January 2023 Special Connection

Dear Families and Friends,

We hope everyone is safe and well. Review this newsletter with information we thought you might find useful. We wish you a Happy New Year. May the new year be filled with shared kindness, helpful connections, successful outcomes and many smiles.

Your friends at ASCF 

SPECIAL INVITATION

woman_reading.jpg

You are invited to join us on a Special Journey and exploration of a parent-friendly book called:   "UNIQUELY HUMAN:

A DIFFERENT WAY OF SEEING AUTISM”

 by Barry M. Prizant, PhD.

 This book is for parents and caregivers who have children with challenging behaviors. They will discuss a different perspective and approach to these behaviors. We plan on meeting monthly, however, this kick off month will have 3 sessions:

Sunday January 15, 2023, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm 

Wednesday January 25, 2023, 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Tuesday, January 31, 2023, 10:oo am to 11:00 am

If you need assistance acquiring the book, please let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please register either with

Norma at norma@ascfamily.org or text to 9735341557; 

Julie@ascfamily.org or

call 973-728-8744.

A Spanish speaking group will be available upon request

VIRTUAL TRAINING

Paperwork for Families: Getting Organized


Wed. January 11, 2023, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Are you overwhelmed by the mountains of paperwork created by your child's school records? Not sure what to keep, what to toss? Want to be better prepared for that next meeting at school? Join us to finally get those papers organized so you can more effectively advocate for your child.

Presented by: Julie Rikon, ASCF

Contact for more information - Tammi Kaminski tkaminski@spanadvocacy.org

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paperwork-for-families-getting-organized-

Registration-430949460437?aff=ebdsoporgprofile 

SPAN VIRTUAL TRAINING

learning_enter_key.jpg

Student-Led IEPs: A Path to Success

When students are involved in their IEP meetings they engage in self determination and can practice decision-making skills

Tues. January 24, 2023, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

 

Young people are experts in their lives. Encouraging students to use their voice early helps to build self advocacy skills. When students are involved in their IEP meetings they engage in self determination and can practice different decision-making methods in a safe environment. Parents and schools can work together to build these skills in youth/young adults with disabilities.

Presented by: Meredith Brooks

More Information: Tammi Kaminski tkaminski@spanadvocacy.org

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/student-led-ieps-a-path-to-success-Registration-430933302107?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

NJCTS WEBINAR

colorful-computer-lady.jpg

Wednesday Webinar 

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): When Everything Is Too Much


Wed, Jan 18, 2023 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Presented by Felicia Castagna, MS, OTR/L, C/NDT, CKTP, SIPT Certified OT Clinical Educator

This presentation will provide a basic overview of sensory processing disorder (SPD), discuss behaviors related to SPD, as well as interventions and strategies to address behaviors and self-regulation.

The  webinar objectives are:

1. Give an overview of sensory processing disorder (SPD) and it's sub categories

2. Gain an understanding of the different behaviors related to SPD

3. Learn about the different interventions and strategies to address behaviors and self-regulation

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7741692584239143950

PARENTING TIPS

 10 Tips to Help Your Child Follow Directions

By Amanda Morin from Understood.org

 Some kids with learning and thinking differences have trouble following directions.


Here are 10 ideas for helping your child

1. Ask for your child’s attention. Giving directions when your child isn’t focused on you could set both of you up for failure.

2. Minimize distractions. Make sure your child is looking toward or at you.

3. Speak quietly. You may capture your child’s attention better by speaking in a softer voice. Give directions in a calm, even tone.

4. Use “wait time.” That three- to seven-second pause after you say something or ask a question when they let it sink in.

5. Check for understanding. Ask your child to repeat your directions back to you in their own words.

6. Tell, don’t ask. Rephrase what you said so that you are telling your child what to do instead of asking:

7. Give instructions one at a time. Younger kids with learning and thinking differences may have trouble following a sequence of steps..

8. Number your directions. Help your child follow multi-step directions by actually putting a number to them.

9. Be precise in what you say. Kids who have problems with planning and organization or language may have trouble with vague directions. Be specific.

10. Use visual cues. Kids who have language processing issues can have a hard time following spoken directions. Point out what nee

For complete article go to:

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-tips-to-help-your-child-follow-directions

SPECIAL EDUCATION GUIDANCE 

laptop-couple.jpg

How to Make the Most of Your IEP meeting

https://childmind.org/article/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-iep-meeting/

Know your child’s—and your district’s—strengths and weaknesses

If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), at least once a year you will be scheduled to meet with some representatives from your local school district. The purpose of this meeting is to determine your child’s program for the next year. During the meeting, you will discuss the specific program or class your child should join, any goals you might have (including academic, social,cognitive, and linguistic goals), services your child requires, recommended teaching methods, and more. As a parent, you are in a unique position to provide guidance on the terms and goals of the program.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of yourIEP meeting:

Know your resources

Research any special programs that might benefit your child. If your district doesn’t have an appropriate program in place, a nearby district might. Whenever possible, visit programs to help determine the best fit for your child. Also consider the district’s strengths and weaknesses. If your district has a shortage of teachers or funds, it’s a good idea to know beforehand and plan accordingly.

Ask for advice

Your child’s previous teacher might be able to recommend special programs and teaching methods that your child could benefit from. The school assessor, district special education administrator, and even other parents could also be good sources for practical advice tailored to your child.

Arrive prepared

You should already know what education programs and services you want to request before you attend the meeting. Try to obtain a copy of your school district’s IEP form and fill it out in advance. While the form will ultimately be written in collaboration with the district representatives, planning beforehand will help you be more organized and focused.

Find backup

Gather outside support that validates your requests for special services. Try to obtain a copy of your child’s school file for any testing data or teachers’ comments that might substantiate your requests. Consider having an independent assessment of your child performed by a professional outside of the school district. You can invite doctors, assessors, and specialists to attend the IEP meeting with you. Written statements are also helpful.

NEW GUIDE

Life after High School: A Guide for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families of Youth with Disabilities

https://www.multiculturalfamilies.org/programs-services/youth-transition-program/transition-guide-download/

This guide is offered in nine languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. From Open Doors for Multicultural Families.


PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS

Mom Squad Virtual Support Group.

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

friends.jpg

RESOURCE

Help Hands

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is pleased to share the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. The Strategy includes nearly 500 actions that can be adopted at every level of government and across the public and private sectors to ensure that family caregivers have the resources they need to maintain their own health, well-being, and financial security while providing crucial support for others. The Strategy arrives at a unique moment in time. The need for a robust, coordinated approach to supporting family caregivers has never been greater.                                           For document go to https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/RAISE_SGRG/NatlStrategyToSupportFamilyCaregivers.pdf

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Parents of Children with Special Needs

1.I will take time caring for my own mental and physical health because I recognize that if I am not at my best, I cannot be the best parent possible.

2. I will celebrate as many small achievements throughout the year as I can observe.

3. I will schedule activities that get my entire family out into the community.

4. I will laugh more. Raising a child with special needs is hard and laughing provides immediate stress relief and a reminder that there is joy interspersed among the challenges.

5. I will get more comfortable with asking others for help.

6. I will try to make it easier for others who want to help us to do so in a manner that will be welcomed by our family.

7. I will continue to advocate on behalf of my child while encouraging him/her to enhance his/her own self-advocacy skills.

8. I will seek new relationships with other parents facing similar challenges.

9. I will find more information to assist my family with our activities or our challenges.

10. I will hug and kiss my children every day.

Implement as many of these resolutions as you can. However, if you can only do one, make it #10.

These recommendations are provided solely as a reference and are not intended to replace counseling from qualified professionals. Please contact Oak Wealth Advisors if you would like more information about our services.

https://oakwealth.com/top-ten-recommendations-for-special-needs-families

Please think about supporting ASCF
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.
Facebook  Twitter