# '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:** 57
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2017, 5:04am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1121 "2017-09-03T05:04:12Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Maryland. _Continuum Behavioral Health and Continuum Autism Spectrum Alliance_ (_CASA_) in McLean, Virginia addresses the needs of those who present with signs or symptoms associated with behavioral disorders and related developmental disabilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. _CASA_ is unique in its ability to provide a seamless continuum of care starting with diagnosis and extending through assessment and treatment… Here is a link to a video from _CASA_: [3.4K views · 23 reactions | What a fun and hilarious team building activity at our monthly clinic in Colorado! Who wouldn't want to work with this awesome team!? Well, guess what? We are hiring in all CO locations for all positions! Check out our website or contact jbassos@continuumgroup.net to find out more! | Continuum Autism Spectrum Alliance](https://www.facebook.com/AutismSpectrumAlliance/videos/vb.220114154714475/1440652769327268/?type=2&theater) (source: [https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/education/every-day-is-autism-awareness-day-for-challenges-program/article\_7fcbf983-4f3c-5ce5-a33c-4af803335e13.html](https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/education/every-day-is-autism-awareness-day-for-challenges-program/article_7fcbf983-4f3c-5ce5-a33c-4af803335e13.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2017, 10:24am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1122 "2017-09-04T10:24:38Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Maryland. In neighbouring Washington, DC, the _Children’s National Health System_, serves children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > Children’s National Health System today announced the creation of an integrated team that is dedicated to working with patients with autism spectrum disorder …their families, and their medical care teams to create customized plans to address each child’s unique needs. …Children with [Autism Spectrum Disorders] often have special needs that can create barriers to successfully receiving needed medical care for health issues that arise. > > “We have built a team of experts dedicated to making sure that every child with autism who enters our doors gets the attention, respect, and special care they need to have the most positive experience possible,” says Kurt Newman, MD, President and CEO of Children’s National. “We are very proud to be an autism-friendly hospital.” > > Eileen Walters, BSN, RN, CPN, program manager, is a registered nurse by training and leads the ABC Support team. She saw a need to create this resource for families when she was a nurse navigator. A patient with autism in her care had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and was having trouble receiving and adapting to her medical treatment plan. At the same time, the patient’s medical team was having trouble finding the best possible way to deliver care without causing her a traumatic experience. > > “I saw the need and wanted to immediately do something to help this patient, as well as future patients with autism and/or communication challenges that face similar difficulties,” Walters notes. “The ABC Support team uses information about the specific needs of each child and pairs that with what the child is going to experience during their medical care here [at Children’s National]. By developing plans for each child and coordinating between families and their medical care teams, we create safe passages in how we handle their care.” > > The team is staffed by Walters; Kathleen Atmore, PsyD, an autism specialist and developmental neuropsychologist; and Chayna Humphrey, program assistant. > The ABC Support team is one of the only formal programs available at children’s hospitals across the country that offers dedicated support to patients with autism and behavioral or communication challenges who are already being treated for various medical conditions. > > The team partners with medical providers when working with patients who have autism to help physicians and nurses understand the child’s needs and work around some of the challenges the providers may face when administering care. The primary goal of this partnership is to help educate medical providers across the different departments and clinics at Children’s National so they can develop a deeper understanding of the unique needs of children with autism. > > “People with autism typically think visually, not verbally, and they often need help understanding information and preparing for new situations,” says Dr. Atmore. “If you have a patient who is deaf, you would have a person come in and interpret. It’s similar if you have a patient with autism; you need to have the ability to translate the medical situation into something that makes sense for them.” > > These services are currently available for patients admitted in the hospital at the Children’s Sheikh Zayed campus, as well as at the Children’s Montgomery County Regional Outpatient Center. > > “Our goals are to help patients make sense of their treatment plan and help their medical care teams administer care in the most successful way possible,” Walters explains. “We hope that when people think of Children’s National, they think of an autism-friendly environment and a place where all children can go to receive the best and safest care.” Here is a link to a video: [https://m.facebook.com/pg/childrens.national/videos/?ref=page\_internal&mt\_nav=1](https://m.facebook.com/pg/childrens.national/videos/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=1) (source: [Children's National Creates Team Dedicated to Making Hospital More Autism-friendly | Children's National](https://childrensnational.org/news-and-events/childrens-newsroom/2017/childrens-national-creates-team-dedicated-to-making-hospital-more-autismfriendly)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2017, 8:41am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1123 "2017-09-05T08:41:44Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Maryland. To the west, the _West Virginia Autism Supportive Center_ is a Randolph County, West Virginia-based nonprofit that aims to provide supportive services to increase independence of individuals with Autism. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > Officials planning a future facility to serve individuals with autism will offer a fundraiser this Sunday. > > The West Virginia Autism Supportive Center 5K will be …on Sunday. The run/walk will begin at 1 p.m. at the main pavilion in the park. > > The facility’s board is actively working in collaboration with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Resources to complete the project. > > Erin Browning, chairperson of the WVASC Board of Directors, is a speech language pathologist who currently serves part time at Davis Medical Center. In addition, Browning has taught seminars to medical professionals on topics regarding caring for non-neurotypical patients, as well as serving as a program director for a school centered around edible schoolyard and makers movements. > > “This is a very unique opportunity, first of its kind in our state, where we will be offering programming to support individuals with autism and their families,” Browning said. > > Browning explained that, as an organization, the West Virginia Autism Supportive Center intends to create a supportive environment where individuals with autism are able to thrive and also gain experience to assist them in life. > > “I think the biggest thing to focus on is that we will be providing service even as those with [Autism Spectrum Disorders] get older. So much of services are focused on little children right now and we want to fill a gap,” Browning said. > > The facility will serve individuals of all ages with an agricultural focus that the West Virginia Department of Agriculture has helped to make a possibility for the center. > > Both Browning and Delegate Denise Campbell, another member of the board that is working to complete this center, said there are specifics that are still to be finalized, but both hope the facility will serve as a center for individuals across their lifespan. > > “We are still lining out our vision and all of the ins and outs, but largely we will be focusing on providing service to those with autism throughout the lifespan and hope for it to be very functional,” Browning said. > > Once the project is complete, a grand opening will be at the Autism Supportive Center at a later date yet to be determined. > > Any interested individuals are invited to participate. Participants can register online at [eventbrite.com](http://eventbrite.com) or by contacting Brittany Small at Advanced Hearing Solutions… Here is a link to photos: [https://m.facebook.com/pg/wvautismsupportivecenter/photos/?tab=album&album\_id=242896562725841&ref=page\_internal](https://m.facebook.com/pg/wvautismsupportivecenter/photos/?tab=album&album_id=242896562725841&ref=page_internal) (source: [Fundraiser planned for autism center | News, Sports, Jobs - The Intermountain](http://www.theintermountain.com/news/local-news/2016/10/fundraiser-planned-for-autism-center/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2017, 10:47am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1124 "2017-09-06T10:47:12Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Maryland. To