Thank you for supporting Autism ! We are excited to have you along on our journey! Please check out our monthly newsletter that covers our projects, news updates, relevant community events, donor highlights and more.

Occasio Summer Program Thank you!

Special thanks to our major community supporters!

Parents and Caregivers! Occasio runs during the daytime Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays this August! It's a great way for youth ages 10 years and up to spend some time having fun, gaining independence and time having fun, gaining independence and confidence, and making social connections. We meet close to Southgate Mall for every activity during the summer - making it easier to take public transit! Choose to make this summer one of their best yet! Occasio August Schedule

Aug 02: Aug 04: Bonnie Doon Bowling & Games Aug 09: Apple Store Coding & Photo Scavenger Hunt Aug 11: Pottery Painting & Cariwest Parade Aug 14: Rock Climbing Aug 16: Park Aug 18: Board Game Cafe & Outdoor Pool Aug 21: Aug 23: Fringe Festival Aug 25: Valley Zoo Aug 28: The Rec Room Aug 30: WEM Mini Golf & Movie Day

Autism Edmonton Needs Your Voice

We are looking for some suitable community members to join our vibrant Board of Directors. Joining our Board of Directors is one of many opportunities for you to become involved in our mission for creating a community where all people with autism are valued and have a life filled with possibilities. If you are interested in joining the Board, please submit your application by July 31. Volunteers Call

The next casino for Autism Edmonton will be held at Starlight Edmonton (formerly Palace Casino) in WEM. You are invited to volunteer and help us obtain funding, as it helps us support programs and events for Albertans living with autism spectrum disorder. We are currently looking for volunteers to fill shifts on Wednesday August 23 and Thursday, August 24.

Shifts available for: August 23 Chip Runner 11:30am – 7:15pm August 23 Cashier 6:30pm – 3:15am August 24 Cashier 6:30pm – 3:15am

Please email [email protected] if you can help us out and, remember, you get a free meal and it's always more fun to volunteer with a friend or family member!

The 2017 Edmonton Marathon, being held on August 19-20, 2017 provides some charities with an opportunity to gain some exposure and possible financial support. Autism Edmonton was asked to participate and we are pleased to be able to do so. Marathon Volunteers details: Volunteer Task: Package pick up - stuff participant bags Event Date: Thursday, August 17 Shift time: 11:00 am - 4 pm (5 hours) Location: Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D, 9797 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB Other Requirements: This is an "all abilities" volunteer opportunity.

If you are interested, please email [email protected]

Let's Sweat for Autism!

Join us for our Sweat for Autism, a marathon-style fitness fundraiser that will be held on August 27, 2017 at the No More Excuses fitness studio (8111 43 St NW, Edmonton), with events running from 8:30am until 4:30pm.

Besides fitness challenges, there will be BBQ from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, massages available challenges, there will be BBQ from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, massages available on site for participants, and prizes for the top three fundraisers (1st prize valued at $500+, 2nd prize valued at $300+, and 3rd prize valued at $200+).

All proceeds from Sweat for Autism will go to health and wellness programs offered by Autism Edmonton. Registration will be open shortly. Stay tuned! "Grow" Your Own Food

Running from mid June to early September, families and individuals living with autism are invited to harvest their own fresh fruits and vegetables from our Community Garden at Lady Flower Gardens. Fill 2 bins with produce one for Edmonton's Food Bank and one for yourself to take home.

To learn more, please contact: [email protected] or call 780-453- 3971 ext. 1. Transportation is available on request from the Clareview LRT station.

Save the Date for the "Opening Doors for Autism" Gala!

Mark your calendars for Friday October 27, 2017 and plan to attend our Mark your calendars for Friday October 27, 2017 and plan to attend our amazing biennial premier fundraising event. This gala provides integral financial support to all of the programs and services at Autism Edmonton. You can add your support by: - Becoming a gala sponsor - Donating a Live or Silent Auction item - Volunteering for the event - Attending the gala Contact Kate Wallace or call 780-453-3971 ext 223. Our Ice Cream Party Was a Success

Thank you to everyone who attended our members' event! Your positive spirit and energy made our time together fun. It was so delightful to see everyone having a great time watching The Awesome Hots perform while enjoying complimentary ice cream treats. And of course, special thanks go out to our volunteers and staff members who helped make our event a success.

Donor Highlight The support and commitment shown by our donors are what makes the work of Autism Edmonton possible. This month, we would like to show our appreciation to the Realtors Community Foundation for their generous grant, which allows us to provide vital services and support to families and individuals living with autism. Thank you!

Community Corner

Aspergers, A Tale of a Social Misfit Catch the performance of Aspergers, A Tale of A Social Misfit, running August 17-27 at 7 PM, at the First Memorial Funeral Chapel. Volunteers are required!

