One of the cornerstone programs of Milestones Autism Resources is our annual conference.  This year's 13th Annual Conference brings together parents, self advocates and professionals to discuss issues related to autism and to network with the local autism community. 

 

Check out this newsletter for details about registration, keynote speakers and sponsorship opportunities. Please visit our website and Facebook page regularly for the latest conference updates.

 

We hope to see you there!  

 

Ilana & Mia
Announcing our Keynote Speakers for 2015!

We are proud to announce our Keynote speakers for this year's conference: Dr. Barry Prizant, PhD CCC-SLP, and Sondra Williams, Author, Poet and Speaker.


Dr. Barry Prizant, PhD is among the world's leading authorities on autism, having more than 40 years experience as a scholar, researcher and international consultant for individuals with autism, and emotional and behavioral disabilities and their families. 

Barry is co-author and co-developer of The SCERTS Model: A comprehensive educational approach for children with ASD (2006), andAutism Spectrum Disorders: A Developmental, Transactional Perspective(2000). The SCERTS Model is now being implemented in more than a dozen countries. He has published more than 120 articles and chapters, and has presented more than 700 seminars and Keynote addresses internationally. 

His newest book Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism portrays autism not as a tragic disability but as a unique way of being human".  From this perspective, he argues that the best way to help a person with autism change for the better, is not to overly focus on reducing "autistic behaviors", but is to change ourselves -our attitudes and our behavior.

Barry has developed family-centered programs for newly diagnosed toddlers with social-communication disabilities and ASD and their families in hospital and university clinic settings, and consults widely to schools and agencies in New England as well and nationally and internationally, from early intervention through high school settings.

Barry is 
Director of Childhood Communication Services, a private practice. He also founded and served as Director of the Communication Disorders Department at Bradley Hospital, is an Associate Professor Appointment in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the Brown University Program in Medicine, and was an Advanced Post-Doctoral Fellow in Early Intervention at UNC-Chapel Hill. 

You can learn more about Dr. Barry Prizant's many accomplishments on his website.

Coming Next Month: Meet Sondra Williams!


Early Bird and Group Rates are available now.
Register today!
Due to popular demand, we are offering a special rate for sponsors and exhibitors through February 28th!

Benefits include:
Increased marketing exposure
null Exhibitors - $50 discounted rate
Sponsors - 1 additional 1-day registration

Deadline February 28, 2015 - Don't Delay!


Questions? Contact Maya Holtz Groys at 216-464-7600 ext. 107 
New Problem Behaviors
Tool Kit


We are happy to announce our newest Tool Kit - Problem Behaviors. This kit guides parents on how to make a plan to address challenging behaviors in their child. Take a look!
12th Annual Autism Seminar Series
Practical Intervention Strategies 


Transition to Adulthood:
Creating and Maintaining a 
Successful Transition
Presented by Beth Thompson, MSSA, Milestones Autism Resources

 Wednesday, February 25, 2015
 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
 UH Westlake Medical Center


 Reduced rates available


RSVP or questions: kathleen.maxwell@uhhospitals.org

Presented by University Hospitals. 
Co-sponsored by Milestones Autism Resources.
Milestones ABA Professionals 
Group Presents
Cases: Questions and Quandaries


Join us for a clinical discussion entitled 
"Cases: Questions and Quandaries" - we invite members of the group to bring their interesting and/or challenging cases for discussion. Please contact Rachel Torrance if you have a case to share with the group.

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2015
Time: 7:00-8:45 pm
Location: Milestones Autism Resources, 23880 Commerce Park, Beachwood
Cost: Free
Audience: Professionals with certification from the  Behavior Analyst Certification Board, those taking coursework toward the credential, or those about to sit for the exam.
Meeting fulfills 2 hours of type 3 CEU credits for BCBA

*Deadline Tuesday, February 24, 2015
2015 Cuyahoga County Transition Expo
Preparing for Life After High School

 Saturday, April 18, 2015
 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Regina Hall, Notre Dame College
Admission is FREE!

Visit with more than 80 exhibitors and gather valuable information at 16 breakout sessions
 


For questions contact Ed Flagel: edward.flegel@esc-cc.org
Co-sponsored by Milestones Autism Resources.
Save the Date!
Join Us for an Autism-friendly bowling event!

Sunday, April 26, 2015
Freeway Lanes of Solon and Buckeye Lanes in N. Olmsted

Co-chairs Wendy & Phil Irvin and Joe Kraft
For more information, email Becca Kendis at becca@milestones.org
Family Research Opportunity

Researcher Meagan Adley, (M.S., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program, University New England) is conducting a play study. 
The study looks at whether playing with toys in sand with typically developing peers increase the ability to use pretend play in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The children should be ages 6 through 8 years old.

