Ellen Notbohm, author of several books including Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, well her son graduated as valedictorian this year. She is also a contribuating columnist for Autism Digest, and for the July-Aug issue wrote the article Ten Things I Want My High School Senior with Autism to Know.
enjoy!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Information for Manitobans with Disabilities
well after a year and a half in the works, the information facts sheets for Manitobans are out. there is a total of 18 sheets. there ia a PDF version for those with high speed and then the HTML for dial up.
let us know what you think!
A Young Child’s Assessment and Diagnosis
For Parents of a Child with a Disability
Services and Programs for Children
Education - Getting Ready
Education - Home/School Connection
Education - Assessment
Education - Programming and Planning
Education - Transitioning Through School
Education - Students Who are Blind and Visually Impaired
Education - Students Who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing
Transition to Adulthood
Services and Programs for Adults
Human Rights and Reasonable Accommodations
Assistive Technology
Financial Assistance
Disability Supports for First Nations People Living On-Reserve
let us know what you think!
A Young Child’s Assessment and Diagnosis
For Parents of a Child with a Disability
Services and Programs for Children
Education - Getting Ready
Education - Home/School Connection
Education - Assessment
Education - Programming and Planning
Education - Transitioning Through School
Education - Students Who are Blind and Visually Impaired
Education - Students Who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing
Transition to Adulthood
Services and Programs for Adults
Human Rights and Reasonable Accommodations
Assistive Technology
Financial Assistance
Disability Supports for First Nations People Living On-Reserve
MB launches new five-year autism strategy
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION June 29 2011
Province launches new five-year autism strategy
Applied behaviour analysis gets $600,000 in funding
By: William Burr
The provincial government has launched a five-year plan to support Manitobans of all ages that are affected by autism spectrum disorders.
The new strategy, called Thrive, will eventually include 40 initiatives, everything from a technology centre to make the latest tools accessible to parents, to a post-secondary scholarship for high school graduates with autism.
Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh and Education Minister Nancy Allan announced funding for the first four initiatives Tuesday: about $1 million annually.
Just under $600,000 will go to applied behaviour analysis (ABA) for young children, a treatment that teaches them social, motor, and reasoning skills; $250,000 will go to outreach services in rural and northern Manitoba; $160,000 will finance consultations with experts for children who graduate from ABA treatment; and $8,000 will create a program where parents of children with autism can meet and share knowledge.
Difficulty accessing ABA is a big issue for parents at the moment because there is a long wait-list.
Letisha Recksiedler, whose five-year-old son has autism, waited six months to get him into ABA. During those six months, her son had several "temper tantrums" every day, she said. After he started ABA, the tantrums decreased to one per day, she said.
"Our lives have become less stressful now that we're in the program," Recksiedler said.
The province hopes the Thrive program will eliminate wait-lists for ABA by September.
But some of those who work with people with autism said this announcement neglects what they call the biggest hole in funding -- support services for adults with autism.
Bev Larmour, a past president of Asperger Manitoba Inc. (Asperger syndrome is on the autism spectrum), said the announcement focuses on kids.
"What about the adults who, when they graduate from high school, it's like they fall off the cliff in terms of services?" she said.
Damon Schuler, an Asperger Manitoba Inc. board member and an adult with autism who is attending college, said he doesn't get much support for his studies. "All it is is a different area to write my exam," he said.
Anne Kresta, current president of Asperger Manitoba, said as long as Thrive follows through with its long-term plan, she will be happy.
"The announcement today was very centred upon the ABA portion but we're looking more across the lifespan and we're really pleased to see that the lifespan issues are going to be addressed," she said.
Mackintosh said future Thrive initiatives will help people with autism of all ages.
"Until now, we started and ended with children," he said.
In a press release following the province's announcement, the Progressive Conservative party shrugged off Thrive and the funding for ABA as a pre-election tactic.
"The NDP government has underfunded this critical and proven form of therapy for children with autism until the eve of an election, when they finally decide to offer families an opportunity to continue therapy," said family services critic Bonnie Mitchelson.
william.burr@freepress.mb.ca
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 29, 2011 B3
Province launches new five-year autism strategy
Applied behaviour analysis gets $600,000 in funding
By: William Burr
The provincial government has launched a five-year plan to support Manitobans of all ages that are affected by autism spectrum disorders.
