MAR August 2015 - Missouri Autism Report
Transcription
MAR August 2015 - Missouri Autism Report
Autism Report Missouri and beyond… New Resources from MOF2F pg. 8 MAR Goes Viral on KY3 pg. 4 Camp Barnabas pg. 11 August 2015 Letter from the editor Inside 1. Cover Photo: Rivendale Student, Xander Mann, helps with packaging of emergency autism magnets and stickers for mailing. 2. Table of contents, Letter from the Editor / MAR contact info and Disclaimer 3. MAR Subscription Form / MAR Distribution sites. 4. MAR Goes Viral on KY3 6. The Wonders of Blackstrap Molasses - Dr. Sonia 7. SWAN Develops Autism ID Cards 8. Southwest MOF2F Creates Needed … Resources / Wine and Tunes Fundraiser Pix 9. Southwest MOF2F con’t. 10.Watch your Language Editorial 11. Camp Barnabas a Special Place 12. Springfield, Branson Area Events 13. Springfield / Jefferson City and Columbia/ . Kansas City Area Events 14. St. Loui Area Events 15. Save the Date / Announcements ~Dayna Ault, Editor Missouri Autism Report Dayna Ault Editor/President Journalist and Autism mom, Dayna Ault is Editor-in-Chief and President of the Missouri Autism Report, and host of Growing Out of Autism TV Show. Dayna has eight children of her own and two step-children. Dayton Ault Editorials/ Treasurer Co-Editor, Dayton Ault, holds a BA in economics and an MS in Health Administration. Presently he works with medical insurance and is the Editorial writer and Treasurer for the Missouri Autism Report. FREE online subscription: [email protected] More information: www.MoAutismReport.com (417)209-0103 Page 2 Our Sponsors 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Pierce Vision Specialists MAR Subscription Form MAR Autism Magnets Great Circle Edgewood Campus Health Quest Physicians Group St Louis University ABA Program, Project Access, Victoria Jones, Mary Kay Consultant 8. Dr. Robert Jason Grant, Ed.D 10.Bill & Virginia Leffen Center / Burrell Autism Center 13.Belle Children’s Services - St Louis Arc 14.Integrity Home Care / Burrell Autism a Center 15. DCO Jeep Give-away / MAR Phone App 16. The Arc of the Ozarks Autism Services: Counterpoint and Rivendale Institute Disclaimer: The MAR is happy to publish a variety of articles, in response to the requests of our readership and sponsors. However, not everything we print is necessarily the opinion of the MAR staff, its sponsors or all of its readers. If you have questions about the content of an article, please use the contact information provided at the end of the article to gain more insight on the issue. We would also encourage you to ask your health care team about any changes in diet, routine or therapies, before administering. Thank you for reading and for being an advocate for autism. www.MoAutismReport.com Subscribe Now to the MAR! Type to enter text Where you can get copies of the MAR Springfield, MO Other Areas Individual/ Department of Mental Health Family 1515 E Pythian Memberships starting at $5 Burrell Autism Center perBradford month. Pkwy 1300 Call Greene County Libraries 417-209-0103 all locations! for info! CC Counseling 380 E Hwy CC, Suite A105 Nixa Behavior Intervention Services 10176 Corporate Square. Dr., Suite 220 Creve Coeur Health Quest Physicians 3349 American Ave Jeff City Kirksville Regional Office 1702 E LaHarpe Kirksville Leffen Autism Center 3230 S. Wisconsin Ave. Joplin Rivendale 1613 W. Elfindale Judevine Center for Autism 3450Business S. Campbell (M-F 9am-1pm) Sponsorships starting at $50 Redeemed Book and Music month. 4140 Sper National Ave # A Support Autism TV in Cafe The Garden 4315 S. National Springfield! (417)209-0103 www.MoAutismReport.com SCAN Office 238 S. Jefferson Lebanon Cox Medical Center Branson St. Louis Arc 1177 N Warson Rd Easter Seals 10176 Corporate Square Drive Suite 150 St. Louis, MO. 107 Waugh St. Columbia, MO. Judevine Center for Autism 1333 W. Lockwood, STE 130 St. Louis, MO Page 3 MAR Goes Viral on KY3 with Emergency Autism Magnets by staff writer The Missouri Autism Report (MAR) has become The Missouri Autism Report and beyond, as of July, 2015. Since a TV News report about autism emergency magnets, developed by autism mom, Elizabeth Obrey, MAR readership has hit an all-time high. KY3 Reporter, Ashley Reynolds, well known for covering autism issues in the Ozarks, contacted Dayna Ault, MAR editor, when she learned of autism ID cards being developed in Alabama. “She wondered if we have ‘anything like that’. And we did. Sort of,” said Ault. A few years ago, Obrey created the magnet, following police training, held in Springfield, and the MAR offered it in their online store. No one seemed to be interested, so it eventually made it’s way into a box on a shelf. “I guess it just wasn’t time yet,” said Obrey. About three minutes after the interview aired on KY3, the MAR phone began ringing. Then the emails started pouring in. The barrage of orders continued day and night, for at least a week. Planning to price the items, for a donation to cover “cost”, the original suggested price of magnets had to be raised to cover postage and fees taken out by the card companies. They were still able to keep the prices to $2.50 for magnets and $3.50 for stickers. “We will keep them there, as long as we can get them at the same price. Those