The Echo….Keeping you informed!

IN THIS ISSUE

ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events in

the enclosed program and calendar pages.

See Page 2/3

Save the Date Help support the ASCC by sponsoring or attending one

of our upcoming fundraisers.

See Page 6,7

Camp Intake Appointments Information on scheduling intake appointments and

the next steps in the application process.

See Page 2

Autism Awareness Month Important information on Autism Awareness Month

activities.

See Page 4,5

April 2015 Volume 13, Issue 8

ASCC Parent Education PresentationASCC Parent Education Presentation

Monday – April 13, 2015 at 6:30 pm

““Supporting and Educating Siblings About AutismSupporting and Educating Siblings About Autism” ”

Presented by : Presented by : Laura Savage, Psychometric Technician, Coastal Carolina Neuropsychiatric (see pg. 2)

Do you struggle to provide balance, attention and care among your child with autism and his/her sibling(s)? Do you worry about how

autism in your family impacts your other children? This presentation provides tips and information for parents about what it is like

from a sibling’s perspective, how to talk to your other children about autism, and provide developmentally appropriate information

about the label.

I am often asked to describe the experi-

ence of raising a child with a disability - to

try to help people who have not shared

that unique experience to understand it,

to imagine how it would feel. It's like

this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like

planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy.

You buy a bunch of guide books and make

your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The

Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Ven-

ice. You may learn some handy phrases in

Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the

day finally arrives. You pack your bags and

off you go. Several hours later, the plane

lands. The stewardess comes in and says,

"Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean

Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm sup-

posed to be in Italy. All my life I've

dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight

plan. They've landed in Holland and there

you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't

taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy

place, full of pestilence, famine and dis-

ease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide

books. And you must learn a whole new

language. And you will meet a whole new

group of people you would never have

met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced

than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after

you've been there for a while and you

catch your breath, you look around.... and

you begin to notice that Holland has wind-

mills....and Holland has tulips. Holland

even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming

and going from Italy... and they're all brag-

ging about what a wonderful time they

had there. And for the rest of your life, you

will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed

to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever,

ever go away... because the loss of that

dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the

fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may

never be free to enjoy the very special, the

very lovely things ... about Holland.

c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley.

All rights reserved

Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley

In the event the program is cancelled due to inclement weather, the ASCC will send out notification by email.

ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children

Parent Education

Program

Please join us on

Monday, April 13, 2015

6:30 pm at the

Partnership for Children

Resource Center

351 Wagoner Drive,

Multipurpose Room 343

for a presentation titled

“Supporting and Educating

Siblings About Autism”

by

Laura Savage, M.Ed.,

Psychometric Technician,

Coastal Carolina Neuropsychiatric

Free respite care will be available on

site through Community Based

Developmental Services. Please

contact Cynthia Billops at 488-5820

or 488-4584 to reserve your space

at least 24 hours in advance.

ASCC Support Groups

Support Groups provide an

opportunity to share, learn, and

connect. Parents, caregivers,

guardians, and professionals are

welcome to participate in all of our

support groups. Please check the

calendar on page three for meeting

dates/times/locations.

The HFA/Asperger’s Support Group

meets every second Monday of the

month, Sep—Nov, Jan—May,

immediately preceding the Parent

Education Program. This group

meets in Room 414 of the PFC

Resource Center. Focus: Families of

children, adolescents, and adults

diagnosed with HFA or Asperger’s.

Childcare will not be provided.

The Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Sup-

port Group meets every second

Tuesday of the month at various

Fayetteville restaurants. Focus:

Families of adolescents and adults

with ASD. Childcare will not be pro-

vided.

The Autism Breakfast Club (ABC)

Support Group meets every first

and third Wednesday of the month

at the PFC Resource Center, Room

414. Focus: Families of children with

ASD up to age 12. Childcare will be

provided.

The Preschool Support Group (The

High Fives) meets weekly on

Thursdays at the PFC Resource

Center, Room 343. Focus: Families

of young children with ASD ages 1-5

years. Childcare will be provided.

Workshops

Please call the ASCC office at (910)

826-3004/3005 to register for all

workshops.

The After the Diagnosis Workshop is

led by Amy Perry, ASNC Parent Advo-

cate, and is held every first Tuesday

of the month from 9:30 am—12:00

pm. (odd calendar months)

Autism Resource Roundtable is led

by Amy Perry, ASNC Autism Resource

Specialist, and is held every first

Tuesday of the month from 9:30 am-

12:00 pm. (even calendar months)

The Individualized Education Plan

Workshop, led by Amy Perry, pro-

vides an opportunity for parents and

providers to learn all about IEPs. It

will be offered quarterly.

Please Note: In the event a program or meeting is cancelled due to in-clement weather, the ASCC will send

out notification by email.

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2015 2

Parents of accepted campers, please be sure to

schedule your mandatory intake appointment by call-

ing (910) 826-3004/3005! Intake forms are due on

April 3, 2015 and must be on file prior to the intake

appointment. Thank you for your help in preparing for

another fun summer!

Camp Sunshine Direct Care Staff will be selected this

month. Interviews will be scheduled and all staff will

be notified of employment no later than April 30,

2015.

