STEPHEN SHORE PRESENTS WORKSHOP ON TRANSITION · PDF fileSTEPHEN SHORE PRESENTS WORKSHOP ON...

STEPHEN SHORE PRESENTS WORKSHOP ON TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD

On May 2, autism expert Stephen Shore will speak to individuals with autism spectrum

disorder and their families on how to plan for the successful transition to college and adulthood.

Parents: It’s never too early to start planning for college, employment, relationships, independent living...

“Supporting People with Autism for Successful Transition to Adulthood” is a half-day workshop and will be held at the Howard Community

College.

Dr. Stephen Shore will discuss:

the interplay between behavioral, educational, developmental, bio-medical, and sensory integration interventions for people with autism;

social and self-awareness;

the skills necessary to navigate the adult worlds of: employment, relationships, continuing educa-tion, interdependent living, and appropriate self-advocacy.

Stephen Shore—who was non-verbal until four, diagnosed with “atypical development with strong autistic tendencies,” and recom-mended for institutionalization as a child—is himself an incredible suc-cess story! He received his Ph.D. from Boston University and is currently a professor at Adelphi University. He teaches courses on special education and autism, and is internationally recognized as an expert on adult issues. He serves on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Commission and the Board of Directors for the Autism Society of America, Unlock-ing Autism, MAAP, the College Internship Program, and USAAA. Dr. Shore is the author of several books, which will be available for purchase at the workshop.

Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome This expanded second edition includes new chapters on getting ready for college and

Shore's recent public involvement with autism spectrum-related issues, includ-ing testifying on autism-related issues to the chair of Governmental Reform.

Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum The book offers countless practical ideas and advice adjusted for different personalities and per-

sonal preferences, and backed by the real-life experiences of the authors.

Understanding Autism for Dummies With a foreword and other input from Temple Grandin, as well as inspiring vignettes from others with autism, this re-

source helps the reader sort out chal-lenges related to selecting interven-tions, financial concerns, education, family issues, and adulthood. New-comers and seasoned members in the autism community will find valuable advice for empowering people with autism to use their strengths for maxi-mizing their potential in life.

Perspectives Spring 2009 / Volume 16, No. 2

Saturday, May 2, 2009

9am—1pm

Howard Community

College, Smith Theatre

Registration at 8:30

Registration fee $50/person

Includes breakfast

Registration due by

April 30, 2009

Register online at

www.howard-autism.org

Call 410-290-3466

Proudly sponsored by the

Howard County Autism Society

in cooperation with:

Howard County Asperger‘s

Support Group

&

Howard Community College

2 PERSPECTIVES Spring 2009

Annual Gala Tickets Still Available;

Hussman Foundation Sponsors Gala

Howard County

Autism Society

10280 Old Columbia Rd, Suite 215

Columbia, MD 21046

410.290.3466


2009 Board of Directors

President

Beth Benevides Hill

Vice-President

Cynthia Schwanz

Treasurer

Patrick Boxall

Secretary

Lori Krausz

Immediate Past President

Stephanie Maric

Members at Large

Pamela Beck

Deborah Clutts

Ruth Huffman

Elaine McAuliffe

Roger Miles

Marianne Ross

Louann Maimone Spring

Dena Taylor

Madhu Thibaudeau

Cheri Truett

Asperger’s Liaison

Elaine McAuliffe

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Executive Director

Kim Manning

Director of Development

Ginny Bickell

Administrative Assistant

Ayana Carr Rodgers

Bookkeeper

Dana Riley

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Perspectives: The Newsletter of the

Howard County Autism Society is

published quarterly. Articles repre-

sent the views of the authors and

not necessarily those of the Howard

County Autism Society. The publica-

tion of advertisements does not

indicate any endorsement by HCAS.

No article may be reproduced with-

out written permission from HCAS,

which copyrights this publication.

Tickets to the most-enjoyable night of the HCAS-year are still available!

The Fourth Annual Pieces of the Puzzle Gala will be held Saturday, April 25th. This evening of dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, fun, friendship, and celebration begins at 7:00pm and ends at midnight.

The Hussman Foundation returns as this year‟s title sponsor, donating $15,000 in support of the society.

The annual Pieces of the Puzzle Gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Howard County Autism Society. Funds generated at this event directly support the daily operations of the Resource Center and contribute to the services and programs offered to HCAS membership.

The gala will return to the beauti-ful Ten Oaks Ballroom after much applause from last year‟s guests about the venue, food stations, and festive atmosphere. Ticket prices remain the same as last year, at $100 per person.

To purchase tickets:

Online~ www.howard-autism.org

Phone~ 410-290-3466

Mail~ HCAS, Attn: Gala

10280 Old Columbia Road, Suite 215

Columbia, MD 21046

Title Sponsor ($15,000)

The Hussman Foundation

Patron ($5,000)

Howard County General Hospital

Friends ($2,500)

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Benevides

Mr. and Mrs. Kristopher Krausz

Supporters ($1,000)

Ascend One

Center for Adults with Autism

Spectrum Disorders, Towson

University

Mr. and Mrs. John Clutts

Joe Corbi Foundation

Dr. Wendell McKay of Parnes, May,

McKay, Lee & Assoc, MD LLC

Parents for Parents

WAL-MART Foundation

Thomas F. Yost Jr., P.A.

Donors ($500)

Christina Haugh Giving Fund

Columbia Bank

Lisa Hussman

Mark Martin

NeuroBehavioral Associates

PNC Financial Services Group

Kellie and Reed Racette

Westerlund Real Estate

Contributors

Mr. & Mrs. John A. Benevides

Education Consultants

Kathleen Abrams, KMA Speech

Spring 2009 PERSPECTIVES 3

Spring Greetings!

We are on the move at the Howard County Autism Society, so let‟s bring everyone up to date on some of the exciting partnerships and activi-ties that we are involved with this spring. It is important, and your right, to know what your membership empowers us to do on your behalf. So, here goes…buckle your seatbelts!

We recently completed the “Physician‟s Toolkit” grant awarded to HCAS by the Horizon Foundation—read more about this on page 7. The FAPE (Family Advocacy and Parent Education) grant continues to pro-vide free support and advocacy services to many parents in our community. If you have any education-related questions, please call our office and we will put you in touch with Kim McKay and Julie Foley of Parents For Par-ents. As noted in the Winter issue of Perspectives, we have taken over the funding of two programs that continue with great feedback: Project T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More) and Fitness First.

We have many working collaborations and community connections that enable us to be your voice for opportunities, inclusion, and support in Howard County. Each month, I attend the Commission on Disabilities to learn what the county is doing to enhance services. In November, HCAS will be featured at the meeting, and we will do autism training for the many community partners that are a part of the commission. I‟ve also been invited to join the Educational Advocacy Committee chaired by the Maryland Disability Law Center. This allows us to stay abreast of state-wide special education issues. We continue to partner with the county school system on the Elementary Autism and Related Disabilities Work-group. This group has done extensive work for over a year and produced 16 recommendations for grades 1-3 that were recently presented to the Department of Special Education. I continue to participate in monthly trainings at Howard County General Hospital for all new employees on autism awareness. This month, we are celebrating the anniversary of our partnership with Howard County Library. We are committed to funding the purchase of autism-related books that will be available to parents and professionals. There are some exciting possibilities in the works on col-laborative grants between HCAS and Howard County Parks and Recrea-tion. Finally, we will be diligent to let your voice be heard on state-wide advocacy issues like the End the Wait Campaign and Autism Insurance Legislation.

Whew, I‟m exhausted! And, I really could go on and on. There is so much going on, such an openness and interest about autism that we must truly seize every opportunity to be involved. Rest assured that the staff and board of directors are diligently doing just that. With strong parents and supporters behind us, together we are making a difference!

~Kim Manning

HCAS Gratefully

Acknowledges Our

2009 Donors

Cassandra & Dane Bates

Benedict & Slack CPA‘s

Sue Bentivenga

Jim & Kathleen Bovard

Amanda Cheong

John & Debbie Clutts

Kristen Detwiler

Martha DiIenno

Allison Fedarko

Frank Feng

Andy & Christi Hanks

David & Mary Hepple

Bill & Beth Hill

William & Ruth Hill

Lisa Hussman

Debang Lao

Matthew & Marita Lesho

Joe & Maryjean Mazzafro

John M. McGough

Jennifer Meade

Bill Moss

Bernadette Olean

Elaine Persons

Jane Plapinger

Burton & Arlene Robins

Paul & Norma Sesto

Sara Sommerville

Gary & Judy Terle

Pat Timm

Steve & Pam Wagner

Trenarda Winston

It’s never too late to

contribute to the Howard

County Autism Society!

See membership/donation

form on page 15 or


News from Executive Director Kim Manning


Rule #3 Build Trust Looking for a “gotcha” moment won‟t get you very far. Everyone is working toward helping your child achieve. Respect and listen to everyone‟s opinion. Rule #4 Stay Focused Clarify and define the central issue. Don‟t try to solve every-thing at once. Keep conversations about the issues, not personalities, history, or other distractions. Rule #5 Write it Down Go to meetings with notes for yourself. At the meeting, write down key points of discussions while fresh in your mind. Note issues, names of key players, steps taken, and a plan of action. Rule #6 Be Prepared Always review records, IEPs, and test results prior to meetings. Research and understand applica-ble parts of the law and local policies.

Top 10 Advocacy Tips for Parents:

How to Survive IEP Season

By Julie Foley and Kim McKay

Rule #7 Be a Connector Use all the different things available to you in our community. HCAS, the listserv, other parents, and community resources can all help you find answers, ideas, and support. Rule #8 Encourage Self-Sufficiency Always be looking for ways to make your student more independ-ent, at home and school. This also applies to parents—trust yourself, you don‟t always need an advocate! No one knows your child better than you! Rule #9 Stay in Touch Talking to your teachers and team before and after the IEP meeting makes all the difference! Use email, logs, notes, and/or calls to keep connected! Rule #10 Follow all the Rules!

Julie Foley and Kim McKay are parent advocates and directors of the nonprofit organization, Parents for Parents. Under the Family Advocacy and Parent Educa-tion grant awarded to HCAS, they offer free advice on education related issues and provide trainings in the “Parent Univer-sity.” For more information, see page 5.

