Eastern North Carolina Autism Network

A site for familes and friends

Welcome to Northeast North Carolina’s website for Autism.  We are a site set up for the development of all local chapters within the Autism Society located in Eastern North Carolina.  Our goal is to get you connected to resources and services in the northeast to assist you on your Autism journey.  Please click on our links to access your local autism society chapters, upcoming special events,  ASNC’s statewide Bi-lingual (Spanish-English) advocate, and multi-media opportunists to learn more about autism.  We encourage you to check out ASNC’s website at www.autismsociety-nc.org, if you haven’t done so already.  Under the Family Support tab you will find links to a Community Resource Guide, IEP Resource Guide as well as links to our chapters and affiliates across the state.  Autism Society of North Carolina Chapters provide a wonderful opportunity for parents who face similar challenges to offer each other support and encouragement, share experience, information and resources, raise awareness about the needs and the strengths of individuals with Autism, learn realistic, practical solutions for autism-related concerns and provide a place where individuals feel welcomed, accepted and understood.

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Hello Everyone

Our scheduled speaker for February’s meeting, had to reschedule so for this month we will have a “Tools & Strategies of the Trade” round table discussion. This will be a great time to learn effective ways of teaching, helping, communicating, and working with those on the autism spectrum. Please bring 2 tips, tools, and/or strategies to share, as well as any questions you may have.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 2nd at 6pm at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. Childcare will not be provided.

We look forward to seeing you.

Bobbi Wells

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Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and that the new year has started well for everyone reading this e-mail. We will have our first support group meeting of 2012 on this Tuesday, January 10th. The meeting will be held 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Church at Clayton Crossings located behind McDonald’s on Highway 70 in Clayton. The topic for this meeting is summer camps. We will have a presentation by a staff member from Camp Royall. The camp just began taking registrations on last Friday, our timing is impeccable! Please see the information below concerning Camp Royall. We will also discuss other summer camps and/or summer activities for our children. Please come prepared to share with the group any information you may have on this month’s topic. Including success stories and not so successful stories.

I am also including in this e-mail a list of upcoming activities sponsored by the Johnston County School System for exceptional children. There will be a workshop on 01/20/12 entitled “Autism in Your Congregation: A Conversation about Inclusion”. Please see the information below on how to register if you are interested.

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Camp Royall Registration
On-line summer camp registration is now open. The summer camp lottery registration period began, Friday, January 6 and runs through Wednesday, February 15. You must go on-line to our website to register for camp during this time. Click here to go directly to the registration information page.
The Autism Society of North Carolina summer camp program uses an on-line registration process. We have had great success and positive feedback from camp families about the system. For those families who completed the on-line form in past years you will have a speedier process registering your camper this year.
If you are new to camp and have questions about our registration process please visit our website for some very thorough information and then if you still have questions contact our camp office at 919-542-1033 or send an email to camproyall@autismsociety-nc.org.

An annual application fee of $25 and Proof of NC residence is required for every camper so please be prepared to submit that information along with your on-line registration form.
Summer Camp Information Day and Year-Round Programs
We will hold two Summer Camp information days at Camp Royall the weekend of January 21-22 from 2-5 pm so that new families can learn more about our program and ask questions about the registration process. We are happy to help you register at that time as well. Please click here to send an email or call the camp office at 919-542-1033 to let us know you will be attending.

Also, don’t forget about our year round programs! Click here to visit the year round programs page of our website so you can take a peek at the events we are holding on the 1st and 3rd weekends of every month. Click here and view a PDF flyer of all 2012 year-round programming.

