2016 Spring Newsletter
Announcements
Autism Society Central Ohio (ASCO)
offers families and professionals educational opportunities to learn about autism on a local and national level. ASCO strives to offer a variety of workshops, family supports and informational sessions by local and national leaders. ASCO is a dynamic chapter partnering with COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory, The History Connection, The Ohio State University Nisonger Center and CAST, OCALI, Nationwide Children's Hospital and other leaders in autism to provide the best for Central Ohio!!

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SURVEY

Your input on this survey could change health care for individuals with autism and other disabilities throughout Ohio.  Less than 10 minutes is all it takes!  Please go to our website to access the link!   http://www.autismcentralohio.org/ 
                                                                                          
CAST MATES

The Center for Autism Services and Transition (CAST) will host a variety of Medical and Transition Education Sessions (MATES) for parents and professionals throughout 2016.

Topic:  Dental Care and Autism-Flossing, Caries and More!
Date:   May 19, 2016 Time: 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Place:   OSU Dental College 3089-B Postle Hall West 12th Avenue Directions will be sent upon registration confirmation
RSVP:   by May 13, 2016 (Seating Limited to 40 attendees) To register, please send an email with your name and session title to: Tamela.Lednik@osumc.edu

Please join us on Thursday, May 19th at 6:30 pm
(and every third Thursday)

Trinity United Methodist Church
6389 Blacklick Eastern Rd 
Pickerington, OH 43147 

Please RSVP at coffeeteaandautismfairfield@gmail.com

Children Welcome
We will have volunteers from the Kiwanis Key Club to watch the kids!

Coffee, Tea and Autism is a new style of support group that will be led by volunteers whose lives have been touched by autism. Sometimes the best support and information comes from others living the same journey.
These support groups can ... 
  • Connect people with similar experiences
  • Provide new resources, ideas and suggestions
  • Encourage you throughout your journey
  • Celebrate successes no matter how small
  • Let you know you are not alone
  • Allow understanding with no judgement
Are you a person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, a parent or other family member living the autism journey?  This group is for you!

I Can Bike
Biking is more than just exercise and transportation:  it's a social activity of connection, a childhood rite of passage and a first taste of independence.  For more information on this course go to:  http://dsaco.net/event/icanbike/
      The registration fee for the week-long course is $150 per participant. Scholarships are available through DSACO and Autism Society Central Ohio.  Contact Marge Barnheiser  mbarnheiser@dsaco.net about scholarship information.

Save the Date
DAD'S NIGHT OUT
Saturday, June 18, 2016 
5:30 to 8:30 pm

Registration coming soon.   Check our website: click here!

RULE 3 - Pickerington, Ohio
Come out for A Fun Night of bowling!  Have a chance to meet other fathers in a relaxed environment and get to know one another.
 
                                                                                                
The 2016 Arts and Autism Conference
Creating, Learning & Living
Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Columbus Museum of Art

The 2016 Arts and Autism Conference is the second convening of its kind in central Ohio. This full-day conference features practice, presentation, and research in the arts and autism. The purpose of this conference is to bring together stakeholders and advocates who specialize or have an interest in the intersection of arts and autism. The conference will inspire attendees to share ideas and learn more about the benefits, resources, and opportunities to make the arts and arts education accessible for individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families.    This conference is a result of the Arts & Autism in Ohio Initiative.   Details will be posted soon.   http://www.vsao.org/artsautismconference2016


IMPORTANT Waiver Update!
Disenrollment from Medicaid Waivers
State officials have reminded Ohio's County Boards of DD that people who do not use their Medicaid Waiver services will be disenrolled from the Level 1, IO, TDD or SELF Waiver.  If a person only uses the Medicaid 'Card' for therapies, insurance or other purposes, but does not utilize Medicaid waiver services, he/she will be disenrolled from the Waiver.  Unless otherwise eligible for Medicaid, the loss of the Medicaid waiver would also mean loss of the Medicaid 'Card'.  For details or to be sure one does not lose their Medicaid waiver, individuals or family members are advised to contact their Service Coordinator.


ABLE Accounts Update
The Ohio Treasurer's Office has established a web site to provide updates on ABLE accounts, which allow for a tax advantaged savings option for individuals who have developmental disabilities.  Ohio will call these STABLE Accounts.  Click on the following link to learn more about STABLE Accounts and how one can establish an account and maintain Medicaid eligibility:  www.stableaccount.com

                                                                                                    
WAYS TO GIVE BACK:

Bob Evans Fundraiser in June
Bob Evans has graciously agreed to partner with The Autism Society state-wide from June 20-23, 2016. They will donate 15% of all sales provided that guests present a coupon to their server when ordering.  This coupon &/or flyer will be on the website once we receive it!

