Autism Council of Utah

New Autism Council of Utah blogspot name

2008-10-19T15:35:00.003-06:00

Click here for the new ACU blog autismcouncilofutah.blogspot.com

Please bookmark the new blog address!

Group for Parents of Children with Autism or Asperger's

2008-09-25T21:21:00.002-06:00

NEVER ALONE:

A Group for Parents of Children with Autism or Asperger's Disorder

Join us THURSDAYS from 5:30-7:00 pm; New Group Starts October 9

8 weeks of group interaction and training in the following topics:

-Details regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders

-Networking and support with parents in your situation

-Maintaining peace in your home

-Being a healthy & happy parent

-Support for siblings

-Behavior Modification and Discipline strategies

Group Cost:

INDIVIDUALS: $25.00 per session

COUPLES: $40 per session

$185.00 individual prepayment in advance for all 8 groups; $300.00 prepayment for couples

Group fees are due at the beginning of each group. Contact Dwight (below) with any questions regarding payment.

Contact Dwight Hurst, All Ages & Life Stages Counseling, for details or to enroll today!

(801) 425-3628

dwighthurst@gmail.com

Change in ACU Bi-Annual Meeting

2008-08-29T12:57:00.001-06:00

Due to the change in the State work schedule, the Biannual meeting for the Autism Council of Utah has been changed to Wednesday, October 15, 2008 / 9:00-11:00.

The venue and agenda will be sent at a later date.

Autism Council of Utah Bi-Annual Meeting -- SAVE THE DATE!

2008-07-11T16:57:00.002-06:00

Autism Council of Utah Bi-Annual Meeting -- SAVE THE DATE!

Friday, October 10th; 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

More information to follow...

Rock On! climbing program for children with ASD

2008-05-27T14:09:00.000-06:00

Title: Rock On! climbing program for children with ASD

This summer SPLORE is offering a unique program called Rock On! which is a rock climbing program for children with autism spectrum disorder. Each child will receive specialized attention from SPLORE staff and volunteers who are dedicated to provide quality care.

Friends and family members are welcome to participate in SPLORE activities. Come learn how to make rock climbing fun for the whole family!

Rock On! is designed to help children:

- Develop positive recreation skills
- Increase muscle tone and motor skills
- Develop trust and relationship building skills
- Increase self-esteem and empowerment
- Promote independence, health and wellness
- Increase knowledge and access to recreation activities
- HAVE FUN!

For who: Rock On! is for children with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 5 to 12 years old.

When: June 3rd to July 24th

Schedule: Sessions are once a week with one of the time settings below:

Tuesdays: 4 to 5:30 pm or 5:30 to 7 pm

Thursdays: 4 to 5:30 pm or 5:30 to 7 pm

To sign up or to learn more please contact SPLORE at:

Phone: (801) 484-4128 x 6
Email: susans@splore.org

We also invite you to check out our website at www.splore.org

SPLORE is a Utah-based non profit organization that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and adults with disabilities through outdoor recreation. This summer will mark SPLORE’s 31st year of providing services. Some of the programs SPLORE provides range from rafting, rock climbing, canoeing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, camping, Nordic skiing as well as other specialized programs.

NEW! Autism Support Forum

2008-05-06T08:25:00.002-06:00

NEW! www.utahautismsupport.net

An online support forum for other parents and adults in Utah
affected by autism created by Rory Garrett.

P.L.A.Y. Project May 19, 2008

2008-05-06T08:13:00.000-06:00

1855 East Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
(801) 582-5534
www.tccslc.org

The P.L.A.Y. Project: Introduction to the DIR ® Model
Date: May 19, 2008
Time: 9:00 am– 4:00 pm (Registration and continental breakfast at 8:00 am)
Location: Parkview Center
1161 East 300 North
Provo, UT

Focus
This oneday workshop focuses on The P.L.A.Y.
Project, a unique, communitybased training and
early intervention program. This model is based
on the developmental theories of Stanley
Greenspan, MD, known as the Developmental,
Individualized & Relationship (DIR ® ) Oriented
Model – also known as “Floortime”. Although
designed as an intervention for children with
autism, this parent child treatment model can be
utilized in social relationship intervention for many
young children and families. The DIR ® theory
and research will be presented along with
videotape case examples to help participants
learn DIR ® strategies, methods and techniques.
Our mission is to help parents and professionals
learn effective, low cost and efficient ways to
provide intensive intervention programming for
young children (18 months to 7 years) with
autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and help them
gain language and social skills.

Audience
--Family members of children with autism
spectrum disorders
--Education professionals and paraprofessionals
--Occupational, physical and speech therapists
--Psychologists and social workers
--Medical professionals
--Training Objectives

Participants will:
--Learn of the current trends and research in
ASDs and understand/describe how “affect”
drives growth and development
--Understand the importance of the neurological
“comfort zone”
--Understand/describe basic DIR ® “Floortime”
principles, strategies and techniques
--Implement DIR ® intervention techniques with
children with ASDs

Cost
$65 per person for providers, $45 per person for
parents (lunch included)

Registration Form
Name:________________________________
Address: ______________________________
City/ State/ Zip: _________________________
Daytime Telphone: ______________________
Fax: __________________________________
Email: ________________________________
Degree: _______________________________
Current Position and Organization: __________
______________________________________

Return registration and payment made out to
The Children’s Center:

The Children’s Center
Attn: Joanne Mooney
1855 East Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
For additional questions contact Lori Krasney at
(801)5825534 or LKrasney@tccslc.org
To make credit card payments please contact
Joanne at (801) 5825534 or
JMooney@tccslc.org

ACU Bi-Annual Meeting Details

2008-04-29T11:31:00.000-06:00

Autism Council of Utah
Biannual Meeting

May 9, 2008
Granite Education Center
2500 South State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah (801) 646-5000
Auditorium B and C
(no food or drink allowed)

Agenda

10:00 Welcome Business and Recognitions
10:20 Roles of Speech Language Pathologists and Autism
11:20 Committee Reports
11:30 Workgroups, Informing Autism Practices in Utah
12:00 Adjourn

Next biannual meeting: October 10, 2007

Utah Walk Now for Autism is only 11 Days Away!

2008-04-29T11:29:00.000-06:00

Utah Walk Now for Autism is only 11 Days Away!

Saturday, May 3, 2008
Cottonwood High School - Murray, UT, 9am to 1pm

Register, Volunteer, or Donate

www.WalkNowForAutism.org/Utah!

Wow, the Utah Walk Now for Autism is just around the corner... only a week and a half to go! We hope you are as excited as we are for the big day! To date, there are over 2400 people registered to participate in Utah’s inaugural Walk Now for Autism, over 260 teams and over $142,000 raised. Congratulations! Keep up the hard work! We are well on our way to our goal of $300,000! This walk is going to be one of the largest inaugural walks EVER!

Remember to pre-register everyone who plans to attend Walk Now for Autism. Pre-registering insures we plan accordingly and remember… you must be pre-registered and raise $100 to receive a t-shirt on walk day!

Congratulations to this week’s Top Fundraisers!

Team: The Patten Pride $10,600!

Individual: Amanda Patten with over $7,000!

For a complete list of fundraising efforts, please go to www.WalkNowforAutism.org/Utah.

Event Information

Event Schedule:
9:00 a.m.: Registration and Resource Fair Opens
10:15 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies Begin
10:30 a.m.: 5K Walk Begins

1:00 p.m.: Entertainment and Resource Fair Booths Close

Directions and Parking:
Cottonwood High School
5717 S 1300 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84121

Click Here for a Map and Directions to Cottonwood High School

Free Parking is available in two lots on campus. Please follow the signs on Walk Day to parking. To ease congestion, please consider carpooling with your team.

Walk Route

The walk will be 3 laps around the Cottonwood High School campus, with multiple turn-out areas for those that need to head back to the event space. The entire route is flat and wheelchair and stroller/wagon-friendly.This walk is non-competitive and is not an “endurance” event – please come prepared to enjoy a casual day in the community for families, friends and children!

Important Registration Information

Pre-Register to make Checking in at Walk Now for Autism a breeze!

Check-In at the walk is divided into 3 groups:

EZ Pass: Proceed to this area if you have pre-registered on-line and have no money to turn in on walk-day. If you have raised $100 you will receive a ticket for a t-shirt and you can proceed to the T-shirt Booth and then into the event.

Check In: Proceed to this area if you have pre-registered and need to turn in money. Be sure to bring the envelope you received in the mail with your Walker Welcome Packet. If you forget your envelope or do not have one, there will be envelopes available. You will be asked to fill out a donation form for each donation- make it easy and fill them out ahead of time by downloading the form from your Personal Headquarters. If you have raised $100 you will receive a T-shirt ticket and you can proceed to the T-shirt booth and then into the event.

Registration: Proceed to this are if you or anyone in your family did not register online. You will be asked to fill out a waiver and you can proceed into the event. If you have donations to turn in envelopes and donation forms will be available.

Please note that online registration will close on Friday, May 2nd so that we have time to compile records for our registration personnel on the day of.

Even if you do not have donations to turn in on walk day please remember to check-in. This helps us maintain an accurate head count and if you have raised $100 you will receive your t-shirt ticket!

Donations

If you receive donations in the form of checks please either:

Send them to us, along with a donation form (available at your Personal Headquarters at www.WalkNowforAutism.org) at:

Autism Speaks, Donations

5455 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2250

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Or

Fill out a donation form for each donation and bring them on Walk-Day.

If you have any other questions or need additional guidance, please contact us at Autism Speaks at: Utah@autismspeaks.org. Thank you for your commitment to the Utah Walk Now for Autism. We look forward to seeing you on May 3rd!

_________________________

About Walk Now for Autism
Walk Now for Autism, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is Autism Speaks' signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in communities across the United States, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism, and to advocating for the needs of affected families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Vice Chairman, General Electric, and served as chief executive officer of NBC for more than twenty years. Autism Speaks has merged with both the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), bringing together the nation's three leading autism advocacy organizations. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

2008-04-25T14:53:00.002-06:00

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

SENSORY INTEGRATION
THERAPEUTIC LISTENING
HANDWRITING PRACTICE
FINE-MOTOR-GROSS-MOTOR COORDINATION-STRENGTHENING
SELF-CARE SKILLS INDEPENDENCE
FOCUSING ATTENTION

SOCIAL SKILLS CLASSES
Topics include: Making and Keeping Friends, Positive Personality Attributes, Everyday Etiquette and more.
Crafts, Role Playing, Motor-Activities, Discussions
8-week series, meets weekly for 1 ½ hours

*****PROFESSIONAL QUALITY INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICES*****
*FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE*

JUST FOR KIDS
PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Susan Horn OTR/L
801-231-9207
Fax 801-290-2866
Shoshihorn@comcast.net

Centrally located in East Murray (SLC)
Gocitykids.com/browse/attraction.jsp?id=120518

U of U Speech Language and Hearing Clinic

2008-04-25T14:53:00.001-06:00

This summer at the University of Utah
Speech Language and Hearing Clinic

Social Skills Groups
for children ages 4-10 years old with:
• high functioning autism
and/or
• social communication difficulties

Groups will meet:
1 day per week for 7 weeks
Groups begin the week of 6/18/08
1 ½ hour sessions
Cost: $300 for 7 week session

Small group size for individualized attention
Fun! Fun! Fun!

For more information or to register, please call (801)581-3506

All groups supervised by Lori Krasny, M.S., CCC-SLP

Autism Seminar May 14, 2008

2008-04-24T12:20:00.000-06:00

The Autism Council of Utah
Presents: A Seminar for Families
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
What Parents of Children with Autism Need to Know and Teach Their Children
About Interacting with Law Enforcement

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
7:00 -9:00 p.m.

Lecture Hall
Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
5709 South 1500 West, Salt Lake City
(For easiest access, park in the south parking lot and enter through the south door)

Guest Speaker: Kyle Anderson
Kyle Anderson is the father of a child with autism and a law enforcement officer. He has presented at the Autism Asperger Educator Conference and for parent groups. His presentation addresses important information that families need to know about what to expect if a person with autism has an interaction with law enforcement. Learn what you should teach your child in case such a situation occurs . Also learn what law enforcement officers can and cannot do when responding to a situation involving a person with special needs.
Question and Answer
Questions from the audience will be addressed.

This presentation is free and open to the public.
Parents are encouraged to attend!

To reserve your seat please pre-register
by contacting the Utah Parent Center
Call 272-1051 or e-mail cassandra@utahparentcenter.org

For more information on the Autism Council of Utah, visit:
www.autismcouncilofutah.org
.

Autism Speaks--Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE)

2008-04-03T22:01:00.000-06:00

Participation in the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE)

The Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) is an autism research program. Our primary mission is to collect information and blood from families with two or more children affected with an autism spectrum disorder and to make this data available to autism researchers throughout the world, as quickly as possible. Because we want to make your participation as easy as possible, most, if not all, of the data will be collected in your home at a convenient time for you and your family.

The AGRE research program involves various steps. One of the first steps is an in-home visit from a phlebotomist – someone who is certified to draw blood. Our phlebotomists are specially trained to work with children, particularly those with special needs.

A second in-home visit will be scheduled with one of our psychometricians – someone who is certified to administer diagnostic assessments for children with autism spectrum disorders. During this process interviews are conducted and there is some testing directly with your affected children. Most of these activities involve social interaction, games, puzzles, questions, and other things that are generally pretty enjoyable for the children.

After the psychometrician has been to your home, a telephone consultation with one of our pediatric neurologists will be scheduled. The doctor will interview you about every family member’s medical history. This will be done after you have completed the medical history questionnaires about each family member.

There is no cost for you to participate in the AGRE program. As mentioned earlier, each step of the process is conducted in the comfort of your own home. And, your personal information is kept very confidential. Researchers will know you by a coded number; only the AGRE staff will have your personal information.

With your family’s participation, researchers will be able to have more information to help them find the causes of autism. The more families that participate in the AGRE program, the sooner researchers can discover the causes. That’s why your family is so important to us and the entire autistic community.

To find out more about this valuable program and to determine if your family qualifies, please contact Lynne Herod-DeVerges at the toll free number 866-612-2473 ext. 788 or send an e-mail to lheroddeverges@agre.org. You may also want to visit our website at www.familyagre.org.

Our team will be in your area around mid-April 2008 so now is the best time to get involved.

Southern Utah Autism Conference

2008-03-27T07:40:00.000-06:00

What: Southern Utah Autism Conference
When: April 25-26th
Where: Canyon View High School
166 West 1925 North Main
Cedar City, UT

The Southern Utah Autism Conference is scheduled for April 25-26th in Cedar City. Please note that there are some special things about this year's conference! Thanks to our continued collaboration with the Utah Parent Center and Family Links Conference, we are able to present as a pre-conference event, a Transition Workshop presented by the Utah Parent Center on Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Iron County School District Building. This is a free workshop for parents and educators interested in transition services.

Friday evening's conference session will feature a Dutch Oven Dinner and a special workshop sponsored by Family Links: Negotiation and Advocacy Skills Training. This session will greatly enhance the conference experience for all conference participants. There is a nominal fee for Friday night and Saturday's sessions to help cover the cost of the meal and conference materials.

