# '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:** 46
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2017, 6:33am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/901 "2017-01-25T06:33:35Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. _Easter Seals of Southeastern Pennsylvania_ is a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that provides services to children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, throughout the five-county area. The nonprofit’s services are provided by an amazing team that works closely and passionately to help every child it serves gain greater independence… > [@](#): > > Walk With Me is our biggest event, yet our Honorary Ambassadors and their families, and everyone who comes out to support them, make it the most personal. Walk With Me is an amazing day at the Philadelphia Zoo that has impact that lasts all year long. > > One of our ambassadors this year is Reggie. > > …Meet Reggie…. > > Reggie has a laugh so great that just hearing it will make you smile. And lucky for us, this sweet five-year-old loves to laugh! So much so, that he will actually put your hands in his favorite tickle spots. Reggie has autism, which can make communication a challenge, but when it comes to what he wants, he knows how to make it happen. Reggie has been attending Easter Seals autistic support class since he was three. Since then he has become much more social, learned to dress himself and has gone from the boy who avoided touching things to just plain unstoppable! When he isn’t wowing teachers and therapists at Easter Seals with his progress and ever-happy personality you can find him doing some of his favorite things. He loves visiting as many parks with his mom as possible and taking a spin on his awesome big wheel with his dad. Reggie loves to be outside! But when he is home, there is nothing better than pizza and singing and dancing along with Mickey! Here is a link to photos: [https://www.facebook.com/pg/Eastersealsofsepa/photos/?ref=page\_internal](https://www.facebook.com/pg/Eastersealsofsepa/photos/?ref=page_internal) (source: [https://easterseals-sepa.com/2014/05/07/meet-reggie/](https://easterseals-sepa.com/2014/05/07/meet-reggie/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2017, 5:19am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/902 "2017-01-26T05:19:52Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. _The Barn at Spring Brook Farm_ is a West Chester, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit whose mission is to enrich the lives of children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, through animal-assisted activities. _The Barn_ achieves its mission through three main programs: Individual Programs, Camp Geronimo and Educational Field Trips… > [@](#): > > Mary Clayton watched her daughter, Alannah, 10, stride confidently through the Barn at Spring Brook Farm and head to the pasture to walk her favorite miniature horse, Dreamer, while telling the filly about the week that had passed since her last visit. > > Dreamer’s half-sister, Chestnut, eyed the two pals, then walked purposefully toward Sugar, an emotionally needy miniature Sicilian donkey, which started shrieking at earsplitting volume. > Alannah kept her cool. “You’re not going near that donkey,” she told Chestnut, and led her away until Sugar stopped screaming. Returning to Dreamer, she explained, “They get a little jealous.” And with that, Alannah and Dreamer walked on, heads together, in the afternoon sun. > > Clayton said her daughter, whose autism was diagnosed when she was 3, was a quiet, withdrawn child who lacked the skills to develop friendships before she started coming to the Barn, in Pocopson Township, Chester County, five years ago. > "Her first time here, Alannah stood in the field and hugged Dreamer and said, ‘Hi. I’m Alannah,’ " recalled Clayton, of Glen Mills. “She smiled a big smile. She went from a flat affect to that smile on her first day.” > Alannah is among 300 children with disabilities, ages 2 to 12, who enjoy animal-assisted activities at the Barn in weekly hour-long visits, supervised one-on-one by 300 volunteers in fall, spring, and summer camp sessions. > > Many return year after year, living the dream of the nonprofit’s founder, Mary Beth Drobish. After her husband, Bob, died in 2003, she wandered their 17-acre farm, asking herself what she’d do with the rest of her life. > She walked into a pasture and posed the question to her beloved Arabian mare, Aziza. “I love animals,” Drobish told Aziza. “I love children.” The black horse listened. Something happened. > “I had an epiphany!” a smiling Drobish recalled recently. “I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh! Build a barn!’ I couldn’t find something to draw on, so I grabbed a paper towel and a pencil and began to sketch.” > By 2006, the Barn was done, a big, modern building housing horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, and a potbellied pig in ground-floor stalls that open onto a fenced pasture, and a spacious play and educational area on the second floor. > > …“Kids don’t ride horses here,” Drobish said. “They feed and groom and exercise the animals.” In the process, they emerge from years of solitude and insecurity to improve everything from gross motor skills to task management. > Two years ago, Pocopson Township supervisors threatened to close the Barn unless 33 alterations were made to satisfy property code requirements. The community came to the rescue, donating $100,000 and providing volunteer and low-cost help… > > …On Saturday, Drobish will celebrate the Barn’s 10th birthday …where supporters in jeans, boots and cowboy hats will dance to the Summit Hill Bluegrass Band and, at $100 a ticket, contribute to its privately funded $332,000 budget. > The nonprofit offers financial aid to help pay the fees. No one is turned away for inability to pay. > Hundreds of parents like Clayton are grateful the place was saved. > “When Alannah came to the Barn,” Clayton said, “she would use single words to communicate what she wanted. . . . She would get frustrated and could not explain what was bothering her.” > On Alannah’s first day five years ago, her one-on-one volunteer, Evelyn Norton, a retired dietitian from West Chester, asked, “Do you think Dreamer wants to go for a walk? Can you help me put the harness on?” > That, Clayton said, was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, one that helped make her daughter the communicative girl she is today. > “She’d sit with the rabbits and tell them, ‘I went to school today. I like music. Do you want me to sing you a song? Do you want a lullaby?’ She’d sing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.’ We discovered she has perfect pitch.” > Most important, she said, is that her daughter discovered confidence. “She knows she has autism,” Clayton said. "Before coming here, she wanted to keep to herself. Here, you’re not judged. So she lets down her guard. She’s much more willing to engage and seek out friendships now. She has something to talk about with her peers at Garnet Valley Elementary School. > “She’s a little miracle,” Clayton said. “She has a beautiful heart, a beautiful mind, a beautiful soul.” Here is a link to a video of some music therapy at _The Barn at Spring Brook Farm_ from over a year ago: > **[16 reactions | Our campers are loving Music this week! Thanks Tempo! Music...](https://www.facebook.com/TheBarnatSpringBrookFarm/videos/941439022566126/)** > > Our campers are loving Music this week! Thanks Tempo! Music Therapy Services offering Music Together for sharing Katie with us! (source: [At The Barn, farm animals give kids with disabilities a boost](http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20161021_At_The_Barn__farm_animals_give_kids_with_disabilities_a_boost.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2017, 8:20am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/903 "2017-01-27T08:20:52Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. _The Focus Foundation_ is a Hanover, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit with a mission to help individuals with Autism and various other challenges to reach their full potential. The nonprofit helps these individuals by offering a variety of services, which include community inclusion activities, group outings, housing and employment opportunities, and a variety of other services… > [@](#): > > If you went to the first Mystic Faire of Gettysburg and thought the circus was in town, you wouldn’t have been wrong. > > That was the point, said Nicholas Mudgett, the president of Focus Foundation. > > The Focus Foundation specializes in offering resources [including] to children …on the autism spectrum. …This festival is a start to raising awareness and building connections in the community. > > “Sometimes you see people with autism and they feel out of place because they dress and act different,” Mudgett said. “We wanted to do something where no matter what, how they dress, how they act, they feel comfortable fitting right in.” > > The festival had acts such as hypnotists, magicians, dancers and a puppeteer, as well as musical entertainment ranging from folk to classic rock. Workshops taught festival-goers skills like bagpiping, spray paint art and juggling, and vendors were stationed throughout the event, located at Battlefield Harley-Davidson in Gettysburg. > > Cindy Brewer was watching her son, Tyler Brewer, enjoy a puppet show. The opportunity to come out and make connections is what led her to the event, despite the rain, she said. > > “You can get so used to a routine. This was nice because it was different and gave him a chance to meet new people and make friends,” she said. > > Those that worked at the festival had their faces painted, their hair dyed and wore clothes of all different colors. The point of the different clothing is to show it’s okay to be different, Mudgett said. > > “If you walked around right now, you probably couldn’t pick