In This Issue:
What Father's Day Means to Me as an Autism Dad
June 8, 2019 is Family Health and Fitness Day
How Adding Structure to Summer Days Can Reduce Stress for kids with autism and keep them engaged with learning and fun
Top 10 Positive Traits of Autistic People
Your June Healthy Meal Plan
June Family Fun Activities
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What Father's Day Means to Me as an Autism Dad
By: Rick Goldsmith
NYCA Board Member
Traditionally, Father's Day is considered a time for children to honor their fathers by buying them presents, treating them to breakfast, or letting them do whatever they want. However, it is also a time for fathers to reflect on their relationships with their children and how they have enriched our lives. Dads who have children with autism may face challenges in reaching the point where they become grateful for their special, albeit unconventional, relationship with their children.
My son Jack was diagnosed with autism when he was two, and like all parents of children with autism, I experienced the emotional roller coaster from diagnosis to early childhood to adolescence and beyond. The reality of autism didn't match what I had envisioned for my relationship with my son. I had always dreamed of playing catch, coaching his games, helping him with his school-work, discussing the birds and the bees, and doing everything else that my friends bragged about. I found myself dwelling on all of the activities that I wasn't able to do with Jack and feeling profoundly sad and sometimes even angry about his limited ability to communicate. Jack's language and fine motor skills are also affected by apraxia, which affects his speech and ability to type. Consequently, I struggled to understand what he was thinking, feeling and understanding.
As difficult as it was for me, Jack was unable to express his feelings and, in turn, this created a downward spiral where he got increasingly frustrated and his behaviors became more extreme. Our relationship suffered because of this lack of mutual communication and understanding, and each year, Father's Day would be difficult for me. Although, I have two wonderful daughters, I lamented the distance between Jack and me. Then everything changed.
Jack's educational consultant told my wife, Barbara, that she believed that Jack was very bright but his apraxia impeded his ability to express his thoughts. She had witnessed great success in the use of facilitated communication (FC) with people with autism who also had motor planning impairments like Jack. FC is a controversial method of typing where a facilitator provides physical support and resistance to the person's typing hand. I am an extremely skeptical person and a self-proclaimed realist who doesn't fully believe anything without physical proof; consequently, I had my doubts.
When Barbara called me after the first time Jack typed she was in te
ars and started to tell me about the profound thoughts Jack had shared with her. To her astonishment, he had absorbed the countless hours that they spent working on reading and communicating. He typed pages of his feelings about autism, school and his relationship with his family. I still had doubts because I hadn't seen it myself nor did I understand how it would change my understanding of Jack.
When the therapist came back again and began to work with Barbara, I sat as closely as I could to Jack and watched him type (remember I am a total skeptic). Jack's index finger was flying around the keyboard in response to open ended questions about what he was thinking. He told us what it's like to have autism and how difficult it was for him to control his behavior. He talked about how great his Mom was and how much it meant to him that she did everything to make him happy. Then, he told us that Dad didn't understand him, was mean at times and talked about him in front of him as if he didn't understand. I was crushed because he was absolutely right.
From that point forward, my relationship, understanding, and attitude towards Jack changed. He has continued to type with us, and keeps us updated on his frustrations, ideas and feelings. Due to this change, I now understand Jack. I am much more patient when he gets upset or angry. Now that I know what Jack is experiencing, I do my best to let him know that I'm listening. When I see that he is anxious, we take a break and go on a long walk that helps melt away Jack's pent up frustrations. At times when we return I've noticed Jack's grip on my hand relax, and his slow walk turns into a skip down the block. I relish the time we have together.
Every other Friday, I drive to Massachusetts to his school and bring him back to our home in Connecticut for the weekend. Although Jack still doesn't say very much on our ride home, he does a lot of smiling. Most importantly for me, his teacher's tell me that most mornings he repeats the phrase, "I want Daddy". That makes for a very, very Happy Father's Day
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June 8, 2019 is Family Health and Fitness Day
Family Health & Fitness Day will be held on June 8, 2019. Celebrated the second Saturday in June each year, this special day promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy.
Agencies everywhere are encouraged to participate by inviting families to get active at their local park or recreation center, or by hosting an event, such as a health fair or family fun run. Members of the healthcare community are encouraged to participate, as well, even as sponsors.
