Can you believe the Milestones Annual Autism Spectrum Disorder Conference is only about a month away?

Our office is busy getting over 75 educational workshops, dozens of exhibitors and amazing networking opportunities ready for June 18-19 at the Cleveland I-X Center.

We would like to pause for a moment to recognize our 2014 Honorees for their inspiring work in the local autism community.

Congratulations to Alison Edie-Krohe, Special Education Teacher at Orchard Middle School, receiving the Outstanding Educator Award; Dianne DePasquale-Hagerty, Executive Director for Medina Creative Housing, receiving the Community Innovator Award; Justin Bachman, Student at Solon High School, receiving the Teen Trailblazer Award; Sarah Rintamaki, Executive Director for Connecting for Kids, receiving the Parent Tribute Award; and Sister Agnesmarie LoPorto, President of Julie Billiart School, receiving the Professional Excellence Award. Learn more about these inspiring individuals here.
 
We hope to see you at our Conference this year!

 

Ilana & Mia
Milestones 12th Annual 
Autism Spectrum Disorder Conference 
June 18-19, 2014 at the Cleveland I-X Center

New This Year: Medical Track, Employment Track and Exclusive Parent Features

NATIONAL KEYNOTES:
 
Wednesday, June 18

Speakers: Brittany Lauber & Justin Rooney 
Co-Chairs of the Ohio State University/Central Ohio Chapter of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

 

Brittany Lauber is a graduate student at Ohio State University where she teaches undergraduate classes (mostly Latin) and focuses her studies on ancient religion. She is Co-Chair of the Ohio State University Central Ohio Chapter of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, and has spoken to students, professionals and parents about her own personal experiences living with autism and how to be a self-advocate. She has also peer-mentored adults on the autism spectrum through the Nisonger Center's Aspirations program.

 

Justin Rooney is also a Co-Chair of the Ohio State University Central Ohio Chapter of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network and has been a member of the chapter since its inception four years ago. Justin has spoken at several conferences to medical professionals, parents of individuals with autism and those who seek a more well-rounded view of autism than may be readily available to them. Justin's most valued interests include public speaking, writing and being an uncle.

 

View Brittany and Justin's other workshop sessions here.

 
 
Thursday, June 19
 
Speaker: Dr. Peter Gerhardt, EdD
JPG Autism Consulting, LLC
 
Dr. Gerhardt has more than 30 years of experience utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in support of adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder in educational, employment, residential and community-based settings. He has authored and co-authored articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with ASD and has presented nationally and internationally on this topic. He serves as Chairman of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research and is on numerous professional advisory boards including Milestones Autism Resources. View Dr. Gerhardt's other workshop sessions here.

 

Full conference information at milestones.org or call us at 216.464.7600. 

Promote your business or organization by Sponsoring, Exhibiting or Advertising at the event. Click here to learn more. DEADLINE TODAY!
 
Workshop: Challenging Behaviors
Milestones Parent Empowerment Network (MPEN)
 
Join parents and family members like yours on Wednesday, May 7 in Shaker Heights or Thursday, May 15 in Middleburg Heights from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Learn from professional behavioral therapists how to:
Prevent challenging behaviors from occurring
Understand the reason for behaviors
Implement strategies to decrease the challenging behaviors
Reinforce and maintain appropriate behaviors
 
Cost is $10 in advance, walk-ins will be charged an additional $5 fee. Register online at milestones.org or contact Nicole Hererra at nherrera@milestones.org or call her at 216.464.7600. 
 
Bring the kids, too! A social/recreational program run by trained autism staff is available for children 3 and up. Typical peers are welcome! Cost is $10 per child and advanced registration is required.
 
East Side Deadline is May 5. West Side Deadline is May 13.
Milestones School Team Training
Effective Behavioral Interventions for the Classroom

August 4-8, 2014
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cleveland, OH

Participate in a hands-on professional development opportunity focused on evidence-based classroom techniques for students with autism in preschool through high school. Lecture and practical application with students. Click here to learn more.

Learn how to:
Work collaboratively to improve student outcomes and
performance
Reduce problem behaviors using the principles of Applied 
Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Manage and structure the classroom to promote independence
Improve IEP writing skills and data collection procedures
Motivate students for success using proven reinforcement 
strategies 

Your entire school team is welcome including intervention specialists, paraprofessionals, school administrators, speech language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists.
 
Team rates available! 
1 Participant - $1,000 each
2-3 Participants - $900 each
4+ Participants - $800 each
 
35 contact hours included in the fee. 2 hours of graduate credit for additional fee.
Camp Milestones
An awesome summer camp for children with autism
 


APPLY TODAY!
July 31, August 1, 4-8
8:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Cleveland, OH

 

Individualized program for student's IEP
1:1 discrete style teaching
Music, art and large motor activities
Fun activities with peer mentors
Behavior intervention specialists 

This camp is an integral part of Milestones School Team Training for educators. Camp staff is experienced in ABA and best practices for students with autism.

How to apply:
Submit an application by July 1, 2014. If your child is selected to participate, you will be notified. Payment is due by July 30. Milestones offers a limited number of scholarships based on financial need. Check to see if the camp fee is covered by your County Board or ESY or contact your support administrator or school district.
 
If you have questions, contact Leslie Rotsky at lrotsky@milestones.org or 216.464.7600 ext. 103.

Please Note: There are a limited number of spaces available. Due to the training aspect of this camp, it is not appropriate for children with severe behavioral challenges.

Looking for a new doctor, school, program or group?
 
Finding a new resource can be daunting. We have 
over 900 autism resources on our website,
milestones.org

How do you figure out which one is best for you? We created Guiding Questions for New Resources to make the process easier. These printable charts provide questions to ask when inquiring about potential doctors, schools, psychiatrists, residential care providers, respite opportunities, social recreational programs, social workers, counselors, therapists or psychologists and support groups.

Call for Volunteers!                           

 

We're looking for volunteers to join our mission of improving the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. 

 

In particular, we need volunteers to represent Milestones at outreach events and help at our annual Milestones Autism Spectrum Disorder Conference.

  

Download the volunteer application here 

 

Please contact us at 216.464.7600 or email volunteer@milestones.org for more information. 

Milestones ABA Professional Group
Ohio Certification Update & Research/Literature Review - BIP Builder

If you are a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or BCaBA, or studying towards this, please join our group at the next meeting on Thursday, May 8 from 7:00 - 8:45 p.m.

Discussion topics will include:
Update on the upcoming regulations for Certified Ohio 
Behavior Analysts
 
The meeting will fulfill 2 hours of type 4 CEU credits for BCBA, and is free of charge.
 
Please RSVP to Nicole at register@milestones.org. The meeting will take place at the Milestones Autism Resources office located at 23880 Commerce Park, Suite 2, Beachwood, OH, 44122. 
 
For more information, contact ABA Group Co-Chairs:
Rachel Avner Torrance, MEd, at torrance.rachel@cuyahogabdd.org
Aletta Sinoff, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCBA-D, at sinoff@yahoo.com
Milestones wishes all of you moms a
Happy Mother's Day
Keep up the good work! 
News of Note
 
Milestones Co-Founder and other experts discuss autism statistics
Source: ideastream.org

Source: Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine

Source: Disability Scoop

Source: The New York Times

Source: Disability Scoop









1 in 68 children are 
diagnosed with autism.
Milestones is here to help.
Please donate to the Milestones Annual Fund today!
 
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APRIL 2014
In this Issue:
Autism Conference
Parent Workshop - Challenging Behaviors
School Team Training
Camp Milestones
New Resource - Guiding Questions
Call for Volunteers
ABA Group Meeting
News of Note

April Events - Full Listing Here

 

40+ FUN THINGS TO DO

   

1. 5/1 Cinco de Mayo, ASPIES Adults, Celebration, Akron

2. 5/2 Everybody Dance Now, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Shaker Heights

3. 5/2 Cinco de Mayo Dance, LEAP, Mayfield Village

4. 5/3 Take a Break Respite, Grace Church, Middleburg Hts.

5. 5/4 Day Respite, YMCA, Akron

6. 5/4 Fishing & Picnicking at Timberlake Park, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

7. 5/6 Special Needs Jump, Skymax Arena, North Canton

8. 5/8 Paper Collage, Mandel JCC, Beachwood

9. 5/9 Pizza Bowl, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Oakwood Village

10. 5/9 Weekend Respite Camp for Children and Adults with Disabilities, Camp Cheerful, Strongsville

11. 5/9 Music Therapy and More with MTEC, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

12. 5/9 ReCharge Respite Program, Strongsville United Methodist Church, Strongsville

13. 5/10 Soccer4All, Hudson

14. 5/10 Geocaching, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

15. 5/11 Teen Scene, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

16. 5/12 Fitness to Wellness to FUN!  Mayfield Adaptive Rec

17. 5/13 Paper Collage Workshop, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Beachwood

18. 5/13 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Adults, Autism Society, Cuyahoga Falls

19. 5/14 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Teens, Autism Society, Akron

20. 5/15 Music, Drum & Movement, Mayfield Adaptive Rec

21. 5/17 Suburban Teen Asperger's Social Club | Suburban Planting and Cleanup, Brook Park

22. 5/17 Sensory Story Time, Autism Society, Akron

23. 5/17 VIP Power Kids and Capernaum, Grace Church, Akron

24. 5/18 Hike Acacia Reservation, Solon Blue Ribbon Program, Lyndhurst

25. 5/19 The World of Books, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

26. 5/19 Dancercize with SOAR! Fairview Park

27. 5/20 Walking for Fun & Fitness, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

28. 5/20 Walking with SOAR! Rocky River

29. 5/21 Aerobics with SOAR! Parma

30. 5/22 The Arc of Ohio Day at Cedar Point, Sandusky

31. 5/22 Walking with SOAR! Cleveland

32. 5/22 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Adults, Autism Society, Cuyahoga Falls