out one of our clients, and I can see four or five,” he said. > > Jim Bryan was a volunteer at a tent where different comedy acts were taking place. His wife, who works in the Focus Foundation, urged him to volunteer at the festival, he said. It didn’t take a lot of convincing. > > “I know this is for a good cause,” he said. “This is kind of a forgotten demographic that needs help.” Here is a link to photos from the nonprofit: [https://www.facebook.com/pg/focusfoundationofpennsylvania/photos/](https://www.facebook.com/pg/focusfoundationofpennsylvania/photos/) (source: [Mystic Faire of Gettysburg connects those with autism](http://www.flipsidepa.com/story/entertainment/events/gettysburg/2015/09/12/mystic-faire-gettysburg-connects-those-autism/73565414/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2017, 5:10am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/904 "2017-01-28T05:10:28Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. _Summit Health_ is a non-profit healthcare system located in south-central Pennsylvania. For the last few years, _Summit Health_ has helped to sponsor an Autism awareness fair in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, held in September… > [@](#): > > …Dr. Stephen Flack and his wife, Tracie, of [Franklin County], know all too well the challenges involved with raising a child with autism. > > …Inspired by his son, Stephen Flack, a physician with Summit Primary Care, organized an annual Autism Awareness Fair to create awareness of the disorder. > > “People who have a child or other family member with autism sometimes feel like they are alone, grasping for information or resources as they search for ways to understand it and how they can help their loved one,” he said. > > More than 430 people attended this year’s 10th annual Autism Awareness Fair on Saturday… > > The free fair featured games; sensory activities including a rice table and shaving-cream station; pony rides; food; and information from more than 45 autism experts. > > The fair is meant to be a resource for people so they can learn about available services, Tracie Flack said. > > “It’s also where the kids can have fun. …everybody understands” she said. > > Stephen Flack said another important feature of the fair was to encourage interaction between typically developing kids and kids on the spectrum. > > “I think it’s good for them to experience someone that might be different from them. That’s one of the goals,” Flack said. “People are comfortable just to be how they are at the fair.” > > Outside in the sensory area, Bryce Beck and his sister, Joann, 3, of Chambersburg, sifted through mounds of rice with their hands. > > Bryce and Joann’s mother, Kyla Thompson, said her children were diagnosed with autism at age 3. > > “They are just like everybody else. Just treat them like they are normal kids,” Thompson said. “Just because they have certain challenges doesn’t mean that they need to be treated any different.” > > Budding drummer Jelaen Lester, 2, of Hagerstown, was testing out his drumming skills at the music-therapy station inside the school. > > Jelaen’s mother …said her son, who was diagnosed with autism a year ago, loves playing the drums. > > She came to the fair to interact with other parents who have children with autism and gain some information. > > “I honestly didn’t know this many people would be here,” Powell said. “You learn a lot. There’s always something to learn.” Here is a link to photos from last year’s Autism awareness event in Franklin County, Pennsylvania from just over four months ago: [https://www.facebook.com/summithealth/posts/10154269757060432](https://www.facebook.com/summithealth/posts/10154269757060432) (source: [Chambersburg autism fair lets kids have fun, parents learn | Pennsylvania | heraldmailmedia.com](http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/tri_state/pennsylvania/chambersburg-autism-fair-lets-kids-have-fun-parents-learn/article_af82b352-7ddf-11e6-9540-2ba6c55ecb8a.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2017, 7:26am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/905 "2017-01-29T07:26:24Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. The _Chambersburg Area School District_ (_CASD_) is a public school district located in Franklin County, Pennsylvania that includes the townships of Hamilton, Greene, Lurgan, and Letterkenny, and a portion of Guilford Township. For the last few years, the _District_ has hosted its second annual Autism Walk to benefit the district’s Autism-support classrooms and students… > [@](#): > > Students, staff and parents from [CASD] lapped the high school track Thursday on World Autism Awareness Day. > > “A lot of organizations complete national autism walks,” said Lauren Zima, supervisor of autism services. “But with working with our autism parent advisory committee here with the [CASD], we thought it’d be important to have a walk where the funds would go directly to supporting our students with autism.” > > Sponsored by the [CASD] Foundation, the walk also featured food and activities for students. There were inflatable bounce houses, soccer, exhibitors’ displays, live music, and a trailer containing video game consoles. > > Zima said the walk’s fundraising goal was $12,000. > > “This year, the funds are going to be allocated to sending all our autism support teachers to the National Autism Conference in Penn State,” she said. > > School board member Phillip Miracle volunteered in several capacities at the event. > > “It’s always great to be around kids who have a lot of joy,” he said. > > Volunteers, many of whom were National Honor Society students, helped children with autism make ‘calm down bottles.’ The water bottles filled with oil, glitter and food coloring serve to calm down children as they watch ingredients separate and settle. > > Access-equipment manufacturer JLG contributed $2,500 to the fundraiser. > > …Katie Mickey of [Franklin County] encouraged her mother and brother …to extend their visit to attend the autism walk. Black and Hutchison live in North Carolina and planned to leave [Franklin County] earlier in the week. > > …Mickey’s 5-year-old son, Thomas, is a kindergarten student at Fayetteville Elementary School in an autism support classroom. > > “I’m all about spreading awareness all that I can,” she said, saying her relationship with her son prompted her to pursue a college degree in special education. > > …Every year, approximately 100 incoming kindergarteners have individualized education programs, or IEPs, Zima said. Of those, 13 to 17 percent have autism diagnoses, she said. Here is a link to a video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efwpc6\_2dbA&t=399s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efwpc6_2dbA&t=399s) (source: [Chambersburg Area School District Foundation hosts autism walk | Pennsylvania | heraldmailmedia.com](http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/tri_state/pennsylvania/chambersburg-area-school-district-foundation-hosts-autism-walk/article_4f40f3a6-d989-11e4-80d1-bfa6a9f494fa.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2017, 7:37am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/906 "2017-01-30T07:37:23Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. _White Clay Learning Center_ is a Chester County, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit school that serves children from kindergarten age, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The _Center_’s uniquely dynamic teaching team, which includes fully certified Behavioral and Special Education specialists, as well as Therapists, combine the best of an enriching custom- created and an evidence-based intervention curriculum, in order to provide children with the optimal plan for their specific learning style… > [@](#): > > It was out of absolute frustration, built up over several years, that led Leo Sticinski to pull his son Stosh from the school he had been attending last year and enter him in the White Clay Learning Center in [Chester County]. Now, a year later, what had once been a maddening journey to find the right learning environment for Stosh has turned into magic. > > For several years, Stosh, who has an auditory processing condition caused by autism, had been mainstreamed in the Wilmington public school system through the Delaware Autism Program. By the time he’d reached the 8th grade, his test scores were remaining stagnant, and at one meeting to discuss Stosh’s progress, Leo sat in a room of therapists and pathologists and began to ask questions. > > “I asked them, ‘What are we doing differently?’” Leo recalled. “I told them, 'You guys are the experts. This is your field of expertise. Please tell me what new things you’re going to try. I would get blank stares. Stosh would come home from school and this normally happy boy would sit still for three hours every afternoon and cry, because he couldn’t grasp what he was trying to learn in school.” > > When he and his wife met with Andrea Shoap, White Clay Learning Center’s founder and director, they shared Josh’ Stosh’s story, but rather than blank stares, they heard, for the first time, that an individualized educational plan would be developed that was defined by Stosh’s needs, not by standards set by an overall system. That was all the Sticinski’s needed to hear. They enrolled their son at the school last year, and saw that in one year, Stosh reading level had skyrocketed from a 5th-grade level to an 8th-grade level. > > There is an oversized poster of a map of the world that partially obscures a chalkboard in Shoap’s office at the White Clay Learning Center, and in many ways, it represents the global thinking behind the school’s curriculum – one that has been personally tailored to each individual student since the school’s beginning in 1993. Over the course of the last 20 years, the school has earned an outstanding reputation as an alternative approach to learning, with individualized educational plans for each of the 22-25 