|
Greetings!
Today I'd like you to ask yourself a question: How often do you offer an opportunity to someone else while allowing the outcome to surprise you? We all put challenges before the people we support and work with, but we often shape those challenges around an anticipated outcome. As you'll see below, sometimes providing an opportunity without any expectations offers the biggest chance to learn and grow. You might be more surprised than they are!
Barbara Avila and I will be at the Central Oregon Autism Summit this coming Monday, March 18th, on the topic of taking on new challenges and the power of family!
Sincerely,
Advocate, Mentor, Adult with
Autism & Synergy Office Manager
|
_______________________________________________________
Please note!
Puberty & Autism was rescheduled
presented by Marci Hammel
New Date: Friday, April 12th 6-8pm
Marci provides a fabulous and informative presentation on how to address puberty issues in your household or with your clients. Please take the time to join us. She provides practical information in a way that will
put your mind more at ease.
Please RSVP via phone: 503-432-8760 or email if you plan to attend. Cost: $20_____________________________________________________________________
|
|
|
"Raising Expectations Everyday"
At Synergy...
We demonstrate to parents, students, colleagues that working together with and on behalf of those on the autism spectrum is infinitely better than each of us working, playing, loving in isolation. By raising expectations with and for the individual on the autism spectrum, we all learn, grow, and benefit.
|
Upcoming Events
Now What!? Peggy Piers and Roni Sautter offer their young adult "Now What" group!
|
|
Mundo Pato!
Mundo Pato is an innovative, practical, and well organized way for anyone to gain quality information regarding autism.
Barbara Avila is the Vice President of Family and Community Support at Mundo Pato.
Join the Mundo Pato community either as a customer or as a course designer! Courses are going live daily!
|
503-432-8760
7739 SW Capitol Hwy
Suite 220
Portland, OR 97219
|
|
|
|
Open Doors By Jonathan Chase 
Working as a mentor and advocate gives me the opportunity to meet many families and individuals across the autism spectrum and from all walks of life. I find that my greatest successes in helping others come from the moments when they surprise me. My goal is to "open the door" and offer an opportunity for someone to step through it to try something new, show a skill, pursue an interest, or take on a challenge. I don't always know if they will take that step, but I know they are more likely to give it a try if the opportunity is easily accessible and supported.
I've seen children blossom into mentors when given the opportunity to lead instead of follow. I encouraged a teen to speak with a homeless couple we met at a fast food restaurant and his level of compassion was unexpected and deeply moving. A student at Synergy recently tried a Razor scooter for the first time and has exceeded many expectations; she's trying roller skates next!
These successes don't happen because we are great mentors and guides. They happen because these individuals are full of promise and potential. Every time we step back and give them an opportunity to try something (or not!) they have a chance to grow, learn, and teach us just as we are teaching them. The hardest part is handing them the reins and allowing them to make the decision, and we can't force them into it or guarantee success every time. But if we continue to open that door and give them a chance to step through it, they WILL surprise us and we will all benefit from the experience.
|
|
Saturday Groups
and Camp Programs
at Synergy in Multnomah Village
Synergy Groups for 7-20+ year olds
Annalisa Fredrickson holds groups at Synergy every other Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:15 PM. These groups are for both children and young adults and offer a wide range of experiences that promote growth and social development. Please call or Email us for more information. Spring Break Program: March 25th - 29th10:00 AM - 2:00 PM each day We have many great projects in store for our Spring Break Program this year and each small group will be designing their own projects and plans to execute together as well. There are still a few slots left, please call or email us for more information. Summer Camps - Register Today!Our intensive Summer programs will run Monday through Thursday from 10am-2pm. These provide concentrated opportunities for collaboration, behavior management, and creative processing.
Please call or email if you would like to reserve a slot.
|
Come learn about
Relationship Development Intervention�
3 month online support and guidance
RDI targets just what Jonathan discusses above.... guiding individuals with autism learn to open doors of new opportunities and experiences. RDI focuses on long term quality of life (friendships, employment, self motivation and choice).
Barbara is offering a rare window in to the RDI online community. This will be a 3 month introductory group workshop utilizing the RDI online community site. We will meet every other week via Skype or RDI's webinar service. Barbara will also provide video reviews in between sessions. Therefore, you can be ANYwhere in the world to join us!
The cost is $350 and includes the subscription to the online system for 3 months ($150 value). This group is open to new and experienced families wishing to explore the online RDI community.
Group starts Monday, April 8th at 7pm and will meet every other week online. Video reviews will be scheduled on an individual basis on the alternate weeks.
|
_____________________________________
Synergy Autism Center
First Diagnosed
When you first suspect autism you can come speak with a professional who understands autism and development to determine the next steps.
Early Childhood through Elementary School
We specialize in early development and can offer services in home or clinic to help guide a child through the early years and grade school.
Middle and High School through Adulthood
Social Groups and Intensives teach social collaboration for both children and teens, and our mentorship program allows older teens to guide younger children and gain experience working and volunteering in the community.
Peggy Piers offers both child and adult supports and counseling.
Professionals in our Community
Synergy assists professionals by hosting the Portland Autism Group, workshops, and the weekly brown bag events as well as trainings including CPR / First Aid and the Oregon Intervention System.
Rental Space
Our clinic is also available for autism related presentations and special events, please email us to discuss rental options or collaboration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
