We hope that everyone is enjoying their summer!
 
Independence Day can be an exciting time: food, festivals, fireworks. It can also be daunting for children with sensory issues.
 
Try watching the fireworks from your car to help reduce the loudness. Or before you go see the fireworks, show your child YouTube videos or pictures of fireworks and explain what will happen.
 
For example, first the sun will go down and people will light the fireworks. You will see a big flash of light as it goes up in to the sky, it will explode in to different colors and shapes and then there will be a loud "bang" sound. This may be scary but it is OK.
 
Enjoy your holiday weekend. If you're traveling, check out more tips on the Milestones Travel Tool Kit.

 

Ilana & Mia
Milestones School Team Training
Effective Behavioral Interventions for the Classroom
August 4 - 8, 2014  8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Canterbury Elementary School, Cleveland Heights, OH

"I am so appreciative that I have the scientific information from this training in my book bag 
for the coming school year." 
- Taunya Young, Special Educator, Cleveland City Schools
 
Spaces available! Deadline July 16.
    Special rate for First Ring School Staff 
of Cuyahoga County
35 contact hours included in fee!

Make the most of your summer and learn how to better work with your students with autism!
 
This hands-on professional development opportunity will help you 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, and motivate students for success using proven reinforcement strategies.
 
Educators, intervention specialists, paraprofessionals, school administrators, speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists encouraged to attend.
 
Questions? Contact Leslie Rotsky at 216.464.7600 ext.103 or [email protected]. 
Camp Milestones
July 31, August 1, 4-8 8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Canterbury Elementary School, Cleveland Heights, OH
 


"My daughter really enjoyed her experience at Camp Milestones. I am so grateful she had this opportunity!"
- April Shepherd, parent



Space still available! Apply today! 
Submit an application by July 16, 2014. Camp fee is $200 per student with ASD; Peer mentors welcome, attend for free.

An awesome camp for children with autism! Camp Milestones offers individualized program from student's IEP, 1:1 discrete style teaching, music, art and large motor activities, fun activities with peer mentors and 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.
 
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.
Autism All Stars Baseball Game
A Family Event with the Lake County Captains
 
 

We're teaming up with Autism Speaks and Northeast Ohio Autism Group for Autism All Stars, a fun, family-friendly event during the Lake County Captains game against the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Sunday, August 3, at 12:00 p.m. at Classic Park, 35300 Vine Street in Eastlake, OH.

 

Admission includes:

Pre-game parade on the field

Reserved section seating

Downloadable Social Story

Safe Zone for children that need a break from the festivities 

 

The Autism All-Stars event is on the same day as Classic Park's Family Fun Sundays, featuring an autograph session with players, concourse entertainment and activities, the Kids' Zone area and the opportunity for kids to run the bases after the game. All Family Fun Sundays activities are included in the Autism All-Stars admission.

 

Tickets are $10 per person. Order tickets by contacting Andrew Grover at (440) 975-8085 ext. 136 and mention Autism All-Stars.

Fun activities for the children will be at resource tables near the reserved section. Each organization will have a resource table where attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about autism and the services the organizations provide. 

 

Other autism-related organizations are welcome to have a resource table at the event. Contact Andrew Grover for more information.

 
 
"Individuals with disabilities do not need to earn the right to be in the community."
- Peter Gerhardt, Milestones Conference Keynote

 

Many inspiring, forward-thinking themes emerged during the Milestones 12th Annual Autism Spectrum Disorder Conference. The event was a huge success with 1,000 attendees, more than 45 exhibitors and over 75 workshops. 

 

Keynote audience

There was great energy and professionals and parents alike enjoyed it like a reunion; they continue to come back to the conference to hear about the latest information, research, resources as well as to meet up with colleagues and peers. Many new faces were in attendance, too, as the Conference continues to grow.

AAPC Publishing booth

 

The keynotes were truly enlightening. On the first day, Brittany Lauber and Justin Rooney, self-advocates, spoke about why people should operate under the assumption that individuals with autism are competent and have something to contribute. On the second day, Peter Gerhardt, national autism consultant, awed the audience with his keynote on promoting independence and the quality of life for individuals with autism. 

  

 

Read the full recap here...

 

If you attended the Conference, the Workshop Handouts and PowerPoint slides will be available through Friday, July 11 here.  

Raise Your Hands for Milestones!
Benefit Save the Date: Saturday, November 1st

We are excited to announce the 2014 Annual Benefit will be 
at a new location, the Doubletree Suites Hotel in Beachwood 
and will feature a special menu created by local celebrity 
Chef Chris Hodgson. 
 
Honorees:
Mary & David Betsill
Lois Joan Davis
Ric Eickhoff
Leonard Senkfor
                                                                  
Honorary Chairs:
Marti & Jeff Davis
Nadia & Michael Ritter
Enid & David Rosenberg
Margo & Bob Roth
Sonni & Steven Senkfor
                                                                              
Host Committee:
Genevieve Bauer
JoAnn Hirsh
Jamie Hughs
Rochelle Nyer
Carrie Rosenfelt 
News of Note
 
Source: The Plain Dealer


Source: CNN Health

Source: USA Today

Source: NPR

Source: Rachel Lamping, Cleveland Institute of Art

Source: Disability Scoop

Source: Hickman & Lowder Co., LPA
1 in 68 children are 
diagnosed with autism.
Milestones is here to help.
 
