Winter 2012 volume 24, number 4

2011 OPENING DOORS FOR GALA SPONSORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA EXECUTIVE #101, 11720 Kingsway Avenue Dr. Shane Lynch Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5 780-453-3971 / 780-447-4948 Susan Angus email: [email protected] Omair Peracha website: www.autismedmonton.org Bonnie Stonehouse MEMBERS AT LARGE PLEASE PHONE THE SOCIETY FOR AD PLACEMENT AND RATES Laura Dumas Candace Hall Layout by Vos Printing & Design Ltd. Arif Khan Printed by Vos Printing & Design Ltd. Chris Kish PM# 40020698 Dr. David Nicholas Jenni Shwetz Alan Wagner EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Deborah Barrett

Articles, opinions and events in this publication do not necessarily imply the endorsement of the Autism Society of Edmonton Area and are printed for information only. The editors of Autism Now are Deborah Barrett and Roman Sokolowski.

The Autism Society of Edmonton Area is a non-profit organization founded in 1971 by a concerned group of parents and professionals. The Autism Society of Edmonton Area helps families and communities embrace and support people on the throughout their lives.

2 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org Education Matters What is “Theory of Mind?” Karen Bain challenges with social reciprocity and the ability to predict or explain actions and behaviours of other At a summer course sponsored by POPARD people (Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related problems understanding desires and emotional Disorders) in Vancouver in July 2011, the instructor feelings in others, and difficulty understanding how spent considerable time reviewing the concept of the someone will feel given a particular set of “Theory of Mind”. The instructor discussed the difficulties individuals having autism demonstrate as a circumstances, such as breaking a toy or getting a result of inadequate development of social and special treat communication skills related to understanding the limited use of eye-gazing or pointing as signals of feelings and behaviours of other people. what is being referred to in verbal communication academic difficulties related to understanding “Theory of Mind” is the ability of an individual to emotions and the perspective of characters in understand mental and emotional states such as beliefs, literature, as well as challenges in the areas of desires, and intentions in oneself and in others. It is the problem-solving, hypothesizing and understanding knowledge that other people can have beliefs, abstract language. understandings and emotional states that are different from one's own, that are based on a diverse set of knowledge or mental states, and that stem from a Although commonly discussed among parents and different set of life experiences. By the age of four, professionals who support students having autism, typically developing children are usually able to theory of mind is not always well understood. School understand that other people can have preferences, personnel frustrated with students displaying these emotions and thoughts that can differ from their own. difficulties often misinterpret their actions or verbal These children can display empathy and compassion comments as rudeness or deliberately oppositional for others based on their perceived points of view. behaviour. For example, students who have difficulty taking the perspective of teachers may not: Since 1985 (Baron-Cohen et. al.), there has been evidence suggesting that individuals having Autism understand the need to change activities or transition Spectrum Disorders have particular difficulty to new activities prior to finishing the current task developing theory of mind. Sometimes referred to as “read" subtle social cues or subtle teacher annoyance “mind-blindness”, related social-communication delays understand how his or her behaviour is influencing may include: people around them; an inability to understand what others are thinking or feeling trouble realizing how one's personal behaviour impacts the perceptions or behaviours of others lack of shared attention, turn-taking and limited pretend play difficulty responding to the emotions of oneself and of others a lack of ability to attribute “false belief ”: that is, not recognizing that others can have different beliefs based on a different perception of actions or experiences

3 take turns, "share" the teacher with other students, or understand equality in getting help 8. Directly teach and reinforce behaviours such as refrain from saying what is felt or thought when it has showing respect, listening to others, speaking politely the potential to hurt someone else's feelings and other social skills in the natural contexts in which appear as emotionally mature as same-aged peers they are needed. develop social communication skills readily 9. Provide opportunities to develop understanding related to empathy, compassion and perspective For students who have not yet developed an adequate taking. Do this by providing natural experiences such theory of mind, the following teaching considerations as collecting items for the food bank, having the should be made: students help others, and providing opportunities to become aware of and practice social supports. 1. Do not assume that a student with autism has developed the ability to understand subtle social cues 10. In language arts, ensure students clearly understand a or has developed a mature theory of mind character's actions, emotions and perceptions. Use 2. Identify emotions in a way that is instructive. For graphic organizers and visual representations such as example: "I get frustrated when the class is wasting webs, character charts, and vocabulary development time", "I need to have students line up quietly and activities to provide opportunities to review and within 1 minute." reflect on perspectives, emotional states, and behaviours of others in an objective manner. 3. Make language clear and unambiguous when giving feedback. For example: "You hurt my feelings when you said […]", "A polite way to say that is […]", "The [email protected] class likes it best when everyone […]" 4. If specific indications of theory of mind deficits are noticed, take an educational approach and teach replacement skills rather than assuming the behaviour is designed to be rude or disruptive. 5. Help students identify their own emotions clearly within natural conditions: "You look relaxed and happy right now!", "You are starting to look confused; what do you need?" 6. Help students know where to look, what shared experience is important, and what language is required: "Everyone look at […], she is ready to present […]", "At the end of the demonstration I am going to ask you to explain […] and […]" 7. Help students appreciate different perspectives using debates, graphics demonstrating various points of view, Venn Diagrams comparing two views, and other instructional strategies. This will help students 3 understand that individual perspectives are not necessarily "right" or "wrong".

4 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org Debbie Legere Karen Renaud Sinneave Family Foundation Odette Lloyd Paul & Darlene Shelemey Wallace & Debbie McTavish Sidney & Carolyn Pougnet Victor & Gladys Palahnuik Gregory & Donna Skoreyko Barbara Penner Mike Strembitsky Woody Gundy CIBC Children’s Foundation Mary Pidzarko United Way of Winnipeg Jennie M. Wagner

Barbara Belch Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish ATCO Gas John & Barbara Fisher Wallace & Betty McTavish Suncor Energy Services Inc. Collins Industries Ltd. Bonnie Gallop Audrey & Gerald Hunt Syncrude Courtyard Marriot Edmonton Emily Kaldestad West Union 52 Benevolent Society Edmonton Public Teachers, United Way of the Alberta Local No. 37 of the Alberta Capital Region Teachers’ Association Winners Merchant International Stuart Chambers Naushaba Qureshi Enbridge Pipelines Inc. LP (In Honour of Emily Ainsworth’s Family) Mirvan Cruz-Rosal Evan Shore Barbara & Glenn Hergott Sabrina Tan Nancy Ng Justyne Tirrell Meredith Porter ATCO Gas Enbridge Pipelines Inc. Butler Family Foundation Make A Dream Come True (Lions) Society Your contributions make a world of difference for people with autism & their families!

