Autism News

Volume 6 Issue 1
January 2002

Letter from the editor:

Well, this is it…I'm sitting down to get my first newsletter out. First of all, I would like to thank JFS for all of her hard work getting this newsletter started. I never realized that the hardest part would be writing the intro, especially the first one.

I hope you all had a happy holiday and I apologize if there is anything missing this month. Next month's will be much better including the envelopes for those getting this by snailmail.

I need your help, please send me what you want to see in the newsletter. The meeting schedules and conference/workshops will still be in and first, but if you see something that is in good taste, send it to me and I will try to get it in. I'm willing to do research if necessary if you have a question. Who knows, I may put the question in to get other readers' opinions on the subject.

I do have a couple of books that I plan on reviewing here in the near future; I'm just waiting to get the copies so I can read them.

Please send all comments, criticisms, renewals, etc. to

Autism News
PO Box 1255
Crystal Lake, IL 60039-1255

Email address is ahebel@owc.net




Also remember to make your checks out to Autism News now…

Feel free to check out this newsletter or past ones out at our website www.autismnews.net

Happy Reading,
Amy
 
 
 

All contents are copyright of the Newsletter mom. Total freedom is granted to recopy and share information as long as Autism News gets credit.

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Meetings


Due to the holidays, some meetings may not have shown up. It will be in next month I promise. Please have all meeting information to me by the 15th of the month. That way in case of questions, I can contact you.
 

January 5, 2002 O'Fallon 10am-noon

Autism Society of Southern Illinois meets the first Saturday (second if it's a holiday weekend) at the O'Fallon Public Library, 120 Civic Plaza. Call 618-682-3783 or email asosi@apci.net for info.
 

January 8, 2002 Galena 6:30 p.m.

Galena Parents Advocates meets monthly; locations vary but this one is at the Galena ARC, 413 S Bench St. Come network and learn about Paraprofessional Training Seminar. Call 815-777-2796 to register. Also check out there website www.galenaparentadvocates.com for more info.
 

January 8, 2002 Villa Park 7p.m.

Parent support group meets at DuPage Easter Seals. Limited on-site free babysitting if you RSVP in ADVANCE-please call Sharon Pike at 630-620-4433.
 

January 10, 2002 Gurnee 7p.m.

Come to the Warren Special Recreation Association building for an evening of networking with your fellow parents. Look for signs. Contact Eric for information 847-543-4502.
 

January 15, 2002 Elmhurst 6:45pm

The Center for Speech and Language Disorders is meeting at 195 W. Spangler Suite B, Elmhurst. The topic will be Understanding and Preparing For Your Child's IEP to be presented by Pat Kluzik Stauch. For more info and to RSVP contact Evelyn Miko at 630-530-8551 by January 14.
 

January 15, 2002 Bolingbrook

Far West Suburban Chapter of ASA will be meeting. It's movie night and then there will be a discussion. Call Joanna for more info and the time at 630-969-1094
 

January 20, 2002 North Riverside 2-4p.m.

Asperger/High Functioning Autism Support Group meets at the North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. Des Plaines. This month's topic is Financial Planning for your Child's Future. Debbie 708-383-1209 for more info.
 

January 31, Oak Park 7pm

Parent support group that meets at Hope Children Hospital, SW corner 93rd and Kostner. Call Jean 708-229-0653 for more information.
 

February 5, 2002 Skokie 7:00

North Suburban ASI chapter will NOT be meeting in January due to the holiday, so there first meeting of 2002 will be on 2/5.

They will be meeting at the Skokie Village Hall, 5127 W. Oakton, Lower Level-Community Room. They will be having an open forum and planning for the future of their chapter for the New Year. Contact Michael at 847-541-9969 or email NorSubAsi@aol.com for more information.

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Conferences-Workshops


(Italicized means first time in newsletter)
 

NOTE-StarNet workshops give priority to parents within their region. If there is a workshop you wish to attend but it is not in your region-let your local StarNet folks know you'd like them to replicate it in YOUR region. StarNet folks are waiting to hear from YOU. Don't make them guess what you want or need to learn about.
 

January 16, Northbrook

Sexuality and Disability.

Betty Erickson LCSW will be presenting this workshop. Call Tamera Besser at 847-412-4357 for more information.
 