Rule #1 Maintain Credibility Be honest about your knowledge and feelings. It‟s better to say “I don‟t know” or “please explain” than walk away without under-standing what the team is saying. Don‟t agree to something, and not mean it. Rule #2 Know the Turf Understand the culture of the school system, building, and special education team you‟re dealing with. Know what resources are available to you and your team from the Department of Special Education.

Understanding Curriculum, Testing, and Outcomes

The April support group meeting, held on April 16, featured Julie Foley and Kim McKay on the often-difficult MSA/Alternate MSA/Modified MSA decisions, High School Assessments (HSAs), and graduation require-ments. They emphasized why all of these topics are relevant to all school teams from elementary to high school. Though high school assessments and graduation may be years away for many, the decisions made in elementary school do impact your child‟s future. To learn more about this topic, please contact the HCAS Resource Center. for handouts from the meeting.


~The Parent University~

provided by

Parents For Parents

Did someone ever give you advice or guide you to just the right resource that made all the difference in your family‟s life? Did a friend, neighbor, or family member help you along the way? Do you wish you could „pay it forward‟ or give back to other parents?If so, then Parent University is for you! Parents for Parents, a cross-disability parent support organiza-tion, is building a parent-to-parent network of individuals willing to work with other families. Called “support parents,” these indi-viduals will provide families with information, connect families to resources, and attend IEP meetings. You don‟t have to know everything already—Parents for Parents provides the training at the Parent University. You just need a desire to help other families! Co-founders Julie Foley and Kim McKay will match you with families that can use your experience and expertise. Are you an elementary school family who just finished the RECC program and could help another RECC family? Are you now in middle school?—perhaps you could help a family thru the often daunting and scary transition from elementary school to middle school? Are you a veteran family that has high school experience to share? Families of all ages and disabilities, and all areas of the county, are needed. It is a unique opportunity to become involved and active, on your time and your schedule. If you would like to join the next session of trainings, please contact Parents for Parents. The trainings are funded by the Family Advocacy and Parent Education (FAPE) Program Grant awarded to the Howard County Autism Society by the Howard County Department of Citizen Services.

High School

Assesment

Waiver Program—

What Parents Need to Know

from the Maryland Disability Law Center

Some students in the class of 2009 will be eligible for a high school diploma without passing all of the High School Assessments (HSAs). In order to be eligible for a waiver, your child must:

(1) complete all other graduation re-quirements, such as getting course credits, meeting attendance re-quirements, service learning hours, and any other requirements;

(2) take (but not pass) all four HSAs;

(3) take advantage of all offered interventions, including Bridge projects;

(4) fail one or more HSAs and not meet the HAS requirement through a combined score of 1602 on the Bridge Plan.

Also, your child must meet one of the following circumstances to be eligible for the waiver:

(1) a problem with local scheduling decisions;

(2) late arrangement of courses;

(3) a problem with testing decisions;

(4) inadequate intervention opportu-nities;

(5) special circumstances (e.g. a recent death in the immediate family or an extended illness)

(6) your child moved to the U.S. in his or her junior or senior year and is literate in his or her native lan-guage but not in English.

If you or your child have received a letter saying that your child may be eligible for the wiaver—or you think your child should be—and you have questions or concerns, contact the Maryland Disability Law Center at

410-727-6352.

Need advice on HSAs and other educational requirements?

Following are a few resources suggested by the Maryland

Disability Law Center:

Sarah Morgan, Legal Aid Bureau, 410-951-7729

Parents Place of Maryland, 410-768-9100

Selene Almazan, Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education,

410-859-5400

Maureen van Stone, Project HEAL at Kennedy Krieger Institute,

443-923-4416


Stephanie Maric, J.D. 301-379-9493

Long & Foster – Columbia 10805 Hickory Ridge Road Direct: 301-379-9493 Office: 410-715-2721 email: [email protected]

DONATION COMMITMENT:

I will donate $250 to the Howard County Autism Society for every

member referral that results in a sale! (I’ll up that to $500 if I sell your home and

help you buy a new home)

Proud Parent and HCAS Board Member

Celebrate

Autism Awareness Month

The resource center has many autism awareness

items available for purchase including jewelry, magnets,

pins, bands, tote bags, and more!

(consider them for team gifts, teacher gifts, Mother‘s Day

gifts, Father‘s Day gifts, end-of-school year gifts . . .)

Project Lifesaver

Enrollment Opportunities

The Howard County Autism

Society and the county police

department jointly sponsor

Project Lifesaver, a tracking

program that uses radio tech-

nology to locate vulnerable

children and adults who wander.

Enrollment in Project Lifesaver is

currently free to individuals with

autism. Several locator wristbands

are still available.

If you would like more informa-

tion or an application, please

contact HCAS at 410-290-3466 or

email [email protected].

More information on Project

Lifesaver can be found at

www.projectlifesaver.org.

Bowling League

JOIN THE FUN ON SUNDAYS!

Mt. Airy Lanes welcomes indi-

viduals with special needs and

their families to its Sunday

bowling league. Bowl 12

weeks in the spring and/or

fall. $3/week includes shoe

rental. For more information,

contact LISA BOXALL at

[email protected].


The Physician’s Toolkit is Distributed to Pediatricians

and Primary Care Physicians in Howard County

Toolkit will be presented to national audience in July

__________________________________________________________________

In January 2008, the Howard County Autism Society was awarded a $20,000 grant by the Horizon Foundation to develop a toolkit on autism for pedia-tricians and primary care physicians in Howard County. With the advice of a panel of local doctors, and under the direction of parent and former board member Kim McKay, the toolkit was assembled throughout the year and is being delivered to all 36 pediatric offices in the county.

“The feedback we have received from the practices is very positive and they are, indeed, passing information to their patients,” reports executive director Kim Manning. “Our goal is to connect with families immediately after an autism diagnosis to start providing support and resources.”

Families of children with disabilities often turn to their pediatricians for help in navigating the maze of health-care, education, and other support ser-vices. All too often, physicians are not aware of the various supports available and thus cannot offer proper guidance.

The toolkit includes information about autism, early identification, treat-ment options, family supports, and local Howard County resources.

The advisory group included a wide array of participants: parents of chil-dren with autism spectrum disorders (spanning the various degrees of au-tism), agency providers, advocates, Howard County Public School System special education teachers, community pediatricians, academic pediatricians, alternative medicine providers, spe-cialty providers (a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist), pedia-tricians‟ office staff, and autism sup-port group leaders. The president of the Maryland American Academy of Pediatricians and the chairperson of their Children with Special Healthcare Committee were consulted as well.

The American Academy of Pedia-tricians released a similar toolkit on CD, “Caring for Children with Au-tism Spectrum Disorder—A Re-source Toolkit for Clinicians” in 2008. It is an excellent collection of information for doctors about early identification of autism spectrum disorder in children. It contains screening tools, signs, and informa-tion sheets. It also includes posters for the office that highlight signs to look for in a child‟s development.

The focus group of pediatricians and staff provided feedback on the AAP kit, which helped the HCAS group identify what other resources were necessary and what format would be most useful.

According to the focus group, many offices wanted more informa-tion for families who were in the preliminary stages of addressing con-cerns about their children‟s develop-ment. They also requested additional information on the multitude of treatment options and contact infor-mation for local providers.

As a result, the Physician‟s Tool-kit prepared by HCAS uses much of the information from the AAP tool-kit, but also includes numerous infor-mation sheets on local resources for families and a list of local providers of alternative/complimentary treat-ments.

The key sections of the toolkit include family supports, health insur-ance, special education, advocacy, childcare, recreation, and behavioral support.

The toolkit was first presented to Dr. Gary Blechman, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Howard County General Hospital, and his staff of pediatricians.

“They responded very enthusiasti-cally,” reported Kim McKay.

During the past several months, the toolkit was delivered to all 36 pediatric offices in Howard County.

“Every office that received a kit reported that they found it very help-ful,” said McKay. “Many doctors said they used the information sheets to help families of children with other disabilities as well. Clearly the impact of the resource sheets goes beyond just families of children with autism.”

Toolkit to be presented at

national conference

In July 2009, the toolkit will be pre-sented to a national audience at the Autism Society of America‟s annual conference by Kim McKay and Kim Manning. With hundreds of chapters attending the conference, it will be an opportunity to share the model kit with chapters across the country.

Locally, the kit is being shared with Pathfinders for Autism, a Maryland statewide autism advocacy group, and other Maryland chapters of the Autism Society of America.

Future additions to toolkit

planned

As children with autism age, the need for information and resources will extend beyond pediatric offices. HCAS plans to develop additional in-formation sheets on adult service pro-viders, health insurance issues for adults, and physician‟s specializing in autism spectrum disorders for adults.

To view the toolkit, please feel free to visit the resource center. If your physician is not located in Howard County but would like a toolkit, please contact Kim Manning at the resource center, 410-290-3466.


HCAS Participates in

“Brain Fair” at Howard

Community College

On Thursday, March 12, Howard Community College and the Book Connection Project hosted the first annual Brain Fair. The Howard County Autism Society was an invited presenter and exhibitor at the event. “We passed out informational brochures on autism and some arti-cles we thought would be of inter-est to the college community,” said Kim Manning. Ms. Manning said that many students stopped at the HCAS dis-play to get information and ask questions related to projects that they are doing on autism.

Autism of Interest at HCC Autism has received wide atten-tion on the Howard Community College campus this academic year. It was selected as a main topic across curricula and all freshman were required to read The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon, a fiction novel about an autistic man who is pressured to undergo an experi-mental procedure to “cure” him of autism. According to Tracie Palm, Coordinator of Co-Curricular Pro-grams at HCC, students in all de-partments were required to read the book and are doing research pro-jects on autism. In addition, several activities on campus were focused on autism, including the showing of “Autism the Musical” and the col-lege‟s cosponsorship of the upcom-ing HCAS workshop with Stephen Shore. The HCAS Resource Center has welcomed several student visitors in the last few months. Some have attended the support meetings and others have used the resources in the lending library.

Raising Autism

Awareness at Local

Restaurants

Beginning in April, in celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the Howard County Autism Society will partner with local restaurants to train restaurant management and staff on autism, and to raise awareness among restaurant patrons. The first restaurant to participate was the Crab Shanty in Ellicott City.

On Tuesday, April 14, the Crab Shanty hosted its Autism Awareness Night. Several staff and board members were present to greet diners. Prior to that evening, executive director Kim Manning provided a short train-ing session on autism for the res-taurant staff.

“Our goal is to educate area restaurants on the unique situa-tions of our families and to help restaurants provide an enjoyable evening of dining out that is accommodating to our families‟ needs,” explained Ms. Manning.

As an added bonus, the Crab Shanty donated 15% of dinner proceeds during the event to HCAS.

Please check the HCAS yahoo group emails to find out when and where the next Autism Awareness Restaurant Night will be held.

In March, the board of directors of the Howard County Autism Society approved a proposal from the Maryland Biomedical Group to join HCAS as its newest com-mittee. The group, which meets regularly at the Faulkner Ridge Center on the second Tuesday of the month, provides information and support to families and pro-fessionals interested in the bio-medical approach to treating au-tism and related disorders. HCAS board member Ruth Huffman will chair the committee. It will continue to be coordinated by Jennifer Palmer and Remy Nirschl. The group maintains a listserv on yahoogroups.com called “Maryland_biomedical.”

Other HCAS Committees

Program Committee—

coordinates activities, support group meetings, workshops, and social events for membership.

Public Relations Committee—promotes Autism Awareness, and helps publicize the efforts and activities of HCAS.

Advocacy and Partnerships Committee—works to enhance Howard County communities and make them more inclusive of individuals with ASD and their families. Subcommittees are education advocacy and legisla-tive advocacy.

Adult Issues Committee—

focuses on issues affecting the transition to adulthood, as well as issues affecting all aspects of the lives of adults with autism

Biomedical Group

Joins HCAS as

Newest Committee


Run, Jump, Skip, Stretch, Dance, Swim, Have Fun!

HCAS Families Enjoy Return of Fitness First Program

Fitness First returned to rave

reviews from members eager

to enjoy the ―Saturday night

at the gym‖ fun once again.

Bringing together individuals

with autism and their families

once a month to enjoy vari-

ous exercise activities and

swimming at the Columbia

Gym in River Hill, Fitness First

is funded entirely by the How-

ard County Autism Society. It

takes place the third Saturday

of every month, 7-9 p.m.

Spaces are still available for

HCAS members. Please

download the application at

www.howard-autism.org or

call the office for more infor-

mation at 410-290-3466.

―Our family had a wonderful

time. Our boys could not wait

to get back to the gym to work

out with Coach Jimmy again.

It was great to see so many

new families there, too. Thanks

for putting together a terrific

opening season.‖

—Andrea Wurster and

Mike Pazin, Jack and Joel

―Jared slept great after Fitness First! He

really enjoyed the kickball session. That

was his first time playing. Not to sound

too ‗braggy‘ but we thought he did really

well for his first time—too bad you cant

get kickball scholarships to college! We all

had fun.‖—Raymond, Lee, and Jared Gabler


MAMMOTH YARD SALE Saturday, June 20th 8 am – 1 pm

Donate your gently used, clothes, furniture, toys, etc. to

raise money for the Howard County Autism Society.

Tell your friends and neighbors to stop by the mega sale

and shop for a good cause.

To be held on the grounds of the Ellicott City Assembly of God,

10600 Frederick Road, Ellicott City. Concessions available.

Donations for the yard sale can be dropped off at the church on Thursday (9am –

8pm) and Friday (9am – 9pm). Email Ayana Rodgers at [email protected] or

call the HCAS office for more details.

SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS – ASD, ADHD, LD

Lighthouse Family Counseling Center

60 Mellor Ave, Catonsville 410-788-5483

Weekly groups meet one hour on:

TUESDAY NIGHTS OR SATURDAY MORNINGS

Beginning week of Feb 10th, 2009

$125 for 8 week session, including snack.

A curriculum focusing on generalizing skills toward

making and enjoying friends and games: Having Fun! Greeting, Hosting, Conversation, Social Detection, Brain Gym and Self-Calming skills. Coaching and practice for parents. AGES 6-13

John Seaman, LCPC // Linda Lombardo, PhD.

2009 HCAS ANNUAL

MEMBERSHIP DUES ~

RENEWALS ACCEPTED

see page 15 for details


The second Thursday of each month, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Chick-Fil-A at Columbia Mall is designating HCAS the recipient of its ongoing “Spirit Night” promo-tion. During the three dinner hours, 20% of proceeds will be donated to HCAS.

In order for your dinner sale to count towards the donation, you must present a special card from HCAS. Look for the HCAS rep-resentative and the “Autism Awareness” display in front of Chik-Fil-A.

Chik-Fil-A Designates “Spirit Night” for HCAS Each Month

Waverly Elementary Autism Walk Raises $2176 for HCAS

In honor of World Autism Day, Waverly Elementary School in Ellicott City hosted an autism walk on Thursday, April 2, to benefit the Howard County Autism Society.

The entire student body partici-pated in the walk around the school yard. The kids walked, skipped, and jumped for autism, raising $2176 in funds. The walk was coordinated by Waverly guid-ance counselor Penny Harrigan as part of the “Waverly Gives Back” initiative.

Kim Manning, HCAS executive director, had the pleasure of greet-ing the student body the morning of the walk. She congratulated the students on such a successful awareness event and talked to them about the work of HCAS. The stu-dents and faculty were clearly en-thusiastic about walking for autism and raising awareness and money for families in their community.

“We are truly honored to be the recipients of Waverly‟s fundraiser this year,” said Ms. Manning. “I just loved seeing the kids so excited about the walk and so proud of what they accomplished for their classmates with autism and for many others in the broader com-munity with autism. They truly

are making great strides in helping others!”


Local Parent-Author Receives National Attention

The following article was

published in Real Simple

magazine, and was awarded

runner-up in its recent essay

contest. Judith Scott lives with her husband Greg and their three children in Ellicott City. The article is based on Ms. Scott’s newly published book, Out Came the Sun.

Parenting a Child with

a Disability

By Judith Scott

As her name is called in

standard alphabetical order, the little girl careens haphazardly across the stage, blinking in the harsh auditorium lights. Her gait is uneven and her orthotics squeak, but nobody seems to notice or care. Her eyes dart behind the lenses of her glasses, and her hands flap in excitement. A teacher guides the child toward the principal, who holds the diplomas. The child‟s blond hair falls over her face as she grasps the princi-pal‟s hand in the semblance of a shake. A hush falls over the crowd as the girl progresses to the stairs, feels for the first step, and care-fully descends. Despite the earlier statement to hold all applause until the ceremony‟s end, this group cannot hold back. The clapping is thunderous, a whistle here and there, an acknowledgement of the gargantuan effort not only today but on all days. A mother‟s sniff and gulp, tears not quite held back, will be heard on the video later on. That mother is me.

Emily is perfect to us, but by no other standards does she meet that criteria. From the moment of her conception, extra genetic ma-terial on one of her chromosomes renders her a child with disabilities

across the board.

Out Came the Sun

One Family’s Triumph over a

Rare Genetic Syndrome

Book Discussion & Signing

by Judith Scott

~ May 21, 2009 ~

7 - 9 p.m.

We try to assimilate the unex-pected into our lives. Medical prob-lems abound, most beyond our experience or ken. First Emily‟s tied tongue, which precludes her nursing, followed by other physical anomalies―a heart that needs ma-jor repair at seven months, abdomi-nal surgery, then kidney surgery. But the carving and crafting of a more serviceable little body cannot hide the truth. Some things, despite our sincerest hopes, our most heartfelt prayers, our howls in an empty room, have no cure at all. For these things, there is only a pervasive sadness, then after a very long while, an admiration that sur-prises us out of our grief.

Our daughter‟s youngest years are characterized by early interven-tion. From the get-go, she‟s a tough client, struggling against therapy designed to make her muscles more pliant. Emily‟s iron will is a chal-lenge, but a godsend all the same. Strides are eventually made, and hopes lift. When she sits at 10 months (late), attempts to commu-nicate at 2 1/2 (very late), and fi-nally walks independently at 3 1/2 (extremely late), we celebrate with guarded optimism. Despite the grim prognosis and the lack of hard data given at the outset, we see pro-gress, albeit glacial at best.

“Special education” is an abstrac-tion we cannot grasp, a phrase, like “global warming,” we know is out there but that doesn‟t fit into our world in any tangible way. But now fit it in we must. Beginning with a toddler preschool class, special ed becomes part of our parenting landscape. It‟s a program I‟m glad exists for the sake of my child, all the while wishing it away. Teachers, like the doctors who shepherded us through the early years, cleave to Emily with plans, goals, and love. Emily at age four is a beautiful child and medically sound after years of specialists and procedures. We are out of the woods in many ways. Her hair, silken and white blond, coupled with full cheeks, calls to mind a cherub. But the stares have begun, the curious onlookers who try to reconcile Emily‟s normal appearance with the subterranean deficits and de-lays. What lay hidden before under the relative sameness of all babies is now self-evident. The difference shows. My daughter will not let me linger on the pain caused by these stares, though, choosing instead to laugh with glee at the simplicity of a playground swing or a sandbox or a silly song. She is happiness itself, unaware. She teaches me.

(continued on next page)


Continued from previous page

Emily begins kindergarten, and the trappings are the same as with any child: the bus, the back-pack, circle time. I visit her special classroom, a room adjacent to the “real” kindergarten, where my daughter has respite from the overly bright lights, the fast-moving students, the constant dia-logue. The stimulation so neces-sary to development is oftentimes too much for Emily to bear. It‟s a fine line to balance the movement and peace, so we all veer from one extreme to the other as best we can. My heart contracts with pride as Emily learns her letters and masters a voice-output device, her mode of communication. But my heart also contracts with pain as I see the other children swirling on the periphery, capable of so much and with such ease.

Our lives, my husband‟s and mine, fill with the role of parenting a child with disabilities. We be-come champions of the cause, joining groups, researching new developments, taking part as vocal advocates for our daughter‟s rights. Sometimes this all feels fine and we soar with competence, proud of the manner in which we are managing. Sometimes it chafes, this role for which we did not vol-unteer, and we are quietly resent-ful, then guilty. My friends say they don‟t know how I do it, my family say they are so proud, and I thrive on the accolades, smile a bit brighter. But behind that smile, a ghost lingers, and the loss of the perfect life I had planned sits heavy.

Before Emily, there was a woman who was a teacher and a wife and a friend. Now there is just Emily, and the woman strug-gles for her bearings, tries to find her footing. I see this woman in the mirror one day and take a long moment to recognize myself. It is time to find the “new normal” that will define my life. I search for the

thing that will make the difference. At first, it is running, the simple act of lacing up my Sauconys and hit-ting the road. Exercise helps and heals. Running segues into racing, and although not an athlete, I train and plan and accomplish modest goals. Local 10Ks and marathons expand my world, and I embrace it with unabashed selfishness. Running makes me brave, and although life with Emily is still tur-bulent, I have a renewed confi-dence. Another daughter comes along, followed by a son, born al-most exactly 10 years after Emily. We cobble together a family, now not so much defined by the disabil-ity within it but by the love despite it. Emily‟s siblings speed through typical development without a hitch, gladdening my soul and add-ing another layer of respect for my firstborn, who struggles so. The pain diminishes, and acceptance comes in.

My husband and I always mock the fuss made over graduation cele-brations. We wonder when gradu-ating from elementary school be-came such an occasion. Surely no one put on the ritz for us, back in the day. But times change, as they will, and the day is upon us, as Emily nears completion of fifth grade. This milestone day is marked by students all dressed up, speakers who wax nostalgic, and a video montage of the kids‟ elementary-school years. I sit in my cushioned seat, only half-cognizant of the speakers‟ words. I wonder how Emily is far-ing backstage with her class, lined up for the processional. Her full-time aide is there to assist her, but still I am anxious, twisting the pro-gram into a wad on my lap. Finally it is her turn to cross the stage, and cross it she does, with a nudge and whispered directions. From stem to stern, it is perhaps 100 feet, but Emily‟s journey is more than that. The outgoing class stands to recog-nize her walk; they cheer, holler her name.

Who knew that an elementary-school graduation, rife with its tired clichés and tacky streamers, would crystallize all those years of search-ing for peace? For now, in this mo-ment, on this day, it is finally clear. I was mistaken. The albatross of disability in fact turns out to be a strand of uncultured pearls, each in its varied imperfection a pure and precious gift. No class I have taken, no country I have visited, no book I have read, has taught me more. This child who does not speak, who does not fit in, who is differ-ent wherever she goes, is a lesson to me.

* * * * *

Out Came the Sun:

A Family’s Triumph over a Rare Genetic Syndrome

By Judith Scott

Published 2008

Academy Chicago Publishers

Paperback $17.95

978-0-89733-582-9

Copies will be available for

purchase at the May 21st book signing at the HCAS Resource

Center. The publisher is offering a generous 25% discount to HCAS, which we are happy to pass along to our members. If you cannot make it to the meeting, but would like to purchase a copy at the discount, please contact Ayana Rodgers to reserve a copy at

[email protected] or

410-290-3466.


April 20, 2009 ~

Autism Research, Education,

and Advocacy: What You Need

to Know

Presented by Marjorie Shulbank, Maryland State Department of Education. Learn about AutismConnect, an online resource that focuses on research, educational resources, and advocacy organizations available to families in Maryland. Reception follows. 7:00-9:00 p.m. Howard County Central Library.

April 23, 2009 ~

Celebrating Autism’s Gifts:

The Power of Affirmation

Deborah Lipsky, diagnosed an adult with HFA, will discuss with Dr. William Richards how the transformative power of friendship has empowered her to embrace her autism. Books will be available for purchase and signing. 7:00-9:00 p.m. Howard Community College, Monteabaro Recital Hall, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia.

April 25, 2009 ~


Fourth Annual “Pieces of the

Puzzle” Gala

7:00 p.m.-midnight. Ten Oaks Ballroom, 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville. Tickets are $100. For tickets call 410-290-3466 or www.howard-autism.org.

May 2, 2009 ~

Stephen Shore Presents

“Supporting People With Autism

for Successful Transition to

Adulthood”

Registration fee is $50; breakfast is included. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Howard Community College, Smith Theatre, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia.

For more information or to register, contact HCAS at 410-290-3466 or www.howard-autism.org.

May 7, 2009 ~

Biomedical Group Meeting

7:00-9:00 p.m. Faulkner Ridge Center in Columbia. The Biomedical Group meets the first Thursday of every month. Contact Jennifer Palmer at [email protected] or Remy Nirschl at [email protected].

May 14, 2009 ~

Howard County Asperger’s

Support Group Meeting

Guest speaker is acupuncturist Pat Nordell. 7:30-9:00 p.m. Howard County Autism Society Resource Center, 10280 Old Columbia Road, Suite 215, Columbia. The Asperger‟s Support Group meets the second Thursday of every month. Contact Elaine McAuliffe, [email protected] or

410-730-0068.

May 21, 2009 ~



Guest speaker is local author and parent Judith Scott. Ms. Scott will read from her newly published book Out Came the Sun: One Family’s Triumph over a Rare Genetic Disorder. 7:00-9:00 p.m. Howard County Autism Society Resource Center, 10280 Old Columbia Road, Suite 215, Columbia. For more information call 410-290-3466, www.howardautism.org.

