The Echo Keeping you informed!
April 2013 Volume 11, Issue 8
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 Update Parents of accepted campers, please be sure to schedule your mandatory intake appointment by
calling (910) 826-3004/3005!
See Page 2
iPads for Autism Project Join us as we will kick-off the iPads for Autism
Project on Monday, April 1, 2013
See Page 4
Epilepsy Drug in Pregnancy Linked to Autism Risk in Study NASET Week in Review, February 8, 2013 - Vol 9, Issue 6
New research adds to dangers of valproate use for women of childbearing
age. Women taking the epilepsy drug valproate (Depakote) while pregnant are at in-
creased risk of having children with autism and other developmental problems, accord-
ing to a small British study.
Valproate is prescribed for epilepsy as well as certain psychiatric disorders
and migraines. Other studies have shown its use during pregnancy is associated with
birth defects and, more recently, lower IQ in school-age children. The American Acade-
my of Neurology advises against valproate use during pregnancy, and some experts
believe it should not be used by women of childbearing age.
"Women for whom valproate is a treatment option should discuss the risks
and benefits of this drug with their doctor prior to pregnancy, to ensure that their
health and that of the potential child is optimized," said Rebecca Bromley, a clinical
psychologist and research associate at the University of Liverpool, who led the new
study.
"Planning a pregnancy in collaboration with your doctor is important if you
are taking antiepileptic drugs," she added. And evidence suggests the damage to the
fetus occurs early in pregnancy, according to the study. But women should not alter
their medication without talking to their doctor, she noted.
For the study, published online Jan. 30 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosur-
gery & Psychiatry, Bromley's team collected data on more than 500 pregnant women
between 2000 and 2004. About half had epilepsy, of whom all but 34 took medicine to
control their seizures. The drugs they took included carbamazepine (Tegretol),
valproate and lamotrigine (Lamictal), the researchers noted.
Of the 415 children for whom data was available, 19 were diagnosed with a
developmental problem by age 6 years. Three of them also had a physical handicap.
Twelve of these children had an autism spectrum disorder, and one was also diag-
nosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the researchers found.
Three children had ADHD alone and four had dyspraxia, a condition causing poor physi-
cal coordination and clumsiness.
For more information, please visit: www.healthfinder.gov
LIGHT IT UP BLUE April 2, 2013 is World Autism Awareness Day! Consider purchasing blue light bulbs for your
porch and Light it Up Blue this year!
See Page 5
Save the Date! Learn more about how you can help make the 7th Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament a
great success!
See Pages 6/7
ASCC Parent Education Program
Monday, April 8, 2013, 6:30pm
Cheryl Merritt, Author
ASCC Programs-Opportunities for Parents and Children
Parent Education
Program
Please join us on
Monday, April 8, 2013, 6:30 pm
at the
Partnership for Children Resource
Center
351 Wagoner Drive,
Multipurpose Room 343
for a presentation titled
“New Teaching Strategies for
Classic Autism”
by
Cheryl Merritt, Author
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
Support Groups provide an
opportunity to share, learn, and
connect. Parents, caregivers,
guardians, and professionals are
welcome to participate in all of our
support groups. Please check the
calendar on page three for meeting
dates/times/locations.
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) Support
Group meets every second Tuesday
of the month at various Fayetteville
restaurants. Focus: Families of
adolescents and adults with ASD.
Childcare will not be provided.
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, ASNC
Parent Advocate provides an oppor-
tunity for parents and providers to
learn all about IEPs. It will be offered
quarterly.
The Little Miracles Child Development
Services Workshop will be offered
every fourth Wednesday of the month
by Board Certified Behavioral Ana-
lysts. The workshops will cover differ-
ent parenting topics every month.
The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 2
Update
2013
Camp
Sunshine
Parents of accepted campers, please be sure to schedule
your mandatory intake appointment by calling (910) 826-
3004/3005! Intake forms were due on April 1, 2013 and
must be on file prior to the intake appointment. Thank you
for your help in preparing another fun summer camp!
Camp Sunshine Direct Care Staff will be selected this
month. Interviews will be scheduled and all staff will be
notified of employment no later than April 30, 2013.
Volunteers are needed to make Camp Sunshine a great
success. Please contact our office at (910) 826-
3004/3005 to find out how you can make a difference!
Join ASCC in celebrating
Autism Awareness Month, by showing
your support with an Autism Awareness
yard sign available at the ASCC office for
purchase.