students who attend the Learning Center each year. > > Originally founded to serve as an alternative approach to education, the educational mission of the school has evolved to provide learning opportunities for children with mild to moderate learning differences challenges [including] students on the autism spectrum who, because of their atypical learning styles, have difficulty in school. Each student who comes to White Clay Learning Center learns through an individualized core curriculum that combines reading, vocabulary, math and thematic and integrated learning activities. In addition, White Clay provides a broad range of intervention therapy sessions which can include a gross motor yoga class, pragmatic language sessions and lego therapy sessions. Throughout the year, students’ progress is assessed and monitored by Shoap, Learning Center teachers, behavioral consultant specialists, speech therapists and psychologists. Although the youngest students can arrive at the Learning Center at kindergarten age, the majority first attend during the fourth, fifth or sixth grade – usually after their parents have exhausted all other avenues. > > “Each child who comes through our doors has found learning failure elsewhere,” Shoap said. “We’re often the second or third place for parents who share frustrations. We tell these parents, ‘We are not asking your child to fit into our box. We’re creating the shape of success around your child.’” > > After she received a degree in Education from Penn State, Shoap taught in the Avon Grove and Kennett Consolidated School districts for a few years, as well as spending two years overseas… It was during these years, that she became disillusioned by large classroom sizes. She saw that her creative energies were limited. Teaching young people had became too mechanized. Everything was too large. School systems were obsessed with meeting educational standards. The educational system, she saw, was a huge machine that did not connect a teacher with creative ideas on how to engage young people. > > Soon after the first of her three children was born in 1992, Shoap spent a year planting the seeds that would become, at first, a support center for home-schooled children. …Since 2009, the White Clay Learning Center has been on 250 New Garden Road in [Chester County]. > > During this time, the breadth of the school has expanded… > > “The bottom line came when my children were younger, and I wanted them to have a different recipe for learning,” Shoap said. “I wanted my kids to learn in a more academic, enriched and meaningful environment with a lot of creative energy surrounding them.” > > In the early years of the Learning Center, Shoap said that she got resistance from those who could not see beyond the finite vision of what an early education should look like, but relied on the support of her husband and a few parents whom she said understood her teaching methods and embraced her teaching philosophy. > > “This was a huge leap of faith for these few parents, and especially for my husband who helped me with years of creative financing, meeting endless code specifications of our buildings, and trusting me with our children throughout this long endeavour.” Shoap said. “This huge leap of faith from him, my children and these families, and is a big part of the reason why we’re still here.” > > Perhaps the most crucial component of the curriculum at White Clay Learning Center happens when the subject becomes the ‘Real World.’ Every year, students receive life skills classes, which include shopping in the community, preparing meals and learning how to make financial transactions. > …Close to home, the school delivers complete Thanksgiving dinners to six area families. > > “I’ve always found it so perplexing when I hear parents say that it is the large public school environment that most duplicates the real world for their kids. The ‘Real World’ setting is five or six people of different backgrounds, ages and creative abilities coming together and working together,” Shoap said. “That is the critical element that these children need, and that is what you see here.” > > …Stosh Sticinski will attend White Clay Learning Center four days a week, and work on his studies one day a week from home. > > “For Stosh to go through four more years of public school was unthinkable,” Leo said. "After meeting with Andrea, we felt that this school has created a curriculum that thinks outside the box, in an attempt to reach these kids so that they can learn. For me, being able to know that when he sits down to do work, I won’t see the frustration on his face is remarkable. > > “Stosh tells me, ‘Dad, I cant thank you enough for sending me to this new school. I’m so happy here,’” Leo added. “To see your kids being happy in school, what else what can top that?” > > Although Shoap is uncertain what the next 20 years will look like at the Learning Center, she is confident in the belief that the school will continue to abide by its mission. > > …“We need to do our duty to the individual, and the individual will eventually give back. Whatever label that society may want to put on our students, we provide a learning environment so that they can be a contributing, empowered member of society and make a difference. Our job is to lift them up and help them find their strengths.” Here is a link to a video from the _White Clay Learning Center_: [https://www.facebook.com/whiteclaylearningcenter/videos/1030589783700821/](https://www.facebook.com/whiteclaylearningcenter/videos/1030589783700821/) (source: [Empowering students for the larger world | Landenberg Today](http://www.landenbergtoday.com/2015/01/03/56830/empowering-students-for-the-larger-world)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2017, 7:58am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/907 "2017-01-31T07:58:57Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. To the south, _PAWS for People_ (_Pet Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services_) is a Newark, Delaware-based nonprofit volunteer organization that provides one-on-one pet visitation/therapy services to individuals and facilities throughout Delaware and parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The _PAWS_ Autism Initiative is an extension of the core program, with specially trained and certified therapy teams who work with children with Autism… > [@](#): > > It all began with a birthday party. A mom called PAWS for People with a request for a therapy team to attend her three-year-old’s birthday party. Because PAWS doesn’t do entertainment, the first response was “Sorry, but no thank you.” But, when the mom told Lynne Robinson, executive director of PAWS, that the child had autism and that most of the party’s guests were also autistic, the picture changed. Three therapy teams attended with 3 dogs: small, medium and large. The results were amazing: many of the children who had previously been afraid of dogs, ended up petting, hugging and totally loving the dogs. This seemingly inauspicious event marked the start of the PAWS Autism Initiative that has been enormously successful. > > Parents from the party began calling for therapy teams to help their children and it soon became obvious that PAWS was filling a growing need in the community. Susan Pfadt, a PAWS member and an experienced professional in developmental disabilities, helped write the training that all PAWS teams must complete in order to work with children with Autism. Autism presents itself differently in each child and each child’s needs are unique. However, all children diagnosed with Autism have significant problems with communications and social interaction. Some have difficulties with self-stimulation repetitive behaviors that interfere with their ability to interact with others. That’s why specialized training is so critical. > > Today, 8 PAWS therapy teams offer services by Special Request as well as visit the Brennan School, Newark, DE, where those most severely affected go to school. Here, Pfadt evaluates each child to identify his or her specific needs; she then develops individual protocols so that the PAWS teams are equipped to personalize their interactions in each classroom. > > The results speak for themselves: At the school, a uncommunicative child who only spoke in phrases began using the dog’s name, remembering it and talking regularly to him. > > …“It has been so gratifying to see how well these children respond to our therapy dogs and cats,” says Stephanie Barry, director, PAWS Autism Initiative. “When you see a child who has been previously unresponsive, uncommunicative and disinterested, open up and begin to smile, speak and interact with a therapy dog, it takes your breath away.”… Here is a link to a video from _PAWS for People_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2vhgcQS\_Vg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2vhgcQS_Vg) (source: [https://townsquaredelaware.com/2013/08/29/children-with-autism-touched-by-the-touch-of-a-paw/](https://townsquaredelaware.com/2013/08/29/children-with-autism-touched-by-the-touch-of-a-paw/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2017, 8:36am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/908 "2017-02-01T08:36:58Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. Serving students from Kindergarten, the _Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School_, headquartered in Midland, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest, most experienced, and most successful online public schools in the nation. The _Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School_ is open for enrollment by any school-age child residing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and does not charge tuition to students or families… > [@](#): > > “I looked through my window and saw a train standing perfectly still in front of my house.” > > The story was ‘The Polar Express,’ and the narrator reciting it perfectly from memory …was [Pennsylvania] Cyber Charter School student Brandon Kaup. > > A small group of young children was seated in front of him at the [Pennsylvania] Cyber Greensburg office, listening intently as Brandon told the story from beginning to end, complete with different voices for the various characters, vocal inflections to convey the wonder and excitement felt by the boy in the story… > > An uncanny ability for memorization is perhaps the only gift that autism has given to Brandon. The disadvantages of being on the autism spectrum are many, and great. > > At age 13, Brandon is nominally in sixth grade, but this spring has just completed second grade and started on third grade-level classes. According to his mother Barbara Kaup, since enrolling in [Pennsylvania] Cyber three years ago Brandon has made steady progress. That’s in sharp contrast to the “two steps forward, three steps back” experiences he had in both traditional and special classroom schools. > > In classroom schools, she said, “he was frustrated, overwhelmed. He was spending so much of his energy trying to hold it together. With the sensory overload from the noise and social demands, learning became secondary. He was trying to survive and get through the day.” > > …Barb and Jason Kaup were living in Florida when Brandon was diagnosed with autism a week before his third birthday. > > They soon found, Barb said, that the State of Florida provides very little for autistic children through schools and social service agencies. > > “I quit my job once he was diagnosed, and I started doing some of the ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapies on him myself. They tell you these kids need 40 hours a week of therapy. There was no way we could afford to pay privately for the services he needed,” she said. > > Their research showed that Pennsylvania, their home state, does a much better job of helping kids with autism make the grade. Jason found employment here, and along with younger daughter Jocelyn (now 10), the family moved to New Stanton, not far from Barb’s hometown of Greensburg. > > For four years they worked with public school officials to find a learning situation that would keep Brandon on track. > > “We tried just about every school setting out there: autistic support classrooms, learning support classrooms, specialized autism school and mainstream classrooms. Some things were more successful than others,” Barb said. “When he had the right supports he did great. We held our breath every year. The second year in mainstream he had different staff and it all fell apart. Watching him regress ? that was hard when we know what he can do. He’s bright. He can learn.” > > …Brandon’s parents felt he would do better in classes conducted at home, away from the distractions of a brick-and-mortar classroom, but the idea of home schooling an autistic child without a real school’s curriculum, teachers and support structure was daunting. They decided to try PA Cyber, and it turned out to be just the ticket. > > “This is his third year at [Pennsylvania] Cyber. It has actually been wonderful,” his mother said. ?For the first time he has a truly individualized IEP (individualized educational Plan). He continues to get speech therapy and occupational therapy. He qualified for more support than what he was getting in traditional schools, which is nice." > > In a traditional classroom school, it would be tough for a sixth grader to study second or third grade material. [Pennsylvania] Cyber’s flexibility allows instruction to be tailored to the student’s needs, and not dictated by calendar age and social promotion. > > “Through PA Cyber, Brandon has gotten more supports for curriculum and his adaptations to it. He was given more time to complete the curriculum. That was the big one,” his mom said. > > Brittany Cilli was Brandon’s instructional supervisor when he first came to PA Cyber. “I was able to call her when he was struggling with a concept. She was wonderful. She suggested how to present it, how to reinforce it. She was my main go-to person,” Barb said. > > This year, Stephanie Tierno is Brandon’s academic adviser and Ed Gorman is his special education teacher. Ed is the main contact, communicating regularly with Barb by phone and email. > > “Brandon’s a great kid,” Ed said. “His progress has been slow, but has been significant this school year especially. We match the curriculum to his ability level and give him extra time when he needs it…” > > …Brandon comes to [Pennsylvania] Cyber’s Greensburg regional office twice a week for speech and occupational therapy supplied through PA Cyber. He is a regular at student family events hosted there, such as the Radio Disney rallies and back to school parties. His sister Jocelyn often joins in the fun when not in her classroom school. > > Therapeutic support staff from the Family Behavioral Resources agency in North Huntington visit Brandon at the Kaup home to work with him on social skills… The frequency of the visits has decreased because he needs them less. > > Well-meaning people warned the Kaups that educating Brandon at home in cyber school would not provide the socialization a child needs. That has proven not to be true. > > Brandon regularly comes in for enrichment classes in addition to his therapy sessions. “He has done quite a few of the ArtReach classes and even a musical theatre class,” his mom said. “His social skills have increased dramatically.” > > “When Brandon first began coming in to the Greensburg office, he wouldn’t even look at me,” said receptionist Danielle Pityk. “Now he always talks with me and tells me jokes. He’s such a sweet guy.” > > …“There is a great quote that I have hung on our classroom wall here at home that I use as my guide: ‘Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding,’” said Barb. > > She said Brandon himself has guided her. "By following his lead, he has shown us abilities and strengths that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. We try to capitalize on his strengths and use them to help him achieve things that most people thought he never would achieve. > > “Working with him at home has given me the flexibility to present material to Brandon in a way that better suits his learning style. For example, I’m able to incorporate his favorite TV characters or puppets into our lessons to engage him and keep his attention. I’m able to provide lots of visual supports and hands-on learning into his lessons.” > > The story told in ‘The Polar Express’ is about a boy who goes on a delightful journey to a magical destination, overcoming the warnings of a ‘realist’ friend who told him the destination he sought does not exist. > > The point of the story is that the boy’s belief made the difference in reaching the destination and receiving the gift he wanted so much. Perhaps that’s why this story holds a magical attraction for Brandon Kaup, a boy on a difficult journey of his own. Here is a link to a video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpM8VONP75A](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpM8VONP75A) (source: [Battling autism, Brandon on right track at PA Cyber | PA Cyber](http://www.pacyber.org/news/article/?Battling-autism-Brandon-on-right-track-at-PA-Cyber-54)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2017, 8:26am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/909 "2017-02-02T08:26:33Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. A ShopRite supermarket, opened last year in Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, has set up a special lane for those with special needs kids, especially Autism. Candy usually all stacked and ready for a last-minute impulse buy at the urging of these kids is nowhere to be found at counter 14… > [@](#): > > A new ShopRite supermarket in Brookhaven, Penn., is the first retailer in the United States to provide a unique service to its customers: an autistic-friendly checkout lane. > > Kristin Jackowski, a mother with an autistic 5-year-old daughter named NavyAnna, says shopping trips can be difficult, especially while waiting in the checkout lane. Her daughter, Jackowski explains, often experiences over-stimulation when confronted with the ubiquitous candy and gum displays. > > …When this happens, they “have encountered judgement from other customers and employees,” …Jackowski says she “could do without [this behavior], because the situation is already hard enough.” > > After giving the issue some thought, it occurred to Jackowski to appeal to retailer Target to rework at least one checkout lane in their stores that would have sensory-friendly items and a cashier who is educated about autism. > > Though she says her local Target store managers expressed interest in her idea, Jackowski was told that such a change would require a directive from corporate. > > Fortunately, Jackowski’s mission was not fruitless. Upon hearing about her attempt to change Target’s policy, Paul Kourtis, the director of a Pennsylvania ShopRite, decided to educate himself on how autistic individuals process and deal with stimulation. With his newfound awareness, Kourtis realized he could implement Jackowski’s idea at his Brookhaven store. > > “It was easy to do,” Kourtis says. After the store owner approved the plan, Kourtis says he “just merchandized the aisle correctly with sensory-friendly objects. No candy whatsoever.” Instead, there are items like rattles, small puzzles, stress balls and Play-Doh. > > Even customers who do not have autistic children have told Kourtis that they think ‘it’s a great idea’ after recognizing the autism puzzle piece icon above the lane. > > “We’re happy to do it. I have 18 checkouts at the store. If I lose one for a good cause, that’s perfectly OK,” Kourtis explains. “Anything to provide our customers with a safe and friendly shopping experience, I say let’s do it.” > > ShopRite is a Northeast supermarket retail cooperative; every location is individually owned. > > Autism [is] finally gaining mainstream recognition from the general American public… Here is a link to a video: [3.1K views · 69 reactions | We were so happy with the turnout on our first day yesterday! Thank you to everyone who stopped by and made our newest Burns Family ShopRite a reality! Also big thanks to Philabundance for the continued community support. We couldn't have picked a better cause! | ShopRite of Brookhaven](https://www.facebook.com/ShopRite.Brookhaven/videos/1766813600270274/) (source: [This Supermarket Just Installed An Autism-Friendly Checkout Lane | Care2 Causes](http://www.care2.com/causes/this-supermarket-just-installed-an-autism-friendly-checkout-lane.