“Temple Grandin” Temple Grandin Will Be Coming to Charlotte Later in October

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

Join us Thursday, October 7th , for a popcorn and a movie!

For your enjoyment will be showing the Emmy award winning movie:

“Temple Grandin” Temple Grandin will be coming to Charlotte later in October. Come see the movie based on her life. We will cover your childcare and even give you free popcorn and drinks!

Please park in the back of the church. Our meeting will be in rooms 204 & 205. Doors Open at 7:00. An- nouncements- 7:10. The movie will start promptly at 7:10 and last until 8:50. The Autism Society of North Carolina– Mecklenburg County Chapter meetings are open to all regardless of membership. Please come when you can and leave when you have to.

Please Note our New Meeting Location !!! **Free Childcare is Available** Childcare is available for the first 12 children registered. Those not registered will be turned away. We must insure the safety of all children under our care during the meeting, so we must know how many will be in atten- dance before each meeting. To register for childcare, contact Lauren Moore by Tues. Oct. 5th via e-mail: [email protected] or by calling 704-649-7440.

Inside this Issue– President’s Note 2 Calendar, 3 News from ASA 4 News from ASNC 5-7 Autism Fundraising 8 Mc Coll Center / ASNC-MCC 9 Ruth Fuller Scholarship Award 10 Meeting Location: - St. John’s Episcopal Church: 1623 Carmel Rd., In Memory of Dr. O. I. Lovaas 11 Charlotte, NC 28226– 5097. The church is located across the street Mecklenburg County Opportunities 12 from the campus of Charlotte Country Day, close to the intersection of Ask a Professional 13 Fairview and Carmel Roads. It is located about 3 miles east of South Upcoming Local Conferences 14-15 Park Mall. Membership Form Last pg. 1

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

President’s Note:

This is the first large newsletter of the school year and it is the perfect time to explain who we are and what we do. If you think you know who we are, then you can check yourself. If you are new to Charlotte, when you finish this page, you will have a better knowledge about the resources here. This newsletter and the website listed above are offered to families who have a member with autism and those who support them. It is furnished by the Autism Society of North Carolina– Mecklenburg County Chapter free of charge. We are a group of parents who volunteer our time to create supports for others in our area. Our chapter is an associate of the Au- tism Society of North Carolina, which is housed in Raleigh. ASNC is the largest non-profit in our state to provide a variety of services, including: out of home placements and autism specific worksites, educational workshops pertaining to autism, legislative oversight, parent advocates, written and electronic information, and an annual conference, which will be held in Charlotte for the first time next year! The Autism Society of North Carolina is part of the Autism Society of America. Both organizations have missions and vision statements that promote programs and policies within communities to enhance the lives of those on the spectrum by advancing the idea that those on the spectrum and their families be treated with respect. Their aim is for those with ASD to receive services and programs based on their unique differences, needs, and preferences. Our chapter operates on these principles as well. Because the autism spectrum is so vast, our chapter does not support any methodology or treatment over any other. We provide information about options available, and it is your responsibility to decide what will be best for your situation.

The Charlotte area is blessed with several other groups which have specific missions. Autism Speaks has a local chapter. Their mission includes fundraising for autism research and legislative action. The Autism Society of America and ASNC have both worked closely with Autism Speaks to create important changes with insurance coverage across the country and within our state. Current work regarding Christopher’s Law is going on right now and our local chapter supports this work. To learn more about this please go to: www.autismsociety-nc.org or the Autism Votes NC page.

The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas is another local non-profit offering specific programs to benefit families and the community. These include the All Faiths Initiative, which links families to “autism friendly churches”, the Inclusion Based After School Program housed at the Mc Cory, Lake Norman and Siskey YMCAs, the University Autism Outreach Program that pairs college students with children on the spectrum who do not receive CAP services, and funding for the Lose the Training Wheels Bicycle Camp. To learn more about the Autism Foundation of the Carolinas, please go to: www.autismcarolinas.org.

Another organization in our area is the Parker Autism Foundation. Their work has included bringing Wrightslaw workshops to our area and more recently, funding Camp Dakota, a summer day camp for children on all levels of the spectrum. It is run through Autism Services of Mecklenburg County. Like the Autism Foundation of the Carolinas, Parker Autism Foundation has done an ex- emplary job creating support in our community where it is otherwise lacking.

Autism Services of Mecklenburg County is a non-profit, private service provider created over 30 years ago by parents from the local chapter of the Autism Society. ASMC provides a wide range of community programs from residential placements to employment support services. We have many service providers in our area, but Autism Services has the longest record of caring specifically for those with autism in our community. As our children age, Autism Services can be a valuable, dependable resource for families plan- ning for life with an adult child with autism.

