Date post: | 05-Apr-2018 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | barbarabrennan7079 |
View: | 226 times |
Download: | 0 times |
of 12
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
1/12
The Autism Society of Oakland County
has a brand new website for 2012 and
beyond! Our new site features a fresh
look, new content areas, additional links and
expanded resources. ASOC announced the new
site through an email blast to our membership, on
January 31, 2012.
Time for a Change
The ASOC Board began exploring new technolo-
gy and platforms in the summer of 2011. The
chapters website needed a major facelift, and
with all the new technology available, it was time
for a change.
The old site was costly to maintain. It was built
on old technology, and it required us to engage a
programmer any time we wanted an update,
shares President Lisa Kowalski. We wanted fresh-
er content on our site and a platform that would
allow us to do that quickly and with far less cost.
ASOC selected a platform that allows for easy
authoring and adds social media functionality
enabling our membership to have a voice on the site.
New Web Address
The new site is located at www.autismsocietyoak-
landcounty.org an address that now features
the chapters full name. Be sure to enter it into
your bookmarks and add it to your safe senders
email list.
New Web Administrator
ASOC Corresponding Secretary Barbara Brennan
has been appointed web administrator for the
new site. Barbaras experience in digital technolo-
gy and computing makes her a natural for this
new role. She played a lead role in designing
and authoring the new site. Her responsibili-
ties include management of online member-ship, site updating and overall monitoring.
Join the Community!
The new website also includes an Online
Community where individuals with ASD and
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website and online
community! Check us out atwww.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org.
Advocateof Oakland County
AUTISM SOCIETY OF OAKLAND COUNTY P.O. BOX 70207, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48307 SPRING 2012A PUBLICATION OF THE ASOC TO RECOGNIZE OUR DONORS, VOLUNTEERS AND ADVOCATES
ASD
ASD Advocate Spring 2012
ASOC LAUNCHES
New Website!ASOC
MISSION
STATEMENTTo advocate and supportmeaningful participation in all
aspects of life for individuals
with Autism Spectrum Disorders
and their families.
IN THIS ISSUE
Everybody Needs a Job!
Message from the President ..............2
A Look Back: The Wonderful
Programs of 2011 ..............................3
Team Autism ......................................3
16h Annual Golf Outing ..................4-5
ASOC Put EmployabilityPrinciples to Work ..........................6-7
Spotlight on Dylan Yates ................6-7
Getting My Own Address ................8-9
Hanging Out Together ........................8
Belightful Yoga ..................................9
Bowling League for Teens ..................9
Dont Worry, But Dont Wait! ............10
Donations ........................................10
Membership ....................................11
Contribution Form ..............Back Cover
AUTISM SOCIETY OF
OAKLAND COUNTY
(248) 393-3131
Send us your email address
at our new email address:
[email protected] on page10
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
2/12
There are over 6,000
students with autism
spectrum disorders in
the greater Metro Detroit area,
with almost 2,000 living in
Oakland County. Hundreds are
becoming adults every year
now. Look at the 2010 data
chart, located to the right, for
Oakland County data.
Parents, schools and
public agencies need to raise
children with the expectation
that ALL of them will have a
job someday. Using positive
behavior support strategies
and a lot of love, young families
need to collaborate continuous-
ly with the schools, medical
community, agencies, recre-
ation programs and care
staffs to consistently teach
communication, use sensory
integration strategies, build
social skills and use structured
learning interventions 24
hours/ 7 days a week.
The Autism Society Oakland
Countys next collaborative
effort will be improving
employability outcomes.
Taxpayers need kids with ASD
to get scientifically proven
interventions early to promote
the most adult independence
and participation in the work-
force. Many of these interven-
tions will only be available to a
family through medical insur-
ances and nonprofit subsidized
funding. Through your contin-
ued support, many children
with ASD will become adult
employees in the future.
Lisa Kowalski, ASOC President.
Presidents Message
2 ASD Advocate ASOC
Everybody Needs a Job!A M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T
how Can you BenefIt froM hIrInga perSon wIth a DISaBILIty?
Tax CrediTs!
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal credit
available to private for-profit employers who hire from specifictarget groups that have difficulty securing employment.
EligiblE Work groups
ssi ecent
Fd stam ecent, ae 18 t 39
New he mt w at eat 120 h t qafy f a
25% cedt and at eat 400 h t qafy f a
40% cedt n the ft yea f emyment.