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JULY 2014
In this Issue:
School Team Training
Camp Milestones
Autism All Stars Baseball
Autism Conference Recap
Save the Date! Milestones Annual Benefit
News of Note

July Events - Full Listing Here

 

 

40 FUN THINGS TO DO

 

1. 7/1 Special Needs Jump, Skymax Arena, North Canton

2. 7/1 ASPIES Ice Cream Social Meet & Greet, Canton

3. 7/2 Bowling Outing, Brandon's Place, Oakwood

4. 7/2 Karaoke at Toth's Place, USOD, Mentor

5. 7/2 Medusa Salon Sensory Night, Canton

6. 7/3 Solon Blue Ribbon Putt Putt Golf Tour, Bainbridge

7. 7/5 Let's Hit the Beach, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Mentor

8. 7/6 Day Respite, Akron Rotary Camp

9. 7/6 Teen Scene, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

10. 7/8 Shuffleboard, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

11. 7/8 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Adults, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Cuyahoga Falls

12. 7/9 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Teens, Autism Society of Greater Akron

13. 7/10 Solon Blue Ribbon Putt Putt Golf Tour, Macedonia

14. 7/10 The Music & Nature Connection, Mayfield Adaptive Recreation, Willoughby

15. 7/11 Cosmic Bowling, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

16. 7/12 Art Therapy | Paper Collage, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

17. 7/12 Kitchen Connections, The KIDnections Group, North Olmsted

18. 7/12 Sensory Storytime, Bay Village Public Library

19. 7/12 Take a Break Respite, TTR Ministry, Middleburg Hts.

20. 7/14 Social/Recreation Resource Fair, Homewatch CareGivers, Highland Hills

21. 7/16 Zoo Outing, Brandon's Place, Cleveland

22. 7/17 Solon Blue Ribbon Putt Putt Golf Tour, Bainbridge

23. 7/18 Karaoke and Dance Night, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

24. 7/19 Art Therapy | Fruit Painting, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

25. 7/19 Sensory Story Time, Autism Society of Greater Akron

26. 7/19 Sensory Storytime, Independence Public Library

27. 7/20 Teen Scene, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

28. 7/21 Walking Club with LEAP, South Euclid

29. 7/23 Social Connections, Autism Society of Ohio, Youngstown

30. 7/23 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Teens, Autism Society of Greater Akron

31. 7/24 Quantum LEAP Softball League, Willoughby

32. 7/24 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Adults, Autism Society of Greater Akron, Cuyahoga Falls

33. 7/24 ASPIES 4th Annual Flair Event, Akron

34. 7/26 Planes: Fire & Rescue | Sensory Friendly Film, AMC Ridge Park Sqr., Brooklyn

35. 7/26 Sensory Storytime, Parma Public Library

36. 7/26 Outdoor Living Skills Campout, Mayfield Adaptive Recreation, Bentleyville

37. 7/27 Asperger's Adult Group, Autism Personal Coach, Beachwood

38. 7/28 Pizza & Play, Family Connections, Cleveland Heights

39. 7/30 Wildwater Kingdom Outing, Brandon's Place, Aurora

40. 7/31 - 8/8 Camp Milestones, Cleveland Hts.

 

Mondays 

High Aspirations Social Group, REM Opportunities, Canton 

 

Tuesdays

Yoga Class, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

 

Mondays, Saturdays & Sundays

Little Language Learners Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

 

Mondays & Fridays

Social Club, 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

 

Sibs Group, Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism

 

Thursdays & Saturdays 

Social Butterflies Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

 

Every Other Friday & Sunday 

Buddy Building Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

 

Fridays

Family Fun Fridays, Family Connections, Shaker Hts.

 

Mindfulness Group, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

 

 

20 WORKSHOPS 

& OTHER EVENTS

 

1. 7/1 Positive Reinforcement: It's That Important | Webinar, the Johnson Center

2. 7/2 Preparing for Life Beyond High School with Asperger's | Webinar, College Internship Program

3. 7/5 YMCA West Side Autism Support Group, Avon

4. 7/8 Q & A with a Nutritionist | Webinar, the Johnson Center

5. 7/8 Parents of Adults with Disabilities Support Group, USOD, Independence

6. 7/8 Zane's Foundation 6th Anniversary Dinner, Hudson

7. 7/11 Mom's Night Out, USOD, Independence

8. 7/13 Your Home-Your Way | Where Do You Want to Live? Autism Personal Coach, Pepper Pike

9. 7/14 Grandparent Support Group, USOD, Independence

10. 7/14 Parent Exchange, Autism Society of Greater Akron

11. 7/14 Recreation Night, CCBDD, Highland Hills

12. 7/15 ASPIES Parent Roundtable Discussion, Akron

13. 7/15 Parent Coffee and Chat, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

14. 7/16 SWAN Autism Support Group, Kent

15. 7/16 Kick Off for Walk Now for Autism Speaks, Cleveland

16. 7/20 6th Annual Monarch Craft Fair, Shaker Heights

17. 7/21 People First of Cuyahoga County, the ARC of Greater Cleveland, Independence

18. 7/22 Craniofacial Conditions Affecting Speech and Language | Webinar, FINofOhio

19. 7/22 Toilet Training Children with Developmental Disabilities, BIIO, Westlake

20. 7/23-26 45th Annual Autism National Conference, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis Indiana