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January 2019
In This Issue:
An Autism Mom's 14 New Year's Resolutions
A Kent State recruit is the first player with autism to earn a scholarship for a Division 1 NCAA team sport
What Are the Best Sports for Kids With Autism?
Bejeweled Rice Recipe
January Family Fun Activities
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Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy New Year!
From everyone at the NBN Group
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An Autism Mom's 14 New Year's Resolutions
1.Turn the reins of my daughter's life over to her and micromanage less.
2. M
y life is another year shorter, so I need to pick my battles.
3. Spend more time with people I love AND enjoy; avoid the others.
4. Stop trying to persuade people to listen to my point of view when they are incapable of understanding it.
5. Continue to pursue my dreams while helping my daughter pursue hers.
6. Advocate passionately and honestly for young adults with autism whenever and wherever possible.
7. Help my daughter with autism earn a living as an actress and autism spokesperson.
8. Celebrate EVERY victory, no matter how small. When there's a big victory-like the opening of Samantha's movie, Keep the Change-savor every moment.
9. Go on an exotic couple's vacation. My husband and I should celebrate our 30 years of marriage. If not now, when?
10. Instead of acting or reacting, choose to do nothing-difficult but often the most effective course of action.
11. Continue to be passionate and honest even if people disagree or misunderstand me.
12. Find more fun activities to let go of negative energy (other than dance and yoga).
13. Laugh more.
14. Eat, drink and be merry whenever possible. Don't wait for holidays.
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A Kent State recruit is the first player with autism to earn a scholarship for a Division 1 NCAA team sport
Nov. 28, 2018, 1:53 PM
- Kalin Bennett, 18, will play Division 1 basketball at Kent State University next year.
- He is the first player with autism to earn a scholarship for a Division 1 NCAA team sport.
- The 6'10", 300-pound center hopes to inspire others on and off the court.
A Kent State basketball recruit will become the first player with autism to earn a scholarship for a Division 1 NCAA team sport when he joins the team next year.
Kalin Bennett, an 18-year-old from Little Rock, Arkansas, was recruited by several schools, but chose Kent State University not only for its basketball team but for its
dedication to autism awareness, his mother, Sonja Bennett, told INSIDER.
Bennett, a 6'10", 300-pound center, signed a letter of intent to join Kent State's team earlier this month, according to
Cleveland.com.
Now Bennett, who is attending a gap year program at Link Year Prep in Branson, Missouri, wants to use his platform to inspire others.
"It feels good to be able to make history like this," Bennett told INSIDER. "It feels good to hear stories about other people struggling with autism looking up to me."
He hopes that his rebound talents, positive attitude and ability to be a team player will help Kent State succeed next season.
"They someone who can hoop - and I can hoop," he said.
Doctors didn't know if Bennett would ever speak or walk
As a child, doctors thought that Bennett would remain nonverbal throughout his life, and early diagnosis suggested he may never walk.
But Bennett prevailed, and through hard work and therapy he overcame his struggles to become the basketball player he is today.
His coach at Link Year, Adam Donyes, said Bennett is the glue that holds his team together.
"He's one of the most positive young men I've ever met," Donyes said. "When you know the entire background story of Kalin and everything he's overcome, I can't see how it doesn't motivate more kids to try harder and believe in themselves."
Donyes said Bennett will need to push himself to learn new concepts to succeed at Kent State.
"He might not get it as quick as everybody else, but he'll get it, and once he does it's locked in," he said.
And during a recruiting visit to Kent in September, he wowed coaches and school officials.
"He is really a phenomenal human being,'" Gina Campana, Kent State's assistant director of the Autism Initiative for Research, Education and Outreach, told
Cleveland.com. "A light emanates from this young man. We're going to be lucky to get him at Kent State."
While Bennett will be the first basketball player with autism in the NCAA on a scholarship, he will not be the first athlete with autism to compete at the college level. Anthony Ianni walked on to Michigan State University's basketball team in 2009.
Ianni played just 49 minutes in three seasons, but Kent State recruited Bennett with more action in mind.
"I didn't recruit him for the story," Kent State's men's basketball coach Rob Senderoff told
WVXU
. "I recruited him because I believe in him as a basketball player, and I believe he can help our program. I think his best basketball is ahead of him."
Bennett's mother's moving to Kent with him for support
S
onja Bennett said she is now looking for a safe place to live in Kent, Ohio, where she will move to be with her son when he starts school.
Coach Donyes said that it might take time for Bennett to adjust to being in a new city with a new team, but he'll need to find a community group to support him.
"It will be a little adjustment period, but once he plays he's going to do great," he said.