who donated above and beyond, made it possible for us to send them to those who couldn’t,” explained Ault. We had orders from Wales, Australia and Canada! The two ladies worked together to create a bumper sticker, in addition to the magnet. Both items were popular. “At first we ordered 10 magnets and 10 stickers. In about 24 hours, it became very apparent that we needed to order a whole lot more,” said Ault. “People ordered stickers for their car windows and for placing on doors of homes, but the magnets were the most popular, by far. I think they both have their place.” The two advocates have now developed a magnet which serves to alert emergency personnel of an adult or teen with autism. This item is also now available for order. The emergency magnet was originally developed, as a way to alert emergency responders that a child with autism was in the vehicle, on the chance there was a wreck or o t h e r emergency which rendered the driver, unable to communicate. “I knew, if Nathan was taken out of a Page 4 car and told to stand still, he would probably bolt right into traffic,” said Obrey. It was that fear, which prompted her to think of some alert system, in the event of this sort of emergency. Thinking more broadly, Obrey and Ault used the verbiage “Attention: Police and Emergency Responders”, in hopes that all emergency personnel would see the magnets. “We used a photo of an ambulance and an autism puzzle piece, which are both intended to draw attention to the cause of the magnet,” says Ault. With almost 200 orders to process, Obrey made arrangements with Rivendale Institute of Learning’s Transitions Class, to assist with mailing and packaging of the orders. “It was a fun day, and before it was over, we had more than just the Transitions Class helping. Everyone was delightful, and we had the orders all prepped for the post office by lunch time,” said Ault. con’t on pg. 5 Autism emergency magnets are 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 Autism emergency stickers are 3x11 www.MoAutismReport.com MAR Autism Magnets con’t from pg. 4 “We are now moving forward with plans for educational materials to go with the magnets. Parents not only need to know what to do in the event of an emergency, but we need to coordinate with police and other emergency personnel, so they understand the purpose of the magnets and stickers, and what to do in the event they must deal with a person on the spectrum. We now have a group of parents, around the world, who are ready to be ambassadors to their local emergency personnel,” said Ault. “That is exciting.” Contact with parents across the globe, has brought several needs to the attention of the MAR. Ault says readers should be watching for some exciting new developments, down the road. Anyone interested in obtaining magnets, stickers, or other resources, may go to www.MoAutismReport.com/resources/. Photo: Magnet day at Rivendale was a success, as they packaged almost 200 orders to be shipped world-wide. Do you know a child who… ⎯ has High Functioning Autism? ⎯ refuses to cooperate at home? ⎯ has trouble making or keeping friends? ⎯ needs motivation and encouragement? ⎯ is alone at lunch or on the playground? ⎯ is often bullied? ⎯ performs below potential in school? ⎯ is unable to resolve conflicts? ⎯ has trouble focusing and appears disorganized? ⎯ constantly forgets or loses schoolwork? ⎯ requires constant supervision? Hitchcock School is devoted to children with social skill challenges. Hitchcock School is a small, private school option for non-traditional learners grades 6 through 12. We emphasize the whole child socially and academically through individualized instruction and a social skill program generalized across all school settings. Hitchcock has a low student-to-staff ratio and offers strong student and family support. Hitchcock is fully accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS). Great Circle – EDGEWOOD CAMPUS 330 North Gore Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119 Ph: 314-919-4700 www.greatcircle.org/hitchcock www.MoAutismReport.com Page 5 Grandma Had it Right! The Wonders of Blackstrap Molasses by Dr. Sonia O’Donnell-McGowin, D.C. I remember how much my grandparents loved blackstrap molasses (BSM). They put it on biscuits and mixed it with milk. As usual, the wisdom of our ancestors is proving to be right! I’ve written in the past about the variety of nutritional issues associated with kids with autism, ranging from vitamin deficiencies to constipation. As it turns out, blackstrap molasses is a great remedy for a number of those problems. What’s the difference between blackstrap molasses and plain molasses? Regular molasses is the first or second boiling of cane sugar syrup; blackstrap molasses is the third boiling. Something amazing happens during that third boiling that drastically increases the nutritional value. Unlike table sugar, BSM has only a moderate glycemic load, meaning that it will not affect your blood glucose levels as drastically. Most people on the autism spectrum have a difficult time maintaining stable blood glucose levels. BSM are an excellent option for sweetening foods without using table sugar. Minerals are often a problem for people on the spectrum. They