33. 5/23 Bocce Ball with SOAR! Rocky River

34. 5/23 Bingo and Dinner Night, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

35. 5/25 Lake Metroparks Farmpark Visit, Solon Blue Ribbon Program

36. 5/25 Asperger's Adult Group, Asperger's Adult Coach, Beachwood

37. 5/25 Teen Scene, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

38. 5/26 Pizza & Play, Family Connections, Cleveland Heights

39. 5/28 Asperger's Boot Camp (ABC) for Teens, Autism Society, Akron

40. 5/28 Social Connections, Autism Society, Youngstown

41. 5/31 Maleficent | Sensory Friendly Film, AMC Ridge Park Square Cinema 8, Brooklyn

42. 6/1 Day Respite, YMCA, Akron

43. 6/2 9th Annual Kickball League, Mayfield Adaptive Rec, Willoughby

 

 

Mondays 

High Aspirations Social Group, REM Opportunities, Canton 

 

Mondays & Thursdays

Social Butterflies Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

 

Social Club, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

 

Mondays & Fridays

Art Therapy Class, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village


Tuesdays

Yoga class, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

 

Wednesdays

High Aspirations Social Group, REM Opportunities, Akron

 

Commanders of Communication Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence   

 

Mom's Morning Chat, AutismNE, Online

 

Thursdays & Saturdays

Creative Movement & Socialization, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

 

Every Other Friday & Sunday 

Buddy Building Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

 

Fridays

Family Fun Fridays, Family Connections, Shaker Hts.

 

Saturdays

Jazz with Jordan, Brandon's Place, Oakwood Village

 

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

Little Language Learners Group, ABA Outreach Services, Independence

 

 

35+ WORKSHOPS 

& OTHER EVENTS

 

1. 5/1 Get Acquainted Breakfast, Achievement Centers for Children, Highland Hills

2. 5/1 Positive Parenting Strategies for Difficult Behaviors Webinar, Monarch Center for Autism

3. 5/1 Parents Rights in the Special Education Process, Achievement Centers for Children, Westlake

4. 5/2 Teach Me to Play, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

5. 5/3 Preventing & Managing Explosive Episodes in Your Preschooler, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

6. 5/3 3rd Annual Cuyahoga County Transition Expo, ESC, Cleveland

7. 5/3 YMCA West Side Autism Support Group, Avon

8. 5/4 Constellation Schools Outreach Academy Open House, Mantua

9. 5/4 Guardianship Workshop, Asperger's Personal Coach, Pepper Pike

10. 5/5 Oppositional, Defiant & Anger Issues, Summit Professional Education, Cleveland

11. 5/6 HFA, Asperger's and Social Communication Disorder, Summit Professional Education, Cleveland

12. 5/6 Comorbid Conditions and Autism Webinar, The Johnson Center

13. 5/6 Stark County Board of DD - Why is it for My Family? ASPIES, Canton

14. 5/6 Parent Coffee and Chat, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

15. 5/6 Rock the Puzzle, Northeast Ohio Autism Group, Northfield

16. 5/7 Milestones Parent Empowerment Network (MPEN) | Challenging Behaviors, Shaker Heights

17. 5/7 Medusa Salon Sensory Night, Canton

18. 5/8 Milestones ABA Professionals Group, Beachwood

19. 5/8 Sexuality Education Webinar, Council for Exceptional Children

20. 5/8 Transition & Adult Services, Monarch Center for Autism, Shaker Heights

21. 5/9 PEP Rally for Kids, Cleveland

22. 5/10 You Can Do Better Than Google Webinar, Akron Children's Hospital Family Info. Network

23. 5/12 Parent Exchange, Autism Society, Akron

24. 5/13 Sleep Problems and Ways to Solve Them, Behavioral Intervention Institute of Ohio, Westlake

25. 5/13 Teaching Your Child to Advocate, ASGC, Independence

26. 5/13 Music Therapy an Alternative to a Traditional Music Class, Zane's Foundation, Hudson

27. 5/15 Milestones Parent Empowerment Network (MPEN) | Challenging Behaviors, Middleburg Hts.

28. 5/15 Sexuality Education Webinar, Monarch Center for Autism

29. 5/16 Simple Strategies to Make Your Day Go Smoother, Connecting for Kids, Westlake

30. 5/17 Oasis for Parents, Grace Church, Akron

31. 5/17 Re-Education Services Spaghetti Fundraiser, Mentor

32. 5/19 Sleeping & Toileting Workshop, Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, Cleveland

33. 5/19 People First Meeting, The Arc of Greater Cleveland, Independence

34. 5/20 Transition to Independence, ASPIES, Akron

35. 5/21 Use Your iPad to Teach Social & Communication Skills Webinar, Monarch Center for Autism

36. 5/21 SWAN Autism Group, Kent

37. 5/31 Red Cross Special Needs Babysitting Class, SHC/The Arc of Medina County, Seville

38. 6/1 Blue Ribbon/Solon Police Department Bowling Tournament

39. 6/1 Technology Workshop, Asperger's Personal Coach, Pepper Pike