Virginia Becomes 26Th State to Enact Autism Insurance Legislation

Volume 19 Issue 6 Autism Society , Central Virginia June 2011 6

Virginia Becomes 26th State to Enact Autism Insurance Legislation

AS-CV Mission & On May 6, 2011 Governor Bob McDonnell signed legislation into law that will provide much needed medical treatment for Philosophy young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The sum- mary of the legislation from the General Assembly website The Autism Society, the nation’s leading states the legislation requires: grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We health insurers, health care subscription plans, and health do this by increasing public awareness about maintenance organizations to provide coverage for the diagno- the day-to-day issues faced by people on the sis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and treatment for ASD spectrum, advocating for appropriate services in individuals from age two to six, subject to an annual maxi- for individuals across the lifespan, and mum benefit of $35,000 of coverage for applied behavior providing the latest information regarding analysis. Treatment for ASD includes applied behavior analy- treatment, education, research and advocacy. sis when provided or supervised by a board certified behavior analyst, who shall be licensed by the Board of Medicine, and the prescribing practitioner is independent of the provider of 2010–2011 OFFICERS AND BOARD: the applied behavior analysis. The mandate to provide coverage will not apply to individual or small group policies, con- President: Sandi Wiley tracts, or plans. The mandate will apply to the state employees' Vice-President Fundraising: Pam Mines health insurance plan and to the local choice health program. Vice President Outreach: Tiffany Robertson This measure will not apply to an insurer, corporation, or Treasurer: Todd Domaleski health maintenance organization, or to government employee programs, if the costs associated with coverage exceed one Meeting Secretary: Bill Thompson percent of premiums charged over the experience period. CorrespondingSecretary: Cheryl Fisher Board members: Norm Geller Ph.D. The full text of the bill signed by Governor McDonnell further Shawn Kirk states: If an individual who is being treated for autism spectrum Donna Sabel disorder becomes seven years of age or older and continues to Karen Singleton, MD need treatment, this section does not preclude coverage of treatment and services. KEY VOLUNTEER POSITIONS: The bills were sponsored in the Senate by Senator Janet Howell Office Manager: Tammy Burns and in the House by Delegate Tag Greason and Delegate Tim Newsletter Editor: Elizabeth Selko Hugo. Webmaster: Anthony Wiley 5K Run Committee Chair: Holly Aldridge The Governor proposed 5 amendments to the legislation. Four Childcare Coordinator: Francesca Jones of the amendments were agreed to by advocates and were adopted by the Senate. STAFF: The fifth amendment, which proposed that the act shall expire Executive Director: Bradford Hulcher if the annual maximum benefit is invalidated by state or federal Asperger's Interest Group Facilitator: Brie King (Continued on page 3) 1 Autism Society, Central VA Newsletter

AUTISM AT THE MOVIES REPLACES FRIDAY CHAPTER MEETINGS FOR THE SUMMER

In lieu of Friday night chapter meetings, this summer we'll once again sponsor free monthly AUTISM AT THE MOVIES nights. The films featured will be on topics of interest to the autism community and will be shown on the big screens in the River Road United Methodist Church fellowship hall. As in years past, we'll provide traditional movie fare, including popcorn, candy, and soda; or feel free to bring your own refreshments if you are on a special diet.

Please join us on Tuesday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m. for Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic which takes a look at 2 movements: the "recovery movement," which views autism as a tragic epidemic brought on by environmental toxins, and the "neuro-diversity movement," which argues that autism should be accepted and autistic people supported. After his son's diagnosis, filmmaker Todd Drezner visits the front lines of the autism wars to learn more about the debate. Please RSVP for the movie at http://junemovie.eventbrite.com/ New this year will be free childcare during the movie. Childcare is limited to those families attending the movie and reservations must be made at least a week in advance by e-mailing [email protected] with the name(s) and grade(s) of the child(ren) for whom childcare is being requested.

