The Echo Keeping you informed!

April 2013 Volume 11, Issue 8

IN THIS ISSUE

ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events in the enclosed program and calendar

pages.

See Pages 2/3

Camp Sunshine Update Parents of accepted campers, please be sure to schedule your mandatory intake appointment by

calling (910) 826-3004/3005!

See Page 2

iPads for Autism Project Join us as we will kick-off the iPads for Autism

Project on Monday, April 1, 2013

See Page 4

Epilepsy Drug in Pregnancy Linked to Autism Risk in Study NASET Week in Review, February 8, 2013 - Vol 9, Issue 6

New research adds to dangers of valproate use for women of childbearing

age. Women taking the epilepsy drug valproate (Depakote) while pregnant are at in-

creased risk of having children with autism and other developmental problems, accord-

ing to a small British study.

Valproate is prescribed for epilepsy as well as certain psychiatric disorders

and migraines. Other studies have shown its use during pregnancy is associated with

birth defects and, more recently, lower IQ in school-age children. The American Acade-

my of Neurology advises against valproate use during pregnancy, and some experts

believe it should not be used by women of childbearing age.

"Women for whom valproate is a treatment option should discuss the risks

and benefits of this drug with their doctor prior to pregnancy, to ensure that their

health and that of the potential child is optimized," said Rebecca Bromley, a clinical

psychologist and research associate at the University of Liverpool, who led the new

study.

"Planning a pregnancy in collaboration with your doctor is important if you

are taking antiepileptic drugs," she added. And evidence suggests the damage to the

fetus occurs early in pregnancy, according to the study. But women should not alter

their medication without talking to their doctor, she noted.

For the study, published online Jan. 30 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosur-

gery & Psychiatry, Bromley's team collected data on more than 500 pregnant women

between 2000 and 2004. About half had epilepsy, of whom all but 34 took medicine to

control their seizures. The drugs they took included carbamazepine (Tegretol),

valproate and lamotrigine (Lamictal), the researchers noted.

Of the 415 children for whom data was available, 19 were diagnosed with a

developmental problem by age 6 years. Three of them also had a physical handicap.

Twelve of these children had an autism spectrum disorder, and one was also diag-

nosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the researchers found.

Three children had ADHD alone and four had dyspraxia, a condition causing poor physi-

cal coordination and clumsiness.

For more information, please visit: www.healthfinder.gov

LIGHT IT UP BLUE April 2, 2013 is World Autism Awareness Day! Consider purchasing blue light bulbs for your

porch and Light it Up Blue this year!

See Page 5

Save the Date! Learn more about how you can help make the 7th Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament a

great success!

See Pages 6/7

ASCC Parent Education Program

Monday, April 8, 2013, 6:30pm

Cheryl Merritt, Author

ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children

Parent Education

Program

Please join us on

Monday, April 8, 2013, 6:30 pm

at the

Partnership for Children Resource

Center

351 Wagoner Drive,

Multipurpose Room 343

for a presentation titled

“New Teaching Strategies for

Classic Autism”

by

Cheryl Merritt, Author

Free respite care will be available on

site through Community Based

Developmental Services. Please

contact Cynthia Billops at 488-5820

or 488-4584 to reserve your space

at least 24 hours in advance.

ASCC Support Groups

Support Groups provide an

opportunity to share, learn, and

connect. Parents, caregivers,

guardians, and professionals are

welcome to participate in all of our

support groups. Please check the

calendar on page three for meeting

dates/times/locations.

The HFA/Asperger’s Support Group

meets every second Monday of the

month, Sep—Nov, Jan—May,

immediately preceding the Parent

Education Program. This group

meets in Room 414 of the PFC

Resource Center. Focus: Families of

children, adolescents, and adults

diagnosed with HFA or Asperger’s.

Childcare will not be provided.

The Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support

Group meets every second Tuesday

of the month at various Fayetteville

restaurants. Focus: Families of

adolescents and adults with ASD.

Childcare will not be provided.

The Autism Breakfast Club (ABC)

Support Group meets every third

Wednesday of the month at the PFC

Resource Center, Room 414. Focus:

Families of children with ASD up to

age 12. Childcare will be provided.

The Preschool Support Group (The

High Fives) meets weekly on

Thursdays at the PFC Resource

Center, Room 343. Focus: Families

of young children with ASD ages 1-5

years. Childcare will be provided.

While every group focuses on a

specific age range, parents of

children of all ages are welcome to

attend all support groups!

