June 2017

AUTISM EDMONTON NEWS

Special thanksto our majorcommunitysupporters

Theres still time to getinvolved in Cycle forAutism

We need you

Date June 4 2017 Location Gold Bar Park You can be a part of this great event and support Autism Edmonton programs and services at the same time 100 of money raised stays right here in the community Bring your family your friends co-workers classmates or team matesor come out on your own Cycle for Autism runs rain or shine so grab your bike stroller scooter skateboard or running shoes and come have a great time

Meet our 2017 Cycle forAutism AmbassadorRylan Routley is the motivation behind the Routleyfamilyrsquos participation in Cycle for Autism and thiswill be his second year at the event He is planningto walk although that may change to cycle by timethe event rolls around

Rylan likes to swim play mine craft hip hop danceand write stories He also plays piano and hisinstructor is amazed at the perfect pitch hedemonstrates when hersquos playing Rylan loves toread and his favourite book is the dictionary

We are so happy to have Rylan join us as the 2017Cycle for Autism Ambassador

Save the Date for theOpening Doors for Autism GalaMark your calendars for Friday October 27 2017 and plan to attend our amazing biennial premier fundraising event This gala provides integral financial support to all of the programs and services at Autism Edmonton You can add your support by

Becoming a gala sponsorDonating a Live or Silent Auction item Volunteering for the event Attending the gala

Contact Kate Wallace or call 780-453-3971 ext 223

Spring and Summer Volunteer Opportunities We have some great ways to get involved as a volunteer this spring and summer If youre looking for one-time only opportunities or something more substantial - wed love to hear from you - but hurry these positions fill up fast

Occasio June Schedule of EventsJune 1 Occasio Fit (week 3) June 3 International Childrens Festival June 6 Games Night (south side) June 8 Occasio Fit (week 4) June 10 Sustainival June 13 Pokeacutemon Go at the Legislature June 15 Games Night (north side) June 17 John Janzen Nature Centre June 20 Lego Night (south side) June 22 Laserquest June 24 The Works Art amp Design Festival June 25 Dynamyx Gymnastics June 27 Prospects Baseball Game June 29 Terwillegar Swim

Occasio Summer Program

Occasio runs during the daytime for the July and August Its a great way for youth ages 10 years and up to spend some time having fun gaining independence and confidence and making social connections To learn more about Occasio or to register visit our website

Occasio June Schedule of EventsJune 1 Occasio Fit (week 3) June 3 International Childrens Festival June 6 Games Night (south side) June 8 Occasio Fit (week 4) June 10 Sustainival June 13 Pokeacutemon Go at the Legislature June 15 Games Night (north side) June 17 John Janzen Nature Centre June 20 Lego Night (south side) June 22 Laserquest June 24 The Works Art amp Design Festival June 25 Dynamyx Gymnastics June 27 Prospects Baseball Game June 29 Terwillegar Swim

Occasio Summer Program

Occasio runs during the daytime for the July and August Its a great way for youth ages 10 years and up to spend some time having fun gaining independence and confidence and making social connections To learn more about Occasio or to register visit our website

Mentor Programs This is a 6-month pilot project beginning immediately The time commitment is about 36 -40 hours for the entire 6 months If you are interested in being a mentor or a mentee - please contact asokolautismedmontonorg to learn more

Community Gardens Running from mid June to early September families and individuals living with autism are invited to harvest their own fresh fruits and vegetables from our Community Garden at Lady Flower Gardens Fill 2 bins with produce one for Edmontons Food Bank and one for yourself to take home

To learn more please contact bpinskyautismedmontonorg or call 780-453-3971 ext 1

Transportation is available on request from the Clareview LRT station

Autism in Mainstream Media

We will be watching and discussing the 1993 film Whats Eating Gilbert Grape for our Autism in Mainstream Media movie event on May 28 at Autism Edmonton (11728 Kingsway Avenue) - click here for the trailer

