Spectrum Educational Services

Micah Sudom, my son and former ASDreams member, composed Give it Time.  His band, Mostly Micah, played it during high school graduation. Micah is the one on piano. Mostly Micah also provided the dinner music for the school district's teacher retirement party. Micah's first educational assistant and his kindergarten teacher both retired this year. The PUF administrator who got me started in the school support system was one of the two honoured educators at the event. The title Give it Time wasn't chosen for a graduation theme or a teacher retirement gig, however I can't imagine a more fitting title. Early educators who gave of their time not knowing how their involvement would shape the lives of their students. Junior high boys who spent six years eating their lunches together in the band room, learning new instruments and jamming together. A mom who invested 18 years into countless appointments with Family Supports for Children with Disabilities, service provide

I'm not involved with this event, but it seems like a great learning opportunity.

My article "Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder" appears in the summer edition of  Bridge magazine . Scroll to page 13 to find a readable version of the thumbnails below. Save Save

Sue Thomas, Gerry Gabrielle and Myles Bingham coauthored an article on using the HALT strategy. It is an acronym that encourages caregivers to stop and question where a negative behaviour might be coming from. It identifies four basic needs that, left unmet, could lead to a behaviour issue. They are using this strategy with teenagers, but I see it  applying to a broad range of ages and abilities. For more information on how they are using the HALT strategy scroll down the May 2016 edition of the Autism Around Alberta newsletter here . Save Save

These sessions are hosted by the Regional Autism Spectrum Disorder Coordinator, Wendy Johnson. Click on the image for a larger view.

I was thankful to take part in IDPD again this year. Shaw TV Medicine Hat captured highlights of the events. One minute into the video they focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. I had the privilege of being interviewed. The interview took place in the foyer at the end of the school day just as parents were arriving to pick up their children. My "robotic" voice reveals that I'm using a significant amount of my brain for self regulation. Tools I used to manage myself during the interview: I focused my eyes on Leslie Jerry , a familiar face from the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues . Before being interviewed I asked the interviewer what questions she would have for me. I remembered that any part of being Autistic that I couldn't hide from the camera could become another avenue for ASD awareness. The comments from students demonstrated that IDPD increases inclusion. The sessions increased the level of students' understanding of different disabilities. I

Unfortunately November 14 was a typo on the Linking Together brochure. The group was held November 12. If you set aside the third Wednesday, November 19, for Linking Together, you now have a free evening. There will be no group in December. We meet again on January 21, 2015. The group is still welcoming new members. So far this year we have enjoyed  Wendy Johnson explain what criteria are used to formally diagnose Autism. Todd Samuelson and Nicole Stein from  CHHS shared ways to communicate your child's needs with school as well as different options for completing high school. Ruth Isaac demonstrated sensory strategies and gave a tour of a children's gym downtown.

Tired of waiting until you are a teenager? Now you don't have to wait! ASDreams is offering two groups on Monday evenings at CORE. 4:15-5:45 for grades 4-6/7 6:30-8:00 for grades 7/8-12 Family consultation will help place participants in grades 6 and 7 into the most appropriate group with the flexibility to switch groups to achieve success. Session One starts October 15. To register, call Judy at 403-527-3302 ex 129

Demand someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder: do something your way right now while overstimulated without explanation as to how this will benefit them. A little teaser from my February teachers' conventions presentations.