"Planet 51"
Saturday, November 21st - 10:00am

AMC Entertainment® (AMC) and the Autism Society of America have teamed up to
bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity
to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly
basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.  In order to provide a more
accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie
auditoriums will have their lights brought up and sound turned down, families
will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no
previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie.  Additionally,
audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other
words, AMC's "Silence is Golden" policy will not be enforced unless the safety
of the audience is questioned.

Three theaters in the Atlanta market have been selected to host "Sensory
Friendly Films":

AMC Discover Mills 18
5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy
L'ville, GA  30043
678-847-9265

AMC Phipps Plaza 14
3500 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA  30326
404-231-1492

AMC Southlake 24
7065 Mount Zion Circle
Morrow, GA  30260
770-473-0719

For tickets to this unique experience, please visit the theater's box office the
day of the event.

For information on upcoming events, please visit the ASA-Greater Georgia website
at www.asaga.com.

Please forward as appropriate.

Hi everyone,
This winter we're offering two consecutive 6-week sessions of improvisational
acting classes for high-functioning tweens, teens, and adults on the autistic
spectrum or having other PDDs with social cognition deficits. These classes are
a lot of fun (no experience needed) and, through acting games and
scene-building, provide practice in many of the key social skills that we use in
every day communication.

Each 6-week session is $235. You can hold a place with a $25 non-refundable
deposit per session, which will be applied to the class fee. The complete fee
and application form must be received a week before class begins to complete the
registration. If you would like credit card convenience, we can email an invoice
through PayPal (no account required) and will add the 3% service fee to the
invoice total.

Tuesday After School - 4:30-6:00 (Ages 10-17)
Located: Pierian Springs School in Sandy Springs (City Walk next to Meehan's)
Winter session I: Jan 5-Feb 9
Winter session II: Feb 23-Mar 30

Wednesday Evening Adults - 7:00-8:30 (Ages 17+)
Located: The Basement Theatre in Buckhead/Sandy Springs (175 W Wieuca Rd.)
Winter session I: Jan 6-Feb 10
Winter session II: Feb 24-Mar 31

Thursday After School - 4:30-6:00 (Aged 10-17)
Located: Chestnut Ridge Christian Church, East Cobb (Johnson Ferry Rd & Post Oak
Tritt Rd)
Winter session I: Jan 7-Feb 11
Winter session II: Feb 25-Apr 1

Saturdays - 12:30-2:00 (All ages)
Located: The Basement Theatre in Buckhead/Sandy Springs (175 W Wieuca Rd.)
Winter session I: Jan 9-Feb 13
Winter session II: Feb 27-Apr 3

We're working on an Alpharetta location to add to the mix, so if you're
interested, please give me a call (contact info below).

We'll also be posting some 1-day workshops for late December shortly.

For more info or to register, please contact:
Sandy Bruce
(770) 354-5770
shenanigans.info@...

Sensory Day at BounceU
Sunday, November 15th, 3:30-5:30
1630 Pleasant Hill Rd., #110, Duluth, GA
Only $5.00 per child
BounceU reached out to the Autism Society because they have seen a growing 
number of children with Autism visiting their facility and recognized how much
our kids seem to enjoy this sensory experience.  They have blocked time just for
children with autism and their families on Sunday, November 15th from 3:30-5:30.
The kids can run, jump, play and most of all just have FUN (adults are allowed
on the inflatables as well). So mark your calendar and bring your socks. It's
going to be a BLAST.

Hi folks,

There have been some interesting posts recently to the list.  Always glad to see
people seeking out help and others offering it.  Remember that people here are
parents and non-attorney professionals and not offering legal advice.  If you
need legal advice there are 4-6 attorneys in the Metro area that specialize in
special education law to whom you can turn for a legal consultation.

Just a few things, speaking as a consultant and behavior analyst:

Suspension - there are NO free suspension days.  No 10 days free, or anything of
the sort.  If a child has a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and they are being
suspended - guess what - that's an indication that the BIP is inadequate.  So,
an FBA needs to be conducted (or extended) as soon as possible.  If a child does
not have a BIP then an FBA must be done at or after 10 days is reached but
should be done sooner.  And one really important point - if you don't ask
officially you can't get an official answer to your request.

