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I am so looking forward to my participation in the
2015 Milestones ASD Conference! The program looks fantastic. It is a great opportunity for professionals, parents and caregivers to learn and network with each other.
For my keynote address, I am very excited to share perspectives about ASD based on my forthcoming book,
Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism (Simon & Schuster, August, 2015). I will also be presenting breakout sessions on
An Emotional Regulation Approach to Preventing Problem Behavior, based on our evidence-based educational approach,
the SCERTS Model, and on
The Essential Elements of Family-Professional Collaboration. You don't want to miss this conference!
Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Adjunct Professor
Brown University
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Why should you attend the Conference?
"I've been attending the Milestones' Conference for years and always have 'take aways' that are functional, practical and creative!
As a school psychologist in a public school system, I can't say enough about the resources that are provided. I refer to my Milestones binder on a regular basis and have been able to give parents valuable information throughout the years.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this conference!"
Edie Ungar-Shafron,
Licensed School Psychologist,
Orange High School
Register by end-of-day TODAY to receive
the Early Bird Discount.
Group Rates are also available.
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Special Conference Features
Free transportation to the conference provided for families and self-advocates from two suburban Cleveland locations,
by Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Reservations required)
Guidance from staff members during the conference to help attendees determine the best sessions for their interests.
Optional luncheons for self-advocates,
families and professionals with special programming
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Visual Supports & Technology Track:
Contact Lauren Daughtrey at 216-464-7600 ext. 110
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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.
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The State Developmental Disabilities Budget is in Jeopardy!
The Ohio state budget (HB 64) as introduced included an historic investment of new monies for Ohio's DD system. This new investment included monies for rate increases for DSPs, new waivers, ICF transition and nursing in the IO among other things. This investment is critical to our DD system!
Due to alternative cost projections the DD budget as voted by the House of Representatives was reduced. The Director of DD has been clear that absent restoration of these lost monies the above initiatives are in jeopardy.
What can you do?
Email our Senators today and urge them to restore these funds to their original proposed amount. The deadline is Friday, May 1!
Download Word version of sample form letter
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Attorney Frank Hickman will speak about funding alternatives for children with special needs in the greater Cleveland area. This will be a great opportunity to get your questions about waivers, social security, Bureau of Children with Medical Handicaps and other funding sources answered.
We hope to see you at this FREE adults-only event!
 Date: Tuesday, May 5th
Time:
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Dinner provided)
Location: Grace Church, 7393 Pearl Rd, Middleburg Hts.
Sponsored by Milestones Autism Resources
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A Unique Gift for a Special Teacher or Parent 
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8 and
Mother's Day and Father's Day are close behind! Why get a generic gift card, ordinary flowers or a tie when you can honor him or her with a donation to Milestones?
Show that special teacher or parent your appreciation today.
The recipient will receive a customized certificate acknowledging your donation with a personal message from you.
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Milestones ABA Professional Group Presents:
A Potluck of Ideas and Experiences
Thursday, May 21, 7:00 - 8:45pm
Milestones Autism Resources in Beachwood
Cost: FREE
RSVP by May 18 to [email protected]
As we look forward to summer break, we would like everyone to come to the group ready to share information (5-8 minute informal presentation) on an aspect of behavior science/ABA that has impacted your clinical practice and/or thinking this year. It may be an article you've read, a strategy implemented, a data sheet that worked well, or information from a conference.
For
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) or BCaBA
, or
those studying toward this credential.
ABA group meetings provide
2 hours of type 3 CEU credits for BCBA and are free
to attend.
Contact the group chairs for more information.
Rachel Avner Torrance, MEd, BCBA:
Aletta Sinoff, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCBA-D:
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Pediatric Innovation Summit
When: June 11-13, 2015 Where: Global Center for Health Innovation (Cleveland Convention Center) The Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Innovation Summit is an evidence-based review of topics in pediatric care including new data, screening tools, and treatments. This conference is primarily targeted to health care professionals, but families and caregivers will find the Saturday afternoon symposium on autism and ADHD informative. It will also provide them an opportunity to clarify management and treatments for patient care. For more information, visit the Cleveland Clinic's website.
