In This Issue:
BYU Students Create Robot That Could Help Kids With Autism
10 ways to keep kids healthy during the School Year
Ten steps to help a teen with autism navigate dating
WHEN IS LABOR DAY 2018?
LABOR DAY MEANING, HISTORY, RECIPES
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Autism Research Series: Discovery to Solutions
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
6:30 p.m. Registration & Resource Fair
7:00 p.m. Panel Discussion
8:00 p.m. Q & A
CHOP Roberts Center for Pediatric Research
First Floor Conference Center
2716 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
This Community Science Event is sponsored by Autism Speaks in collaboration with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. The event includes a moderated panel discussion, an audience Q&A session, a resource fair, and many opportunities for networking.
Moderator: Thomas Frazier, Ph.D., Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer
Research Panelists:
Amanda Bennett, MD, MPH
Director, Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network Philadelphia
Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Elizabeth McGhee Hassrick, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
A.J. Drexel Institute
Drexel University
Robert T. Schultz, Ph.D.
Scientific Director
Center for Autism Research
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Who should attend:
Open to all, including people with autism and their families, researchers, educators, clinicians, policy makers, and members of the local community.
There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP!
Refreshments will be served.
Parking: Guests are asked to park in the surface lot at 730 Schuylkill Ave. The entrance gate is located at the far end of the surface lot. Accessible parking is available to access elevators to take guests up to Level 1. Guests will be given a voucher for parking to present to the payment kiosk when exiting.
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BYU Students Create Robot That Could Help Kids With Autism
A group of Brigham Young University students wants Benni to be a child with autism's best friend.
By Associated Press
https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2018-07-19/byu-students-create-robot-that-could-help-kids-with-autism
The Riner family watches as Jared Workman tests out Benni, a robot designed to interact with children on the autism spectrum, at the Riner family home Friday, July 13, 2018, in Draper, Utah. (Evan Cobb/The Daily Herald via AP)
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BY BRALEY DODSON, DAILY Herald
PROVO, Utah (AP) - A group of Brigham Young University students wants Benni to be a child with autism's best friend.
"We often say we want Benni to be the first friend of many friends to come," said Jared Workman, a BYU student and founder of Early Intervention Robotics, or EI Robotics.
Benni - recently renamed from Nelli - is the company's first product. The robot looks similar to BB-8 from Star Wars and is designed to supplement therapy for children on the autism spectrum.
Benni isn't the tallest robot around. He's 14 inches tall, rolls around and can get bored and mad if a child ignores it.
The robot is like a large Tamagotchi and plays educational games with children. The robot works with an app, can be driven around and is designed to be able to be used without a parent.
"The goal is the child learns interdependent play, asking and answering questions and develops empathy," Workman said.
Workman began thinking about a robot that could help children with autism after speaking with his father about ways to get his young nieces and nephews active and after meeting with professors and hearing that many children have disabilities.
He started working with a friend, Grant Hagen, who was working on robots.
The project is funded by BYU's Ballard Center for Economic Self-Reliance's Social Venture Academy.
The team has been working on the robot for about a year and has recently launched it into four test homes. The team plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign for the robot in the fall.
So far, the test families have responded that their children are connecting with the robot.
"The kids often treat Benni as if he's real and that is really important for us," Workman said.
The robot isn't meant to replace therapy, but provide a way for children to continue to learn when a therapist isn't around.
"It is such a great device that can help kids engage in their surroundings and with their family and friends," said Kaylee Christensen, a BYU student pursuing a master's degree in special education.
Christensen works with children on the autism spectrum and is involved on the therapy side of the project.
She said parents are eager to test the robot out. The robot's games teach the children how to play with friends, or it urges children to speak to it so the robot will dance.
The goal is for Benni to teach children the skills they need through play.
"We want it to be fun and we want them to be motivated to play with the robot and show it to their friends," Christensen said.
The team wants the robot to be affordable when it goes on the market. The students have considered doing a subscription model and building an app where those who can't afford it can interact with a virtual Benni.
https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2018-07-19/byu-students-create-robot-that-could-help-kids-with-autism
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10 Ways
to Keep Kids Healthy
During
the School Year
Full article from Very Well Family
School is many things-a place where kids learn and grow cognitively, develop social skills, and become independent individuals. It can also, alas, be a place where they pick up germs and illnesses and bring them home.
At school, children spend a lot of time in classrooms where they can easily transfer infections to one another. But by teaching kids some important healthy habits, parents can help make school and health a priority during the school year. Here are some great tips on how to keep your kids healthy.
