# '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:** 51
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2017, 6:34am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1001 "2017-05-06T06:34:12Z")
The subject of the last few posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. _Autism Families CONNECTicut_ is a West Hartford, Connecticut-based nonprofit that provides programs, including for children on the autism spectrum, such as the popular Playing on the Spectrum gym and sports program, Running Club, Swimming on the Spectrum, and Building on the Spectrum. Programs are designed to meet the unique needs of children with autism, and emphasize fun, exercise, and the opportunity to CONNECT to other children and the community… > [@](#): > > Autism Families CONNECTicut …will host its 6th Anniversary fundraising event, “A Sparkling Celebration” on Saturday, April 2, at the Simsbury Inn, Simsbury, from 7 to 11 p.m., including the Stargazer After-Party from 10 to 11 p.m. The event will benefit [Autism Families CONNECTicut’s] recreational, social and family activities for children and teens on the autism spectrum. > The Celebration will feature fabulous food and cocktails, music and dancing, and exciting silent and live auction items. The Honorary Chair of the event is Tizziana Weber, senior director of communications at Pratt & Whitney, while the premiere event sponsor is Pratt & Whitney. Nicole Nalepa, Channel 3 Eyewitness News, is the Guest Host. Entertainment and dance music for the Stargazer After-Party will be provided by radio personality and wellness coach John ‘Cadillac’ Saville of 92.5 FM. > Lynn Ricci, CEO of the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, will receive [Autism Families CONNECTicut’s] inaugural Shining Star Award for her dedicated work in the autism community. > “All funds raised during this event stay in our community, and benefit local programs to provide exercise, recreation, and friendship to children with autism who are often unable to participate in more mainstream activities. This year we are celebrating our new ‘home’ and program space in Newington,” said Leah Bailey Moon, Board President… Here is a link to a video: [Autism Families CONNECTicut](https://vimeo.com/87127623) (source: [Autism Families CONNECTicut 6th Aniverary "Sparkling Celebration" April 2 | West Hartford, CT Patch](https://patch.com/connecticut/westhartford/autism-families-connecticut-6th-aniverary-sparkling-celebration-april-2)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2017, 4:27am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1002 "2017-05-07T04:27:20Z")
The subject of the last few posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. The _SARAH Foundation_ is a Guilford, Connecticut-based nonprofit group of Agencies that provides programs and services for people with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, who live in Connecticut. It is dedicated to the proposition that people with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, deserve to experience life’s joys; learn, work and accomplish all they can and participate as valued members of the community… > [@](#): > > On Sunday dozens of bicyclists pedaled miles for the 2016 Summer Breeze Ride for Autism. > > They tackled 15 to 100 miles in the hot sun. All in effort to raise money for the SARAH Foundation. > > …“The Southern Connecticut Cycle Club, which I work with, is doing this for two reasons. One is to provide a good ride for the riding community and the other is to collect money for a worthwhile charity. The ride usually raises approximately $10,000, some years more,” said Michael Cohen, Summer Breeze Ride, Co-Chair. > > The ride includes country roads and shoreline views. It’s been improved to include more shoreline views in Sachems Head, Guilford and Stony Creek, and fewer hills in Durham. Here is a link to a video: [SARAH-Foundation | Making Independence Possible | Guilford, CT 06437](http://www.sarahfoundation.org/videos.html) (source: [Bicyclists raise money for Summer Breeze Ride for Autism](http://wtnh.com/2016/07/17/bicyclists-raise-money-for-summer-breeze-ride-for-autism/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2017, 6:45am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1003 "2017-05-07T06:45:21Z")
The subject of the last couple of posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. The _Yale Autism Program_, based in New Haven, Connecticut, has a core mission is to advance the best science of clinical care for individuals with autism and their families. Its clinical services include evaluations, treatment and capacity-building consultations to schools and the community at large… > [@](#): > > The child came to the hospital to see a doctor to treat muscular dystrophy. It turned out the child needed to see a lawyer too?and found one without leaving the building. > That was able to happen because of a new in-house law office at Yale-New Haven Hospital dedicated solely to remedying poverty-related legal problems for pediatric patients?problems that can sometimes contribute to medical problems as well. > Young patients returning home from the hospital sometimes return to a house without electricity. An apartment with black mold or vermin. A fridge without food. Such conditions can make staying healthy difficult, even if patients adhere to doctors? regimens. > Since the law office ? called a medical legal partnership ? opened in June, Yale-New Haven has sought to tackle both kinds of problems in tandem. > Attorney Alice Rosenthal (pictured above) leads the two-room office at the hospital’s Pediatric Primary Care Center. Raised in New Haven, Rosenthal has dedicated her career to working on education and child-welfare law. > The medical-legal partnership is the hospital’s first foray into providing legal services for its patients. Yale-New Haven runs the office in conjunction with the ([http://www.kidscounsel.org/](http://www.kidscounsel.org/)), a Connecticut based not-for-profit. > Rosenthal addresses poverty-related issues that fall under the headings of housing, utilities, education, and benefits like public assistance and food stamps. These problems can affect a child’s health and reduce the effectiveness of medical care, she said. Poor housing conditions like black mold and rodents, for example, may aggravate conditions like chronic asthma. Asthmatics who live in such an environment may find themselves in the emergency room time and time again. If landlords refuse to fix the health hazards in patients? homes, Rosenthal said, she can step in to ensure the issues are remedied. > So far, Rosenthal has also secured disability benefits and a wheelchair for a child with muscular dystrophy and ensured a boy with severe autism receives the educational and behavioral support he needs at school. > Sometimes, helping patients requires representing them in court. Other times, a brief consultation is all that is needed. If Rosenthal receives a non-poverty-related legal issue, like guardianship, paternity, or divorce cases, she can connect patients to other legal services. > The partnership has helped roughly 20 patients so far, Rosenthal said. > In addition to taking on cases for individual clients, the office educates medical staff on the ways a lawyer can help their patients. The office also plans to address systemic issues at the local or state level should they arise. > **Nine Years In The Making** > > The new medical-legal partnership has been nine years in the making, pediatrician Ada Fenick said. Fenick is the partnership’s medical site director and the acting director of the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital Pediatric Primary Care Center. > A Yale law student approached Fenick with the idea back around 2004. After that, she worked to secure the necessary funding and to find a legal partner for the office. Yale-New Haven has agreed to fund the partnership for its first three years while the program seeks other sources of support. > According to the [National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership](http://www.medical-legalpartnership.org/), 282 such partnerships exist in hospitals and health centers across the United States. The first partnership opened at the Boston Medical Center in 1993; the concept has gradually spread nationwide. The Center for Children’s Advocacy is involved in four other medical-legal partnerships in Connecticut. > ?