So there you have it. Our chapter of the Autism Society of NC has worked very hard to support and maintain a good working rela- tionship with the other autism groups in our area. Because autism is so unique in how it affects each person, it is reasonable that it will “take a village” to be sure everyone’s needs are met at any given time. Just like all people , those with ASD grow and change and so do their families. Please know that our chapter is here to support and embrace you no matter where you are in your life’s journey with your loved one. We welcome you to give of yourself and share your one of a kind perspective at support meetings or coffee times. If you are in need of support, we have plenty of active families who are willing to provide a friendly sounding board and information that you may find helpful. As part of our mission, families are always welcome to take as little or as much as they need of our services, regardless of whether or not you have paid your dues (although, we certainly won’t turn your money away). I hope to see you at one of our functions so that you can personally enjoy the benefits of our group!

Nancy Nestor, ASNC-MCC President 704-545-1902 : [email protected]

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

October Calendar Oct 16 – 17 (Sa-Su) Family Camping and Fun Day Camp

Oct 1st (F) Tweens & teens at the Movies! - Myers Royall--250 Bill Ash Road, Moncure NC 27559 (map) 12-5:00 Park Presbyterian; 11 –18 year olds; 6:45- 8:30pm. Saturday; open families in NC with an ASD member. $15 dona- RSVP Tanya Gaspar- [email protected] or 704 tion/family for Fun Day. Also overnight camp; registration & -927-1271. overnight price found on our website. It’s a safe, fun, happy place designed to meet the needs of folks with ASD. RSVP is Oct. 2nd. (Sa) Ready Set Hike Football Camp; UNCC; con- preferred for fun day and required for family camping. Go to: tact Leah Cameron: [email protected] or 704-687-2719 [email protected]; or David Yell: 919-

542-1033, x 101 Oct. 2nd (Sa) ~ASNC Sensory Friendly Films: The Legend of Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole; 10:00 AM; $5.00/ person Oct. 18th (M) South Coffee Time: 9:00 Café Carolina; Prome- -Concord Mills 24; 2421 Concord Mills Blvd.; Concord, 28027 nade on Providence; 5361 Ballantyne Commons # 200, Chlt. 28277 c: Nancy: 704-545-1902 or [email protected] to RSVP Oct. 5th (T) Caregiver’s Summit: support group for those caring for others with disabilities; lead by Meck. Co Therapeutic Oct. 20th (W) TEACCH Parent Forums: Adolescent Parent Park & Rec. Dept.; Donato’s/Bojangle’s Cafeteria, 6555 Morri- Support Group; for parents of Middle / High School aged clients son Blvd. (across from Southpark) 6-7:00 PM. Free; c Karen Registration is required. Call Charlotte TEACCH Center 704- Howard for info: 704.432.4325 or 563-4103

