In This Issue:
April is World Autism Awareness Month
How to be Friends With a Child Who Has Autism
Recipe:
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Barbecue Stuffed Peppers
April Fun Family Activities and Events
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May your holiday overflow with happiness....
May you always be blessed with peace, prosperity and togetherness!
From everyone at The NBN Group
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Nearly a quarter century ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with ASD is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. This year we want to go beyond simply promoting autism awareness to encouraging friends and collaborators to become partners in movement toward acceptance and appreciation.
Let's embrace a new perspective. For over 50 years we have worked in communities (both large and small) to ensure our actions, through our services and programming, supported all individuals living with autism. Let's expand this work to focus on the rest of us - ensuring acceptance and inclusion in schools and communities that results in true appreciation of the unique aspects of all people. We want to get one step closer to a society where those with ASDs are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts.
Join us in celebration for 2018 National Autism Awareness Month! National Autism Awareness Month represents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and to draw attention to the tens of thousands facing an autism diagnosis each year.
How is it celebrated?
- Presidential/Congressional declarations
- Online events and activities
- Local events and activities through affiliates
- Partner opportunities
- What can I do?
- Put on the Puzzle! The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 68 children in America. Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon - as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on the potential of people with autism!
- Connect with your neighborhood. Many Autism Society local affiliates hold special events in their communities throughout the month of April. But if you can't find an event that suits you just right, create your own!
- Watch a movie. Did you know that something that seems as simple as going to the movies is not an option for many families affected by autism? The Autism Society is working with AMC Theatres to bring special-needs families Sensory Friendly Films every month.
- Donate to the Autism Society: Help improve the lives of all impacted by autism with a financial gift to the Autism Society. Every dollar raised by the Autism Society allows us to improve the capabilities and services of our over 100 nationwide affiliates, provide the best national resource database and contact center specializing in autism, and increase public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with ASD and their families.
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How to be friends with a child who has autism
When your kid meets a child on the autism spectrum, make sure they understand how to build a real friendship.
BY JOEL YANOFSKY | APR 8, 2017
PHOTO: SESAME WORKSHOP
Julia is a four-year-old with bright orange hair, big blue eyes and a sweet singing voice. She's also
(ASD),
Julia and her storyline will also help children not directly touched by autism understand how to
form a real friendship
with someone who's a little different.
The message of the Monday April 10 debut episode, "Meet Julia," is twofold: It's intended to help viewers better understand autism, a developmental disorder that currently affects 1 in 68 children. And it also acknowledges that doing so isn't always going to be easy. Even Muppets, famous for their friendliness, will face unique challenges in
making friends with a kid like Julia-a kid, for that matter, like mine.
From kindergarten to grade six, my son, Jonah, who's on the autism spectrum, attended school with kids who were not. I spent much of that seven-year stretch expecting him to be bullied or ostracized or both. Only he never was. In fact, when he graduated from elementary school he received an award for "Kindness to Others." This was, I like to think, a testament to his particular brand of charm but also to the kindness he was, in turn, so often shown by others.
That said kindness doesn't always equal understanding. During his first seven years in school, Jonah's challenges making friends with his neurotypical classmates grew. This was especially difficult to witness because I knew that in his immediate circle of relatives, family friends, caregivers, therapists and other kids on the spectrum, Jonah's relationships were deep and enduring. And they remain so.
As Jonah's father, I often have the urge to explain my son to others outside of our circle. And I find myself wishing that more parents and kids would recognize the potential of a kid with autism-not just as someone to treat with compassion, but as someone with the potential to be a real friend.
I am happy for Julia and for the Muppets who clearly value her and are prepared to do some extra work to enjoy her friendship. And I'm happy for the families who will learn from their modelling. I hope that the presence of a character with autism on Sesame Street will help bridge the gap that can exist between kindness and understanding.
Here are a few tips, inspired by Sesame Street's newest character (and my own observations as a dad), on how to teach your child to interact with kids on the autism spectrum. Talk them over, so when the time comes, your kid is ready to put them into action.
Inclusion
Kids on the autism spectrum are often left out of birthday parties or other activities outside of school. Encourage your child to invite them. I remember every birthday party Jonah was invited to not just because it was rare but because, around our house, it was a cause for celebration.