The new strategy, called Thrive, will eventually include 40 initiatives, everything from a technology centre to make the latest tools accessible to parents, to a post-secondary scholarship for high school graduates with autism.
Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh and Education Minister Nancy Allan announced funding for the first four initiatives Tuesday: about $1 million annually.
Just under $600,000 will go to applied behaviour analysis (ABA) for young children, a treatment that teaches them social, motor, and reasoning skills; $250,000 will go to outreach services in rural and northern Manitoba; $160,000 will finance consultations with experts for children who graduate from ABA treatment; and $8,000 will create a program where parents of children with autism can meet and share knowledge.
Difficulty accessing ABA is a big issue for parents at the moment because there is a long wait-list.
Letisha Recksiedler, whose five-year-old son has autism, waited six months to get him into ABA. During those six months, her son had several "temper tantrums" every day, she said. After he started ABA, the tantrums decreased to one per day, she said.
"Our lives have become less stressful now that we're in the program," Recksiedler said.
The province hopes the Thrive program will eliminate wait-lists for ABA by September.
But some of those who work with people with autism said this announcement neglects what they call the biggest hole in funding -- support services for adults with autism.
Bev Larmour, a past president of Asperger Manitoba Inc. (Asperger syndrome is on the autism spectrum), said the announcement focuses on kids.
"What about the adults who, when they graduate from high school, it's like they fall off the cliff in terms of services?" she said.
Damon Schuler, an Asperger Manitoba Inc. board member and an adult with autism who is attending college, said he doesn't get much support for his studies. "All it is is a different area to write my exam," he said.
Anne Kresta, current president of Asperger Manitoba, said as long as Thrive follows through with its long-term plan, she will be happy.
"The announcement today was very centred upon the ABA portion but we're looking more across the lifespan and we're really pleased to see that the lifespan issues are going to be addressed," she said.
Mackintosh said future Thrive initiatives will help people with autism of all ages.
"Until now, we started and ended with children," he said.
In a press release following the province's announcement, the Progressive Conservative party shrugged off Thrive and the funding for ABA as a pre-election tactic.
"The NDP government has underfunded this critical and proven form of therapy for children with autism until the eve of an election, when they finally decide to offer families an opportunity to continue therapy," said family services critic Bonnie Mitchelson.
william.burr@freepress.mb.ca
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 29, 2011 B3
Monday, June 27, 2011
Temple Grandin in Brandon MB
Westman Autism Parent Support Group
and
Westman School Clinician’s Association present:
Dr. Temple Grandin
Date: Thursday, May 24, 2012
Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm
About:
Dr. Temple Grandin has served as inspiration and role model to hundreds of thousands of families and persons with autism. Temple eloquently and candidly describes the challenges she has faced and offers no-nonsense ideas on how others dealing with autism can meet these obstacles and improve the quality of their lives. Backed by her personal experience and evidence-based research, Temple shares her valuable insights on a wide variety of topics, and offers useful do’s and don’ts.
All Tickets: $75.00
Prices include taxes and service charge.
Tickets available at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Box Office, or by calling 728-9510
and
Westman School Clinician’s Association present:
Dr. Temple Grandin
Date: Thursday, May 24, 2012
Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm
About:
Dr. Temple Grandin has served as inspiration and role model to hundreds of thousands of families and persons with autism. Temple eloquently and candidly describes the challenges she has faced and offers no-nonsense ideas on how others dealing with autism can meet these obstacles and improve the quality of their lives. Backed by her personal experience and evidence-based research, Temple shares her valuable insights on a wide variety of topics, and offers useful do’s and don’ts.
All Tickets: $75.00
Prices include taxes and service charge.
Tickets available at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Box Office, or by calling 728-9510
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
last night & CDS
thank you for the turn out last night with the newly renamed Childrens disABILITY Services.
remember if you have more questions or concerns, do not hesitate in contacting your CdS worker.
see you in the fall
remember if you have more questions or concerns, do not hesitate in contacting your CdS worker.
see you in the fall
Monday, May 16, 2011
CSS and your family
it is official.
