FREE DINNER AND A MOVIE!!; TWO THOUGHT-PROVOKING ARTICLES ON MS

(Forewards and articles by National Multiple Sclerosis Society) Does Managing Stress Reduce Disease Activity?
Many people with MS blame stress for increased symptoms or exacerbations.  But researchers fournd that disease activity on MRI scans was significantly reduced during a 24-week stress management program for people with relapsing MS, compared to a control group.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=6629

Protein Sparks Immune Response In Some People With MS
A new study has identified a protein, KIR4.1, that could be a target of the immune attack in some people with MS.  Almost half of the people with MS showed an immune response to the protein, compared to almost none in people without the disease.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=6619

Please go to http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/index.aspx for early July articles that have equally important information.

Youth Dinner & Movie  brought to you by the Idependence Now For A Creative Cooking Class and Advocate's Theater (featuring X-MEN), will be held this Tuesday, July 24, 2012, from 4-7:30PM, at 12301 Old Columbia Pike, Suite 101, Silver Spring, MD.  Those ages 12-26, with disabilities are invited.  Together, all will be preparing their own meals, then watch the movie.  FREE!!  Please email  reda.sheinburg@mctransitions.org                         

                 

DEPRESSED? NEVER ME!!; CALENDAR OF EVENTS; LET'S ALL GO TO THE MOVIES; ASK THE EXPERTS

To be honest with you, today I'm a little depressed.  Today was a difficult day for me with my son, Jordan.  Yesterday I learned more things that I need to do with him to help him become more independent.  The list was too long and I tried implementing all of it today.  I feel very alone today but...for the first time, I read the following personal stories of parents seeing the 'silver lining' in this journey of mine/ours.  Actually, the first story, 'Melissa's story', encouraged me the most.  If you have a couple of minutes, please read her story and the other similar ones.  Love you all.  We really aren't alone. 
http://www.autism-society.org/news/melissa-1.html

A Whole Array Of Stuff To Do And To Attend In Spread-Out Locations! 
Check out the Calendar of Events: http://www.pathfindersforautism.org/calendar
Hurry, because some of these events are just around the corner!  (Info provided by Pathfinders For Autism)

(Info provided by the Autism Society.)

Everybody Gets To Go To The Movies!! (EVEN THE NOISEY ONE!!)

Join AMC Theaters on July 21, 2012, for a special showing of Ice Age: Continental Drift.  Movie starts at 10AM local time in participating theaters nationwide.  Which movie theater is nearest to you?  Visit: www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms 

Ask the Experts

Your questions will be answered during a special panel at the 43rd Autism Society National Conference, on July 25-28, 2012.  The Autism Society will unite a panel of professional and advisors on the autism spectrum to answer your questions at the National Conference and Exhibition.  Ask any question on behavior, policies, resources, best practices in education, adult services, self-advocacy, therapies and other topics of interest.  The panel includes professionals across a variety of ASD-related fields and several individuals on the autism spectrum.  A complete list of the Panel Of Professional Advisors and the Panel of People on the Spectrum of Autism Advisors, click:

http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/board-advisors/

To submit a question, go to:

http://support.autism-society.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=6640

 

 

 

 

 

FREE ID KIT; GIVE THEM YOUR 2 CENTS; AND KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!!!

(The following information is provided by Pathfinders For Autism.)

FREE Child ID Kit
These FREE kits will be distributed at Burger King, 1952 West Street, Annapolis, MD, on July 25, 2012, from 5-8PM.  The Child ID Kits contain: laminated cards, plus CDs containing your child’s digital fingerprints, video, voice recordings, and additional information prepared for the police to download in the case of an emergency.  State police officers greet the children, and answer your safety questions. 


Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Survey

The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) is undertaking a review of DDA Low Intensity Support Services (LISS), is providing a survey, to gather input from any stakeholders throughout MD.  This includes people with developmental disabilities and their families,
You are encouraged to share your perspective about what is working and not working well with LISS, in addition to ideas and recommendations you may have. All responses to the survey will be completely confidential.  Please fill out the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LISSMaryland

 

Supreme Court Decision on Affordable Care Act 

Disability groups across the United States celebrated the Supreme Court Decision released on June 28, 2012. The Court upheld key provisions in the law. For families of children with disabilities the law has several important features: no one can be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition; young adults may stay on their parents insurance until age 26; and increased funding to Community Health Centers and School Based Health Centers. Each state is able to expand its Medicaid program to give families and individuals greater access to quality healthcare and long-term home and community based care. 

The Kaiser Family Foundation offers a downloadable fact sheet on the Affordable Care Act.  And, Healthcare.gov has a timeline to show when different parts of the law go into effect.

 

 

FUN & FREE BOUNCE & LEARN; SUPPORT GROUP THIS WEDNESDAY; ADHD WORKSHOP SUPPORT GROUP

ADHD Workshop Support Group-Meeting held on July 16, 2012, at the IHOP in Rockville, MD, from 5:30-9:30PM.  New group for persons with ADHD to share workplace experiences and stratagies.  Informal meeting with experienced facilitator.

(The following info has been given by Michell Landrum)

Have fun at the Bounce & Learn event, July 18, 2012, at Joyful Jumps, 6858 Race Track Road, Bowie. This event is FREE for parents and their children age 2 to 12 who have developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, and other special needs.  Siblings are welcome.

Sponsored by John Hopkins University’s SEED & EARLI studies, in collaboration with The Arc Central Chesapeake Region

& Friends of Early Childhood Intervention

Two age groupings:

Children ages 2-6 play from 4-5PM, followed by refreshments

Children ages 7-12 play from 5-6PM, followed by refreshments

While the kids play, parents can hear brief talks on encouraging communication, homemade toys, and how families can participate in developmental research.   Parents must sign a waiver and remain with their children. Don’t forget socks!

RSVP by July 14, 2012 to mlandrum@jhsph.edu with the number of adults and children attending.  

The Parent Connection Support Group meets this Wednesday, July 11, 2012, from 7-8:30PM, at the Flower Valley ES, in Rockville, MD.  This support group is for parents of children with learning disabilities.  Meeting's topic will be summer learning activities.  RSVP at ldampcpc@yahoo.com or 301-933-1076. 

Brain Scans Detect Early Signs Of Autism--As Early As 6 Months Old, Tuition Waiver At Montgomery College

Brain Scans Detect Early Signs Of Autism
By Autism Society

A new study shows significant differences in brain development in high-risk infants who develop autism starting as early as 6-months-old. The findings published in the American Journal of Psychiatry reveal that this abnormal brain development may be detected before the appearance of autism symptoms in an infant’s first year of life. Autism is typically diagnosed around the age of 2 or 3.
Read the complete article: http://www.autism-society.org/news/brain-scans-detect-early.html

(The following is brought to you by Karen Leggett of the Transition Work Group)               

The Tuition Waiver Has Been Reinstated At Montgomery College For Students With Disabilities in Workforce Dvpt and Continuing Education classes, including Challenge classes and Graduate Transition Program.  Effective now, the certification form, which requires the signature of a Social Security Administration case manager or other official, is attached. It is valid for one year.  The link to the document is here: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/WorkArea/DAsset.aspx?id=18370

Information on resources, events and more at facebook.com/transitionworkgroup.

TIRE YOUR KIDS OUT! SIGN UP FOR CYCLING, CROSS-COUNTRY, TENNIS, POWERLIFTING.....$$HOW MUCH$$....FREE!!!

The Parent Connection - support group for parents with learning disabilities.
Next meeting is on July 11, 2012.  The topic will be Summer Learning Activities.  Details on time, location, and to RSVP, call 301-933-1076 or ldamcpc@yahoo.com.

Cycling, Cross-Country Running, Tennis, Powerlifting, Soccer, Bowling.......What do all of these summer activites have in common??  They're for your special needs child and they're FREE!!!  It's all sponsored by the Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD).  (My son doesn't know it yet but he's participating in at least 2-4 of them!)  Go to
http://www.somdmontgomery.org/wp2/wp-content/uploads/somo/SUMMERFALLRELAYFINAL0626121.pdf?utm_source=Notice+of+Late+Summer%2FFall+2012+Newsletter&utm_campaign=summer%2Ffall++newsletter&utm_medium=email

It's in PDF form, and scroll down to the second page.  Hurry and sign up!!  A couple are starting next week!