Parent Matters Newsletter- Chock Full of Handy Resources for Parents

Parent Matters Notes for Guiding Parents of Children with Autism and Other Special Needs	March 2011

In This Issue

:: ECI is on Facebook

:: Kiddos Club House Scholarship

:: Play Under the Umbrella

:: The Special Guide

Greetings!
I hope you can feel that spring is in the air! In this issue of Parent Matters, we've compiled some helpful resources for you. Whether you are looking for a fun and safe place for your child to play, possible additional funding for your child's therapy or sources of information on the web to bookmark and use as reference, here are some ideas for you to consider. Enjoy!

Essential Communication

is on Facebook

Our goal on the Essential Communication Facebook page is to be a source of information and inspiration to you on your journey with your special needs child. When you "like" Essential Communication on Facebook, you can follow our blog and get information about helpful resources and special events. You'll be the first to know when one of our language specialists gets some "kudos" - for example... Janice Guice will be presenting at the National ASA Annual Conference in Orlando in July! Follow Essential Communication on Facebook!

Kiddos' Clubhouse Foundation Offers Scholarships

Kiddo's Club House Foundation is awarding up to $2500 in scholarships to families who

demonstrate the financial and therapeutic need for their children. Their goal is to provide a scholarship each quarter. The money can be used to pay for therapy services anywhere or therapy equipment. The application can be accessed on their website:

www.kiddosclubhousefoundation.org

and the deadline for the next scholarship is March 31st, 2011.

130 Prospect Place
Alpharetta, GA 30009
770-817-0181
www.essential-communication.com

Moms and Dads- Do you Need Some "Me" Time?

Under The Umbrella is filling a much needed niche by offering "drop in" child care for children on the autism spectrum. Designed specifically for children with autism, this "drop in" play center, for children 2 to 12 years old offers a sensory rich environment that will keep them engaged and calm. Reservations are preferred and children can spend up to 4 hours in a supervised setting with people who understand how to interact with these special kids. Check out the Under the Umbrella website for hours of operation, pricing and location.

The Special Guide - An online Forum for Parents of Special Needs Children

The Special Guide is an online forum for parents of children with special needs or learning challenges to search for and share their reviews of local therapists, doctors, schools, camps and other businesses and service providers. Think of it as a Yelp, Kudzu, or Angie's List -- only for reviews by and for the special needs community. We invite you to bookmark The Special Guide and use this valuable online resource.

Join Our Mailing List!

Have you found the resources provided in this email helpful? If so, pass it on!

We hope that you will find the resources above to be helpful to you and your family.
Our most desired compliment is your confident referral of another family to our services. As always, it is a pleasure to work with you. Please let us know how we can help you during the coming months.

Sincerely,

Janice P. Guice, MA, CCC-SLP

RDI® Program Certified Consultant

jpguice@essential-communication.com