CALENDAR

To add an event, send email to editor@spectrumconnection.net.

Support Group meeting

FEB 20. Meeting moderated by Jeanne Holverstott, M.S., is for parents of children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders. The focus of each group will be decided by the parents present at the meeting. This group hopes to discuss and provide advice from both a professional perspective and parent-to-parent perspective on topics pertinent to your lives. 10:30 a.m. to noon, Responsive Centers for Psychology and Learning, 7501 College Boulevard, Suite 250, Overland Park. For more information, email jeanneh@responsivecenters.com.

YMCA Challenger Program – Young Adult Bowling

FEB. 20. Bowling at Pin-Up Bowl and dinner at Legends Village West. $20. Buses depart Paul Henson YMCA, 4200 W. 79th St., Prairie Village, and Platte County Community Center South YMCA in Parkville. For more information, contact Raegan Schurr at raeganschurr@kansascityymca.org or by calling 913-642-6800. Participants can also register for other Challenger Programs at their local YMCA or online at www.kansascityymca.org/adaptive.

‘Systems in Sync’ Town Hall Meeting

FEB. 22. One of 8 meetings across Kansas hosted by the state Department of Health and Environment as part of a grant to help Kansas youth with special health care needs. The purpose is to gather feedback on the health care challenges of special-needs children, their families and professionals who work in the field. Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr. For more information, go to www.kdheks.gov.

Lecture: Autism in the Workplace and Community

MARCH 3. Sean Swindler, director of community program development & evaluation for Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training — K-CART — will lead discussion. Learn how autism affects the workplace and families in our community, as well as how K-CART addresses the needs of this population. Coffee and pastries served at 7:30 a.m.; lecture begins at 8 a.m. at Regnier Hall, KU Edwards Campus, 12610 Quivira Road, Overland Park, Kan. 66213. Free and open to the public. To RSVP call Christine at (913) 897-8548 or click here.

Candlelight Yoga Benefit for Mission Project

MARCH 7. All-levels yoga class is free, with donations gratefully accepted to benefit the Mission Project, a program that enables young adults with developmental or cognitive disabilities to lead richer and more self-directed lives with minimal support. (To read a story about the project, click here.) Class will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Yoga Gallery, 7941 Santa Fe in Overland Park. Call 913-432-5568 for more information.

An autism musical debuts

MARCH 8. Fourth Graders from Ridgeview Elementary School in Liberty will take the stage at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre to perform “No Such Thing As Normal!” a musical about autism. Admission is free! 7 p.m. 1600 S. Withers Rd, Liberty. The musical is intertwined with information about the Autism Spectrum while the students tell the story of a not-so-typical school field trip to a history museum.
This project is produced by VSA arts of Missouri and funded in part by CVS Caremark, The Jellybean Conspiracy, Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. For more information, contact: Kit Bardwell, VSA arts of Missouri, (816) 868-1789, vsamissouri@gmail.com.

Parent Luncheon — Newly Diagnosed, New to KC

MARCH 18. Sponsored by the Autism Alliance of Greater KC, these informal luncheons are presided over by Phyllis Young, parent educator at the Center for Child Health and Development at KU Medical Center; and Mary Anne Hammond, community education coordinator for autism and related disorders at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Geared toward parents whose children have been newly diagnosed or who are new to the area. Offices of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, 4520 Main St., 11th floor, Kansas City, MO. Pizza and drinks provided, but must RSVP to Amy Van Vleck-Morrow at Amy@autismalliancekc.org or at 816-517-4237 at least two days in advance. Future luncheons planned on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18.

Sensory Friendly Film at AMC

MARCH 20. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” will be playing for audiences in a “sensory friendly” format at select AMC theaters. What does sensory friendly mean? Movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing.
For information about participating locations and showtimes, click here.

Caffeine-Addicted Moms of Kids with ASD

MARCH 20. Take a break and share some good conversation with other mothers over the caffeine beverage of your choice. Hosted by the Autism Society of America-Heartland at Cupini’s Deli, 1809 Westport Rd, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Autism Society of the Heartland Parent Support Group

MARCH 25. Learn and share information with other parents about living with autism. Monthly meetings at Legacy Christian Church, 10150 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS 66212. Childcare available with reservations. For questions regarding childcare, please contact childcare@asaheartland.org. To RSVP, click here.

Trivia Night — Benefit for Autism Society of the Heartland

MARCH 27. Bring an appetizer and join your friends for a fun-filled evening to benefit Autism Society of the Heartland. Lots of prizes will be awarded. $100/table of eight. 6 p.m., at St. Pius, 5500 Woodson, Mission. For more information, contact ASH president Marc Stimac, at markstimac@sbcglobal.net or call 913-390-4794.

World Autism Awareness Day

APRIL 1. A great way to kick off Autism Awareness month. MANY activities for children and young adults. KC Chiefs players will be on hand interacting with the crowd! Everyone is WELCOME! The actvities will begin at The Pavilion (inside) at the Chiefs Stadium, 1 Arrowhead Drive, 4:30pm with a ceremony at 5:15pm. Event will conclude at 6 p.m. Awareness materials will be availble to take with you.
For more information call Jennifer Smith at 913-991-2659 or e-mail kansascity@autismspeaks.org.

Autism Intervention Conference

APRIL 8 – 10. The fifth annual conference, sponsored by the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, aims to educate and provide support for parents and professionals who work with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. At the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center, 2200 I-70 Drive SW, Columbia, Mo. For more information or to register, go to muconf.missouri.edu/AIC2010/.

Early Intervention Programs for Young Children with Autism

APRIL 9. Phil Strain of the University of Colorado will present workshop sponsored by the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (KCART). From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at KU Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira, Overland Park, Kan. Cost, $60. Click here for registration information.

Walk for Autism — Benefit for Sherwood Center

APRIL 10. Help Sherwood Center empower adults and children with autism by participating in a walk at the Longview Community College, 500 S.W. Longview Road, Lee’s Summit. Registration from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.; walk begins at 10 a.m. 100% of the $10 registration goes to the Sherwood Center. For more information, contact Jessica Rushton at 816-529-1939.

Free Virtual Conference

APRIL 10-11. Lisa Lieberman, MSW, LCSW, Temple Grandin, Ph.D., and Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D., are among the presenters at a free, two-day, virtual conference to celebrate Autism Awareness Month presented by  momsfightingautism.com.

Border Challenge for Autism

APRIL 14. Show your support for your favorite school’s autism program. Fundraiser for Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART) and MU Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. From 6 – 9:30 p.m. at Boulevard Brewery, 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here.

Kansas Employment First Summit

APRIL 15 – 16. Speakers include Dale Dileo, president of the Training Resource Network and author of Raymond’s Room; Bob Niemiec, founding member of Minnesota Employment First Coalition; Joe Marrone, senior program manager for Public Policy Institute for Community Inclusion. Topeka Capital Plaza Hotel. Scholarships available for persons with disabilities.

Job Coaching Strategies for Employing Persons with Autism

MAY 6. Howard Green and Jennifer McDonald of Virginia Commonwealth University will present workshop sponsored by the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (KCART). From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at KU Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira, Overland Park, Kan. Cost, $60. Click here for registration information.

KC Wizards Soccer Day 5K — Benefit for Autism Speaks

MAY 15. Join others in the autism community at CommunityAmerica ballpark, 1800 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kan., for a 5K to raise money for Autism Speaks. Early bird registration (by April 18) for the race is $25 and includes an event T-shirt and a general admission ticket to that evening’s Wizards game against the Chicago Fire. A Family Fun Package is available for those who want to attend but do not want to race. Click here to register. (Online registration closes May 13.)