Patience
Often kids on the spectrum think and play differently, so you should talk about how that might look with your child. Sometimes, they do things more slowly. Some of their behaviours can also appear unusual. Teach your child how to begin engaging with parallel play, which is more or less what it sounds like: two kids playing side-by-side without much direct interaction.
Accommodation
Kids with autism sometimes have special requirements. They might need a parent or aide to help them interact with others. They can be sensitive to loud noises or uncomfortable with some of the body language that happens during a typical conversation. In Monday's debut episode, for instance, Big Bird worries that Julia, who tends not to make eye contact, doesn't like him. But he eventually learns, along with the other Muppets, to understand "the Julia sort of way." Talk with your child about such differences to help them understand their new friend and adjust their expectations and ways of interacting, if need be.
Communication
Often, kids on the spectrum are fascinated by and can talk repetitively about a single topic-unicorns when Jonah was young. Teach your child to add to the conversation and redirect it whenever possible. For instance, have your child look up some new facts about unicorns as well as other cool mythical creatures.
Humour
Teach your child that kids on the spectrum love to laugh-they love puns and visual humour especially. However, kids with autism tend to take jokes literally. Sarcasm and teasing should be avoided at first. After a while, as kids get to know each other, they can try different jokes. For instance, on a recent April Fool's Day-a Saturday-I told Jonah to get ready for school. He looked worried initially, then smirked, pointed at me and said, "Just kidding!"
Predictability
Kids on the spectrum thrive on routine and structure. They like to know what's happening next. Encourage children to respect their playmate with autism's need for games to follow the same format. They should be extra mindful to give a friend with autism a say in playing new games or activities, to see whether the novelty seems like fun (or too much stress) for them.
Competence
Everyone has something they're good at. Jonah, for instance, likes to read aloud or play his guitar. Encourage your kids to identify a classmate with some of the strengths that go along with being on the spectrum and give them a chance to use those strengths in activities together. That way, the child on the autism spectrum can take a role in games or activities that allows them to feel competent and independent.
Acceptance
Remember: kids on the spectrum are not all the same. That's why it's called a spectrum. There's a lot of truth in the expression: "If you know one child with autism you know one child with autism." So encourage your child to get to know and understand someone with autism as an individual. My guess is they'll find their new friend funny, interesting and fun.
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Slow Cooker Vegetarian Barbecue Stuffed Peppers
Prep Time: 10 Min Cook Time: 4 Hours Total Time: 4 Hours, 10 Min
2 cup cooked brown rice
14 oz canned fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 cup corn
1 sweet onion, chopped
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cumin
6 bell peppers
1 cup light barbecue sauce, divided
1.
Combine the brown rice, tomatoes (undrained), corn, beans, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and cumin.
Stir in one quarter of the barbecue sauce. Cut and discard tops from the peppers and remove the seeds.
2. Mix the barbecue sauce and broth in a bowl. Pour half in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place peppers on top and fill with rice
mixture. Top with remaining sauce.
3. Cook for 4 hours on low until peppers are tender.
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April Fun Family Activities
March 31, 2018 - April 01, 2018
Easter Brunch with the Bunny at The Pop Shop
www.thepopshopusa.com
The Pop Shop, Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ, USA
856.869.0111
Come to The Pop Shop for a family friendly Easter Bunny Brunch. The event includes a brunch buffet, desserts, spring coloring and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Advance ticket purchase is required.
March 31, 2018 - April 01, 2018
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Sahara Sam
https://www.saharasams.com/2018/posts/easter-bunny-breakfast/
535 New Jersey 73, Berlin Township, NJ, USA
8567677580
Enjoy Breakfast with the Easter Bunny before a day of splashing!
The Easter bunny is hop-hop-hopping his way to West Berlin, NJ to have breakfast with you on Saturday, March 31st and Sunday, April 1st!
From 9 am - 10 am, enjoy a breakfast buffet and the opportunity to snap photos with your favorite fuzzy bunny. All kids attending breakfast will also receive eggs-elent goodie bags featuring candy-filled eggs made by Sunny Bunny Easter Eggs who provides meaningful employment to people with disabilities.