the east, the _Anderson Center for Autism_ is a Staatsburg, New York-based nonprofit whose mission is to provide the highest quality programs to those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, including children. From its progressive curriculum and exceptional staff, to its full array of services, comfortable residential homes and classrooms and more the nonprofit makes great strides to ensure the outstanding facilities, supportive atmosphere, variety of activities and more that make life there the best it can be… > [@](#): > > A Staatsburg facility for people with developmental disabilities has a new mission – to give its clients more power over their own lives. > > The Anderson Center for Autism said it knows that making ‘quality of life’ issues its top priority will be a challenge. > > The children, teens and adults it serves have limited abilities to express feelings and thoughts, said chief operating officer Patrick Paul. > > Opened in 1924, the center was cutting edge when it came to treating special needs children.. > > …Dr. Sudi Kash, Anderson’s chief clinical officer, was tasked with finding out just what ‘quality of life’ meant to clients. > > Paul said she found what she was looking for at the Institute for Community Involvement at University of Salamanca in Spain – the San Martin Scale. > > It uses eight domains: self determination, physical well-being, rights (to respect, dignity and privacy), social inclusion, emotional well-being, material well-being, personal development and interpersonal relationships. > > Eliza Bozenski, Anderson’s foundation director, said the center has embraced a ‘new life-enhancing philosophy’ that “affects everything, from staff to individual, from individual to individual, the way we act, the way we communicate with the individuals we serve.” > > Citing the experience of one client, Paul said the 32-year-old man had expressed a wish to move to a difference residence, “one where he knew there were people he liked.” > > Once a place opened up, he was asked to consider if this was what he wanted, and why he wanted it. > > Paul said the client said he wanted ‘to better’ himself and be in a place where he could have ‘home alone time.’ > > Having greater freedom – and responsibility – helps pave the path towards independent living, Paul said. > > The man, now in his new abode, spends part of his ‘home alone’ time voluntarily washing the floors. > > When asked what ‘quality of life’ meant to him, he said: “I felt it was time for a change, to increase my independence.” Here is a link to a video from the _Anderson Center for Autism_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXDE76yW6lo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXDE76yW6lo) (source: [Friends of Queen Anne’s County Library](http://friendsofqaclibrary.org/friends-helps-grow-library-at-new-mcardle-center/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2017, 10:43am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1125 "2017-09-07T10:43:34Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Maryland. > [@](#): > > April is National Autism Awareness Month and we are turning the spotlight on a Maryland father and son who are bonding every day through a fun and competitive outdoor game. > > Tom Rowse and his son, Gregory, who has autism, enjoy playing disc golf every afternoon at 3 p.m. On this April afternoon, they were out at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg enjoying the spring weather. > > Gregory is a student at Wootton High School and is in an autism program at the school. One day, Tom asked his son if he wanted to learn disc golf. > > “He said, ‘Yes!’ He’s been enamored by the sound of the chains. He made that sound and he was addicted,” Tom described. > > Gregory’s father said his son gets to be himself out on the course. > > “After school, we come out here to this beautiful playground,” said Tom. “I feel he is taking his own path and doing his own thing.” > > Getting to be in the outdoors has helped Gregory physically and emotionally. > > “This is his favorite thing – to be around nature,” said his father. “…All I have to do is bring him outside and get him the exercise that he needs. …I have seen such a marked change in him.” > > Tom said he saw something in Gregory while playing disc golf that he’s rarely seen throughout his life. > > “I actually saw pride and I saw him being proud,” he said. > > But the biggest thing Tom gets out of these daily outings is that it brings him closer with his son. > > “We come out every day, so we are with each other and exposed to each other every single day,” said Tom. “It brings us together. I’m just lucky to have found it.” (source: [Md. father and son with autism create stronger bond every afternoon through disc golf - Story | WTTG](http://www.fox5dc.com/news/local-news/md-father-and-son-with-autism-bond-every-afternoon-with-disc-golf)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 12:36pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1126 "2017-09-08T12:36:41Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Maryland. _Target Community & Educational Services, Inc._ is a Gaithersburg, Maryland-based nonprofit that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals, with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The nonprofit seeks to do this through quality, community-based residential, educational, vocational, recreational and family support services… Here is a link to the nonprofit’s ‘Spring Gala’ fundraiser from this year: [Target Community and Educational Services of Maryland](http://www.targetcommunity.org/events-spring-gala.aspx) (source: [https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/education/every-day-is-autism-awareness-day-for-challenges-program/article\_7fcbf983-4f3c-5ce5-a33c-4af803335e13.html](https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/education/every-day-is-autism-awareness-day-for-challenges-program/article_7fcbf983-4f3c-5ce5-a33c-4af803335e13.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2017, 9:38am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1127 "2017-09-09T09:38:18Z")
The subject of the last posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Pennsylvania. > [@](#): > > For children with autism, social interaction, communication and behavioral development are common challenges. Those challenges are compounded when an autistic child gets wrapped up in the criminal justice system. > > Sadly, there’s an overrepresentation of kids with autism in the juvenile justice system, and they often respond in unanticipated ways, including fleeing from authorities, inappropriately approaching an officer or becoming sidetracked by courtroom sounds or the sensation of handcuffs. As a result, autistic children require different treatment, yet judges and others may not understand the characteristics of autism. > > “There have been no protocols for juvenile justice professionals to identify those kids,” says Tammy Hughes, chair of the Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education at Duquesne University’s School of Education. But in Pennsylvania, a change to the judicial code now requires magistrates to complete continuing education about the signs and traits of autism. > > The Justice Training Project of Pennsylvania’s Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative, together with the Autism Society of Pittsburgh, developed an education program for criminal justice professionals, including probation officers, public defenders, magistrates and judges. Through the program, which is supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Bureau of Autism Services, 1,000 Pennsylvania magistrates are now learning to recognize autism indicators in juveniles. > > …contact with the criminal justice system more than doubled among [Pennsylvania] residents with autism between 2005 and 2011. “Our training explains autism traits and, through video, magistrates can actually see how autistic kids are likely to behave,” Hughes says. > > Blaise Larotonda, a magisterial district judge in Pittsburgh, says it’s ‘extremely important’ that judges “have all the information available to us as it relates to the issues we hear in our courtrooms. Training is always the first and most important step towards the understanding and recognition of these issues.” > > Educators in the 1 [and a half]-hour training include psychiatrists, attorneys, parents of individuals with autism and teachers, who explain common characteristics of autistic individuals and effective ways to communicate with offenders who have autism. “A challenge with autistic individuals is getting information to them and out of them,” Hughes explains. “There are very specific techniques, such as asking short questions that are not open-ended.” > > Competency is also an issue, Hughes adds. “If an autistic child participates in an interview or waives Miranda rights, did they understand what that meant” Individuals with autism have difficulty giving and receiving information. They’re often very good at mimicking and repeating, but if you say, ‘Tell me in your own words what I said,’ it becomes clear they may not have actually understood." > > The magistrate training program has received “an extremely positive response,” says Hughes, who adds that in juvenile justice, the priority is rehabilitation. “Nobody wants kids back in the courtroom.” (source: [Autism awareness project trains Pennsylvania’s juvenile