Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.

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. (more…)

If you are the parent or caregiver of someone with autism or other special needs, consider joining us at our Caregiver Retreat at the Blue Lotus Farm & Retreat Center on Wednesday, October 21st, 9:00 - 3:00. The retreat will give caregivers a day of respite, where we will learn and practice techniques for relieving stress - all in a lovely natural setting. The cost is only $15, including lunch. The deadline to respond is October 7th, so download and print a Caregiver Retreat Brochure to register and join us for this blissful event!

Dr. Deborah Fein of the University of Connecticut was the keynote speaker at the Snyder Conference at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin on November 21st, 2008. The day started with pediatric grand rounds, which was filled to standing room only. Dr. Fein addressed the crowd about the importance of screening toddlers for autism spectrum disorders, as is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Fein is one of the developers of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT).

After the grand rounds, the Snyder Conference continued with input from pediatricians on the challenges of adding another screening requirement to busy pediatric practices, the fears some families face regarding autism and vaccinations, and the differences in providing care in urban and suburban practices. Other speakers included Dr. Richard Barthel from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Nissan Bar-Lev from CESA #7, Bill Murray and Julie Bryda from the state Department of Health and Family Services, and Emily Levine from the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin. At the end of the conference, Dr. Fein discussed research showing how some children make substantial progress through ABA therapy.

The ASSEW sponsored Dr. Fein’s visit to Milwaukee, using funds raised at Dylan’s Run. We are grateful to Dr. Richard Barthel and the planning team at Children’s Hospital for arranging this conference, bringing quality autism information to Southeastern Wisconsin.