Ryan & Koreen Anderson Jacquie McCubbin Want to see your name here? Just give us a call Austin O’Brien High School Professional Corp. at (780) 453-3971, or visit www.autismedmonton.org Charles Campbell Sidney & Carolyn Pougnet to make a secure credit card donation through PayPal. Simonne & David Lougheed St. Albert Catholic High School

Alberta Health Services Bonnie Gallop (Corinne Wentzell) Paul Garrick Karen Dickson Michelle Gartner (In Honour of Jackie Watson) W. Hale Shauna L. Dimock Henry Johns & Jacquie Johns-Scott Tom & Zonia Ewancuk Emily Kaldestad (In Honour of Paul Garrick’s Michelle Kenny Birthday) Dave & Marie Lane John & Barbara Fisher (In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Harry Gafney David Davie) What Does ASEA’s Family Support Department do? autism community concerns.

Family Support started as one person answering The Parent Discussion Groups, one for parents of phones, and has grown into an entire department. Here newly diagnosed children and one for parents of are some of the things that Family Support currently children with Asperger's, each meet once a month and deals with. provide an opportunity for parents to connect with other parents and to access resources that will help Family Support is intended to support people on the them in their situations. Parents in these groups are autism spectrum and their families throughout the encouraged to share resources and cooperate on entire lifespan. Parents, family members and people on advocacy. We are currently asking parents for input on the spectrum are welcome to contact Family Support these groups as we consider locations of meetings and with their questions by phoning (780) 453-3971 or by meeting formats. Please feel free to let us know if you e-mailing Patricia Terrett, our Family Support have suggestions for improving these meetings, or Department Coordinator, at concerns about where these meetings are being held. [email protected] We need parent input to truly meet your needs!

Patricia or one of the student interns will get back to The Autism Society of Edmonton Area Community you to answer your question or give guidance in the Group on Facebook provides an open forum where puzzling situations our families find themselves dealing parents can ask questions, share resources, and connect with. We have built up a bank of resources for children with each other. This private group welcomes requests and for adults that allows us to refer parents and people to join from everyone associated with the autism on the spectrum to community resources that can help spectrum and their families. We have had some very them. fruitful and exciting discussions about current issues related to autism. Professional consultation is becoming a more important part of what Family Support does. The Autism Society Family Support Department is Increasing numbers of professionals are calling to get demand-driven. This means that when we get a information for situations in which they are dealing significant number of requests for information about a with clients who have autism. This cross-agency certain topic we begin to consider how we might interaction allows us to network with other autism program to meet the need better. This has led to the professionals and provide the most accurate establishment of the ABC's of Understanding information possible. We are also making ourselves Neurotypicals discussion group for young people ages available to do presentations in the community and to 18 to 24. This group was started to reach an age group facilitate for community groups that need to connect that was completely unserved in our community. We with other professionals about autism issues. find that the young people are enjoying this group, and using it to improve their social and workplace Cooperative collaboration with the Glenrose Hospital relationship skills. has become more important over recent years. Family support actively refers clients to the Glenrose Autism We are currently discussing the need for a Clinic, and the Autism Clinic actively refers clients to discussion/support group for Asperger's/HFA us. We participate together in committees like the Marriages. We have been hearing from couples with Children's Autism Collaboration Team, which brings requests for information and help often enough to together agencies and government ministries to meet realize that this might be a fruitful direction to explore. All couples with one or both members on the autism spectrum are invited to contact the office and ask to be

6 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org put on the e-mail list for this group. We are currently looking for volunteer leaders with a mature marriage and personal experience with Asperger's/HFA. Programs for Teens & Young Adults Another area of widespread concern is the to Launch this Summer employment needs of young adults on the autism spectrum. We have had so many requests for information around this that we are currently This summer, the Autism Society of Edmonton Area participating in research and program development will be partnering with the Centre for Autism Services efforts to try to meet the needs of our young people Alberta and the Ability Hub to offer programming for more effectively. teens and adults that will run over a six-week period. Teens and young adults with autism will have new and We are also actively supporting committees in the areas exciting programming opportunities that will help them of housing and secondary education. Anyone with learn and develop skills in a fun and motivating skills and training in these areas is welcome to volunteer environment. with us to help us to meet these needs. Activity planning for this new program (we're working Please consider calling or emailing us if you have on a title) is in the early process of development. This concerns in any of these areas, or if you have summer's launch will accommodate approximately 40 suggestions for how things might be changed to better participants. meet the needs of our community. The Family Support Department is here to help families and people on the The program will run for a two-week period (eight half autism spectrum by connecting them to the resources days over two weeks – Monday to Thursday) three they need to live successfully in our community. separate times over the summer, to accommodate individuals at different levels of functioning. Assessments will be conducted as a means of ensuring Changes to ASEA’s Summer each individual is placed appropriately in a high-, mid- or lower- functioning group. Higher-functioning Programs individuals will have the opportunity to learn vocational and personal independence skills such as job For many years, ASEA has dedicated a large percentage expectations, completing applications, job interview of its annual budget to running the “Fun in the Sun” preparation, hygiene and personal appearance, co- summer respite program for children and young teens worker conversations and conflict resolution. Mid-level with ASD. We regret that we can no longer provide this functioning participants will have an opportunity to program in a safe manner with quality programming. learn some basic office skills, food preparation, and This is due to financial restraints of provincial funding, participate in activities to support greater skills for ASEA's budget constraints and the emerging demand personal independence. Lower-functioning group for summer programming for older teens and adults. participants will have an opportunity to work on To learn about comparable existing summer programs individualized skills for life goals. for children, including the Steadward Centre's Free2BMeProgram, AdaptAbilities' Summer Camp, and Please contact Gail Stanford at Camp ACE at the Centre for Autism Services Alberta, [email protected] for more we encourage you to visit our website at information or to register in this new initiative for teens http://www.autismedmonton.org/summer-programs and young adults. Updated information will be We continue to strive to meet the needs of our provided, as it becomes available, on the ASEA website membership and our community. at www.autismedmonton.org and the Centre website at www.centreforautism.ab.ca

7 A Message from the Gala Chairs These gifts make it possible for the Autism Society to offer support to people with autism and their families in our community. The 2011 Opening Doors for Autism Gala would not have been possible without the generosity of many One of the most important gifts we all can give people different people: with autism and their families is the gift of acceptance and inclusion in our community. When we open our The generous gifts given by our Live and Silent Auction eyes, our hearts and minds to people with autism, we donors. are free to see their many unique and wide-ranging gifts.

