# '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:** 37
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2016, 5:11am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/721 "2016-08-05T05:11:45Z")
The subject of the last couple of posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. _Building Blocks Therapy_ is a Warrensville Heights, Ohio-based nonprofit that provides Applied Behaviour Analysis therapy services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, addressing and overcoming challenges in various areas of daily living such as academics, behavior, communication, social and life skills. The nonprofit’s goal is to help children with Autism integrate more successfully with their environment and learn the skills needed to live a functional and happy life… > [@](#): > > Brandon is a 5 year boy with Autism who is non-verbal… > > We worked on getting him to functionally communicate his wants and needs. > > Manding is requesting wants and needs when there is an MO (motivational operation) something Brandon wants badly. > > Brandon is limited in his wants and desires. > > He doesn’t like candy (can u imagine?). > > No candy, no ice cream. > > He loves Gerber puffs, water and bubbles (he is extremely sensory). > > Even though “water” is a hard word for a non verbal child to say, we decided to give it try! > > …I shut the faucet and waited for any response from Brandon before turning it on again on. > > At the beginning I prompted his mouth, using an echoic prompt and many times a full echoic prompt and then faded the prompt away from full echoic to independent! > > …He is now saying “water” completely independently and using it to ask for a bath saying water and a drink. > > After a month of Brandon asking for water we took a walk in his neighborhood and guess what, when we saw a stream of water, I asked him, “what is that?’’ and he answered “water!” Hooray! Success!!! Here is a link to a video on the story: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0PQ5\_Cva7A&feature=youtu.be](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0PQ5_Cva7A&feature=youtu.be) (source: [403 Forbidden](http://buildingblockstherapy.org/brandon-manding-for-water/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2016, 1:44am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/722 "2016-08-06T01:44:36Z")
The subject of the last few posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. Cleveland hosts its own annual ‘Walk Now for Autism Speaks’ at around this time of year. _Autism Speaks_ is a non-profit that is North America’s leading Autism science and advocacy organisation… > [@](#): > > More than 5,000 attendees participated in the 9th Annual Cleveland Walk Now for Autism Speaks held on Sunday, August 23rd at Progressive Field. > > It was a gorgeous sunny day with the help of our emcees Jason Nicholas (meteorologist from WEWS Ch.5) and 3-time Superbowl Champion Je’Rod Cherry (ESPN Cleveland). > > A record 29 service providers participated in the resource fair and entertainment throughout the day included: Zumba, Anna Scott, Chas Burtchett, Andrew Salgado, and Alex Hale. > > Local sponsors including Cleveland Clinic Children’s, University Hospitals, Energy Focus, Galvin Therapy Center and Building Blocks Therapy all had tents with information and giveaways for our walkers. > > Other guests included a Home Depot craft tent, Castle on a Cloud Princesses, 2 Chapters of Alpha Xi Delta face painting, mascots from local sports teams, and the infamous Medina Supply concrete truck with our logo on it. > > To date, the event raised more than $150,000 in support of Autism Speaks’ mission to fund research, increase awareness and family services and advocate for individuals with autism and their families… Here is a link to a video from nine years ago of the annual Cleveland ‘Walk Now for Autism Speaks’: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OkM9SaBCPI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OkM9SaBCPI) (source: [https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2015/08/24/cleveland-walk-now-autism-speaks-draws-over-5000-people](https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2015/08/24/cleveland-walk-now-autism-speaks-draws-over-5000-people)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2016, 4:15am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/723 "2016-08-07T04:15:32Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. Nearby Mahoning County in Ohio is home to the _Knapp Center for Childhood Development_. The _Knapp Center for Childhood Development_ is a Boardman, Ohio-based nonprofit that offers Applied Behavious Analysis Services, social skills groups, and parent support sessions… > [@](#): > > …hundreds of residents from the Mahoning Valley joined together in Youngstown to take part in the first Autism Speaks walk in our region. > > The walk and events are raising awareness and money for research. > > Dr. Julie Knapp, Chairwoman of the walk and director of the Knapp Center for Childhood Development in Boardman, says there is help and hope. > > Knapp says for most children with autism if they’re not showing their abilities it’s because we’re failing in the way we’re teaching them. > > She says we need to change our way of reaching them so they can reach their optimal potential. > > Estee Thomas from Cornersburg says the more money they raise the more research that can be done to figure out what causes autism, and to find out if there is anything we can do to treat it and possibly stop it. > > Thomas and her friend, Breanne Ludt, say children and adults who have autism are special even if they need help or extra attention. > Before the walk even began, 39-thousand dollars had already been raised through various fund raisers. > > Many of the people taking part in the walk, down Federal Street to Commerce and back to the starting point …have a special reason for being here. > > Some have relatives who have been diagnosed with autism. > > Crystal Ruscoe’s son was just diagnosed with a form of autism seven weeks ago. > > She tells 21 News there is help available. > > She is walking to raise money and has faith that one day researchers are going to find a cure so no family has to hear the news her family had to hear. > > She says finding a cause and cure is very, very important to her… Here is a link to a video on the _Knapp Center for Childhood Development_ from a couple of years ago: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBKqPjgU4-4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBKqPjgU4-4) (source: [First annual autism walk in Youngstown - WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren Ohio](http://www.wfmj.com/story/17303045/first-annual-autism-walk-in-youngstown)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2016, 3:44am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/724 "2016-08-08T03:44:08Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. Established through the efforts of the Kosar, Rich (Ricchiuti), and Rubino families, the _Rich Center for Autism_ (_RCA_) at _Youngstown State University_ (_YSU_) is a Youngstown, Ohio-based non-profit whose goal is to improve the conditions with which children with Autism learn to live. By combining current research about autism with the newest and most innovative theories in education, _RCA_ offers hope that children affected with autism can reach their full potential; therefore, the primary emphasis is on teaching and research as well as focusing on the intensive training to children with Autism… > [@](#): > > For Jenny Ellis of Boardman, [RCA] was the perfect fit for her son Carson. > > “He’s in the best hands that he can be,” Ellis said. > > Though [RCA] …has helped Ellis learn how do deal with 8-year-old Carson better, there was a time when life as a parent was much more challenging. > > When Carson was 3 years old, Ellis had him in an early intervention program through her school system. > > She would take Carson to school at 9 a.m., get to work by 11, take a lunch at noon to take him to school, and then work until 8 at night. > > “It was just too difficult for me,” Ellis said. Eventually, Ellis quit her job to take care of her son, and she still doesn’t work, she says, because it makes life easier. > > Once Ellis took her son to [RCA], she used to watch through the window to see how they worked with Carson. > > “I was able to learn how to deal with him much better,” Ellis said. > > Though [RCA] was initially a summer enrichment program, the center now offers a year-round program for children in preschool and K-5. > > In addition to providing speech and occupational therapy services using teaching strategies from Applied Behavioral Analysis, [RCA] also provides faculty and students from Youngstown State University and other universities with an opportunity to conduct psycho-educational research. > > Though other programs in the community deal with hearing and speech, the Rich Center was the first to focus on autism spectrum disorders, said Renee McConnell, associate director of programs at [RCA]. > > …In addition to the services it offers, [RCA] also has a parent-run group that helps with fundraising and provides information and support to other parents. > > The group often becomes a lifeline for parents. “They understand each others’ needs and struggles as a family,” McConnell said. > > For Ellis, the parent group gives her the opportunity to share her experiences with new parents. > > After the initial autism diagnosis, parents are often overwhelmed, and potty training and eating can become challenging issues. > > Because of the group, parents can get advice from others on the best ways to solve problems. > > “They don’t have to go through the ‘lost’ mode that a