P.T.P.T. Volume 1, Issue 9 December 8, 2012 Speaker’S Corner Putting the Pieces Together Our Mission Statement Guest Speaker: Jacqueline Eglyi

P.T.P.T. Volume 1, Issue 9 December 8, 2012 Speaker’s Corner Putting the Pieces Together Our Mission Statement Guest Speaker: Jacqueline Eglyi,

PTPT is a group of parents with children who have Special Executive Director of Bridges Academy Needs. We believe that we are our children's best advocate, Jacqueline Egli, M.S. is the Executive Director of Bridges Academy teacher and decision maker. Our goal is to raise awareness, in Winter Springs. She has been involved in special education for make informed decisions and advocate on their behalf while 34 years as a classroom specialist and administrator. She is a past

president of the Learning Disabilities Association, and is a current raising them to be loving, independent and as productive as they can be in our society. Armed with love, resources and support board member of the Coalition for McKay Scholarship Schools. from one another, we are “Putting the Pieces Together.” She was recently invited to participate as a member of the FLDOE State ESE State Advisory Committee.

Her presentation will be on the McKay Scholarship Program. The Christmas Gift topic will cover how it works, what parents should do to secure the To your enemy, forgiveness. resources, how to assess the right private school for their child.

One of the most pressing concerns to be covered will be what To an opponent, tolerance. responsibilities parents have to keep the McKay Scholarship a To a friend, your heart. viable option for their special needs child. As the legislative session

To a customer, service. begins in the spring, there are individual members of the Florida Legislature that want to see the McKay Scholarship Program To all, charity. cancelled. To every child, a good example. Jacqueline believes strongly in creating a strong educational

To yourself, respect. process for every child. She also believes that parents are the most powerful person in this process and need to be the driving force behind every decision made for their child. It can all be overwhelming, but settling is not an option.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1 Our Mission Statement, Christmas Gift As A Matter of Fact 1st AIDS Awareness Day 1 Speaker’s Corner, As A Matter of Fact 7th Pearl Harbor Remembrance 2 Have A Stress-Free Holiday With Special Needs Kids 8th Beginning of Hanukkah (at sundown) Gift Giving Tips 3 22nd First Day of Winter

3 Calendar of Events , Holiday Travel Tips 25th Christmas 4 Recipe of the Month, The True Gift of Christmas 26th Kwanzaa Begins

P.T.P.T. 1

Have A Stress-Free Holiday With to most, can be too much for children with autism, ADHD, or Special Needs Kids sensory disorders. Let special needs children help you decorate for the holidays so they are involved in the changes that take While the words “stress-free” and “the holidays” don’t often go place in their comforting environment. together, we at Brain Balance want all kids to enjoy this special time of year. No matter which holidays your family celebrates, The holiday season doesn’t have to be a stressful time of year the following tips and strategies can help everyone enjoy the for your special needs child! We hope these tips help your season… especially those with special needs like ADHD and whole family enjoy this fun time of year. autism. Read and share our article, and enjoy this wonderful time Want to know more about how Brain Balance helps children of year! with neuro-behavioral disorders reach their physical, social, and