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2017, 8:29am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/910 "2017-02-03T08:29:28Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. Matthew de La Tour is a talented artist with Autism from Pennsylvania who has been producing art since he was a child. His technique involves applying molten glue (from a hot glue gun, for instance) to a surface, painting the surface, and peeling off the glue to reveal a work of art that he calls an ‘autistic expression’… > [@](#): > > I had the pleasure with speaking artist Matthew de la Tour about his art, his autism, how he got started, and how he hopes to inspire others with his work. > > Matthew is originally from West Moreland County, Pennsylvania, a quiet area just outside of Pittsburgh. There, Matthew was diagnosed with autism at a young age. As a kid, Matthew often experimented with different types of art, but didn’t find his serious passion for it until the age of 10 years old. > > “As a little kid, I was always playing with this kind of stuff. But the stuff I am doing now is new and inventive,” Said Matthew. “In 2011 I started working on empty Guinness beer cans that my family had in the garage. They were supposed to go to recycle, but I thought they would be good ways to practice a lot of the techniques that I use now with my work. I use about 30 techniques all together.” > > Matthew uses mostly drywall (aka joint compound), and molten glue as the mediums for his work. One of his favorite elements of these mediums is the use of his hands. “Your fingers are the tool here which is one of my favorite parts,” Matthew said. But what he really hopes to do is inspire people with his work. > > “Everything starts with an idea and imagination. It can inspire anybody, regardless if they have a disability or not. Anybody can finger paint, and I hope that some kids see this and are inspired. I would love to be able to just help somebody else, even if the art is just a way to talk to people.” > > Matthew …now resides in central Pennsylvania. He describes his day to day as a bit of a struggle, but you would never be able to tell by his spirits. > > For anybody who is interested in checking out his Pinterest page, you can take a look at it here. The work he has done is really beautiful, and he would love for all of you to check it out! > > Matthew doesn’t have much experience selling his art, but he said he has given out probably hundreds of copies/printouts/etc. of his work in the past, so let him know if you would like one! > > Great job Matthew! Keep up the good work! Here is a link to some of this artist’s works: [https://au.pinterest.com/juandelatour/pins/](https://au.pinterest.com/juandelatour/pins/) (source: [https://www.myautism.org/pennsylvania-artist-spectrum-hopes-inspire-others-work/](https://www.myautism.org/pennsylvania-artist-spectrum-hopes-inspire-others-work/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2017, 8:26am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/911 "2017-02-04T08:26:22Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. The _We Bake Smiles Foundation_ is a nonprofit focused on supporting those living with Autism, including children, while raising public awareness of the disorder and its effects. The nonprofit is committed to helping individuals dealing with the hardships of autism through education, accessible resources, and partnerships with local and national projects… > [@](#): > > Phylicia Wilkov, a seventh grader from Holland, PA, presented a new iPad to The Vanguard School on May 7. Ann Curran, Educational Technology Coordinator, and Tim Lanshe, Director of Education, accepted the gift on behalf of Valley Forge Educational Services’ Vanguard School program. > > “I hope that you can use this iPad to help students with autism and other disabilities communicate and learn,” Wilkov said. > > Wilkov, who has a younger brother with autism, started We Bake Smiles …earlier this year to benefit individuals with autism and raise awareness. Through her organization, she raised money for the iPad by selling baked goods, t-shirts and wristbands, and soliciting donations. > > “The iPad donated will be utilized by some of our occupational therapists to work with students during OT sessions,” said Ann Curran. “There are some great apps available to help improve fine motor and other skills.”… Here is a link to photos: [https://www.facebook.com/pg/We-Bake-Smiles-Foundation-Autism-Support-319276584838650/photos/](https://www.facebook.com/pg/We-Bake-Smiles-Foundation-Autism-Support-319276584838650/photos/) (source: [Young Donor Bakes Up an iPad for Vanguard - Tredyffrin, PA Patch](http://patch.com/pennsylvania/te/an--young-donor-bakes-up-an-ipad-for-vanguard)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2017, 4:46am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/912 "2017-02-05T04:46:30Z")
_So Love Autistic Center_ is a Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that provides structured, comprehensive therapeutic services, through a specialized curriculum designed for toddlers and preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders, with full-time daycare hours. Supported by the principles of developmental psychology and applied behavior analysis, the teaching interventions are delivered within play-based, relationship-focused routines… > [@](#): > > So Love Autistic Center recently announced preparations to open this Fall in the borough of Yeadon, PA, this program offers a unique integrated service delivery model that incorporates the developmental, educational and therapeutic interventions needed for autistic toddlers ages two through six to transition to mainstream education. The founders understand the need for families to sustain an adequate quality of life while caring for their autistic child, the incorporation of full-time daycare hours into the program model will surely assist this process. Operation hours will be Monday- Friday 6:30AM-6:30PM. An enriched parent support and training program will supplement the skills acquired in the center, which parents can effectively implement in the home. So Love Autistic Center aids in filling a prevalent gap in services for autism children and their families. > > “We are excited about this opportunity and the families we can touch along with the children that will benefit from these unique services,” says Raheem A. David, Co-founder. > > So Love Autistic Center has assembled a committed and experienced team with a wide range of skills and experiences to provide families with autistic children the support they need in one location. Parents will have the opportunity to meet the needs of their children without having two to three appointments a week at different locations, this streamline service delivery, offers increased accountability and consistency with treatment progress. Students will benefit from a specialized autism curriculum that emphasizes development across skill domains, e.g. communication, socialization and behavior. While, our licensed and trained staff provide parental support and training that fosters independence and increases skills that parents can utilize independently in the home… Here is a link to a video from _So Love Autistic Center_: [So Love Autistic Center on Reels](https://www.facebook.com/SoLoveAutisticCenter/videos/1084708871633394/) (source: [So Love Autistic Center | PHENND](http://phennd.org/update/so-love-autistic-center/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2017, 8:35am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/913 "2017-02-06T08:35:36Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. > [@](#): > > After being told their 2-year-old autistic son could never be potty-trained, Annette Hickey and her husband refused to accept that as his future. > > …Today, he is in second grade at The Swain School and doesn’t realize he was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, Hickey said today as she announced plans to open the Pennsylvania Autism Charter School. > > Charter schools are free, public schools funded by taxpayer dollars funneled from a student’s home district. > > Hickey is partnering with her stepfather, Tom Lubben, who is experienced at creating charter schools. Lubben is the founder and former superintendent of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts …and he recently helped create the Arts Academy Charter School in Salisbury Township. > > “I have shifted my focus from arts to autism for a very special reason,” Lubben said, referencing his grandson, during today’s announcement outside… > > Organizers are eying a former elementary school in lower Berks County, close to Allentown, but they declined to say exactly where prior to signing a lease and submitting the charter to the school district. > > Lubben predicted the school will draw children from across the region and state, saying it would be the first of its kind. > > “This is not just a general special education school,” Lubben said. > > If approved, the school would open in September 2014 and enroll about 45 children ages 3 1/2 to 8. The maximum enrollment would be 75 students. > > “We want to make sure we do justice to the children,” Hickey said. > > To enroll, a child would need an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis through a doctor or have an Individualized Education Plan drawn up by his or her home school district. > > …Charter