For most target groups, the WOTC allowsa $2,400 maximum credit.
Do you want to:
Sv M
L tv & tii Css
Ics Cm Ml
Ics wklc Divsi
B Cmmi Ld
Let uS Show you how!!
At MORC, we are committed to working with businesses like yours
that have an interest in being progressive. With all the new initiatives
in the workplace, employees are being told what the goal is but
with very little help on how to get there.
Fo mo nfomton, cll Cny t 586.484.6153
MORC is a non-profit organization that has been providing wide ranging
services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities to help
them achieve life, freedom and independence in the community.
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
3/12
Feel the Beat
FAR Conservatory was awarded
a grant from the ASOC to pur-
chase a Remo World Music
Drumming Set. Drum therapy
uses rhythm to enhance psy-
chological and physical well-
being, relaxation, social rela-
tionships, sensory awareness,
physical dexterity. A drum cir-
cle encourages an understand-
ing of true teamwork. Lessons
learned in the drum circle
can be directly applied to daily
living. http://www.farconser-
vatory.org/
Let's Talk
The ASOC provided a grant to
FAR Conservatory to purchase
Proloquo2Go software for the
two iPads that FAR had previ-
ously received in collaboration
with a third organization. For
decades, some children
with autism have relied
on bulky text-to-
speech machines in
schools and homes
to help them com-
municate. This
software offers
comparable features as
those older machines on an
iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch at a
fraction of the cost. Now chil-
dren attending FAR will have
these communication tools on
site which will enhance all of
their programming.
Art with Heart
In 2011, Paint a Miracle
received a grant from the ASOC
to purchase printmaking equip-
ment. Paint a Miracle is an art
studio in Rochester Michigan
that is uniquely designed for
people who are living with
disabilities and other challenges.
It has an atmosphere of hope,
growth and encouragement.
People of all ability levels from
the greater Detroit metropoli-
tan area will be able to use the
printmaking equipment to cre-
ate art that is easily reproduced.
Some artists will be able to sell
their reproduced creations,
which supports the ASOC initia-
tives of improving employability
opportunities. Sign up at:
http://www.paintamiracle.org/
Our Friends on the Farm
Dutton Farm is developing an
excellent reputation for provid-
ing positive support and mean-
ingful hands-on programming
to individuals with ASD who
have significant needs. The
ASOC provided a grant for an
expansion project that will
increase their capacity.
Whether learning daily
living skills, working
in the greenhouse, harvest-
ing crops, feeding farm
animals, selling fresh eggs
or cooking in the kitchen,
there is something for
everyone. Learn more
about what they offer at:
http://www.duttonfarm.org/
ASD Advocate Spring 2012
Programs
A Look Back:T H E W O N D E R F U L P R O G R A M S O F 2 0 1 1
Through extreme effort, the 110 runners raised about $12,000.The increase in part was due to a fundraising guide the organizerscreated to help runners work their personal networks. This brings the
overall total to nearly $75,000 since 2006. Congratulations team
organizers Rajesh Bihani, Nina Bihani, Stephanie Mansfield, and
Ann Patronik and all the Team Autism runners! Families and individ-
uals with autism really benefit from this scholarship fund that allows
those in need to access direct services and therapies through the
Judson Center.
TEAM AUTISM MAKES GREAT STRIDES IN
THE 2011 DETROIT FREE PRESS MARATHON
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
4/124 ASD Advocate ASOC
Golf Outing
Walnut Creek
Country Club
went under
construction just before the
September 12, 2011 golf outing.
That made the ASOC scramble
to find another location. Thanks
to Co-Chairpersons, Mike
Hayes and Steve Bubnes, and
Honorary Chairperson Bob
Abernethy, the Fox Hills
Golf and Banquet Center in
Plymouth was secured.
Steve Bubnes was able to
contact all the registered golfers
notifying them of the change.
Incredible job!
The weather cooperated
with another beautiful
September day. Even with the
struggling economy, we were
able to field 200 golfers for not
only golf but lunch and dinner
in Fox Hills roomy club house.
The ASOC thanks the event
Charter Sponsors: Angelo
Iafrate, Commercial
Contracting Corporation,
Knights of Columbus Council
#4188 Clawson, Miller Canfield
and Walbridge, along with
each of the other 70 corpora-
tions and organizations who
contributed to the successful
event. In many cases, compa-
nies contributed the time of
their employees and their
offices and facilities for plan-
ning and management of the
event. Thanks to the many
people who donated or partici-
pated in the Silent Auction. The
ASOC is exceptionally grateful
for the committed volunteers
on the golf outing committee
for the planning and sales of the
event. Thanks goes out to all
golfers, donors and volunteers
for their continued support of
children, adults and families
affected on a daily basis by
autism spectrum disorders.
Article submitted by Sally
McInnes, ASOC Director.
Annual Golf OutingMoves to Fox Hills
Above Left: Aaron Kowalski, an 18 year old student with ASD,
volunteers at the outing. Left: The Silent Auction was sponsored
by the Knights of Columbus #4188 and included wonderful
donations from many generous supporters.Above: Members
of the ASOC Board of Directors: Linda Brown, Sally McInnes,
Lisa Kowalski, Barbara Brennan, Marie Anne Horne (ASOC
bookkeeper) and Tamra Pickthorn.
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
5/12ASD Advocate Spring 2012
Golf Outing
DONATIONS
Knights of Columbus
Council #4188 Clawson
Ray Debold
Tom Holzer Ford
Ford Land for generously
hosting our monthly
committee meetings.
CHARTER SPONSORS
Angelo Iafrate
Construction Company
Commercial Contracting
Group CCG
Knights of Columbus
Council #4188 Clawson
Miller Canfield
Walbridge
SILVER SPONSORS KUKA Flexible Production
Utica Enterprises, Incorporated
BRONZE SPONSORS
Alberici Constructors
Incorporated
Angelo Iafrate Construction
Company
Aristeo Construction
Barton Malow
Comau De-Cal Incorporated
DeMaria Building Company
Devon Facility Management
Ferrous Processing &
Trading Company
Ghafari Associates
Heller Machine Tools
International Industrial
Contracting
MAG IAS
Maritz Incorporated
Midwest Steel Incorporated Motor City Electric Company
PCE Monarch
Schreiber Roofing
Site Development Incorporated
Stenco Construction Company
Tocco and Associates
Tri-Tec / Gala
Valianat Machine & Tool
Incorporated
Venton
DINNER SPONSORS
Ben Hur IndustrailConstructors
Cinetic Automation
Knights of Columbus
Council #4188 Clawson
Next Generation
Services Group
LUNCH SPONSORS
Knights of Columbus
Council #4188 Clawson
SNACK ANDBEVERAGE SPONSORS
Knights of Columbus
Council #4188 Clawson
Triangle Electric
COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSOR
Lamont Brown Advisors
SILENT AUCTION SPONSOR
Knights of Columbus
Council #4188 Clawson
CLOSEST TO THE
PIN SPONSOR
Knights of Columbus
Council #4188 Clawson
LONGEST DRIVE SPONSORS
Knights of Columbus
Council #4188 Clawson
Cinetic Automation
BUSINESS CARD
RAFFLE SPONSOR
Roncelli, Inc
TEE SPONSORS
CEC Controls Company
Carol Balagur, Ameriprise
Financial
Comau
Hayes Lemmerz International
International IndustrialContracting
Knights of Columbus
Council #4188 Clawson
KUKA Flexible Production
LOC Federal Credit Union
Novi Family Dental,
Dr. Tessa Priehs
Sinder Veterinary Services
Suburban Collection
Showchase
SPECIAL THANKS TO . . .
Co-Chairpersons: Craig Brown, Steve Bubnes, Michael Hayes
Honorary Chairpersons: Robert Abernethy, Kelvin Squires, Paul F. Temple
Committee Members: Steve Bubnes, Joe Dilorio, Wade Herzig, Jackie Jackson, Ron Koshewitz, Lisa Kowalski,
Claire Lockhart, Larry Lottinville, Diane Risko, Mark Strait, Kari Theisen
Day-of-the Event Volunteers: Carol Balagur, Barb Brennan, Linda Brown, Ray Debold, Pete Howard, Aaron Kowalski,
Joe Kowalski, Bill McInnes, Tamra Pickthorn, Cathy Schmidt, Ryan Sellers, Sherry Velasco
Thank You for Your Donations
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
6/126 ASD Advocate ASA/OCC
Opportunities
ASOC Puts Employability
Principles to Work
JANUARY 2012
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
______________________
FEBRUARY 2012S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29
______________________
MARCH 2012
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
______________________
APRIL 2012
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
______________________
As highlighted
throughout this
years newsletter,
ASOC plowed new ground in
2011 to support employability
outcomes for individuals with
ASD, including training, cross-
community collaboration,
and advocacy. But one of the
activities we are most proud of
is our own efforts to put the
concept of employability out-
comes to work by employing
businesses who employ people
with ASD and showcasing
micro-industries in our biggest
event of the year our annual
Golf Outing and fundraiser
in September.
Event Suppliers Employing
Individuals with ASD
With an event this size, there
are so many pieces that come
together to fulfill it, said Lisa
Kowalski, ASOC President and
golf committee member. We
actively sought out businesses
that employ people on the
spectrum or school programs,
in order to promote their won-
derful products and services.
During the event dinner,
more than 200 golfers place
settings featured a handmade
gourmet chocolate-dipped
pretzel. Each was decoratively
wrapped and tagged with a
message by the manufacturer,
The Yum Yum Tree, a Walled
Lake Schools Transition
Program business. The ASOC
purchased 250 of these won-
derful delights from this special
education program.
Melynda Penny, the teacher
responsible for these students,
wrote, "We are happy that your
outing was such a great success
and appreciated being a part
of it. My new students enjoyed
the experience of creating the
chocolate caramel pretzels.
Now they understand the entire
process from manufacturing, to
packaging the product and then
getting it ready for delivery."
(To order delicious treats from
The Yum Yum Tree, contact
Melynda at (248) 956-5045.)
Dylan Yates is a senior with Autism Spectrum
Disorder at Royal Oak High School where he is
enrolled in the special education program. He
has a knack for creating visual art by drawing,
sculpting and designing on the computer. Dylan
created this calendar in the Illustrator program
where he is able to bring his enthusiasm for
holidays and dinosaurs together: a natural fit
for Dylan! You can contact Dylan at
THE CREATIVE MICRO-INDUSTRYOF DYLAN YATES
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
7/12ASD Advocate Spring 2012
Micro-Industry on Display
ASOC also sponsored a micro-
industry expo during the event,
featuring the work of several
burgeoning businesses of indus-
trious individuals with ASD.
The expo provided an opportu-
nity to showcase the work and
talents of many individuals on
the spectrum starting small
businesses. Each exhibitioner
had a personal display table in
the central hall of the event.
The featured products were
diverse and offered a broad
range of handcrafted items for
sale to the golfers, including:
Artisan soaps
Needlework, pillows & throws
Handcrafted wooden bird
houses
Paintings & artwork
Handmade greeting cards
& notes
DJ Services
2012 calendars with
custom graphic design
The Board partnered with
Macomb Oakland Regional
Center (MORC) to create the
expo. MORC employability
staffers Dorothy Maclean and
Cindi Burdi were instrumental
in identifying exhibitors specifi-
cally with ASD. Dorothy helps
people with disabilities create
their own micro-businesses,
and Cindi is a job developer
who works with businesses to
hire people with disabilities.
Both were onsite for the event,
assisting exhibitors during the
expo and answering event
attendees questions about
employability throughout the
day and evening.
The expo was our event
theme in action, said Kowalski.
It provided exposure to both
the golfers and the micro-
industries. A micro industry
is just one of the ways that
people with ASD can be paid
for their work.
The golfers also had the
opportunity to learn more rea-
sons to consider employing
people with ASD, including tax
credits, lower turnover rates,
and quality work. Every year,
hundreds of students with
ASD reach adulthood in
Michigan. Many people with
ASD only need part-time work.
As a community, if we look for
and support their strengths and
talents, we will enjoy a valuable
workforce of the future.
Article submitted by
Tamra Pickthorn,
ASOC Recording Secretary.
Opportunities
MAY 2012S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
______________________
JUNE 2012
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
______________________
AUGUST 2012S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
______________________
SEPTEMBER 2012
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
24 25 26 27 28 29
______________________
JULY 2012
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
______________________
NOVEMBER 2012S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
______________________
DECEMBER 2012
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
25 26 27 28 29
______________________
OCTOBER 2012
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
______________________
3023
3023
3124
Several Micro-
Businesses sold their
wonderful products
during lunch at the
outing. Each business
is owned by a person
with a disability.