After college, Bennett hopes to play professional basketball, continue to raise autism awareness, and one day launch his own charity.
"I want to be able to make a place where [autistic] kids can just come by, have fun, don't feel no fear being around other people," he told
Bleacher Report. "Be able to express themselves, be able to be who they are without worrying about what people think about them, or how they process stuff."
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What Are the Best Sports for Kids With Autism?
Many sports offer great benefits for kids with autism.
Updated November 01, 2018
Some sports can be challenging for kids with autism. That doesn't mean autistic kids should stay away from physical activity, but it is important to help your child to choose sports that they are likely to enjoy and excel at. Autism creates specific challenges when it comes to sports, but it also opens up some
exciting possibilities.
Team Sports That May Be a Poor Match for Your Child
While there are always exceptions to the rule, cooperative team sports such as
soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and hockey may be particularly tough for your autistic child. That's because:
- Teams are all about social communication, and playing team sports requires advanced social communication skills. Autism is a disorder in which those skills are compromised. So it can be tough for autistic kids to fit into a team, communicate well with team members, or predict what another team member is likely to do.
- Team sports that require ball or puck handling also require a high level of strength and coordination. Autism often goes along with lowered muscle tone and problems with coordination. As a result, autistic children may have a tough time playing well.
- Team sports are often played in environments that are very hot, cold, loud, or bright. Most children with autism have sensory challenges that make loud noise, bright lights, and temperature extremes difficult to handle. The outcome can be a very unhappy or even uncooperative child.
All that said, however, many groups are eager to provide autistic children with opportunities to take part in team sports "just like everyone else." If your child seems interested, you may want to look into special needs sports teams such as those created by the Challenger Club, which offers opportunities designed specifically for kids with challenges and disabilities.
Be aware that special needs sports are not always a good lead-in to typical sports, as they are more about social engagement and exercise than about athletic skill-building.
Team Sports That Could Be a Great Match for Your Child
Not every team sport requires high-level communication and cooperation-and many can include an individual athlete as a valued team member. Here are some of the top team sports that could be a great match for your child.
- Swimming. Swimming is a wonderful sport for most people, including children with autism. Kids who have a tough time with ball-handling skills can do well with basic strokes and typical water play. What's more, strong swimmers with autism can be successful on swim teams because the sport allows for individual competition.
- Track and Field. Strangely, Americans teach their youngest children to play complex team sports like soccer while only high schoolers seem to compete in running and jumping! For kids with autism, track and field may be a terrific outlet. Track events require fewer communication skills than most team sports, yet kids who excel at track are valued team members.
- Bowling. Even though it's loud, bowling seems to be a natural sport for many kids with autism. Perhaps it's the repetition - bowl twice, sit down. Or maybe it's the satisfaction of seeing the pins come crashing down. Whatever the reasons, bowling is a great sport for social events that include kids on the autism spectrum. Bowling leagues are often welcoming and can be a good opportunity to become part of a sports organization.
School and Recreational Sports
Young children of all abilities are typically included in school and recreational sports if they are capable of following instructions and interacting appropriately with team members. If this describes your child, he or she may be included with little or no problem, at least until the age when sports become competitive. If your child has a hard time following instruction or interacting appropriately, however, you may need to provide 1:1 support.
Once tryouts become part of the mix in school sports, even high-functioning youngsters with autism may find it hard to make the cut.
Some school teams offer children with special needs the opportunity to participate by helping to manage the team or by taking part in the game when their participation won't have an impact on the outcome of the game. It will be up to you and your child to decide whether this type of participation is a plus or minus; some youngsters love it, while others feel uncomfortable being the team "mascot."
Non-Team Sports That Are Great for Autistic Children
There is a whole world of non-team sports out there-and autistic children can and do take part in many of them. Skiing, surfing, sailing, and many more can be a great match for your child, especially if your family enjoys them. While you can choose any non-team sport, however, these are some of the most popular among folks on the spectrum.
- Horseback Riding. Horseback riding is pricey. That aside, though, it's a terrific sport for kids with autism. In fact, many autistic kids ride horses as a therapeutic activity (as such it's termed "hippotherapy"). It's not unusual for autistic kids to find it easier to communicate with animals than with people -- and many autistic children excel at horsemanship.
- Hiking (and Fishing). For many people with autism, the peace and quiet of the natural world is a great stress reliever. Hiking, which can be an individual or group activity, is an easy way to get exercise and enjoy nature without the pressure of intense social communication. Fishing is another sport that may be of interest to an autistic individual who enjoys the natural world.