The gift of sharing wealth: financial support from our The Autism Society is working toward a future where sponsors the Naqvi family of Cameron Developments society will embrace and include the gifts of people Ltd., and Bill and Grace Knight of B&B Demolition with autism in all facets of family and community life. Ltd. Special thank you to each one of you for helping us continue to “Open Doors” for people with autism! Our media sponsors, the Edmonton SUN and CTV The gift of time and various talents of our incredible, hard-working and dedicated committee members. With appreciation, Anita Ferri and Jean Ashmore, Co-chairs, “Opening Doors for The gift of time from our many event volunteers Autism” Gala The gift of fine food and great service from the EXPO Center staff (thank you Patricia, Ray, and the chefs and servers).

Thanks to our entertainers: Firefly entertainment's Annie Duggan, Don Berner and his jazz quartet, Derrick Taylor and the Trinidad and Tobago Society 's volunteer drummers and dancers.

Thanks to Danny Hooper, our MC and auctioneer extraordinaire.

The gift of the participation and support of our valued guests.

8 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org Celebrating 40 Years Gino Ferri little. A few years ago, the Autism Society worked with Many of you know that I am a grandfather and that the Glenrose to extend the Autism Follow-Up Clinic at one of my grandsons, Nicholas, has autism. It's because the Glenrose to include school-age children. Today, we of him that I became involved with this cause two are hoping a Clinic for Adults with Autism is just decades ago. around the corner.

Over the years, the Autism Society of Edmonton Area What's ahead? This past year, the Autism Society of has had one goal: to make life better for people with Edmonton Area initiated a request to the Government autism and their families. of Alberta to appoint a cross-ministerial committee to develop and implement an Alberta Strategy for Adults Forty years ago, children with autism were taken away with Autism. ASEA knows that the work must continue from their homes and placed in institutions. Many so that adults with autism are not “discarded”, but children were deemed “uneducable” and experts instead have viable options for post-secondary incorrectly said that autism was caused by cold, education, employment, health care, and housing. unloving “refrigerator” mothers. What a painful and incorrect message to parents! Luckily a group of It's been 40 years. We've come a long way. Help us parents didn't believe them. celebrate, and carry the work forward so that all persons with autism can have full and rewarding lives It took a lot of courage and foresight for families to right here in Edmonton! band together to form the Edmonton Autism Society, whose goal was to create a school so that children with autism could live at home and still go to school. The school was successful and operated for several years before Edmonton Public Schools assumed responsibility for the program. It was a major step forward for children with autism and their families!

Later, in response to tragedy, the Autism Society initiated legislation for protection for adults who required care outside their homes. Eventually, due to the work of the Society, the Protection of Persons in Care Act and Creating Excellence Together Standards were established. When families found they were getting confusing messages from different ministries, which delayed appropriate services for their children, the Autism Society established the Autism Collaboration Team, to coordinate services and information offered to families of children with autism.

Alberta now offers a range of quality programs for children. But teen and adults with autism have very

9 THANK YOU to our Sponsors, Donors, Guests and Volunteers for a Highly Successful Opening Doors for Autism Gala.

We would like to Recognize these Community Leaders who Supported us as Gala Financial Sponsors

Pat Boersma & Gino Ferri Rod Connop

10 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org Official TV Sponsor Official Media Sponsor

WAYNE GUENTER

David Jardine

DESCO Coatings

Esther Ondrack Dr. Eric Schloss Professional Corp.

11 Thank You to our Generous Live Auction Sponsors

Alexis Harke & Jill Sarluis

Tina Naqvi-Rota & Tony Rota Gino Ferri

John Chomiak

Chris Lachance

Dr. Mike Hatzinkolas century hospitality group

Tally Hutchinson

Dustin & Nicole Tersigni

CRAIG SIMPSON

Tye & Jen Fields

Brian Gingras

Tom Fath

12 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org Naqvi Family Receives Gino Ferri Community Builder Award

The Gino Ferri Community Builder Award is given to to make a positive impact on our community. Over the an individual or group of individuals who engage the years, the Naqvi family has been involved with 27 public beyond the autism community, and who live, different societies and charitable organizations, work with or support individuals with autism, thereby including the Autism Society. Jerry, who is the expanding community connections for individuals and grandfather of a child with autism, also founded families. Award recipients have shown years of Cameron Development Corporation – a major donor commitment to volunteerism above and beyond their and supporter of programs and services for kids and paid positions. They donate or raise funds for local adults with autism. charities that help people with autism, and they demonstrate great generosity of spirit. This year, the The Autism Society of Edmonton Area is grateful for Autism Society of Edmonton Area is proud to honour the support of the Naqvi family and for the generosity the Naqvi family as the 2nd recipient of the Gino Ferri and leadership they show in building a community that Community Builder award. supports and embraces people on the autism spectrum. They are truly deserving of the Gino Ferri Community In 1964 Jerry Naqvi immigrated to Canada. Since then Builder Award. multiple generations of Naqvis have worked together

We would like to recognize our generous in-kind donors:

Champagne Sponsor: Decor Sponsor: Design Sponsor:

Wine Sponsor: Print Sponsor: vo s

Thank you to B&B Demolition for being our SUPER Silent Auction Sponsor

13 And Thank You to our Wonderful Silent Auction Donors

Adam Ungarian CTV Jim Webb PossAbilities Al Anderson Cycle Works Motorsports JLT Canada Printing Impressions and Alexis Harke Darcey Parasynchuk Joanne Boothby Graphics Inc. Aliya Rota David Jardine Just Be R & T Network Solutions All Tucked In David Nicholas Kamena Gallery Rebecca Summach Allure Promotional Sales Ltd. David Yee Karen & Roly Labahn Red Arrow Motorcoach Amelia Maciejewski Dawson Wallace Construction Karen Bain Richard Nys Anita Ferri Delcor Painting and Flooring Karen Phillips Rob Spanach Anne Brown Ltd. Kim Lafond Robinson Lighting Annie Nelson Diagold Design Larry Louie Rogers Communications Army and Navy Diane Stone Lauren Hawkeye Sabor Dinino Restaurant ATB Financial Dispensaries Limited Lauren Murray Sandra Paetsch Autism Artistry Dr. Margaret Ann MacKay Lexus of Edmonton Sandra Single Banister Research Dr. N. O. Nielson Louise Smith-Szo Scott Gallery Barbeque Country Duy Trung Pharmacy Ltd. Lucien G. Bosc Shaw Media Bella Casa Design Centre Edmonton Eskimos Lululemon Sicilian Pasta Kitchen Bella Music Edmonton Oilers Lux Beauty Boutique Silpada Jewelry Bernards's WholeSale Florist Ericksen Infiniti Malcolm Johnson Simon Chang Concepts Biagio Luggage Esther Ondrack Marc Schmidt SKF Canada Ltd. Birks & Mayors Fairmont Hotel McDonald Maria Skog Sofia Rota Bow Valley Ford Fath Group Marietta Lazenby Somatics Massage Therapy Cameron Homes Fifendekle Pie Shop Marsha Johnston Staples Canada North Camps Flaman Fitness Martin Walrath Starbucks Coffee Canadian Hudson's Tap House Focus on You Day Spas Matteo Rota Susan Angus Canadian Tire Gino Ferri Mayfield Inn & Suites Tamara Baltzan Candace Hall Golden Lady Wholistics McLennan Ross LLP Taylor Developments Inc. Capelli Ferrari Hair Grant Kurtz MI Salon and Spa Telus World of Science Capital Packers Grant Watson Michael Boothby The Bandstand Carmen Plante Harley Davidson of Edmonton MJF - M Jennie Frost - The Cutting Room Salon Inc. Champion Pet Foods Helen Murray Storyteller The Sanctuary Chianti Café and Restaurant Henrietta Naqvi MSC Financial The Wind Shoppe Children's Autism Services of HESCO Naqvi-Rota Family Tina Naqvi-Rota Edmonton Honorable Laurie Hawn Nelson Lumber Todd Bradley Chris Antolov Honourable Gene Zwozdesky NRG Support Services Union Bank Inn Chris Naylor HSBC Park Lighting Viewpoint Photography Chris Sterling Il Forno Patricia Boersma Westcon Precast Inc. City of Edmonton Isabelle Stahl Paul McAndry WestJet Community Investment Cleanit Greenit Composting J. Ennis Fabrics Peace Hills Insurance Whistler's Inn System Inc. J.N. Gri Custom Wood Furniture Penny Hawkeye Willie Wong Coca Cola Bottling Jackie Miciak Penny Peterson World Health Cooper's Cove Guesthouse Janette Akers Peter Steblyk YMCA Cottswood Interiors Jean Ashmore Phyllis Ludlow

14 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org Thank You to Our Other Cash Donors Mike Lake Receives the Autism Society’s “Golden Key” Award for 2011 EBA, A Tetra Tech Company Ove Minsos Presented at the "Opening Doors for Autism" Gala Dinner & Deborah Carlson Auction, sponsored by Cameron Developments, South Edmonton Empire Auto Body Common, and Cameron Homes, held on Friday October 28, Qualimet Inc. 2011 at the Edmonton Northlands EXPO Center, Alberta Cynthia Dickins Ballroom. Kevin McTavish Robert & Nelva Woolnough The "Golden Key" Award is given to someone in the Fran Vogel Edmonton area who, of their own initiative and Shane Lynch Malcolm Stewart independent of the organization, has made significant Anita Ferri contributions to the Autism Society of Edmonton Area Joan Pitfield to support our on-going work. Without this kind of William Mathewson financial support, our work would not be able be Jarry Gaffney possible, and families might have their calls for help unanswered.

As a community member and as a Member of Parliament, Mike Lake's ongoing work to raise autism Special Thanks to the Gala Awareness on a local and a national level is critically Committee for their Dedication important. The work he does on behalf of all of our children, teens and adults that helps to "open doors" & Hard Work for them as they move through their lives with the support of their families. Honorary Chairperson: Tina Naqvi-Rota Gala Advisor: Gino Ferri Gala Chairs: Anita Ferri and Jean Ashmore Thank you and congratulations, Mr. Lake!

David Angus Susan Angus Joanne Boothby Deborah Barrett Tracee Baird Kelly Bullee Alexis Harke Candace Hall Marsha Johnston Simonne Lougheed Megan Morris Cindy Pearn Roman Sokolowski Bonnie Stonehouse

15 Outstanding Long Service Award: Gino Ferri Opening Doors for Autism Award: Presented by Joanne Boothby at the 2011 Opening Sandy Litman Doors for Autism Gala Presented by Anita Ferri at the 2011 Opening Doors Gino Ferri will tell you he became involved in the for Autism Gala Autism Society of Edmonton Area as a way to help his daughter and her son, Nicholas, who has autism. He I am here to talk to you briefly about the work of a has helped many other children and adults with autism very special person, Sandy Litman. Sandy is currently along the way. Gino became involved with the Autism the Director of the Paediatric Rehabilitation Division at Society 20 years ago, and has served on the executive the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. It's a position that for 10 years, including holding the position of involves a very big portfolio of responsibilities – one President for three years. that might keep a person busy enough on its own!

Gino was a leader in the re-establishment of a defunct But tonight, based on things she does in addition to her provincial organization- the Autism Society Alberta work portfolio, Sandy is receiving the “Opening Doors (ASA). He served on the Board of the ASA for several for Autism” Award. The award is based on three years while the organisation found its footing. separate criteria, and as you will hear, it is an award she richly deserves. During the years Gino has been involved with the local and provincial Autism Society boards, he has shared his The award should be awarded to an individual or group businessman's approach to making decisions and who: running meetings, offering valuable skills and working hard to "keep it simple". 1. Directly addresses an aspect of life for individuals with autism and/or their families Gino has also been instrumental in the huge success of the Gala Dinner and Auction fundraisers. He was a key 2. Has created or expanded existing services, programs organizer, as well as acquiring the most donations and or supports for those affected by autism. selling the most tickets for these events. He matched this accomplishment again for the 2011 Gala event. 3. Has provided service above and beyond the ordinary Gino has never hesitated to make use of his business expectations for their work or volunteer role. connections to help raise funds and awareness for the Autism Society. Gino's commitment to the Society has What do families do when their child is in crisis? Where never faltered over the past twenty years, and his do they take them? Who will help them? Well, there's a dedicated volunteerism gives meaning to the phrase committee for that, and Sandy Litman has been on that "leading by example". committee. The committee was designed to address the lack of services for families who found themselves Gino: for your 20 years of volunteering and in honour unable to help or manage their child with ASD, and of our 40th anniversary, we present you with this award where the family functioning was becoming severely for your outstanding long service. Our heartfelt thanks impacted. to you! Sandy took the issue to JACC – the Joint Action Committee on Children – and got initial funding for a

