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April 2013 |
Volume 2, Issue 4 |
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Greetings ! |
April is a very special month as we recognize and honor those individuals effected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brighter, Stronger Foundation strives to educate others in regards to Autism awareness everyday. In the month of April, we feel especially compelled to make significant contributions to the wealth of information that will be shared.
We hope that you enjoy this month's edition and use the information to spread the awareness!! Don't forget to Light It Up Blue!!
Enjoy and have a great day! |
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One of the most frequent questions that individual's ask is, "What is Autism?" Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
Here are some more interesting facts about Autism:
1. The puzzle piece that symbolizes Autism represents the complexities and mysteries that surround Autism Spectrum Disorder.
2. April 2nd is World Autism Day! On this day all are encouraged to "Light it Up Blue" in honor of the individuals and families that are effected by Autism.
3. "Light it Up Blue" is intended to raise international awareness of Autism as a growing public health crisis in support of World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month in the United States.
4. Autism effects 1 in every 88 American children. Diagnosis is more prevalent in boys (1 out of 54) than girls (1 out of 252).
5. The term "on the spectrum" means that the individuals with Autism are unique. They vary in intellectual and verbal capabilities. 40% have average to above average intellectual abilities. About 25% of individuals with ASD are nonverbal but can communicate through different means (gesturing, PEC keys, and sign language).
6. There is no cure for Autism, BUT, it is treatable. This means that an individual will not be able to "outgrow" Autism, but we can teach them how to develop skills so that they may be able to live productive lives.
So please remember to honor those who have been diagnosed with ASD, as well as, their families and LIGHT IT UP BLUE!!!
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Brighter, Stronger Foundation's Adult Day Program Update!! | |
"Stress Management"
The month of April is also "Stress Awareness" month. In our adult groups we will identify factors that contribute to stress and how individuals can better manage it.
Our group dates and times are as follows:
Tuesday, April 2nd @ 10am
Tuesday, April 9th @ 10am
Tuesday, April 16th @ 10am
Tuesday, April 23rd @ 10am
Tuesday, April 30th @ 10am
To register for these days and to make transportation arrangements, please call us at 410-485-7555
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Therapeutic Youth Groups Updates!! | |
"Tell Me Why You're Mad"
Anger is one of the main contributors to stress so we need to get control of it,
before it gets control of us!!
This month's group for the youth will focus on how to better manage anger.
If you are a youth, or if your child is a youth who struggles with anger management,
then this group is for you/them!!
Join us as we identify anger triggers and explore coping techniques to help maintain control.
Please see below for the month's schedule and don't forget to RSVP:
April Schedule
* 4-11 Year Olds-
Tuesday, April 9th & Thursday, April 11th from 6pm-7pm
Transportation and Meal Provided
* 12-17 Year Olds-
Tuesday, April 23rd & Thursday, April 25th from 6pm-7pm
Transportation and Meal Provided
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BSF's Calendar of Events! | |
*April 3rd @ 10am- FREE Entitlement Workshop @ BSF- Please call to RSVP
*April 17th @ 1pm- FREE Entitlement Workshop @ BSF- Please call to RSVP
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Spring Open House Update!! | |
We at Brighter, Stronger Foundation
are working on something HUGE!!
As a result we have decided to postpone our Spring Open House scheduled for April 26th.
Keep watch for your
Save The Date notice coming soon!!
We will reveal our newest venture at the rescheduled Open House date.
We promise, it will be worth the wait!!!
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Save the Date!! | |
Brighter, Stronger Foundation has partnered with Callegary & Steedman, P.A to offer you a special seminar entitled,
"Special Needs Trust & Guardianship Decision Making".
Invited Guests: All individuals, parents, and guardians with questions or concerns regarding these matters
Date: May 30, 2013
Time: 11am
Location: 5401 Belair Rd. Suite 001
Baltimore, MD 21206
Please call our office at 410-485-7555 to RSVP |
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Job Alert!!!! | |
Brighter, Stronger Foundation is currently interviewing for staff in the Autism Services Program, as well as, the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program.
