Training: SARRC: The FRIEND Program

What makes a FRIEND?

SARRC is proud to present:

The FRIEND Program

Sheri S. Dollin, M. Ed, Sharman Ober-Reynolds, M.S.N., R.N., C-FNP

September 21st, 2009

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

This training offers an overview of the FRIEND program, an inclusive social skills program for preschool through 12th grade students.

Participants in this training will develop an understanding of ASD challenges that may impact social interactions with peers. A discussion on the implementation of the lunch and playground program will be reviewed, and participants will be introduced to the innovative materials associated with the FRIEND program, including: the FRIEND program manual, the children's book Wings of Epoh, DVDs, and an educator guide.

The FRIEND program provides:

- Increased school and classroom awareness of ASDs

- Information on creating learning and engagement opportunities for individuals affected by ASD

- Tips for encouraging individuals with ASD to engage appropriately with peers in a natural setting, (lunch, recess)

- An overview of peer sensitivity training strategies

This training has a fee of $50 per participant.

Interested in attending?

If you'd like to register for this class, please call Pilar at (480)603-3283.
You can also register by e-mailing training@autismcenter.org

Events: SARRC: Beauty of a Bonzer

Come on, let's celebrate...a "Night of 100 Hits!"

Join SARRC, Outback, and 5 other valley charities at the 9th Annual Beauty of a Bonzer concert and party! This event takes place on October 17th, at US Airways Center.

Enjoy a delicious meal from Outback Steakhouse, and performances from both the Commodores and Kool and the Gang.

To reserve your table, buy tickets, or just learn more about the event, visit the Beauty of a Bonzer website.

Research: Distinguished Lecture Series: Martha R. Herbert

SARRC's Physician Outreach Program presents:

The BHHS Legacy Foundation Distinguished Lecture Series

A Whole Body, Systems Approach to Autism: Where it comes from and what it means for treatment

A presentation for families

Martha R. Herbert, M.D., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Neurology

Harvard Medical School

Pediatric Neurologist

Massachusetts General Hospital

Most of Dr. Herbert's career has focused on big brains and their association with autism. More recently, her work focuses on the interplay between genetics and the environment, realizing the best approach to understanding autism may be a combination of the two:

“When you realize that the widespread changes we’re seeing in autistic brains may occur in parallel with or even downstream from widespread changes in the body—such as in the immune system—and that these changes may be environmentally triggered, you start looking for ways to think more broadly about genetic vulnerability. It can’t be just about ‘brain genes,’” Herbert says.

This lecture will delve into the differences in the body systems of those with autism and the effects of such differences, such as immunodeficiencies and inflammation of brain tissue. Insights about these system differences might have an important impact on the future of autism research and treatment

When: 4 p.m., September 24, 2009
Where: Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
300 N. 18th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Cost: No cost
Register: RSVP by September 18th
480-603-3283 or
pdowling@autismcenter.org

The Distinguished Lecture Series is made possible by a grant from the BHHS Legacy Foundation.

Training: SARRC: Jaburg & Wilk Feeding Training

SARRC is proud to present:

Jaburg & Wilk Feeding Training

Addressing Feeding Issues for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Meeta Patel, PH.D, BCBA

September 25th, 2009

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Eating and feeding issues for children affected by ASD can be complex. This feeding workshop features Meeta Patel, Ph.D., BCBA, Executive Director of Clinic 4 Kidz. Clinic 4 Kidz is a home-based pediatric feeding disorders program in Novato, California.

In this training, Dr. Patel will discuss:

• the developmental progression of eating skills,
• the assessment and treatment of various feeding problems
• techniques for teaching oral motor skills to children, and
• feeding tools that may be helpful in decreasing oral aversion.

Several case studies and video clips will be presented.

This training is free for parents of children with autism. It is also free for other family members of a child affected by autism.

Professionals and habilitators can attend the training for a small fee of $20.

This course is offered for .3 ASHA CEs.

If you'd like to register for this class, please call Pilar at (480)603-3283.

You can also register by e-mailing training@autismcenter.org

Events: VLSA: Monday Night Out!

Are you ready for another Monday Night Out?

The VLSA staff is, and we hope you are, too!

Join us on Monday, September 14th for a fun night of badminton, Wii bowling, board games, pizza, and root beer floats!

As always, this event is for SARRC clients aged 13 and up.
All you need to bring is yourself, a good attitude, and the $30 fee.

Come hungry, because we're having pizza!

Where?: VLSA, 2225 N. 16th St.
When?: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
How much?: $30
Will it be fun?: ABSOLUTELY!

Please register by calling SARRC, (602) 340-8717

Events: VLSA: September Adult Outings

September Adult Outings @ the VLSA!

Autumn is here, and the VLSA staff has cooked up four awesome opportunities for our adults to get out and enjoy the fall weather in September.

This month, the VLSA staff has listened to your feedback, and organized these four diverse and special events in four different parts of the valley, making at least one of the outings easily accessible to all of our adult clients!

These outings include:

- Tour of the University of Phoenix Stadium
- Scottsdale Contemporary Art Museum
- Arizona Game and Fish Dept. Bat Workshop
- 2009 Chandler Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Want times, dates, and a few more details?

Email Erin Dunham at edunham@autismcenter.org for an event flyer to be sent straight to your inbox!

Volunteer: SARRC: Grandparents Group

Do you have a grandchild with autism?

Autism doesn't just affect one person - it affects a family. This notion is what prompted grandparent Kathy Bosco to create SARRC's Grandparents Group, a group dedicated to providing support and education to grandparents of children with autism.

The Grandparents Group meets once a month from October to May. These meetings are lively, warm events, marked with insightful facilitated discussion of current concerns related to autism, as well as the sharing of personal family struggles and triumphs. Guest speakers and professional presentations keep grandparents up to date on the latest in autism research, resources, and therapeutic programs. However, it seems that there is even more to learn from other grandparents in attendance - tips, strategies, and trial-tested information from people who have been there and back again.

In addition to providing the support, information, and good fellowship above, the SARRC Grandparents Group offers volunteer training classes. These classes prepare grandparents who are interested in giving back to join the Grandparent Volunteer Team, SARRC's core volunteer resource. As members of the Grandparent Volunteer Team, grandparents support SARRC and families affected by autism by working in our playrooms, classrooms, and education and outreach programs, as well as providing SARRC with valuable administrative and clerical support.

Why join the Grandparents Group?

• Learn about the latest research related to autism spectrum disorders
• Grow and share with other grandparents
• Provide educated support to your children as they grow as parents of children with autism
• Gain a greater understanding of how your grandchild views the world
• Give back to those who need it through compassionate volunteerism

Want to learn more?

Call SARRC at (602) 340-8717, and identify yourself as a grandparent. We will be happy to send you a packet of information about SARRC, and a brochure about getting involved in the Grandparents Group.