16 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org report to be prepared on the issue. A broad range of Who’s In Your Court? professionals in education, health and children's Tanna Somerfield services, as well as parents, were consulted for this. After that, the results of the report were submitted to a Ladies and gentlemen of the jury: as we consider what cross-ministry committee. Sandy Litman has chaired we know about special education programming for each committee and has shown consistent and exceptional children on the spectrum, let us begin by persistent efforts to better meet the needs of families reflecting and eliminating everything that neither works and children with autism. nor fits. For our consideration, let us only weigh in evidence of educational programming that best serves Out of this work, a new training program was our Asperger's students. We are not discussing guilt or developed for families and school personnel: the innocence, nor are we sitting in judgment. This is not Positive Behavioural Support Workshops. And once about penalization or blame; it is about discovery and again, Sandy Litman was involved in its development. honouring principle-based, student-centered educational programming strategies, approaches and Now Sandy is continuing her work in championing the techniques that empower autistic students. needs of families in crisis by working with the cross- ministry committee to address the next major In order for members of our autistic community to challenge: emergency intervention services for families unleash their potential and cultivate their innate genius, who are in crisis, and who are asking for help by they must first succeed in the classroom. Those of us bringing their children to hospital. who have experienced the frustrations of ferociously advocating for individuals on the spectrum can Sandy is helping to create a plan for emergency room commiserate ad nauseam. That is not the purpose of this doctors to access advice from our expert pediatricians submission. at the Glenrose Autism Clinic so that they can better respond to emergencies. At the same time, she is also Imagine yourself behind a high-powered lens bringing working on a follow-up plan for a new children's into focus the salient details of a successful model of mental health coordinator to coordinate a wide range educational empowerment. Cast off preconceptions. of professionals and programs on behalf of families. Throw away cookie cutters, yardsticks and manuals. We work to accommodate the shapes of our students. We There are huge challenges and barriers that must be do not organize these kids into size lines or age- addressed to get all of these programs and people appropriate, grouped assignments and activities that moving forward together. Sandy Litman has been a assess outcomes according to generic, one-size-fits-all, consistent, persistent presence, working across benchmark-grade-based rubrics. No, we do not herd, departments and hospitals, doctors, mandates and areas harvest or hot house – we honour these students and of responsibility to get things done. Sandy Litman has program for them based on their individual needs, been the champion who has brought people together strengths and divine, distinct, innate, uniqueness. to creatively and innovatively address these complex challenges. It has been an honour and an incredible Therefore, I invite you, members of the jury, to empty learning experience to watch her work. your minds of residual tar-like, stop-gap measures used to lay ground work for tracking student achievement. Firstly, our students are not passengers so much as they are engineers. They do not follow manufactured maps and grids – rather, they blaze their own trails and new frontiers. I promised not to get didactic. I will get to the point:

17 I believe that principle-guided teaching, tailored to accommodate two major deficits, as identified and spectrum and the rest of us is autistic people are born diagnosed in children on the spectrum, must be with an empty air traffic control panel. Did they get an inherent to any successful Individual Program extra helping of genius because of it? Maybe so; it all Plan, in order for these students to succeed. remains to be seen, and each person on the spectrum is The two deficits to which I refer are: different. Therefore suffice to say, we are all equal. no executive thinking skills. Everyone is equal, that is, unless you are born with autism.

profound social and emotional delays and The prosecution rests. I have nothing more to add, impairments. your honour. Court adjourned. Based on these anomalies alone, no two students on EXCUSE ME! the spectrum are the same. Therefore, teachers and parents, your challenges are: I beg your pardon, what is that I hear? – You are all to compensate for these deficits. waiting for copies of the program? Sorry, it doesn't to identify and remove obstacles that lie work that way. We do not impose a generic framework between these students and their achievements, on an autistic student. Rather we gain their trust, accept their pursuit of happiness, and their their offers, learn to understand the sets of unique development of socially rewarding, responsible that govern and guide their individual cognitive behaviour. frameworks and we work our way into their world, Step away from the table and imagine your life with from the outside. We do so based on principles, not neither of those mechanisms, which we take for theories. granted due to being so high-functioning. Furthermore, There is no recipe; we are not making beef and barley these skills – innate in everyone, unless they are autistic soup. We are serving a distinct community of distinct – occur so automatically that they become second individuals that must first be understood and nature. Those two skills are constantly integrated across accommodated before they can deliver and reciprocate. every aspect of our lives. All of our experiences, interactions, tasks and passions are governed by I am a teacher, parent and sibling to autistic individuals, executive thinking skills and sophisticated, well- and despite years of brain-racking frustrations, I have developed, intuitive and highly perceptive social and come to realize that working to empower and support emotional savvy. the autistic community is not only our responsibility, but also an adventure and profitable investment in Think about that, and allow it to resonate. Go to a culture, civilization, technology, music, design, sciences dictionary if you have to. Google it; discuss it; get a and humanity. handle on those two innate tools that drive every decision and action we perform, day in and day out, Check out the legacy of autistic frontiers and leaders: throughout our entire lives. Then stop and ponder the Da Vinci, Mozart, Einstein, Bob Dylan, Bill Gates, Jim ramifications and implications of life without those two Carrey. Or maybe the guy up the street. The custodian internal piloting devices. at your workplace. The young woman eating her lunch alone, reading a book and feeding the birds. The little Imagine you are an air traffic controller expediting the kid shopping with a parent, staring into mirrors in a hat safe and orderly inflow and outflow of traffic that takes boutique and seeing infinity for the first time. place on a daily basis. Now imagine the air traffic control screen goes blank. This is your brain on autism. We are surrounded by people on the spectrum. That's a The fundamental difference between people on the comforting thought to me: being surrounded by angels. We just need to remember to take care of them, and they will look after us in return. In fact, if I was ever on trial, I know who I would want for representation.