- Biking. Bike riding can be tough for kids with autism, since balance may not come naturally. Once the basic skills are mastered, though, cycling can be a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. Like most of the sports described above, cycling can be enjoyed alone or in a group, just for fun or competitively. If your child enjoys the idea of biking and does well with training wheels, but finds a two-wheeler tricky, you may want to consider an adult trike, a tandem, or just sticking with the training wheels.
- Martial Arts. The martial arts-karate, judo, taekwando, aikido, and more-combine the elements of predictability and structure with the challenges of physical interaction with other people. For many kids with autism, the martial arts are a wonderful way to build physical skills along with self-esteem.
Autism and Just-for-Fun-and-Exercise Sports
If you're hoping to get your child with autism involved with team sports, a good way to get started is by playing together just for fun. Whether you're shooting baskets, tossing the ball back and forth, or learning to skate, you'll be building both physical and social skills if you do it together. In the long run, it's experiences like shooting hoops with dad (even when the hoop is lowered) that help build parent-child connections.
If you're just concerned with getting your child to exercise, here are a few options to consider:
- Gamify exercise with video systems like Wii and Kinect, which encourage players to move their bodies and learn new skills at home, without the pressure of being observed or encouraged to "join in."
- Consider classes (either general interest or autism-specific) in yoga, dance, or other types of movement.
- Create activities, such as obstacle courses or local "fun runs" that you and your child can do together.
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Bejeweled Rice Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- ⅓ cup unsalted, shelled pistachios
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 large carrots, peeled, thinly sliced into rounds on a mandoline
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Kosher salt
- 8 scallions, dark green parts and white parts separated, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
- ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
- 1 cup mixed unsweetened dried fruit (such as golden raisins, cranberries, and/or sour cherries)
RECIPE PREPARATION
- Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange pistachios and almonds on opposite sides of a rimmed baking sheet and toast, shaking pan gently halfway through, until almonds are golden brown and pistachios are slightly darkened, 6-8 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop pistachios
- Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large heavy pot over medium. Cook carrots, stirring occasionally, until softened but haven't taken on any color, 8-10 minutes. Stir in sugar and a pinch of salt and cook until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute more. Transfer carrot mixture to a medium bowl.
- Heat remaining 3 Tbsp. oil in same pot over medium. Cook scallion whites and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4-6 minutes. Stir in rice, red pepper flakes, cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric; cook, stirring often, until some grains are translucent, about 3 minutes. Add 3¾ cups water, season with 1 Tbsp. salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat, add butter and orange zest, and fluff rice with a fork. Cover pot and let rice steam 10 minutes.
- Spoon pilaf onto a platter. Top with neatly defined rows of dried fruit, almonds, pistachios, carrots, and scallion greens.
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January Fun Family Activities
January1,2019
Winterfest Ice Skating at Cooper River
12:00 pm - 10:00 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.
September 22 through January 21, 2019
DISCOVERY WELCOMES SID THE SCIENCE KID
FROM SEPTEMBER 22, 2018 - JANUARY 21, 2019!
Sid the Science Kid - The Super-Duper Exhibit! Encourages kids to think, talk and work the way scientists do by building on children's natural curiosity about the world.
This new exhibit brings the PBS KIDS TV show Sid the Science Kid to life as students:
Get hands-on with simple machines, just like Sid does in the show, as you send stuffed animals up into a tree house with the help of a pulley and use a toy shovel as a lever to catapult toys into a toy box.
- Explore friction as you slide a block down different surfaces.
- Discover the effects of inertia, like Sid and his friends do, while giving stuffed animals a ride on a skateboard.
- Like shown on an episode of Sid the Science Kid, test the elasticity of different balls by bouncing them from the top of a play set.
- Sing and dance in the playground and participate in "Good Laughternoon" like Sid and his friends do on the show.
- Take a survey, explore the senses and simple machines, use real science tools and create journals to record.
Sid the Science Kid: The Super-Duper Exhibit! Created by The Magic House® in collaboration with The Jim Henson Company.
November 11, 2018 - January 26,2019
Saturday morning pajama party
Weekly on Saturday
7:30 am - 10:30 am
CALL TO CONFIRM TIMES
The Pop Shop
729 Haddon Avenue
Collingswood 08108
REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED
AGE RANGE: Preschoolers, Elementary
COST: $See description for details
CALL: 856-869-0111
MORE DETAILS:Kids can wear their PJ's to The Pop Shop on Saturday mornings from 7:30am- 10:30am and receive a free Big Squirts breakfast!
Beverages are not included. One child per each paying adult. Must be actual pajamas.
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
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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