lot of us older parents went through,” Ellis said. > > Though other challenges crop up occasionally, the specialists at [RCA] now give Ellis insight into her son’s behavior. > > This past summer, for instance, Carson had some behavior issues, and Ellis asked for assistance from the center’s behavioral specialist. > > Because of this, they were able to diffuse the behavior and determine that her son needed a medication upgrade. need routine and structure, Ellis said. > > She wonders whether it is necessary to take him out of his element. All teachers at [RCA] hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and they are trained in strategies that work with autism, McConnell said. > > The younger that children are sent to the center, the more able they are to manage in a public setting. > > Though Carson is comfortable with his environment at [RCA], Ellis still weighs whether or not he will have a positive experience in a public school setting. > > …if she feels Carson is functioning enough, she would consider enrolling him in a public school, Ellis said. > > For now, though, Carson is comfortable, and autistic children need routine and structure, Ellis said. > > She wonders whether it is necessary to take him out of his element. “[RCA] has been a blessing,” she said. Here is a link to a video, from about six months ago, where some _RCA_ preschoolers play, laugh and learn together: [47 reactions · 11 shares | Want a little dose of happiness? Watch as a few of our preschooler's at The Rich Center for Autism play, laugh and learn together! | The Rich Center for Autism](https://www.facebook.com/10150096670020720/videos/10156450715410720/) (source: [The Rich Center for Autism - TribToday.com - News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Tribune Chronicle - Warren, OH](http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/517174.html?nav=5206)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2016, 5:08am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/725 "2016-08-09T05:08:26Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. The _Galvin Education and Resource Center for Families_ (_GERCF_) is a Cuyahoga County, Ohio-based nonprofit that provides new information and educational resources to Northeast Ohio families and professionals and introduces programs/interventions currently unavailable in the greater Cleveland metro area. Over five years ago, the _GERCF_ announced the opening of the Warrensville Heights, Ohio-based _Creative Learning Academy Prechool_, which nurtures and guides children with Autism Spectrum Disorders through occupational, speech & behavioural therapy services… > [@](#): > > Building Blocks Therapy and Galvin Therapy Center will be opening a facility in late May …offering more options for children with developmental disabilities. > > Building Blocks Therapy gives applied behavioral analysis …therapy services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Galvin Therapy Center provides a range of pediatric therapy evaluations and treatment services for infants, children and young adults. > > Rechama Jacobovitch, clinical director at Building Blocks Therapy in Warrenville Heights, said she and her husband, Oshie, moved to the area three and a half years ago and saw the need for [Applied Behaviour Analysis] services. Now, a lot of their clients are west so they wanted to open up a location where they are the closest to their clients. > > “Obviously we had a need on the west, and we are within 20 minutes of our clients,” Oshie Jacobovitch said. “So we’re kind of in everyone’s backyard.” > > One of the biggest reasons they picked [the new location] is the convenience of Interstate 90 being nearby, he said. > > “We know how many people are moving west to [the new location]; young families are starting their families,” said Kara Brogan, clinical director at Galvin Therapy Center. “So that was definitely a push. And the other piece is we knew there weren’t as many therapeutic centers even further west.” > > The partnership just kind of grew when Oshie and Rechama moved to the area, she said. > > Galvin Therapy Center offers a number of services, Brogan said, including occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, physical therapy, and more. And the [Applied Behaviour Analysis] services Building Blocks offers brings it all together, she added. > > Brogan said each child is different and needs different services. > > Rechama Jacobovitch said they work to provide therapy at homes, schools or at the facility itself. Between the two companies, they serve hundreds of families, Brogan said. > > Barrie Galvin, president and founder of Galvin Therapy Center, said most of the children they treat have autism. > > “So we have children with motor skill issues, behavioral issues, with attention issues, focus issues and function issues,” she said, adding other issues. “Some of the children might have it really mild to really severe. So we have this whole range.” > > No matter what, Galvin said, they will do whatever it takes to help a child. If a service isn’t working as well as they thought, they will find something else… Here is a link to a video from the _Creative Learning Academy Prechool_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS\_\_OfAPc0M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS__OfAPc0M) (source: [Two therapy centres…](http://www.morningjournal.com/article/MJ/20160421/NEWS/160429914)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2016, 6:39am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/726 "2016-08-10T06:39:12Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. The _Rainbow Autism Center_ is a Clinical Center of Excellence that brings together a team of professionals from the Cleveland, Ohio-based nonprofit _University Hospitals_ (_UH_) _Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital_ and affiliated institutions who are knowledgeable about the diagnosis of autistic disorders and their impact on development, education and the family. The _Rainbow Autism Center_’s goal is to raise community awareness and understanding of autistic disorders and to improve the level of services to Autistic individuals and family… > [@](#): > > Five-year-old Arihant Sarabu likes to draw, but for him it is more than just about making pictures. Arihant is among 25 children with autism working with Art Therapist Michelle Chavez at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital on a special project. > > “Art Therapy promotes mental health and emotional health by using art processes,” Chavez said. > > Sometimes Arihant has difficulty expressing himself with words, but he can get his thoughts across on paper. > > "So, detailed because he’s talking to us. He’s not creating a piece of art as far as he is concerned, he is talking to us,” Arihant’s mom Anwesha Chattopadhyay said. > > Like many children with autism, Arihant is a visual learner. His mom plans out his day with pictures. > > So, art therapy has become a perfect fit for him. “Before this was in our lives, he was very frustrated. > > Anyone would be frustrated if you want to talk to people but, you can not. So, he was very frustrated, miserable. And, now, it is a very calming process and a means of understanding him,” Chattopadhyay said. > > Chavez also believes the art therapy is helping Arihant. “He is incredibly verbal now – as well as social skills," she added. > > _The World Thru My Eyes_ exhibit, with 25 pieces of the children’s favorite artwork will be featured at a professional gallery next month. But, it is meant to do more than just showcase their talent. > > “To give the public a glimpse into their world – and, what it means to have autism and what it means to express yourself visually rather than verbally,” Chavez said. > > Arihant’s mom agreed. "This is an opportunity to speak to the world. To display what they want to say,” Chattopadhyay added. > > _The World Thru My Eyes_ artwork will be on display during the International Children’s Festival at Playhouse Square on May 9th and 10th… Here is a link to a gallery of artwork created by 25 children on the Autism Spectrum from the above-mentioned exhibition: [Art Gallery | Autism Center | Division of Pediatric Neurology | University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital | Cleveland, OH](http://www.uhhospitals.org/rainbow/services/neurology/autism-center/art-gallery) (source: [Your child’s health: Art therapy and autism | fox8.com](http://fox8.com/2015/04/23/your-childs-health-art-therapy-and-autism/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2016, 4:44am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/727 "2016-08-11T04:44:08Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. _The Orange Effect Foundation_ is a Cleveland, Ohio-based non-profit that which aims to empower those with speech disorders, including many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, to effectively communicate through therapy, education, research and technology services. Nine years ago, the nonprofit’s ‘Golf for Autism’ fundraiser was started, raising and donating over $100,000 directly to the _Easter Seals of Northern Ohio_, Autism and Speech Therapy Services, over the years… > [@](#): > > At 2 years old, Bridey loves to paint and get messy playing outside. Her mom describes her as a free spirit with lots of love and affection to spread around to her three siblings—all under the age of 4. Yet when Bridey was 16 months her mother Kelly noticed she wasn’t acquiring language as quickly as her siblings at that age. “Months passed and her speech wasn’t developing. I could see she was frustrated because she wasn’t able to express what she needed,” explains Kelly. She took Bridey to specialists for multiple