Recently, Dr. Rebecca Mullican along with one of her clients, had the joy to share their stories with the Aha Moment presented by Mutual of Omaha. Dr. Mullican shared about opening Jackson Autism Center while her client, Sabrina, shared about her daughter with autism and finding Jackson Autism Center.
Dr. Mullican’s AHA moment- the object Dr. Mullican is holding in her hand at the beginning is a flying pig. This flying pig is special to her because a few of her students’ parents gave it to her as an end of the year present to symbolize that she helped teach their child things that they didn’t think would happen “until pigs fly.” Guess what? Pigs fly every day at Jackson Autism Center!
This is Sabrina, whose daughter attends JAC. She is making progress every day and it’s so exciting to see what she will say or do next! Even on a hard day, she can push through to show her potential!
Recently, Andrew Harrison, a WJTV news reporter, visited Jackson Autism Center and interviewed Dr. Rebecca Mullican and a few parents. The news story shows that Jackson Autism Center’s focus is on interventions specific to the child and family’s needs. These needs range from academic help to social, behavioral, communication, and even self help or toileting skills. Families receive special attention and answers to their questions as well as a guide along the autism journey. Children of all disabilities are welcome at JAC and will thrive with the attention they receive. Do not hesitate to contact us– whether your child was recently diagnosed or does not yet have a diagnosis, but you and your family need help. JAC is a growing community of help for individuals with disabilities and their families. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your community!
There will be free screenings for developmental delays on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015 at Jackson Family Resource Center located at 301 Adelle St. The screenings are sponsored by The Early Years Network: Special Needs at USM. Contact Shelley Ezelle, M.S. at 601-432-6179 to sign up for a screening for your child. Children ages birth to five are eligible for the screenings. If you are concerned your child is not meeting milestones, this is a great opportunity to find out for sure! Screenings are not specific to autism.
One of the scariest experiences a parent can have is losing their child…in a department store, at home, or in a crowded area…regardless of the length of time. Now, say that child can not communicate his/her name, their parent’s names, or any other pertinent information. This is a fear and nightmare for many parents who have a child with autism. Approximately half of children on the autism spectrum wander or “elope,” according to the Interactive Autism Network. It is important for families, neighbors, friends, police officers, and communities as a whole know about autism and about elopement. Some children with autism are nonverbal or verbal but unable to consistently answer questions when asked, which makes it difficult for someone who is unfamiliar with the child or autism to get any response they can understand from them.
Recently, WJTV’s reporter, Andrew Harrison, took the time to visit Jackson Autism Center and talk with Dr. Rebecca Mullican and parents regarding autism and elopement. You can view that news story video below.
What can someone in the community do? It is important for communities to: post signs if a child with autism who wanders lives in the area, have an emergency plan in place for the child (phone numbers for parents or local police), and STAY CALM. Do what it takes to get the child to stay with you until their parents or help arrives (show them something interesting, let them look at something they are interested in, encourage a conversation, turn on a TV or use a tablet device, etc.) Keep in mind that many children with autism have sensory issues that make touch painful to them, so try not to touch or grab them unless necessary because this could lead to a meltdown.
Parents are doing many things that are unseen to the community to keep their child safe- from privacy fences to extra alarms and locks on doors to hiding keys and remotes. GPS location trackers are becoming more popular as well as items like temporary tattoos/shoelaces/bracelets with family information written on it.
One JAC family has decided they need something else in addition to the above items. Dominic has been escaping more frequently and it has become a major safety issue for him and his family. He will leave when it is dark outside, head towards roads, and does not understand general safety concerns and rules. Dominic’s family is getting a service dog that will be able to stay with him constantly and keep him from darting off. If you are interested in helping them reach their goal and bring Krypto home, you can donate through sdwr.org and type “Brenda Tobin” or directly here. They are also doing fundraisers with local businesses so please ask if your business may be interested. You can follow their story here.
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 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 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!
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.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Temple Grandin speak. She will be at a Jackson conference Monday, December 8, 2014. Dr. Grandin is the author of many books about autism and an individual with autism herself. She always brings excellent information to families and professionals alike about what it is like to have autism and function in the world. If you have never heard her speak, you should register! Along with Dr. Grandin is her mother Eustacia Cutler and Dr. Melmed, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician who co-founded and directs the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.
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:
