Minnesota Autism Mom

The NW SPARK ASD Parent Network meets all year long!  For our summer schedule, we will continue to meet each 1st Wednesday of the month. This month we will have regular discussion time, so come with your topics related to current joys, concerns and questions.  It will be a nice opportunity to get caught up on what’s new with families and get to know new families to the group as well.  Please note that childcare is not provided at this time.

Wed, June 2, 2010
7:00 - 9:00pm
Handke Family Center, 1170 Main Street, Elk River

Events

Informal Opportunity to Discuss Supplemental Needs Trusts and Guardianship

Meet Amy Dawson at a Free Film Screening of Autistic License for information about supplemental needs trusts, guardianships and estate planning issues of concern to families who have children with disabilities. Come chat during intermission!

Date: April 13
Location: Eden Prairie High School Auditorium
17185 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN
Time: 3:30-8:00 pm
For more information, and to register to see the screening of “Autistic License,” go to: http://edenprairie.registryinsight.com

Panel Discussion on Autism

Amy Dawson will participate in a Panel Discussion on Autism, Sponsored by the Eden Prairie Committee for Disability Awareness and others.

Date: April 16
Location: Eden Prairie City Hall Heritage Room
8080 Mitchell Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Time: 7:00-8:30 pm
For more information go to: http://edenprairie.registryinsight.com

Presentation on Special Issues in Estate Planning and Guardianship will be offered twice during April:

Amy Dawson will explain how a supplemental needs trust and specialized estate planning can help you ensure that your child’s guardian will have the financial resources to take care of your child. Learn why failing to plan for the future can disrupt just about every aspect of your child’s life. This information concerns individuals on the autism spectrum regardless of age. The need for guardianship and how to become a guardian will also be covered.

Date: April 26 Location: Walker-Hackensack-Ackeley High School Auditorium
301 4th St. S.
Walker, MN 56484
Time: 7-8:30 pm
Sponsored by PAWN Special Education Cooperative and HOWA Family Center
Contact: Holly Nelson, hnelson@wha.k12.mn.us

Date: April 28
Location: Wayzata High School
4955 Peony Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55446
Time: 7-8:30 pm Sponsored by ANSWER parent support group
Contact: Kathy Hoffman at markkathyhoffman@msn.com

Presentation: Supplemental Needs Trusts and Guardianships

Date: April 30
Location: Autism Society of Minnesota Annual Conference
Double Tree Hotel, 1500 Park Place Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Time: 3:00-4:15 pm
Register at:www.ausm.org

The hearing has been changed again! The new date is April 13th at 1 p.m. Please plan to attend and show your support to pass meaningful insurance reform for autism.

Legislation designed to ensure private insurance coverage of medically necessary care for autism should be part of an omnibus healthcare bill introduced next week in the House. The bill will be introduced on April 12th.

The House Health Care and Human Services Finance Division will hear public testimony on the Health and Human Services Supplemental Budget Bill on April 13th (yes, this is a new date and it may change again, so continue to read these action alerts!)

Please join us on April 13th at 1 pm in Rm. 200 of the State Office Building to show support for coverage of medically necessary care for autism!

The schedule at the Legislature is fluid. The date and time for the hearing could change. Currently it is scheduled to begin 30 minutes after the floor session in the House is over on April 13th. We need to fill this room with supporters! Please join us, and bring your friends and family.

What to know about the legislation:

1. All medically necessary care for autism must be covered by private insurance.

2. IEIBT is specifically mentioned because it is specifically excluded by many private insurance plans.

3. There are currently no age caps.

4. Medically necessary care means generally accepted practices supported by respected research — which is how “evidence-based” is defined in the legislation.

5. This legislation would expand coverage requirements and would not take any coverage away from any individuals who have autism!

I will keep folks informed via Action Alerts and Tweats. You can also follow my blog on www.autismlawcenter.com (this should be running by April 8th!) Please encourage your friends and family to sign up for Action Alerts at www.autismlawcenter.com.

FROM – http://www.namihelps.org/classes.html -

Tools, Tips and Techniques: Parenting a Child with a Disability -  If you have a child with a disability, you know how challenging parenting can be. Join other parents to explore the challenges, share ideas, and create a plan for you and your child. This is a fun and interactive workshop intended to help support parents who are raising a child with a disability. Contact Suzette, 651-645-2948 x102.
• Monticello, April 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Monticello Community Ctr., Bridge room, 505 Walnut St., Suite 4
• St. Cloud, May 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m., YMCA, 1530 Northway Dr.

What Works, What Helps? Treatment Options in Children’s Mental Health - When do you seek help for your child’s behavior? What information do you share with a professional? This workshop will help you learn: warning signs, diagnostic assessment process, and treatment options. Contact Suzette, 651-645-2948 x102 – all trainings are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. unless noted.
• St. Cloud, April 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clara’s House, 1530 Northway Dr.
• Monticello, May 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Monticello Community Ctr., Bridge room, 505 Walnut St., Suite 4

Kidshops - Why do they act that way?  It’s not fair!  It’s embarrassing!  These complaints are often voiced by kids who have a parent or sibling with a mental illness.  Kidshops provide a fun experience where kids join in activities, share concerns, get support and learn they are not alone.  All Kidshops are held from 10:00 to 2:00 – free classes and lunch is included but registration is required. Contact Mary Jean Babcock, 651-645-2948 x107.
• Minneapolis, Apr. 17, Pearl Park Recreation Center, 414 E. Diamond Lake Rd.

Children’s Challenging Behaviors Workshops - Raising a child or adolescent with challenging behaviors can be difficult.  Learn the five essential tasks to build confidence in your skills, improve the relationship with your child and create balance in your life. This all-day workshop is for parents and caregivers of school-age children, and is approved for one or two hours training for foster care families. Held from 8:45-3:00 p.m.
• Cottonwood, April 17, Cottonwood Community Ctr., 86 Main St.
• Wadena, May 1, TBD

Crisis Planning for Families - Having a child with challenging behaviors or mental illness can be stressful and at times families need help.  Learn the role of county crisis teams, de-escalation techniques and how to create effective crisis plans.  This workshop also provides information about resources in the community. Class is approved for one-hour training for foster care families. Contact Suzette, 651-645-2948 x102. Stipends available for childcare and transportation.

http://www.mtolivetrollingacres.org/ – Day Program (ASD) this summer for 9-16 year olds. I can’t find anything about this on the website, but I got an email about it. I am sure you could contact them for more info.

http://stanleygreenspan.com/ – Available now online until May 9th (and a few other separate trainings)

AUTISTIC LICENSE Screening – FREE!
Hometown, St. Louis Park, MN, hosts free screening!
Type: Education -

Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: St. Louis Park Senior High
Street: 6425 West 33rd Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Description
St. Louis Park School District is sponsoring a FREE SCREENING of:

AUTISTIC LICENSE, by Stacey Dinner-Levin

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
6:30pm
Senior High Auditorium
Panel Discussion to follow

Author, Stacey Dinner-Levin, and her husband, Michael Paul Levin (who
plays the part of their son,) both graduated from St. Louis Park in
1980. Producer of the movie version is Julie Rappaport, class of 1981.

St. Louis Park Public Schools is committed to providing educational
opportunities to all students, including those with disabilities, and is
enthusiastic about screening Autistic License for staff, students and
their families, and other district connections.

CEU Participation Certificates are available.

Free guardianship workshops in Apple Valley March 18 & 25
What is it, who needs it, why?  Thanks to a grant from Dakota Co., you
can come and get all your guardianship questions answered at two free
sessions.  Preparing for Guardianship covers guardianship and
conservatorship options in an overview March 18, while The Legal Process
of Guardianship features an attorney who will outline the legal
procedures and processes for obtaining, changing or ending a
guardianship order.
[Click here for
more](http://www.arcgreatertwincities.org/calendar.aspx)

Tuesdays at the Capital
Each Tuesday through May 4, Arc Minnesota and the Consortium of
Citizens with Disabilities, of which Arc is a member, are hosting
Tuesdays at the Capital.  The goal is a consistent disability community
presence as legislators debate bills that will affect people with
disabilities and their families.  Show up – it will make a difference!
[Click here for
more](http://arcgtc.informz.net/ARCGTC/data/images/tuesdaysatthecapitol.pdf)
http://www.arcgreatertwincities.org/documents/tuesdaysatthecapitol.doc

Wouldn’t you want to know?
On Wed., March 17 at 8:30 am,  the Minnesota Senate is hearing the Kyle
Herman Bill (S.F. 3087), which would require schools to notify parents
if their child has been abused on school property.  The bill is named
after a nine-year-old boy with Down syndrome whose teacher restrained,
hit and pinched him during most of his kindergarten year.  Currently
school staff must report abuse, but not to parents.  Wouldn’t you want
to know?  Come to the hearing if you can!