[The partnership] is an investment in future health,? Fenick said. Social and economic issues, she said, can have long-term health implications. If children don’t learn how to read properly, how will they read medical labels in the future? > ?The more we can get children healthy now,? Rosenthal said, the better their long-term health outcomes. > In the past, Yale-New Haven doctors didn’t ask much about a child’s living situation, Fenick said. ?Doctors like to have answers,? she said, ?and if we don’t have an answer, we don’t like to ask those questions.? Now that Rosenthal and the medical-legal partnership have come to the hospital, doctors are training residents how to inquire into a patient’s home environment in a sensitive way. > Though Yale-New Haven has long had social workers ? and social workers work alongside Rosenthal ? the hospital can now provide ?more holistic services? to its pediatric patients, Rosenthal said. Rosenthal said she feels it’s important to be visible to both families and staff. She plans to add office hours during which patients can stop by to talk. > ?[Rosenthal’s] here rather than at some distant place,? Fenick said. When a legal concern arises, doctors can walk families directly to her office. ?Giving someone a phone number is not quite the same.? > In the future, Rosenthal and Fenick said, they hope the partnership will grow to include other attorneys ? currently, Rosenthal is the only one ? and to serve adults as well as kids. Here is a link to photos from the _Yale Autism Program_: > **[Yale Autism Program | New Haven CT](https://www.facebook.com/YaleAutism)** > > Yale Autism Program, New Haven. 1,159 followers · 2 talking about this · 8 were here. Our core mission is to advance the best science of clinical care for individuals with autism and their families. (source: [Kids](http://neach.communitycatalyst.org/states/ct/news/kids-lawyer-puts-out-shingleat-the-hospital)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2017, 9:28am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1004 "2017-05-08T09:28:15Z")
The subject of the last few posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. The _Yale Child Study Center_ is a New Haven, Connecticut-based nonprofit whose mission to improve the lives of individuals through research, service, and training. This includes children with various challenges, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > Christine Cucinello knew her daughter, Makayla, had autism. > > But Makayla’s teachers didn’t share her mother’s view. > > “That was always my fight,” said Cucinello, of Rocky Hill. "Her teachers said, 'Oh, she’s quiet. She’ll mature. She’ll grow out of it. She’s shy. ’ " > > It is the plight of many parents of girls with autism, which is four times more prevalent in boys. > > And the symptoms are often more subtle in girls. They tend to stay under the radar longer, and are very often diagnosed much later than boys. That means they can suffer unnecessarily during the early school years. > > Because autism in girls is relatively rare, there has been little meaningful research on how they respond to therapy. > > The Yale Child Study Center is attempting to fill that research void. Pamela Ventola and her team have parlayed several grants to go on an all-out recruiting search throughout Connecticut and New York for girls aged 6 to 9 who have been diagnosed with autism. They are looking for 24 families; five have enrolled so far. The work, three years in the making, began Tuesday and will last several years. > > During four months of study and play-based therapy with each girl, Ventola’s team hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the sex-based differences between boys and girls with autism, how girls respond to treatment, and how the girls perceive and react to social signals. > > While they’re at it, the team is also examining whether there are genetic differences between autistic girls and boys, and whether supplements of the oxytocin hormone, which is associated with social bonding and feelings of attachment, might be effective in children with autism. > > “Until now, girls have largely been excluded from research because it’s hard to recruit a meaningful sample of girls,” said Ventola, an assistant professor in the autism program at the Child Study Center. > > …The other day, Ventola showed visitors around the warren of treatment rooms. They are fitted with one-way glass along one wall, through which parents watch from an adjacent room. In another lab, two blocks away on the bustling medical school and hospital campus, is the team’s practice MRI machine, complete with the buzzing sound, so the girls can get used to the experience. > > During the real MRI, between relaxing cartoons, the girls watch two videos: One is of lighted dots in a human shape, strolling and doing other “biological motion.” The other is of random dots, buzzing around, knocking into one other. > > The researchers look to see if the brains of autistic children register different reactions to the two videos. > > Before treatment, there is very little response to the human motion in the part of the brain linked to social recognition. After treatment, the reaction to the human motion is usually much more powerful. > > But is there a difference in the brain responses of autistic boys and girls? Ventola and her team are trying to find out. > > “Are we changing how they are thinking about, and reacting to, social information?” said Ventola. > > Parents are a major part of the clinical study, which is funded in part by Women’s Health Research at Yale. The moms in particular are taught some of the therapies so they can continue them at home and keep the progress going. Ventola also speaks with the girls’ teachers and invites them to come and view a therapy session, so they might incorporate some of the approaches into their classrooms. > > Cucinello, whose daughter went through an earlier four-month treatment program at the Child Study Center, said she has shared what she learned with her husband and her parents, so that they are also exhibiting more patience with Makayla, and enjoying more success in engaging her. > > Cucinello, a hair-dresser, she said saw “great results” with Makayla after the treatment – more use of language, a calmer demeanor, more empathy for others, less anxiety over changes in routine, and less of a negative response to crowds, noises, and other stimuli. > > Makayla was diagnosed when she was 5 1/2, near the end of her kindergarten year, which is later than most boys. Ventola said that a very accurate diagnosis can be made by age 2, but that many girls, because their signs and symptoms may not be as obvious, aren’t diagnosed until early school-age. > > Cucinello knew her daughter was on the autism spectrum, in part because she saw the development of her son, born 3 1/2 years later.. > > “He was doing things naturally, intuitively. My daughter had to be taught everything,” said Cucinello. > > Ventola said the girls pay a price for the late diagnoses. She said the girls often develop anxiety and depression because they are advancing in school, and encountering more complex social situations and demands, without support and treatment. > > Makayla finished the four-month program in April and just completed her four-month follow-up last month, said Cucinello. > > The follow-up is a complete behavioral assessment, including another MRI, to see if the treatment is sticking, Ventola said. > > The therapy can have profound affects on the children. > > Ventola sat down at a conference table, whipped out her laptop, and opened a video of a 5-year-old girl sitting in a …treatment room with one of Ventola’s therapists. It is the beginning of the treatment regimen. As the child asks repeatedly for a craft or a toy, she never looks up at the therapist. Slowly, the therapist begins to hold back toys and crafts if the child is not making eye contact. > > “Who are you talking to?” the therapist says, eliciting a fleeting, sideways glance from the child. > > Fast forward to the end of the four months. The girl is leaning over the table, propped on her elbows, engaging the therapist. She asks for a craft, her hand out, returning the therapist’s gaze, and speaking in fuller sentences. Her body, fidgety before, is still. Her eyes are locked on the therapist’s face as she waits, anticipating the next question. > > Ventola seems pleased. She knows too well how isolating autism can be. Science has demonstrated with stunning clarity just how lost an autistic child can become in a social situation. > > Cameras that track eye movement show that the children are drawn to the least socially relevant information in movies or scenes they are watching. > > Ventola explains that autistic children will fixate on the background of the scene, a ball bouncing, a house, or a tree, rather than the speaker’s eyes or expressions. > > “Think of what they are missing,” she says, “if they are not watching.” Here is a link to a video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3P172\_ZfVs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3P172_ZfVs) (source: [Hartford Courant](http://touch.courant.