'Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Northeast Ohio.

To the west, Friends of BVS is a Findlay, Ohio-based nonprofit that aims is to build an inclusive community for all children with developmental differences, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. It offers several school and public events that are designed specially for children with special needs…

A bad experience at a local event led Christina Treece to help create Friends of BVS, a parent-teacher organization for Blanchard Valley School that hosts activities for children with developmental disabilities…
Since its debut last year, the organization has held fundraisers, fall and winter festivals and is beginning to offer sensory-friendly movie nights.
“Our position is we’re trying to build an inclusive community for all children with development differences,” said Treece, 35.
She and her husband, John, have two sons with autism, Gatlin, 6, and Draiman, 4. Both boys are students at Blanchard Valley School.
The festivals sponsored by the Friends group were designed for children with special needs, but are open to the public, Treece said.
“And the great thing about that is when you bring your typical children, you’re bringing them around special needs so they see how special needs kids are and it’s not weird, it’s just normal,” she said. “And that’s how you build inclusion.”
Friends of BVS works closely with Blanchard Valley Center and the [the local] Board of Developmental Disabilities. The group serves as the parent-teacher organization for …Blanchard Valley School…

…The teachers are also overwhelmed and overworked, Treece said.
“But we forget that these kids are just kids. They should have every right to do all the things that any typical school would do. So that’s where we come in. We’re trying to do that,” she said.

…Treece pitched the idea to BVS superintendent Connie Ament.
“I said what if we create a new group and call it Friends of BVS, and we call it ‘Friends’ because you don’t have to go to BVS. Your child doesn’t have to be a student there. All you have to have is some kind of a special need and you can be a part of it. And we all work together and we start doing events,” she said.
Ament approved, as well as new principal Kathy Wilson who helped Treece write the constitution and get the group started.
“We now have a board. It’s a much bigger thing,” Treece said.
The first fall fest was held in September and included pony and train rides, a bounce house, photo booth, face and pumpkin painting and concessions.
“There were tons of people out there. I had no idea the first one would be that successful,” said Treece.
In addition to the nine board members, she also has a Facebook group that does a lot of planning for school activities …and public activities like the fall and winter fests. They also purchase some of the equipment for the school and provide resources for the community.
“It’s been about a year and we’ve done a lot,” said Treece.
She thinks the changes have made things better and the children have benefited.
“Draiman doesn’t hide in the corner anymore,” she said. “He has gone to every one of these events, and he is so much better dealing with people. It has made a huge impact on both of my boys, so, if for nothing else, I have to keep doing it for them.”
Treece was recently recognized for her work and named an “Everyday Hero” by the Free Country apparel company in New York City. Treece’s friend, Rosita Harper, nominated her for the award.
She received a plaque and a jacket Tuesday during the school’s book fair. As a nominated hero, she’s also in the running for the grand prize where the winner receives a cash prize, as well as a donation for the charity of their choice.
“I’m not used to attention,” said Treece. “I always tell my husband I would like to be …behind the curtain, not out in front. If they could just give the award to Friends of BVS, I would be happy.”

Here is a link to a video from Friends of BVS, snowball throwing fun at Winterfest, from earlier this year: Snowball fight fun at Winterfest! The kids had a blast yesterday. | Addaptco

(source: The Courier — Let the good times roll)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Northeast Ohio.

To the west, Friends of BVS is a Findlay, Ohio-based nonprofit that
aims is to build an inclusive community for all children with
developmental differences, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. It
offers several school and public events that are designed specially
for children with special needs…

A bad experience at a local event led Christina Treece to help create
Friends of BVS, a parent-teacher organization for Blanchard Valley
School that hosts activities for children with developmental
disabilities…
Since its debut last year, the organization has held fundraisers, fall
and winter festivals and is beginning to offer sensory-friendly movie
nights.
?Our position is we’re trying to build an inclusive community for all
children with development differences,? said Treece, 35.
She and her husband, John, have two sons with autism, Gatlin, 6, and
Draiman, 4. Both boys are students at Blanchard Valley School.
The festivals sponsored by the Friends group were designed for
children with special needs, but are open to the public, Treece said.
?And the great thing about that is when you bring your typical
children, you’re bringing them around special needs so they see how
special needs kids are and it’s not weird, it’s just normal,? she
said. ?And that’s how you build inclusion.?
Friends of BVS works closely with Blanchard Valley Center and the [the
local] Board of Developmental Disabilities. The group serves as the
parent-teacher organization for …Blanchard Valley School…

…The teachers are also overwhelmed and overworked, Treece said.
?But we forget that these kids are just kids. They should have every
right to do all the things that any typical school would do. So that’s
where we come in. We’re trying to do that,? she said.

…Treece pitched the idea to BVS superintendent Connie Ament.
?I said what if we create a new group and call it Friends of BVS, and
we call it ?Friends? because you don’t have to go to BVS. Your child
doesn’t have to be a student there. All you have to have is some kind
of a special need and you can be a part of it. And we all work
together and we start doing events,? she said.
Ament approved, as well as new principal Kathy Wilson who helped
Treece write the constitution and get the group started.
?We now have a board. It’s a much bigger thing,? Treece said.
The first fall fest was held in September and included pony and train
rides, a bounce house, photo booth, face and pumpkin painting and
concessions.
?There were tons of people out there. I had no idea the first one
would be that successful,? said Treece.
In addition to the nine board members, she also has a Facebook group
that does a lot of planning for school activities …and public
activities like the fall and winter fests. They also purchase some of
the equipment for the school and provide resources for the community.
?It?s been about a year and we’ve done a lot,? said Treece.
She thinks the changes have made things better and the children have benefited.
?Draiman doesn’t hide in the corner anymore,? she said. ?He has gone
to every one of these events, and he is so much better dealing with
people. It has made a huge impact on both of my boys, so, if for
nothing else, I have to keep doing it for them.?
Treece was recently recognized for her work and named an ?Everyday
Hero? by the Free Country apparel company in New York City. Treece’s
friend, Rosita Harper, nominated her for the award.
She received a plaque and a jacket Tuesday during the school’s book
fair. As a nominated hero, she’s also in the running for the grand
prize where the winner receives a cash prize, as well as a donation
for the charity of their choice.
?I?m not used to attention,? said Treece. ?I always tell my husband I
would like to be …behind the curtain, not out in front. If they
could just give the award to Friends of BVS, I would be happy."

Here is a link to a video from Friends of BVS, snowball throwing fun
at Winterfest, from earlier this
year:https://www.facebook.com/bvsfriends/...7729490781428/

(source: Group to adapt nine toy cars for children - Chronicle-Telegram)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Northeast Ohio.

Cardinal Autism Resource and Education School (CARES), part of the Mentor Public Schools’ nonprofit school district, based in Mentor, Ohio, is a school that serves students with Autism Spectrum Disorders from the age of 5. CARES provides a nurturing environment to develop the full potential of differently-abled students on the Autistic Spectrum using a multidisciplinary approach that addresses individual needs…

…Children with autism, like the students at CARES, need a calmer and more soothing environment, and administrators decided it was in the Mentor district’s best interest and the students’ best interests to have them serviced in their home community…

April D’Arcangelo said her daughter April Lyn, who is in fifth grade, has thrived since coming to CARES.

“They treat each kid with respect. They treat each child on their own level and give them exactly what they need,” she said. “They have compassion and love, and they let the kids flourish on their own.”

Although based in the Mentor School District, CARES draws students from surrounding districts as well, including Euclid, Kirtland and Mayfield Village.

The National Institute of Health defines autism as being a complex developmental disability that makes social interaction and communication difficult. There is no single form of autism, which is described as a spectrum disorder and includes a range of symptoms from mild to severe.

CARES took over Headlands Elementary, 5028 Forest Road in Mentor, which had closed because of declining enrollment, and renovated a single wing of the building. Construction included special environmental components to help children with autism succeed in the classroom, including soundproofing, up lighting, acoustic panels and separate observation rooms for parents.

CARES helps students from kindergarten…

…Traditional public schools sometimes can’t accommodate every need for children with autism, D’Arcangelo said. The transitional program offered by CARES allows for April Lyn to receive the one-on-one care she needs.

“At CARES they allow her to be who she is. Her brain is injured, and it takes a little longer for her to do stuff, like answer questions,” she said. “They are so patient. They have to love what they do because all the kids are so different. My daughter loves going to school. She feels like a real person there.”

Brian Palisin said he is thrilled to have the option to send his son Dillon, a fifth-grader, to a school like CARES that offers an individualized program with a stable educational structure for children with autism.

“Since Dillon has been there he’s been a happier kid. Dillon is excited to go to school everyday,” Palisin said. "Any time your child is engaged it is so much easier. It’s a small school with a very personal experience.

“Everyone is great on communication.”

Because it is run like a regular public school, Palisin said CARES gives his son and the other students a normal school routine.

“With kids with autism, consistency is huge. You try to keep a schedule so you have the opportunity to make some headway,” he said. "During the summertime I sat with Dillon and watched him do multiplication tables. I was floored. I had never seen my son do that before.

…All classrooms are equipped with microphones and moveable cameras. Each classroom has a teacher and two teaching assistants. CARES has 18 staff members.

…All students identified as having a disability have an IEP… It drives their education, and the IEP team decides what the best course of action is for the student to be able to have their needs met.

At the end of last school year, CARES did transition one student back to his home school… A transitional plan was implemented that included weeks of preparation, visits to the student’s school and with the new teacher…

…By the end of the first school year, CARES had a goal of having 12 students in two classes of six. They ended up with 18 students in three classes. At the end of the current school year …the goal was to have 24 students in four classes. As of Tuesday CARES had already met that goal.

Here is a link to a video from CARES from this year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpITHtslt28

(source: Cardinal Autism Resource and Education School in Mentor flourishing)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Northeast Ohio.

To the west of the Cleveland metropolitan area, the Haugland Learning Center has classroom-based programs in various parts of Ohio, including Sandusky. The Haugland Learning Center, which aims to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities, accepts children from preschool age…

For years, Denny and Barb Wetzel rarely heard good reports from school about their son Jonathan.

The 9-year-old boy is autistic…

…After he started attending the Haugland Learning Center in Sandusky last year, the Wetzels said he thrived in a way they’d never expected.

The private charter school at 514 Jackson St. is designed for children with autism and emphasizes positive reinforcement, rather than punishment, to change behavior.

…A recent progress report from the school shows he’s mastered his ABCs, can count to 100 and is learning to read.

“It’s very encouraging,” Barb said. “I think they’ve done wonders with Jonathan. He’s really grown a lot.”

The individualized attention at the school comes at a cost that’s higher than the yearly tuition at many colleges.

The Wetzels said they’d never be able to afford it without the $20,000 scholarship they receive each year from the state.

In fact, all of the 10 students who attend the school receive funding from the Ohio Department of Education’s autism scholarship program…

The scholarship has been available for several years, providing up to $20,000 a year for parents who want to send their children to a private provider. It has typically applied only to students with autism.

But starting in January, students with other disabilities will have the same opportunities.

The state budget finalized in June created the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program, which allows students with learning disabilities, health problems, brain injuries or other disabilities to receive funding.

Depending on their needs, students are eligible for up to $20,000 that can be used for tuition at private or public schools, if the school chooses to accept them.

The special needs scholarship movement started in Florida, and at least six other states now offer them.

“This will give families who are frustrated and dissatisfied a choice and an option,” said Chad Aldis, executive director of School Choice Ohio, an advocacy group that promotes educational options.

“It will also encourage school districts who have a vested interest to make sure they’re serving those students,” Aldis said. “Previously, the option was, you can go elsewhere if you can afford it, or you can go to court. We think this will empower a lot of Ohio families.”

The number of scholarships available is capped at 5 percent of the population of students with special needs.

Ohio has about 260,000 students with special needs, which means about 13,000 scholarships will be available, according to the department of education.

But some school superintendents worry that the scholarships will funnel money away from the district while still holding them responsible.

Sandusky Schools, for instance, has more than 600 students with special needs ranging from speech impairments to multiple handicaps. The district attracts special needs students from all over the region.

“Anytime they take money out of the district, it concerns me,” Sandusky Schools superintendent Tom Tucker said. “We have to accept every single student – a private school does not. We have a myriad of services in this district with a lot of educators who have been doing this a long time.”

The specifics of the scholarship program are still under review by the Ohio Department of Education.

Tucker said it’s not yet clear how it could impact a district like Sandusky’s.

It’s also not clear how many other options might be available for families here – currently, there are only two local providers in the five-county area where the autism scholarship is accepted.

Families may have to travel as far as Cleveland, Toledo or Columbus to take advantage of it, unless other providers come to town.

And no matter where a student goes, Tucker said, the district still has to keep track of them in some way.

Public schools partner with parents and others to write an individualized education plan for each student with special needs. Those plans are reviewed each year and would still need to be reviewed if the student chooses to go elsewhere, Tucker said.

“When these students would go to a private provider, we are responsible for their IEP, administrating tests for that, psychological testing – we are still going to be paying for that,” he said…

Here is a link to photos of Haugland Learning Center students and staff from almost six years ago: https://www.facebook.com/AutismHaugland/photos/?tab=album&album_id=134540373276302

(source: Sandusky Register: Special needs students accelerate with scholarship program)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Northeast Ohio.

Just southwest of the Cleveland metropolitan area, the Silver Lining Group, based in Mansfield, Ohio employs research-based strategies aimed at maximising the functioning and independence of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other challenges. The Silver Lining Group participates in the annual, local ‘Autism Awareness Walk-a-thon’ fundraiser…

The Silver Lining Group (SLG) is hosting a grand opening …to celebrate their new location…

The agency, accredited in the area of Behavioral Health Services by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), has provided services to the community since 2007.

Because of increased clientele, the facility moved from its original location in downtown Mansfield to Village Mall Drive, and eventually transferred across the street to its current location on Lexington-Springmill.

In regard to the new site, CEO Kristen Wilcock noted, “This location is a spacious building that meets the needs of our clients well. We have a beautiful outside play area to accommodate our new playground.”

…Colton Young has been enrolled at the facility since he was in preschool. Currently, he is in second grade and has the option to continue attending through high school.

He was diagnosed with moderate to severe autism. Since enrollment at the facility, “He’s made a complete 180,” said his aunt. “He’s much more verbal than before and he’s able to handle loud noises a bit more and can read much better.”

“It’s been a complete difference for my sister-in-law, Laurie, too,” she added, “As he feels more comfortable saying ‘I love you,’ to her and others.”

…The SLG provides services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders [and other challenges]. Additionally, the facility is an approved provider for the Autism Scholarship Program through the Ohio Department of Education.

Those who serve on staff include a team of licensed psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed independent social workers, board certified behavior analysts, board certified assistant behavior analysts, certified special education teachers, and staff with advanced training certifications that create, manage, and implement each client’s individual program.

Wilcock stated that both children and adults utilize services provided by the facility, which include social skills training, applied behavior analysis, natural environment training, verbal behavior, play therapy, pivotal response training, among much more.

Additionally, the SLG offers adolescent services including high school graduation opportunities, vocational training and support, and community functioning training and support…

Here is a link to photos of the Silver Lining Group at the local ‘Autism Awareness Walk-a-thon’ fundraiser in Mansfield, Ohio from last year: https://www.facebook.com/SLGAutismCenter/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10153077684906727

(source: Silver Lining Group slated to host grand opening | Business News | richlandsource.com)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

Re-Education Services, also based in Lake County, Ohio, offers innovative, inspiring, educational and vocational programming for more than 100 students from the age of 5, from Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Every autumn, Re-Education Services has an annual ‘Run for Autism’ which includes a 5K Run, 1 Mile Fun Walk and Kids Dash at its campus…

The Re-Education Services’ second annual [Autumn] Run for Autism will take place Saturday at 6176 Reynolds Road…

Registration will be from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m.; Kid’s Dash at 8:45 a.m.; and 5K run/1-mile walk at 9 a.m.

Pre-registration fee is $20 and $25 on race day.

Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female runners and top three males and females in each age group.

…Proceeds will benefit students with autism [and various other challenges.]

Here is a link to a video of a young Re-Education Services student dancing in front of an audience from about four months ago: 11 reactions | So talented and so cute | Re-Education Services

(source: Re-Education Services prepares Fall Run for Autism)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the last couple of posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in Lake County, Ohio.

The Willoughby Rotary Foundation is a Willoughby Hills, Ohio-based nonprofit that regularly contributes to Rotary International humanitarian programs and Ohio charitable causes. It supports the ‘Willoughby Rotary Autism Project’ which provide iPads to Autistic Children for enhanced communication, learning new skills, and providing the means to have fun, be creative, and feel good about themselves…

The Willoughby Rotary Foundation announced that the first 34 iPads for children with autism would go to four local organizations. The initial recipients are:
Willoughby-Eastlake Schools
Share-A-Vision
The Fine Arts Association
Deepwood Foundation

Members of The Rotary Club of Willoughby had set a goal of providing 50 iPads to children with autism by the end of the 2013 Rotary year. The Willoughby Rotary Autism Project, or WRAP, is supported by their foundation.

…the Willoughby Rotary Foundation has received support from numerous corporate sponsors and club members supporting the WRAP Project.

To date, the club has raised over $ 17,500 to support autistic students in their educational goals, and will continue to raise money until the goal of providing 50 iPads is reached or surpassed. Club President Ron Boetger offered, “Our plan is to buy as many iPads as possible to assist kids with autism.”

Research has determined that autistic children who have difficulty communicating can have their communication skills improved dramatically with iPads. The touch screen and layout make the iPad easier to use for individuals with coordination or learning difficulties. Typing is not required, as many apps feature bright, colorful icons that are manipulated by tapping and sliding. The iPad can help individuals with autism improve basic social, fine motor, language and communication skills. Users learn to communicate and express themselves with their iPad without the frustration they commonly experience.

The Willoughby Rotary Foundation accepts written applications from qualified 501(3)c organizations within the club’s service area. The iPads must be for the exclusive educational benefit of autistic individuals.

About the Willoughby Rotary Autism Project

Willoughby Rotary members voted to help families in our community affected by autism by providing iPads and information on appropriate apps. To provide a unique way to generate awareness and revenue, Rotarian Dan Ruminski volunteered to hold a series of “WRAP Cleveland History Talks,” featuring dinners and spellbinding stories, His efforts have attracted sponsors, sold-out audiences, and raised thousands for autism. Willoughby Rotary Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that has contributed over $ 250,000 to Rotary International humanitarian programs and more than 30 Ohio charitable causes since 1998…

Here is a link to photos from the Willoughby Rotary Autism Project giveaway lunch, held earlier this year: Willoughby - 2016 Willoughby Rotary Autism Project - iPad Giveaway Lunch

(source: Willoughby Rotary Foundation to Award First 34 iPads to Children with Autism)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in Northeastern Ohio.

To the south, the National Autism Association of Southeast Ohio (NAA-SEO) is a Zanesville, Ohio-based nonprofit whose mission is to educate and empower those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, including children children with the condition. NAA-SEO serves Coshocton, Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum, and Perry counties in southeastern Ohio…

Retailer Coconis Furniture’s sixth annual “Tee It Up For Autism” charity golf outing raised more than $70,000 for the National Autism Assn. of Southeast Ohio, a local chapter of the National Autism Assn.

…“Autism does not have to be a lifelong disorder, but can be managed, improved, and sometimes full recovery is possible,” said Shannon Coconis, president of the Southeast Ohio chapter.

“There is no reason a child should be locked inside of autism because of a lack of funds. The NAA-SEO exists to help families’ battle autism and kids recover.”

This year’s featured guest speakers were Jacqueline and Chris Laurita, stars of the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” reality television show…

The Lauritas have an 8-year-old son diagnosed with autism.

“This is the best and most rewarding thing we do,” said Coconis Furniture President Randy Coconis.

“I have seen first-hand how getting the kids the proper help and therapy at an early age can make a huge difference in their lives.”

“Tee It Up For Autism” has grossed a total of $305,000 for NAA-SEO over its six years.

Here is a link to photos of the Autism Walk from four years ago at Zane’s Landing Park in Zanesville, Ohio: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10152205805855088&type=3

(source: Ohio retailer helps raise more than 70K for autism group | Furniture Today)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

Easter Seals Northern Ohio is a Lorain, Ohio-based non-profit that serves individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Easter Seals Northern Ohio serves more than two dozen counties in the region…

The Southview wrestling team wants to help families wrestle through their closets and recycle old, worn linens, shoes and other clothing, rugs and curtains.

The Southview Wrestling is teaming up with Easter Seals of Northern Ohio to raise money for the athletic program and to benefit local children with disabilities.

On Nov. 6-8, Easter Seals’ trucks will be at Southview to accept donations.

The goal is to [get] over 1,300 large bags of clothes earning money to support the team.

Easter Seals will provide a truck at the south side of the school near the Auxiliary Gym beginning on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 2:30 to 8 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 7, 2:30 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3p.m.

All donated items will be reused, resold or recycled to help Easter Seals fulfill their mission of helping local children and adults with disabilities.

Here is a link to a video from the Easter Seals Donation Center in Toledo, Ohio from last year: https://www.facebook.com/eastersealsdonation/videos/932509590113448/

(source: SV wrestling team to hold clothing drive ? Sylvania AdVantage)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of yesterday’s post was Easter Seals Northern Ohio, a Lorain, Ohio-based non-profit that serves individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Easter Seals Northern Ohio serves 27 counties including Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie, Fulton, Geauga, Henry, Holmes, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, Medina, Ottawa, Portage, Sandusky, Seneca, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, Wayne, Williams, Wood and Wyandot.

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is a Toledo, Ohio-based nonprofit that advocates for everyone to live, learn, work, play, worship, and participate as equal citizens. It is LCBDD’s mission to assure that people with developmental disabilities, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, have the same opportunities and life experiences as all other citizens…

By day, Karen Medina is a dietician, and by night, she helps adults with special needs balance the physical, social, and emotional aspects of their lives through dance. Medina’s outreach into the special needs community has earned her a 2015 Maumee Valley Civitas Award for Community Involvement

While Medina has been involved in the area’s dance community for several decades, about six years ago she grew tired of the dance world’s cutthroat competition. “After all those years, I felt that I didn’t want to spend my time worrying about costumes and trophies and fights for first place. I thought there was something more I could do,” Medina reflected.

Through the suggestion of a friend who works for the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Medina became inspired to do more. Six years ago, she opened iDance Adaptive Performing Arts Studio, which now embraces nearly 100 students with [various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders]…
And, Medina delivers, charging students a nominal $25 monthly fee which directly benefits iDance to keep the program grooving.

…Free-style hip-hop dance lessons and weekly dance parties allow students a chance to work on balance, coordination and spatial awareness. After gaining those structurally-important dance skills, the students have performed at several local events…

In teaching the dance classes, Medina noted that her students didn’t move easily and freely, which led her to incorporate a gymnasium into the dance studio, made possible by private funds, volunteers and a donation from General Motors. “The students often work in very sedentary jobs, so they need activity. We work on activities and I think they would come five nights a week if they could! They really enjoy working with the dumbbells, weighted balls, and stretch bands, and it is great to see them last longer in the dance classes because of their increased strength and stamina,” says Medina.

…Medina has also added a Drumfit class, where students tap on large balls as a way to develop cardio fitness. Students also come to iSing, a vocal group organized for those who find moving in a dance class too difficult. “Everyone can sing,” says Medina, “They don’t need to be able to balance themselves or have any physical stamina, but every one is able to sing something!”

Medina’s upcoming projects include a Nutrition Now program, where she will bring nutritional education to her students with help from Beth Williams, a registered dietitian and instructor at Owens Community College. “The students’ caregivers, who help with preparing their meals, will also be part of the class to make sure everyone involved gets the best information about the best foods to eat,” says Medina.

…Taking the family approach, Medina’s two young sons, 11-year-old Ace and 9-year-old Cruz, assist in her work. She calls Ace her “tech guy,” noting that he runs the lights and sound for the dance classes. Cruz is responsible for watching his mom for the cues his older brother needs to make the necessary light and music changes. She says both boys are learning a lot about interacting with a variety of people and she is proud that they aren’t shy or nervous about working with special needs adults.

“I am here to help and I find [my students] inspire me to keep on going,” says Medina. “My motto is ‘Step Forward’ and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Here is a link to photos from iDance’s annual showcase, ‘Let’s Get Loud’ from a couple of years ago: Gallery - Website Template

(source: Award-Winning Instructor Welcomes All Ability Levels to Dance Their Heart Out)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the last post was Easter Seals Northern Ohio, a Lorain, Ohio-based non-profit that serves individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Easter Seals Northern Ohio serves 27 counties including Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie, Fulton, Geauga, Henry, Holmes, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, Medina, Ottawa, Portage, Sandusky, Seneca, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, Wayne, Williams, Wood and Wyandot.

Capable Kids, based in Sylvania, Ohio, has a program that is designed to provide intensive instruction to address comprehensive learning needs, as well as provide students with facilitated social interactions with peers. Instructors with extensive training in applied behavior analysis provide one-on-one intervention with opportunities for small group instruction…

On a long run, deep breaths of cold air start to fall into sync with each step forward.
Alexis Klassen pushes past the loud, unfamiliar dogs held back by an invisible force, past the cows out to graze, and along a quiet, winding Henry County road.
She and her husband, Brent, take these runs almost every week for some time to be alone, and also together, and to raise awareness of the struggles their boys, who both have autism, face daily.
The boys, Kolden, 8, and Aithan, 5, have overcome odds stacked against them and Mr. and Mrs. Kolden, of Woodville, wanted to do something ‘extraordinary’ to match.
The idea came to Mr. Klassen, 36, during a run with his wife. "Let’s run across the state of Ohio.: When he posed the idea to Mrs. Klassen, 36, she signed on without asking any questions.
They asked themselves, “What are we going to do this for?” Mr. Klassen said.
Running a cumulative 260 miles in a series of short runs, they decided, would be their platform for raising autism awareness. At its widest point, Ohio is about 225 miles wide.
“In a lot of ways, I just want to make it a better world for these guys,” said Mrs. Klassen, a dentist… “I just want people to not be afraid of people with special needs.”
The boys both have severe autism. Neither of them can speak, and doctors said the two would never walk. While communication remains a challenge, Kolden is able to walk and Aithan is close to being independently mobile.

“Originally they said there was a 90 percent chance they won’t talk or won’t walk,” Mrs. Klassen said. “Now we almost have two walkers.”
The family has no idea if either boy will ever be able to speak.
“We have to be practical but also hopeful,” Mrs. Klassen said.
Mr. Klassen, a stay-at-home father, said 2015 was a major year for the boys in terms of development…

In January, the Klassens started their journey across the state. Each run is about six miles, though some are longer and some are shorter. The couple splits the distance: One picks up the first half of the run while the other drives the family minivan to the halfway point. When the first half of the run is finished, the couple switches spots.
“It helps us feel like our old selves,” Mrs. Klassen said. “You take a big break from being yourself to be a parent and we haven’t had a break in eight years, so this is a really huge thing we’re doing to finally give ourselves something.”
So far, the couple has logged about 61 miles. On March 15, their route will take them to Bowling Green State University, where the two met …as students. They’re hoping to draw a crowd for that run and are asking people to join them on campus — they’re meeting in front of Offenhauer Towers at 10 a.m. — and plan to run through campus with friends, family, and strangers before the Klassens take off on their own to finish the longer distance.
They don’t have an exact timeline to finish the run across the state, though they want to be done by the end of the year.
On April 2, in front of Woodmore Elementary School, the boys and their classmates from Capable Kids, a Sylvania school for children with autism and other special needs, will participate in a quarter-mile Light It Up Blue fun run for National Autism Awareness Day.
Mr. Klassen said he hopes people will line the short loop to cheer on the runners in the noncompetitive event…

Here is a link to a short video, from earlier this year, of a typical ‘at home therapy session’ for one of the above-mentioned couple’s kids: 88 reactions · 6 comments | Here is a short video of a typical 'at home therapy session' in which Kolden is learning to communicate with his i-pad computer program that we talked about in our post earlier this week. Enjoy his smiles! | Side 2 Side - Ohio Wide

(source: Couple)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the last post was Easter Seals Northern Ohio, a Lorain, Ohio-based non-profit that serves individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Easter Seals Northern Ohio serves 27 counties including Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie, Fulton, Geauga, Henry, Holmes, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, Medina, Ottawa, Portage, Sandusky, Seneca, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, Wayne, Williams, Wood and Wyandot.

Mercy Children’s Hospital, based in Toledo, Ohio, is part of the nonprofit Mercy Health, and is northwest Ohio’s resource for advanced pediatric care, research and education. Mercy Children’s Hospital offers a Clinic-Home-Intensive-Program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders from birth…

…intensive early intervention is critical for those with autism, a developmental disability that can affect communication and behavior in varying degrees.

…The Mercy Children’s Hospital program is in its second 12-month session, which serves a dozen autistic preschoolers for 24 hours a week in Holland. The program started seven years ago with intensive preschool sessions lasting a month each before expanding in 2008.

Other programs for autistic children from birth to age 6 are held at the 1049 South McCord Rd. preschool. The program blends approaches to prepare autistic children for school, and employees also work with parents and visit homes to address problems that families encounter.

“This diagnosis really requires a high degree of individual instruction,” said speech pathologist Michelle Nagle, co-founder of the program.

“This is all we do,” she added. “We live it. We breathe it.”

Research shows that autistic children have better outcomes if they receive intensive early intervention, and Ms. Nagle and program co-founder Patty Cunningham, an occupational therapist, have years of experience, said Linell Weinberg, executive director of the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio.

“They’re advocates for our kids,” Ms. Weinberg said. “They’ve dedicated their professional lives to this population, which we appreciate so much.”

Each autistic child has different needs, and ability to function also varies, therapists with Mercy’s program say. Typically, autistic children need skills to be broken down and repeated much more than other youngsters.

Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral consulting are all part of the program, which has 10 employees.

Some children in Mercy’s program, for example, are nonverbal. If they do not learn how to communicate through speech, pictures, or other means, they can become frustrated, which leads to slapping and other negative behavior, Mrs. Nagle said.

Meanwhile, some children are hypersensitive to touch, taste, and other senses. They need work with desensitizing so they are not distracted, Mrs. Cunningham said.

Some do so well after six months that they are able to spend part of their time at partner Gateway School in Toledo with other preschoolers, Mrs. Nagle said.

Derek Romstadt, who is nearly 6 and has Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, finished Mercy’s yearlong program last summer. He is in kindergarten in the Northwood Local School District, said his mother, Amy Romstadt of Northwood.

“He’s doing wonderful,” Mrs. Romstadt said.

Before, Derek couldn’t handle being around a lot of people because of sounds, was obsessed with shapes, had limited speaking abilities, and wouldn’t play like other children. Although Derek continues to work on socializing, he is doing so well that his developmental doctor released him from regular visits, Mrs. Romstadt said.

…Locally, public schools also have preschool programs for developmentally disabled children, but typically they are not geared to autism and offer just 10 to 12 hours a week of instruction, said Ms. Weinberg of the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio.

Toledo Public Schools has a full-day preschool program for autistic children, although they spend part of their day with other peers, Mrs. Weinberg said. Other local early intervention programs for autistic children include Capable Kids in Sylvania and the School for Autistically Impaired Learners in Toledo, she said.

ProMedica Health System is considering offering an early intervention program for autistic children. And it is [working] with other community groups, including the local Autism Society and Great Lakes Center for Autism, to open an autism center at Toledo Children’s Hospital for families to connect with various services, said Catina Harding, executive director of the Great Lakes Center for Autism.

“Locally, what we hear from families is that services are really disjointed,” Ms. Harding said.

The Mercy Children’s Hospital program - which includes 1,500 hours of therapy - costs $30,000 per child, although $20,000 is covered by a state grant and other funding is available…

Here is a link to a video on the program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzTjFOY28sY

(source: Autism programs focus on early intervention - The Blade)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of yesterday’s post was Mercy Children’s Hospital, based in Toledo, Ohio, which is part of the nonprofit Mercy Health, and is northwest Ohio’s resource for advanced pediatric care, research and education. Mercy Children’s Hospital offers a Clinic-Home-Intensive-Program (CHIP) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders from birth.

The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio is a Toledo, Ohio-based nonprofit that provides support, education, and advocacy to those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, including children. The nonprofit serves 12 counties in Northwest Ohio…

It was “Family Fun Night” at Sky Zone Toledo this evening. Children with autism got a chance to let some energy out and socialize before school starts.

…Monday night, children with autism and their families got to jump around at Sky Zone Toledo.

"We’re hoping that the kids will get a chance to meet other children who are just accepting of whatever differences they might have and maybe even that difference is what cause them to become such good friends later on in life,” says Kristy Rothe.

Kristy Rothe is the fundraising coordinator for The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio. She says events like these are not only helpful for the children, but also for the parents to exchange information and talk to people who truly understand what they’re going through.

“Really the best information comes from somebody else who’s experienced it and they can tell you what the experience is about,” says Rothe. “It takes a lot of that trepidation of being with someone who’s needing special services and not really knowing what to do about that.”

Cynthia Burger and her son Kaiden are one of the families who attended Monday night’s event.

“He loves the trampoline, so that’s a big plus…” says Burger. “So it’s good. And they can do some peer stuff. It’s good for all the socialization for all the kids.”

Burger says she likes going to these events, because it gives children with autism a chance to do activities they normally aren’t able to do.

Sky Zone dimmed the lights and turned the music off to make the evening autism friendly.

“This is just a great bonding time and they’re doing all the same things that their siblings are doing. Talk about normal,” says Burger. “They’re just doing anything that any other kid wants to do.”

The autism society hosts events like this at a variety of locations. They’re hosting a “Lace It, Face It Walk” coming up September 7th to raise money and awareness. The link is below, if you would like to register.

Here is a link to photos from the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio’s ‘2nd annual Lace It, Face It Walk’ at Olander Park in Sylvania, Ohio from a couple of years ago: Lace It, Face It walk for Autism Society - Our Town Sylvania

(source: 404 - StoryLine)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the last couple of posts has been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

Sara’s Garden is a Wauseon, Ohio-based nonprofit that treats Autism Spectrum Disorder through a variety of services. Sara’s Garden also operates New Horizons Academy in the adjacent Hope Center for children with developmental disabilities, where students with Autism Spectrum Disorders receive instruction in Autism intervention, conductive education, and sensory integration…

Northeast Ohio co-workers Laura Ramsey and Pam Haberkorn were trying gluten-free diets to help their autistic children when they learned of an alternative treatment showing promise in research: hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

…The two families since have found Sara’s Garden, a nonprofit center in Wauseon with two hyperbaric chambers, one with five seats and another with 10.

Such chambers have been used for decades, most commonly to heal wounds in diabetics and help divers with decompression sickness, but Sara’s Garden also treats patients with nonemergency ailments not covered by insurance and those who could not afford them elsewhere.

Each session costs $110 to $165 at the center staffed by five nurses and three chamber operators. A round typically involves 40 sessions, said Matthew Rychener, Sara’s Garden’s development director.

Sara’s Garden helps raise funds for treatments, and all patients must have a medical prescription and an X-ray, Mr. Rychener said.

Most hyperbaric clinics in Ohio and Michigan are associated with hospitals, although there are a few other independent facilities.

…Cells receive more oxygen than normal during hyperbaric oxygen treatments, and blood vessels and nerves are built, Mr. Rychener said. One of his high school friends, Aron Sauder of Pettisville, did about 20 sessions to ease pain and speed the healing of his hands burned in a cooking fire in August.

…Ms. Ramsey of North Ridgeville said her 8-year-old autistic son, Brendan Corrigan, looks forward to treatments because he feels better. So does Ms. Haberkorn’s autistic son, Kevin, 9, his mother said…

Here is a link to a video on New Horizons Academy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6ZGrkawPDY

(source: Wauseon nonprofit delivers hyperbaric treatment - The Blade)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the last post was Sara’s Garden, a Wauseon, Ohio-based nonprofit that treats Autism Spectrum Disorder through a variety of services. Sara’s Garden also operates New Horizons Academy in the adjacent Hope Center for children with developmental disabilities, where students with Autism Spectrum Disorders receive instruction in Autism intervention, conductive education, and sensory integration.

P.A.T.H. Academy (Parents and Teachers Hand-in-hand), based in Bryan, Ohio, was originally a preschool-aged program but combined with students from another school for children with Autism to create a complete school program. P.A.T.H., a public school funded by the government and fundraising, offers specialised educational and social programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders from the age of 3…

Lisa Kellogg says her daughter Krista looks like any other happy-go-lucky 8-year-old in passing.

But she’s not.

…The Kellogg family, living almost 60 miles west of Bowling Green in Edgerton, Ohio, is one of five families with students enrolled in the satellite M.O.D.E.L. Community School for children with autism in Bryan, Ohio.

… Lisa said. “…I look at Krista and although she’s different, she’s so amazing in her own way.”

[Autism is an] invisible disability that still has scientists and doctors searching for concrete causes…

…For University graduate student Bonnie Kelly, program director and teacher at Bryan’s M.O.D.E.L. school, this means that her students need to learn to debunk the “idiot servant” mentality by proving that with early intervention they can excel in life…

“Autism is one of those taboo kind of things,” she said. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that [individuals with autism] can’t be productive members of society and they can.”

…One of five known Pervasive Development Disorders, autism is a brain condition that usually appears by the age of 3 and causes difficulty with social abilities and communication skills.

…The severity of the syndrome varies. Some individuals can’t talk without extensive training, while others who can talk lack the ability to interact socially with others and pick up voice inflections like sarcasm. Asperger’s Syndrome, one of the most common forms of autism today, is a mild type of the disorder where social skills don’t come easily.

…At M.O.D.E.L., Kelly and three aides work with mostly elementary- age students to teach things as basic as speaking, reading and learning to play with toys. With about two students per each professional, the school has a maximum limit of seven students and currently has three students on their waiting list.

According to Kelly, students with autism quickly lose their ability to fit in at school once others start to notice they’re “different.”

“These are the kids that in elementary school, they were cute, they used to look like a pet. But suddenly they become not cool anymore.”

And that’s when the whispering and staring begins, Lisa said, and a mother’s worry increases.

“It didn’t bother Krista though, thank goodness, because she’s happy in her own skin,” she said. “I hope she always will be.”

…Anything that can be done to increase autism awareness is needed to help people prepare for the future, Kellogg said.

“We need people to be more accepting and more embracing for these people in the community because we’re going to have a lot of them,” she said.

And hopefully, Kellogg said, with more awareness and research into the disorder, Krista can lead a full life, even tackling her social struggles head on.

“I’m just a mom,” she said.

“I just want my baby to be happy. By the grace of God maybe she can live a pretty typical life someday.”

Here is a link to some photos: Autism Behavior Analyst ~ Bonnie Kelly.

(source: School educates children with autism | | bgfalconmedia.com)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in northwest Ohio.

Serenity Farm Equestrian Center is a Luckey, Ohio-based nonprofit that offers animal-assisted therapies through three different programs, including Lucky Riders, a therapeutic horse riding program specialising in the treatment of challenges like Autism Spectrum Disorders. An average of 50 volunteers give over 6000 hours per year to ensure the success of the non-profit…

All forms of learning and therapy are, in essence, about making connections in the mind and body — connections to vital information, cognitive and behavioral milestones, genuine emotions, stronger sensory integration, improved physical function, or healthier interactions with the world and people around us.

After 15 years of offering evidence-based equestrian-assisted learning and therapy to a wide range of individuals and organizations in our community, the staff and volunteers at Serenity Farm Equestrian Center in Luckey, Ohio, understand that these critical cognitive, physical, sensory, and behavioral connections are made more easily when learning and therapy involve horses.

Serenity Farm was founded in 2001 by Debra DeHoff, the centre’s former executive director, with the goal of providing equine-assisted learning and therapy to residents of Wood County and the surrounding communities. Over the past 15 years, owing to ongoing community support and the tireless efforts and dedication of staff and volunteers, Serenity Farm has continuously expanded its facilities and programming in order to make a positive difference in more and more lives.

According to DeHoff, the centre’s programming currently consists of four distinct components, including Therapeutic Riding, Hippo Therapy, Equine-Assisted Learning… And the Serenity Farm team is always looking for ways to expand and adapt these programs so they reach more people. “We work with a lot of kids with autism…” DeHoff says.

Therapeutic Riding involves the use of horses and equine-assisted activities to achieve goals that enhance physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral, and educational skills in people with disabilities. This program provides a myriad of benefits, including improving strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination; helping breathing and circulation; and boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.

New this year is Hippo Therapy, which involves the purposeful manipulation of a horse’s movement to engage the sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems of clients with disabilities to address their impairments and functional limitations. Benefits include improvements in endurance, gross motor skills, strength, and coordination, allowing for better posture, mobility, and balance.

Through Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), highly trained staff with extensive qualifications in education and human development, outdoor recreation, and therapeutic services provide direct learning experiences to kids from pre-K to college level. “For example, we just recently took two horses to [an] Elementary School in Fostoria where the kids were learning about the Kentucky Derby,” says DeHoff. “The girls made hats with flowers, and the boys made bowties, and we were able to use our mini horses to help them work with numbers, spelling, colors, and a variety of other educational pieces as they learned about the race. Longfellow teacher Ms. Krock prefaced our visit with perfect educational components all week long.”

The EAL team also recently went to Central Trail Elementary in Sylvania to work with the students in Kami Blakeman’s special ed. class. “Ms. Blakeman teaches children with autism who have varying degrees of academic ability,” explains Jason Robertson, Serenity Farm’s new executive director. “Our goal is to bring them to the farm once a week so they can get out of the classroom and get engaged with the natural world through hands-on learning. We’re thrilled that, after seeing the kids’ positive response to our first visit, Central Trail just approved further equine-learning classes with us.”

…How has Serenity Farm continued to grow and meet community needs for 15 years with no sign of slowing? According to DeHoff, having the support of the community and solid business and succession plans in place has been a tremendous part of the centre’s success and longevity. “But the most important factor is and has always been the quality and training of our staff and volunteers–including, of course, the four-legged ones. These horses do so much to help so many people,” she says.

Anyone interested in supporting Serenity Farm Equestrian Center is invited to take part in the 4th Annual Art for the Barn fundraiser, to be held Saturday, July 30, 2016, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at VFW Post 9993, located at 109 N. Main Street in Walbridge, Ohio. This family-friendly event will include a live art auction, 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction featuring items such as golf packages, Disney tickets with use of a Florida condo, Mud Hens box seats, spa packages, stained glass, and much more. The evening’s MCs will be 13ABC’s Melissa Voetsch and Serenity Farm client Joel Dauer. Tickets are on sale now for $25.00. All funds will be used for equine-assisted programming

Here is a link to a video on Serenity Farm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zODelasTnSE

(source: Serenity Farm: 15 years of equine-assisted programming and still going strong - Healthy Living News | Toledo, OH | June)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in northwest Ohio.

Wood County Hospital is a general nonprofit medical and surgical hospital located in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Center for Child Development (CCD) at Wood County Hospital is a developmental behavioral pediatric program for children from infancy with developmental and behavioural conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorders…

Four years ago, determined to send her autistic son to a special preschool in Toledo, Tabatha Titus emptied her closets, cleaned out her basement and held a massive garage sale to raise the thousands of dollars needed.
Bowling Green residents turned out in force after a story about the sale ran in the Sentinel-Tribune.
She remembered one man coming up to her, saying, “‘I don’t have things, but I have money.’” And he put $50 in the jar.
“This community, Bowling Green, has just supported us so much.”
Titus was able to send Ian to the Clinic Home Intensive Program at Mercy Children’s Hospital in Toledo. He made so many strides that he now attends second grade at Conneaut Elementary, with an aide.
Now his mom is paying it forward.
Titus has been hired as the facilitator of the new Ready Program, an intensive school serving children with autism between the ages of 3-5 years, at Wood County Hospital.
As an intervention specialist for Eastwood schools, Titus was content to start her third school year working with kindergarteners through third-graders. Then, husband John saw an ad for the Ready Program and knew his wife was perfect for the job.
He reminded her that she had done her thesis on Bowling Green, and how to help the community with autism. The Ready Program, he said, was her calling.
“Being a parent and an educator, I think I can give extra,” Titus said. “I think that’s why they hired me. I live it everyday.”
The Ready Program will operate similar to a preschool. There will be times for one-on-one, group, music, calendar, stories and art. The closet is stocked with paints, board games like Candy Land and floor puzzles.
Special services include aquatics on Monday, and two hours a week of occupational and speech therapies.
The school is held Monday through Thursdays, with half-day morning and afternoon sessions. Fridays will be a travel day for Titus. She plans on giving educational talks and meeting with teachers and parents in the schools.
“The other huge piece of this program, and what the hospital’s vision is, is that we are collaborating with districts and helping them with the transition to kindergarten,” said Titus, who also taught preschool at Bright Beginnings for six years. “We need to provide early intervention. It’s key. It’s critical.”
She’s a strong believer in getting autistic students into a classroom setting while they’re young.
Titus will have her personal story to share with her students and parents.
When Ian started showing symptoms of autism, she had to seek out a diagnosis and therapy in Michigan, Toledo or Findlay. Now, Wood County Hospital offers something of a one-stop shop.
Titus will have tips about getting ready for kindergarten. For example, the summer before Ian went, she recorded her daughter’s routine at school so she could play it over and over for him. The CHIP program gave her different ways to play with Ian.

…While Titus brings the personal knowledge of autism to the job, she’s got the education, too.
After Ian was diagnosed, she went back to school at Bowling Green State University and got her master’s degree in special education. She also has certification in autism spectrum disorders.
Much of her research and papers have been on involving caregivers…

Deb Butler, director of rehab at Wood County Hospital, said it’s very unusual for a hospital of this size to have an autism program. But the hospital already has several components in place, such as occupational and speech therapy.
Also Dr. Sherri Thomas, director of the Child Development Center, which is next door to the Ready Program, is one of only three fellowship-trained developmental-specialists in Northwest Ohio. Thomas can give that all-important autism diagnosis, which opens the door for scholarships and insurance aid.
“This hospital does such a nice job of providing for the needs of the community,” Butler said.
The hospital board approved the business plan, “and here we are with the first program like this in Wood County.”

Here is a link to a video from Wood County Hospital: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmgsqTl5vCA

(source: Kids get ready to learn - Sentinel-Tribune: News)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

Special Kids Therapy is a northwest Ohio-based nonprofit that provides support, financial assistance, as well as programs and activities for those with with special health care needs, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Special Kids Therapy, primarily a funding organisation, provides grants to pay for all sorts of opportunities for kids with special needs…

“We do not cater to any one diagnosis. Every child, no matter how great or small their disability, we’re here for them,” said the Karen Rettig, director of Special Kids Therapy.

The name of the organization says it all. The multi-sensory room with its flickering lights, moving parts and fun games offers these special kids something they can’t get anywhere else.

Parent [Tammy] Eisenreich said, “I can’t say enough about what they do for all kids with special needs – not just autism, but all kids with special needs.”

…John was diagnosed with autism when he was two, but the speech therapy he needed wasn’t covered by insurance.

“We did the appeals process. I think I had two different appeals, and they were both denied. As a parent, you’re like, ‘You don’t know what’s best for my child.’ So we applied for a grant through Special Kids Therapy and they were amazing,” said John’s mother Tammy.

Special Kids Therapy has funded [various recreational activities.]

“My mission, my goal is to reach these children for them to have opportunities to be accepted and part of life. I think as we accept things – not only does it improve their life, it improves our life also,” said Rettig.

…Although the organization is 100 percent volunteer, they need money to offer services.

…Board Member Karla Lewis has worked for months to put it all together. She tells us, "That’s the prize at the end. When I get to see the smiles on those kids faces when they …add equipment to the playroom or expand the services, that’s when we’ll say all the literal blood, sweat and tears that we’ve put into this is

Here is a link to a video from Special Kids Therapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3j7DY4eg7w&index=1&list=FLhlUQWaeMH1tdEuo8zFjoRA

(source: Special Kids Therapy raises funds where insurance leaves off - Toledo News Now, News, Weather, Sports, Toledo, OH)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in northwest Ohio.

The Arc Advocacy & Resource Center of Ottawa County is an Ottawa County, Ohio based nonprofit whose mission is to advocate for the rights of all individuals with cognitive impairments and developmental disabilities, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The ‘Team Mary 5K Run/Walk for Autism’ is an annual event that takes participants through the beautiful Gem Beach neighborhood on the Catawba peninsula, with proceeds benefiting an exciting inclusion playground initiative in Port Clinton, Ohio…

…The more than 7,000 participants made [the Medical Mutual Glass City Marathon] event’s field its largest.

The temperature was 40 degrees, a little cool for this time of year — when the horns blared shortly after 7 a.m. to signal the start of the marathon, half marathon, and 5-kilometer events.

The runners traveled through West Toledo and the city’s western suburbs. The full 26.2-mile marathon course took participants through Old Orchard, Ottawa Hills, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, Sylvania Township, and Sylvania.

But a brisk, gusty east wind greeted them on their return route to campus.

…More than 60 people ran in the 5k, half marathon, and marathon events to support 6-year-old Mary Lucas, the special-needs daughter of Erin and Chris Lucas of Catawba Island.

“Team Mary” supporters raised $8,000 to be given to the Advocacy and Resource Center summer program of Ottawa County.

“This is a great way to bring awareness to special-needs children, especially children like Mary who have autism,” said Nicole DeFeitas of Port Clinton, who participated in the 5k race and walk.

Mrs. Lucas finished the half marathon in 1:58. Her husband ran in the marathon. Their sons, Benjamin, 11 and Max, 8, participated in the 5-kilometer event.

“I just want people to understand about autism and to bring a face to it,” Mrs. Lucas said.

Here is a link to a short video from this year’s beneficiary of the ‘Team Mary race’, the local inclusive Flagship Collaborative Play Place: 23 reactions | 6:00 at night and people were still playing! ❤️ | Flagship Collaborative Play Place

(source: Entrants pour into Glass City - Our Town Sylvania)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in northwest Ohio.

The Autism Center at Toledo Children’s Hospital, is part of the Toledo, Ohio-based nonprofit ProMedica Health System. The Autism Early Learning Program at the Center, for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders up to the age of 6, offers a clinical team with intensive training in applied behaviour analysis…

…Even though she is a practicing pediatric and internal medicine physician, Cathy Cantor and Zack Shaffer discuss their autistic son during a visit to the ProMedica Autism Center.

…Autism, a developmental disability that can cause significant deficits in communication, socialization, and behavior, used to be diagnosed separately.

Autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger syndrome are now under one umbrella of [Autism Spectrum Disorders.]

What exactly causes autism …is in some respects still a mystery, said Melissa Schlotterer, program manager at the ProMedica Autism Early Learning Program.

…ProMedica opened the Autism Early Learning Program nearly four years ago, which offers behavioral services for children up to six years.

…Three-year-old Zachary’s parents were referred to the ProMedica program about a year ago by his speech therapist.

“Once we had his full evaluation and the autism diagnosis came up I think we had this point one evening when I said what are we gonna do if he’s really autistic and my husband just said ‘then we make him the best little autistic boy he could be,’ ” Dr. Cantor said.

There are about 25 children enrolled full time in the ProMedica early intervention program with Zachary, said Ms. Schlotterer. There are 13 behavioral therapists who work with the children in groups or one-on-one helping them develop the skills they are lacking when they come in the door.

The therapists use a program called Applied Behavior Analysis …with the children, a technique that uses positive reinforcement and teaches them basic and complex skills — a technique that is backed by years of scientific research, she said.

When the center opened it was the first in the area to use [Applied Behavior Analysis] therapy for children and there is a waiting list for children to get into the program, she said. There are now other programs in Lucas County that have board-certified behavior analysts on staff which is a very important question for parents to ask when they are choosing an intervention program for their child, said Catina Harding, executive director of The Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism.

ABA programs are considered the gold standard in autism services, but many such programs in the area have a waiting list, Ms. Harding said.

Dr. Cantor said even though she is a ProMedica employee, she was not aware of the autism program before Zachary’s speech therapist recommended it.

“I could really see where parents would struggle with knowing who to contact. It requires a lot of time on the parents’ part for appointments and time off of work and all those things,” she said.

Zachary’s first year in this program has been “life changing” for her family, Dr. Cantor said.

“He probably had about 50 words that were kind of words when he started. There were probably only 15 or 20 that the average person would recognize as a word. During the first few weeks he came home all of the sudden, he was like ‘I love you mommy’ or ‘I love you daddy’ and it was like we never heard that before and after just a couple months,” she said.

…His behavior has improved so drastically that Mr. Shaffer, who is a stay-at-home father, now takes both kids out in public with no fear. “You can see that it’s starting to connect. He’s putting it together. You can just see it in his eyes that something’s going on,” Mr. Shaffer said.

In fact, Zachary has now surpassed his twin sister in some developmental skills, he said.

“It’s just mind boggling. It has given us hope that he can learn and be happy,” Dr. Cantor said…

Here is a link to some photos from the Autism Early Learning Program from last year: https://www.facebook.com/ProMedicaToledoChildrensHospital/posts/828659977225222

(source: Tackling autism in children - The Blade)