Evaluations - schools do generally get first crack at evaluating.  However,
parents can ask for an independent one at public expense prior to the schools
having had their chance at it but their odds of getting one are slim under
normal circumstances.  They can also offer their own private ones in lieu of the
schools (but the school can ask for their own).

IEE - Independent Educational Evaluation and is done at parent request, usually
following an eval by the schools with which the parents disagree in some way, is
at public expense, and is conducted by a qualified professional who is
independent of both the parents and the school.  Schools can say no to a request
for an IEE but, I believe, they have to say why they said no.  This is something
that can be appealed.

None of what I have said is meant to be legal advice as I am not an attorney.  I
conduct IEEs on a fairly regular basis and am reasonably familiar with those
rules as well as the BIP and FBA rules because of being a behavior analyst. 
Only a Judge gets to decide what the law says - others can offer opinions but
they are just their opinions.

-Robert W. Montgomery, Ph.D.

I requested an IEE (letter was dated 10/14/09) and the school has not responded
nor filed a due process complaint.  What do I do now?

--- In opengaautism@yahoogroups.com, RMGarcia10@... wrote:
>
> I hate to tell you this but before a BIP can be generated there has to be
> an FBA or FAA evaluation performed. IF and that is if you agree with the
> school  psych's eval, then together as a team a BIP is created to address all
> behaviors.  On a personal note you could disagree and request an IEE FBA or
> FAA which should be done by a psych who is also a bcba and can address all
> behaviors with positive reinforcements, recommend the use if applicable of
> ABA  methology, etc.
>
> MG
>

Autism Spectrum Disorder Seminar - $10
This Saturday, October 24, 2009
Pre-registration is closed, however walk-ins are welcome.
The doors will open at 7:30am and the first session will begin promptly at
8:00am.

Regular and Special Education Administrators, Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Case
Managers, Therapists, College Students, Parents, and Caregivers Welcome and
Encouraged!

Stonemill Church
855 Northbrook Parkway
Suwanee, GA  30024
Go to www.stonemillchurch.org for directions

Your registration fee does not include lunch.  There will be a lunch break from
Noon-1pm.  You may bring a lunch with you, leave the venue to get your lunch
during the lunch break, or purchase a lunch ticket for $5 when you check in
Saturday morning.  A $5 lunch ticket will include an original Chick-Fil-A
sandwich, plain Lays potato chips, a soft drink or water bottle, and a cookie.

The temperature is difficult to regulate in the room we will occupy, therefore,
we strongly suggest that you dress in layers and bring a jacket.

With Nationally Known Presenters Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D. and Mo Buti, M.Ed.

Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D. is a dynamic and engaging professor, author, motivational
speaker and leader in Education (Inclusive Education, Special Education, General
Education and Educational Leadership) and Human Services.

Dr. Schwarz is a Director for Infinitec Chicago, an agency that assists
self-advocates with making their dreams come true. For Illinois public schools,
he is an educational consultant, specializing in inclusion. He is the author of
"From Disability to Possibility: The Power of Inclusive classrooms", and the
co-author of "You're Welcome: 30 Innovative Ideas for the Inclusive Classroom"
and "Just Give Him the Whale! Supporting Student Fascinations & Interest Areas".

Dr. Schwarz will present "A Friend Indeed: Promoting Meaningful Social
Relationships"

Mo Buti, M.Ed. has been in the field of special education for over 20 years,
working with children with severe and profound, moderate, mild and autism as
disability labels. She was a teacher, a consultant and now an administrator. She
is now the coordinator of the autism department for the Chicago Public Schools.
She currently has a bachelor's degree in special education with an emphasis in
severe and profound disabilities from Northern Illinois University, Master's
degree from NEIU in Behavior disorders, and a Master's degree from ACE in
educational administration, and almost completed a Master's degree at ASU in
Mental Retardation. She has a passion for learning, making visual modifications
and teaching. She is known as a dynamic speaker in the field of autism.

Ms. Buti will present "Adding to Your Bag of Tricks.......and Treats!"

Please visit our website at www.asaga.com if you need additional information.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Hosted by Autism Society of America – Greater Georgia and Spectrum Autism
Support Group made possible through proceeds from the Stonemill Race for Autism.