January 16, Schaumburg

"Building an Effective IEP: 8 Steps of Negotiation" Jennifer Bollero & Pat Kluzik Stauch

Parent and attorney Jennifer Bollero has developed an 8-step negotiation process that can help parents and professions collaborate effectively to create IEPs that can truly benefit your child. An overview of IDEA is included. If you haven't yet had a chance to absorb Jenny's knowledge, now's your chance. Contact StarNet Region II for registration material at 847-803-3565.
 

January 17&18 Rosemont

"PECS-Picture Exchange Communication System Workshop"

Mindy Glassberg and Jo Anne Matteo, M.S. CCC/SLP from Pyramid Educational Consultants will present this two-day workshop (rescheduled from November) at the O'Hare Holiday Inn in Rosemont. Cost is $235/parent (more for professionals) as this will be a substantial PECS training from the PECS folks themselves! Cost includes a PECS manual, detailed handouts, and meals. For more information about either this workshop or PECS please contact:

Erin DiMaio, Conference Coordinator
Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.
226 West Park Place, Suite 1
Newark, DE 19711
Phone 302-368-2515 Toll Free 888-732-7462
Fax 302-368-2516

www.pecs.com

ediaio@pecs.com
 

January 18, Tinley Park

"Maximizing the Potential of More Advanced Individuals in the Autistic Spectrum"

Susan Mareno will present a workshop that will cover topics such as "Dreams Do Come True," "Parent Survival Kit," "Risky Business", and "Parent/Professional Partnerships." These topics are structured to offer participants opportunities to see the humor in some of life's most difficult moments, to reflect on their own unique strengths and to gain a more intimate perspective into the world of caring for and supporting higher functioning individuals in the autism spectrum. Susan is a motivational speaker who encourages her audience to laugh, cry and reflect. Contact StarNet Region VI at 708-342-5370 for more information.
 

January 25, Downers Grove

"I Want to Live…& A Career In…"

Staff from Everyone is Welcome will present this workshop on innovative residential and employment supports for adults (our kids do grow up) with disabilities. Also discussed will be Medicaid and the Medicaid Waiver. For more information contact the folks at Everyone is Welcome 630-584-0970, EIWelcome@aol.com.
 

January 28-30 Glen Ellyn

March 12-14 Peoria

Autism-Middle/High School Team Training

Nan Negri, Ph.D., Jenny Potanos, M.A. CCC/SLP, Kate McGinnity, M.S. Victor Morris, L.C.S.W. and Michael Shoultz, Ph.D. present this 3 day training offered by the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project. Priority in attending either of these extensive workshops will be given folks registering as a team of 3-4 professionals and a parent. Gather up your kid's teacher and grab the inclusion facilitator, etc. and contact Kathy Gould or Alyson Beytien at 708-354-5730 to request a registration application. For more information also check out www.illinoisautismproject.org
 

February 7, Chicago

"Understanding Aspergers Disorder"

Marrea Winnega, Ph.D. presents this overview of what is (and isn't) Aspergers Disorder. Theory of mind will also be discussed. Contact StarNet Region V for registration information 773-553-3413
 

February 15, Chicago

"Functional Behavior Assessments: Tools for Designing Behavior Intervention Plans for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders"

Sue Epich & Lorrain Altamirano will cover the above topic-for more info or to register contact StarNet Region V at 773-553-3413.
 

February 19, Elk Grove Village

"PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System:

Teri Louer will run this workshop focusing on understanding and using PECS in place of using communication in "maladaptive" ways (kid, don't throw a sippy cup at me to get juice-hand me the symbol card for juice!). For registration info contact StarNet Region II at 847-803-3565.
 
 

February 22, Downers Grove

"Transition Planning-Why Is It So Important?"

Staff from Everyone is Welcome will present this workshop that will explain what transition development is, and why it is so important. Learn how to develop an effective plan for your child-there is life after high school. For more info contact the folks at everyone is Welcome 630-584-0970, EIWelcome@aol.com
 

February 23, Skokie

Day-long Special Education Law Seminar with Peter and Pam Wright

Yes, the folks from Wrightslaw are coming to Illinois! Peter Wright, the nationally know special education attorney and advocate along with his wife, psychotherapist Pam Wright, will present a day long seminar for parents, teachers, administrators and other related professionals. Register early, as this event will certainly be sold out. Limited seating available. Contact@special-connections.org or call Special Connections at 312-914-0591.
 

February 25-26 Glen Ellyn

"Educating and Supporting Students with Asperger Syndrome".

Nan Negri Ph.D., Jenny Potanos, M.A. CCC/SLP and Kate McGinnity M.S. present this 2 day training offered by the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project. Priority in attending this workshop will be given folks (combinations of parents and professionals) registering in teams of 3-4 professionals and a parent. Gather up your kid's teacher and grab the inclusion facilitator, etc and contact Kathy Gould or Alyson Beytien at 708-354-5730 to request a registration application. For more info also check out www.illinoisautismproject.org.
 
 

February 26 Rockford

"PECS, Social Stories and Social Skills"

Peg Mazeika will lead a hands-on day exploring all of the above. Yes, another from the NIA series-figured I'd best include them all, since they do fill up fast. Registration is best by mail only, so call NIA 815-226-3302 x14 and as to be sent a registration form TODAY if interested. Preference given to folks living in Rockford and surrounding counties.
 

February 26 Carol Stream

"Introduction to Autism and Visual Strategies for Children with Autism and other Communication Disorders"

One of the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project Parent Trainings. Contact Kathy Gould, Project Director at 708-354-5730 or email gouldkl@aol.com or visit www.illinoisautismproject.org.
 

February 26 Elgin

"Families, Staff and Schools Collaborating to Serve Young Children"

Vaughn Morrison will lead a workshop that will combine lecture, questions and answers, problem-solving and skill-building activities designed to enhance the participants' ability to work collaboratively for increasing student success in learning environments. Included will be state regulations, IDEA regulations and IEP requirements regarding children making progress. Strategies will emphasize working together to minimize conflicts that necessitate mediation or outside intervention. Contact StarNet Region II at 847-803-3565 for more information.
 

February 28-March 1 Matteson

PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System.

Andrew Bondy Ph.D. and JoAnne Matteo M.S., CCC/SLP will be presenting this workshop on PECS. For more information contact Kathy Gould or Alyson Beytien at 708-354-0733 or visit them on the web at www.illinoisautismproject.org.
 

March 12-14 Peoria

"Autism Middle/High School Team Training

See under January 28-30 or call 708-354-5730 for more information.
 
 
 

March 15, Arlington Heights

"Legal and Future Care Planning for Your Relative with a Developmental Disability"

Theresa M. Varnet M.S.W., J.D., parent and experienced advocate, also specialist in probate and estate planning for folks with disabilities, periodically gives this useful presentation on a topic we all most likely need to think about and deal with. This presentation will be hosted by Glenkirk. Call 847-504-2732 for more details.
 

March 21, Chicago

"Habits, Rituals and Aggression and Methods to Modify"

Alice Belgrade presents this workshop and how to understand the function of, and then work to modify and/or eliminate undesirable habits, etc. of the person with autism. For more info contact StarNet Region V at 773-553-3413.
 

March 22, Downers Grove

"How Parents Can Effect Positive Change in Our Schools"

Staff from Everyone is Welcome will teach strategies for effectively collaborating with schools on behalf of one's child. Also learn how to join with other parents to be voices for all children and how to start a parent group. For more information contact the folks at Everyone is Welcome: 630-584-0970 or EIWelcome@aol.com.
 

April 12, Hoffman Estates

2nd Annual CARE (Curing Autism through Research and Education)

The BHARE Foundation will be holding their conference at the Stonegate Conference Center in Hoffman Estates. Speakers will include Dr. William Walsh of Pfeiffer Treatment Center, Raun Kaufman from the Option Institute (The Son-Rise Program), Dr. Kenneth Bock (pediatrician specializing in autism), Genevieve Jereb, OT, DR. Vijendra Singh, and Betsy Prohaska with Vicki Martin, R.N. to discuss "what's new" about the GFCF diet. Last year sold out so register early to guarantee a seat. Go to www.bhare.org for a registration application to mail in or fax. Address and fax number is on the website.
 
 

April 19, Downers Grove

"Navigating Unchartered Waters: Understanding Your Rights and Case Law"

Matt Cohen, widely know for his legal advocacy on behalf of children with disabilities, will address your rights, rules governing special education, and recent federal and state court cases relating to special education. For more information contact Everyone is Welcome 630-584-0970 or EIWelcome@aol.com.
 

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Announcements:


Mark your calendars today (now that they are on 2002)! ASI's 3rd Annual Golf Outing will be held on September 17, 2002, at the Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge. The event is being planned by Kevin and Wendy McDonagh and Mike and Wendy Rosen. Watch the ASI website, www.autismillinois.org for details and I will try to keep you up to date also about this event.
 

Check out the ASI website, www.autismillinois.org because now you can get the Autism Primer, basic information about autism useful for parents with newly diagnosed children, for teacher and other professionals and for the general public. Dave Pullman is consistently adding important information and linkages for your convenience.
 

Don't forget that the Gala to benefit CAN (Cure Autism Now) on February 7, 2002. It is being called First Look for Charity Chicago Auto Show Fundraiser at McCormick Place. The evening before the exhibition opens to the public. Guests will indulge in a variety of hors d'oeuvres, champagnes, wines and other refreshments while raising more than $1 million for Chicago area charities. They may also win a limited edition 2002 Ford Thunderbird. Tickets are $150. For more details, please call Patty Matteo at 773-281-7896 or email pmatteo@rcnchicago.com.
 

Congratulations to the Southwest Suburban Cook County Chapter for becoming a certified member of the Autism Society of America.

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With the holiday season over but the winter here for a while I found this on another list that I'm on and thought it might spark a few good ideas to cure any case of cabin fever this winter.
 

Winter Fun Activities For Kids


1. Winter is a great time of year to take a walk and collect things. Look for nuts, pinecones, seed pods, dried weed flowers, milkweed pods, cattails, or anything else that catches your fancy.

2. Make a small collage from the many kinds of hitchhiker seeds. (These are the seeds that stick to your clothes or the dog as you're walking through a pasture or wooded area.)

3. A very simple pinecone wreath can be made by gluing pinecones onto a wreath form cut from heavy corrugated cardboard. Use a small wreath form and small pinecones with a pillar candle placed in the middle for an attractive table decoration. Stick a little evergreen or holly in between the pinecones.

4. If you live in the country or know someone who does, look for very small (6 to 8 inches) pine tree sprouts. Dig one up (Be sure to ask for permission if it is not your property!) and plant it in a pot. Decorate it with small ribbon bows and paper snowflakes. Plant it again in the Spring.

5. If your yard has that dreary winter look, cheer it up with a tree decorated for the birds! String popcorn and cranberries. Hang scooped out orange halves filled with peanut butter and birdseed. Make suet balls and hang them in the mesh bags in which oranges and onions are packaged. Cut attractive shapes from paper plates, spread them with peanut butter and birdseed and hang them on your tree. Don't forget to put out some fresh water for the birds, also.

6. Put together a feeding station for the squirrels so that you can watch their antics through a window.

7. Check the seed catalogs or local nurseries for flower bulbs to force during the winter. Amaryllis are pretty. So are crocuses and narcissus. You can also force a branch from a flowering bush like pussy willow and forsythia in a bucket of water.

8. Make candles! Okay, this is not a garden or outdoor activity. But, it is a fun thing to do during the winter. One of the cutest candles I ever made looked like an ice cream soda. Carefully pour some colored wax 3/4 up in a drink glass (the old - fashioned Coke type glasses look nice) that has a wick placed in it. Whip some cooling plain wax with an old hand beater until it's foamy. Scoop the foamy wax on top of the candle. Stick in a cut piece of straw and top of with a cherry made from red wax rolled into a ball shape while warm. You could probably forego the wick with this candle because it's just too pretty to burn.

9. If you haven't cleaned out your garden area yet, now is a good time to do so. Even the youngest kids in the family can help pull up old plants and weeds. And the best part is that you don't have to worry about anyone pulling up the wrong plants!

10. January is a great time to look through all those seed catalogs you've been getting in the mail with the whole family. Plan next year's garden, order the seeds, and start any plants you need to start early like tomatoes and peppers. Pick out something fun and different to try this year like yard long beans or chocolate colored peppers.

11. Do you still have any of those baby pumpkins around clashing with the Christmas decorations? Cut them in half, scoop out the seeds, and bake them. (Of course, this is only if they are not rotten or mildewed anywhere.) Throw the seeds out in a corner of the yard somewhere and see if they sprout in the spring.

12. If you have snow, look for animal prints from birds, squirrels, rabbits, or deer. Of course, if you see a lot of footprints from a dog, you probably won't see many of anything else!

13. Spray paint the dried weeds you collected. Make a vase for them from a large white paper cup. Decorate the paper cut with a glued-on mosaic of tissue paper or construction paper pieces.