Teach Your Child About Proper Hand Washing
Hand washing is one of the most important ways we can prevent the spread of illness in the classroom and elsewhere. By teaching your child how to wash her hands properly-and to especially wash after blowing her nose, using the bathroom and before eating-you can help her reduce the risk of getting sick, and keep her from infecting others if she catches an infection or illness.
Boost Your Family's Immune System Health
Keeping your child's immune system strong is an important way to stay healthy and ward off illness during the school year. Getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, exercising, making time to laugh, and emphasizing hand washing can help reduce your child's risk of getting colds, flu, and other infections.
Teach Your Child Healthy Habits to Prevent Cold and Flu
Does your child know the important healthy habits to prevent colds, flu, and other infections? Healthy habits such as remembering not to keep touching his eyes or refraining from sharing cups and utensils with friends are important to learn.
Set Good Sleep Habits
Making sure your child gets
enough sleep is a crucial part of keeping her healthy. Sleep is important not only for a child's physical and emotional health but it can play an important role in how well she does in school, too.
Be on the Lookout for Anxiety or Stress in Your Child
Homework, tests, social pressures-kids can face a lot of stressful situations every day. Research shows that stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on kids' health, just like it can on the health of adults. Find out how to spot the symptoms of stress in your child and find ways to manage his anxiety.
Give Your Child a Brain-Boosting Healthy Breakfast
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day when it comes to school kids. A balanced breakfast of low-fat protein and complex carbohydrates has been shown to be important for brain function as well as for maintaining a steady level of energy throughout the day.
Make Kids' School Lunch Boxes Fun
Make healthy lunches more fun and enticing with these ideas for yummy main dishes and sides dressed up in colorful combinations and shapes. There's even a suggestion for a healthy Asian bento lunch box.
Give Your Child Healthy After-School Snacks
Kids are often ravenous after school. But you don't have to sacrifice good nutrition for convenience with these ideas for quick, easy, and healthy after-school snacks.
Choose the Right School Backpack
School backpacks today are heavier than ever, and using the wrong type of backpack and wearing it incorrectly can lead to back pain in kids. Make sure you prevent back problems in your child by following these tips for choosing and using backpacks correctly.
Learn About Head Lice Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment
As much as we don't want to think about head lice, the fact is that it's a common problem among school-age kids. Children are in close contact at school and more likely to share blankets or other personal items. Learn the facts and myths about head lice and how to help your kids steer clear of this annoying yet common problem at school.
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Ten steps to help a teen with autism navigate dating
What advice can you give parents on how we should talk about dating and intimacy with our teens who have autism?
Guest post by psychologist Lindsey Sterling, PhD, and doctoral student Siena Whitham - autism researchers and therapists with UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. During a now-completed
Autism Speaks predoctoral fellowship
, Dr. Sterling deepened understanding of the physiology of anxiety in adolescents with autism. Such research helps advance the development of tailored therapies.
We're so glad to address this question, given how many teens and parents express interest. For many teens with autism, the issues of dating and sexuality come up later than one might expect. But every teen is different. Some are eager as young teens, while others don't appear interested until much later. Regardless, the physical changes that accompany adolescence make these issues relevant for most families.
Of course, dating tends to be an exciting but challenging part of any teen's life. However, some difficulties tend to be particularly relevant for teens with autism. None are insurmountable. Just keep them in mind while helping your teen navigate the dating process.
Social versus physical maturity
First, remember that your teen's social maturity may not be in line with his or her physical maturity. In other words, many teens with autism feel the physical desire for sexuality before they have the social competence for successful dating. It helps to remember that most teens learn the social rules of dating while socializing with their friends. Many teens with autism simply don't have as many social opportunities for learning these rules.
Reading and sending signals
Also remember that the social signals involved in dating and flirting can be complex, inconsistent and subtle. Interpreting them presents a challenge for most everyone. It can be particularly difficult when autism interferes with the ability to read and respond to social signals. This can produce confusion in your teen and discomfort and frustration for the other person. When social cues are missed, your teen's "dates" may feel that their messages or feelings aren't being heard or validated
Considering what to consider
Dating also involves finding a good "match." However, many teens with autism fail to stop and consider who might be their "good match" before jumping into a relationship. It can help to discuss this with your teen. Of course, you and your teen may disagree about who makes a good match!
Some important questions come up around dating, and each family approaches them differently. For example, should your teen tell the person he or she wants to date about being on the autism spectrum? Should your teen date someone else on the autism spectrum?
Ten tips
With these challenges in mind, we've compiled some tips for helping your teen approach dating and intimacy. They are just general guides. How you apply them should depend on the age and experience of your teen.
1. Encourage an open dialogue. You want your teen to feel comfortable sharing information about dating. It can help to "normalize" the issue. For example, remind your teen that most everyone finds dating challenging. It's not an easy process!
2. Be proactive. If your teen hasn't already brought up the topic, look for a time when he or she is in a good mood and mention your willingness to talk about dating and sexuality when your teen is ready. Highlight that each person becomes interested in these experiences at different ages, and that's okay.
3. Don't delay discussions if you think your teen might be sexually active or is dealing with opportunities for sexual activity. In this situation, it's crucial to discuss safe sex even if your teen feels resistant to talking about it. For example, gently but clearly make sure your teen understands how pregnancy occurs, how sexually transmitted diseases spread and how to take preventive steps. If sexual activity has already occurred, we recommend consulting with your teen's doctor about related health issues.
4. If your teen is open to role-playing, try running through some classic dating scenarios. While role-playing, observe how your teen shows interest, expresses compliments and responds nonverbally (e.g., smiling, nodding in agreement, making eye contact). Explain that these behaviors send positive messages to the other person. Mention how everyone likes to have someone show genuine interest. Model behaviors that show interest. Together, brainstorm possible topics of conversations.
5. Discuss who, when, where and how to ask someone out.
* Who is appropriate to ask out? Someone your age, who you like and who talks to you and is nice to you.
* When is it appropriate to ask someone out? Once you've gotten to know each other, once you've sensed that the other person is interested.
* Where is it appropriate to ask someone out? Usually when other people aren't around.
* How do you ask someone out? Ask if he or she is free. Assess interest. Make plans for an activity of mutual interest. Make sure you have contact information so you can confirm before the date.
6. Explain that everyone gets rejected at some point. Discuss possible reasons that someone might not be interested in dating. Maybe the person is dating someone else, too busy with schoolwork, or maybe just not interested in a relationship with you. At the same time, make clear that it's impossible to know for certain why someone does not want to go out on a date.
7. Discuss the practical and specific steps involved in going on a date. Make sure your teen knows when and where the date will take place and how the couple will get to and from the location?
8. Would your teen like to hug or kiss at the end of the date? If so, help your teen manage related signals. Discuss that this may include politely asking for a hug or kiss, if it's not clear that the date is interested. Encourage your teen to role play how to say this politely.
9. Discuss the different levels of intimacy. For example, holding hands or walking arm in arm is less intimate than kissing. Kissing is less intimate than certain other types of touching, etc. Remind your teen that it's important to stay at a comfortable level. Discuss that this may be different than what others are doing or what is shown in the media.
10. When it's time for the date, help your teen dress appropriately and otherwise look his or her best. If your teen made the invitation, encourage him or her to pay. If he or she was asked out, make sure he or she has enough money to offer to pay at least his or her share.
As intimidating as dating can be for anyone, we encourage parents of teens with autism to support their children's desires in this area. Despite the challenges, try to frame dating as something that can be a positive experience and ultimately rewarding.
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WHEN IS LABOR DAY 2018?
LABOR DAY MEANING, HISTORY, RECIPES
Pixabay
When is Labor Day 2018? Why do we observe Labor Day? Learn about the history of Labor Day-and get our favorite recipe ideas for the holiday!
WHAT IS LABOR DAY?
Always held on the first Monday in September, Labor Day was the idea of Peter J. Maguire (although recent research has shown that it might have been his brother Matthew's idea), a labor union leader who in 1882 proposed a celebration honoring the American worker.
Although the day's focus on organized labor has diminished over the years, the holiday has become a way to mark the end of the summer season-and the start of the school year.
LABOR DAY DATES: WHEN IS LABOR DAY?
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Year
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Labor Day
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2018
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Monday, September 3
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2019
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Monday, September 2
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2020
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Monday, September 7
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LABOR DAY FUN
Check out some of the Almanac's great nature links to guide you in your outdoor activities, including camping and sky watching!
LABOR DAY RECIPES
Traditionally, Labor Day consists of barbecues and time spent together with family. We've got some great recipe ideas below for this final summer holiday weekend.
Fried Chicken
(an
Old Farmer's Almanac
Recipe Contest First Prize Winner)
We taste-tested a lot of fried chicken-and this recipe won first prize in our annual Almanac recipe contest! It's delicious, crispy, and moist. What more could you want? Congratulations to John Collins from Yakima, Washington.
Summer Salsa Salad
This salsa salad earned first place in the 2011
Garden-Fresh Recipe Contest
. The editors loved it! Serve as a side or serve with tortilla chips.
Summer Salsa Salad. Photo by vm2002.
Topless Pear Fig Pie
No top crust, no crumb topping. You simply fold the edges of the pastry over the filling and bake as is. It's a nice shortcut when you're pressed for time, feeling a little lazy, or just want to try something new-and it works for just about any fruit pie.
-Recipe is courtesy of
The Old Farmers Almanac Every Day Baking Cookbook
Topless Pear Fig Pie. Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner
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September Fun Family Activities
COLLINGSWOOD FARMERS MARKET
June 2, 2018 through November 17, /2018
Weekly on Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Collings Avenue
Irvin Avenue
Collingswood 08108
AGE RANGE: All Ages
Fresh NJ produce, flowers, plants, herbs, honey, prepared goods, cheeses, meats, baked goods, music, art, and more every Saturday, rain or shine, May through Thanksgiving. 8am-12pm along Atlantic Ave (under the PATCO speedline).
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Free Event
Field Goal Game
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1200 Nixon Dr Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
(856) 234-0880
Or
2160 Route 70 West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
(856) 317-2001
MUST Pre Register
Kickoff football season with a portable action-packed field goal game. In this workshop, you and your child can build a game to test your aim. Simply flick or drop-pluck the ball through the goal posts to score a field goal worth three points. Once the game is built, your child can customize it with paint and stickers-play solo or with a friend and switch between field judge/scorekeeper and placekicker.
Recommended for ages 5 through 12. A parent or adult must accompany all Kids Workshop attendees at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.
Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.
CRYS
TAL LAKE POOL COMPLEX
Friday, September 7, 2018
Haddon Township, NJ
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Haddon Township 9th Annual Luau. 7 pm to 11 pm at the Crystal Lake Pool Complex.
Phone: 1-856-854-9229
CAMDEN JAM: ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Camden, New Jersey
2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Free
The festival will feature live music and cultural arts performances including two-time Grammy winning group Arrested Development and chart-topping singer, songwriter and actress Lil' Mo, with additional performances from local artists and musicians. The festival also features food trucks, merchandise vendors, arts & crafts, a Kids Zone, an Eco Discovery Zone and a Health Zone.
SEPTEMBER HADDONFIELD NIGHT MARKET
9/6/18
Downtown Haddonfield
Haddonfield
Kings Hwy
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
REGISTRATION: No
AGE RANGE: All
CALL: (856) 216-7253
Celebrate Back to School and the beginning of the autumn season with a visit to Downtown Haddonfield. Entertainment and Food Truck festival.
HISTORIC SMITHVILLE PARK-ARTS IN THE PARK
10:30 am - 4:00 pm
801 Smithville Rd
Mt Holly NJ, 08060
Mt Holly, NJ
Free
Enjoy an eclectic mix of entertainment on three stages, including music, dance, theater and storytelling. Guests are encouraged to engage in free interactive activities, such as Chalk the Walk, Paint the Mural and Clothesline Art Workshop. There will be fine art vendors, artisan crafters, art-related activities, performers and a beer garden.
CHERRY HILL BIKE IN MOVIE NIGHT: SANDLOT
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Free
On Friday, September 14th from 7:30pm - 9:00pm, bike over to the Cherry Hill Municipal Complex and bring a blanket or chair for your viewing pleasure as we watch the movie on an inflÂatable screen. FREE refreshments will be on hand.
Website:https://www.facebook.com/events/1215506928585382/
Venue Cherry Hill Recreation Department
Phone:856-488-7868
Email:Events@CHTownship.com
Website:http://www.camdencounty.com/events/
RIVER DAYS AT THE DELAWARE RIVER FESTIVAL
1 Riverside Dr.
Camden, NJ 08103
10AM - 4PM
Come celebrate the mighty Delaware River with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) and the Alliance for Watershed Education (AWE)! For the first time ever, PDE's Pennsylvania Coast Day and AWE's River Days are coming together for a "coast to coast" experience that you don't want to miss!
Cross the Delaware River FOR FREE over the Ben Franklin Bridge on foot or bike, OR take advantage of free ferry rides* from one event to the other.
What to expect:
Educational fun for families, on-the-water activities, games and crafts for kids, music, beer garden, fishing opportunities, and much more!
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Cherry Hill Mall
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
12:00 pm
Join us for our Back to School Expo at the Cherry Hill Mall. 12-5pm Lots of local vendors to speak to and gather information for your family. Free Face Painting, lots of FREE stuff! A chance to WIN Prizes!
Saturday, September 22, 2018 - Sunday, September 23, 2018
11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Lakeland Complex
Woodbury-Turnersville Road
Blackwood NJ, 08012
Free
Amusement rides, 4-H youth projects and animal exhibits, pony rides, live entertainment and more! "Made in Camden County" exhibits and displays.
LAURA SASSI STORYTIME AND SIGNING
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Barnes & Noble Booksellers Moorestown
1311 Nixon Drive
Moorestown New Jersey, 08057
11:00 AM
Local author Laura Sassi will join us for a very special Storytime at 11AM. Laura will read her new book Love Is Kind and be on hand to sign this and her other children's books.
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Main Street in Marlton
Maple Ave and S. Locust Ave
Marlton NJ, 08053
Over 90 handcrafters and artists, new food vendors as well as old favorites, live music, and much more!
Saturday, September 29, 2018
John Connolly Park
Centennial Blvd
Voorhees, New Jersey
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Woofstock is a huge, outdoor, family and pet friendly festival. Last year they had over 4,000 people in attendance! Live music from local musicians playing throughout the day. Dog demonstrations, gourmet food trucks, a raffle basket pavilion, an alumni parade, and special guests such as the Joseph Ferko String Band, Master Chef Joe Poon and Dr. Elizabeth Severino (Animal Communicator).
HADDONFIELD FARMER'S MARKET
May 19, 2018 - October 27, 2018
08:30am - 12:00pm
www.haddonfieldfarmersmarket.org.
Kings Court, Haddonfield, NJ, USA
(856)216-7253
Enjoy live entertainment and shop for produce from local farmers at The Haddonfield Farmers Market. The farmers market will open every Saturday at 8:30 A.M. for the season, May 19 in Kings Court at Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ. For more information about the Farmers Market, please call (856)216-7253 or visit www.haddonfieldfarmersmarket.org.
Monday - Wednesday - 9:30 - 5:00
Thursday - 9:30 - 6:00
Friday - 9:30 - 8:00
Saturday - 9:30 - 2:30
Sunday - Closed for Private Parties
Crispin Square Shopping Center
230 North Maple Ave
Marlton, NJ 08053
Jellybean Jungle is a play and learn adventure that is exclusively for children 5 and under. Our facility is a bright and stimulating environment created just for your little ones.
Jellybean Jungle was designed by a New Jersey Early Childhood certified teacher. Safe, age appropriate equipment has been selected for your children's enjoyment. We offer a large variety of imaginative and developmentally appropriate activities that will lead your child on an adventure of social exploration! As your child plays, you will gain insight into their development, as well as enjoy a great time of bonding.
3111 Route 38, Ste. 14
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
856-242-9354
info@werockthespectrummountlaurel.com
Call or email in advance to make sure facility is not booked for a party.
Open 7 days a week
We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym is the first of its kind in New Jersey, offering fitness and play space for children of all abilities, including those with sensory issues.
Our Gym Includes:
Suspended equipment with swings - for balance and vestibular treatment
Crash mats and crash pillows - for fun, motor planning, and strength
Zip line - for stress release and joint and body relaxation
Trampoline - for building leg and core strength
Indoor play structure - for climbing and increasing playground skills
Sensory-based toys - for improved auditory processing and fine motor skills
Fine Motor and Arts and Crafts Area - for improved hand-eye coordination
Mon. - Sun.: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
CALL: (856) 365-3300
1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
PH: 844-474-FISH (3474)
Adventure Aquarium is just minutes from downtown Philadelphia on the Camden Waterfront and features one-of-a-kind exhibits with more than 8,500 aquatic species throughout two million gallons of water. The Aquarium is home to the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast, including the only great hammerhead shark on exhibit in the United States, the only aquarium in the world to exhibit hippos, one of only six facilities in the US to have Little Blue penguins as permanent residents and exhibits the longest Shark Bridge in the world, a unique V-shaped rope suspension bridge just inches over Shark Realm. Adventure Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is held to the absolute highest standards in animal care and exhibition.
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theater listings for specific show times, and don't forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.
62 Battleship Pl, Camden, NJ 08103-3302
866-877-6262
Located on the Camden Waterfront, NJ, across the Delaware River from Center City Philadelphia the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial offers guided and self-guided tours. Climb inside the 16" gun turrets, learn explore the captain's cabins and crew's quarters and discover what life was like for a Battleship sailor. Group packages and educational programs are available for school. You can rent space aboard the Battleship for meetings and social events. Families and youth groups can spend the night aboard the Battleship as part of the overnight program.
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Careers
Would you like to make a difference in your community or an individual's life?
Apply to New Behavioral Network today!
We are now hiring . . . Licensed Mobile Therapists Behavior Interventionists Behavioral Assistants BCBAs & BCaBAs
We offer competitive pay, flexible schedules, and a supportive work environment.
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