Week of May 4, 2020 | Issue 31 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

NEWS & EVENTS

Latest News Welcome to our new weekly edition of theBreeze! We've consolidated all the information you've gotten used to receiving daily, and put it all into one weekly newsletter for you! All editions of theBreeze can be found on our website at https://autismup.org/classes/home-with-autismup Member Survey Thank you all for your survey input. If you haven't responded yet, there's still time to give us your thoughts here. Camp Registration Summer camp registration is open. We are waiting to learn how we will be able to proceed with this program, but secure your spot now! Visit our website

Join us for a festive fundraiser - the Cinco de Mayo Recipe Challenge! Check out the recipes and gather your ingredients! Find a recipe you love? Give the chef a tip here! All donations will go to the AutismUp Emergency Fund Campaign to ensure we can provide support & services to our amazing families. Find a Cinco de Mayo Recipe

Parent Support Connect with other parents, get support for you, and resources for your family. We'll be meeting on each of these days virtually using "Go To Meeting." Monday 5/4 @ 7pm Click to Connect Friday 5/8 @ 9:30am Click to Connect

A neck gaiter is a versatile accessory that can be used as a face covering, headband, bandana, wristband, and neck warmer! Upgrade your accessory game and stay safe! Get your gaiter today!

@Home Activities

Music

Facebook Live Music with Victoria! Join us on the AutismUp Facebook page at 1pm on Monday to hear your favorites, make requests, sing, and dance along with our friend & Support Coach Victoria! A collaboration between AutismUp & Upstate Music Therapy Center. This week bring two spoon utensils, paper towels, and a rubber band for your homemade instruments!

Music Matching Test your knowledge with matching sounds to a variety of musical instruments! Click on the photo of the instrument when you recognize the sound! Have fun with it here!

Fitness

NEW: Instructional Fitness Series! Having fun and being fit are at the core of what we do at AU. Please join us for a new video series. AU's Fitness Instructor, Nancy, presents a 20 minute follow-along instructional video that will help you to stay healthy and fit while at home. Make some space and start your workout! Follow along with video #1 in AutismUp’s Instructional Fitness Playlist, and get fit with Nancy!

Crossing Midline Exercises Have you heard the term crossing the midline? What exactly does this mean? Imagine a line down the center of your body. Crossing midline means that you can reach across the middle of your body (the imaginary line) to perform a task with your arms or legs. This is a skill that starts to become established between 3-4. Often, kids, teens and adults with autism need to continue to develop this skill. Today is all about crossing the midline exercises and activities!  Link:  https://www.pinkoatmeal.com/crossing-the-midline-exercises-for-kids/

It's not too late to complete a Fitness Tracker Calendar and turn it in for a prize when AU re-opens!  Fitness Tracker Calendar

Fitness Fun Challenge Scavenger Hunt Part II   Let’s test your knowledge while exercising and having fun! Take a closer look at Fitness Videos 12-22 on the AutismUp YouTube Fitness Playlist . Complete the attached question sheet and submit to cjones@autismup.org by Friday 5/8. Prizes will be awarded!   Click for the Scavenger Hunt Clues

Art & Science

NEW: Arts and Crafts with Maria! Welcome to our new art series featuring our very own Maria sharing art and craft projects you can do at home! This week she will share some fun ways to use food from the pantry at home to make beautiful art. Arts & Crafts with Maria

Weekly Art Contest: "Gravity" Create something that might fall from the sky! What do you think falls from the sky? Rain? Snow? Animals? Parts of a Space Station? Golf Balls? Create something that you have observed or think might fall from the sky! Submit to  cjones@autismup.org  by 5pm Friday 5/8! Awards will be given in several different categories! Submit your art project

Last Week's Food Art Project Awards Thanks to everyone that participated in last week's art challenge!

Sweet Tooth Award Jackie's favorite food Master Chef Award Josephine & Pumpky's pizza & drinks

Rock Painting The painted rocks phenomenon is a family-friendly activity that is fun, inexpensive and a great way to express gratitude, inspire and decorate the garden! Makes a nice Mother's Day gift! Read more modpodgerocksblog.com

Walking Water Science Experiment Have you always wanted to be a Scientist? Here is your chance! Try this “Walking on Water” Science Experiment! It's simple to set up and only requires items that you probably already have in your kitchen. Read more coolscienceexperimentshq.com

My Mascot & Me Activities

Is your mascot getting a little bored? Here are some things to do with your mascot this week! Watch the read aloud story, "The Good Egg" with your mascot! Click here for a link to the story. Do a chore around the house with your mascot! Talk with an adult and find out what you and your Mascot can help with. You might be surprised to learn that chores with mascot friends are fun! Complete a puzzle with your mascot! Don't have a puzzle? Find a picture from a magazine or draw a colorful picture, and cut it up into pieces to create your own puzzle!

 Keep sharing your Mascot fun with us via photo or video! We introduce new friends in The Daily Breeze and on Facebook .

Social & Readiness Skills

Learn New Card Games No need to go out to get some quality time in. Have a fun, and inexpensive, family game night by playing one of these family-friendly card games! Click here

Remote Minecraft Contact Craig Jones, Program Director, to participate! Free and facilitated by AU staff! Just need computer, internet and a Minecraft account. TUES 11AM-12PM | WED 6-7PM | THURS 1-2PM

Stay Connected with Peers! AutismUp staff leads weekly Zoom virtual meet-ups to interact with friends & peers

Wednesday, 5/6 1 - 1:30 PM ages 6-12 led by Lauren Sensory & Behavioral Coordinator Password: AutismUp Zoom Meet Up 5/6

Thursday, 5/7 12 - 12:40 PM ages 13+ led by Craig Program Director Password: AutismUp Zoom Meet Up 5/7

NEW: Mindfulness with Lauren! In this time of many unknowns, the ability to maintain a sense of calm is essential. That's why we are introducing weekly mindfulness sessions. Follow along at your convenience in this video with Lauren as she guides you through a series of activities to help you engage, focus and relax. Mindfulness Video #1

Baking with Bella Tune in to AutismUp's Facebook Live this Thursday, 5/7 to bake along with Bella from 2 - 2:45 PM! Stay tuned for the recipe and ingredient list!

Family Navigation

More Virtual Activities

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