You may notice this month's newsletter looks different than before ... don't worry we're still the same Milestones! We hope you like the new look! 

We're excited to announce that registration is open for our 12th Annual Milestones Autism Spectrum Disorder Conference. This year, we have a new Medical Track, Employer Track and Exclusive Parent Features! Our keynotes include the influential Dr. Peter Gerhardt, EdD, National Autism Consultant, and inspiring self- advocates Brittany Lauber and Justin Rooney from The Ohio State University.

We hope to see you there!

 
Ilana & Mia
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 
Milestones' 12th Annual Autism Spectrum Disorder Conference 

Join us on June 18-19, 2014 at the Cleveland I-X Center, and engage in 75-plus educational workshops focusing on field-tested ideas and be inspired by the national keynotes. The Conference is also a great opportunity to network and visit dozens of exhibits featuring autism-specific products and services.

Family members, individuals on the spectrum, medical professionals, private practitioners, and school personnel are invited to attend.  

Full conference information at milestones.org or call us at 216.464.7600. 
 
PARENT BENEFITS:
Discover strategies to make life easier
Find new tools and resources
Meet local autism experts and therapists
Connect with other families like yours

PROFESSIONAL BENEFITS: 
Earn continuing education credits
Attend evidence-based workshops
Learn how to be a better practitioner
Network with leaders and colleagues in the field 
  

Promote your business or organization by Sponsoring, Exhibiting or Advertising at the event. Click here to learn more.
Why Milestones Autism Resources and a new look?

 

New name.

Why did we evolve from Milestones Autism Organization to Milestones Autism Resources? Resources better describes our services and mission.

 

New look.

Our new name deserved an updated look and a clear tagline. Milestones is dedicated to helping individuals reach their potential, reaching for goals beyond their current status. The stars and the hand connect the person to future goals. 

 

Same mission.

We want you to know that our mission remains the same. Click here to view our mission and vision statements.

 

Our new name and logo simply better represents our mission. Educating parents and professionals improves the services for individuals with autism, coaching helps individuals reach their potential, and connecting makes the journey with autism easier. 

Workshop: Transitioning at Every Stage
Milestones Parent Empowerment Network (MPEN)
 
Join parents and family members like yours on Thursday, April 10 in Middleburg Heights from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Parent speakers will discuss their experiences with:
Transitioning from one activity, setting, or routine to another
Transitioning from a home program to a school program
Transitioning from breaks or vacation to school or work
Transitioning from school to adulthood
 
Cost is $10 in advance, walk-ins will be charged an additional $5 fee. Register online at milestones.org or contact Elizabeth Mason at [email protected]  or call her at 216.464.7600 ext. 112. 
 
Bring the kids, too! A social/recreational program run by trained autism staff is available for children 3 and up. Typical peers are welcome! Cost is $10 per child and advanced registration is required.
 
Deadline to register is April 7.
Call for Volunteers!                           

 

We're looking for volunteers to join our mission of improving the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. 

 

In particular, we need volunteers to represent Milestones at outreach events and help at our annual Milestones Autism Spectrum Disorder Conference.

  

Download the volunteer application here.  

 

Please contact us at 216.464.7600 or email [email protected] for more information. 

Congratulations, Mia!
Milestones' Director of Operations recognized for her significant impact on the local autism community
 
Mia is being inducted into the 10th class of the Beachwood High School Gallery of Success on April 11 for her transformative contributions to the autism community through Milestones Autism Resources. 

She makes sure everything runs smoothly at Milestones. Mia's expertise in non-profit management is a big reason why a small staff of 10 can serve more than 1,500 individuals a year through educating, coaching and connecting family members and professionals throughout Northeast Ohio who are impacted by autism.

 

Her impact on the autism community started when her son was diagnosed with autism. At the time, in 1998, autism was a relatively new word and there were few resources in the area for parents or professionals who wanted to learn more and help their children. Click here to read more...


Milestones School Team Training
Effective Behavioral Interventions for the Classroom

August 4-8, 2014
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cleveland, OH

Participate in a hands-on professional development opportunity focused on evidence-based classroom techniques for students with autism in preschool through high school. Lecture and practical application with students. 

Learn how to:
Work collaboratively to improve student outcomes and
performance
Reduce problem behaviors using the principles of Applied 
Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Manage and structure the classroom to promote independence
Improve IEP writing skills and data collection procedures
Motivate students for success using proven reinforcement 
strategies 

Your entire school team is welcome including intervention specialists, paraprofessionals, school administrators, speech language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists.
 
Team rates available! 
1 Participant - $1,000 each
2-3 Participants - $900 each
4+ Participants - $800 each
 
35 contact hours included in the fee. 2 hours of graduate credit for additional fee.
 
