Shema Kolainu –Hear Our Voices 2019 Legislative Breakfast Celebrates 21St Anniversary

SUMMER 2019

Shema Kolainu –Hear Our Voices 2019 Legislative Breakfast Celebrates 21st Anniversary

Announcing Autims Initiative New Project Of Adding Two More Workshops Series p.5 Floors To Our School Building p.2 Bullying Student Activites and How to Confront It p.13 At A Glance p.8 And More We provide services to For 21 years, children and families in all five boroughs in New York City. Contents H EAR OUR VOICES School & Center for Children with Autism Message From Our Founder 01 Our school and center has been improving the lives of To learn more, children diagnosed with autism and other developmental please scan disabilities in a warm and nurturing environment. 02 SKHOV Celebrating 21 years a QR code 05 2018-2019 Workshops Series CENTER-BASED SERVICES: 07 Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein Pre-School (3 to 5 years) 08 Carnival Created By, And For, Students School-Age (5 to 21 years) Speech Therapy 09 Students Activities at a Glance Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy 11 Baking Expert Renuka Bhojaraj Art Therapy Music Therapy 12 Autism and Nonverbal Communication

13 Bullying and How to Confront It CALL TODAY TO 14 Maybe Autism is My Super Power LEARN MORE 718-686-9600

HOME-BASED PROGRAMS: EI Program (0 to 3 years) SEIT Program (3 to 5) To make donation Comm-Hab Program (ages 3 - adult) please scan a QR In-Home Respite (ages 3 - adult) code or visit our website Parent/Caregiver Training

@ShemaKolainuHearOurVoices @HearOurVoices hear.our.voices

4302 New Utrecht Ave Brooklyn, NY 11219 www.ShemaKolainu.org 718-686-9600 We provide services to For 21 years, children and families in all five boroughs in New York City. H EAR OUR VOICES

School & Center for Children with Autism

Our school and center has been improving the lives of To learn more, children diagnosed with autism and other developmental please scan disabilities in a warm and nurturing environment. a QR code

CENTER-BASED SERVICES:

Pre-School (3 to 5 years) School-Age (5 to 21 years) Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Art Therapy Music Therapy

CALL TODAY TO LEARN MORE 718-686-9600

@ShemaKolainuHearOurVoices @HearOurVoices hear.our.voices

4302 New Utrecht Ave Brooklyn, NY 11219 www.ShemaKolainu.org 718-686-9600 Hear Our Voices Message From Our Founder Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Ph.D., MBA

For more than a decade, Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices has hosted an annual legislative breakfast to educate legislators about the importance of autism care and research, to advocate for continued funding to benefit children with autism and their families, and to honor individuals who have showed outstanding dedication to furthering Shema Kolainu’s mission.

Our breakfasts are part of Shema Kolainu’s overall mission to promote autism awareness and improve the lives of children with autism and their families. The autism rate has increased exponentially, with one in In the future, Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices hopes 54 children diagnosed with the condition. Since open- to expand and grow further, introducing new programs ing our doors, Shema Kolainu has grown by leaps and and initiatives and expanding our facility to accommo- bounds. Starting with just three students, we now have date more students and staff. Reading this month’s educational and therapeutic programs for over 1,000, issue of Shema Kolainu magazine, we hope you will ranging from 3 to adult, and hailing from all five New feel informed and inspired, sharing our passion to help York City boroughs. Shema Kolainu also offers a free students on the spectrum and their families. workshop series for parents, students, and other professionals, funded by the NYC Council Autism Initiative. With your support, it is our We are also very proud of our exceptional, dedicated hope that we can continue staff, who are committed to providing students with a our outstanding educational first-rate education in a warm, nurturing environment. programs, enriching the lives The love and support provided by our teachers is truly incredible. Through their efforts, each of our students of our students for many is encouraged to discover their own unique voice and years to come. achieve their full potential.

