Maggie’s Hope
Maggie’s Hope is a nonprofit organization with locations in Austin, TX and Peachtree City, GA. Our goal is to obtain knowledge, promote awareness & most importantly support those affected by this frustrating, but sometimes improvable condition.
We have a scholarship fund for families with a child with ASD. Preference is given to those families in TX or GA, and who are seeking funds to pay off unpaid medical bills, fund traditional and non-traditional therapies, and help pay the costs of biomedical interventions, supplements, and specialized diets. All are encouraged to apply.
To apply for funds:
http://www.maggiesh ope.org/contact/ apply-for- funds
Trainings/Conferences/Events
shared by Noah Knows! from Family to Family Network
July 9th, 10:30 am – Noon, “The Gift of Life: A Seminar for Parents of Children with Disabilities”. Presented by Tyler Pearson Agency and Hegwood & Associates, P.C. Located at Golfcrest Country Club, 2509 Country Club Drive , Pearland , TX . To secure a seat, please call 281 – 996 – 6969.
July 10th, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., “Executive Function and Its Impact on Reading “ presented by Debbie Meinwald, CALT and LDT (Certified academic language therapist and a licensed dyslexia therapist). Located at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church , 20775 Kingsland Blvd. in room S201.
July 12th, 6:30 pm, “Related Services” presented by the TEAM Project Office, 5005 W 34th St., Suite 207A , Houston . For more information, please contact TEAM at 713-524-2147 or prnteam@sbcglobal.net.
July 13th, 9 am – Noon “Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviors in Children with ASD”. Presented by Rachel Halpern, M.Ed., BCBA. To register, visit www.depelchin.org/autismCEUs . Registration is $35.00 per session. CEUs will be provided to LMFTs, LPCs and LCSWs. Other providers will receive contact hours. Participants can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at Café DePelchin. Location: 4950 Memorial Drive , Houston , 77007.
July 14th, 9:30 am “Related Services” presented by the TEAM Project Office, 5005 W 34th St., Suite 207A , Houston . For more information, please contact TEAM at 713-524-2147 or prnteam@sbcglobal.net.
July 14th 11:30 am “Servicios Relacionados” – Este taller es presentado sólo en español. TEAM Project Office, 5005 W 34th St., Suite 207A , Houston . Si piensa asistir o para más información favor de comunicarse al teléfono 713-524-2147 o envíe un email a prnteam@sbcglobal.net.
July 16th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, “The ABCs of ABA “, University of Houston Central Campus , (Register by July 6th to save) Contact FEAT Houston for more information: feathouston@gmail.com.
July 16th, “Fun in the Sun”. A day for kids of all ages to play around and have fun in the summer. It’s scheduled to be held in the parking lot of Smartie Pants Academy . There will be booths/performances and the media (local news, radio stations, blogs, etc.) have already confirmed they are coming, and rapper Slim Thug is coming to campaign since he has a nephew who struggles with a disability. For more information, contact Sumiko Hamilton at 281-859-5455.
July 19, 7-9 pm, “Autism and Bullying — Strategies for Parents”. Presented by Leslie Phillips. Learn basics of bullying prevalence as it applies to children with autism as well as strategies for parents to help their child avoid victimization. Also learn critical strategies to know if your child is accused of bullying. Katy Autism Support group meets at St Peters United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd , Asbury Hall, Katy. Free childcare available but must be reserved in advance. For more info, email fareastphillips@yahoo.com.
July 19th, 11:30 am ”Servicios Relacionados” – Este taller es presentado sólo en español. TEAM Project Office, 5005 W 34th St., Suite 207A , Houston .. Si piensa asistir o para más información favor de comunicarse al teléfono 713-524-2147 o envíe un email a prnteam@sbcglobal.net.
July 21st , 6:30 pm “Families CAN Transition Workgroup” Speaker TBA. Location: Shriner’s Hospital; 6977 Main St. (just past intersection of Main and Holcombe). Hospital parking: free. Pizza and drinks are provided by Maxim Pediatric Services. Note: If you do not get a chance to RSVP, come anyway, we may still have enough pizza! For more information contact: Margaret Hall at 713-743-0608, or in Spanish: Teresa Guzman and Olga Guerra at 713-743-5592. mphall@sentral.uh.edu .
July 22nd, 23rd, 24th “Great Minds Think Alike” Training for Teens Ages 12 -17 can register. Free classes, door prizes, food and refreshments, certificates and gift cards sponsored by NAMI Metro Houston. This program is for youth with mental health needs designed to provide teens with the skills necessary to take a leadership role in their own treatment. Marcie L. Keys Activity Center , 8302 Colonial Lane , Houston , 77051. For more information: www.namimetrohouston.org . Register at 713 970-4419 or email ak_hudson@yahoo.com.
July 23rd, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, “Miss Deaf Texas Pageant”, Lone Star College – Center for Arts, 9191 Barker Cypress Rd , Cypress , 77433. For more information: http://missdeaftexas.com/
July 26th, 6:45 pm. “Jim Gill’s Family Room Tour” (www.jimgill.com) at Region 4 Education Service Center, 7145 West Tidwell , Houston, 77092. FREE – Register at: www.escweb.net/tx_esc_04/default Enter session code: 696593.
