# 'Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism **URL:** \ **Category:** Lounge\ **Created:** [June 5, 2011, 5:40am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615 "2011-06-05T05:40:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 26
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 12:44am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/501 "2016-01-15T00:44:47Z")
The subject of yesterday’s post was _Access Arts_, a Columbia, Missouri-based nonprofit whose mission is to provide creative learning experiences for everyone, including individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. _Access Arts_ hosts various workshops throughout the year and offers weekly classes for all ages and abilities. _Paws 4 Autism_ is a Lee’s Summit, Missouri-based nonprofit whose mission is to bring Autism service Dogs and related services, including community outreach and education, service dog awareness, informational training and social skills classes, to children who demonstrate autism spectrum behaviours. _Paws 4 Autism_’s Canine Assisted Social Skills In Education (CASSIE) Program helps children with Autism learn and improve their social and communication skills by using ABA techniques in conjunction with an Autism service dog… > [@](#): > > Students in the Lee’s Summit R-7 Extended School Year Program at Sunset Valley recently had the opportunity to assist with training service dogs. > > Terri Wible started the nonprofit and 100-percent volunteer organization, [paws4autism.com](http://paws4autism.com), in an effort to help match service dogs with children and for use in her community outreach program, [CASSIE], after seeing the benefits a service dog made in her own daughter’s life. > > Service dogs for children with autism act as constant companions to children with autism to help them improve social interactions and relationships, expand verbal and nonverbal communication, teach life skills, increase interest in activities and decrease stress within the family. > > A Paws dog doesn’t pass judgment, but breaks into the world of autism and becomes a crucial part of the family’s life. > > …there are far more families wanting autism service dogs than there are available dogs. > > Thanks to Wible’s unending dedication an increasing number of children in the Kansas City metro area are getting their own autism service dog, added Kay Rader, Lee’s Summit R-7 teacher. However, she cannot do it alone. > > Paws 4 Autism not only needs our community’s financial support but also that of families willing to foster pups in their home and provide plenty of love and basic training. The only cost is your time, she added. Here is a link to a video on _Paws 4 Autism_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoWXGd5wj0Q](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoWXGd5wj0Q) (source: [Extended school year program students help train service dogs | Education | Lee’s Summit Journal](http://www.lsjournal.com/2015/07/27/131120_extended-school-year-program-students.html?rh=1)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 2:58am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/502 "2016-01-15T02:58:55Z")
The subject of the last couple of posts has been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. _Autism Works_ is a Liberty, Missouri-based nonprofit that works with families and the local community to increase Autism awareness and develop support for families dealing with the everyday struggles of living on the spectrum. The nonprofit includes a ‘Kids Club’ which has programs for children aged 5 and up with Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > April is national Autism Awareness Month, and a Liberty nonprofit dedicated to providing services and support for individuals and families affected by the disorder is gearing up for its annual fundraiser and the addition of more services to help those in need. > > Autism Works, at 915 E. Missouri Route H, launched in 2010 after Dessarey Klarlund realized there was a lack of programs available to help her and her son navigate the world of autism. > > …Klarlund founded the organization along with Jamie Krisman, whose grandson had also been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Krisman is the organization’s executive director. > > At first, the organization started small, with simple board games, Krisman said. Three years later, the nonprofit has grown to support at least 80 families each week. > > “Every year we’ve doubled our attendance,” Krisman said. “There has been huge growth in a short amount of time.” > > About 85 percent of program participants are from the Northland. > > “Some families drive an hour to get here. That’s how few (autism) resources are available,” Klarlund said. “Liberty is fortunate to have this in their own backyard, because not many communities do.” > > In addition to weekly social skills classes… Autism Works offers art programs …and summer programs… > > …“It’s nice to be with a group of parents who get support from each other,” Krisman said. “You know you’re not alone.” > > Autism Works relies heavily on fundraising, grants and private donations to be able to offer its services and support, Krisman said. The organization holds two major fundraisers each year: a …July shopping event and an Evening on the Spectrum event in April for Autism Awareness Month. Both are held in Liberty at Belvoir Winery. This spring, the fundraiser is at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24. While individual tickets are nearly sold out, the group is still accepting donations for silent auction items. > > This fall, the organization plans to offer sibling support groups. > > “That has been one of our biggest requests,” Krisman said. > > …The success of the programs at Autism Works has resulted in a number of referrals from doctors and psychiatrists, Krisman said. The organization also receives referrals from Children’s Mercy Hospital and Tri-County Mental Health Services. > > The main objective is to respond to an affected individual’s need to develop social skills, Klarlund said. > > “If you don’t have social skills, it makes it hard to function in this world,” she said. > > Typically, health insurance doesn’t cover the kind of service Autism Works provides. > > “Autism is expensive. It is life-long, and it affects the whole family,” Klarlund said. The organization’s programs are very affordable, she said. Financial assistance is also available… Here is a link to photos of _Autism Works_’ Kids Club classes from a few years ago: [https://picasaweb.google.com/111564453826897240745/KidsClass](https://picasaweb.google.com/111564453826897240745/KidsClass) (source: [Nonprofit offers services, support for autism - LibertyTribune.com : News](http://www.libertytribune.com/news/article_351c7899-ffdd-5b4c-9cfc-3f80a7964e92.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 1:33am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/503 "2016-01-16T01:33:42Z")
The subject of the last few posts has been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. The _Autism Alliance of Northwest Missouri_ is a Saint Joseph, Missouri-based non-profit that offers information and guidance to families living everyday with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The non-profit has new parent packets, an information library, family friendly events, and much more… > [@](#): > > Lisa Gray is the mother of an 8-year-old boy with autism. > > “Our kids just want to fit in, be like everybody else, grow up to be independent,” she said. > > Gray and others that are members of the Autism Alliance of Northwest Missouri is bringing awareness to the disorder. April is Autism Awareness Month. April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day. > > “In September of 1989 they established the World Autism Awareness Day to recognize the need and prevalance of autism worldwide,” Gray said. > > …[Dr. Cynthia Brownfield, a pediatrician with Heartland Health says] says the key is to diagnose the disorder at an early age so they can get treatment. > > “Sometimes when children don’t have the ability to actually speak their words, they may actually use some sign language through a speech therapist,” Brownfield said. > > Gray’s son’s form of autism prevents him from being able to speak, but with the help of technology, he can communicate using an iPad. > > By understanding more about the disorder, Gray and other members of the Autism Alliance hope more in the community are aware of the disorder. Here is a link to photos from the _Autism Alliance of Northwest Missouri_’s ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ celebrations from almost five years ago: [https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150221214027049.349307.103870282048&type=3](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150221214027049.349307.103870282048&type=3) (source: [Locals Raise Awareness on World Autism Day - Story | KQTV](http://www.stjoechannel.com/news/locals-raise-awareness-on-world-autism-day)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2016, 3:01am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/504 "2016-01-17T03:01:23Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. The Springfield, Missouri-based _Burrell Autism Center_ provides outpatient behaviour consultation services that are founded on evidence based practices. The nonprofit _Friends of the Burrell Autism Center_ is dedicated to increasing community awareness of Autism and developing as well as providing resources and support to families affected by Autism… > [@](#): > > By the time their son, Caleb, was a toddler, Chrystal and Jeff Hays knew something was different about him. > He didn’t like to be touched. He didn’t communicate. If food wasn’t dry or brown, Caleb wouldn’t touch it. Changes of scenery often caused a meltdown. > They could check off so many behaviors on the “signs of autism” list except for one: Caleb smiled. And that smile gave them hope. Still, the evidence he might have autism was there. > For parents like the Hayses who may suspect a young child could be autistic, and for families with a child who has been diagnosed, the Community Autism Awareness Fair on Saturday can help. It’s held each April in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. > “I accepted it when he was 2,” Jeff said. “It was his second birthday. He stayed in a closet and cried a lot. He wouldn’t come out, wouldn’t socialize.” > For Chrystal, it took the birth of her second son, Connor, a few months after Caleb’s birthday. > “At the time, autism awareness wasn’t what it is today,” Chrystal Hays said. “But then when my second son was born, I noticed all the differences. And they were huge differences.” > Caleb was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and soon began therapy at the Burrell Autism Center. > “Insurance did not cover it at the time, so we paid it out of pocket. We made the decision we were going to try therapy, but we gave it a time limit,” Chrystal said. “I remember thinking I would pay a million dollars (for) the improvements I saw.” > While he still struggles with social issues such as being in a crowded room, today Caleb is an active 10-year-old who loves to talk about animals and play board games. > He got a 100 percent on his economics test last week and is able to show affection to his parents. > “Early intervention is the key. Caleb is a prime example of that,” Chrystal said. “He will say, ‘I love you’ and let us give hugs. It’s priceless. … I feel bad because I have friends who have never had that.” > “I still take advantage of it now,” Jeff added. “I still want to hug him.” > Though Chrystal and Jeff are divorced, they both participate in Caleb’s therapy. > > …The Burrell Autism Center will host the 2014 Community Autism Awareness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the center, 1300 Bradford Parkway. > Chrystal Hays, who volunteers at the annual event, said the fair is a great opportunity for parents to connect and learn about different therapies and services available in the Ozarks. > “There’s inflatables for the kids, and we always have somebody out there watching them,” she said. “The education you’ll find at the fair is priceless, and we can bring our kiddos and it’s accepted and OK.” > Admission is free, and parents are encouraged to bring the kids. > “It’s for the family or friends of people with autism spectrum disorders,” [Susan Henderson, director of the Burrell Autism Center said.] “We invite other providers from southwest Missouri to come so families can come talk with all the providers in one place, (and) learn about services that other people are providing that might fit for their child.” > There are more than 20 providers, and organizations planning to be at the fair… > Henderson said she hopes to see people who are newly diagnosed, as well as families that have years experience dealing with autism spectrum disorders. > “It’s a time for families to meet other families,” she said. “It’s a time to make those connections as well.”… Here is a link to photos of children on the Autism Spectrum at the ‘Burrell Sensory Social Experience Summer Camp Week’ from four years ago: [https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150201159966048.307933.242903071047&type=3](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150201159966048.307933.242903071047&type=3) (source: [Finding help for children with autism](http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2014/04/09/finding-help-autistic-children/7530607/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2016, 2:46am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/505 "2016-01-18T02:46:52Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. _Children’s Therapeutic Learning Center_ (_Children’s TLC_) is a Kansas City, Missouri-based non-profit whose mission is to provide therapeutic and educational services for children with disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, in an environment which fosters their independence and celebrates their successes. Less than two years ago, _Children’s TLC_ launched its new Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) program that now provides Autism services that are specifically designed to build communication, play skills, social skills and self-help skills while analytically decreasing inappropriate behaviours… > [@](#): > > For most of us, Wednesday is …[the] day we have to get “over” to be closer to the weekend. > > But for Katherine, a three year old at Children’s TLC, it is something very different. > > “In our house, Wednesday is a national holiday,” says Katrina smiling. “It’s the day Katherine sees Miss Jodie.” > > Miss Jodie is Jodie Pafunda, MS, OTR/L, an occupational therapist at Children’s TLC who sees Katherine for her weekly OT appointment. > > “I’m really not kidding,” says Katrina. > > “Wednesdays with Miss Jodie have changed our lives.” > > Officially diagnosed with autism six months ago, Katrina had been concerned for some time that her little girl’s struggles were completely unlike anything her older son experienced. > > Like many moms who have a child on the spectrum, she started advocating early. > > And also like many moms, especially girl moms, her doctor didn’t see what Katrina did. > > Once Katherine and her parents started moving forward in the diagnosis process Katharine’s first therapy was working with an occupational therapist at Children’s TLC. > > That’s where Miss Jodie comes in. > > Within the first month, Katrina was shocked at Katherine’s progress. > > …After working with Miss Jodie and implementing activities to support her therapy at home, Katrina is impressed with Katherine’s success in many areas… > > “…I attribute her successes over the past few months to Miss Jodie and the occupational therapy she receives from Children’s TLC.” > > Katherine is making great strides at Children’s TLC. > > And guess what? > > She is teaching us some important things too. > > Namely that Wednesdays are actually pretty amazing. Here is a link to a video on _Children’s TLC_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx3USoxZkPI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx3USoxZkPI) (source: [childrenstlc.org - This website is for sale! - childrenstlc Resources and Information.](https://childrenstlc.org/2015/08/seeing-hump-day-in-a-new-light/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2016, 4:58am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/506 "2016-01-19T04:58:00Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. _Ella’s Hope Foundation_ is a Kansas City, Missouri-based nonprofit whose mission is to promote Autism awareness and support families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. The organisation is committed to funding programs and organisations that provide early intervention services and therapies, family support, education, advocacy and opportunities with the purpose of improving the quality of life for individuals with Autism and their families… > [@](#): > > As the minutes counted down …Hope McPheeters and her family huddled around a 14-inch computer screen watching vote tallies on the Pepsi Leader Board. > > The Columbia mom was hoping her plan would be a $25,000 winner in the Pepsi Refresh Project, a giveaway where online voters decide which ideas are most deserving of grants. > > It was. > > Voters slipped her into the No. 10 slot. McPheeters finally accomplished what she set out to do — raise money for autism. > > “I’ve met so many wonderful people that have said what you’re doing is great, you’re an inspiration,” she said. “But it’s all these same people that have inspired me to keep going.” > > She received half of the money on Feb. 1 and will get the rest in August. > > The first portion will sponsor a walk for autism in April. The rest will be donated to a service that helps children transition to pre-school or kindergarten. > > In August, the remaining $12,500 will fund scholarships for Missouri families, support an early intervention center and continue the transition program. > > McPheeters calls her idea Ella’s Hope. > > The name was inspired by her 6-year-old daughter, Ella, who was diagnosed at age 2 with a type of autism called Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified… > > Ella is just like every other kid in so many ways, McPheeter points out. She loves popcorn, cartoons and is a “whiz” at the computer. > > “One of her favorite things to do is get things wrong, like lines to a song or the types of sounds animals make …just so we can laugh about it afterward.” > > But raising a child with autism isn’t easy, McPheeters said. > > “Autism’s kind of like a brick wall. It just hits you in the face,” she said. “When I found out, I was speechless. I didn’t know anything about it.” > > But the physician gave her a light at the end of the tunnel. > > “I remember the doctor saying, this isn’t a death sentence. With this diagnosis, Ella can start early intervention.” > > Early intervention detects autism early and uses behavioral therapy to develop new skill sets. The program can be tailored to meet each child’s needs. > > Studies show that 90 percent of kids who get early intervention make more progress than those who don’t. > > “It was the best thing we ever did for Ella,” McPheeters said. “There’s a lot of denying, a lot of waiting for things to change, and a lot of excuses like ‘Oh, they’re just late bloomers’ going on with autism.” > > “And yeah, things might change. But they might not.” > > Tara Shade, a behavior therapist at Alternative Community Training and a partner with McPheeters during the competition, said the worst thing to do when a child has autism is nothing. > > “The best thing you can do for these kids is engage them in the world, and that’s what this therapy does,” Shade said. “Being social doesn’t come easy to them. They’re in this other world.” > > …Both Shade and McPheeters agree that one of the challenges is the cost. > > “Autism is just expensive, and it’s one of the lowest-funded disorders,” McPheeters said. > > Sometimes parents give up on early intervention because they can’t afford it, Shade said. > > “If you can’t pay for it, what do you do?” Shade said. “These kids don’t get any better. They just stay in that world.” > > …Ella’s Hope Walk for Autism in April is designed to generate money and recognition for the disorder. > > “The walk is to raise awareness. To come together as a community and walk for autism,” McPheeters said. “It doesn’t matter if we raise $300 or $3,000. We just want to show people that we’re here to help.” > > All the money will stay in the community, McPheeters said. She hopes it will clear waiting lists for families seeking a diagnosis, allow them to afford more therapies, and provide resources after a diagnosis. > > Now that she accomplished her mission, McPheeters said she wants to encourage others to follow their dreams. > > “Set your sights on what you want and go for it. What do you have to lose?” McPheeters said. > > “I put Ella out there. I wanted to let people know that we’re OK. We’ll survive this.” Here is a link to photos of the 3rd Annual ‘Mid-Missouri Walk for Autism’ hosted by the _Ella’s Hope Foundation_ from a few years ago: [https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.638901042790775.1073741825.139926982688186&type=3](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.638901042790775.1073741825.139926982688186&type=3) (source: [Ella’s Hope foundation awarded $25,000 | News | columbiamissourian.com](http://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/ella-s-hope-foundation-awarded/article_63baff7c-f7e2-5613-95cb-b1c10930c7bb.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2016, 5:04am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/507 "2016-01-20T05:04:42Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. _Circus Flora_ is a St. Louis, Missouri-based nonprofit that blends traditional European circus with modern theatre techniques. For the past couple of seasons, _Circus Flora_ has partnered with another local nonprofit, _Easter Seals Midwest_, to offer a sensory friendly experience for people with Autism and other sensory disorders. According to the Director of Development at _Circus Flora_, Susan Mintz, “…The efforts of our acting company to create this specially-modified performance were rewarded by the outpouring of appreciation by parents, several of whom expressed through barely suppressed tears what it meant for them to attend a live performance together, as a family, and not have others stare or pass judgment at their child for spinning to express excitement, or clapping too long, or needing to exit and return several times…” > [@](#): > > …individuals and families with children on the autism spectrum can enjoy this rare opportunity to attend a live theater performance. Enter Circus Flora’s delightfully imaginative world under the big top next to Powell Hall for The Pawn, a chess game brought to life through circus. This unique performance is sponsored by Wells Fargo. > > Every June, more than 30,000 audience members gather under the big top and leave behind the everyday, entering a place of intrigue and awe. Here the impossible is possible. Adults as well as children are enthralled by a performance that captures their imaginations and transports them to a bygone era. Drawing from the history of chess, this mythic tale is steeped in the rich culture of ancient Persia and India. The audience will follow the Pawn on a journey to an exotic world where myth and intellect collide, and the stone city surrenders to the desert’s ever shifting sands. > > For individuals with developmental disabilities – including autism – loud noises, bright lights and unexpected change can cause extreme anxiety and fear. Often, unfamiliar large crowds and sensory overload create an overwhelmed feeling that can lead to meltdowns. To accommodate this expectation, Circus Flora’s one day sensory-friendly circus performance has been specially designed with sensory issues in mind. > > “We are happy to collaborate with Circus Flora to bring the first local sensory-friendly circus performance to individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Wendy Sullivan, CEO of Easter Seals Midwest. “We believe all people can participate in a community that values their contributions, regardless of their disability. Now, these individuals can participate and enjoy themselves at one of St. Louis’ greatest summer traditions.” Here is a link to a short video on _Circus Flora_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skmY0xa16Mo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skmY0xa16Mo) (sources: [Power2give Update: Circus Flora](http://www.eastersealsmidwest.org/Resources-News/Media/Press-Releases/power2give-update-circus-flora-7923); [One-Day Circus Performance Designed for Individuals with Autism](http://www.eastersealsmidwest.org/Resources-News/Media/Press-Releases/one-day-circus-performance-designed-for-individuals-with-autism-3363)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2016, 11:56pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/508 "2016-01-20T23:56:56Z")
Yesterday’s post mentioned _Easter Seals Midwest_. _Easter Seals Midwest_ is a St. Louis, Missouri-based nonprofit that helps people with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, learn, live, work and participate in the community. The organisation employs more than 1,400 staff members, operates a budget of nearly $50 million and provides services for nearly 4,000 individuals and families throughout the state of Missouri through its Autism Services, Community Living Services, Early Childhood Services and Employment Services… > [@](#): > > …after beginning the autism intervention and therapy program at Easter Seals Midwest, a profound change took place [for one young girl with autism]. Within a week, she was able to get her hair cut for the first time. “We changed the trajectory for that kid,” says Jeanne Marshall, vice president of children’s services. “You can’t put into words what it did for that family’s quality of life.” > > …Easter Seals Midwest, which assists individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities, provides comprehensive therapy and services to more than 2,000 individuals with autism across Missouri annually. “Our goal is to help people with autism live a full, progressive life in the community and be as independent as possible,” says CEO Wendy Sullivan. Although Easter Seals Midwest works with all ages, it strives to reach children with autism before they turn 3. “Early intervention can change the outcome of a child’s life,” Sullivan says, adding that two-thirds of kids who receive early intervention go on to kindergarten showing no sign of the disorder. To aid families grappling with a new diagnosis, the nonprofit offers a ‘family navigation program.’ “We lead them step-by-step and break down the individualized treatment plan into palatable bits so the family can take action,” Marshall explains. > > A free, two-week parent training program helps parents learn how best to interact and communicate with their child with autism. “Typical parenting strategies are not always effective,” Marshall says. “When we give parents effective tools, families can better cope, and the child feels better because he or she is learning strategies to communicate and interact.” > > To provide these programs, Easter Seals Midwest relies on community support. One major annual fundraiser is its Festival of Trees Gala Dec. 2 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Louis-Chesterfield. “The programs we have in St. Louis would not exist if not for this event,” Marshall says. “It costs a lot to do it right, but it’s worth it. You can’t put a dollar amount on helping these children.” > > The event is chaired by Judy Kent, Easter Seals board member, who was recently named the organization’s national Philanthropist of the Year at the 2015 Leadership Summit dinner in Chicago. “Judy feels she has a responsibility to make our community a better place, and we’re so blessed she’s chosen Easter Seals Midwest as her avenue for giving back,” Sullivan says. > > For families including a child with autism, Easter Seals Midwest’s programs can make a world of difference. “We frequently get letters and cards that say, ‘You gave me my child back, and you gave me hope for the first time,’” Marshall says. Here is a link to photos of _Easter Seals Midwest_’s ‘Walk With Me—St. Louis’ fundraiser held at _Edgar M. Queeny Park_ in Ballwin, Missouri a couple of years back: [https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.756229984407506.1073741862.105763462787498&type=3](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.756229984407506.1073741862.105763462787498&type=3) (source: [Autism Aid: Easter Seals Midwest | Town&Style](http://townandstyle.com/autism-aid-easter-seals-midwest/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2016, 2:02am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/509 "2016-01-22T02:02:15Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. _Supporters of Children with Additional Needs_ (_S.C.A.N._) is a Lebanon, Missouri-based non-profit that serves to provide support services and resources to families struggling to cope with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorders. The group’s moto is, “all children are special, ours just have additional needs.”… > [@](#): > > A disability advocacy group is asking restaurants to change their options, and not the ones on the menu. > Many dining establishments use tall, wooden high chairs that are difficult to manage. A volunteer group called Supporters of Children with Additional Needs (SCAN) is trying to convince area restaurants to make other arrangements. > “With those wooden high chairs you have to slide that child all the way under that bar,” [Heather] Becker said… > Becker is the volunteer with SCAN charged with raising money to provide plastic booster seats instead. The seats have their own tray that snaps in over a child’s leg. > In place of a hindering wooden bar they have a plastic horn that’s more comfortable and easier to work with for both parents and children. Becker, whose son has additional needs, said the new chairs will drastically improve a family’s dining experience. > “You can have your child with autism or down’s and they’ll be developmentally delayed and they won’t have that upper body core strength,” she said, referring to a child’s ability to sit up unsupported. “With the harness, that also helps with those disabilities.” > Franky Doublin, who owns Franky D’s in Lebanon, said his is one of the first restaurants to receive a chair. > “We’re all for it,” Doublin said. “It will get people to come in and it shows they care and it helps the community and it helps the kids.” > Terry Faust, the director of SCAN, said the group raised funds to pay for the chair at Franky D’s and several others in the area. She added that the group is trying to develop similar projects in local parks and conservation areas. > “It doesn’t matter their age, it doesn’t matter where they came from or what the diagnosis is,” Faust said. “If the family wants support, needs support, we’re here for them.” > She added that the restaurants’ willingness to adopt the chairs is a sign of changing attitudes in the Lebanon community. > “[People in Lebanon] are realizing that they are in the community and they are going to be getting out and participating in a lot of different things,” she said. “They seem to be a lot more accepting.” > Faust said that SCAN arranges community and support events that combine families with special needs and their typical peers. > “These kids don’t even know they’re different,” she said, “in any way.”… Here is a link to photos of ‘Team SCAN’ at the ‘Southwest Missouri Walk Now for Autism Speaks’ fundraiser from a few years ago in Springfield, Missouri: [https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.426130637443150.93285.161105653945651&type=3](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.426130637443150.93285.161105653945651&type=3) (source: [Lebanon Group Gives New Chairs to Restaurants - Story](http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/lebanon-group-gives-new-chairs-to-restaurants)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2016, 3:02am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/510 "2016-01-23T03:02:33Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. The _Missouri Autism Report_ is a monthly, non-profit, state-wide magazine, providing resources and information to the Missouri Autism Community. Its Editor-in Charge is Dayna Ault of Fair Grove, Missouri… > [@](#): > > An addition to April’s First Friday Art Walk will include a chance to learn about autism and support efforts to advocate for the families that experience it. > > An art show, hosted by Mosaic Spa, will sell paintings and other artwork by children on the autism spectrum on Friday night at 5:30. > > Christi Eads and her 2-year-old son Levi, who has autism, will be at the show to spend time with other families–and teach others about what life is like in her house… > > One of the challenges Eads faces is sensory overload. It’s something to which many children on the autism spectrum are sensitive… > > That’s why Dayna [Ault], the editor of an autism awareness publication, hosted a day for children of all ages to create artwork. > > “We had these kids in there just painting and having a good time,” she said. > > Bright colors coupled with the expression and motor skills needed to paint are a good form of therapy for young children. Travis Willyerd, who works at Mosaic, said he hopes the work can both raise money for a cause and educate families. > > “I can understand the whole sensory overload thing,” he said. “Because if you have a hard time understanding the world, then it’s really hard to fit into the world.” Here is a link to photos of the ‘Southwest Missouri Autism Walk’ from five years ago held in Springfield, Missouri: [https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.146356168733779.22294.128998457136217&type=3](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.146356168733779.22294.128998457136217&type=3) [https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151799437744000.1073741829.60015648999&type=3](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151799437744000.1073741829.60015648999&type=3) (source: [Tonight: Learn About Autism During April Art Walk - Story](http://www.ozarksfirst.com/entertainment/tonight-learn-about-autism-during-april-art-walk)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2016, 1:40am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/511 "2016-01-24T01:40:42Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. The _Southwest Missouri Autism Network_ is a Springfield, Missouri-based nonprofit whose mission statement has five main points: encourage, enlighten, exchange, enrich, and experience. The nonprofit’s monthly meetings are sometimes focused on a specific topic with experts on hand to speak. Elizabeth Obrey is a past president of the organisation… > [@](#): > > When Elizabeth Obrey’s oldest son, Nathan, went mute for five months, she knew the public school he was enrolled in wasn’t going to be able to help. It wasn’t because of a lack of desire; simply a lack of specialized training and experience in teaching students with autism. > > Obrey turned to the Rivendale Institute of Learning, a private school in Springfield that grants students with learning disabilities, including autism, the chance to achieve their full capabilities. “It’s a wonderful place that provides an all-encompassing program for children struggling with autism,” Obrey says. > > …In Nathan’s case, he just stopped communicating with the world. “Every child with autism is different,” says Dr. Kerri Duncan, director of the Rivendale Institute. > > The school, which has a home-like atmosphere, nurtures students age 3 to 10 years old year-round with individualized programming and student-teacher ratios that are never more than eight to one. Teachers spend time on applied behavior analysis, or ABA, which is a way of teaching and reinforcing appropriate behaviors. Therapists work with the children to help them increase eye contact, for example, or by encouraging them to stay in their seats during class time. > > Duncan has been in education 23 years as a teacher, special education director and principal. Rivendale’s website points out that Duncan’s passion for children with educational challenges began in college through a volunteer opportunity in St. Louis. She became the director of Rivendale in 2000 and started the autism program. > > Not surprisingly, there are a lot of myths about autism… > > [One] myth is that kids with autism are not affectionate. “That is not true,” Duncan says. “I’ve had parents say, ‘My child hugs and kisses us, so that means that he doesn’t have autism.’ That’s not a ruling factor.” > > Unfortunately, once a child has autism, the child will always have it. Early intervention improves the child’s social skills and ability to live and work with a level of normalcy… > > …Obrey, who has two sons with autism, has seen great improvement in her kids thanks to Rivendale’s help. Nathan, who is now 8 years old, has enrolled in public school again, and 3-year-old Chase will move to public school this fall. > > “Rivendale has given us our sons back,” Obrey says. “It’s definitely changed our lives.” Here is a link to photos of kids from the _Southwest Missouri Autism Network_ having a great time helping Elizabeth Obrey’s sons, Nathan and Chase, celebrate their new playset from the _Make-A-Wish Foundation_: [https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150299125756048.333384.242903071047&type=3](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150299125756048.333384.242903071047&type=3) (source: [Changing the Course of Autism - 417 Magazine - April 2011](http://www.417mag.com/417-Magazine/April-2011/Changing-the-Course-of-Autism/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2016, 11:43pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/512 "2016-01-24T23:43:28Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. _Circus Flora_ is a St. Louis, Missouri-based nonprofit that blends traditional European circus with modern theatre techniques. For the past couple of seasons, _Circus Flora_ has partnered with another local nonprofit, _Easter Seals Midwest_, to offer a sensory-friendly experience for people with Autism and other sensory disorders. According to the Director of Development at _Circus Flora_, Susan Mintz, “…The efforts of our acting company to create this specially-modified performance were rewarded by the outpouring of appreciation by parents, several of whom expressed through barely suppressed tears what it meant for them to attend a live performance together, as a family, and not have others stare or pass judgment at their child for spinning to express excitement, or clapping too long, or needing to exit and return several times…” > [@](#): > > …individuals and families with children on the autism spectrum can enjoy this rare opportunity to attend a live theater performance. Enter Circus Flora’s delightfully imaginative world under the big top next to Powell Hall for The Pawn, a chess game brought to life through circus. This unique performance is sponsored by Wells Fargo. > > Every June, more than 30,000 audience members gather under the big top and leave behind the everyday, entering a place of intrigue and awe. Here the impossible is possible. Adults as well as children are enthralled by a performance that captures their imaginations and transports them to a bygone era. Drawing from the history of chess, this mythic tale is steeped in the rich culture of ancient Persia and India. The audience will follow the Pawn on a journey to an exotic world where myth and intellect collide, and the stone city surrenders to the desert’s ever shifting sands. > > For individuals with developmental disabilities — including autism — loud noises, bright lights and unexpected change can cause extreme anxiety and fear. Often, unfamiliar large crowds and sensory overload create an overwhelmed feeling that can lead to meltdowns. To accommodate this expectation, Circus Flora’s one day sensory-friendly circus performance has been specially designed with sensory issues in mind. > > “We are happy to collaborate with Circus Flora to bring the first local sensory-friendly circus performance to individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Wendy Sullivan, CEO of Easter Seals Midwest. “We believe all people can participate in a community that values their contributions, regardless of their disability. Now, these individuals can participate and enjoy themselves at one of St. Louis’ greatest summer traditions.” Here is a link to a short video on _Circus Flora_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skmY0xa16Mo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skmY0xa16Mo) (sources: [Power2give Update: Circus Flora](http://www.eastersealsmidwest.org/Resources-News/Media/Press-Releases/power2give-update-circus-flora-7923); [One-Day Circus Performance Designed for Individuals with Autism](http://www.eastersealsmidwest.org/Resources-News/Media/Press-Releases/one-day-circus-performance-designed-for-individuals-with-autism-3363)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 12:43am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/513 "2016-01-25T00:43:19Z")
The last post mentioned _Easter Seals Midwest_. _Easter Seals Midwest_ is a St. Louis, Missouri-based nonprofit that helps people with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, learn, live, work and participate in the community… > [@](#): > > …after beginning the autism intervention and therapy program at Easter Seals Midwest, a profound change took place [for one young girl with autism]. Within a week, she was able to get her hair cut for the first time. “We changed the trajectory for that kid,” says Jeanne Marshall, vice president of children’s services. “You can’t put into words what it did for that family’s quality of life.” > > …Easter Seals Midwest, which assists individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities, provides comprehensive therapy and services to more than 2,000 individuals with autism across Missouri annually. “Our goal is to help people with autism live a full, progressive life in the community and be as independent as possible,” says CEO Wendy Sullivan. Although Easter Seals Midwest works with all ages, it strives to reach children with autism before they turn 3. “Early intervention can change the outcome of a child’s life,” Sullivan says, adding that two-thirds of kids who receive early intervention go on to kindergarten showing no sign of the disorder. To aid families grappling with a new diagnosis, the nonprofit offers a ‘family navigation program.’ “We lead them step-by-step and break down the individualized treatment plan into palatable bits so the family can take action,” Marshall explains. > > A free, two-week parent training program helps parents learn how best to interact and communicate with their child with autism. “Typical parenting strategies are not always effective,” Marshall says. “When we give parents effective tools, families can better cope, and the child feels better because he or she is learning strategies to communicate and interact.” > > To provide these programs, Easter Seals Midwest relies on community support. …[Jeanne Marshall says:] “It costs a lot to do it right, but it’s worth it. You can’t put a dollar amount on helping these children.” > > …For families including a child with autism, Easter Seals Midwest’s programs can make a world of difference. “We frequently get letters and cards that say, ‘You gave me my child back, and you gave me hope for the first time,’” Marshall says. Here is a link to a video on how Parent Training through _Easter Seals Midwest_’s Autism Services has helped the Barton family: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPasqEoQ5Ko](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPasqEoQ5Ko) (source: [Autism Aid: Easter Seals Midwest | Town&Style](http://townandstyle.com/autism-aid-easter-seals-midwest/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2016, 1:00am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/514 "2016-01-26T01:00:02Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. _Horses of Hope – Missouri, Inc._ is a Buffalo, Missouri-based nonprofit that was developed in 2003 and was designed to offer professional therapeutic, educational and recreational equestrian services. This followed the establishment six years earlier of _Horses of Hope Riding Center, Inc.,_ a Baxter Springs, Kansas-based non-profit that was soon affiliated with the _Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), International_… > [@](#): > > Everyone calls the group “Room 35,” as it’s the best way to refer to the children without a label. They are young students from throughout Cherokee and Crawford County …who each day are bused …to attend the area’s only elementary classroom dedicated to those with autism. > Started last year by Pamela Thompson through the SEK Interlocal, the class serves students who are for the most part nonverbal and are easily overwhelmed in noisy, busy places. > That’s why Thompson, the children, their parents and their one-to-one paraprofessionals always look forward to Mondays: That’s the day they get to have class in a peaceful barn on a country road. > Two years ago when Thompson started teaching special education at Riverton, she was introduced to Horses of Hope, a therapeutic riding center in rural Cherokee County between Baxter Springs and Columbus. > Founded in 1997 by Vallerie Sweeton and Shelly McColm, both of whom have backgrounds in special education and horseback riding, the center serves about 1,000 people annually. > “It’s like a family and is a wonderful social opportunity,” McColm said. “Those who come here find themselves connected with the horses, the barn, the instructors.” > When Thompson began Room 35 for children with autism last fall, she set about trying to find funding for a therapeutic riding program just for them at Horses of Hope. Her students made crafts and ornaments to sell… Regular education classrooms at their school, George Nettels Elementary, created themed gift baskets to auction. > Thompson also obtained $1,400 from Donors Choose and $1,200 from the USD 250 Foundation. > > …Those sources combined were enough to fund Room 35’s rides each Monday last spring semester and each Monday again this fall. A $4,600 grant Thompson sought from the Pritchett Trust that was awarded last month will help extend the program into the spring semester. > Now, Thompson is beginning to think of opportunities to fund next school year. > “It’s proven itself,” she said. “We have to keep this going.” > ‘Integrated approach’ > Now widely recognized across the nation by organizations that provide resources to disabled and special-needs populations, therapeutic riding is “more than just pony rides for disabled kids,” Sweeton said. “It goes beyond the warm fuzzy feeling of riding a horse.” > She and McColm developed a curriculum specific to Thompson’s class. Using grooming tools, staff want to see the children in Room 35 develop a mastery of motor skills. > Using flashcards with farm vocabulary, they want the children to be able to develop letter recognition and begin to read words. > Most importantly, they want the children to develop confidence and calmness, and to be able to better communicate. Nonverbal children in the class use iPads to indicate cues for the horses as their paraprofessionals walk beside them. > “It’s a pretty integrated approach,” McColm said. “For them to just be able to verbalize ‘go’ is a big deal.” > For each child, they also create goals that are as unique as the children themselves. > “Each week, we complete a rubric for each child and we track their progress,” Sweeton said. > “We see great things happening here, but our real goal and aim is for them to have carry-over beyond here.” > Parents say they’re seeing benefits. > Jeremiah Wright, a first-grader who lives in Baxter Springs, has demonstrated “tremendous improvement” since he began riding last year, his mother said. > “He’s more independent, more self-confident,” Tara Wright said. “I hope he gets to continue as he gets older. I’m real proud of him.” > Arin Fales said the program has had a calming effect on her son, Sam Fales, a kindergartner who lives in McCune. > “It also helps him with expression,” she said. “He gets excited, and he now can show us that excitement.” > Jennipher Weston, mother of Galena …[resident] Brian Hyers, 6, said she wants the program to continue. > “It soothes Brian so much,” she said. “He sleeps much better after he rides.” > > …Jerry White, a Baxter Springs resident whose 6-year-old daughter, Kenzie, is a member of the class, said that as a result of riding, anxiety troubles have dissipated. Completely nonverbal, Kenzie is also picking up on simple cues, he said. > “My goal is to do all I can do to continue this,” Thompson said. “It’s been so successful for the kids in so many ways.”… Here is a link to some photos from the _Horses of Hope_ program: [Therapeutic Horseback Riding Lessons for Class with Autism | DonorsChoose.org project by Mrs. Thompson](http://www.donorschoose.org/project/therapeutic-horseback-riding-lessons-for/1429900/?challengeid=20519817&lightbox=photoIndex0) (sources: [Children with autism find success with horses](http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/children-with-autism-find-success-with-horses/article_608cb4c6-5497-5243-9bca-0ac617069534.html); [HORSES OF HOPE | Where miracles happen every day - BolivarMONews.com: Country Neighbors](http://bolivarmonews.com/special_sections/country_neighbors/horses-of-hope-where-miracles-happen-every-day/article_c4a25386-3e9c-5e0a-8860-ec8fb45b9ea5.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2016, 12:26am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/515 "2016-01-27T00:26:38Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. The _Mercy Kids Autism Center_ is a Creve Coeur, Missouri-based non-profit that provides a comprehensive, child-centered approach to Autism treatment. This includes diagnosis and assessment for each patient’s specific needs, medical consultation, physical, occupational and speech therapy, an intensive early intervention program for toddlers ages 18 to 36 months old and social communication groups… > [@](#): > > Before her 2-year-old started the early intervention program at Mercy Kids Autism Center, Paula Juelich remembers filling out a lengthy assessment listing troublesome behaviors. She check-marked nearly all the boxes. > Her son David’s budding language skills and use of gestures had stopped. He no longer made eye contact with people. He couldn’t stand having to wait or move from one activity to the next. > “If I were to back out of my driveway and go right, and he thought we should go left, he would have a screaming tantrum,” Juelich said. “The rigid behavior and his need for control was so high. It was unattainable.” > After five months in the intensive program involving four mornings a week of one-on-one therapy in a group class, and continued work at home using the same therapies, David, now 4, is a different child. > He tells his mom about his day at preschool, takes swimming lessons and sits with his family at the dinner table. Instead of hiding in the bushes at the neighborhood block party, he comes out to play. Instead of taking his sister’s toys, he plays ball with her. > “They literally changed his life; and by changing his life, they changed our lives,” said Juelich, who lives near