organizers indicated state early intervention funding that typically goes to intermediate units could be diverted to the charter. Pennsylvania Department of Education spokesman Tim Eller could not immediately confirm this will be possible. > > Once a student reaches school age, the child’s home school would pay the charter tuition, which varies from district to district and is determined by a state formula. > > The Pennsylvania Autism Charter School would also accept medical insurance and have someone on staff to help parents coordinate. > > Toddlers with developmental delays and other disabilities are entitled to free early intervention services paid for by the state through contracts with other agencies. > Typically, it is an intermediate unit or a school district that offers the services, said Charlene Brennan, executive director of Colonial Intermediate Unit 20. > > School districts only must pay to transport early intervention students, she said. > > Locally, IU 20 provides autism services for about 245 students from its member districts and early intervention for 1,500 students a year, Brennan said. > > [The Area’s] School District Superintendent Joseph Roy said IU 20 provide excellent early intervention programs and offers school-based autism classrooms in line with the special education tenets of inclusion and keeping students in the least-restrictive environment. > > “I think there are a range of services the school districts and intermediate units provide for students with autism, extensive services,” Roy said. “So, I don’t know what new the charter school would bring to the table.” > > …The goal of the proposed charter is to return children to a regular classroom as soon as they are ready, Hickey said. > > There are about 13 charter schools for children diagnosed with autism nationally but none have a curriculum that blends applied behavioral analysis with Montesorri techniques like the charter proposal does, Hickey said. It would be overseen by a clinical psychologist, behavioral analyst; Hickey, who would be executive director, is trained in the Montessori method. > > IU 20 uses applied behavioral analysis in its autism program and most of the staff are certified behavioral specialists, who are overseen by certified mental health clinicians with master’s degrees, Brennan said. But it doesn’t use Montessori methods. > > The charter school would feature a people-intensive effort with a maximum ratio of three students to one teacher. Many of the teachers would be fresh out of school interested in gaining their therapy certification and seeking practical hours to earn their higher-ed degree, Hickey said. > > Applied behavioral analysis uses what is known as discrete trial teaching, where skills are broken down into basic steps that are used to reward and reinforce student behavior, Hickey said. It’s a way children on the spectrum can learn social, language, behavior and emotional skills intensively, she said. > > Montessori classrooms mix age groups, use natural materials and emphasize helping children develop creativity and critical thinking. The founder, Maria Montessori, earned acclaim first for her unprecedented success working with poor children in a slum, Hickey said. > > Applied behavioral analysis and the classroom philosophy fit well together, Hickey said. The school would also focus on parent education and involvement. To ease parental stress, organizers are interested in offering extra space up to doctors and physical or occupational therapists to lease. That way parents wouldn’t have to shuffle children to a far-flung doctor’s appointment after school, Lubben said. > > Organizers hope to submit their charter-application within the next two months. (source: [Founder of two area arts charter schools creating autism charter facility | lehighvalleylive.com](http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2013/04/founder_of_two_area_arts_chart.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2017, 5:12am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/914 "2017-02-07T05:12:02Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. > [@](#): > > Dreary skies did not dampen the spirits of some 70 participants who raised about $2,500 to help families in Cameron and Elk counties deal with autism. > > Saturday’s Walk for Autism Awareness at the high school sports complex was sponsored by Cameron County High School senior Lauren Cook and Northcentral Pa. Autism Support Group. > > …“I know how it is for families to go through this,” Cook said, adding that her brother Jacob is autistic. She hopes to work with children with autism and plans to attend Slippery Rock University, majoring in special education. > > Cameron County’s Roxanne Cokely raised the most amount of money, with $125, while two teams combined for a total of $525. > > Support Group chairperson Mary Lee Uber said the event will continue as part of a student’s senior project. > > “Lauren was a really big help,” she told Endeavor News. “She gets all the credit.” > > Lauren pointed out that she plans to help with next year’s event. Her mother, Cindy Cook, also assisted in the walk. (source: [Autism event raises $2,500 | www.endeavornews.com | Endeavor News | Serving Potter and Cameron Counties in Northcentral Pennsylvania](http://www.endeavornews.com/news/2008-09-13/news/011.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 11:01am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/915 "2017-02-08T11:01:33Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. The _Schuylkill County Autism Society_ has helped make life a little easier for those dealing with autism in the county for the last 10 years. The nonprofit organization’s goal is to provide information, support and resources to individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorders, their families, professionals and community awareness activities, education and research… > [@](#): > > Several parents gathered Sunday to “compare scores,” but everyone was a winner at the sixth annual Sensory Picnic hosted by the Schuylkill County Autism Society. > > “When parents of autistic kids get together, there’s often a lot of sharing stories like someone learned how to ask for something or quoted something correctly or wash up on their own,” Sasha Eidinov, Pottsville, said. “These are like our baseball scores. It may not seem like much, but it’s the little accomplishments.” > > Eidinov was one of about 70 people - parents and children - who attended the picnic… > > Judy Barket, society president and picnic organizer, said the event was held to allow children to meet some of their peers, socialize and experience new things. > > “There were several interactive stations that allowed the children to get to do things that they might not otherwise do on their own,” Barket said. > > Jessica Mennig, Pottsville, a society board member, was responsible for a tie-dying station that she called an educational opportunity mixed with fun. > > “It’s stimulating and allows for color recognition and honing of fine motor skills,” Mennig said. > > Barket said the picnic, like other events and meetings the society holds, helps to foster a community. > > “This allows parents to network and talk about common daily hurdles that we have,” Barket said. > > Jim and Christine Pfeiffenberger, Pottsville, said that was one of the most important parts of the day for their family. > > “It helps us to get ideas and exchange ideas, learn what might have worked for someone that may work for our child,” Christine Pfeiffenberger said. > > Mennig also said the more relaxed and informal atmosphere of the picnics, compared to society meetings, was helpful. > > “They can relax, they can meet others and just socialize a little more naturally,” Mennig said. > > Eidinov …thinks events like this help parents come together and celebrate their children. > > “Everybody loves their kids,” Eidinov said. “It’s a great day for all of us to know we’re not alone. We’re not the only ones.” > > The society meets monthly. Anyone affected by autism is encouraged to join or contact Barket at 640-5833. Learn more > > The Schuylkill County Autism Society meets on a monthly basis… (source: [Parents, kids connect at autism society picnic - News - Republican Herald](http://republicanherald.com/news/parents-kids-connect-at-autism-society-picnic-1.1032363)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 6:05am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/916 "2017-02-09T06:05:46Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. _4 Paws for Ability_ is a Greene County, Ohio-based nonprofit that enriches the lives of children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, by training and placing quality, task-trained service dogs. This provides increased independence for the children, including in other areas like Pottsville, Pennsylvania… > [@](#): > > Matthew Peleschak is a cute 8-year-old boy with big plump cheeks and a love for his ipad and playing with a toy-slot machine with his little brother and sister > > But despite that their brother is older, playing with him can be difficult. > > And to show that the family loves Matthew, they’re trying to get him a dog to help him. they’ve teamed up Four Paws For Ability, a nonprofit that provides trained dogs to children who live with disabilities. The average cost for a dog is about $22,000, of which, 7-thousand must be fundraised. > > The dog would basically serve as both his best friend and guardian angel. It will help him live an independent life. > > And to get the dog, the family is fundraising. They’re selling handbags, marykay makeup and t-shirts online, local schools donate dress down day money to them, and even local resurants are helping out with penny jars > > So far, the family has about $2,000, but thay piggy bank is quickly growing… Here is a link to a video of the guide dog interacting with the above-mentioned boy and his family: [32 reactions · 3 comments | Sammy really gets excited when Matthew comes