[email protected] Oct. 21st (Th): Parents of Newly Diagnosed children with

Oct. 7th (Th) ASNC– MCC Support Meeting~ Popcorn Autism; ~ Free, Must RSVP. No childcare. 9:30-12; ASNC; call Advocates: 704- 894-9678/ [email protected]. and a Movie feature~ Temple Grandin; 7-9:00; St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1623 Carmel Rd. Chlt, 28227 Oct. 21st– 22nd (Th & F) Charlotte ASD Super Conference; Temple Grandin, Tony Attwood, Jed Baker, Carol Kranowitz; Oct. 8– 9th (F-Sa) Autism Society of South Carolina Annual see page 15 for more details conference; Columbia, SC; featuring Jerry Newport– renown speaker with autism will present: “We will Outlive you”; Dr. Oct. 23rd (Sa): 5th Annual WNC Walk/ Run for Autism: 9:00 Dennis Reid will present: “Enhancing Application of Evidence AM. Carrier Park; Asheville; fundraiser for programs supporting families/ individuals with autism in Western N C. Based Practices: Effective Strategies for Teacher, Parent, and Staff Training” ; also author and Mom, Ann Palmer will present: Oct. 23rd (Sa); Self=Awareness Conference; Winston Salem/ “Autism: Beyond the Diagnosis” For info go to: www.scautism.org. Clemmons, NC; How to children/ young adults about their bod- ies, boundaries, and Sexuality. 9– 4:30; cost $20.00 includes Oct. 9th (S) Triangle Run Walk for Autism; 9:00AM; Moore lunch; C: Sandy Sauer ([email protected], or 336-760-5729) Square, Raleigh; fundraiser for programs that support families/ individuals with autism; for more info, go to: Oct. 27th (W) Downtown Brunch– Matt’s Chicago Dog on the www.trianglerunwalkforautism.org Green; 11:30– noonish. c: Nancy: 704-545-1902 or nnes- [email protected] to RSVP Oct. 9th (S); Rhythm & Rhyme Sensory Storytime; 10:30 AM; Davidson Library; contact Beverly at 704-416-4000. Oct. 27th (W)- Monkey Joes Free Bounce time; 6-8:00 PM; kids 12 and under with autism & their sibs! Go to any Monkey Oct. 9th: (S) Walk Now for AutismSpeaks; 9:00 AM; Char- Joe’s Location in Mecklenburg! lotte Motor Speedway; fundraiser for autism research; for more Oct. 28th (Th) CMC- NEMC Pediatric Autism/ Epilepsy info, go to: www.autismspeaks.org Support Group Meeting; North East Medical Center, Concord - Oct. 12th (T): Bounce U Charlotte Victory Bounce for fami- Pediatric Pavilion; 6:30 -7:30; Led by Dr. Jean Corbier; call 704- lies with Special Needs children; FREE ; 5:30pm-7pm. Loca- 403-2660 for more info. tion: 10624 Metromont Pkwy Charlotte, North Carolina 28269 Oct. 30th (Sa) Costume Dance; dress up dance, refreshments, Phone: (704) 921-8771 www.bounceu.com games and prizes; ages 16 and up; 6-8:00 PM; Bethel Presbyte- rian Church; 19920 Bethel Church Rd. Cornelius; c Elizabeth Oct. 13th (W) TEACCH Wednesday Forums: Intro to Visual Hobson: 704-892-6031 or register: www.rec1.com Strategies; Intro to TEACCH; Organize your Records; concur- rent, hour - long AM. sessions; contact TEACCH 704-563-4103 Oct. 30th (Sa) NoDaWeen; silent auction, Freakky 5K Twilight Race, Live Auction– Pimp my Pumpkin, Rocky Horror Picture Oct. 14th (Th); North Coffee; 9:00 AM; Panera Bread North- Show; profits benefit Autism Services of Mecklenburg lake Mall; c: Nancy: 704-545-1902 or [email protected] County and NoDa Neighborhood Assoc.. Info go to: to RSVP www.asmcinc.com and click on the Freakky 5 K.

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org News From...

The Autism Society of America provides a great resource for recent national developments pertaining to autism. The following is a brief listing of information you can learn more about by going to the ASA website: www.autism-society.org.

National Health Council and WebMD to Answer Health-Care Insurance Questions

Thursday, September 9, 2010 Health and Human Services Secretary will answer questions online about impending changes The National Health Council is teaming up with WebMD to help educate people with chronic diseases and disabilities about the impending changes to health-care insurance law that take effect Sept. 23. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will be taking questions from WebMD readers this week. Ques- tions must be posted by next Tuesday, Sept. 14. Come back on Sept. 23 to see if your question was answered. Click here to learn more about how you can participate. In addition, for the month of September, NHC President Myrl Weinberg will be posting information about the changes in health-care law on A Patient Voice, an NHC-WebMD community. Visit A Patient Voice to read her comments.

Temple Grandin Film Wins Big at Emmy Awards

Thursday, September 9, 2010 By: Amanda Glensky Autism Society thanks and congratulates Temple Grandin, Claire Danes and all involved in the film On Sunday, August 29, viewers nationwide watched as the Academy celebrated the inspirational Temple Grandin, the most accom- plished and well-known adult with autism in the world. The biographic HBO film Temple Grandin was one of the most successful nominees at this year’s Emmys, taking away five awards, including Outstanding Made-for-TV Movie. Claire Danes, who portrayed Dr. Grandin; supporting actors Julia Ormond and David Strathairn; and director Mick Jackson also won Emmys.

Dr. Grandin is an Autism Society honorary board member and sits on our Panel of Professional Advisors, an advisory panel of vol- unteers who are among the leading minds in the autism professional community. She has been featured on major television networks and programs, such as ABC’s “Primetime Live,” NBC’s “Today Show,” “Larry King Live,” “The View,” BBC, “48 Hours” and “20/20,” and has been written up in national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report and the New York Times. In April, Dr. Grandin was featured as one of Time magazine’s TIME 100, a list of the most influen- tial people in the world. Dr. Grandin didn’t speak until she was three and a half years old. In 1950, she was labeled “autistic,” and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. An internationally known author, Dr. Grandin’s best-sellers include Animals Make us Human, Animals in Translation, Thinking in Pictures and Other Reports from My Life with Autism...

