Share creative play tips … and you could win a $50 CVS gift card!

by Beth Finke

Our Easter Seals corporate partner CVS Caremark is teaming up with the popular disabilities blog, To the Max to ask parents to share the play games they come up with to help their kids with physical and speech challenges and delays. Share your tips in a comment on the To the Max blog by this Friday, February 26, and you could be one of ten commenters to receive a $50 CVS/Pharmacy gift card!

To the Max is written by the mother of a boy with cerebral palsy. The blog encourages other parents of special needs kids to try to see the light side of things, vent when necessary, and share resources and ideas with other parents.

CVS Caremark is working with To The Max as part of All Kids Can. Created by the CVS/Pharmacy Charitable Trust, All Kids Can is a five-year, $25 million commitment to making life easier for children with autism and other disabilities. Through this signature program, CVS and the Trust help nonprofit organizations like Easter Seals raise awareness in schools and in local communities about the importance of inclusion.

So go ahead, leave your play tip on the To the Max blog. The ten winning comments will be selected at random — and hey, who wouldn’t love a $50 gift card to CVS?

Tell Congress: don’t freeze funding for early intervention!

by Katy Beh Neas

Earlier this month, President Obama sent a budget request to Congress that would freeze funding for early intervention programs for children with autism and other disabilities. Freezing these programs would have a major negative impact on the lives and futures of these children.

Children with autism and other disabilities need to be diagnosed early, and they need access to services as soon as possible. Rather than being frozen, the budget for vital early intervention programs should be increased.

Please write to your members of Congress today and make sure they know how important early intervention programs are for our nation’s children. Early intervention can make a world of difference in the life of a child living with autism or another disability.

Send a message to your representatives urging them to protect funding for early intervention programs.

Looking for hard evidence on P.L.A.Y. and Floortime

by Erin Rogers

Easter Seals Peoria & Bloomington-Normal is participating in a national research study with the Ann Arbor Center for Developmental Pediatrics through the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) . Our affiliate is excited to participate in this three-year study to determine the effectiveness of P.L.A.Y. and DIR Floortime intervention strategy designed to meet the intensive needs of children with autism spectrum disorders.

From a P.L.A.Y. press release:

Details of the study: With research-design guidance from Michigan State University, and community-outreach support from Easter Seals, The P.L.A.Y. Project is conducting a randomized, controlled, and blinded clinical trial. Drawing participants from five Easter Seals autism service locations, the study compares the outcomes of 60 children who participate in The P.L.A.Y. Project with the outcomes of 60 children who receive standard, community interventions, making it the largest study of its kind.

Throughout the last six years of providing P.L.A.Y. services, we have seen excellent results, not just in the progress of the children, but in the parent-child relationship as a whole. Our parents tell us that The P.L.A.Y. Project positively impacts their relationship with their child. Since participating in P.L.A.Y., their child gives them hugs and even seeks out their affection.

We’re excited to have the opportunity to participate in evidence related to this intervention, and look forward to continuing to provide help and hope for families living with autism.

Autism Community Forum rocks the house

by Michael Pelfini

Read Michael Pelfini’s biography.

On Friday, February 5, over 325 people convened at the Autism Community Forum in Oakland to hear experts speak about how we can meet the incredible needs of individuals with autism. Educators, parents, researchers, community leaders, private and public practitioners — we were all there to discuss the challenges of autism.

The filled-to-capacity event was testimony of the desire for quality information on the topic of autism. This was truly an inclusive event, drawing local, state and national experts. Speakers included:

• Louis Vismara, MD, Policy Consultant to California State Senator Darrell Steinberg,who gave an update on public policy and legislation related to Autism Spectrum Disorder in California.
• Patricia Wright, Ph.D., National Director of Autism Services for Easter Seals,who spoke on the value of identifying and using evidence-based therapies and treatments for children with autism.
• Bryna Siegel, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Autism Clinic Director, UCSF, who brought to light the most recent information available regarding the learning styles of children with autism.
• Marie Rocha, M.A., of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, who outlined the key elements of the Early Start Denver Model treatment methodology developed specifically for children with autism.