Restart Your Career Training Begins: October 10 Days: Monday-Thursday Time: 8:45AM - 4:00PM

Register by August 31 to receive 24 weeks of computer and work skills training.

Summer Programs Our groups specialize in children with ADHD and Learning Disabilities. Camp Abilities Summer Program July 31 - August 4th, & August 21 - 25th, 9:30AM to 3:00PM

Teen Camp Abilities Summer Program August 14th - 18th, 9:30 AM to 3:00PM

For more information, please contact [email protected], call our office at 780-466-1011 or call Karen Popal @ 780-707-2085. Summer Speech & Language Camps Camps are designed and led by Registered Speech-Language Pathologists, and include daily One on One Speech Therapy for a minimum of 15 minutes/half day, which is combined with small group 'fun' skill building activities.

Camps run July 24-28, and August 15-18. Call 780-495-9544 or email [email protected] for questions.

The Hope Classic This year, the 10th Annual Hope Classic: Run, Walk, Wheel will take place on Saturday August 19th, at Site #5 in Rundle Park (2909 113 Ave NW). The day will start with registration at 9:00 am, warm up at 10:15 am, and the race will begin at 10:30 am. The registration fee includes a t-shirt, race bag, entry to the family barbecue, entertainment, and door prizes. For more information and to register go here.

Steptember

Run by the Cerebral Palsy Associations Canada wide, the Steptember charity event challenges people to take 10,000 steps (or the equivalent) a day for 28 days straight in the month of September. Research Recruitment

NOTE: We do not specifically endorse any research. Our intent is to promote autism research on a local level, in order to learn more about how we might best support people in our community who are living with autism spectrum disorder

Invitation to Participate in a Research Study on Autism Service Preferences Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) would like to invite you to participate in a research study about your thoughts and feelings about autism services.

Challenging the Stereotypes of Mathematical Giftedness and Math Disability in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

4-17-year-old children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are invited to participate in a study that aims to understand better the mathematical skills of children with ASD and what factors predict math strengths and weaknesses. For more information, contact Dr. Heather Brown at (780) 492-5363 or [email protected]

Parent's Perspectives on Their Child with Autism Spectrum Disorders Transition to Adulthood

The purpose of this study is to examine which factors predict parent stress and family quality of life for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when that child is making the transition out of high school. Your own (ASD) when that child is making the transition out of high school. Your own involvement in the study would be minimal; it simply involves distributing this survey regarding the study to any eligible parents or guardians through whatever means you usually contact them (electronic notices, newsletters, pamphlets, etc.schoolaged). Quality of Life of School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Factors that Predict Parents' Perspective

The purpose of this study is to examine which factors predict quality ofschool- agedchildren with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The survey should take roughly 30 minutes to complete. Eligible parents must have a child with ASD between 8-11 years old.

Transitioning from Early Intervention Services Into the School System Is your child about to transition from early intervention services into the school system?

Based on your experience with the transition process experienced with your child, your participation in this study would be greatly appreciated. If you choose to participate, you will be provided with a summary of your particular child’s results, which may help you plan for future transitions. For more information, email [email protected] or call (780) 860-7454.

Social ABCs with Attention Training for Toddlers with Suspected Autism

Are you the parent of a toddler (age 12-30 months) who shows signs of ASD or has a diagnosis of ASD? The Autism Research Centre is studying an early intervention program called the "Social ABCs". This program teaches caregivers skills to help their toddler to improve communication and social interaction.

To take part, please contact Sanne Jilderda at 780-735-6274 or email [email protected]. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Genomes to Outcomes The Autism Research Centre is part of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of , and located at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

Families are invited to participate in an ongoing research program to examine the genetic variations in ASD. Examination of the broad range of genetic variation in ASD may help to inform diagnosis, as well as personalize medical management and treatment for affected individuals. For more information, please contact Olivia Conlon by phone at 780-735-7999 ext. 1 5668 or by email at [email protected].

Early Symptom Development in ASD: Role of Attention Control & Emotional Regulation The Autism Research Centre is inviting families to participate in an ongoing study to examine the early signs of ASD in infants and toddlers.

To volunteer for this study, or to learn more, please contact Olivia Conlon: 780- 735-7999 ext. 1 5668 or email [email protected]. To learn more about other opportunities with the Autism Research Centre, please visit their website or follow their Facebook page.

Developing a Model of Mathematical Ability for Children with ASD Researchers at the U of A are trying to better understand the mathematical skills of children with ASD, as well as what factors may predict math strengths and weaknesses. You and your child can help by participating in this study.

For more information, please contact Heather M. Brown, Ph.D., Autism Spectrum Disorder and Academic Achievement (AIDAN) lab, Department of Ed. Psych., Faculty of Education, , 780-492- 5363, [email protected]