Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.

Have you heard about the intervention called RDI?  This relatively new intervention uses a consultant model to train families in techniques developed by Dr. Steven Gutstein, author of Autism Aspergers: Solving the Relationship Puzzle and My Baby Can Dance: Stories of Autism, Asperger’s and Success through the Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Program.

RDI is intended to target the core deficits areas seen in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and works on communication, relationship building, and flexible thinking.

Certified RDI consultant Deborah Berrang of Milwaukee will present an introductory workshop for families, educators, and interested community members.

When:  Saturday, 2/13/10 from 9:30 to 11:30 am

Where: Nicolet High School - D-wing Library.  6701 N Jean Nicolet Rd., Glendale

Registration:  Free but we appreciate preregistration so we have enough hand-outs and refreshments. To register, email info@assew.org or call us at 414-427-9345.

Child care is not provided at this event.

The Autism Society of America and AMC movie theaters have been working together to bring special movie screenings to families of children with autism. First-run movies are shown - usually on the opening weekend - with no advertisements or trailers. Even better, the lights and sound are adjusted to be less overwhelming, attendees are welcome to move around if they wish, and children on special diets are allowed to bring their own snacks. This wonderful monthly event is available locally at the AMC Theatre at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa. Movies are shown at 10 am on the dates given below. Tickets are only $5 for both adults and children! The concession for all the usual movie goodies is open as usual. Keep checking here for updates on the upcoming shows!

UPCOMING MOVIES:

FEBRUARY 6th: “The Tooth Fairy” starring Dwayne Johnson and Julie Andrews

MARCH 27: Dreamworks’ (the studio that made Shrek, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda) “How to Train Your Dragon”

More about the national Autism Society of America and Sensory Friendly Films here.

We are now part of the eBay Giving Works program. You can support our mission while you sell on eBay! Plus eBay gives back to you too, with a fee credit on your basic selling fees.

Did you know that charity listings often get more bids and higher prices than regular eBay listings? Boost your sales and support our critical work while you’re at it!

Just designate our organization to receive 10-100% of your final sale price the next time you list something. It’s that simple! The Ebay Giving Works option is right there on the page where you set up your listing. Be sure to enter our name correctly (Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin) the first time, and the next time you list an item it will automatically come up as an option.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us (414) 427-9345 or email us at info@assew.org. Thank you!

School and life aren’t just ABCs and 1-2-3s. There are all sorts of unwritten social rules and expectations of behavior that we all seem to learn as we grow up, without being taught them.

For example, most students know that it’s not a great idea to tell an off-color joke in front of a teacher, even if the joke was funny in the locker room, or that it’s not a smart idea to argue with a policeman – even if he is wrong.

No one ever explains these things, yet most of us readily adjust our behavior, knowing what the consequences are for breaking these invisible, “hidden” rules. Individuals who have ASD do not come equipped with the natural ability to understand the “hidden curriculum” beyond ABCs and 1-2-3s. As a result, they break a lot of social and behavioral rules without intent or even knowledge that they are doing so. Further, difficulty in generalizing information from one situation to another leads them to making the same mistakes over and over again at a tremendous social cost.

Autism consultant and former special education teacher Mary Graczyk-McMullen will explain the “hidden curriculum” and how parents and educators can help children learn to adapt to what most of us take for granted in order to get along in the world. Read the rest of this entry »

National Resolution for Ending School Pushout

December 3, 2009 - Today over 180 organizations and individuals have signed on to support the Dignity in Schools Campaign National Resolution for Ending School Pushout, a call to action for our school systems to end the harsh disciplinary policies and law enforcement tactics that push too many young people out of school. Read the rest of this entry »

Autism Spectrum Disorders don’t affect only the individual, they affect the entire family.

Parents are stressed by trying to do all they can for their child with autism, PDD-NOS, or Asperger Syndrome, and after the diagnosis, there is a “grieving” process that most parents go through, when they find out that the life they’d envisioned for themselves and their child will definitely change. In addition, every person copes in a different way, and men and women very often have different means of managing and reacting.

Then there are siblings. Brothers and sisters may feel pushed aside or have their own issues that need to be addressed. The stakes are high. At a time when families need to communicate well and work together; they can find that they feel pulled apart instead.

To help families figure out how to work together and stay connected, our December Parenting Series workshop features Stephen Levine, PhD. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re going through a rough patch with your child with PDD-NOS, Autism, or Asperger Syndrome or if your child has just been diagnosed, it can help just to meet someone else who knows what you’re going through. And often, parents can be the best source of information and ideas for each other.

Join us at the next “Morning Coffee” Parent Support Group meeting, where you can meet other parents of children “on the spectrum.” Parents of children of all ages, adults included, are welcome. The next meeting is on Thursday, December 3rd, at 9:30a.m. Our office is located at 9733 W. St. Martins Road in Franklin. That’s on Highway 100 just south of Loomis.

Chances are, you’ve heard about gluten-free/casein-free diet to treat your child’s autism. You’ve probably wondered just what are gluten and casein, how do they potentially affect your child, and how do you eliminate them from what your child eats and still provide a balanced diet?

Stephanie Mauck, M.Ed will present how to implement the gluten/casein-free diet and why your child may be a responder (some reports have indicated that 80% of kids on the spectrum respond in a positive way).

Stephanie will share the background of the diet and provide a 90 day trial plan to see if it may help your child. Recipes, food lists as well as other resources will be shared.

Samples will also be served - there are many tasty GF/CF foods available to make or purchase.

Read the rest of this entry »

One message that Kari Dunn Buron taught at our fall conference was this:
When students can’t read - we TEACH
When students can’t do math - we TEACH
When students can’t get along with others - we PUNISH
When students are lacking in any skills, we need to support and teach, not punish.

Rep. Sandy Pasch has begun circulating a bill that would regulate the use of seclusion and restraint in Wisconsin’s schools, and promote the use of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). If you agree, please consider asking your representative to co-sponsor the PBIS Seclusion and Restraint Bill of 2009 being offered by Rep. Pasch.  Read the rest of this entry »

Join us Saturday, October 17th, for “No More Meltdowns!” in the D-Wing Library of Nicolet High School in Glendale from 9:30-11:30a.m. Special Education Teacher Christine Slawson and Occupational Therapist Angela Schubert have based their presentation (with permission) on the work of nationally-known expert Jed Baker. They’ll give practical and useful information, advice, and tips on how to handle challenging behavior in your child. This is FREE, but please call or email (info@assew.org) the office at (414) 427-9345 so we know how many people to expect. Sorry, no childcare is available.

Jed Baker's book - we'll have copies for sale at workshop