Interested families should contact Meagan Adley at (603)667-5493 or studyplayasds@gmail.com.
News of Note

Source: Disabilityscoop.com


Source: Disabilityscoop.com

Source: Yahoo! Health

Source: Autism Speaks

Source: The New York Times



February 2015

February Events - Full Listing Here 

 

70 SOCIAL/REC OPPORTUNITIES

 

1/1 Social Club and Creative Crew for Adults, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/2 Social Club & Creative Crew| Teens, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/2 B'nei Mitzvah Program, Friendship Circle, Pepper Pike

2/3 Special Needs Jump, Skymax Arena, North Canton

2/3 Yoga, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/3 Dance Class, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/3 Sensory Storytime, Independence Public Library

2/4 Medusa Salon Sensory Night, Canton

2/4 Cooking Basics, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/5 Social Club & Creative Crew for Adults, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/5 Music, Drum & Movement, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Mayfield Village

2/5 Indoor Water Exercise, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Mayfield Village

2/6 Teach Me to Play, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

2/6 Social Club for Kids, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/6 Karaoke, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Solon

2/7 Art Therapy - Valentines, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/7 Woodworking Class - Build a Shoe Rack, Orange Recreation, Pepper Pike

2/7 Fitness for Fun, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/7 Take a Break Respite, Grace Church, Middleburg Hts.

2/8 Asperger's Adult Group, Autism Personal Coach, Rocky River

2/10 Great Bike Giveaway Opening, Friendship Circle of Greater Cleveland

2/10 Bocce Ball, Lake Metroparks, Wickliffe

2/10 Living Out Loud: Can You Hear It? Julie Billiart School, Lyndhurst

2/11 4H Meeting, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Akron 

2/12 Valentine, Karaoke, Craft and Chocolate! Lake Metroparks, Painesville

2/13 Respite Weekend, Akron YMCA Rotary Camp, Akron

2/13 "Beauty and the Beast" Sensory-Friendly Performance, Pittsburgh

2/13 House of Readers Book Club, Westlake Porter Public Library

2/13 Monthly Dance, Catholic Charities, Cleveland

2/13 Pizza Bowl, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Oakwood Village

2/13 Under the Sea Formal, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Wadsworth

2/14 "Spongebob" - Sensory Friendly Film, AMC Ridge Park Square Cinema 8, Brooklyn

2/14 Sensory Storytime, Bay Village Public Library

2/14 West Side Market Outing, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Cleveland

2/14 Sensory School Age Program, Orange Public Library, Pepper Pike

2/14 Valentine's Day Dance, Quantum LEAP, Mayfield Village

2/15 "Pippin the Musical" at Playhouse Square, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Cleveland

2/15 Valentine Dance, Lake Metroparks, Painesville

2/16 The World of Books, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Solon

2/16 Fitness to Wellness to FUN! Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Mayfield Village

2/17 Pump it Up Sensory Jump, Avon

2/19 "Spongebob" Movie Private Showing, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Barberton

2/20 Camp Cheerful Weekend Respite, Achievement Centers for Children, Strongsville

2/20 Cross Country Skiing, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Kirtland

2/20 Game Night, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Mayfield Hts.

2/20 ReCharge Respite Ministry, Strongsville United Methodist Church, Strongsville

2/21 Sensory Storytime, Fairview Park Public Library

2/21 Art Therapy - Paper Towel Art, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/21 Sensory Storytime, Mayfield Public Library

2/21 Sensory Storytime, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Akron

2/21 Sensory Storytime, Westlake Porter Public Library

2/21 Fitness for Fun, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/21 Sensory Storytime, Parma Public Library

2/21 Lake Erie Monsters Game with Quantum LEAP, Cleveland

2/22 Day Respite, Akron YMCA Rotary Camp, Akron

2/22 Social Time Meet-Up, Westlake Porter Public Library

2/23 Bowling with SOAR!, Parma

2/24 Exercise for Girls with Special Needs, Empower Sports, Chagrin Falls

2/24 Dancercize with SOAR!, Fairview Park

2/24 Exercise for Boys with Special Needs, Empower Sports, Chagrin Falls

2/25 4H Meeting, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Akron 

2/25 Aerobics with SOAR!, Parma

2/26 Chili Dog Hike, Lake Metroparks, Mentor

2/26 Indoor Games with SOAR!, Parma

2/27 Respite Weekend, Akron YMCA Rotary Camp, Akron

2/27 Sensory Storytime, Westlake Porter Public Library

2/27 Cosmic Bowling, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Solon

2/27 Monthly Dance, Catholic Charities, Euclid

2/28 Greater Cleveland Aquarium Outing, Lake Metroparks, Cleveland

2/28 Making Pizza at Pizza Roma, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Mayfield Village

2/28 Autism Family Night, Brunswick Library, Brunswick

2/28 Indoor Games with SOAR!, Fairview Park

3/2 Social Club & Creative Crew for Teens, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