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ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY JOHNSTON COUNTY SCHOOLS:
M3P: Monthly Preschool Parent Program
Wed., Jan. 11, 10-11 a.m.
A. G. Glenn Building, 501 S. Second St., Smithfield
These sessions are becoming so popular we have added a second session each month. Bring your preschooler or come by yourself for some fun activities you can do together. This month, we are focusing on the winter theme and making ice crystal pictures, working on memory and sensory skills with What’s in the Bag? and What’s Missing?, playing Pass the Snowball, and singing Snowman in the Yard while using body part and winter vocabulary. We had a lot of fun this past Wednesday. Come see what it’s all about! Register by contacting me (Pam Biggs) at 919-934-4361 ext. 399 or pamelabiggs@johnston.k12.nc.us or by registering online at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHVrLWs4MlF4VHBXSktGVG80VVpwemc6MA.
Marvelous Math!
Thurs., Feb. 16
9:30-11 at A.G. Glenn Building in Smithfield OR 6:30-8 at location to be determined
Do you want to help your child in math? Do you want to see how to connect math and activities at home? Join us for an informational and hands-on session. Activities will be done in age groups (K-2, 3-5, 6-8). Childcare and light refreshments will be available. Register by contacting me (Pam Biggs) at 919-934-4361 ext. 399 or pamelabiggs@johnston.k12.nc.us or by registering online at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHd3cFRsTWFZRGlEb3VLclkxLW9vX1E6MQ.
ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:
Parent Support Group
Sat., Jan. 14, 1:00
Mental Health Association Office, 24 Noble Street, Smithfield
Parents of children (including adult) with ADD/ADHD/ODD, Bi Polar, Depression and Mood Disorders are invited to attend an informational support group meeting at the Mental Health Association in Johnston County. For more information, contact Marie Dodson at 919-934-0311, email mentalhealthjc@gmail.com, or visit their website at www.mentalhealthjc.org
Family Fun Night at Marbles Kids Museum
Thurs., Jan. 19, 5:30-8 p.m.
201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh
An after-hours event exclusively for kids with special needs to experience Marbles in a calmer, quieter environment. FREE and exclusive for kids with special needs and their families. Plus, catch an exclusive lower-volume showing of Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels on the giant screen at 7pm. This is a free screening; admission is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. In partnership with Kerr Cares for Kids Foundation. For more information, go to www.marbleskidsmuseum.org or call 919-834-3516.

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Autism in Your Congregation: A Conversation about Inclusion
The purpose of this workshop is to bring together clergy and families to discuss ways to include people with autism and other special needs in the life of their faith community. This workshop is free and open to clergy and families interested in this topic.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Rabbi Bradley Artson, Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles.
Rabbi Artson is a respected rabbi, faculty member, and speaker and also the parent of a child with autism. In his morning keynote address, he will speak on the topic
“A House of Prayer for All People: Life Lessons from My Autistic Son”.
Following Rabbi Artson’s keynote, there will be a panel discussion with local faith leaders and parents. Members of the audience will be encouraged to participate and to share their thoughts and experiences.
We hope members of the disabilities community and faith communities can come together to learn from each other and to increase inclusion for all. Please RSVP by JANUARY 18.
Date: Friday, January 20 2012, 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location : Grey Stone Church, 2601 Hillsborough Road, Durham
Contact : Email Maureen Morrell @ mmorrell@autismsociety-nc.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 919-865-5058

Sponsored by Beth El Synagogue of Durham, Grey Stone Church of Durham and the Autism Society of North Carolina.

Thanks!

Sandy A. Carrington
Johnston County Autism Society Support Group
(919) 934-5136

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Happy New Year Everyone!

We hope your Holidays were filled with all the Joy and Excitement the season has to offer. And just like that it’s time for our first meeting of the new year.

Becci Shealey and Jen Lunceford will be sharing some of their expertise with us. They both work extensively with children on the autism spectrum.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 5th, 6pm at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. We will not have childcare available.

We look forward to seeing you.

Bobbi Wells

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Hello Everyone

Can you believe it’s time for our November meeting? This month we will have a round table discussion where we can pose questions or topics to discuss. We think it would be a great way to get to know everyone a little better and to share information as well as provide support.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 3rd at 6pm at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. Please email Becci at ncslp@aol.com or Lesle at makoasmommy@gmail.com if you would like childcare provided at the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you.