Request an application from Leslie Rotsky at [email protected] or call 216.464.7600. Register by April 30 and receive a FREE registration to Milestones Annual Autism Spectrum Disorder Conference on June 18-19 at the Cleveland I-X Center.

Camp Milestones
An awesome summer camp for children with autism
 


APPLY TODAY!
July 31, August 1, 4-8
8:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Cleveland, OH

 

Individualized program for student's IEP
1:1 discrete style teaching
Music, art and large motor activities
Fun activities with peer mentors
Behavior intervention specialists 

This camp is an integral part of Milestones School Team Training for educators. Camp staff is experienced in ABA and best practices for students with autism.

How to apply:
Submit an application by July 1, 2014. If your child is selected to participate, you will be notified. Payment is due by July 30. Milestones offers a limited number of scholarships based on financial need. Check to see if the camp fee is covered by your County Board or ESY or contact your support administrator or school district.
 
If you have questions, contact Leslie Rotsky at [email protected] or 216.464.7600 ext. 103.

Please Note: There are a limited number of spaces available. Due to the training aspect of this camp, it is not appropriate for children with severe behavioral challenges.

Join the Effort to Wash for Awareness

Diamond Shine Express Car Wash, located at 6320 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, OH, is donating $1 for every car washed in April to autism support, research and awareness. 

We're very thankful that Milestones Autism Resources is one of the organizations that Diamond Shine selected to donate the proceeds to!

So, if you're in the area and need your car washed, please go to Diamond Shine! Information on wash packages and hours are available on their website. 
News of Note

Source: CDC.gov

Source: Time Magazine

Source: The Plain Dealer

Source: The New York Times 
1 in 68 children are 
diagnosed with autism.
Milestones is here to help.
 
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APRIL 2014
In this Issue:
Autism Conference
New Look, Same Mission
Parent Workshop - Transitions
Call for Volunteers
Congrats, Mia
School Team Training
Camp Milestones
Wash for Awareness!
News Of Note

April Events - Full Listing Here

 

50+ FUN THINGS TO DO

 

1. 4/3 Pre-Teen Social Group, KidsLink, Twinsburg

2. 4/3 Teen Social Group, KidsLink, Twinsburg

3. 4/3 ASPIES Adults Meet & Greet, Akron

4. 4/4 Everybody Dance Now, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Shaker Hts.

5. 4/5 Take a Break Respite, TTR Ministries, Middleburg Hts.

6. 4/5 Spa Day at Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

7. 4/5 Art Therapy, Watercolor Painting, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

8. 4/5 Flashdance the Musical at Playhouse Square, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Cleveland

9. 4/7 The World of Books, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

10. 4/7 YogaReach, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

11. 4/8 Success! Club, KidsLink, Twinsburg

12. 4/8 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Adults, Autism Society, Cuyahoga Falls

13. 4/9 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Teens, Autism Society, Akron

14. 4/10 COSI's Autism Awareness and Activities Events, Columbus

15. 4/10 Temple Grandin Movie Showing, Autism Society, Akron

16. 4/11 Music Therapy and More with MTEC, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

17. 4/11 Pizza Bowl, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Oakwood Village

18. 4/11 Autism Awareness Night at the Q, Monarch Center for Autism, Cleveland

19. 4/12 Special Needs Kid-Friendly Movie, Kent Plaza Theaters, Kent

20. 4/12 Art Therapy, Butterfly Bag, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

21. 4/13 Visit with Caring Easter Bunny, Autism Society, Akron

22. 4/13 Escape into Play at Dave & Buster's, ASPIES, Westlake

23. 4/13 Teen Scene, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

24. 4/14 Walking Club with LEAP, South Euclid

25. 4/15 Music & Motion, Quantum LEAP, Mayfield Village

26. 4/16 Spring Outside Fun, Mayfield Adaptive Rec

27. 4/17 Aerobics with LEAP, Quantum LEAP, East Cleveland

28. 4/17 Music, Drum & Movement, Mayfield Adaptive Rec

 

29. 4/17 Dance Jam, Mayfield Adaptive Rec30. 4/18 Cosmic Bowling, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

31. 4/19 Rio 2 | Sensory Friendly Film, AMC Cinema, Brooklyn

32. 4/19 Sensory Story Time, Autism Society, Akron

33. 4/19 Geocaching, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

34. 4/22 Yoga Reach, Mayfield Adaptive Rec

35. 4/23 Ride the Waves Yoga for Teens and Adults, Mandel JCC, Beachwood

36. 4/23 Social Connections, Autism Society, Youngstown

37. 4/23 Un-Skating Family Fun Event, SWAN, Akron

38. 4/23 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Teens, Autism Society, Akron

39. 4/23 Build a Wood Tote, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Pepper Pike

40. 4/24 Blue & Gold Buddies Spring Fling Dance, Milestones Autism Organization, University Hts.

