Message from the President Thank you—Thank you—Thank you!

AUTISM SOCIETY OF THE FOX VALLEY
Volume 8, Issue 1
Winter Newsletter
January 2013
Message from the President
Happy New Year!!!
I hope this finds all of you
well and ready to face the new
year with hope, optimism and a
sense of well being. The ASFV
board members are looking forward to all of the activities and
events we have planned, or are
planning.
Thanks to an extremely
successful fund drive and several
very generous donations, ASFV
has many new opportunities to
discuss at the January board
meeting. One of the topics for
discussion is to begin the planning
stages for a social group for children in the 7—10 year old age
range. Before the group can be
formed, careful planning, personnel, location, and a need assessment will be discussed at length.
There is more information inside
this newsletter as your feedback
is needed to begin planning.
The Autism Society of Wisconsin
spring conference is quickly approaching. ASFV has 3 scholarships available
to cover the registration fees. There is
also information inside about safety
scholarships.
ASW is holding a membership
drive. If you become a member of ASFV
then you are automatically a member of
ASW. The new registration form is included. The annual fee is only $15.
Your family has free entry into Monkey
Joe’s, the Autism Awareness outing, the
Timber Rattlers event, and other family
outings. If you are unsure of your membership status, email: [email protected]
There are so many exciting reasons to keep informed. Like us on Facebook for all the latest events and news.
Have a wonderful rest of the
winter.
Diane Nackers
ASFV President
Hats off to all of our members!!
Thank you—Thank you—Thank you!
Once again the ASFV members helped make our fund
drive a tremendous success.
We will be able to continue all
of our programs for another
year.
Our gratitude goes out to:

Sargento Cheese

Nancy Krenke


Inside this issue:
Bonnie and Jerry Golden

Bank of Little Chute
Franciscan Sisters of
Perpetual Adoration

Anonymous donors

Network for Good


Bruce and Grace Schommer

Joan Alibrando

Ron and Janet VanDeHey

Irene Hietpas


Fox Valley Autism Treatment
Program
ASFV Events
Save the dates
2-3
4
Educator Workshop Summary
6-7
Conference info/Scholarships
8-9
Tony Attwood information
10-11
Lynn and Mary Wussow
ASW/ ASFV Membership form
12-13
Joan Helbing
Board Member info
14
Monkey Joe’s Play Dates—
Sponsored by The Fox Valley Autism Treatment Program
ASFV has reserved Monkey Joe’s for
the first Saturday of each month during the school year.
For those new to ASFV, we reserve
Monkey Joe’s, an indoor inflatable
playground, once a month starting at
9am. This time is exclusive to ASFV
and our families, until they open the
doors to the public at 10am.
Members are free! Non-members pay
$5 per family. No RSVP necessary.
Monkey Joe’s
1800 N Casaloma Dr.
Play dates:
Appleton, WI 54913
(920) 954-5437
Questions? Call Michelle Matz
(920)540-0386
January 5th
February 2nd
March 2nd
April 6th
May 4th
We are looking forward to seeing you
there. All play dates are staffed with
one board member.
Teen Group Outings
The ASFV teen group begins
its 4th year!! We hold monthly outings at a wide variety of locations.
The group consists of teens 13-19
who have high functioning autism or
Asperger’s syndrome.
The teens should demonstrate a level of independence so
they can participate in community
outings without parental supervision.
The teens are supervised by two
board members, Diane Nackers and
Peggy Bartman.
Our next teen group is:
January 19th (Saturday)
Event: Badger Sports Park - Laser tag
and gaming
3600 Evergreen Dr
Appleton, WI 54913
Time: Noon - 2pm
Cost: Please bring money to cover the
cost of snacks and/or
drinks. ASFV will cover the cost of the
activity package at Badger.
Please contact
Diane Nackers: [email protected]
or [email protected]
February 16th—Skater’s Edge,
Greenville
March 16th—EAA in Oshkosh
April 20th—Bowling (TBD)
Twenty Something Social Network
If you are in your 20’s, looking for
social connections and have the skills
to independently spend time with
other young adults in a community
social setting, please join us. The
goal of the group is to help young
adults with ASD come together to
increase social networking.
Please email Lisa Lesselyong at
Page 2
[email protected]
if you have questions about
the group, or would like to be
added to the email list for upcoming events, times and
meeting places.
The group has gone bowling,
out for coffee, and had a gaming night. All suggestions for
outings can be discussed with
the group.
We look forward to hearing
from more of our young
adults who want to build
social connections.
Happy New Year!!
Peggy and Lisa
Volume 8, Issue 1
Parent Support Group
The ASFV Parent Support Group
meets on the second Sunday of
each month.
The parent group meets at The
Harmony Café, 233 East College
Avenue, in downtown Appleton
Time: 6:00 —7:30pm.
The meetings are facilitated by a
board member.
meet other parents or caregivers
who love and care for someone
with autism.
To be added to the support group
list, send an email to
[email protected].
New handouts from the Department of Public Instruction and The
Autism Society of America will be
available at each meeting.
Enjoy friendly conversation and
Exploring the Interest for a 7-10 Social Group
ASFV is in the exploration and planning
stage for a possible social outing group
for kids in the 7 –10/11 year old age
range. There seems to be a large bubble
of children on the spectrum who are aging
out of the benefits from attending Monkey
Joe’s events and too young for the teen
group.
Diane Nackers and Heidi Dahle are seeking input from parents who have children
Autism Society of the Fox Valley
in that age range. What are your child’s
needs in the way of socialization, friendship skills, and interactions amongst
peers? Activity ideas? Interests? Etc...
Please email Diane or Heidi with your
thoughts.
Diane: [email protected]
Heidi: [email protected]
Page 3
Save the Date: ASFV 2nd Annual
Evening of Wine and Roses
When: August 2, 2013
Where: Gardens of the Fox Cities
1313 E. Witzke Blvd.
Appleton, WI 54911
Time: 7-9 pm
Last August, ASFV held it’s first annual
wine tasting event, raising around $1,000
for our programs. The evening went very
well. Great food!! Great conversation!!
Great wines!! Silent auction items were a
big hit! We had more than 50 people in
attendance.
Well - it is time for ASFV to start
planning this year’s wine tasting
event/fund raiser. We will be in need
of silent auction items, food donations, and sponsorship dollars.
The evening will once again features
wine, hors d’oeuvres, music and
socialization.
If you can help in any way, please
contact Peggy Bartman,
[email protected]
Save the Date: ASFV Parent/Educator Workshop Scheduled
Monday, April 22, 2013 from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Guest Speaker: Bill Murray
Topic: New Services in Wisconsin's
CLTS Medicaid Waiver
Where: Auditorium - Miron Construction
Headquarters
1471 McMahon Road
Neenah, WI 54956
Speaker: Bill Murray, Wisconsin
Department of Health Services
Cost: Free
Mr. Murray will speak about:
- Changes in the Wisconsin Children's
Long Term Support (CLTS)
Medicaid Waiver Program
- The approval process
***WE WILL BE TAKING REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT!
- The gradual elimination of the
"Intensive In-Home" Autism treatment To Register: go to www.focol.org/asfv/
register.htm
program and the programs that will
OR e-mail Peggy Bartman at
replace it
[email protected]
- A new "Mentoring" program available in the "ongoing" phase of CLTS
Certificates of Attendance will be provided.
Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Waivers: Regional Assignments and Contact List
Specific Topical Areas and Who to Contact:
• Autism
o Autism Treatment Services and Behavioral Consultation: Contact Bill Murray at
[email protected], or 608-261-5998, for issues related to autism services, statewide waitlist,
diagnostic reviews, or behavioral consultations.
o Early Transition to Ongoing Requests: Send requests for transitions prior to the child finishing at least 2
years, 6 months of treatment to Bill Murray at [email protected].
o Initial Autism Plan Review (Step 2’s): Send all Step 2 initial applications for children starting autism
services to Maddie Valent at [email protected].
Page 4
Volume 8, Issue 1
Reel Movies for Real Needs
at Marcus Theaters
AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THE MOVIE
EXPERIENCE
Reel Movies for Real Needs is ideal for
families who may not feel comfortable
attending regularly scheduled shows.
One Saturday each month—call
for January date and movie.
Showtime: 10:30AM
Regular matinee pricing applies.
A SPECIAL SHOWING FOR FAMILIES AND
INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
SERVING A REAL NEED WITH A REEL EXPERIENCE
We understand that sometimes it is difficult or uncomfortable for families with
special needs children to attend movies
together. Marcus Theatres Reel Movies
for Reel Needs is a specially designed
program to serve families with special
needs such as autism or other challenges, who seldom attend movies.
Call:
Appleton East Cinema
W3091 Van Roy Road
Appleton, WI 54915
(920) 734-7469
A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT
Reel Movies for Real Needs creates a
welcoming and comfortable environment lower sound, lights up - where families
with children who need accommodations
will be able to share the experience of
seeing family friendly films at a theatre.
Northeast Regional Center—Neenah
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Connections Initiative
What is Connections?
The Connections project created and
facilitates a statewide network of autism-related initiatives. It also provides training to providers and par-
nity related ASD infor-


mation.
Address:
diagnostic and commu-
Contact information:
ents to ensure equal access to infor-
Autism Society of the Fox Valley
Fax: (920) 969-7975

