The ASA is excited to be taking another group of 30 families with children affected by ASD to Camp ASCCA. In honor of our mascot, Jerry the FROG (For Research, Outreach and Giving Support), the annual camp is Camp FROG.

This involves learning new skills; making new friends; participating in programs such as swimming, canoeing, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, talent show, horseback riding, archery, climbing, and zip line.

Over the past couple of years, we have incorporated a talent show into the camp experience, allowing campers to showcase their skills. There are singers, actors, piano players, dancers and poets. We are always honored to see the gifts our campers possess. We can’t wait to see what will happen this year!

This will be the 6th year the ASA has hosted its annual camp. ASA’s Camp FROG allows children (ages 6-18) and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder to experience camp in a traditional setting with the supports needed for success. Easter Seals Camp ASCCA is a place where dreams come true for people of all abilities. Located on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA has been serving people with disabilities for 35 years. It is the world’s largest year-round barrier-free camp! For more information on the camp, visit www.campascca.org. The philosophy of Camp ASCCA is to offer an exciting program geared to the age, interest and abilities of its campers.

Corporate sponsorships available and Live Auction SNEAK PEEK. See back for details. Please send photos of your loved ones on the spectrum to be included in the Gala slideshow! Contact jennifer02@autism-alabama.org.

4217 Dolly Ridge RoadBirmingham, AL 35243

205 Lambert Avenue • Suite CMobile, AL 36604

1-877-4AUTISMwww.autism-alabama.org

AUTISM SOCIETY OF ALABAMA

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Disclaimer: The Autism Society of Alabama hopes that you will find the information in this newsletter helpful. However, the material included could contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Furthermore, references to treatment or therapy, service or service providers as well as meetings and support groups are by no means comprehensive. The inclusion of information in this newsletter should not be construed as an endorsement of any of the organizations listed or the providers referenced. ASA assumes no liability or responsibility for the use of information contained in the newsletter. Individual treatment choices should be made by the family in conjunction with a trusted physician or team of professionals who personally know the individual with autism.

ASA BOARD MEMBERSBill Pearson, PresidentPeggy Stevens, Vice PresidentJonathan Nelson, TreasurerRyan Thomas, Immediate Past PresidentNancy BarnesTracy CampBen CarlisleChristy ChambersSuzanne DowlingRod HarbinMatthew MainiMatt MooreJenny MorrisAndrea PlanteLisa RileyHanes Swingle, M.D.Karen VinsonJodie Smith, General CounselMelanie Jones, Executive Director

PAST ASA PRESIDENTSBama Hager, Ph.D.George JonesEd KendallJohn Langlow, M.D.Mike MartinBonnie TruloveApril WhitleyPhilip Young

AUTISM SOCIETY OF ALABAMA

Fall 2011NON-PROFIT ORGUS Postage

PAIDBirmingham, AL

Permit #40

WithALoudVoice

14th Annual FROG Affair Reply Card LIVE AUCTION SNEAK Preview!

“Luck of the Irish” PackageFor the adventurous at heart, travel to Kinsale,

Ireland! Your stay on the third floor, three bedroom/two bath “International Penthouse”

that occupies a stunning location atop the prestigious Shearwater development, on the waterfront overlooking Kinsale Harbor-with 2 private balconies, each with superb marina

views is sure to make the highest bidder feel very lucky! Package includes: 7 nights

accommodations in your private “International Penthouse” (Sunday-Saturday), meet/greet at the airport, limo transfer to Kinsale, or meet/greet+private self drive vehicle throughout, welcome amenities & tour briefing package,

your choice added value theme packs (includes Golf:Gourmet; Irish History; Genealogy;

Watersports).

“Magic City” PackageSpend a night out with 5 of your friends

traveling in style to a place that was voted Best Restaurant, Best Chef and was the recipient

of The Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past five years. Following dinner, your personal chauffer will take you to a luxurious

Birmingham Hotel where you can kick up your feet and relax! Package includes: A four course dinner for 6 at Ocean Restaurant in Birmingham, your choice of classic/vintage

car accommodations provided by Coats Classic Cars Vintage Limousine Service, one night stay

for two at Aloft Hotel in Homewood.