1. Give your child a schedule of events for special activities, emotional potential? Look up http://www.brainbalancecenters.com/ particularly on days with lots of transitions. Whether it’s a written schedule or one with pictures for younger kids, your child will feel calmer and safer knowing what is coming up. Discuss the Gift Giving Tips schedule regularly and provide info for each event. For example, Here's some advice for parents, grandparents, aunties, let your child know which events will take place outside and caregivers, godparents or friends looking for a great gift for kids which will be loud or crowded. Sometimes just knowing what’s with special needs: next can help children with special needs feel less anxiety. *Don't get derailed by age ranges on toy labels, because they 2. Have a code word your child can use if he or she feels don't always apply. One of Leo's all-time favorite toys is a Flip overwhelmed and needs a break. Assure your child if he or she Flop Egg Drop sorting tower that also instantly distracts all uses the code word, you will respond right away. Again, giving visiting adults -- yet the box says it's for 18-month-olds. children some control during activities that may be overstimulating for them will reduce anxiety. *Try to focus on the child's interests, on what they actually like to do -- this is where interrogating the kid's parents comes in. 3. Before you leave for holiday parties, parades, or other fun Leo's auntie know he enjoys winding things up, so she gifted events, have a quick family meeting so your whole family knows him an emergency flashlight with a crank handle, and he's in how long you plan to stay and how you expect them to behave. heaven. My boy also adores music, but he's better at humming This will benefit neuro-typical children as well, since any child than singing -- so I got him a bag of plastic kazoos. Now he can get overwhelmed with the excitement of the holidays. always has a kazoo on hand, and I don't have to worry if one Continue to make your child’s sleep schedule a priority, even in gets broken or lost. He likes to color, but get gets frustrated the midst of so many special events. because his fine-motor skills make staying in the lines difficult - 4. Children with significant sensory sensitivities may require a - so we got him dot stamp painters, and the walls of his room little extra planning to enjoy holiday festivities. For example, you now festooned with colorful creations that make him proud. may need to bring along ear plugs if you will be in a noisy environment or sensory fidgets if the child is expected to sit still. For sensitive kids who need to wear dress clothes for events, Spreading a Little Joy to Other Kids With Special Needs bring along some soft clothes for them to change into as soon as Sometimes, our kids really do have most everything they need. possible. Be prepared by knowing your child’s specific limitations Ask people to donate to organizations or campaigns for kids and how you will handle them if the need arises. Don’t wait for with special needs who could use more support, in lieu of a gift. the meltdown to begin. Some suggestions: 5. If your children have food sensitivities or allergies that prevent -Donate an iPad or other device a needy child might want. them from eating holiday treats, plan ahead to offer alternatives like all-natural candy or a gluten-free treat from home. Children -The Autism Science Foundation is raising funds for autism with neuro-behavioral disorders like ADHD or autism often research. already feel different, so be sure to include them in as many -The HollyRod Foundation is donating iPads to non-verbal, holiday festivities as possible. low-income kids. 6. If your child is easily over-stimulated, limit holiday decorations in your home. Too many twinkling lights combined with smells from the kitchen and other holiday distractions, while enjoyable

P.T.P.T. 2

ALENDAR OF VENTS Holiday Travel Tips C E

Special Needs children travel differently. A N EVENING WITH TEMPLE GRANDIN P LACE: UCF VISUAL ARTS BUILDING (UCF-VAB)ROOM 132 Kids with special needs are often anxious about changes in U NIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA their daily routines. Unexpected surprises will not necessarily

4000 CENTRAL FLORIDA BLVD. - ORLANDO, FL 32816 be met with enthusiasm. Preparing children with autism or

DATE: DECEMBER 9, 2012 - 5PM – REGISTRATION - 6PM – SESSION BEGINS anxiety disorders ahead of time for the holiday trip will benefit them greatly. Talk about the trip’s daily itinerary, places the Cost: $55 *Included with this event is a free copy of “Autism family will visit, and what the hotel and food will be like. Tomorrow” featuring Temple Grandin as a co-author. Another good holiday travel tip is to discuss travel A workshop for parents, teachers and professionals working with arrangements with the disabled child. Will there be an airplane those with autism spectrum disorders. ride? If so, parents may want to consider a flying software application like the iPhone fear of flying course. Looking at Come and hear about what is new in the world of autism treatments pictures of the destination and talking about the travel plans from someone who has lived the autistic experience. Temple will ahead of time will also help alleviate many nervous feelings. delve into sensory/sensitivity issues, challenges with language & Planning Ahead of Time for Holiday Trip learning, and the unique ways that people with autism process information. A quick phone call by a parent may be all that is necessary to avoid an unpleasant experience. Find out ahead of time if a EVENT: PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER (P.T.P.T.) restaurant has considerations for the physically disabled such