evaluations, but she was told repeatedly that the little girl didn’t need any special services. > It would be another year, and many specialist visits and evaluations before Kelly finally received confirmation of what her instincts told her: an intensive evaluation revealed Bridey had a language disorder—one that would benefit from immediate, weekly speech therapy. “I was relieved,” says Kelly, “I walked out of that office and wanted to cry. Finally someone confirmed what I could see all along.” The relief, however, soon turned to dismay. Bridey’s therapy would cost $300 per week and the family’s insurance policy would not cover the services. > “Effective communication is fundamental to all aspects of human functioning, particularly learning and social interaction,” according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. For children who have speech and language barriers, speech therapy gives them critical tools to succeed socially and academically—and the earlier therapy is delivered, the more successful the outcome is likely to be. > Ever the researcher, Kelly began searching for organizations that would help pay for Bridey’s much-needed services—a sum the family could not afford with one income and four young children. She discovered the Orange Effect Foundation, a nonprofit established by Joe Pulizzi, founder of the Content Marketing Institute, and Pam Kozelka, chief operating officer of CMI. The foundation supports children and young adults with speech disorders by funding therapy, education, research and assistive technology. “Whether it’s a family that needs early intervention and can’t afford it …we want to support activities that make measurable differences in children’s lives,” says Kozelka. > After applying for assistance to the Orange Effect, Kelly learned in just one month that the family would receive a grant equal to 18 weeks of services, beginning immediately. “We got the news on St. Patrick’s Day and we were so thankful,” shares Kelly. “With this grant, Bridey will receive speech therapy until the age of 3, when she will qualify for services from her school district.” > In just six weeks, Bridey has made remarkable progress. “She gets so excited when she says something and we understand,” says Kelly. “When she said ‘Woody’ for the first time and we brought her favorite Woody doll, her eyes lit up. This money has made a huge difference to Bridey and our family.”… Here is a link to a video on _The Orange Effect Foundation_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gs77T7VXYE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gs77T7VXYE) (source: [The Orange Effect Foundation Finding the Right Words - The Orange Effect Foundation](http://www.theorangeeffect.org/finding-right-words/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2016, 7:40am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/728 "2016-08-12T07:40:29Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. The ‘Friendship In Teams Cleveland Autism Program’, based in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, is Northeast Ohio’s only social skills program that offers all children a chance to make friends in a fun, movement-based environment. At ‘Friendship In Teams’, children learn valuable social thinking, conversation and self-regulation skills; the tools for connecting with peers and forming friendships… > [@](#): > > The group of about five preteen boys sat attentively on the floor of the gym in the Fairview Hospital Wellness Center, listening to ‘Coach Laurie’ Demchak explain that day’s activities for this session of [Friendship In Teams.] Then, graduate assistant Alyssa Gouge began to tap her pen on the floor. > > “Why don’t you take deep breaths?” suggested one student, when Gouge stated that she was feeling anxious today. > > “When I’m frustrated I try to calm myself down,” advised another. > > This ‘information circle’ discussion, about how to handle anxiety, is a typical start for a [Friendship In Teams] session. Program founder Erick Anderson says this structure is important to children, especially those diagnosed with conditions such as autism… > > “Structure transitions, like changing subjects in school, can cause anxiety. We have a very explicit schedule, so the kids know exactly what comes next,” said Anderson. The two one-hour Saturday sessions at the wellness center, one for children about 4 and a half to 10, the second for students up to age 12, open with a short, direct lesson, followed by a cooperative game. ‘Half Time’ returns the children to the circle for a focus on a particular skill and feedback, then it’s time for another game before going home. > > [Friendship In Teams], which teaches social thinking, conversation and self-regulation skills that help with forming friendships to children of all abilities, is the only program of its kind in Northeast Ohio, according to its website. Anderson, an adaptive physical education instructor in the Shaker Heights schools, said the idea for the program came about after a brainstorming session with his future business partner, Nicole Gerami, a speech and language pathologist. > > After his wife suggested that he start a summer camp for children, Anderson, a former pro football player, contacted Gerami, whom he had met through their childrens’ hockey teams. They then planned and held a summer program for Gerami’s clients. “Then the families started to call asking us when the fall sessions started. We told them September,” Anderson recalled with a laugh. > > That was 10 years ago. Over time, Anderson said he and Gerami noticed that a number of West Side families were making the trek across the Cuyahoga River for [Friendship In Teams] classes. “They said, ‘If you ever decide to branch out to the West Side, let us know,’” Anderson recalled. > > About four years ago, Anderson decided the time was right, and began offering [Friendship In Teams] at the Fairview Hospital Wellness Center. One of those first West Side clients was Connor Hinkel, now 10, who was diagnosed with autism. > > “[Friendship In Teams] gives him the idea of how to act. He has become much more confident and outgoing,” said Connor’s father, John, a Fairview Park councilman. His wife Erin added that Connor’s social skills improved so much that his teachers and other staff at his school noticed the marked improvement. > > …[Anderson] added that all of the children also learn to understand that there are other families with challenges similar to their own. > > Parents are given progress reports which work in tandem with their schools’ IEPs (Individual Education Plan). But Anderson noted that sometimes the best feedback is given when a child is absent because they are confident enough to participate in a typical activity like a sport. > > Anderson said he hopes to grow the West Side program to include classes for preschoolers, teens and a summer camp, which are now offered at the East Side location only. He will be available to answer questions at the Connecting for Kids Meet and Greet on March 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Don Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Road. Here is a link to a video on the ‘FIT (Friendship In Teams) Cleveland Autism Program’: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IwQRLjAGko](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IwQRLjAGko) (source: [Program is a good](http://westlife.northcoastnow.com/2015/03/program-is-a-good-fit-for-all-kids/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2016, 4:39am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/729 "2016-08-13T04:39:24Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. The _Monarch Center for Autism_ is a Shaker Heights, Ohio-based nonprofit that offers a comprehensive array of programs and services for individuals from the age of 3 with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The _Monarch Center for Autism_ includes a preschool (for three to six-year-olds with Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > An 8-year-old boy bounces down the hallway, covered head to toe in a stretchy, royal blue stocking. A weary 11-year-old swings back and forth in a hammock hung from a doorway. An active 9-year-old dons a weighted green vest. > Far from being punitive restraints, these and other sensory stimuli are aids that the 26 boys and 1 girl attending [the] Monarch School for Children with Autism often request. They help the kids pay attention while they’re having lessons; as rewards for completing a task, the stimuli provide the pressure and sensation they crave. > > Monarch School, for children ages kindergarten to 22, opened in 2000 with a language-based educational program. That’s because language and communication are the biggest deficits in children with autism… > > …Ryan Strozniak is learning the concepts of under, in, and behind. Most children spontaneously learn the meaning of these relationship phrases in the course of acquiring language. But Ryan, 8, like other children with autism, has trouble processing language. > > To teach the concepts, speech pathologist Kristi Lambert uses visual cues: photos of Ryan standing in a basket or under a basket or next to a basket. As Ryan selects the proper photo to illustrate each specific prepositional phrase, he attaches a velcro-backed sticker to a chart that reads, “I am working for computer time.” > > Photos, drawings and 3-D models abound at Monarch. Kids with autism have good visual processing; auditory skills do not work as well. Through pictures, gestures and written words, teachers try to break through the wall of autism. > > Each child follows an individual schedule, illustrated with pictures. There’s a photo of the teacher posted at the entrance to each classroom, which matches