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-84348704/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2017, 9:06am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1005 "2017-05-09T09:06:43Z")
The subject of the last few posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. > [@](#): > > Evan is screaming. Keening, really, because there seems to be anguish there. > > ?Noooooooeeeeeeeeeeeeahhhhhhhh!? > > He is a handsome, lithe 11-year-old, the spitting image of his mother, Carol Marcantonio. He’s all elbows and knees and long, straight hair, his eyes liquid pools, with a half-smile that can melt hearts. But now he’s on the floor of the time-out room here at Adelbrook, a school for children with autism in Cromwell. > > His mother had known for several years that he needed to be at a specialty school. After a series of psychiatric hospitalizations for Evan, some violent outbursts and several failed school placements, Carol felt that she and her boy had reached a kind of milestone ? joining the fifth grade at Adelbrook in May of last year. > > It was a journey that many Connecticut parents of children with autism would recognize. > > And those parents would understand this: Even with more supports around them, life for Evan and those who love him is never easy. > > Their lives mirror the experiences of thousands of Connecticut families who are navigating the highs and the searing lows of a treatment system that is still in the early stages of development. > > These parents see firsthand the fragmentation of services, the variation in quality from school district to school district and the difficulties in accessing the system. > > In Evan’s case, periods of stability have contrasted with deep depression, thoughts of suicide and bursts of violence that, on a couple of occasions, emptied a classroom. By the middle of Evan’s fourth-grade year in 2013, he was being restrained nearly daily, his mother said. > > Parents of autistic children would recognize the drop-offs in clinical services (Carol calls them cliffs and gaps) that Evan encountered as he went through the ?birth-to-three? developmental program, preschool, elementary schools and some failed outplacements at specialty schools before Adelbrook. > > Some Connecticut parents who are financially able have arranged for in-home behavioral and psychological treatment to supplement the services their children receive in school ? at a cost of thousands of dollars a month. > > Other parents, like Carol, become tireless advocates for their children and must employ everything at their disposal to try to make the system work. (source: [A Mother And Son Navigate The Challenges Of Treating Autism - Hartford Courant](http://projects.courant.com/raising-child-autism/#navtype=outfit)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2017, 9:22am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1006 "2017-05-09T09:22:22Z")
The subject of the last few posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. _Autism Services & Resources Connecticut_ (_ASRC_) is a Wallingford, Connecticut-based nonprofit that works with various individuals, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. _ASRC_ provides workshops, training and resources… > [@](#): > > People from all over Connecticut …[were in] the streets downtown Sunday for the 16th annual Autism Spectrum Resource Center walk. > > About 2,600 people turned out, Julie Hipp, board president of resource center, estimated based on registration and food tickets. > > Earlier, about 250 people attended the …run… > > …The 3-mile walk began at 10:15 a.m. Many families donned T-shirts announcing their teams or who they were supporting. > > …some children were rolled around in wagons. Singers were placed along the trail strategically to entertain. > > After the walk, families convened at Choate Rosemary Hall to play games, eat and catch up with one another. > > Cheryl Gamester …has been attending the walk for years in support of her 11-year-old nephew, Brett, who has autism. > > “We’ve seen people here year after year, we’ve made friends, we run into them every year,” Gamester said. > > Rachel Macht, whose husband has been taking photos of the walk the last few years, said it’s fun to look at the photos over the years and see how the teams have grown. > > 'We’ve noticed that these groups are doubling in size," Macht said. “So they’re even more aware and bringing awareness to autism. There are also families who don’t have names, but they’re here for the same exact reason, to raise money and awareness for autism.” > > Macht says even though smaller families might not consider themselves as “teams,” they’re representing their children and they face the same struggles the larger teams do. > > Hipp …says it is critical to have a state-based organization to help guide families to the right services for their children, and to advocate for legislation on the state level. > > ASRC works with families to provide education, recreation and support for the families and individuals affected by the spectrum. The group also works with paramedics and other professionals to educate them on what autism is to help them better serve the community. > > “I know probably 70 percent of these families, and it’s nice to know that we really helped them,” Hipp said. > > As a nonprofit, Hipp says the money raised from the walk is critical to the organization’s ability to provide services. On average, the walk generates $150,000, making it ASRC’s biggest fundraiser, Hipp said… Here is a link to a video of an _ASRC_ public service announcement from several years ago: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhlqiQ4rZU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhlqiQ4rZU) (source: [Thousands walk in Wallingford to back autism center](http://www.nhregister.com/article/NH/20130505/NEWS/305059958)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 9:47am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1007 "2017-05-10T09:47:47Z")