Some identified topics for discussion are Neurotypical casting of a neurodiverse character Impact of disability on the family or Experiences of autistic people with police services Discussion will be led by our guest facilitator Jesse Orjasaeter a research assistant at the Autism Research Centre here in Edmonton Jesse has been actively involved in the autism community for the majority of his career and is known for his thought provoking questions and dialogue around the autistic experience We welcome perspectives from all sides of the community and look forward to a lively and varied discussion following the film

Come join us and help decide what the movie will be for next month

UPCOMING EVENTS

COMMUNITY CORNER

Call to Action May 30th Deadline Over 5000 Global Citizens have taken action and called on the Canadian Government to support the formation of the Canadian Autism Partnership (CAP) but we need your voice to win The CAP would provide vital support to Canadians living with autism across the country Autism affects 1 in 68 children making it the most common neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed among Canadian children today Right now you can take action to make a huge difference for Canadian families living with autism

Send a tweet to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Health Minister Jane Philpott to call on the Canadian Government to pledge $19 million over 5 years in order to establish the Canadian Autism Partnership

We need your help to make the Canadian Autism Partnership a reality We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by Global Citizen to our cause and want to keep the momentum going Also if you have questions or concerns about CAP please send us an email at infocasdaca so that we can get back to and address your issues promptly

Building Foundations For Employment Edmonton John Howard Society is running an employment program Building Foundations for Employment on May 30 2017 This is a free all day event where the individual will receive a certificate at the end To register or for any questions please call 780-428-7590

Neuro-relational Framework (NRF) WorkshopElmTree Clinic in association with NRF Global Communities is pleased to offer an introductory workshop about the Neurorelational Framework on Saturday June 24 2017 Dr Brandene Lorrain and Dr Carole Anne Hapchyn are NRF trainers and mentors The three steps of the NRF will be reviewed how to identify toxic stress responses quality of relationships and strengths and vulnerabilities of brain architecture

It Starts Today Booklet amp

Upcoming WorkshopIt Starts Today Booklet Re-Launch Party When June 1 230 - 430

Through a generous grant from Victims and Survivors of Crime Week we are happy to announce we will have newly updated copies of the It Starts Today Booklet This booklet is for anyone who has been victimized by family violence and offers comprehensive information about understanding intimate partner violence understanding laws individual rights what to expect if leaving a violent relationship an overview of the court process and community resources to access for help

During Victims and Survivors of Crime Week we would like to invite you to attend our party to learn about the update to the Booklet and pick up your FREE copies There will be snacks and refreshments agency tours and you will have a chance to network with other partner agencies

Please RSVP to infothetodaycentreca or 780-455-6880

Upcoming Workshop June 21 amp 22 2017

Cost $40 Location Today Family Violence Help Centre

Scholarship Submissions Open If you are planning to pursue a post-secondary academic program in a field that supports and furthers knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or you are an eligible Albertan with ASD pursuing a post-secondary education or vocational program The Sinneave Family Foundation is accepting submissions for the 2017 Dr Fraser Mustard Scholarship and the Richard Haskayne Scholarship until May 31 2017

Family Violence Across the Lifespan is a 2-Day interactive and engaging workshop that gives service providers a basic understanding of family violence Participants will learn about types of abuse cycle of abuse dispel common family violence myths understand barriers safety planning and how to respond to disclosures Participants will also examine the impacts of family violence on children seniors and in LGBTQ+ relationships This develops skills to identify respond and support clients within their organization and community

To register or for more information please email infothetodaycentreca

Annual Golf Tournament and Summer Camps 5th Annual Maier Centre for Autism Celebrity Golf Tournament Where Glendale Golf and Country Club When June 15 2017 Breakfast at 630 am Shotgun at 800 am

Childrens Autism Services of Edmonton Summer Camps 2017 Our summer camps provide a calming environment with support from highly trained staff understanding your childrsquos needs and providing them opportunities to try new things and explore new places This summer we will be running camps for four different age groups Campers aged 3-5 -- AM or PM (at the Maier Centre) Campers aged 6-9 -- AM or PM or All Day (at the Maier Centre) Campers aged 10 ndash 14 -- All day (at the South Side) Campers aged 15 ndash 18 -- All day (at the South Side)