Volunteers are needed to make Camp Sunshine a

great success. Please contact our office at (910) 826-

3004/3005 to find out how you can make a differ-

ence!

Join the ASCC in celebrating

Autism Awareness Month, by show-

ing your support with an Autism Aware-

ness yard sign available at the ASCC of-

fice for purchase.

Purchase yours for $15.00

2015

Camp

Sunshine

Update

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2015 3

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 ABC Support Group 9:30 - 11am Multi-Purpose Rm 343

2 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

World Autism Awareness Day

3

Wicked Jeeps Fundraiser 6 - 10 p.m. Hop in the Park,

Festival Park

Good Friday

Office Closed

4

5 6 7 Autism Resource Roundtable Workshop 9:30 am - noon Multipurpose Rm. 343

8 9 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

10 11

12 13 HFA Support Group 5:45pm Conference Rm 414

Parent Education Program 6:30pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

14 IEP Workshop 9:30 am—noon Multipurpose Rm 343 Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group 11:30 am - Red Robin

15 ABC Support Group 9:30 - 11am Multi-Purpose Rm 343

16 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm Conference Rm B

17 18

19 20 21 22 23 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

24

10th Vera 10th Vera 10th Vera Bradley Bingo Bradley Bingo Bradley Bingo

6:00 pm St. Patrick’s Church

25

26 27 28 ASCC Board of Directors Meeting 11 am - 1pm Conference Rm B

29 30 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

April 2015April 2015

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Cape Beard Annual

Pig Pickin’

To Benefit the ASCC

Saturday, May 16, 2015

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2015 4

April is Autism Awareness Month!

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental disabilities—including classic autism, pervasive developmental disorder-not oth-

erwise specified (PDD-NOS), Rett’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Asperger’s Syndrome—that affect a person’s ability to under-

stand what they see, hear, and otherwise sense. It is a brain disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. Individuals

with ASD typically have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, ob-

jects, and events. No two people with ASD are the same. As its name implies, ASD is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and with

varying degrees of severity. Additionally, ASD is often found in combination with other disabilities.

How Common is Autism?

It is estimated that one out of every 68 people born today has some form of ASD. Roughly translated, this means as many as 2 million Americans

today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise. Based on statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-

tion, the prevalence of Autism has increased 289.5% over the last 12 years. Autism knows no boundaries of race, ethnicity, social status, family in-

come, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family and any child. Although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe,

it is on average 5 times more likely to occur in boys than in girls.

Information for Kids:

People with ASD are born with brains that work differently than others, so they learn differently. Many times a person with ASD will have a hard time

talking with people and understanding what they are saying. Some people with ASD cannot talk, while others talk a lot. Certain things may not feel,

sound, smell, or taste the same to a person with ASD, and sometimes this difference is upsetting. Sometimes people with ASD rock back and forth or

wave their arms and hands. They may not know they are doing this or how it looks to others. It is important to remember that each person is different

whether or not he or she has ASD. We all have unique qualities that make us special.

What is the ASCC Doing?

Join us as we raise awareness in our community:

World Autism Day - Light It Up Blue for Autism, Apr 2

iPads for Autism Project, April 14

10th Vera Bradley Autism Awareness Bingo

Public Service Announcements with Beasley Broadcasting Station

Indoor Billboard advertising with Only N Door Digital Billboards

Autism Awareness Feature Story in the Fayetteville Observer

Autism Awareness Ad in the Fayetteville Observer

What Can You do?

Raise awareness on April 2, 2015, World Autism Day, and “Light It Up Blue” by inserting blue light bulbs in your porch lights

Write a letter/article for your child’s school newsletter or your church bulletin

Create a display board for your child’s elementary school, YMCA, or place of worship

Thank your child’s teachers and others who make a difference in your child’s life

Provide ASCC brochures to your pediatrician’s office, your child care center, your child’s school, your church, and other local agen-

cies

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2015 5

The ASCC is pleased to announce that we will offer a limited number of Parent Scholarships to attend workshops and

trainings offered by the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) now through June 2015. Parents who are interested

in attending one of these workshops, please contact the office at 910-826-3005/3004 for more information.

The eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2015. Every year, autism organizations around the world

celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events. To help raise autism awareness within our

community, The Autism Society of Cumberland County will be at two different events on this day. We will be at Hope

Mills Middle School from 8:30—11:30 a.m. to participate in their Viking Trek with their students, parents, and fac-

ulty and at the Dorothy Gilmore Center that evening to attend the SEPTA Spring Fling and Parent Resource Fair.

How will you celebrate? Use #LIUB to share your experience across social media and help light the world up blue

this April!

Parent Scholarships Available

What Can YOU Do to Light It Up Blue?

How does Lighting It Up Blue Help?

Increases world knowledge of autism and promotes autism

awareness

Educates public about the importance of early diagnosis and

early intervention

Celebrates the unique talents and skills of people with autism

How can you Light It Up Blue?

Change outdoor or indoor white bulbs to blue bulbs.

