The Echo Volume 11 Issue 5

The Echo Keeping you informed!

January 2013 Volume 11, Issue 5

IN THIS ISSUE

ASCC Programs & Events Find information on upcoming programs and events in the enclosed program and calendar

pages.

See Pages 2/3

Camp Sunshine Camp Sunshine applications will be accepted from Wednesday, January 2, 2013—Thursday,

January 31, 2013.

See Pages 4-6

ASCC Board Development Are you interested in becoming a member of the ASCC Board of Directors? Learn more about the

election process in this issue.

See Page 7

Single Protein Targeted as Root Biological Cause

of Several Childhood Psychiatric Disorders NASET Week in Review, Volume 8, Issue 42

ScienceDaily (Oct. 31, 2012) — A new

research discovery has the potential to

revolutionize the biological understanding

of some childhood psychiatric disorders.

Specifically, scientists have found that

when a single protein involved in brain

development, called "SRGAP3," is mal-

formed, it causes problems in the brain

functioning of mice that cause symptoms

that are similar to some mental health and

neurological disorders in children. Be-

cause this protein has similar functions in

humans, it may represent a "missing link"

for several disorders that are part of an

illness spectrum. In addition, it offers re-

searchers a new target for the develop-

ment of treatments that can correct the

biological cause rather than treat the

symptoms. This discovery was published

in November 2012 print issue of The

FASEB Journal.

"Developmental brain disorders such as

schizophrenia, hydrocephalus, mental

retardation and autism are among the

most devastating diseases in children and

young adults," said Dusan Bartsch, Ph.D.,

a researcher involved in the work from the

Department of Molecular Biology at the

Central Institute of Mental Health at the

University of Heidelberg in Mannheim,

Germany. "We hope that our findings will

contribute to a better understanding, and

in the end, to better treatments for these

disorders."

Bartsch and colleagues made this discov-

ery using mice with the SRGAP3 protein

inactivated. Then they conducted several

experiments comparing these mice to

normal mice. The mice with inactive

SRGAP3 showed clear changes in their

brains' anatomy, which resulted in altered

behavior similar to certain symptoms in

human neurological and psychiatric dis-

eases. An involvement of SRGAP3 in differ-

ent brain disorders could indicate that

these disorders are possibly connected, as

SRGAP3 is a key player in brain develop-

ment. These different disorders could be

connected via the SRGAP3 protein be-

cause they all emerge from disturbed de-

velopment of the nervous system.

"Since Freud put biological psychiatry on

the map, we've slowly increased our un-

derstanding of how mental health is dictat-

ed by chemistry," said Gerald Weissmann,

M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal.

"Eventually we'll understand the complex

biology underlying most psychiatric illness-

es, from genes to proteins to cell signaling

to overt behaviors. Along the way, as in

this report, we're likely to find single tar-

gets close to the roots of apparently differ-

ent mental illnesses." To read more,

please visit www.sciencedaily.com

ASCC iPads for Autism Project The ASCC was awarded a Community Assistance Program Grant by the Junior League of Fayetteville! The funding will be used to launch the ASCC iPads for Autism Project in the spring

of 2013. More information coming soon!

2013 ASNC Conference Learn more about the upcoming conference and

ASCC scholarship opportunity!

See Page 2/7

ASCC Programs

Parent Education

Program

Please join us on

Monday, January 14, 2013, 6:30 pm

at the

Partnership for Children Resource

Center

351 Wagoner Drive,

Multipurpose Room 343

for a compelling presentation titled:

“Parenting Across the

Autism Spectrum”

By

Ann Palmer, Parent of a child with

autism, Author, and Faculty

Member, Carolina Institute for

Developmental Disabilities at UNC

&

Maureen Morrell, Parent of a child

with autism, Author, and Director of

Chapter Relations, Autism Society of

North Carolina

Maureen and Ann wrote the book

titled “Parenting Across the Autism

Spectrum. Unexpected Lessons We

Have Learned” and will share their

life experiences as well as their

expertise during the presentation

and the following discussion.

Free respite care will be available on

site through Community Based

Developmental Services. Please

contact Cynthia Billops at 488-5820

or 488-4584 to reserve your space

at least 24 hours in advance.

ASCC Support Groups

The HFA/Asperger’s Support Group

meets every second Monday of the

month, Sep—Nov, Jan—May,

immediately preceding the Parent

Education Program. This group

meets in Room 414 of the PFC

Resource Center. Focus: Families of

children, adolescents, and adults

diagnosed with HFA or Asperger’s.

Childcare will not be provided.

The Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Sup-

port Group meets every second

Tuesday of the month at various

Fayetteville restaurants. Focus:

Families of adolescents and adults

with ASD. Childcare will not be pro-

vided.

The Autism Breakfast Club (ABC)

Support Group meets every third

Wednesday of the month at the PFC

Resource Center, Room 414. Focus:

Families of children with ASD up to

age 12. Childcare will be provided.

The Preschool Support Group (The

High Fives) meets weekly on

Thursdays at the PFC Resource

Center, Room 343. Focus: Families

of young children with ASD ages 1-5

years. Childcare will be provided.

While every group focuses on a

specific age range, parents of

children of all ages are welcome to

attend all support groups!

Workshops

Please call the ASCC office at (910)

826-3004/3005 to register for all

workshops.

The Newly Diagnosed Workshop led

by Amy Perry, ASNC Parent Advocate,

is held every first Thursday of the

month from 9:30 am—12:00 pm.

The Individualized Education Plan

Workshop, led by Amy Perry, pro-

vides an opportunity for parents and

providers to learn all about IEPs. It

will be offered quarterly.

The Parenting Children with Autism

Workshop will be offered every

fourth Wednesday of the month by

Board Certified Behavioral Analysts

of Little Miracles Child Development

Services. The workshops will cover

different parenting topics every

month.

The Echo I Issue 5, January 2013 2

2013 Autism Society of

North Carolina

Annual Conference

Schedule

Hilton University Place Hotel, Charlotte, NC

Friday, February 8, 2013

Dr. Peter Gerhardt, Bridges to Adulthood: Planning for

Lives of Competence and Inclusion

7:30 - 8:45 am: Check-in, Coffee Service, and Exhibit

Hall open

8:45 - 9:00: Welcome Remarks/Keynote Introduction

9:00 - 10:30 am: Bridges to Adulthood: Planning for

Lives of Competence and Inclusion, part 1

10:30 - 11:00 am: Break

11:00-12:30 pm: Bridges to Adulthood: Planning for

Lives of Competence and Inclusion, part 2

12:30 -1:30 pm: Lunch and Book Signing

1:30 -3:00 pm: Bridges to Adulthood: Planning for Lives

of Competence and Inclusion, part 3

3:00 - 3:30 pm: Break

3:30 - 4:30 pm: Bridges to Adulthood: Planning for Lives

of Competence and Inclusion conclusion, questions and

answers

5:00 pm: Exhibit Hall closes

8:00 - 10:00 pm: Exhibits open

7:30 - 8:30 pm: Check In open

8:00 - 10:00 pm: Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall

Saturday, February 9, 2013

7:30 - 8:45 am: Check-in, Coffee Service, Exhibit Hall

open

8:45 - 9:00 am: Welcome Remarks/Speaker

Introduction

9:00 - 10:30 am: John Thomas: Fostering a Lifetime of

Learning

10:30 - 11:00 am: Break

11:00 - 12:30 pm: Leica Anzaldo, Amy Hobbs, & Louise

Southern: Combining Best Practices for Optimal Results:

Integrating Structured Teaching, Behavioral Principles,

and Technology

12:30 - 1:30 pm: Lunch

1:30 - 3:00 pm: Julie Clark: Asperger's in Pink: Raising a

Girl on the Autism Spectrum

3:00 - 3:30 pm: Break. Make final purchases in the

Exhibit Hall as it will close when the final session begins.

3:30 - 4:30 pm: Linda Gund Anderson and Brent Ander-

son: Finding Humor While Living with Autism

4:30 pm: Adjournment

For more information please visit:

www.autismsociety-nc.org


Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

PFCRC: Partnership

for Children

Resource Center,

351 Wagoner Drive,

Fayetteville

1 New Year’s Day

ASCC Office Closed

2 Submit Camp Sunshine applications beginning today through January 31.

39:30 am—12 pm

Newly Diagnosed Workshop, PFCRC, Room 414

5:30 pm—7:00 pm

Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, Room 343

4 5

6 7 8 11:30 am

Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group at the Carolina Ale House

9 ASNC Conference Scholarship Applications due !

10 9:30 am—11:00 am


11 12

13 145:45—6:30 pm

HFA Support Group, PFCRC, Room 414

6:30 pm—8pm

Parent Education Program, PFCRC, Room 343

15 16 9:30 am —11:00 ABC Support Group, PFCRC, Room 414

17 9:30 am—11:00 am


18 19 10:30 am—11:00 am

Rhythm & Rhyme Story Time, Hope Mills Public Library

20 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

22 11:00 am—1:00 pm ASCC Board of Directors Meeting, PFCRC, Room 414

23 10 am —11 am

Parenting Children with Autism Workshop, PFCRC, Room 414

24 9:30 am—11:00 am


25 26

27 28 29 9:30 —11:30am

Organize Your IEP Notebook Workshop, PFCRC, Room 414

30 31 9:30 am—11:00 am Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, Room 343 Last day to turn in Camp Sunshine Applications!

January 2013


Dear Families:

Enclosed in this newsletter, please find the 2013 Camp Sunshine Application

along with the 2013 Camp Sunshine Financial Assistance Scholarship

Application. Camp Sunshine is a 5-6 week state-licensed developmental day

camp providing services from 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday through Friday,

to campers, ages 3 years to young adult, diagnosed with autism spectrum

disorders (ASD). All campers must have an evaluation with a diagnosis of

ASD and must reside in Cumberland County.

Please complete the application in its entirety and return it along with a copy

of your child’s most recent IEP and diagnosis to our office. Applications will

be accepted from Wednesday, January 2, 2013 to Thursday, January 31,

2013. The ASCC office is open Monday—Friday, 8:00 am—4:00 pm. If your

child attended Camp Sunshine between 2007and 2012, a diagnosis is

already on file in our office, and an additional copy will not have to be

submitted. A $10.00 non-refundable registration fee must be submitted with

the application.

Camp Sunshine slots fill up quickly, sometimes before the submission deadline, and applications are accepted on a first-

come first-serve basis. Once the maximum number of campers has been reached, a waiting list will be established.

Families will be notified of their acceptance or placement on the waiting list no later than March 8, 2013.

It is our intent to provide individualized quality services to your child. Field trips to various locations including bowling,

skating, and swimming, along with special camp visitors will also be offered. Upon acceptance into Camp Sunshine 2013,

parents will be required to complete a detailed parent packet and visit the ASCC office for an in-depth parent intake

interview. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you, the parent, as the first teacher of your child. Upon the

completion of required forms, you will receive the Camp Parent Handbook, and with your help, we will create an

individualized service plan carefully taking into consideration your child’s IEP and your expectations for camp. Combining

these two most valuable elements will ensure a positive camp experience for your child.

Due to the changes in the Cumberland County Mental Health Department’s contracting with the Durham based Alliance

Behavioral Healthcare as part of the latest state reforms, the ASCC is expecting a new contract from the Durham Alliance

Behavioral Healthcare to help fund Camp Sunshine. Please bear with us as we are adjusting to new registration and

reporting guidelines.

While dates and camp fee information will be provided along with the parent packet at a later time, payment of parent

fees will be due during the Parent Intake Interview to be held during April 2013. Payment options will be available. If you

are experiencing financial difficulties in your family, please complete the Camp Sunshine Financial Assistance Scholarship

Application printed on the back of the camp application and return it along with supporting documents no later than

January 31, 2013. Scholarship funds are available. The ASCC Scholarship Committee will carefully select scholarship

recipients based on their needs. Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to the Parent Intake Interview and will have to

pay either partial or no camp parent fees. We are honored to offer this program as a result of the Ben Lucero Scholarship

Fund established by Bob and Ann Lucero in memory of their son, Ben.

In an effort to reduce the administrative costs and tasks in our office, we are asking that you please share your email

address on the application. We hope to correspond with you via email to ensure all administrative requirements are met.

Please keep this letter in your files and return the camp application, scholarship application, supporting documents, your

child’s IEP, the most recent diagnosis (if your child is new to Camp Sunshine) along with the $10.00 non-refundable

application fee to the ASCC office at 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, no later than January 31, 2013. For more infor-

mation, please call (910) 826-3004/3005.

Camp Sunshine


Autism Society of Cumberland County

Camp Sunshine Developmental Day Program Application 2013

Child’s Full Name _________________________________________________________________________

Child's Age ________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________

Current School/Program/Teacher’s name _____________________________________________________

Parent Name __________________________________ _________________ Cell # _________________

Place of Employment _____________________________________________ Work #_________________

Parent Name____________________________________________________ Cell # ___________________

Place of Employment ______________________________________________ Work #_________________

Home Address ___________________________________________________ Zip Code _______________

Email Address____________________________________________________ Home # ________________

Is your child in a traditional or year-round school? (Circle one) year-round traditional

How many days per week will your child attend? (Circle one) 3 days 4 days 5 days

Which days will your child attend? (Circle all that apply) Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

Is your child a new/returning Camp Sunshine client? New Returning

Does your child receive CAP/NC Innovations services? Yes No

If yes, what is the name and phone number of the provider? _________________________________

Is your child a resident of Cumberland County? Yes No

Is your child’s IEP enclosed? Yes No

Is your child’s evaluation enclosed? Yes No

Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________ Date ____________________

Please drop off or mail this application, copies of most recent diagnosis and IEP, and the $10.00 non-refundable

registration fee to: Autism Society of Cumberland County, 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, Fayetteville, NC 28303.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis, from January 2, 2013—January 31, 2013. Incomplete

applications will not be accepted. Families will be notified of their acceptance or placement on the waiting list no later than

March 8, 2013.



2013 Camp Sunshine

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Child’s name attending camp:___________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Caregiver name(s):______________________________________________________________________________

Number of people in household: ________________________________________________________________________

Number of child dependents: ___________________________________________________________________________

Number of individuals earning income:____________________________________________________________________

Place(s) of Employment:________________________________________________________________________________

Does anyone in the household receive SSI? _________ _________

YES NO

If yes, please list everyone who receives SSI________________________________________________

If yes, how much SSI is received per month (total amount): $__________________________________

Household monthly net (after taxes) of all sources of income: $_________________________________

Please explain any extenuating circumstances which you feel should be taken into consideration when financial aid decisions are made: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By completing this application, I understand that financial aid is not guaranteed for my child who is attending Camp Sunshine. If I am selected for assistance, I will be notified prior to the Camp Sunshine Parent Intake Interview.

In order to be considered for financial aid, you must submit proof of income in the form of: a copy of your most recent 2 months of paycheck stubs or your most recent 2 months of Leave and Earning Statements (LES) for all sources of income, including SSI. If you have no income, you must supply a notarized letter stating that you have no source of income. Please call (910) 826-3004/3005 for more information. Please be aware that we will not contact you for proof of income if it is not included with your application.

___________________________________________ _________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date


Membership Drive Become a member of the Autism Society

of Cumberland County and you will help

sustain our programs! Your $10 annual

membership fee will ensure your

eligibility to become a member of the

ASCC Board of Directors, voting privileges

in matters discussed during Parent

Education programs, priority selection for

scholarships, as well as the continuity of

all programs offered by the ASCC. You will

also receive a free 8”x4” “Autism

Awareness” car magnet as displayed in the

picture box on the left.

Please mail your $10 membership fee to

the ASCC, 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410,

Fayetteville, NC 28303 today. Thank you!

Your membership will be for one year upon

receipt of membership dues.

Questions? Please call (910) 826-3004.

The ASCC Supports Children and Teachers

in Cumberland County Schools

On December 7, 2012, several ASCC volunteers came together to stuff

goody bags and delivered them to 444 children assigned to 53 self-

contained AU classrooms in 29 Cumberland County schools.

Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your help and support in our

outreach efforts! You are the best!

The ASCC distributed grant applications to all Cumberland County Schools

teachers assigned to self-contained AU classrooms. Completed

applications are due to the ASCC no later than January 18, 2013.

We hope that this opportunity will provide some assistance to teachers as

they are serving students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

Treats for Children! Grants for Teachers!

ASCC Scholarship Opportunity

The 2013 Autism Society of North Carolina Annual Conference, Autism Grows Up, will

be held February 8-9, 2013, at the Hilton University Place Hotel in Charlotte.

The 2013 conference will focus on preparing for adulthood and all that comes with it:

family transitions, living and working in the community, and the goal of independence.

Participants will also learn from teaching and behavioral experts on best practices, gain

insights about raising girls on the spectrum, and share the lighter side of autism

through humor.

The ASCC will offer scholarships for parents to attend this most interesting conference.

If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact our

office at (910) 826-3004/3005 or email: [email protected] no later

than January 9, 2013.

FY 2013/2014 ASCC Board of Directors Nominees

The ASCC is seeking interested individuals who would like to serve as members of the ASCC Board of Directors beginning July 1,

2013. If you are willing to serve, you must be a member of the ASCC and notify the ASCC office of your intent to serve no later than

Thursday, February 28, 2013. You will then receive an application which must be completed and submitted to the ASCC no later

than March 15, 2013. The ASCC Board Development Committee will review all applications and recommend nominees to the Board

of Directors. The nomination/election of the Board of Directors will be held at meeting of the general membership on May 13, 2013.

http://content.kellymckay.1079thelink.com/page_images/autism-society-of-NC.jpg

351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410

Fayetteville, NC 28303

Tel: 910-826-3004/3005

Fax: 910-868-5881

E-mail: [email protected]

www.autismcc.org

“Supporting Individuals Within The Autism Spectrum”

Winner of the Autism Society of

North Carolina affiliate of the Year

Award—1996, 2002, & 2003

Membership & Donations

Return Service Requested

The Autism Society of Cumberland

County is an affiliate of the Autism

Society of North Carolina.

Mission Statement:


County is committed to providing

support and promoting opportunities

which enhance the lives of individu-

als within the autism spectrum and

their families.

Vision Statement:


County strives to create a community

where people within the autism

spectrum and their families receive

respect, services, and supports

based on individual differences,

needs, and preferences.

Disclaimer:


County does not take any position

regarding studies of ASD, nor en-

dorse any particular form of treat-

ment, intervention, or therapy. This

newsletter allows us to pass along

current information in the field of

ASD to our families and organization

members.

Please make checks payable to:


351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 410

Fayetteville, NC 28303

Name:

Parent/Caregiver Professional

Sibling Individual with ASD

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

A great way to help support our program is to

become a member. As a member of the ASCC, you

enjoy voting rights during membership meetings,

you are eligible for election to the Board of

Directors, and you receive priority for conference

scholarships. Membership is effective for one year.

Please remember the ASCC with your tax-deductible

charitable contribution. Thank you!

Annual Membership ($10.00)

Donation $_________

Join us on Facebook

Cumberland Community Foundation

Board of Directors: Anna Finch President Warren Aronson Vice President Gwen Scott Treasurer Brandy Mello Secretary Cynthia Billops Chris Leacock Dr. Suzanna Fletcher

Staff:

Heidi Choice Director of Programs and Outreach Alvita Blue Program and Outreach Assistant Editor: Heidi Choice

January 2013 The Echo Volume 11, Issue 5

FY 2012/2013 Board of Directors & Staff Funded In Part By:

Documents

The Echo Volume 11 Issue 5