ASCO is now a member of Kroger Community Rewards
So take a minute and re-enroll for ASCO to raise a little dough!
For a participant to re-enroll their card they simply go to  www.krogercommunityrewards.com
  •   Click "sign-in"
  •   Put in their email address and password that they used to enroll their card.
  •   Click on participants' name at the top right, scroll to the bottom for Community Rewards.
  •   Our group number is 21734 or part of the name of the organization.
  •   Choose the correct organization. 
  •   Click Enroll
                                      
FROM NATIONAL:

47th Annual Autism Society National Conference
July 13, 2016 Preconference
July 14-16 Keynotes, Concurrent Sessions, and Exhibition Hall
 
Since 1965, the Autism Society has embraced its mission to make a better world for all with autism. Shortly after its founding, the Autism Society held an inaugural national conference to discuss the state of children with ASD in America. This meeting brought together parents of children with ASD to share resources, experiences and develop strategies to be effective advocates for their children.
 
Today, the Autism Society's annual conference represents one of the largest gathering of autism families, service providers, educators, policymakers and key allies in the disability community. Information on keynote speakers and sessions will be made available in early 2016. Here you will find a comprehensive guide to the Autism Society National Conference.  For more information click here!
 
To read a lively recap of the 2015 Conference by Richard Wolf, reporter and editor, for USA Today and Autism Society Board Member, Click here for the recap!

ESSA Passes House and Senate, Bill Awaits President's Signature
The U.S. Senate joined the House of Representatives in passing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) today! Formerly known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the bipartisan legislation overhauls the No Child Left Behind Act by enacting reforms.  To read more go to

Read the latest edition of Autism Advocate - Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Looking to the Future.    Click here.


Meet Julia - Sesame Street's Newest Muppet with Autism - Sesame Street recently announced a new addition to its Muppet family - a young girl named Julia who is on the autism spectrum. Julia was introduced as part of the launch of a new autism awareness initiative, Sesame Street and Autism - See Amazing in All Children. The program was designed to celebrate the uniqueness of each and every child. The Autism Society served as an advisor for the new initiative. With one in every 68 children diagnosed with autism each year, See Amazing will play a vital role in decreasing the stigma surrounding autism spectrum disorder. To read Julia's story and to learn more about the program, visit  http://autism.sesamestreet.org.

Autism Society Statement on Linkage between Autism and Planned Violence
- Recently, nine people lost their lives and nine were injured due to the acts of a lone gunman in Oregon. Our thoughts are with those impacted by the horrific shooting. Some media are reporting the shooter was on the autism spectrum. These reports are unconfirmed. There is absolutely no credible evidence that suggests a linkage between autism and planned violence. To intimate or suggest a causal relationship exists between the shooter's violent behavior and autism is wrong and harmful to the 3.5 million people living with an autism diagnosis. Please do not judge any person with autism based on what is being reported about one individual. Let us focus our attention on the individuals and families whose lives were forever changed by this senseless act.

 
Events & Activities around our Area

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING for individuals with
special needs
FOCUS GROUP
Where: YMCA North, 1640 Sandalwood place, Columbus, OH 43229
When:  Sat, May 21st 1:00pm
Tue, May 24th 6:30pm
Thurs, May 26th 6:30pm
Tue, May 31st 6:30
These classes listed above are for a focus group. This focus group will allow Liz to gain the information that is needed in order to best decide when and where to hold her ongoing classes. Providers, families and individuals with special needs are welcome at these focus groups. SPACE IS LIMITED so please arrive early. 
Open to:  Everyone! YMCA Membership is not needed.

Vertical Adventures
Adaptive Ascents @ Vertical Adventure
Sat., May 21, 2016
9:00 to 11:00 am
 
Vertical Adventures will be hosting a FREE adaptive climbing clinic on May 21st from 9:00am to 11:00am. Adaptive Ascents Clinics are designed to offer adaptive opportunities to anyone with a disability. Whether you've climbed before or you are new to climbing, this event is for you! Come experience the joys, benefits and challenges of rock climbing!