Business Partnerships for Employing Persons with Autism

JUNE 1. Jeri Kendle, Interim President/COO, Vocational, Academy Director of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center will present workshop sponsored by Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training. From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at KU Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira, Overland Park, Kan. Cost, $60. Click here for registration information.

Auction to Benefit Autism Society of the Heartland

JUNE 12. A fun-filled evening begins at 5 p.m. with a $5 all-you-can-eat taco dinner. Chinese auction starts at 7 p.m. At the Grand Elks Lodge, 13600 Arrington, Grandview, Mo. For more information, contact Cheryl Heller at 816-529-7741 or Tom Heller at 816-824-3572.

Signing Ceremony for Autism Legislation

Join others in the Kansas autism community when Gov. Parkinson signs Senate Substitute for HB 2160, which will mandate insurance coverage for autism therapy for children covered by state employees’ health plan. The event will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Kansas City Autism Training Center, 7501 Belinder, Prairie Village, Kan.

Autism Moms Coffee Break

MAY 15. Take a well deserved break at Cupini’s at 1809 Westport Road in Westport. It’s a wonderful way to spend time enjoying the company of other moms, sharing ideas and resources, and reflecting on special moments with our children. Sponsored by Autism Society of the Heartland. Click here for more information.

Walk Now For Autism Kansas City

OCT 16 – At Kansas Speedway. Sponsored by Autism Speaks. Registration and resource fair open at 8:30 a.m., opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m., walk begins at 10:15 a.m. For more information, go to walknowforautism.org.

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The Summer Break: A Catch-22?

By Jeanne Holverstott, M.S.

Question: It seems like summer can be full of pitfalls for my son with Asperger’s — the structure has gone away, and he’s no longer in contact with classmates. He is content to play on the computer all day, but seems to get moody more easily. Should we treat summer vacation as a long break from school-year stress, or what?  

Answer: Summer vacation presents a contradiction: Children with autism spectrum disorders thrive on structure, routine, consistency. Summer vacation throws these principles of ASD parenting and behavior management in flux.

It’s time to search for activities to fill the day that do not involve electronics. You’ll want to set new rules on Wii, DS, Xbox, PS3, computer and television usage. It’s also important to find meaningful opportunities for interaction.
 
Children with ASDs approach summer with mixed emotions. Many parents probably share this ambivalence. Just like the school year, summer vacation is permeated with ups and downs. So, what do we do with all of that time? Take the following into consideration:
 
·         In seeking consistency and routine, we hope to reduce the unknown and the gray that causes anxiety and opens Pandora’s box. We hope to create a microcosm of predictability in a world of dynamic instability.  Change in the ASD world can be bad. Yet, how helpful and how realistic is our static world? Perhaps the static world we strive for unwittingly weakens the coping skills, frustration tolerance, adaptability and resiliency that undergirds functioning in a dynamic world. Summer could be viewed as a litmus test for how our children with ASD react to change that comes yearly.
·         That being said, I’m not encouraging schedules to be thrown out the door. No, only those game systems. Again, I kid. Make money in this recession and sell them at Game Stop. Schedules are helpful, but overbooking your kids with camps, lessons, and trips might also not be the solution.
·         To help promote a healthy schedule that allows for family time and for time working on those interaction skills, consider picking one or two activities in which you can involve yourself as a parent in some capacity. If your child joins a social skills group, exchange numbers with the other family members and have the kids over on the weekend. If you join a “team,” consider recording the interactions (which many other parents do!) so that you can review your child’s interactions with him or her and compare them to other teammates. If you hear the ice cream truck, make it a teachable moment: Walk with your child to buy that bombpop and shape what develops. In the end, paying for a camp, a class, a lesson is not always necessary. Taking the time to set up meaningful interactions (such as play dates) can provide the same benefit.
·         As for those electronics I suggested you sell, they are a necessary evil as a stress reliever, entertainment and an escape. You can put constraints on game play – the length of time and the time of day – but don’t necessarily follow my father’s adage: The sun is out, you should be too. Video games might prove a nice break midday when the heat is at its worst or after an exciting morning.
 
There is a quote you might appreciate at this time: “The longer the summer vacation, the harder the fall.”

Jeanne Holverstott is an autism spectrum specialist who practices at the Responsive Centers in Overland Park. To ask Jeanne a question about autism, send e-mail to editor@spectrumconnection.net, and put “Question” in the subject line.

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DEVELOPING TALENTS

Intervene, Intervene, Intervene

By Kate Duffy

A while back, Toni, the SpectrumConnection editor, asked me to write about how far parents should go to help their teens on the spectrum land a job. Since then, several of our Hot Topics parents have shared their kids’ job search stories with me, and I realized there was no easy answer to her question. For the most part, though, their stories revolved around the kids’ inability to accurately read situations, to remember instructions and to multitask to make a deadline. Looking at that list, it sounds like business as usual on the job for most of us — which is why it is so very important that our kids start learning about the world of work as soon as they can.

That’s why the short answer to Toni’s question is this: do what you need to do.
And don’t do it alone.
Team up with the people in your life to introduce your teen to the world of work. When you get burned out – and you will – you’ll have reinforcements to soldier on to do the hard work of teaching your kid that he has to work and that not everyone is as fascinated with Pokemon, fighter planes, railroad time schedules as he is. You want your teen to join the outside world in a safe, organized manner, so bring in those folks you think would be good role models and champions for your teen.

How involved should you and your team become with your kid’s job search? There is no one right answer, but remember that our kids are generally younger than their chronological age, so that a 16 year old on the spectrum is more like an 11 or 12 year old emotionally.

The end goal is for your teen to get some work experience and to be out in the world, so he understands more about the way the world operates. Given that, it’s not as important how your teen gets a job, just that he has one.

For many, the first job is sacking groceries. So you definitely want to know your neighborhood grocery store manager. You’ll want to talk to the manager before your teen does, letting him or her know about your teen’s strengths and problems. In addition, you’ll want to let the manager know something about autism, especially how prevalent it is, how it affects families throughout the community. By hiring your teen, tell the manager, the store is helping the autism community, which is loyal to supportive businesses.

Do you need to let your teen know about all your behind-the-scene maneuvering? No, you don’t, and it’s better if you don’t. Each kid is different, and so you have to tailor the approach to the kid. For instance, both of my sons are on the spectrum, but they are very different from each other temperamentally. With my oldest son, Nick, who has a lot of anxiety, I frequently have had to go around his back to get him to try new things. That’s how he started playing chess, which he loves, and is a skill he has made money from for a number of years.

Playing chess on a team and then being the team’s assistant coach for three years was a great experience for Nick. Not only was his chess coach a wonderful mentor for him, he also taught Nick how to be a leader and supervisor. For three years, til he got a paying job as an assistant chess coach, Nick worked with Mr. Cooper and learned the important workplace skills of showing up on time, conversing politely even when you don’t feel like it, and managing others – in this case, kindergartners to 8th graders, not a particularly easy workforce.

When he was 14, he also worked for my friend Necia, building her small business a data base of clients and contacts. Three afternoons a week that summer, he walked to her home-based business a half mile away and got to work. What he didn’t know, though, was that I had asked Necia to let him work for her because I knew she would be a good mentor for him, that he would learn about the world in a safe, organized way with her.

Don’t feel badly about intervening in your teen’s vocational life. There is a lot of competition for jobs right now, and our kids need to be part of a team – even if they don’t think they do. Sign them up for Vocational Rehabilitation services too because the VR counselors will then be a part of your team, which gives you a bit of a breather. Remember, the type of skills it takes to get a job do not come naturally to our teens. That’s why the unemployment and underemployment rate for people on the spectrum is about 92 percent.

So get your team together and remember you are not alone. There are lots of us out there doing behind the scenes coaching with our kids. Just keep the end goal in mind and plug away.

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