The Echo….Keeping you informed!

IN THIS ISSUE

ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events

in the enclosed program and calendar pages.

See Page 2, 3

2015 ASNC Conference Learn more about the upcoming conference and

ASCC scholarship opportunity!

See Page 7

Camp Sunshine Camp Sunshine applications will be accepted from Monday, January 5 through Friday, January 30,

2015.

See Pages 4-6

January 2015 Volume 13, Issue 5

ASCC Parent Education Presentation

Monday – January 12, 2015 at 6:30 pm

“Organizing the Day for Success”

Presented by : Presented by : Louise Buchholz Southern, M. Ed., BCBA Lead Trainer and Behavior Analyst, ASNC

Does your loved one with ASD have difficulty structuring his or her day? Does he or she experience anxiety over a change in routine? Please join

us for a presentation on the importance of using visual supports and structure to help individuals with autism organize themselves around time

and activities, to support them in understanding what will happen, and to outline behavioral expectations. Strategies and examples will be pro-

vided that are relevant across age ranges and levels of functioning.

Autism and Winter Weather : Tips to Avoid Cold Weather Dangers

“Autism & Cold Weather Dangers: Teen Needs Help Transitioning to Winter, ”(2014, Dec. 12). Autism Speaks.

T he cold weather

blasted into many

parts of the coun-

try this year, intensifying

the challenges many

families affected by au-

tism face during the win-

ter months. Psychologist

Stephanie Weber of the Kelly O’Leary Center

for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Cincinnati

Children’s Hospital Medical Center offers her

tips for easing the transition into the winter

season:

Ease Into the Change

Begin with putting summer clothing

away and out of sight. If your child asks

where it has gone, simply state, “It’s not

available until the weather is warm

again.”

Identify a reward to help motivate your

child to wear his or her coat. Provide

rewards for each small success or use a

token or sticker board to earn “points”

toward a reward.

Practice wearing the coat. Use a timer to

manage the task of keeping the coat on

for increasing periods of time. Build on

each of your child’s successes with posi-

tive reinforcements such as a short car-

toon break, stickers, etc.

Make It a Habit

Since your goal is to have your child put

on his or her coats before going out in

cold weather, make this part of your

morning routine. Add this new step to a

visual or written schedule.

To help your child master this change in

routine, use a simple mantra such as,

“The weather is cold. We wear our coats

outside.” With consistent repetition this

may help your child understand your

expectation and make the connection to

protection from the cold.

Use a social story to help incorporate

this change in routine and to help your

child understand expectations.

Take a Break

Many children who love to be outside

have difficulty when cold weather con-

fines them indoors. Alternate your

child’s need to be outdoors with “warm

up” breaks indoors, and use positive

reinforcement to transition your child to

an indoor activity.

To view the article in its entirety, go to:

www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2014/12/12/autism-cold-

weather-dangers-teen-needs-help-transitioning-winter

ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children

Parent Education Parent Education

Program Program

Please join us on

Monday, January 12, 2015,

6:30 pm at the

Partnership for Children

Resource Center

351 Wagoner Drive,

Multipurpose Room 343

for a presentation entitled

“Organizing the Day

For Success”

By

Louise Buchholz Southern

M.Ed., BCBA

Free respite care will be available on

site through Community Based

Developmental Services. Please

contact Cynthia Billops at 488-5820

or 488-4584 to reserve your space

at least 24 hours in advance.

ASCC Support Groups

Support Groups provide an

opportunity to share, learn, and

connect. Parents, caregivers,

guardians, and professionals are

welcome to participate in all of our

support groups. Please check the

calendar on page three for meeting

dates/times/locations.

The HFA Support Group meets every

second Monday of the month, Sep—

Nov, Jan—May, immediately preced-

ing the Parent Education Program.

This group meets in Room 414 of the

PFC Resource Center. Focus: Fami-

lies of children, adolescents, and

adults diagnosed with HFA.. Child-

care will not be provided.

The Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support

Group meets every second Tuesday

of the month at various Fayetteville

restaurants. Focus: Families of

adolescents and adults with ASD.

Childcare will not be provided.

The Autism Breakfast Club (ABC)

Support Group meets every first and

third Wednesday of the month at the

PFC Resource Center, Room 414.

Focus: Families of children with ASD

up to age 12. Childcare will be provid-

ed.

The Preschool Support Group (The

High Fives) meets weekly on

Thursdays at the PFC Resource

Center, Room 343. Focus: Families

of young children with ASD ages 1-5

years. Childcare will be provided.

While every group focuses on a

specific age range, parents of

children of all ages are welcome to

attend all support groups!

Workshops

Please call the ASCC office at (910)

826-3004/3005 to register for all

workshops.

The After the Diagnosis Workshop is

led by Amy Perry, ASNC Parent Advo-

cate, and is held every first Tuesday

of the month from 9:30 am—12:00

pm. (odd calendar months)

Autism Resource Roundtable is led by

Amy Perry, ASNC Autism Resource

Specialist, and is held every first

Tuesday of the month from 9:30 am-

12:00 pm. (even calendar months)

The Individualized Education Plan

(IEP) Workshop, led by Amy Perry,

provides an opportunity for parents

and providers to learn all about IEPs.

It will be offered quarterly.

The Echo I Issue 5, January 2015 2

A SCC families enjoyed an evening of fun and

festivities on Saturday, December 13 at the

FireAntz Hockey game. The FireAntz, who beat

Huntsville 4-1, were hosting an Autism Aware-

ness Night which focused on families of children

with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Our families enjoyed VIP treatment, including

concierge service, reserved seating, and free

tickets to the game. In addition, the lighting and

sound were adjusted to make the game more

sensory-friendly for our families. Festivities in-

cluded the puck drop by ASCC board member

John Allen and his son Andrew, activities on ice,

an arts and craft station for the kids and plenty

of free pizza!

In honor of the evening, players sported custom

jerseys which were auctioned off following the

game. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the

ASCC.

Photos By Ray/Rachel Ray-Webb

ASCC Board Member John Allen and son Andrew drop the

puck at the Dec. 13 FireAntz Game.

ASCC Families Celebrate

at Autism Awareness

The Echo I Issue 5, January 2015 3

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

New Year’s Day

Office Closed

2 3

4 5 6 After the Diagnosis Workshop 9:30 am—12pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

7 ABC Support Group 9:30 - 11am Multi-Purpose Rm 343

8 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

9 10

11 12 HFA Support Group 5:45pm Conference Rm 414

Parent Education Program 6:30pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

13 Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group 11:30 am - Casual Jack’s

iPads for Autism 1 - 4pm Conference Rm 414

14

15 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

16

Teacher MiniTeacher MiniTeacher Mini---GrantGrantGrant

Applications DueApplications DueApplications Due

17

18 19 20 21 ABC Support Group 9:30 - 11am Multi-Purpose Rm 343

22 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

23 24

25 26 27

ASCC Board of

Directors Meeting

11 am - 1pm Conference Rm 414

28 29 Preschool Support Group 10am-12pm Multi-Purpose Rm 343

30

Applications DueApplications DueApplications Due

31

January 2015January 2015

Submit Camp Sunshine

applications beginning

January 5 through

January 30.

Camp

Sunshine

The Echo I Issue 5, January 2015 4

Dear Families:

Enclosed in this newsletter, please find the 2015 Camp Sunshine Application

along with the 2015 Camp Sunshine Financial Assistance Scholarship Application.

Camp Sunshine is a 5-6 week state-licensed developmental day camp providing

services from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to campers, ages 3 to

21 years of age, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). All campers must have an evaluation with a diagno-

sis of ASD and must reside in Cumberland County.

Please complete the application in its entirety and return it along with a copy of your child’s most recent IEP, diagnosis,

and current photograph of your child to our office. If your child is 18 or older, you will also need to submit proof of legal

guardianship. If you do not have legal guardianship of your child, please contact the ASCC office for guidance immedi-

ately. Applications will be accepted from Monday, January 5, 2015 thru Friday, January 30, 2015. The ASCC office is

open Monday—Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. If your child attended Camp Sunshine between 2008 and 2014, a diagnosis

is already on file in our office, and an additional copy will not have to be submitted. A $10.00 non-refundable registra-

tion fee must be submitted with the application.

Camp Sunshine slots fill up quickly, sometimes before the submission deadline, and applications are accepted on a

first-come first-serve basis. Families will be notified of their acceptance no later than March 6, 2015.

It is our intent to provide individualized quality services to your child. Field trips to various locations including bowling,

skating, and swimming, along with special camp visitors will also be offered. Upon acceptance into Camp Sunshine

2015, parents will be required to complete a detailed parent packet and visit the ASCC office for an in-depth parent in-

take interview. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you, the parent, as the first teacher of your child. Upon

the completion of required forms, you will receive the Camp Parent Handbook, and with your help, we will create an in-

dividualized service plan carefully taking into consideration your child’s IEP and your expectations for camp. Preschool

age children must be accompanied by a current IEP or other qualifying document (i.e. for home-schooled children). Combin-

ing these two most valuable elements will ensure a positive camp experience for your child.

While dates and camp fee information will be provided along with the parent packet at a later time, payment of parent

fees will be due during the Parent Intake Interview to be held during April 2015. Payment options will be available. Fi-

nancial assistance is available to families experiencing financial difficulties. To be considered for a scholarship, please

complete the Camp Sunshine Financial Assistance Scholarship Application printed on the back of the camp application

and return it along with supporting documents no later than January 30, 2015. The ASCC Scholarship Committee will

carefully select scholarship recipients based on their needs. Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to the Parent

Intake Interview and will have to pay either partial or no camp parent fees. We are honored to offer this program as a

result of the Ben Lucero Scholarship Fund established by Bob and Ann Lucero in memory of their son, Ben.

In an effort to reduce the administrative costs and tasks in our office, we are asking that you please share your email

address on the application. We hope to correspond with you via email to ensure all administrative requirements are

met.

Please keep this letter in your files and return the camp application, scholarship application, supporting documents,

your child’s current IEP, the most recent diagnosis (if your child is new to Camp Sunshine), and current photograph of

your child, along with the $10.00 non-refundable application fee to the ASCC office at 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410,

no later than January 30, 2015. For more information, please call (910) 826-3005/3004.

The Echo I Issue 5, January 2015 5

Autism Society of Cumberland County

Camp Sunshine Developmental Day Program Application 2015

Child’s Full Name _________________________________________________________________________________________

Child's Age ________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________

Current School/Program/Teacher’s name _____________________________________________________________________

Parent Name ____________________________________________________ Cell # __________________________________

Place of Employment _____________________________________________ Work #__________________________________

Parent Name____________________________________________________ Cell # ___________________________________

Place of Employment ______________________________________________ Work #_________________________________

Home Address ___________________________________________________ Zip Code _______________________________

Email Address____________________________________________________ Home # _________________________________

Is your child in a traditional or year-round school? (Circle one) year-round traditional

How many days per week will your child attend? (Circle one) 3 days 4 days 5 days

Which days will your child attend? (Circle all that apply) Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

Is your child a new/returning Camp Sunshine client? New Returning

If your child is returning, what is the last year that his/she attended_________________________________________________

Does your child receive NC Innovations (CAP) services? Yes No

If yes, what is the name and phone number of the provider? ______________________________________________________

Yes No

Does your child receive respite or community support services?________________________________________________

If yes, what is the name and phone number of the provider? ______________________________________________________

Is your child a resident of Cumberland County? Yes No

Is your child’s current IEP enclosed? Yes No

Is your child’s evaluation enclosed? Yes No

Have you enclosed proof of legal guardianship of your child (18 or older)? Yes No

Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________ Date ___________________________________

Please drop off or mail this application, copies of most recent diagnosis and IEP, and the $10.00 non-refundable registration fee to: Autism Society of

Cumberland County, 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, Fayetteville, NC 28303.

The Echo I Issue 5, January 2015 6

Autism Society of Cumberland County

2015 Camp Sunshine

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Child’s name attending camp:___________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Caregiver name (s):______________________________________________________________________________

Number of people in household: ________________________________________________________________________

Number of child dependents: ___________________________________________________________________________

Number of individuals earning income:____________________________________________________________________

Place (s) of Employment:________________________________________________________________________________

Does anyone in the household receive SSI? _________ _________

YES NO

If yes, please list everyone who receives SSI________________________________________________

If yes, how much SSI is received per month (total amount): $__________________________________

Household monthly net (after taxes) of all sources of income: $_________________________________

Please explain any extenuating circumstances which you feel should be taken into consideration when financial aid decisions are made: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By completing this application, I understand that financial aid is not guaranteed for my child who is attending Camp Sunshine. If I am selected for assistance, I will be notified prior to the Camp Sunshine Parent Intake Interview.

In order to be considered for financial aid, you must submit proof of income in the form of: a copy of your most recent 2 months of paycheck stubs or your most recent 2 months of Leave and Earning Statements (LES) for all sources of income, including SSI. If you have no income, you must supply a notarized letter stating that you have no source of income. Please call (910) 826-3005/3004 for more information.

Please be aware that we will not contact you for proof of income if it is not included with your application.

_________________________________________________________________ _________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

The Echo I Issue 5, January 2015 7

Friday, March 27 7:15 AM - Registration opens

7:30 AM - Exhibit Hall and Continental Breakfast open

8:45 AM - Welcome remarks

9:00 AM - Pivotal Response Treatment: Improving Functioning, Improving Lives,

presented by Drs. Lynn and Robert Koegel

10:30 - 11:00 AM - Coffee break and book signing

11:00 AM - Pivotal Response Treatment: Improving Functioning, Improving Lives

12:30 - 1:30 PM - Lunch

1:30 PM - Pivotal Response Treatment: Improving Functioning, Improving Lives

3:00 - 3:30 PM - Refreshment break and book signing

3:30 - 4:30 PM - Pivotal Response Treatment: Improving Functioning, Improving

Lives

Saturday, March 28

7:15 AM - Registration opens

7:30 AM - Exhibit Hall and Continental Breakfast open

8:45 AM - Welcome remarks

9:00 AM - State of the Science in Autism Research, presented by Dr. Geri Dawson

10:30 - 11:00 AM - Coffee break

11:00 AM - Concurrent Workshops:

"Autism Plus" What do we know about medical & psychiatric comorbidities and what do we need to find out? - Presented by Dr. Jim Bodfish

"Sexuality and Autism" - Presented by Dr. Mary E. Van Bourgondien

12:30 - 1:30 PM - Lunch

1:30 - 1:45 PM - Room Changeover

1:45 - 3:15 PM - Concurrent Workshops :

"Collaborating with Parents Towards Positive Outcomes for Students with ASD" - Presented by Kim Tizzard

"Employing Adults with Autism: Creating Successful Small Business Ventures" - Panel discussion of business owners

moderated by Gregg Ireland

3:15 - 3:45 PM - Refreshment break and final chance for purchases in Exhibit hall 3:45 - 5:00 PM - Project IGNITE: Creating a Model Program for Adults - Panel discussion by members. Moderated by Leica Anzaldo, BCBA

5:00 PM - Adjourn

For more information, please visit: www.autismsociety-nc.org

The 2015 Autism Society of North Carolina Annual Conference, “Autism : Lifelong Learning , “ will be held March 27-28 at the Hilton

University Place Hotel in Charlotte.

Throughout the two-day conference, self-advocates, families affected by autism, and professionals in the autism field will have the

opportunity to network, learn more about available resources, meet with a variety of businesses that support the autism community,

shop the ASNC bookstore, and earn continuing education units (CEUs).

The ASCC will offer scholarships for parents to attend this conference. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please con-

tact our office at (910) 826-3005/3004 or email: autismcc@ccpfc.org no later than January 9, 2015.

ASCC Scholarship Opportunity

2015 Autism Society of North Carolina Annual Conference Schedule

“Autism: Lifelong Learning Schedule”

351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410

Fayetteville, NC 28303

Tel: 910-826-3004/3005

Fax: 910-868-5881

E-mail: autismcc@ccpfc.org

www.autismcc.org

“Supporting Individuals Within The Autism Spectrum”

Winner of the Autism Society of

North Carolina affiliate of the Year

Award—1996, 2002, & 2003

Membership & Donations The Autism Society of Cumberland

County is an affiliate of the Autism

Society of North Carolina.

Mission Statement:

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County is committed to providing

support and promoting opportunities

which enhance the lives of individu-

als within the autism spectrum and

their families.

Vision Statement:

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County strives to create a community

where people within the autism

spectrum and their families receive

respect, services, and supports

based on individual differences,

needs, and preferences.

Disclaimer:

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County does not take any position

regarding studies of ASD, nor en-

dorse any particular form of treat-

ment, intervention, or therapy. This

newsletter allows us to pass along

current information in the field of

ASD to our families and organization

members.

Please make checks payable to:

Autism Society of Cumberland County

351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410

Fayetteville, NC 28303

Name:

Parent/Caregiver Professional

Sibling Individual with ASD

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

A great way to help support our program is to

become a member. As a member of the ASCC, you

enjoy voting rights during membership meetings,

you are eligible for election to the Board of

Directors, and you receive priority for conference

scholarships. Membership is effective for one year.

Please remember the ASCC with your tax-deductible

charitable contribution. Thank you!

Annual Membership ($10.00)

Donation $_________

Join us on Facebook

Cumberland Community

Foundation

Board of Directors:

Anna Finch, President

Gwen Scott, Vice President

Brandy Mello, Secretary

Chris Leacock , Treasurer

John Allen

Cynthia Billops

Melissa Reed

Eric Williams

Staff:

Jeannie Hodges, Director of Programs & Outreach

Jennifer Lyden, Program & Outreach Assistant

January 2015 The Echo Volume 13, Issue 5

FY 2014/2015 Board of Directors & Staff Funded In Part By:

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