Friends host 'Neurotypical'

To have a little better understanding of autism, come join us for this free viewing of

the PBS documentary 'Neurotypical'. It shows autism from the perspective of several

different individuals. It will help you appreciate the struggles of those with autism.

 Invite your friends and neighbors.

Spread autism awareness!

Click here to register to Managing Frustrations & Anxiety and Learning Social Skills

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/friends-of-autism-great-falls-12180049674

Autism: Managing Frustration, Anxiety and Teaching Social Skills

Friends of Autism Great Falls is pleased to host Jeb Baker, PhD on Saturday, March 24th 9am- 4:00pm at the Hilton Garden Inn. Lunch will be on your own 12- 1pm.

Jed Baker, PhD. comes to Great Falls to share his vast expertise in “Managing Frustration & Anxiety and Teaching Social Skills.” Individuals on the autism spectrum and those with behavioral challenges often have difficulty regulating their feelings and interacting socially. This autism conference describes how to help individuals and their caregivers handle meltdowns and design effective plans to prevent frustration and anxiety. It will also detail effective social skills training strategies for all individuals and review some common skills needed for young adults, including the realm of sexuality and dating.

Dr. Baker is director of the Social Skills Training Project and has served on advisory boards for Autism Today and several other organizations. He has provided social skills and challenging behavior training internationally and has written over 8 books (No More Meltdowns, The Social Skills Picture Book Series, Social Skills Training, Preparing for Life and No More Victims). His work has also been featured on ABC World News, Nightline, Fox News, the CBS Early Show and the Discovery Health Channel. His knowledge will benefit everyone in attendance and can change the life of someone with autism.

This conference is for parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and people with autism. In response to your feedback, we have asked Dr. Baker to address all ages of those with autism. In addition, we will have tables to write on this year.

Local autism service providers will be present to provide information. We will also be selling his books.

Seating is limited. For fee waiver, email: friendsofautismgf@gmail.com

CEU for teachers, OT/PT, LCPC and nurses (expenses have nearly doubled- sorry to increase your fee)

*****NOTE: you will be required to print your own handouts which will be available the week prior to the event.******

2018 Autism Awareness Conference!!!

Dr Jed Baker

Why should you come to this year's conference?
1. You will have a better understanding of autism.
2. You will learn how YOUR reaction/ behavior contributes to the frustration and anxiety of someone with autism.
3. Teen and young adult issues will be addressed.
4.  You will learn how fear contributes to frustration and anxiety.
5. You are going to learn the keys to social skills training.
6. Dr. Jed Baker is an expert in teaching social skills
7. You will meet your autism community
8.  We will have at least 14 service providers present.
9. You can buy autism books and other items.
10. Friends of Autism GF has a history of hosting fabulous autism awareness events!!

You won't regret it! Register today!

more resources

 

I had these websites forwarded:
Sesame Street Autism Resources for Parents
Moving with Special Needs Kids
Resources for Military Families
Home Modifications for Special Needs Kids
Academic Accommodation Resources
Planning for the Future for Seniors with Special Needs
Estate Planning for Parents of Special Needs Kids

 

 

Autism: A little Understanding goes a long way

Just a little Understanding of Autism

The statistics tell us autism is on the rise; probably more common than 1 in 68 children. Maybe you’ve heard that statistic but aren’t sure how that really impacts you. Do you know autism doesn’t just affect kids? A person with autism doesn’t “grow out of autism”.  Autism affects the way a person thinks and acts for their whole life.  That statistic means you may be interacting with someone with this developmental disorder in the checkout line, at work or in a restaurant more often than you might guess.  Generally, you may pick up on some “quirkiness” or you might even think that person is just rude in how they deal with you.  A little understanding of autism might help you respond with kindness.  

Autism is a spectrum of disorders, so each person is unique.  A child with autism typically is not born with “natural” social skills.  In fact, how humans interact, use non-verbal communication and understand unwritten social rules makes no sense to someone with autism.  Don’t assume that the “loner” just wants to be left alone.  They may not know how to interact with you in a “normal” way, so they keep to themselves. 

Another area affected by autism is communication.  Sometimes words just don’t have meaning or are taken too literally.  “What do you mean ‘it’s raining cats and dogs!’?” The person with autism may be struggling to make sense of what you have said.