judges](http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/autism_awareness_pennsylvania_juvenile_courts)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2017, 9:13am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1128 "2017-09-10T09:13:01Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. The _ABA in PA Initiative_ is an advocacy organization made up a parents, industry professionals, and lawmakers dedicated to change the future for all children in Pennsylvania with Autism Spectrum Disorder by ensuring access to Applied Behavior Analysis therapy via Medical Assistance. The ABA in PA Initiative aims to bring the autism community together as one united voice to urge Pennsylvania and private sector to listen to our concerns and take immediate action to address the service gap for Applied Behaviour Analysis… > [@](#): > > A local group of parents and industry professionals is meeting in Hershey to strategize about ways to ensure that children with autism receive better access to quality Applied Behavior Analysis …therapy. > > The third annual meeting of the ABA in PA Initiative will take place on Thursday, June 8, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s University Conference Center, 500 University Drive in Hershey. > > “It’s more important than ever that we focus our efforts on promoting advocacy for individuals with special needs, given the uncertainty of the level of investments for autism services on the state level, along with the uncertain fate of health coverage on the national level,? said Dr. Cheryl Tierney, MD, MPH, a board-Certified behavior and developmental pediatrician at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and president of the ABA in PA Initiative. ?This annual meeting serves as a critical opportunity for professionals, parents and advocates to come together to explore the best ways to ensure that individuals with autism are receiving the services they need an deserve, including ABA therapy.” > > Members of the media are welcome to cover the meeting, and parents and professionals are available for interview. > > The ABA in PA Initiative is an advocacy organization dedicated to change the future for all children in Pennsylvania with Autism Spectrum Disorder by ensuring access to ABA therapy via Medical Assistance. > > The ABA in PA Initiative aims to bring the autism community together as one united voice to urge Pennsylvania and private sector to listen to our concerns and take immediate action to address the service gap for ABA. > > …Applied Behavior Analysis is a systematic and intensive teaching approach that involves breaking skills down into small, easy-to-learn steps. It is widely recognized as the single most effective treatment for children with autism and the only treatment shown to lead to significant, lasting improvements in the lives of individuals with autism. > > Studies have shown that children with autism who participated in intensive ABA programs showed significant improvements in IQ, language skills, and academic performance. Some children in these studies were able to move successfully to mainstream public school classes, where they can learn alongside typically developing peers. > > The American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General endorse ABA therapy. > > However, according to ABA in PA members, Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance (MA) program does not cover ABA therapy in a manner that is consistent with the medically accepted standard of care, or in an amount, duration and scope sufficient to reasonably achieve its purpose of improving the lives of children with autism. > > While Pennsylvania provides services to many children with autism, these services are not designed to treat developmental or neurological disorders, such as autism. The services provided today are designed to treat the behavioral ‘symptoms’ of autism. > > ABA in PA participants say ABA therapy must be recognized in Pennsylvania as distinct service offering to children with autism. However, unlike other states, Pennsylvania has refused to recognize ABA therapy as distinct service under the state’s MA program… Here is a link to a video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC968hBJGz8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC968hBJGz8) (source: [The ABA in PA Initiative](http://www.abainpa.com/news)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2017, 9:56am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1129 "2017-09-11T09:56:27Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Pennsylvania. _Get On Board_ is a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based skateboard program that aims to teach children with special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, the joys and benefits of skateboarding. The nonprofit’s Art show features custom one-of-a-kind artwork on skateboard decks from local and nationally renowned Tattoo and Fine Artists… > [@](#): > > Learning to skateboard isn’t always a smooth ride. > > “You get on this thing, and there’s a higher percentage of chance that you’re going to fall down than there is you’re not going to fall down,” says Nathan DeMuro, master instructor of the Get on Board program. > > “For a lot of people, that’s very defeating.” > > But not for participants in Get on Board, a program that empowers children with autism and special needs by teaching them how to skate – for free. > > The nonprofit organization is led by Ray Young, who in 30 years has taught thousands of students how to skate. > > Young skated at the semiprofessional level in the 1980s before studying art education at Millersville University and teaching at multiple skate camps. He was inspired to start Get on Board while searching for events for a friend’s son with autism. > > Through Get on Board, Young and his team of experienced instructors teach children at events in York, Mechanicsburg and beyond. > > And participants learn far more than kickflips and ollies. > > “Suddenly, a kid who never looked up is looking up,” says DeMuro, who has been teaching skateboarding for 25 years. "A kid that never talked is talking. A kid that never expressed himself physically is now expressing himself physically. > > “Skateboarding might not stick, something else might come, but the skateboarding broke the ice,” he says. > > …The program launched in April 2012 with help from a Harrisburg art show featuring painted skateboards. > > Tattoo artists Steve Skelly and Chad Divel were instrumental in organizing it, with initial funding coming from Young’s Steelton tattoo shop, Rayzor Tattoos, as well as Chris Crennan, Corey Harner and the Autism Society of the Greater Harrisburg Area. > > The first skate instruction event was held in May 2014 at the Autism Society of the Greater Harrisburg Area’s annual Sensory Picnic. Young says the chapter and its vice president, Leora Smith Appleby, have been vital to Get on Board. > > Young and his team – which includes DeMuro, Gary Dutson, Darryll Hickey and other volunteers – keep the free event by providing all equipment, including skateboards, helmets, pads and ramps. (Sponsors …make that possible by donating or discounting equipment or services.) > > The team also has its own portable skate park, Young said. > > Get on Board is running a fundraising campaign on [GoFundMe.com](http://GoFundMe.com) to help maintain and expand the program. > > …Young says the focus of the program is really empowering kids. > > “We don’t encourage kids necessarily to become skaters,” Young says. “I mean, we do. We encourage them to become the best skaters that they can be at that moment. But what we are doing is we’re encouraging them to challenge themselves, grow, experience, take chances. That’s what we’re encouraging.” > > Parents must register their children prior to the event in designated time slots; Get on Board does not have age requirements participants. Four children at a time work one-on-one with instructors, with about 30 kids in attendance at each event. > > “He shreds all of us” > > Young says having participants with different levels of skills sets shows beginners what kind of skater they can be one day. > > One young skater, who came to Get on Board with a solid skill set, is extraordinary, Young says. > > “One of the best skaters I’ve ever seen – period, hands-down – not just potential but just ability, is actually a (friend’s) son who is a 20-year-old young man with autism who skates better than all of us,” Young says. “He shreds all of us.” > > Gary Dutson, a member of the Get on Board team who makes sure things run smoothly at events, has a personal reason to be involved – his son is on the autistic spectrum. > > “First time, walking into the clinic seeing what these guys do – it’s just like, they got it,” Dutson says. “They know what’s going on. They can see it. They’re working with these kids. You’re seeing the success of these kids.” > > At skate instruction events, Get on Board is giving kids with autism and special needs not just a place to skate, but a place to socialize and have fun with other kids, the program’s organizers say. > > “There’s a need everywhere for this,” Dutson says. > > …Young says his teaching method is the same, whether teaching students with or without autism. > > “We don’t treat them any differently than we would any other child,” Young says. “We teach the exact same methodology to this group of children that we’ve been teaching for all these years. We talk to them exactly the same. It’s not any different.” > > Young and the other instructors say they see no boundaries for what kids can achieve through Get on Board. > > “There’s no limitations,” Young says. > > To stay updated on upcoming Get on Board events, visit [facebook.com/getonboardforautism](http://facebook.com/getonboardforautism) and gofundme/autismskateboardprogram. Here is a link to a video from the nonprofit: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X6FKLqt8Ec](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X6FKLqt8Ec) (source: [Get on Board skateboarding program empowers kids with autism | Features | lancasteronline.com](http://lancasteronline.com/features/get-on-board-skateboarding-program-empowers-kids-with-autism/article_cd49a754-15dc-11e5-a72f-4bf0152e78c7.