Name: Phone #:

Address:

I will attend the 14th Annual FROG Affair. Please reserve tickets: @ $85 $ I will be unable to attend. Please accept my gift of $

Angels for Autism:

I would like to make a tribute of $ in the name of

Please send an acknowledgement of my tribute to:

Name

Address

Payment Check Cash

Name

Contact #

Card # Exp. Date

Tickets are also available online at www.autism-alabama.org. Tickets are general admission. All proceeds benefit the ASA. The Autism Society of Alabama is a nonprofit corporation, exempt from federal tax under

section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. All gifts are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Make checks payable to ASA. Send to 4217 Dolly Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL 35243.

Many Thanks to our FROG Affair Supporters*

Tracy and Randy CronBama and Jeff Hager

Glenn Ireland, IIPaulette and Bill Pearson

Julie and Senator Cam Ward

*as of print date

Letter from the Executive DirectorDear Friends and Supporters,

As part of our organization’s mission, awareness of autism spectrum disorders is always on our “to-do” list. I am reminded of this as I pass or see countless automobiles and trucks on our roadways showcasing an autism magnet. I notice these magnets which are strategically placed on the back or side of a car and am reminded of the many, many families in our state who are affected by autism. Just as our children and adults on the spectrum are all unique, the puzzle pattern of this ribbon reflects the mystery and complexity of autism. The different colors and shapes represent the diversity of the people and families living with this disorder. The bright yellow colors in the autism ribbon are signals of hope through research. The awareness a simple magnet on a car brings to our cause on a daily basis is very important. The next time you’re out and about, please notice just how many cars and trucks have an autism awareness magnet. If you don’t already have a magnet, I hope you’ll get one! Let’s be seen and our cars are a great place to start.

For the cause,

ASA in ACTION

ASA eStore Car Magnets $10

Pin $15

Be sure to check out all of our awareness items and our NEW ITEMS at http://www.autism-alabama.org.

Keychains $10Lanyards $5

Plush Frogs $12

Car Magnet Order Form

Payment Information:

Name on Card:

Card #: Exp:

Signature:

Check*/Cash

Email:

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone #:

*Payable to the Autism Society of Alabama

Please mail or fax to:Autism Society of Alabama4217 Dolly Ridge RoadBirmingham, AL 35243

Niki is HOT for Autism!“They’re young, they’re hot, they’re professional, and they’re making a difference in Birmingham!” ASA

Junior Board President Niki Harris was nominated to participate in the Young Professionals of Birmingham Mr. & Ms. Young Hot Birmingham Competition. Nominees worked for two months to raise money for their

chosen charities. Niki raised over $2,000 for the Autism Society of

Alabama. We are so proud of her efforts and are glad to have her as a

part of our Junior Board of Directors!

(above) Richard Davis, Rotaract Club of Birmingham nominee, and Niki Harris serve drinks at Rogue Tavern to raise money for their Mr. and Ms. Young Hot

Birmingham campaigns.

http://facebook.com/AutismSocietyofAlabamahttp://facebook.com/AutismSocietyALhttp://www.twitter.com/AutismSocietyAL

Social Media Corner

The Autism Society of Alabama is utilizing its social media outlets now more than ever! By connecting with us on Facebook or Twitter, you will be accessing up-to-

date information on the latest ASA news and events. We value having the ability to engage with our constituents

and hope that you will connect with us online!

Please use the links below to locate us:

(above) Lexi, Chrisopher, and Ashton Loewen enjoyed ice cream from the Hershey’s Ice Cream shop on Hillcrest Road in Mobile on July 19th.

The Mobile Networking Group celebrated Autism Family Night with free scoops of ice cream!

Donate to ASA today!

Download a free QR Code application to your smartphone

and scan the image below. When you scan the QR image, you will be linked to the Angels for Autism page on our website.

Angels for Autism are loving tributes that honor and

remember individuals affected by autism spectrum disorders. Honor someone special, the memory of a loved one or a

friend by making your donation in their name.

The Autism Society of Alabama participated in this year’s

2011 Alabama Department of Education’s Mega Conference.

ASA provided information about services and supports offered to the community

through our organization. The conference was held July 18-22 in Mobile. (right) ASA Resource

Coordinator Angel Loewen distributes autism resources

and ASA materials at the ASA

booth.

(below) Congratulations to our 2011-2012 Birmingham Junior Board Officers! (left to right) Audrey Pannell - Public Relations, Lea Burnett - Vice President, Niki Rogers Harris - President, Elizabeth Pierce - Events, Shannon Hardin Dye - Membership,

Byrne Sanders - Secretary/Treasurer, Kassady Gibson - Past President. These officers have great plans in store for the next year. Thank you for all of your hard work!

ASA IN ACTION

Chris Jackson, Professional Angler, raises autism

awareness with his boat! Chris grew up fishing, and

in 2003 he followed his dream to be a professional

bass fisherman. Chris is the owner and lead

guide for Fins-N-Grins Freshwater Adventures in Guntersville, Alabama. He is featuring the ASA logo on his tour this year

to spread awareness about the autism community. For

more information visitwww.chrisjacksonfishing.com.

Update from the State Autism Coordinator:Dear Friends:It has truly been my pleasure to serve as Alabama’s first State Autism Coordinator for the past two years. My resignation from the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the lead agency for the AIACC, was effective on August 5, 2011. This was a difficult decision for me, but was in the best interest of me and my family. Thank you for the opportunity to assist you in laying the foundation for a statewide system of care for the ASD community. Over 200 individuals from across Alabama are now participating in efforts to that end. I am grateful for your contribution to and support of the considerable efforts made thus far. Trust that I have left an organized portfolio for my successor to use in continuing these most important efforts. In addition, our website www.autism.alabama.gov serves as an important archive of activities, efforts, and reports.

In closing, please know that my career will continue to be dedicated to the ASD community as it has been for the past 28 years. If I can ever assist you in the future, please direct correspondence to my personal e-mail address, caroline4autism@gmail.com. Best Wishes,Caroline Gomez

The b-Calm™ system has been developed as a practical intervention tool designed to relax

and calm those with sensory challenges or those easily distracted – thus supporting quality of life for those diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, ADD, Down syndrome, etc., as well as their family members. b-Calm utilizes AudioSedation™ audio tracks which employ special noise masking signals that are blended into live recordings of different natural environments – spring rain, summer forest, tropical beach, Sunday drive.

The result is a soothing audio experience that helps calm and relax the mind as well as block unwanted and distracting noises. Individuals love how disturbing noises are blocked and replaced with familiar and soothing sounds from nature and the world around them. Options of headphones or earbud style headphones allow an individual to blend in with their peers, rather than looking different or standing out in an awkward way.

The product has a range of uses: in the home, at school, on the school bus, on family outings, etc. If you believe that this product would be helpful to your child or students and do not have the resources to purchase the product, please email us at anna@autism-alabama.org to be included on the list we are compiling for potential sponsored units.

P.S. Soon, we’ll be announcing the new official “autism awareness” license plate available for purchase in the coming months. Stay tuned for details!

(left) Senator Cam Ward visits with Tyler Brown and his service dog, Bear, at the Alabama Capitol. Governor Bentley signed

the legislation that allows students living with Autism Spectrum Disorder to use service dogs at school. Tyler’s parents are Julie

and Anthony Brown of Auburn.

Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2010Annual Report Summary

Revenues Expenses

On behalf of the ASA Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to say that we will greatly miss having Dr. Gomez (aka Caroline) as our State Autism Coordinator. She has done remarkable work in taking our State to new levels so those affected by autism may be in a better position to receive the services they deserve. Dr. Gomez has made great strides in bringing together the many stakeholders who want a better system of care in place for those affected by autism. Her passion for and knowledge of autism has not gone unnoticed. We look forward to maintaining a working relationship with her in the future and wish her all the best.AIACC co-chairs, Dr. Bama Hager and Senator Cam Ward, along with Mental Health Commissioner Zelia Baugh, will keep us updated as steps are made to hire a new coordinator. -Melanie Jones

Large Magnet: $10 Small Magnet: $5

3-R

Our members are the backbone of ASA, and we appreciate their support! We are proud to welcome new and renewing members.

Join ASAand receive 10%

off merchandise

onlinewith a coupon

code!