The subject of the last recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. _Snapology of Harford-West_ has a mission is to provide children with an opportunity to engage in playful learning activities that stimulate creativity and an interest in learning. Using LEGO bricks and other building toys, _Snapology_ emphasizes STEM (STEAM) principles, teamwork & socialisation… > [@](#): > > Kids who take part in Snapology classes think they’re just having fun playing with building blocks and other materials that snap together. What kids around Hartford County may not realize is that they’re learning too. > Snapology of Hartford-West owner, Paras Patani has had a life-long passion for technology. After an extensive 20-year career in surgical devices, Patani sought to use his knowledge and inspire children in his community. With own his daughter in mind, Patani was eager to bring Snapology’s STEM (STEAM)-based education lessons to the children of Hartford County. > “I want to use my background in technology as well as my love for engineering to teach the next generation of innovators,” says Patani. “I can’t wait to see what they’ll develop.” > Snapology of Hartford-West opened early this fall with its first location in Connecticut and company plans call for a total of three locations in the region. > Snapology offers a wide array of interactive, playful-learning activities for children [from the age of 1.] These include after-school classes, camps, birthday parties, workshops, scouting events and field trips. The lessons start simple and become increasingly complex, continuously challenging young minds to explore and create. Snapology programs utilize LEGO bricks, motors, electronics, video-game design, animation software, and more. To engage kids, the programs utilize themes like Minecraft, Star Wars, Pokemon, and others as the framework to learn about gearing, motion, sensors, and programming. Finally, the classes emphasize collaboration, team-building, and presentation skills. > Snapology’s curriculum is designed to benefit gifted and traditional students, as well as children with special needs, including those with sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders. > “Our approach breaks down robotics and engineering concepts for children based on their age and learning abilities. These programs are based on proven research that finds children’s best learning experiences come from actively designing, creating, interacting and inventing,” says Patani. Also noting that Snapology’s work is about re-defining play and re-imagining learning. “We’re helping children develop the intellectual, emotional, social and creative skills that are of lifelong benefit to them and their communities.”… Here is a link to a video from _Snapology of Harford-West_: [https://hartford-west.snapology.com/](https://hartford-west.snapology.com/) (source: [https://snapologyfranchising.com/news/press-releases/snapology-brings-stem-learning-hartford-county/](https://snapologyfranchising.com/news/press-releases/snapology-brings-stem-learning-hartford-county/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 9:20am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1008 "2017-05-11T09:20:35Z")
The subject of the recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. > [@](#): > > Jim Calhoun, like many coaches, is superstitious. He might have a lucky tie or piece of jewelry he must wear to end a losing streak, or keep a winning streak going. > > But one item that remains in good times and bad is the blue puzzle piece he wears on the lapel of his suit jacket. The symbol for Autism Speaks, like the cause itself, remains close to his heart at all times. > > “He has never taken it off,” Jeff Calhoun said. “I can’t tell you how many people who have mentioned it to me – parents, families touched by autism, who tell me how much it means to them. …Just by lending his name and reaching out to people, he has done more than we could ever ask.” > > Said Amy Calhoun: “When I see that blue pin on his lapel, it sometimes brings tears to my eyes. He is taking this on for Reese.” > > The cause is a personal one for the Calhoun family. Jeff and Amy’s daughter, Reese, now 8, was diagnosed at 2, and her grandfather’s involvement with the advocacy group Autism Speaks is very deep. > > But because he is scheduled to undergo back surgery on Monday in New York, Calhoun will not be able to participate in an event he has helped launch – “CardioRaiser: Workout for Autism Speaks” – …from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Farmington Bank is the presenting sponsor. > > “It’s just so important to raise awareness,” Jeff Calhoun said, “because autism, anything that involves the brain, is something we don’t talk about much as a society. We want to share our story, and hope it lets people know they are not alone.” > > Hundreds are expected to participate, and the event is expected to raise at least $100,000 for the Connecticut chapter of Autism Speaks. Participants may choose from a variety of exercise activities to help in the cause. Although Jim Calhoun cannot be there, some of his assistants are expected to stop by the morning after UConn plays …Saturday night at 9 p.m.). Panera Bread will provide breakfast for participants. > > The event will become an annual one, Jeff Calhoun said. > > “I am deeply committed to the cause of helping families confronting the many challenges of autism,” Jim Calhoun said in January, when the event was scheduled. “It is my hope that this event will bring Connecticut families together to raise dollars so important to all those facing this complex neurobiological disorder.” > > …Amy Calhoun, Jeff recalled, recognized very early that something was not right with their middle child and acted quickly to get the proper diagnosis and treatment at 18 months. > > “I had worked with autistic children, and I knew the telltale signs,” Amy Calhoun said. “She had lost language, lost eye contact. It was a feeling of helplessness. We were going to doctors and I am thinking, ‘Please tell me nothing is wrong,’ ‘Please say, "You’re nuts, get out of here.’” But no one was saying that. – The tools for treating autism are really not where they should be, and our hopes and goals for this event [are] to raise money to improve them." > > Today, as Reese approaches her ninth birthday, she has problems communicating, but is very artistic and bright, her mother says. > > “She can do things on a computer that even I wouldn’t dream of doing,” Amy said. “She calls her grandfather all the time. She knows all about the team. They have such a bond – they are very sweet together.” > > The coach has been out since Feb. 3, when he began a medical leave to address spinal stenosis, which is causing him lower back and leg pain. After trying different treatments, Calhoun decided Wednesday to have surgery, scheduled for Monday. If it goes well, he could be back as early as March 3, when the Huskies play Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale at Gampel Pavilion. UConn has gone 3-3 since he has been out. > > “He’s happy that he’s got a path now,” Jeff said. “He has been champing at the bit on about eight different levels. He wants to get back to work, and he wants to get his life back, because he’s a very active person.” > > Knowing Calhoun’s intensity on the sideline, it would be easy to assume that he is a “caged animal” having to watch games at home, but his son says that’s not the case. > > “He’s much more calm than you might expect,” Jeff Calhoun said. “He’s very analytical about the games. I was talking to him for about an hour during the Seton Hall game [Feb. 4] and for some reason he didn’t want to watch for a while, so I was keeping track of the game on my iPad and telling him what was going on. He is frustrated, in the way a fan might be frustrated, because he can’t control things.” Here is a link to a video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynHW647gbZM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynHW647gbZM) (source: [The Drive To Conquer Autism - tribunedigital-thecourant](http://articles.courant.com/2006-12-16/news/0612160598_1_autism-spectrum-disorders-autism-research-autistic-adults)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2017, 9:28am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1009 "2017-05-12T09:28:46Z")