home from school. He really misses him all day! | Matthew's 4Paws Friend](https://www.facebook.com/matthew4pawsfriend/videos/1485723835024972/) (source: [Pottsville Boy Living With Autism Fundraises for A Dog ? SSPTV ? Hazleton Pottsville Mountain Top Scranton Pennsylvania](http://www.ssptv.com/pottsville-boy-living-autism-fundraises-dog/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2017, 8:23am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/917 "2017-02-10T08:23:09Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. The _Schuylkill County Autism Society_ (_SCAS_) is a Orwigsburg/Frackville, Pennsylvania based nonprofit that has helped make life a little easier for those dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the county for the past decade. The nonprofit’s goal is to provide information, support and resources to individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorders, their families, professionals and community awareness activities, education and research… > [@](#): > > The [SCAS] has helped make life a little easier for those dealing with autism in the county for the last 10 years. > > The nonprofit organization’s goal is to provide information, support and resources to individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorders, their families, professionals and community awareness activities, education and research. > > “What we do as an organization is we provide speakers to help parents and educators with the many different hurdles involved with autism,” Judy A. Barket, society president, said Monday. > > …Barket said she first got involved with the society after a relative was diagnosed with autism. > > “There’s no cure at this point, but the sooner someone is diagnosed and gets help, the better the chance there is of overcoming the different issues,” Barket said. “Having a fulfilling life is definitely possible.” > > The society usually meets once a month… Parents and the public are invited to attend. Other board members include parents, service providers and special education teachers. > > “It’s wonderful for parents of newly diagnosed children because there is so much you have to know,” Jessica Nestor, vice president of the organization, said Friday. “I met wonderful friends there. We can just talk about things with people who understand exactly what you’re going through.” > > …“I think it’s especially beneficial for newly diagnosed families,” Nestor said. “It gives them an opportunity to talk to parents with children who have similar issues. So many issues come with autism. The whole family gets autism when it’s diagnosed.” > > Nestor said [Autism] limits what a child can and can’t do and the whole family has to make adjustments. > > Meetings often feature guest speakers. On Tuesday, Ashley Felker, educational consultant at the Intermediate Unit, gave a presentation on preparing someone with autism for life after school. She was joined by representatives from other local organisations… > > …“Every parent has dreams for their kids once their born,” Nestor said. “Dreams have to change. It also has be their dream and they have to be happy and safe.” > > Nestor and Barket said education is one of the main focuses of the group. > > “I do think that education early and being an advocate for these kids is what gives them success in their communities and families,” Nestor said. > > The society held an educational assembly for students at Tamaqua Area High School in April. > > “It’s something that I don’t think the general public and their classmates understand,” Barket said. “The other kids need to understand that they are kids too and they just want to be friends. Everyone wants to be accepted.” > > Melissa McGoey, director of …a Pottsville facility with programs for autistic individuals, explained autism to the students. …The program also had several students with autism talk about their daily challenges and what their classmates can do to help make it easier for them. > > “It was probably the best program I have ever been at and should be done at every high school across the nation,” Nestor said. “It was just profoundly eye opening to the kids.” > > The organization also plans family events. In August, the society will have their fourth annual deck party… > > “We have fun events too,” Barket said. “We want to give them the ability to enjoy something that they typically wouldn’t be able to enjoy.” > > The organization also holds an annual picnic in September… > > “I think if you’re with people who know what you’re dealing with it makes it easier,” Barket said. > > As a nonprofit organization, the [SCAS] relies on donations and fundraisers. > > On April 6, the organization hosted a dodgeball tournament at Penn State Schuylkill to raise funds. Barket said the event was successful and expects an even larger turn out next year. > > Also during the meeting Tuesday, representatives… talked about starting an exercise program for individuals with autism. > > “The basic idea is to have an exercise program. It’s meant to be fun,” Mike Miller, an instructor at the gym, said Tuesday. “There aren’t a lot of fitness or sports programs out there available for them.” > > Parents can now enroll their children in the program. > > Miller said once the needs and preferences for the child are determined, they will set up a one-on-one training program. Eventually, there may be group sessions, Miller said. > > …“It’s good exercises, provides social interaction and they have a quality staff,” Barket said… Here is a link to photos of the _SCAS_’ annual sensory picnic from over six years ago: [republicanherald.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?iframe=1&event=1085068&CategoryID=52561/](http://republicanherald.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?iframe=1&event=1085068&CategoryID=52561/) (source: [SCAS] makes life easier for those dealing with disorder - News - Republican Herald ([http://republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-county-autism-society-makes-life-easier-for-those-dealing-with-disorder-1.1488038](http://republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-county-autism-society-makes-life-easier-for-those-dealing-with-disorder-1.1488038))) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2017, 8:50am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/918 "2017-02-11T08:50:39Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. The _SCAS_ is a Orwigsburg/Frackville, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that has helped make life a little easier for those dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the county for the past decade. The nonprofit’s goal is to provide information, support and resources to individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorders, their families, professionals and community awareness activities, education and research… > [@](#): > > Several parents gathered Sunday to “compare scores,” but everyone was a winner at the sixth annual Sensory Picnic hosted by the [SCAS]. > > “When parents of autistic kids get together, there’s often a lot of sharing stories like someone learned how to ask for something or quoted something correctly or wash up on their own,” Sasha Eidinov, Pottsville, said. “These are like our baseball scores. It may not seem like much, but it’s the little accomplishments.” > > Eidinov was one of about 70 people - parents and children - who attended the picnic… > > Judy Barket, society president and picnic organizer, said the event was held to allow children to meet some of their peers, socialize and experience new things. > > “There were several interactive stations that allowed the children to get to do things that they might not otherwise do on their own,” Barket said. > > Jessica Mennig, Pottsville, a society board member, was responsible for a tie-dying station that she called an educational opportunity mixed with fun. > > “It’s stimulating and allows for color recognition and honing of fine motor skills,” Mennig said. > > Barket said the picnic, like other events and meetings the society holds, helps to foster a community. > > “This allows parents to network and talk about common daily hurdles that we have,” Barket said. > > Jim …Pfeiffenberger [and his wife] …said that was one of the most important parts of the day for their family. > > “It helps us to get ideas and exchange ideas, learn what might have worked for someone that may work for our child,” [Mrs.] Pfeiffenberger said. > > Mennig also said the more relaxed and informal atmosphere of the picnics, compared to society meetings, was helpful. > > “They can relax, they can meet others and just socialize a little more naturally,” Mennig said. > > Eidinov …thinks events like this help parents come together and celebrate their children. > > “Everybody loves their kids,” Eidinov said. “It’s a great day for all of us to know we’re not alone. We’re not the only ones.” > > The society meets monthly… Here is a link to photos of the _SCAS_’ annual sensory picnic from over six years ago: [republicanherald.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?iframe=1&event=1085068&CategoryID=52561/](http://republicanherald.