'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 northwest Ohio.

The West Central Ohio Autism Community (WCOAC) is a Lima, Ohio-based nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and support to anyone who has a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in their lives. The nonprofit serves Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Hardin, Van Wert and Shelby Counties…

Diane Frommer figures Lima hit the lottery when Bittersweet Farms of Whitehouse came to town to help serve the needs of autistic individuals.
“It’s a big-town opportunity in a small town,” said Mrs. Frommer, whose 8-year-old son is autistic.
Bittersweet plans to dedicate “Bittersweet at Betty’s Farm,” an 88-acre site in Shawnee Township just south of Lima, at 10 a.m. tomorrow. The farm was left to Bittersweet by Betty Ratliff, a longtime special education teacher who died in January, 2005.
“We welcome them 100 percent,” said Mrs. Frommer, vice president of the West Central Ohio Autism Community, a 2-year-old support group for parents of autistic children. “Getting something like Betty’s Farm is like winning the lottery for a small town. It’s something you would have to drive out of town for. There’s not even a developmental pediatrician in Lima who can diagnose autism.”
It was Dr. Karen Ratliff-Schaub, a developmental pediatrician formerly associated with Mercy Children’s Hospital, who told her mother, Betty, about the work Bittersweet Farms was doing. Dr. Ratliff-Schaub serves on the board of Bittersweet Inc.
Josh Vollmar, director of program development for Bittersweet, said Mrs. Ratliff decided to leave her farm to Bittersweet because she didn’t want to see the land developed and she wanted to help autistic individuals. There were no strings attached to the bequest other than that Mrs. Ratliff’s sister was permitted to live in one of the two houses on the property for as long as she liked.

We don’t want to recreate what we have in Whitehouse," Mr. Vollmar said. “We want to see what specific needs there are for west central Ohio.”

…Vicki Obee-Hilty, director of Bittersweet Farms, said an advisory council has been formed to help identify the types of services needed in the Lima area.
“We get so many people who come to Bittersweet and want to recreate Bittersweet in other places that our first thought was hey, we can recreate Bittersweet, make Betty’s Farm a day program and residential,” she said. “Then we said, this is a different area. We have different families. We want Betty’s Farm to be more homegrown from the families and the community there.”
One night a week in July and August, Bittersweet sent staff to Betty’s Farm to interact with autistic children so their parents could have an evening to themselves.

…“I think it’s going to be a long-term effort to develop that farm,” Ms. Obee-Hilty said, adding that what happens there will be dictated by the community’s interest and support.
Tomorrow, Bittersweet will do a formal ribbon-cutting at the farm at 4640 Fort Amanda Road. Ms. Obee-Hilty said the organization wants to publicly acknowledge Mrs. Ratliff’s gift “and let the community know we’re here.”

Here is a link to photos of WCOAC’s ‘Support Group Picnic’ from five years ago: https://www.facebook.com/LimaAllen-County-Autism-Aspergers-Support-Group-242997768357/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10150291632428358

(source: Betty’s Farm to assist autistic area residents - The Blade)

[Visionary7903]

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

Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI) is a Sylvania, Ohio-based nonprofit that helps individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, achieve greater independence by training and placing service and therapy dogs to assist with the individual’s daily needs. ADAI’s therapy dogs, equally highly trained, offer comfort and companionship to children in schools with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders…

What a difference a new training facility makes! Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and area businesses, Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI) now calls the 16 acres of The Ability Center of Greater Toledo home.

The new ADAI Training Center includes 13 fully heated and air conditioned kennels, three large shaded fenced yards for outdoor exercise, a large training area where staff can simulate a variety of home environments, plus three covered fenced outdoor areas for inclement weather. Canines and staff alike love it here!

…Owen Vollmar (Ohio) and Haise
Owen Vollmar is ten years old …He has mild autism…

…Ten year old Owen, like most kids his age, is interested in the world around him. Unlike many of the kids he knows, including his twin brother, Kale, Owen lives a bit differently.

Lissa and her husband, Brad, learned early on that Owen would live with high functioning Autism. “When he was young,” Lissa recounts, “he was a bolter…he would just take off running…” The Vollmars realized they needed another set of eyes and someone faster than Owen. It was about this time they began to consider a therapy dog.

One problem: Kale, Owen’s twin, had a serious allergy to dogs. As they researched possibilities, they started Kale on a two and a half year allergy treatment regimen and began the search for a hypoallergenic therapy dog. Enter Haise, a Standard Poodle donated to Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence by an eastern Ohio breeder. Haise and Owen paired in October of 2012. “The change in Owen has been amazing! We had hoped for a friend to be there when he needed someone to play with and to talk to, and, because he is prone to meltdowns, who would help him to relax when he became upset. We got that in Haise, and so much more.”

In his fourth grade class, Owen has some classmates who understand him, who rally around him when he is having a bad day…

…Knowing that Haise is waiting at home helps Owen (and mom) at times like these. He cannot wait to get home and take care of his dog. “He has assumed the responsibility for feeding and some of the grooming and walking of Haise.” Lissa smiles and adds, “He is very proud of himself as a caretaker. This is all new-this and his confidence! It used to be a struggle to do homework every night. No more. Now he starts on his own and seldom asks for help. “Most amazing, Owen, who has always been a “C” student, has brought home his first two A’s. It’s incredible!”

It is these intangibles that sometimes mean the most: the grade change, the new self-image-the serendipitous happenings that were never expected:

“Owen never used to initiate conversation,” Lissa remembers, emotion in her voice, “he would be off in the house somewhere, always quiet, leaving us to wonder what was going on inside of him. Now, I hear him all the time-calling Haise to join him wherever he is. I hear him talking to and reading to him and playing in the yard. Do you know what that means to a mom and dad? It is music. It means the world.”

Here is a link to a video on the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY2kbUGO7pE

(source: Wags and Wheels Newsletter)

[Visionary7903]

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

ITAALK is a Toledo, Ohio-based nonprofit that stands for Interactive Technology Assisting Autistic Little Kids. ITAALK’s mission to provide assistive technology devices to individuals with Autism, and educate the world on the latest technologies that benefit individuals with special needs…

A few months ago, 4 1/2-year-old Aiden Thober couldn’t say his colors.

But with the help of an Apple iPad, the autistic Maumee boy with severe language and speech delay is able to name them while using an app featuring a friendly face that changes colors. …He solves jigsaw puzzles on another app, eliciting praise from both the gadget and his mother, Alicia Cramer.

Anything to do with animals or food is Aiden’s biggest learning motivator – plus, the boy loves puzzles – and someday such technology may be what Aiden uses to “talk” with strangers, Ms. Cramer said.

“We don’t know where Aiden’s going to be years from now,” she said of his development. “He might need something like this to communicate with the outside world.”

Aiden is one of a dozen students in Mercy Autism Services’ most intensive therapy program daily using iPads, devices that delight youngsters, therapists, and parents alike.

Some of the apps used by therapists with the students are designed for autistic or other special-needs children, said Michelle Nagle, clinic coordinator and lead speech/language pathologist.

“There are all kinds of apps,” Ms. Nagle said. “We really try to match the apps with a particular child.”

Studies are under way nationally to determine the educational benefits of iPads, including some aimed specifically at autism, Ms. Nagle said.

Anecdotal evidence of benefits with autistic children, meanwhile, is mounting locally.

Brooke Olson of Perrysburg noticed a couple of years ago how her now-6-year-old son, Amick, was able to expand his speech from five words to complete sentences after playing with her iPhone. She found a flash-card app to build his vocabulary, and Amick moved on to other apps and devices, and now he can do some spelling, reading, and math, she said.

“The iPad was fun,” said Mrs. Olson, whose son also benefitted from Mercy’s intensive program at the time and is quick to say the Apple devices cannot replace intervention. “He thought he was playing a game, but he was learning.”

She added: “His language all of a sudden just meant something to him.”

Now Mrs. Olson is heading a nonprofit foundation, iTaalk, that raises funds to award Apple devices to autistic children through its Web site, itaalk.org, and offers training sessions to families and professionals.

Last week, iTaalk received a $10,000 donation from the Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism to award devices to needy families in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

…At Mercy Autism Services, iPads also are used to teach students social skills, such as taking turns. With board games, students often do not pay attention unless it is their turn, but they carefully watch and sometimes comment on classmates’ moves when sharing an iPad, behavior consultant Heidi Bleyer said.

iPad apps also help the students with finger isolation, hand/eye coordination, understanding cause and effect, and other skills on one compact device, Ms. Bleyer said.

Ms. Cramer said she has applied to get an iPad through iTaalk or another source, but until then she occasionally works at home with Aiden on a device borrowed from a relative. Aiden has shown an incredible aptitude for doing puzzles, which helps with his fine motor skills, critical thinking, and other abilities, but he can get frustrated with fitting three-dimensional pieces together, she said.

A sliding finger or two is all it takes for Aiden to move a puzzle piece into place on an iPad.

“It shows that he has the ability to learn great things,” Ms. Cramer said. “It shows he has the power for great things, and being able to unlock those things really is the key.”

Here is a link to a video from ITAALK from about five years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpVKVh1fC7I

(source: Latest iPad Newz: iPad app aids Autistic boy)

[Visionary7903]

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

The SuperSchade’s Foundation is a Lucas County, Ohio-based nonprofit that works with local organisations and businesses to help supplement the cost of summer camp for families of children and young adults with special needs and provide a summer camp devoted to empowering individuals to become as independent as possible. The SuperSchade’s Foundation hopes to assist in providing a better quality of life for all individuals regardless of ability…

When Jim Burnor, vice president of Burnor Insurance Agency in Toledo, Ohio, learned about the financial hardships faced by many families who have a child or other family member with special needs, he knew he wanted to help.
And after befriending James Schade, a colleague in the financial-services industry who had already begun to work with these families, Burnor knew exactly how to help.
“James and I, mostly James, recognized that a lot of families needed help,” Burnor said. “So we set up the SuperSchade’s Foundation in 2013.” The foundation, based in nearby Holland, Ohio, offers a wide range of programs and services for these families… It also works with local organizations and businesses to supplement the cost of other camps.
“Summer camp was important to me as a child…” Schade said. “Having those growing experiences, and gaining knowledge about other people and how acts of kindness can affect them, truly inspired me. I wanted to help make sure everyone had those opportunities.”
Overall, the foundation aims to provide a better quality of life for individuals, regardless of ability, and empower them to become as independent as possible. About 5,000 families are touched in some way by the foundation, Schade said.
In addition to creating camp opportunities, the foundation offers educational workshops, provides families with information about resources and also hosts other events.

The Special Needs Planning Workshops were created when Schade realized that different organizations dedicated to this community have the same educational goals, but often don’t work together. “There was a big barrier in educating these families on complex topics that are constantly changing, such as wills, trusts, guardianship, government benefits and more. Now, we’re united in our efforts.”
Burnor, the vice president of the foundation’s board, has remained involved since the beginning — as has Burnor Insurance Agency. Together, he and his employees support fundraising activities such as cookouts, golf events, bowling events and other gatherings.
“We believe in the mission of the SuperSchade’s Foundation and living that mission — not just when it comes to the foundation, but in our daily lives as well,” Burnor said. And the impact of that volunteering goes beyond the families and individuals served by the organization; the company’s involvement also increases visibility among clients and others in the region.
“Jim and Burnor Insurance Agency have been incredibly important to our success and growth,” Schade said. “Our volunteers and donors allow us to offer programs to more families, and it’s amazing to see the difference it makes.”
For that commitment to making a difference, Burnor and his company have earned a 2016 Safeco Insurance Make More Happen Award. The honor means the SuperSchade’s Foundation will receive a $4,000 donation from Safeco on behalf of Burnor Insurance Agency.
That money will help expand the foundation’s reach, according to Schade. “Every dollar we receive allows us to serve more families,” he said, “as well as help more individuals take important steps in their development.”
Seeing that progress is what makes working with the SuperSchade’s Foundation so inspiring, Burnor said. “Thanks to the vision of James, we’re able to play a part in helping these children and young adults reach their full potential — in some cases, it’s potential they didn’t even realize they had.”
Perhaps just as important, the foundation’s work can help transform community attitudes as well. “The more we help these individuals succeed,” Burnor said, “the more the world at large realizes that people with special needs can make valuable contributions to society, too.”

Here is a link to photos from a SuperSchade’s Foundation Bowling Day from almost a year ago: https://www.facebook.com/256025801246194/photos/?tab=album&album_id=489448927903879

(source: Make More Happen | Safeco Insurance)

[Visionary7903]

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

To the southeast, the Seneca Autism Learning & Support Association is a Tiffin, Ohio-based nonprofit whose mission is to bring awareness to Seneca County and the surrounding communities by offering information, education, resources and support to parents, caregivers, families, educators and professionals. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at at the Family Learning Center Sentinel in Tiffin, Ohio…

A group of parents with autistic children have banded together to raise awareness, collect donations and support one another as they care for their special needs offspring.

‘Give Autism the Boot’ is to take place Friday and Saturday at the Tiffin Wal-Mart and K-Mart in Fostoria. Volunteers are to accept donations 4-8 p.m. Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday in Tiffin. The Fostoria drive is to run 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.

Donations are being collected for the Great Lakes Center for Autism in Toledo, which serves Seneca and several other counties in northwest Ohio…

Leading the Tiffin effort are Sandy Hallett and Amber Stover. Each has an autistic child, Ryan Hallett, 6, and Isaac Stover, 7. Although this is the third year the center has conducted the benefit, it is the first year for Seneca County to participate.

“Last year, they raised over $100,000 through this fundraiser,” Stover said.

Jessica Weisenauer of Fostoria has an autistic preschooler enrolled in the Special Needs Program in Fostoria. She organized 12 volunteers from the newly-formed Seneca County Autism Family Support Group. Weisenauer said Fostoria firefighters are to talk with the public and have their trucks on display during the fundraiser.

…By having a local collection, the women said autism organizations in Seneca County will be entitled to apply for grants from the center and keep the funds for area programs. A member of the parent council at the Opportunity Center, Hallett said she has met many community members with autistic children.

“My kids and I walked in Cincinnati for the national organization Autism Speaks. We represented the Tiffin community and the Opportunity Center. There were many generous Tiffin community members who supported us. I am working with administrators at Tiffin City Schools and the Opportunity Center to help raise awareness and education,” Hallett said.

Autism Speaks retains all money from their fundraisers. Hallett said she was able to list Tiffin and display pictures of the School of Opportunity on the Autism Speaks Web site, but she said the local collection will keep funds in the community.

A member of the Seneca County Autism Family Support Group, Stover said its first meeting was April 1. Composed mostly of parents, the group plans to have regular meetings 6:30-8 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Early Childhood Center of Fostoria, 801 Kirk St.

Weisenauer, who founded the support group, said 17 people came to the inaugural meeting, including parents, teachers and even a pediatrician. Grandparents, caregivers, school aides, parent mentors and anyone wanting to know more about Autism Spectrum Disorder are welcome to attend.

“Our support group is open to people of any county,” Weisenauer said.

Each gathering typically includes a speaker followed by a time for networking and socializing. Child care is available in a child-friendly space with employees from the Opportunity Center and St. Wendelin students supervising the children. Weisenauer emphasized the importance of having child care available.

“A lot of people can’t come if there is no child care,” she said.

Hallett said she belonged to a similar group in Perrysburg. When she moved to Tiffin, she enrolled Ryan at the Seneca County Opportunity Center. The center asked Hallett to attend an in-service in Sandusky County. There she met Weisenauer, with whom she had talked previously by phone. They contacted Lewis Hurst, superintendent of the Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

…The next meeting of the Autism Support Group is July 1 with Assistant Fostoria Fire Chief Ryan Anderson as the speaker. He is to talk about fire safety for autistic children with a focus on how a child with autism needs to be treated in a crisis. For August, Kelley Hasselbach, a special needs teacher, is to offer ideas about getting autistic children back into a routine for the new school year.

Weisenauer said Sandy Brickner from the Ohio Coalition for Children with Disabilities has offered to attend every few months.

…“We hope it keeps going. The more information we can get out there, the better,” she said.

Here is a link to photos from ‘Give Autism the Boot’ from four years ago: https://www.facebook.com/GreatLakesAutism/photos/?tab=album&album_id=469040469774211

(source: 301 Moved Permanently)

[Visionary7903]

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

To the south, Discovery Riders, Inc. is a Zanesfield, Ohio-based nonprofit therapeutic equestrian learning and riding experience for individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders from the age of 5. Discovery Riders is accredited with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International which establishes program standards, provides insurance and trains and certifies instructors…

…Discovery Riders, Inc. is a community-oriented, non-profit 50l(c) (3) organization, incorporated in 1999. Our goal is to provide physically, mentally and emotionally challenged people an opportunity to improve their lives through horsemanship. We are guided by PATH INTERNATIONAL, which means that the organization and our instructors have jumped through a considerable number of hoops to meet established industry standards. That’s the official part, and we take our responsibility seriously. We are educated, trained and insured.

That said, we also have a lot of fun and see some amazing results. It is not unusual for a child who has never walked before to discover that, though the strength and balance developed on a horse, he or she can now begin to walk. The first words or signs of many of our non-verbal riders are related to riding. A boy diagnosed with autism, who joined us three years ago, is now treasurer of his 4-H Club.

A horse is a magnificent animal. Big and imposing. And we who are weaker can borrow their strength and speed.
In addition to Discovery Riders’ commitment to therapeutic riding, we also are working with children identified as “at risk” by their schools, by a guidance counselor or teacher. “At risk” is a very polite term for what is often a very troubled child. Friendless. Socially inept. Unhappy. Not doing well at school and at life. We work, too, with a group of juvenile offenders, sent to us by the courts. These kids are looking for something better and they often find it in a partnership with a big, gentle animal.

Here is a link to photos from a Discovery Riders horse show from four years ago: https://www.facebook.com/discoveryriders/photos/?tab=album&album_id=579535238734896

(source: Discovery Riders Therapeutic Riding and Learning Center | United Way of Union County)

[Visionary7903]

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

The School for Autistically Impaired Learners is a Toledo, Ohio-based nonprofit whose mission is to prepare children (from toddler age) impaired by Autism Spectrum Disorders for inclusion by providing instructional methodologies and behavioural techniques with related therapies. These therapies include Speech Language Therapy, Applied Behavioural Analysis Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy…

…Operated through [ProMedica Toledo Children’s Hospital]'s Child Life program, music therapy helps children and their families cope with stresses related to a child’s illness and the adjustment of a hospital stay. David Putano, a music therapist who owns a private practice in Toledo, visits children like Hannah at the hospital for weekly one-on-one musical sessions.

“When you expose people to music they love, the feeling of success, of hopefulness, reminds them of things they love,” Putano said. “At a hospital, we sometimes get away from things at home that we love, things that are beautiful.”

…Music is considered to be a primary cognitive experience, meaning as human beings, we have no control over the emotions we feel when we experience it, Putano said.

“If we can identify music that a patient loves, music they have positive associations with . if we can engage them in playing music that they really like a lot, we can instantly have them experience those positive emotions,” he said.

…He …also teaches music therapy for autistic children at the School for Autistically Impaired Learners …in Toledo.

For those with specific developmental challenges, like autism, specific goals are targeted.

…“I’m not sitting in on treatment meetings,” he said. “What I do with them is therapeutic. We complement what the doctors are doing. We complement what the medical experts are doing. It might be because they are having anxiety for a surgical procedure. (My session) is 40 minutes they might not be focused on that procedure.”

When Putano begins a therapy program with a patient, he starts by getting to know what kinds of music they have been exposed to. He usually uses a keyboard to introduce them to playing. He might have them dramatize a popular TV show or movie…

He encourages self-expression.

“We end up making beautiful music with each other right on the spot,” he said. “Before we know it, we are jamming just like recording a record.”

If the child catches on, the sessions become more structured. A guitar and some percussion instruments, are brought in. Parents, siblings, and friends get involved. If the therapist discerns that the child may want to write, pen and paper comes out and they try their hand at songwriting. Children have written about their dogs, their turtles, going to camp, or better yet? going home.

“It’s great, whether it’s something pertinent about going home, worrisome stuff, or something wonderful,” he said. “Once we have words, we go toward putting music to it. Then I record it for them.”

Children get a copy of their recording.

…Heather Heebsh had been reading up on the benefits of music therapy ever since she made a campus visit with her son to Eastern Michigan and saw all of the new students who were interested in getting music therapy degrees.

“They were doing it for autistic children; I thought, why not do it for all children?” she said…

Here is a link to photos from the School for Autistically Impaired Learners from about a year ago, including a few with the above-mentioned music therapist: https://www.facebook.com/1631142793834355/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1631180243830610

(source: https://limaohio.com/wire/state-wire/206685/music-therapy-helps-children-families-cope-with-illness-3)

[Visionary7903]

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

To the east, the Bikers Against Abused and Neglected Children Foundation (BAANC) is a Huron, Ohio-based nonprofit dedicated to helping stop the abuse of children in the Lake Erie region, and to enrich the lives of those who have been a victim of neglect. BAANC organises charity events to help provide for children in need with things like clothing and school supplies with fundraising events including parties and selling ornaments…

Kimberly Gaeth is filled with joy after seeing her son enjoy a day all about him.
“He’s a little overwhelmed, but he loves this,” said Gaeth.
Her son Michael has Autism and she says it makes it hard for him to make friends.
“Michael was diagnosed with Autism at 9-years-old, but we had thought he had had it since he was born—just the way he was acting and not interacting with others,” said Gaeth.
Michael turns 15 Monday, and his mom wanted to make this birthday special.
“I just decided he hasn’t had many birthdays that have been really good for him, so I wanted some help from somebody,” Gaeth said.

So Kimberly reached out to Huron-based [BAANC].
“So I just sent a message and the next thing I knew the BAANC sent me back a message saying they were going to do the card drive and this party,” Gaeth continued.
On top of all the birthday cards and a racing-themed party, the group also arranged for Michael to ride on a larger-than-life motorcycle.
“He’s had difficult birthdays in the past and we wanted to make up for those past birthdays,” said Maile Zinn of [BAANC]. “It’s just the best feeling in the world to be able to do this for somebody.”

For Kimberly, it’s a day that she and her son won’t soon forget.
“I’m glad I got this support from everybody and that everybody came,” Gaeth said.

Here is a link to a video on the story: https://www.facebook.com/BAANC-Foundation-Bikers-Against-Abused-and-Neglected-Children-134705166618912/videos

(source: Oak Harbor teen with Autism gets an early birthday present)

[Visionary7903]

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

Robin Perry, a teacher’s aide at Temperance Road Elementary School, has been going to the apes this summer. Or rather, to the APES, as in Animals Providing Emotional Support, the program she created and runs at the Toledo Zoo.
Ms. Perry’s students at Temperance Road Elementary have autism. She has long known how they can benefit emotionally from interacting with animals and has taken her own dog into the classroom.
She longed to put together a program that would make regular use of a wider range of animals, so a few years ago she wrote a proposal for the “APES Project,” presented it to zoo officials, and was delighted when they gave her the go-ahead.
The program is in its second summer. Ms. Perry takes two autistic children, aged 3 to 8, for two days each week and introduces them to the animals in the zoo’s Nature’s Neighborhood, where children can experience animals close up.
“I love it,” Ms. Perry said. “I wish it could be my full-time job. I get to do the two things I love to do most – work with animals and kids.”
The animals are mostly guinea pigs, pygmy goats, and small snakes, she continued. “One time we had an armadillo come in, and the kids were able to observe it walking around.”
There is lots of close contact.
“The kids get to hold the guinea pigs and help care for them,” she explained. “They make sure their food and water are ready, and they brush them.”
The salutary effects of this kind of contact are soon apparent. “Their faces light up. They’re so engrossed with the animals at the time,” she explained.
Steve Oswanski, the manager of the children’s zoo, said the program is accomplishing just what zoo officials wanted to do.
“We don’t really serve many students within the autistic spectrum, and this is a great opportunity to meet with those students,” he said. “With what we’re trying to do, this is a perfect match. We’ve seen pretty good results. Robin keeps a file on each student and tailors her lessons to them.”
Ms. Perry said each class lasts an hour and earns the child a “Certified APES Handler” certificate.
“We basically use the animals to teach the kids about empathy and help their feelings. A lot of times, the animals will have a calming effect and teach them responsibility. Research has shown that in families with children with autism, those children will have more rapport with the animals in the household than with the people in the home,” she said.
In her classes, she said, she aims to take the child through four phases: initial exposure to the animals, engagement with them, interaction, and, finally, a relationship. She said the children also enjoy walking around the zoo and looking at the larger animals.
Ms. Perry, who lives in Temperance with her husband and three children, said she’ll stay with the program in subsequent summers.
“It’s making a difference,” she said.

(source: Animals widen children’s world - The Blade)

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

Project iAm is a Toledo, Ohio-based nonprofit that seeks to provide support and information, resources, and financial assistance to families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Project iAm’s aims to distribute finances to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorders receive the treatment they need…

Our son, Alex, was diagnosed with PDD-NOS in 2006 and we began the lengthy and expensive journey into the world of autism spectrum disorders and early intervention. We have been honored to be the recipients of [funds] through Project iAm to help pay for early intervention therapy in 2009 and to help send our son to a residential summer camp for children with special needs in 2014 and 2015. It has meant so much to us to be able to provide Alex with these opportunities and we would not have been able to do that without Project iAm. I knew that giving back would be the only way to show all of our gratitude so I began volunteering with Project iAm in 2010. Life was crazy and busy so I began by just donating water and soda for the annual Acoustics for Autism. However, as time has passed, I am proud to have been involved as a volunteer for the RibOff at the Lucas County Fair and for the annual “Plugged In” concerts. It is a great way to meet other parents struggling with the complexities of having children with autism. And guess what? It is also a ton of fun! Another really neat experience is when I was able to meet the musician, Michael Glabicki, who has supported Project iAm from the beginning… What an honor to be able to say “thank you” in person. Northwest Ohio has been blessed to have such a loyal and local grassroots organization here to help our kids. We feel incredibly lucky to be a part of Project iAm and their amazing mission. -Lauren and Matt McCaffery

Here is a link to a video from Project iAm from earlier this year: https://www.facebook.com/projectiam/videos/987769877945621/

(source: Lauren and Matt McCaffery – Acoustics For Autism)

[Visionary7903]

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

To the south, the Wyandot County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WyCBDD), based in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, is the organisation primarily responsible for serving individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, in Wyandot County. Also known as the Angeline School, the organisation provides services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders through such programs as Early Intervention, P.L.A.Y. Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters), Responsive Teaching, and state licensed special education preschool services…

Marsha Rump of Tiffin and Kevin Burlew of Upper Sandusky have teamed as writer and illustrator, respectively, to publish a new children’s book, “A Cow Who Wouldn’t Moo.”

The soft-cover book with brightly-colored pages and large print was published by The Wooster Book Co. and released in September 2011.

It is dedicated to Rump’s grandchildren.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, to write a picture book…'” Rump said.

…She is an early intervention specialist for special needs children birth to age 3 for the Wyandot County Board of Developmental Disabilities at Angeline School in Upper Sandusky.

Her clients may be afflicted with [various challenges, including Autism].

Here is a link to a video on Early Intervention from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USmpz_OA4po&feature=youtu.be

(source: 301 Moved Permanently)

[Visionary7903]

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

To the south, Families Touched by Autism of Logan County is a Bellefontaine, Ohio-based nonprofit serving those individuals, including children, with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The group comes together to share successes, ask for help, provide safe fun activities for the children, and give back to the community…

The 10th annual Student Awards Dinner & Art Auction was held Friday evening at [in] Bellefontaine…

Nearly 100 people attended the event that celebrated the talents of 12 young artists with autism that won awards.

Those students that were recognized included Orion Reames …Gavin VanBuskirk, and Tonya Price.

The students ages ranged from [4-years-old.]

An estimated $2,600 was raised through the art auction.

Over $1,000 was raised through dinner tickets and $271 was raised from a quilt… and raffled off by VFW Post 1080 in Bellefontaine.

…Over $3,600 was raised through the art auction and dinner.

One of the students artwork was auctioned off for $300. Former Bellefontaine police chief Brad Kunze bought artwork created by his grandson Aiden Kunze, a Bellefontaine City Schools student.

Steve Smith of Ohio Real Estate Auctions on Lake Avenue in Bellefontaine was the auctioneer.

…The money raised from the event goes towards Families Touched by Autism and the Summer Academy…

Here is a link to photos of a Families Touched by Autism of Logan County ‘Art Auction & Awards Dinner’ from a couple of years ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.284958848342193&type=3

(source: http://www.peakofohio.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=5&id=170782#.V_yh-VHdvw4)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from yesterday was Families Touched by Autism of Logan County, a Bellefontaine, Ohio-based nonprofit serving those individuals, including children, with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The group comes together to share successes, ask for help with struggles, provide safe fun activities for the children, and give back to the community.

To the southwest, the Nicholas School is a Piqua, Ohio-based nonprofit private State Chartered School for children from kindergarten age who have special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. The School offers an individualised neurodevelopmental program, small group and one on one academic instruction and visual therapy, and the school provides a setting where children are able to achieve both academically and physically…

The Nicholas School, an extension of the Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development in Piqua, has summer programs that have been helping special needs students stay sharp while on summer break from school, and the results have been positive.

The programs offered at the school [include] Summer Readiness (ages 4-6)… All programs work with students on academics, vision and motor skills, auditory processing, and activities that help with neurological development.

“We had a lot of successful results, whether it is academically or neurologically, we definitely seen a lot of difference with our kids in that six-week time,” Principal Holly Felver said. Some of those improvements included fine motor improvement, increase in eye contact, better letter/number recognition, and improvement in speech and behavior.

Students engage in activities that work the left and right side of the brain as well as practicing physical movement such as eye coordination. A peg arc is a tool used that helps to enhance quick eye movement by moving a peg along the arc and the student follows that peg with their eyes.

“I think a lot of (the program) is helping (students) academically in the classroom, and helps them to be more prepared for the school year and deal with their communication issues,” Felver said.

The six-week program operated for three hours a day and four days a week, with teachers interacting with students one-on-one to find out what needed improvement in the child. As opposed to a normal classroom of 20 or more, teachers in the program work with an average of five students during their session, allowing more attention to be spent on each student.

“We always feel the summer program is truly beneficial,” Felver said. “It’s neat to see the changes that happen in a six-week time frame, it’s heartwarming.”

Children with [various challenges, including Autism] are served at the Nicholas School. The school provides an environment that allows these students to reach their maximum potential physically and academically.

Here is a link to photos: NSchool

(source: http://www.peakofohio.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=5&id=170782#.V_yh-VHdvw4)

[Visionary7903]

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

The Toledo Walleye is the local team that is part of mid-level professional ice hockey league, the ECHL. The team recently cooperated with the American Special Hockey Association, a Crofton, Maryland-based nonprofit that aims to give people of all ages and abilities, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, a chance to learn and grow by playing hockey…

A compelling encounter with an enthusiastic young fan planted the seed for Walleye forward Evan Rankin to help organize a fantasy hockey camp for players with developmental disabilities.

Rankin, Toledo’s outgoing and generous veteran, met Ryan Sly, an eager and energetic fan, before a game …in March. Ryan’s mother, Marie Sly, videotaped the interaction.

“It was a special-needs team from Grand Rapids that had come to watch our game,” Rankin said. “There was this one young boy really cheering us on. I played along with him, and his mom sent me a video of it. We got to talking and I proposed this idea to her. She was on board and ran with it.”

Rankin will host the inaugural Professional Hockey Academy Special Hockey Fantasy Camp in Livonia, Mich., on June 4-5.

The camp is sponsored by the American Special Hockey Association, which was created in 2000 to give people of all ages and abilities a chance to learn and grow by playing hockey.

“It’s going to be an absolute blast,” Rankin said.

His Walleye teammates …will help out at the camp.

The event will offer two days of on-ice drills and games, along with off-ice training.

[Marie], who is the team manager for the West Michigan Special Hockey Association, said her players were giving high-fives to the Walleye players before the game.

“We had a unique opportunity to spend time with the guys, and Evan was great,” Sly said. “He was so, so good with all of our kids. …So I reached out to him on social media and it evolved from there.”

Ryan, 6, has autism. His mother said playing hockey makes him feel like part of a team.

“Our goal is to make all our special hockey players feel included and part of something bigger than them,” [Marie] said.

[Marie], who lives in Grand Rapids, Mich., said the players [are from the age of 5] and have varying levels of disabilities. More than half have autism…

“We don’t turn anyone away,” she said.

[Marie] said the Walleye players’ involvement in the camp offers an added dimension of excitement.

“These kids get to have their names on the back of a hockey jersey,” Sly said. “They get to come out and have fun with these pro hockey players. Our motto is not about becoming better hockey players, just making memories.”

[Marie] said spots remain open at the camp, and those interested can contact her…

There are more than 58 ASHA programs in more than 54 cities throughout the United States. ASHA sponsors clinics, games, and tournaments with an emphasis on therapy rather than competition.

“They can play hockey and, truthfully, some of them have a harder shot than I do,” Rankin said. “They love playing and being on the ice. That’s a blessing to feed off that enthusiasm.”

Rankin, who runs three camps aimed at youth development, said the special-needs camp seemed like a natural extension.

Rankin, a 30-year-old native of Portage, Mich., has become a fan favorite in Toledo…

Rankin said he is looking forward to holding a …camp for players [from the age of 5] in Toledo this summer.

…Rankin is spending the offseason in Toledo weighing his options, while continuing to give back to the community.

“I would love to do more things like this camp,” Rankin said. “I love Toledo and it’s specialness.”

CHARITY WORK: The Walleye organization said it raised nearly $400,000 for charity groups this season.

The total included more than $135,000 raised through theme night jersey auctions and raffles benefiting the Walleye Wishing Well and a variety of charity partners…

Here is a link to photos from the Special Hockey Fantasy Camp from about four months ago: https://www.facebook.com/pg/wmspecialhockey/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1069423833151900

(source: Walleye)

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the last post was Families Touched by Autism of Logan County, a Bellefontaine, Ohio-based nonprofit serving those individuals, including children, with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The group comes together to share successes, ask for help, provide safe fun activities for the children, and give back to the community.

WVU Tech’s freshman wrestler Brannon King recently participated in the Ninth Annual Wrestle Against Autism (WAA) tournament at Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio. This year, the tournament had approximately 370 participants with ages ranging from 5-60 years. King finished third overall in the high school/college/open (ages 17-29) division at 145 pounds.

Wrestle Against Autism, which began in 2008, partnered with The Ethan Foundation for Autism during the volunteer-run event this year. WAA was started by a group of high school officials in Ohio who were looking to give back to the community. The Ethan Foundation provides support, education and other resources for families dealing with the challenges of autism. The funds earned during the tournament are used to help families in need who have reached out to the Ethan Foundation.

King, who has dealt with autism his whole life, came to WVU Tech to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering while continuing to participate in the sport he loves. He said WVU Tech was the best fit overall because of the small campus environment and it had the degree he was looking for. The Butler High School graduate (2015) ultimately hopes to attend grad school at either the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) or the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to study nanoengineering.

The Golden Bear wrestler has a support system to help him in his pursuits in the way of family and friends. During the school year, King’s mother, Lou Young, lives with King in off-campus housing in the town of Montgomery. At the WAA tournament, as they have in past years, students from King’s high school and his former coach, Mark Peck, participated in the event to show their support for King and for all those who wrestle with autism daily.

King has participated in the WAA tournament the past three years. The Vandalia, Ohio native scored a fall over Scott Goffin, Jr. (Disabato Wrestling) at 5:20 in round one towards his third place finish on April 24. In the third round, King won by an opponent injury while falling in his final two bouts (4-0 and 6-2).

This summer, King continues to make himself better on the mat by participating in tournaments across Ohio. He recently participated in the USA Wrestling Ohio State Championships where he finished first in Freestyle and Greco-Roman at his weight class (142 pounds). King wrestled four opponents in each style during the championship, scoring a fall at 2:17 in the Greco finals and winning by a 13-0 decision in the Freestyle finals.

He said participating in the state championships was a valuable opportunity.

“It was important to me because I got to see a lot of people that know me, including my Ohio Fargo National (Team Ohio) teammates and good friends, and to also help me train for University Nationals in Akron,” he said.

Next up for King is a run for a national title at the Asics UWW University Nationals held June 2-5 in Ohio. King will wrestle in the 134 pound weight class at the Stile Fieldhouse at The University of Akron. That event will host over 1,200 athletes competing for spots on US National teams in Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling.

Here is a link to a video: https://www.facebook.com/racheljo.bledsoe/videos/g.115386881810612/259743950877978/?type=2&theater

(source: http://www.goldenbearathletics.com/news/2016/5/19/wrestling-king-wrestles-against-autism.aspx)

[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…

ProMedica Toledo Children’s Hospital (TCH) has a new early learning treatment program that offers state-of-the-art, evidence-based intervention services for children with autism from earliest diagnosis to 6-years-old. The Autism Early Learning Program offers a clinical team with intensive training in applied behavior analysis …a science that uses behavioral techniques to teach children basic and complex skills.

“As the parent of a child with autism, I understand firsthand the importance and benefits of early diagnosis and treatment,” says Kim Renner, program manager, Autism Early Learning Program. “We have a dynamic team of specialists and educators who are highly-trained and extremely passionate about the work they do.”

The early learning program operates full-day and year-round with strong parent involvement and a low student-to-staff ratio. Initially, each child will receive one-to-one intervention and transition to small group settings as he progresses. The treatment process focuses on communication, behavior, play and socialization, and school readiness.

TCH’s program was developed in consultation with Cleveland Clinic Autism Development Solutions (CCADS), a full-service, consulting division of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism. Cleveland’s program specializes in helping other health and education organizations develop comprehensive, [Applied Behavior Analysis]-based services and/or comprehensive treatment center for children diagnosed with autism.

Travis Haycook is a senior behavioral consultant with CCADS. He has assisted several organizations, including TCH, in launching their own programs and utilizing the principles of [Applied Behavior Analysis.]

“As children are being diagnosed at much younger ages, there is an ever-increasing demand for intensive early intervention programs that enhance learning and development, such as the ProMedica Toledo Children’s Hospital program,” says Haycook. “A child’s true progress lies not only within the programs offering these intensive services; it is also strongly supported by the participation of the parents and caregivers in the process. Their involvement can exponentially help further improve the child’s opportunities for success.”…

Here is a link to some photos of children from the Autism Early Learning Program from earlier this year: https://www.facebook.com/ProMedicaToledoChildrensHospital/posts/1025846847506533

(source: Promedica Toledo Children)

[Visionary7903]

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

United Way of Greater Toledo is a Toledo, Ohio-based nonprofit that brings together people, companies and nonprofits to create positive change in its community. The nonprofit, which serves Lucas, Wood, and Ottawa Counties, provides information and assistance to individuals with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders…

In 1994 in New York City, three determined parents of children with chronic health-care needs met to solve a problem. They were frustrated because their doctors, from a variety of disciplines, often were unaware of the daily health-care challenges faced by their children and their families. These concerned parents wanted to do something to promote better understanding of their exceptional family needs and thereby to improve the quality of their health care. From their ideas and efforts, an effective family-centered education program, Project DOCC (Delivery of Chronic Care) was born.

Laurie Mold had been avery engaged parent in Lucas County, Ohio, even before she became active in Project DOCC. She was a parent mentor for the Arc of Lucas County, an information assistant with The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio (her nine-year-old son, Shamus, has autism) and an information and assistance specialist at the United Way of Greater Toledo, a position she still holds. Laurie clearly enjoys her work, and one of her work goals is clear. “I want to help empower parents by giving them the tools and means they need to be effective advocates for their children with disabilities.”

In June of 2007 Laurie became parent coordinator of Project DOCC, a new program in the Community Outreach Department of Toledo Children‘s Hospital. The purpose of the medical education project is to improve the quality of life for children who are chronically ill and/or disabled and their families by using parents as teachers of health careworkers. The parent-faculty, by sharing their real life experiences and their children‘s special health care needs, help to educate doctors-in-training (residents from the W.W. Knight Family Practice and the University of Toledo Residency Program), other health care professionals, and community partners. The project is funded by a five-year grant from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) and matching funds.

Ms. Mold, now the project coordinator, describes the process. “To be selected for training as parent-faculty, parent volunteers must have two years working with their child‘s disability. We lookfor parents who are committed to making a positive contribution, and we involve parents of children with a wide variety of chronic care needs, with [various challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorders…]”

…Mold believes that parent engagement is both healthy and helpful. “Many families who have been lost and alone in the beginning have found support, strength and friendship through the program…These parents just want to make a difference because they‘ve had a hard journey. They just want to see other families have an easier way of it.” What does Laurie find most re-warding about her own work in Project DOCC? “I think the doors we are opening for future families and the friends Ihave made through the programs have been the greatest gifts to me personally.” From an idea shared by three en-gaged parents 16 years ago, Project DOCC has grown into a vital program which has trained thousands as parent faculty and over 800 medical residents at 24 hospitals in the U.S. and Australia. And new programs are beginning each year. That‘s how parent power works!

Here is a link to a video from the United Way of Greater Toledo-funded Wood County Play Group/Creative Curriculum, which provides family support services and a nurturing learning environment for children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, ages zero to three: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE4ckUrJ9j4

(source: 301 Moved Permanently)

[Visionary7903]

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

To the south, the Center for Autism and Dyslexia, with a locations in Allen County, Ohio is a chartered school and therapeutic center providing Applied Behavior Analysis for students from preschool level. Started a decade ago to serve the needs of children and families affected by Autism, the Center is a structured, sensory-friendly environment where children receive individual 1-on-1 and small group therapies and instruction…

…Many children with autism go to traditional schools, but there are schools that work solely with children on the autism spectrum. One of those schools is right here in Lima.
At just 18 months old, now 4 year old Drew Rosi’s parents David and Lori noticed Drew wasn’t like most kids. They thought drew may have a hearing problem, but their doctor had a different diagnosis.
“They said it looks like he may be on the autism spectrum and it was like whoa, what’s going on, you know,” David Rosi said.
The Rosi’s did some research and realized drew needed applied behavior analysis therapy so about a year ago they moved to [Allen County]… so Drew could go to school at the Center for Autism & Dyslexia.
…“Most people like to say you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism,” Director Susan Pneuman, said.
The school takes two approaches to teaching: small classroom instruction and what the Rosi’s wanted, ABA instruction, which reinforces positive behaviors.
“It’s based on positives so sometimes I’ll liken my ABA therapists to Mary Poppins because they’re always reinforcing behaviors they want to see increase and that includes academic behaviors as well as behaviors that might occur in communication, verbal language, fine or gross motor skills, or social skills. All of those are incorporated into an ABA program,” Pneuman said.
A recent study …that tracked …children with autism found about 10 percent of low functioning children with the disorder outgrew most or all of their severe disabilities by their teens. The study also found with the proper therapy, many children’s conditions improve dramatically over time.
“You can train the brain to learn in other areas and the younger we start to involve interventions the more likely that brain plasticity can take place. We start teaching them what we call a coax or the beginning of works like buff or ball and within a year that child may be speaking words or sentences and it’s so exciting to see that happening and our families of course are so excited to see that happen,” Pneuman explained.
The Rosi’s say Drew’s already improved since starting at the center for autism and dyslexia.
“He’s been progressing amazingly. When we first got here he wasn’t even talking and now he’s talking and singing and reading with us with books and he goes to the dyslexia autism center and they’ve been working with him with the ABA therapy, applied behavior analysis, and that seems to really be helping,” David Rosi, said…

Here is a link to a video: Check out our Video! Students have fun using learning applications online while they build skills with iCatapult, Catapult Learning’s iPad-based blended learning solution for general education, RTI and Special Ed. | Catapult Learning

(source: Local school puts focus on children with autism - Hometownstations.com-WLIO- Lima, OH News Weather Sports)

[Visionary7903]

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

To the south, the Center for Autism and Dyslexia (CAD), based in Allen County, Ohio, is a chartered school and therapeutic centre providing Applied Behavior Analysis for students from preschool level. Started a decade ago to serve the needs of children and families affected by Autism, the Center is a structured, sensory-friendly environment where children receive individual 1-on-1 and small group therapies and instruction…

…Many children with autism go to traditional schools, but there are schools that work solely with children on the autism spectrum. One of those schools is right here in [Allen County].
At just 18 months old, now 4 year old Drew Rosi’s parents David and Lori noticed Drew wasn’t like most kids. They thought drew may have a hearing problem, but their doctor had a different diagnosis.
“They said it looks like he may be on the autism spectrum and it was like whoa, what’s going on, you know,” David Rosi said.
The Rosi’s did some research and realized drew needed applied behaviour analysis therapy so about a year ago they moved to [Allen County]… so Drew could go to school at [CAD].

…“Most people like to say you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism,” Director Susan Pneuman, said.
The school takes two approaches to teaching: small classroom instruction and what the Rosi’s wanted, ABA instruction, which reinforces positive behaviors.
“It’s based on positives so sometimes I’ll liken my ABA therapists to Mary Poppins because they’re always reinforcing behaviors they want to see increase and that includes academic behaviors as well as behaviours that might occur in communication, verbal language, fine or gross motor skills, or social skills. All of those are incorporated into an
ABA program,” Pneuman said.
A recent study …found with the proper therapy, many children’s conditions improve dramatically over time.
“You can train the brain to learn in other areas and the younger we start to involve interventions the more likely that brain plasticity can take place. We start teaching them what we call a coax or the beginning of works like buff or ball and within a year that child may be speaking words or sentences and it’s so exciting to see that happening and our families of course are so excited to see that happen,” Pneuman explained.
The Rosi’s say Drew’s already improved since starting at [CAD.]
“He’s been progressing amazingly. When we first got here he wasn’t even talking and now he’s talking and singing and reading with us with books and he goes to [CAD] and they’ve been working with him with the ABA therapy, applied behavior analysis, and that seems to really be helping,” David Rosi, said…

Here is a link to a video from CAD from a year ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntd51mJJUR0

(source: 301 Moved Permanently)

[Visionary7903]

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

The mission of Heartstring Melodies, LLC, based in Findlay, Ohio, is to provide music therapy services to empower clients and encourage them to strive towards independence. Heartstring Melodies aims to preserve the integrity and creativity of our therapists in order to implement quality and individualized music therapy experiences for each client…

Walk by the doors of Findlay’s Heartstring Melodies and you will hear the most beautiful music.

Located at the Center for Autism and Dyslexia, Heartstring Melodies is helping special needs clients empower their lives through the art of music. According to owner/director Amy Foley, MMT, MT-BC, music therapy programs in Ohio such as Heartstring Melodies, are generally limited to larger cities in the state, such as Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus.

Opening the doors

A Findlay native, Foley opened the doors to Heartstring Melodies last fall. A 2006 FHS graduate, Foley was a highly involved musician in school and also loved to help others. She combined her passions and went on to receive her Bachelor of Music Therapy from Eastern Michigan University and Master of Music Therapy at Georgia College and State University. She serves on a music therapy task force committee that is working on building recognition of music therapy services such as Heartstring Melodies within the state.

Foley provides individual and group music therapy services by appointment after school, and evening hours at the Heartstring Melodies location as well as around Findlay. The music therapy business is specifically geared toward helping individuals, ages birth to adult, increase their quality of life in the areas of social, emotional, communication, physical, sensory and cognitive skills through individualized music interventions.

Musical treatment

Foley plans and provides intervention treatments based on an initial assessment followed by the creation of a treatment plan. Treatments include tailored music experiences that target individual goals and objectives and can include instrument playing, singing, movement, song writing, improvisation and listening. Foley said that one of her clients with autism is learning to expand social and communication skills through instrument play. An example intervention may involve interacting with others using eye contact, passing an instrument, and waiting to play (taking turns).

Music therapy sessions usually run 30-60 minutes one time per week. Clients need no previous musical background to participate. Several summer camps were offered this past summer and Foley has plans to increase service areas in the future by building community partnerships.

Peer volunteers are accepted at Heartstring Melodies. Siblings of clients or middle/high school/college students may volunteer after attending an orientation and training.

Here is a link to photos: https://www.facebook.com/heartstringmelodies/photos/?tab=albums

(source: Heartstring Melodies | Findlay Family)