pathfinder the - rebecca faye smith...

PathfinderThe

highlightsCelebrating Our 10th Anniversary

2The Journey Begins

4Announcement &

Program Highlights

6Volunteer Salute

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Improving the lives of

individuals with autism –

and their families –

through resources, referrals,

and training since 2000

SPRING 2010 • VOLUME 9, NO.1

Becky & Madison GalliPhoto by Brian Doyle

ten years and counting…who we are and why: One mother’s storyBecky Galli is a freelance writer and columnist and a founding Board Member for Pathfinders for Autism. www.rebeccafayesmithgalli.com

For me, it began with one yellow flyer.

Like most children with autism, my daughter, Madison, had limited communication skills. At age five, she did not speak. My job as her mom was to be the master interpreter of her gestures, cries, tantrums and moods. It was an exhausting time.

But in the spring of 1997, Madison brought home a yellow scrunched-up flyer in her Barney backpack. It was an invitation to come learn about a specific therapy that “helped Mason learn.” While we did not know Mason, we did want to know more about his therapy so we attended this program in his home.

We decided to try the therapy with Madison that used repetitive drills to teach words. Unbelievably, Madison understood these drills and started to talk! Eventually, she mastered many words–her name, address, phone number, colors and shapes. And when she learned to say, “I want…” and the often repeated, “Schedule, please,” our lives were changed forever. Her tantrums are far less frequent because she found the gift of words to express herself.

As we began to use the therapy (Applied Behavioral Analysis), I remember feeling amazed and ignorant at the same time. How could such a successful therapy exist and I not know about it? Because I had an older child with developmental issues, I had engaged medical professionals since Madison was nine months old. How did I miss this helpful therapy?

And when it became clear that the yellow flyer was a true life-altering event for Madison and for our family, I wondered what would have happened if I didn’t get it? Would Madison still be crying for what she wanted? Would words still be useless, not a tool to connect our worlds?

That’s why the Pathfinders concept is so emblazoned in my heart. The mission was not so much about creating new resources for parents as it was “finding” and sharing what already existed. continued on page 7

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Pathfinders for autism announces new sPokesPerson

2010 marks Pathfinders for Autism 10th anniversary of improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. We are excited to introduce miss maryland, Brooke Poklemba as our spokesperson for this milestone year.

“We are very proud of the work we have done over the last ten years to improve the

lives of individuals with autism and their families, as well as supporting care-givers,” stated B.J. Surhoff, President of Pathfinders for Autism. “Educating the public about autism is still one of our major objectives so we are honored to be working with Brooke to increase our presence throughout Maryland.”

As an official representative for Pathfinders for Autism, Brooke will strive to promote awareness and understanding of autism throughout Maryland and the nation. A graduate of Rhodes College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, she worked as an Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapist for children with autism. Brooke decided to combine her love of music with her passion for education through the Miss Maryland Organization. As Miss Maryland, she travels throughout the state promoting her personal platform, “Autism Awareness: the importance of early intervention.”

“I’m thrilled to be able to use my platform as Miss Maryland to bring greater attention to the work of Pathfinders for Autism,” stated Poklemba. “Placing the Miss Maryland crown alongside Pathfinders will put a spotlight on autism and help promote resources available for children and families throughout the state who are dealing with the diagnosis. Ultimately, I hope that this relationship will bring national attention to the diagnosis and the many resources available as we celebrate the beauty of those with autism.”

Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary

thank You Pathfinders for autism Board of directors – Past and Present

James Piper Bond: founding member, 2000 - 2002Linda Carter-Ferrier: 2007 - presentWilliam R. Davis: founding member, 2000 - 2003H. Bradley Donovan: founding member, 2000 - present, Treasurer 2000 - 2001Michael R. Ford: 2001 - present, Vice President 2005 - 2006 Rebecca Faye Smith Galli: founding member, Secretary 2000 - 2010Stephen A Geppi: 2001 - presentCatriona Johnson: 2000 - 2007 John W. Kamauff: 2004 - present Brian Mund: founding member, 2000 - 2008, President 2000 - 2007Rick Opfer: 2003 - presentMerope Pavlides: 2003 - 2007Michael F. Phelps: Honorary Board Member, 2003 - presentAlisa Rock: 2004 - present, President 2007 - 2009Bruce Schindler: Treasurer 2001 - presentStuart Spielman: founding member, 2000 - presentDouglas N. Silbur: 2003 - 2005 Polly Winde Surhoff: founding member, 2000 - presentWilliam “B.J.” Surhoff: founding member, 2000 - present, President 2009 - presentDave L. Williams: 2009 - present, Vice President 2009 - present