The subject of the recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. > [@](#): > > Danbury’s Emanuela Palmares has always been active in causes that she feels strongly about. > > When she learned that the City of Danbury was not planning an event for World Autism Awareness Month in April, she decided to create something on her own. > > She is organizing the Light Up City Hall Blue for Autism Awareness Month Ceremony, which will take place April 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Danbury City Hall. > > “This is a light up blue movement where we will be lighting up buildings and monuments in and around Danbury’s City Hall with blue lights,” said Palmares, whose 5-year-old son, Caio, was diagnosed with autism at age 2. > > It will be a sensory-friendly event to accommodate those with autism. The volume will be low, there will be a quiet room that children can go into if they need to and there will be earmuffs available as well. > > “We are encouraging families to bring their children to this event. Regardless if they are 2 or 22, we want them to be celebrated that day and see that the whole building is going to be blue for them,” she said. > > “We hope this event will work to raise awareness about [Autism Spectrum Disorders] and bring light to World Autism Month here in Danbury,” said Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, who will be speaking at the event. “The City of Danbury will continue to promote the acceptance of those diagnosed and acknowledge the fact that they will always have a place here in our community.” > > …Many parents of children with autism feel isolated when their child is first diagnosed. [Palmares] was one of them. > > “I felt there was a stigma in having a child with a disability. I didn’t want my son to be labeled in any way,” she said. > > “At events such as Light Up Danbury, you get to see the depth and breadth of the diversity within the autism spectrum. We get to stand proud with our children and say this is what you are going through and we love you,” she said. > > Palmares, who is editor-in-chief of Tribuna, a biweekly publication in English, Portuguese and Spanish, said she is hoping this will become an annual event. > > The event is supported by the Commission for Persons with disAbilities in Danbury… (source: [Danbury Activist With Autistic Son Leads ‘Light Up Blue’ Effort | Danbury Daily Voice](http://danbury.dailyvoice.com/neighbors/danbury-activist-with-autistic-son-leads-light-up-blue-effort/705515/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2017, 9:38am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1010 "2017-05-13T09:38:54Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. _Autism Families CONNECTicut_ is a West Hartford, Connecticut-based nonprofit that connects individuals on the Autism Spectrum to each other by providing recreational, social and learning opportunities. The organisation includes programs for kids from the age of 3… > [@](#): > > After Jackie Procyk’s son, Jack, was diagnosed with autism seven years ago, the family struggled to find recreational activities for him. > > “We tried some programs for special needs kids, and they didn’t work,” Procyk said. “That was devastating – where do we fit?” > > Procyk’s mother, Leah Moon, was living in the Boston area at the time and the family found that there weren’t as many programs available in Connecticut as there were near Boston. The Procyks live in West Hartford. > > So Procyk and Moon, who had experience with non-profits from her job doing community outreach for the Boston Globe, decided to start an organization that would fill the niche, providing recreational and social activities for autistic children and their families. > > …[Autism Families Connecticut] runs “Playing on the Spectrum,” a gym and sports program; “Swimming on the Spectrum;” …as well as an annual holiday party, …the “Wings for Autism” program and other periodic events. > > The recreational programs are facilitated by certified clinicians. > > “We worked with an occupational therapist from day one [to create] an appropriate and fun gym program,” Procyk said. “As a parent, I know if I’m going to sign up for a program, if I see its run by a clinician, I’ll feel a lot better about it.” > > The group formed programs that would provide more than just playtime. They wanted programs to be a safe place for the children to productively expend their sometimes excessive energy, Procyk said. > > “It was also to build some skills – gross motor skills, social skills, build a relationship with clinicians and volunteers,” Moon said. > > The programs are structured and repetitive, held for at least four weeks at a time so the children can get used to everything, making transitions easier for kids on the spectrum to adjust. > > The programs also give parents a chance to build an informal support network. Since [Autism Families Connecticut] started running activities for the siblings, parents have an hour each weekend to talk and network. > > “For me, I have a greater sense of community now and friendships and people I know I can call on,” Procyk said. “People who just understand; I know we all get it. it’s hard to find that.” > > [Autism Families Connecticut] runs programs in partnership with West Hartford’s department of human and leisure services’ special needs program at the Elmwood Community Center, through the town of South Windsor at their community center and Star Hill Family Athletic Center and with The Autism Center at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain. > > The group is funded through an annual fundraiser and contributions from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. > > This year’s fundraiser – “A Sparkling Celebration” – is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Clubhouse… Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at [autismfamiliesct.org](http://autismfamiliesct.org). The event includes food, wine, champagne and dessert and a live and silent auction. Here is a link to a video: [Autism Families CONNECTicut](https://vimeo.com/87127623) (source: [Autism Families CONNECTicut Gives Kids A Place To Play, Parents A Support Network - tribunedigital-thecourant](http://articles.courant.com/2013-03-15/community/hc-autism-families-ct-0318-20130312_1_autism-families-connecticut-programs-support-network)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2017, 6:49am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1011 "2017-05-14T06:49:08Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. > [@](#): > > Mayor Michael Pavia declared April as Autism Awareness Month in Stamford during a Friday morning news conference at the Government Center. He proclaimed that the city supports the goal of increasing federal funding for research about autism’s roots, as well as treatments, expanding programs and promoting understanding of the special needs of those on the autism spectrum. > Autism, a developmental disability that causes social impairments as well as communication and behavioral challenges, is one of many disorders on the spectrum. People on the spectrum can vary between high-functioning and low-functioning. > > …Robin Portanova, president of Stamford Education 4 Autism, said to more than 100 people attending Friday’s event. By 1995, the rate was one in 1,000. > There is debate in the scholarly and medical communities as to whether the increase is due to heightened presence or better identification. Pavia said it is important the city charge on to become better prepared to assist families with children on the autism spectrum. > > “I look back when I was much, much younger, to the days when that word was never even used, and it’s only because of organizations and programs and people like Robin Portanova, who recognize the importance to commit to understanding this mystery that we move forward and know where we’re going,” Pavia said. “We’re all committed to finding out the mysteries of autism and having a better understanding of the … striking numbers, numbers that seemed unimaginable 10 to 15 years ago.” > In Stamford schools, 270 to 300 students are identified as being on the autism spectrum. Within a decade, the school district has increased its autism classrooms from just one at Roxbury Elementary School to nine across grade levels. As students progress, there are budding programs to help them learn skills necessary to gain employment in the quest to become self-sufficient in adulthood. > “We need our state and our municipalities to provide the support to families and teachers who are going to make sure that every child on the autism spectrum has a shot at self-sufficiency and dignity,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn. > > And awareness can go a long way to making these issues a priority, Board of Education member Jerry Pia said. > “There is one word that everybody here would say expresses everything that happens here in this room – it’s love,” Pia said in addressing educators, relatives, students on the spectrum and their friends. > “This is a phenomenal group of children. It’s rare when you come into a room like this and everybody is feeling the same thing – how much we care and how much we want to help out.”… Here is a link to a video from _Stamford Education for Autism_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb7QpsG68IM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb7QpsG68IM) (source: [Stamford celebrates Autism Awareness Day - StamfordAdvocate](http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Stamford-celebrates-Autism-Awareness-Day-4413637.php)) ---