the photo on the schedule. Teachers and students use visual icons to communicate instructions, feelings, desires and needs. > > At lunch, children select a picture of a specific item they want to eat. The teacher reinforces the word by verbally repeating the choice. The theory is that eventually the child will use the spoken word. While most schools for autistic children employ visual aids to facilitate learning, Monarch emphasizes the method much more than other programs, says Dr. Howard Shane, a Harvard Medical School professor and part of a team of Boston professionals that collaborates with the Monarch staff. > > “Some children eventually learn to compensate for the visual process,” says Shane. “Others will always need the visual assist.” > > Visuals are an adjunct and a substitute for language, Ratner says. But they are not everything. “If a kid (who doesn’t talk) can point to a (picture) of a glass of water, that’s wonderful. That helps parents. But that does not a life make.” > > “Giving kids and their families a life” is a phrase echoed by many Monarch staff members. The school focuses not just on teaching a child a specific task or lesson, but also on translating that to the larger goal, an improved quality of life. > > …At Monarch, all teaching is concept-based, rather than skill-based. This means children can use what they’ve learned in the real world. > > For instance, an autistic child in speech therapy can answer questions of “What is it?” or “Who is that?” 80% of the time. But outside the classroom, if you ask that child to identify, say, a chair, he can’t… > > So Monarch teaches the concept of chair, that it encompasses rocking chairs, restaurant chairs, and overstuffed recliners… > > …To train the students to tolerate change, teachers at Monarch try to build flexibility into their lessons. For instance, during a math lesson, a teacher will ask a child to add four numbers and then have him compute with three. > > …Danny Ordillas, 9, is learning to read. Special education teacher Marcie Timen points to a picture of a toy in a book and asks Danny to say the word. Repeatedly babbling a variety of unrecognizable sounds, Danny finally manages to say “toy.” As a reward for his success in the pre-kindergarten reading readiness class, he gets to play for a few minutes with a toy called Light Brite, a board with light-up pegs. The sounds Danny makes comfort him if he’s not getting a lot of hugging and holding, says Timen. “He’s creating his own sensory stimulation, the vocalizations.” A group of four boys, working with a speech pathologist and two special education teachers, are singing a song, “There’s something in my bag.” The teacher puts an object in a sack and asks the boys, “What is it?” Or “Who is it?” Through the game, the boys are learning how to talk to each other and to interact with their peers… > > Ten-, 11-, and 12-year-olds, all of whom talk and read pretty much at grade level, go on frequent field > trips, taking the rapid to Tower City, visiting the planetarium, going bowling. They go horseback riding > once a week. > …The field trips help the children translate the lessons learned in the classroom into daily life. > > …After Monarch School was underway, Susan Ratner approached Shane, director of the Communication Enhancement Center at Children’s Hospital Boston. The school needed some expertise, and Ratner wanted to build a long-distance collaboration. > With the relationship now in its third year, two or three people from Harvard Medical School, Children’s Hospital Boston, and Massachusetts General Hospital are at Monarch about one day a week. Team members talk to one another and their colleagues at Monarch almost daily. > “We know all the children,” says Shane. “We know their needs, the issues, we’re involved in programmatic changes, new hires.” > Monarch was an exciting opportunity, says Shane, who holds a doctorate in speech and language pathology, because of its commitment to language and communication. It has five speech pathologists for the 27 children, which he calls far more than is typical. The school also has served as a laboratory for some of the Boston professionals’ ideas. > “The foremost thing was having a curriculum that makes sense, one that is carried over at home,” he says. “We wanted to package this and export the model to other programs. There’s a sudden upswing in children with autism. Every school system in the country is overwhelmed. Families and schools are desperate for strategies so children make progress.” > Above all, Shane wanted to make sure Monarch’s approach was humane. The school’s staff use aspects of applied behavior analysis (ABA), a repetitive, one-on-one approach that teaches social and language skills in very small steps. Each proper response is rewarded with a small snack, hug or kind word. > > But unlike some practitioners of ABA, who include negative stimuli like bending a child’s arms behind his back or pinching, Shane says Monarch uses only positive incentives. > > …Ohio has curriculum standards every teacher needs to follow. At Monarch, the staff develop language modifications to help the children meet these standards. > > …Most autistic children do not pass the regular grade level proficiency exams mandated by the state. > Instead, they take an alternative assessment developed for youngsters with special needs. > > …Monarch has begun to develop templates of their teaching methods and materials that can be replicated and used by teachers across the country. > But before Monarch staffers can share these ideas, they have to make sure the concepts work. > Data collection is key. For instance, to measure if a student grasps the concept of “in,” teachers will keep track of the number of times a student correctly places an object in a cup rather than beside or under the cup on successive number of days. > At Monarch, teachers measure not just accuracy, but also the child’s participation, Shane says. “We want to understand how independently he can accomplish the task. Did the teacher have to give verbal, gestural or physical assistance? Did the teacher point and say ‘go ahead’?” > > …While experts disagree over the treatments for autism, they concur that intensive early intervention offers the best hope of raising a productive adult. > > …Parents whose offspring have spent time at other special-education programs say they are pleased at their children’s progress at Monarch. > > …Autism is a puzzling neurological disease. It’s called a spectrum disorder because there’s a broad range of developmental problems involving communicating and interacting with others. Autism also has a wide variety of symptoms. Some children don’t talk but will hug their parents and play with others. Some can’t stand to be touched. Others engage in harmful, repetitive behaviors, like banging their head against a wall. Some can’t tolerate subtle background noises, like the buzz in a fluorescent light. Frequently, children with autism have below normal intelligence or mental retardation. Autism can seemingly strike overnight. Sometimes, around age 2, a child’s behavior and language skills begin to regress. He descends, as one parent of an autistic son describes it, into a deep well. > > …At Monarch School for Children with Autism, 20% of the students are Jewish. Although no one knows why some children have autism, scientists recognize heredity as a major factor. It occurs more often in children with a sibling diagnosed with the disease. While there’s no genetic test as yet, scientists have identified several chromosomal clusters that may lie behind autism. Others suspect environmental influences, like infections or childhood immunizations. Parents of children with autism vary diets, eliminate certain foods, try homeopathic remedies, and travel to Mexico and elsewhere for alternative treatments. > > …Monarch Boarding Academy, the only residential facility in Ohio dedicated solely to children with autism, opened this past year and is currently home to four boys, ages 7 to 12. Two of the boys speak; two do not… > > …Everything the school does, the academy continues, in 30-minute structured activity sessions. Each child’s individual schedule lists such activities as arts and crafts, chores, computer lab, reading and treadmill. The staff rewards desirable behavior with nutritious snacks, time with a favorite toy, or a session in the padded sensory room. Staffers record each child’s daily progress… Here is a link to a set of slides from a presentation, by Kristi Lambert and Kara Smith of the _Monarch Center for Autism_, from a couple of years ago: [OSLHA Homepage | Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association](http://www.ohioslha.org/pdf/Convention/2014%20Handouts/SC5Smith_Lambert.pdf) (source: [http://growyourbrainart.com/wp-content/uploads/Cleveland-Jewish-News.pdf](http://growyourbrainart.com/wp-content/uploads/Cleveland-Jewish-News.pdf)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2016, 4:52am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/730 "2016-08-14T04:52:33Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. _S.U.C.C.E.S.S. for Autism_ is a Wickliffe, Ohio-based non-profit whose goals are: - Educate the community, - Raise funds to support programming needs of affected individuals, - Provide access to therapeutic and educational services, - Provide access to professional training services, and - Support research on best practice intervention model. The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Approach is used in the _Integrations Treatment Center, Inc._ (_ITC_), also based in Wickliffe, an innovative, family-centered facility dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of individuals with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > For parents caring for an autistic child, something as common as a trip to a store can become a challenge. Pam Hosmer of Painesville Township, who cares for her 9-year-old autistic daughter, knows this all too well. > > “The lights or sounds, that’s hard for her,” she said. “Any place in public can be difficult because it’s confusing.” > > Autism is defined as a developmental disorder affecting a child’s communication and social skills. Hosmer, along with other area parents, are receiving what they feel is invaluable help and support from a local center that works to reach autistic children and educate their families. > > The Integrations Treatment Center, or ITC, is located in Wickliffe and uses what Lynette Scotese-Wojtila, founding director and clinical specialist, calls the “S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Approach”. > > “We’re literally changing the brain here, and that’s where autism lives,” Scotese-Wojtila said. > > She explained that her approach uses seven different concepts that will address the child’s needs. For example, activities focusing on the child’s sense of touch – like playing with putty or rubbing bristles on the child’s hand, can help fire up parts of the brain that are asleep in an autistic child. > > Scotese-Wojtila said placing emphasis on the autistic brain is what makes her method different and likely more effective than common treatments that overlook the fact that autism is neurological. While some treatments may reprimand an autistic child for throwing an object across the room, Scotese-Wojtila said her program will focus on what triggered that reaction and find out what the child is actually trying to communicate. > > The center not only works with the child, but also finds it equally important to educate parents so they know that reprimanding an autistic child for what seems like bad behavior can be harmful. Hosmer said the program has better equipped her to understand her daughter’s meltdowns. > > “When she does have one, the time period is shorter because we have learned to really look more around her to see what’s causing the meltdown and help her out of it,” Hosmer said. > > Normally, parents of autistic children have to go to different places to see a variety of specialists. > > …The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. model is not only working with people locally, but also for the second year in a row, Wotijla said the Autism Society of America has invited ITC to give a presentation on its model. > > Scotese-Wojtila said the number of students she serves each year fluctuates; currently she has seven full-time students. Many parents of autistic children can receive aid …which can help with the costs associated with treatment programs. > > …[Hosmer reports] that since enrolling their children in the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. program, [her daughter has] shown considerable progress with communicating… > > …Scotese-Wojtila believes people may dismiss autism by thinking the child won’t be able to overcome its effects, but she says normalcy is in reach for all of them… Here is a link to a trailer from a documentary showing one family’s experience with the above-mentioned approach: [My Hiccups Are Gone - Official Trailer](https://vimeo.com/147686108) (source: [Integrations Treatment Center in Wickliffe finds finds success with treating autism (with video)](http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20120501/NEWS/305019969)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2016, 5:51am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/731 "2016-08-15T05:51:45Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. _Northeast Ohio Autism Group_ (_NEOAG_) is a Gates Mills, Ohio-based nonprofit that serves the Autism community of Northeast Ohio. _NEOAG_ provides financial support to local programs, services and research for Autism in order to give those with Autism in the area the best chance possible for success… > [@](#): > > Grand River Cellars and Northeast Ohio Autism Group are back for their annual Design a Wine Label Contest. > > …Grand River Cellars is a winery located in Madison. It has two “wines for autism” that were created for the purpose of supporting the local autism community. A portion of the proceeds from these wine sales are donated to NEOAG, and also are featured at area restaurants. > > NEOAG’s main goal is to help make local autism programs the best that they can be and develop new programs where they are needed. > > With all money raised through donations and fundraising, they provide financial assistance to schools, programs and services in Northeast Ohio that care for children and adults with autism, as well as to local autism research programs. > > To create a piece of artwork that can be used on one of the labels, entrants can paint or draw a full-color piece of original artwork …and mail it to Grand River Cellars, c/o Cindy Lindberg, 5750 Madison Road, Madison, OH 44057. > > These special wines with the winning artwork will be released at NEOAG’s annual fundraising event April 3 at House of Blues Cleveland. > > Visit [www.rockthepuzzle.com](http://www.rockthepuzzle.com) for more information or to download a form. > > Each winner will receive a $100 cash prize. > > All artwork must be postmarked by Saturday. > > …Artwork will not be returned. > > The winners understand that the artwork will be used on the special wines, and winners will not receive compensation for their work other than the original cash reward. > The child’s first name and diagnosis will appear on the back of the wine label, but for privacy reasons the child’s last name will not be revealed… Here is a link to short video for the _NEOAG_ ‘Rock the Puzzle’ fundraiser for the Autism Center at _Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital_ from seven years ago: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVoJyrAUdEA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVoJyrAUdEA) (source: [Art contest to benefit local autism programs](http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20090126/NEWS/301269980)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2016, 6:05am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/732 "2016-08-16T06:05:53Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. The _STEPS Center for Excellence in Autism_, based in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, was developed to meet the needs of children on the Autism Spectrum and related developmental delays from the age of 2 in a center-based program. Children ready for inclusion can transition into the _STEPS_/_Academy of St. Adalbert_ partnership program… > [@](#): > > When school starts later this month at the Academy of Adalbert in Berea, returning students and teachers will see some new faces and embark on a special mission of making these newcomers feel welcome. > > STEPS Center for Excellence in Autism and St. Adalbert’s have joined forces to provide services to children with autism and related conditions such as Asperger syndrome and developmental delays. Their goal is to foster inclusion – or “fitting in” – by providing an educated, compassionate school environment for the children. > > “This is a much-needed partnership that is unique in the region,” said Jennifer Might, owner of STEPS. > > The STEPS Center in Berea has been serving Greater Cleveland area children diagnosed with autism since 2006, offering clinic and school-based services to teach communication, language, motor skills, imitation, play and social skills. > > The center follows a four-step program, based on the child’s individual needs. Once a child is ready to be included in the typical school environment, services will be provided at the Academy of St. Adalbert. > > Might credits the recently retired principal at St. Adalbert …John Gregory, for having the vision to accept the offer from STEPS for this groundbreaking program. > > “I think this is going to be a wonderful partnership and St. Adalbert is looking forward to welcoming these children,” Gregory said. “We believe that all children are gifted, some just open their packages sooner than others.” > > Providing education and support for the teachers and students at St. Adalbert is a major part of this partnership. > > “The teachers should no longer fear the word autism,” Might said, “but embrace the inclusive experience with a willingness to leave their comfort zone and connect with a child who may be different. When you make this connection, you realize that these children are really amazing and have so much to share with the world.” > > Martha Jacobs, the new principal at St. Adalbert, agrees. With more than 30 years in education, she most recently served at Incarnate Word Academy in Parma Heights. > > The move to her new position coincides with the start of the STEPS program. She believes that all kids have potential and believes that providing a loving and supportive environment for these children will help them meet that potential. > > …Other students will have to learn to accept differences and demonstrate kindness and compassion. > > “Children usually take the lead from the teacher and if the teacher is comfortable with our kids and demonstrating a sense of kindness and compassion, the children will be quick to follow his/her lead. If the environment is one of support and tolerance, our children have a very good chance at succeeding in the inclusive setting,” Jacobs concluded. > > In 14 years of working in the field of autism, Might has seen many inclusion programs fall short of the level of success that is possible. She attributes this to the fact that children diagnosed with autism are expected to change to “fit in,” while no one else in the setting is changing – thus missing the point of inclusion. > > “The definition of educational inclusion is when all students in a school, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses, become part of the school community,” she said. “Our children should not have to fit into the ‘typical’ mold to be included successfully in the regular educational setting.”… Here is a link to a video on the _STEPS Center for Excellence in Autism_ from late last year: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHGQ6ndqY-U](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHGQ6ndqY-U) (source: [St. Adalbert’s takes first step in including autistic students | cleveland.com](http://blog.cleveland.com/newssun/2009/08/st_adalberts_takes_first_step.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2016, 6:13am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/733 "2016-08-17T06:13:50Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. To the west, the _iTaalk Autism Foundation_ (iTaalk stands for Interactive Technology Assisting Autistic Little Kids) is a Toledo, Ohio-based nonprofit which has a mission to provide assistive technology devices to individuals with Autism, and educate the world on the latest technologies that benefit individuals with special needs. Brooke Olson, mother to a young son on the Autism Spectrum, is the co-founder and president of the _iTaalk Autism Foundation_… > [@](#): > > Amick Olson crumpled onto the 10-foot orange paddle board and pressed his hands to his the ears. His flower-print swimming trunks were soaked in saltwater. His blond hair was tousled. His face was scrunched into a ball of frustration. > > Amick is 6 years old and autistic. He covers his ears when he’s overwhelmed, and at that moment, he was a bit overwhelmed. But not in a bad way. > > His father, Lars, floated in the warm water next to him. Amick wobbled to his feet. One hand clutched his dad. The other stayed on his ear. > > “It’s all you, Amick,” Lars told him. > > Then, for just a moment, Amick let go. He stood on the board by himself. He flashed a crooked smile. He was surfing. > > Father and son high-fived. > > Profound moments like Amick’s filled a 100-yard stretch of water off Treasure Island beach on Saturday morning. > > The organization Surfers for Autism, which was founded in 2007, holds dozens of events like this every year in Florida and beyond. Local surfers in each community volunteer to teach as many as 200 autistic children how to surf. Registrants pay no fees, and area businesses donate food and drinks. > > About 2,500 people attended Saturday’s festivities, the second annual event in Tampa Bay. > > The air was warm, the sky was blue, and the Gulf of Mexico was cooperative. For hours, children as young as 4 floated on dozens of brightly colored boards spread across the water like lily pads. Parents cheered and snapped photos from the beach. > > At these events, the parents say, their kids can be themselves. They can scream and run and, sometimes, break down. No one stares. No one judges. No one wonders why that one child just won’t stay quiet. > > Amick’s parents, both originally from Florida, drove 18 hours from Toledo, Ohio, to attend. They helped five other families come as well. > > “So many times, our kids are the strange ones,” said Amick’s mom, Brooke. “Here, nobody is strange.” > > …Later, at the other end of the beach, Alex, Emma and Nicolas Duncan of Miramar climbed onto the same orange board. They are triplets, age 7 and soon to enter third grade. They all have the same brown hair and same dark eyes and same button noses. The kids look alike, but one of them is different. > > Nicolas has autism. > > Diane and Don Duncan had taken their kids to four Surfers events before the one on Treasure Island, but Nicolas had never stood on a board. He would only sit. > > Until Saturday. > > Emma balanced on his left, Alex on his right. In the middle, Nicolas held his siblings’ hands. > > The triplets, and their smiles, looked the same. Here is a link to a short video from the _Surfers for Autism_ event from four years ago: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfDozJs3L8I](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfDozJs3L8I) (source: [Surfers for Autism helps children hit the waves on Treasure Island | Tampa Bay Times](http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/surfers-for-autism-helps-children-hit-the-waves-on-treasure-island/1239298)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2016, 4:32am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/734 "2016-08-18T04:32:43Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. To the west, _Mercy Children’s Hospital_, based in Toledo, Ohio is the international non-profit _Children’s Miracle Network Hospital_ for Northwest Ohio. More than a decade ago, _Mercy Children’s Hospital_’s Autism Services Program includes an intensive preschool for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > …A program is making a difference in the lives of Toledo families dealing with autism. At two and a half Aiden was diagnosed with autism. It was the confirmation of something Aiden’s mom had feared. “Am I going to be able to do this, am I going to be able to take care of my child for the rest of my life,” says Alicia Cramer. > > In July, Alicia Cramer enrolled Aiden at the Mercy Autism Services Clinic. He’s there 6 hours a day, 4 days a week… > > The difference in less than a year is incredible. Aiden cried a lot and only interacted with his mom, but that is changing everyday. In July, he couldn’t speak, but now he’s using signs and words. > > The approach of having all the services in one place is helping to change Aiden’s world… > > Cramer says, “Wow, look at all these things that my child has started to do. You look back and it just kind of blows your mind because he amazes me every single day.” > > If you suspect your child is on the autism spectrum, experts say get help early because early intervention can be the key to solving the puzzle that is autism. For Aiden and his mom, “I don’t live my everyday life in fear at all,” says Cramer. > > If a child in your family has been diagnosed with autism, the staff at the Mercy Autism Services Clinic say they’re happy to answer any questions. In addition, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities offers families help in taking the first steps for treatment. Here is a link to photos from the ‘Lace It, Face It Walk’ fundraiser for the _Autism Society of Northwest Ohio_ at Olander Park in Sylvania, Ohio from a couple of years ago, the first being of the above-mentioned mother and son: [Lace It, Face It walk for Autism Society](http://www.toledoblade.com/gallery/Lace-It-Face-It-walk-for-Autism-Society) (source: [Program helps Toledo families deal with autism | 6abc.com](http://6abc.com/archive/8054858/)) ---
**Author:** ![Dollface001](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Dollface001](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Dollface001)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2016, 8:31pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/735 "2016-08-18T20:31:17Z")
Don’t buy from Androtics Direct. They care about charging you, but not about actually delivering your products. You can contact them over and over, and all you’ll get is a “Oops, seems like no one can help you at this time”. Horrible, shady, irresponsible company. ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2016, 6:23am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/736 "2016-08-19T06:23:00Z")
The subject of yesterday’s post was _Mercy Children’s Hospital_, based in Toledo, Ohio is the international non-profit _Children’s Miracle Network Hospital_ for Northwest Ohio. _Mercy Children’s Hospital_ Autism Services Program includes an intensive preschool for Autistic children. Eight years ago, Dr. Jeffrey Schmakel brought _The Sensory Learning Program_ to his office in Toledo, Ohio to help individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The _Sensory Learning Program_ is a non-invasive, non-cognitive aproach to developmental learning that simultaneously stimulates the visual, auditory, and vestibular systems with light, sound, and motion; it encourages the development of extraneural pathways, yielding functional improvements in the patient’s speech, perception, understanding, social interaction, gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and ability to learn… > [@](#): > > Grace Neal was diagnosed with autism at age two. At age four, she was frequently withdrawn and agitated, flapping her arms and spinning, unable to follow simple directions or sleep before 11 at night… > > [Her life] vastly improved, after going through the unique therapeutic program at Toledo’s Sensory Learning Center. > > …A darkened room. A colored light overhead. Soothing but oddly broken music coming from headphones. A bed that rotates gently. Our writer visited the Sensory Learning Center and was allowed to try the therapy, and found it disorienting but strangely soothing. It might seem strange or non-traditional, but the program has been enormously effective with children on the autism spectrum… > > The therapy was created by Ohio native Mary Bolles, who has degrees in business, philosophy and Far Eastern religion, and was frustrated with her own son’s troubles with social interaction due to autism. Seeking an alternative to the pharmaceutical remedies favored by the medical profession, she came up with a solution, focusing on the root of the problem — the senses. Children and adults with sensory issues simply have difficulty processing information the world throws at them, and can find it overwhelming and frustrating. The light, sound and motion of the SLC’s therapy stimulate the brain’s three main sensory systems — visual, auditory and vestibular — and encourage the brain to form new pathways. The gaps in the music force the brain to fill in the blanks, stimulating its ability to process input. > > …The Sensory Learning Program was brought to the Toledo area by Dr. Jeffrey Schmakel, who also operates an optometry practice and the Vision Improvement Program. The Sensory Learning Program, a non-invasive, drug-free program takes 30 days — 12 days of two 30-minute sessions in the office, followed by 18 days of home therapy with a portable light instrument. The Center’s Keri Porter is enthusiastic about the results — she saw them in her own son, Caleb, who went throught the program in 2008. > > “The experience was incredible,” gushes Denella Neal, Grace’s mother. “She loves lights and music so it was very effective with her.” Grace’s spinning and flapping have calmed. She’s calmer, more relaxed. She goes to bed on time. She even seeks out social contact, now. “Coming up and kissing us on her own,” Grace says… Here is a link to a video on the _Sensory Learning Program_: [https://www.facebook.com/sensorylearningtoledo/videos/100166683349346/](https://www.facebook.com/sensorylearningtoledo/videos/100166683349346/) (source: [Learning to make sense of the world](http://www.annarborfamily.com/October-2011/Learning-to-make-sense-of-the-world/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2016, 3:06am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/737 "2016-08-20T03:06:05Z")
The subject of the last couple of posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Toledo metropolitan area of Ohio. The _Autism Society of Northwest Ohio_ is a Toledo, Ohio-based non-profit that provides support, education, and advocacy to individuals, parents, family members, and professionals affected by Autism across the lifespan and the entire autism spectrum in 12 counties in Northwest Ohio. The nonprofit relies heavily on donations and fundraisers in order order to provide these services, so events like the ‘Lace It, Face It Walk’ are very important to its existence… > [@](#): > > The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio will hold its fourth annual Lace It, Face It Walk sponsored by Meijer, on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Avenue, in Sylvania. Lace It is for the walk; Face It is for Autism Awareness. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., and entrance to the park will be free for participants that morning. Participants should park near the shelter and in the Tam-O-Shanter lot next door. IDance will kick-off the walkers at 9:00 a.m. from Open Air Shelter #2, and will begin the walk’s 1.1 mile loop. Walkers may walk the loop as many times as they like. Please note that Olander Park does not allow dogs. During, and following the walk, participants can enjoy a variety of activities: a visit with Muddy the Mud Hen; learning about Amazing Animal Adaptation and engaging with the touch tank from the Toledo Zoo; face painting; and a variety of outdoor games. Additionally, teams and individuals can memorialize the event with a hand print art painting to take home. > > There is no limit on the number of people who may participate in the walk, and registrations will be accepted right up until the event starts, including at the door. However, an event t-shirt will only be available to those whose registration is received by Thursday, September 1, 2016. NEW THIS YEAR: teams can have a team name placed on the back of their t-shirt for an additional $3.00. There is a 12 character limit on team names. > > The registration fee is $20.00 per adult walker. Children under age 10 may walk for free without a walk t-shirt, or for $10.00 with a t-shirt. Participants are encouraged to raise pledges in honor of loved ones with autism and to assemble walking teams. Walkers who raise $45.00 in pledges (over and above the registration fee) will receive a pair of puzzle-piece shoelaces specially made for the walk. > > All donations raised stay right here in northwest Ohio to help us provide services to all affected by autism… Here is a link to photos of walkers participating in the 2nd annual ‘Lace It, Face It Walk’ for the _Autism Society of Northwest Ohio_ at Olander Park in Sylvania, Ohio from a couple of years ago: [Lace It, Face It walk for Autism Society - Our Town Sylvania](http://www.ourtownsylvania.com/gallery/Lace-It-Face-It-walk-for-Autism-Society) (source: [4th Annual Lace It Face It Walk](http://www.toledo.com/events/charity-fundraisers/2016/09/17/4th-annual-lace-it-face-it-walk/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2016, 10:50am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/738 "2016-08-20T10:50:24Z")
The subject of the last post was _Mercy Children’s Hospital_, based in Toledo, Ohio is the international non-profit _Children’s Miracle Network Hospital_ for Northwest Ohio. More than a decade ago, _Mercy Children’s Hospital_’s Autism Services Program includes an intensive preschool for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The _Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism_ is a Toledo, Ohio-based nonprofit that has worked to assist local families touched by Autism access services. As its community has come together, committed to collaboration, and increased services, _GLCA_ has been inspired by the successes and potential of all touched by Autism when provided opportunity… > [@](#): > > When a child has an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, it is common for parents to go into denial and assume the little signs and behaviors they are noticing will go away, said Cathy Cantor, a ProMedica physician who has personally been down this road. > > Dr. Cantor and her husband, Zack Shaffer, started noticing their son, Zachary, was not hitting the same developmental milestones as his twin sister, Emily, when the children were about 18 months old. Emily was making leaps and bounds in speech, eye contact ,and play, outpacing her brother, Dr. Cantor said. > > All around them, however, family and friends assured them that all kids are different and Zachary would catch up. > > “Whether they are being nice or just being politically correct they are gonna say ‘oh he’s just a boy – don’t worry about it or he’ll come around,’ so you know you kinda get that little false hope that it’s gonna be OK because everybody else is telling me he’s fine,” Mr. Shaffer said. > > Even though she is a practicing pediatric and internal medicine physician, > > Dr. Cantor said it’s different when it’s your own child. “He’ll come around. Gosh it might just be a little delay, so I thought well maybe I’m just making too much of it,” she said. > > Autism, a developmental disability that can cause significant deficits in communication, socialization, and behavior, used to be diagnosed separately. > > Autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger syndrome are now under one umbrella of ASD. > > What exactly causes autism and why the disorder is on the rise is in some respects still a mystery, said Melissa Schlotterer, program manager at the ProMedica Autism Early Learning Program. > > “They do know that there is some kind of biological component in terms of some abnormal brain development. They also feel there is a genetic component but they know that’s not the single cause, so that’s the tough part right now is really kind of pinpointing what is causing autism,” Ms. Schlotterer said. > > The science is clear, however, that there is no correlation between vaccinations and autism, she said. There is ongoing research on a range of environmental factors, such as pesticides and pollution, but nothing conclusive at this point, she added. > > …ProMedica opened the Autism Early Learning Program nearly four years ago, which offers behavioral services for children up to six years. It was opened in part as a response to the increase in autism rates and because there was a gap in the Toledo community in providing services for children who are being diagnosed at an early age, around 2 years old, she said. > > Three-year-old Zachary’s parents were referred to the ProMedica program about a year ago by his speech therapist. > > "Once we had his full evaluation and the autism diagnosis came up I think we had this point one evening when I said what are we gonna do if he’s really autistic and my husband just said ‘then we make him the best little autistic boy he could be,’ " Dr. Cantor said. > > There are about 25 children enrolled full time in the ProMedica early intervention program with Zachary, said Ms. Schlotterer. There are 13 behavioral therapists who work with the children in groups or one-on-one helping them develop the skills they are lacking when they come in the door. > > The therapists use a program called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with the children, a technique that uses positive reinforcement and teaches them basic and complex skills – a technique that is backed by years of scientific research, she said. > > When the center opened it was the first in the area to use ABA therapy for children and there is a waiting list for children to get into the program, she said. There are now other programs in Lucas County that have board-certified behavior analysts on staff which is a very important question for parents to ask when they are choosing an intervention program for their child, said Catina Harding, executive director of The Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism. > > ABA programs are considered the gold standard in autism services, but many such programs in the area have a waiting list, Ms. Harding said. > > Dr. Cantor said even though she is a ProMedica employee, she was not aware of the