Thank You for the This newsletter is a publication of: Autism Society, Central VA □ P.O. Box 29364 □ Richmond, Virginia 23242-0364 Following Donations (804) 257-0192

We accept for consideration any comments, personal vignettes, book reviews, information, announcements or FerrellGas advertisements for publication in our chapter newsletter. Mosaic Café The deadline for submission for the July newsletter is June Lee District Women’s Club 15. You may send your contributions to the Chapter at the above address or email contributions to [email protected]. Karl Koenig Jessica DeRuosi The Autism Society, Central Virginia does not endorse nor promote any program or service provider. The information Joan Hanna contained in this newsletter is provided for informational Janet Worsham in Honor of Robbie Vo- purposes only. The Chapter is a volunteer organization providing information, support and encouragement to gel parents, family members and professionals in the Central Martha Beddingfield in Honor Of T. VA area. Kane’s Son, Michael This edition was edited by Elizabeth Selko and Bradford Fire & Ice Café Hulcher.

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Virginia Becomes 26th State 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger’s (2010, Revised and Expanded) Ellen Notbohm and Veronica Zysk (Continued from page 1) Creating Collaborative IEPs: A Handbook (2009) law or a court of competent jurisdiction was troubling to ad- Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU vocates and was rejected by the Senate. It’s About Me! A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating My IEP Locally, Senators Stosch, Watkins, Martin, and McDougle, (2009) voted in favor of the 5th amendment which could have invali- Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU dated the bill. Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology and Tran- Senators Marsh, McEachin, Norment, and Quayle sided with sition Planning the majority (and advocates) in rejecting the 5th amendment. U.S Office of Special Education Programs In the House, local delegates voting in favor of the the bill, which included amendments 1-4 from the Governor, were: My Brother Charlie (2011) Ware, Tyler, Robinson, O'Bannon, Morrissey, Massie, Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete McQuinn., Loupassi, Ingram, and Kirk Cox. The Socially Included Child (2009) Delegate McClellan voted against the bill. Laurie LeComer, M.Ed.

Delegates Peace and Janis did not vote. Can’t Play, Won’t Play: Simply Sizzling Ideas to get the Ball Rolling for Children with Dyspraxia (2008) The bill will go into effect on January 1, 2012. Sharon Drew and Elizabeth Atter

Intricate Minds: Understanding Classmates with Asperger Syndrome (2006, DVD) Coultervideo NEWS FROM THE Intricate Minds II: Understanding Elementary School Class- mates with Asperger Syndrome (2006, DVD) LIBRARY Coultervideo

Intricate Minds III: Understanding Elementary Classmates Who Think Differently (2006, DVD) One of the benefits of Chapter membership is being able to Coultervideo check books out of the library. The library is accessible at each month’s Chapter meeting and at Interest Group meetings My Friend with Autism (enhanced edition w/ free CD of color- throughout the month (check the calendar at www.asacv.org ing pages) (2011) for dates and times of meetings). The following materials are Beverly Bishop additions to the library: Why Do I Take Vitamins? A Book for Children with Autism Living Along the Autism Spectrum: What Does It Mean to (2010) Have Autism or Asperger Syndrome? (2009,DVD) Janelle M. Love, MD Stephen Shore, Ed.D and Robert Naseef, Ph.D. Why Does My Belly Hurt? A Book for Children with Autism Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic (2011, DVD) (2009) Todd Drezner Janelle M. Love, MD

Superflex… A Superhero Social Thinking Curriculum (2008, No More Macaroni and Cheese: A Book for Children with book, comic book, CD) Autism (2009) Stephanie Madrigal and Michelle Garcia Winner Janelle M. Love, MD

Transition Toolkit (2011) How to Talk to an Autistic Kid (2011) Autism Speaks Daniel Stefanski

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Dreamers To Perform Aladdin June 26 at the JCC

Dreamers is Richmond`s theater troupe of young adults with various disabilities such as Asperger's Syndrome. After perform- ing Willy Wonka at the JCC in May 2010, the participants went to the N.Y. International Film Festival where their documentary, “Dreamers Theater” won an award and inspired so many. The documentary, locally produced by PBS and chapter member Joan Lipstock, is being shown now on 134 PBS stations across the country including locally June 22 at 10:30PM on WCVW.