July 27th, 9 am – Noon “Promoting Play and Social Skills in Children with ASD”. Presented by Rachel Halpern, M.Ed., BCBA. To register, visit www.depelchin.org/autismCEUs . Registration is $35.00 per session. CEUs will be provided to LMFTs, LPCs and LCSWs. Other providers will receive contact hours. Participants can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at Café DePelchin. Location: 4950 Memorial Drive , Houston , TX 77007 .
July 28th – 30th, Texas Home School Coalition Conference, The Woodlands. For more information and to register online: http://www.thsc.org/Categories.aspx?Id=Convention
July 28th, 9:30 a.m. “ABC’s of IFSP’s” presented by the TEAM Project Office, 5005 W 34th St., Suite 207A, Houston, For more information, please contact TEAM at 713-524-2147 or prnteam@sbcglobal.net.
July 28th, 11:30 am “ABC’s del IFSP’s” – Este taller es presentado sólo en español. TEAM Project Office, 5005 W 34th St., Suite 207A , Houston ,. Si piensa asistir o para más información favor de comunicarse al teléfono 713-524-2147 o envíe un email a prnteam@sbcglobal.net.”
July 29th, Noon – 1:00 pm – Houston Area Partnership for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Parent Support Group. Bring your lunch. Meeting at Council on Alcohol and Drugs, 303 Jackson Hill, Houston , 77007. No Childcare. For more information: Grier Patton at grier.patton@gmail.com
July 29-30th, NAMI Peer to Peer Mentor (Teacher) Training, Fort Worth . elizabeth@namimetrohouston.org 832-296-6298.
July 30th 2011 Texas Autism Research Conference, at Commons Learning Center at University of Texas J.J. Pickle Research Campus, Austin . For more information, http://www.dads.state.tx.us/tarrc/research
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Upcoming Conferences
August 4th, Gulf Coast African American Family Support Conference, Houston Marriott North, Houston, 77060. For more information and to register online: https://panetwork.parentsanonymous.org/gctaafsc/
August 5-7th, National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Conference, Marriot Hill Country Resort, San Antonio , TX . Includes a Youth & Adult conference, as well as a Brothers & Sisters Conference. Best Value registration Deadline – June 24th. For more information and online registration: http://convention.ndsccenter.org/
August 8 -11th, The Institute on Person Centered Practices Person Centered Thinking Conference. College Station , Texas . Session 1 – Aug 8 & 9 – Person Centered Thinking Training. Session 2 (Must have completed Session 1) Aug 10 & 11 – Plan Facilitation. For more information and to register: www.pcpinstitute.org
August 13-14th, Autism NOW Regional Summit, Austin, TX http://autismnow.org/events/
August 26th – 28th, ” Texas Advocates Conference”; Omni Hotel, San Antonio. For more information: http://www.thearcoftexas.org/site/PageServer?pagename=events_annual_conference_texas
Sept. 15 – 16th, “A Journey through the Autism Spectrum”, with Dr. Paula Kluth (15th) and Dr. Temple Grandin (16th); presented by Spectrum Training Systems; Sheraton North Houston, 15700 JFK Blvd , Houston77032. Conference fees: 2 Days $175 Early bird before Aug 1; $205 after; 1 Day $125 Early Bird before Aug 1; $145 after. For more information and to register online: http://www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/houston.html
September 16-17th, “Beyond the ARD: Parents Engaged for Positive Change“, Austin Airport Hilton, Austin . For more information and to register: http://www.partnerstx.org/LeadershipConference/index.html
October 13th– 15th, “20th Annual Texas Autism Conference”, presented by Education Service Center , Region 2. Reliant Park Convention Center , Houston , TX . http://autism.esc2.net/conference/index.asp
October 20th, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm; “Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Training Workshop”. Hosted by National Autism Assoc. of North Texas at First Baptist Church of Plano , 1300 East 15th St , Plano , 75074. $ 75 Early Registration ends Sept 16th. . For more information, http://wrightslaw.eventbright.com
October, 2011, “Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas Conference” at Camp John Marc, Meridian , TX http://www.dbmat-tx.org/annual_conference/a_c.html
November 4-6th, “6th Annual Texas Chargers Retreat”, Camp Allen Retreat Center , Navasota www.texaschargers.org
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Camps/Summer programs
Camp Blessing is now accepting applications for June/July 2011. More info at www.campblessing.org .
Fine Arts Summer Camp 2011 for the River Performing and Visual Arts Center, An Affiliate of Theatre Under The Stars, 1475 West Gray, Houston , 77019. Registration and financial aid applications are available at http://theriver.org/public/pag10.aspx . Contact us at 713-520-1220.
Staying Social this Summer (Summer Social Group Fun, Saturday Bond Club, and Teen Social Group) at SocialMotion Skills. Register at http://www.socialmotionskills.org/summer2011.html or call 713-705-6851
Focus Initiative Summer Program. Register at http://www.asdfocus.com/ or call 281-240-0663
Giggles N Grins Summer Camp. For more information, call 713-208-7186 or www.gigglesngrinschildcareacademy.com
Lighthouse Learning & Resource, Inc 10928 Grant Road, Houston 77070.
*Family Literacy Network one-on-one reading instruction – research based (UT Houston) and proven successful for the most struggling readers. Contact – 713-784-7373, help@familyliteracy.info
*PAWS – Partnering Animals With Success – Social Skills Training using video modeling and trained dogs – curriculum based instruction beneficial to children with unique needs ~ Autism spectrum, ADHD, Down’s Syndrome, Emotional Disturbance, ect. beginning July 5. Contact Lesley les_zentz@yahoo.com Visit www.LHlearningresource.com for more information.
Texas School for Deaf – Summer Programs 2011. For more information: http://www.tsd.state.tx.us/sum_prg/index.html
ABA – SkIP’s Summer Sessions! Student: Teacher ratio of 2:1 for children with autism ages 3-10. Classes will be held Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 12:00pm OR 1:30pm – 5:30pm. For more information contact: Amanda L. Sitomer, M.S., BCBA at 713-970-7932 or Amanda.Sitomer@mhmraharris.org MHMRA of Harris County – 3737 Dacoma , Suite D – Houston, 77092
Camp Lane Summer 2011 Open to all ages. The classes will normally take place on Fridays in July, but there are two mandatory camper orientation days scheduled Saturday June 11th and June 25th. Location: The Learning Lane , 25232 Grogans Park Drive , The Woodlands, 77380
Phone: 281-465-3519 www.thelearninglane.com
Camp Ability Summer Day Camp 2011. (Preschool: June 20th – 24th , Teens: June 27th – July 1st, School Aged: July 25th – 29th) For children/teens with Down Syndrome and their siblings ages 3 – 17 years at our Resource Center . One week sessions are for preschoolers (3-6 yrs), school aged (7-12 yrs), and teens (13- 17 yrs). Our theme is Dinosaurs! Cost for the entire week, not per day, is $60 for all day 9 am – 4 pm and $30 for half day which is 3 hours either morning 9 am – noon or 1- 4 pm. Contact Ann Fontenot at president@dsah.org.
Steps To Progress “Summer Social Skills Classes” July 11th – 29th (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:00 – 4:30 pm), Location: Steps to Progress LLC Clinic – 2055 S. Gessner , Suite 230 , Houston 77063. Cost: $900 per three week session. Class sizes will be limited to six students. The student: teacher ratio will be 2:1 or less to ensure that we are able to focus on each child’s specific needs. We will have classes for two age groups: 4 – 5 year olds, and 6 – 8 year olds. For more information please call us at 713-782-1330 or send an e-mail to info@stepstoprogress.com .
Weekly Programs
Respite Program – HARC: Friday Nights: Katy – St Peter’s United Methodist Church , Houston – Down Syndrome Association of Houston, Bellaire – Gethsemane United Methodist Church . Fun for kids and adults with disabilities and a NIGHT OUT for parents. HARC is a respite program for individuals with ALL types of disabilities. Everyone should bring their own snacks and drinks. For reservations or questions, please contact: Cathleen Wilt, cwilt@eastersealshouston.orgor(713) 838-9050 x 369. Reservations must be made by email or phone. All families must have a current application completed for each person attending. Times and age groups differ for each location. Check out www.eastersealshouston.org for more information.
On-Going Training Opportunities-Houston Center for Independent Living
Computer Access Training Program – Learn about computers and software so you’re not left behind on the information technology superhighway. Classes are Mon – Fri; 8 am – 12 noon at Houston Center For Independent Living, 6201 Bonhomme Rd, Suite 150 South, Houston , TX 77036 . Pre-registration Required. 713-974-4621
Assistive Technology Computer Demonstration Tour – Come to HCIL and try out various technologies. See demonstrations, try-out, learn and practice on some of today’s most “User Friendly” computer access equipment. Mon – Fri, 8 am – 12 noon at Houston Center For Independent Living, 6201Bonhomme Rd, Suite 150 South, Houston , TX 77036 . No appointment necessary. 713-974-4621
Thursdays: 10 – 11:30 am; Consumer Orientation to HCIL services. Learn how to advocate for yourself. Houston Center for Independent Living, 6201 Bonhomme Rd, Suite 150 South, Houston , TX 77036 . No appointment necessary. 713-974-4621
Monthly Meetings
Autism Support Groups:
1stThursday of each month, 6:45 – 9 p.m. “Information and Hope for Families” for Spanish Speaking Parents. Meetings held at the Graceview Baptist Church , 25510 Tomball Parkway , Tomball , TX 77375 . Support group for parents of children with challenges like Autism, PPD-NOS, Asperger Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, and others. Contact Carmen Pulgerat(281)773-8318 or mcpulger@att.net for additional information.
1st Thursday of each month (September 1, October 6th, November 3rd, December 1st, February 2nd, March 1st, April 5th, May 3rd ) 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Autism Society of America – Northwest Houston Chapter. Location: Graceview Baptist Church North Campus Education Building , 25510 Tomball Parkway , Tomball , TX 77375 . Desperate for Respite, a non-profit organization will provide childcare for our meetings on a reservation only basis! Reservations must be made one week prior to meeting date by contacting MichelleMGuppy@yahoo.com . Your information will be forwarded to Desperate for Respite for them to contact you to confirm.
1st Saturday of each month, 10 a .m. – 12noon: “Autism Playgroup of Fort Bend County“. Lost Creek Park, various parks in Fort Bend County. RSVP required. Susan Garczynski. susan@susangar.com or call 281-726-2665. Locations vary so call for more information. NO playgroup in July.
3rd Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. North Houston Autism Play Group: For children ages 1-12, including their families. This group will provide social opportunities for children with Autism & their families. This event is free but donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Janet Cooper, www.lovingheartsfor autism.com or 71962-0474. PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL BEFOREHAND TO VERIFY DATE/TIME.
3rd Tuesday of month, 7 pm, Katy Autism Support, St Peters United Methodist Church, Asbury Hall, 20775 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77450. For more information, contact catherineautism@sbcglobal.net
NEW!! Autistic Self Advocacy Network – Houston Chapter forming now. ASAN chapters aim to bring Autistic individuals together to share ideas, give advice and support, and to create a learning environment for self-advocacy. Please note that ASAN meetings are run *by* and *for*Autistic people. For more information: www.asan.org or contact Shaun Bickley shaun@asanhouston.org or 832-366-6767.
Miscellaneous Monthly Meetings:
2nd Sunday of each month, 6:30-8:30 pm. Katy ADHD Support Group: Attention Deficit Disorders Association- Southern Region (ADDA- SR ) St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd., Room S201. For more information contact: Laura Peddicord, 281-392-6064, laurapeddicord@comcast.net or visit the ADDA- SR Website at www.adda-sr. org .
1st Tuesday of Every Month, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm., “Families CAN Support Group”. Meeting held at the Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church (2353 Rice Blvd). For more information, call 713-743-5435 or 713-743-5592.
Last Tuesday of the month – El Grupo de Apoyo meets at the Latino Learning Center, 3522 Polk St., Houston, TX 77003. More information: Tino Lopez 713-921-3036
3rd Thursday of each month, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (by appointment) “On-Going Application Assistance for anyone who may need SNAP, MEDICAID, or TANF”. UCP offers application assistance to sign up for SNAP (food stamps), MEDICAID (free health insurance) and TANF (temporary assistance with rent, utilities and other monthly expenses). Contact Christine Ellery at cellery@ucphouston.orgorwww.ucphouston.org713.838.9050 x 332
3rd Thursday (Every other month), 6:30 – 8:30 pm, The Transition Workgroup by Families CAN Program of UH Parent Education Project. A forum for sharing information about programs and services that can assist youth with disabilities transition into adult life. 6th Floor, Shriners Hospital, 6977 Main St., Houston. Free Pizza, but you need to call so they order enough. Spanish translation available. For more information and to RSVP: 713-743-0608 or email MPHALL@UH.EDU.
4thThursday of each month, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Parents Supporting Parents – The Woodlands: Meetings are held at The Woodlands United Methodist Church located at 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380. To get more information about a specific monthly meeting, and confirm the time and place of the meeting, contact Barbara Knighton at832-364-6992 or jsk01@hometech-e.com.
4th Thursday of even numbered months (June 23rd, August 25th,October 27th), 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. “Morning Tea Seminar” meets at AAFS Training Room, 9440 Bellaire Blvd. Registration/Check-in at 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. If you wish to RSVP or would like more information, please contact Zeb Mamsa by rsvp@aafstexas.org or by calling 713-600-9400 ext. 127.
NEW! Last Friday of each Month (except Holiday weekends) (June 24th, July 29th, August 26th, September 30th, October 28th, November 18th, December 16th), Noon – 1:00 pm – Houston Area Partnership for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Parent Support Group. Bring your lunch. Meeting at Council on Alcohol and Drugs, 303 Jackson Hill, Houston, 77007. No Childcare. For more information: Grier Patton at grier.patton@gmail.com
Asian American Family Services: Support Group for Parents of Children with Disabilities. http://www.aafstexas.org/ For more information, contact Anne Jeong at 713.339.3688 or email: anne.jeong@aafstexas.org
Guide by Your Side: The Educational Resource Center on Deafness (ERCOD) has partnered with TX Hands & Voices to bring the Guide By Your Side program to Texas. Guide By Your Side is a model family support program that embodies the mission of Hands & Voices, which is to provide unbiased support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We are currently hiring Parent Guide positions throughout the state. A Parent Guide must be a parent/guardian of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. The Guide will undergo specialized training in order to provide support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Contact Debbie Kopp at gbys.ercod@tsd.state.tx.us. For recruitment flyer, job description and application, go to http://www.tsd.state.tx.us/outreach/family_parent_involvement/training_events.html
Dynavox:
1st Tuesday of Every Month 9am – 11am: DynaVox Communication Device Training – Free. Presenter: Tara Tarwater. The Woodland Library, Montgomery County Library South, Upstairs Meeting Room, 2101 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380.936-442-7727. Register online: http://www.dynavoxt ech.com/training/onlocation/
2ndThursday of every month, 6:30 – 8:30 pm: DynaVox Communication DeviceFree Training. Presenter: Marlena Nel. United Cerebral Palsy, 4500 Bissonnet, Suite 340, Bellaire, TX 77401. Contact: Tasha Shoffner (713) 838-9050 X320. Register online: http://www.dynavoxt ech.com/training/onlocation/.
NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM
A series of 12 weekly classes structured to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well-being. Registration Required. Classes limited to 20 persons.www.namimetrohouston.org or 713-970-4419. The following class is still open for registration:
September 12th,2:00– 4:30 p.m., Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 1400 FM1960 East Bypass, Humble, TX 77338. Call Gwen at 281-973-9474 or 713-970-4419. www.namimetrohouston.org
WEST HOUSTON NAMI MONTHLY PROGRAMS:
Third Monday of the month, 7:15 – 9:00 p.m. Public meeting for families coping with mental illness. Expert speakers provide helpful information including medications, caregiver tips and legal issues. Location: Memorial Drive Methodist Church, Wesley Hall, 12955 Memorial Drive. www.namiwesthouston.org
Family Member Support Groups
For those who have a family member with a diagnosis of mental illness.
First & third Sunday of each month,4:00-5:30 p.m., at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd.,Room S201, Katy. Contact Pat or Leon Alderfer, 713-467-3764, for more information. For family members of an adult with a mental illness diagnosis.
Second & Fourth Sunday of each month,2:30-4:00 p.m., at Pines Presbyterian Church in Room B, 12751 Kimberley (Town& Country Village area), across from Bendwood Elementary School. Enter the building at back entrance. Contact Vi Napolitano, 281-893-2493, for more information. For family members of an adult with a mental illness diagnosis.
Second & Fourth Sunday of each month, 2:30-4:00 p.m., at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955Memorial Drive, Room D126, Contact Wendy Cadmus, 713-252-8549, for more information. For parents and direct caregivers of children and adolescents with a mental illness diagnosis.
El Segundo y quarto martes de cadames, 7:00-8:30 p.m.,Comunidad Catolica St. Cecilia, 11720 Joan Of Arc, #202, Houston. Contacto Dora Pozzi, 713-772-5688. Espanol.
Second & Fourth Sunday of each month,2:30-4:00 p.m., at BridgePoint Bible Church, 13277 Katy Freeway, Houston in the Music Suite. Contact Pat or Leon Alderfer, 713-467-3764, for more information. A faith-based group for family members of an adult with a mental illness diagnosis.
Last Wednesday of each month, 10:00-11:30 a.m., atSt.Cecilia Catholic Community, CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Consumer Support Groups
For individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness interested in working toward recovery.
NAMI Connection is a unique support group for anyone with a serious mental illness who is interested in maintaining their wellness and recovery. These groups provide a place that offers respect, understanding, encouragement and hope. These groups are led by trained mentors who are living with a mental illness. For information please contact Thomas Brink at 713-320-8023
Second & Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay St, Houston, TX 77024 (near I-10, between Memorial and Piney Point on Greenbay), Room 104. Go through the double doors under the outside stairs in the back. Immediately turn left through the doors and down the hall to the end. Contact Thomas Brink, 713-320-8023, for more information.
First & Third Saturday of each month, 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. Houston Council on Drugs and Alcohol; 303 Jackson Hill Street, Houston 77007 South of Washington Street on Jackson Hill. Ask the watchman for the room number.
Education Courses
NAMI West Houston offers a variety of free small-group classes for family members and those with mental illness to help them understand and cope with these brain disorders. Classes are taught by trained volunteers who are themselves graduates of the class, so you know they have been where you are now. All courses are FREE. Pre-registration is required.
Family-to-Family
The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a 12-week (2½ hours per week) course for families with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). This series of 12 weekly classes is structured to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well-being. Contact Vi Napolitano,(281) 893-2493, philnapolitano@yahoo.com or Fanny Acosta (281) 221-8254 for the next available class.
NAMI Basics
NAMI Basics is a free education class for parents and caregivers of children/adolescents with a brain disorder. This includes ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar, obsessive compulsive, schizoaffective and schizophrenia. The class is taught by your peers, parents and caregivers who have a child with a brain disorder. In the class you will gain an understanding of the different disorders, learn essential communication skills, discover how to create and maintain essential documentation, learn how to deal effectively with the schools and more. Contact Robert Steed, 281-463 7448 or rs_steed@hotmail.com for the next available class.
Additional Resources and Information
Brazoria County Center for Independent Living has two part-time job positions available. One is for a computer assistant for our computer lab and the other one is for an independent living specialist that will work with individuals with disabilities. Send resume & coversheet to Chamane Barrow, BCCIL, 1104 D. East Mulberry, Angleton, TX 77515.
Special Needs Apps for Kids (SNApps4kids.com) is a community website to support Parents, Teachers, Therapists and Doctors who want to use technology like the Apple iPadTM to help special needs and typical children of all ages and abilities to learn, grow and develop. Call (713) 838-9050 for more information.
Guide by Your Side: The Educational Resource Center on Deafness (ERCOD) has partnered with TX Hands & Voices to bring the Guide by Your Side program to Texas. Guide By Your Side is a model family support program that embodies the mission of Hands & Voices, which is to provide unbiased support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We are currently hiring Parent Guide positions throughout the state. A Parent Guide must be a parent/guardian of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. The Guide will undergo specialized training in order to provide support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Contact Debbie Kopp at gbys.ercod@tsd.state.tx.us. For recruitment flyer, job description and application, go to http://www.tsd.state.tx.us/outreach/family_parent_involvement/training_events.html
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities
Seeks Public Input On State Plan for 2012-2016
Please participate in their survey on Your Community and Leadership Development
http://www.txddc.state.tx.us/resources/publications/state_plan/sp2012-2016/spintro.asp
Driver’s Ed Training for Individuals with ASD/ADHD Social Motion Skills and Houston’s Safeway Driving Centers have combined their expertise to offer a comprehensive driver’s education program specifically designed for high functioning individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and ADHD. Safeway’s state authorized driving curriculum has been approved and adapted by Social Motion Skills’ education experts to bring ASD/ADHD families the most comprehensive driving program in the country. The result is “Driver’s Ed at Your Speed”. Full information is available at www.socialmotionskills.org
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ACTION ALERT: Keep Our Loved Ones Safe from Wandering-Related Death
Keep Our Loved Ones Safe
from Wandering-Related Injuries and Death
We have a unique opportunity to provide protection for our family members from autism-related injuries and death, but we need to act quickly.
The ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee is currently considering a proposal to create a medical diagnostic code for wandering. A diagnostic code for wandering will help protect at-risk individuals who have a documented history of wandering and will help to avert dangerous restraint and seclusion practices.
ASF strongly supports the proposal to include an ICD-9 CM secondary diagnostic code for “wandering in conditions classified elsewhere” under subcode “signs and symptoms”, where it can be applied to a range of disorders including autism, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is a critical addition to the diagnostic code. Every year, individuals with autism wander away from safe environments and are injured or killed due to drowning, exposure to the elements or accidents. Better data on wandering associated with autism and other developmental disabilities should help to increase awareness and action among first responders, school administrators and residential facility administrators to recognize and understand wandering and develop proper emergency protocols and responses while supporting self-determination principles. A subclassification for “wandering” is an important, needed addition.
ASF is working with the National Autism Association, Autism Speaks and other autism advocacy groups to protect our family members from both wandering related injury (and death) and restraint & seclusion. This new diagnostic code has the potential to do both. Here are just a few of the reasons we support adding a diagnosis code for wandering:
a.. A diagnostic code for wandering in disabled minors could open up critical dialogue between physicians and caregivers that have an at-risk child with a history of wandering/elopement from safe environments.
a.. A diagnostic code will allow for data collection on the incidence of wandering, thereby increasing opportunities for prevention-educatio n for doctors, caregivers, school administrators and staff, first responders/search personnel.
a.. Many nonverbal ASD individuals are unable to respond to their name when called. A diagnosis code will lead to increased awareness and the development of emergency search-and-rescue response protocols.
a.. Every disabled individual with a history of wandering – along with increased risk of injury, trauma and death because of wandering – deserves access to safety devices and prevention materials regardless of the caregiver’s income. A medical code for wandering could potentially provide insurance coverage for those unable to afford critical protections for their children/adults.
a.. A medical code will enhance schools’ understanding of wandering so that children with a history of wandering will be better protected. Oftentimes wandering is not viewed as a medical condition, but one of choice, bad behavior, or happenstance. This has led to a lack of school training, prev
ention and emergency response. In January alone, two children with autism went missing from their schools.
a.. Children and adults with ASD who suddenly flee, bolt or run (elope) because of a trigger are at greater risk of restraint. A medical code will help establish protocols that work to eliminate triggers, thereby eliminating the need for restraint.
Please take these two action steps right now:
First, please sign the petition in support of protecting our family members!
Second, please send a brief public comment to CDC indicating your support for protecting our family members. Two or three sentences will suffice. Write: “I support the ICD-9 proposal to create a medical diagnostic code for wandering.” If you have a family member who wanders, share your personal story. If you are a clincian, indicate how you might use this new code to improve patients’ health outcomes. The comment period closes April 1, 2011. Comments can be submitted by e-mail to Donna Pickett, Co-Chair of the Coordination and Maintenance Committee, at DPickett@cdc. gov
The Autism Science Foundation, together with other leading autism advocacy groups, is funding the first major survey to study, quantify and categorize the experience of wandering and elopement among individuals with autism spectrum disorders through the Interactive Autism Network (IAN). The survey is expected to be released later this month. Other funders are the Autism Research Institute, Autism Speaks, and the Global Autism Consortium.
Thank you for your support!
Autism Research Institute (ARI) news for 2011
Because the name “Defeat Autism Now!” does not accurately describe the medical approach to understanding and treating autism, and because some people have been offended by the phrase, ARI will no longer use the name. (As one person with ASD wrote, the name feels like a “personal affront, that I am not good enough as a human being, and that, because we are not neurotypical, people with autism need to be defeated.”) Furthermore, the Divers’ Alert Network owns the copyright for “DAN!,” and they have requested that we no longer use it. In the future, our biannual Conferences will simply be called ARI Conferences.
For the past several Conferences we set out to raise the level of presentations with improved integration of good research as our mission; the feedback from both scientists and parents has been very positive. We plan to add a one-day adult track at our next conference in Atlanta (April 28th- May 1st). In the past, our three-day general session focused mostly on biomedical issues. After extensive conversations with parents who have traveled this road and succeeded in recovering their children from autism, we have expanded the general session; our plan is to provide parents with a game plan/blue-print on how best to understand and treat their children. We will be adding information concerning sensory and behavioral interventions, in addition to a one-day diet-track for parents.
Based on these same conversations with parents of recovered children, we determined that it’s time to remember our roots and focus more attention on nutrition and nutrients. Toward the end of his life, Dr. Rimland had some concern that we were losing sight of the core treatments, such as vitamin B6 and melatonin. We will continue to sponsor seminars for clinicians at our conferences; the presentations will concentrate more on nutrition-related treatments, while acknowledging that some conditions require medications that can only be provided with a prescription. We have resolved to “freeze” the clinician registry in 2011; at the end of the year, the list will be removed from our website. There are many reasons why we have chosen to do this: although clinicians receive similar and consistent information at the seminars, there is no uniform way patients are subsequently treated, even acknowledging individual differences; many perceive the clinician list as a list of recommended doctors–in reality, the list simply contains the names of professionals who attended our clinician seminars. We do not certify them, and as a result, we cannot assure people that every practitioner on the list always provides the highest quality service.
We do know that families need a way to locate quality practitioners in their community, and we have added a page of advice on that process to our website. We’ve discussed these changes with two of the founding members of Defeat Autism Now!, Drs. Sidney Baker and Jon Pangborn, and they support this new direction. We would like to thank Maureen McDonnell, R.N. and Jaquelyn McCandless, M.D. for establishing the clinician seminar, and Drs. Elizabeth Mumper and Nancy O’Hara for developing and leading the seminar through 2009. Historically, little effort has been made to find solutions for adult issues, because for so many, adulthood seemed far-distant. However, the concern is now an immediate worry for many families. ARI will establish a new adult program during the first part of the year, made up entirely of adults on the spectrum. They will assist ARI in developing initiatives to help the adult community. And finally, we are very excited about the ongoing analyses of Dr. Rimland’s E-2 Diagnostic checklist. Since the mid-1960s, ARI has distributed the checklist to thousands of families throughout the world; the database contains over 40,000 cases. Bernie Rimland’s dream was to someday analyze the data to uncover subtypes or subgroups of autism. If this can be accomplished, researchers will finally need to acknowledge the variations within the autism population. It is hoped they will stop lumping everyone together when analyzing their data. It’s very likely that each group will have a different underlying cause, and possibly a unique set of effective treatments. Our initial findings are very encouraging, and we plan to focus much of our resources on this project.
Autism Survey
feel like it’s an epidemic or not. Please take 10 minutes to answer
this!!!!! http://www.surveymo nkey.com/ s/8KBXH7W
“ARE VACCINES SAFE?”
Parents and healthcare providers need information to make
informed
choices on vaccinations for themselves and their children.
TOPICS in this seminar include:
Do vaccines cause autism? *** Is the H1N1 a safe flu vaccine?
Should pregnant mothers get vaccines?
Do you have a choice? *** Vaccine Ingredients & Production
Natural Immunity *** Gardasil and our teenage daughters
Micro-Vascular Strokes *** Abortion $$ and vaccines and more.
******PRESENTING ~ MARY TOCCO******
Independent Vaccine Researcher for over 30 years
www.childhoodshots. com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011
6:30 P.M. TO 9:30 P.M.
THE AUSTIN CENTRE FOR WELLNESS
3809 SOUTH 2ND STREET
AUSTIN, TX.
For information or to register call
Sarah Kate (512)312-9304
International ~ Natural Well Being / Natural Foods
Sociologist/ Educator
TICKETS $10 pre-paid ~ $15 at the door
Autism according to Stop Calling It Autism! (SCIA)
Hello all,
Below is a link to a new page just created at the Stop Calling It Autism! website.
Autism according to Stop Calling It Autism! (SCIA)
http://www.stopcall ingitautism. org/autism. html
This webpage describes the science SCIA believes in and helps explain most of the medical, cognitive and behavioral problems that children with autism suffer from. This is the same science that helped my son Daniel improve from a severely autistic child to a child that is doing as well as any child that never suffered from autism. Daniel is doing so well that we were able to take him off many of the medications he was taking in the past. How did we do that? By inhibiting microglial activation as suggested as a possible treatment for mental illnesses by the Nobel Prize-winning University of Utah geneticist Mario Capecchi in his recent study.
Daniel before
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=Vl7dbQrHCAM
Daniel now
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=oJCxEnlRmdY
Nobel winner ties mental illness to immune defect
http://tinyurl. com/373k5mr
It doesn’t matter if you treat the infections that activated the microglial cells in the first place; the microglial cells will remain active for years after the infections have been treated. That is the reason of why many children that are being treated for infections don’t improve like doctors and the parents expect.
Many people ask me how I was able to inhibit my son Daniel’s microglial activation. I did it by using Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and treating the infections that may have caused the microglial activation in the first place. Many research studies have proposed the use of NSAIDs as a possible treatment to target the microglia. The problem is that currently, there are no doctors that will risk prescribing the dose that needs to be given for it to be able to inhibit the microglial activation. That is why I decided to form Stop Calling It Autism! If we can provide large amounts of evidence that children with autism suffer from immune system dysfunction and microglial activation maybe we could expedite the development of medications that can target the microglia and be safe at the same time.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Brain Inflammation: Effects on Microglial Functions
http://www.mdpi. com/1424- 8247/3/6/ 1949/pdf
SCIA is working very hard and it is in the final medical approval stage for a nationwide medical disease registry that will provide evidence that children with autism suffer from immune system dysfunction and microglial activation.
Autism according to SCIA
http://www.stopcall ingitautism. org/autism. html
Regards,
Juan Rodriguez
Stop Calling It Autism!
http://www.stopcall ingitautism. org
Neurotherapy…What is it?
Neurotherapy, or Neurofeedback is like biofeedback only for the brain.
These websites explains what neurofeedback is:
http://www.eeginfo. com/what- is-neurofeedback .htm
http://bio-medical. com/news/ 2008/01/what- is-neurofeedback -or-neurotherapy /
Here are some of the providers in texas, there are more, try googling Neurofeedback Texas:
http://directory. eeginfo.com/ search_process. asp?searchtype= state&state= TX
This is a must read for families!
-developmental- disabilities/
Advice from a Sibling to Parents (Developmental Disabilities)
Posted by kate fialkowski on November 26, 2010
A friend of mine asked me what I thought about a residential placement
option he saw. He’s thinking of the future for his children with
Developmental Disabilities. After a very long-winded response email, I
decided “Hey I should put this to perspective to greater use.” How bout a
little advice from “the other side.” Honestly, let’s put it out there. Your
number one worry is “what will happen to my child with developmental
disabilities after I’m gone?” And the follow-up “how can I ensure their
safety.” Yeah, many of you talk about big dreams for children but really, in
your guts, you think “safety.” ( Some of you, secretly are going one step
further and you’re thinking “surrogate.” After all, no one can love them
like you do, right? How can you find a place that will care enough?) As a
sibling after 15 years I can tell you that I wonder “what if I should die
before my brother?” And “how can I ensure his safety?”
From the vantage point of 16 years AD (after death). Knowing what I know
now, here’s what I wish I could have told my parents. Mom, Dad, there are
certain rules of nature that you simply have to acknowledge. I know it’s
hard because of the implications. But they’re real, let’s talk about them.
The rules of nature
1.There is no permanency. Whatever solution you find – residential, day
program, employment, etc – it cannot be permanent.
2.There are no guarantees. However much you plan, the unexpected will
emerge.
3.Walls do not protect. They hide.
4.Even children with the most severe disabilities will have to cut the cord.
Ultimately they will leave the nest.
5.Risk exists for everyone. There is no way to eliminate all risk for your
child. You have to get comfortable that there is a level of risk you must
take.
6.I am a sibling. Stop worrying about giving me an “obligation” or a
“burden.” You have given me a brother. Family takes care of family.
7.Given these rules of nature I cannot promise you that I will keep
everything just the way you set it up. I’m sorry. I’ll keep it that way as
long as possible but then at a certain point I am going to have to make
changes. I promise to be mindful of your values and David’s needs and
desires.
Given all of the above.. As parents, its expecting to much of yourself to
find the “golden solution.” It’s not feasible. So, let’s go with you’re
finding the best solution today. What is the most important thing to do?
Develop a “circle.” Develop a multi-generational social circle surrounding
your child. Ensure that you are not the only person in your child’s life who
is not paid to be there.
Take it from me. It took me 15 years to understand this simple point.
Inclusion isn’t about a house or a trip to the park. It is not about how
many times you “get into” the neighborhood. Its not something I can write 5
goals for on an IDT plan. It simply means that an individual is not alone.
That they have their own “community/ies” (friends, family, people with
shared interests and goals). These people are not paid to be part of the
community. To be disenfranchised? To be on the outside of communities
versus on the inside? This is what makes a person invisible. Being invisible
makes a person vulnerable.
Surely, as a parent, you can understand this. You’re worried about who could
possibly replace you? NO ONE CAN REPLACE YOU. It will take a village of
people to care as much as you care. To replace the eyes on the back of your
head. The one thing you can do (do early, do often, never stop doing) is
build the village. If your child grows up living within the village you
build, they will always be a valued member of the community and a derivative
fact is they will be less at risk, more fulfilled, and reach their full
potential.
What parent wouldn’t want that? Start building now.
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