Workshops

Please call the ASCC office at (910)

826-3004/3005 to register for all

workshops.

The Newly Diagnosed Workshop led

by Amy Perry, ASNC Parent Advocate,

is held every first Thursday of the

month from 9:30 am—12:00 pm.

The Individualized Education Plan

Workshop, led by Amy Perry, ASNC

Parent Advocate provides an oppor-

tunity for parents and providers to

learn all about IEPs. It will be offered

quarterly.

The Little Miracles Child Development

Services Workshop will be offered

every fourth Wednesday of the month

by Board Certified Behavioral Ana-

lysts. The workshops will cover differ-

ent parenting topics every month.

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 2

Update

2013

Camp

Sunshine

Parents of accepted campers, please be sure to schedule

your mandatory intake appointment by calling (910) 826-

3004/3005! Intake forms were due on April 1, 2013 and

must be on file prior to the intake appointment. Thank you

for your help in preparing another fun summer camp!

Camp Sunshine Direct Care Staff will be selected this

month. Interviews will be scheduled and all staff will be

notified of employment no later than April 30, 2013.

Volunteers are needed to make Camp Sunshine a great

success. Please contact our office at (910) 826-

3004/3005 to find out how you can make a difference!

Join ASCC in celebrating

Autism Awareness Month, by showing

your support with an Autism Awareness

yard sign available at the ASCC office for

purchase.

Purchase yours for $15.00

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 3

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 1-4 pm iPad Lending Project

2

1-4 pm

iPad Lending

Project

3 9:30 -11am

ABC Support Group,

PFCRC, RM 414

4 9:30am-12pm

Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, RM 343

5 9am-12pm

iPad Lending

Project 6-9 pm Twisted

Jeweler, Family

Fun Night

6

7 8 5:45-6:30pm HFA

Support Group, PFCRC,

RM 414

6:30pm-8pm Parent Educa-

tion Program, PFCRCC,

Room 343

1-4 pm IPad Lending Project

9

11:30am Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group at On The Border

1-4 pm iPad Lending Project

10 119:30 -11am

Preschool Support

Group, PFCRC, RM

343

9:30– 12 pm Newly Diagnosed Workshop,

PFCRC, RM 414

12

9am-12pm

iPad Lending

Project

13

14 15

1-4 pm

iPad Lending

Project

16

1-4 pm

iPad Lending

Project

179:30 -11am

ABC Support Group,

PFCRC, RM 414

18 9:30 -11am

Preschool Support

Group, PFCRC,

RM B

19

9am-12pm

iPad Lending

Project

20 10:30 am—11:00 am

Rhythm & Rhyme Story Time, Hope Mills Public Library

21 22

1-4 pm

iPad Lending

Project

23

11 am-1 pm ASCC

Board of Directors

Meeting PFCRC, Room

414

1-4 iPad Lending Project

24

10 am -11 am

Little Miracles Child

Development

Workshop, PFCRC,

RM 414

25 9:30 -11am

Preschool Support

Group, PFCRC, RM

343

26

9am-12pm

iPad Lending

Project

27

28

29

1-4 pm

iPad Lending

Project

30

1-4 pm

iPad Lending

Project

April 2013

SAVE THE DATE

ASCC Vera Bradley Bingo

October 2013

Date to be Announced

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 4

...

Autism Society of Cumberland County

iPads for Autism Lending Project

Who? For children, adolescents, and adults

diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and

their parents

What? FREE iPads for Autism Lending Project

When? Beginning April 1, 2013

Every Monday and Tuesday afternoon from

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Every Friday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Where? Autism Society of Cumberland County, 351

Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, Fayetteville, NC

Register by calling (910) 826-3004/3005

How? Learn how to use and enjoy the iPad by using

autism specific applications such as social

express, injni, proloquo2go, going places for

one hour per lending period.

Why? FREE access to iPads and autism specific

applications!

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 5

Membership Drive Become a member of the Autism Society

of Cumberland County and help us

sustain our programs. Your $10 annual

membership fee will ensure your voting

privileges in matters discussed during

Parent Education programs, priority

selection for scholarships, as well as the

continuity of all programs offered by the

ASCC. You will also receive a free 8”x4”

“Autism Awareness” car magnet as

displayed in the picture box. Please mail

your $10 membership fee to the ASCC, 351

Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, Fayetteville, NC

28303 today. Thank you!

Questions? Please call (910) 826-3004.