Bobbi Wells

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Greetings Everyone!
The next Johnston County Autism Society Support Group meeting will be this Tuesday, November 1, 2011. The meeting will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Church at Clayton Crossing located behind McDonald’s on Highway 70 in Clayton. Our topic this month will be “Sharing & Caring”. We will discuss advocating for your child, getting through the holidays, and we will share IEP goals and ideas.
Gabrielle “Gabby” Martino, an Outreach Specialist for Disability Rights NC was our guest at our October meeting. Disability Rights North Carolina helps individuals across NC gain access to services and opportunities through its legally based advocacy. I would like to thank Gabby for a very informative meeting!
In December Santa Claus will be at our monthly meeting. Trying to take our children to the mall and standing in the long lines to see Santa can be stressful for our children. Hopefully seeing Santa in a calm and familiar environment will help ease the stress for not only the children but the parents as well. Children will be able to give Santa their Christmas list, take a picture, and receive a gift. If you would like for your child to participate in the “Santa Time” please RSVP to me via e-mail (sandy.carrington@yahoo.com) by November 20, 2011. If there is something your child can not have and/or is allergic to please let me know when you RSVP.

Please read below for other upcoming activites:

Hopes and Dreams will have their annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday, November 19, 2011. Please see the attached flyer for details and RSVP information.
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FROM THE ECAC:
International speaker and expert in the field of discipline and behavior, Dr. Eric P. Hartwig is this year’s Keynote speaker at the NC DPI Exceptional Children Conference. He is also providing several breakout sessions during the conference.

Dr. Hartwig will provide a one-hour discussion and dialogue just for parents about “what matters most” on Monday, October 31st, 4:45 – 5:45 pm. Issues include: Demystifying the Evaluation Process, Parents as Partners, Academics / Behavior Go Hand in Hand, and more!

We know that Monday, October 31st is just around the corner and a busy night for many families. But this is great opportunity for parents that can make it. Register now!

There is NO CHARGE for this session and parents DO NOT have to be registered for the conference. Parking at the Koury Center is free.

Please feel free to share with friends and other who may be interested in this event!

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FROM THE NC AUTISM SOCIETY:

North Carolina Creative Autistic Living and Learning requests submissions for 5th annual on-line art exhibit – NCCALL, Inc. is a WNC, grass-roots non-profit organization dedicated to assisting persons with Autism through creativity and marketing. The group is hosting its 5th annual on-line exhibit of art created by NC Autistic Artists. There are no juries, no fees, and no age limits! The only requirement is that the Artist be on the Autism Spectrum and reside in North Carolina. The submission deadline is October 31, HALLOWEEN. For more information and an application, visit the organization web-site.

Neurotoxicity Conference – The Autism Society (of America) and the Learning and Developmental Disorders Initiative will present a one day workshop Environmental Influences on Neurodevelopment: Translating the Emerging Science into Public Health Policy on November 2 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Research Triangle Park. The conference is from 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM with Box lunches available at noon – plus a lunch time conversation with Dr. Theo Colborn. There is a reduced rate option for those who can attend only the afternoon session (1:00-4:00 p.m.).

Parents, scientists, clinicians, allied health professionals, educators, community members, legislators, policy advocates and students are welcome to attend. This full day includes emerging science in brain and environment from the Neurotoxicology conference presenters in the morning, and scientists, clinicians and policy experts in the afternoon discussing connections between environment and the developing brain, and current advocacy for chemical policy. To view a conference flyer click here. For more information and to register click here:

Stay warm!
Sandy A. Carrington
Johnston County Autism Society Support Group
(919) 934-513

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Greetings Everyone,
Included in this e-mail is information on a study being conducted by the National Institute of Health, please be mindful that the study will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of this week. I am also including information on a Neurotoxicology Conference taking place on Wednesday, November 2nd in Research Triangle Park. I will be sending another e-mail next week to remind you all of our monthly meeting which is always the first Tuesday of the month, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Church @ Clayton Crossing on Hwy 70 behing McDonalds.

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PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are conducting a study funded by the National Institutes of Health to
investigate the relationship between preterm birth and autism.

As part of this study, our staff will be trained to conduct gold-standard
measures for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, including the Autism
Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R).

We are seeking parents of children with autism who would be willing to serve
as volunteer interviewees to help our staff psychologists learn how to
administer the ADI-R. Interviews require a 3-hour time commitment, and will
take place on Oct. 21, 22, and 23 from 9 am to 12 noon. (Participation does
not require that your child was born prematurely.) Interviews will take
place at UNC Hospitals campus, exact location to be determined.

We would be deeply appreciative of any parent who is able participate and
will be able to offer them a $75 stipend for their time.

If you or somebody you know may be interested in volunteering for our
training, please contact Joni McKeeman, Ph.D. at (919) 966-7811 or
jmckeeman@unc.edu.

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JOIN US!
Environmental Influences on Neurodevelopment:
Translating the Emerging Science into Public Health Policy

A Workshop Open to the Public
at the Neurotoxicology Conference
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Research Triangle Park, NC
Box lunches available at noon – plus a lunch time conversation with Dr. Theo Colborn!
8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Reduced rate option for those who can attend only the afternoon session
(1:00-4:00 p.m.)

Join the Neurotoxicology Conference sessions in the morning for state of the science on environmentally triggered developmental disorders with a focus on endocrine disruption and sex differences in autism, ADHD and schizophrenia.

In the afternoon workshop, national experts from diverse sectors will summarize the latest research on associations between environmental exposures and early neurodevelopment as well as the implications for prevention-based public health policy. North Carolina based learning and developmental disabilities groups and other nonprofits will talk about how they’re translating the science into action. This meeting is intended to catalyze cross-discipline discussions among leaders in environmental, experimental and epidemiologic fields as well as those involved in public policy and environmental health advocacy.

The workshop is open to the public. Faculty, students, policy makers, community members and others concerned with environmental influences on neurodevelopment and public health are particularly encouraged to attend.

For registration and additional information, please see http://www.healthandenvironment.org/initiatives/learning/events/lddi_meetings

Regards,
Sandy A. Carrington
Johnston County Autism Society Support Group
(919) 934-5136 (H)

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We closed today

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Good afternoon!

I hope you are well, and enjoying this bit of fall weather! We have several important updates for the chapter.

Our meeting this month is this coming Tuesday, October 4th at the Church @ Clayton Crossings on hwy 70, behind McDonald’s, from 6:30 until 8:30pm. Childcare and homework helpers will be provided. We are hosting Gabrielle Martino, Outreach Specialist for Disability Rights NC. Disability Rights North Carolina helps people across North Carolina gain access to services and opportunity through its legally based advocacy. I encourage you to come, and invite friends (affected by any disability) whom you think will benefit from the presentation that Gabrielle will bring.

At last month’s meeting we had the pleasure of meeting Tali Denton, one of our parent advocates. Tali was able to gain an understanding of some of our questions and concerns, and is eager to be of support to the families in Johnston county. You may contact Tali at tdenton@autismsociety-nc.org or 919-743-0204. Our other parent advocate is Nancy LaCross. Nancy’s email address is nlacross@autismsociety-nc.org.

Also joining us was Leigh Christian with Access Speech Therapy, Inc. After realizing the great need for social skills groups in our area (for children of all ages), Leigh came to us for input as to how her organization can might serve families affected by autism. Attached is a flyer with information that Leigh has put together.

Next Saturday, October 8th, is the 13th Annual Triangle Run/ Walk for Autism. So far our chapter team has raised $755. If you have not registered, please do so on the ASNC website at http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=467901. We are the Johnston County Chapter Team. Watch for more info about when and where we will meet, etc.

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We like cake!

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