AMC Concord October 2nd Mills 24 8421 Concord Mills The Legends of the Guardians: 10:00 AM Blvd The Owls of Ga’hoole Concord, NC 28027 704‐979‐019721

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

News from ASNC...

The following are excerpts from the ASNC website blog. To read a complete version or to receive more current information, go to the ASNC website: www.autismsociety-nc.org and click on blogs at the bottom of the page.

Nominate Your Outstanding Child or Student for the Yes I Can! Award

Posted on August 6, 2010 by asncparentadvocate

The Council for Exceptional Children is accepting nominations for its annual Yes I Can! Award; all nominations must be postmarked by Oct. 22, 2010. There are nine categories (academics, arts, athletics, community service, employment, extracurricular activities, independent living skills, self-advocacy and technology). Win- ners will receive a trip to National Harbor, Md., near Washington, D.C. , [...]

Another possible tool for diagnosing autism even younger

Posted on September 13, 2010 by asncparentadvocate

Georgia Tech researchers are leading a team of universities to try to develop computerized tools to help people without specialized training to diagnose autism. With the help of a $10 million grant from the National Sci- ence Foundation, the tools include a smart video camera, as well as heart rate and skin monitors to measure responses to a 4 minute standardized test for children. The 4 minute test includes the child’s reaction to stim- uli, such as a thrown ball, a held book and the calling of the child’s name.

Reminds me of when my son was young…we tested his hearing by placing him across the room, facing away from us, and whispering, “(insert name), do you want a cookie?” By the way, he came running. Oh, wait, he still has autism.

North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities Survey

Posted on September 11, 2010 by asncparentadvocate

We want to hear from North Carolina! The Council is developing its next 5 Year State Plan.

If you live in North Carolina and are a person with a disability, family member of a person with a disability, a professional service provider or a citizen concerned about disability issues, we want your input! By listening to you we’ll learn what is working and where strategic change can further strengthen services and supports and the communities in which people live.

Click here for our online survey. www.nccdd.org

The survey is available through October 15, 2010. Call 919-420-7901 or 1-800-357-6716 (TTY) to request an alternate format of the survey or for assistance completing the survey. We ask that you share this opportunity with others by for- warding this announcement. Thank you, North Carolina!

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

More News from ASNC...

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability

Posted on September 4, 2010 by asncparentadvocate

Do you have a middle school or high school child? You might want to check out this website: the National Collabora- tive on Workforce dan Disability. This website partners with many other organizations to provide resources and information as youth transition out of school. Many of their publications are also available in Spanish.

NCWD/Youth Partners:

Center for Workforce Development, Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL)

The Center on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC)

National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP)

PACER Center

Institute for Community Integration, University of Minnesota (ICI)

NCWD/Youth works to ensure that transition age youth are provided full access to high quality services in integrated settings to gain education, employment and independent living.

CAP-MR/DD Stakeholder Survey

Posted on September 4, 2010 by asncparentadvocate During the month of September, you are invited to participate in a survey about the CAP-MR/DD Medicaid waivers (Comprehensive Waiver and Supports Waiver). Your feedback is very important to us as we continue to improve the waivers. We want to hear from individuals receiving CAP-MR/DD services, parents and guardians of individuals receiving services, service providers, advocates and others having direct experience with the current CAP-MR/DD waivers. This survey uses Survey Monkey – a way to submit and analyze responses from any number of people anony- mously. To participate in the survey,

§ Click here http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CAP-MRDDSurveyofStakeholders.

§ Follow the instructions.

§ When you finish entering your response, click on SUBMIT.

Your response is immediately sent and received. Submitting your response electronically through Survey Monkey is the best way to participate. This ensures confidentiality, proper completion of the survey, and accuracy of reading your response.

If you do not have computer/internet access at home, we encourage you to go to your local library, a friend or neighbor’s home or other location where you can respond electronically. Otherwise, you can ask someone (Local Management Entity, case manager, provider) to print the PDF version for you. The PDF version is available at: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/mhddsas/cap-mrdd/index.htm Type in or handwrite your answers and fax your response to the FAX number below. You can also mail your response to the address below.

To be considered, your response must be submitted, faxed or postmarked no later than September 30. Thank you in advance for sharing your perceptions and recommendations; FAX 919-962-5837; Developmental Disabilities Training Institute; UNC; CB # 3370; Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3370

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

Research Opportunities...

Knowledge is power. Can you help make the difference?

Part of ASNC’s mission is to connect researchers with families who are willing to help scientists learn more about autism and how it impacts our children and our families. ASNC does not conduct research; however, they do support continued research of many as- pects of autism and therefore provide information for parents about current studies. If you are interested, please contact the researcher listed below.

UNC Autism Research Project (Posted 8/20/10)

The Autism Research Program at UNC-CH invites you to participate as a volunteer in a research study involving parents of children with autism and parents of typically developing children to see how areas of their brain react when they are doing tasks related to processing social information. We are interested in looking at the brain function of these parents as they perform tasks involving per- ception of faces and scenes with emotional content. We will be looking at areas of the brain that are thought to be involved with the processing of social cognition. We will be using a scanning device called a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanner, or an MRI scanner, to look at brain functioning.

We are looking for parents of people with autism and parents of typically developing children who are less than 56 years old to help us with this study. Compensation for this study is $10 an hour up to $100 for participating in the initial screening and assessment portion of the study and then $25 an hour for participating in the MRI scans. Participation takes between 10-12 hours over 2-3 sessions.

If you are interested in participating in this study you may contact us by either emailing one of the contacts listed below, or calling us toll-free at 1-800-793-5715 and ask about the "Social Cognition and MRI study." We will then provide further details about the project. No one is expected to pay for travel or other expenses incurred during participation in this study. We thank you in advance for your interest in this important project. If you want to pass this information along to others who may qualify for this research study, please do so.

Please Contact: Scott Wallace~ [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 1-800-793-5715

UNC School of Medicine Sensory Experiences Project (Posted 8-30-10)

Survey of Children's Sensory Experiences

You may qualify for the online survey research study about your child's sensory experiences and the impact of these sensory experiences on your child and family. We are particularly interested in how sensory experiences change over time, thus, you will be asked to complete the comprehensive survey (about 60 minutes) as part of the first phase of the research study and a shortened version (about 40 minutes) of the survey one year from now as part of the second phase of the research study.

As a token of appreciation, you will receive a $5 gift card for completing the survey as part of the research study at each time point. If you are interested in joining, please contact the research team by clicking on www.uncsensorysurvey.com/research or au- [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Eligibility criteria: Parents of children ages 2-12 years with a current Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis are eligible to participate.

Parents of children with specific associated conditions such as tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, blindness, deafness, or cerebral palsy are not eligible to participate.

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org MANY Ways to SUPPORT AUTISM!!

Focus on Fall Fundraising by David Laxton

As the temperatures drop (hopefully) it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the fall colors. Fall is also traditionally the time that many organizations begin fundraising campaigns. Within the autism community this is also the case.

The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) participates in local United Way, the State Employees Combined Cam- paign (SECC), and Combined Federal Employee (CFC) campaigns. If you work for an employer who has a United Way giving plan, or if you are a State or Federal employee please consider giving to ASNC. Here’s how you can help:

 If you contribute to the United Way through a workplace giving program, please designate the “Autism Society of North Carolina” on your United Way form. That is: Autism Society of North Carolina, 505 Oberlin Rd. Suite 230, Raleigh, NC 27605.

 State employees can designate the “Autism Society of North Carolina” as their agency of choice in the SECC campaign. The number for ASNC is 2543. Your payroll deduction will come directly to ASNC.

 All Federal Government employees can donate to the Autism Society of North Carolina by entering ASNC’s agency number – 96214 – on their CFC campaign forms.

If you do not participate in one of the above campaigns but would like to make a donation, please click on the DONATE NOW link at right for those receiving a paper copy of this newsletter, go to: www.autismsociety-nc.org to donate.

Membership is one of the best ways to support. Forms are located at the back of this newsletter. Please remember to designate Mecklenburg County as your chapter so that we can receive our share of funding from your membership.

*****TEACHERS– you may join as an individual; the professional rate is meant for doctors and service providers.

For Those who Like to Walk...

Saturday

Oct. 9th

 Oct. 9th; 12th Annual Run/ Walk for 8:30 AM Autism; 9:00 AM. Moore Square– Raleigh

Eighth An-  Oct. 23rd; 5th Annual WNC Run/ Walk for nual Carolinas Autism; 9:00 AM. Carrier Park– Asheville

Walk Now for Autism Speaks  Nov. 6th; 2nd Greensboro Run/ Walk for Autism; 9:00 AM. Shoppes at Lindley Park Lowe's Motor Speedway Concord, NC

Fundraisers for Services; Fundraiser for Autism Research go to: www.autismsociety-nc.org

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

Teaming up to Express Fun!