Shema Kolainu - Hear Our Voices 4302 New Utrecht Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11219 Learn More T: 718.686.9600 F: 718.686.6161 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA [email protected] www.shemakolainu.org Founder & CEO: Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Ph.D., MBA Program Director: Suri Gruen Educational Director: Gili Rechany, MA, SBL, BCBA, LBA

1 Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 Hear Our Voices

Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices August 6, 2019 Legislative Breakfast Celebrating 21st Anniversary

n August 6th, Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voic- Oes will be holding a legislative breakfast in honor of its 21st anniversary, marking a new milestone in L-R: Menachem Lubinsky, Dr. Joshua Weinstein from the Office of NYC Mayor de its history. Founded in 1998 by Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Blasio, Peter Rebenwurzel, NYC Councilmember Kalman Yeger, Ezra Friedlander Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices is a NYC-based school and center for children with autism and related Among the latter are NYC councilmembers Brad conditions. Created to address the growing need for Lander and Mark Levine, who received the City Lead- educational programs designed for children with au- ership award in 2017, and Saima Wazed Hossain, the tism, Shema Kolainu provides daughter of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Ha- exceptional education through sina, who received the Interna- tional Champion Award, also a variety of programs and an “Our children continue to amaze us outstanding, dedicated staff. at 2017’s legislative breakfast. every day, accomplishing more and Hossain serves as Chairper- inspiring us all,” Dr. Weinstein said at Held annually for more than son of the Bangladesh Nation- two decades, Shema Kolainu’s the event. “These “small miracles” al Advisory Committee for Au- legislative breakfasts have as we call them, are major bless- tism and Neurodevelopmental been attended by a wide range ings. These achievements could Disorders, and was chosen by of notable advocates, includ- not be possible without the dedica- the World Health Organization ing legislators, dignitaries, and tion and support of our outstanding (WHO) as their regional cham- religious leaders. Guests have staff. We thank you for your contin- pion for autism in South Asia. included former NYC May- ued support as we work together to or Michael Bloomberg, and stand behind our blessed children Shema Kolainu’s previous legislative breakfast, held in Octo- current Mayor Bill de Blasio, as they make new strides along their ber 2018, was attended by NYC among many others. journey. We look forward to the next Public Advocate Letitia James, twenty years of making a difference along with Queens Boro Pres- The primary objective of these in the lives of our children.” events is to educate legisla- ident Melinda Katz and former tors about the importance of governor of New York David Pa- autism care and research, and terson. The speakers discussed to advocate for continued funding to benefit children a range of issues, including providing employment with autism, as well as their parents. The legislative opportunities for people with autism. breakfasts also provide a venue to honor public offi- cials and community leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to Shema Kolainu’s mission.

Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 2 2018 Shema Kolainu- Hear Our Voices Legislative Breakfast

L-R Menachem Lubinsky, Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Peter Rebenwurtzel, Queens Borough Queens Borough President Melinda Katz President Melinda Katz, NYC Councilmember Kalman Yeger, Ezra Friedlander

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez L-R: Menachem Lubinsky, Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., NYC Councilmember Kalman Yeger, Ezra Friedlander, Peter Rebenwurzel

Participants & Shema Kolainu Staff Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams

L-R: Menachem Lubinsky, Dr. Joshua Weinstein from the Office of NYC Mayor de Blasio, Dr. Weinstein shaking hands with former NYS Governor David Patersron Peter Rebenwurzel, NYC Councilmember Kalman Yeger, Ezra Friedlander 3 Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 Hear Our Voices

NYS Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul NYS Senator Michael Gianaris

L-R Menachem Lubinsky, Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Peter Rebenwerzel, NYS Lieutenant NYC Councilmember Kalman Yeger Governor Kathy Hochul

Ezra Friedlander in conversation with NYS Senator Michael Gianaris L-R: Mark Weprin, Abe Eisner, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez

Former NYS Governor David Paterson L-R Menachem Lubinsky, Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Peter Rebenwurzel, NYC Councilmember Kalman Yeger, Ezra Friedlander Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 4 Hear Our Voices

An Overview of Shema education services in NY: The rights of parents and their chil- Kolainu – Hear Our Voices dren with disabilities,” the workshop also focused on referrals 2018-2019 for evaluation and re-evaluation, Workshops Series requests for independent evalu- ations, advocacy tips for having successful IEP meetings and in- uring the 2018-2019 school year, formation about special educa- Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voic- D tion services and support avail- es hosted several free workshops in able in NY. The workshop offered NYC, funded by the NYC Council Au- Dr. Stephen Shore an invaluable opportunity for tism Initiative. Focusing on a diverse parents and educators to gain new array of subjects, including educa- how it can help with self-regulation; insights into the educational needs tion, health, and advocacy for chil- ways of Integrating modern tech- of children with special needs. dren and individuals with autism, the nology into treatment sessions; and workshops featured presentations proven movement based techniques from distinguished professionals and and programs to enhance communication and manage emotions, among countless other benefits. The workshop was an excellent learning opportunity for all attendees.

