AutMont

Event Summary for the Week of January 16, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:14:00 +0000

Check out the AutMont Calendar to see all of the activities for this week as well as those coming up!

Tuesday, January 17:

Webinar: "Shift" and Progress in Disability Rights Awareness

Navigating the Financial World of the Special Needs Family

Wednesday, January 18:

LDAMC Parent Connection: Accommodations and Modifications

Extraordinary Parents Night: Mainstreaming Students on the Autism Spectrum

Parent University: Help Your Child to Start Thinking Organized

Respect, Empathy & Diversity: A School-wide Approach to Tolerance (DC)

Thursday, January 19:

Lecture: Gifted Children with Social Skill Challenges

Up for Discussion on AutMont:

Registration Open for Sports Plus Winter Programs

*****

Do you know of another event? Leave details in the comments!

Autism NOW January Webinars

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:27:00 +0000

Autism NOW hosts webinars each Tuesday afternoon. All webinars take place from 2-3 p.m. Eastern time. The schedule for the remaining three January webinars is below.

January 17: "Shift" and Progress in Disability Rights and Awareness—Mark Stairwalt of Shift journal will lead this webinar discussing the importance of press in the progression of disability rights and awareness. Space is limited. Register online.

January 24: Super Allies: The Real Role of Advisors—Join the leaders and allies of the self-advocacy movement for a rich discussion on how to use advisors effectively to help them help self-advocates run their organizations and committees. Space is limited. Register online.

January 31: Access to Autism Friendly Companies and Competitive Employment Opportunities—This webinar will present the experience of the employment partnership between the Autism Society and AMC Theatres. The partnership was created to provide equal opportunities in employment for individuals with autism. Space is limited. Register online.

M&L Special Needs Planning Workshops: Winter/Spring 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:45:00 +0000

M&L Special Needs Planning will host several lectures over the next few months concerning special needs planning. For more information, call 202-248-7113.

January 17, 7-8:30 p.m.: Navigating the Financial World of the Special Needs Family—The workshop is an overview of the journey of the special needs family. It examines the unique process of providing and planning for such a family. Attendees will learn about about financial planning timeline and the difference between traditional vs. special needs planning. The speakers will address legal and estate issues, guardianship, special needs trusts, funding the trust, and letters of intent. This lecture will take place at LearningRx (5017B Wilson Lane) in Bethesda. Register online.

February 7, 7-8:30 p.m.: Understanding SSI/Medicaid and SSDI/Medicare—Learn about these government benefits in language that is understandable. The presentation will go into detail about what these programs are, their importance, when to apply, how to apply, how to qualify, and how much money the individual with special needs will possibly receive. This lecture will take place at the Treatment and Learning Center, Suite 100 (2092 Gaither Road) in Rockville. Register online.

February 21, 7-8:30 p.m.: Understanding SSI/Medicaid and SSDI/Medicare—See description above. This lecture will take place at LearningRx (5017B Wilson Lane) in Bethesda. Register online.

March 6, 7-8:30 p.m.: Estate Planning for the Special Needs Family—A special needs attorney will discuss key elements of estate planning for the special needs family. There will be an explanation of all the necessary estate planning documents with a description of a special needs trust, guardianship and estate planning considerations when dealing with individuals with special needs, and different ways to fund the special needs trust. This lecture will take place at the Treatment and Learning Center, Suite 100 (2092 Gaither Road) in Rockville. Register online.

April 10, 7-8:30 p.m.: Navigating the Financial World of the Special Needs Family—See description above. This lecture will take place at the Treatment and Learning Center, Suite 100 (2092 Gaither Road) in Rockville. Register online.

April 24, 7-8:30 p.m.: Navigating the Financial World of the Special Needs Family—See description above. This lecture will take place at LearningRx (5017B Wilson Lane) in Bethesda. Register online.

May 8, 7-8:30 p.m.: Preparing the Letter of Intent for Your Special Needs Child—The format is designed to communicate information along with your desires and concerns for your special needs child to future caretakers. Attendees will receive an M&L Special Needs Planning CD with all the questions to be filled out, which is accomplished as much as possible during the workshop. This lecture will take place at the Treatment and Learning Center, Suite 100 (2092 Gaither Road) in Rockville. Register online.

May 15, 7-8:30 p.m.: Understanding SSI/Medicaid and SSDI/Medicare—See description above. This lecture will take place at LearningRx (5017B Wilson Lane) in Bethesda. Register online.

Sports Plus Winter Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:34:00 +0000

Sports Plus Winter programs are beginning this week. Swim programs began January 14 and Indoor Gym Programs begin on January 22nd.

Access registration on the new Sports Plus website.

Summer Opportunities Fair 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:27:00 +0000

There will be s Summer Opportunities Fair for Special Needs Children, held at Ivymount School on February 26 from 1-3:30 p.m. Come explore sleep-away camps and local options for exceptional children.

Ivymount is located at 11614 Seven Locks Road in Rockville. For more information, call the Ivymount School at 301-469-0223.

Ivymount School Lecture Series: Winter/Spring 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:11:00 +0000

The Model Asperger Program at Ivymount School will present several lectures this coming winter and spring. Registration for the lectures is free, although donations of $10 or more support MAPs programming.

Lectures take place at the Ivymount School (11614 Seven Locks Road) in Rockville. You can register online. Lectures run from 7-9 p.m., but doors open at 6:30 p.m. for networking and refreshments.

January 23: Unstuck and On Target: A Panel Discussion of How to Promote Flexibility and Problem Solving in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders—Join the authors of Unstuck and On Target for a discussion about the newly published curriculum designed by the Model Asperger Program staff and psychologists from Children's national medical Center. This unique collaboration has produced an intervention designed to address the executive function issues that result in frustration and rigidity.

February 23: Collaborative Problem Solving Model and Asperger Syndrome—Lecture by developmental pediatrician Dan Shapiro.

May 24: Yes, Virginia, There is a Life After School (Every Day, Every Weekend, and For the Rest of Your Life)—Lecture by Martha Denckla, M.D., Director of Developmental Cognitive Neurology at Kennedy Krieger Institute.

GTLD Network Lecture Series: Winter/Spring 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:50:00 +0000

The GTLD Network will present a series of lectures this winter and spring.

Lectures take place at Walter Johnson High School (6400 Rock Spring Drive) in Bethesda. Each meeting features a pre-meeting advocacy discussion from 6:30-7:30 p.m., with the speaker presentation following from 7:30-9 p.m.

January 19: Gifted Children with Social Skill Challenges—Many gifted students face challenges related to working with others in the classroom as well as handling social interactions throughout the day. Rich Weinfeld, Steve Silverman, Janet Price, and Jennifer Fisher will discuss the diagnosis and identification of these students as well as specific strategies that work in the classroom. Implications for IEPs, 504 plans, and school placement will also be discussed.

March 15: IDEA, ADA, IEP, SLD, CPS, GT: Understanding and Mastering the Alphabet Soup of Getting Help for Your Student—Marissa Stemple, GTLD Instructional Specialist, will discuss the laws, regulations, policies, and processes that are in place in MCPS so that you better understand the world of IEPs and 504s.

April 19: Technology Tips and Treasures—Teacher Christa Gordon and MCPS technology expert Speri Silverman will help parents sort out options and apps for technology.

Lab School Lecture Series: Winter/Spring 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:26:00 +0000

The Lab School of Washington will hold several lectures this fall and spring. They run from 7:30-9 p.m. and include audience participation and Q&A. All lectures are free of charge.

Register online for the lectures. For more information, contact Rebecca Young at 202-454-2333 or rebecca.young@labschool.org. The Lab School is located at 4759 Reservoir Road, NW in Washington.

January 18: Respect, Empathy & Diversity: A School-wide Approach to Tolerance—This presentation will focus on the Lab School's approach to enhancing these key foundational characteristics of the school community.

February 15: Utilizing Educational Technology for School Success: Digital Tools for Supporting Students with Learning Differences—Learn about current technologies and appropriate selection approaches in the areas of research, writing, and organization used at the Lab Schools for students in grades 7-12.

March 7: How to Help Your Child with Executive Dysfunction Become More Independent and Effective—A review of the components of executive functioning; the expected development of executive functions through childhood, key supports that help the dysexecutive child at home and school; and principles for teaching your child better executive function skills.

March 28: Resilience Builders: Helping Children and Teens Cope with Life's Stressors—Mary Alvord will speak about resilience, a critical set of skills that parents can promote in their children.

April 11: Helping Children with Attentional, Organizational and Learning Problems: Can We Train the Brain? This talk will focus on several currently popular interventions that use so-called "brain training" approaches to improve attention, organization, executive function, and academic performance in individuals who have deficits in this area.

Extraordinary Parents Night: Mainstreaming Students on the Autism Spectrum

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:17:00 +0000

The Partnership for Extraordinary Minds will hold their next Extraordinary Parents Night on January 18 from 7-9 p.m.

This month's meeting will focus on mainstreaming students on the autism spectrum. A parent panel will share their experiences in working with teachers and school staff to help their children succeed in general education.

All are welcome at this free meeting. Light refreshments are served and no registration is required. The meeting will be held at the Rockville Memorial Library (21 Maryland Avenue) in Rockville.

Event Summary for the Week of January 9, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:24:00 +0000

Check out the AutMont Calendar to see all of the activities for this week as well as those coming up!

Monday, January 9:

JSSA Support Group for Parents of Children Across the Autism Spectrum

Tuesday, January 10:

Roadmap for Transitioning Planning and a Discussion of Post-Secondary Options

Wednesday, January 11:

Is There a College for My Child?

Up for Discussion on AutMont:

The Auburn School Offers a Full Scholarship

*****

Do you know of another event? Leave details in the comments!

LDAMC Parent Connection January 2012 Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:09:00 +0000

The Learning Disabilities Association of Montgomery County, MD will hold it's monthly Parent Connection meeting on January 18 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Space is limited at this free meeting, which will focus on accommodations and modifications followed by time for open discussion.

To RSVP, please contact 301-933-1076 or ldamcpc@yahoo.com. The meeting will take place at Flower Valley Elementary School (4615 Sunflower Drive) in Rockville.

The Auburn School Offers a Full Scholarship

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:44:00 +0000

For the third year in a row, the Auburn School will offer one Auburn Leaf Scholarship to a new student enrolling at Auburn in the 2012-2013 school year.

Current Auburn Leaf Scholars are enrolled at the Herndon and Silver Spring campuses. Applications for the 2012-2013 school year are currently being accepted. The deadline for this year's scholarship is February 1, 2012.

The Auburn Leaf Scholarship provides a full scholarship for a students to attend the Auburn School for their full time at Auburn (up to nine years). The scholarship provides full tuition remission. One scholarship will be awarded in 2012-2013. The scholarship can be used to attend any of the Auburn campuses (Herndon, Silver Spring, or Baltimore).

The application process includes:

• A completed application for admission to the Auburn School

• A completed Auburn Leaf scholarship application

• A letter of recommendation from an adult who is unrelated to the familiy

• A written parent statement

• A student reflection

Please see the website for more information and to download application materials.

Roadmap for Transitioning Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:33:00 +0000

M&L Special Needs Planning will hold a workshop called "Roadmap for Transitioning Planning and a Discussion of Post-Secondary Options" on January 10 from 7-8:30 p.m.

The workshop is an overview so families can understand what transition planning is, what the terms mean, and examples of post-secondary options.

The workshop will be held at the Treatment and Learning Center (2092 Gaither Road, Suite 100) in Rockville. Register online or contact 202-248-7113 or info@specialneedsplanning.net for more information.

Parent Academy Workshops: Winter 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:54:00 +0000

The MCPS Parent Academy has published their winter schedule and is offering several workshops applicable to special needs parenting. Check the Parent Academy schedule for a full list of workshop offerings. Selected information is below.

Find registration information for all workshops online.

January 25, 7-8:30 p.m.—Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: An NIH psychologist will take you through the biology behind both normal and excessive anxiety and discuss interventions that can be used at home and in school. Held at North Bethesda Middle School (8935 Bradmoor Drive) in Bethesda.

February 1, 7-8:30 p.m.—Understanding ADHD and How to Help Your Child: Learn about ADHD and explore strategies and interventions that support academic and social success. Held at Cabin John Middle School (10701 Gainsborough Road) in Potomac.

February 2, 7-8:30 p.m.—Social Bullies: Dealing with Exclusion and Cliques: People traditionally think of bullies as the big kid on the playground taking your lunch money. Today's students are using exclusion, rumors, and teasing to bully others. Come and explore these behaviors and discuss strategies for helping bullies, victims, and bystanders. Facilitated by YMCA Youth & Family Services. Held at White Oak Middle School (12201 New Hampshire Avenue) in Silver Spring.

February 27, 7-8:30 p.m.—Help! My Child is Disorganized! An expert from Your Life Simplified, Inc. will discuss the factors that may contribute to your child's disorganization. You will also learn skills that you can teach your child to be organized for success in school. Held at Rosa M. Parks Middle School (19200 Olney Mill Road) in Olney.

March 5, 12, 19, 26, 7-8:30 p.m.—Special Education: Parents as Advocates and the Family-School Partnership: Learn about the special education process and how to advocate for your child. Topics include the Individualized Education Act, Individualized Education Program (IEP), resolving issues, community resources, and support. Learn, network, and share tips with other parents. This is a four-part (attend any or all) series of Parent E.A.S.E. workshops facilitated by the Montgomery County Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. Held at Wheaton High School (12601 Dalewood Drive) in Silver Spring.

March 7, 7-8:30 p.m.—Bright Futures for Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP): How can families and schools work together to help students with IEPs make a successful transition to high school and beyond? Learn how to support your children so they can become great people and realize their dreams. Held at Shady Grove Middle School (8100 Midcounty Highway) in Gaithersburg.

Superintendent Forum on Special Education

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:09:00 +0000

MCPS superintendent Joshua Starr will hold four forums this spring to discuss issues, including special education, that came up frequently during his fall Listen and Learn sessions.

The forums will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. as follows:

English language learners: March 12 at John F. Kennedy High School (1901 Randolph Road, Silver Spring)

Gifted education: March 22 at Col. Zadok Magruder High School (5939 Muncaster Mill Road, Rockville)

Special education: April 16 at Seneca Valley High School (19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown)

Social and emotional learning: May 10 at Walt Whitman High School (7100 Whittier Boulevard, Bethesda)

Image credit: Svilan Milev

Is There a College for My Child?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:49:00 +0000

The Nora School will hold a lecture about finding a college for your child on January 11 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Judith S. Bass, a certified educational planner and founder of Bass Educational Services, will speak about the transition from high school to college. She will discuss ways to guide your child toward self-advocacy and independence and discover the steps to take to prepare your child for a smooth transition to college.

Learn about types of college support services, high school course selection, SAT/ACT, updating testing, and proper documentation for college.

RSVP to Janette Patterson at 301-495-6672 or janette@nora-school.org to reserve a space at this free lecture. The school is located at 955 Sligo Avenue in Silver Spring.

Event Summary for the Week of December 12, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:48:00 +0000

Check out the AutMont Calendar to see all of the activities for this week as well as those coming up!

Monday, December 12:

Late, Lost, and Unprepared: A Parents' Guide to Helping Children with Executive Functioning

Tuesday, December 13:

Getting an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: Where Do I Go From Here? (Baltimore)

Girls and Women on the Autism Spectrum

Wednesday, December 14:

Camps and Other Recreational Programs for Children and Adults with Disabilities

Thursday, December 15:

Behavioral Issues in Autism: Why Do They Do That? (Frederick, MD)

Where Will Your Adult Children Live? Considerations in Developing/Building a Home for Your Adult Child with ASD

*****

Do you know of another event? Leave details in the comments!

LDAMC Parent Connection December 2011 Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:43:00 +0000

The Learning Disabilities Association of Montgomery County will hold its next Parent Connection support meeting on December 21 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Join other parents to discuss issues about your child's learning disabilities such as understanding children's strengths and challenges, what accommodations or modifications fit your child's needs, how to work with schools so they understand your child's needs, and much more.

The meeting will take place at Flower Valley Elementary School (4615 Sunflower Drive) in Rockville. For more information or to RSVP, call 301-933-1076 or email ldamcpc@yahoo.com.

Behavioral Issues in Autism: Why Do They Do That?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:35:00 +0000

Pathfinders for Autism will present a seminar called "Behavioral Issues in Autism: Why Do They Do That?" on December 15 from 12:30-2 p.m.

Dr. Steven E. Lindauer, from Kennedy Krieger's Developmental Disabilities Clinic will discuss factors that contribute to why children with ASD often choose problem behaviors instead of appropriate communication to get their wants and needs met.

The seminar will be held at the Arc of Frederick County (620-A Research Drive) in Frederick, Maryland. Register online for this free event.

Camps and Other Recreational Programs for Children and Adults with Disabilities

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:29:00 +0000

JSSA will present a seminar on Camps and Other Recreational Programs for Children and Adults with Disabilities on December 14 from 7-9 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for this seminar, presented by Jamell White. For more information and to register, call 301-610-8414.

Cost to attend is $10. It will be held at JSSA (200 Wood Hill Road) in Rockville.

Getting an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: Where Do I Go From Here?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:17:00 +0000

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Kennedy Krieger will host a lecture called "Getting an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: Where Do I Go From Here?" on December 13 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Cathy Groschan, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Worker, will lead this free discussion and will take your questions about getting a diagnosis, finding services, the education system and more.

The lecture will take place on the 3rd floor of the Creamer Building at Kennedy Krieger (3901 Greenspring Avenue) in Baltimore. Register online.

Late, Lost, and Unprepared: A Parents' Guide to Helping Children with Executive Functioning

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:08:00 +0000

The Cognitive Motor Neuroscience Lab at the University of Maryland will present a book club discussion focused on children with executive functioning on December 12 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Attendees at this book club discussion for parents, teachers, and clinicians will discuss books related to learning disorders and movement difficulties in children. Dr. Laurie Dietzel will join in the discussion of her book, Late, Lost, and Unprepared.

The meeting will take place in the School of Public Health Building at the University of Maryland, College Park. Supervised activities for children will be provided. For more information, call 301-405-6872.

First, Do No Harm: Repairing the Student Ego Through the Performing Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:57:00 +0000

The Lab School will present a free lecture on Repairing the Student Ego Through the Performing Arts on December 7 from 7:30-9 p.m.

The lecture will be held in the Commons on the Reservoir Campus at 4759 Reservoir Road, NW in DC. Register online.

Educational Alternatives for High School Students

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:48:00 +0000

The Nora School will host a presentation on Educational Alternatives for High School Students on December 7 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Mary Alvord, Jenny Wilder, Laura Solomon, and Dave Mullen will explore educational alternatives for high school students who have not thrived in traditional, large school settings.

This free event will take place at The Nora School (955 Sligo Avenue) in Silver Spring. For more information or to RSVP, call 301-495-6672 or email janette@nora-school.org.

Preparing Young Adults for Independence: Transition and Moving Out

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:38:00 +0000

The Resource Finder at Kennedy Krieger will host a presentation on Preparing Young Adults for Independence on December 7 from 7-8:30 p.m.

This presentation will give professionals, parents, and youth an overview of transition issues as well as information about resources for rental and home ownership affordability, accessibility modification, and housing search techniques.

This event will take place in the 4th floor board room of the Bowles Building at Kennedy Krieger (3825 Greenspring Avenue) in Baltimore. To register or more information, email resourcefinder@kennedykrieger.org or call 443-923-2790.