TOPIC OF THE MONTH: THE MAGIC OF MUSIC THERAPY as ample aisle space and bathroom accommodations. Make sure that museum and bus tours have sign language DATE : SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2013 interpreters or listening devices available for the hearing impaired. Find out if the transportation used (plane, train, or P LACE: FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH rental car) can accommodate physical requirements. 1411 NORTH DEAN ROAD – ORLANDO 32825 rip IME 10:00 AM - NOON Stick to the Routine When Taking a Holiday T T : This month our guest speaker is Tamela Ponder, the Co-Founder, As much as possible, keep routines such as bedtimes, wake Pr ogram Director and Music Therapist from Joyful Music & Dance times, and afternoon naps or rests similar to those at home. If Studio. She will explain how Music Therapy is the clinical and staying at a relative’s home, bring along familiar items such as evidence based use of music interventions to accomplish physical, a favorite blanket or teddy bear (lovey), nightlight, radio, or fan to help the child feel safe and comfortable. Also, review emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. This the plans for the day every morning with the child who has interactive class will shed light on the magic of Music Therapy. special needs. For more information, please contact Donique @ 407-491-6524 or [email protected] or Jenorise @ 407-733-944 or Use information tags for your special needs children. [email protected] . In case a child with special needs gets accidentally separated *** SPECIAL P.T.P. T. EVENT*** from her parents during the holiday trip, she should have with her some vital information, including the names of parents, Topic: Feeding Issues: Getting them under control before they caregivers, and grandparents, cell phone numbers, and the drive you crazy! name and phone number of the hotel or relative where the family is planning to stay. Written down, this is an important Speaker: Debra Beckman, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder & Therapist at safeguard for a disabled child that cannot communicate the Beckman & Associates information verbally. Since our speaker for this meeting was unable to teach the full class, P.T.P.T. Free has enlisted the expertise of Debra Beckman. She is truly the When taking a trip to visit close friends and family this holiday season, make sure to plan ahead, especially if traveling best in the business! She will tackle the troubles of picky and texture with a child with special needs. Holiday trips can be sensitive eaters as well as nutritional habits. You will learn how to memorable and fun for disabled children, but only if the conduct food training with your child to introduce new foods and get holidays are planned well and if routine is incorporated. The answers to questions to possible medical reasons why your children holiday travel tips above should help parents of children with disabilities to plan for their vacations. struggles with food. She’ll also discuss the problem with regular trips to fast food restaurants and giving in to unrealistic demands.

P.T.P.T. 3 The True Gift of Christmas Some people think it’s presents RECIPE OF THE MONTH Wrapped up pretty and placed under a tree DECORATED GLUTEN-FREE SUGAR COOKIE Decorated with many ornaments and lights RECIPE

That gives Christmas its true meaning.

Ingredients

•1 1/2 cups gluten-free all -purpose baking flour (use your For me presents have never really mattered favorite recipe or product) I used the Living Without All Purpose Gluten -Free Flour blend recipe with good results) I love being together as a family

•1/2 cup tapioca flour OR potato starch Having a good meal of turkey

•1 cup gluten-free powdered sugar Stuffing and all the trimmings. •1 teaspoon guar gum OR xanthan gum

•1 teaspoon cream of tartar This too is not the real meaning of Christmas •1/8 teaspoon salt This I know to be so true •1 cup cold butter, cut in small pieces (2 sticks) •1 egg It is the gift of a special infant

•1+ tablespoons milk OR canned coconut milk The Christ child, born for me and you. •1 teaspoon vanilla extract OR lemon extract (if you like lemony sugar cookies) So when you are celebrating •1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon peel

•Icing Recipe: Exchanging gifts and good cheer

•4 cups gluten-free powdered sugar Remember that there was one special gift

•2 tablespoons milk OR canned coconut milk Which we should celebrate this time each year. •1 teaspoon honey OR corn syrup

•Food coloring (optional) The gift of God's only son

Jesus, was to be his name Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F / 176° C A child who would become a man Line baking sheets with parchment paper, silpat mats or lightly And bring salvation to you and me. grease with vegetable shortening

For one day He would die for us Upon a wooden cross upon a hill

To bear the sins of all of us

To give up his life, to do His Father's will.

So each year when Christmas comes

I stand before the crèche To gaze at this little child

The true gift of Christmas.

P.T.P.T. 4