The Arc Mid-South celebrates and empowers individuals with autism and other disabilities. This month and continued throughout the year we want everyone to know these individuals are capable and powerful beyond measure. Let's provide more inclusion and acceptance so we can make this world a better place. One individual at a time. |
Disability inclusion means understanding the relationship between how people function and how they participate in society and ensuring everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires. In an effort to effectively spread awareness and foster inclusion, each month we commemorate and share Disability Awareness info, resources, and celebrations. |
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Leaper’s View point - End of the School Year! |
Believe it or not, another school year is coming to an end. At this time of the year students, families and teachers are trying to find the balance between finishing the school year strong and looking ahead to summer. Don’t forget to review your child’s current IEP, goal and progress reports, and plan for the upcoming school year. If you are preparing for your annual IEP meeting – go prepared.
Preparation is the key to being an effective, confident advocate at your child’s IEP meetings. Here are five important things to do before an IEP meeting.
1. Pull and review your records.
2. Invite guests and advocates.
3. Prepare your questions and recommendations.
4. Tell the school about your guests and requests.
5. Relax and reflect on your child.
Q: My child had an IEP and is transitioning to middle school/high school next year. As a parent, how can I support a smooth transition?
A: Your child’s school should hold a transition IEP meeting that includes current school staff and in an ideal scenario, a teacher or representative from the middle or high school. During this meeting, discuss where and when individualized instruction will be provided. Also, consider appropriate classroom and testing accommodation revisions for the new grade.
For additional information and support – you can contact The Arc Mid-South and speak with one of our advocates. To set up an appointment call our office at (901) 327-2473.
What's happening around The Arc Mid-South
Back by popular demand is our weekend get away which will be held May 5-7. This popular event will feature dancing, karaoke and other fun activities at Camp Conquest.
We also have our I Matter conference June 10th from 9am-12pm. This conference will provide attendees with information on conservatorship, guardianship and other information for family members with disabilities.
Carlene Leaper
Executive Director
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What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Signs and Symptoms People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. These characteristics can make life very challenging.
Some children show signs of autism spectrum disorder in early infancy, such as reduced eye contact, lack of response to their name or indifference to caregivers. Other children may develop normally for the first few months or years of life, but then suddenly become withdrawn or aggressive or lose language skills they've already acquired. Signs usually are seen by age 2 years.
Each child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a unique pattern of behavior and level of severity — from low functioning to high functioning.
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Milestones
You can use a brief checklist of milestones to see how your child is developing. If you notice that your child is not meeting milestones, talk with your doctor or nurse about your concerns and ask about developmental screening. Learn more about CDC Milestone Tracker app, milestone checklists, and other parent materials. |
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Screening and Diagnosis
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis.
ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months of age or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable [ 1]. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. Some people are not diagnosed until they are adolescents or adults. This delay means that people with ASD might not get the early help they need. |
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Autism Resources of the Mid-South
Autism NOW
The National Autism Resource and Information Center will be a dynamic and interactive, highly visible and effective central point of quality resources and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, and other targeted key stakeholders.
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Support Groups
Autism Tennessee maintains a list of all support groups available in Middle Tennessee for individuals and family members living with autism spectrum disorder.
We encourage you to connect with people in your area that can support you on your walk with autism.
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Shelby Farms Park + Bodhi Learning Center are teaming up to offer an inclusive summer camp. Our inclusive summer camp welcomes all children, including those with unique abilities like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down’s Syndrome and other learning differences. A speech-language pathologist and special education assistant will be leading the camp to accommodate children with unique abilities. This inclusive learning environment allows for peer-to-peer, academic and socioemotional learning opportunities for children at all levels (e.g., gifted, learning challenges or typical). There will be lessons on nature, physical activities such as disc golf, and activities with partners such as the Dixon Gallery & Gardens.
Ages: Campers ages 4 - 11 years old
Date: July 10 - 14
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Inclusive Expressive Arts Workshop- Ballet Memphis
Ages: 13 to adult
June 5-9, 2023 or
June 12-16, 2023
In this workshop, participants will use the tools of movement and their own voice to find their creative selves and connect with others through the joy of dance and drama.
For students with and without disabilities.
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Lakeside is proud to offer our Summer Program again this year!
The Brunswick Day Program is an intensive outpatient program that treats children and adolescents with high functioning autism in a supportive environment. Our goal is to maintain continuity in students’ developmental and behavioral skills throughout the summer.
The five-week program is designed for elementary, middle and high schools students and runs Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm. Students may attend one week or any number of consecutive weeks. Lunch will be provided. For more information, or to register, please contact Marceia Ashe at Marceia.Ashe@uhsinc.com or call 901.373.0931.
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Camp Conquest
Inclusion week
3934 West Union Road
Millington, TN 38053
June 26th- July 1st
Ages: 18+
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We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
Kidokinetics Memphis
All camps will be 9am-12pm
Discounts will be available for members and siblings.
June 12-16th Ninjakinetics - Ages 4-8
June 26-30th Let’s Jump - Ages 5-8
July 10- 14th Ninjakinetics - Ages 4-8
July 24-28th Let’s Jump - Ages 9-11
If you have any questions, please give us a call at 901-425-5595 or email memphis@kidokinetics.com
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St. Columba Memphis
Date: June 6-10, 2023
Camp Able is a nationally known camp serving children and adults with disabilities, or "diverse-abilities." Each June, we host a traditional day camp that offers many outdoor and indoor activities for your camper in a safe and nurturing Christian environment with a camper/counselor ratio of 1:1. Your camper will climb, zip, slide in the mud, canoe, swim, fish, hike, and make new friends at St. Columba Episcopal Center near Bartlett, Tennessee (Location). Due to COVID-19, we have had to limit the capacity of our camp for this summer. We are offering camp spots on a first come, first serve basis. Once camp has filled, we will start a waitlist and if a spot opens up, we will try to get as many campers as possible while maintaining proper safety protocols.
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