*This is an add-on event, you must purchase a ticket to this event PLUS purchase a full day ticket for the SAME day as your Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Ticket OR be an annual pass holder. Children 2 and under + Adults over 65 must purchase the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Add-on to attend but do NOT need a general admission ticket or annual pass*
March 24, 2018 - April 08, 2018
Spring Break at Sahara Sam's
https://www.saharasams.com/2018/posts/spring-break-2/
535 New Jersey 73, Berlin Township, NJ, USA
8567677580
No School + Sahara Sam's = Splashtastic Spring Break!
Float on a Monday, celebrate Tim-Buk-Tuesday, catch waves on a Wednesday or splash with friends Thursday - Sunday. We're open EVERYDAY for Spring Break starting Saturday, March 24th - Sunday, April 8th!
April 1, 2018
Discovery Easter Egg Hunt
Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Road
Suite 100
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003
Join us for our annual Discovery Easter Egg Hunt. Search for eggs inside the Museum and check out Milly's Which Craft Art Studio to make your very own "Easter Basket". The Easter Egg Hunt is included with admission.
April 01, 2018
Easter Brunch at The Mansion on Main Street
10:00am - 04:00pm
www.mansiononmainstreet.com/brunch-en.html#item_14
The Mansion on Main Street, Main Street, Voorhees Township, NJ, USA
856.751.1717
Easter Brunch at the Mansion includes an Egg Hunt and photos with the Bunny. Reservations are required.
April 3, 2018
Superhero Training Camp
The Pop Shop
729 Haddon Avenue
Collingswood 08108
CALL TO CONFIRM TIMES
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
AGE RANGE: Preschoolers, Elementary
COST: Tickets are $25 per person plus tax and gratuity.
CALL: 856-869-0111
MORE DETAILS:
Come learn the skills of your favorite heroes at this awesome training camp for kids on April 3rd from 11am to 2:30 pm.
The camp - held in our Party Room - includes fun, stories, "training" and games with Spiderman and Wonder Woman plus a kid-friendly lunch and dessert.
Coloring pages, temporary tattoos, and super hero cartoons on our big TV plus a take-home surprise.
Recommended for kids 3-11.
Tickets are $25 per person plus tax and gratuity. Click link for ticket. All attendees must purchase a ticket and tickets are not refundable
April 3, 2018
Discovery Theatre Presents - The Myth of Icarus
2040 Springdale Road
Suite 100
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003
April 06, 2018
Funzone Friday at ISC Cherry Hill
12:00pm - 02:00pm
www.facebook.com/events/1429262993775752/
ISC Cherry Hill, Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ, United States
856.428.8588
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Once a month every month ISC Cherry Hill has their Funzone Fridays. Children 6 and under can come and play in their 36 foot indoor climbing gym.
January 03, 2018 - June 13, 2018
Pizza Buffet Family Night at Deptford Skating Center
www.facebook.com/events/743837825790002/
DSC (Deptford Skating Center), Deptford Avenue, Westville, NJ, United States
856.845.7353
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Family Night is every Wednesday and includes all you can eat pizza, skating, funzone, games and prizes.
April 27, 2018 - April 28, 2018
Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr. at Collingswood Middle School
cytnewjersey.wixsite.com/collsyouththeatre
414 West Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ, USA
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The Collingswood Youth Theatre, sponsored by the Borough of Collingswood, will be presenting "Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr." on Friday, April 27 at 7:30pm and on Saturday, April 27 at 1pm and 7:30pm. All performances at the Collingswood Middle School Auditorium, 414 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108. Tickets are $8 general admission and will be available at the door.
"Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr." features updated songs from Disney's thrilling animated motion picture. So follow Alice down the rabbit hole and join her in her madcap journey. Bring the whole family as exciting adventures await children of all ages!
Open all Year
Adventure Aquarium
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.
Sensory Friendly Movie
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.
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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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Our
Services
:
Behavior Consultation
Program
*
Functional Behavior Assessments
*
Behavior Intervention Plans
*
In home/In School consultation
Applied
Behavior Analysis is the only evidence based treatment modality for Autism, and is the treatment we use at New Behavioral Network
.
Children
with the following diagnoses can benefit from this program
:
Autism
Spectrum Disorder, Downs Syndrome, Fragile X
Child Mental Health Program
*
In home therapy provided by LCSW's,
LMFT's,and
LPC's
*
Certified Behavioral Assistants to provide positive behavior modeling
Children
with the following diagnoses can benefit from this program
:
ADHD, Depression, ODD, Anxiety,
Aspergers
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