Furthermore, their senses (hearing, touch, etc.) can be out of sync.  This means they are bothered by normal sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches that may make them feel they are under attack. That buzzing light, potent perfume and itchy tag, that you don’t even notice, can cause a major meltdown.  Add any change in their environment or routine and their stress level cannot be contained.  Structure and order help people with autism deal with the challenges they struggle with every day.

Another common struggle is getting “stuck” in thought. Sometimes it's difficult to change their line of thinking, hence that obsession with trains. There are sometimes repetitive behaviors which help people with autism cope with anxiety and bring comfort and stability in a seemingly random, chaotic world.  They are too frequently mistaken as being rude or having a tantrum, but they may be reacting to what they cannot understand or what they consider a threat. 

People with autism are smart, funny, talented, unique, loving and special. They make our world a better place.  You can make their world a better place by being understanding and kind.  People with autism are dealing with a great number of difficult challenges. They are odd and quirky not by choice. They may lash out or react in a disturbing way but it may be their best defense against a world that seems hostile to them. They may make you uncomfortable, but understand they are not intentionally doing so.  Please be patient and kind the next time you are interacting with someone who is quirky, odd or annoying.  Maybe they don’t have autism, but maybe they do. 

Handouts for Carol Kranzowitz

Please print the following handouts for Carol Kranowitz's talk next month:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/l0xwh6q7tl4c6yy/Montana%20May%202016.pdf?oref=e&n=475887924


https://www.dropbox.com/s/cuyutlbqai6jubr/Characteristics%2C%20activities%2C%20Montana%2C%20May%202016.pdf?dl=0

Strategies that Work

Thank you

Amy Pfeiffenberger, Sharon Altschwager and Brett Gilleo

for such useful information.

Thank you all for attending this conference. We had a great turnout and our 3 speakers did a wonderful job.

A huge thank you to our sponsors:

Positive ABA,

Sensibility,

Big Sky Therapeutics,

Benefis Health System and 

2Js FreshMarket 

Register for Autism Awareness: Understanding Out-Of-Sync Senses

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autism-awareness-understanding-out-of-sync-senses-tickets-20801891016

Autism Awareness 2016- DO NOT MISS THIS!!!!

Registration is required. We are limited to 200 seats.
To Register: see link above or
Go to Eventbrite.com and search "Autism Awareness" Great Falls
Select "Free" or "CEU"
CEU- Continuing Education Units for teachers or others needing credit. Cost is $20

If you have any questions email me at friendsofautismgf@gmail.com

Simple Strategies for Autism Spectrum Disorders Brett Gilleo 4/17/13

 

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders presented by Brett Gilleo 4/11/13

Our Kids Count

The next Our Kids Count support group meeting will be the fourth Thursday in May. Please don't come this week.

Education opportunity

Reducing Anxiety and Problem Behaviors in Sensory, Autism and ADHD - a one day workshop will be presented in Helena on May 10th and Missoula on May 11th. It is hosted by Summit Professionals.  For more information see:
 www.summit-education.com . The cost is $179 but scholarship may be available if you are truly interested (I would have to look into that one for sure- so let me know by email).

Tippy Toes- Movement, Music and Play

Creative movement for infants and toddlers with special needs. We must move to learn and play and grow.  This program provides and encourages sensory and motor skills, memory and communication, and brain growth. For more information contact: Eagle Mount 454-1449 or jill_vanson04@eaglemount.net (several dates available)

Our Kids Count

CDMT (Consumer Direct Montana) has a local Great Falls support group for families of children with developmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders. They meet the last Thursday each month at 5:30 pm at Our Savior's Lutheran Church (1321 1st Ave N). Food and childcare will be provided. Different topics related to developmental disorders will be discussed. See Facebook: Our Kids Count. RSVP is appreciated, but not required, if you plan to attend so enough food may be provided.

Resources in Great Falls

When my 8 year old son was diagnosed with autism 2 years ago the doctor told me to get some books and look on the internet when I asked "what do we do now?"  I wonder if he would have given the same advise to a patient with cancer. I felt betrayed by the medical community but am pleased to report that we are in the appropriate therapy and he is blossoming. 
If you are in the same shoes- tell me about it.  I have been inspired by my struggle to formulate a resource list to help parents get started.

Looking for Resources in Great Falls

I am attempting to unite the autism spectrum community in Great Falls, MT.

I am a mom of a child on the spectrum and am working on a list of resources. Let me know of any resources you have found help for your child.  Thanks.