Please click the following links for complete job details:
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Family Fun Activities!! | | *April 1st-5th- STEM in Spring - Spend your Spring Break learning through play with Port Discovery's STEM in Spring festivities! Port Discovery Children's Museum, Baltimore, Tickets Reqd. 410-727-8120, www.portdiscovery.org.
*April 4th- NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Family Support Group- For adult relatives of persons with mental illness. Come share wisdom and coping techniques. Call for more information. Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Rd. (near Cold Spring), Baltimore, 7- 8:30 p.m., 410-435-2600, www.namimd.org.
*April 5th- Parents' Night Out - Drop the kids at Pump It Up while you take a break! $15.00 per child includes: jump time, games, music, and food! Reservations Required! Pump It Up of Owings Mills, 6- 9 p.m., Ages: 4- 12, Reserv Reqd. Tickets Reqd. 410-356-9050, www.pumpitupparty.com.
*April 6th- Healthy First Saturday - Start your month off the healthy way at Port Discovery's community health fair featuring performances by Kindersinger and more! Art Ala Cart: 10 am - 1 pm UMBC Health Fair:10 am - 1 pm Pop Up Science: 11 am & 11:30 am Circle Time: 11 am & 12 pm Cook and Tell with McCormick: 12 pm; 1 pm & 2 pm Port Discovery Children's Museum, Baltimore, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Tickets Reqd. 410-727-8120, portdiscovery.org
*April 7th- Autism Awareness Day at the Ballpark- Baltimore Orioles vs. Minnesota Twins at 1:35pm at Camden Yards. Purchase tickets for a discounted rate and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks. Purchase your tickets at http://www.orioles.com/tix/autism.
*April 8th-16th- BSA presents Appalachian Spring- Baltimore School for the Arts celebrates the iconic Martha Graham ballet and Aaron Copland score through a weeklong festival that includes the very first high school performance of the ballet, a family fun day, music concert, demonstrations, discussions and free matinees for City Public Schools. Locations vary, Times vary, Tickets Reqd. www.bsfa.org.
*April 14th- Compass Academy Open House - Compass Academy is a private 1-12th grade school serving bright students with average to above average cognitive ability who struggle with learning and social skills differences, including specific learning differences, ADD/ADHD, and/or high-functioning Autism Spectrum disorders. 4601 Maple Ave, Halethorpe, 2- 3 p.m., 410-501-3571, www.compassacademymd.org/index.php.
*April 20th- 4th Annual Honestly Autism Day- Parents, family members, professionals and people with autism come together to listen, ask questions and learn from each other. The keynote speaker is Ellen Notbohm, internationally renowned author of one of the autism community's most beloved books, Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew.
*April 21st- Family Superhero Day- Calling all families affected by Autism to a superhero-themed fun fair full of FREE entertainment & games for kids and great speakers for parents! Email afa.jhu@gmail.com for more info. Brought to you by JHU Advocates for Autism. Mattin Center at John Hopkins University, Baltimore, 9am-12pm, Ages 3-12, afsasuperheroes.webs.com
*April 25th- NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Family Support Group- For adult relatives of persons with mental illness. Come share wisdom and coping techniques. Call for more information. Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Rd. (near Cold Spring), Baltimore, 7- 8:30 p.m., 410-435-2600, www.namimd.org.
*April 27th- Healthy Kids Day 2013- Families and friends will enjoy a day of fun-filled activities that promote healthy living and activity. The event will include family fitness activities, healthy treats, face painting, a moon bounce and more! This FREE event is open to all community members. All Family Center Y's, 10am-1pm, www.ymaryland.org.
*April 28th- Kennedy Krieger Institute's ROAR for Autism
With activities for the entire family, ROAR for Autism is a fun-filled day that raises awareness and funds for autism research. This year, the event includes a 25-mile bike ride, 5K, 1-mile Family Fun Walk and a Family Fun Festival. Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville, 6:30 a.m.- 12 p.m., Ages: All ages, Reserv Reqd. Tickets Reqd. 443-923-7300, www.ROARforAutism.org.
**For family outing ideas click the following link Family Fun**
We thank you for your time and please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Have a positive and productive day!
The Staff of Brighter, Stronger Foundation
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @ BSF_Foundation
Like us on Facebook @ Brighter Stronger Foundation
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