NE Regional Center

325 N. Commercial Street, Suite
400
mation about autism and aims to
promote a greater understanding of
Phone: (920) 969-5325
Email: [email protected]

Neenah, WI 54956
Page 5
Parent/Educator Workshop Summary
Held on October 23, 2012
Topic: Using Mobile Technology for Children Along the Autism Spectrum
Sarah Hall, speech-language pathologist with the Appleton school district discussed a variety of uses for iPods and iPads
within the school environment. She talked about how these devices are used for communication devices, sensory tools,
organization aides, academic enhancements, social communication aides and much more. Sarah emphasized not only
apps that can be used, but also key strategies for appropriate use of the device to restore human connections rather than
detract from them.
Sarah’s Top 10 Apps:
1. Speak It—Speaks and translates text documents. Free
2. Paper Port Notes—Digital note taking tool. You can combine documents, web content,
audio, typed text as well as hand written notes into a single document that you can easily
organize and share. Free
3. ArtikPixs— is an engaging artic app with flashcard and matching activities for children
with speech sound delays. Free or $29.99
4. QR reader—Auto detect scanning. Create your own QR codes. Free
5. Read2Go—Within Read2Go, you can browse, search, download, and read books directly from Bookshare using your
Bookshare membership, as well as read DAISY books form other sources. The app gives you full control over visual
choices for font size and color, background and highlighting color, and text to speech preferences. $19.99
6. Scribble Press—Create your own comic books. $2.99
7. Toontastic—A storytelling and creative learning tool that enables kids to draw, animate, and share their own cartoons
with friends. Free or $9.99
8. DocScan HD—instantly scan multi-pages document and send out when there is no scanner nearby. Free
9. Splice—video editing software. Free
10. Doceri—is an interactive whiteboard for taking notes in class, making presentations. Free
Sarah also shared a daily iPad newscast called Twit.Tv - iPad Today. This is a daily live “news show” offering tips for using
the Ipad more effectively and efficiently. The daily Blog topics and featured apps make spending time on this website educational and fun.
Thank you Sarah for all of the great information.
Other apps that teach social skills
1. Literacy Skills Sampler—by The Conover Company—vocabulary words taught through video clips
2. Functional Life Skills Sampler—by The Conover Company—functional skills taught through video clips
3. Social Skills Sample—by The Conover Company—functional skills taught through video clips
4. Dial Safe Pro—teaches children phone skills
5. Dragon Dictation
6. Autism Apps
7. Autism Help! - create your own 5 point scale with your child’s picture and voice
8. My Life Skills Box
9. IHowTo Books
10. Model Me Kids—Going Places
Parent/Educator Workshop Summary
Held on November 12, 2012
Topic: An Overview of Peer Support and Understanding Programs for Children on the Autism Spectrum:
Which Approach Might be Right for Your Child?
Diane Nackers, Speech and Language Pathologist, Hortonville Public Schools and Peggy Bartman, Occupational Therapist presented an overview of the literature on peer support programs, books, and videos available to enhance peer understanding and social
interaction.
Books for 1st—6th Grade
Preschool Books

Amazingly…Alphie! By Roz Espin


Different Like Me by Jennifer Elder
I’m Like You, You’re Like Me: A Child’s Book About Understanding and Celebrating Each Other! By C. Gainer

Looking After Louis by Lesley Ely and Polly Dunbar

Two Eyes, A Nose, and a Mouth by R. Grobel Intrater

Everybody is Different by Fiona Bleach

Couldn’t We Make a Difference? By M.P. Hofbauer

My Trainman by Stefan & Barbara Kavan
We Can Get Along” A Child’s Book of Choices by L. M. Payne

How do I Stand in Your Shoes? By Susan DeBell



I Have Autism by Pat Crissey

To Be Me by Rebecca Etlinger

Let’s Talk About It: Extraordinary Friends by F. Rogers

Best Friend Will by Jamie Lowell & Tara Tuchel
Just Because I am: A Child’s Book of Affirmation by L.M.
Payne
-Research Articles:

Power-PALS (Peers Assisting, Leading, Supporting): Implementing A Peer-Mediated Intervention in a Rural Middle School Program:
Lana Collet-Klingenberg University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Jen Neitzel FPG Child Development Institute University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Julie LaBerge Bonduel School District, Bonduel, WI Rural Special Education Quarterly 31(2)5-11 © 2012 American
Council on Rural Special Education

Effects of a Social Skills Intervention Among High School Students With Intellectual Disabilities and Autism and Their General Education Peers Carolyn Hughes, Melissa Golas, Joseph Cosgriff, Nicolette Brigham,Caitlin Edwards, and Kelly Cashen, Vanderbilt University
Research & Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities 2011. Vol, 36. No, 1-2.46-61

Efficacy and Social Validity of Peer Support Arrangements for Adolescents With Disabilities ERIK W. CARTER Vanderbilt University,
COLLEEN K. MOSS, ALICIA HOFFMAN, YUN-CHING CHUNG, LYNN SISCO University of Wisconsin-Madison Vol. 78. No. I, pp. 107-125
©2011 Council for Exceptional Children.

Using a Buddy Skills Package to Increase the Social Interactions Between a Preschooler With Autism and Her Peers Frank W. Kohler
University of Northern Iowa, Cindy Greteman Carroll Public Schools, Donna Raschke, Clifford Highnam, University of Northern Iowa
TECSE 27:3 155–163 (2007)

Promoting Access to the General Curriculum Using Peer Support Strategies Erik W. Carter University of Wisconsin-Madison, Craig H.
Kennedy Vanderbilt University Research & Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities 2006, Vol. 31, No. 4, 284-292

Changing Children’s Attitudes Toward Autism: A Process of Persuasive Communication Jonathan M. Campbell1,2 Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities (C 2006) DOI: 10.1007/s10882-006-9015-7
Connie Pitt Memorial Scholarship
To be used for this year’s conference at the Kalahari
The Autism Society of the Fox Valley offers three (3) full conference registrations to the Autism Society
of Wisconsin Annual Conference. Families, educators and therapists may apply for a free conference
registration (Thursday-Saturday). You must be a member of the Autism Society and live, or teach, in
the Fox Valley area to be considered.
If you would like to apply, please send an email (just a few paragraphs) about
how the scholarship will help you and your family or, if you are a therapist or
teacher, how it will help the students you support.
Send the email to: [email protected] and in the subject line write "ASW
Conference Scholarship". You may also send a letter to ASFV, 1800 Appleton
Rd., Menasha WI 54952.
This annual scholarship is to honor Connie Pitt, a local educator who died unexpectedly several years ago. Connie was a dedicated teacher who taught students with autism.
ASFV Safety Scholarships Available
,
The Autism Society of the Fox Valley offers three (3) safety scholarships—up to
$250 each. Families who need assistance purchasing additional locks, alarms,
fence gates, or anything to help ensure safety measures can be taken for your child
can apply.
Just send a short letter explaining what your needs are and the expense you expect to incur. The
ASFV board will vote on your request at the next board meeting. You will then be
notified via email or mail. If your scholarship is approved, provide a receipt and
you will be reimbursed for up to $250. You must be a member of the Autism
Society of the Fox Valley to be considered.
Send the email to: [email protected] and in the subject line write "ASFV Safety
Scholarship". You may also send a letter to ASFV, 1800 Appleton Rd., Menasha
WI 54952.
Advice For Peer Tutors
From Tony Attwood’s Website
by Susan Moreno, M.A.A.B.S.
Copyright © 2000
Courtesy of MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome
P.O. Box 524, Crown Point, IN 46308
[email protected]
1. When you don’t know how to help, ask a teacher, a program assistant, the parents or a sibling of the student
with a disability, or another peer tutor who has known the person longer.
2. Treat classmates with disabilities like people first. People with disabilities are just that: people who happen to
have physical, sensory, intellectual disabilities. Please avoid references to “the handicapped” or “the disabled.”
Rather say, “the person with a disability.” These individuals have the same feelings and personalities as you. They
just can not always show it as clearly.
3. Call your classmate with a disability by whatever name he/she prefers. Also, be consistent in how you refer to
your peer with a disability. Avoid calling him/her by their given name one time and by a nickname like “pal” or
“buddy” the next time.
4. Be specific when discussing plans or directions. For example, do not say, “I’ll meet you near the room after
class.” Instead say, “I’ll meet you at locker number 220 at 12:05pm.
5. DO NOT BE LATE! Many people with disabilities have a hard time understanding the concepts of time and waiting. Therefore, when you are late, they are not able to deduct on their own that an emergency or some other
event may have delayed you. The result is that they may feel confused, upset, and insulted. If necessary, plan to
be early and wait for him/her.
6. Do not make promises that you can not keep.
7. Do not borrow things from a person with a disability. Having others borrow items can be frustrating for any person—mainly because people seldom return what they have borrowed on time, and/or in the same condition that it
was before they borrowed it. The person with a disability already handles too many frustrations in daily life. This is
one frustration, which can be easily avoided.
8. DO NOT TEASE OR BE SARCASTIC WITH THE PERSON WITH A DISABLILTY. In order to understand the humor in
teasing or sarcasm, people must be able to detect double-meanings and other advanced social and communication knowledge. The person with a disability may not have the knowledge. Teasing has probably already been a
very unpleasant part of that person’s life.
9. Remember that taking a little extra time or trouble to include the person with a disability in your plans could be
very important to him or her. They need and want friends and social opportunities and do not always know how to
show that need to others.
10. If you see others teasing, laughing at, or making fun of a person with a disability, try explaining a little about
the person to them. They may only be laughing because they do not understand the person or the disability.
*******Remember that you can play an important role and make a wonderful difference in the life of a person
with a disability.
Asperger's, Autism & Girls - new DVD!
Understanding and appreciating the female perspective!
Presented by Tony Attwood.
This DVD offers the most comprehensive presentation yet of the characteristics and reasons why female Aspies fall under the
radar in their diagnosis.
Dr. Attwood covers everything from their ability to camouflage and mimic social behaviors to hide their social confusion to
ways their condition may be identified through their unique interests and behaviors. He contends their ability to hide their
Asperger's affects the male/female ratio of Asperger's to 3 to 1, significantly greater than previous studies have shown. He
also argues that girls with Asperger's often are misdiagnosed, resulting in their not getting the help they need for what is often typical of their condition; low self esteem, depression (often clinical depression); vulnerability to relationship predators or
living in abusive relationships; unhealthy excessive weight loss or gain; or selective mutism, among other things. He focuses
on their atributes and the importance of a diagnosis so they can understand the 'why' or who they are. With that, they can
develop an appreciation of their differences, which are not less than their neurotypical peers - just different.
Key Points:

The DVD contains the most cogent, comprehensive presentation of the characteristics of girls with Asperger's and the
reasons for and consequences of their diagnosis packed in an hour and a half presentation.
 Presented by the world's most recognized expert in the field of Asperger's Syndrome, Dr Tony Attwood is also a superlative speaker, who garners rave reviews for his presentations.
 The viewer can gain substantive information about a complex condition because of the authoritative and well-researched
knowledge gained from both academic and scientific studies and Dr Attwood's clinical and personal experience with Asperger's. The DVD can be sourced from Resources at Hand, www.resourcesathand.com.au
Exciting, educational, new
video!!
Kathy Hayes Book Club
Kathy Hayes is a speech and language
pathologist in the Rosendale School district. She is starting another book club.
The book club meets on Tuesdays at
6:30.
Page 12
Where: Rosendale Intermediate,
200 S Main (Hwy 26) ,
Rosendale, WI 54974
Book title to be determined by group.
January 15, March 12, and April 23
Volume 8, Issue 1
Autism Society of the Fox Valley
Page 13
Autism Society of the Fox Valley
1800 Appleton Rd.
Menasha, WI 54952
(920) 968-6829
Email: [email protected]
Newsletter Submissions
Articles of interest, stories/poetry of persons with autism, book reviews and
upcoming conferences or workshops are accepted. Submissions can be sent to:
Diane Nackers, 8042 Sequaro Ct, Neenah WI 54956
email: [email protected].
ASFV Board Members
Diane Nackers, MS CCC-SLP —President
Submission deadlines are December 1, March 1, June 1, and September 1 .
Ann Olson—Vice President
Responsibility for accuracy of information remains that of the author of the arti-
Bob Olson—Treasurer
cle. Articles from this publication may be reprinted, giving credit to the author
Kristin Wahl—Secretary
and ASFV. The ASFV Editorial Review Board reserves the right to edit or refuse
Steve Brennan
submissions.
Peggy Bartman, OT
Michele Matz
Archna Hendrick, MD
Heidi Dahle
Lisa Lesselyong, MS CCC-SLP
Like Us on Facebook
Chad Leder
Autism Society of the Fox Valley
Skate through winter into a beautiful spring.