Over the summer, staff at the McColl Center for Visual Arts invited parents from the Mecklenburg County Chapter of the Autism Soci- ety of North Carolina to a private family art event where partici- pants created books reflecting their perspectives of the art museum. The event brought families to a venue that afforded a novel, joyful memory. One Mom glowed as she expressed her delight in being able to attend, “ I have such a hard time going out in public with my son, being able to come to an art museum was not something I ever thought we would be able to do…. And he did great!”

ASNC-MCC would like to thank McColl Center Program Director, Devlin McNeil and artist in residence, Diane Arvanites, for making the experience possible.

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

Mr. Peter Fellows Wins the Ruth Fuller Scholarship

Each year the Autism Society of North Carolina’s Mecklenburg County Chapter uses some of the profits from Autism Aware Fare to support our self-contained autism class educators by funding TEACCH training for a teacher assistant. You may ask why we would spend funds to train an assistant, but many times these parapro- fessionals give the necessary support our teachers need in order to lead our children forward. A well trained assistant can also keep a stable environment when the teacher is involved with other students.

Last spring, our board members had several candidates to consider. They were very please so see the commit- ment for our children displayed by those who applied for the scholarship last spring. In June, a seven year veteran, Mr. Peter Fellows, was chosen to receive the Ruth Fuller Scholarship for 2010. The application showed a deep level of dedication for those with autism and a strong desire to further develop his skills in working with them. Along with an outstanding application, Mr. Fellows received a formidable reference from his principal, Mrs. Kathleen Fox.

Upon completing the training, Mr. Fellows was appreciative to have had the opportunity to participate in the TEACCH workshop. He felt that it was challenging and enlightening. Mr. Fellows said, “I am sure it will be beneficial to me each and every day during this school year. The TEACCH staff is so dedicated and professional, yet approachable; I guess that is why the program has been so well received around the world.” He went on to say, “It was great chance to expand my understanding of autism and the people who live with it.”

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

In Memoriam: Ole Ivar Lovaas

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 By: Amanda Glensky

Dr. Lovaas,

a pioneer in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, passed

away on August 2

The Autism Society is saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas, an esteemed pioneer in the development of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Dr. Lovaas, an emeritus member of the Autism Society’s Panel of Professional Advisors, passed away on August 2. He suffered from Alzheimer’s disease during the last years of his life. He died from an infection after undergoing surgery to repair a broken hip, according to the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Dr. Lovaas will be remembered for his dedication to help- ing children and families in the autism community.

The Lovaas model of ABA, for which he is best known, is a one-on-one intensive program customized to fit each child’s individual needs. In 1995, Dr. Lovaas founded the Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention. Today, the institute is headquartered both on the East and West coasts of the United States, and there are a number of clinical treatment centers across the country. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Lovaas was professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California in Los Angeles.

Dr. Lovaas’ son, Erik, opened The Lovaas Center for Behavior Intervention in Las Vegas in 2005. Erik worked for his father beginning in the early 1990s. In a statement on his center’s website, Erik reflects on his father’s legacy: "My father was completely dedicated to his work; he was a researcher committed to making this world a better place for those who were less capable of fighting for themselves. Many of our weekends as a child were spent with us at UCLA engaged in some form of research that can be used in 'applied settings;' in this case children with autism. My father was not an easy man to please. He had many people who did not be- lieve his outcome claims; he built a training program from the ground up for UCLA students, many of whom are internationally recognized today, taught many courses in behavior modification, and raised four children…” Read more (http://www.thelovaascenter.org/team/team.html)

The Autism Society expresses its heartfelt condolences to the members of the Lovaas family, and hopes they take comfort in the autism community’s long-lasting appreciation for the life’s work of Dr. Lovaas.

Margaret L. Bauman, M.D., of the Autism Society’s Panel of Professional Advisors: "A huge loss to the autism community. This man revolutionized how autism was seen, gave hope to families that these children really could and did make progress with good intensive services, and upgraded our expectations of who these children are and what they can do. I doubt there are many people who have changed the lives of so many as did Dr. Lovaas. His influence will be a longstanding legacy from which many children have and will continue to benefit."

There was an official memorial service at the University of California, Los Angeles last month.

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

All 11 –18 year olds are invited to

Tweens & teens at the movies! Extreme EXTREME Endeavors Youth ENDEAVORS Oct. 1st (F) 6:45– 8:30P YOUTH GROUP Group Myers Park Presbyterian Church Social Groups for ~ room F-207 Children ages 8-16

This month’s feature: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3 Building social skills using the principles of Applied Be- Please RSVP to Tanya Gaspar havior Analysis with a concentration in Verbal Behavior

[email protected] and video modeling.

or 704-927-1271 Fall Semester:

Sept. 23rd– Dec. 17th (Th or F after school); Coffee Times: hour long sessions

North Coffee: Oct. 14th(Th); 9:00 AM; Panera For information and prices, contact: Bread @ Northlake Mall~ RSVP  Jessica Thompson (704)614-2921

 Cassandra Johnson (704)506-5465 South Coffee: Oct. 18th (M); 9:00 AM; Café Carolina– Promenade on Providence (Providence @485)~ RSVP Extreme Endeavors P.O. Box 569 Downtown Brunch: Oct. 27th (W); 11:30ish ~ RSVP Mineral Springs, NC 28108 [email protected] RSVP: [email protected] Individual assessments and specific goals are overseen by Gabriel Speaks, LLC: Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts

ASNC-MCC does not endorse any company, therapy, or program. We offer information and it is your job as the parent to decide what is most appropriate for your family.

County wide~ Do you need after school Childcare? Special Needs Story Time- The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas and 3 YMCAs throughout Mecklenburg offer proximity transportation to  Stories Alive and More- a storytime for special needs the Y and an inclusion based afterschool program suited for children and their families. DATES: TBA Steele Creek our mild to moderate ASD children, grades K– 5. Two, Public Library; 11:00 AM. Features music, stories, and three, and four day programs are props. Please call 704-416-6800; for Jeanenne or Shern available at the Lake Norman, to register and for info. Siskey, and McCrorey Ys and offer a 1– 3 ratio. The program is  Rhythm & Rhyme: A Sensory Storytime @ Davidson open from 2– 6:00 PM; M-Th. Library; October 9 (Sa) 10:30; for children with au- Y membership not required and tism, Down Syndrome, sensory-processing disorder/ scholarships are available. To language-delays and for children with disabilities. For register or learn more, information and registration, contact Beverly at 704-416- please contact AFC Program Di- rector, Sarah Nolin 4000. Davidson Library, 119 South Main St. Davidson, afterschool@autismcarolinas or NC 28036 (704) 776-1232.

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

Ask the Professional by UNCC Doctoral Candidate, Susan Flynn

Functional Communication Training and Autism Spectrum Disorders

What is “Functional Communication Training?” Functional Communication Training (FCT) is an intervention that develops replacement behaviors for problem behaviors, with the outcome of being able to effectively communicate with others (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007). It uses a combination of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) with extinction (e.g., ignoring the problem behavior). Alternative (i.e., replacement) communica- tive behaviors can include signs, communication boards, speech-generating devices, gestures, picture symbols, or vocaliza- tions (Shirley, Iwata, Kahng, Mazaleski, & Lerman, 1997).

FCT has been established as an evidence-based practice to treat the following behaviors:  Aggression  Self-injurious behavior  Tantrums  Off-task behavior  Echolalia/ perseverative speech  Inappropriate sexual behavior

Who can benefit from FCT? FCT has been used successfully with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), at- tention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental delays, severe intellectual disabilities, and traumatic brain in- jury (TBI). Additionally, it has also been used successfully in a variety of home, school, residential, vocational, and clinical settings. Both parents and practitioners have implemented FCT effectively.

What are the advantages of using FCT? Individuals have shown a preference for FCT over other interventions to address problem behavior (Hanley, Piazza, Fisher, Contrucci, & Maglieri, 1997). Also, it can be used outside of school and clinical settings with “untrained community members” (Durand, 1999). Finally, FCT has been found to be more effective than extinction alone because extinction reduces the problem behavior, but doesn’t teach the individual how to appropriately communicate with others.

Are there any disadvantages of using FCT? The main disadvantage of using FCT is that because it depends on communication, those individuals who are in environments and around other individuals that are unresponsive to their needs and requests will be frustrated in their attempts to communicate (Durand & Merges, 2009). Consistency across settings and people is important.

For more information about FCT for individuals with ASD: Continue to watch for articles in this series. The next arti- cle will focus on the first step of FCT . Other sources include:

-Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

-Durand, V. M. (1999). Functional communication training using assistive devices: Recruiting natural communities of reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 247-267.

-Durand, V. M., & Merges, E. (2009). Functional communication training to treat challenging behavior. In W. T. O’Donohue, & J. E. Fisher (Eds.), General principles and empirically supported techniques of cognitive behavior therapy (pp. 320-327). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

-Hanley, G. P., Piazza, C. C., Fisher, W. W., Contrucci, S. A., & Maglieri, K. A. (1997). Evaluation of client preference of function -based treatment packages. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 459-473.

To see what FCT looks like, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKl2aQSTFno Also, the National Professional Development Center on ASD: http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/content/functional-communication-training.

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org

Lunch and Learn Series

Free lunchtime groups for Wednesday Forums: Parents of an Aspergers Child Oct. 13, 2010

Topics: Thursday, Oct. 7th; 12:00– 1:00 PM South Park Office: Parents of children 14 and Younger  Introduction to Visual Strategies: Introductory Led by Mary B. Moore LCSW; space is limited information about using schedules, work/activity RSVP: 704-552-0116 or [email protected] systems and visually structured teaching activities to provide support and improve learning. Recom- Monday, Oct. 4th; 12-1:00 mended for parents who interested in individual Blakeney Office: Parents of Aspy Teens; space is limited lessons with TEACCH staff. RSVP to [email protected]

 Introduction to TEACCH: General information and introduction about diagnosis, assessment, and treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Miércoles, 30 de Octobre Disorders. Usted esta invitado a asistir al Grupo de  Organize Your Records: Is it hard to find impor- Apoyo Hispano de padres con hijos con tant papers when you need them? Do you have autismo de Charlotte. Las reuniones se reali- boxes of IEPs or bundles or semi-organized papers zan el ultimo miércoles cada mes de 9:30 - 11:30 am. all over the house? Do you wonder what to keep en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe localizado en- and what to throw out? This forum is a hands-on el 6212 Tuckaseegee Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214;

session that will give you a chance to organize pa- Las reuniones son gratuitas. Por favor contáctese con la Coor- perwork in a notebook so that is easy to keep and dinadora voluntaria del grupo de apoyo, use. BRING ALL DOCUMENTS YOU CAN Haydee García al (704)391-3732 extensión # 5. FIND. $15.00 materials fee for this forum.

South Carolina Autism Society announces

2010 Perspectives in Autism Conference

October 8-9, 2010

Columbia Conference Center, 169 Laurelhurst Av, Columbia, SC

 Anne Palmer, author and mother, will present “Autism Beyond the Diagnosis ”

 Dennis Reid, Ph.D. will present “Enhancing Application of Evidence-Based Practices: Effective Strategies for Teacher, Parent, and Staff Training”

 Jerry Newport, author and Aspy Savant will present “We Will Outlive You,” many people with autism will outlive their parents and others prominent in their support community

To register go to: www.scautism.org or call 1-800-438-4790

October 2010 The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina Mecklenburg County Chapter www.asncmeck.org Mark your Calendar– but Call today!!

Future Horizons, Inc. presents

The CHARLOTTE Super Conference

October 21st and 22nd, 2010 Blake Hotel 555 South McDowell Street Charlotte, NC 28204

Keynotes by the most famous people in their fields World-wide!!

Dr. Tony Attwood Dr. Temple Grandin

Asperger Syndrome Autism

Carol Kranowitz Dr. Jed Baker

Sensory Integration Social Skills

Two Day Rates: Professional: $240. Group Rate~ Professional: $200.00 Family Member: $195. Group Rate~ Family: $170.00 (group is 5 or more per payment method)

One Day Rates:

Professional: $170. Group Rate ~Professional: $150.00 Family Member: $130. Group Rate~ Family: $110.

Other rates are available for students and persons with ASD

Continuing Ed. credits available from ASHA/APA/AOTA and may satisfy state licensing requirements for teachers and related special services professions~ consult your local licensing office.

Call Future Horizons Toll Free: 1-800-489-0727 to register or for any questions or go to: www.fhautism.com

We Need YourOctober Help 2010- Become a Member! Join theThe Autism Newsletter Society of North of the Carolina Autism Society of North Carolina MecklenburgMembership Form County Chapter

www.asncmeck.org

ASNC Membership (circle level) Individual/Family - $40 Contributor - $75 Supporter - $150 Agency/Service Provider - $200 Life - $1,250 Student - $25 *indicate ASNC Chapter name below and ASNC will give back $10 to your local chapter.

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Mail all memberships to ASNC to: Autism Society of North Carolina 505 Oberlin Road, Suite 230, Raleigh, NC 27605-1345 To charge memberships call 1-800-442-2762

ASNC – Mecklenburg County Chapter c/o Nancy Nestor 3846 Lipton Ln Mint Hill, NC 28227

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