tend to metabolize through minerals more quickly than you or I would. Because BSM contain high levels of important minerals, such as copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium and potassium, it would be very beneficial to add to your child’s diet. Remember that antioxidants are usually very low in kids with autism. Two very important antioxidants are manganese and selenium…and guess what?! BSM is high in both! BSM is high in iron and Vitamin B6, which are also very important nutrients for kids on the spectrum. I know many of your kids deal with digestive problems, including constipation. BSM is a great remedy for constipation as it acts as a natural stool softener, making toileting easier without difficult side effects like gas, rumbling or diarrhea. What’s the best way to take BSM? Some people find BSM quite tasty… to be honest, the taste is very distinct, and may take some getting used to. There are several ways you can use BSM. Some people like to just take it straight, right from a spoon. Others will mix it with softened butter and spread on toast. You might dissolve it in a small amount of hot water, then mix with milk and ice, or add it to chai tea. It would also be Page 6 tasty mixed into oatmeal. (add some nut butter for an extra treat ~ ed). There are recipes for gingerbread, pancakes and other items where you can ‘hide’ the flavor. Just a tablespoon a day can make a big difference for your child’s health! As always, if you have questions, please email me at [email protected]! Dr. Sonia O'Donnell-McGowin, D.C., is a chiropractor currently specializing in treating children and adults with autism and other disabilities. She is a DAN! / ARI (Defeat Autism Now! / Autism Research Institute) trained doctor, offering biomedical treatment at Health Quest Physicians Group in Jefferson City. She has worked in the field of autism since 1988, many years for the Judevine Center for Autism. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, son and daughter. www.MoAutismReport.com SWAN Develops Autism ID Cards by Annette Brandenburg In an effort to equip individuals on the spectrum, with a tool to alert others that they need help, SWAN created a card with , information which could help prevent misunderstandings, and avoid unpleasant situations, with law enforcement, or bystanders who may not be familiar with autism. The card could also be helpful if the individual should become disoriented, confused, or lost. This card, and the representatives listed, are not intended to serve as the first approach to an emergency situation. Call 911 in the event of an emergency. During the emergency, this card could be helpful to first responders. If apprehended by police, this card will give them helpful EARN YOUR DEGREE IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS information, on how to deal with an individual who may not be able to communicate. A phone call to their representative, could help everyone save time, and possibly avoid unpleasant situations altogether. The cards are a free service, courtesy of SWAN parents, and can be individualized at your request. Simply send in the full name of the individual you wish to give the card, along with the names and phone numbers of two representatives, who can be called, on their behalf, in the e v e n t o f a n e m e r g e n c y, t o J i l l M a r c u m a t [email protected]. SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY OFFERS THREE ABA PROGRAM OPTIONS: M.S. in applied behavior analysis M.S.W. with applied behavior analysis concentration Post-master’s certificate in applied behavior analysis Andrew Licis, OTC Graduate SLU’s unique program is the first in the nation to offer a master’s in social work with an ABA concentration, and our graduates have a board certification pass rate higher than the national average. TO LEARN MORE, VISIT ABA.SLU.EDU www.MoAutismReport.com Page 7 Southwest MOF2F Creates Needed Resources disability and a referral for a personal care aide; a six-year delay for private duty nursing. In very few cases were physicians the source of the referral, yet they are involved with families from birth.” McNeal notes that home care is only one of the services described in the material. con’t on pg. 9 by staff writer The Communication Committee of the Southwest Missouri chapter of the Missouri Family-to-Family Network (MOF2F), has completed a project, which fills a need in the professional sector. The project, suggested by Dr. Doug McNeal, of Integrity Home Care, arose from a need to get resource information into the hands of practitioners in our community. “The value of a resource guide for physicians, became apparent to me, when I was confronted with my own lack of knowledge in this area. I had practiced for 30 years as a pediatrician, with an emphasis on caring for children with special health care needs. After retiring, I became a consultant for Integrity Home Care. Only then did I become aware of in-home, long term, pediatric care (both Private Duty Nursing and Personal Care Aides). In spite of all my training and experience, I had never referred a patient for these services,” says McNeal. “My research confirmed that I was not alone. A survey of our families revealed that there