18 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org 2012 Graduate Student Pilot Grants most popular fundraisers, the Cycle for Autism, with The 2012 Graduate Student Pilot Grants (minimum of the theme "Children with Autism Become Adults with two in a 12 month period) will support individuals Autism". You'll have the chance to cycle, run, or walk conducting graduate research in any field related to through gorgeous Gold Bar Park while raising money Autism Spectrum Disorders to begin May 2012. These for people with autism and their families. Plus, it's scholarships are jointly funded by the Autism Society going to be a party in the park with hot dogs, snacks of Edmonton Area and the and drinks, plus live entertainment and fun activities for at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (affiliated all! with Alberta Health Services and the University of Alberta). Each pilot grant (maximum $5,000.00) is to Want to get started? You can already visit be applied towards the operating costs of the www.cycleforautismedmonton.com to register successful applicants' graduate research project. yourself or a team of friends, family or co-workers. Applications will be judged on the quality and Soon we'll be accepting pledges, too, including secure originality of the proposed project, and on the online donations through PayPal. Keep checking the potential of the research to contribute to the well-being site for news and some exciting changes coming your of persons with ASD and their families. way this year!

Each successful applicant will provide a written progress report at 6 months and a final report and presentation of study findings (see below) at the John Windwick Champions ASEA in conclusion of the project. Charity Shootout

Deadline to apply: April 1, 2012. Funding for May It's not every television station that has its own skating 15, 2012 to May 15, 2013. rink. And it's not every television station that decides to do something wonderful with it. But that's what CTV For more information about how to apply, visit did. They decided to use their rink to promote some of http://www.autismedmonton.org/files/2012_Pilot_ the unsung charities in Edmonton. They teamed Grant_Application.pdf together with ATB Financial to create ATB's Charity Shootout on the CTV Rink of Dreams, featuring shooters who championed small charities from the Edmonton Area.

How did ASEA get involved? It was ATB's John Windwick, who chose us as his charity of choice after talking with Rob Brown. And what a champion John was, taking us all the way to the finals, before losing the final shoot out to Darcy Seaton, representing the Get Ready - Cycle for Autism 2012 is Arthritis Society. What a trooper John was, and what a Coming on June 3rd! way to bring so much awareness to ASEA and other charities! Plus, by making it to the finals, John was able to raise nearly $3,000 for autism programs and services! On your mark... get set... GO! This June 3rd, the Autism Society of Edmonton Area is gearing up for one of its Many thanks to John Windwick, ATB and CTV for this amazing event!

19 Thank You to Vos Printing

ASEA would like to thank Vos Printing (www.VosAds.com) for the terrific Autism Society T-shirts that they donated for the ATB Charity Shootout on the CTV Rink of Dreams. In the midst of some chilly weather, everyone was grateful to have the great T-shirts for an extra layer of warmth, as well as to show support for ASEA!

20 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org A Community of Support Kristeen Gordon and I no longer have such a daunting hill of information to climb. This year as I walked into the We go early for the quiet, inviting breakfast, and stay Conference I was hoping for a few tiny nuggets of for the non-stop coffee and tea. We go to find that wisdom that I could cling to. I found them, and was perfect book, fidget or resource, and stay for the hope able to share them when I got home each night, eager that one of the highly-touted speakers will have that to tell my husband about my adventures. one special idea that will send us home with renewed energy and enthusiasm. We find all of these things and If I'm being honest, I was also looking forward to a more at the Children's Autism Services of Edmonton few days out of the house and away from the familiar (CASE) Annual Conference, but that's not the best hum of life. I found this, too, but with a twist. Unlike part. We are the parents and professionals whose lives my regularly scheduled respite outings to the coffee have been affected by the autism spectrum, and we find shop, this was time away from home with a room full ourselves in an amazing community. of people who make the same choices that I do. This was like date night with experts and teachers and You can't feel the same sense of support and support-staff and a myriad of professionals. There is a camaraderie by sitting at home with your fingers on a sense that we're all in this together, doing our best. keyboard and your eyes fixed on Google. You can't find it by reading a book or even by talking to a friend who Probably the most surprising part of this year's understands. You find it by sitting in a room filled with conference for me was the positivity that permeated the hundreds of people who nod their heads at the same entire event. Every person I met was smiling and moment you do. You find it while you stand near the hopeful. I often feel that much of the autism snack table during a conference break and bond community is focused on our struggles and not our instantly with a complete stranger because you share a triumphs, but here I felt surprised to find the opposite. struggle. It is not what you hoped to find, but it puts The truth, it turns out, is that the world may feel you at ease, and it makes you feel like you are part of negatively about autism, but those of us living with it, something much bigger than yourself. And it's worth or at least those of us who are seeking support and the price of admission. encouragement, are quite a happy bunch.

The food offerings at the Conference are always I ran into an old acquaintance at this year's Conference. excellent, and this year was no exception. They He and his wife are facing a diagnosis that is only two expanded the vendor area, and they offered the other months old. He seemed relieved to see me. I smiled and little perks we have come to expect - sensory snacks in told him to keep his chin up and enjoy the journey, and the afternoon, fidget toys on the tables and ball chairs that it would all feel very different in a couple of years. at the back of the room. It is a well-run event, and the As we exchanged phone numbers he told me that it was growing attendance is a tribute to the effort that CASE nice to know someone who has been there. I looked puts in each year. You get the feeling, sitting in your around the crowded room and grinned. Yes, I thought, chair, waiting to be informed, that they get us and they it is. get our kids. Each year is a new mix of offerings perfectly suited to our incredible variety of needs.

After my first Conference I had an exhaustive list of ideas and a bag full of squishy toys and chewy tubes. It was overwhelming and thrilling all at once. Over time, I have been educated by many wonderful professionals,

21 “Working Effectively” Workshop Ready for Prime Time Thank You to Our Incredible ASEA Roman Sokolowski Volunteers!