Felicia Agnew; David Bankston; Doris Barbee and Steven Sansing; Carolyn and Harry Bates; Karla Battles; Diane Biddings; Pam Black; Wayne and Sydney Bradford; Tina and John Brasher; Julie Brown; Debbie Bumbicka; Lea Burnett; Karen Caldwell; Tracy Camp; Wesley Carpenter; Tom and Valerie Chapman; Brandon Cohen; Philip and Jill Crawford; Tracy and Randy Cron; Angel Dahlgren; Rhonda Davis; Robert and Wendy Demeski; Clay Doten; Jessica Dyson; The Evans Family; Florence Evermon; Charity Fields; Kelley Lea Foust; Kim Freeman; Stephen Frey; Jennifer Gallini; Dr. David

Glasgow; JoAnn Goodwin; John Gore,;Jean Greenwood; Amy Hand; Andrea Harris; Fran Heisner; Jared Hood; Judy Hughes; Donna Jennings; Heather Johnson; Sherri Killough; David and Angie Lamb; Sonia Maini; Rosalou Maxwell; Brayden McCormick and Family; Martha McKnight; Kimberly Merritt; Cindy Morgan; Jenny Morris; Alice Murdoch; Susan Ogle; Walter Parker; Amy Pittman; Andrea and Dan Plante; Jennifer Proctor; Kelly Reynoldson; Lisa Riley; Tracy, Brian, and Xander Robinson; Tanya Sanderson; April Shaw; Amanda Simpson; Monica Spiegel; Gerri Anne Taylor; Mike Tumlin; Bobbie Wallen; Janie and Jeff Walton; Chris Willis; & Drapondra Wrencher.

Angels for Autism

In memory of Laura Toffel Knox: Hilda Mansfield, Vonceil Coleman, Linda Xia; In memory of Taylor Elizabeth Mullins: Lucy Moore, Sharon Godwin, Luci Davis, Glenn and Ann Nahikian, Leigh Moorer; In memory of Jack Jackson: Mark and Lisa King; In memory of WG Jackson: Nancy Barnes; In memory of Winnie Martin: Peggy Wyatt; In honor of Cherry Pickett: Jean Ward; In honor of Bryce Pittman: Amy Pittman and Mount Zion Baptist Church; In honor of Joseph Miller: Herman and Patricia Roberson; In honor of Starla Gable: Clayton-Bailey Automotive, L.L.C.; In honor of Collin

Lee Free: Kermit Free; Donations also made by: Lucas Vevarka, Curt Harrison, Michael Caswell, Aviagen Incorporated, Jason Lockhart, Tracy Robinson, Allstate Giving Campaign, Community Health Charities of Alabama, Laura Binger, Nancy Barnes, Jana Miller, Eddie Williams, William Ethridge, Jill Walden, Kaleia Williams, Deanie Clark Allen, and Valray Shields.

Angels for Autism serve as a tangible reminder of those affected by ASD.

Longtime autism researcher, advocate, clinician, and University of Alabama Psychology Professor Laura Klinger, PhD, announced her acceptance of the position as Director of Division TEACCH, and autism program at the University of North Carolina, effective September 1, 2011. Before coming to UA, she trained at TEACCH. She describes this move as “an incredible opportunity to return to my ‘roots’ that I could not turn down.”

Dr. Laura Klinger was director of the University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic. She and her husband, Mark Klinger, PhD, were Directors of the University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders College Transition and Support Program (UA-ACTS). Klinger conducted research in the areas of attention, memory, and learning abilities in children with ASD. Specifically, she looked at identifying cognitive impairments in children with ASD that are present from the first year of life and that could be used as early diagnostic markers of the disorder.

Her knowledge of ASD and her dedication to those individuals and families affected have helped to move Alabama forward in research, policy formation, and education. More recently, she participated in the Alabama Autism Needs Assessment, the Autism Task Force, and most currently, on the Autism Council. She was also co-chair of the Alabama Autism Conference Planning Committee.

Always thorough, she has left the clinics and projects she was conducting in very capable hands. Dr. Michelle DeRamus from the Department of Psychology will serve as the Director of Clinical Services and Dr. Angela Barber from the Department of Communicative Disorders will serve as the Director of Research. Sarah Ryan from the Department of Psychology will continue to serve as the coordinator for the college transition program (UA-ACTS).