[Click here for
more](http://wcco.com/crime/special.needs.abused.2.1409770.html)

Forum addresses challenging behaviors & aging in adults with
disabilities
Don’t miss this two-part forum for caregivers which will teach you
proactive and reactive strategies and intervention techniques to help
you manage challenging behavior by your loved one with a disabilities.
Part two will talk about aging and how it affects people with
disabilities.  RSVP by April 5 for the April 9 session.
[Click here for
more](http://www.arcgreatertwincities.org/calendar.aspx)

Have you been to Arc’s Value Village lately?
Lots of fun and deals too! On St. Patrick’s Day find a Value Village
staff person with a green hat, say “today’s my lucky day!” and you’ll
get a discount coupon.  In April, there are two great accessory events.
April 13-17, sell your scrap gold and silver jewelry to Gloria’s
Jewelry, next door to Arc’s Value Village St. Paul, and if you identify
yourself as a friend of Arc, you’ll get top dollar and Gloria’s will
contribute an extra 30% to Arc.  On Sat., April 17, myTalk1071 Shop
Girls Allison Kaplan and Alexis Walsko will broadcast live from the St.
Paul store and if you donate shoes, handbags, scarves and other
accessories, you could win one of five $100 gift cards to J. B. Hudson
Jewelers.
[Click here for more](http://www.arcsvaluevillage.org)

Autism Resource Fair

Saturday, April 10, 2010
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Buffalo Community Middle School
1300 Hwy 25 N. Buffalo, MN

Jill Kuzma, keynote speaker, is a speech-language pathologist who works with students with Asperger Syndrome, PDD-NOS, “high” functioning autism, and other related Social Thinking needs. She’ll be giving a talk on “Building Social Skills” from 10-11:30am. Free admission, Many booths and resources, Kid friendly activities, Food available for purchase.

Local Girl Scouts (5th/6th grade) will assist with semi-structured games & activities for youth. Parents/Guardians will be expected to remain in the building & responsible for their children. Contact Brandy with questions at 763-682-7941. Sponsored by the Wright County Autism Task Force.

Understanding Guardianship for People with Developmental Disabilities

Tuesday, April 22, 2010
TWO SESSONS: 1:30PM- 4:30PM OR 5:30PM- 8:30PM
SHERBURNE COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER
13880 HIGHWAY 10
ELK RIVER, MN 55330

Also included: PROVIDING FOR THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURES THROUGH WILLS AND SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS. Pizza will be provided at 5PM for those who register. PLEASE RSVP FOR THIS TRAINING BY CONTACTING MARY BETH BRUFLODT AT (320) 493-1231. Please leave name, phone number, and session attending. You may also email mbruflodt@dungarvin.com

Autism Awareness Day with the MN Twins!

Sunday, June 13, 2010
1:10pm game
Target Field

Twins vs Atlanta Braves. Home plate view tickets $24 value, selling for $18 ($5 handling fee will be charged). Event put on by Twins Baseball, AuSM and RT Autism Awareness Foundation. R.S.V.P. with Todd Krulewich at 612-659-3577 or email ToddKrulewich@twinsbaseball.com

MAC Sibling Support Group
The Minnesota Autism Center is excited to announce its Sibling Support Group. The Sibling Support Group will provide a relaxing environment where siblings of children with autism can meet and discuss the
positives and negatives of having siblings with autism.

The Group will be offered in an environment where kids can join in recreational activities surrounded solely by other kids with similar family dynamics.
Coping strategies and positive interactions will be discussed. The Group meets monthly at our corporate headquarters in Minnetonka and is directed by MHP qualified staff.

Dates:
Tuesday, March 9th
Tuesday, April 13th
Tuesday, May 11th

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Who: Siblings between the ages of 7 and 17

Cost: FREE (pizza and beverages will be provided)

Brochure Link
Registration Form Link

For more information, please contact Ryan Cornelius at 952-767-4201.