Anne Kresta, our April Guest speaker, after hearing our concerns with regards to our CSS workers in the Morden Winkler area- she went and contacted one of her friends, made some calls and now Jan Wooley and Micheline Durand, will join us at our June 7th meeting at the BTHC at a special time of 7pm. We know everyone has concerns, questions and problems - this is your oppurtunity to join us in a conversation with the powers that be, and hopefully get us some answers.
Do Not Miss this oppurtunity.....we need to bring our concerns to light and let them know we are not happy and that our frustration levels are getting to an all time high.
this is your chance to have your voice heard. 7 sharp.
Anne Kresta, our April Guest speaker, after hearing our concerns with regards to our CSS workers in the Morden Winkler area- she went and contacted one of her friends, made some calls and now Jan Wooley and Micheline Durand, will join us at our June 7th meeting at the BTHC at a special time of 7pm. We know everyone has concerns, questions and problems - this is your oppurtunity to join us in a conversation with the powers that be, and hopefully get us some answers.
Do Not Miss this oppurtunity.....we need to bring our concerns to light and let them know we are not happy and that our frustration levels are getting to an all time high.
this is your chance to have your voice heard. 7 sharp.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
South Central ASD Stick Rodeo & Sponsors
April 30, 2011
1 to 4 pm
$5.00/person or $25.00/family
snacks available for purchase
Silent Auction, petting zoo, crafts, games and of course, the Stick Rodeo!
Keen Ridge Equine Center, Darlingford
DONALDA GIBB
Access Credit Union
Appelt's Jewellery Ltd
Banman Meats
Barb Bannister
Bean & Barley Bistro
Bloom`N Good
Bonita Hair
Boundary Trails Chiropractic Centre
Brick Warehouse Corp - Morden
Carman Bakery & Pastry Shop & Holland Shop
Computer Remedies
Darlingford Fire Department
Della Duncan
Don Rogers
Floors & More
Floral Scents
Focal Point Comprehensive Vision Care
Foothills Greenhouse
Frank Ramage
Greenvalley Equipment Inc
Heart and Soul Stables
Julie Hildebrand
Keen Constuction
Lyn Wiebe
Manitoba Hydro
Manitou Building Center
Margie Hildebrand
Miami Variety
Miller Equipment Ltd
Morden Motor Inn
Morden Nurseries Ltd
Norman & Evie Janzen
Olympic Source for Sports
Pembina Valley Conservation District (PVCD)
Pfahl's Drugs
Quilters' Den
Ron & Loreen Lyman
Sue's Tack Shop at Home Hardware
The Eagle/CKMW
Video Visions
Western School Division
Thank you to all of our sponsors and the many volunteers who have helped make the next Stick Rodeo a success!!!!
1 to 4 pm
$5.00/person or $25.00/family
snacks available for purchase
Silent Auction, petting zoo, crafts, games and of course, the Stick Rodeo!
Keen Ridge Equine Center, Darlingford
DONALDA GIBB
Access Credit Union
Appelt's Jewellery Ltd
Banman Meats
Barb Bannister
Bean & Barley Bistro
Bloom`N Good
Bonita Hair
Boundary Trails Chiropractic Centre
Brick Warehouse Corp - Morden
Carman Bakery & Pastry Shop & Holland Shop
Computer Remedies
Darlingford Fire Department
Della Duncan
Don Rogers
Floors & More
Floral Scents
Focal Point Comprehensive Vision Care
Foothills Greenhouse
Frank Ramage
Greenvalley Equipment Inc
Heart and Soul Stables
Julie Hildebrand
Keen Constuction
Lyn Wiebe
Manitoba Hydro
Manitou Building Center
Margie Hildebrand
Miami Variety
Miller Equipment Ltd
Morden Motor Inn
Morden Nurseries Ltd
Norman & Evie Janzen
Olympic Source for Sports
Pembina Valley Conservation District (PVCD)
Pfahl's Drugs
Quilters' Den
Ron & Loreen Lyman
Sue's Tack Shop at Home Hardware
The Eagle/CKMW
Video Visions
Western School Division
Thank you to all of our sponsors and the many volunteers who have helped make the next Stick Rodeo a success!!!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
a first!! grab a coffee...Free Autism Webinars
Conference Home Page
I am not sure how long the webinars will be available...go soon!