**Author:** ![wotan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bb73d2/32.png) [@wotan](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/wotan)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2017, 4:33pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1012 "2017-05-14T16:33:20Z")
After a 6 year thread length and no other member replying, what has this to do with [pheromones](https://pheromonelabs.com/)? ---
**Author:** ![Conjurator](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/conjurator/32/410_2.png) [@Conjurator](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Conjurator)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2017, 4:44pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1013 "2017-05-14T16:44:35Z")
Hi Wotan. In the lounge section, off-topic threads are tolerated. This thread has an important number of views, I guess it’s interesting for many people. ---
**Author:** ![wotan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bb73d2/32.png) [@wotan](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/wotan)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2017, 5:18pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1014 "2017-05-14T17:18:53Z")
> [@Conjurator](#): > > Hi Wotan. In the lounge section, off-topic threads are tolerated. This thread has an important number of views, I guess it’s interesting for many people. Ah. Okay. I read through a few pages expecting something about using pheromones as a treatment for autism. ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 9:09am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1015 "2017-05-15T09:09:22Z")
Thanks for the feedback! I’m just trying to keep people updated but let us know if it its too much 🙂 The subject of the recent posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. The _Ryan Woods Autism Foundation_ (_RWAF_) is a Middletown, Connecticut-based nonprofit that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, including children. It does this by by providing funding for initial evaluations for those who have not been diagnosed and cannot afford this critical service… > [@](#): > > …One family turned their fear into fuel for an after school program they said is unique and helps bring out the best in children with autism. > > A card game starts the day at Ryan Woods Autism Foundation in Middletown. The game builds communication skills, and then it’s off to circle time to talk about the day and then stretching to loosen up. > > That routine is all part of the after school program that’s been around since 2009 and was designed to help develop communication and life skills in children with Autism. > > Creator Brenda Wilson and her family said they were inspired by her grandson Ryan. > > “Ryan is my only grandchild,” she said. “When we had him diagnosed it was really late.” > > “When Ryan was 2 years old, we noticed some things that were different about Ryan. He was banging his head on the wall when he was frustrated,” said Jennifer Woods. > > Currently there are six students in the program, but they are hoping that with all the space they have, they will get 100. > > The foundation is funded by grants and private donations. Wilson said she hopes to see more faces like Ryan’s, because who knows, with support and inspiration, she believes they can do anything… Here is a link to some photos from _RWAF_: [http://www.ryanwoodsautismfoundation.org/mission.html](http://www.ryanwoodsautismfoundation.org/mission.html) (source: [Middletown program created for autistic children - WFSB 3 Connecticut](http://www.wfsb.com/story/16954707/middletown-program-created-for-autistic-children)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 9:27am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1016 "2017-05-16T09:27:34Z")
Thanks for the feedback! I’m just trying to keep people updated but let us know if it its too much 🙂 The subject of the recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. _Klingberg Family Centers_ is a Hartford County, Connecticut-based nonprofit multi-service agency providing help to thousands of persons across Connecticut each year. Its goal is to extend hope and healing to various individuals, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > You may have noticed Wayne Carini’s name appearing frequently in Klingberg News. For example, he and his dad (and now his daughter) have been the Grand Marshals of the Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival since 2011, and he co-hosted The Big E’s Collector Car Experience earlier this month, which we also participated in. “Who is this guy?” you might be asking. “And how does he relate to Klingberg?” > > If you are a car enthusiast, you likely know the answer to the first question. Wayne Carini is the owner of F-40 Motorsports in Portland, CT, and is best known for starring in Velocity channel’s Chasing Classic Cars, the television show that follows him around as he tracks down and restores unique vintage automobiles… > > Besides being a television star, Wayne is also a dedicated husband and the proud father of two daughters, Lindsay and Kimberly. Kimberly’s challenges with autism from an early age have inspired the Carini family to be a voice for ongoing research through such organizations as Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Wayne’s understanding of the difficulties children and their families often face contributes to his appreciation for the work that Klingberg does, and he and his family have become dear friends to us over the last few years. > > The whole Carini family regularly joins us for the Vintage Motorcar Festival, and more recently we have collaborated with Wayne on additional events, including the Collector Car Experience. He will be signing autographs at our booth at the CT Fall Home Show on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM, and will also make an appearance at the CT International Auto Show in November, where we have a presence each year with a special selection of antique cars. > > We are so thankful for Wayne’s friendship to Klingberg. Of course his fame helps us with publicity, and we are grateful for the access he gives us to some particularly unique and beautiful vehicles, but even more valuable is his genuine concern for others. Wayne’s kindness and humility are evident to all who meet him; we are glad to have such a gentleman advocating for the children and families we serve. Here is a link to a video on the ‘Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival’ to benefit _Klingberg Family Centers_ from a few years ago: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsDEClyZdhk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsDEClyZdhk) (source: [Wayne Carini & Klingberg | Klingberg Family Centers](http://klingbergnews.org/wayne-carini-klingberg/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2017, 9:23am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1017 "2017-05-17T09:23:23Z")