3/2 YogaReach, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Solon

3/3 Broadway Buddies Adaptive Musical Theatre Class, Orange Rec Stagecrafters, Pepper Pike

3/3 Special Needs Jump, Skymax Arena, North Canton

3/3 YogaReach, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Mayfield Village

3/3 Yoga, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

3/3 Dance Class, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

3/3 Sensory Storytime, Independence Public Library

 

Weekly Events -

Mondays- High Aspirations Social Group, REM Opportunities, Canton

Wednesdays- High Aspirations Social Group, REM Opportunities, Akron

Fridays- Game Night at IDEA House, Uniontown


  

SUPPORT GROUPS

 

2/3 Moms' Meet, Friendship Circle, Pepper Pike

2/3 ASPIES Parents Movie Night, Canton

2/5 ASPIES Adults Meet & Greet - Personal Improvement 101, Akron

2/7 YMCA West Side Autism Support Group, Avon

2/9 Parent Exchange, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Akron

2/10 EPIC Support Group for Parents, SST9, Canton

2/11 Parent Support Group, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Akron 

2/14 Oasis Parent Support Group, Grace Church, Akron

2/17 Moms' Meet, Friendship Circle, Pepper Pike

2/17 ASPIES Parent Support Group, Akron

2/18 SWAN Autism Support Group, Kent

1/15 Serenity Support Group, Euclid Public Library

2/23 P.E.A.K. Parent Support Group, Berea

2/25 Parent Support Group, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Akron  

3/3 Parent Coffee and Chat, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

 

Weekly Events -

Wednesdays- Parent's Morning Chat, AutismNE, Online

 


WORKSHOPS 


 

2/5 Cleveland Clinic ABA Series - Prompting, Independence

2/5 How Do I Talk to the School about Extended School Year Services?, Family to Family Health Webinar

2/5 Introduction to Autism for Grandparents, Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, Cleveland

2/7 Mindfulness Group, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/10 ASGC Parent/Professionals Meeting |- Future Planning and Tax Laws for your Child with Special Needs, Independence

2/11 Parent Access Collaborative - Social Security, SST8, Cuyahoga Falls

2/11 Parent Support: Parents Rights, OCECD, Akron

2/11 Jon Peterson Special Needs and Autism Scholarships Presentation, Nonpublic School Options, Pepper Pike

2/12 Understanding and Writing an IEP, OCECD, Westlake

2/12 College Planning and Transition for Students with Disabilities, Aurora High School Guidance and Special Education Departments, Aurora

2/16 Parent/Professional Communication, OCECD, Canton

2/18 Understanding the ABLE act, Hickman & Lowder, Cleveland

2/19 Understanding Executive Function, SST2 and SST3, Independence

2/19 Anxiety & Autism, Monarch Center for Autism, Webinar

2/19 Serving Individuals with ASD through Vocational Evaluation, VECAP, Teleconference

2/19 Family and Educator Series: Communication Technology, SST9, Massillon

2/20 Pay Attention!, Summit Professional Education, Mayfield Village

2/20 Cleveland Clinic ABA Series - Discrete Trial Teaching, Independence

2/21 17th Annual Summer and Beyond Fair, ESC of Cuyahoga County, Independence

2/23 Participatory Action Research with College Students with ID, Think College, Webinar

2/25 Parent Support: Behavior De-escalation, Out of the Box Behavioral Solutions, Akron

2/25 Support on the Journey to Financial Independence, Social Security Administration, Webinar

2/25 UH Seminar Series: Creating and Maintaining a Successful Transition to Adulthood, Westlake

2/26 Employment Supports for Those with IDD and Autism, Employment First, Webinar

2/26 Parent Support Services: Models of Service Delivery, The TA Network, Webinar

2/26 How to Get Your Child to Take "No" for an Answer, BIIO, Westlake

2/26 Milestones ABA Professional Group (Earn BACB CEUs) - Cases: Questions and Quandaries, Beachwood

3/3 ASPIES Parents - Building Confidence through 4H, Canton


 

THERAPY GROUPS

 

2/4 Music Therapy Class, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/4 Mom & Me Therapy Class, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

2/10 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Adults, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Cuyahoga Falls

2/11 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Teens, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Akron

2/13 Music Therapy and More with MTEC, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

2/17 SUCCESS Club, KidsLink Neurobehavioral Center, Twinsburg

2/21 Kitchen Connections, The KIDnections Group, North Olmsted

2/25 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Teens, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Akron

2/26 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Adults, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Cuyahoga Falls

 

Weekly-

Tuesdays, Saturdays & Sundays-

Little Language Learners Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

Wednesdays-

Commanders of Communication Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

Fridays

Buddy Building Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

Saturdays-

Social Butterflies Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

 

BENEFITS

 

2/20 Euchre Tournament and Fundraiser, The Arc of Greater Cleveland, Rocky River

2/27 Connecting for Kids Annual Benefit, Avon Lake