Top 5 Ways to Get Fit with Parks and Recreation
Go for a walk
Go for a swim
Play outside
Enroll in a fitness program
Create your own exercise routine
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How adding structure to summer days can reduce stress for kids with autism and keep them engaged with learning and fun
Parents can work with their children to ensure they don't lose the skills they gained or forget what they learned during the school year. Keep the momentum going during the summer with these strategies for continued learning and engagement
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Plan ahead and discuss these plans with your child. Give her an opportunity to ask questions about any activities
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Keep a homework regimen in place. You may use this time to focus on social and emotional skills instead of academic skills
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Turn everyday activities like
going to the grocery store
or helping around the house into learning opportunities. Use these events to teach a new skill or practice one she already has
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Reinforce positive behaviors. Reward your child for practicing skills like reading and following house rules
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Although scheduling is key, make sure to allow for breaks and
down time
. And don't forget to focus on having fun-it might lead to discoveries and development your child doesn't normally find in a classroom
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Top 10 Positive Traits of Autistic People
What are the best aspects of autism? By Lisa Jo Rudy
Autism is a serious disorder that can interfere with every aspect of life. So why is it that so many people see autism in a positive light?
Yes, many things are challenging for people on the spectrum and the people who love them, but for every downside to autism, there seems to be an upside too. People with autism have uniquely positive traits that are rare or even nonexistent among
neurotypical
individuals. It's important to note that these positive traits are not unique to savants with special talents or skills; rather, they are present in almost every person with autism.
If you're tired of hearing about the problems associated with autism, try pinning this list up on your fridge or sharing it with friends, family, and school staff. It's a great way to help others recognize that not every aspect of autism is a "symptom!"
1 Autistic People Rarely
Lie
We
all claim to value the truth, but almost all of us tell little white lies. More significantly, many
neurotypical
people actively hide important truths from the people around them. People on the autism spectrum, however, tell the truth-whether it's positive or negative. That means a person with autism will accurately reflect their feelings and respond with complete candor when asked their opinion. If a person with autism says you look terrific you can be pretty sure you're having a good hair day!
2 People on the Autism Spectrum Live in the Moment
How often do typical people fail to notice what's in front of their eyes because they're distracted by social cues or random chitchat? People on the autism spectrum truly attend to the sensory input that surrounds them. Some see the beauty that others miss, though they pass by it every day. Many have achieved the ideal of mindfulness, even if they don't have the tools to communicate their state of mind to others.
3 People With Autism Rarely Judge Others
Who's fatter? Richer? Smarter? Prettier? Does that person have a degree from the right college or belong to the right church? For people on the autism spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than for their
neurotypical
peers. In fact, people on the spectrum often see through such surface appearances to discover the real person.
Just as importantly, people with autism rarely judge other people with disabilities. Where a typical peer might steer clear of a classmate with Down syndrome or a physical disability, people with autism are more likely to be accepting of differences.
4 Autistic People Are Passionate
Many people on the spectrum are truly passionate about the things, ideas, and people in their lives. They spend the time, energy, and imagination necessary to truly master their area of interest, and they stick with it even when it's difficult, frustrating, or "uncool." How many "typical" people can say the same?
5 People With Autism Are Not Tied to Social Expectations
If you've ever bought a car, played a game, or joined a club to fit in, you know how hard it can be to be true to yourself. But for people with autism, social expectations can be honestly unimportant. Who cares if someone you've never met rolls his eyes when you mention your interest in Disney movies even when you're a grown man? What matters is true liking, shared interests, kindness, and the desire to spend time together-not keeping up with or being as similar as possible to the Joneses.
6 People With Autism Have Terrific Memories
How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take note of colors, names, and other details? People on the autism spectrum are often much more tuned in to details. In many cases, they have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kind of critical details. In fact, a surprisingly large number of people on the spectrum have photographic memories, perfect pitch, and/or an almost perfect memory for songs, poems, and stories. This skill can be a huge asset in situations ranging from direction-finding to writing a family history.
7 Autistic People Are Less Materialistic
Of course, this is not universally true-but in general, people with autism are far less concerned with prestige and status than their
neurotypical
peers. As a result, they worry less about brand names, high-end restaurants, and other expensive but unimportant externals than most people do. They are also less inclined to see salary or title as desirable for their own sake.
8 Autistic People Play Fewer Head Games
"Do I look fat in this outfit? Tell me the truth-I won't get mad!"
"I know I TOLD you I didn't mind if you went out, but why did you believe me?"
Few autistic people play games like these-and they assume that you won't either. It's a refreshing and wonderful change from the Peyton Place emotional roller coaster that mars too many typical relationships! Of course, part of the reason for this lack of subterfuge is the reality that autistic people find head games baffling. Why would someone ask a question if they don't want an answer?
