Autism Journeys' Compass
Sharing news, updates, knowledge and tools to help you on your journey. 

From the President's Desk 

As we approach the 2-year anniversary of opening Autism Journeys Treatment Center, the AJ team is proud of what we've accomplished and looking forward to embarking on new adventures in the future.  Just as individuals reach developmental milestones, so too does an organization.  First, we must find ways to meet our survival needs. Second, we must learn to communicate and work together. Third we must evolve and adapt as we develop the skills to better understand our needs, goals and how we affect those around us. 

The development of Autism Journeys over the last couple years has been remarkable. We've expanded our intervention knowledge, our service options, and more than tripled the number of families we collaborate with each day.  Some of our more obvious developments have been in the expansion of the treatment center, the ever-increasing team members and the creation of the IDP scholarship fund.  Never could I have imagined we'd accomplish so much in so little time. 

Our greatest accomplishment however, is seen in the eyes of our clients.  The Autism Journeys team is privy to witnessing hard-work, immense dedication and amazing accomplishments each and every day. We are so honored to play a role in the journeys of our clients and their families. 

Reaching our goals has been wonderful. Of course, not unlike human development, we haven't been without our setbacks.  We teach our clients to learn from their experiences, and we, too, must continue to learn and grow throughout the development of our program.  Our board of directors, team members, clients and families, and community supporters continue to provide me with positive reinforcement and constructive criticism.  I am extremely grateful to all of you who've offered your support and advice. Each of you has a unique perspective, allowing me to view Autism Journeys from various angles.  I'm looking forward to the future of Autism Journeys and the continued input from the community. 

 
In the near future, one of our primary objectives is to increase parent support.  At the heart of our IDP program is our parent-coaching component.  Educating parents on intervention techniques, and supporting the family at home and in the community have been key factors in the success of so many of our clients. So, it's logical that we'd continue to make improvements to one of the most critical components of our program. 

Throughout the next contract period (October 2010-April 2011), clients receiving IDP packages will begin to notice an increase in the amount of written documentation. Our team is developing a home-based written curriculum, aimed at helping parents throughout the implementation of programs. In combination, we're also developing additional home tracking procedures, thus allowing us to better monitor the generalization of skills outside of the Center.   I appreciate your support and look forward to your continued feedback. 

Finally, it is with both joy and sadness that Autism Journeys bids farewell to Rachelle Blair-Thatcher. Rachelle has served as our Early Childhood Director for the last 16 months. Her amazing energy and knowledge have been a fabulous addition to our program.  While it's difficult to see her leave, we're excited for Rachelle and her family to begin their new adventure.  She will continue to extend her energy and knowledge in the rural Utah autism community.  We look forward to crossing paths with her for many years to come.  Thanks for everything Chelle, and best wishes! 
  Enjoy the last bit of summer. The falling leaves will be here before we know it. 

Kate Andersen

President & Founder

A Farewell from Chelle

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens;

But often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one

which has opened for us."  Helen Keller

 

I wanted to thank everyone for the amazing opportunity that I have had at Autism Journeys.  I would specifically like to thank Kate for creating such a magical place!  It has been an honor to be a part of Autism Journeys and the security, safety and support that it provides for everyone that passes through the front door.  It has the most caring and experienced staff that I have ever seen! I appreciate my friendships here and look forward to many years of on-going friendship!  Thank You Katie, Dawn, Morgan, Howard, Kathy, Jay, Holly, Emily, Natalie and everyone!

 

Most of all, I have loved the amazing families that I have had the opportunity to work with.  Autism Journeys has the most amazing parents anywhere!  I cherish my relationships with all of you and appreciate all that you have taught me.  We have shared laughs, tears, scares, poop, tantrums and everything in between.  We have had great adventures at the mall, school lunchrooms, church, family parties, birthday parties and at the Maverik. We have seen great accomplishments. You have welcomed me into your homes, your lives and your deepest thoughts and fears.  Thank you for trusting me to be a part of your amazing experience and families!

 

Then, there are all of my little friends... (I feel my body changing... it is getting hot and my palms are sweating... I can't look at the computer anymore, I can't remember what to write...  AAHHHH! I have to stop!  Regulate Chelle, Regulate....

I feel like I might explode.. what is happening in my body.. there is water coming out of my eyes... ooohh no! Those are called tears... I must be sad...

Take deep breathes... reassure myself... I can get through this...)

 

Your children have become some of my best friends. What amazing children!  I have spent each day watching and waiting for the next miraculous act!  They have never disappointed me! I feel honored that they would trust me and be willing to allow me to be part of their beautiful world! I have loved watching them grow and cherished every eye glance, laugh, wave, word and hug! I have loved being part of their' comfort zone and enjoyed sharing their special interests.  I have marveled at my opportunities to learn from such amazing children and realize that they have so much to teach us! I have watched their struggles with sensory experiences and the difficulties that they face and cherished being part of their comfort. I have never felt such love and connection in all of my life. I will really miss your amazing children...

 

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

I will never forget you and I can't wait to see you again someday...

Thank you for making my life better than it was before I met you! 

 

Remember...." Life is either an amazing adventure or nothing". Helen Keller

 
Important IDP Scholarship News!!!

 

Due to limited funds and the increasing demand for scholarships, we've slightly amended the sliding scale scholarship breakdown.  Therefore all families interested in continuing to receive IDP scholarship funds must obtain amended scholarship and renewal documents from Kathy.  Scholarship renewals for the Oct-April contract period must be submitted no later then Friday, September 10th.  After granting renewals, any remaining funds will be allocated to families on the scholarship waiting list.  All families will be notified of scholarship acceptance by Wednesday, September 15th.  The new contract period will begin October 1, 2010.

UNDERSTANDING THE IEP/504 

 

As the school bells begin to ring again, one of the most common topics of conversation around the Center are IEP and/or 504s. Are her goals still appropriate? Has the new teacher reviewed his IEP?  Can I request ...?, etc. Chances are your child's teacher has asked many of the same questions. When school begins, he/she will likely have spoken with past teachers and closely reviewed your child's documents. Allow us to offer a few suggestions to ensure everyone is on the same page...

 

  1. If you haven't already, take some time to better educate yourself on the special education process. The Utah Parent Center has compiled two amazing resource manuals and a webinar strictly for this purpose.  After watching and reading this information, you will have a clear understanding of special education eligibility, your legal rights, timelines, etc. Download the IEP Handbook and the 504 Handbook from the right hand side of the UPC website www.utahparentcenter.org Once you've printed the IEP Handbook watch the Parent Center IEP webinar at: http://www.upctraining.org/iep/ . In addition, the UPC website offers webinars and helpful printable materials to aide in the special education process and transition to adulthood.

 

  1. Review your documents! Now is the time to dust off the IEP/504. Read through them carefully.   These documents are your guide. They tell you what the plan is, and who is responsible for carrying it out. Highlight any concerns or questions. Also, take note of services and frequency, accommodations and modifications. Understanding these documents is critical. Addressing any concerns now, before they become a problem will alleviate many headaches for everyone. 

 

  1. If you are participating in an Individual Development Plan (IDP) through Autism Journeys and you would like a provider to review your documents, attend an IEP/504 meeting as your advocate and/or schedule a school observation, please speak with your providers. If things are going smoothly at school, we often suggest allowing 3-4 weeks of school prior to observing your child in the classroom. This allows your child and the teacher adequate time to settle into a routine. We're certainly available to speak/email with the teachers at anytime should it be necessary or preferred.
 
Events to Remember........
Autism Journeys' Parent Support Group 
          !st Wednesday in September 6:30-8pm @ Autism Journeys Center
Moms Night Out
          3rd Wednesday of every month 6:30-8pm
          September  15th  Chat & Craft
             Learn to make sensory  soothers for our kiddos such as: chewy tubes and squeeze balls.
          October  20th Spa Night 
          November 17th  Unique Boutique
               We'll bring your Holiday shopping to you with Scentsy, Jewelry & accessories, beauty bundles and much more.    
          December NO Moms Night Out
               HAPPY HOLIDAYS          
Golf Tournament for Autism Council of Utah 
August 25, 2010 @ Soldier Hollow in Midway
 
I'm fully aware that those of us with kids who have autism have limited funds, but please pass it on to anyone that you know who might want to golf or sponsor a hole. Doug Smith Auto is donating a car for a hole in one!  We are hoping that this is the fundraiser that lets us get started with the license plates.  The plates can potentially fund autism awareness, educational programs, scholarships, research in the state through the Autism Council.

THANKS!!

Cheryl Smith
 

2010 Autumn Carnival for Autism

Saturday, September 11th, 2010
11:00am to 2:00pm
Wheeler Historic Farm in Salt Lake City
6351 S. 900 E. SLC, Utah 84121

Be sure to mark your calendars now for the 2010 Autumn Carnival for Autism! You won't want to miss out on all this year's fun...

Food will be provided for immediate family only.
You must register here before August 25th for food and a t-shirt.                      All are invited to attend.

· Carnival games
· Clowns & face painting
· Information fair
· Lunch & more!		· Inflatable playground equipment
· A fun scavenger hunt
· Lots of great prizes and treats
· Special secret guest appearances

 

 

Utah Parent Center Survey 
Parents of children receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are being asked to help provide important information about how Utah is meeting the state's requirements to provide programs and services for children with disabilities in early intervention and special education.


Each year the US Department of Education makes what are called "verification visits" to state education agencies and early intervention lead agencies around the country.  Utah has been chosen for a visit on October 12th, 2010. 

The Utah Parent Center has been asked to collect input from parents by distributing these surveys.

Parents who have had children participate in the early intervention programs (Part C of IDEA for infants and toddlers) or special education programs in preschool, elementary, middle, or high school (Part B of IDEA) can provide input in your choice of several ways.

1.      First, follow the appropriate link below depending on whether your child is ages birth through 2 (Part C) or is 3 or older (Part B) to a web based survey tool.  Click on the link, complete, and submit your responses: 

Survey for parents of children ages birth through 2 (Part C)

OR

Survey for parents of children 3 or older (Part B)

 

OR

Access the surveys through the Utah Parent Center's website at: http://www.utahparentcenter.org.

2.          Second, you may print out the survey that relates to your child's program, complete, and fax (801-272-8907) or mail it in. The links for PDF (printable) versions are here and instructions for submitting your responses are on the form:

Survey for parents of children ages birth through 2 (Part C)

OR

Survey for parents of children 3 or older (Part B)


3.    Third, you may call the Utah Parent Center office at 800-468-1160 and complete it over the phone with one of our staff or volunteers. Spanish-speaking families can ask for Julie Moreno or Nancy Rodriguez for help in completing the surveys.

We will collect responses until Wednesday, September 15th.  We'll then summarize the information for the US Department of Education team that is coming to Utah.

Please help us reach as many families as possible by forwarding or providing this information to parents who would like to provide input.

Feel free to contact us if we can help you complete the surveys or if you have any questions or concerns.  Our toll-free telephone number is 1-800-468-1160.

Thank you for your participation!