Saturday April 9:
Dr. Temple Grandin - The Basics All Children Need to Learn
Dr. Carl G. Hillier OD - The Ability to Derive Meaning in the World For The Child With Autism Michelle Hardy The Influence of Rhythm on Movement in Autism based on a model of Cerebellar Dysfunction
Beth Gallagher - Customized Support ~ Designing supports that work, one person at a time
Lauren S. Henry - Effectiveness of Color
Dr. Brian King - Communicating on the Spectrum: Best practices in supporting work-place communication for people with Autism
Elaine Hall - Using Creativity and Joy to Bring out the Best in Children with Autism
Lindsey Biel - Raising a Sensory Smart Child: Practical Solutions for Real-Life Challenges
Dr. Josh Feder - How Medications Can Help A Good Plan Work Better
Sunday, April 10:
Chantal Sicile-Kira - Empowerment Strategies for ASD Parents : More than Just Coping
Dr. Lori Ernsperger - Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Nancy Brady- Making Inclusion Work - A Commitment to Excellence at School, at Home, and in the Community.
Eric Chessen - Fitness for the Autism Population
Darlene Hanson - Creating a Communicative Environment
Jed Baker, Ph.D. - All Children Can Succeed: Effective interventions for behavioral and social challenges
Julie Matthews - Food Matters for Autism - Learn WHY and HOW
Areva Martin - The Special Education Puzzle
Dr. Cathy Pratt - Educating Students on the Spectrum: Using Evidence-Based Practices
Friday, April 8, 2011
Anne Kresta tomorrow
See you tomorrow at the workshop with Anne Kresta!
BTHC - Meeting room
9:30 - 3:30; lunch provided for those who have registered and paid!
Topics:
Preparing for your child's IEP
A guide to service navigation
RDSP
BTHC - Meeting room
9:30 - 3:30; lunch provided for those who have registered and paid!
Topics:
Preparing for your child's IEP
A guide to service navigation
RDSP
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Anne Kresta Workshop April 9th
Registration Form
We are not making any profit on this at all....so spread the word. We will extend the deadline a few days, but if we do not have at least 20 registered people by the 20th of March, we will have to cancel with apologies, and will send back the cheques we currently have in hand. If you are going to the bowling on March 19th, and you want to go to the workshop, you can give us the registration forms there.
Monday, February 21, 2011
from Dave Angel:
So I just wanted to share with you a pretty cool description of Aspergers that the mom of a 9 year old with Aspergers gave her son (I don't know the woman's name, but I found the quote on The Public Autism Awareness website). Here's what she told her son...
"A long time ago, in 1944, there lived a scientist in Austria called Hans Asperger. Hans asperger spent many years studying all kinds of people and the ways in which we are all different, and he discovered a group of people who in some ways are very special. He found that these people were often very clever, with very good memories. They could also be very loving, friendly and caring people, and they often got very, very interested in one particular subject for a long time - sometimes so much that you could even say they were obsessed with it!
He also noticed that these special people sometimes had difficulty in understanding things - like why certain things happened, or understanding the things that other people said or did, and sometimes they felt embarrassed about their feelings, or very worried or cross about things, and also that they found certain things very frightening. And sometimes, because they were worried about something, it made them behave in a way which they couldn't explain to other people.
Hans Asperger did a lot of work with these people, and he discovered that because there were some things they did`t understand as well as other people, they needed some extra help to learn these things. But, because they were very clever people, with good memories, they were very good at learning these things, and some of them grew up to be very good musicians, writers, artists or scientists, even though they still didn`t understand everything about other people, and sometimes got cross at things that didn`t seem right to them.
There are lots of people like this in the world, and we think of them as Mr. Aspergers special people. Of course everybody is special in their own way, but it`s a way of describing a person who is very clever and caring, but just needs a little extra help and understanding while they learn all the strange and confusing things about life and our world."