autism program before Zachary’s speech therapist recommended it. > > “I could really see where parents would struggle with knowing who to contact. It requires a lot of time on the parents’ part for appointments and time off of work and all those things,” she said. > > Zachary’s first year in this program has been “life changing” for her family, Dr. Cantor said. > > “He probably had about 50 words that were kind of words when he started. There were probably only 15 or 20 that the average person would recognize as a word. During the first few weeks he came home all of the sudden, he was like ‘I love you mommy’ or ‘I love you daddy’ and it was like we never heard that before and after just a couple months,” she said. > > Zachary’s father said a year ago he was nervous about taking him out to public places like ball games or the store because he would get frustrated easily. He would scream, run, bite, and throw tantrums, Mr. Shaffer said. > > His behavior has improved so drastically that Mr. Shaffer, who is a stay-at-home father, now takes both kids out in public with no fear. “You can see that it’s starting to connect. He’s putting it together. You can just see it in his eyes that something’s going on,” Mr. Shaffer said. > > In fact, Zachary has now surpassed his twin sister in some developmental skills, he said. > > “It’s just mind boggling. It has given us hope that he can learn and be happy,” Dr. Cantor said. > > The ABA-based early intervention program offered at ProMedica’s Autism Center is intensive, but it is also quite expensive. The cost is more than $37,000 per year for the full day program and the center recently added a half-day program that runs about $20,000 a year, Ms. Harding said. > > When a child reaches the age of 3, families can apply for help to defray the cost of intervention programs through an autism scholarship fund administered by the Ohio Department of Education. Those who qualify can receive as much as $27,000 to help pay for these types of programs, Dr. Cantor said. > > Ohio is one of a few states in the United States that has not passed autism intervention insurance reform that would allow health insurance plans to cover some of the costs of such a progam, Ms. Schlotterer said. > > “Forty-one other states plus D.C. have done it. Michigan has it. It covers ABA intensive therapy so ProMedica is starting a program at its Bixby Hospital in Michigan. They will be able to bill all of their intervention through insurance,” she said. > > In Ohio, families can use health insurance to help pay for speech, language, and occupational therapy depending on their health plan, Ms. Harding said. There is a huge gap in Ohio, however, for children under 3 years old who are not eligible for the Ohio scholarship fund which is a major problem as children are being diagnosed with autism as early as 18 months old. > > “It is expensive. I could see where for some families that the cost would be a factor,” Dr. Cantor said. > > She said in the case of her son, early intervention at the age of 2 has been crucial to his rapid improvement and development. > > “If we would have waited until kindergarten or until someone saw an issue within the school district, we would have missed an opportunity and I know that early intervention is the key. I know that cost makes it very scary for parents because it’s like what if he’s not? What if it’s a wrong diagnosis, you know? I think it’s just worth it,” she said. Here is a link to a video on a fundraiser for the _Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuhgWYYGhQQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuhgWYYGhQQ) (source: [Tackling autism in children - Blade (Toledo, OH), 9/7/2015 Tarrant Cares, Texas](http://tarrant.tx.networkofcare.org/dd/news-article-detail.aspx?id=63896)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2016, 3:40am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/739 "2016-08-21T03:40:46Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. _Share A Vision_ is a Mentor, Ohio-based nonprofit that aims to provide recreational activities for individuals with Autism and other challenges. Christy LaPaglia, president of _Share A Vision_ is also director of the local Mentor CARES (Cardinal Autism Resource and Education School) Program… > [@](#): > > A Lake County school for autism recently received its very own therapy dog. > “When I play with him, he does make me feel happy,” said Deion Chapek, of Chardon. > Students with Autism at the Mentor CARES …Program are lining up to spend time with Buster, a 5-month-old Cane Corso mix. > Buster was rescued from Cleveland’s Animal Protective League to become the school’s very own therapy dog. > “He is my dog, but the students here believe 100 percent that he is their dog,” said Christy Lapaglia, director of the CARES program at Mentor public schools. > Lapaglia rescued Buster so he could train to become a therapy dog at her school. > Last year, Mentor CARES had two therapy dogs that came in twice a month, but now they have Buster and he’s there four days a week to try to make the kids happier. > “We have students that are so motivated to do their work to get time to spend with Buster. Buster is also learning some commands, and the children are learning to use their language skills to give those commands,” said Lapaglia. > Twenty-five students with autism from Lake and surrounding counties attend the Mentor CARES program. > The students now all get personal time to spend with the playful puppy. Alison Krema is a speech and language pathologist at the Mentor CARES program and said Buster is making a difference in the students’ lives. > “Some kids are just working on combining words with their language, so saying ‘Buster come’, putting two words together like that is a big deal for some of these kids, so working on combining their words to make longer sentences,” said Alison Krema, of the CARES program. > Buster is just a puppy, but as he gets older and receives more training he’ll be able to help the students even more. Here is a link to a video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEfsBNU0lx8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEfsBNU0lx8) (source: [Rescued Pup Helping Students with Autism | fox8.com](http://fox8.com/2013/03/19/rescued-pup-helping-students-with-autism/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2016, 4:08am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/740 "2016-08-22T04:08:53Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area of Ohio. To the south, Stark County in Ohio is home to its own an annual ‘Walk Now for Autism Speaks’. The annual Autism awareness event and fundraiser is for _Autism Speaks_, North America’s leading Autism science and advocacy organisation… > [@](#): > > Over 800 families and individuals joined Autism Speaks for its 3rd annual Stark County _Walk Now for Autism Speaks_ event on Sunday, October 5th… Walk day was a very chilly morning, but teams and walkers came out to show their support and increase awareness in a BIG way with their team shirts and signs. Stark County area families have helped to raise over $30,000 for the 2014 Walk Now for Autism Speaks and donations are still coming in! > > The day included a wonderful community resource fair of veteran and new supporters representing 10 community organizations and service providers. Also, joining the festivities were Pozzie from the Canton Charge and Webster from the Akron Rubber Ducks. The …Autism Speaks Cement Truck, Plain Twp. Firetruck, and City of Canton SWAT van were also on-site for the kiddos to tour and take pictures on. Children loved the opportunity to build a wooden craft at the Home Depot table. Castle on a Cloud performers included Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Belle and Beast, and Ariel who wowed the crowd with their morning performance of hits from their Disney movies. The En-Rich-Ment Drum line performed and led off the walk after Alex Hale spoke about his I’m Possible Dream and sang… > > The committee raffle included many donated gift baskets and over two dozen gift cards to local business and restaurants which raised over $500 for the walk! > > Local service provider and Team Golden Key recruited over 40 people to their team and helped to countdown to the start of the walk where the Stark County committee cut the ribbon with Geoffrey from Toys R Us. The one mile walk went through Stadium Park where walkers enjoyed the beautiful scenery and fall leaves beginning to change. By walking a mile today, we hope to find more pieces to the puzzle tomorrow. > > Thank you to the 2014 sponsors including Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA), the Holiday Inn in Canton, and National Philanthropy Partner Alpha Xi Delta. Our food partners included Solutions Behavioral Consulting, Starbucks in Canton, Angry BBQ, White Castle, Subway, and Target. > > Special thanks to all of the amazing volunteers that helped with set-up and to all of the families and teams that helped to make walk day a home run! Here is a link to a video where from last year’s walk where a young girl on the Autism Spectrum sings the US National Anthem: [13 reactions | Aradia Hoskinson, a beautiful little angel on the Autism Spectrum did us the honor of singing the National Anthem at this year's walk. Isn't she wonderful!?! #starkwalk2015 | Autism Speaks - Stark County](https://www.facebook.com/CantonWalk/videos/719443611525153/) (source: [https://www.autismspeaks.org/news/news-item/stark-county-walk-now-autism-speaks-recap](https://www.autismspeaks.org/news/news-item/stark-county-walk-now-autism-speaks-recap)) [Previous page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=36) [Next page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=38)