Please forward as appropriate.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Seminar  -  Only $10!
Regular and Special Education Administrators, Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Case
Managers, Therapists, College Students, Parents, and Caregivers Welcome and
Encouraged!

Saturday, October 24th
8:00am-5:00pm (7:30am check-in)
Stonemill Church, 855 Northbrook Pkwy., Suwanee
ONLY $10.00 per person, lunch on your own

Pre-Registration Strongly Encouraged as Space is Limited

Pre-registration ends Wednesday!

With Nationally Known Presenters Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D. and Mo Buti, M.Ed.

Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D. is a dynamic and engaging professor, author, motivational
speaker and leader in Education (Inclusive Education, Special Education, General
Education and Educational Leadership) and Human Services.

Dr. Schwarz is a Director for Infinitec Chicago, an agency that assists
self-advocates with making their dreams come true.  For Illinois public schools,
he is an educational consultant, specializing in inclusion.  He is the author of
"From Disability to Possibility: The Power of Inclusive classrooms", and the
co-author of "You're Welcome: 30 Innovative Ideas for the Inclusive Classroom"
and "Just Give Him the Whale! Supporting Student Fascinations & Interest Areas".

Dr. Schwarz will present "A Friend Indeed: Promoting Meaningful Social
Relationships"

Mo Buti, M.Ed. has been in the field of special education for over 20 years,
working with children with severe and profound, moderate, mild and autism as
disability labels. She was a teacher, a consultant and now an administrator. She
is now the coordinator of the autism department for the Chicago Public Schools.
She currently has a bachelor's degree in special education with an emphasis in
severe and profound disabilities from Northern Illinois University, Master's
degree from NEIU in Behavior disorders, and a Master's degree from ACE in
educational administration, and almost completed a Master's degree at ASU in
Mental Retardation. She has a passion for learning, making visual modifications
and teaching. She is known as a dynamic speaker in the field of autism.

Ms. Buti will present "Adding to Your Bag of Tricks.......and Treats!"

Please visit www.asaga.com or call 770-904-4474 for more information or to
register.

Hosted by Autism Society of America – Greater Georgia and Spectrum Autism
Support Group made possible through proceeds from the Stonemill Race for Autism.

Please forward as appropriate.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Seminar - Only $10!
Regular and Special Education Administrators, Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Case
Managers, Therapists, College Students, Parents, and Caregivers
Welcome and Encouraged!
Saturday, October 24th
8:00am-5:00pm (7:30am check-in)
Stonemill Church, 855 Northbrook Pkwy., Suwanee
ONLY $10.00 per person, lunch on your own

Pre-Registration Strongly Encouraged as Space is Limited

With Nationally Known Presenters Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D. and Mo Buti, M.Ed.

Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D. is a dynamic and engaging professor, author, motivational
speaker and leader in Education (Inclusive Education, Special Education, General
Education and Educational Leadership) and Human Services.

Dr. Schwarz is a Director for Infinitec Chicago, an agency that assists
self-advocates with making their dreams come true.  For Illinois public schools,
he is an educational consultant, specializing in inclusion.  He is the author of
"From Disability to Possibility: The Power of Inclusive classrooms", and the
co-author of "You're Welcome: 30 Innovative Ideas for the Inclusive Classroom"
and "Just Give Him the Whale! Supporting Student Fascinations & Interest Areas".

Dr. Schwarz will present "A Friend Indeed: Promoting Meaningful Social
Relationships"

Mo Buti, M.Ed. has been in the field of special education for over 20 years,
working with children with severe and profound, moderate, mild and autism as
disability labels. She was a teacher, a consultant and now an administrator. She
is now the coordinator of the autism department for the Chicago Public Schools.
She currently has a bachelor's degree in special education with an emphasis in
severe and profound disabilities from Northern Illinois University, Master's
degree from NEIU in Behavior disorders, and a Master's degree from ACE in
educational administration, and almost completed a Master's degree at ASU in
Mental Retardation. She has a passion for learning, making visual modifications
and teaching. She is known as a dynamic speaker in the field of autism.

Ms. Buti will present "Adding to Your Bag of Tricks.......and Treats!"

Please visit www.asaga.com or call 770-904-4474 for more information or to
register.

