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February 2019
In This Issue:
February is National Children's Dental Health Month
February 1st is Give Kids a Smile Day
Helping Your Child With Autism Thrive
How Pediatricians Screen for Autism
Recipe: Mini Puffed Oven Pancakes with Berry Sauce
February Family Fun Activities
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February is
National Children's Dental Health Month
The February 2019 National Children's Dental Health Month is brought to you by the American Dental Association (ADA). This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.
This year's NCDHM campaign slogan is "Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile"
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February 1, 2019 is
Give Kids a Smile Day
What is Give Kids A Smile?
Through the ADA Foundation's Give Kids A Smile program, launched nationally by the American Dental Association in 2003, more than 5 million underserved children have received free oral health services. These free services are provided by approximately 10,000 dentists annually, along with 30,000 other dental team members.
Each year, here in NJ, more than 100 dental practices and clinics participate in this one-day event. In 2019, February 1 is Give Kids a Smile Day.
Article from https://www.njda.org/for-the-public/gkas
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Helping Your Child with Autism Thrive
Parenting Tips, Treatments, and Services That Can Help
From HelpGuide.org
There are many things parents can do to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) overcome their challenges. But it's also important to make sure you get the support you need. When you're looking after a child with ASD, taking care of yourself is not a luxury or an act of selfishness-it's a necessity. Being emotionally strong allows you to be the best parent you can be to your child in need. These parenting tips can help by making life with an autistic child easier.
A parent's guide to autism treatment and support
If you've recently learned that your child has or might have autism spectrum disorder, you're probably wondering and worrying about what comes next. No parent is ever prepared to hear that a child is anything other than happy and healthy, and an ASD diagnosis can be particularly frightening. You may be unsure about how to best help your child, or confused by conflicting treatment advice. Or you may have been told that ASD is an incurable, lifelong condition, leaving you concerned that nothing you do will make a difference.
While it is true that ASD is not something a person simply "grows out of," there are many treatments that can help children acquire new skills and overcome a wide variety of developmental challenges. From free government services to in-home behavioral therapy and school-based programs, assistance is available to meet your child's special needs. With the right treatment plan, and a lot of love and support, your child can learn, grow, and thrive.
Don't wait for a diagnosis
As the parent of a child with ASD or related developmental delays, the best thing you can do is to start treatment right away. Seek help as soon as you suspect something's wrong. Don't wait to see if your child will catch up later or outgrow the problem. Don't even wait for an official diagnosis. The earlier children with
autism spectrum disorder
get help, the greater their chance of treatment success. Early intervention is the most effective way to speed up your child's development and reduce the symptoms of autism over the lifespan.
When your child has autism
Learn about autism. The more you know about autism spectrum disorder, the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions for your child. Educate yourself about the treatment options, ask questions, and participate in all treatment decisions.
Become an expert on your child. Figure out what triggers your kid's challenging or disruptive behaviors and what elicits a positive response. What does your child find stressful or frightening? Calming? Uncomfortable? Enjoyable? If you understand what affects your child, you'll be better at troubleshooting problems and preventing or modifying situations that cause difficulties.
Accept your child, quirks and all. Rather than focusing on how your autistic child is different from other children and what he or she is "missing," practice acceptance. Enjoy your kid's special quirks, celebrate small successes, and stop comparing your child to others. Feeling unconditionally loved and accepted will help your child more than anything else.
Don't give up. It's impossible to predict the course of autism spectrum disorder. Don't jump to conclusions about what life is going to be like for your child. Like everyone else, people with autism have an entire lifetime to grow and develop their abilities.
Helping your child with autism thrive tip 1: Provide structure and safety
Learning all you can about autism and getting involved in treatment will go a long way toward helping your child. Additionally, the following tips will make daily home life easier for both you and your child with ASD:
Be consistent. Children with ASD have a hard time applying what they've learned in one setting (such as the therapist's office or school) to others, including the home. For example, your child may use sign language at school to communicate, but never think to do so at home. Creating consistency in your child's environment is the best way to reinforce learning. Find out what your child's therapists are doing and continue their techniques at home. Explore the possibility of having therapy take place in more than one place in order to encourage your child to transfer what he or she has learned from one environment to another. It's also important to be consistent in the way you interact with your child and deal with challenging behaviors.
Stick to a schedule. Children with ASD tend to do best when they have a highly-structured schedule or routine. Again, this goes back to the consistency they both need and crave. Set up a schedule for your child,
with regular times for meals, therapy, school, and bedtime. Try to keep disruptions to this routine to a minimum. If there is an unavoidable schedule change, prepare your child for it in advance.
Reward good behavior. Positive reinforcement can go a long way with children with ASD, so make an effort to "catch them doing something good." Praise them when they act appropriately or learn a new skill, being very specific about what behavior they're being praised for. Also look for other ways to reward them for good behavior, such as giving them a sticker or letting them play with a favorite toy.