was a seven-year delay between the diagnosis of a child with a significant MO Family to Family Online Resources Developmental Disability Resources Safety & Security • Emergency • Well-being • Guardianship Services & Supports • Legal Rights & Issues • System Supports Healthy Living • Natural Supports • Medical • Personal/Family Supports • Mental Health • Financial Supports Community Living • Housing • Transportation • Community Access Daily Life • Everyday Life • School • Employment Social & Spirituality • Friends • Relationships • Recreation • Leisure Activities • Networks in the Greater Springfield Area • Behavior • Developmental • Wellness • Nutrition Family Support • Peer Support • Self Advocacy Hot Topics • Affordable Care Act Resources for Diagnostic, in-home and site-based SERVICES, Technology, accessibility and personal SUPPORTS, http://disability.mo.gov/resource_search For education and school services www.dese.mo.gov In cooperation with Missouri Autism Report www.moautismreport.com Wine and Tunes at Three Moons Fundraiser Here are some photos of our Wine and Tunes at Three Moons fundraiser. Thank you to all who donated and participated! Page 8 www.MoAutismReport.com Southwest MOF2F Creates Resources con’t from pg.8 The two communication committee leaders, for both internet and telephone. If someone really wants Elizabeth Obrey, an autism mom and Family Advocate at help, we have the starting point of receiving services, in The Arc of the Ozarks, and Dayna Ault, Editor and one flier.” Publisher of the Missouri Autism Report, worked in “Those included in this resource tool, are the cooperation with other professionals. Dr. McNeil at Integrity initial point of referral for all other services,” explains Ault. Home Care, members of Southwest Missouri Autism “We had to stop there, or we would have been making a Network (SWAN), The Arc of the Ozarks, the Down book, rather than a flier.” Syndrome Group of the Ozarks, and other contributors, The committee sees this as the beginning of helped with the planning of the resource guide, which is several new publications. “Our next project will take this scheduled to go to print in August. same format to connect families and the public school Several formats for the publication, were system with developmental disability services,” says Obrey. discussed, before the committee settled on a three-fold The committee plans to continue to identify pockets of flier, which would be inexpensive to print, and would direct individuals that need this sort of resource. practitioners to the primary contacts for families needing Funding for the project, has been secured from services. With this resource guide in-hand, practitioners The Arc of the Ozarks and Christian County Links. Other will know where to send patients after an initial, or agencies may be included in that list, as the project suspected diagnosis. continues. “When families are first diagnosed, they usually don't realize the varying resources that are available. They often turn to their physicians for guidance. Our local Family Missouri Family to Family Network (MOF2F) was first launched, as a to Family partnership is making a grand effort to assist way to connect struggling families, with experienced parents, who could medical professionals in getting this information to mentor them through the maze of living with autism. An auxiliary group families,” says Obrey. in Southwest Missouri, was formed, under the vision and direction of Department of Mental Health, Autism Navigator, Judy Wanko (now “There is a lack of available information for retired), who envisioned bringing local organizations together, to create physicians. They have little or no direction, on where to solutions for lingering problems within the disability community. MOF2F send their patients who might be dealing with a website is at www.mofamilytofamily.org. developmental disability,” said Ault. “We wanted to be sure that doctors have the information they need, to get families started in the right direction.” “The production of these brochures, serves to fill that information gap, which The Arc of the First Steps Ozarks can be confusing to ages 0-3 MO Family To Family Advocacy Office navigate,” adds Obrey. Family (417)886-0404 (417)874-1982 The group hopes this (866)583-2392 Resource Website www.thearcoftheozarks.org https://www.mofirststeps.com simple flier can help (800)444-0821 Contact for information on Parents as demystify the process for how to access and navigate www.mofamilytofamily.org Teachers local resources for physicians and families. ages 0-3 individuals with Department of Contact local developmental disabilities. Disability Portal school district. The flier builds Mental Health and Resource Regional Office on information provided Directory Intake/Determine on the MoF2F Website, (800)877-8249 Eligibility giving primary resources http://disability.mo.gov (417)895-7400 for assistance in www.dmh.mo.gov/dd applying for and receiving services. “Some people will go to Bureau of Special RESOURCES a website and search for Health Care Needs SB40 CountyBoards (417)895-6905 * (800)451-0669 FOR LIFE answers, while others (Service coordination for http://health.mo.gov/living/families/ Regional Office Clients) shcn would rather pick up a Developmental Connections Healthy Children and Youth Program phone and call an (HCY) (417)335-4135 Contact these resources if: www.developmentalconnetions.com agency or organization,” Medically Fragile Adult Waiver Program Patient is not reaching their developmental • (MFAW) CC Links says Ault. “Our goal is to milestones, (417)551-4901 Service Coordination and authorization www.christiancountylinks.net provide information to • Family needs therapies, in-home or site-based for Mo Health Net Services, with services, not yet accessed, Abilities First assessment through home services both sets of people, in an (417)886-0404 and resources for at-home living. • Parent/family, needs peer or social supports, www.abilitiesfirst.net easy-to-follow format, for Services may include • Patient has accessibility, equipment or in-home care. technology needs. both patient and doctor, with contact information RESOURCE GUIDE FOR DOCTORS AND THEIR PATIENTS www.MoAutismReport.com Page 9 Watch your language: an Editorial by Dayna Ault, Editor In my family we have a little joke we play - when someone says a new, difficult, or mispronounced word, we say, “watch your language”. Of course, the joke never gets old (at least around here it doesn’t). Another game is one my children enjoy, where they say a common word over and over, until it sounds funny and doesn’t seem like a real word anymore. I’m sure most of us have played word games, and most of them are harmless. However, there are times when words are not harmless, when words hurt, or they denote something that is negative, even if we didn’t mean it that way. I think of the name games that children play in school, twisting someone’s name into a phrase or rhyme. Sometimes it’ is a teacher’s name, sometimes a student’s name. Rarely, however, is it a kind name. If you were ever the recipient of one of these twisted names, you may find it to be, well, not as harmless as it might first seem. I remember a time, in elementary, when a boy in my class asked me if I was “retarded”. Since previous conversations were about adoption, I knew that he really meant “adopted”, but I was offended, nonetheless. The “R” word was common in my day, but it is no longer acceptable. Anymore, I find myself aghast, when I hear someone using the “R” word to describe someone with developmental disabilities, or as a derogatory comment about a person’s intelligence. More often than not, I launch into a Page 10 determined explanation of why we don’t use that word any more; that the American public, has chosen to use words with more compassion, such as “persons with additional needs”. I occasionally get the “who cares” response. But the point is all about educating people. Next time they say that word, they will stop and think. Eventually, maybe they will have a close friend with additional needs, and that “R” word won’t be quite so entertaining any more. Another word I struggle with, is the “A” word: “autistic”. This is another word we are replacing with more compassionate words. You may consider this my “educational rant” on the “A” word. The community and people, who work with, live with and raise awareness for, persons with autism, have come to the conclusion that our loved ones, are not defined by a certain condition or additional need, they may possess. Rather than saying a person is autistic, we are transitioning to a new terminology that is more compassionate, and sees a person, first for who they are, and somewhere down the line, we acknowledge their condition, whether it is autism, or something else. We no longer believe a person should be defined by a developmental disability. I prefer to say that I work with persons with autism. Though autism might be a part of their lives, it is not what or who, they are. I would like to suggest, as we are removing the “R” word from our vocabulary, that we also remove the “A” word, remembering that people are valuable, and they are people, first and foremost. And let us teach our children that labeling and name calling, should not be part of our language, because the names we call others, just might hurt more than we think. Let’s all “watch our language,” even in the fine distinction of respecting the dignity of individuals with autism. www.MoAutismReport.com Camp Barnabas: A Special Place for Those with Special Needs by Dayna Ault, Editor You might have heard about Camp Barnabas in 2005, when they won a free make-over from the TV show, Extreme Home Makeover. If you are one of the lucky ones, you know about Camp Barnabas because you, or a loved one, has experienced this exclusive special needs camp, first-hand. From the vast, ornate front gate, to the ancient relics of early beginnings, the camp is a sight to behold. What is so special about Camp Barnabas? Well, I’m glad you asked. Barnabas is a premier Christian camp, that provides a summer experience to those with Special Needs, both young and old. Throughout the summer, 1500 campers, travel from near and far, to spend a week at Camp Barnabas, enjoying friends, activities, and learning about God. The camp, is located, just outside of a little town called Purdy. Traveling there takes you down some winding, twisting roads, which we are told, were