First Support Group Meeting a Big Success

We held the first quarterly parent support group for Families of Super Kids a couple of weeks ago. We had a good turnout and some great discussion. We missed those of you who wanted to attend,but were unable to do so and hope to see you next time. If you were unable to attend the first parent meeting and would like to stay informed and connected, please email familiesofsuperkids@gmail.com with your contact information. We would love to include you in our new parent contact list.

Topics discussed at the meeting included tips on assembling a binder or organization system for your child with special needs, summer programs in Northern Utah and year-round programs. We are very excited to share ideas and resources that our families can access in Northern Utah. Binder tips are available on the Northern Utah Pediatrics website included in the helpful links page of this blog. Summer and year-round programs are listed as individual tabs on the blog. These programs cater to special needs children and are tailored to many different learning/developmental levels. Some include dance, space camp and horseback riding.

If you know of more resources for our kids and families, let everyone know!

The Autism Council of Utah, Autism Speaks, Utah State Office of Education,

Utah Parent Center, and Family Links

PRESENT

Dr. Peter Gerhardt

Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder -- transition, education employment, residential, and community

Saturday, August 6, 2011

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM - Lunch Provided

Registration starts at 8:30 AM

Red Lion Hotel

-Salt Lake Downtown

161 West 600 South, Salt Lake City

$20/person or $30/couple

Seating is Limited - Register at:

http://www.utahfamilylinks.org/a-day-with-dr-peter-gerhardt/

Dr. Peter Gerhardt is the Director of Education - Upper School for the McCarton School

in New York City. Dr. Gerhardt has over 30 years experience utilizing the principles of

Applied Behavior Analysis in support of adolescents and adults with ASD in

educational, employment, residential, and community-based settings. He is the author

or co-author of articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with

autism spectrum disorder and he has presented nationally and internationally on this

topic. In addition, Dr. Gerhardt serves as Chairman of the Scientific Council for the

Organization for Autism Research, on the Editorial Board of Behavior Analysis in

Practice, and on numerous professional advisory boards including the Autism Society

of America. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from the Rutgers, the State University

of New Jersey Graduate School of Education.

Dr. Gerhardt's research interests include issues related to intensity of behavior analytic

instruction with adolescents and adults; community integration and employment,

development of adaptive behavior competencies, positive behavior supports with

complex individuals; and the use of technology to support community safety and

independence.

"I attended a presentation by Dr. Gerhardt and LOVED it! I made it my mission to get him back for the parents, teachers and providers to hear. His information is insightful and helpful, lots of 'take home' information, and he's fun to listen to as well. He talks about teen/adult issues with autism that no one else does."

Cheryl Smith, President ACU

Parent and Family Partner Mailbox is Working

A postcard was recently sent to all families at the clinic who have children with special needs. There is a phone number for the Family Partners: Jeanette Pascoe and Shawn Cooper. Currently, there is no greeting, but you can leave a message and the Family Partners will return your call. We hope this will be a great way for you to connect with other parents who are going through similar things as you and find the resources you need. More information on Family/Parent Partners is on the Family Partner tab on the main page of this blog.

1st Family Support Group Meeting

Saturday, June 11 @ 10-11 a.m.
McKay Dee Hospital, Education Rooms 3 & 4 by the cafeteria
Come meet other families with special needs children and bring a binder to organize your child's information. We will be talking about the medical home we all share and some great summer ideas. We hope to see you there!
~Light breakfast served~