All About Autism

An Open Thank You Letter to Teachers

Posted on June 11, 2013 by all about autism

The bell has rung, school’s out, summer fun begins (if the sun shines again in Erie). It’s the time of year when school comes to a close and a sense of change approaches. As I walk the halls of the Elizabeth Lee Black School, I hear many “thank you’s” between parents and teachers, faculty and staff and volunteers. I remember when Ryan’s school year came to a close each summer and sending thank you gifts to his teachers for a job well done. Teaching is challenging. There is no other profession that so directly shapes the world of tomorrow. And there aren’t enough “thank you’s” that can be expressed.

It feels best thanking teachers today. I feel especially grateful to the faculty and staff of the ELBS. The school community at the ELBS and the Barber National Institute is so fortunate to have teachers, therapists, paraeducators, volunteers, nurses, support staff and behavior specialists working daily to provide the highest quality services.

They model patience, honesty, courage, perseverance, humor, responsibility, generosity and a commitment to lifelong learning each and every day. This year was no exception.
I commend their stellar performance. Their concern for making ELBS the very best school was obvious to all who worked and visited this year.

My hope is that many teachers throughout the nation are thanked for their dedication.
I am so grateful for each person in the ELBS and teachers throughout the nation who made dreams come true for children this year! Thank you.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged education, school, teachers, teaching | 2 Comments

It’s raining in Erie, PA, but the dreary weather cannot dampen the spirit of the Barber National Institute today. At this time each year I’m moved by the strength, resilience, and perseverance of our students and staff as they reach this milestone: graduation.

Graduation for our students is pretty typical. Pomp and Circumstance plays, diplomas passed out, caps and gowns worn and a slide show of photos of the graduates shown.

But everyone in the room feels something extraordinary…

Children, who couldn’t walk when they began school at BNI, walk across the stage.

Children, who couldn’t express, smile as they are recognized.

Children, who struggled each day, breathe in a moment of pure joy.

Tears flow as parents marvel at the accomplishments of their sons and daughters. Cheers erupt as teachers and supporters celebrate the triumphs of the children.

I met many of these young people when they were learning to walk and talk. I feel grateful to have witnessed them grow and mature and become very successful. I’ve had the privilege of becoming friends with many parents for years. We have made the journey together. I always tell the parents that although we may not see each other on a regular basis any longer, the BNI and I will always be there for you as you continue the journey.

Congratulations to our graduates, their families, caregivers and supporters. And, congratulations to our teachers and staff for your support, effort, and dedication to our students. Dreams are coming true at BNI tonight and more dreams will be fulfilled for the boys and girls who follow in the footsteps of our graduates.

Posted on June 6, 2013 by all about autism | Leave a comment

Fun in the Summertime!

Posted on June 4, 2013 by all about autism

As summer approaches, I look back to Ryan’s summers growing up. What was true of him at age 3 is true at 19. He LOVES the outdoors. It can be any sport – bicycling, swimming, basketball, walking/running and more swimming – as long as it’s outside!

Finding the right activity or program for your child/family is important. Summer can be tough for many families with a child on the spectrum as the spine of the structure of their lives–the school day—vanishes. I have a few suggestions you might want to consider.at 3 is true at 19. He LOVES the outdoors. It can be any sport – bicycling, swimming, basketball, walking/running and more swimming – as long as it’s outside!

Are you interested in a continuation of his/her educational program? If you are responding yes to this question, you would want to first consider if he/she is eligible for Extended School Year (ESY). Based upon your child’s IEP, he/she may be eligible for a part-time or full-time program throughout the summer. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged autism, camp, children, education, extended school year, recreation, special needs, summer | 2 Comments

Ready, Set, Ride!

Posted on May 30, 2013 by all about autism

Summer is the season of bike rides! Riding a bike is one of the summertime joys of living in Erie. We have more than our fair share of great paths and trails around Lake Erie and the northeast region. Riding a bike is a lot of fun and a great exercise for children. Learning to ride a two-wheeled bicycle without training wheels is also an important milestone for children. To help children develop independent bike riding skills, the Barber National Institute is holding a four-week learn-to-bike program called “Ready, Set, Ride!”

The program is ideal for youngsters and young adults with special needs including autism, Down syndrome, mild cerebral palsy, sensory challenges, or developmental delays.
The “Ready, Set, Ride” program can also assist children having difficulty transitioning to riding without training wheels.

“Ready, Set, Ride!” will be held on Saturday, June 8, 15, 22 and 29 with sessions at 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged autism, biking, children, cycling, disabilities, erie, exercise, family, presque isle, special needs | Leave a comment

Anxieties

Posted on May 28, 2013 by all about autism

Do you have a child who struggles with anxiety?

Many of us have anxieties.

For some it is flying in an airplane. For others, it is heights (that’s me), public speaking, or doing “new” things.

Many children with autism spectrum disorders experience anxiety.

For Ryan, anxiety is brought on by experiences in group settings where he worries about not doing well, and meeting with lots of people. These situations remind him too much of school where he saw himself as being unsuccessful. He becomes very nervous, he talks very fast, and I can tell that he is becoming agitated.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 1.8 million children 18 and younger currently have anxiety disorders, and as many as 10% of all children suffer from phobias. Unlike the usual fears of growing up, anxiety disorders don’t simply go away, but must be treated.

Some children are treated by seeing a counselor who uses cognitive behavioral approaches to help them manage their anxiety by teaching coping strategies.

Ryan will utilize deep breathing, counting backwards to himself and/or picturing a scene that he finds very calming.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic and other organizations are finding that slowly exposing children to the things that are most anxiety provoking can, in a short period of time, eliminate anxiety.

I’d encourage you to read “Exposure Therapy.”

There is even an app, the Anxiety Coach, developed by Dr. Whiteside of the Mayo Clinic, to help you manage your anxiety symptoms.

Ryan and I are going to give it a try!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged anxiety, autism, children, exposure therapy, therapy | Leave a comment

Coming Soon! Katie Couric Talking Autism on Twitter

Posted on May 23, 2013 by all about autism

Technology has drastically changed the conversation of autism, hasn’t it? Social media outlets such as blogs, Facebook and Twitter provide and instant connection and communication within the vast ASD community. I must admit, I’m still learning how to keep up with social media explosion. Even as I write the blog today, I’m watching my twitter feed and am amazed at how quickly the tweets appear. What a powerful, rapid source of communication!

I also feel encouraged by the avenue that social media provides the ASD community. Twitter is an amazing pathway for all individuals (physicians, parents, community leaders, advocacy groups, legislators and celebrities) to Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged asd, autism, children, katie couric, parents, social media, special needs, twitter | Leave a comment

DSM 5: What’s the Big Deal?

Posted on May 21, 2013 by all about autism

It’s May 2013 and my copy of the DSM 5 is arriving this week. I remember the feeling of apprehension begin to circulate in conversations regarding the proposed revision to Autistic Disorder. Questions swirled: “How would the change impact children currently diagnosed?” “Would the change of the eligibility criteria result in less children being diagnosed and receiving treatment?” Parents and professionals questioned the modification of the diagnosis and I too felt concerned. 60% of the Elizabeth Lee Black School students and the majority of children enrolled in behavioral health services have a diagnosis of autism.

So, what’s the big deal? Life has taught me that a feeling of uneasiness often accompanies change. However, it is important to me to help parents and professionals (and myself) grasp clarity of the revision. After reviewing literature and keeping abreast of updates from reliable sources such as the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and Autism Speaks, here’s my understanding…

Children and adults with a current diagnosis of autism will maintain the diagnosis. This is important to keep in mind because the diagnosis determines eligibility for treatment. If your child is currently diagnosed and receiving services, then this should continue. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged american psychiatric association, asd, autism, autism speaks, autistic, dsm 5, parenting, special needs, teachers | Leave a comment

Meet two of our Go-To Sources for Speech-Language Pathology

Posted on May 17, 2013 by all about autism

Stephanie Rose-Briggs, SLP

Communication difficulties affect the most vulnerable in our society – children and adults with disabilities. And, without communication, we are separated from people ultimately missing life’s most vital element: the human connection.

May is designated as Better Hearing and Speech Month. For over 75 years this is the time to raise awareness and understanding of the various forms of communication challenges including hearing, speech, language and voice.

This is why I felt it so important to interview Speech-Language Pathologists from the school at the Barber National Institute. As I reflect on their statements, I am reminded of the importance of their role with our children.

Stephanie Rose-Briggs, M.A.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Stephanie attended SUNY in Plattsburgh, New York for her bachelor’s degree and Edinboro University of PA for a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Erik Undzius, M.A.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Erik earned his Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and teaching certifications from Edinboro University.

Stephanie explained that upon completion of graduate studies, Speech-language Pathologists must complete an additional year of training as a Clinical Fellow in a work setting. Following the completion of the fellowship year, candidates can then apply for their Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Having this certificate allows them to work in both clinical and school environments.

Why did you choose your profession?

EU: I chose speech-language pathology as a career due to having been involved in many different aspects of special education my whole life. My parents were both school psychologists and my mother eventually became a high school guidance counselor and I really enjoyed the kids she interacted with on a daily basis and the positive changes my mother made to their lives in general. I felt as though I would like to contribute to a profession that helps, nurtures and promotes growth as well as being an advocate for children and individuals with disabilities.

SRB: I sometimes think the profession chose me! I knew from about the age of 13 years that this was the career I wanted. My mother was fluent in Latin and French. She loved the rhythm, music and creativity of language and I think her love of all things written and spoken rubbed off on our family. And, by the way, I have never changed my mind about the choice of career. I continue to think it is an exciting and challenging field with new things to learn all the time! Continue reading →

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Inside the World of a Communication: The Human Connection

Posted on May 14, 2013 by all about autism

Ryan at 2 with Dr. Barber & mom

Helen Keller once noted that of all of her impairments, she was perhaps troubled most by her lack of speech and hearing. She elaborated that while blindness separated her from things, her lack of speech and hearing separated her from people; the human connection of communication.

I know from experience how “tricky” communication with a child can be. Ryan was about a year old when I noticed language delays. Like any parent, I kept track of the number of words he spoke and his ability to respond to my questions. He met all the suggested guidelines for language development at that age, but I still had concerns. I spoke to one of our speech pathologists, Kathleen Vogt, and she suggested a biweekly play group. Ryan worked on his expressive and receptive skills with other children, in a play setting under the direction of a speech pathologist. This was the start of our communication journey.

Ryan is now 19 years old. He voices his opinion, as all teenagers do, with gusto! In fact, sometimes while we’re riding in the car and he’s talking up a storm, I’ll suggest that we listen to the silence of the moment. Who knew 18 years later…

This May, as part of Better Hearing and Speech Month, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association continues its public education efforts around the communication health of children by providing education for parents, raising awareness, as well as identifying and preventing speech and language delays.

Ryan at 19 (green sweatshirt) running in the 2013 Mother’s Day 5k.

All children with language difficulties can learn to connect. Professionals, such as speech pathologists and audiologists, teach children strategies to cope with communication challenges, and if needed, provide them with the appropriate technology.

To me, communication is more than verbal output – it’s about relating to others. I’m grateful for Kathy and all of the professionals who supported Ryan and who work daily with children.

Tune in Thursday to meet some professionals working in the field of speech pathology at our school. How do they help a child connect to others with communication?