The subject of the recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Connecticut. _Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers_ (_SDWR_) is a non-profit organization based in Madison, Virginia, that serves individuals all over the United States. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > Friday, November 4, will be a special day for Amelia Cunningham of Niantic, Connecticut, as she receives her Autism Response Dog from Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers. Amelia will be welcoming into her home and heart a Golden Retriever named ‘Thor.’ Based in Virginia, Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers has a mission to provide specially-bred and trained dogs for adults and children with invisible disabilities [including] in the case of Amelia–Autism Spectrum Disorder… > > Thor has already received thousands of hours of training as Autism service dog through SDWR’s puppy raiser training program where volunteers raise puppies in training for about a period of one year and then through the foundation and skill set training provided through SDWR trainers at the facility in Virginia. > > Thor will continue to learn under the careful guidance of a certified trainer from SDWR and through the rapport he develops with Amelia and her parents, at their home in Niantic. > > Amelia who is 9 years old has had to face the daily challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder since being diagnosed at the age of 5. “Amelia has sensory challenges, impulse control issues and experiences some sleep pattern disturbances” states her mom, Kayla. “We also experience some elopement issues.” > > Autism Spectrum Disorder does hinder a person’s ability to process sensory stimulation, handle socialization experiences and even realize danger situations. New scientific research studies into Autism therapy provide positive evidence of the difference a service dog can make. Dan Warren states, “The studies showed children experienced fewer sensory overloads, ‘meltdowns,’ smiled more frequently, experienced better sleep patterns, and had less frustration when around their service dog.” Autism service dogs are also trained to redirect away from repetitive and sometimes harmful behaviors. One of the main goals when training an Autism service dog is the need to keep a child safe; when the family goes out, the child may literally be tethered to the dog, or the dog will use its natural herding and blocking abilities to keep him or her from running off or getting hurt. According to Mr. Warren, “the studies further found that safety aspect was a huge relief for families as parents’ anxiety over their child can lead to social isolation.” > > Now with the arrival of Thor, Amelia and her parents will have yet another tool, a four-legged one that has received training to assist her to live a happier and more enriching life. Since Thor is a service dog and covered under laws in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, he will be able to accompany Amelia everywhere–from school to restaurants, shopping and even trips to the doctor. Thor will keep Amelia safe as well as help her cope with the sensory overload challenges that come with an Autism diagnosis. > > Thor will continue to work with the SDWR trainers in the Cunningham home to learn new skills to assist Amelia as well as to achieve public access certification. Certification must be achieved by Thor and his handler–in this case, Amelia’s parents. Dan Warren is quick to point out that, “all the incredible services these dogs can provide are through progression, hard work and dedication of the organization and the family who must work together to build on training foundations and fundamentals. This is about an 18-month program for follow up and customization training.” > > What sets SDWR apart from other non-profit service dog organizations are the customized training methods and SDWR matches dogs to their ‘person.’ According to Dan Warren, “that important bonding time between dog and person can begin to happen right away. For nearly a decade we’ve been utilizing this method of dog placement and we’ve achieved amazing results.” > > Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers is a non-profit organization based in Madison, Virginia, and relies on donations to help the Organization in its mission, “Until there’s a cure–there’s a dog.”… Here is a link to a video from _SDWR_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcDELaBEaHI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcDELaBEaHI) (source: [Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers Makes Delivery to Niantic, Connecticut Child | Newswire](https://www.newswire.com/news/service-dogs-by-warren-retrievers-makes-delivery-to-niantic-15967085)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2017, 9:57am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1018 "2017-05-18T09:57:40Z")
The subject of the the last post was _Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers_ (_SDWR_) is a non-profit organization based in Madison, Virginia, that serves individuals all over the United States. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The _Autism Society of Northern Virginia_ (_ASNV_) is an Oakton, Virginia-based nonprofit that supports those touched by autism in Northern Virginia through events, advocacy, education and programming. _ASNV_ works towards a day when no one will have to walk the autism journey alone… > [@](#): > > July is the hottest month for Hollywood’s cavalcade of blockbuster films, as studios compete for audience dollars and crash into each other to be the first to release their tent-pole films… > > #Smuggling in snacks, snagging a ticket and finding parking are typically the biggest hurdles for those who clamor to see these blockbusters in a cool, dark theater. > > #But for children with autism and their families, the summer movie experience can be a daunting array of sights, smells and sounds… > > #“My 9-year-old son Jason can’t be exposed to overpowering or sudden noises, and he doesn’t do well in very dark rooms,” said Marjorie Williams of McLean. “When he gets excited, he likes to jump around and flap his arms, so he needs a good amount of personal space.” > > #Fortunately for children like Jason, AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society of America have teamed up to offer the ‘Sensory Friendly Films’ program - an effort to give special needs children a chance to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. > > #“As a leading theatrical exhibition company, we are so proud to be making a difference in the estimated 1.5 million Americans living with an autism spectrum disorder by offering families a chance to see a movie together – often for the very first time,” said Ryan Noonan, public relations director for AMC. > > #Noonan said the concept of Sensory Friendly Films began in 2007 at the request of a Maryland mother, who took her young daughter to a matinee of Hairspray, a film her daughter was excited to see. > > #When her daughter began flapping her hands, dancing and jumping up and down, her family was asked to leave the screening. > > #The next day, the mother called her local AMC Theatre in Columbia, Md. and asked the manager if he would be willing to set up a special screening for children on the autism spectrum. He readily agreed, and AMC hosted its first sensory-friendly film in Columbia, Md. in 2007. The demand was so high, the theater sold out all …seats. > > #AMC’s corporate office took note of the success of the screenings, and contacted the Autism Society of America to join forces and mobilize affiliates and theatres in towns around the country. AMC now offers monthly sensory-friendly screenings at 152 theaters throughout the U.S. and Canada. > > #“The lights are turned up, the sound is turned down, and the ‘silence is golden’ rule is lifted - singing and dancing along is encouraged,” said a promotion for ‘Sensory Saturdays’ on the website of The Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV), located in Oakton. ASNV promotes the sensory-friendly films series to their community of more than 5,000 individuals and families affected by autism throughout Northern Virginia. > > #Currently, AMC Theatres is the only national theater chain that offers these sensory-friendly screenings. > > Coming to AMC Tysons Corner 16 > #The following list of Sensory-Friendly Films is scheduled at AMC Tysons Corner 16. All shows begin at 10 a.m. For more information on the film series, go to [amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films](http://amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films). > > #Saturday, Aug 22, 2015 - Underdogs > > #Saturday, Sep 26, 2015 – Hotel Transylvania > > #Saturday, Oct 17, 2015 - Pan > > #Saturday, Nov 14, 2015 – The Peanuts Movie > > #Saturday, Dec 5, 2015 – The Good Dinosaur > > #In Northern Virginia, sensory friendly movies are held monthly on Saturday mornings at AMC Tyson’s Corner 16 in Mclean, AMC Potomac Mills 18 in Woodbridge, and AMC Rio Cinemas 18 in Gaithersburg, AMC Georgetown 14, and AMC Capital Center 12 in Washington. > > #Movies are typically rated G or PG, and they start promptly at 10 a.m. Previews and advertisements are eliminated. The lights are dimmed, but not turned off, and the surround sound is muted. Because some children may have strict, special dietary needs, families are permitted to bring their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks from home. > > …#Best of all, children are allowed to be themselves. > > #They can shout out their thoughts, clap whenever they feel like it, dance in the aisles or twirl in their seats. For once, parents of children with autism can sit back, enjoy the show and trade smiles instead of criticism… Here is a link to a video from _ASNV_ from a couple of years ago: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_w9OryvDdVM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w9OryvDdVM) (source: [Now Showing: Sensory-Friendly Films at AMC Theatres](http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2015/aug/04/now-showing-sensory-friendly-films-amc-theaters/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2017, 10:01am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1019 "2017-05-19T10:01:59Z")