Thank you, Laura, for your contributions. It has been a pleasure to work with you.

We wish you and you family all the best.

ASA says Farewell

Networking Group Corner - Thank you to our local leaders!Alexander City - Susan Ogle,AlexanderCityNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgAuburn/Lee County - Julie Brown & Florence Evermon, AuburnNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgBirmingham Online Support Group - Tracy Cron, http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/BirminghamAlabamaAutismSupportGroupBlount County - Jennifer Proctor & Amanda Simpson, BlountCountyNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgCalhoun County - Tracy Robinson, CalhounCountyNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgCenterpoint - Seeds of Encouragement - Felicia Agnew, CenterpointNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgChilton County - Donna JenningsContact ASAClark/Washington County - Charity Fields Contact ASACullman County - Rhonda Davis & Jessica Dyson, CullmanNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgDecatur/Hartselle - Cindy MorganDecaturNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgDeKalb County - Bobbi Wallen, Contact ASADemopolis - Martha McKnight, Contact ASADothan - FASE - Fran Heisner, DothanNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgFlorence - Janie & Jeff Walton, Chris Willis, Amy Hand,FlorenceNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgGadsden Networking Group - Sonia MainiGadsdenNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgGreater Birmingham - Dr. Karen Dahle GreaterBirminghamNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgGulf Shores - Special Parents Exceptional Kids - Andrea Plante, SpecialParentsExceptionalKids@autism-alabama.orgHamilton - Tanya Sanderson, HamiltonNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.org

Huntsville - Making Connections - Debbie Bumbicka & Jenny Morris, MakingConnectionsHSV@autism-alabama.orgJasper - C.O.A.S.T. Contact ASAMobile - April Shaw, MobileNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgMontgomery - Sherri Killough & Gerri TaylorMontgomeryNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.orgSelma - Carolyn C. Bates (Selma Disabilities Advocacy Program),ccbates.sdap@gmail.comSt. Clair County - Tina & John BrasherStClairCounty@autism-alabama.orgStatewide Info & Support Network - Mike Tumlin, www.alabamaautism.orgSumpter County - JoAnn Goodwin, SumpterCountyNetworkigGroup@autism-alabama.orgTuscaloosa - Tracy Camp & Lisa RileyTuscaloosaNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.org

We welcome the new Networking Group leaders and look forward to getting these groups off the ground!

Welcoming: Tina & John Brasher-St.Clair County, Karen Dahle-Greater Birmingham, Charity Fields-Clarke/Washington Counties, Amy Hand-Florence, Donna Jennings-Chilton County, Sherri Killough-Prattville/

Montgomery, Lisa Riley-Tuscaloosa, Gerri Taylor-Prattville/Montgomery, Chris Willis-Florence, Bobbi Wallen-DeKalb County.

Thank you to those who are rolling off of leadership. We look forward to continuing to work with you in different capacities!

Lyra Stephens-Montgomery, Susan Remick, Renee Plata, and Penney Patterson.

If you are interested in participating or volunteering with one of these

groups, contact the ASA to get connected.

Membership Form

Payment Information:

Name on Card:

Card #: Exp:

Check*/Cash

Email:

Name(s):

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone #:

$15 Student

$30 Individual$40 Family

$100 Professional

$1,500 Lifetime$500 Agency

*Payable to the Autism Society of Alabama

Please mail or fax to:Autism Society of Alabama4217 Dolly Ridge RoadBirmingham, AL 35243Fax: 205.967.8244

ASA extends our deepest condolences to the family of James Bright of Fishin’ 4 a Cure.

Easter Seals has developed FRIENDS WHO CARE®, a disability awareness program for elementary school students. FRIENDS WHO

CARE® is designed to help children better understand what it means to live with a disability, and to encourage children to accept differences. It explains what differing disabilities are, and provides hands-on activities to

help children learn how people with disabilities live independent, everyday lives. To find out more information about this program and curriculum, visit www.easterseals.com/friendswhocare.

FriendsWho Care

(left) Goodwill Easter Seals and ASA held a “Read to Me” event for children with autism and their siblings on Friday,

(right) Participants at Grant Street Church of Christ in Decatur formed a weight loss group and donated the $150 raised to ASA. While taking care of their own health, they also contributed to the autism community. Thank you for your support!

