Autism-related Events

6:30-8:30 pm - Support Meeting

7 pm - Main Speaker: Mary Hurst
Mary Hurst will be talking about the revolutionary therapy tool AutismPro.

AutismProT is a technological tool that supports the parent’s vested interest in the type of care their autistic child receives. It is based on a philosophy that when parents and professionals work together, educational outcomes are improved for children with autism. There are many methods proven to help children with autism. Each method can be used alone or in combination with other methods. AutismProT incorporated the general philosophies of a number of evidence-based teaching methods and recommends only those methods that have been proven to benefit children with autism.

When:
4th Tuesday of each month
from 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Where:
Coco’s Restaurant – Paradise Valley Mall
4514 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032

24th Annual Special Day for Special Kids,
Raising Special Kids

DATE: March 28, 2009
TIME: 10 am - 2 pm
LOCATION: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale

Sponsored by: Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary Club, Phoenix El Puente Rotary, Scottsdale Unified School District Learning Classes, Raising Special Kids

FREE Train & Carousel Rides, Carnival Games & Booths, Clowns, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Lots of Food & Ice Cream! Register on the day of the event. Questions? Contact Dan McAuliffe 480-315-5216 or Al Chaves (En Espanol) 480-221-7259

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Training SARRC offers this behavior analysis training in three workshops created specifically for those working with individuals with ASDs, including habilitators, parents and professionals. Participants will learn evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals of all ages with varying levels of ability.

Introduction to ABA
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Intermediate ABA
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Decreasing Problem Behaviors and Increasing Appropriate Social Skills
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2009

SARRC is now offering ADI-R training and reliability scoring for researchers and clinicians. SARRC’s Director of Research, Christopher J. Smith, Ph.D., will conduct the training. Originally developed for autism research assessment, the ADI-R is considered the gold standard instrument for diagnosing autism and is widely used in clinical settings.

Where: SARRC, 300 N. 18th St., Phoenix
When: Monday, March 23, 2009 and Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. **Participants must be present the entire time to receive credit for the training
Web site: http://www.autismcenter.org/

Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., will present a comprehensive and lively overview of the issues people with autism face regarding sexuality, friendships and relationships. Dr. Gerhardt will share perspectives, recommendations and helpful resources to educate people on the challenges faced by the autism community and how to help individuals learn about their sexuality. Click here for complete description. When: Friday, March 13, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m (Lunch is not included)

Where: SARRC’s Vocational & Life Skills Academy, 2225 N. 16th Street, Phoenix
Cost: $40
Web site: http://www.autismcenter.org/

Movie “Race to Witch Mountain”
March 14, 2009 - 10 a.m.
Please note this is a re-make of the 1975 Disney film “Escape to Witch Mountain” and is rated PG.

Movie “Monsters vs. Aliens”
April 4, 2009 -10 a.m.

“Hannah Montana”
Saturday, April 18th, 2009, 2009, 10 a.m.

At the following Valley locations:

AMC Deer Valley 30
3033 West Agua Fria Freeway
Phoenix, AZ 85027

AMC Mesa Grand 24
1645 South Stapley Dr.
Mesa, AZ 85204

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis.

With Sensory Friendly Films, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. We’ll see you at the show!

Bill Hubert is coming to Phoenix for a 2 day training. BAVX is an amazing program that helps kids learn. Kids with learning disablilities, physical, behavior or cognitive challenges. Kids that are behind in reading, spelling, math, etc. Gifted students, ADD/ADHD kids, Autism, down syndrom, cerebral palsy, stroke victims, and the list goes on.

BAVX is a whole brain learning approach which utilizes a series of Balance/Auditory/Vision eXercises, of varied complexity, most of which are deeply rooted in rhythm. These exercises require(will help build) full-body coordination and focused attention. The program utilizes beanbags, racquetballs, balance boards, and multiple principles and activities from Educational Kinesiology. It demands cooperation, promotes self-challenge and fosters self-esteem. I have seen great stride made in reading, spelling, handwriting, balance, communication, and socialization in school and family settings.

Who Benefits from BAL-A-Vis-X? (go to http://www.bal-a-vis-x.com for more info on the program)

Special needs parent groups from around the Valley are hosting a Special Needs Camp Fair on Sunday March 1, 2009 from 3 to 5 PM at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church at 4455 E. Lincoln Drive (near Tatum) in Paradise Valley (85253).

The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is proud to present Autism Artisans. This series of art workshops will expose emerging and established artists with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) ages 13 and older to a variety of art mediums.

When: Saturday, February 21, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., Ceramics Class Part 1
Saturday, March 7, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., Ceramics Class Part 2
Where: Devereux, 6436 East Sweetwater Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Instructor: Kimberly Harris, Ceramic Artist
Cost: $20 per class

TOPSoccer.
Big League Dreams indoor-soccer facility in Gilbert.
4536 East Elliot Road Gilbert, Az. 85234 480-813-1270 (Just west of Power Road)

Please let any TOPSoccer players know about this event. If you are a TOPSoccer parent/player, can you please let me know if you will be participating. Contact me at ydp@cox.net . I would like to know the age and a little about your child/player. I wish to have my “buddies” prepared for the amount of players that will attend. Thanks!

As always, I am looking for “Buddies” as well….volunteers to help out with my TOPSoccer players. Please register with me at ydp@cox.net if you wish to help.

AYSA will also be taking in registration for TOPSoccer players at this time, for the Spring session.

Registration for Spring session is only $20 per player. This fee covers the registration and 6 scheduled playdates that AYSA will be holding in Spring, 1-player tshirt, at least 1-medal, and a lot of FUN!!!

I will have the dates for the Spring Session posted on the TOPSoccer site as soon as we get confirmation.

It will start late January and end in late March or early April.
For more information, just contact me at ydp@cox.net or call me (David Cruz) at 817-880-4734.

David Cruz
AYSA Vice President of Recreation Development
AYSA TOPSoccer Chairman
817-880-4734