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AUTISM WORKER

In honor of Dr. Bob Millburne

 

It only takes one person to push the human race forward,

But it takes a determined person.

 

One that is crazy and brave enough to think that they can and will make a difference.

 

Because those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.

 

Don't ever forget that you are one in nearly seven billion.

 

No one can replace you and no one can change the world in the way that you can.

 

Go and do what you have to do because only you have the power to speak the words on your lips.

 

The past and present are who you were,

But the future is who you are now and who you will be.

 

Your time will come if you let it,

And if you can conquer doubt,

All you need to do is spread your wings and it will be easy to fly.

 

Fictionpress.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

Summer Activity Ideas

Resources

Upcoming Webinars

Robert Millburne:

YAP Autism Trailblazer

 

This month YAP would like to take a moment to recognize a pioneer in YAP's Autism work, Dr. Robert Millburne.

 

In 1999, Bob approached the PA management team at YAP about working with individuals on the autism spectrum, expressing his belief that these individuals have a special gift.  He believed that YAP could be a great help to individuals and families.  Thankfully, PA leadership agreed, and now, 13 years later, YAP works with over 716 youth and adults on the autism spectrum, and has developed its own relationship-based model and training. 

 

Throughout his tenure at YAP, Bob's passion for the work never waned, and his initiative and vision helped YAP more fully live our mission by focusing our attention and efforts in a new direction.  Though Bob has retired, the movement he started at YAP lives on and continues to grow.  

 

YAP is thankful to Dr. Millburne for sharing his dream with us, and for the positive difference he has made in the lives of youth and families. 

LenBenzi  Summer Activity Ideas      

 

Are you looking for some activities to implement this summer as school is coming to an end?  Here are some ideas and resources that could help you.

 

plantPLANT:  That's right - plant flower or vegetables.  Make a flower bed or small little garden with the individual you are working with.  Did you know you can plant potatoes in a pot using an already sprouting potato?  It could be that easy!  Labeling the items can help with literacy and communication skills.  It also helps work on responsibility and really seeing an end product of a project. 

 

BOARD GAMES:  Great for a rainy summer day.  Games address social skills, communication skills, turn taking, fine or gross motor skills (depending on the game), and problem solving skills.

 

I SPY:  Initiates communication skills, identification skills, and attending skills.

 

SAFE EMERGENCY GAMES:  Practice what you do in case of...  This can help the individual feel safe without the pressure. 

 

WATER or SHAVING CREAM BALLOONS:  This is a great sensory activity to try with the individuals you may be working with.  You can play "hot potato", make targets or just toss them around.

 

BOOK TALK:  Together you and your client could read a book and discuss it.

 

BAKE:  Make bread, cookies, or cakes.  There are so many skills involved in this activity and you get to eat it!

 

PREPARE A MEAL:  From start to finish, prepare a meal.  Buy what you will need, prepare the meal, eat it and clean up. 

 

FORTS:  Whether it is in the living room or in the woods, motor skills and sensory skills will be the objective.  Following directions and working together can be key.

 

CREATE A MINI-ME:  Find a piece of large poster board or large heavy-duty paper (such as a butcher paper) wide enough for your kids to lay down on.  Use a dull pencil (less chance for boo-boos) to trace their entire body to the paper from head to toe.  Now let the kids decorate the drawings to look like themselves in the same clothes 

they are wearing, same color eyes, hair, etc. When they are finished, help them cut out their mini-me for proud display. 

 

CRAFTS:  Get out the glue sticks, scissor and paper.  Look up how to make paper mache dinosaurs.  Communication, fine motor, following directions, sensory skills all at work here!  
Resources

Resources 

  

10 Activities for Children With Autism

Education.com

 

101 Games and Activities for Children with Autism, Aspergers, and Sensory Processing Disorder

by Tara Delaney

 

The Out-of-Sync Child has Fun 

by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.

 

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From one our own in the Endless Mountains Office, PA:

 

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is an existential psychoanalyst and psychotherapist specializing in relational approaches for developmentally different persons and those undergoing extreme states of mind. Dr. Edmunds is the founder of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry, an emancipatory movement for human rights in the mental health system.

 

Check out his article! 

Additional Activity Ideas

 

  • Art classes

  • Drama class

  • Camping

  • Yoga

  • Picnic

  • Singing

  • Storytelling

  • Chess

  • Tai Chi

  • Photography

  • Music class

  • Swimming

  • Dancing

  • Going to a gym

  • Scavenger hunt

  • Martial arts

  • Gymnastics

  • Volunteer

  • Hiking

Interested in learning more about Down Syndrome?  

Check out this recorded webinar from Achieva.
WebinarsUpcoming
Webinars 
What is Autism?
6/5 @ 9am EST
7/10 @ 3:30pm EST

Sensory Sensitivities & Motor Issues
6/27 @ 9am EST 
7/18 @ 3pm EST

Communication 101
6/6 @ 3pm EST
7/10 @ 8pm EST

Individual Education Plans
6/28 @ 9:30am EST
7/18 @ 9:30am EST

Data Collection
7/12 @ 11am EST 
7/24 @ 3pm EST 

 

To register for webinars, go to:  https://yapinc.webex.com/