gravel, before Extreme Makeover came through, paving not only the roads at the camp, but the roads TO the camp, so they could get their equipment in safely. The camp is beautifully landscaped, with air conditioned cabins, for both campers and staff. But as any parent, with a child with special needs will www.MoAutismReport.com tell you, air conditioning is the least of their worries. In a world where we are afraid our children might have a life threatening seizure, be bullied, molested, or endure other physical or emotional harm, it is difficult to let our children out of our sight. However, with a medical facility (the “Wellhouse”), which looks more like an urgent care, hosting a doctor and team of nurses on-hand to distribute medications and care for critically ill campers, and the three-person buddy system, where no camper is without two other people at all times, this camp might be safer than keeping them home! We were privileged to enjoy the closing ceremonies, the awards, the songs, the tears. The place was swarming with staffers, who are on a 1-to-1 ratio with the campers. Barnabas utilizes “missionaries” from churches, who come as volunteers to help at the camp, often arriving by the bus-load. All of these volunteers, mean campers have their own personal helper, ensuring they have a safe and fun time at camp. “Our mission at Barnabas is to show others the love of Christ…not only in changing the lives of those with special needs and chronic illnesses, but also in changing the lives of all who come in contact with Barnabas: campers, missionaries, parents, staff and donors. and fellow staff. The experiences gained from Camp Barnabas go beyond a week at summer camp. These experiences change perspectives, redefine disability and become life-changing.” ~ Camp Barnabas Page 11 Springfield, Branson and Surrounding Area Events Tuesdays, August 4-25 Saturday, August 8 Special Needs Boy Scout Troop 2, for ages 11 and up, every Tues. at 6:30-8:00pm at VFW Post, 2525 E. Division. Scoutmaster: Wes Nicholson ( 4 1 7 ) 4 1 3 - 0 5 9 7 o r s c o u t m a s t e r. w n @ g m a i l . c o m www.sntroop2.com People First of Springfield monthly meeting (2nd Sat.) 11am - 12pm. At Easy Living Office, 3061 S. Fort Ave., Suite C., Spfd. For more information contact Marisa Clary at (417)886-7180 or [email protected] Special Needs Cub Scout Pack now forming for 1st-5th graders. If interested, contact Debra Barker (417) 9 8 8 5 0 1 9 , [email protected]. Meeting Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm at VFW Post Annex, 2525 E. Division St., Spfd Tuesday, August 4 JOPLIN Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, Parent Support Group, Joplin (1st Tues.) 6-8pm, 3230 S Wisconsin, Suite D. Free and open to the public. For info, contact Edyth (417)347-7850. Wednesdays, August 5-26 Single Mom’s Support Group from 6:15-7:30pm at South Haven Baptist Church. Most moms attending have children with special needs. Respite provided. To RSVP contact Kathy Meyer at (417)496-2773 or www.thecaringpeople.org Wednesday, August 5 MPACT Workshop - McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Overview will be held at the The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, from 1-2pm. For info go to www.ptimpact.org or call (417)423-7695. Thursday, August 6 SCIL Support Group for Parents of Youth with Disabilities (1st Thurs.) from 6-7pm at Southwest Center for Independent Living, 2864 S. Nettleton Ave. Cost is FREE, refreshments included. RSVP: [email protected] or call (800)676-7245. Tri-Lakes People First Chapter Mtg. (1st Thurs.) at 6pm, Developmental Connections office 1533 E. State Hwy. 76, Branson. For info, (417)335-4135 Branson Family Connections Parent Support Mtg. (1st Thurs.) at 6:30pm at Developmental Connections office, 1533 E. Sta. Hwy. 76, Branson. For more info call (417)335-4135. Page 12 Free Respite Night for families with children with special needs in the Bolivar, MO area, (2nd Sat.) from 5-8:30 pm. For more info, contact (417)773-6326 or [email protected]. Reserve spot one week in advance please. SWAN (SouthWest Missouri Autism Network) (2nd Sat) 3:30-5:30pm at Arc of the Ozarks, 1501 E. Pythian. August will be a Dad Panel.Gym and pool open, RESPITE AVAILABLE, RSVP on the SWAN event page on Facebook. www.swmoautismnetwork.org and Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ SWMOAutism, for additional events and updates. SWAN office, (417)874-1912 or Arc Advocate office (417)874-1982. Jasper Christian Church, 213 East Grand Ave., Jasper, MO., from 5-7pm. For info go to www.ptimpact.org or call (417)423-7695. Tuesday, August 11 SWMO Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting (2nd Tues.) at 6:30 am. Location TBA. For more info go to http://www.mo.gov/meetings. For meeting locations, call Judy (417)895-7446, Kandice (417)629-3237 or Mike (417)621-5362. To be on email distribution list, contact [email protected]. Sunday, August 16 Shoot Out for Autism - 4th Annual Doubles Shoot at 2pm at Ozarks Shooters Sports Complex, 759 US Hwy 65, Walnut Shade, MO. (11 mi. N. of Branson) Entry fee: $60 per team. To register call (417)443-3093 or (417)693-0583 or [email protected]. Registration 1-2pm. Lunch available but not included. Monday, August 