August 5 in Mobile. A local volunteer from The Junior League of Mobile read the story of “Leo the Late Bloomer” during a group story time. Afterwards each child participated in an arts and crafts activity.

Monitoring Autism in Alabama Who and Why? To get a better picture of the scope of ASDs in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, the largest multisite collaboration to monitor ASDs in the U.S. The network provides estimates of the number of children affected by ASDs, describes the population affected, and evaluates changes in ASDs over time. Since the network’s inception, CDC has funded programs at 16 sites covering 17 states, including Alabama. (1,2) The Alabama Autism Surveillance Project (AASP) began in 2002 and is currently funded to conduct surveillance through 2012. How? The ADDM sites work together to maintain consistent study methods. CDC has been working on the methodology for developmental disability surveillance for more than 20 years, and its application to ASDs was undertaken following concerns

about increases in autism during the mid-1990s. The ADDM Network does not rely solely on a child’s previous ASD diagnosis or special education eligibility category to classify a child as having an ASD. How much? In 2006, at the participating ADDM sites, 2,757 8-year old U.S. children were identified as having an ASD. The overall average ASD prevalence was 9.0 per 1,000 children or about 1 in 110 children. In Alabama, in 2006, we identified 212 children with an ASD and our total prevalence was 6.0 per 1,000 or roughly 1 in 166 children. Why is Alabama different? We know that we are not identifying all children with ASDs in Alabama. Some states in the ADDM Network obtain data from both clinical and education sources. Alabama only began collecting data from education sources in 2010, so we might see a change in our prevalence with the 2010 data. Additionally, there might be policies or other issues that decrease our ability to obtain needed information.

We will continue to provide updates on the AASP and our findings as they become available. For more information, please contact Neva Garner (negarner@uab.edu) or Dr. Martha Wingate (mslay@uab.edu). 1. Other states include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 2. The ADDM sites do not make up a nationally representative sample, and caution is needed when generalizing rates to every community in the U.S. Rates might be higher or lower in some places.

A Four Man Scramble Benefiting ASA

Register online at www.frogsonthefairway.eventbrite.com Limited to the first 110 participants!

Friday, October 14, 2011Lake Forest Golf Club - Daphne, AL

Registration at 11:30am, Shotgun at 12:30pm

(above) Abhi Slaten received an Amtryke at the June 4th bike fair. For more information

on AMBUCS, visit the Chapter Directory at www.ambucs.com.

AMBUCS strives to “create mobility and independence

for people with disabilities.”

Save the date for the Birmingham Home & Garden 2011 Inspiration Home at The Cove at Overton. The Home will be open weekends late this November and into December. Visit www.facebook.com/Birmingham-Home-And-Garden for more information on how this Inspiration Home will benefit area schools and

children with special needs.

As part of a grant funded last winter by the Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities, ASA placed various Autism Spectrum Disorder relevant references in Public Libraries in all 67 Alabama Counties. Twenty-nine public libraries in towns with Autism Society of Alabama Network Support Groups received the following current references:

Cohen, M. and Sloan, D. (2007). Visual Supports for People with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals; Doyle, B. and Iland, E. (2005). Los Trastornos del Espectro de Autismo de la A a la Z (Spanish Edition); Fouse, B. (1999). Creating a Win-Win IEP for Students with Autism. Gray, C. (2010). The New Social Stories Book: 10th Anniversary Edition; Moore, S.T. (2002). Asperger Syndrome and the Elementary School Experience: Practical Solutions for Academic and Social Difficulties; Smith Myles, B and Southwick, J. (2005). Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrum, Rage, and Meltdown-Revised and Expanded Edition; Sussman, F. (1999). More Than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children.

This initiative allows public libraries across the state the opportunity to develop their ASD specific collection. You can help with this endeavor. If you are a patron of your local public library, please submit requests to your librarian for the acquisition of new, peer reviewed references relevant to ASD. The above titles are good titles to request if your town is a not a Network Support Group town and did not receive these particular titles. ASA can also recommend titles to you or your library in the areas of parenting, education, advocacy or therapies or you may have favorite titles that may be helpful to other citizens. As library patrons, we can assist our local public libraries in developing their ASD collection.

