Category Archives: News and Updates

WJTV News in Jackson, MS Airs Autism Stories

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WJTV will be airing two stories about autism just in time for the holidays. On Christmas Eve, you can catch a story about Jackson Autism Center and what services are provided to children with autism spectrum disorders here. On New Year’s Eve, tune in again to hear a story very close to Dr. Rebecca’s heart about autism and elopement.

 

These stories will air at 5:30 and 6:30 am, 12:00 noon, and 5:00 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Education and advocacy are so important for families with autism. As we approach such a special holiday season, if you see a family having a hard time, please ask if you can help. Helping them get checked out, get out of a store and to their car, waiting a little extra long in line as they get checked out, offering a smile or a “Happy Holidays” is so appreciated. Children with autism look the same as other children. This makes it difficult for someone who isn’t familiar with autism to automatically know this child and family may need extra support. If you see a child running away and a parent running after or distressed, ask if they need help or help stop the child. Children with autism are not being bad or naughty; they have different needs than we do and are easily put into shut-down or meltdown mode by all the things to see, smells, noises, and movement.  By offering some of the things listed above, you could make someone’s afternoon.

Dr. Temple Grandin Speaks in Jackson, MS

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Dr. Temple Grandin gave many in Mississippi hope as she spoke about what it’s like to have autism, what parents should do, and how to push these students! If you think your child may have an autism spectrum disorder, don’t wait! Early intervention is key for these kids! I am proud to work side by side each day with parents who are working to help their child reach their potential!

(Video embedded below, but if it doesn’t work, please follow the link above.)

 

Santa at Northpark Mall for Kids with Disabilities

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Santa will soon be at malls all across the world…but how do kids with disabilities and specifically, autism, deal with all the people, smells, sights, and touch of a visit to Santa…let alone the waiting! This year, Northpark will have a special time set aside for kids with disabilities to go without the rush and a little less fuss. Please register for a spot at this event Sunday December 7 from 9-11 am. You may even find Jackson Autism Center there to assist you. Happy Holidays!

November Happenings

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There are plenty of things to be thankful for in this month as we approach Thanksgiving! We have a few special offerings this month and would love to see you and your family at Jackson Autism Center!

November Song and Story Time: This month’s song and story time will center around scarecrows, turkeys, and food! You can expect to sing songs, engage in activities with your child, and listen to a story! Some art activities may be included, (time allowing). All children are welcome. Sign up here. $10 per session.

Wed. Nov. 12 and Wed. Nov. 19 10:00-10:30

Fri. Nov. 14 and Fri. Nov. 21 11:00-11:30

Parent Support Group Meeting: Any families with a child on the autism spectrum or related disability are invited to join us Sat. Nov. 15 from 10:30-11:30. Limited childcare available and must sign up. Please complete a contact form to request childcare for this event.

Halloween Song and Story Time at Jackson Autism Center

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Calling all preschool-aged and kindergarten children: if you like music and stories, come enjoy some special Halloween fun at Jackson Autism Center. Join us for each 30 minute session and enjoy watching your child have some fun learning! Each session is $10 per family and a parent/guardian will need to stay with their child.

The following days/times are available. Please sign up ahead of time to ensure participation:

Friday, Oct. 17 11:00-11:30

Wednesday, October 22 10:00-10:30

Wednesday, October 29 10:00-10:30

Friday, October 31 11:00-11:30

See you there!

Fall 2014 Social Skills Classes Beginning Soon

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Our newest social skills classes will begin Sept. 15-19. Classes will meet once a week for one hour September through November. Participants best fitted to the class have brief conversations, ready to interact with peers, and an understanding of basic emotions. You can sign up here.

Summer Class Offerings at JAC

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There will be social skills classes, “Acting Antics” Theatre Class, and “Singing Time” classes available on a limited basis this summer at Jackson Autism Center.

Don’t worry if you think your child is not cut out for theatre- the class is made up to work on social skills like interacting with peers through games and a deeper understanding of emotions. There will be lots of games to play and fun activities with their friends. The class will meet once a week for one hour for 8 weeks during June and July (with the exception of the week of July 4). Groups will be divided by approximate ages 5-7 and 8-10. Children who participate should have the following skills to best match the class: uses phrases and sentences to communicate, has a basic understanding of simple emotions (happy, sad, mad, and scared), is able to stay on task to play a game with a small group of peers for approximately 5-10 minutes (some reminders to stay on task are okay), follows 1 and 2 step directions easily, and is able to ask and answer questions (some help may be needed).
You can sign up here. Class days and times will be announced, but will more than likely be on Wed. afternoons or Thursdays. Classes will be one hour long.
Children who do not currently attend Jackson Autism Center will need to complete a 15 minute introductory session to assist with class compatibility.
If this does not sound like a good fit for your child, but you are interested in group services, please complete a contact form.
Another offering JAC is excited to have is “Singing Time.” This class is geared towards children approximately 2-4 years old who have little to no verbal skills. Moms, dads, or caregivers will attend this class with their child. “Play and Sing” will focus on incorporating music, sensory, and language activities for children who are beginning learners. Class days and times will be announced, but will more than likely be on Wed. afternoons or Thursdays.
We would like to hear from you if there is a class you are interested in, but it doesn’t suit your child’s needs. Please fill out a contact form so we can better meet your child’s needs.

WLBT Highlights Yoga In A Classroom For Individuals with Autism

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A Madison, MS special educator incorporates yoga in her classroom. Janice Stack at Madison Central, teaches a class for teenagers with autism. She has incorporated yoga into their classes 2-3 times a week. This WLBT story highlights the benefits she has seen by incorporating yoga into their routine.

Mendenhall Public Library Raises Awareness Regarding Autism

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Autism Tree MendenhallMendenhall Library branch manager, Rhoda Benton, and her staff are helping to raise awareness about autism during April. Rhoda and her staff created an autism tree with pieces of advice of how to help with autism such as “be understanding” and “be a piece of the puzzle.” They also set up books about autism that could be checked out. Dr. Irene Schulz donated five of her books written about autism called The Snowflake Children of Autism. The local newspaper wrote an article about how the library was raising awareness. Thank you for being a piece of our puzzle in Mendenhall and helping parents and families in the area know that they are accepted and supported.

 

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Yoga Benefits Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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A 2012 article talks about the possible benefits of yoga for kids on the spectrum. I found this article as I prepare for our free yoga class Thursday afternoon. Through yoga and yogic breath, the body calms and anxiety is reduced. As a professional working with individuals on the spectrum, I see that when anxiety levels are reduced, it allows for more opportunities for socialization and communication- all things we want to see with children on the spectrum! Anxiety reduction would work for all individuals including those on the spectrum. Another fun article I found talked about ways to use yoga games with children. I am looking forward to having our guest yoga instructor meet some of our children and helping us find new ways to calm and center them! Sign up today to reserve your spot Thursday, April 24 at 3:30 pm. Namaste!