Autism Spectrum Support Group of Southern Maryland

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First Responders, Families, and Functional Needs

You’ve seen the news reports – a tragic story of a child who has wandered, a teen who is misunderstood, a person who is uncomprehending in a dangerous situation. How many of these situations could have been avoided?

Many have recognized that more must be done to train law enforcement and first responders to effectively deal with individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our loved ones with autism also need training on how to interact without fear, to recognize that a first responder can be of help, and that self-advocacy is necessary in protecting themselves from harm. Families also want to ensure that in dangerous situations, first responders have all the information they need to understand and support individuals with disabilities, and want to share that information in a proactive way.

In 2017 we are partnering with Pathfinders for Autism to welcome police officers, firefighters and other first responders at three Southern Maryland training events in Understanding Autism and Other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, which is MPCTC, Corrections, and MEIMSS Certified state-mandated instruction for Law Enforcement and First Responders.

We are also partnering with Pathfinders and ARC of Southern Maryland to teach our teens and adults (aged 13 and older) positive ways to interact with the law or first responders, so they understand what is happening in confrontational or dangerous situations, even as they want to be understood in return. We welcome them to come watch BE SAFE The Movie and learn from Pathfinders how to interact effectively!

Join Us on Wednesday May 17, 2017 in Prince Frederick!

6:00 – 8:30 pm – BE SAFE Interactive Movie Screening

Join Us on Thursday June 8, 2017 in St. Mary’s City!

12:00 – 4:00 pm – Understanding Autism and Other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

6:00 – 8:30 pm – BE SAFE Interactive Movie Screening

All training is free and all materials are provided.   To register, please go to our Law Enforcement Training page or our BE SAFE Interactive Screening page!  You can register online using the Google Forms or contact us to register!

NOTE:  If you can’t make the dates listed here for “Understanding Autism,” consider attending the MPCTC class in Sykesville on June 22, 2017!  Here is the link to that event: http://www.pathfindersforautism.org/news/view/502

We are also expanding the information we are providing about wandering/elopment, safety in emergencies, and voluntary registration for individuals with disabilities or medical fragility on local, regional and national databases in order for emergency personnel to support them in times of crisis.  Please check out that information by going HERE!

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

We believe that a supportive community should be an informed community. Family members and caregivers of individuals with special needs, special education teachers and para-educators, behaviorists, therapists, adult services staff, school administrators and transition specialists, medical providers, and other concerned professionals are welcome to observe the Certified Law Enforcement/First Responder Training. Limited space is available for observing BE SAFE Interactive Training. Please contact us at (240) 561-8860 in advance of attending either event to find out if space is available. Donations to support the costs related to hosting any of these training events is welcome and gratefully accepted.

Contact us at 240-561-8860 or email jnicholas@autismsupport-somd.org if you have any questions!

 

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Study Says Needs of Military Children with Autism Are Not Being Met

A majority of military spouses with children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder say that the needs of their children are not being met, according to a Penn State Study by doctoral student Jennifer Davis.

Frequent relocation is cited by the study as a “compounding factor” in the challenges faced by military families who have children with autism.  The unmet needs ranged from social skills therapy and behavioral management interventions to speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

Some key findings of the study, which surveyed 189 families with one or more children with autism:

  • All of the respondents reported having at least one incident of a need going unmet.
  • 88% of the respondents reported an unmet need for social skills therapy.
  • 78% of the respondents reported delayed access to intervention services as a result of relocation.
  • 70% of the respondents reported feeling that the continuity of services between locations is lacking.
  • 58% of the respondents reported that difficulty finding doctors or other medical professionals who were trained to meet their child’s disability.

The study results were published in the January online edition of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, and the Penn State summary of the article can be found here.

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Big Dogs Autism Fundraiser a Success!

On July 19, 2014, Big Dogs Paradise in Mechanicsville hosted an Autism Fundraiser to benefit the Autism Spectrum Support Group of Southern Maryland. The event was organized by Rusty Hamilton and Brian Adkins, owner of Big Dogs Paradise. It included a Pool Tournament and a Corn Hole Tournament along with Family Fun activities.

The Pool Tournament was held indoors where players and patrons listened to music spun by DJ Tom Pilkerton of Big T’s Entertainment. Big T also provided a photo booth with event customization free of charge. Drinks were available at the bar, and patrons generously filled a “Donations” bucket.

Outside, DJ Will Mattingly entertained the crowd with a variety of music as children enjoyed the moon bounce, donated for the day by Jimmy Guy from Elite Beatz. Thor from Super Heroes of Southern Maryland took time out from his adventures to visit with families. Queen Elsa also made a royal appearance and charmed everyone she met. The Autism Spectrum Support Group had an information table set up outside; members were available to answer questions and sell T-shirts and jewelry as additional fundraisers.

As competitors played in the Corn Hole Tournament (run by Nick Nicholas), players, families, and friends enjoyed drinks available at the outside serving shed. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and half smokes from Nick’s of Clinton (sponsored by Cindy Griffin of A Woman’s Touch Paint and Paper) were served with choice of chips and soda or water. Throughout the event, Support Group members — with help from volunteer Gabe Chandler — sold 50-50 raffle tickets. The lucky winner, “Crabby,” split the pot with the Autism Spectrum Support Group.

It took a lot of work behind the scenes at Big Dogs; thanks go out to Brian Adkins, his family, and all the staff and customers at Big Dogs Paradise who donated their time, energy, and caring for the Big Dogs Autism Fundraiser: Monica Thompson (organization, flyer, food prep), Maddie Adkins (Queen Elsa), Ashley Adkins (outside drinks), Stephanie Bates (set-up and concessions), Vickie Cooksey (clean-up), Debbie Marshall (inside bartender, food donation), Mark Flesher (on grill), Ricky Pilkerton (general help), Steve Marshall (coolers), Jerry Brash (orange cones), Casey Sheckels (grill and wood donation), Teresa Butler (food donation), and Guy Distributing (roadside banners). Thanks also go out to Rusty Hamilton, Chandra Kratko, Kate Hamilton and Mike for organization, preparation and event work. In addition, the Support Group would like to thank Tonya Albright (canopies) and the Chandler, Nicholas, and Beary families.

The money raised (almost $900) from this super fun event will help the Autism Spectrum Support Group serve families impacted by autism in Southern Maryland.

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Autism Awareness Corn Hole & Pool Tournaments and Family Fun Fundraiser

Come on out to Big Dogs Paradise on Saturday, July 19th for a day of fun for the whole family and to raise money for autism awareness!

Big Dogs Paradise Bar and Liquor Store in Mechanicsville, MD, is hosting Pool and Corn Hole Tournaments along with a Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 19th to raise money for autism awareness. Proceeds will go directly to the Autism Spectrum Support Group of Southern Maryland to support families of people with autism spectrum disorders in Southern Maryland.

The Pool Tournament (adults only) has a $30 entrance fee ($5 to the fundraiser and $5 to the 50/50 raffle). Registration begins at 12 noon, and the tournament starts at 1:00. This indoor event will be held rain or shine.

The Corn Hole Tournament has a $25 entrance fee per person ($5 to the fundraiser and $5 to the 50/50 raffle). Registration begins at 2 pm, and the outdoor tournament starts at 3:00. Older children may participate with the regular entrance fee payment.

The Family Fun Day (2 – 6 pm) is an outdoor event that features food for purchase, face painting, a moon bounce, a magician, a visit from the Southern Maryland Super Heroes, a 50/50 raffle, and much more.

The rain date for the Corn Hole Tournament and Family Fun Day is Sunday, July 20th.

 

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To view or download the flyer, click here:  BDP fundraiser 2014

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ABA Amendment to NDAA Passes in the House

Congressional Representatives Larson (CT-1) and Rooney (FL-17) co-sponsored an amendment to the FY15 NDAA to improve access to ABA under TRICARE for military beneficiaries with developmental disabilities.  It was passed by a voice vote Wednesday night (May 21st).

Larson, Rooney Announce Passage of Amendment for Military Children with Development Disabilities

A similar bill, the Caring for Military Children with Developmental Disabilities Act of 2014 (S. 2333), was introduced in the Senate last week by Senators Murray (WA), Blunt (MO), Gillibrand (NY), and Rubio (FL).  The current efforts 

  1. Advocates are working on a similar amendment strategy (for the Senate version of the NDAA) in the Senate, but need your support and action. To voice your support for the Senate bill, please contact your Senators and ask that they co-sponsor S. 2333.  Here are some ways that you can find and contact your Senators:
    1. Autism Speaks has prepared an action alert where you can send your Senator an email.  It suggests the language for an email to your Senators that you can modify or personalize.
    2. The GovTrack.us website has the Senate version of the amendment tracked. You can set up email alerts so that you know what happens to this legislation, or click the button to Call Congress and the site will walk you through identifying and calling your Senators.
    3. Look up your Senator’s contact information on the U.S. Senate website. Contact information can be found on the individual Senator’s website.
  2. If the bill passes in the Senate, it will go to conference committee for resolution between the two versions.

We will do our best to keep you updated as we find out more information.  If you’d like to leave a comment on this post below, you can be notified by email as we update this post with further information about the progress of this effort.