Shema Kolainu’s second workshop of the 2018-2019 school year was held on January 29th, and featured a presentation by Dr. Stephen Shore, a Clinical Assistant Professor at Adelphi University in New York and Mrs. Olga Vlasova, Esq Alexa Moses, MS, OTR/L a member of the Icare4Autism Ad- As an attorney, Mrs. Vlasova has been experts in health and education for visory Committee. Dr. Shore shared advising parents of children with dis- children and young adults on the au- his findings from investigating -vari abilities and fighting for their rights for tistic spectrum. ous methodological tools for working with children on the autism spec- nearly a decade. Before going to law school, Mrs. Vlasova assisted victims On November 27th, Shema Kolainu trum. His workshop also focused on of family violence and elder abuse in Occupational Therapist Alexa Moses, evaluating different approaches for Brooklyn, NY as a social worker and MS, OTR/L presented a workshop at supporting children with autism. program coordinator. Manhattan’s Touro College. Titled “Managing Emotions Through Move- At the third workshop, held on March th Shema Kolainu’s fourth workshop of ment,” the workshop focused on nu- 26 , Mrs. Olga Vlasova, a Special Ed- the year was held on May 21st, also at merous important topics, including ucation Attorney with a B.A. in Psy- Touro. Titled “The Basics of Pediatric how children with Autism process chology and an M.A. in Forensic Psy- Oral Motor and Feeding Therapy,” the and learn emotions of self and oth- chology, delivered a presentation on workshop was presented by Mrs. ers; the benefits of movement and the education of children with special needs. Titled “Advocacy for special Dina Ezagui, MS, CCC-SLP / TSHH, a

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transition from school to adult life. tism Initiative for making this possible by providing the necessary fund- Dr. Orentlicher shared valuable, practi- ing for this program. cal insights and strategies for helping students with autism transition from school to adult life. In her presentation, Dr. Orentlicher discussed individual- ized planning for community integra- tion, partnering with parents and service agencies, and promoting student Dina Ezagui, MS, CCC-SLP / TSHH speech therapist from Brooklyn with self-determination. She also empha- over ten years experience working with children with autism. Mrs. Ezagui shared insights into various oral motor techniques, as well as feeding therapy exercises for the pediatric population.

On June 4th, Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices hosted its fifth workshop of 2019 at Touro College. Ti- tled “Supporting the Transition of Students With Autism From School to Adult Life in the Community,” the sized the importance of focusing on the strengths and abilities of children with autism and other special needs, rather than their handicaps. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS: Save the Date! Held several times throughout the year, November 19, 2019 February 25, 2020 Shema Kolainu’s workshops have at- tracted hundreds of people and have January 28, 2020 March 24, 2020 proven to be very successful. SKHOV May 19. 2020 June 23, 2020 thanks the New York City Council Au-

Dr. Meira L. Orentlicher We extend our thanks to the workshop was presented by Dr. Mei- ra L. Orentlicher, a Professor and As- New York City Council Autism sociate Chairperson of Research and Scholarship in Touro’s Occupational Initiative for providing the nec- Therapy Department. Dr. Orentlicher has extensive experience helping essary funds for this program students with special needs in their

Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 6 Hear Our Voices

Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein Visits Shema Kolainu - Hear Our Voices

n March 1st, 2019, Shema Kolainu – Hear Our OVoices (SKHOV) hosted Assemblyman Simcha L-R: Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Ezra Friedlander Eichenstein, the newly elected Assemblyman for the New York’s 48th District. “It was an honor and privilege In January 2019, Assemblyman Eichenstein was ap- to visit Shema Kolainu and pointed to serve on several prominent committees, meet with Dr. Weinstein to including Aging, Cities, Housing, Real Property Taxa- discuss the future expansion tion, and Social Services, providing him with an op- of the school,” Assemblyman portunity to address the crucial needs of his district. Eichenstein said. “It takes Assemblyman Eichenstein’s past experience includes a village to raise a child, serving as a member of NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s and Shema Kolainu helps us legislative affairs team in Albany, and part of the may- make sure no child ever gets or’s senior intergovernmental staff at City Hall. left behind. I look forward to working with them to His meeting with Dr. Weinstein, CEO and Founder of the SKHOV school and center, was focused on a dis- meet the needs of all of our cussion of plans for the future expansion of the school community’s children.” and increasing the number of students to be served.

Currently, SKHOV assists over 1,000 families from ages 3 to adult, in school and home-based programs in the greater NYC community. Due to the rap- idly growing demand for placement of children with autism, SKHOV kicked off a “Raise the Roof” building campaign. Monies totaling $6,000,000 have been spent to complete Phase 1 – funding the construc- tion of the original structure (1st and 2nd floors). In Phase 2, the school hopes to add 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors. The 5th floor, a one of a kind, will have Domed Rooftop Sports Center for Autism & All Special Abil- ities, Library and Technology Center, and High-Tech Sensory Gym & Equipment. The new floors will ac- commodate new classrooms and more than 100 students. The school and center will also be able to increase the number of staff and service providers.

7 Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 Student Activites at a GLANCE Hear Our Voices

Students at Shema Kolainu - Hear Our Voices Carnival Created By, And For, Students

n March 2019, Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices Ihosted its first ever Purim carnival. Planned and organized with the help of students, the carnival featured a variety of booths and activities, from a beanbag toss, lasso race, photo booth, target prac- tice, and arts and crafts. The activities were designed to be both fun and educational, allowing the students to work on hand-eye coordination and social development while having a good time. The students had a list of instructions that they followed from setting up the booth, running the booth, cleaning up the booth, they were so involved and proud of themselves. They couldn’t stop talking about the carnival for days after because they were so excited on what they accom- plished. To us, when you see a child taste success, that’s what keeps us going.”

Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 8 Student Activites at a GLANCE Yeshiva University High School Girls Visit Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices A Chesed Mission

coordinator of the chesed project Voices. Dr. Weinstein emphasized itself is Laura Fruchter). the importance of chesed, and reminded the girls of the importance “Our school is very big on chesed and impact of their volunteer work missions,” Ms. Welkowitz says. in visiting the school. “Every grade goes on several chesed missions throughout the course of Overall, the event was a wonderful the year. And this particular chesed opportunity for the students of both mission, Shema Kolainu was chosen.” Yeshiva University High School and n April 2, 2019, Shema Kolainu Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices O– Hear Our Voices was visited Since this year’s chesed mission by a delegation of students from to Shema Kolainu coincides with Central - Yeshiva University High the upcoming holiday of Pesach School for Girls as part of a chesed (Passover), the Central students (kindness) initiative sponsored by made seder plates with children, as the school. The visiting students well as frogs (representing one of the were led by Jacqueline Welkowitz, 10 plagues in the Passover story). the coordinator of Yeshiva The girls were also introduced to Dr. University’s P’tach program for Joshua Weinstein, the Founder and students with special needs (the CEO of Shema Kolainu – Hear Our

Students at Shema Kolainu - Hear Our Voices Conduct Mock Seder

n honor of the holiday of Pesach organized by speech therapist Hin- I(Passover), Shema Kolainu – dy Apfelbaum, art therapist Tzippy Hear Our Voices hosted a mock Silberman, and occupational ther- seder for its students. The event apist Alexa Moses, with the help of covered all of the aspects of the students in the afterschool program. pesach seder, including making As with the Purim carnival held in washing cups and bags for the March, the teachers hoped that in- afikoman (the piece of matzah volving the older students in plan- broken off and hidden), singing the ning and organizing the event would mah nishtanah (the four questions instill them with pride in their work, asked by children at the Passover along with being a great opportunity seder), and much more. to socialize with their peers.

The mock seder was planned and

9 Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 Student Activites at a GLANCE Graduation 2019 at Shema Kolainu - Hear Our Voices

t the end of June, Shema Kolainu – Hear Our AVoices held its annual graduation ceremonies for its school age and pre-school students. Attended by parents, the graduations featured slideshow presentations highlighting major events and activities of the year, short speeches presented by students, and a song performed by the graduates focusing on their dreams and goals. The older students presented short speeches, a presentation focused on their dreams and goals.

Ms. Esti Reich, one of the teachers who helped orga- nize the graduation ceremony for the older students, described it as a moving and meaningful experience. Students at Shema Kolainu - Hear Our Voices Watch Caterpillars setting.” She added that the project also taught the Turn to Butterflies, students about handling, feeding, and caring for ani- and Then Set Them Free mals. Ms. Fejal mentioned that the students have participat- ver a period of two weeks, students at Shema ed in other science-based activities, such as learning Kolainu – Hear Our Voices got an up-close, first- O about bubbles and what they’re composed of. hand look at the amazing transition of caterpillars into butterflies. “We discussed what we think bubbles are made out of,” she said, “and we tested it out with vinegar, water, “We learnt about the cycle of butterflies, because it’s and soap.” the spring and that’s when the butterflies lay their eggs and they hatch,” pre-school teacher Sipoora Fejal Classroom teacher Esti Reich, who was also involved explained. in the butterfly project, noted that the older students tracked the development of the caterpillars’ in a diary, Ms. Fejal added that the students also learned differ- which was then posted on the wall. ent skills based on the butterfly’s life cycle, such as sequencing butterflies in their cycle (egg, cocoon, etc.). “We kept the caterpillar on top of the closet, and we monitored it and watched the different stages,” she “It’s a science experiment,” Ms. Fejal said. “The stu- said. When they turned into butterflies, the students dents see exactly what happens in the real, outside enjoyed setting them free.

Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 10 Hear Our Voices

Baking Expert Renuka Bhojaraj Comes to Shema Kolainu

or children with special needs, especially those Millets are unique grains that are organic, high in pro- Fon the autistic spectrum, healthy eating can be a tein, and low in carbohydrates. In India, Mrs. Bhojaraj challenge for a variety of reasons. As noted by the developed numerous millet-based recipes for Grami Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, these include Super Foods, a global brand. strong food likes and dislikes (mainly due to sensory issues), lowered appetite as a result of medication, Mrs. Bhojaraj said she learned about Shema Kolainu and not eating enough food due to issues with con- – Hear our Voices from Manhattan Bake Shop, where centration. she works. Ms. Bhojaraj added that she has experience working with special needs. Mrs. Renuka Venkata Bhojaraj is a baking technologist from Mrs. Bhojaraj said that in her India with 30 years of experi- experience, children with au- ence, and holds a Bachelor of tism tend to prefer soft foods. Science degree in Home Sci- For educators and parents of ence from Bangalore Univer- children with autism, a vari- sity. Mrs. Bhojaraj, who has ety of cookbooks are available extensive experience working with nutritious, gluten-free, with special needs children, and allergy-free recipes. These will bake with Shema Kolainu’s include students and share dietary and nutritional insights with teach- The Autism Cookbook: ers as well. 101 Gluten-Free and Dairy Free Recipes; the Mrs. Bhojaraj is highly knowledgeable about Ameri- Kid-Friendly ADHD and autism cookbook; can and Indian baking techniques, as well as kosher and Coach in the Kitchen, a cookbook with dietary laws. She is also the mother of a daughter hundreds of recipes for teens and adults on the au- with cerebral palsy, making her committed to the tism spectrum. welfare of special needs children on a personal level, Mrs. Bhojaraj is preparing many recipes to be used in especially when it comes to their health and nutrition. the baking class at Shema Kolainu next month.

“Being the mother of a special child, I used to go to special schools and do volunteer work for them,” she said. “I used to bake millet cookies, instead of giving regular cookies with high pro- tein and carbohydrates. Children with special needs have a lot of allergies, like gluten allergies and wheat allergies. So millets are gluten free and [don’t trigger allergies].”