Create a home safety zone. Carve out a private space in your home where your child can relax, feel secure, and be safe. This will involve organizing and setting boundaries in ways your child can understand. Visual cues can be helpful (colored tape marking areas that are off limits, labeling items in the house with pictures). You may also need to safety proof the house, particularly if your child is prone to tantrums or other self-injurious behaviors.
Continue reading the article
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/helping-your-child-with-autism-thrive.htm/
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 Pediatricians start screening your baby for signs of developmental or communication challenges like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from his or her very first
well-child visit. Your pediatrician observes how your baby giggles, looks to you for reassurance, tries to regain your attention during a conversation, points or waves, responds to his or her name, and cries.
Those observations in combination with family history, health examinations, and parental perspectives remain extremely valuable in helping identify children at risk for ASD.
Formalized Autism Screening Recommended at the 18- and 24-Month Well-Child Visits:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening all children for autism at the 18 and 24-month well-child visits in addition to regular developmental surveillance. This type of screening can identify children with significant developmental and behavioral challenges early, when they may benefit most from intervention, as well as those with other developmental difficulties. For screening to be effective, it must be applied to all children - not only those with symptoms
.
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT): In most offices, pediatricians use the M-CHAT, a 23-point questionnaire filled out by parents. Most families find it easy to fill out. Using this standardized screening, pediatricians can pick up children at risk for ASD and will be prompted to start conversations about language delay, concerns about behavior, or possible next steps for a child at risk with additional genetic, neurologic, or developmental testing.
Screening Isn't Diagnosing!
It's important to note that screening isn't diagnosing. If your child has a positive screen for an ASD, it doesn't mean he or she will be diagnosed on the spectrum. And further, if your child screens normally but you continue to worry about ASD, don't be shy. Screening tests are just that-screening-and don't identify all children with ASD. The rate of success for the M-CHAT, for example, isn't 100%, so it is used in combination with health and family history to identify children at risk. Your opinions as a parent are irreplaceable and of the most importance.
If You Are Concerned and Your Child Has Not Been Formally Screened:
Talk with your pediatrician about doing a formal screening. Many screening tools are available.
But know this: If you are concerned about your child's communication or behavior due to the way he or she talks or acts, or other people's comments about his or her behavior, or a family history of ASD, don't wait to talk with your pediatrician about doing more. If the first doctor doesn't respond to you or take you seriously, get a second opinion.
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Last Updated
2/18/2016
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Source
Adapted from Mama Doc Medicine: Finding Calm and Confidence in Parenting, Child Health, and Work-Life Balance (Copyright © 2014 Wendy Sue Swanson)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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Mini Puffed Oven Pancakes with Berry Sauce
One of my goals in life is to somehow make miniature versions of every food ever made. Okay not really, but I do sort of have a little obsession with miniaturizing things. I love puffed pancakes (aka Dutch Baby, German Pancake, etc.) and as I was making
Brazilian Cheese Rolls the other day, I realized they have a similar batter, which made me think I should try little bite-sized versions of these too. Lots of people make these in a big 9×13 pan and cut it into squares, I usually prefer mine in a cast iron skillet because the edges cook up so crisp and brown, but this is a fun little twist. I often try to think of ways to make foods easier for my kids to eat and these are just so...poppable!
This is something we make often at my house (sometimes even for dinner!) because it's made with super basic ingredients. Just milk, flour, eggs, and a bit of butter. I make mine with the least amount of eggs possible, so it's not so...eggy. They're just soft and pillowy and perfect for dipping in just about anything. I just put everything in my blender and then pour them into a mini muffin tin.
Unless of course your awesome blog partner sent you the world's cutest cast iron mini-heart pan for Christmas, then definitely use that. 
Pop the pan in a hot oven and watch that batter puff right up. See how those edges browned up? That's why I love using cast iron, but a simple nonstick muffin tin works great too.
While they're in the oven you can whip up a quick berry sauce. This is one of my sneaky secrets. It's so easy to make a fresh berry sauce if you're like me and keep those bags of frozen fruit in the freezer for smoothies. The triple berry mix from Costco is great, or just frozen strawberries or raspberries. Or fresh certainly works as well, but I don't usually have a fridge stocked with fresh berries in January. I just mix up a few frozen berries and a few tablespoons of whatever berry jam I have in the fridge. I heat it in the microwave for a bit and then mash it all together with a fork, adding sugar if needed. The jam sweetens and gives body to the sauce and the berries make it taste like it's fresh. It's so easy; I use this for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, and all kinds of stuff like that.
When those little golden puffs are done just pop them onto a plate or platter and drizzle with some melted butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. You can either pour the sauce over, or put it in little bowls for dipping. My kids love dipping them in maple syrup too.
A little Cool Whip or sweetened whipped cream makes it extra special.
Since these are pretty quick and easy, they'd make a fun special breakfast for Valentine's Day.
Annnnd I know we're focusing on healthy eating this month, but stick with me! The fact that these are miniature makes it really easy to portion. One little mini muffin sized puff (alone) clocks in at just over 20 calories, so you can definitely have 5 or 6 with some fresh fruit on top and a
dollop
of cool whip and still not even be splurging. Eat up!