Brooke Poklemba, Miss Maryland 2009

tender moments from Pathfinders for autismIn honor of our 10th Anniversary, Pathfinders will profile and celebrate ten individuals or families who, throughout the last decade, have been impacted by Pathfinders or worked closely with us to advance our mission. The campaign, “tender moments from Pathfinders for autism” will include a video profile and feature of the individual/family on the tenth day of each month on the Pathfinders’ website (www.pathfindersforautism.org) and Facebook.

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We invite you to join us for an exciting day of golf, awards, prizes and auction at the 9th Annual Pathfinders for Autism Golf Tournament Monday, May 10, 2010Hillendale Country ClubBaltimore County Sponsored by:

Your day of golf will help us provide families with vital information and resources, free workshops and trainings, a well-stocked resource center, and trainings for their pediatricians. Registration and lunch will begin at 11:30 am, followed by a shotgun start at noon, with cocktails, dinner and the auction at 5:30 pm.

Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary

3rd Annual Band together For AutismSaturday, May 1, 2010VFW Post 8185Cecil CountyFeaturing the Route One Band

7th Annual Main street tower Restaurant Golf TournamentFriday, June 25, 2010Wetlands Golf CourseHarford CountySponsored by:

Pathfinders for Autism would like to thank the following people, organizations and companies for their countless volunteer hours, in-kind donations, financial support, promotions, partnership and creative thinking over the past decade.

Pathfinders would also like to thank the many individuals, providers, organizations and businesses who have helped us along this journey. Without the support of so many, we would never have reached this milestone.

American Academy of Pediatrics – Maryland ChapterAutism Society of America – Maryland ChaptersBand Together for AutismBob Davidson Ford Lincoln Mercury Ray Brusca Glenn CarrConfident StudentCyberCore Technologies

Division of Rehabilitative ServicesBen Dorman Greg HallDr. Rebecca Landa Harry and Jeanette Weinberg FoundationMichael Jennings, Esquire Main Street Tower Restaurant Marion I. and Henry J. Knott FoundationMaryland Department of EducationMeadowbrook

Merritt PropertiesBrooke Poklemba, Miss MarylandSharon Snyder, EsquireSt. Paul’s School for BoysSt. Paul’s School for GirlsThe Baltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles WivesTrinity Episcopal ChurchJim Wade and Alisa RockWork and Family Benefits

Special Thanks ...

Details for these events along with many other trainings, family activities and community events can be found on our web calendar at www.pathfindersforautims.org/CalendarOfEvents.aspxor by calling 443-330-5370.

Celebrate Pathfinders 10th Anniversary with “An Evening of Celebrity Fashion and Fun”

Coming Fall 2010 • Sponsored by:

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the Journey Begins

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2002Pathfinders hosts the First Annual Golf Tournament and Awards Dinner, raising funds to establish the Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center.

Development begins on the format for the Resource Center website, modeled on the searchable database developed by Work and Family Benefits, Inc.

✔ 3,488 children in MD Public Schools coded with Autism

2000 A group of parents of children with autism, organized by Dr. Rebecca Landa, founds Pathfinders for Autism. Non-profit (501c-3) status is approved.

Pathfinders and the Orioles Wives raise $150,000 to support Dr. Rebecca Landa’s research at Kennedy Krieger Institute on the early detection of autism.

✔ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates autism affects 1 in 166 U.S. children✔ the Children's health Act is signed by President Bill Clinton, founding an autism research coordinating committee✔ 2,304 children in MD Public Schools coded with Autism

2001Pathfinders begins annually funding programs for individuals seeking internships and fellowships in the area of autism.

Pathfinders initiates fund raising efforts to establish the Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center.

