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Quick Links
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Running for Autism 2009
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| Chris Rouw successfully finished the Des Moines Marathon on October 18th, 2009. Click here to learn how you can sponsor Chris in this race for the purpose of raising money for autism research. Thanks to your generous donations Chris has raised more than $1,000. Thank you for your support! |
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Welcome to our Autism Support Group Site!
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The purpose of this site is to provide a central location of autism information for parents, caregivers, educators, and all people touched by autism. This site contains:
- Autism resources available in or near the Cedar Valley.
- Autism information.
- A starting point for families beginning their journey with autism.
Update - We will not be having formal meetings during this academic year due to low attendance and lack of interest. During summer 2010, we will reevaluate the decision.
This website will continue to be updated! Thank you!
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Recent Items
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| Hog Roast - Autism - Osage, Iowa - 3/27/10WHAT: Autism Hog Roast
COST: $5.00
WHEN: Saturday March 27, 2010
WHERE: KC Hall Osage, IA
(Knights of Columbus Hall, 1403 State Street, Osage; 641-732-5453)
TIME: 5:30-10:00PM
MAGIC SHOW: "MR K" AT 7:00PM
DJ " THE MAIN EVENT" following the Magic Show
Any questions? Contact danjaci@mchsi.com
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| IHCC Spring Mental Health Conference with Dr. Chris Okisshi, April 30th, 2010Here is a conference in Ottumwa on April 30th. Links below are of flyers regarding this conference.
read more ... |
| HBO movie about Temple Grandin |
| Music for Early Autism Class |
| Online portal helps children with autism A series of free online computer games designed for children with autism has been created by a group of final year multimedia students from Swinburne University, in collaboration with Bulleen Heights Autism School and the National eTherapy Centre.
The games portal can be accessed at: www.whizkidgames.com The site for parents and teachers can be accessed at www.autismgames.com.au
WhizKid Games is an online portal that aims to help autistic children develop their independent living skills, focusing on areas such as coping with change, recognising emotions and non-verbal communication.
It includes 16 therapeutic games themed around everyday activities such as getting dressed, going to school and following a schedule.
In developing WhizKid Games, students were given expert advice by researchers from the Swinburne Autism Bio-Research Initiative (SABRI) and teachers from Bulleen Heights Autism School.
According to SABRI director, Associate Professor David Austin, the games will provide a real benefit for children with moderate to severe autism.
“Autistic children can be difficult to engage in traditional educational settings, but most autistic children are very happy to work with a computer. The idea is to capitalise on that and have autism-specific computer-based activities that work for them in building their skills,” he said.
In addition to the WhizKid portal, the Swinburne students created an accompanying site for parents and teachers of autistic children.
“This portal allows parents and teachers to learn more about the theory behind each game, and how the goals of the games can be supported at home and in school environments,” Austin said.
WhizKid Games, which was created by 80 final year multimedia design students, represents over 16,000 hours of research and development.
The site will be officially launched on Tuesday December 8 by the CEO of Autism Victoria, Murray Dawson Smith.
The games portal can be accessed at: www.whizkidgames.com The site for parents and teachers can be accessed at www.autismgames.com.au
read more ... |
| Teaching the ABC's of crucial social skills |
| NOVA Science Now - Autism GenesNOVA Science Now - Autism Genes
Researchers have begun to zero in on genes that might be responsible for autism.
read more ... |
| NY Times Article: A Vanishing Diagnosis for Asperger's Syndrome |
| Apply for a Waiver Today! If you are considering applying for a waiver for your child -- to get respite and Title XIX, etc -- do not hesitate. Do it now and contact your county DHS office to begin.
My DHS contact has told me that due to upcoming budget cuts, it is imperative to start this process now. Waiting lists may be a certainty after money is slashed from the budget.
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| Parents as Presenters - parents neededDr. Donna Raschke, in continuing to support the importance of educators hearing from families, will be hosting a family panel at UNI in Schindler Education Center Room 182-183 on Saturday Nov. 14, 2009 from 2:00-3:00 PM. Speakers will receive a $35 honorarium and if you need extra support for gas, just let me know!
She will need 3 families represented again this year, each “family” sharing their early childhood story for about 20 minutes.
If you could share this with families or just reply to this email with your interest and availability, I will put together a panel that offers diversity in experiences and confirm the panel with everyone prior to the date. Thank you! Gina
Gina S. Greene
Early ACCESS Region 7
3675 University Ave. Waterloo, IA 50701
Phone: 319-833-0064 or 1-800-475-0804
Fax: 319-274-8841
gina.greene@episervice.org
www.EarlyACCESSIowa.org
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| Higher autism rates detected: Now 1 in 100 kidsCHICAGO - Two new government studies indicate about 1 in 100 children have autism disorders — higher than a previous U.S. estimate of 1 in 150.
Greater awareness, broader definitions and spotting autism in younger children may explain some of the increase, federal health officials said.
"The concern here is that buried in these numbers is a true increase," said Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health. "We're going to have to think very hard about what we're going to do for the 1 in 100."
Click here to read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33165127/ns/health-mental_health/
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| Autistic player's dream comes true as he scores his first touchdown |
| Autism Society of Iowa Fall ConferenceThe Autism Society of Iowa Fall Conference will be held Friday, September 25th in West Des Moines.
read more ... |
| "Truth Be Told" on TLC - September 16 "Truth Be Told" is a 1-hour program that will air on TLC, September 16th from 8-9 pm. The show will feature the daily lives of families who have children with autism, Down Syndrome, and epidermolysis bullosa. Check it out!
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| Circle of Care Conference - Sept 26 in Cedar RapidsCircle of Care Conference - September 26 in Cedar Rapids
Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education
7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
read more ... |
| Midwest Autism ConferenceJoin us as we explore the learning and loving strategies that unlock the potential of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. Discover the best practices for educators, therapists, and families in school, home, and community environments. Learn the practical applications, encouraging trends, and the developing resources available those who work (and live) with autism. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to attend.
read more ... |
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