As part of their mission to help raise awareness and resources for disability organizations, Dreamers performed at the 2010 Down Syndrome Walk at the Short Pump Towne Center and the Positive Vibe Fest.

Dreamers will perform an adapted version, perfect for all ages, of the musical Aladdin on June 26 at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door and include a dessert reception to meet and greet the performers after the show. This year Dreamers is raffling a computer at the performance; a portion of the proceeds will go to help a special needs school in Kenya.

For more information go to www.dreamerstheater.org or call Joan Lipstock at 314-3026.

ASCV JUNE CALENDAR

The Autism Society, Central VA will sponsor the following meetings/events in June. All meetings are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Meetings take place at River Road United Methodist Church, 8800 River Road unless otherwise noted. For information: 257-0192 or [email protected]

June 6 Fire and Ice Cafe, 1110b East Main Street, Richmond 10% of sales to benefit ASCV

June 7 7:00 p.m. Board Meeting

June 8 10:00 a.m. Parents of Children with Asperger Syndrome/HFA Interest Group

June 13 7:00 p.m. Parents of Children with Asperger Syndrome/HFA Interest Group

June 21-24 Positive Practices in Behavioral Support through Non-linear Applied Behavior Analysis fee; for more info: www.asacv.org

June 26 5:00 p.m. Dads' of Kids with ASD Group (Shrader Lanes) RSVP to: http://junedads.eventbrite.com June 27 7:00 p.m. Adults w/ Asperger’s/High Functioning Autism Interest Group (open only to adults w/ AS/HFA)

June 27 7:00 p.m. Family Members of Adults with AS/HFA Interest Group

June 28 6:30 p.m. Movie Night: LOVING LAMPPOSTS

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@ 7 4 6 - 4 3 0 3 e x t 3 6 0 o r t e a m c o n - Community Events/ [email protected] June 17 The Advisory Council on Intellectual and Devel- Meetings of Interest opmental Disabilities (TACIDD) TACIDD serves in an advisory capacity to the DBHDS through the Office of De- velopmental Services on issues regarding policy, services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities in June 4 Eagles Nest a faith based support group meeting Virginia; meets 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services, 10299 Woodman Road, for parents/caregivers of children with disabilities; meets at Colony Coffee 2425 Colony Crossing Pl Midlothian from 4 Glen Allen; public is welcome; for more info: to 5:00 p.m.; rsvp to: [email protected] http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/ODS-TACIDD.htm

June 6 Aspie Bible Study meet on the first and third Mon- June 18 Buddy Break a free respite care program for chil- day of each month @ Good Shepherd UMC, 9155 Hungary dren with special needs ages 3-21 and their siblings ages 3- 11; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; sponsored by Southside Church of The Rd, Richmond; 7:15 pm. - 9 p.m.; call Shawn at 804-339- 4393 for info; open to mature teens 17 or older and adults Nazarene, Courthouse Rd; contact Amy Morgan @ 804- with HFA/Asperger's 778-7800 ext. 247 or [email protected]

June 8 Support Group for Parents of Children w/ ASD June 20 Aspie Bible Study meet on the first and third sponsored by the Dominion School for Autism; meets every Monday of each month @ Good Shepherd UMC, 9155 Hun- gary Rd, Richmond; 7:15 pm. - 9 p.m.; call Shawn at 804- 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month; 8:45 to 9:45am; Wal- nut Grove Children's Learning Center at 7046 Cold Harbor 339-4393 for info; open to mature teens 17 or older and Road, Mechanicsville; for info: 355-1011 adults with HFA/Asperger's [email protected] June 22 Support Group for Parents of Children w/ ASD sponsored by the Dominion School for Autism; meets every June 9 Richmond Asperger's Meetup the second Thurs- 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month; 8:45 to 9:45am; Wal- day of each month from 7-9pm; a place where older children (age 11-17) can meet other Aspergers children and sib- nut Grove Children's Learning Center at 7046 Cold Harbor lings/adults with Asperger's can meet together and/or share Ro a d , Mechanicsville; fo r i n fo : 3 5 5 -1 0 1 1 information with parents of kids with AS; RSVP at [email protected] http://aspergers.meetup.com/397/

June 9 Young Life Capernaum Hanover an inclusive faith based group for teens and young adults with disabilities; 6:30 - 8 p.m.; for information, contact Clint at [email protected] ABA Therapist

June 10 Buddy Break a free respite care program for children with special needs ages 3-21 and their siblings ages 3- 11; 6:30 - 9:30 p.m..; sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church, North Parham Rd; for info: Carolyn Hassan 804-270-4626 [email protected] ABA-based therapist with 8 years of experience as a therapeutic shadow and in-home therapist seeking new June 14 Exceptional Musicians an opportunity for indi- families. I provide natural environment therapy (in the viduals with disabilities (ages 14 and over) to learn and play home or classroom) for children with high functioning music; bring your instrument if you have one; 6:30-7:30 autism, cognitive behavioral therapy for children with p.m.; Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 11220 Nuckols Rd, Aspergers, general anxiety, and cognitive rigidity due Glen Allen; for info: Beverly @762-8895 to OCD-like behaviors, and sensory strategies for children with sensory integration disorder. June 16 A Journey of Rest and Restoration; a monthly Christian-based support group designed for cou- ples/caregivers of children with any special needs; meets the Please call me (Lauren Brennan) for more information third Thursday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m.; Mechan- 882-3502 or email [email protected]. icsville Christian Center; free childcare and sign language interpreter; pre-registration required; contact Joanna Frank Paid Advertisement

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environment. Specific topics include functional activities, Workshops & powerful reinforcers, functional communication, identification and replacement of Contextually Inappropriate Behaviors, Conferences generalization, lesson formats, teaching strategies, error cor- rection and data collection/analysis. PECS is an evidence- based strategy, with supportive research from countries June 7 Adolescents and Adults with Autism: Applied Be- around the world $395/professionals; $295/parents; Rich- havior Analysis & Evidence-based Practice in Support of mond; For more info: www.pecs.com Competence a n d Q u a l i t y o f L i f e by Dr. Peter Gerhardt; sponsored by Virginia Institute for Au- For additional information on autism conferences and work- tism; 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.; FREE but reservations required; Char- shops in VA, visit www.autismtrainingva.org lottesville; for info: http://www.viaschool.org/

June 9 Ethical Considerations in Behavior Analysis and Autism Intervention designed to help participants apply ex- isting ethical guidelines for behavior analysts effectively as well as expand their knowledge of B.F. Skinner's philosophy on ethics to help guide current practice. Participants will apply this knowledge to a variety of situations presented in written and/or video vignettes; sponsored by Commonwealth Autism Service; $65; for info: www.autismva.org

June 9 How to Begin Home Schooling FREE workshops sponsored by the Home Educators Association in Richmond; http://www.heav.org/convention/workshops/free- workshops.html