11 Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 Hear Our Voices

Autism and Nonverbal Communication: How Technology Can Help

erbal communication is a major challenge for At Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices, a school and Vmany children and adults with autism, ranging center for children with autism and related condi- from mild to severe depending on the individual. tions, educators believe strongly in the effectiveness According to the autism advocacy organization of AAC. One advocate in particular is Shema Kolainu’s Autism Speaks, one third of people diagnosed with Education Director, Gili Rechany. autism are nonverbal. Thankfully, technology offers an outlet for many nonverbal individuals with autism, “Using scientifically proven methods tactics from the especially children, to express their thoughts and field of Applied Behavior Analysis, we have been able feelings. These alternative communication methods, to teach children to communicate using communica- known as Alternative/Augmented Communication tion boards and voice out devices,” Ms. Rechany says. (AAC), can be utilized in a variety of ways, from speech generating devices to apps featuring pictures.

Tablets, smartphones, and PDAs are just a few of “Effective use of these devices led to effec- the devices that those with autism can utilize to tive communication and improvement of the communicate. These devices can be customized quality of life for our students and their fam- to support a multitude of features, including task- ilies,” she adds. “Some additional results of sequencing, activity-cueing, and communication effective uses of these devices include ver- assistance. There are also numerous apps supported bal communication and mainstreaming readi- by mobile devices, such as phones or tablets, which ness for some of our students.” facilitate communication.

One example is the ReacTickles app, which By utilizing AAC and uses touch, gesture, and audio input to help other technological with interactive communication. iCommuni- and educational re- cate, an app for the iPad, allows users to create sources, Shema Ko- pictures, storyboards, flashcards, routines, and lainu is dedicated in visual schedules, along with the ability to re- giving each child the cord custom audio. Another app, Proloquo2go, ability to communi- provides natural-sounding text to speech voic- cate in his or her own es, high resolution, up-to-date symbols, and a unique way. vocabulary of 7,000 items. These are only a few of the countless AAC apps available for individuals with autism.

Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 12 Hear Our Voices

Early intervention, treatment, and diagnosis can give Bullying: children with autism a major head start in coping with A Crisis for Children on the bullying. In 2012, 46% of children with autism in mid- dle and high school reported being bullied, according to Autism Spectrum, and Time Magazine. Unfortunately, almost a decade later, How to Confront it bullying remains as persistent and serious as ever. By: Anonymous

rowing up, I was no stranger to bullying and ex- tistic spectrum are so fortunate. Many remain undiag- Gclusion. This experience is sadly all-too-common nosed until adulthood, never having had the benefit of for many children, particularly during their adolescent therapy and support that would have been extremely and grade school years, when peer pressure stands beneficial in their formative years. As a result, they face out in many ways and is the equivalent to having a tar- a much greater challenge in learning to adapt. get-sign on your back. What can be done to combat this crisis faced by so Throughout my school years, I was the proverbial child many children and young adults with autism? who marched to the beat of his own drum, making me a prime target for bullying. I also struggled with behav- Ultimately, the responsibility falls to parents and teach- ioral issues that hampered my academic performance. ers to foster the empathy and social skills of non-au- It wasn’t until my diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome tistic children, encouraging them to treat their peers at around nine or ten years old that I was able to place with compassion, dignity, and respect. Another issue these issues in a broader context, and understand worth noting is that many autistic children who are vic- where they might be coming from. tims of bullying may lack the social cognition to realize they are being picked on in the first place. The IRCA Though I initially knew nothing about either autism or suggests several solutions, including offering concrete Asperger’s, as I grew more informed I realized that my examples of what is and isn’t bullying, and implement- quirks were not anything to be ashamed of, but on the ing a school-wide no-bullying policy, with procedures contrary, a point of pride. For example, it wouldn’t sur- and consequences to be followed when it occurs. prise me at all if my passion for reading and writing were in some way connected to having Asperger’s. Thank- There is no question that the lives of children with au- fully, I had an incredible support network, including my tism can be greatly improved if their peers are taught to parents and family members, who helped me from the appreciate all that they share in common, rather than outset with navigating any roadblocks I encountered. their differences: and that uniqueness should be cel- As an elementary school student, when I was facing ebrated, instead of being greeted with suspicion and some of my most serious issues, my grandmother ac- hostility. I know that my own childhood would have tually visited the school personally and sat in on my benefited greatly from this perspective, and I’m sure classes in order to help me. That level of concern and the effects of bullying would be diminished if more care allowed me to take enormous strides in terms of children were encouraged to look at their peers, both maturity, indepen- with and without autism, from a more compassionate dence, and overall perspective. personal growth. Sources: http://healthland.time.com/2012/09/05/why-autistic- kids-make-easy-targets-for-school-bullies/

