Friends With Autism Magazine, Issue 3, June 2018

NORTHEAST FLORIDA & SURROUNDING AREA’S PREMIER MAGAZINE FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

FRIENDS WITH AUTISM ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2018

| Magazine

Autism Dads Rock!

5

Top Five Tips for Autism Dads

Interviews with Autism Dads: Presuming Competence Patience is the Key Raising a Young Man Business Spotlight: Invo Behavior and Therapy Services

ISSUE 3 | JUNE 2018

FRIENDS WITH AUTISM MAGAZINE President/CEO Founder Carrence Bass Editor in Chief Toby DeRoche Inside this Issue Top 5 Education Tips for Autism Dads Jumbo Shrimp Autism Awareness Game Presuming Competence

By Toby DeRoche Patience is the Key Interview with Chris Munson Raising a Young Man Interview with Timm Crocker Business Spotlight: Invo Behavior and Therapy Services May's Mommy & Me Inclusion Outing Highlights

By Carrence Bass Friends with Autism Resource Listing

EDITORIAL OFFICES 2133 Broadway Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32209 SUBSCRIPTIONS https://makingstridesforautism.org/fwa-magazine.html

We Connect the Community to Autism Disclaimer In no event will Making Strides for Autism or its affiliates be liable for any incidental, indirect, consequential, or special damages of any kind, or any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication or its contents or any other organizations referred to in this publication. The views and opinions expressed in the following articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Making Strides for Autism or its affiliates. Examples of analysis, treatments, or recommendations performed within this article are only examples. They should not be without consulting your professional medical or therapeutic providers.

Copyrights All content and images used on this site are owned or licensed by Making Strides for Autism and affiliates for use on this site only. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring any license or right under any Making Strides for Autism or affiliate copyright or trademark.

Health and Treatment Information This publication may contain information on medical, therapeutic, and health-related topics. This information is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease but should always consult your own physician.

FROM SMALL STEPS TO MAKING STRIDES Imagine ALL of the community agencies and businesses working together to improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones with autism. We Did. Finally, there’s a place where families and people on the autism spectrum feel they’re understood and accepted.

Making Strides For Autism, Inc. (MS4A) was founded in March 2016. We're a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization with a social enterprise business model. At Making Strides For Autism, Inc., our goal is to lessen the emotional and financial impact of autism on families and people living in Northeast Florida with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We are dedicated to providing support, training, and advocacy to those we serve; creating job training and meaningful jobs for people with autism, and to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on families and society.

We bring hope to all who have loved ones with autism and focus on connecting with the community to create more opportunities for people with autism. Our families reside in the Northeast Florida counties of Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns. We partner with a coalition of agencies, organizations, municipalities, schools, and businesses working together to provide quality services, products, resources, and solutions to the autism community. Through our community partnerships we're able to reach families with unmet needs living in the counties we serve and areas surrounding our region. Making Strides For Autism, Inc. is making impact by creating a more autism-friendly Northeast Florida community.

WE CONNECT THE COMMUNITY TO AUTISM

The third issue of Friends With Autism Magazine is a shout out to Autism Dads.

WELCOME BACK

Just in time for Father's Day, I want to speak to all of my fellow autism dads. We each have a huge a role to play in the lives of our families. Even though all our families look different, it turns out that your family structure has very little impact on your role.

I had a chance to interview dads in different stages of autism dadhood and in a variety of family settings. The following pages contain tips and stories from real autism dads, and local events that may be perfect for days out with your family.

Letter from the Editor

3RD ANNUAL WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS KICK OFF THANK YOU ALL FOR THIS HUGE SUCCESS!!!

Thank you to our sponsor, vendors, volunteers, board, band, keynote speaker, City of Jacksonville, and all of the families that joined us today!

You're Super AUSOME!!!

All of the families that came out had a chance to find out about so many of the resources here in Northeast Florida. Schools, therapists, services, and so much more!

FUN FOR EVERYONE!

SPECIAL THANKS

We had a surprise cold front that day, but everyone who braved the weather had a blast!