Hosted by Autism Society of America – Greater Georgia and Spectrum Autism
Support Group made possible through proceeds from the Stonemill Race for Autism.

Please forward as appropriate.

www.wrightslaw.com has a wealth of information for parents navigating through
the special education/public school process.

My suggestion would be to write a letter requesting an IEE if you feel the
evaluator was not qualified or if you believe the evaluation was not adaquate.

  you want the school to pay for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), you
will need to make your request BEFORE any independent testing is done. Some
reasons you may want to request an independent evaluation include:

·You believe the original evaluation was incorrect.
·The original evaluation was not done in your child's native language.
·You believe that the original evaluation was incomplete and additional tests
are needed.
·The evaluation was not done with the needed accommodations (for example, in
Braille or administered by someone who knows sign language).
The school system may agree to your request and pay for the IEE.

AS FAR AS RESTRAINTS ...Write a NO RESTRAINT LETTER

My daugther has autism and is nonverbal. I have had to battle and advocate for
her services for years. If you school system says they cant do it, then file a
formal state complaint. I have had to go that route a couple of times and GA DOE
has sided with us with the decision that our county was out of compliance with
federal laws under IDEA & her IEP.

Feel free to email me & I can help walk you through the process and provide
links to sample letters that you can personalize to advocate for your son.

Gina


--- In opengaautism@yahoogroups.com, "kbarta5" <kbarta5@...> wrote:
>
> My son is 8 years old and has autism.  He is enrolled in the public school
system in Camden County.  He will scream "no" or "no work" and he has also ran
out of the classroom on a few occasions.  The school pscyhologist wrote a draft
behavior intervention plan and sent it home for me to review.  She said that he
does these things to avoid completing work and wrote to use a visual schedule,
timer, offer choices (all things the teacher is supposed to be doing now).  The
reinforcers were teacher 1:1, conferencing and ignoring the behavior with
consequences of time-out and physical restraint.  Why would she write to use
physical restraint?  What are my rights as a parent in this situation?  I do not
agree with this plan.  Camden County does not have a behavior analyst, but is
the school psychologist qualified to write a behavior plan for my son?  Would I
be able to ask for another evaluation by someone privately?  Who would you
suggest?  Please give me your opinions.  Thank you in advance!
>

My son is 8 years old and has autism.  He is enrolled in the public school
system in Camden County.  He will scream "no" or "no work" and he has also ran
out of the classroom on a few occasions.  The school pscyhologist wrote a draft
behavior intervention plan and sent it home for me to review.  She said that he
does these things to avoid completing work and wrote to use a visual schedule,
timer, offer choices (all things the teacher is supposed to be doing now).  The
reinforcers were teacher 1:1, conferencing and ignoring the behavior with
consequences of time-out and physical restraint.  Why would she write to use
physical restraint?  What are my rights as a parent in this situation?  I do not
agree with this plan.  Camden County does not have a behavior analyst, but is
the school psychologist qualified to write a behavior plan for my son?  Would I
be able to ask for another evaluation by someone privately?  Who would you
suggest?  Please give me your opinions.  Thank you in advance!

You're invited to join us at Cobb Co Autism Support Group for our Oct. 15
meeting on medications used in autism. Our speaker and discussion facilitator
will be Dr. Ken Fleishman, Medical Director at Laurel Heights. Please bring
paper and pen, because you'll probably want to take notes!

Thursday, Oct. 15, 9:30-11:30 am
Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, Rm. 116, Bldg B
4385 Lower Roswell Road ~ Marietta, GA 30068

RSVP to Karen Kolacinski at kkola@....

FAMILY FUN DAY and
Stonemill Race for Autism
this Saturday, October 3rd

Don't Miss the FUN this Saturday at The Stonemill Race for Autism and Family Fun
Day.

The Stonemill Race for Autism is a standard 5K Road Race (approx. 3.1 miles).
There will also be a One Mile Fun Run/Walk and a Tot Trot. Runners and walkers
are both welcome. On-line pre-registration ends Thursday 10/1 at 3:00pm. 
Walk-ups are welcome the day of the race!