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 9:01am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1130 "2017-09-12T09:01:43Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in eastern Pennsylvania. To the east, _Surfers Way_ is a Long Beach, New York-based nonprofit that gives free surf lessons to children with various challenges, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The nonprofit’s motto is ‘Where your child can laugh, learn, and experience the wave of a lifetime, regardless of their challenges!’… > [@](#): > > Surf’s up! There are wipe-outs, but they usually end with smiles – and kids with disabilities are getting a unique chance to hang 10. > The children, who wear life jackets, get on a long-board accompanied by a surfer. When a good wave is in sight, the surfer gets on the board, and manuevers so that the child is balanced in the surfer’s arms. > Long Beach surfers and kids are getting the ride of their lives through Surfer’s Way, a program that teams up special needs children with life-long surfers. > “I was afraid that they were going to fall off and if they were going to get hurt and the guys just picked them up by their life-jacket and they were surfing,” said Jane Weisbrot. “It was amazing, absolutely amazing.” > Special Needs Kids Learn to Surf > A program in Long Beach called “Surfer’s Way” helps some special needs kids catch waves. > Jane and Mitch Weisbrot have twin boys with autism. > “As a parent we go through therapies through all the issues that we have it gives us a day that everything is normal. Everything is typical watching them doing something any child would be doing,” said Mitch Weisbrot. > More than 90 kids …got to hang 10 or – just hang out. > > …Behind Surfer’s Way are two Long Beach legends. > For fifty years Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, who represents District 20, has helped children on Long Beach as both a lifeguard and a politician. > “I always focus on what our children can do not what they can’t do,” said Weisenberg. > Surf instructor Eliott Zuckerman, the Big Kahuna of Long Beach, started putting children with disabilities on surfboards back in the 1980’s… > > “I surf all over the world, but nothing compares to taking a kid in the water surfing. We’re making these kids experience what I experience every single day, multiply that by a thousand,” said Zuckerman. > Zuckerman and Weisenberg started working together and built Surfer’s Way into a non-profit group that now includes thirty volunteers and twelve surfers. > Surfer’s Way meets up twice during the summer and plans on expanding into other seasons. > Weisenberg said a highlight came on a recent outing, when one child who has difficulty walking got up and surfed for the first time. > “[The] Child’s comment after her surf in the water: ‘One more time.’ Absolutely,” said Weisenberg. Here is a link to photos from a _Surfer’s Way_ outing from a number of years ago: [Surfer’s Way: Autism, Special Needs, Surfing, Surfing Camp, Long Beach, Long Island, South Hampton, New York](http://www.surfersway.org/gallery.html) (source: [Special Needs Kids Hang 10 - NBC New York](http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Special-Needs-Kids-Hang-10.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 9:51am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1131 "2017-09-13T09:51:57Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Pennsylvania. _Marywood University_, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, hosts a chapter of _Autism Speaks_. _Autism Speaks_ is North America’s leading Autism science and advocacy nonprofit organisation… > [@](#): > > Marywood is launching an Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement certificate program to offer educators, school psychologists, counselors and other professional’s coursework and practicum to effectively work with children and youth diagnosed with [Autism Spectrum Disorders.] > > …Dr. Patricia Arter, associate professor of special education, created the program with colleagues in the Special Education department, including Arter and Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, along with Dr. Francis DeMatteo from the psychology program. > > …The 12-credit certificate program, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), is done online and will be an accelerated eight-week program. > “The program was designed to develop and enhance effective educational, assessment and collaborative practices to support educators, school districts, and community organisations,” said Arter, who is serving as director of the new program. “A significant need exists for well-trained professionals to serve students with Autism and related Autism Spectrum Disorders,” said Arter. > To participate in the ASD certificate program, students must: > > - Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/ university or 90 credits in an undergraduate program; > - Have a 3.0 or better GPA; > - Have an official transcript for each college or university attended; > - Have graduate admission application and essay; > - Have a background in education, psychology, communication disorders, or another related discipline. > The first two courses will begin in the fall semester of 2015 with limited enrollment. Here is a link to photos: [https://m.facebook.com/pg/AutismSpeaksUMarywoodUniversity/photos/?tab=album&album\_id=394719947222483&ref=page\_internal&mt\_nav=1](https://m.facebook.com/pg/AutismSpeaksUMarywoodUniversity/photos/?tab=album&album_id=394719947222483&ref=page_internal&mt_nav=1) (source: [Marywood launches Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement certificate program – The Wood Word](https://www.thewoodword.org/news/2015/04/19/marywood-launches-autism-spectrum-disorder-endorsement-certificate-program/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2017, 9:57am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1132 "2017-09-14T09:57:54Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Pennsylvania. _Kyle’s Treehouse_ is a Delaware County, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit… > [@](#): > > Join Kyle’s Treehouse this April during Autism Awareness Month and help empower families touched by autism to make effective choices. > > …It is more important now than ever to offer families knowledge and support. Kyle’s Treehouse is a non‐profit organization founded by Jenifer and Jeffrey Westphal after their son Kyle was diagnosed with autism in 1998. The Westphals created the Treehouse because they were frustrated by the difficulty in learning about autism. They wanted to make the learning process easier for others, and in just a few short years, what was originally an informational resource has evolved into a vibrant community. Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors support, learn from & inspire hope in each other. > This April, celebrate sixteen‐year‐old Kyle Westphal, Kyle’s Treehouse namesake, in his premier tee shirt collaboration. He partnered up with artist Jessie Rose Vala to create a tee shirt that embodies the perfect union of aesthetic functionality and tangible evidence of Kyle’s work as a communicative, creative and engaged teenager. “One of our major focuses at Kyle’s Treehouse is the exploration of alternative therapies for those affected by autism,” explains Jenifer. “Kyle has found an immense outlet through art and creativity, and so it was only natural to encourage his artistic visions.” > > One hundred percent of the proceeds from tee shirt sales go towards supporting Kyle’s Treehouse… Here is a link to a video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX2Brs68fjI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX2Brs68fjI) (source: [http://themarkoffgroup.com/clients/kth\_press\_releases/KTH\_AutismAwarenessMonth.pdf](http://themarkoffgroup.com/clients/kth_press_releases/KTH_AutismAwarenessMonth.pdf)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2017, 12:04pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1133 "2017-09-15T12:04:39Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Pennsylvania. > [@](#): > > Iaiah West’s first foray into computer coding came as a teenager, when he took the initial steps any aspiring computer programmer takes – learning to make words appear on a screen. > > Now a sophomore at La Salle University, West will get his first professional experience this summer when he interns at SAP America Inc., the software giant headquartered in …Delaware County. > > In that regard, West is like any college student pursuing a career. But, as an autistic person, he faces an extra set of challenges. > > To aid West and other students with autism spectrum disorder, La Salle’s LADDER Family Center has launched a unique program, dubbed “PASSPORT To Success,” to provide myriad support services. Similarly, SAP has taken steps to