9 Autistic People Have Fewer Hidden Agendas
Most of the time, if a person on the autism spectrum tells you what he wants he is telling you what he wants. No need to beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you're reading between the lines! This may be due, in part, to the fact that many autistic people are unaware of or baffled by others' choice to hide their real intentions.
10 People With Autism Open New Doors for Neurotypicals
For some of us
neurotypicals
, having an autistic person in our lives has had a profound positive impact on our perceptions, beliefs, and expectations. Being the parent or sibling of a son on the autism spectrum can release you from a lifetime of "should"-and offer you a new world of "is."
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Visit us for everything you need to know about signing up for camp!
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Your Healthy Meal Plan for June
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/your-june-healthy-meal-plan/
Summer is finally here, and this healthy meal plan will help you eat a little lighter all month long. Our dinner menu is full of healthy mains and side dishes guaranteed to help you feel (and look!) your best.
This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had in Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. -Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas
- 1 boneless pork sirloin roast (3 pounds)
- 5 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium taco seasoning
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin
- 24 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
- 3 cups shredded lettuce
- 1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Cut roast in half; place in a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker. Mix chiles, taco seasoning and cumin; spoon over pork. Cook, covered, on low until meat is tender, 8-10 hours.
- Remove pork; cool slightly. Skim fat from cooking juices. Shred meat with 2 forks. Return to slow cooker; heat through. Serve in tortillas with lettuce and cheese.
Freeze option: Place cooled pork mixture in freezer containers; freeze up to 3 months. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered saucepan, stirring gently and adding a little broth if necessary.
Health tip: Using reduced-sodium taco seasoning saves about 80 milligrams of sodium in each serving.
Nutrition Facts
2 tacos: 320 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
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June Fun Family Activities
May 15,2019 - June 5, 2019 Weekly on Wednesday
Weeknight Parents Night Out (Ages 4-11)
1205 Warren Avenue
Cherry Hill New Jersey
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Drop the kids off for 3-hours of supervised bouncing, plus pizza, drinks & dessert, games and a movie! Let them wear their pj's or bring their favorite snuggle blanket or animal so they can relax watching the movies if they want. Have a fun night out while your kids have a blast at BounceU! Once everyone is checked in, we'll lock the doors and let the kids have a blast! Supervised by our highly trained Party Pros, and our manager on duty.
Recommended for ages 4-11 (CHILDREN MUST BE RESTROOM INDEPENDENT)
June 1, 2019
Ronald House Run
Join Us On Saturday, June 1st For Our 5th Annual 5K Run For A Reason. 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk And Tot Trot For Kids. Each year you help us keep our families together while their children are receiving medical care in our local hospitals. We appreciate all of your support.
River Winds Communtiy Center
1000 Riverwinds Drive
West Deptford, NJ US 08086
June 15, 2019
Mercer County Cultural Festival and Food Truck Rally
Join us for Mercer County's 9th Annual Cultural Festival & Food Truck Rally on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Mercer County Park, West Windsor. The festival is FREE to attend and is FREE to park. There will be traditional dance and musical performances, heritage artisans, art demonstrations, international food trucks, a biergarten, children's activities and more!!!!
Mercer County Park, West Windsor.
Jun 22, 2019 to Jun 23, 2019
Fantasy Faire at Wheaton Arts
10AM-5PM
Join us for Fantasy Faire, a family-friendly festival of medieval folklore & fun on Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fantasy Faire features talented performers as they bring to life the "Kingdom of Wheaton" by enacting a series of interconnected shows that tell the story of the day. Interact with strolling costumed characters, portraying historical and mythical figures, throughout WheatonArts' campus both days.
Wheaton Arts, Village Drive, Millville, NJ, USA
Miller Farms -Horseback Trail Rides & Lessons in Camden County!
Come enjoy the beautiful scenery at the only horseback/trail riding available in Camden County. Trail riding is offered Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm year round (Weather permitting). Children must be at least 7 years old to trail ride. Cost is $30/person for approximately an hour-long trail ride. Hand-led rides are also available for those younger than 7 and cost $5.
Reservations are strongly suggested.
We offer a great place for family fun, birthday parties, girl scouts and youth groups. Summer horse camp, riding lessons, and horse drawn wagon rides are also available.
1 Hour Trail Rides are $30 Per Person | Call for reservations | Trail Rides Sat and Sun Only | Open Year round
Miller Farms
134 N. Grove Street, Berlin, NJ 08009
ISC - ISC (International Sport, Skating & Fun Centre) Cherry Hill
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
Marlton, NJ 08053
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.
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
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 Movies at AMC
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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