Haven Universe offers the first Saturday Night Alive Events: games,  arts and crafts, and more! There will be an optional “rockin” audio and video followed by a simple, relevant, spiritual lesson taught by CT Gordon.  Then pizza for all!

For more information please go to www.havenuniverse.com

Every Wednesday from 11:30pm-1pm

Great Kids Village Features:

-A new 3,500 square foot facility in Silver Spring, MD
-A brand new playspace with 5 distinct exhibits plus more great play items
-One Day Passes available for $10 per child ages 9 months to 10 years and $5.00 for siblings. Adults 10 and up and babies 8 months and younger are currently free.

For more information:

410-497-PLAY

301-309-2FUN

www.greatkidsvillage.com

Read More… http://www.afaa-us.org/site/c.llIYIkNZJuE/b.5064065/k.C8CE/AutismnbspCongress.htm

Read More… http://www.afaa-us.org/site/c.llIYIkNZJuE/b.5064065/k.C8CE/AutismnbspCongress.htm

Read More… http://www.memphis.edu/releases/jul10/autism.htm

]]> http://www.madisonhousefoundation.org/2010/07/22/set-cell-vertical-height-u-of-m-led-research-indicates-that-autism-has-a-unique-vocal-signature-findings-have-the-potential-to-enable-earlier-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-the-disorder/feed/ 0 http://www.madisonhousefoundation.org/2010/07/04/input-needed-asap/ http://www.madisonhousefoundation.org/2010/07/04/input-needed-asap/#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:02:44 +0000 admin http://www.madisonhousefoundation.org/?p=1243 Federal Agencies need YOUR input!

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are seeking comments to inform the annual update of the 2010 IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research. Responses are accepted through July 30, 2010. For more information or to respond, visit the NIH Web site.

The full 2010 Startegeic Plan can be reviewed here: http://www.iacc.hhs.gov/strategic-plan/2010/index.shtml

Jeremy Sicile-Kira was diagnosed at age 3 with non-verbal severe autism, yet that has not stopped him from learning to communicate and graduate high school with a full academic diploma. Giving the school’s commencement address, which was prerecorded using a computer voice generator that translated his typed speech into an audio file burned onto a CD, he told his 619 classmates to set goals and never give up…

His mother, author Chantal Sicile-Kira, could not be prouder. “Once they diagnosed him, I was told to find him a good institution,” she said. “And I have —- it’s called college.” Jeremy will enroll this fall at MiraCosta College in Oceanside, with an interest in journalism and hopes to write for the college newspaper. He communicates by using the Rapid Prompting Method.  “We raised him to never feel sorry for himself,” she said. “He’s a big inspiration to me. He has taught me patience and has actually made me into a stronger person.”

This is a huge success story and an inspiration; but the story does not always end this way with most individuals with autism. As individuals, parents, and professionals, what can we learn and be reminded of from Jeremy’s story?

1.) Encouragement and perserverence- believing that every individual is capable of learning throughout his/her lifetime and in no way needs to settle for less than the stars.

2.) Exploration- Being open, yet wise about trying new methods of communication and learning.

3.) Support- From parents, siblings, school officials, teachers, classmates… Autism awareness, acceptance, and accomodation is the key for community success!

4.) Self-Determination- Jeremy needed to decide and act on his goals. No mattter what the goal would have been, it would not have been accomplished without him desiring to work towards that goal.

5.) Love- It is the only thing strong enough to keep everyone pushing through together during the times when it would be easier to step back.

Thank You Jeremy for being an inspiration and CONGRATS ON GRADUATING!

Full article at http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/solana-beach/article_96697036-9fd7-5204-820f-2aa96505047a.html

Artists with Autism

Congrats to Featured Artists: MATTHEW JEFFERSON, LINDSEY SCHAUFELBERGER, TYLER GRIFFIN, MITCHELL WEBB, ALEX GABRIEL MARTIN, KRISTEN D. LIPP, ALYSSA RAVEN FOWLER

Event Schedule (Refreshments and Arts & Crafts Table):

July 2nd, FRI, 5-9PM

July 3rd, SAT, 12-9PM

July 4th, SUN, 12-5PM

Website: http://www.marypfister.com/NextArtistShowing.html

SPONSORS
The Autism Society of Frederick, Maryland
Autism Speaks
The Monocacy NeuroDevelopment Center
The Ivymount School

Register to walk or run or take on the spirit of the day as family, friends and coworkers join together to cheer. Collect donations in advance and bring them to the races on July 4th.Enjoy the post-races food, music and fun!

www.Autismspeaks5K.org

When: Friday, June 18 & 25 at 7:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, June 19, 20, 26, and 27th at 2:30pm

Where:Asbury Methodist Village view directions

409 Russell Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door or online at www.art-stream.org.

The Inclusive Theatre Companies are made up of actors with cognitive disabilities and these two original musicals are based upon their improvisations.