCard by calling 828-5100.
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Parent Group Event
Edmond Family Center for Autism
The EFCA has a great line up for the remainder of the year. Please come and join us for one or all of these great events.
September Meeting: September 8th, Dr. Lara Mattox will be speaking out "What to Expect Next" this is a meeting you will not want to miss. Dr. Mattox will speak on every age person on the spectrum from toddlers to teens to adults. More information... | |
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www.OKAutism.org: Did You Know?
 Did you know that when you go to our website we have answers to these questions?
Autism 101
Dieting Dilemmas
Safety Solutions
School Concerns
Waking Wonders - Sleeping Worries
Other Autism Related Topics
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Marriage Retreat
Couples Caring for Children with Autism
Join us for a weekend of exploring, discovery, and fun!
This FREE, 2 day retreat Guthrie at the "Granny Had One" event center is a fun and interactive way to strengthen your marriage. Take time to reconnect with your spouse.
Accommodations and meals are provided at no charge.
Advance registration is required.
Child care stipend available. Space is limited. Click here to register or call Nancy at 877-435-8033
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Oklahoma's First Annual Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders
For Families, Health Professionals, Educators and Advocates
November 6-7, 2009
Embassy Suites Norman - Hotel & Conference Center
Norman, Oklahoma
We are excited to announce that planning is underway for the first statewide conference on autism in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Autism Network convened a committee to begin planning for a conference to be held November 6 and 7, 2009 in Norman, Oklahoma. The committee includes state agencies, parent-led organizations, and other groups involved in providing services for individuals with autism in Oklahoma.
This conference is a great opportunity for various groups to come together in an effort to provide information and resources for parents and professionals. One of the primary objectives of the Oklahoma Autism Network is to provide credible information for parents to make informed choices regarding intervention for their child. While planning is in the very early stages, the vision of the planning committee is to provide a breadth of information, including current research and best practice in educational and psychosocial interventions, biomedical interventions, family life, and medical aspects of autism. Watch our website for updates as information becomes available.
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Tip of the Month
Hope for the Best and Prepare for the Worst.
Written by: Sandie Foote, a parent of two children with ASD.
When it comes to school and other services I've found it wise to always hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Effective letter writing and documentation are two excellent tools we can develop as parents to be prepared for "the worst."
I often hear from families that they have asked frequently for additional services or evaluation(s) for their child, and the school/agency has not responded. When I ask if they put the request in writing the answer is usually "no."
If the answer is "no," my first suggestion will be to put to your request in writing. Most parents are skeptical and reluctant to try it, as letter writing seems to be a lost art. However, effective letter writing has been found it to be one of the most powerful tools that successful advocates use to negotiate services for their children.
Putting our requests in writing can be helpful to parents. Writing a letter helps us go through the process of finding out what exactly it is we are upset about, or what we feel will be helpful for our child. It also creates a paper trail that can be used as documentation should the Local Education Agency (LEA) not respond to our requests that are within the law.
When we put our concerns or requests clearly in writing it is helpful to the LEA, which in turn will be helpful to our children. Many times I've attended IEP meetings where parents and the LEA are at odds with each other. Frequently the disagreement occurred because of a misunderstanding or lack of clear expectations from one or both parties. These situations can often be prevented if good written documentation is used consistently.
It is also important to expect a school to put their responses to our requests in writing. Always ask for a schools response in writing, if a child is in special education a Form 9 (Written Notice) should be used. If a school refuses to provide their response in writing, document this in a log or notebook. Be sure to include the date, request and name of person who refused to provide written documentation. It is also helpful to document all informal conversations that occur about our children's services in this same manner.
George Bernard Shaw said "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." Developing good letter writing skills can help facilitate effective communication, which will lead to better services for our children and less frustration for everyone. Remember "if it isn't written, it NEVER happened."
Following are some letter writing tips and resources:
Always include specifically What you want and why
Get to the point, keep it to one page, people do not read long letters
Make letter easy to follow
Be courteous, polite, and use good grammar
Keep in mind strangers will read your letter
People do not read angry letters, and do not like angry letter writers
Know that parents are negotiators for our child's education
Prompt the reader to act within a time frame
Provide contact information
Hand deliver letter to superintendent, special education director, principal and teacher
Keep a copy for yourself and have the secretaries sign and date when you deliver
Remember after you send it you can't change it
Sample letters can be found in the book "Emotions to Advocacy" by Pete and Pam Wright. More information on effective letter writing is also available on their website: www.wrightslaw.com
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Upcoming Trainings and Events
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Developing a Master Plan for Your Child and Family
September 2nd:
Are you overwhelmed when trying to make decisions about intervention for your child with autism? This training will help. More information...
Autism Tool Kit: Life First!
September 15th
Dreams: How a Family Shaped Their Future
September 17th
Challenging Behavior:What Should I do?
September 23rd
PartI: A positive behavior support (PBS) framework for determining why children engage in challenging behavior. Tulsa, OK. More information...
"Raising a Child with Autism: The Practical Wit & Wisdom of Pare
September 29th
My Child Has Been Diagnosed: What Should I Do?
September 30th
A training designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with autism. Part I: Introduction Oklahoma City, OK. More information...
The Statewide Training and Regional Support (STARS) program is pleased to announce our 2009 - 2010 calendar.The STARS program is moving to a school year schedule (July to June) in order to have all of our timelines for funding and reporting on the same schedule. We hope that this change will benefit you as well. Your previous registrations completed during 2009 are still valid. You will only need to register for additional workshops that you are interested in attending. Please do not miss! We have added a few new workshops to the Fall including: Integrating Listening and Language for Young Children with Hearing Loss featuring Dr. Cathy Carotta and Mary Koch, and two sessions of Positive Rituals/Care Notebooks with Vyonda Martin and Joni Bruce. 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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