Maier Centre 17451 103 Ave NW Edmonton AB South Side 9765 54 Ave NW Edmonton AB

For more information visit their website or contact Becca at 780-495-9235 orbeccachildrensautismca

RESEARCH RECRUITMENTNOTE We do not specifically endorse any research Our intent is to

promote autism research on a local level in order to learn more

about how we might best support people in our community who are

living with autism spectrum disorder

Invitation to Participate in a Research Study on Autism Service PreferencesInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreacuteal(IRCM) would like to invite you to participate in a research study about your thoughts and feelings about autism services They are looking for people with autism and their families to take an online survey about how you think and feel about different services you may have used If you would like to participate please click on the link httpswwwsurveymonkeycomrN2LZ5J5 The survey can be completed in English French Italian or German To thank you for taking part in this survey you will be given the opportunity to enter your email into a drawing for one of five 100$ (CAD) Amazon gift cards Your email address will not be linked to your survey responses and we will not keep your email address after the drawing has been completed ndash it is only going to be used to select gift card winners

Challenging the Stereotypes of Mathematical Giftedness and Math Disability in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder4-17 year old children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are invited to participate in a study that aims to better understand the mathematical skills of children with ASD and what factors predict math strengths and weaknesses

The study involves three 60 min sessions which will take place at your home or at the University of Alberta Your child will be asked to complete measures of cognitive processing (ie how your child thinks) language and mathematical ability Also you will be asked to complete two questionnaires

For more information click here or contact Dr Heather Brown at (780) 492-5363 or heather2ualbertaca

Parents Perspectives on Their Child with Autism Spectrum Disorders Transition to AdulthoodThe purpose of this study is to examine which factors predict parent stress and family quality of life for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when that child is making the transition out of high school Specifically we are interested in examining the predictive power of parent coping strategies child behaviour and transition related details in predicting parent stress and family quality of life Your own involvement in the study would minimal it simply involves distributing this survey regarding the study to any eligible parents or guardians through whatever means you usually contact them (electronic notices newsletters pamphlets etc) The names of the parent the child or the organization through which they were contacted will NOT be included on the survey so that the survey can remain anonymous Information that is collected will be kept confidential Parentsrsquo participation in this study is entirely voluntary and as such they may withdraw at any point in timeUpon completion of the survey parents may choose to leave a contact email (to be kept separate from their data) to be entered to win one of five $2000 VISA gift cards

Quality of Life of School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Factors that Predict Parents Perspective

The purpose of this study is to examine which factors predict quality of life for schoolaged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) We are interested in individual and environmental factors which may be related to higher levels of quality of life for these children Should parents choose to participate they will be directed to an online survey that will ask them demographic details and details related to quality of life the childrsquos autism symptoms behaviours functional skills task persistence parentrsquos mental wellbeing siblings school setting friendships and participation in activities outside of school The survey should take roughly 30 minutes to complete Eligible parents must have a child with ASD between 8-11 years old

Transitioning from Early Intervention Services Into the School SystemIs your child about to transition from early intervention services into the school system Based on your experience with the transition process experienced with your child your participation in this study would be greatly appreciated Your involvement would include completing a 20-minute questionnaire that investigates how your child is handling the transition and again once your child is in school full time Also we may invite you to participate in an interview concerning your experiences with the transition process your opinion on how the process should go and in what way the transition has affected your child You will be asked questions about your experiences with the transition team (eg school and early intervention staff) how your child is currently functioning and how you think the transition could have been improved If you choose to participate you will be provided with a summary of your particular childrsquos results which may help you plan for future transitions

If you choose to participate please contact the primary investigator directly at srprice1ualbertaca

ASD Family Processes and Perceived Outcomes

Are you the parent of a 2-18 year old child diagnosed with ASDDid you decide to tell other people about the diagnosisDid you choose not to share this information with others

Researchers at the U of A would like to learn about your process of deciding whether or not to tell other people (like teachers relatives church members sports teams other parents and friends) that your child has autism

By sharing the experiences of how you approached disclosing your childrsquos diagnosis to others ndash or not you may be able to help other parents facing similar decisions in the future

The team recognizes how busy parents are and would like to make it as easy as possible to take part The study consists of one interview that will take about one hour It can take place over the phone or at a location that is convenient for youTo find out more or arrange an interview email Laura Rogers Research Coordinator at laurarogersualbertaca or leave a voicemail with Dr Sandra Hodgetts at 780-492-8416 Recruitment will continue until the end of June 2017

Social ABCs with Attention Training for Toddlers with Suspected AutismAre you the parent of a toddler (age 12-30 months) who shows signs of ASD or has a diagnosis of ASD

The Autism Research Centre is studying an early intervention program called the Social ABCs This program teaches caregivers skills to help their toddler to improve communication and social interaction

This research will examine whether an added attention element makes the Social ABCs program more effective than it is without the attention element

Parents and their toddlers are invited to take part in this study over the next three years

- ldquoSocial ABCsrdquo training will be given to participant families at no cost and all interventions will be delivered in their home Participants must live within a 50 km radius from the Glenrose Hospital- Children receiving more than 1 hour a week of each service of OT SLP or PT may not be able to participate- Recruitment will start early in the new year of 2017 and continue until Spring of 2019

To take part please contact Sanne Jilderda at 780- 735-6274 or email SanneJilderdaahsca

Autism Spectrum Disorder Genomes to Outcomes

The Autism Research Centre is part of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta and located at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital

Families are invited to participate in an ongoing research program to examine the genetic variations in ASD Examination of the broad range of genetic variation in ASD may help to inform diagnosis as well as personalize medical management and treatment for affected individuals

Theyre looking for families who have at least one child (between the age of 2 to 21 years) diagnosed with ASD who are fluent in English and have no pre-existing chromosomal or neurological disorders associated with ASD

Participation involves the following- Developmental and language testing for children- Questionnaires for parents about their childrsquos behavior- Family members (parents and child with ASD) to donate a small blood sample

For more information please contact Olivia Conlon by phone at 780-735-7999 ext 15668 or by email at oliviaconlonalbertahealthservicesca

Early Symptom Development in ASD Role of Attention Control amp Emotional RegulationThe Autism Research Centre is inviting families to participate in an ongoing study toexamine the early signs of ASD in infants and toddlersTwo types of families are needed-- Families WITH a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder AND a younger sibling at 5 months of age- Families WITHOUT a history of autism spectrum disorder who have an infant of 5months of age

This study will measure several areas of development to understand the early signsof ASD- Signs and symptoms of ASD- How children regulate their emotions when playing with examiners and parents- How children examine their visual world Physiological responses when playingwith examiners and parents including heart rate and skin conductance

To volunteer for this study or to learn more please contact Olivia Conlon780-735-7999 ext 1 5668 or email oliviaconlonalbertahealthservicescaTo learn more about other opportunities with the Autism Research Centre please visit their website or follow their Facebook page

Developing a Model of Mathematical Ability for Children with ASDAre you the parent or guardian of a child age 5- to 12-years old who

has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (including Autistic Disorder Asperger Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disability-Not Otherwise Specified)and speaks English as their primary language

Researchers at the U of A are trying to better understand the mathematical skills of children with ASD as well as what factors may predict math strengths and weaknesses You and your child can help by participating in this study

The study involves three 60 minute sessions taking place either at your home or at the U of A During the sessions your child will be asked to complete measures of cognitive processing (ie how your child thinks) language and mathematical ability The parentguardian will also complete two questionnaires

This study will be ongoing until June 2018 If yoursquore interested in participating or would like more information please contact

Heather M Brown PhD Autism Spectrum Disorder and Academic Achievement (AIDAN) lab

Department of Ed Psych Faculty of Education University of Alberta 780-492-5363

heather2ualbertaca