✔ MSDE enrolls children into its new Autism Waiver✔ 2,823 children in MD Public Schools coded with Autism✔ Indiana becomes first state to require private insurance companies to cover treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders

2004 Pathfinders awarded the Public Awareness Award from the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities for a public awareness campaign featuring William “B.J.” Surhoff, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Michael Phelps.

Pathfinders hires an Executive Director to further the organizations mission. ✔ 4,659 children in MD Public Schools coded with Autism

2005 Pathfinders makes a presentation to the Maryland House of Delegates emphasizing the need for early detection and the coming tidal wave of individuals aging into the adult service system and is thereafter instrumental in the passage of first-in-the-nation legislation aimed at improving early detection and autism screening practices in Maryland.

✔ 5,288 children in MD Public Schools coded with Autism✔ Autism Speaks is founded

2006 In cooperation with the Infants and Toddlers Program and local support groups, Pathfinders launches a state wide awareness campaign titled “Don’t Wait and See, Early Detection works”.

Pathfinders launches a revamped user-friendly website. Pathfinders begins their hugely popular Free Family Fun Events with a partnership with the Port Discovery Children’s Museum.

✔ President Bush signs the Combating Autism Act of 2006✔ Harvard School of Public Health reports it can cost about $3.2 million to take care of a person with autism over his or her lifetime✔ 5,764 children in MD Public Schools coded with Autism

2008Due to the generosity of Merritt Properties, Pathfinders moves into new office space allowing for the expansion of the Resource Center to include a Walk-in Center.

Pathfinders for Autism hosts “An Evening of Celebrity Fashion and Fun”.

The first issue of the very popular monthly e-newsletter “ParentTips”is published.

✔ 7,510 children in MD Public schools coded with Autism

2009Pathfinders for Autism is recognized by the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DORS) Office of Program and Community for leadership and support in assuring that DORS staff and community partners have the knowledge and skills to effectively assist individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders to achieve employment and independence.

✔ CDC now estimates that autism affects 1 in 110 U.S. children✔ House Bill 503 signed into law establishing the Maryland Autism Commission✔ 8,186 children in MD Public Schools coded with Autism✔ Over 3,200 children on the “Autism Waiver waiting list”

2010Pathfinders looks forward to expanding the reach of our programs and working with our partners to improve the lives of individuals with autism, their family members and those who care for them.

The Journey Continues .....

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2003 Pathfinders opens an office at Trinity Episcopal Church and hires their first employee, a Resource Center Coordinator.

The Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center launches, offering caring, knowledgeable staff to respond to calls and email inquiries and a website with a searchable database of local resources.

✔ 4,048 children in MD Public Schools coded with Autism

2007 Pathfinders launches a new strategic emphasis on “Training & Education” which features partnerships with the Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Special Education, Division of Rehabilitative Services, the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians, local parent support groups, and community service providers.

Pathfinders hires a Director of Outreach and Community Partnerships to further the reach of the organization.

✔ CDC now estimates that autism affects 1 in 150 U.S. children✔ The U.S. Senate designates April as National Autism Awareness Month✔ 6,342 children in MD Public Schools coded with Autism

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Announcement & Program highlights

autism sPectrum disorder Brown Bag series

We are pleased to announce that the very popular autism spectrum disorder Brown Bag series – a partnership between Pathfinders for autism and confident student that offers free seminars on topics of interest to individuals with ASD, caregivers and professionals – will continue next fall with all new topics. Additionally, several of the most popular sessions will be repeated this summer. Sessions are currently being scheduled so please check our website for details in the coming months.

Sessions are held on Thursday afternoons at the Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center located in Hunt Valley. Upcoming session topics include:

aPril 15asperger’s in adults, couples & families with dr. alex szollos of the human development center

maY 13neurofeedback for asperger’s & adhd with dr. sheldon levin of the The neuroscience team

June 10executive functions and dysfunctions Part ii with mary turos of confident student.

Registration is required. To register call Pathfinders for Autism at 443-330-5370 or go to www.acteva.com/go/pathfinders.

autism awareness night at the main street tower restaurant to Benefit Pathfinders for autism

The main street tower restaurant in Bel air is hosting another Autism Awareness Night on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. This popular evening offers families a night of dining out with other families that understand each other’s unique situation in a setting that accommodates their needs.

During the event, The Main Street Tower Restaurant will provide gluten and casein-free menu items, reduced background music, a quiet area in case of need, and restaurant staff trained in autism sensitivity.

10% of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Pathfinders for autism.

The main street tower 29 South Main Street Bel Air, MD 21014 www.mainstreettower.com

Reservations are encouraged. To make a reservation please call 410-838-8007. For more information, contact: Shelly McLaughlin, Resource Center Coordinator for Pathfinders for Autism at 443-330-5370.

Proudly Supports the Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center

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Announcement & Program highlights

Volunteer saluteIf you’ve called our Resource Center within the past year, you may have had the pleasure of speaking to karen trafton-keruly. When Karen first approached us as a willing volunteer, we immediately knew that we wanted to put her expertise as a nurse, and as a grandmother to an adorable little boy with autism, to work helping direct families to resources. Her knowledge and compassion makes a difference in families’ lives. As if that wasn’t enough, Karen also continues to support Pathfinders by attending our fundraisers and community events.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

One mother’s story, continued from page 1

Although I was fortunate that Madison had both an early diagnosis and early interventions, I did not learn about this therapy from a physician or a teacher, even though she was getting excellent care from both. I learned about it from another parent who was willing to share her discovery. I will always be deeply grateful to Polly Surhoff for sharing that yellow flyer with me.

So in 2000, I eagerly joined Polly and her husband, B.J., along with other parents to create Pathfinders for Autism. We all had experienced the joy and frustration of “happenstance” discoveries. We had learned we could not rely only on our physicians and educators to help us nurture and develop our children, especially since autism is a spectrum disorder with no single protocol for treating our kids.

All of us needed to work together to provide a repository of information—a menu of choices. This is the essence of Pathfinders for Autism. We want to help parents learn what other parents have discovered. We want to help them find a path for their child.

Ten years ago. Today. And for the next ten years to come.

free familY fun & oPPortunities

■ michael Phelps swim school Partners with Pathfinders for autism. We’re excited to announce that Michael Phelps Swim School will host an exclusive open house for Pathfinders for Autism! The session will offer the entire family a free of charge opportunity to:

• Pool time with instructors and the opportunity to experience some basic exercises;• get information on swimming lessons, the benefits of swimming, meet instructors and get scheduling information; and• learn about exclusive rates and other programs designed specifically for Pathfinders for autism.

The open house is on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Space is limited! To register please contact Pathfinders For Autism at 443-330-5370 or go to www.acteva.com/go/pathfinders.

■ Pathfinders’ next free family fun event will be at the Baltimore and ohio railroad museum on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 11:00 am. Registration opens May 1. To register call 443-330-5370 or log onto www.acteva.com/go/pathfinders.

■ Coming Soon! free family fun at the sports legend museum at Camden Yards. Please check our website or call 443-330-5370 for up-to-date information. We would appreciate your suggestions for future free family fun events.

Nonprofit OrganizationPermit #549U.S. Postage PAID

Cockeysville, MD

Your Donation Makes a Difference!Please consider a contribution to Pathfinders for Autism – a great gift idea to honor a loved one or colleague. See the enclosed envelope for details. Thank you!

303 International CircleSuite 110

Hunt Valley, MD 21030 Address Services Requested

“Our mission is to find a path for our children.”

• By 12 months of age, a baby shouldbe babbling, pointing and waving.

• By 16 months, a baby should beusing several words.

• By age 2, a baby shouldbe using two-wordmeaningful phrases (notsimply repeating thingsthey’ve heard).

• Loss of speech orskills AT ANY AGEcould indicatea problem.

This is the face of Autism.How would you know?

Early Intervention Works.Don’t Wait And See.

If you are concerned about your baby’s development,DON’T WAIT AND SEE. Talk to your pediatricianor call Maryland’s Infants & Toddlers Program at1-800-535-0182 for a FREE evaluation.

1-866-806-8400www.pathfindersforautism.org

Pathfinders For Autism Resource CenterHELP LINE: (443) 330-5341

Toll-free (866) 806-8400www.pathfindersforautism.org

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