Webster Groves. “The way we were living before wasn’t living.” > The Mercy Kids Autism Center began about three years ago offering the early intensive program for ages 18 months to 3 years old, known as the Early Start Denver Model. And thanks to a donation from a local family foundation, Mercy is partnering with another provider, St. Louis Arc, to expand the model in the St. Louis area. > The providers used the grant from the Steward Family Foundation to bring trainers this month to St. Louis to begin the process of certifying 10 more therapists in the method. The grant also funded a day-long informational conference, attended by about 50 parents, therapists and educators from across the region. > > …Mercy and St. Louis ARC decided to use the grant to expand opportunities for treatment using the Early Start Denver Model because of stories like Juelich’s, and because it’s the only early intervention comparatively researched. > > …Next month, St. Louis Arc will begin offering the therapy in a group classroom two mornings a week along with home and family sessions. And within the next year, Mercy plans to use its newly certified therapists to lead another classroom at its current location – the hospital day care for employees, providing opportunities to interact with typical children – as well as a day care location in the works in St. Charles County. > “It’s not enough to intend to do good things for families. We have responsibility to make sure that interventions we provide have been supported by research,” said Dr. John Mantovani, founding medical director of the Mercy Kids Therapy and Development Center which encompasses autism services. > > …Interventions commonly involve the long-used and proven techniques of applied behavioral analysis, which teaches behaviors through a system of rewards and consequences. The Early Start Denver Model builds on the techniques by integrating them into children’s natural activities of playing and communicating. It focuses on relationships, encouraging constant interaction with the therapist and other children. Parents learning the model is also key. > On a recent morning in Mercy’s classroom, five children pulled toys from the shelves – dolls, puzzles, books and instruments – and each child’s therapist played along closely. A therapist was constantly face-to-face with a child, overly animated, naming every object and action. Children were encouraged to ask for what they wanted, notice body language and clean up when done. > Children learned how to wait, share and take turns as they lined up to go outside, wash their hands or have snack together. In circle time, they sang songs, listened to someone read a book and learned one another’s names. Cheers and hugs were constant. Tantrums were ignored. > In just over five months of being in the program, Kate Wright, 38, of Des Peres, said her son Wesley has gone from hardly making a sound, lacking interest in toys and unaware of those around him — to saying words, engaging his siblings and wanting to be with his parents. Wright is hoping for the big changes she saw in her older son, who also completed the program. “As far as his engagement with us and being in our world, it’s priceless,” Wright said. “It’s the biggest gift you can give.” > > …Mantovani wanted to bring the model to Mercy after serving on a state committee working to develop guidelines on how to best diagnose and treat children with autism. He came across a 2009 study that showed children who received therapy using the Early Start Denver Model for 20 hours a week over two years showed greater improvement in behavior, learning and language than others receiving commonly available interventions. > > The community needs intervention programs for children diagnosed before they turn 3, the age when services are provided through school districts’ early childhood programs, Mantovani said. Toddlers diagnosed typically meet with a speech therapist, physical therapist or behavioral therapist in separate weekly appointments. > Before Mercy’s program, he said, there was no evidence-based, center-based intervention program for children under 3. Yet, with increased awareness and better screening techniques, children are getting diagnosed at younger ages. “We were diagnosing 2-year-olds, and families were like, ‘What do we do next?’” Mantovani said. > A dance is going on in a young child’s highly adaptable brain, Mantovani explained, a partnership of biological changes and environmental stimulation. “We know autism has a biological basis, but we don’t have drugs or surgeries to change that,” he said. “We have to use the environment as part of that dance to create biological pathways that will lead to improved outcomes.” > Even babies could benefit from Denver model techniques, according to a very small but promising study released earlier this month. The study showed that infants ages 6 months to 15 months who showed early signs of autism and received intervention had lower rates of symptoms at age 3 than a similar group that declined treatment. > Funding is a challenge, providers acknowledged. Mercy and St. Louis ARC each charge $1,500 a month to participate in the program, which can be covered by a patchwork of private insurance, out-of-pocket payments and government programs. > Many parents say they wish the program could continue after children turn 3, to better solidify the improvements, because they see some regression as their children move to preschool. Mantovani said an older classroom is also on his wish list. > Despite struggles, the intense early intervention gave David the starting point his family is thankful for. His mom said his behavior is more typical than many of his cohorts who did not have the same experience. > Juelich said. “I know families who, to this day, live the same rigid life that we lived.” Here is a link to a video on the _Mercy Kids Autism Center_’s Intensive Early Intervention Program: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVa\_SkpAZ0M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVa_SkpAZ0M) (source: [Intense early intervention method for toddlers with autism expanding in St. Louis area : Lifestyles](http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/health/intense-early-intervention-method-for-toddlers-with-autism-expanding-in/article_6542a2ce-dde2-57f2-8429-834a1a1007af.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2016, 5:35am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/516 "2016-01-27T05:35:50Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. _United Services for Children_ is a St. Peters, Missouri-based nonprofit that provides developmental learning and pediatric therapy services to children of all abilities. The organisation’s Intensive Behavior Intervention Classroom (IBIC) program provides one-on-one educational services for children ages 3-5 years who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental disabilities, or children who need a highly structured learning environment… > [@](#): > > …[When Jeremy Couture] learned his twin sons had autism, he feared for their future. > > …“I knew it was incurable. I thought it was going to be severe and never improve.” [he said.] > > Jeremy said his wife, Heidi Couture, also took the news hard. The O’Fallon couple spent the next two days educating themselves about autism… > > Matthew Couture and William Couture were born in 2005, one month premature. At first, the boys did not exhibit serious problems. They were a little slow to crawl, and slow in learning to walk, but that was not uncommon among premature children, Jeremy said. > > As the boys finished their second year, it became obvious that they were behind in speaking — especially William, who was not making eye contact. > > …“William would stay focused on a particular toy,” [Jeremy] said. “Matt would get very upset at sudden noises, or seeing certain stuffed animals.” > > The brothers engaged in ‘parallel play,’ Jeremy said. They would play near each other, but would not play with each other. > > …Jeremy and Heidi contacted United Services for Children. > > The Missouri Department of Mental Health had referred the Coutures to the nonprofit agency. Founded in 1975, United Services for Children operates two pediatric therapy and developmental learning centers in St. Charles County. > > Matthew and William enrolled in preschool and physical, speech and occupational therapy programs at United Services’ west center in Dardenne Prairie. They spent one year there before moving to United Services’ east center in St. Peters, where they remained through spring 2010. > > At the St. Peters center, the boys entered the Intensive Behavior Intervention Classroom (IBIC) program… > > Jeremy said the twins made rapid progress in the more intensive program. William, who had not been able to speak, developed a small vocabulary. He and Matthew became more adept at physical activity, like playing on slides and climbing ladders. The boys learned to feed themselves using utensils and became more self-sufficient. At home, the Coutures noticed their sons were better able to complete tasks, follow directions and socialize. > > Julia Crutchfield-Keeven, IBIC program manager, worked with the boys as a speech language pathologist. She was part of a team that included behavior specialists, therapists, and a special education teacher. Crutchfield-Keeven said they boys entered the program with very few language skills and little social interaction. > > “They weren’t looking at anyone, they were not playing near other people,” she said. “They didn’t really have a relationship together. They did not exist to each other.” > > The therapists placed the boys in situations where they had to acknowledge each other and share things. They helped the boys build friendships and interact with other children. > > By the time the boys graduated from United Services and entered kindergarten in the Fort Zumwalt School District, they had learned how to process information like typically developing children. This enabled them to become mainstreamed at their new school, learning in a general education curriculum environment. > > “They are a success story,” Crutchfield-Keeven said. “They started as unengaged, nonverbal children. They left the agency being more social and able to learn in a more typical setting.” > > Jeremy Couture said he and his wife Heidi formed strong bonds with the therapists, teachers and aides at United Services for Children, even using some to babysit their boys to this day. > > William and Matthew are now in third grade at Rock Creek Elementary School in the Fort Zumwalt district. They spend most of their time in a regular classroom with typically developing children. Though they still cope with challenges in socializing and interaction, they boys are well-liked by their peers and doing well academically, Jeremy said. > > “…I wouldn’t have thought that was possible, that you could have two kids doing well and living in the regular world like anyone else,” he said. > > …the teachers and therapists at United Services helped them… > > “As a parent of autistic children, you need to mourn the loss of the kids you thought you’d have and eventually move on to accepting your kids for who they are — unique individuals with gifts and challenges, like any other kid.” > > Jeremy will be one of the guest speakers at the second annual Exploring the Spectrum autism information fair, presented by United Services for Children… Here is a link to a video on _United Services for Children_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouvqOAM-Alw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouvqOAM-Alw) (source: [Beyond](http://patch.com/missouri/stcharles/beyond-rain-man-twins-with-autism-thrive-in-the-real-world)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2016, 3:06am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/517 "2016-01-28T03:06:51Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. The _Mercy Kids Autism Center_ is a Creve Coeur, Missouri-based non-profit that provides a comprehensive, child-centered approach to Autism treatment. This includes diagnosis and assessment for each patient’s specific needs, medical consultation, physical, occupational and speech therapy, an intensive early intervention program for toddlers aged 18 to 36 months old and social communication groups… > [@](#): > > Before her 2-year-old started the early intervention program at Mercy Kids Autism Center, Paula Juelich remembers filling out a lengthy assessment listing troublesome behaviors. She check-marked nearly all the boxes. > Her son David’s budding language skills and use of gestures had stopped. He no longer made eye contact with people. He couldn’t stand having to wait or move from one activity to the next. > “If I were to back out of my driveway and go right, and he thought we should go left, he would have a screaming tantrum,” Juelich said. “The rigid behavior and his need for control was so high. It was unattainable.” > After five months in the intensive program involving four mornings a week of one-on-one therapy in a group class, and continued work at home using the same therapies, David, now 4, is a different child. > He tells his mom about his day at preschool, takes swimming lessons and sits with his family at the dinner table. Instead of hiding in the bushes at the neighborhood block party, he comes out to play. Instead of taking his sister’s toys, he plays ball with her. > “They literally changed his life; and by changing his life, they changed our lives,” said Juelich, who lives near Webster Groves. “The way we were living before wasn’t living.” > The Mercy Kids Autism Center began about three years ago offering the early intensive program for ages 18 months to 3 years old, known as the Early Start Denver Model… > > …“It’s not enough to intend to do good things for families. We have responsibility to make sure that interventions we provide have been supported by research,” said Dr. John Mantovani, founding medical director of the Mercy Kids Therapy and Development Center which encompasses autism services. > > …Interventions commonly involve the long-used and proven techniques of applied behavioral analysis, which teaches behaviors through a system of rewards and consequences. The Early Start Denver Model builds on the techniques by integrating them into children’s natural activities of playing and communicating. It focuses on relationships, encouraging constant interaction with the therapist and other children. Parents learning the model is also key. > On a recent morning in Mercy’s classroom, five children pulled toys from the shelves – dolls, puzzles, books and instruments – and each child’s therapist played along closely. A therapist was constantly face-to-face with a child, overly animated, naming every object and action. Children were encouraged to ask for what they wanted, notice body language and clean up when done. > Children learned how to wait, share and take turns as they lined up to go outside, wash their hands or have snack together. In circle time, they sang songs, listened to someone read a book and learned one another’s names. Cheers and hugs were constant… > > In just over five months of being in the program, Kate Wright, 38, of Des Peres, said her son Wesley has gone from hardly making a sound, lacking interest in toys and unaware of those around him — to saying words, engaging his siblings and wanting to be with his parents. Wright is hoping for the big changes she saw in her older son, who also completed the program. “As far as his engagement with us and being in our world, it’s priceless,” Wright said. “It’s the biggest gift you can give.” > > …Mantovani wanted to bring the model to Mercy after serving on a state committee working to develop guidelines on how to best diagnose and treat children with autism. He came across a 2009 study that showed children who received therapy using the Early Start Denver Model for 20 hours a week over two years showed greater improvement in behavior, learning and language than others receiving commonly available interventions. > > The community needs intervention programs for children diagnosed before they turn 3, the age when services are provided through school districts’ early childhood programs, Mantovani said. Toddlers diagnosed typically meet with a speech therapist, physical therapist or behavioral therapist in separate weekly appointments. > Before Mercy’s program, he said, there was no evidence-based, center-based intervention program for children under 3. Yet, with increased awareness and better screening techniques, children are getting diagnosed at younger ages. “We were diagnosing 2-year-olds, and families were like, ‘What do we do next?’” Mantovani said. > A dance is going on in a young child’s highly adaptable brain, Mantovani explained, a partnership of biological changes and environmental stimulation. “We know autism has a biological basis, but we don’t have drugs or surgeries to change that,” he said. “We have to use the environment as part of that dance to create biological pathways that will lead to improved outcomes.” > Even babies could benefit from Denver model techniques, according to a very small but promising study released earlier this month. The study showed that infants ages 6 months to 15 months who showed early signs of autism and received intervention had lower rates of symptoms at age 3 than a similar group that declined treatment. > > …Despite struggles, the intense early intervention gave David the starting point his family is thankful for. His mom said his behavior is more typical than many of his cohorts who did not have the same experience… Here is a link to photos of the 10th Annual _Mercy Health Foundation_ ‘Benefit for the Kids golf tournament and dinner auction’ from a couple of years ago: [Mercy Foundation St. Louis Benefit for the Kids | Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mercyhealth/sets/72157634859587597/) (source: [Intense early intervention method for toddlers with autism expanding in St. Louis area : Lifestyles](http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/health/intense-early-intervention-method-for-toddlers-with-autism-expanding-in/article_6542a2ce-dde2-57f2-8429-834a1a1007af.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2016, 4:20am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/518 "2016-01-29T04:20:59Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. _Alpacas for Autism_ is an Adrian, Missouri-based nonprofit using alpacas and fiber arts to improve the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The non-profit has helped fund _Camp Encourage_, whose mission is to encourage social growth, independence, and self-esteem in youth with autism spectrum disorders through a quality, overnight camp experience located in the greater Kansas City area… > [@](#): > > Is it their enormous, fringe-lashed eyes? Or their crooked, silly grins? All Tina Cochran, 46, knows for certain is that when she brought three alpacas home, she fell in love. “They have a really calm aura about them and they make a gentle humming noise when they want attention,” she says. > > Now Cochran, her husband, Bob, and their 13-year-old son, Anthony, raise 14 alpacas on 25 acres at the Golden Heartland Alpaca Ranch in Adrian, Mo., 50 miles south of Kansas City. > > Cochran’s passion for these intelligent, social creatures has taken her life in a direction she never intended. A life, she admits, once filled with discontent. “I hated it in the corporate world. But I was from the Alex Keaton generation,” she says, referring to the 1980s sitcom _Family Ties_, which featured a character hyper-focused on earning money. “I learned that what you make a living at is not necessarily what will fulfill you. Unfortunately, that meant pursuing business, accounting and finance.” > > To comfort herself, she ate, gaining a significant amount of weight. But her son, at age 10, provided her with an important wake-up call. “Mommy,” he said, “You need to go on _The Biggest Loser_.” > > Cochran joined a weight-loss program and learned to eat differently, scaling back to six small meals a day. She lost 105 pounds in 10 months. “It changed my entire life,” she says. “I also became a certified health coach, which provided me with income when I was laid off from my corporate job.” > > It also meant she could work from home and care for her son, who was diagnosed at age 2 with a high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder… > > “I’m able to go to his school and attend events and open houses. I was able to transition him from elementary school to middle school,” she says. > > And Cochran got to spend more time with her alpacas. As a fiber artist who crochets and knits, she at