In late 2010, a group of theatre professionals and Don Anderson Simonne Lougheed adults with autism began developing a training DVD Susan Angus Shane Lynch and workshop entitled “Working Effectively with Anthony Barrett Adam Martz Adults with Autism”. The project, funded by a Deborah Barrett Wendy Mitchell Community Services Grant from , was Chris Brown Omair Peracha designed to teach respect, understanding and Iris Barrington-Leigh Sara Percy compassion for adults with autism to those who work Barbara Belch Karen Phillips with them. It was meant to help avoid the kinds of Sheila Court Tracy Pollard awkward situations and misunderstandings that can Emily Crate Terry Robson often arise from a poor understanding of ASD. The Jessica D'Silva Kelly Sheehy workshop and DVD were intended for staff who Anita Ferri Noor Shrestha provide full-time care and support to adults with Jenni Frost Jenni Shwetz autism; providers of short-term services such as nurses, Michael Frost Bonnie Stonehouse teachers, or program staff at support facilities; and Kathy Girard Patricia Terrett emergency first responders such as police, paramedics, Peggy Graham Alan Wagner and fire fighters. David Jardine Leanne Weidman Michelle Kenny Gail Wyatt For almost a year, the Autism Society Players worked Roma Kurtz Ian Wyatt with Dramaturge and Project Coordinator Sam Terry Kurtz Logan Zadrey Varteniuk to write, film and edit the DVD, as well as Cathy Lamoureux Ray Zadrey design the workshop materials that would help bring Dave Lougheed their message home. Sam spoke with parents, caregivers, health care professionals, doctors and clinicians, along with many people living with ASD, and asked them what they'd like to see in a training DVD Than You to Our Autism Now and workshop. Contributors!

The DVD and workshop began to develop around the Anthony Barrett Shane Lynch concept of pairs of scenes involving interactions Deborah Barrett Maggie Neilson between people with autism and neurotypicals. The first Karen Bain Russ Peardon scene would show an interaction that went badly Daryl Burd Roman Sokolowski because of a poor understanding of ASD or badly Anita Ferri Tanna Somerfield chosen behaviour by the neurotypical person – for Gino Ferri Marielle TerHart example, a conflict between a shopkeeper and a person Kristeen Gordon Patricia Terrett with ASD who had been wandering inside a store for more than an hour. The second scene would show how the scenario could be improved through better choices Thank you for your insightful and entertaining of words and actions. After that, workshop participants articles and stories! would discuss the contrasting scenes and talk about the And special thanks to Nicole Gour and her family for contributing pictures to recent issues of Autism Now!

22 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org right and wrong ways to work with adults who have autism. Canada Project Russ Peardon After the initial fine-tuning, the workshop and DVD were ready to be tested out with the general public. Starting in November 2011, the workshop and DVD Observing the amazing abilities of his own son with were presented to five different groups of stakeholders Asperger's, Danish Information Technology and interested people. Everyone from the public was professional Thorkil Sonne founded Specialisterne welcome to attend, and a variety of people showed up (“The Specialists”) in 2004, employing persons on the to experience “Working Effectively with Adults with autism spectrum as IT consultants, primarily in Autism”, share their thoughts and suggest software test and data conversion. The Copenhagen improvements. The workshops were enhanced by the Company has thrived on the special skills of its presence of adults with ASD, who shared their own employees, delivered the benefits of their talents to real-life experiences and related them to the dramatized Danish firms, and created good jobs for over 50 versions presented in the DVD. Workshop participants people, 33 of which are on the autism spectrum. were impressed by the professional quality of the DVD, and thought the scenes did a great job of In 2009, Thorkil set up the non-profit Specialist People bringing home the message of respect and Foundation and sold Specialisterne to it for a single understanding. Danish Krone (about 20 cents). The foundation's goal is to create one million jobs for those on the autism They didn't always agree with the scenes that showed spectrum, in part through facilitating start-up of similar “correct” way of working with adults with autism, but operations in other countries. Licensed Specialisterne this led to more lively discussion of the right and operations have been established in Reykjavik, Glasgow wrong ways to handle each situation. After a few and Berne. Operations in Berlin and Warsaw are in the sessions, the participants began to write and act out start-up phase, and planning is underway for companies their own improved versions of the scenes, showing in many other countries around the world. their own ideas for how to work appropriately with adults with autism. The fact that the DVD and Alberta has tremendous potential to host a successful workshop got the participants thinking about better Specialisterne site. Each major city has roughly twice ways of doing things could be the greatest tribute of all the population of Copenhagen, and more significantly, to its effectiveness. a much higher proportion of Information Technology activity. The Specialist People Foundation has adopted Special thanks to the Autism Society Players, Sam a licensee model to facilitate the start-up of local Varteniuk, Ellen Chorley and Alan Wagner. You've companies. Licensed operations gain access to the done a great job of bringing an important message to Specialisterne business model, an extensive library the public in an entertaining and effective way! covering the topics of assessment, training, management and marketing, and access to Are you interested in having a presentation of Specialisterne's existing business contracts with global “Working Effectively” for a group of service or companies such as IBM, Microsoft and Nokia. support staff in the Edmonton Area? Just e-mail [email protected] or call the ASEA The Specialisterne Canada Advisory Board's goal is to office at (780) 453-3971. establish Specialisterne Canada as an Alberta-based not-for-profit company. We are a diverse group of people, with representatives from the autism, education and information technology communities. We are a project of Autism Calgary.

23 To achieve licensee status, candidate firms must first go through a rigorous start-up process. The first step is a A well-researched recent article in the New York very thorough feasibility study. In short, the study will Times attempt to answer two questions: Can a Specialisterne http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/30/ licensee succeed in Calgary, and what changes will need putting-the-gifts-of-the-autistic-to-work/ to be made to the Danish model? We are very pleased to announce that we have raised the $42,000 required Thorkil Sonne's blog to fund the feasibility study, and it will commence in http://thorkilsjourney.specialistpeople.com/ January, 2012. Russ Peardon Chair, Specialisterne Canada Advisory Board The feasibility study process will be performed locally, [email protected] but will be guided by the Specialist People Foundation and will follow their model. If the outcome of the feasibility study is positive, the project will then move Think About Your Future, Too... into a business planning phase, followed by start-up and commencement of operations. Daryl Burd Parents devote a great deal of time and thought to This is a very worthwhile project. It has the potential to planning for the ongoing daily needs of their address a serious and growing social issue using a sustainable business model, creating winning dependent child or adult. This could leave them conditions for the autistic consultants it employs, the without the time or energy to plan for their own companies it serves, and our larger society. It is a futures. However, stepping back and thinking ahead for powerful thing to meet the consultants at Specialisterne both themselves and their dependents is critical. and hear them describe what it means to have Caregivers need to be able to live and enjoy their lives employment that accommodates their autistic needs, and plan for their own futures, too. Gaining this giving them a chance to contribute with their perspective is especially difficult given the amount of considerable, special skills. energy that must be devoted to the day-to-day Our project is a small step towards Thorkil Sonne's functioning of the family. But this perspective is goal of one million jobs for “specialist people”. That essential, as it will establish the future for their dream is really one of diversity in the workplace – dependent as well as for themselves. showing companies the value of employing all kinds of people, and showcasing management approaches that A well-funded RDSP can take some of the emotional derive value from a diverse and creative workforce. burden off of families who worry about the long-term welfare of their dependent adult. The question remains: For More Information “Will all of this be enough to provide for my child's The Specialist People Foundation long term care at a level at which I am comfortable?” www.specialistpeople.com There are other options in addition to the RDSP that Specialisterne really should be considered to provide additional www.specialisterne.com support. Of course the dependent family member's long term welfare will be one of the family's main Autism Calgary financial planning goals. But it should not be the only www.autismcalgary.com financial goal. Any properly conceived and written financial plan will address a dependent's long-term welfare. But it must also address the long-term desires of the parents for themselves.