Parent and Policy & Grants Advisor, bamah@autism-alabama.org

ASA received this Thank You regarding the donation of books from Phenix City-Russell County Library: Thank you so much for the wonderful books you provided for our library! I can’t tell you how much we appreciate them. We try to provide resources in this area for parents, teachers and researchers, but it is difficult to keep up-to-date with materials with our funding. These will be placed in our collection immediately, since we often have requests for these materials.

Thank you, again, for remembering us. - Martha Noyes, Director Phenix City-Russell County Library

Policy and Grants: Advisor Update

Bama Hager, Ph.D.

BACK TO SCHOOLThis time of year is a time of great promise, excitement and anxiety for any parent. Parents of children living with ASD undoubtedly feel these emotions and may, at times, experience heightened anxiety during transition into the school year. Even the most seasoned parent often will take a few moments in August to reflect and ponder the school year. For many of you, the school year may be underway. The list may provide an opportunity to monitor your success in transitioning into the year. No two students with ASD are exactly alike. There is further information on this topic at the ASA website, www.autism-alabama.org. Please send us your helpful tips for preparing for school to ASA so that we may share your ideas with other parents.

1. Communicate. We, as parents, are constantly helping our children living with ASD in their communication efforts. Our communications with teachers, aides, administration and staff are vital for school success. It is often helpful to make an appointment with the general education teacher during those busy days before school starts. In the meeting, a parent might try to foster a team approach to teaching his/her child. Parents are an important component to the transition and to the completion of schoolwork during the year. It is a good idea to communicate about behavior issues at home or any problems that may have an impact on school functioning. A discussion of plans of action for problems like confusion with the new routine, tantrums, and frustration with mastering tasks can be identified. Parents may wish to share their hopes and expectations with the general education teacher, while conveying that the parent understands that all of the teacher’s efforts may not be perfect responses. Teaching any child is a series of trials, successes and errors and teaching a child with ASD is no exception. Agree upon a time to communicate by email or phone after the first day of school so that parent and teacher can discuss the successes and challenges of the first day. 2. Communicate More. Communicate with the special education teacher in much the same manner. You might go more in depth in generating solutions for dealing with opposition, tantrums, difficulties with peers, difficulties with task completion or time management. A plan for getting materials to and from school is a helpful discussion topic. It is possible that the more that is addressed proactively before school starts, the less solutions that may have to be generated reactively. Special education teachers are usually a great source of school specific information regarding transition. 3. Build in Positive Peer Interactions. When communicating with the teacher, one topic might be peer relations and ways that the teacher might foster positive peer relations. Dr. Karen Dahle, Coordinator of UAB’s Collaborative Special Education Graduate Progam with a Concentration in ASD, highlighted the importance of knowing the dress code and style of dress of students at the school. This is a simple step parents can take to help their students with peer relationships. 4. Identify a Safe Place. It is helpful to negotiate a safe place or “positive time out” or “rest” place for your child to go if he/she gets overwhelmed with classroom activities. This spot might be a carpet square or beanbag in the classroom or outside the classroom. It can be a quiet reading area in the library or in a hallway or special education area. It is a place for a student to go when he/she is overwhelmed, over stimulated or uncomfortable. This step can be helpful for students of all ages, even high school students may benefit. 5. Social Story or Picture Schedule. For students with ASD, a picture schedule or social story is a great preparation for school. Even if you think that your child may not need a visual or written aid to prepare for school, the aids can be very comforting and helpful. A social story is a story that you or you and your child write about returning to school. It includes the