Following the race is a Family Fun Day with lots of fun activities for the whole
family!
*Pony Rides
*Toothpick the Clown
*Inflatables (including moonwalks, giant slides, & obstacle courses)
*Petting Zoo
*Concessions
*Face Painting
*Cupcake Walk
*Hay Rides
*Vendors
*Silent Auction
and MORE!

Race and Family Fun Day Schedule
• 6:30 On-Site Registration Opens
• 7:00 Runner Check-in Opens
• 8:00 5K Race Start
• 8:30 Family Fun Day Begins
• 9:30 5K Awards Presentation
• 10:00 Tot Trot
• 10:30 1 mile Fun Run/Walk
Family Fun Day Events end at Noon

Stonemill Church
855 Northbrook Parkway
Suwanee, GA  30024

The race benefits Autism Society of America - Greater Georgia Chapter and
Spectrum Autism Support Group.

For more information, please visit www.stonemillraceforautism.com

Please forward as appropriate.

Autism 101 this Saturday
Seminar and Resource Fair
CHANGE IN VENUE
Saturday ~ September 26th, 2009

Due to extensive flooding at Stonemill Church, we have been forced to change the
venue for Autism 101 this Saturday.  The new location is: Jillian's at Discover
Mills Mall.  The address is: 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA. 
Fortunately, they have a meeting space that will work well for us. There is an
entrance directly into the facility from the parking lot near entry #4.

On-line registration has closed, however walk-ins are welcome.  Lunch and
printed materials are not guaranteed for walk in registrations.

"Autism 101" is a seminar and resource fair sponsored by the Autism Society of
America - Greater Georgia Chapter for families of newly diagnosed children with
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and those who work with them. The seminar
provides information that educates, enables and empowers these families as they
begin the journey of caring for, planning for, and treating their child.
Additionally, there is a resource fair for families to meet and interact with
local providers of autism related goods and services.

Autism 101 Schedule

8:00am-8:30am
Check in and receive materials

8:30am-9:00am
What is autism and how is it diagnosed?
Dr. Steve Hobbs,Pediatric Psychology Associates

9:00am-9:30am
Services, Funding, and Advocacy
Heidi Moore, Heidi J. Moore Consulting, Inc.

9:30am-10:00am
The Basics of Applied Behavioral Analysis
Ann Lane,Keystone Center for Autism

10:00am-10:30am
The Sensory Connection
Margaret Kuneyl, OTR/L, Peach State Pediatric Therapy

10:30am-11:00am
Behavior Strategies and Positive Behavior Supports
Dr. Robert Montgomery, Reinforcement Unlimited

11:00am-11:30am
Promoting Language Skills
Toni Thomas, Emory Autism Center

11:30am-Noon
Enhancing Social and Play Skills
Toni Thomas, Emory Autism Center

Noon-1:30pm
Lunch and Resource Fair

1:30pm-2:00pm
Autism's Impact on the Family
Elizabeth Newman, Living the Mosaic

2:00pm-2:30pm
Using Visual Supports
Karen Barineau, Dekalb County Schools

2:30pm-3:00pm
Biomedical and Diet Interventions
Stefanie Smith, Eating Away Autism

3:00pm-3:30pm
Music & Autism: Therapeutic Possibilities
Beth Hampshire-Coyle, Music Therapy Services of Greater Atl.

3:30pm-4:00pm
Accessing Educational Services
Mary O'Connell & Nan Britt, SPECTRUM

4:00pm-4:30pm
Sleeping, Feeding, and Toileting Issues
Michael Mueller, PhD, Southern Behavioral Group

4:30pm-5:00pm
The DIR/Floortime Model
Dave Nelson and Mary Beth Stark
Floortime Atlanta

Topics and/or presenters subject to change without notice.

www.asaga.com

Please forward as appropriate.

The following was posted to another listserv by a Mom.  It's a great idea and
sounds terrific.  I know that handwriting is one of the most common comorbid
issues for the boys with Aspergers that I diagnose at the office.

Hope this is helpful to folks.

-RWM

_________________________________
Scribblenauts for Nintendo DS.  Watch the debut trailer video on amazon.com. 
Check out this link:
http://www.amazon.com/Scribblenauts-Nintendo-DS/dp/B002B1TDV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8\
&s=videogames&qid=1253622273&sr=8-1

Amazon.com Product Description

Scribblenauts is a unique single player side-scrolling action game for the
Nintendo DS that challenges players to solve spatially oriented puzzles like no
game before it. In it players use an in-game notepad/keyboard, as well as the
touch screen and stylus of the Nintendo DS, to conjure up solutions to the
obstacles placed in the path of the game's hero. Solutions are manifested in the
form of literally thousands of items--many very unexpected--that are called up
and take on a life of their own, resulting in puzzle-solving that is limited
only by the player's imagination.

Gameplay
Based around 2D side-scrolling action and word play, the premise of
Scribblenauts is simple; quite literally, anything you write, you can use and
reuse in the game. Players use the DS' touch-screen and the in-game
notepad/keyboard to help their character, Maxwell, as he moves throughout 220
increasingly difficult levels on his never-ending quest for the star-like
"Starites.." But it is not as easy as reaching up and plucking a Starite.
Attaining them requires Maxwell to solve spatially oriented puzzles. To do this
players describe objects via the notepad/keyboard, which in turn appear on the
game screen and facilitate the starite making its way to Maxwell. There are
literally thousands of items in the game, both utilitarian like ladders, ropes,
cars and buses, to the outlandish items, such as invisibility cloaks, pirates
and black holes. There are time limits on levels, as well as a limitation to the
number of items that can be used per level. But regardless of these
restrictions, the game is all about experimentation, imagination and endless
replay value as players open their minds to the nearly limitless possibilities
that are sure to make Scribblenauts unlike any side-scrolling platformer they
have ever played.

Key Features
Create Your Own Interactive Experience - Objects you write down in the game are
only limited by your imagination.
Everyone Can Play - Scribblenauts features all-ages pick-up-and-play fun for
everyone.
Touch-screen Controls - Easy to pick up and play on Nintendo DS. If you can tap,
you can play.
Unlimited Replay Value - Use less objects to increase your score, or experiment
with different objects for endless replay value. Write anything; solve
everything.
Playground Mode - Play the entire game in a sandbox style right on the title
screen.
Create and Share - Share levels you create with the level editor via your
Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Connection.
Innovative New Title from Leading Developer - 5th Cell, the creator of the Drawn
to Life franchise and Lock's Quest, has experience creating high-quality,
innovative DS games.

Just wanted to let folks know that all the roads leading to Reinforcement
Unlimited's offices are closed.

We can not get an answer from Woodstock as to when the roads will be opened.

The office is closed for Today and may be closed tomorrow as well.

I will post updates as they are available.

Thanks.

-Robert Montgomery

Stonemill Race for Autism
and Family Fun Day
Saturday, October 3rd

The Stonemill Race for Autism is a standard 5K Road Race (approx. 3.1 miles).
There will also be a One Mile Fun Run/Walk and a Tot Trot. Runners and walkers
are both welcome. Following the race is a Family Fun Day with lots of fun
activities for the whole family!

Please go to www.stonemillraceforautism to register as a runner or a volunteer.

Race Day Schedule
• 6:30 On-Site Registration Opens
• 7:00 Runner Check-in Opens
• 8:00 5K Race Start
• 8:30 Family Fun Day Begins
• 9:30 5K Awards Presentation
• 10:00 Tot Trot
• 10:30 1 mile Fun Run/Walk

Family Fun Day 8:30 am – noon
Lots of FUN activities for the whole family
•Games, crafts, face painting
•Petting Zoo
•Pony Rides
•Hay Ride
•Inflatables – slides, moonwalks, and obstacle courses
•Food
•Vendors
•Silent Auction

Please forward as appropriate.

Sensory Friendly Films

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"
Saturday, September 19th - 10:00am
and
Saturday, September 26th - 10:00am

AMC Entertainment® (AMC) and the Autism Society of America have teamed up to
bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity
to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly
basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.  In order to provide a more
accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience,  the movie
auditoriums will have their lights brought up and sound turned down, families
will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no
previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie.  Additionally,
audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other
words, AMC's "Silence is Golden" policy will not be enforced unless the safety
of the audience is questioned.

Three theaters in the Atlanta market have been selected to host "Sensory
Friendly Films".

AMC Discover Mills 18
5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy
L'ville, GA  30043
678-847-9265

AMC Phipps Plaza 14
3500 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA  30326
404-231-1492

AMC Southlake 24
7065 Mount Zion Circle
Morrow, GA  30260
770-473-0719

For tickets to this unique experience,
please visit the theater's box office the day of the event.

www.asaga.com

Please forward as appropriate.

"Autism 101" is a seminar and resource fair sponsored by the Autism Society of
America - Greater Georgia Chapter for families of newly diagnosed children with
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and those who work with them. The seminar
provides information that educates, enables and empowers these families as they
begin the journey of caring for, planning for, and treating their child.
Additionally, there is a resource fair for families to meet and interact with
local providers of autism related goods and services.

"Autism 101" provides concise, down-to-earth information to help parents make
sense of it all.  The seminar presenters answer many commonly asked questions
and gently guide parents through the myriad of medical and educational options,
social services, therapies, etc.  The resource fair allows families to meet and
interact with local providers of autism related goods and services, thus
enabling them to expedite the coordination and implementation of treatment
options and services for their child.

NEXT AUTISM 101 -
Date:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Location:
855 Northbrook Parkway, Suwanee, GA  30024
Directions:
www.stonemillchurch.org

Cost for Autism 101 is $10 (includes lunch and materials).

Seating is limited, pre-registration strongly recommended.

Please visit the ASA website at www.asaga.com or call 770-904-4474 for more
information or to register.

Unfortunately, child care is not available.

Autism 101 Schedule
8:00am-8:30am
Check in and receive materials

8:30am-9:00am
What is autism and how is it diagnosed?
Dr. Steve Hobbs, Pediatric Psychology Associates

9:00am-9:30am
Services, Funding, and Advocacy
Heidi Moore, Heidi J. Moore Consulting, Inc.

9:30am-10:00am
The Basics of Applied Behavioral Analysis
Drs. Coby & Janet Lund, Integrated Behavioral Solutions

10:00am-10:30am
The Sensory Connection
Margaret Kuneyl, OTR/L, Peach State Pediatric Therapy

10:30am-11:00am
Behavior Strategies and Positive Behavior Supports
Dr. Robert Montgomery, Reinforcement Unlimited

11:00am-11:30am
Promoting Language Skills
Toni Thomas, Emory Autism Center

11:30am-Noon
Enhancing Social and Play Skills
Toni Thomas, Emory Autism Center

Noon-1:30pm - Lunch and Resource Fair

1:30pm-2:00pm
Autism's Impact on the Family
Elizabeth Newman, Mosaic

2:00pm-2:30pm
Using Visual Supports
Karen Barineau, Dekalb County Schools

2:30pm-3:00pm
Biomedical and Diet Interventions
Stefanie Smith, Eating Away Autism

3:00pm-3:30pm
Music & Autism: Therapeutic Possibilities
Beth Hampshire-Coyle, NMT, MT-BC, Music Therapy Services of Greater Atlanta

3:30pm-4:00pm
Accessing Educational Services
Mary O'Connell & Nan Britt, SPECTRUM

4:00pm-4:30pm
Sleeping, Feeding, and Toileting Issues
Michael Mueller, PhD, Southern Behavioral Group

4:30pm-5:00pm
The DIR/Floortime Model
Dave Nelson and Mary Beth Stark, Floortime Atlanta

Topics and/or presenters subject to change without notice

Please forward as appropriate.

Reinforcement Unlimited is a behavioral services provider in the northern
suburbs of Atlanta and North Georgia. We are looking for several In-Home
Therapists. We have a long track record of mentoring staff toward their boards
and are willing to work with people in obtaining their certification. We offer
in-home, clinic-based, and school-based services for a range of presenting
concerns. Our team consists of Board Certified Consultants, Associates, and
Bachelors-level therapists providing behavior analytic consultation and direct
services. In Georgia, we were the first and remain one of only two BACB approved
CE providers. We are looking for highly motivated staff interested in building a
career by providing the highest quality services possible to a wide range of
people with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders, School Consultation, and
clinic-based services. Visit our website to learn more about our organization
at:

http://www.reinforcementunlimited.com

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have - we are looking for
professionals motivated to provide the highest quality services in the most
ethical manner. We look forward to talking with you!