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| Ilana Hoffer Skoff serves chili with Eileen Hawkins from ASGC |
For the first time, Milestones and Cafe 56 served
chili at the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland (ASGC) Annual Chili Cookoff on April 22. A good time was had by all!
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ASD from A-Z:
A One Day Workshop to Help You
Build Your Autism Tool Box
Where:
OSU Campus, Columbus, OH
When: June 17, 2015 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Who: Higher education professionals, counselors, coaches and PreK-12 educators Registration: $150 (deadline May 15th) Register at lisameeksconsulting.com (under Training)
Please join Dr. Lisa Meeks and Dr. Michelle Rigler in an engaging and thought-provoking conversation on building support for the increasing number of college students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This comprehensive event offers extensive information and demonstrate the ability to infuse increased support for the transition into, and through, the higher education experience for students with ASD. National experts in transition, campus programming, accommodations, technology and employment for young adults on the spectrum, Dr. Meeks and Dr. Rigler are excited to bring this event to Ohio to share the top tips and tools they use to support college students with ASD. |
Thanks to all who participated!
Thanks to you we raised over $40,000 towards supporting local families impacted by autism!
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Save the Date!
Raise Your Hands for Milestones
2015 Annual Benefit
Saturday, December 5, 2015
at the Marriott in Beachwood
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| Dr. Stephen Shore Talks About Transitions and Self-Advocacy at
the City Club of Cleveland 
Milestones Director, Ilana Hoffer Skoff, caught up with self-advocate and educator Stephen Shore, who spoke at the City Club on April 17, 2015. He was brought to town by the Achievement Centers for Children in honor of their 75th anniversary serving children with special needs.
Dr. Shore spoke about
Rethinking Autism -- focusing on abilities rather than disabilities, on special interests rather than restricted interests. He shared his inspirational personal journey from first being recommended for institutionalization to being accepted into the public schools, thanks to his parents' intensive early intervention. His parents recognized, supported and encouraged his unique abilities.
He recommended that discussions about transition start at age 4 rather than age 14 so that there is an emphasis on matching interest and strength toward future employment.
He thoughtfully described how to guide a self-advocate through a personal awareness of their own autism.
First, get to know your own personality, especially likes and dislikes and note your strengths and challenges. You may recognize how a strength can become an accommodation for a challenge (for example, computer skills could support poor penmanship). With this improved understanding of one's own strengths and challenges, a self-advocate can learn why he or she is good at some things and where they need modifications.
Second, once strengths and weaknesses are apparent, the self-advocate can advocate for personal modifications and explain the reason for them.
In response to Skoff's question about how to best support the high school graduate without relying solely on the parents and after there is no longer an IEP team, Dr. Shore explained that the key is to build a new team, engaging individuals with expertise in various areas, such as education and employment. By building a network, you will be building a community along the way to help self-advocates manage the adult journey.
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A Story Worth Sharing
"Learning Friendship"
The story of a 13 year old girl with autism who finds her first typical friend at horse camp and how their relationship helps to improve the girl's social skills, as told by producer Chana Joffe-Walt.
Taken from
This American Life
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Share Your Experiences
Dr. Lisa Meeks (The University of California) and Dr. Tracy Masterson (John Carroll University) are co-authoring a book on Safety titled: A Guide to Staying Safe for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum. The authors are looking to interview young adults on the spectrum (ages 16-22) and their parents about their experiences on the topics below:
- Independent Living
- Social Aspects of Adult Life (Drinking, Dating, Making Friends, Bullying)
- Social Media and Online Safety
- Relationships and Their Respective Boundaries
- Managing Stress/Depression
All proceeds from the sale of this book will go directly to Milestones Autism Resources. If you would like to be interviewed for the book, please contact Lisa Meeks or Tracy Masterson for further information: Lisa Meeks [email protected] Tracy Masterson [email protected] |
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Research Opportunity
Study: Quality of Life Among Parents of Adult Children with ASD - Wayne State University Be a part of a research study investigating quality of life among parents of adult children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of caring for an adult child with ASD on parents' quality of life. Contributing factors, such as social support and burden, will be investigated. To be included, you must be at least 50 years old and have an adult child (18 years of age or older) diagnosed with ASD. Interested participants will be entered into a raffle to receive a $25 gift card. The study will be conducted using an online survey. For interested participants, a follow-up interview may be conducted over the phone or in-person to gather more information regarding parental quality of life.
If you are interested in participating, please
click here.
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News of Note
Source: Milestones Autism Resources
Source: Time Magazine
Source: Disability Scoop
Source: Dateline NBC
Source: Huffington Post
Source: Disability Scoop
Source: Disability Scoop
Source: ASHA
Source: Reason Foundation
Source: Disability Scoop
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| May Events - Full Listing Here 80+ SOCIAL/REC OPPORTUNITIES!
5/1 Cleveland Browns Adapted Football League, Achievement Centers
5/1-3 Rotary Camp Adult Weekend Retreat, YMCA, Akron
5/1 Teach Me to Play, Connecting for Kids, Westlake
5/1 S.A.F.E. Spring Fling Dance, Autism Society of Greater Cleveland, Independence
5/2 Take a Break Respite, Grace Church, Middleburg Hts.
5/1 Cleveland Browns Adapted Football League- Registration Deadline, Achievement Centers for Children
5/1-3 Rotary Camp Adult Weekend Retreat, Akron YMCA, Akron
5/1 Teach Me to Play, Connecting for Kids, Westlake
5/1 S. A. F. E. Spring Fling Dance, Autism Society of Greater Cleveland, Independence
5/2 Fantastic Family Fun Day, Achievement Centers for Children, Westlake
5/2 Day Out at the Movies, High Five Club, Mayfield Hts.
5/2 Becoming Bulletproof Film Premiere, Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, Cleveland
5/3 First Annual Metzenbaum Run for Fun 5K/1Mile, Geauga County Board of DD, Chesterland
5/3 Becoming Bulletproof Film Premiere, Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, Cleveland
5/5 Special Needs Jump, Skymax Arena, North Canton
5/6 Medusa Salon Sensory Night, Canton
5/8-10 Rotary Camp Respite Weekend, Akron YMCA, Akron
5/8 An Evening for Us at the Nature Center, Cleveland Metroparks, Willoughby Hills
5/8 Dinner and a Movie, Autism Personal Coach, Cleveland
5/8 Euchre Tournament and Fundraiser, The Arc of Greater Cleveland, Rocky River
5/8 VIP Night Out Respite, Grace Church, Akron
5/8 Monthly Dance, Catholic Charities Disability Services, Cleveland
5/8 Pizza Bowl, Mayfield Adaptive Recreation Committee, Oakwood Village
5/9 Sensory Friendly Time, The Children's Museum of Cleveland, Cleveland
5/9 Sensory Storytime, Bay Village Public Library
5/9 Stearns' Homestead Tour, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Parma
5/9 Sensory Saturday, Parma Heights Public Library
5/9 Sensory Friendly Performance | Kaput, Playhouse Square, Cleveland
5/9 Tiger Prep Spring Dinner Dance, Chagrin Falls
5/13 4H Social Group, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Akron
5/13 Putt-Putt Playoffs, Lake Metroparks Adapted Programming, Chardon
5/13 Walking / 5 Mile Club, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Solon
5/14 Asperger's Adult Group Walk in the Park, Garfield Hts.