Mini Puffed Oven Pancakes with Berry Sauce
recipe by ourbestbites.com
Ingredients
3/4 cup flour (*see note below)
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1/8 teaspoon salt
2-3 tablespoons butter, melted
powdered sugar
Berry Sauce
6 large frozen or fresh strawberries
3 tablespoons berry jam
optional: sugar if needed, to taste
*Since so many have made these and love them, I didn't want to alter the recipe from its original posting. however, since making these more often, I have found I prefer the texture of the finished puffed pancakes when I decrease the flour to 1/2 cup. Try it both ways and See how you like it!
Instructions
Place mini muffin pan (or cast iron skillet) in oven and heat to 400 degrees. While oven is heating, place flour, milk, eggs, and salt in a blender and blend until smooth. Carefully remove the pan from the oven (don't forget it's hot!) and quickly spray the wells with non-stick spray, or brush with melted butter. But we're going for quick and easy here so I just grab the spray. (If using cast iron pan, coat entire pan surface with butter). Fill muffin wells 3/4 full with batter. Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until puffed and slightly golden on top. Remove puffs and place on plate or platter. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Drizzle with berry sauce and top with cool whip or whipped cream, or serve with sauce and/or maple syrup for dipping.
Quick and Easy Berry Sauce
If using frozen berries, place berries and jam in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 1 minute. Use a fork to stir and mash everything together (cut strawberries if necessary), or place everything in a blender and pulse a few times until desired consistency is reached. Add sugar to taste for sweetness and a few teaspoons of water or juice only if needed for consistency.
Yields about 24 mini muffin pancake puffs
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February Fun Family Activities
11/29/2018 - 5/30/2019
Tyke's Tuesdays and Thursday's
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
ISC Cherry Hill
650 Kresson Road
Cherry Hill 08034
CALL TO CONFIRM TIMES
REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED
AGE RANGE: Preschoolers
CALL: 856-428-8588
Thursday (Begins September 20, 2018 and runs through May 30, 2019. Closed for Thanksgiving) Tyke's Thursday's 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. $8 Per Child Includes: Fun and energetic soccer lesson, time in our FunZone, snack and juice. Ages 6 and under
1/3/2019 - 2/14/2019
Winterfest Ice Skating at Cooper River
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cooper River Park across from the Crown Plaza Hotel
Corner of North Park Drive and Cuthbert Avenue
Cherry Hill 08003
REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED
AGE RANGE: All Ages
COST: $See website for skate rental and rink admission.
MORE DETAILS: Cooper River Park has once again transformed into a winter wonderland with tasty treats, and family fun! WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River is open Thursday - Sunday from November 30th until February 18, 2019. WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River is presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholder and TD Bank.
New this year! WinterFest will include more family fun with arcade games in the heated tent and outdoor games for families to enjoy when they are off the ice.
2/8/2019
PJ Masquerade Ball
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Rd
Cherry Hill 08003
CALL TO CONFIRM TIMES
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
AGE RANGE: Preschoolers, Elementary
CALL: 856-424-1233
Put on your PJs and your thinking cap and get ready to solve a mini mystery with your favorite masked friends! Look for clues around the museum and catch the villain, then dance the night away in your PJs!
2/16/2019
Fancy Nancy Valentine Brunch Advanced ticket purchase required
9:00 am - 11:00 am and 12 pm -2:00 pm
The Pop Shop
729 Haddon Avenue
Party Room - Entrance on Washington
Collingswood 08108
856-869-0111
Ooh la la! You are cordially invited to a Valentine SOIREE to celebrate Fancy Nancy!
This very fancy party will include brunch buffet, dessert and a visit with Fancy Nancy in our Party Room! She will read a story, pose for pictures, lead dances and more! We'll also have Fancy Nancy coloring sheets and a Fancy Nancy video.
Mini makeovers available for an extra fee. Wear your fanciest outfit and join us!
ISC - ISC (International Sport, Skating & Fun Centre) Cherry Hill
650 Kresson Rd.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Classes: Sports
Camps: All, Sports
HOURS: Our offices are open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Give us a buzz for more information!
CALL: 856-428-8588
MORE DETAILS: ISC (International Sport, Skating & Fun Centre) Cherry Hill is any family's destination for fun!
Located off of Kresson Road (behind the 7Eleven) in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we offer skating, a FunZone & Inflatable (10 & Under), and an arcade. Our facility also includes a cafè with pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, drinks and more!
ISC Cherry Hill offers activities for all ages, no matter the season.
Our youth & adult sports leagues run year round and include:
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Field Hockey
- Volleyball
- Roller Hockey
ISC Cherry Hill also offers School & Summer Camp programs for ages 3 ½ through Grade 8. Call for more information!
Jellybean Jungle
Crispin Square Shopping Center
Open Play Hours:
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
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.
Open All Year
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
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
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Apply to New Behavioral Network today!
We are now hiring . . . Licensed Mobile Therapists Behavior Interventionists Behavioral Assistants BCBAs & BCaBAs
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