April is Autism Awareness Month
“There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child CAN DO instead of what he can not do.” – Dr. Temple Grandin
Save the Date for MPACT's Spring Into IEPs
Mini-Conference April 7th, 6-8 PM
Register by clicking HERE or call 800-743-7634.
Autism Resources
MPACT provides tools that help parents understand what autism is and is not, identify the early signs of ASD, navigate the process of requesting an educational evaluation, understand how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act impacts educational and related services, and assure access to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment in becoming the best advocate for their child.
Video: Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Autism
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Autism Fact Sheet Click HERE
Early Signs of Autism Fact Sheet Click HERE
The Office of Autism Services (OAS) was established in 2008 (633.225 RSMo) to provide leadership in program development for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. OAS is committed to supporting the independence and self-sufficiency of individuals with autism by leading collaborative efforts to improve system supports for individuals with autism and their families.
Do you need help locating area ASD resources? Click HERE to view the Missouri Department of Mental Health's autism resource sheet.
Autism Navigator, as mentioned in the Center for Parent Information and Resources Article dated April 4, 2019, is a unique collection of web-based tools and courses that integrate the most current research in autism with an interactive web platform and lots of video footage showing effective evidence-based practices. It’s intended for professionals as well as families.

Families can start with the short video About Autism in Toddlers (you have to register first, but it’s free) to learn more about diagnostic features of autism,
the importance of early detection and intervention, and current information on causes. Close-captioning is available in English and Spanish.
Enter the Autism Navigator collection HERE
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Autism page has information including eligibility criteria, instructional/intervention strategies, and state and parent resources. Click HERE to view.


A recurring character with autism is coming to the PBS KIDS show “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” and a teenager on the spectrum voices him. Click HERE to read more.
Max with Daniel Tiger on "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood."
(Fred Rogers Productions)

Upcoming MPACT Webinars
in April
Click on the blue links below to register:
Solving the Employment Puzzle

Section 504

Special Education Law

Special Education Mediation

Positive Behavioral Interventions

IDEA Part C to B

McKinney Vento

Be Determined

Family Record Keeping
Section 504

Transitioning from Elementary to Middle School

Understanding ADHD

Family Record Keeping

First Steps Parental Rights

*Understanding the IEP Process for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Effectively Communicating Your Child’s Needs
*Featured training for the month of April are focused on Autism Awareness Month
View all upcoming MPACT trainings HERE.
All MPACT trainings are free of charge! If you would like to schedule any MPACT training in your area or for your organization
please click on the link HERE.
Spring and Summer Camps in Missouri
Check out these various virtual and in-person camps, specially designed for children, youth, and adults with varying abilities offered in Missouri:

Alphapointe Youth Services Programs- Alphapointe offers Art, adventure, and technology camps in addition to day camps and a college preparatory program.
 
Camp Barnabas- Camp Barnabas is a unique ministry providing Christian camping experiences to individuals with special needs and chronic illnesses, along with their families. 
 
Camp Hickory Hill- Camp Hickory Hill sustains a community, culture, and medically sound program of support for persons with diabetes, especially children, using our camp environment to foster education, self-reliance, confidence, an active lifestyle, and skill in the successful management of diabetes.
 
Camp Wonderland- Wonderland Camp offers programs for campers ages 6 to 106! People with all types of abilities and challenges are welcomed, and staff helps adapt all our activities and events to meet campers’ needs.
 
Camp Rainbow- The Camp Rainbow Foundation provides free camp experiences and programs for children and families affected by childhood cancer and blood-related diseases.
 
Camp Quality USA- Camp Quality serves children with cancer and their families by providing year-round programs, experiences, and companionship, at no cost.
 
Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis- Annually, the Recreation Council publishes a complete guide of summer day, overnight, specialized, and inclusive programs showing you dates, cost, and detailed description of the program. 
 
Sweetology-  Campers will work with cake, cookies, buttercream, royal icing, and fondant as they learn to work with cake decorating tools. The emphasis of this class is on creative fun. No experience is required.
 
Designed with fun in mind, Train Your Brain Summer Camp will support your child in using the critical skills needed for successfully planning a project and carrying out the plan.
*Disclaimer: These spring and summer camp programs listed here are not endorsed by MPACT nor exhaustive of available camp opportunities. These links are provided for informational purposes only.
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MPACT is funded in part or whole by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs Grant No. H328M090020-10. The contents of the website, however, and any documents cited herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S Department of Education.
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