5/15 ReCharge Respite Ministry, Strongsville United Methodist Church, Strongsville
5/16 Sensory Storytime, Mayfield Public Library
5/16 Sensory Storytime, Northwest Akron Public Library
5/16 Sensory Storytime, Westlake Porter Library
5/16 Autism Family Night, Brunswick Library, Brunswick
5/16 Walsh Jesuit Buddy Ball, Cuyahoga Falls
5/17 Family Fun Day, Akron YMCA, Clinton
5/18 Horseback Riding at Free Spirit Farm, Mayfield Adaptive Recreation Committee, Novelty
5/18 Fitness to Wellness to FUN! Mayfield Adaptive Recreation Committee, Mayfield Village
5/18 Dancercize with SOAR! Fairview Park
5/19 Exercise for Girls with Special Needs, Empower Sports, Chagrin Falls
5/19 Pump it Up Sensory Jump, Avon
5/19 Walking with SOAR! Rocky River
5/20 The Arc of Ohio Day at Cedar Point, Sandusky
5/20 Fantastic Fishing, Lake Metroparks Adapted Programming, Leroy Township
5/20 Aerobics with SOAR! Parma
5/20 Handycycling Clinic, Cleveland Metroparks, Willoughby Hills
5/21 Sensory Friendly Time at the Children's Museum, Cleveland
5/21 Adapted Golf Skills, Lake Metroparks Adapted Programming, Madison
5/21 Walking with SOAR! Cleveland
5/22 Monthly Dance, Catholic Charities Disability Services Euclid
5/27 4H Social Group, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Akron
5/28 S'mores Trail Cart Tour, Lake Metroparks Adapted Programming, Kirtland
5/29-31 Catholic Charities Weekend Retreat, Catholic Charities Disability Services, Cleveland
5/29 Sensory Storytime, Westlake Porter Library
5/29 Bocce Ball with SOAR! Rocky River
5/29 Soccer Clinic, Empower Sports, Geneva
5/29 Table Games, Bingo and Dinner, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Solon
5/29 Josiah's House Spring Fling, Brooklyn Hts.
5/30 Tomorrowland| Sensory Friendly Film, AMC Ridge Park Square Cinema 8, Brooklyn
5/31 Rotary Camp Day Respite, Akron YMCA, Akron
6/1 10th Annual Kickball League, Mayfield Adaptive Recreation Committee, Willoughby
6/2 Special Needs Jump, Skymax Arena, North Canton
6/2 Walking Club with LEAP, Euclid
6/2 Sensory Storytime, Independence Public Library
6/2 The Rhythmic Arts Project, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Solon
Weekly Event -
Mondays- Special Needs Jump, Sky Zone, Westlake and Highland Heights
Saturdays- Continuing Adult Education Program, Catholic Charities, Cleveland
SUPPORT GROUPS
5/2 West Side Autism Support Group, French Creek Family YMCA, Avon
5/4 Special Needs Parent Support Group, Bay Village Presbyterian Church, Bay Village
5/4 People with Epilepsy Support Group, Empowering Epilepsy, Beachwood
5/5 Parent Coffee and Chat | Single Parenting a Special Needs Child, Connecting for Kids, Westlake
5/5 ASPIES Parents | Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Canton
5/7 ASPIES Adults | Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Akron
5/11 Parent Exchange, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Akron
5/11 Parents of Children with Epilepsy Support Group, Empowering Epilepsy, Beachwood
5/12 Moms' Meet, Friendship Circle, Pepper Pike
5/12 EPIC Support Group for Parents, SST9, Canton
5/12 Book Club | Blessings of a Skinned Knee, A+ Solutions, Beachwood
5/13 Parent Support Group, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Akron
5/16 Oasis Parent Support Group and VIP Power Kids, Grace Church, Akron
5/18 P.E.A.K. Parent Support Group, Berea
5/19 ASPIES Parent Support Group | Disability Benefits, Summit Academy High School, Akron
5/20 SWAN Autism Support Group, Kent
5/21 The Lake/Geauga County Autism Support Group, SST4, Painesville
5/21 Serenity Support Group, Cleveland
5/26 Moms' Meet, Friendship Circle, Pepper Pike
5/27 Parent Support Group, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Akron
6/1 Special Needs Parent Support Group, Bay Village Presbyterian Church, Bay Village
6/1 People with Epilepsy Support Group, Empowering Epilepsy, TBD
6/3 Addressing Anxiety and Behavioral Issues in for Children | Webinar
Weekly Event -
Wednesdays- Parent's Morning Chat, AutismNE, Online
WORKSHOPS
5/1 Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid! A Survival Guide, SST7, Mansfield
5/2 No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Parent and Teacher Dirty Looks, SST7, Mansfield
5/2 Behavior and Social Skills Intervention for Children with Autism, FIT LLC, Beachwood
5/3 Tolerance Fair & Conference, Honor Good Deeds, Cleveland
5/4 The Dog Didn't Eat My Homework: Understanding Executive Function, SST2 & SST3, Independence
5/5 Using Prompting Procedures to Teach Skills, Division for Early Childhood (DEC), Webinar
5/5 Funding Alternatives for Children with Special Needs, Milestones Autism Resources, Middleburg Hts.
5/6 Microbiome Research in ASD, Autism Research Institute, Webinar
5/6 Patient Panel Perspectives, Questions and Answers, NYMAC, Webinar
5/6 Preparing Students with Significant Intellectual Disabilities for the Workforce, VizZle, Webinar
5/6 New Directions in Ohio DD, MCBDD, Medina
5/7 Introduction to Autism for Grandparents, Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, Cleveland
5/9 Mindfulness Group,
Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village
5/9 Moms of Special Kids: 10 Things You Need, Connecting for Kids, Westlake
5/12 Friendship 101: Helping Learners Build Social Competence, Council for Exceptional Children, Webinar
5/12 ASGC Parent/Professionals Meeting | Autism 101, Independence
5/14 Family Advisory Council |Social Skills: What Does it Take to Keep a Job? SST9, Massillon
5/15-16 People First of Cuyahoga County Conference, Beachwood
5/15 Sleep Workshop, Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, Independence
5/15 Potty Training the Challenging Child, Connecting for Kids, Westlake
5/15 Tools & Apps to Implement a Visual Language Teaching Model, Monarch Center for Autism, Webinar
5/21 Vocational Rehabilitation Support for College Students with ID, Think College, Webinar
5/21 Employment First and the 8 Predictors of Transition Planning Success, OCALI,
Webinar
5/21 Milestones ABA Professional Group (Earn BACB CEUs), Beachwood
5/28 "But that's the Only Toy He'll Play with!" Teaching Functional Play Skills, BIIO, Westlake
5/29 Toileting Workshop, Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, Independence
5/30 Red Cross Special Needs Babysitting Class, SHC/The Arc of Medina County, Seville
THERAPY GROUPS
5/8 Music Therapy and More with MTEC,
Connecting for Kids, Westlake
5/8 Buddy Building Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence
5/10 Asperger's Adult Group, Autism Personal Coach, Rocky River
5/12 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Adults, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Cuyahoga Falls
5/13 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Teens, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Akron
5/22 Buddy Building Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence
5/25 Therapeutic Horsemanship Program, Achievement Centers for Children, Strongsville
5/27 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Teens, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Akron
5/28 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Adults, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Cuyahoga Falls
5/31 Asperger's Adult Group, Autism Personal Coach, Beachwood
Weekly Events-
Tuesdays, Saturdays & Sundays- Little Language Learners Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence
Wednesdays- Commanders of Communication Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence
Saturdays- Social Butterflies Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence
BENEFITS
5/2 Camp !magine Fundraiser | Party for the Puzzle, Westlake
5/9 Camp !magine Fundraiser | Bowling Event, Avon Lake
5/9 Music Therapy and More with MTEC, Connecting for Kids, Westlake
5/30 The 2nd Golf Classic and Pig Roast for Camp !magine, Avon
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