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?iframe=1&event=1085068&CategoryID=52561/) (source: [Parents, kids connect at autism society picnic - News - Republican Herald](http://republicanherald.com/news/parents-kids-connect-at-autism-society-picnic-1.1032363)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2017, 7:48am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/919 "2017-02-12T07:48:41Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. The _Wolf Performing Arts Center_ is a Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, through learning, experiencing, and creating theatre. The nonprofit’s new QUILT program is designed to allow children with Autism to participate fully, both as actors and audience members… > [@](#): > > …“It’s a multifaceted program with a two-year model,” said Brandi Burgess, community education outreach coordinator at Wolf PAC, a nonprofit. “All of our programing is super-inclusive. We make sure our inclusion practices are the best.” While not an acronym, QUILT envisions a ‘patchwork of possibilities,’ said Burgess. “No two children with autism are the same.” > > Burgess, an actress and educator, said that she developed the program with help from a 15-member advisory board of experts, including neurologists, therapists, theater artists and advocates. …children [with Autism Spectrum Disorders] deserve a program that meets their needs, she said. > > …Through community outreach they found there was a need for theater programs for children with autism in grades 3 to 5… > > “We have on-site classes launching in the fall…” she said. They hope to offer “a multitude of opportunities and to see where is the void in services and how can we fill that void,” she said. These classes are scheduled for Sept. 23 to Nov. 11. In the spring there will be other classes offered as they identify needs, she said. > > “And we have a traveling program called Community Threads,” she said. “That sends traveling artists out into the community to classrooms focused on neuro-diverse learners, learners on the autism spectrum.” > > …“And we’re in discussions with a few schools,” she said. They are applying for grants to be able to supplement the arts programing in schools, she said. “As you know, funding is tight in schools right now, especially for arts programming.” > > Many teachers and administrators are excited about the program but can’t afford it so they are seeking funding to bring it to classrooms, she said. > > This year Wolf PAC is adapting one of its performances, ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ so that it’s sensory friendly, she said. That means toning down the lights and sound and also having a lobby space where individuals with autism can interact with the actors to ease the transitions, Burgess said. > > They’ll use ‘social stories,’ which is an ‘ahead of the time’ program to let the autistic children know what will happen during the performance. That performance is planned for 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at Rosemont College. The show will be performed by Wolf PAC students, while other cast members will volunteer in the lobby as support staff, along with trained support staff to help the audience members with transitions. > > Wolf PAC also serves many autistic students in its other programing, where they ‘feel comfortable and supported,’ she said. > > “We feel excited to celebrate that,” she said. "And we want to make sure we’re offering adaptive inclusion for those experiences? We want to make sure we’re honoring the needs all across the board. > > “We want to be able to offer something that adapts to each student where they are,” said Burgess. “Living with autism means you’re adapting every second of the day. The intersection of theater and autism so lends itself to developing those social skills (such as) empathy, flexibility, transitions. Life is full of transitions and shifts and that can be challenging and the theater, (going) from one exercise to another or one scene to another, to have a full picture beginning middle and end, and often it’s changing in the moment.” > > Smith has been helping to find email contacts to apply for grants, she said. > > He also coined her favorite phrase for QUILT, she said. > > “The sense of wonder,” Smith said. “Developing a sense of wonder in our students.” > > “Reed has also been great,” said Burgess. “A big piece of this is raising awareness and removing the stigma.” He’s advised on language, as well. > > Next year they plan to have an inclusive cast production targeted for audience members with autism. > > “Reed has also …developed a movie curriculum to go with the acting,” said Burgess. Smith facilitated the campers’ discussion of the movie ‘Forest Gump,’ with questions such as whether the main character is autistic or intellectually disabled and how should people with disabilities be portrayed in film. > > “It really burst open a great conversation about representation of different learners in media, in theater, in film and what they’d like to see in the future,” said Burgess. > > “I was impressed with how many of them had their hands raised and were so engaged,” said Smith. “They really did a good job talking through a difficult subject.” > > Wolf PAC is also mentoring young adults in their career pursuits and, for Smith, that includes screenwriting and filmmaking. He’s been able to interact with local professionals to get feedback, including John Mullany of the documentary film company Ripples in the Pond Production and Steve Underwood, an actor and playwright. And he also met with Glenn Holsten, another filmmaker. > > “We have so many ideas and plans,” said Burgess. “We hope we can keep trying new things and engage in outreach–We want to be a resource center where we can offer research. There so much still so mysterious about autism.” They would like to develop a system of best practices, she said. They’re working with the Gail Stein, a social worker, and Dr. Alyssa Rosen, a pediatric neurologist at The Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania …for professional development and would like to collaborate with local organizations serving the autistic community, she said. Rosen provided two days of inclusion training to Wolf PAC. > > Wolf PAC founder and Executive Director Bobbi Wolf is excited about the new QUILT program. > > “We’re reaching out and making theater for all has been my goal from way back when I taught in the public schools (in Lower Merion), which is our goal here.” > > She added, “All children can reach their greatest potential. There is a different fit for each child and a goal is to make that happen.” > > “We’re dreaming big,” Burgess said. “We want to get the word out and have families call us.” They are also seeking funding from foundations and corporations, she said. Carol Moog, a psychologist at The Miquon School, in private practice…" is also on the advisory board. > > “It’s very exciting and so needed,” said Moog. Acting and theater help children …with autism because they often have difficulty reading people’s faces and tone of voice. Acting helps them with decoding, she said. It also helps them interact with other people ‘in a playful way.’ And improvisational theater is also a good way to accept what another person is saying, to “say yes and,” she said. “It’s so valuable for those on the edges.” > > While there is some qualitative research on the topic, “one thing we know is it can build tools and it helps people who don’t have much fun with other people (learn how to do that). Theater is a natural playground.” …Both Burgess and Moog will be teaching the classes this fall. Here is a link to a video of a sneak peak of the sensory-friendly performance of ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP8S9LNgr6E](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP8S9LNgr6E) (source: [Autism: QUILT: A patchwork of possibilities | Wolf PAC](http://www.wolfperformingartscenter.org/news/autism-quilt-patchwork-possibilities)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2017, 8:17am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/920 "2017-02-13T08:17:38Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. The _Center for Autism Research_ at the nonprofit _Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia_ has created the ‘Autism Roadmap’, a comprehensive, one-stop website to help families obtain accurate, up-to-date information about autism spectrum disorders. The website provides families customised information based on what they need – whether their child has just been diagnosed or they’ve hit an obstacle and are looking for new ideas and resources… > [@](#): > > When a child is diagnosed with autism, parents are often overwhelmed and don’t know what to do first. > > Autism experts at Children’s Hospital have a new project aimed at making that journey easier. > > Cynthia Robinson knew very little about autism when her first child, Carson, was diagnosed. > > Cynthia says back then, “I went to the bookstore and just got books. I wanted to know everything there was on autism.” > > But the books seemed generic and out-of-date. And she didn’t trust information online, so she resorted to more time-consuming means to learn. > > “I would go to medical conferences, I would go to different support groups, just to learn what was current,” she said. > > Debra Dunn and Gail Stein had parents like Cynthia in mind when they started building the Autism Roadmap 2 years ago. They wanted it to give families access to the valuable resources they knew about, and knew it could help other families. > > Dunn says, “Whether they had a new child diagnosed, or an adult living with autism.” > > The Roadmap has hundreds of articles, written in easy-to-understand language and reviewed by experts inside and outside the Children’s Hospital. They are aimed at guiding families through everything from education to everyday situations. > > Dunn explains, “We cover [various] issues [including] holidays - you know, Thanksgiving with your child with autism.” > > With 3 kids now, Cynthia likes getting the information she needs when she needs it. > > “I’m just so ridiculously appreciative that they’re saving me so much time,” Cynthia said. > > Dunn and Stein also included articles written by people with autism to get a first person perspective. > > And they say just like a real roadmap, theirs is constantly being updated. Here is a link to a video on the Autism Roadmap: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyRd\_Ya9vfo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyRd_Ya9vfo) (source: [Raising Healthy Kids: Autism Roadmap | 6abc.com](http://6abc.com/health/raising-healthy-kids-autism-roadmap/361331/)) [Previous page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=45) [Next page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=47)