Category Archives: News and Updates

Fondren’s Plush Groove Has Fashion Show and Benefits Jackson Autism Center

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The local Plush Groove is having a Fashion Mixer on Sunday, April 27 at 5 pm which will benefit Jackson Autism Center and TEAAM Autism. The event will boast the best from local boutiques and hairdressers while giving back to the community. A percentage of proceeds will go towards assisting Jackson Autism Center in purchasing a sensory swing for our gym. As many of you are aware, children on the autism spectrum have a multitude of sensory needs. With a sensory swing in our gym, JAC will be able to help kids calm down, increase attention, alert, and increase communication. One thing I hear over and over from families is how much their child loves being outside…having an indoor swing will help bring the outdoors in for these children. Tickets can be purchased here.

The address of Plush Groove is: 3417 N. West St. Jackson, MS

Madison Avenue Lights It Up Blue April 2, 2014

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MAE blue

A local school, Madison Avenue Lower Elementary, participated in “Light it Up Blue” on April 2. This is the second year in a row that this school has had a school-wide event for World Autism Awareness Day. Special educator, Mrs. Lisa Gerard, organizes this event through Autism Speaks. Last year, they raised over $100. This year was even bigger than last; many of the staff members purchased autism shirts and students could participate by donating a dollar. Shirt totals equaled $600 for Autism Speaks and the school raised over $500! Students were given a sticker for their donation. Autism bracelets were also available.

Mrs. Gerard stated that the school had really good participation. One girl wore a blue tutu with her blue shirt. Families sent notes with their donations saying it was in honor of a cousin or friend with autism.Thank you, Mrs. Gerard and Madison Avenue for helping shine a light on autism and increase awareness in our community!

 

 

Jackson Autism Center’s Ribbon Cutting

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On April 3 at 10:30 am, Jackson Autism Center celebrated its ribbon cutting as we joined the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce. It was such an exciting day filled with friends, family, hopes, and dreams! Thank you to all who have made this dream a reality. Jackson Autism Center strives to help families and individuals with autism every day! Here are a few snapshots taken on this special day.

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WLBT talks to Jackson Autism Center about new Autism rates released from CDC

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WLBT news reporter C.J. LeMaster came out to Jackson Autism Center to interview Dr. Rebecca Mullican and Mrs. Jingle Alimot, a parent of a child with autism, about the recent reported increases in rates of autism released from the CDC. The rates are said to be 1 in 68 and were released Thursday, March 27, 2014.

New Prevalence Rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Time for Autism Awareness Month

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How many kids are on the autism spectrum? According to the CDC, 1 in 68…with boys 1 in 42 and girls 1 in 189! This is an increase from 1 in 166 in 2000. You can read more about this increase here.

What are a few early signs that parents should be looking for?

  • Atypical eye gaze- may look at you, but not as often or as long as other children
  • Impaired social interaction- seems more engaged with toys than with people
  • Language challenges- may not hit talking milestones, repeating what is said to him/her, or may not understand all that is being said around him/her
  • Intense interests
  • Sensory integration challenges
  • Behavioral challenges- may have meltdowns for no apparent reason.

These are just a few and just because your child shows a few of these signs does not mean that he/she has an autism spectrum disorder. If you are concerned, talk to your pediatrician or schedule an appointment.

Ribbon Cutting at Jackson Autism Center

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Jackson Autism Center is proud to announce our ribbon cutting will correspond with Autism Awareness Month! Please join us Thursday, April 3 at 10:30 am for our ribbon cutting and open house. I can not think of a better way to start off April and Autism Awareness month than by celebrating one of the few centers in Mississippi focused on improving lives of individuals with autism and other related disabilities. I am looking forward to continuing to serve families in Mississippi who are affected by autism. Check back daily in April to read positive stories about autism, receive tips for daily living, and other helpful information.

Help Pass the Autism Insurance Reform Bill

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It is an important time for families and professionals as Mississippi looks at the Autism Insurance Reform Bill. The bill has passed the house of representatives and is headed to the senate. This is the time to send emails and urge your senators and to vote to help kids with autism receive the therapies they need to improve their quality of life! The services Jackson Autism Center provides such as behavior intervention as well as social skills classes and toilet training classes are improving home and school life for many individuals. Wouldn’t it be awesome if some or all of these services were covered under insurance allowing more kids and individuals with autism to access these services?! Autism Speaks has made it super easy- I would ask you to include your personal story at the top of the emails to help show how important this is to you and WHY.  Send an email now! Tell Lt. Gov. Reeves to schedule a hearing and get this bill passed!

Jackson Autism Center in Parents & Kids Magazine January 2014

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Jackson Autism Center is proud to be a part of the 2014 Special Needs January edition! You can find our ad in the Family Resource Guide as we are here to serve families and help kids with disabilities on all levels! In the magazine, you will also find an article about autism. The article reminds us how important it is for parents to seek assistance if they feel that their child is not developing typically. Autism is being diagnosed at age 3, but characteristics may be seen earlier. It is important to know the early signs of autism, such as atypical eye contact, lack of communication and social skills. Dr. Buttress states how important it is to have an experienced expert design a plan for your child and fit the plan to the child not the child to the plan. She went on to explain the uniqueness of children on the spectrum and there is no one size fits all plan. Well stated Dr. Buttress! If you find yourself in need of a leader for your child’s team, let Jackson Autism Center be a part of your child’s specialized plan.

Wonderful Christmas Surprise!

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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!