10 MPACT Workshop - The Art of Effective Advocacy will be held at the HOMESCHOOL HAPPENINGS Learning Adventures Academy is a special needs homeschool co-op. To join or learn more, connect Mandie Funk at [email protected] or find them at www.facebook.com/groups/ learningadventuresacademy Find information on more events, such as a Mom Chat and Teen Events, on the Facebook page. Thursday, August 6th "Act it Out” Playdate at Enrichment Alternatives (1st Thurs.) at 12:30 pm at Enrichment Alternatives at 2100 E. Pythian St., Springfield. Cost $5. Thursday, August 13th Sand Volleyball, Playdate and Lunch. Meet at 11 pm at Sonic on W. Battlefield Rd., Springfield. Thursday, August 20th Music Therapy at Enrichment Alternatives (3rd Thurs.) at 12:30 pm at Enrichment Alternatives at 2100 E. Pythian St. Cost $6. Saturday, August 22nd DADventure Float Trip with Learning Adventures Academy (3rd Thurs.) at 9 am on the Finley River with James River Outfitters. August BASKETBALL Branson Ozark Mountain YMCA BOWLING Aurora The Strike Zone Branson Woodland Lanes Nixa Century Lanes GOLF Springfield Betty Allison Course at Rivercut Millwood Golf & Racquet Club Branson Don Gardner Golf Course SWIMMING WATER AEROBICS Springfield Millwoood Golf & Racquet Club [email protected] (417) 890-1599 www.MoAutismReport.com Springfield, Branson and Surrounding Area Events Thursday, August 20 Friday, August 29 MPACT Workshop - Bullying Prevention - What Parents Can Do will be held at the Southwest Center for Independent Living, 2864 S. Nettleton, Springfield, from 6-8pm. For info go to www.ptimpact.org or call (417)423-7695. Through the Roof worship services for individuals with disabilities and their families, meeting at the Library Center. (Last Fri.) For more info, watch website [email protected] or call (417)894-7844 Monday, August 24 Monthly S.C.A.N. Support Group meeting (4th Mon.) at the new Center location 215 E. Elm 6:30-8pm. Respite available on-site: $1 member, $3 non-member. Membership $25. Events are free or reduced for members. For more info call Terry at (417)718-7081 or email [email protected] Therapy services for children with Autism birth to 13-years of age. Jefferson City and Columbia Area Events Thursdays, August 6-27 Special Needs Ice Skating Program, 7-7:30pm at Washington Park Ice Arena, 711 Kansas St., Jefferson City, MO. To register contact Victoria at [email protected] Sundays, August 2-30 Adapted Gymnastics at Tiger Performance Complex, Champions Drive on MU campus, Columbia. 3-9yo. meet 4-5pm. 10-18yo meet 5-6pm. Cost per child is $20 per semester. Contact Jeff Krug for more info (573)882-3561 [email protected]. Thursday, August 27 Cole County Autism Support Group, (last Thurs.) 6:30 pm at The Ability Center 601 E. High St., Jefferson City. For info, call (573)634-4555. Behavior Supports • • • Social Skills Groups (ages 3 – 20-years-old) • • • Family Workshops, Trainings and Supports • • • Occupational Therapists (OT) • • • Physical Therapists (PT) • • • Speech & Language Therapists (SLP) Kansas City Area Monday, August 3 LEE'S SUMMIT - MOAFAA meeting (Missouri Advocates for Families Affected by Autism) (1st Mon.) 7pm at Legacy Christian Church of Lee's Summit, 2150 East Langsford, Lee's Summit, MO Phone: (816)554-3017 Tuesday, August 11 Cass ASD Support Group (2nd Tues.) 6-8pm, Casco Area Workshop, 1800 Vine, Harrisonville, MO. Thursday, August 20 Autism Society Support Group for Wyandotte County (3rd Thurs.) from 6-8pm at the www.MoAutismReport.com KC Early Childhood Center, 1708 N. 55th St. Info at: www.asaheartland.org. Thursday, August 27 Northwest Autism Spectrum Family Support Group (last Thurs.) 7-8pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 207 N 7th St., St. Joseph, MO. Contact Jamie at (816)390-8545 or Contact us: 314-569-2211 [email protected] www.slarc.org Robin at (816)792-2823 Sunday, August 23 Young Adults Art Club (4th Sun.) from 2-3:30pm at KCAI campus, 4415 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City. Admission is free. Ages 15-25. Theresa Krahenbuhl at (816)519-9321 1177 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO, 63132 Page 13 St. Louis and Surrounding Area Events Thursdays, August 6-27 ICAA Radio at 6:30 PM Thursdays. Tune in for autism/disability/education news, community outreach, action alerts, and resources. www.icaaonline.org Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 15 Capable Kids and Families® Playgroup (1st. Fri. and 3rd Sat.). from 10-11:30am. Open to any families with children, ages birth-six; older siblings are welcome. Nonstructured opportunity for play and friendships. Must be fever and symptom free for 24 hours. For more info, contact Julia Schaffner at [email protected] or (314)817-2247.http://www.slarc.org/ site/554/community_playgroups.aspx Saturday, August 1 contact [email protected] or call Donna at (314)743-9890 or (314)752-4064 for more info. Dad’s Night Out - Get together with other dads who understand the unique challenges of raising a child with a disability. 