Late November -December 2022 Special Connection

Dear Families and Friends,

We hope you are doing well and looking forward to a wonderful holiday season. This newsletter includes reminders of events that have been in previous newsletters and some new activities and trainings.

We invite you to attend our indoor Holiday party on Dec 3, Rain Date Dec 4 and to participate in our trainings.

We look forward to seeing or hearing from you. Have a safe holiday filled with peace, warmth and love.

Your friends at ASCF

PS. If you have information or an activity to include in this newsletter, email Angela at angelaabdul@optonline.net a month before the activity date.

REMINDER: ASCF Holiday Celebration

Some One Special is Coming to Town!

HO HO HO!

Bring your special children and siblings to see our special guest:

When: Saturday, December 3, 2022

Rain/Snow Date: Sunday. December 4, 2022

Time: 12:30-2:30

The Almond Branch Church

184 Marshall Hill Road

West Milford, NJ 07480

There will be music, crafts and PIZZA!!

Don't forget! Please bring a gift for Santa to give to your

children!

This event is FREE - but donations are accepted.

Please RSVP by

emailing terry@ascfamily.org

ASAP

REMINDER ASCF VIRTUAL TRANSITION TRAINING

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL - THEN WHAT?

If your child is 14 years of age or older, you'll want to attend this special, FREE Virtual Workshop for youth and parents.

Monday, November 28, 2022

6:30-7:30 pm

Please register ASAP by calling 973-728-8744 or by emailing julie@ascfamily.org

ASCF VIRTUAL TRAINING

MANAGING HOLIDAY STRESS

The holidays are exciting and fun, but can be very difficult. Join Julie from ASCF for some tips that may help you and your special child/children.

Wednesday, December 14 12-1 pm or 6:30-7:30 pm. Pick the time that works best for you.

ZOOM TRAINING

Navigating the Division of Developmental Disabilities Service System

Tue, Dec 6, 2022 6:00 PM

This presentation or webinar will provide an overview of entering the DDD service system and explain eligibility requirements, the intake process, what services are available, and information related to DDD’s care management system (Support Coordination).

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2412845705454097932

HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

How to Host an Accessible, Autism-friendly Holiday Party updated: November 17, 2022

· Hosting family gatherings can be a stressful but rewarding experience, because you want to make sure all your guests have a great time. Your autistic or neurodivergent guests may have some unique needs or sensitivities that you should consider when planning your event.

· Communicate with your guests openly and clearly about things like menu, times, expectations, and arrangements. Your autistic guests will likely find comfort in knowing what to expect, such as how long gatherings will last, what they need to bring, or what activities you’ll be doing.

· Create at least one quiet/talk free space at your gathering so guests with autism can decompress when they need to. Make it a rule that there’s no judgment or snide remarks if someone needs to take breaks, go outside, have some screen time, or leave early. Don’t take it personally; this is your neurodivergent guest’s way of regulating.

· Make it a flexible, judgment free gathering. Avoid comments about people’s appetite or appearance. Allow arrival and departure times to be flexible, and don’t put pressure on guests to attend every event or participate in every activity. Give guests the freedom to be themselves; they’ll have a better time, and so will you!

· Prepare for your neurodivergent guests’ sensory sensitivities or challenges by making sure they have safe foods available, a quiet space, low-stimulation activities, reducing noise and decorations, etc. Dress for comfort and keep it casual to reduce sensory overload for your autistic guests.

https://beaminghealth.com/article/how-to-host-an-accessible-autism-friendly-holiday-party

GOING TO COLLEGE

10 Top Tips

Know who you are, what you like and what you want.

Take time to get to know yourself. Get involved with school and community activities to discover your interests, skills and values.

You probably have more strengths than you think you do.

Compare your own list of strengths with what your family or friends view as your strengths. Talk with your teacher and guidance counselor to identify even more.

What you don’t like is just as important as what you do like.

Figure out what you don’t like to help you make your career choice.

You can’t get there without knowing where you are going!

Goals help you get what you want, improve your performance and keep you motivated.

Having a disability doesn’t totally define who you are.

You can learn to accept and appreciate differences in people, get and use accommodations, and creatively get things done in a nontraditional way.

Figure out how you learn best.

Use your learning style to make the most of your time, choose between two instructors and still have some time left over for fun.

Communication is the key to getting what you want.

For example, clearly state what you need, listen to what others think and negotiate your differences.

Your interests, skills and abilities are ever changing.

Talk with your friends, family and teachers about ways to explore new endeavors.

Create your own success story.

Many people with disabilities set and reach their goals in life. Self knowledge, using your strengths and advocating for your needs make a winning combination.

Need practice for college?

Start with your IEP meeting. Know what your rights are in high school and begin expressing your interests, desires and preferences.

http://www.going-to-college.org/myplace/tips.html

New Guidance

New Guidance Helps Schools Support Students with Disabilities and Avoid Discriminatory Use of Discipline 7.19.22

New guidance released from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) helps public elementary and secondary schools fulfill their responsibilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities and avoid the discriminatory use of student discipline.

These newly released resources are the most comprehensive guidance on the civil rights of students with disabilities concerning student discipline and build on the Department’s continued efforts to support students and schools.

https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/new-guidance-helps-schools-support-students-disabilities-and-avoid-discriminatory-use-discipline

PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS

Mom Squad Virtual Support Group.

Join this parent group with ASCF and Family Partners on Thursdays,

in December from 6-7:30 pm.

Contact Diane Varga

dvarga@familypartnersms.org

or call her cell: 862-273-5046

The Family Support Organization of Passaic County offers support group sessions (virtual and in-person) on Tuesdays from 6:30- 8 pm

Contact Nina Reams nreams @fso-pc.org

973-979-0508.

Parenting Tips

5 Parenting Tips

1. Ignore minor misbehavior that is meant to annoy (whining, pouting, etc.).

2. Remain calm! If your child is about to make you “lose it” then take a time out or call someone for help.

3. Hold regular family meetings to discuss issues and other family-related topics.

4. Try using behavior contracts, a behavior chart, or a behavior program to improve your child’s behavior.

5. Avoid bailing your child out of trouble every time he/she gets in to it.

(ParentCoachPlan.com)

Thoughts to Ponder

Perhaps you do not know anyone who has a child exactly like yours. But there are parents dealing with many of the same challenges you are facing. There are support groups with these parents like ASCF who share your journey. Just remember and repeat "I’m not alone."

Please think about supporting ASCF

Donate through Paypal

Buy us a Ko-Fi

Pick us on Amazon Smile!

DISCLAIMER:

The Association for Special Children and Families does not provide or give legal or medical advice.

DESCARGO DE RESPONSABILIDAD:

La Asociación para Niños y Familias Especiales no proporciona ni brinda asesoramiento legal o médico.