I think the positive language and simplistic explanation is pretty impressive from this mom - so well done "mystery mom"!
"A long time ago, in 1944, there lived a scientist in Austria called Hans Asperger. Hans asperger spent many years studying all kinds of people and the ways in which we are all different, and he discovered a group of people who in some ways are very special. He found that these people were often very clever, with very good memories. They could also be very loving, friendly and caring people, and they often got very, very interested in one particular subject for a long time - sometimes so much that you could even say they were obsessed with it!
He also noticed that these special people sometimes had difficulty in understanding things - like why certain things happened, or understanding the things that other people said or did, and sometimes they felt embarrassed about their feelings, or very worried or cross about things, and also that they found certain things very frightening. And sometimes, because they were worried about something, it made them behave in a way which they couldn't explain to other people.
Hans Asperger did a lot of work with these people, and he discovered that because there were some things they did`t understand as well as other people, they needed some extra help to learn these things. But, because they were very clever people, with good memories, they were very good at learning these things, and some of them grew up to be very good musicians, writers, artists or scientists, even though they still didn`t understand everything about other people, and sometimes got cross at things that didn`t seem right to them.
There are lots of people like this in the world, and we think of them as Mr. Aspergers special people. Of course everybody is special in their own way, but it`s a way of describing a person who is very clever and caring, but just needs a little extra help and understanding while they learn all the strange and confusing things about life and our world."
I think the positive language and simplistic explanation is pretty impressive from this mom - so well done "mystery mom"!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
April 2 World Autism Day
The fourth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2011
Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.
On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States.
This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.
World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.
By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to inspire compassion, inclusion and hope.
How will WE celebrate? Well, for starters, on the evening of April 1st, you can Shine a Light on Autism, in blue!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
lending library..
please remember to return the books you have borrowed, so that others may have a chance to read the books as well. Some of the books have not been returned for several months, and with cancelled meetings & weather...we understand. Please email us to make arrangements, or please return them at our next meeting; as some of the books have been requested from other group members, thanks!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Let's go Bowling!!!
Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 5-7 at Valley Bowling Lanes in Winkler 655 Main Street North. $2.75/person/game (we should be able to do 2 games) Shoe rental is free! Please RSVP by March 1st to southcentralasd@gmail.com or call 822-5908 and leave a message.
Supper available for purchase…they order pizza from Domino’s, so if you are wanting pizza…let me know the flavor & how many slices you need & will also get the price for you! They also have the usual snacks....hot dogs, slushies, pop, nachos, chips & chocolate bars.
Come celebrate our families and have some fun at the same time!!! Remember it will be loud, so bring your headphones if you need them.
Thank you to Valley Bowling Lanes for allowing us to play again!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Bennetta Benson Workshops in Portage
Bennetta Benson, with the OHEYS camp in Winnipeg, will be in Portage la Prairie on January 24th to deliver two workshops. The first workshop, from 9:00 - 11:45 am, will be "Teaching Free Play Skills to Children with Autism". Children with autism are often unable to engage in free-play activities, and must be taught the steps involved in the skill of free play. With free-play skills, children also learn important interpersonal skills that allow them to become more successful at interacting with peers and developing friendships.
In the afternoon, from 1:00 to 3:30, Bennetta will present on "Teens with Autism/Asperger's - Challenges to Teaching and Learning". Teens with autism/Asperger's present different challenges than children in the early years, including increase social pressures and physical changes. Understanding the social thinking process underlying autism/AS is the key to effective teaching strategies.
Both of these workshops are open to educators, EA's, daycare/nursery school workers, and parents. Register for these workshops by contacting Rochelle Rands at the Portage la Prairie School Division, and download the brochure for more information.
In the afternoon, from 1:00 to 3:30, Bennetta will present on "Teens with Autism/Asperger's - Challenges to Teaching and Learning". Teens with autism/Asperger's present different challenges than children in the early years, including increase social pressures and physical changes. Understanding the social thinking process underlying autism/AS is the key to effective teaching strategies.
Both of these workshops are open to educators, EA's, daycare/nursery school workers, and parents. Register for these workshops by contacting Rochelle Rands at the Portage la Prairie School Division, and download the brochure for more information.
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