first embraced the idea of shearing and collecting raw fiber. She purchased a spinning wheel. “It’s a romantic idea that sounded really cool,” she says. “But I learned quickly that this is not what I wanted to do. It’s too detail-oriented for me.” > > What she does enjoy is sharing her love for alpacas with people who are fascinated to find animals other than cows grazing on the prairie. Alpacas, cousins to the llama, are native to the Andean Mountain range of South America. First, family and friends requested to see them. Then, school groups …came. “I didn’t sit down with business plans. People called out of the blue,” she says. > > In 2010, to help raise money for the nonprofit organization Autism Speaks, Cochran organized a walk team called ‘Alpacas for Autism’ and people could donate in honor of one of their favorite alpacas on the ranch. She began hosting fundraising events for Camp Encourage, a summer camp for children with ASD. “After this, there was so much demand for programming that it grew on its own,” she says. > > In 2011, Cochran founded the nonprofit organization ‘Alpacas for Autism’ to help improve the quality of life for individuals ages 12 and up with ASD by teaching them fiber arts and marketing skills, and using alpacas to improve social skills. They charge no fees but do accept donations. Cochran serves as executive director. > > Today, Cochran says she lives a life of joy. “It’s incredibly fulfilling… Time just flies. I could do it all day long and not ever get tired. And I love watching people’s faces when they meet the alpacas, especially young people’s faces. Alpacas just have these great big eyes that look deep into your soul.” > > Alpacas for Autism hosts its first Spring Fling banquet and live auction from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 13 at the Overland Park Marriott, 10800 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kan. All proceeds will benefit the organization, including a summer camp for youth with autism… Here is a link to photos of the _Alpacas for Autism_ ‘Fall Festival’ from a few years ago: [https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.440027879365837.85413.172354629466498&type=3](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.440027879365837.85413.172354629466498&type=3) (source: [Alpaca love: Woman’s son, animals inspire work with autism | Kansas City’s Women’s Magazine | Her Kansas City](http://herkansascity.com/heart/alpaca-love-womans-son-animals-inspire-work-autism)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2016, 4:06am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/519 "2016-01-30T04:06:57Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. _SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital_ is a St. Louis, Missouri-based nonprofit 190-bed inpatient and outpatient pediatric medical center. The _Knights of Columbus Developmental Center_ at _SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center_ aims to be a one-stop shop for children with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. Often these children require a true team approach that includes developmental pediatricians, child psychologists and neurologists, geneticists, clinical psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, nurses and resource specialists that help families advocate for school services… > [@](#): > > …Dog therapy has long been considered a possible therapeutic tool in the treatment of many patients, particularly those accompanied by anxiety and stress. > > …Higgins, who is 5 years old, has been assigned to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center since 2007. He was donated by a St. Louis organization called CHAMP or Canine Helpers Allow More Possibilities. Higgins lives and rides to work with Betty Miller, R.N., a nurse at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center for more than 30 years. Higgins, a standard poodle and golden retriever mix, was chosen for his job in part due to his size. > > “He has a calm personality and is conditioned to handle whatever happens to him,” Miller says. > > Higgins has worked with rehabilitation patients who need encouragement in their therapy sessions. He has been especially helpful in working with children with autism, who can have many issues surrounding social interactions. > > “When Higgins enters the room, the children become much calmer,” Miller says. “A lot of children with autism don’t make eye contact with other people, but they will make eye contact by allowing the techniques to be demonstrated on him. For children who have trouble going to bed and falling asleep at night, Higgins demonstrates by lying down and pulling his blanket over himself. “Sometimes the children will actually lie next to him because they want to imitate him,” Miller says. > > Why do children with autism relate so comfortably to a dog? > …Caring for the dog can boost self-esteem, and walking the dog may help children experience social acceptance… > > …Ryan Rea, 8, and sister Madison Rea, 9, are patients in the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center. “Ryan has classic autism, and Madison has pervasive developmental disorder,” says their mother, Alice Rea, who also is a medical technician in Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center’s laboratory service. “Lack of communication was the big thing that led to their diagnoses. They just didn’t talk.” > > Madison’s diagnosis, pervasive developmental disorder, is one subtype of the autism spectrum disorders. Office visits have been calmer with Higgins’ assistance, Alice explains. “Last time we were here, Madison went downstairs to have blood drawn. They had Higgins pretend he was having blood drawn, then Madison had hers drawn,” she says. “It went fine. Two months prior to that, she was kicking and scratching when her blood was drawn.” > > Ryan has been drawn out socially. “Before Higgins, Ryan was running all over the room and looking out the window. He didn’t want to participate. This is big,” his mother says. “He is sitting there very nicely and visiting with Higgins, and is interested in the tea party. Every year there has been significant improvement. They are more vocal and are learning how to interact and do pretend play.” > > The Knights of Columbus Developmental Center staff has begun a research project to quantify the behavioral responses that Higgins can elicit in therapy sessions. > > …So Higgins is not only a therapist but also a scientist? “Yes,” Miller says. “Higgins is a clinical researcher.” Here is a link to a video on the _Knights of Columbus Developmental Center_ at _SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Any2CwVISBA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Any2CwVISBA) (source: [Fall 2011 by Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation - issuu](http://issuu.com/cardinalglennonfoundation/docs/fall-2011-issue)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2016, 1:52am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/520 "2016-01-31T01:52:29Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related organisations and events in the state of Missouri. The _Howard Park Center_ is an Ellisville, Missouri-based nonprofit dedicated to meeting the developmental and educational needs of infants, young children, teens and their families, with specific attention to children with mild-to-severe developmental delays. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide all children, regardless of their abilities, with a strong foundation to learn, grow and attain their highest potential… > [@](#): > > Three-year old Luke Eckhard bounces on a mini-trampoline, while holding the hands of his autism teacher. John Eckhard believes his young son is bouncing back. > “As amazing as it is to us,” Eckhard saud, “it’s more amazing when friends come by who haven’t seen Luke for three months.” > Luke was diagnosed with autism about a year ago. > > …More children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at an earlier age, two and younger. …As awareness has grown, parents are seeking help for children as young as a year old when they suspect their child isn’t developing properly. Experts say early intervention is key to autism treatment. > After Luke’s autism diagnosis, the Eckhards felt helpless. > “I have no idea what question to ask,” Eckhard said. > A year ago, Luke enrolled at the Howard Park Center in Ellisville, where staff members like director of therapy services Tami Pentz have seen tremendous improvement, as if Luke’s brain is being re-wired > “The most amazing thing lately is the improvement in social skills and the attempts at social communication,” Pentz said. “They’re seeing changes in the brains of really young children with autism to become more like that of typical children.” > John Eckhard says early diagnosis of Luke’s autism has made a huge difference in his son’s development, like the first time Luke said the word ‘daddy’. > “That first time he said it, it took my breath away,” Eckhard said. “I have no idea what my son’s future is going to be like, I have no idea where he’s going to be in six months, a year, but because I reached out and got help, I’ve now seen a stare becomes a gaze, I’ve now heard a babble become a ‘daddy’ and a ‘momma’ and that is an amazing thing for families that have kids on the spectrum. I would say the most important thing is to reach out.” > Experts say spending money on two years of early intervention can increase a child’s chances of going to kindergarten with very little support. John Eckhard says his message to families with autism is that help is available, and the sooner the better. > “Just to see him be able to reach out and to make a connection with me, that now I’m able to get into his world,” he said. Here is a link to photos of ‘Team Howard Park Center’ at an Autism Walk about five years ago: [https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.436540871761.221103.178873131761&type=3](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.436540871761.221103.178873131761&type=3) (source: [Early intervention key for children with autism](http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/2014/04/23/autism-intervention-diagnosis/8069571/)) [Previous page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=25) [Next page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=27)