14. Make some snow candy. Cook up some molasses to the hard ball stage and drizzle it over a pan of clean snow just like Laura Ingalls Wilder!

15. Remember, spring is never far away! Look for the beginnings of spring on a nature walk in February or March. If you don't have any crocuses or other early bulbs sprouting, be sure to plant some for next year!
 

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Something else I found while putting issue this together.

A tribute to our founder JFS

The Twelve Commandments for Parents and Children with Disabilities
 

1. Thou shalt be thy child's best and most consistent advocate.

2. Thou shalt share your valuable information about your child with the professionals who need your input.

3. Thou shalt put it in writing and keep a copy.

4. Thou shalt try to resolve problems at the lowest level but not hesitate to contact a higher authority if a problem is not resolved.

5. Thou shalt keep records.

6. Thou shalt seek out information when needed.

7. Thou shalt take time to think through information before making a decision.

8. Thou shalt have permission to be less than perfect. Important lessons are learned from both successes and failures.

9. Thou shalt not become a martyr. Decide to take a break now and then.

10. Thou shalt maintain a sense of humor. It is great for your emotional well being and that of your child.

11. Thou shalt always remember to tell people when they are doing a good job.

12. Thou shalt encourage thy child to make decisions, because one day he or she will need to.

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Autism State Ambassadors Still Needed For Many States


Would you like to make a direct difference in your state for individuals with autism? Do you work with, love, or are a professional working with autism individuals? Would you enjoy working with media, legislators, and autism professionals? Then this may be just what you are looking for! Apply today and make a difference in lives of individuals with autism! We have added many new State Ambassadors who are eager to get started; they need your help! Each state needs to be represented!
Contact: AutismAwakening@aol.com

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 Gluten-Free Tips You Can Use


Following are some gluten-free tips submitted by some of our customers. While
Gluten Solutions cannot guarantee the accuracy of the following statements, we
sincerely hope you find them useful, insightful, and engaging.

(1) If you like pizza but can't eat cheese, then here's a substitute that is
nothing like cheese, but gives pizza the extra flavor missing from "cheese-less"
pizza. Mix 1 cup raw cashew pieces with a tablespoon of sugar, 8 to 10
peppercorns, a teaspoon or more of dried Italian herbs, a teaspoon of garlic
salt (and sometimes I use green olives, sun dried tomatoes, whole garlic, etc.)
and grind in a blender. Then, add 1 cup water and blend on high for 4 minutes.
The sauce will thicken if brought to a boil in a small saucepan on medium heat.
Drizzle the cashew sauce over the top of the pizza. My whole family enjoys the
results! --- Deborah

(2) Gluten-Free products tend to be high in fat. When making your own baked
goods, substitute Egg Beaters for the eggs and also add 1 egg white. Use half
the oil and plain, unsweetened applesauce for the fat called for in the recipe

(3) The moistness in a baked product can be noticeably increased by
substituting plain yogurt for any milk or water called for. This also cuts down
on the crumbly graininess so common in gluten-free food.
(4) Add rice bran to baked goods to improve fiber content. Usually ¼ cup is
sufficient for most recipes. You can even add this to commercial mixes. - Betty
Ann

(5) I substitute methylcellulose for Xanthan gum. You can usually substitute
the same amount. If that isn't satisfactory in yeast-breads, double the amount.

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Close

And on that note I will close my inaugural issue of this newsletter. Please feel free to comment, critique, etc…just please don't unsubscribe. I'd rather find ways of improving it than lose readers. Give me a little while to get in the groove of this. It will be a lot easier next month but I never want it to become a cake walk for me to do. I want to be up late at least one night going "I'm never going to get this done!!!"

One thing that I want to start to put in is a preview section for the next month…call it preview to next week's show.

I plan on putting in an article by Dennis Debbaudt on Airplane tips to get through Security faster. I'm reading one of his books now and the review will be out soon.

Meeting information as always. Please try to get it to me early in case I have any questions. The best ways to reach me are by email ahebel@owc.net or by PO Box.

Autism News
PO Box 1255
Crystal Lake, IL 60039-1255.

Some of you do have my home phone number, but I'm gone from 7am-7or 8 p.m. Mon-Fri. so if you don't mind a call on the weekend, it's better to mail me. Plus the P.O. box is the only place where I'm sure NOT to get a bill.

Have a good month everyone and please let me know how you either loved or hated this month's issue of Autism News.

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