RECREATION UNLIMITED
 
2nd annual Autism Camper and Typical Sibling Camp has been scheduled for June 10-12, 2016.  Due to the generosity of a donor, the camp fee will be waived for this camp.  Camp capacity for this weekend camp is 30 youth/young adults on the Autism spectrum and 30 of their typical siblings.   Click here for more information.

Additionally, on Sunday, June 12, 2016, we have scheduled the 3rd annual Autism Family Day Camp and Resource Fair.  Due to the generosity of Recreation Unlimited Foundation, there will be no charge for this camp, which will allow families to participate in camp program activities together, network with other families, and visit with organizations and professionals that support the Autism community.  A registration form is available click here 
 
Recreation Unlimited 2016 Autism Weekend Camp September 9-11, 2016 is for youth ages 8-22 on the Autism Spectrum. The 2016 Autism Weekend Camp published fee is $412 per weekend camp, plus a $35 non-refundable reservation fee. However, due to the generosity of the Huntington Foundation, the camp fee of $412 will be waived for this camp. If you are interested in attending this camp, please complete the form below and return, along with the $35 nonrefundable reservation fee. This reservation fee will be waived if you have already paid the $35 reservation fee for a 2016 Year Round Respite Weekend Camp.  Click here.


Nisonger 50th Anniversary Events
Celebrate 50 years with us at the Ohio Union - 10/15/16
HONORARY CHAIR: Representative David J. Leland
EMCEE: Ellie Merritt, NBC4 Anchor
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Andy Imparato, Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
SPECIAL ENTERTAINER: Comedian Josh Blue
                                                  
Join us for an evening of celebration, mingling and reminiscing as you enjoy a cocktail reception, plated dinner, program presentation, wine-pull, silent auction and entertainment by comedian Josh Blue, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Trust us, you won't want to miss this exciting event! Contact tamara.hager@osumc.edu for more information.


Sensory Friendly Movies Monthly -
Marcus Crosswoods Cinema in Columbus For the past three years, the Marcus Theater has been part of a program called Reel Movies for Real Needs, a monthly showing of a just-released family film that provides families with children that have special sensory needs the opportunity to have a day out at the movies that they may not be able to have otherwise. We turn the volume down lower than what you might normally hear on a Friday night, and the lights are kept up a little brighter than usual as well. In addition, since everyone in this showing is with someone that may need some extra attention, these showings have fostered a great sense of community and understanding that a child or his or her family doesn't have to worry about being a disruption to other guests in the auditorium. These showings are held once a month on a Saturday at 10:30am. Regular matinee pricing applies ($7.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids and seniors). Tickets typically go on sale the Tuesday before each date. 

Autism Society Sensory Friendly Films - are held at the Lennox Theater, 777 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, OH 43212. AMC brings the lights up, turns the lights down, and shows no previews or ads before the movie. Families may bring their own gluten-free and casein-free snacks, and no one cares if your child gets up or makes noise! Movies begin at 10 a.m. Regular admission is charged. Check
for upcoming titles.

CCT - Columbus Children's Theatre 
Sensory Friendly Performances:


At Art Outside the Lines (AOTL) we recognize that the world is full of systems and routines that bog us down and leave little room for creativity. Our philosophy at AOTL is that everyone should be given the space and time to move (dance, yoga), express (music, film, theater), and create (visual art). We believe that magical things happen when the community comes together and creates together. No matter who you are, where you come from, or whether you consider yourself to be an artist, this is your space to create. http://www.artoutsidethelines.com/ 


The Theater Group at Bridgeway Academy ha s a year-round extra-curricular activity that provides unique, creative music and drama experiences for individuals of all ages, led collaboratively by a Board Certified Music Therapist and Speech Language Pathologist. Members of the group are 13 years and older and bring to the group a diverse collection of skills, talents, and interests. Please call  for more information: 614-262-7520.  http://bridgewayohio.org/


Open Art Studio Door 
(1050 Goodale Blvd, Grandview, OH) is dedicated to providing art services to artists with developmental disabilities.  Open Door acts simultaneously as a creative space and as a gallery for innovative art happenings.   

Shopworks Theatre Company -  is an organization dedicated to serving the DODD population with creative supports.  With  directives to Create, Develop and star in their own productions. Through the art of the theatre all the performers are asked to design the sets, create the props,costumes lights and sound.Our group writes acts and directs all productions. Click here for current shows!
  

The Franklin Park Conservatory has instituted a new policy that could benefit the Autism community in Central Ohio.  Free admission is offered on the 1st Sunday of the month, 10am-5pm, for individuals and families who provide proof of participation in the following programs: Ohio Medicaid, Molina Healthcare, Ohio Directions, Care Source and WIC.  We also offer a Access Membership for families for $30 (normally rate is $75) with proof of participation.  www.fpconservatory.org

Support Groups

Fathers of Autism Support Group
Meetup April 20, 2016 6:30 PM

The Friendship Circle - created an exceptional network of friends for children and teens in need of a mentor. Our network consists of student volunteers from local high schools and colleges, and all are trained to work with children of all ages and abilities.

We organize social experiences, both one-on-one and in-group activities that foster camaraderie, friendship and fun. Your child can hang out at home with a high school or college volunteer, or participate in activities like trips to the zoo, visits to arcades, horse ranches, concerts and other events that enrich the lives of both the children and the volunteers through shared experiences http://www.friendscolumbus.com/

Sibling 2 Sibling is a guided workshop for siblings of children with special needs. These sessions will be used to allow the sibling to express himself or herself and form relationships with other siblings that are going through similar experiences.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2151 Dorset Rd, Columbus, OH 43221

Gentle Worship is a celebration of the Holy Eucharist for families with individuals who are challenged by special needs and those who would like to be in support of them. The casual, 30 minute service is held the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 in the choir area of the main Sanctuary.   http://www.saintmarkscolumbus.org/

FCBDD Family Support - Every month on the third Wednesday; Supt. Jed Morison has a Family Support meeting, 2879 Johnstown Rd., Columbus, Ohio at 10 am. This is an opportunity for you to talk with the superintendent directly and find out what is going on at the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. http://fcbdd.org/families/family-support-group/ 

Aspirations Ohio is designed for teens and young adults with ASD. For information on their classes and activities, go to http://nisonger.osu.edu/aspirations. 

Next Chapter Book Clubs for adults with disabilities. There is now a Next Chapter Writing Club opportunity as well. For more information, go to http://www.nextchapterbookclub.org/.

Worthington Library Establishes Next Chapter Book Club The Worthington Library has established a 'Next Chapter Book Club' for adults who have developmental disabilities. The book club will meet monthly to read short stories, articles and poetry and will partner with The OSU Nisonger Center.  The next 3 meetings will be on March 21, April 18 and May 16 from 10:00-11:00am at the Old Worthington Library, 820 High Street.  All are encouraged to join regardless of reading level.  The goals are to improve literacy skills, make friends, have fun and explore the library. For details, call  614-807-2626

Family Support Group, Nationwide Children's Hospital, meets the 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30 to 7:45 pm. For more information, contact 614-355-8315 or email autismresourcecoordinator@nationwidechildrens.org .


Workshops & Conferences
 
Upcoming Events from OSEP's Center on Technology and Disability (CTD) - http://www.ctdinstitute.org/

 (6/2/16, 5-6:30 EDT)
This webinar will address dyslexia by providing a definition and common profiles of students who experience this disability - including strengths, areas of need, and presentation of learning difficulties in the classroom. Participants will learn how to support students who experience dyslexia with regard to developing goals and choosing appropriate accommodations as part of student's' individualized education plans (IEPs). 
 
"10 Things You Need to Know About Kids"
Event Date: 5/3/2016
Location: First Church of the Nazarene Family Life Center, 1110 First Avenue, Gallipolis, OH
Registration Starts: Monday, April 4, 2016
Registration Ends: Monday, May 2, 2016
 
Registration Details:
Get ready to laugh and learn as Jim Harris brings some of the most important developmental principles alive with his down to earth presentation style.  Jim will focus on some of the most common misconceptions people have about children and talk about how they affect our ability to intervene effectively.  Jim will pay specific attention to the core developmental needs of children and how they relate to challenging behavior.  Jim will also explore how to strategically approach challenging behavior with children from an instructional perspective.  For more information and registration go to:

Statewide Special Education Multicultural Conference
May 18, 2016
9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
FREE Conference Sponsored by State Support Team 11 and Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
ESC of Central Ohio, 2080 Citygate Dr, Columbus, OH 43219
 
Presentation by Steven Gill, Kent School District, Washington on
"Statewide Special Education Multicultural Conference (ELL)" -
Participants will learn:  
  • Overview of special education categories and key areas
  • Learn special education qualification issues that are directly related to language learners
  • Discussion of the ELL Critical Data Process related to special education referral versus interventions
  • Guidance in understanding whether the concern is related to language acquisition or the need for a
  • special education referral
Questions? Contact: Connie Hudson ocecdcsh@embarqmail.com or no computer access 937-842-2150.  The conference check in starts at 8:30 and conference starts at 9:00 and ends at 3:30. Click Below to Register Now!  http://www.ocecd.org/protected/EventRegistration.aspx?rCode=4G32I
 - See more at:


14th Annual  Milestones Autism Conference
Thursday-Friday, June 16-17, 2016
Landerhaven, Cleveland, Ohio 44124
For more information, click here:

MILESTONES OFFERS SEVERAL WEBINARS LISTED BELOW:
 
May 18, 11am-12pm EST
Webinar (online only)
Autism in the Community: A Desensitization Approach

  The HANDS in Autism® Summer Training program
represents the original foundation and delivery format for the HANDS in Autism® Model. The Summer Training program is offered in one-week sessions three times each summer with two sessions held at the HANDS in Autism® Center and one session being offered in a community-based classroom. Training participants have the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the topics listed below, observe and shadow HANDS staff working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other neurodevelopmental disabilities, and practice implementation of strategies and receive feedback on techniques and approaches introduced in training.

OCALICON 2016
T he Nation's Premier Event in Autism, Sensory Disabilities, and Low-Incidence Disabilities. 
Don't miss world-class presenters, sessions, and networking opportunities at OCALICON 2016.
Join 1,500+ participants from across the United States and around the globe November 16-18, 2016, as we collectively focus on common concerns and share proven solutions that address issues and challenges faced by individuals with autism, sensory disabilities, and low-incidence disabilities across their lifespan.
 
Registration is now open. Register early for the best rate. Then get ready for 3 days of learning, discovery, sharing, and transformation. http://conference.ocali.org/?utm_source=OCALI+Communications&utm_campaign=c23d3b08e6-OCALICON_2016_Reg_Open_040616&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e20b46887d-c23d3b08e6-407965745


Studies and Surveys:

OSU Research Opportunity - Dr. Betsy Benson
Are You or Do You Know an Adult with an Autism Spectrum Disorder?   ASD Study The goal of this study is to better understand how adults with ASDs make judgments about facial expressions of emotion and personal characteristics associated with certain types of judgments.

 * Adults aged 19 to 60 years old who have a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder, such as Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) * Adults diagnosed with an intellectual disability, or who have had a Traumatic Brain Injury or stroke are not eligible * All participants must have normal vision or glasses or contacts to correct vision

What does the study involve? * Brief prescreening by phone or online * Three visits to the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Brain Imaging at Ohio State, approximately 2-3 hours each. o First Visit: Eligibility screening o Second Visit: Make judgments about images viewed on a computer screen, and provide a DNA and saliva sample o Third Visit: Make judgments about images viewed on a computer screen, and an interview-based assessment * All participants will receive $15 per hour.
Where can I get more information? Britt Butler, M.A.* Butler.591@osu.edu Pam Pallett, PhD pallett.1@ osu.edu  
 
Welcome to the Understanding Parenting (UP) Study!
We are researchers in the Dept. of Human Sciences at The Ohio State University. We are interested in how married or cohabitating couples together parent children, and how this co-parenting relationship influences individual and family wellness. We are interested in couples raising children without autism spectrum disorders and couples raising children without disabilities.  To see if your family qualifies for our study, please do the following: 
 
ASU Autism/Asperger's Research Program
 A national/international survey to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for autism, including medications, nutritional supplements, diets, therapies, and education.  This survey will provide a unique opportunity to gather data from thousands of families on each treatment, and to help identify which treatments are most effective for a given symptom (language, social, behavior, sleep, GI, cognition, anxiety, depression, etc.)


 Ohio State University Nisonger Center IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING PARTICIPANTS FOR A STUDY OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ENHANCING OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)This is a 7- month research study examining the use of essential oils for enhancing quality of life by improving sleep and relaxation in children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  To be eligible for this study, participants must:   Be between the ages of 3 to 9 years, inclusive,
  • Meet the diagnostic criteria for an Autism Spectrum Disorder,
  • Have no plans to change the dose of medication or supplements or other complementary medical treatments,
  • Be willing to discontinue medications and supplements specifically given for insomnia,
  • Be able to tolerate blood work,
  • Not have had a substantial trial of essential oil use within the past 6 months (i.e., consistent use for 6 weeks),
  • Not have allergies to essential oils, nuts, or vanilla,
  • Not have a seizure disorder/epilepsy.
All evaluations and treatments for this study are provided free to participants. In addition, families who participate receive some reimbursement for travel, parking, and time, and children receive a small prize at each visit.  There are risks, which will be explained before anyone agrees to participate.  Contact Person: Taylor Wong         ,  Phone:     (614) 685-3219,  Fax:  (614) 685-3208,  E-mail:    Taylor.Wong@osumc.edu, Website: http://psychmed.osu.edu
 
Research Study at The Ohio State Nisonger Center:  Understanding Anxiety in Children and Adolescents with ASD  Study Overview
Researchers would like to learn about symptoms of anxiety in children and adolescents with ASD, in order to create two new tools for measuring anxiety within this population.  Families will be invited to take part in 1-5 visits at The Ohio State Nisonger Center.   Initial Assessment: Parents will complete interviews and questionnaires while their child completes a diagnostic and cognitive assessment. The visit will take between 3-4 hours to complete; this visit can be split up into two appointments if time is an issue for child or family.

2 Follow up Visits: If your child is eligible, you will be invited back to The Nisonger Center for two additional visits where you will repeat parent questionnaires. Each visit will take about 1 hour.  F inal Visit; Physiological Assessment:   Some children will be invited back to complete a final visit. At this visit, the child will complete two tasks that may be mildly frustrating (interview, computer game) while wearing heart rate and skin monitors. Subjects will watch a short movie clip, play computer games and complete an interview. The heart rate monitor is worn on the chest and records heart rate activity. The skin monitor is worn on the wrist or ankle and measures sweat rate and temperature. The visit will take 2-4 hours to complete.

Eligible Participants:
Initial Assessment + 2 follow up visits:
- Families who have a child between the ages 5 and 17 years with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, or PDD-NOS)
Final Visit: Physiological Assessment
-Medication free boys or girls between the ages of 9 and 17 with ASD with high or low levels of anxiety
 
If you are interested in participating in this study or have further questions, please contact:  Jill Pritchett; Study Coordinator,                          
Tel: 614-685-3200, e mail: Jill.Pritchett@osumc.edu              
 
 
ASD SENIOR SURVEY
If you or a person you care for is on the autism spectrum and is 50 years of age or older, we hope you'll complete a new survey on quality-of-life issues associated with senior adults on the autism spectrum.
 
We believe the results from this survey may provide insight about the needs and challenges faced by individuals with autism and their support providers. We anticipate that this study will also inspire others as well as better inform the  autism community, government agencies, and other welfare and health-related organizations about such quality of life issues.
 
Once the data from this survey are collected and analyzed, we will contact those who completed the questionnaire and send them a summary report of the findings. https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2538621/ASD-Senior-Survey
 
 
Studying factors that affect caregivers' experiences accessing diagnostic and treatment services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We feel this is a particularly salient issue at present given recent changes in many major insurance policies as well as state and national initiatives surrounding ASD service provision.
 
Accordingly, we've developed an online survey for caregivers of children with ASD in order to better understand the process of accessing services, including factors affecting decision making in what services to pursue (evidence based vs. non-evidence based), and barriers experienced along the way. We hope you will consider sharing the information with primary caregivers who may be interested in helping us better understand how to improve the process of accessing effective services for ASD.
 
The survey takes approximately 20 minutes. No monetary incentive is offered, but the research targets what we feel are important components of improving service provision and access.   Here is the link for the anonymous survey, which has been approved by Louisiana State University's Institutional Review Board. http://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3HKbJrmrneXVBCR

It can also be reached via this condensed link, created for the flier: http://goo.gl/NKEoGK


The Autism and Child Language Learning Lab  in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at The Ohio State University . We are in the process of recruiting children to participate in a word learning study, which investigates word-learning processes in children between 2 to 5.5 years of age with autism spectrum disorder
 
DETAILS: 2-3 visits, 60-90 min each, in Pressey Hall at OSU. Child will participate in some testing and an experiment about word learning.  CONTACT US IF INTERESTED!  Phone: 614-292-5664
Email: tacl-lab@osu.edu
 
Volunteers Needed for Research Study
Single mothers raising a child with autism needed to participate in research study.  Doctoral candidate in Counseling Studies with Capella University is seeking research participants to take part in a study of on social support among single mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.
 
Description:
Participants will take part in a one hour interview with the researcher in the public library in their community. Participation is voluntary. Participants will be compensated for their time with a $30 gift card.
 
To Participate:
  • You must be an adult single woman, legally unmarried and not living with a boyfriend,
  • spouse or partner.
  • You must have a child between the ages of 3-18 years old who has been diagnosed with
  • autism spectrum disorder.
  • You must have transportation to and from the public library in your area to meet for a
  • one-hour interview with the researcher.
Location: Day, time, and location of the interview will be agreed upon by researcher and participant.
To volunteer or learn more, contact Janet Stebbins at (937) 553- 2005 or email jstebbins@capellauniversity.edu


Would you like to participate in the development of a computer-based program designed to help individuals with HF-ASD transition to college with improved success?

Are you the parent of a child with a high functioning autism spectrum disorder (HF-ASD), Asperger's syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS who is a high school student preparing to transition to a post-secondary education setting such as a university or a community college within a few years?

With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, 3C Institute is looking for individuals with high functioning autism spectrum disorders (HF-ASD), their parents, and educators to give us feedback on the current res ources you are using to prepare for the PSE transition and feedback on our web-based program.

If your child is eligible, and you and your child are chosen to participate in the study, you will be asked to:
 Contact your child's teacher or school provider about their participation in the study
 Complete online consent materials
 Complete questionnaires two times (now and again in about 8 weeks) regarding your child's motivation to pursue postsecondary education and his/her PSE-related skills. Both your child and the school provider will complete these questionnaires.
 Answer questions regarding the tools, resources and practices that you use to help prepare your child for postsecondary education

Participants (parents, students, and teachers) will receive between $70 and $150 for the completion of ALL study materials. Participants will also receive access to a web-based program, PREP, aimed at helping students with ASD identify and develop skills to support their success in college.

If you are interested in participating in or learning more about this study, please click the link below to complete a brief eligibility screening form. http://www.prepasd.com/parents

We will contact you to let you know if you qualify and provide the next steps for participation.

If you have any questions about the research study, please contact Rachel Hall at 919-677-010 2 ext. 514 or hall@3cisd.com.

A study examining the quality of life among parents (50+) of adult children (18+) with Autism Spectrum Disorder: 
I'm a doctoral candidate at Wayne State University in Michigan and I'm conducting a study examining the quality of life among parents (50+) of adult children (18+) with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am very eager for this study as very little research has been conducted in this area.

I am conducting a study, which has been approved through Wayne State University's Institutional Review Board, to examine the quality of life among parents of adult children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In order to be eligible for participation, parents must be at least 50 years old and have an adult child diagnosed with ASD (18 years or older). Her study includes a short online survey (typically taking about 15 minutes) and is anonymous. Her study can be accessed through the following link: https://bitly.com/1wkSy0p

Should you or others have questions about my study, Chrissy can be reached via email (AL9887@wayne.edu) or phone (248-961-0704).
                                                                            

RESOURCES

Brothers, Sisters, and Autism: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Siblings
-
OAR is proud to feature this resource from the "Autism Sibling Support" Initiative! Parents with multiple children face the challenge of balancing the needs of their child with autism with the needs of the rest of the family.  This resource will help parents guide their children to work together as a family to become life-long supporters, advocates, and friends for their sibling with autism. http://www.researchautism.org/family/familysupport/documents/OAR_SiblingResource_Parents_2015.pdf 

Autism in Love
-The acclaimed documentary film featured on the PBS show "Independent Lens".  This highly acclaimed, insightful, and touching documentary, directed by Matt Fuller, brings awareness to the challenges of dating and love for people who have an autism spectrum disorder. Autism in Love is simultaneously sorrowful and heart wrenching while also encouraging and hopeful. It's a raw, sometimes emotional look into the lives of four people with ASD who share their frustrations, pain, and successes in trying to find, date, love, and connect to someone understands and appreciates them.  Can be found on Netflix.

 "Oneder is..." a revolutionary platform that enables educators to efficiently create and adapt lessons aligned to academic standards, yet optimally suited to individual students' unique learning needs and functional academic goals. 

Red Barn Blankets - Weighted Blankets - Made with Love
- My husband and I own Red Barn Blankets where we make weighted blankets and lap pads for those on the autism spectrum.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/RedBarnBlankets?ref=shop_sugg

Kidslinked.com - the link between children and family fun in central Ohio -As busy parents, they saw the need to develop a company that provided other parents with family management tools at their fingertips. This realization led to the creation of kidslinked.com ­a one-of-a-kind family resource for parents and childcare givers to discover and manage family calendars, local kid-friendly activities, parenting advice, directories and more. All the information you need, in one convenient place.

The Eden II Programs Diagnostic and Outreach Center  is pleased to announce FREE registration for the Spring 2016 webinar program. This Spring's program is full of informative webinars in a variety of topic areas related to the education and treatment of individuals with autism.  For more information go to:  http://eden2center.org/webinars/?utm_source=Spring+2016+Webinar+Announcement&utm_campaign=Spring+2016+webinars&utm_medium=email

These articles also appeared in the Spring 2016 issue of   ARI's Autism Research Review International  newsletter.
Prenatal carnitine supplementation in ASD   -
One gene implicated as a contributor to autism-a mutated variant of the TMLHE gene-makes it impossible for cells to manufacture carnitine. New research suggests that for children with this gene, prenatal carnitine supplementation may help prevent autism.
Zhigang Xie and colleagues have refined a technology that allows them to mark, follow, and analyze individual neural stem cells in a developing brain. Studying embryonic mouse brains, they were able to determine that neural stem cells unable to produce carnitine because of a defective TMLHE gene do not function properly.  To read more go to:  http://www.autism.com/prenatal_carnitine

Aging in autism: a call to action
By Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D., Autism Research Institute, and Margaret L. Bauman, M.D., Boston University School of Medicine
Twenty years ago there was much talk but little action about the inevitable onslaught of children and teenagers on the autism spectrum reaching adulthood. Whether it was hesitation or procrastination, private and public agencies delayed planning, and the autism community is now scrambling to figure out ways to best provide needed support and services to young adults on the spectrum. A similar scenario is starting to play out with respect to seniors with autism. Today there is little discussion about individuals with autism reaching their senior years even though three notable individuals on the spectrum have reached this age-related milestone.  To read more go to:  http://www.autism.com/editorial_aging

BP medication may improve conversational skills  -
A medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure may improve the conversational skills of individuals with autism, a new study suggests.   The drug, propranolol, is a beta blocker. In addition to lowering blood pressure, it is often prescribed to treat anxiety, stage fright, and post-traumatic stress disorder. While the drug is considered relatively safe for short-term use, long-term use can result in side effects ranging from gastrointestinal problems to slow heartbeat and fainting.  To read more go to: http://www.autism.com/propranolol
 

 Legoland Florida i s teaming up with Autism Speaks to make its theme park more welcoming for people with autism.  The vacation resort #BuiltForKids is currently installing a large panel of hands-on, sensory-stimulating activities in a quiet space. It's the first of several planned projects designed to make the Legoland Florida resort a friendlier destination for children with autism.  Park officials say a recent refurbishment of the park's Annual Pass processing center gave them an ideal opportunity to create a safe, calming space for children with special needs. 

Autism Adulthood: Strategies and Insight for a Fulfilling Life
(Skyhorse Publishing; April 2016; 978-1-5107-0423-7) is coming out April 5! In this book, Susan Senator takes the mystery out of adult life on the autism spectrum and conveys the positive message that even though autism is complicated and challenging, there are many ways to make it manageable and enjoyable. You can find the press release for the book pasted below my signature 

Autism on the Seas , a national organization, has been in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International since 2007 in developing cruise vacation services to accommodate adults and families living with children with Special Needs, including, but not limited to, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and all cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities.  These services quickly expanded to other cruise lines.  http://www.autismontheseas.com/

Talking Together - Dealing with bullies And Stranger danger -
T his book teaches students the appropriate way to react and respond.  Social stories have a track record of success.  This book is perfect for children who:
- Are learning how to face a bully successfully
- Are learning who to speak to if they are being bullied
- Are learning the importance of stranger danger
- Are learning who to trust and who to reach out to
Comprehension questions at the end of each story to ensure that CHILDREN GET IT!

Autism Society Central Ohio  does not endorse any specific treatments, programs, therapies or professionals providing those therapies. All information is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Parents and advocates are responsible for the choice of any treatment, therapy or service provider. Inclusion of any information or organization in this newsletter does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval.

2014 Officers
President - Kathi Machle Vice President - Amy Hess

Secretary - Allegra Lewis Treasurer - Marie Crawford


 
ASCO is an approved agency for the United Way of Central Ohio's Contributor Choice Program

  

To Make a Donation to our us, please send a check to:
Autism Society Central Ohio
P.O. Box 272

Worthington,OH 43085

or 

CLICK HERE
 
Telephone:614.284.6323

Email: centralohioasa@gmail.com


www.autismcentralohio.org

 

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