The forum confirmed that, while it is a lifelong disability, autism is treatable. People with autism can, and do, lead meaningful lives. It’s equally true that Autism is bigger than any one of us can handle alone. We’re all doing our best, but current systems, structures and resources to help people with autism and their families do not adequately meet the growing need.

I’m reminded of the Gary Larson cartoon depicting Rex, the acrobatic dog who finds himself experiencing a moment of truth midway through his balancing act on the circus high wire. The caption reads: “High above the hushed crowd, Rex tried to remain focused. Still, he couldn’t shake one nagging thought … he was an old dog, and this was a new trick.”

We need to innovate. Our public, private, and social sectors can no longer afford to operate or relate to one another “business-as-usual.” And we need to act. That is why Easter Seals Bay Area is using inclusive child care, special education-related services , early diagnosis and intervention to meet the needs of individuals and families living with autism. We’re building and participating in coalitions throughout the Bay Area to address these issues and very clear needs. We are also delivering training opportunities specifically designed for school administrators, teachers, and others working with school-aged youth with autism.

And that’s not all! Through Easter Seals National Headquarters and the California statewide network of Easter Seals affiliates, we are talking with our Congressional and state legislators, who can make an enormous difference for families and young people living with autism.

Help, hope and answers … right now!

A second chance at resolutions — tell us yours!

by Beth Finke

If you’re all bummed out that you’ve broken your New Year’s resolutions already, I’ve got good news: You have another chance!

February 14 was not only Valentine’s Day this year, it was also the beginning of Chinese New Year. The Year of the Tiger gives us all a chance to make resolutions all over again. And if you’re looking for ideas for new resolutions, I have some suggestions. Or, I should say, our Easter Seals email newsletter readers have some suggestions.

Back in January we asked our email readers to “resolve to act” and tell us how they planned to help children and adults with autism and other disabilities this year. Would they choose to volunteer in their communities? Speak out for better state and federal policies? Help in another way? Here are some of their responses:

“My time will be focused on improving awareness of the needs of people with autism in the central Texas/greater Austin area especially in the areas of employment, housing and community integration.” – Supporter in Texas

“Using peers (other people with disabilities), we will implement a program to provide guided assistance for people with multiple/severe disabilities as they use transit buses to their employment sites. The goal is to provide reliable transportation for these individuals, opening options for customized community employment, and giving them some freedom and independence in their lives.”
– Supporter in Nevada

“I want to get the word out that children with Autism aren’t ‘weird’ or ‘slow,’ and they can do what ‘normal’ kids do if you believe in them!”
– Supporter in New Hampshire

“Starting a Social thinking/skills group with a sensory piece for children with Autism. Continuing to advocate for all children/young adults with special needs.”
– Supporter in Connecticut

“I resolve to continue to dedicate myself to integrating my autistic child into the mainstream world, establishing a solid healthy foundation for him and his sisters.”
– Supporter in New Jersey

How about you out there? Are you making progress on the resolutions you set in January? Or if you’re thinking about taking advantage of this second chance at a resolution, what might it be? Feel free to leave comments — we’re all ears!

Show your support and get Valentine’s cards

by Beth Finke

Finished shoveling? Your street got plowed? Quick! Head over to Friendly’s before it starts snowing again!

This Saturday is your last chance to support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs for kids at any Friendly’s Restaurant and be rewarded with a sheet of Valentine Cards. The Valentine Cards can be redeemed at Friendly’s for 5 free Kids Cones and $5 off any $25 purchase.

Funds raised in Friendly’s Cones for Kids program support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs in 26 different locations up and down the East Coast. So put down the shovels, turn off the snow blower and go ahead and enjoy some ice cream at a Friendly’s restaurant near you. If you and your family manage a visit to Friendly’s before Sunday you can help support essential disability Camp programs in your community while you shake that cabin fever.

Shop at Food Lion, save money, and help Easter Seals

by Beth Finke

You Food Lion customers sure are a generous bunch! For four weeks last year, cashiers at Food Lion and its associate stores asked customers to join them in supporting Easter Seals with a $1.00 donation at checkout time. in those short four weeks, Food Lion’s Shop&Care campaign raised, get this, more than three million dollars to help children receiving Easter Seals services.

This year’s Shop&Care campaign starts this Wednesday, February 10, and Food Lion hopes to raise the bar even higher to help children with autism and other disabilities get a healthy start. From February 10 until March 9, cashiers at Food lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food and Reid’s will be asking customers to join them in supporting Easter Seals by giving a donation at checkout — donate $1.00 and then you can write your name on an Easter Seals Shop&Care Hang Tag.

Some other ways you can support the program while you’re shopping:

• Food Lion will donate $0.25 for every 24-pack of Food Lion water purchased during the campaign.
• Procter & Gamble will donate $0.05 for every specially-marked Pringles potato chips purchased.

And how cool is this? If you redeem money-saving coupons from Kraft, Kraft will donate $0.25 to Easter Seals for every coupon redeemed. You’ll be helping people with autism and other disabilities, and saving money at the same time!

In 19 consecutive years of supporting Easter Seals, Food Lion has raised more than $21 million to help individuals with autism, developmental disabilities and other special needs. Easter Seals is proud to partner with Food Lion to support services that offer help, hope and answers to these individuals and their families.

Sending heartfelt help to Haiti

by Maurice Snell

Over the past few weeks, there have been many entertainers from television, music industry and political figures urging those to donate to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. As of right now, millions of Americans have answered Haiti’s call, contributing to service agencies and families.

Meanwhile at the Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research, staff and students are helping to personally contribute to Haitian Relief. Students from different classrooms have been collecting various non-perishable items such as food, clothing and money. Some of the students’ parents also plan to personally contribute to Haitian Relief. All of the proceeds will be given to the American Red Cross, which is accepting donations through its International Response Fund.

With Valentine’s Day occurring in February, and February being Black History Month, we thought it was fitting to use the month of February to pay tribute to Haitians and show love to the people who live there.

Temple Grandin premieres this weekend on HBO

by Beth Finke

Already, people across America are preparing for the big show this weekend, gathering up snacks and cold beverages, grocery shopping for chili ingredients, making sure their TV screens are big enough to catch all of the action.

Football game? What football game? I’m not talking about the Super Bowl! I’m talking about the premiere of the film Temple Grandin on HBO this Saturday night!

Temple Grandin is a highly successful doctor of animal sciences, an internationally renowned autism advocate, and a best-selling author. Heather Pint published a book review here of Temple Grandin’s memoir, Thinking in Pictures: and Other Reports from My Life with Autism, and the book is available through our Easter Seals and Autism bookstore.

The movie will cover Grandin’s early years, which Pint’s book review described as isolating, particularly since autism spectrum disorders were fairly unknown at the time. The synopsis on HBO’s web site describes the film like this:

“Temple Grandin” paints a picture of a young woman’s perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism.

Temple Grandin Premieres Saturday, February 6th at 8PM (ET/PT)., and Claire Danes will star in the leading role. It sure will be interesting to see if this actress who won awards for portraying a teenager in My So-Called Life has grown up enough to play someone bigger than life, like Temple Grandin.

Autism community forum in Oakland, CA

by Matt McAlear

If you read Patricia Wright’s blog post last week, you know that we’re hosting an Autism Community Forum in Oakland this Friday. We are really looking forward to the event, which will highlight evidence-based practice treatment strategies for children with autism.

The response to our event has been overwhelmingly positive! For more information about the community forum visit the Easter Seals Bay Area Web site. And for anyone out there not able to attend, all of the conference materials will soon be available on our Web site.

That’s all for now — I have to go help get things ready for the conference!