June 21-24 Positive Practices in Behavioral Support through Non-linear Applied Behavior Analysis; sponsored by the Autism Society, Central VA; see flyer insert for more info or visit www.asacv.org William is a 14 year old boy with a bright imagination and bubbly personality that is guaranteed to make anyone smile June 22-24 College Bound a transition program for Virginia and he needs an adoptive home. William is tired of moving students who are high school juniors, seniors, and college and longs for a family to call his own! freshmen with disabilities, their parents or guardians, and professionals. V i r g i n i a T e c h ; f o r i n f o : He enjoys playing video games, listening to music, watching http://www.cpe.vt.edu/collegebound/ movies, and playing on the computer. William also loves sports and will challenge anyone who thinks he or she can June 27-29 Shaping the Future an intensive three-day work- beat him! He is fond of the outdoors and enjoys a variety of shop; designed to provide parents and professionals with train- activities but especially loves water sports and will need an ing in the theory and application of ABA principles, specifi- active family that will allow him to explore new activities. cally as they relate to children with autism; for info: http://www.viaschool.org William needs a patient mother and father to aid him in ex- pressing his thoughts and feelings appropriately. It is impor- July 6-9 42nd Annual Autism Society National Conference tant for him to have one-on-one time with his parents and to and Exposition; Orlando, FL; for info: http://www.autism- be reminded that he is loved. William will need a family that society.org/get-involved/events/conference/ will help him with his school work and encourage him to do his very best. William also needs a family that will be able to Aug. 11-14 Achieve with Us 2011 Arc of VA State Conven- parent him into adulthood; William may not be able to live on tion; VA Beach; for info: his own independently. With consistency and structure, Wil- http://www.thearcofva.org/state_convention/index.html liam will thrive and reach his full potential.

Aug. 25-26 PECS (Picture Exchange Communication Sys- Could you be the adoptive family William is looking for? For tem) Basic Training appropriate for any parent or profes- more information on William, please call Marge Caltagirone sional working with learners with autism, related disabili- with Lutheran Family Services @ 540-586-3623, ext. 103 or ties/or limited communication skills; begins with an factors email, [email protected] related to establishing an effective learning/communicative 6 Autism Society, Central VA Newsletter

FOND FAREWELL TO NEWS FROM THE ASCV BOARD MEMBER BOARD

The ASCV was busy in May as we continued to further our mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism. Board member Cheryl Fisher, her husband Bill, and their two sons will be moving back to her home state AWARENESS of Kentucky in June. Cheryl has served on the Autism Society, Central VA board since December of 2009,  Hosted the nationally acclaimed film WRETCHES most recently in the position of Corresponding Secre- AND JABBERERS tary. We thank Cheryl for her selfless contributions to the ASCV and wish her and her family all the best in  Hosted the 9th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Autism their new endeavors. EDUCATION

 Participated in the Matoaca High School Transition Fair

 Hosted a panel on postsecondary education options for students across the autism spectrum

 Continued collaboration with Virginia Autism Council CCT Charitable Fund in training development Award

The Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT) established I'm Determined Youth the CCT Charitable Fund Award to provide Virginia resi- dents who have a developmental disability or are disabled Summit due to an accident with a maximum award of $250 per applicant for equipment, medication or services. The applicant The Virginia Department of Education Youth Summit is a must meet the Social Security Administration definition of two-day event held each year. Approximately 100 youth disabled and the federal poverty guidelines. The CCT Board with disabilities, ages 14 and older, from across the Com- of Directors approved $12,500 for 2011 to fund The Chari- monwealth meet to network and discuss issues of impor- table Fund Award as part of the organization’s mission to tance to young people with disabilities. Delegates work in enrich the quality of life for people living with a disability. teams to identify issues and develop action plans that will Applications will be considered based on the following cri- encourage youth to better advocate for themselves and lead teria. Does the product or service help with 1) medical man- more self-determined lives. agement/stability, 2) quality of life, and 3) community func- tion/success? The application for the CCT Charitable Fund The Youth Summit is sponsored by the Virginia Depart- Award must be completed and signed by the beneficiary’s ment of Education and the Partnership for People with Dis- advocate, who is a professional staff person working for a abilities. It will be held in Charlottesville November 7 and public or nonprofit organization. The application can be 8. Applications for the Fall 2011 Youth Summit are due found at September 16. Several youth who are members of our chapter have participated in past summits. Applications can be http://www.commonwealthcommunitytrust.org/index_asset found here: s/cct-charitable-fund.pdf Applications must be received by https://php.radford.edu/~imdetermined/index.php Aug. 1, 2011.

7 Autism Society, Central Virginia Non-Profit P.O. Box 29364 Organization U.S. Postage Richmond, VA 23242-0364 PAID (804) 257-0192 Richmond, VA Permit No. 132

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