Saturday's conference will be a comprehensive look at the vital information parents, educators, and other professionals need to know when working and living with children on the autism spectrum. The presenters on Saturday, Jocelyn Taylor and Melisa Genaux, will offer key information we all seek when attempting to understand the basics of communication, behavior, and common sense approaches to program development.

Please note that all sessions are appropriate for parents of children with any disabilities who need this important information on Transition, Negotiation, Advocacy, and Behavior. The theme of this year's conference is "The Puzzle of Autism: Building Blocks to a Strong Foundation." Our goal is to give everyone useful, practical information that will assist with any range of the functioning on the spectrum, and will help build skills for any program currently in use.

http://www.sedc.k12.ut.us/sped/autism/AutismConfFlyerReg2008.pdf

If you have further questions, please contact SEDC, at 435 586-2865.

ACU Committee Chair Meeting

2008-03-26T22:23:00.000-06:00

The ACU will be holding a Leadership Team meeting Tuesday, April 15th at 10:00 at the Utah State Office of Education. As a Committee Chair, please plan on attending if possible. This will be our last meeting before the biannual meeting on May 9, 2008. Please have committee reports prepared.

ACU Bi-Annual Meeting

2008-03-26T22:21:00.000-06:00

SAVE THE DATE!

The Autism Council of Utah's bi-annual meeting will be held Friday, May 9, 2008 from 10 to 12 noon. More details will follow in regards to the venue and agenda.

Autism ABC's A Family Education Series

2008-02-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Autism ABCs

A Family Education Series
for families of children newly diagnosed with an
Autism Spectrum Disorder

This five-week series will offer information about
• caring for your family
• understanding the autism spectrum diagnosis
• dealing with behavioral challenges
• communication issues
• sensory issues
• interventions
• resources and services

Participants will meet for two hours, once a week for five consecutive weeks. Cost is $20. Child care will be available.

The series begins in Spring and space is limited. If you are interested in attending, please call:
The Children’s Center
(801) 582-5534

This course is developed and presented by autism experts across the state of Utah from:

Utah State University, University Healthcare, University of Utah, Autism Council of Utah, Utah FEAT, Utah Parent Center, Primary Children's Medical Center, State of Utah Office of Education, Primary Children's Medical Center, Spectrum Academy

Autism Seminar & Support Group--Jan 17, 2008

2008-01-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

Autism Seminar/Support Group

January 17, 2008 @ 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Clear Horizons Academy

Scenic View

5455 N. River Run Dr., Suite 302

Provo, UT

Please call Dr. Humpherys office at 801-565-3755 to get your name on the list if you wish to attend. There is limited seating and will be capped at 100 parents.

Agenda:

Megan Heath--"ABA, RDI and other behavioral therapies overview"

Utah Parent Center representative--"Taking advantage of IEP's and how to be your child's advocate"

Dr. Joseph Humpherys--"The Genetics of Autism--New Gene Discoveries and Polymorphisms and how they effect your child and what to do."

A Seminar For Families--Jan 16, 2008

2008-01-04T14:09:00.001-07:00

The Autism Council of Utah Presents:
A Seminar For Families

Successful Adult Lives
For Students with Asperger Syndrome and
High Functioning Autism

Wednesday, January 16, 2008
7-9 p.m.

Lecture Hall
Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
5709 South 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT
(For easiest access, park in the south parking lot and enter through the south door)

Guest Speaker: Megan Farley
Megan Farley has been working on a research project that has followed up on adult outcomes for young students who had High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome. She will share what was learned from the research and some of the successful outcomes. She will also comment on practices that lead to success.

Panel Presentation: Panel of Experts
The panel will include successful adults telling their stories, a service provider, and an educational specialist.

Question and Answer Session
This is an opportunity to bring questions to Megan Farley and the Panel of Experts in the group setting.

This presentation is free and open to the public. Parents are encouraged to attend!

ACU Committee Chair Meeting Jan 15, 2008

2008-01-04T14:07:00.001-07:00

ACU Committee Chair Meeting
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
State Office of Education Building

The State of Autism & Autism Research in Utah

2008-01-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

"The State of Autism and Autism Research in Utah"
Lecture by William H. McMahon, M.D.,
Professor and Chairman
Department of Psychiatry
University of Utah
Wednesday February 6, 2008, from 7-9 p.m.
Grande Ballroom located in Sorenson Student Center
Utah Valley State College--800 West University Parkway, Orem, UT 84058

Office of Education Autism Conference Feb 13-15, 2008

2008-01-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

Utah State Office of Education

Autism/Asperger Educator Conference

February 13 – 15, 2008

Ogden Eccles Conference Center

***Register online by January 31, 2008 www.updc.org ***

Registration fee $20, see information flyer at registration site

Autism Speaks Walk For Autism Now--Utah

2008-01-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

Autism Speaks Walk Now For Autism Meetings 2008:

Jan 23

Feb 13

Feb 28

Apr 3

Apr 17

All of these meetings will be held at 7 p.m. in the Sanderson Center--5709 S. 1500 W., Taylorsville. May 3 is the actual walk at Cottonwood High School. A special lecture will be held February 6th. More information can be found at www.walknowforautism.org/utah.

Autism Seminar

2007-12-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

What: Autism Seminar

Big MAK'S

2007-12-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

Big MAK'S (Mom's of Autistic Kids)

"More Support Than A 44DD"

Big MAK'S meets every 2nd Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m. at

Bouncin Off the Walls

398 West 9400 South

Sandy, UT 84070

The cost is $5 per child.

Autism Council of Utah Awards 2007

2007-12-11T22:57:00.001-07:00

October 24, 2007

Contact: Joslyn Olsen, josolsen@cc.usu.edu

ASSERT PROGRAM RECEIVES AWARD

LOGAN — Utah State University’s ASSERT program was recently awarded the Autism Council of Utah’s educational “Autism Program of the Year” award at the council’s biannual meeting at the Utah State Capitol.

The ASSERT program, directed by assistant professor Thomas Higbee, provides educational and behavioral early intervention to children with autism, through its model classroom and by training teachers and professionals throughout the state.

Higbee and his ASSERT program staff were recognized for their initiative in helping individuals with autism and for the successful results of their efforts, which have brought about positive changes in autism services.

“We are honored the Autism Council recognized our efforts at Utah State University,” said Carol Strong, dean of the College of Education and Human Services. “Dr. Higbee’s vision is making a great difference in Utah school districts.”

Higbee echoed the sentiments of the Autism Council about the positive impact being made by the ASSERT program.

“We’re excited about the changes in the lives of these students, and also the training we’ve been able to provide for educators working with children with autism across the state,” Higbee said.

The Autism Council of Utah is an independent council whose goal is to promote access to resources and responsible information for individuals of all ages who have, or are affected by autism. The Council supports statewide partnerships to collaborate on research, training and special projects.

Higbee said autism is the fastest growing disability in the United States. It affects one out of every 166 children, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. He said he wants the program to expand to include more Utah school districts.

For more information regarding the “Autism Program of the Year” award or the ASSERT program at USU, contact Joslyn Olsen by phone at 435-881-1546 or go tohttp://sped.usu.edu/ASSERT.

The Jordan School District's preschool program, received an award for the "Outstanding Education Program of the Year". Carla Amis was presented the award at the ACU Biannual meeting in October of 2007. For more information on Jordan School District's preschool autism program, please visit www.autismcouncilofutah.org.

Janet Wade also received an award from the Autism Council of Utah for her exceptional effort and dedication to bring about positive change by enhancing the lives of individuals with autism, supporting their families, and being an integral part of the ACU Leadership Team.