Purchase yours for $15.00
The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 3
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 1-4 pm iPad Lending Project
2
1-4 pm
iPad Lending
Project
3 9:30 -11am
ABC Support Group,
PFCRC, RM 414
4 9:30am-12pm
Preschool Support Group, PFCRC, RM 343
5 9am-12pm
iPad Lending
Project 6-9 pm Twisted
Jeweler, Family
Fun Night
6
7 8 5:45-6:30pm HFA
Support Group, PFCRC,
RM 414
6:30pm-8pm Parent Educa-
tion Program, PFCRCC,
Room 343
1-4 pm IPad Lending Project
9
11:30am Autism Lunch Club (ALC) Support Group at On The Border
1-4 pm iPad Lending Project
10 119:30 -11am
Preschool Support
Group, PFCRC, RM
343
9:30– 12 pm Newly Diagnosed Workshop,
PFCRC, RM 414
12
9am-12pm
iPad Lending
Project
13
14 15
1-4 pm
iPad Lending
Project
16
1-4 pm
iPad Lending
Project
179:30 -11am
ABC Support Group,
PFCRC, RM 414
18 9:30 -11am
Preschool Support
Group, PFCRC,
RM B
19
9am-12pm
iPad Lending
Project
20 10:30 am—11:00 am
Rhythm & Rhyme Story Time, Hope Mills Public Library
21 22
1-4 pm
iPad Lending
Project
23
11 am-1 pm ASCC
Board of Directors
Meeting PFCRC, Room
414
1-4 iPad Lending Project
24
10 am -11 am
Little Miracles Child
Development
Workshop, PFCRC,
RM 414
25 9:30 -11am
Preschool Support
Group, PFCRC, RM
343
26
9am-12pm
iPad Lending
Project
27
28
29
1-4 pm
iPad Lending
Project
30
1-4 pm
iPad Lending
Project
April 2013
SAVE THE DATE
ASCC Vera Bradley Bingo
October 2013
Date to be Announced
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 4
...
Autism Society of Cumberland County
iPads for Autism Lending Project
Who? For children, adolescents, and adults
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and
their parents
What? FREE iPads for Autism Lending Project
When? Beginning April 1, 2013
Every Monday and Tuesday afternoon from
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Every Friday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where? Autism Society of Cumberland County, 351
Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, Fayetteville, NC
Register by calling (910) 826-3004/3005
How? Learn how to use and enjoy the iPad by using
autism specific applications such as social
express, injni, proloquo2go, going places for
one hour per lending period.
Why? FREE access to iPads and autism specific
applications!
The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 5
Membership Drive Become a member of the Autism Society
of Cumberland County and help us
sustain our programs. Your $10 annual
membership fee will ensure your 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. Please mail
your $10 membership fee to the ASCC, 351
Wagoner Drive, Suite 410, Fayetteville, NC
28303 today. Thank you!
Questions? Please call (910) 826-3004.
What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental disabilities—including classic autism, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified
(PDD-NOS), Rett’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Asperger’s Syndrome—that affect a person’s ability to understand what they see, hear, and other-
wise sense. It is a brain disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. Individuals with ASD typically have difficulty understanding verbal
and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, objects, and events. No two people with ASD are the same. As its name
implies, ASD is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and with varying degrees of severity. Additionally, ASD is often found in combination with
other disabilities.
How common is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is the second most common developmental disability following mental retardation. ASD is more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibro-
sis, and multiple sclerosis combined. It is estimated that one out of every 88 people born today has some form of ASD. Roughly translated, this means as many as 2
million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other
governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. Autism knows no boundaries of race, ethnicity, social status, family income,
lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family and any child. Although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is on average 4 to 5
times more likely to occur in boys than in girls.
Information for kids:
People with ASD are born with brains that work differently than others, so they learn differently. Many times a person with ASD will have a hard time talking with people
and understanding what they are saying. Some people with ASD cannot talk, while others talk a lot. Certain things may not feel, sound, smell, or taste the same to a
person with ASD, and sometimes this difference is upsetting. Sometimes people with ASD rock back and forth or wave their arms and hands. They may not know they
are doing this or how it looks to others. It is important to remember that each person is different whether or not he or she has ASD. We all have unique qualities that
make us special.
What is the ASCC doing?
Join us as we raise awareness in our community:
· iPads for Autism Project, Apr 1
· World Autism Day - Light It Up Blue for Autism, Apr 2
· April Parent Education Meeting, Apr 8
· Public Service Announcements with Beasley Broadcasting Station
· Autism Awareness Feature Story in the Fayetteville Observer
· Autism Awareness Ad in the Fayetteville Observer
· Create a special autism awareness bracelet at The Twisted Jeweler any day during the month of April
What Can You do?
· Raise awareness on April 2, 2013, World Autism Day, and “Light It Up Blue” by inserting blue light bulbs in your porch lights
· Write a letter/article for your child’s school newsletter or your church bulletin
· Create a display board for your child’s elementary school, YMCA, or place of worship
· Thank your child’s teachers and others who make a difference in your child’s life
· Provide ASCC brochures to your pediatrician’s office, your child care center, your child’s school, your church, and other local agencies
April is Autism Awareness Month!
The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 6
The Echo I Issue 8, April 2013 7
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:
The Autism Society of Cumberland
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:
The Autism Society of Cumberland
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:
The Autism Society of Cumberland
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:
Autism Society of Cumberland County
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:
Sylvia Adamczyk Director of Programs and Outreach Alvita Blue Program and Outreach Assistant Rosaura Arreola
UNC Pembroke MSW Intern
Editor:
Sylvia Adamczyk
April 2013 The Echo Volume 11, Issue 8
FY 2012/2013 Board of Directors & Staff Funded In Part By: