Saturday, December 14, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Events Tonight and Next Month!
Transitions Legal Guardian Workshop Tonight
Thursday, September 26, 6:30-8:30
Davis Vista Education Center
Primarily for ages 17+
Did you know that if you have a child with special needs that you may need to become their legal guardian either prior to or when they turn 18 years old? Find out why and when this is a good move. Fill out paperwork to become your own lawyer. A representative from a law firm will be present, offering information about representing children with disabilities.
SIBS DAY - A Workshop for Super Important Brothers and SistersSaturday, November 16, 2013
801.662.3701.
Thursday, September 26, 6:30-8:30
Davis Vista Education Center
Primarily for ages 17+
Did you know that if you have a child with special needs that you may need to become their legal guardian either prior to or when they turn 18 years old? Find out why and when this is a good move. Fill out paperwork to become your own lawyer. A representative from a law firm will be present, offering information about representing children with disabilities.
SIBS DAY - A Workshop for Super Important Brothers and SistersSaturday, November 16, 2013
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Primary Children’s Outpatient Services at the Riverton Campus, 3rd Floor
#3 Yellow Entrance, Northwest Corner of Campus
Join us for SIBS Day — a workshop for brothers and sisters ages 5 to 17 who
have a sibling with a chronic medical condition or disability. This workshop
provides a place where children can express themselves, learn from others and
explore new ways to cope.
Early Bird Tuition is $5 (before 10/28/13). Regular Tuition is $10. Space is
limited and pre-registration is required. Registration closes 11/08/13 at 5:00 pm.
www.primarychildrens.org/sibs
For questions or more information please contact Family Support Services at
801.662.3701.
Awesome Links to IEP and 504 Information
We had a great support group last night discussing IEPs and 504s with our wonderful presenter, Roz Welch of the Utah Parent Center. Here are some very helpful resources and videos:
http://www.utahparentcenter.org/training/videos/
http://www.utahparentcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IEP_Parent_Handbook.pdf
http://www.utahparentcenter.org/resources/school-services/
http://www.utahparentcenter.org/training/videos/
http://www.utahparentcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IEP_Parent_Handbook.pdf
http://www.utahparentcenter.org/resources/school-services/
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Autism Insights from Temple Grandin
Friday, August 16, 2013, Temple Grandin graced attendants of the US Autism
and Asperger Association World Conference and Expo in Salt Lake City with her
unique outlooks on life with autism. Although Grandin continues to cope with
auditory processing disorder, she was extremely personable as she stood in a
crowded hallway with a massive line awaiting a chance to meet her and have
her sign copies of books she has written. As she signed books, she was
inquisitive as to the progress of loved ones with autism in a person's
family. She frequently broke eye contact, while listening intently to stories of individuals with autism.
Grandin's passionate sentiments and experiences in empowering young people with autism were obvious as she spoke to attendants at the conference. She spoke about how her mother taught her rules through chores, games and turn taking. Her mother would give her a choice to go work on a farm for the summer or to go for a couple of weeks. There was no option not to work, so Grandin learned to make a choice and accept responsibilities.
Emphatic that young people with autism need to be stretched, Grandin suggested many types of work opportunities comparable to a paper route. She said that getting a small, regular job early (about age thirteen) would teach a child to work, to be on time, and to communicate. There are many local opportunities, Grandin noted, such as walking a neighbor's dog, washing dishes in a restaurant kitchen, or cleaning a few rooms in a building. "Don't hold them back," Grandin emphasized. She said that she is seeing too many autistic young adults staying in their rooms, playing video games. Ways to prepare autistic young adults for the workforce can be done one small project at a time and by building a portfolio. She said to target the portfolio and get it into the right hands to mitigate the interview process, which is exactly what she did in her own career.
As one of Grandin's favorite examples of a young autistic entrepreneur, she shared a new business venture her nephew launched in New York City. The product...the poop briefcase. Grandin could hardly contain her laughter as she explained the product. She said that with the high rises in New York, many dog owners don't want to take their dogs all the way down to street level to let them do their business, so her nephew marketed training the dogs to go in a briefcase in the apartment, so that it could later be taken discretely down the elevator and disposed of later. Grandin continued giggling as she questioned why people didn't just use the Times and dump it down the shoot, while expressing how this creative business helped her nephew excel.
Acknowledging that many autistic children have a difficult time with sensory issues, Grandin cautioned parents and caregivers to be careful to not overwhelm them. The point is to stretch them, not to push them past their threshold, but to "stretch" them just beyond their comfort levels. Grandin pointed out that many autistic children have mild to severe sensory issues which must be addressed in order to acclimate to life's situations. She said that with sensory neurological problems, accommodations are essential and that sensory issues are neurological. The brain is processing something physiological, not just behavioral. The behavior is a manifestation of the physiological issue. There may be hidden painful medical problems for the nonverbal. In many individuals with autism, Grandin explained that the amygdala (fear center) of the brain is three times larger. Some of her suggestions included using pressure or weighted vests to help the nervous system, slow swinging to stimulate speech, singing-rather than talking, or trying one medication at a time to see what works best.
If a child has auditory detail or auditory processing disorder, there may be a greater ability to hear hard consonants. Her suggestion is to slow down. Emphasize and clearly dictate all of the hard consonants, so that the child can process them more easily. She also said that if a child has attention shifting slowness where they have a difficult time looking up and looking down between facial cues and body movement, social interactions may need to be taught. Grandin suggested that the best way to teach social "stuff" is to give the instruction, rather than saying no. "Say what the kid should be doing," Grandin instructed. Children with attention shifting slowness often experience visual images breaking up and fragmenting. Words on a page may vibrate. In this situation, she said to experiment with different backgrounds in the classroom or tinted glasses.
Along with sensory issues, Grandin said that learning styles need to be considered. She specified a few types of "thinkers" such as the photo realistic thinker, the pattern/music/math thinker, and the verbal thinker. She voiced concern that verbal thinkers are taking over the school system. Hands-on learning in the classroom teaches resourcefulness and problem solving, she said. Grandin said that the autistic mind sees the details and encouraged listeners to "fill up their minds with variety."
The audience had a chance to see first-hand how Grandin can be affected by auditory processing disorder as she was interviewed following her speech. As she answered questions about her childhood, her inventions, and gave additional tips to parents, staff at the conference attempted to move the podium so that it would not block the view of part of the attendants. Each time they shifted the podium back, the microphone was jostled and Grandin would turn her head to look over her shoulder. It must have happened six times, when finally, an exasperated Grandin inquired, "What are they doing?" After the situation was explained, she responded, "Well, why don't we just move our chairs forward instead?" The amused audience chuckled at her most logical response, while identifying with her perspective. Grandin, most definitely, shared her quick wit, her empowering ideas, and a reminder to look at life through a different lens.
Resources recommended by Temple Grandin:
www.khanacademy.org
www.udacity.com
Article Written by Jeanette Pascoe
Family Partner, Northern Utah Pediatrics
Families of Super Kids
Mother of a child with autism, epilepsy, and multiple disabilities
Grandin's passionate sentiments and experiences in empowering young people with autism were obvious as she spoke to attendants at the conference. She spoke about how her mother taught her rules through chores, games and turn taking. Her mother would give her a choice to go work on a farm for the summer or to go for a couple of weeks. There was no option not to work, so Grandin learned to make a choice and accept responsibilities.
Emphatic that young people with autism need to be stretched, Grandin suggested many types of work opportunities comparable to a paper route. She said that getting a small, regular job early (about age thirteen) would teach a child to work, to be on time, and to communicate. There are many local opportunities, Grandin noted, such as walking a neighbor's dog, washing dishes in a restaurant kitchen, or cleaning a few rooms in a building. "Don't hold them back," Grandin emphasized. She said that she is seeing too many autistic young adults staying in their rooms, playing video games. Ways to prepare autistic young adults for the workforce can be done one small project at a time and by building a portfolio. She said to target the portfolio and get it into the right hands to mitigate the interview process, which is exactly what she did in her own career.
As one of Grandin's favorite examples of a young autistic entrepreneur, she shared a new business venture her nephew launched in New York City. The product...the poop briefcase. Grandin could hardly contain her laughter as she explained the product. She said that with the high rises in New York, many dog owners don't want to take their dogs all the way down to street level to let them do their business, so her nephew marketed training the dogs to go in a briefcase in the apartment, so that it could later be taken discretely down the elevator and disposed of later. Grandin continued giggling as she questioned why people didn't just use the Times and dump it down the shoot, while expressing how this creative business helped her nephew excel.
Acknowledging that many autistic children have a difficult time with sensory issues, Grandin cautioned parents and caregivers to be careful to not overwhelm them. The point is to stretch them, not to push them past their threshold, but to "stretch" them just beyond their comfort levels. Grandin pointed out that many autistic children have mild to severe sensory issues which must be addressed in order to acclimate to life's situations. She said that with sensory neurological problems, accommodations are essential and that sensory issues are neurological. The brain is processing something physiological, not just behavioral. The behavior is a manifestation of the physiological issue. There may be hidden painful medical problems for the nonverbal. In many individuals with autism, Grandin explained that the amygdala (fear center) of the brain is three times larger. Some of her suggestions included using pressure or weighted vests to help the nervous system, slow swinging to stimulate speech, singing-rather than talking, or trying one medication at a time to see what works best.
If a child has auditory detail or auditory processing disorder, there may be a greater ability to hear hard consonants. Her suggestion is to slow down. Emphasize and clearly dictate all of the hard consonants, so that the child can process them more easily. She also said that if a child has attention shifting slowness where they have a difficult time looking up and looking down between facial cues and body movement, social interactions may need to be taught. Grandin suggested that the best way to teach social "stuff" is to give the instruction, rather than saying no. "Say what the kid should be doing," Grandin instructed. Children with attention shifting slowness often experience visual images breaking up and fragmenting. Words on a page may vibrate. In this situation, she said to experiment with different backgrounds in the classroom or tinted glasses.
The audience had a chance to see first-hand how Grandin can be affected by auditory processing disorder as she was interviewed following her speech. As she answered questions about her childhood, her inventions, and gave additional tips to parents, staff at the conference attempted to move the podium so that it would not block the view of part of the attendants. Each time they shifted the podium back, the microphone was jostled and Grandin would turn her head to look over her shoulder. It must have happened six times, when finally, an exasperated Grandin inquired, "What are they doing?" After the situation was explained, she responded, "Well, why don't we just move our chairs forward instead?" The amused audience chuckled at her most logical response, while identifying with her perspective. Grandin, most definitely, shared her quick wit, her empowering ideas, and a reminder to look at life through a different lens.
Resources recommended by Temple Grandin:
www.khanacademy.org
www.udacity.com
Article Written by Jeanette Pascoe
Family Partner, Northern Utah Pediatrics
Families of Super Kids
Mother of a child with autism, epilepsy, and multiple disabilities
Thursday, August 22, 2013
New Breastfeeding Clinic in Northern Utah
A new breastfeeding consultation clinic has recently opened. Take advantage of a trained professional to improve your breastfeeding experience. Sometimes a lactation consultant is exactly who can help you make it work, especially when this professional has done it herself six times. She even helps moms navigate g-tube feeding and nutritional support for children with special needs.
Wednesdays 10 am-12 noon at Arrivals Birth Suite
Contact: Karin Hardman, IBCLC, RLC belcantomom@gmail.com 801.980.1129 $20 per session/$5 with Medicaid card
Worried about Breastfeeding?
Drop-in Group Clinic
Come get breastfeeding help from an experienced professional IBCLC. This is for moms with mild/moderate breastfeeding issues. In this clinic, you can assess weight gain, learn baby behaviors, get tips, and meet with other breastfeeding mothers.
Wednesdays 10 am-12 noon at Arrivals Birth Suite
Contact: Karin Hardman, IBCLC, RLC belcantomom@gmail.com 801.980.1129 $20 per session/$5 with Medicaid card
Monday, July 29, 2013
Come Join Us for the Salt Lake County SSI Workshop!
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Monday, February 4, 2013
Upcoming Events
Families of Super Kids Support Group
Thursday, February 28th from 6:30-7:30 p.m., we will hold our next support group. It will be held atMcKay Dee Hospital
We are excited to have a fabulous presenter, Karin Hardman, who will speak on breastfeeding and g-tubes. Mrs. Hardman is an International Board Certified Lactation Concultant (IBCLC), a Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC), and is on the developing Rocky Mountain Mother's Milk Bank. There will be time for networking with other parents of children with special needs as well as time for questions and answers. We hope to see you there!
The Learning Disabilities Association of Utah 2013 Annual Conference
Save the Date
March 15th atWeber State University at the Shepherd Union Building Harvard Medical School
PEERS (Program for Establishing and Enhancing Relational Skills) Enrolling Now!
PEERS involves matching typical teens with a teen or young adult with high functioning autism to create opportunities for career exploration, and work-related social skills and career skills development and can lead to meaningful employment and life-long careers. PEERS gives teens the opportunity to develop appropriate socialization skills with peers and coworkers, gain hands-on employment experience in a variety of jobs and community settings, create a resume and obtain references, and apply for volunteer or employment positions. This program is offered through Easter Seals. For more information contact Jacquelynn Bradley at (801) 244-3177, jacquelynnb@esgw.org.
Grandparents of Kids with Special Needs
The Sibling Support Project and theKindering Center
2013 Family Links Statewide Conference
The 2013 Family Links Conference will be held on March 8 and 9, 2013 at Vivent Technologies in Provo, Utah. This year's two-day event will feature Jo Moscarro - "When Go To Your Room Isn't Quite Far Enough". Jo provides strategies in teaching children ownership and management of their behavior. Participants will be engaged in a variety of activities that will develop skills. Jo Mascorro engages her audience with humor and practical wisdom. Jo is a nationally renowned trainer on the topics of behavior intervention practices, effective communication, parenting skills and programming for students with severe disabilities. This is an event you will not want to miss. Online registration is now open. Visit www.utahparentcenter.org/quick-links/family-links/
SIBS Day at Primary Children'sMedical Center
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/hospitals/primarychildrens/classes/Pages/CalendarDetail.aspx?EventID=3854
Thursday, February 28th from 6:30-7:30 p.m., we will hold our next support group. It will be held at
We are excited to have a fabulous presenter, Karin Hardman, who will speak on breastfeeding and g-tubes. Mrs. Hardman is an International Board Certified Lactation Concultant (IBCLC), a Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC), and is on the developing Rocky Mountain Mother's Milk Bank. There will be time for networking with other parents of children with special needs as well as time for questions and answers. We hope to see you there!
The Learning Disabilities Association of Utah 2013 Annual Conference
Save the Date
March 15th at
PEERS (Program for Establishing and Enhancing Relational Skills) Enrolling Now!
PEERS involves matching typical teens with a teen or young adult with high functioning autism to create opportunities for career exploration, and work-related social skills and career skills development and can lead to meaningful employment and life-long careers. PEERS gives teens the opportunity to develop appropriate socialization skills with peers and coworkers, gain hands-on employment experience in a variety of jobs and community settings, create a resume and obtain references, and apply for volunteer or employment positions. This program is offered through Easter Seals. For more information contact Jacquelynn Bradley at (801) 244-3177, jacquelynnb@esgw.org.
Grandparents of Kids with Special Needs
The Sibling Support Project and the
2013 Family Links Statewide Conference
The 2013 Family Links Conference will be held on March 8 and 9, 2013 at Vivent Technologies in Provo, Utah. This year's two-day event will feature Jo Moscarro - "When Go To Your Room Isn't Quite Far Enough". Jo provides strategies in teaching children ownership and management of their behavior. Participants will be engaged in a variety of activities that will develop skills. Jo Mascorro engages her audience with humor and practical wisdom. Jo is a nationally renowned trainer on the topics of behavior intervention practices, effective communication, parenting skills and programming for students with severe disabilities. This is an event you will not want to miss. Online registration is now open. Visit www.utahparentcenter.org/quick-links/family-links/
SIBS Day at Primary Children's
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/hospitals/primarychildrens/classes/Pages/CalendarDetail.aspx?EventID=3854
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Support Group Cancelled Tonight
The Families of Super Kids support group is cancelled for this evening due to icy conditions. Please be safe with your families. We hope you are all doing well. The next support group will be held Thursday, February 28th.
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