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental disabilities—including classic autism, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified

(PDD-NOS), Rett’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Asperger’s Syndrome—that affect a person’s ability to understand what they see, hear, and other-

wise sense. It is a brain disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. Individuals with ASD typically have difficulty understanding verbal

and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, objects, and events. No two people with ASD are the same. As its name

implies, ASD is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and with varying degrees of severity. Additionally, ASD is often found in combination with

other disabilities.

How common is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder is the second most common developmental disability following mental retardation. ASD is more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibro-

sis, and multiple sclerosis combined. It is estimated that one out of every 88 people born today has some form of ASD. Roughly translated, this means as many as 2

million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other

governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. Autism knows no boundaries of race, ethnicity, social status, family income,

lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family and any child. Although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is on average 4 to 5

times more likely to occur in boys than in girls.

Information for kids:

People with ASD are born with brains that work differently than others, so they learn differently. Many times a person with ASD will have a hard time talking with people

and understanding what they are saying. Some people with ASD cannot talk, while others talk a lot. Certain things may not feel, sound, smell, or taste the same to a

person with ASD, and sometimes this difference is upsetting. Sometimes people with ASD rock back and forth or wave their arms and hands. They may not know they

are doing this or how it looks to others. It is important to remember that each person is different whether or not he or she has ASD. We all have unique qualities that

make us special.

What is the ASCC doing?

Join us as we raise awareness in our community:

· iPads for Autism Project, Apr 1

· World Autism Day - Light It Up Blue for Autism, Apr 2

· April Parent Education Meeting, Apr 8

· Public Service Announcements with Beasley Broadcasting Station

· Autism Awareness Feature Story in the Fayetteville Observer

· Autism Awareness Ad in the Fayetteville Observer

· Create a special autism awareness bracelet at The Twisted Jeweler any day during the month of April

What Can You do?

· Raise awareness on April 2, 2013, World Autism Day, and “Light It Up Blue” by inserting blue light bulbs in your porch lights

· Write a letter/article for your child’s school newsletter or your church bulletin

· Create a display board for your child’s elementary school, YMCA, or place of worship

· Thank your child’s teachers and others who make a difference in your child’s life

· Provide ASCC brochures to your pediatrician’s office, your child care center, your child’s school, your church, and other local agencies

April is Autism Awareness Month!

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 6

The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 7

351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410

Fayetteville, NC 28303

Tel: 910-826-3004/3005

Fax: 910-868-5881

E-mail: autismcc@ccpfc.org

www.autismcc.org

“Supporting Individuals Within The Autism Spectrum”

Winner of the Autism Society of

North Carolina affiliate of the Year

Award—1996, 2002, & 2003

Membership & Donations

Return Service Requested

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County is an affiliate of the Autism

Society of North Carolina.

Mission Statement:

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County is committed to providing

support and promoting opportunities

which enhance the lives of individu-

als within the autism spectrum and

their families.

Vision Statement:

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County strives to create a community

where people within the autism

spectrum and their families receive

respect, services, and supports

based on individual differences,

needs, and preferences.

Disclaimer:

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County does not take any position

regarding studies of ASD, nor en-

dorse any particular form of treat-

ment, intervention, or therapy. This

newsletter allows us to pass along

current information in the field of

ASD to our families and organization

members.

Please make checks payable to:

Autism Society of Cumberland County

351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410

Fayetteville, NC 28303

Name:

Parent/Caregiver Professional

Sibling Individual with ASD

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

A great way to help support our program is to

become a member. As a member of the ASCC, you

enjoy voting rights during membership meetings,

you are eligible for election to the Board of

Directors, and you receive priority for conference

scholarships. Membership is effective for one year.

Please remember the ASCC with your tax-deductible

charitable contribution. Thank you!

Annual Membership ($10.00)

Donation $_________

Join us on Facebook

Cumberland Community Foundation

Board of Directors: Anna Finch President Warren Aronson Vice President Gwen Scott Treasurer Brandy Mello Secretary Cynthia Billops Chris Leacock Dr. Suzanna Fletcher

Staff:

Sylvia Adamczyk Director of Programs and Outreach Alvita Blue Program and Outreach Assistant Rosaura Arreola

UNC Pembroke MSW Intern

Editor:

Sylvia Adamczyk

April 2013 The Echo Volume 11, Issue 8

FY 2012/2013 Board of Directors & Staff Funded In Part By: