Saturday, February 27, 2010

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Parent Support Group Meeting 2010.02.16, Parent Sharing Night

Though a smaller group than the last meeting, the night still flowed and even went into overtime, ending at 7:30pm instead of the usual 7pm. Since the discussion flowed from one topic to another, I have left this in outline form.


 

  • In 2013, DSM5, which defines mental disorders, will define all terms such as Aspergers Syndrome and PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) as Autism Spectrum.
  • Transitional services needed
    • A "CHiP" program was mentioned and I didn't catch any details about what it is and its connection to autism.
    • IDEA was also mentioned in group, though it was not clear if this was a federal law or a program
  • Pragmatics, living in the literal, and emotional disregulation were discussed.
    • Emotional regulation is "keeping it together" or controlling your emotions instead of emotions controlling you.
    • Emotional disregulation is "losing it".
  • Autistic brain, flexible brain, and comorbidity with other conditions such as bipolar were discussed
    • Comorbidity is having two or more (serious?) disorders. (Who originally came up with the term "comorbidity" anyway? Sounds painful! - jb)
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OC or OCD)
    • Adaptive behaviors (flexible brained).
      • You really don't want adaptive behaviors to get in the way of functioning socially.
      • You DO want to adapt instead of being rock or sticky brained.
    • Autistics (those on the Autistic Spectrum) are driven to look for sequences
    • Those on the Spectrum also have sensory issues.
      • lint or sock fuzzies feel like fire ants
      • sensory based: hyper- or hypo- (over or under) stimulation sensitivities
      • Stephen Shore: sensory issues and adaptation, http://bit.ly/bJGJpV
    • Amazing mind and social miscues
    • Flat affect – "this IS excited".
  • Being able to voice needs and concerns
    • "I hear you talking but I didn't understand a word you said…."
  • Maturities (developments) of the mind and age show up in behaviors. Is this behavior because of the age/brain development or the disorder?
    • Hormonal changes in response to stress, worse at certain ages.
      • Cortizol and other stress related hormones
  • The need for Special Education teachers certified in autism was discussed.
  • In California, the Letterman Act established Regional Centers to help disabled children and adults.
    • This is a good and bad thing. If you are accepted by the Regional Center system, then the state funds for programs and support are guaranteed by law. Whether or not you are not accepted, other agencies may refer you to the Regional Centers to get support.
  • Parent issues were discussed
    • Conservatorship
    • Burn out
    • IEPs
    • Adversarial education system
  • Neurotopia, a biofeedback program for autism is being tried by at least one set of parents
    • Awareness of thought patterns leads to calm or sleepy state
      • Brain maps
      • Brain waves
      • Electrodes
    • Expensive, and not usually covered
    • A checklist of behaviors may be useful in tracking progress
    • For this child, some self stimulation was reduced
    • Visits
      • 6-8 visits are suggested to see a difference
      • Recommended 20, then re-evaluate
      • Then at 30, re-evaluate
      • Then at 40, re-evaluate
    • Compared to some studies and programs at the Drake Institute
    • Teaching brain to be aware of certain areas stimulates certain brainwave activities.
    • Sleep issues: if there is not sufficient sleep pattern to fully experience REM sleep, then the brain (and hormonally, the body) will not fully recharge.
    • Biofeedback is not shock therapy. It does not deliver electrical impulses but rather senses the electrical patterns in brain.
  • Books.
    • Socially Curious and Curiously Social, Garcia-Winner -- for teens, http://www.socialthinking.com.
    • Ask and Tell, ed Stephen Shore
    • Developing Understanding, Temple Grandin, Duffy
    • Making Sense of Sex, Atwood -- sex, hygiene, sensory stuff, social aspects
    • Voices from the Spectrum, Shore
    • Can I Tell You About Aspergers Syndrome, Jude Welton -- basic
    • Freaks, Geeks, and Apergers Syndrome -- written by 13 year old, basic and fun
    • Beyond the Wall, Stephen Shore -- personal experiences with autism and Aspergers
    • Aspergers and Self Esteem
  • Resources

Friday, February 19, 2010

Performing Arts Project, June 7 - June 18, 2010, 10am-2pm, Ages 8 through Young Adult

The Arts Council of Kern, Inclusion Films, and the Kern Regional Center announce the

Performing Arts Project
Kern Film Workshop
inspiration + vacation = enterprise

June 7 - June 18, 2010
10am-2pm
Ages 8 through Young Adult

Building on the track record of Inclusion Film's Burbank-based Practical Film Vocation Program, the Arts Council of Kern's Art in Education Program, and the Kern Film Workshop, the Performing Arts Project takes participants through a two-week, 40-hour arts experience that culminates in the creation of a film.

During this program, participants will:
• Develop an understanding of visual storytelling and the collaborative nature of the performing arts.
• Create and direct an individual three-minute short film in addition to being part of a team filmmaking project.
• Acquire and apply knowledge in the areas of script development, directing, acting, dancing, set designing and production, camera work, lighting and sound, and editing.
• Work side by side with a team of professional artists, led by veteran filmmaker Joey Travolta.

Who should apply:
• Those seeking to explore careers in filmmaking and technical theatre.
• Those needing to participate in a vocational skills assessment process.
• Those desiring to transition into long-term arts-related vocational training programs.
• Students seeking community credit.

The Performing Arts Project will be held in downtown Bakersfield. Cost per participant is $1300. Some scholarships are available.

Individuals interested in participating should contact Jill Egland, Director of Special Projects, the Arts Council of Kern, at 661.324.9000 or jegland@gmail.com for more information. The Arts Council of Kern is a KRC vendor (#PK3713).

Tuesday, March 16 Parent Support Group Meeting with Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films

Who: Parents or other caretakers
Students may attend this meeting

When: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 5:30pm-7:00pm

Where: Room 605
Stockdale High School
2800 Buena Vista Road
Located at northeast corner of White Lane and Buena Vista Rd
Please park in Buena Vista Road lot (just north of White Lane)

Why:
• Joey Travolta of Inclusion Films
• Discussing his film company and the work done with students and adults with ASD
• Parent exchange of successes and frustrations

This is a free informational presentation. KHSD is not endorsing the purchase of this service.

RSVP by phone or email to
Holley Arbeit, Speech-Language Pathologist
holley_arbeit@khsd.k12.ca.us

Arts Council of Kern, Art Class during Spring Break, March 29-April 2

Arts Council of Kern
Art Class during Spring Break
March 29-April 2, 2010

Price: $80

While I did get a mailing on this, I have misplaced it and can't find mention of it on the web. For more (and more accurate) information, please contact -

Contact Jill Egland
661.324.9000
jegland@gmail.com
Or Nicole StJohn
661.324.9000

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Parent Support Group Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 16th from 5:30 - 7PM

Dear Parents and Professionals,
 
Hope to see you at the support group meeting.  Please see attached.  We will be meeting in Room 605.  For any first timers, I will have my cell phone on in case you need help finding us.  Cell:  661.204.8531
 
You know the saying "Everything I Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten"...Well, there will be a Show and Tell for Grown-Ups:   You are invited to bring any books, articles, materials or ideas that you would like to share.  We have had a series of guest speakers all year and the wonderful KAN conference.  Let's take a breather and reconnect by talking about the speaker's ideas and other related social communication concerns for our students.
 
Again, an RSVP is most appreciated. 
 

Holley Arbeit
Speech-Language Pathologist
 
Stockdale High School
Room 606
2800 Buena Vista Road
Bakersfield, CA 93311
 
Work: 661.665.2800X 68
Fax:  661.665.0914
Intradistrict: 62068

Monday, February 15, 2010

HOT IDEA: WiFi school bus is one quiet and peaceful ride

"It's made a big difference. Boys aren't hitting each other, girls are busy, and there's not so much jumping around."--J. J. Johnson, the driver of a WiFi-enabled Arizona school bus. Internet access has transformed a "boisterous bus ride" into a study hall on wheels, and officials say behavioral problems are greatly reduced.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/3-83tvviHaE/wifi-school-bus-is-o.html

Friday, February 19th - 7PM at the Beale Library - free gift of poetry by Langston Hughes, performed by Wayne Cook, with jazz by Glen Fong

Jeanette Richardson Parks via Facebook -
This Friday we (the ACK) and the Kern County Library bring you a gift. The gift of poetry by Langston Hughes (as performed by Wayne Cook) infused with jazz by Glen Fong. A rare treat and only for one night. Friday, February 19th - 7PM at the Beale Library. A free gift to all of you who love the spoken word. I hope to see you there.

Adult Autism Awareness Day

AHEADD.ORG
3945 Forbes Avenue #470 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 - (412) 848 - 9355

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Thomas A. Edison

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Thomas_A._Edison

Students Wanted (via Facebook) RSVP FB or Art Council 661.324.9000

Jill Egland (one note - jb) -
The Kern Film Workshop is a vocational training and enterprise development program right here in Bakersfield. It provides film makers with developmental disabilities the opportunity to strengthen their craft and explore their professional options.

On Tuesday, February 16, 10am-12noon, we're shooting a music video at Fishlips, 1517 18th Street, for a brilliant LA-based musician with autism. We're looking for students (college, probably, since if you're in high school it would mean cutting class) or newly-graduated folks to come and be part of the crowd. It's fun -- and you'll get to see some exceptional film makers at work.

Let me know if you can do it... and remember, if you RSVP on FB (where this invitation came from, otherwise, RSVP Arts Council - jb) that you'll be there, PLEASE BE THERE! You'll be disappointing a BUNCH of folks if you say you're coming and then don't.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Asperger's Officially Placed Inside #Autism Spectrum! (via @nprnews)

From: @a4aspie
Sent: Feb 9, 2010 11:13p

RT @Alyssa_Milano: Asperger's Officially Placed Inside #Autism Spectrum http://su.pr/4wxh7P (via @nprnews)

sent via TweetDeck

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/a4aspie/status/8892257434

NEW: Change in Tuesday, 2.16.10 Parent Support Group

Dear parents and professionals,

 

The bad news:  Due to a scheduling error on my part, Joey Travolta has been rescheduled to present at our March 16th meeting.

 

The good news:  We have had a series of presenters all year for our Parent Support Group.  Let's devote this Feb. 16th meeting to sharing our impressions of the ideas and options that were presented this year.  I certainly know that last month's presenter stirred a lot of thought on the area of transition to adulthood for those with social communication and sensory integration (sensitivity) concerns.  The T.I.L. Program, the Special Needs Trust and the KAN Conference may also be items we would like to discuss.  Finally, let's bring related books or other informational sites to the meeting to share. 

 

Again, please RSVP if you are attending.  We will meet in Room 605 at Stockdale High.  Please see attached.

 

Holley Arbeit

Speech-Language Pathologist

Kern High School District

Stockdale High School

Room 606

2800 Buena Vista Road

Bakersfield, CA 93311

 

O:    661.665.2800

Fax: 661.665.0914

Intradistrict: 62068

 

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Feb.16th, Tuesday, Parent Support Group...and some

Just a quick friendly reminder of the Tuesday, Feb. 16th, parent support group meeting.  Please RSVP if you plan to come.

 

KERN AUTISM NETWORK CONFERENCE

The KAN Conference is February 12, Friday.  This is a "sweetheart" of a conference for both family members and professionals to attend.

http://kernautismconference2010.eventbrite.com/ <http://kernautismconference2010.eventbrite.com/>

http://www.kernautism.org/ <http://www.kernautism.org/>

 

PARENT SUPPORT BLOG

Finally, I would like to direct you to:  http://bakersfieldparentsupport.blogspot.com/ <http://bakersfieldparentsupport.blogspot.com/> (It cannot be opened in the KHSD network).

This is a blog initiated by a parent who attends the support group. 





 

MONTHLY MEETING 

  Parent Support Group of Teens with

Social Cognitive/Communication Needs



Who: Parents or other caretakers

Students may attend this meeting.



When: Tuesday, February 16, 2010

5:30 – 7:00 PM



Where: Room 605

Stockdale High School

2800 Buena Vista Road

Located at northeast corner of White Lane and Buena Vista Rd.

Please park in Buena Vista Road lot (just north of White Ln.)

Why:

Guest Speaker: Joey Travolta of Inclusion Films

Discussing his film company and the work done with students and adults with ASD

Parent Exchange of Successes and Frustrations



This is a free informational presentation.

KHSD is not endorsing the purchase of this service.



RSVP by phone or email to Holley Arbeit, Speech-Language Pathologist



 

Thank you,

 

Holley Arbeit

Speech-Language Pathologist

Kern High School District

Stockdale High School

Room 606

2800 Buena Vista Road

Bakersfield, CA 93311



holley_arbeit@khsd.k12.ca.us 665.2800 X68

 

O:    661.665.2800

Fax: 661.665.0914

Intradistrict: 62068

 

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Monday, February 1, 2010

01.28.2010 Inclusion Films Summer Film Camp Premier

It was a great evening at the premier of the Really, Really, Really LATE Show. It was the culmination of two weeks of summer Film Camp -- of hard work and building community -- and many, many hours of rganization, staff, and volunteers of Inclusion Films, Joey Travolta, http://www.joeytee.com/.

First, Jill Egland, from the Arts Council of Kern, started off the evening by thanking the many organization and production people, staff, volunteers, and people who "stepped up to the plate" when needed.
- thanks to Goodwill on Chester, where the production/Film Camp started.  Sadly, the production grew bigger than the Goodwill facilities could hold!
- thanks to Stars Theatre on Chester where the Film Camp moved to and will currently continue from.
- thanks to Ken from Stars for making the transition possible.
- thanks to Holley Arbeit, Special Education, Kern High School District
- thanks to Kern High School District, Special Education.
- thanks to ABLE
- thanks to Dr Clark.
- thanks to Downtowner Inn.
- thanks to Pathpoint Job Coaching.
- thanks to Arts Council of Kern.
- thanks to Jeanette Richardson, Arts Council of Kern.
- and all joined in to thank Jill Egland!

Next was Dale from Inclusion Films to thank even more staff, technical people, and volunteers. Sadly, my thumbs were not fast enough to catch the names, but fortunately they are all known and loved by the participants of Film Camp. At this point, all of the participants in Film Camp stood at the foot of the stage for applause from parents, staff, and volunteers.  Finally, the originator of the program and the driving force behind Inclusion Films, Joey Travolta came to the stage to introduce the final project itself. Joey Travolta started as a Special Education teacher, became an actor and director, and has returned to and combined both in Inclusion Films. The Film Camps have been for the benefit of neurotypical, autistic spectrum, and migrant kids and adults. As a group, the participants take the project from concept to shooting, from behind the cameras to in front of them, from several individuals to one community with a purpose.

For more information, please contact the Arts Council of Kern or visit http://www.joeytee.com/