specifics of your child’s transition experience. So, it may start something like this: “I will be going to City Elementary School and will be in Mrs. Smith’s class. There will be some boys and girls that I know in my class. There will be some boys and girls that I will not know in my class. We will start the day doing ‘example activity.’” Whatever specifics you can find out from your child’s teacher about the day can be used in the story. For younger students or students who prefer pictures, a picture schedule is often helpful. A parent might take a picture of the school, entrance, classroom, lunchroom, gym, playground, etc. to use in discussing the first day of school. Schools are usually fully staffed and open in the days immediately prior to the start of the semester. This might be an opportunity for parents to enter the school and with permission from the administration, take photos for a picture schedule. A photo of the teacher would be great if available. Walking into and through the building and seeing the classroom can be beneficial. Dr. Karen Dahle added that it is often helpful to have students meet their teacher and walk through their schedule. 6. Identify Schedule Problems. Dr. Dahle emphasized the importance of asking about and watching for difficulties in the child’s schedule. For example, make sure older students know how to get through their schedule without difficulty. She stated that students may have trouble navigating halls, opening lockers, getting through stairways and doorways. Staff should make sure that students are able to get around the school. If your child is particularly stressed at the end of the school day, Dr. Dahle encourages parents to question their child or school staff about the child’s maneuvering through the school building and schedule. Students may have trouble going through doors, opening lockers, avoiding bells, going up or down stairs, entering the lunchroom or the lunch line. It may be important to ask about bullies at school or difficulties on the bus or before or after school. Students may need a social story or picture schedule for different environments in the school, i.e., lunchroom, classroom, recess, gym, bus, etc.7. A Countdown Calendar. Counting down to the first school day is often a great help. Any calendar with blank squares for days can be used to count down 10 more days until school, 9 more days until school, 8 more days, etc. Older students often benefit from organized and planned supplies for each class. So notebooks, books and folders might be color coded or coded with a picture so that the student can effectively and efficiently find materials for class and home.

Dr. Dahle further stated that that general and special education teachers should be familiar with the IEP. Parents should question which teachers will be responsible for different aspects of the IEP. Clarification on who will provide feedback and communication to parents is essential. Dr. Dahle gave this salient piece of advice, “Be an active partner with your teacher; the more helpful you are and the more ‘on the scene,’ the easier for you to keep an eye on your child’s progress and be an effective parent at your child’s school.”

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Transitioning to the 2011 School Year

Bama Hager, Ph.D.Parent

Karen Dahle, Ed.D.UAB, Coordinator, Ed.S.

Collaborative Special Education

Program: ASD Concentration

Renee Plata, M.S. Ed.Parent & Director

Puzzle Piece

Four things to do help your child transition back to school with a smile:

Create a reward system for getting ready in the morning. Make a schedule for your morning routine. Consider their development and learning style to determine the length of the routine, how much independence they can handle and if the list needs to be visual or tape recorded. Make it a fun game that they practice with a stop watch or with a sibling.

Go visit the school and the classroom. Take photos and make a social story about their day. Have some classmates over for a playdate.

If they are nervous, validate it. Label the emotion for them and remind them of times that they were nervous in the past and were able to be successful. Write down techniques that helped them. Create a 1-5 scale listing the degrees of their anxiety. One being happy to five a total meltdown. Use this system in different situations during their day so that they can experience ways to bring a number five anxiety down to a number one happy day.

Set up a homework routine. A place to work and a time to work. Create a checklist to organize your child to get them ready and organized . Create a reward system. Let your child be actively involved in the set up.

BACK TO SCHOOL continuedCookin’ for a CauseA very special thank you to FIS Birmingham Solutions for putting together Cookin’ for a Cause. This cookbook included a collection of employees’ favorite recipes, and all proceeds benefit the ASA. Over $2,000 was raised! Contact ASA to order your $10 cookbook today.

(above, left to right) Jamie Crocker, Candace Blackmon, Dee Scott, and Darlene Gibson pose with their cookbooks.

Dear Friends,

Without you, we could not have moved our program or our schools. Without you, we would not have had enough supplies to finish out the school year. Without you, we would not have had the resources to reach out to our families and staff affected by the tornados. The kindness shown from friends and strangers will forever stay with us and give us hope. We ARE coming back!

-Jan Sikes, Director of Arts ‘n Autism

Remember April 27, 2011The autism community came together following the storms of April 27th. The ASA contributed to the Arts ‘n Autism relief efforts, and we are glad that they are continuing to grow stronger. For all of the ASA supporters who donated to Arts ‘n Autism during this time, this letter speaks volumes:

(above) card signed by students in Arts ‘n Autism.

Save the Date!November 19th - USA vs. Cal Poly

Package includes a ticket to the game and tailgating fun. More information coming soon!

(right) Over 120 people gathered at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville on July 16th for a Making

Connections family outing.