include people on the spectrum in its workforce by launching an Autism at Work initiative. > > Both programs will be topics Friday at La Salle’s ninth annual Autism Conference, an event that highlights the transitions autistic people must make as they hit adulthood. > > “What happens? That transition to adulthood – they can’t stay home,” said Carole A. Patrylo, LADDER’s director of external services and an assistant professor in the education department. “This conference is about opportunities.” > > …due to his autism, West has challenges with the social skills that are such an important part of college life. > > That’s where his “PALS” come in. > > …Through PASSPORT To Success, he regularly meets with a social worker, and a marriage and family counselor, who help him set and achieve goals. And he gets help – and companionship – from two students known as “PALS,” an acronym for “personal associates at La Salle.” > > Sometimes, West and his “PALS” head into Center City and “try not to get lost,” he said. Other times, they simply hang out on campus. > > West smiled as he remembered their trip to the Philadelphia Auto Show and a restaurant nearby. > > “It was so hard for them to get me out of the auto show,” West said. “It’s almost impossible unless I’ve taken a picture of everything.” > > His other PASSPORT advisers have worked with West to improve his time management skills, helping him prioritize his classwork and organize his schedule online. Without a detailed schedule at hand, West said he struggles to stay on task. > > “It’s either I get nothing done, or I shove everything in at once,” West said. “Then I end up sleeping at 3 a.m.” > > The PASSPORT program has given West a place to turn when he feels “cornered” by challenges he struggles to navigate on his own ? like when his peers in his dormitory are creating too much noise. > > “I don’t mind stimuli that I can control,” West said. “If I get into a voice chat with eight people, then I can leave. But if there’s a bunch of people standing outside my door, then there’s a problem.” > > PASSPORT is among various programs offered by LADDER Family Center, an on-campus resource center for students with autism and developmental disabilities. Emphasizing self-direction, PASSPORT assists students who demonstrate intellectual ability, but face adaptive behavioral and social challenges. > > Patrylo stresses that La Salle’s student body and campus are the perfect size for a program like PASSPORT. Bigger schools might lack the intimacy that La Salle can provide through its LADDER center. > > “It’s like an oasis,” Patrylo said. “We know each other. We know our students.” > > …PASSPORT helped connect West to SAP, which seeks to have 1 percent of its global workforce represented by people on the autism spectrum. The software giant has 120 employees with the condition working in nine countries, including 16 at its Delaware County office. > > SAP recognizes that autistic people bring innovation and different perspectives to the workforce, said Peg Monaghan, a member of SAP’s Autism at Work initiative. They represent an underutilized talent pool with unique skills. > > “We know that people with autism think differently,” Monaghan said. “They look at things differently. … We want the talent who create our products to reflect the diversity of our customers.” > > This summer, West will complete SAP’s Enterprise Readiness Academy, a six-week, paid internship that prepares students to potentially gain employment at the company. The course emphasizes communication and collaboration, culminating with students developing a prototype of an SAP product. > > Once students complete not only the internship but also their education, SAP will consider them for employment, Monaghan said. SAP has autistic employees working in various capacities, including software development, finance, human resources and communications. > > Like any new hire, the software company pairs its autistic employees with a “team buddy” who helps them navigate their transition into the job. Volunteers accompany them to social activities, like Phillies games or monthly lunches, in an effort to help them with their social skills. > > West said he hopes the internship provides him an opportunity to work better in groups, adding that he can get annoyed when group members don’t carry their share of the workload. > > But he also wants to build upon the computer programming knowledge he has gained since he first took an interest in computers years ago. > > “I’ve liked computers for a long while,” West said. “I’ve always liked playing around with them and writing code. I’ve started a project to take something that’s already written and make it better.” (source: [La Salle program helps autistic students pursue successful careers | PhillyVoice](http://www.phillyvoice.com/la-salle-program-helps-autistic-students-pursue-successful-careers/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2017, 9:05am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1134 "2017-09-16T09:05:20Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Pennsylvania. _Woods Services_ is a Langhorne, Pennsylvania-based non-profit multi-service population health management and advocacy organization that provides innovative, comprehensive and integrated health, education, housing, workforce, behavioral health and case management services to individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. _Woods_ applies evidenced-based treatments and a public health approach to develop innovative and individualized supports that empower people with disabilities and challenges to reach their highest potential… > [@](#): > > Creative juices are flowing inside the shop. They are producing crafty creations of all kinds from the fingertips of the artists inside the workshop at the Yellow Daffodil flower shop in Langhorne, Pa. > > It’s opening up a whole new world for people on the autism spectrum, adults who have physical, developmental, and other challenges at Woods community. > > …Donald Holmes is “painter in chief” and is getting paid. > > They barely made time to stop and talk to …Joyce Evans with the weddings and graduations they’ve got deadlines to meet. They don’t play here. > > “And they take it very seriously. It’s work to them and they really want to work and I have to make them stop to take a break,” manager Ginny Page said. > > Just last fall on the program’s 50th anniversary, they opened their first off campus shop. They went from a stand at a weekend farmers market to two stores. The money generated pays for workers’ salaries and expansion plans. Here is a link to a video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeX6vNBT0\_8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeX6vNBT0_8) (source: [Local flower shop helps people with special needs - Story | WTXF](http://www.fox29.com/news/local-flower-shop-helps-people-with-special-needs)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2017, 10:08am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1135 "2017-09-17T10:08:52Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Pennsylvania. The _A Team_ is a Royersford, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit whose mission is to provide support and instructional programs for families with children on the Autism Spectrum. The network is located in the Spring-Ford Area School District, a K-12 school district based in Montgomery County and Chester County, Pennsylvania… > [@](#): > > Spring-Ford area’s autism support network, The A Team, will be having its fourth meeting on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. in the 5/6 building’s Media Center. The group, which was founded on April 6, 2011, provides person-to-person support for parents with children dealing with various forms of autism. > > Gloria and Kurt Vollert, residents of Royersford, founded the group in light of their son Alex having Asperger’s Syndrome. After talking it over at a …meeting, the general consensus was, “Why don’t we have a support group in the area?” > > After meeting with the special education directors at Spring-Ford, the Vollerts devised a plan as to what they wanted the support group to be. > > “We wanted it to be a support group with the teachers and administration involved if they want to be involved,” Gloria said. “But, basically we would like to provide a forum where we could help each other with issues relating to autism. If you have an older child on the spectrum, you may have a lot of information to pass on. If you have a newly diagnosed child, you may have a wealth of questions. Now there’s a place where we can all share with others.” > > The current membership is at 57 people, but the Vollerts do not want to limit membership to just parents in the Spring-Ford school district. The group is open to anyone. At inaugural meetings, members of the A Team discussed various logistical things, like meeting days and times, as well as leadership roles within the group. However, Gloria pointed out a hopeful idea that the members agreed upon last time around. > > “Another aspect of this which we’re hoping is to have a sibling support group as well,” she said. “[Alex is] our only child, so we have full concentration on him. But, if you have a child who doesn’t have any issues at all, those kids kind of get left behind. When we first met, we asked the members what they wanted and they said they wanted a support group for all of the siblings. It’s not set up but that’s something we’re hoping for.” > > The group has parents with children [from] pre-school age… > > “The way that autism plays out with each individual child is so different,” he said. “When you first get the diagnosis you’re kind of lost. It impacts each child differently. It helps if you are with people who have been through that stage who can offer you advice and support and share their experiences.” > > The Vollerts are currently working on a support website, although they already have a Facebook page. The A Team has its own members-only forum where parents can provide support to each other even when not in person. The ultimate goal, Kurt said, was establishment and sustainability. > > “We’ve had three meetings,” he said. "I don’t want to see it fizzle. My goal is just to see it become an established and on-going group. Once the children that are in the group now graduate and move on, we want it to be a sustainable organization. > > “The other goal would be for us to develop the resources to support the members. Right now, it’s our collective experiences or websites and links we might personally have. Ultimately, we’d like to create this as a database, so that once people receive the diagnosis about their child, the information is there and can point you to different resources. Right now, we’re still in the formation stage.” > > The long-term goal is to make sure the kids get the support that they need and to help change the perceptions of the community and especially the other children in the school. Gloria said she hopes for an autism awareness program to be developed within the district at every level. She said a similar program was instilled where Alex got to speak to his peers about what it’s like to have Asperger’s. The results, Gloria said, were amazing. > > “It was great, because after that, the kids realized he just had Asperger’s,” Gloria said. “It worked out really well. The kids accepted it and it was great to see how much better the kids were to all of them in the class. I think it was great and I think they need it at every level. Just even a disabilities awareness program throughout the school would be good.”… Here is a link to photos of the nonprofit’s ‘Corn Maze’ event from three years ago: [https://www.facebook.com/pg/SpringFordATeam/photos/?tab=album&album\_id=804178216291451&ref=page\_internal](https://www.facebook.com/pg/SpringFordATeam/photos/?tab=album&album_id=804178216291451&ref=page_internal) (source: [Royersford Couple Creates Support Group for Autism | Limerick, PA Patch](https://patch.com/pennsylvania/limerick/royersford-couple-creates-support-group-for-autism)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2017, 9:44am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1136 "2017-09-18T09:44:29Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Pennsylvania. _Highlands Hospital_ is an independent, non-profit hospital located in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania offering emergent, inpatient, behavioural and ambulatory care to the region and beyond. _Highlands Hospital_ in affiliation with _Cleveland Clinic Children’s Center for Autism_ helps to provide families with state-of-the art educational and behavioral treatment for Autism… > [@](#): > > Highlands Hospital Regional Center for Autism has been awarded a $250,000 grant from …to support the expansion of its autism center into a new facility. The expansion will allow the Highlands Hospital Regional Center for Autism to provide vocational, developmental, and autism services for up to 75 students with autism and their families. > > “With the attainment of this generous Highmark grant, Highlands Hospital Regional Center for Autism, the first licensed site in the world for Cleveland Clinic Children’s, will now have the opportunity to impact a greater number of students needing our services in all areas of their academics, functional living skills, communication, socialization, and behavior,” said Michelle Cunningham, chief executive officer, Highlands Hospital. “We are grateful for all the continued support to Highlands Hospital Regional Center for Autism.” > > Highlands Hospital Regional Center for Autism provides students with year-round classroom activities that help them reach their highest level of performance in academics, in addition to achieving behavior, social, and emotional growth. The Highmark grant will also support new programs for students and their families, an indoor physical activity area, a vocational training program for older students, and intern opportunities for local college students focused on a career in autism. > > “We commend Highlands Hospital for its efforts to address the region’s demand for autism services through this one-of-a-kind facility in southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Tom Fitzpatrick, Highmark senior vice president of provider contracting and relations. “Through our support of the expansion of Highlands Hospital Regional Center for Autism, more children with autism and their families will receive the services they need to improve their overall quality of life and well-being.” Here is a link to a _Highlands Hospital Regional Center for Autism_ Radio Ad: [http://www.highlandshospital.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Highlands-Hospital-Autism-Spot-4-2017.mp3](http://www.highlandshospital.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Highlands-Hospital-Autism-Spot-4-2017.mp3) (source: [https://www.highmark.com/hmk2/newsroom/2017/pr062817Highland.shtml](https://www.highmark.com/hmk2/newsroom/2017/pr062817Highland.shtml)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2017, 9:46am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1137 "2017-09-19T09:46:12Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Pennsylvania. In neighbouring New Jersey, the parents of one boy on the Autism Spectrum formed a competitive swim team, recruiting diverse teens on the spectrum and training them. ‘Swim Team’ is a film that chronicles the extraordinary rise of the Jersey Hammerheads, capturing a moving quest for inclusion, independence and a life that feels winning… > [@](#): > > Mike McQuay is always pushing his swimmers beyond their perceived limits. > > But there will come a time when he won’t be there. And he asks, what will happen when the swimming pool lights are turned out. What will happen when his son and other swimmers on the team he coaches are faced with the challenges of being self-sufficient in the real world? > > McQuay, of Perth Amboy, is featured in a new documentary, “Swim Team,” which follows a group of Middlesex County teenagers on the autism spectrum as they journey through competitive swimming and the many life challenges as they approach adulthood. The film is directed and produced by Lara Stolman, of Short Hills, who has produced news and documentaries for outlets like NBC, AMC, and The New York Times’ website. > > McQuay coaches the Jersey Hammerheads, which practice at the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, in Perth Amboy. His son, Mikey McQuay Jr., who is on the autism spectrum, is one of the team’s strongest swimmers and one of the central figures portrayed in the film. > > Mike McQuay formed the team with his wife, Maria so that their son and the other teenage boys could have an opportunity to form bonds with their peers, and to learn to take direction and gain the social skills needed for adulthood. > > “Once swimming stops, these kids still matter,” Mike McQuay said. > > The film documents the team from the first day of practice of the season in January 2014 all the way to the U.S. Special Olympic Games held that summer at the College of New Jersey in Ewing. > > The McQuays say they started the swim team because such opportunities, as seen in the film, are often missing in the lives of those on the autism spectrum. > > “They are athletes. If they can succeed in competition, they can succeed in life,” said Mike McQuay. > > Mike McQuay doesn’t take it easy on the swimmers. He treats them like any coach would, and the hard work and constant practice has earned the team numerous tournament gold medals, including several from the Special Olympic Games. > > In a recent telephone interview with NJ Advance Media, Stolman said she wanted to create a film that went beyond educating about autism. She wanted audiences to journey with the teens as they battle to overcome the odds. > > …But, more than anything, she said, “I want people to fall in love with them” and really get to know the people and their stories. > > “People with developmental disabilities have skills, and they have things to contribute to the community,” she added. > > In the documentary, Mike McQuay said doctors said his son would likely never speak or be self-sufficient. Mike McQuay said swimming with the team has shown that the boys can take direction, gain confidence, and make friends. Mikey was at a meet in Toms River during the interview. > > The film is making the rounds at numerous festivals, recently winning Best Feature Documentary at the Picture This Film Festival in Calgary, Canada. It will be featured at the Monmouth County Film Festival on Saturday at the Two River Theater in Red Bank. > > Throughout the film, the McQuays are seen constantly battling every step of the way to get the services needed for Mikey. There are moments of despair and fear. > > “Everything is a cost,” Maria McQuay says during the film. “It is a big cost, but we do what we can. We borrow money – if we have to sell the house, we’ll sell the house.” > > The film shows Mikey, and his teammates, like county residents Kelvin Troung and Robbie Justino, trying to get a footing on their coming futures. Mikey’s ultimate dream was to work at a zoo, a goal he comes to achieve. > > “That is the goal, you want your child to be independent because you know you’re not going to be around forever,” Stolman said… Here is a link to a trailer of the film: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fxY2QkmTK4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fxY2QkmTK4) (source: [Documentary follows journey of N.J. swimmers on autism spectrum | NJ.com](http://www.nj.com/middlesex/index.ssf/2016/12/swim_team_documentary_autism_perth_amboy.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2017, 9:57am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1138 "2017-09-20T09:57:35Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Pennsylvania. The _PaTTAN_ (Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network) Autism Initiative is committed to helping educators and parents better meet the educational needs of children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Through the _PaTTAN_ Autism Initiative, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents are taught the principals of Applied Behavioural Analysis and learn how to implement those principals in the classroom and at home… > [@](#): > > Parents will go to great lengths to do what is best for their children. A recent visitor to the West Chester Area School District is proof positive of that sentiment. > This past March, Exton Elementary Autistic Support teacher Nicole Verbos and her staff hosted an Applied Behavioral Analyst from the Czech Republic. Dita Chapman was in the United States visiting autistic support classrooms in Pennsylvania that operate under the guidance of the PaTTAN Autism Initiative. The initiative is overseen by the State Department of Education and is designed to support the efforts and initiatives of the Bureau of Special Education. > > …According to the State Department of Education, ABA is a scientific approach to behavior. Its principles are used to change and improve behaviors. ABA principles and procedures can be used with all students to provide positive reinforcement, to teach and maintain appropriate behaviors, and to provide immediate feedback during instruction. > Frustrated by the lack of resources in Prague to properly educate her 8-year-old son, who has autism, Dr. Jana Gandalovicova, a cardiologist, heard about the PaTTAN Autism Initiative and decided to do something to help autistic children in the Czech Republic. Dr. Gandalovicova hired Chapman to come to the United States and observe classrooms in Pennsylvania that operate under the PaTTAN Autism Initiative with the ultimate goal of replicating the model in the Czech Republic. > “Children in the Czech Republic who have been diagnosed with autism basically have two options,” said Chapman. “They can either go into mainstream classrooms, which is not ideal because the teachers have no idea what to do with these children. They can’t teach them, so the kids end up learning nothing. The other option is to go to a special education school where the children are very low functioning. There is really nothing in between.” > “My trip here is because of one mother’s struggle to find suitable education for her child – one very dedicated mother who wants to make a change in our country,” continued Chapman. "Dr. Gandalovicova researched the PaTTAN Autism Initiative and presented it to the Ministry of Education in Prague. They told her ‘This is a great idea. Let’s give it a try.’ " > The PaTTAN Autism Initiative uses visual supports and research-based, data-driven, proven interventions. Mrs. Verbos’ classroom is described as a model classroom by Amiris Dipuglia and Mike Miklos, lead consultants with the PaTTAN Autism Initiative. > In addition to Mrs. Verbos’ classroom, there are autistic learning support classrooms at East Goshen Elementary School, Fern Hill Elementary School, Fugett Middle School, Stetson Middle School, and Westtown-Thornbury Elementary School. The teachers at those schools also operate under the PaTTAN Autism Initiative. They have seen significant progress in their students and are dedicated to making a difference in their lives. > One of the first tools one notices when they walk into Mrs. Verbos’ classroom is a busy, yet extremely organized bulletin board filled with the names of her students and staff along with daily activities. All of the information lives on laminated pieces of paper that are attached to velcro to allow for easy scheduling of each day. Mrs. Verbos begins her day in front of the board arranging the pieces as if she were putting together a puzzle. > “The schedule makes everybody accountable for what they are doing,” said Verbos. “Everyone knows where they need to be and when. Everything is color coordinated.” > The upcoming school year will mark Verbos’ fifth year in the PaTTAN Initiative. Dipuglia and Miklos, who have been with Verbos from the beginning, have nothing but high praise for her and all of her efforts. > “A teacher like Nicole Verbos has developed an independence in selecting programs and in training her staff to teach effectively. She strongly monitors student progress so that our efforts here in the classroom are not as necessary as they would be in some other classes because Nicole has developed independence in the analysis,” said Dipuglia. > “She is a model classroom,” continued Dipuglia. “It’s a feather in the hat of the West Chester Area School District to have nurtured a teacher like Nicole. Exton Principal Dr. Terri-Lynne Alston, Special Education Supervisor Lisa Phifer, Special Education Liaison Kate Feryo, and district administration have been so supportive of Nicole’s efforts, and they worked to understand how to best support her.” > Mrs. Verbos bounces around her classroom with a level of energy that would make the Energizer Bunny envious. She constantly thinks about her students and how she can improve their learning experience. Her ability to apply what she has learned through the PaTTAN Autism Initiative to help her students is remarkable. > “Nicole is unique,” said Chapman. “She gets it. She gets the whole science. She gets how everything works. She is super fun and motivating. She is a great leader. I think the most amazing thing about her is even when she is concentrating on one student, her eyes and ears are everywhere. She knows exactly what’s going on in every corner of her classroom while she is still working with one student intensively.” > “Seeing what is happening here in Pennsylvania has been so encouraging,” added Chapman. “I come from the field of behavioral analysis, which is very complex. What the people at PaTTAN have done is manage to take something that is very difficult and complex and turn it into something simple that teachers and support staff can implement. I have not seen a single person in any of the classrooms that I’ve visited that wasn’t able to follow the protocol.” > According to Dipuglia and Miklos, there are about 550 classrooms statewide that operate under the PaTTAN Initiative. > “I think the amount of schools across the nation that are employing methods of teaching derived from Applied Behavioral Analysis is increasing dramatically,” said Miklos. “What is unique about Pennsylvania is that we have developed ways of using ABA that are geared towards making it easier for teachers to implement. We’ve produced training materials and other resources that allow teachers to acquire the basic concepts of ABA and employ them in a more efficient manner.” > The alternative to the PaTTAN Initiative and ABA is a more eclectic approach that many parents of autistic children wind up turning to out of desperation when they feel that nothing is working. > “The problem with an eclectic approach is that it tends to lead towards a lack of consistency,” added Miklos. “It leads to a lack of programs that build systematically from one step to another. If we can teach teachers ways of interacting that carefully build skills in a systematic way we believe we have a powerful tool to assist children in becoming more independent, more productive members of society and actually being more successful in their interactions with people within their school and their community.” > “In our society, I think there is a tendency to look at quick and easy fixes,” continued Miklos. “This has resulted in the propagation of many interventions that may be, at some level, questionable. Parents love their kids, they care about their kids, and they want to do what’s best. I think ultimately the answer is education and also making sure that when we are teaching, we’re really looking at providing verifiable outcomes. If that doesn’t happen, then we should be doing something else. There is no intervention that is always going to be successful.” > Carolyn Snyder’s son William is a student in Mrs. Verbos’ class. When William turned two, his pediatrician told Snyder to prepare for an autism diagnosis, which he eventually received. She constantly battles the nagging thought of --‘am I doing everything possible to help my child?’ Before enrolling at Exton Elementary School, William attended an early intervention school in Delaware. Teachers told Snyder that she shouldn’t expect too much out of her son. After removing William from the school, the family began their journey to find a school where William could thrive, and they found it at Exton. > “One of the things that we were impressed with was how we immediately started noticing changes in his behavior at home,” said Snyder. “Previously when he wanted something, and we could not figure out what he wanted he would cry. Now, he was starting to ask us and show us what he wanted. We knew we had made the right decision about this school.” > “Even with the words he has, there is a painful quietness with my son. I longed to hear him tell me anything,” Snyder added. “Rides in the car were so quiet. I used to be very irritated when mothers complained about their child talking all the time. There was one thing I wanted to hear above all else – for him to say I love you. He could repeat the words, but he had never said them on his own without being told to. One day within a few months of starting kindergarten, my son and I were cuddling. I told him ‘I love you’ and he said ‘I love you too.’ I told everybody at work that my six-year-old told me ‘I love you.’ I must have seemed like a nut as none of those people understood the significance.” > “I feel very lucky that I am living in an area where the Autism Initiative exists and there are people like Nicole Verbos and her staff as well as Amiris Dipuglia who care so much and expect these children to succeed,” said Snyder. > Dita Chapman has returned to Prague and is in the process of implementing all of the techniques she observed while in Pennsylvania. Once everything is set up, and staff members are trained, she will remain in the classroom daily to ensure the program runs as smoothly as possible. > “We are going to set up the first classroom and start small,” said Chapman. “Our first year will be a trial run. We will see how it goes. I don’t know if people realize how lucky you are, but what you have in Pennsylvania, what PaTTAN is doing, is state of the art education for children on the (autism) spectrum. This is like nothing else on the whole planet.” > Mike Miklos and Amiris Dipuglia plan to visit Chapman in Prague in October to observe her progress… Here is a link to a video on the Initiative on ‘Tacts of Actions: Teaching Noun-Verb Combinations’: [Tacts of Actions: Teaching Noun-Verb Combinations - PaTTAN](http://www.pattan.net/Videos/Browse/Single/?code_name=tacts_of_action_-_part_3) (source: [PaTTAN Autism Initiative, West Chester Elementary School and the Czech Republic - Autism - PaTTAN](http://www.pattan.net/category/Educational%20Initiatives/Autism/blog/PaTTAN_Autism_Initiative_West_Chester_Elementary_School_and_the_Czech_Republic.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 9:08am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1139 "2017-09-21T09:08:40Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Pennsylvania. The Children’s Institute offers fun activities for children of parents attending an autism conference in Pennsylvania… > [@](#): > > Bluegrass music is blaring. Heidi Wettlaufer takes the hand of one of the girls and tells her to grab another hand until all 16 children in the room are linked and weaving in and out of each other–resembling a needle and thread. The laughter seems to drown out the music and break the ice. > > The activity is part of a half-day workshop known as the Sibling Group, offered by the Children’s Institute at the annual National Autism Conference that takes place at Penn State each summer. “They spend the conference week in a classroom with mostly children with autism. The Sibling Group is a time for them to be around typically developing kids who share their experience as a sibling. It’s also a time for them to not be ‘the helper,’” said Wettlaufer, who helped coordinate the Children’s Institute for six years. “It’s their time and I think that’s important.” > > The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, or PaTTAN, hosts the autism conference with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and Penn State’s College of Education, Continuing Education Office and Office of Statewide Programs. PaTTAN partners with Central Intermediate Unit 10, a Pennsylvania educational service agency, to provide the Children’s Institute. > > …The institute creates a camp-like experience for the children of parents attending the conference so parents can attend sessions, network and learn how to raise autism awareness in their communities. While the institute offers many activities during the week, it’s in the sibling workshop that children who live with an autistic sister or brother get to spend quality, one-on-one time with peers – playing games, sharing stories from home and validating each other’s thoughts and emotions. > > ?The kids express a lot of love and devotion for their siblings. They also have other feelings and experiences that may not be easy to express or understand,? said Wettlaufer. “For example: ‘Why did this happen to my sister or brother? Why am I okay? Is it okay to wish my parents could spend more time with me? Is it okay that I’m annoyed sometimes?’ The sibling group is a safe opportunity for them to share and discuss these feelings with others who have similar experiences and questions, all while having lots of fun.” > > Wettlaufer also had a sibling with a severe disability. She added, “There’s a remarkable knowing from the kids who have a sibling with autism that: ‘My sibling makes me a more understanding human being.’ If you met these children, I think you would agree with them.” > > …In addition to the Sibling Group, the children spend the week mixed in with each other’s siblings with autism doing arts and crafts, playing outside and even performing in a musical. > > Wendie Mancuso, a conference participant who has a 12-year-old son with autism, said about the institute: “You always feel like you’re justifying the things that your child does or the things that your child needs. That’s the great thing about being here. I don’t have to justify Daniel here. I don’t have to explain everything that happens with him. The Children’s Institute understands what he’s going through and they accept him the way he is.” > > There are 100 spots available each year at the institute. Organizers encourage parents to apply online a few months before the conference takes place. > > …Penn State Conferences plans and manages more than 300 programs each year, with enrollments of nearly 45,000. Conferences is part of Penn State Outreach, the largest unified outreach organization in American higher education. Penn State Outreach serves more than 5 million people each year, delivering more than 2,000 programs to people in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, all 50 states and 114 countries worldwide… Here is a link to a set of slides from a presentation at this year’s National Autism Conference: [PaTTAN - Autism Conference Archive](http://autism.outreach.psu.edu/sites/omcphplive.outreach.psu.edu.drpms.autismconference/files/50.%20Presentation.pdf) (source: [Siblings of children with autism get one-on-one time with peers | Penn State University](http://news.psu.edu/story/164608/2010/09/21/siblings-children-autism-get-one-one-time-peers)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2017, 10:02am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/1140 "2017-09-22T10:02:51Z")
The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Pennsylvania. _Melmark_ is a Berwyn, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that provides residential, educational, vocational and therapeutic services for individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. > [@](#): > > After nearly four years of planning and permitting, construction is well underway on the campus of Melmark New England near the Tewksbury border on River Road. > > …Melmark’s New England chapter was founded in 1998, in coordination with the leadership at Melmark Pennsylvania who had been seeing an increase in autism cases. The first New England location was at Cummings Park in Woburn, and Melmark moved to Andover in 2006… > > …As much education and training as an individual student can absorb, Melmark tries to provide, with the aim of helping kids live as unsupervised a life as possible. > > The idea, according to Senior Director of School Services Helena Maguire, “is building bridges to the community … for when our kids make great gains, when they’re ready to get good jobs.” > > The biggest obstacle, Maguire said, is mindset. Melmark has been fortunate to find a number of local employers who see that the school’s students have ‘real abilities.’ She added, “When we find the right job sites, employers in the local community, they’re gems … they love the kids,” and often end up hiring them. “But those opportunities are really hard. Sometimes it’s bias and sometimes it’s just fear.” > > Kallman said watching the transformation is gratifying. > > “I’ve been here almost three years,” Kallman said, “and there are kids in those three years who have gone from really being unable to do activities of daily living to progressing academically, being independent. The best thing is when someone gets to say, ‘You know what? You can go back to public school. You can go to a less restrictive setting.’” Here is a link to a video from _Melmark_: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQjhAcRwTJ8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQjhAcRwTJ8) (source: [Melmark project underway on River Road | News | andovertownsman.com](http://www.andovertownsman.com/news/melmark-project-underway-on-river-road/article_f0c8627b-3324-5bc1-a47e-496014a048c3.html)) [Previous page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=56) [Next page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=58)