The subject of the last couple of posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in Virginia > [@](#): > > Cole Onthank’s autism is invisible to those he loves. > > That includes pets awaiting adoption at the Cherryland Humane Society, where Onthank, 17, volunteers. > > “He socializes with the dogs and cats, and he’ll do anything you want him to do,” said shelter volunteer coordinator Cheryl Morgan, who puts Onthank to work at everything from scooping cat litter into 50 or 60 litter boxes at a time to scrubbing the dust from the cat room’s brick walls. > > ?He comes in with his tutor and they’ll even climb up on the stepladder and wash the tops of the cat cages. He’s really good. He is always happy and smiling and upbeat, so when people come in he’s a real plus." > > Now Onthank is parlaying his volunteer experience and love for animals into a special event to help them find homes. ‘Picnic Hope,’ scheduled for Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., also was designed to raise shelter funds and collect items on its ‘wish list’ for the pets’ care. > > The idea came to Onthank while he mulled options for a school service club project with tutor Carol Poppe of The Autism Center of Northern Michigan. > > “It was perfect because I love animals and I love volunteering,” said Onthank, a senior at the Grand Traverse Academy public charter school and a member of its Key Club. “They give you so much joy.” > > The event will feature music, prizes – including a gift certificate for five yoga sessions – contribution and donation stations, and traditional picnic fare, from hot dogs and chips to brownies and lemonade. Onthank solicited friends, neighbors and businesses for help. > > “We have a number of young people who do things in various ways but nothing like this picnic idea, which is pretty creative,” said Mike Cherry, the shelter’s executive director. > > He said the picnic is especially welcome now, during a shelter campaign to raise $500,000 for operating costs. The shelter launched the campaign in the spring, citing a decline in planned giving like wills, trusts and charitable gift annuities, which make up much of its funding. > > “It’s an ongoing process for us,” Cherry said. “We got a pretty good response to start with but nothing close to what we need.” > > The shelter also needs donations of Purina dog, cat, puppy and kitten chow, gravel-type cat litter, and sturdy, washable pet toys. But Onthank’s main goal is to find forever homes for its 100 or so pets – 20 dogs and 88 cats at last count. > > “I hope everyone wants to adopt a cat or dog,” said Onthank, who already has one pet – a poodle mix named Tony – and would love to adopt more. “Everyone wants to adopt a kitten but there are a lot of adult cats that are spayed (or neutered) and need homes.” > > Working with the shelter is only one of Onthank’s summer pursuits. He also works part-time in the maintenance department at the Traverse City State Park, volunteers at Habitat for Humanity’s Re-Store and helps other students with autism at The Autism Center. > > “Cole is very social,” Poppe said. “He likes meeting new people.” > > And pets. > > “The most fun at the Cherryland Humane Society is being there, making friends and working with the animals,” Onthank said… (source: [Autistic student’s project benefits shelter pets | Northern Living | record-eagle.com](http://www.record-eagle.com/news/northern_living/autistic-student-s-project-benefits-shelter-pets/article_bc7ed682-d264-5f41-b582-a8afe328de07.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 5:06am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1020 "2017-05-20T05:06:00Z")
The subject of the last couple of posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Virginia. _Commonwealth Autism_ is a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit whose mission is to build the capacity of the autism and developmental disability service provider network through leadership, innovation, example, and collaboration. _Commonwealth Autism_ is a Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) provider… > [@](#): > > Shenandoah University and Commonwealth Autism are collaborating on an initiative to deliver graduate instruction to professionals in Central Virginia who seek advanced skills in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is the science and technology behind improving human behavior and helps improve the lives of individuals living with various disabilities, including autism. Careers that require post-graduate degrees in ABA are in high demand and outnumber the available professionals with graduate degrees. > > “A decade or so ago, no one heard of ‘applied behaviour analysis’ or even knew what a behavior analyst was,” said Coordinator of Shenandoah University’s ABA Program and Associate Professor of Psychology Brandon Greene, Ph.D. “Now, ABA is cocktail conversation–there is a worldwide community of about 18,000 practicing professionals with advanced degrees in ABA. Here in the United States, Commonwealth Autism has been at the forefront of initiatives incorporating ABA in the service of children and adults with autism, employing some of the most talented behavior analysts in the profession. It’s an honor for us to be a partner in this initiative.” > > The new educational initiative will allow individuals residing in, and around, the greater Richmond region to earn a master’s degree in ABA, or take the necessary coursework to become eligible to pursue Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. An informational seminar will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1, at Commonwealth Autism’s Richmond offices (4108 E. Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia). > > The seminar is designed for individuals who are working with human service agencies or are interested in working in this area, hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in a master’s degree, or hold a master’s degree in education or psychology and wish to pursue BCBA certification. Classes will begin in the fall of 2016. > > “For 20 years, Commonwealth Autism has worked to grow services across the state of Virginia in a strategic and systematic way, making the most of limited resources,” said Commonwealth Autism President & CEO John Toscano. “Partnering with Shenandoah to offer pre-service training to young professionals will no doubt enhance our ability to carry out our mission and improve services for Virginians with autism.”… Here is a link to a video from _Commonwealth Autism_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F20\_3YS1GzI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F20_3YS1GzI) (source: [https://www.su.edu/blog/2016/01/20/shenandoah-university-and-commonwealth-autism-partner-to-deliver-graduate-degree-in-applied-behavior-analysis/](https://www.su.edu/blog/2016/01/20/shenandoah-university-and-commonwealth-autism-partner-to-deliver-graduate-degree-in-applied-behavior-analysis/)) [Previous page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=50) [Next page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=52)