 

41. 4/24 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Adults, Autism Society, Cuyahoga Falls

42. 4/25-27 Weekend Respite Camp for Children and Adults with Disabilities, Camp Cheerful, Strongsville

43. 4/25 Breathe Respite, Church of the Savior, Cleveland Hts.

44. 4/25 2nd Annual LEAP Trivia Night, Cleveland

45. 4/26 Indoor Swim Party, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

46. 4/26 Young Life Capernaum Prom, Sharon Township

47. 4/27 Asperger's Adult Group, Autism Personal Coach, Beachwood

48. 4/27 Arts for Us Concert, The Music Settlement, Cleveland

49. 4/27 Teen Scene, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

50. 4/28 Pizza & Play, Family Connections, Cleveland Hts.

51. 4/30 Is Therapeutic Horseback Riding For You? Solon Blue Ribbon Program

52. 5/2 Everybody Dance Now, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Shaker Hts.

53. 5/2 Cinco de Mayo Dance, Mayfield Village

 

 

Mondays 

High Aspirations Social Group, REM Opportunities, Canton

 

Social Club & Art Therapy Class, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village  

 

Mondays & Thursdays

Social Butterflies Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence


Tuesdays & Saturdays

Yoga class, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

 

Wednesdays

High Aspirations Social Group, REM Opportunities, Akron

 

Commanders of Communication Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence   

 

Mom's Morning Chat, AutismNE, Online

 

Thursdays

Jazz with Jordan, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

 

Every Other Friday & Sunday 

Buddy Building Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

 

Fridays

Family Fun Fridays, Family Connections, Shaker Hts.

 

Saturdays

Creative Movement & Socialization, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

 

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

Little Language Learners Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

 

 

35+ WORKSHOPS 

& OTHER EVENTS

  

1. 4/2 Medusa Salon Sensory Night, Canton

2. 4/4 Teach Me to Play, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

3. 4/5 Conference for Families and Educators of Children with Special Needs, SST9, Massillon

4. 4/5 Family to Family Education Program, NAMI, North Canton

5. 4/5 YMCA West Side Autism Support Group, Avon

6. 4/5 STARS Autism Program Luncheon, Geauga County ESC, Chardon

7. 4/5 Akron Art Walk Fundraiser, Autism Society

8. 4/8 The ABCs of IEPs, Understanding Your Child's IEP, Family Connections, Cleveland Hts.

9. 4/8 Transition Planning and the Employment First Transition Framework, Zane's Foundation, Hudson

10. 4/9 County Transition, Resource and Career Fair, Geauga County ESC, Painesville

11. 4/9 Parent Access Collaborative (PAC) Meeting, SST8, Cuyahoga Falls

12. 4/10 Milestones Parent Empowerment Network (MPEN), Transition at Every Stage, Middleburg Hts.

13. 4/12 Helping Your Child to Organize and Focus, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

14. 4/13 Your Home-Your Way Waivers, Autism Personal Coach, Pepper Pike

15. 4/14 Parent Exchange  Autism is Forever: What Now? Autism Society, Akron

16. 4/15 Special Education Legal Update Series, SST9, Massillon

17. 4/15 My Brother/Sister Has Autism: Sibling Issues, Behavioral Intervention Institute of Ohio, Westlake

18. 4/15 The ABCs of IEPs, Family Connections, Cleveland Hts.

19. 4/16 SWAN Autism Group, Kent

20. 4/16 Greater Cleveland Chili Cook Off for Autism, Autism Society, Independence

21. 4/17 IEP Basics for Parents, ESC Cuyahoga County, Independence

22. 4/23 FirstAid4Autism, Autism Society, Akron

23. 4/25 Impulsivity in the School-Aged Child, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

24. 4/25 Reverse Raffle & Auction, The Arc, Akron

25. 4/25 Casino Night Fundraiser for Zane's Foundation, Akron

26. 4/26 Monarch Fundraiser at Northeast Ohio Bob Evans

27. 4/27 ARTSYISM Fundraiser, Cleveland

28. 4/29 Sibshop Groups, Akron Children's Hospital

29. 4/29 Does Your Child Meltdown, Withdraw or Stop Paying Attention? Connecting for Kids, Westlake

30. 5/1 Get Acquainted Breakfast, Achievement Centers, Highland Hills

31. 5/1 Positive Parenting Strategies for Difficult Behaviors Webinar, Monarch Center for Autism

32. 5/3 Preventing and Managing Explosive Episodes in Your Preschooler, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

33. 5/3 Cuyahoga County Transition Expo, ESC of Cuyahoga County, Cleveland