We also want to give a special thanks to Enterprise Holding for their generous donation during the event.

THANKS TO OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER Finally, we want to give a special recognition to our Keynote Speaker: Christopher Regan, Youth Advocate for Family Network on Disabilities/FND Parents of the Panhandle (POPIN).

Thank you for the Keynote Address: "Telling Your Story: How it is Invaluable for Youth and Young Adults to Develop in Order to Successfully Navigate Through the Transition Process." We appreciate the insights you shared woth the group!

Parenting is hard work, and parenting a child with autism brings along a unique set of challenges. Dads play a critical role in the lives of our autistic kids. After talking to several autism dads, I have gathered to top five tips to give you a hand.Â

5

tips for autism dads

LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY

BE PATIENT

Your child may have different abilities from

Be patient. It takes time to instill new patterns

their siblings and peers. So what? Nothing

of behavior. If your child has a hard time with

matters more than your child knowing that you

something, like getting a haircut, it can take a

love them no matter what. Love them for who

long time and a lot of patience, but changes

they are, not what they can do.

can be accomplished. Sometimes you will lose your patience, but just in general, always be patient.

BE PRESENT Your child needs to know that they are the most important thing in the world to you. For

BE A DADVOCATE

autistic kids, this means joining them in their

You are your child's voice. You are allowed to

world. Get down on their level and play with

be defensive and to fight for your child. Most

them. For some, this means parallel play and

of the time, your child will not be in a position

for others it's more active. If your child has a

to advocate for themselves.

passion (or obsession) join them. Listen to them and take a real interest in them. Today's

Being an advocate means many different

obsession can become tomorrow's career.

things, and it will change over the years. For younger kids, it can mean working with schools

JUST BELIEVE Just believing in your child has a massive impact to their self esteem. It may take longer than you expect, but your patience will pay off. Always remember that it gets better.

and therapists to make sure your child is getting the services and attention he or she needs. As they get to adolescence, it can mean standing up to bullies, and when get older, it can mean working with the community to be more accepting of autistic adults.

JUMBO SHRIMP AUTISM AWARENESS GAME

Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

MAKING STRIDES FOR AUTISM AND JUMBO SHRIMP HOST AUTISM AWARENESS GAME Making Strides for Autism and the Jumbo Shrimp partnered to host an Autism Awareness Game and Inclusion Outing on Sunday, June 10, 2018 JACKSONVILLE, FL, June 11, 2018– Making Strides for Autism and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp partnered to host an Autism Awareness Game and Inclusion Outing on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game versus the Biloxi Shuckers. Funding for approximately 15 families (80 tickets total) with autistic members was provided by the HEAL Foundation. Game day tickets were also sold to the general public and autism families.

“HEAL is honored to underwrite 80 tickets to the Jumbo Shrimp Autism Awareness Game on June 10 and congratulates Making Strides For Autism on this very special Inclusion Outing!”, says Jason Gurka, Executive Director HEAL Foundation.

As a fundraising event, Making Strides for Autism received $4 from each ticket purchased at $9 per ticket. To support the autistic participants in the event, Making Strides for Autism set up their Mobile Sensory Room on site and Sensory Bags were provided to inclusion outing participants for use at the game. INVO Behavior and Therapy Services provided Registered Behavioral Technicians (RBT) that volunteered to help those needing a sensory break. "Their organization has given us some opportunities that we never would've of had. Money is tight and their inclusion outings are amazing for us. We never would get to do the things alone that Carrence and her organization help us do.", Erin Acker, Autism Mom. Funds raised will be used to provide more Inclusion Outings and Sensory Bags to autism families.

“We are thrilled to have hosted this inclusive event at the Jumbo Shrimp game. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects nearly 25,000 individuals in Northeast Florida, and it is wonderful to have community groups like the Jumbo Shrimp support our efforts to connect the community to autism. This is what our Friends With Autism Initiative is all about.

Partnerships like this make our community more inclusive and accessible.”, says Carrence Bass, President/CEO and Founder Making Strides For Autism, Inc. ABOUT MAKING STRIDES FOR AUTISM: Making Strides For Autism, Inc. (MS4A) was founded in March 2016. We're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a social enterprise business model. At Making Strides For Autism, Inc., our goal is to create a community that is more welcoming and inclusive for autism families. We strive to lessen the emotional and financial impact of autism on families and people living in Northeast Florida with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We are dedicated to providing support, training, and advocacy to those we serve; creating job training and meaningful jobs for people with autism, and to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on families and society. From Small Steps, To Making Strides: We Connect the Community to Autism. www.makingstridesforautism.org

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League's Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy, and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

ABOUT THE HEAL FOUNDATION: Established in 2004 by Leslie and Bobby Weed, the HEAL (Helping Enrich Autistic Lives) Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Northeast Florida. Since 2007, the HEAL Foundation has granted over $2 million dollars to the local autism community, assisting thousands of children, teens and adults through specialized programs, camps, educational enhancements, iPads and autism service dogs. HEAL’s newest initiative is iHEAL – iPads Helping Enrich Autistic Lives. After witnessing the progress students with autism are making with iPads, the foundation was inspired to purchase over 350 iPads to date and donate them to Exceptional Student Education (ESE) classrooms in the counties of Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns.HealAutismNow.org

PRESUMING COMPETENCE

BY TOBY DEROCHE

Like lots of autistic kids, my little guy is really good at hiding how much he knows. The thing is, my wife and I know he is fully capable of doing pretty much anything.

By presuming the fact that he is a fully competent, we always approach him as child who will eventually be able to do anything.

Just because a child may not be able to speak that does not mean he or she is not listening to and understanding every word coming out of your mouth. You know your child better than anyone, but the your perspective may be holding you and your child back.

Let me give you a simple example. My 5 year old loves number and letter puzzles. Since we are presuming competence, we are working under the idea that he is always capable of more. So building on his love for letters, we are pushing him to learn sight words, and we are working on early reading skills. We always assume he is going to be able to pick up any skill, it will just get done on his own time.

PATIENCE IS THE KEY INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS MUNSON

I recently had a chance to ask Chris to share his advice on raising a teenaged autistic child. His step son, Drew, just graduated from middle school with a 4.0 GPA, so his parents are clearly doing something right. Chris had great and simple advice to share.

Chris's main advice: when things get hard, understand that your kid is going through things as well, so be patient. Sometimes you will not be, but just in general, always be patient.

Remember it will get better, and the end results are amazing. Drew has gone from being a follower to being a leader to other kids and pointing out when they are not making the best decisions.

Take the little things and make them big things to boost their confidence. You can encourage them to push for even bigger things. Drew started off not wanting to participate in the Special Olympics, and now he's won silver medals.

He's also won gold medals in basketball and soccer! Be patient, your kids will get there.

RAISING A YOUNG MAN INTERVIEW WITH TIMM CROCKER

Timm is the proud father to a 21 year old autistic son, Tre'von. I asked Timm what advice he could give to those of us with younger kids. His advice is spectacular.

For a new parents, he advises everyone to be patient and own your emotions. Don’t be afraid to cry, don’t bottle up your emotions. Find someone to talk too, even if they don’t fully understand. You need to find a good listener, not someone to give lots of advice. After we got the diagnosis, I went from sad to angry, and then sorry for myself, but I realized I had to fight for him. I reached a point where I started working with him and including him in everything.

Be prepared to make sacrifices, but never give up. Timm's son hated getting haircuts, so instead of traumatizing his son, Timm learned how to cut his hair. At first, Timm says "we all cried, and it would take 3 hours. Eventually if was 2 and half hours, then two, then faster. At some point it was no longer an issue. 10 years later he’s back in the barber shop."

You also have to push their limits. These kids are so smart, and they know what they can get away with, especially with different people. Treat them like any other kid or young adult. Just because they are nonverbal, does not mean they don’t understand.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: INVO PARTNERING WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS JOURNEY TOWARD POSITIVE OUTCOMES SERVING FAMILIES IN JACKSONVILLE AND THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

As a parent, you are committed to providing your child with the very best.

As your partner in driving positive outcomes, Invo Behavior and Therapy Services shares in that commitment with you. Invo is the nation’s leading provider of effective, evidence-based behavior and therapy services. Invo offers a comprehensive array of behavior and therapy services to children with autism and other developmental delays from birth through 21 in school, home, and center-based settings.

We offer a comprehensive array of behavior and therapy services including: Applied Behavior Analytic Therapy (ABA) Speech and Language Therapy Social Skills Groups Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Feeding Therapy Assessments and Evaluations School Consultations and Trainings NOMADIC

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WHY CHOOSE INVO BEHAVIOR AND THERAPY SERVICES?

We treat the whole child, and the whole family, providing a continuum of services from birth through 21 while supporting all of life’s transitions in between.

Our model is focused on collaboration among each child’s care team of therapist and family members.

Our team is provided with unparalleled training and professional development to ensure high-quality services.

We have more than 25 years of expertise in delivering behavior and therapy services.

"Driving Progress, Delivering Outcomes" Invo Behavior and Therapy Services takes great pride in working with experienced, licensed professionals to support your family. Every member of our professional services team is passionate about partnering with children and families through their services. We know that each child’s journey is unique and it is important for families to have an effective team to provide support, overcome challenges and celebrate the incredible milestones of the journey. Leveraging evidence-based, best practice services, our professional team of BCBAs, RBTs, SLPs, OTs and PTs collaborate and empower parents with a supportive approach to help them as they work toward positive outcomes for their children.

As a partner to the families we serve, our approach focuses on: Teaming with parents to establish goals with effective, hands-on coaching for improved outcomes Consistent progress monitoring, feedback and support for families with access to our online parent portal Multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams with diverse skill sets and experience to meet each family's unique needs Strong community presence, helping families access and leverage community resources

Invo Behavior and Therapy Services is proud to be a part of the Jacksonville community. We serve families throughout the state of Florida, and are accepting new patients in Duval, Nassau, St. John’s and Clay counties. We accept Medicaid and most commercial insurances.

If you would like to learn more about services with Invo Behavior and Therapy Services, please contact us by calling 800.356.4049, emailing us at support@invotherapies or by visiting www.invotherapies.com.

We look forward to helping Jacksonville’s children and families achieve positive outcomes!

MOMMY & ME INCLUSION OUTING Moms and their children were treated to an ART pARTi for May's Inclusion Outing, which was sponsored by and held at The Arts Corner. Families were served snacks, connected with other families, and we're able create their own artwork.

May's Inclusion Outing highlights At Making Strides For Autism, Inc., we believe participation in recreation and leisure activities are important in promoting autism awareness and acceptance and improves inclusion and quality of life. In May, Moms and their children on the spectrum were treated to an ART pARTi for May's Inclusion Outing. Our Inclusion Outings are held once a month at various sporting and community events, recreational facilities, and businesses. Participation in our outings helps enable individuals with autism and their families to become involved and feel like part of their community.

Being able to enjoy their community can be particular important for people with autism, drawing on opportunities to practice social skills, increases confidence and self-esteem. But more importantly, participation in our program also helps improve more general skills that can be applied in settings like school and work.

Carrence Bass Founder, President/CEO

."So much fun on Sunday! Great event by Making Strides for Autism and The Arts Corner! Hunter loved doing his painting and picking mommy's." ~ Hanna Burke "My daughter and grandson had so much fun! It's a very rare occasion to spend this much time with others. Then to add art/creativity to the mix too - it's a simple recipe for pure joy! Chase brought his new found painting techniques and enthusiasm home to share with the family. He lit the house up like it was Christmas. Unable to keep his new wealth to himself. Thank you!"

- Lisa Keane We're thrilled that our moms and their kiddos enjoyed May's Inclusion Outing. We're thankful to Ms. Andrea Davis, owner of The Arts Corner for sponsoring and hosting May's Outing.

Interested in sponsoring or hosting an Inclusion Outing? Email: info@makingstridesforautism.org

Autism is an “invisible� disability and as such it is important for families and people on the spectrum to feel more comfortable and welcome in public places. The Friends With Autism Community Resource Directory is here to connect families, people on the spectrum, and the community together.

Businesses on this directory have a level of understanding and acceptance of autism. Please understand unless the business is a direct autism provider, the staff does not have extensive training in autism. However, they have an attitude of acceptance and a willingness to learn. In the future these businesses will be easily identifiable by the Friends With Autism identification branded logo displayed on their websites and business doors or windows.

This directory is provided for informational purposes in the hope that families and individuals living in Northeast Florida and surrounding areas will more easily find providers, resources, and businesses to meet their individual needs. The inclusion of a particular provider or business is not an endorsement of that provider or business by Making Strides For Autism, Inc. Making Strides For Autism, Inc. reserves the right to refuse to include any organization, business, or group on the Friends With Autism Community Resource Directory.

BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS SUPPORT SERVICES Angela Adelinis (877)823-4283 http://behavioralsupports.com/

CORNERSTONE SPECIAL EDUCATION ALLIANCE 101 Century 21 Dr, Suite 112 Jacksonville FL 32216, US (904)570-9776 http://www.cornerstonesea.com/

DISABLED SERVICES OF JACKSONVILLE 117 W. Duval St.,Suite 205 Jacksonville, FL 32202 Telephone: (904) 630-4940 http://www.coj.net/departments/par ks-and-recreation/disabledservices.aspx

HEAL FOUNDATION P.O. Box 140 Ponte Vedra, FL 32004 (904)716-4198 http://www.healautismnow.org/

INVO BEHAVIOR AND THERAPY SERVICES J2701 N. Rocky Point Dr. Tampa. FL 33607 (800)356-4049 support@invotherapies.com

FAMILY NETWORK ON DISABILITIES (POPIN) Kathy Powell 2196 Main Street, Suite L Dunedin FL 34698, US (800)825-5736 http://fndusa.org/

MAKING STRIDES FOR AUTISM, INC.

2133 Broadway Ave Jacksonville FL 32209, US (904)862.6040 https://makingstridesforautism.org/ info@makingstridesforautism.org

NORTHEAST FLORIDA ADVOCATES FOR AUTISM AND RELATED DISABILITIES Yulee FL, US (904)624-6148 https://www.facebook.com/NEFLadvocates

PROACTIVE LIFE SKILLS /PLS THERAPY & LEARNING CENTER 13121 Atlantic Blvd, Suite 200 Jacksonville FL 32225, US (904) 491-2111 http://www.proactivelifeskills.org/

SEAGULL BAKERY

3724 Southside Blvd Jacksonville FL 32216, US (904)930-7240 http://www.seagullbakery.net/

SPECTRUM SIGNS & GRAPHICS Doyle Haynes 3653 Regent Blvd, Suite 402 Jacksonville FL 32224, US (904)281-9999 http://www.spectrumsignsfl.com/

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By becoming part of the Friends With Autism Community Resource Directory, you are making your information available 24/7 to families, caregivers, educators and other professionals who help families of children with autism in Northeast Florida and surrounding areas. Your business

Available Levels Free Listing Basic listing on the Friends With Autism Community Resource Directory. Includes: Business Name, Address, Phone, Email, Fax, Website, and use of Friends With Autism Identification Brand Logo.

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Making Strides For Autism, Inc. reserves the right to reject any entries that we believe are not appropriate for our directory. Please note that your submission will be reviewed and verified before it is placed into the directory. Making Strides For Autism, Inc. makes the final decision on which businesses, groups and organizations are included

All listing directory fees help to fund the programs and services for families and people with autism we serve in our community. Join today at www.makingstridesforautism.org/join-thecommunity.html#join Questions and information email: info@makingstridesforautism.org.