Sadly, not all of https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/bullying-and-students- those on the au- on-the-autism-spectrum

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Maybe Autism Is My Superpower Sees Autism As a Gift, Not a Handicap

hile autism is often labeled as a “disability,” chil- tutoring, researching health and medical topics, and Wdren and adults on the spectrum have amazing opening his own supermarket (due to his interest in abilities and a variety of gifts and talents, including, in supermarkets and checkout machines). some cases, a photographic memory and powers of retention that can seem almost superhuman. “What Ben has taught me is that when the focus on children becomes more about their strengths than The view of autism as a gift, rather than a handicap, in- their weaknesses, more about their abilities than their spired the creation of Maybe Autism is My Superpow- disabilities, then their gifts will soar,” Angela writes. er. In this illuminating book, Angela “There is unlimited potential for the Blanchet offers a glimpse into the “There is unlimited potential unique and special strengths that extraordinary mind of her son Ben, a for the unique and special children with autism have. The trick thirteen-year-old with autism. In his is to pay close attention to these strengths that children with own inimitable voice, Ben shares his strengths…what a better world it autism have. The trick is to encyclopedic knowledge of every- would be if we could all shift our thing from stores and street signs to pay close attention to these mindset to see their superpowers.” maps, health, and even phlebotomy. strengths…what a better world it would be if we could Maybe Autism Is My Superpower The book is divided into several sec- all shift our mindset to see is an excellent resource for edu- tions, each focusing on a different their superpowers.” cators and parents, and a wonder- aspect of Ben’s “superpower.” One ful source of encouragement and example is his perfect pitch, which self-esteem for children on the au- allows him to identify musical notes in the sounds of tism spectrum, and children as a whole. The message everyday objects (“when the microwave in the kitch- of the book is poignantly captured in the words of Ben en beeps, it is in the C note”) and replay songs from himself. memory. Ben’s mother discovered this talent early on, when he reproduced the medley of the ice cream truck “I want people to know that everybody has a super- on his keyboard entirely by ear. Ben has also demon- power, even kids who don’t have autism have super- strated an incredible capacity for speed reading, a feat powers,” he writes. “But I think kids with autism’s su- he performs with the aid of a highlighter and pencil. perpowers are different and special. I am happy. I like having autism and “The scribbling helps me read very fast,” he explains. I am excited about “It sometimes feels insane because the words move growing up and us- really quickly, but the highlighter and pencil help me.” ing my superpow- Ben is also gifted with an exceptional memory, allowing ers.” him to recall everything from the information on store and street signs to trivia about health and medicine.

Ben notes that his abilities could allow him to pursue a number of different career paths, including music

Shema Kolainu | Summer 2019 14 ICARE4AUTISM International Conference CANNABINOIDS, MEDICAL CANNABIS, NEURODIVERSITY, AND AUTISM

SPEAKERS INCLUDE

SOPHIE MOLHOLM, PH.D. Professor Department of Pediatrics, Neuroscience, and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, ERIC HOLLANDER, M.D. Director of Research, Children’s Evaluation, Chairman, ICare4Autism Advisory Committee, and Rehabilitation Center, Director-Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Associate Director, Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual & Spectrum Program, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Developmental Disabilities Research Center Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine The Cognitive Neurophysiology Labratory Albert and Psychiatric Research Institute at Montefiore-Einstein Einstein College of Medicine

MICHAEL DOR, M.D, M.P.A. JOSHUA WEINSTEIN, M.B.A., PH.D. Senior Medical Advisor of the Medical Cannabis Founder and CEO, ICare4Autism Unit in the Israeli Ministry of Health & Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices SAVE THE DATE DECEMBER 17, 2019 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION To register, $99 please scan REGULAR the QR code $149 STEPHEN SHORE, ED.D. Assistant Professor of Education, TO BE HELD AT: Adelphi University, NY ALBERT EINSTEIN Member of the Icare4Autism COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Advisory Committee OTHER KEY SPEAKERS TO BE REGISTER NOW: ANNOUNCED www.icare4autism.org