Last week, I got to witness a wonderful Christmas surprise with one of my families! One of my parent’s bosses showed up and paid for 2 sessions for Christmas. The boss stated he wanted to do something for the family for Christmas. What a wonderful way to show someone you appreciate them! I was so moved by this thoughtful and generous gift!
Author: Dr. Rebecca Mullican
Getting Closer to the True Voice…
I saw this today and had to share it! The NPR story shares current research about making voices better matched for the person they are meant for through taking voice and sound samples. This brings so much hope for those who are not able to use their own voice to talk. Enjoy!
Dr. Rebecca Mullican Named an “Autism Light for Mississippi”
Recently, Dr. Rebecca Mullican was added to a list of “Autism Lights” for Mississippi. Alan Stokes, author and father of a child with autism, started putting together a list of autism lights for every state in the United States. The lists vary from individuals with autism to individuals who help make the lives of people with autism better. Dr. Rebecca Mullican was added to this list June 5, 2013.
This is what Mr. Stokes had to say: “Dr. Rebecca Mullican is an Autism Light because of the impact her diverse autism work is having to improve the lives of those with autism and to inspire and teach those who will one day work with those with autism..” You can read more about Dr. Rebecca Mullican here and search the Autism Lights website for other individuals who have had an impact on autism throughout the United States or internationally.
Jackson Restaurant Week Picks a Charity
From September 29-October 12, every time you eat at participating Jackson restaurants, you have the chance to vote for a charity to receive $10,000. Being a part of the community that works with individuals with disabilities, I am really excited to see 2 charities that assist individuals with disabilities! Hope Hollow Ministries and Magnolia Speech School are both in the running for the grand prize money. Deborah Edmonson, the executive director of Hope Hollow said they would spend the money serving more children and adults with special needs. Dr. Tina Atkins, the executive director of Magnolia Speech School, said they would spend the money upgrading their library to have more leveled readers for their students and a computer system to manage the books. Both of these are exciting opportunities to help within our community.
Regardless of which charity you decide to vote for, get out and eat! Cast your votes for one of these organizations and help raise awareness about the needs of individuals with disabilities. You can find a list of restaurants here.
Exciting Webinar Opportunity!
Join JAC director Dr. Rebecca Mullican online on Wednesday, September 18th from 2:30 to 4 pm CT as she discusses family experiences with Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) for children with autism. Dr. Mullican will be presenting qualitative research from her dissertation. She interviewed six families regarding their child with autism who communicates with an SGD. These families shared the day to day victories as well as the challenges of using SGDs. This is a special opportunity that parents and autism education practitioners will want to take part in. This webinar is brought to you through Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA). For more information, and to register online, go to ATIA.
Fall 2013 Social Skills Classes
Starting back up the week of September 16th…
Jackson Autism Center is very excited to offer social skills classes for children and adults with disabilities. Classes will be offered in a wide variety of age groups: ages 4-7, ages 8-13, ages 14-18, and ages 19+. All classes will run for a 13 week session from the week of September 16th through December 2013. Groups will be limited to five members with two adult facilitators. Fill out a registration form for complete details. Limited room available so sign up soon!
In the 8-13, 14-18, and 19+ age groups, the 13 week sessions will focus on communication skills, making friends and interacting with peers. Topics covered will include nonverbal communication, starting and ending a conversation, making and keeping friends and participating in activities with friends.
For 4 to 7 year olds, classes will center on social skills with friends and social skills at school. Topics covered will include what to do when someone greets you, sharing, cleaning up, waiting and appropriate behavior at school.
Class times are: Monday 4:15-5:15 Ages 8-13
Wednesday 5:00-6:00 Ages 14-18
Day and time will be announced for: Ages 4-7 and Adults (19+)
Spaces fill up quickly! Can’t wait to see you there!
Local Dance Classes for Kids with Disabilities
Dance anyone? There is a new local dance opportunity available for kids with disabilities ages 3-14! Lindsey Claire Muse is offering dance classes for kids with disabilities in the fall. Classes are open for boys and girls and will focus on simple patterns and repetition as well as the basics of rhythm and fundamentals of ballet. Students will have the chance to improve flexibility, coordination, muscular strength, and social skills. Parents have the option of attending the classes with their child. Students will also be a part of the spring dance recital. The owner, Ms. Muse, expressed her excitement in being able to offer the class. She also said she would love to have classes for preschool and adults if there is an interest. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your child moving!
Family Donates Speech Generating Device to Jackson Autism Center
Recently, a local Madison family donated their child’s speech generating device to Jackson Autism Center. Lauren and Greg Watkins explained that the communication device had been helpful to their daughter, but her speech had improved so much that they no longer felt it was necessary for her to use it to be understood. Lauren said Dr. Mullican had assisted them in getting the device and they wanted the opportunity to help other kids find their voice.
It was so exciting to sit down and have a conversation with their daughter, my former student, about her friends and angry birds (of course). I became her teacher when she was 4. When I first met her, she had three words in her vocabulary and lots of babbling. Now, she is 10, boy crazy, writing in a diary, and sharing her own personal thoughts!
What a great present to give someone- the opportunity to communicate! These devices solely dedicated to communication can cost upwards of $2500. To have one accessible at JAC is a dream come true for families. What better way to find out if this will work for your child than to have access to it during intervention sessions. Finding out how your child will respond before making such a large investment or having Medicaid purchase it will be so helpful!
Thank you Watkins family for sharing your communication device as well as the hope for one day not needing it and helping other families!
Autism Awareness Book Drive at Maurices
Maurices in Northpark Mall held a book drive in April to collect books for Jackson Autism Center. JAC is very excited about using these books to create learning and social opportunities for the individuals attending our center. Our hope is that through this book drive more people became educated about autism.
New Local Resources Page
As summer approaches, I have had many families ask what is available for a child with disabilities. I have added a section called local resources (under resources) that addresses what is available in Mississippi and right now, that focus is on summer camps. Check it out!