24 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org So with this in mind… most day-to-day money stresses. Receiving fully Your Ideal Life comprehensive financial services allows you to spend your time managing your daily life. Concentrate on your Take a few minutes to imagine your ideal life. Think “do's” – on the things that you cannot delegate. You carefully about the following questions, one at a time: can be secure in the knowledge that someone else is working hard to get your financial house in perfect What does your ideal life look like? order and keep it that way. What does your ideal life sound like? What does it feel like? Next Steps What are you doing? Who are you with? Take action. Who are you being? Start the process. Actually construct and own a plan It might help to make a few notes as you go through that addresses your needs and desires and your family's the list of questions. Don't think about worries or long-term needs and desires. This will increase your limits – just imagine your ideal life. It might be many confidence in your future and provide peace of mind years since you've really thought about how things now. Not knowing (or not wanting to know) how to could be. work things out is an approach that will probably guarantee that things will not work out. Some things are Your ideal life may sound like the waves lapping at the more important than money – concentrate on those beach below the veranda of your retirement condo in things. Hawaii. If it does, then this should be reflected as one of the goals of your plan. If your ideal life involves But it's important to start now. A longer planning being with your spouse on an around-the-world cruise, timeframe opens up more planning options to achieve then this should be part of your plan. While there may your goals. need to be tradeoffs among your goals, these personal goals must be part of your plan. Daryl Burd, CFP is a Values Based Financial Planner. A friend of mine speaks of the Four D's of time management - Drop, Delay, Delegate and Do. In the Rap Van Crew Ride interests of simplifying your life, give some thought to Marielle TerHart & Anthony Barrett which of these Four D's apply to your activities. “The radio was loud. The van smelled like red, like Obviously it's not possible to drop or delay caring for strawberries. It smelled like a swimming pool.” your dependents. We roll up our sleeves and “do”. Anthony Barrett, a twentysomething with autism, wrote Are there activities that are better done by someone that description of the “Rap Van Crew” the morning else? These should be in the “delegate” category. after he joined the group. “Rap Van Crew”, as the name implies, is a forum created for the appreciation and Financial planning and money issues should be a big sharing of rap music. More specifically, it was a crew of “delegate”. Your written financial plan can eliminate exactly fifteen twenty-somethings, squished into a touring van, driving around Edmonton, eating snacks and, of course, listening to rap music. The night

25 featured live, in-van performances from local rappers Mikey Maybe and Mitchmatic, rap-themed coloring, as well as a playlist that everyone contributed to. In spite Events at a Glance of the tinted windows and the dark exterior, the van was decorated with construction paper flowers and had For a complete, up-to-date listing of events from ASEA a crooked “Rap Van Crew” sign, missing the “E”, and the local autism community, please see ASEA’s web taped to the window. And it was within this van, on a site. Just visit www.autismedmonton.org and click the chilly night at the start of the New Year, that Anthony “News and Events” button at the top of the screen! found himself officially belonging to a crew. Special events will continue to be sent to members via e- bulletin. “I rode with Marielle. Mike sat in the van. We got a McDonald's cheeseburger and ice cream.” Do You Have A Story To Share?

Anthony, a last minute addition, was invited when his Autism Now would love to hear your stories - about your mother needed respite for that night and both of his kids, your concerns, your family. If you have time to write, workers had already committed themselves to please email your articles to participating in “Rap Van Crew”. It was the simplest [email protected] (All submissions solution – if that was how his workers, two people who must follow the submission guidelines posted at share similar interests with Anthony, planned on http://www.autismedmonton.org/autism-now- spending their free Tuesday night, why wouldn't submission-guidelines/). If writing isn't your thing, Anthony want to do the exact same thing? Anthony send us an email or give us a call - we will be happy to talk loves music, car trips, spending time with Marielle and with you and write an article based on your experiences. Mike, and he, just like most 23-year-olds, prefers to go Autism Now would love to include a full spectrum of out at night rather than staying in. So, apart from a few stories about living with autism. modifications (a fidget, a window seat, and the opportunity to get out of the van whenever it stopped so that he could stretch his legs), Anthony was just like We Want Your Pictures! everyone else. He rocked to the beat, laughed softly, Do you want to see your child or family member in the and watched Edmonton flash by his window. Anthony pages of Autism Now and on ASEA’s web site? Send us spent the night with people who appreciated his your favourite pictures so we can fill our magazine and company and enthusiasm. He spent his night with web site with the faces of real people with autism. ASEA people who were not paid to be there, but rather reserves the right to reproduce the pictures electronically wanted nothing more than to share their passion for or in print publications, and will not identify any of the music with Anthony and learn about Anthony's own individuals in the photos. To submit your pictures, just e- personal rap preferences. mail them to [email protected]. Make sure your e-mail includes the words “I allow ASEA Nearly a month later, after what may have been just a to use the pictures submitted in electronic and print small act of inclusion, when Anthony was asked about publications for the purpose of promoting ASEA how his night out made him feel and why, there was no programs and services” so we know you accept the terms hesitation in his answer: “I felt good because I liked the of submission. (If that takes too long to type, visit music and the people – the Rap Van Crew.” http://www.autismedmonton.org/we-want-your- pictures and copy-paste the text above.)

26 AUTISM SOCIETY OF EDMONTON AREA www.autismedmonton.org ASEA has simplified its membership offerings for your convenience

* p ASEA recognizes that some families are unable to afford annual fees. ASEA will consider requests for assisted family membership on a case by case basis. All inquiries will remain confidential.

Please consider giving of your time or financial resources in addition to your membership. All donations over $25 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

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