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
8/12
Recognizing the need
to assist families with
the difficult task of
planning future housing for
their adult children with autism
spectrum disorders, ASOC
awarded a large grant to local
non-profit, Community
Housing Network, Inc. (CHN).
The result was Getting My
Own Address for People with
Autism Spectrum Disorders
and other Developmental
Disorders (GMOA), a compre-
hensive, step-by-step guide,
including worksheets and
resources. The grant also fund-
ed the development of
Overview Workshop materials
and staff time to give Overview
presentations to parents in four
parts of Oakland County.
Successful Launch of a
Much-Needed Resource
The GMOA Program was
launched by CHN in
September 2011 with
great success and
interest. In an
effort to
share the same
information with
families and profes-
sionals (teachers,
transition
coordinators, and supports
coordinators), CHNs initial
presentations were to Oakland
County Transition Association
(OCTA), and Supports
Coordinators at Macomb
Oakland Regional Center
(MORC) and Community
Living Services (CLS). Over
150 parents from Oakland
County and surrounding
counties attended presentations
given at Rochester Public
Schools, Huron Valley Schools,
Lamphere Center, and West
Bloomfield Schools. MORC
hosted another Overview
presentation for families from
Macomb and Oakland
Counties, with more than
half the audience from
Macomb County.
In an effort to make the
GMOA guide available to inter-
ested families and professionals
throughout Michigan and the
United States, the GMOA guide
is available to be downloaded
for FREE from the CHN website
at www.communityhousingnet-work.org/GMOA. Many fami-
lies as well as professionals have
chosen to purchase a copy of
the guide in a binder. In fact,
180 guides have been sold to
date. In addition, over 300 par-
ents and professionals from all
over Michigan have signed up
for an on-going email alert list
on the GMOA Program to
8 ASD Advocate ASOC
Community
Getting My Own AddressASOC SEEDS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM
HANGING OUT TOGETHER
T he Friendship Club Socials include 25-50 teens and young adults within the autism spectrum, includingindividuals with Asperger syndrome & Pervasive Development Disorders. Come and enjoy an exceptionalselection of video games, perform in the Talent Show, and play ping pong, basketball, floor hockey and board
games. There is a DJ that plays all the latest hits for those who enjoy dancing.
Get together for fun, food and friendship at St. Anastasia Activity Center in Troy, Michigan. The group meets
about every six weeks on Saturdays from 7pm to 11pm. The $5 per person/ $15 per family fee includes snacks,
pizza, salad and pop. A parent or support staff should plan to stay during the event. Siblings 12 years or older
are welcome to join the fun. For dates and location information go to www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org
GMOA is a
program for
people with
Autism SpectrumDisorders and
Developmental
Disabilities
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
9/12
receive information on the two
Oakland County housing sup-
port groups and new presenta-
tion dates.
Reach Extends Throughout
Michigan and the Nation
In an effort to get this resource
out to more families, CHN has
also shared the GMOA guide
across the state and with key
national organizations. It was
introduced to professionals
working with young adults with
ASD and other developmental
disabilities across Michigan at
the April 2011 joint conference
for Statewide Autism Resources
& Training (START) and
Michigan Transition Outcomes
Project (MI-TOP). START
was so excited by this resource
that it has downloaded the
GMOA guide and made it avail-
able to all of its trainers.
Recently, the guide was shared
as a resource at the Academy
of Special Needs Planners con-
ference, a national organization
of lawyers working with fami-
lies on issues unique to individ-
uals with disabilities, including
future housing planning.
How You Can Learn More
Future presentations on hous-
ing using GMOA include the
last three workshops in a series
for Family to Family Alliance in
Ann Arbor, Cadillac, and
Detroit. The first presentation
was given in Owosso in
October 2011. Presentation
dates and locations are posted
on the CHN website at
www.communityhousingnet-
work.org/GMOAworkshops.
The GMOA Support Group
currently meets two times a
month from 6:00 pm 8:00
pm, the second Thursday of
each month at Apollo Center,
2029 N. Milford Road,
Highland, MI 48357, and the
third Tuesday of each month at
the offices of CHN, 570 Kirts
Blvd., Suite 231, Troy, MI.
The GMOA program has
touched in excess of 1,500
people to date and has received
abundant praise from families
and professionals. A movement
has begun to develop independ-
ent housing for people with
autism spectrum disorders and
peace of mind for their families
thanks to ASOC and its
Sponsors!
Article submitted
by Linda Brown,
ASOC Vice President.
ASD Advocate Spring 2012
Community
The ASOC teamed with
Belightful Yoga to offer
family yoga classes at a
significantly reduced rate. The
ASOC is excited about this
grant because it offers par-
ents, siblings or caregivers
the chance to participate and
enjoy the benefits of yoga too.
These yoga classes will
promote focus and relaxation,
improve balance and strength
and help people stay fit in a
fun atmosphere. With the
person's support also in the
class, we hope that they will
practice together at home as
well. This is a great activity for
families to enjoy together.
Article submitted by Lisa
Kowalski, ASOC President.
BELIGHTFUL YOGA
BOWLING LEAGUE FOR TEENS
OUCARES just started a Bowling League for teens and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.It is supported by the ASOC. The league will run four 9-week sessions throughout the year.For more information go to www.oakland.edu/oucares or call 248-370-2424
The OUCares Strikers are ready to hit the lanes and enjoy each other's company.
Get Your Own Copy!
Download the Getting My Own Address resource
guide free from Community Housing Network:
www.communityhousingnetwork.org/GMOA
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
10/12
their families can connect, talk and
support each other. Our vision for
the Online Community is to extend our
support for families into a virtual
community, through dialog and sharing
online, says Kowalski.
The Online Community is built on a
secure social media platform, to provide
a safe place for individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorders and their families to
connect, share stories, support each other
and build lasting friendships. If people
are familiar with Facebook, YouTube and
Twitter, this part of our new site will feel
familiar, says Brennan. The new features
allow people to share and connect in
many of the same ways.
Membership in the community is
absolutely free. To join, interested parties
13 years or older should complete a
membership request form and accept
the ASOC Community Guidelines. Our
members and web administrator will
monitor content and postings to ensure
appropriateness of content.
Online community members have access
to all of the following features and content:
Discussion Forum where people can
hold conversations by posting messages,
links and content
Featured Events including our
highlighted ASOC events and other
related community happenings
Groups for discussion and sharing
on key topics; current groups
include Newly Diagnosed, School,
Transitional and Adult
Invite to send out a message inviting
others to join the community
Photos allows community members
to post photos
Profile Page personal profile page
for individual members
To learn more, see our Community Page
and join us!
Article submitted by Tamra Pickthorn,
ASOC Recording Secretary.
10 ASD Advocate ASOC
The ASOC Thanks You for Your Donations
In Memory ofDeborah Cassatt
Mark, Bobbie, Julie, Michael, Lauren,
Ashley & Melissa Borkin
Tom Cover
Alexis Crau
Leslye & Larry D'Ascenzo
Beverly Finkel
Jerimiah Flood
Pamela Freed
Anita Goldberg
Carol Greenfield
Dr. David & Sandra Kirsch
Joel Kirsch
Warren, Barb, Dan & Laura Levin
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Mong
Rhonna & Bill Nelson
Norup International School Staff
Linda & Marc Ruben
Joan Sorbilli
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sprankle
Lee & Diane Travelbee
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Wolfston
In Memory ofCharla Andresen
Nancy & Don Soderholm
In Memory of Emma Burry
Anne Bourdeau
In Memory ofMargaret Debold
Deborah Darnley-Fisch
In Memory ofJohn L. Sherby
Katherine Bourdeau
In Honor ofKristian Andresen
Nancy & Don Soderholm
In Honor of Lynda Sullivan
Maureen & Rich Wisckol
Donations throughCharity Motors
John McCormick
Donations to Chapter
Karen Barnowski
Bijaya Hans
Marjorie & Maxwell Jospey Foundation
Sunetra Nandgaonkar
Donna Yates, DBA Paypal Art Ric McNally
American Express Charitable Fund and
Employee Giving Program
Bower HR/ExpertCare Management Services
Dean Sellers Ford
KGlobal Impact/Pitney Bowes
Employees & Involvement Fund
Hewlett-Packard Foundation and
Employee Giving Program
Ken Barnowski PLLC
Knights of Columbus,
Council Number 13319
Donations
ASOC Launches New Website
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children and grandchildren should bescreened for autism at ages 18 months and 24 months. Early Intervention is the key to signifi-cantly improving a childs progress and their future. The Centers for Disease Controls Learn the Signs
Act Early web page has excellent developmental milestone information, first steps for concerned
families and awareness information. Go to: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/concerned.html.
Article submitted by Lisa Kowalski, ASOC President.
AUTISM: EARLY SCREENING
Continued from front page
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
11/12ASD Advocate Spring 2012 1
DEAR READERS
Please help us keep your address and membership
status current. Use the form above to join ASOC, renew
your dues or to notify us that you have moved, or visit us
on the web at www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org.
Call Sally McInnes: (248) 349-4539 if you have anyquestions concerning membership and dues. Thank You!
PRESIDENT:
Lisa Kowalski
Linda Brown
TREASURER:Ken Barnowski
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:
Barbara Brennan
RECORDING SECRETARY:
Tamra Pickthorn
DIRECTORS:
Sue Hodess
Sally McInnes
Cathy SchmidtSue Welcome
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT:
Barbara Baker
PHONE: (248) 393-3131ASOC Board members are parent volunteers. Please leave a message, including
your question. An ASOC volunteer will return your call as promptly as possible.
AUTISM SOCIETY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
P.O. Box 70207 Rochester Hills, MI 48307
EXECUTIVE BOARD
VICE PRESIDENT/PRESIDENT ELECT:
If you are interested in making a tax deductible
donation to ASOC, a 501(c)(3) organization:
You may download a contribution form or donate online at
www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org
GET INVOLVED LOCALLY!Name(s): ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________________________________State: ______ Zip___________________
Phone: ( _______ ) ________________________________________________ County ___________________________
E-Mail: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Oakland County Chapter Dues: Individual (1 vote).........$15.00 = _________
Family (2 votes).............$25.00 = _________
Note: Membership in the ASOC requires concurrent
membership with the Autism Society of America.
Autism Society of America Dues:
Household.............................................................................$40 = _________
Champion..............................................................................$75 = _________
Professional.........................................................................$150 = _________
International Household Member ......................................$50 = _________Lifetime Member.............................................................$1,500 = _________
Donation to the ASOC .................................................................... = _________(Contributions to the ASOC are qualified charitable donations.)
Total enclosed = _________
Please make checks payable to the ASOC and mail to Ken Barnowski,
Treasurer, P.O. Box 70207, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Membership dues and
donations are also accepted online at www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING:q
Please check here and mail this form to: Marie Anne Horne, ASOC, P.O. Box 70207, Rochester Hills, MI 48307.Marie Anne will contact you and ask about your available time commitment and how you would like to become involved.
You may also inquire through the chapter phone line at (248) 393-3131 or Email the chapter at [email protected].
With the help of caring
individuals like you, we can
achieve our mission of improving
the lives of all affected by autism.
Thousands of individuals, fami-
lies, professionals and agencies
are already part of the Autism
Society. Together, we can become
not only a resource for the autism
community, but also an agent of
change to help people get the
services and supports they need
throughout their lifetime.
THANK YOU!!!
8/2/2019 Advocate 032012
12/12
P.O. Box 70207
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
CONTRIBUTION FORM
Please print clearly.
Donor Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________State: ______________ Zip Code: __________
Daytime Phone: ( _____ ) _______________________________________________________
In Memory of: _______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Name of Honoree: ____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Occasion: ___________________________________________________________________
Notification to be sent to: ______________________________________________________
Mail this form to:
ASOC c/o Ken Barnowski, Treasurer
P.O. Box 70207, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
All information provided or published in the ASOC newsletter is for informational purposes only. ASOC assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information
published or provided by ASOC. Under the ASOC Options policy you are responsible for the choice of any treatment, therapy or service provider. Specific services should be
provided only at the direction and under the supervision of an individuals doctor, care giver or medical professional. Reference to any treatment, program or therapy option is not
an endorsement by the ASOC. Such references are not intended to be comprehensive statements of available options, programs, services or providers.
You should investigate alternatives to find options that are the most appropriate for a specific individual.
NEWSLETTER
COMMITTEETamra Pickthorn - Editor
Contributors:
Lisa Kowalski
Linda Brown
Sally McInnes
Marie Anne Horne
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Sunny Design
(586) 871-7288
THE AUTISM SOCIETY
OF OAKLAND COUNTY
(248) 393-3131
WWW.AUTISMSOCIETY
OAKLANDCOUNTY.ORG
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 70207Rochester Hills, MI 48307
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDTROY, MI
PERMIT NO. 36