Tint windows with blue gel sheets

Ask family, friends, and coworkers to wear blue

Turn your Facebook or Twitter profile picture blue

Light It Up Blue is a unique global campaign that kicks off Autism Awareness Month in April and

helps raise awareness about the disorder. Thousands of iconic landmarks, buildings, hotels, bridg-

es, and retail stores join the hundreds of thousands of homes and communities around the globe

that “light blue” to spread autism awareness.

World Autism Awareness Day

Journey to Adulthood

April 16– 9:00 am-12:00 pm

ASNC Main Office– Raleigh, NC

Cost- $30 per couple/$20 for a parent

IEP Basics: Frequently Asked Questions

May 22– 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Webinar

Cost- $10 per participant

Wading Through Therapy Questions:

Where to Begin?

May 27– 10:00 am-11:30 am

Webinar

Cost- $10 per participant

Show Us How You Light It Up Blue!

Support Autism Awareness by sending us a photo showing how you celebrate Autism Awareness Day or how you Light It Up Blue!

Submit your photos to autismcc@ccpfc.org or mail to 351 Wagoner Dr., Suite 410, Fayetteville, NC 28303. Deadline is Wednesday,

April 1, 2015. Selected photos will be published in a future edition of The Echo or on the ASCC website. Please note that photos sub-

mitted will become the property of the ASCC and will not be returned.

Like us on Pinterest Follow us on Twitter Join us on Facebook

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2015 6

9th Annual Autism Awareness

Golf Tournament

King’s Grant Golf Course

The ASCC is excited to announce we will host our 9th Annual Autism Awareness Golf

Tournament on Saturday, May 30, 2015! This year’s tournament will take place at King’s

Grant Golf Course and ‘tee’ off time will be at 8:00 am. We invite you to be an event

SPONSOR and help us make this year’s event a success !!

Corporate Sponsor— Level

1$1000

Includes:

Hole Sponsorship

Two 4-man Teams

Logo on Print Material

(Due Date: April 24, 2015)

Corporate Sponsor—Level 2

$500

Includes:

Hole Sponsorship

One 4-man Team

Logo on Print Material

(Due Date: April 24, 2015)

Hole Sponsor

$120

Includes:

Hole signage with name or

company name

(May be in honor of someone)

(Due Date: May 15, 2015)

For more information or additional sponsorship or team application forms please call (910) 826-3004/3005. Please make checks payable to the

Autism Society of Cumberland County and mail completed forms to the Autism Society of Cumberland County, 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410,

Fayetteville, NC 28303.

9th Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament

Team Name_________________________________________

Team Captain ______________________________________________________ Phone Number ______________________________

Mailing Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________

2nd Player ______________________________________________________ Phone Number ______________________________

Mailing Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________

3rd Player ______________________________________________________ Phone Number ______________________________

Mailing Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________

4th Player ______________________________________________________ Phone Number ______________________________

Mailing Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fee Per Player: $65 Fee Includes: Golf Cart, Green Fees, Range Balls, Lunch

Sponsorships and Donation Form (Check one or more of the following)

Name of Sponsor or Company Name ________________________________________ Contact Person___________________________

Mailing Address_________________________________________________________ Phone number__________________________

Team Application (due May 20)

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2015 7

351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410

Fayetteville, NC 28303

Tel: 910-826-3004/3005

Fax: 910-868-5881

E-mail: autismcc@ccpfc.org

www.autismcc.org

“Supporting Individuals Within The Autism Spectrum”

Winner of the Autism Society of

North Carolina affiliate of the Year

Award—1996, 2002, & 2003

Membership & Donations The Autism Society of Cumberland

County is an affiliate of the Autism

Society of North Carolina.

Mission Statement:

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County is committed to providing

support and promoting opportunities

which enhance the lives of individu-

als within the autism spectrum and

their families.

Vision Statement:

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County strives to create a community

where people within the autism

spectrum and their families receive

respect, services, and supports

based on individual differences,

needs, and preferences.

Disclaimer:

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County does not take any position

regarding studies of ASD, nor en-

dorse any particular form of treat-

ment, intervention, or therapy. This

newsletter allows us to pass along

current information in the field of

ASD to our families and organization

members.

Please make checks payable to:

Autism Society of Cumberland County

351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410

Fayetteville, NC 28303

Name:

Parent/Caregiver Professional

Sibling Individual with ASD

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

A great way to help support our program is to

become a member. As a member of the ASCC, you

enjoy voting rights during membership meetings,

you are eligible for election to the Board of

Directors, and you receive priority for conference

scholarships. Membership is effective for one year.

Please remember the ASCC with your tax-deductible

charitable contribution. Thank you!

Annual Membership ($10.00)

Donation $_________

Join us on Facebook

Cumberland Community Foundation

April 2015 The Echo Volume 13, Issue 8

FY 2014/2015 Board of Directors & Staff Funded In Part By:

Like us on Pinterest

Board of Directors:

Anna Finch, President

Gwen Scott, Vice President

Brandy Mello, Secretary

Chris Leacock , Treasurer

John Allen

Cynthia Billops

Melissa Reed

Eric Williams

Staff:

Jeannie Hodges, Director of Programs & Outreach

Jennifer Lyden, Program & Outreach Assistant

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