5:30-7:30pm. Location TBA. contact [email protected] or (314)817-2269 Wednesday, August 19 Sibshops at St. Louis Arc, 6-8pm, for ages 6-10 and 11-15, (3rd Wed.), for sibs of kids with special needs. For more info, contact Bre Ward at [email protected] or (314)817-2211. Saturday, August 15 and Thursday, August 20 ICAA Monthly Autism Support Meeting (1st Sat.) at 6pm NEW LOCATION TBA, St. Louis. Families welcome. Refreshments served. For more info, go to www.icaaonline.org or [email protected]. Asperger Mom’s Group, (3rd Thurs. and 3rd Sat.) from, 9-11am at St. Louis Arc Family Center, 1177 N. Warson Rd., Saint Louis, MO. Contact (314)817-2222 or Wednesday, August 12 Teen Meet Up from 6-8pm. Social and recreational activities, including karaoke, board games, Wii, and team sports at St. Louis Arc Family Center; [email protected] or (314)817-2226. Friday, August 21 Informal Support Group for Adults with Aspergers (2nd Wed.) from 6:15-7:45pm at TouchPoint Service/ Easter Seals, 10176 Corporate Square Drive, St. Louis, MO 63132. Page 14 Friday, August 28 Caregivers of Adults Who are 40 and Older will meet at 10am, at the St. Louis Arc Family Center, 1177 N. Warson Rd. More info (314)817-2222 or [email protected] Friday Family Fun Night from 6-8pm at St. Louis Arc Family Center, 1177 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis. Aug Family Cooking Competition. Contact [email protected], or call (314)817-2226 Friday, August 28 MO-FEAT Social Meet-up Group for individuals on the Autism Spectrum, from 6:30-9:30pm at T.A.S.K., 980 Horan Dr., Fenton, MO. (Last Fri.) Two groups: Teens and older, and a young group. All family members are welcome to stay and parents are invited to participate in our discussion group. Childcare will be available. Snacks will be available. Sunday, August 30 ICAA Meet-Up (last Sun.) at the St. Louis Animeggroll Store at 9254 Watson, St. Louis, MO. FREE Starbucks served. ASD individuals and families are invited to attend. www.MoAutismReport.com Save the Date Friday, October 16 Fall Education Conference - Best Practices in the Classroom, with speakers Patti McVey and Laurie Pachl. From 8am-3pm at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO. 65810. Presented by Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks. Seating is limited. P l e a s e r e g i s t e r a t w w w. o z a r k s d s g . o r g o r (417)885-9905 Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks Named Values Inside Out Recipient Springfield, MO - July 13, 2015 - Sephora Battlefield has chosen Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks, (DSGO), as their Values Inside Out partner for 2015. DSGO will receive $4,000, as well as the proceeds from various Values Inside Out events, making Sephora Battlefield their top 2015 sponsor. "Sephora created the Values Inside Out program to inspire and engage our teams to play a part in making a difference in our local communities, and to do so in a way that is completely aligned and integrated with our company values,” said Lauren Best, Sephora Battlefield Store Director. “We know that beauty is both inside and out, and through philanthropic events, fundraising and volunteering, our team will feel proud of what they accomplish for the community and the Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks.” Sephora will be helping DSGO to raise awareness about Down syndrome, by hosting various in-store events and fundraisers, throughout the remainder of 2015. Proceeds will be used by DSGO, for educational initiatives, and member outreach. “We look forward to Sephora teaming up with DSGO. Their volunteerism and support is monumental.” Gretchen Miekley, DSGO Executive Director. Contact: To make a donation to the Sephora Battlefield’s donation site, visit www.ozarksdsg.org and click on the Sephora Values Inside Out tab. You can also make a donation in store at Sephora in the Battlefield Mall. For more information, call the DSGO office: Gretchen Miekly, DSGO Executive Director PO Box 1598, Springfield, MO 65804 Office: (417) 885-9905 [email protected]. Announcements PRICE CUTTER CHARITY CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF EVENT August 13-16 Highland Springs Country Club These MAR Sponsors have alerted us that they are participating in the Price Cutter Championship. Beside their name, is a link where you can purchase your ticket. Each of these sponsors is an important aspect of autism care in the Springfield Area. Please support autism by participating in the Championship Event. This year’s car give away is a 2015 FORD MUSTANG or $10,000 cash. Burrell Autism Center - http://www.burrellcenter.com/ events/special-events/ The Arc of the Ozarks - (417)864-7887 or [email protected] You + Jeep = MAR Has New Phone App Get your Missouri Autism Report app now! go to missouriaut ismreport.a ppsme.com www.MoAutismReport.com $25/ticket NOW ON SALE DCOonline.com/events Page 15 Go Blue! for Autism Awareness Day presented by The Arc of the Ozarks Championship Sunday Highland Springs Country Club August 16, 2015 The first 100 individuals through the door will receive an autism awareness t-shirt or golf towel. Individuals with an autism diagnosis and their families will receive free admission on Championship Sunday. All funds raised from The Arc’s participation in the Price Cu er Charity Championship benefit our No Limits Summer Camp Program. For more information contact: Danielle Wise at 417-864-7887 or [email protected].