         In-Home Behavior Specialist:
             Requirements:  A bachelors degree in psychology, special education,
or similar experience.
             Duties: Provide direct ABA/VBA services, principally in-home but
some clinic-based, to children with language and social skills needs under the
supervision of Board Certified staff of Reinforcement Unlimited.

         In-Home Behavior Specialist, Senior:
             Requirements:  A bachelors degree in psychology, special education,
or similar degree.  At least 1 year of experience and training working with
children in the autism spectrum.
             Duties: Provide direct ABA/VBA services, principally in-home but
some clinic-based, to children with language and social skills needs under the
supervision of Board Certified staff of Reinforcement Unlimited.

         Please contact us at 770-591-9552 or via email at
jobs@... for additional information.  Please forward resume
and cover letter stating interest in a specific position via email (as a PDF or
RTF document) as attachments or via fax to 770-516-4191.

Dear Families and Friends:

School is about to start and Cherokee Spectrum Support Group is announcing the
first meeting of the school year.  On Sunday, August 16th at 1:00pm Jean Estes,
a special education attorney, will be speaking to our group.  She will be
answering questions from our members on issues such as IEP's, restraint in
schools, etc.  We will be meeting at New Victoria Baptist Church, 6659 Bells
Ferry Road, Woodstock.

Please RSVP to Renee at  mrjperrelli@...  or to Heidi at hcf67@...
by August 10th so that we know how large a room to reserve.  Also, we would like
people to email us their questions for Jean before the meeting so that we can
forward them to her.  We need your questions by August 10th also.

We have a great year of speakers planned and will send out the calendar as soon
as we get final confirmation from our speakers.

If you do not wish to be on our email list, please email Renee and let her know.

Thanks,
Renee & Heidi

Summit Learning Center has 2 available slots in our classroom setting and 2
available slots in our ABA/VB (1:1) setting.  We are about to begin our 6th
school year and we accept the GA Special Needs Scholarship.

For more information or for a tour, please visit our website at
www.summitlearningcenter.org

Thank you,

Shauna Courtney, M.Ed., BCBA
Summit Learning Center
770-552-1535
www.summitlearningcenter.org

Gwinnett Spectrum Monthly Support Group General Meetings
(First Thursday of every month)

6:30 pm
NOTE EARLIER START TIME!

August 6th
Chung Lee, Esq.
Parent & Attorney
"Do I Need Power of Attorney or Guardianship for
My Child with Autism?"
Come With All Your Questions!

Social Support Group for Adults with HFA/Asperger's will also meet.
Fun FREE Social Groups for children with autism and their siblings, ages 5 and
up!

Childcare also offered for children ages 4 and under.
Registration and drop/off begins at 6:15 pm
Activities begin at 6:30 pm and end at 8:00 pm
Please RSVP by emailing _scc2000@...

I live in South GA and use Dr. Buckely at her office in FL. Dr. Buckley does not
accept insurance but will fill out the insurance form for your to file with your
insurance co. We pay the office visit up front and then submit the claim to UHC
PPO and our policy reimburses 60% of visits. Each insurance is diffrent and I
would call your insurnace company to see what/ if any reimbursement rates are
available for in network and out of network Doctors.

WE also have KB deeming waiver and it does not cover a non Georgia Medicaid
provider.  The prescriptions that are filled at my local pharmacy are covered
under our insurance and KB picks up our copay. The deeming waiver does not cover
the cost of our compound medications.

In Savannah is Dr. Ramon Ramos is a pediatrician certified as a Defeat Autism
Now! (DAN!) doctor. Im not sure about his insurance policies.

  THe best thing to do is to call the doctors and your insurances.

Gina





--- In opengaautism@yahoogroups.com, "kbarta5" <kbarta5@...> wrote:
>
> We are looking for a DAN! doctor in GA.  Would anyone be able to provide some
recommendations?  Are there any doctors who accept insurance?  What about Katie
Beckett Medicaid?  Thank you!
>

We are looking for a DAN! doctor in GA.  Would anyone be able to provide some
recommendations?  Are there any doctors who accept insurance?  What about Katie
Beckett Medicaid?  Thank you!