June 3, 2009 ~

Biomedical Group Meeting

7:00-9:00 p.m. Faulkner Ridge Center in Columbia. Contact Jennifer Palmer at [email protected] or Remy Nirschl at [email protected].

June 11, 2009 ~



7:30-9:00 p.m. Howard County Autism Society Resource Center, 10280 Old Columbia Road, Suite 215, Columbia. Contact Elaine McAuliffe, 410-730-0068

or [email protected].

June 18, 2009 ~



Guest speaker is Julie McCready, a RECC (preschool) music teacher, will discuss teaching children through music.

7:00-9:00 p.m. Howard County Autism Society Resource Center, 10280 Old Columbia Road, Suite 215, Columbia. For more information call 410-290-3466, www.howardautism.org.

June 20, 2009 ~

Mega Yard Sale to Benefit HCAS

Donate your household items, toys, clothes, furniture to the Howard County Autism Society. 8:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. To be held at Ellicott City Assembly of God, 10600 Frederick Road, Ellicott City. For more information call 410-290-3466.

July 9, 2009 ~



7:30-9:00 p.m. Howard County Autism Society Resource Center, 10280 Old Columbia Road, Suite 215, Columbia.

July 26, 2009 ~

SUMMER POOL PARTY

Hosted by the Howard County

Autism Society

Mark your calendar for this free family fun pool party at Lifetime Fitness for HCAS members. 6:00-9:00pm. Details to come.

Upcoming Events

For updated events information, visit the HCAS calendar at

www.howard-autism.org/pn/calendar.html


In an effort to improve and

streamline membership with the

Howard County Autism Society,

membership renewal is changing

in 2009. All memberships will

need to be renewed annually in

order to remain active.

Membership with the Howard

County Autism supports the

organization‘s efforts to provide

support to individuals with autism

and their families, advocate for

improved services, and promote

greater public awareness of

autism. Please visit our website,

www.howard-autism.org to join

online.

In an effort to ―go green‖

we hope to institute an email por-

tion of our communication with

members – stay tuned!

Membership Levels

Family $20

Professional $50

Benefits of Membership

Access to a community that

provides support and informa-

tion to local families living with

autism.

Valuable resource information

and advocacy for autism-related

issues within the community.

Perspectives newsletter– mailed

four times a year.

Monthly support group meet-

ings with guest speakers.

Notices of upcoming events,

speakers, and conferences.

Several FREE social events—

including winter and summer

pool parties.

HCAS MEMBERSHIP CHANGES IN 2009

Name________________________________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________________________

City_____________________________________________ State________________ Zip Code______________

email___________________________________________ Phone_______________________________________

2009 Dues: $20 (parent membership) $50 (professional membership)

Donation: $50 $100 Other $__________

HCAS gratefully acknowledges donors in its newsletter.

If you prefer your donation to be private, please check here

Howard County Autism Society Membership

Clip and return with check to:



Columbia, MD 21046

Join us!

$20 annual

family dues

Clip and return with your check payable to

Howard County Autism Society or join online at


Share Your Time and

Talent

Interested in volunteering at

the Howard County Autism

Society? We could use your

help! We have many active

committees that are always

looking for new members.

Adult Issues Committee

Advocacy: Educational Issues

Advocacy: Legislative Issues

Gala Planning Committee

Program Committee

Public Relations Committee

Walk Planning Committee

If you are interested in serving

on one of these committees,

please contact Ayana Rodgers

at [email protected]

or 410-290-3466.

HCAS provides:

support for parents

information and referrals

advocacy on behalf of persons with autism/PDD and their families

presentations by experts on autism/PDD, disability rights, etc

monthly meetings

social activities

Join the Yahoo e-Group

The HCAS e-group connects you with other parents online where you can post questions or share informa-tion about doctors, dentists, schools, family support services, etc. To join: (1) go to Yahoo Groups (2) search for AutismSocietyHoCo (3) subscribe Or email: AutismSocietyHoCosubscribe@ yahoogroups.com



Columbia, MD 21046

About the Howard County Autism Society (HCAS)

The Howard County Autism Society (HCAS) is a chapter of the Autism Society of America, which was founded in 1965 to help parents, family members, professionals, and caregivers learn about autism, PDD, and related disorders, and how to effectively deal with these disabilities. We are one of about 200 chapters across the country.

HCAS is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The national society and HCAS share the common goals of providing information and education, supporting research and advocating for programs and services for people with autism spectrum disorders.

HCAS works in Howard County to advance awareness of persons with autism, PDD, and related disorders.


NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 901

COLUMBIA, MD 21045

Autism Resource Center

410-290-3466

Newsletter

Submissions

Perspectives—the newly named quarterly newsletter—welcomes articles and contributions from parents, siblings, professionals, and people with autism spec-trum disorders. Submit your article, book review, meeting notice, or photo by emailing to:

[email protected].

Perspectives is published quarterly, with Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall issues.

Advertising rates are available

on the HCAS website at www.howard-autism.org.

For more information on ad specifications, deadlines, and submission instructions, contact Kim Manning at 410-290-3466/[email protected]

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