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 April 2015
The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County Chapter
www.asncmeck.org
Thursday April 16, 2015
1623 Carmel Rd. Charlotte, NC 28226-5097
7:00-9:00pm
Is your child moving to a new school/grade level?
Transitions can be tricky!
Are there some things you would like to ask ASNC?
Come out to meet with parents and teachers who can help answer
your questions!
For a comprehensive calendar of events and activities in the area for individuals with autism or special needs,
visit www.asncmeck.org
Also visit our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/asncmcc
Email info@asncmeck.org to be added to our email blast list.
St. John's Episcopal Church
1623 Carmel Rd. Charlotte,
28226-5097
The church is located across the street
from Charlotte Country Day, close to the
intersection of Carmel and Fairview Rd.
It's about 3 miles east of South Park Mall.
Park in the back of the church. Meeting is
in the second floor.
Doors open at 7:00pm. Announcements
at 7:10.
Come when you can and leave when you
must.
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April 2015
The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County Chapter
www.asncmeck.org
April is Autism Awareness Month!!
In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to
highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who have the disorder, so they can lead full and
meaningful lives. The Autism Society of North Carolina recognizes that acceptance of each person as an individual
and of their ability to contribute to society is just as important, so we added “Acceptance” to the day. WAAAD has
grown into a wonderful event; a day when new friends and old come together to celebrate community. The Autism
Society of North Carolina has unique way of celebrating this day by opening Camp Royall for our families to
enjoy a day at camp. But Camp Royall is far away and many of us are tied to our work and school schedules.
Celebration there may not have been an option for this year.
This month there are several opportunities. From the “Light it up Blue for Autism Speaks, early in the month, to
our own ASNC- Mecklenburg County Events listed in the calendar, to events being sponsored by other groups,
such as GPS, Autism Charlotte’s Ales for Autism, Trusted Parents’ A Night About Autism- Practical Approaches
and Resources to Raising a Child with Autism, and a 5 K to benefit the Autism Horizon Foundation, parents will
have many chances to share, celebrate, and learn more about autism. We hope you will have an occasion to take
part in as many of these as you wish.
Of course the chapter continues to host Autism Aware Fare, our annual fundraiser that provides funds for this
newsletter, the website, our meetings, Teacher Grants for Teachers with students who have autism spectrum
disorder, and the Ruth Fuller Scholarships. This year we have over 30 restaurants all around the county to choose
from who donate a portion of their profits to our group. The event is being held on Tuesday, April 21
more, check out the flyer in this edition or go to: www.autismawarefare.org to learn more. Hey, you gotta eat!!
Autism Awareness month always brings me back to my dear friends made long ago when my kiddo was in preschool. When I think back of those first conversations- discovering that someone else had a “jumping bed” in their
house, it warms my heart. That conversation led me to know for the first time, that someone else had a kiddo like
mine and I knew we would be friends for life- which we are. I hope during this month, you will spend some time
reminiscing, looking how far you have come, noting the accomplishments your family has made in learning to love
the life you have. If you haven’t spoken to your old friends, reach out to them. Happy memories and positive
connections are always good for our stamina. Connections with friends who understand, keep us strong.
If you are new to autism, you can look forward to the chance to find some wonderful friends in the future. Unlike
when my son was diagnosed, the autism community has grown tremendously. If you don’t have a close friend who
“gets” your life, please connect with the other parents in your child’s class, attend our Chapter Support Meetings
and recreation events. Once you learn enough about your child’s autism, and make changes to support your child’s
needs, life is not so bad.
Happy Autism Awareness Month!!
Nancy Nestor, ASNC-MCC Facilitator
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April 2015
The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County Chapter
www.asncmeck.org
Calendar of Events
Apr. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10th (M-F) School’s Out Club Youth Spring Break; For youth, ages 6-12, with disabilities
Marion Diehl Rec Center, 2219 Tyvola Road; 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; $35.00 per date; Travel to various field trips including
Lazy 5 Ranch and Swimming! stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov;
melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Apr. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10th (M-F) School’s Out Club for Teens Spring Break; For teens, ages 13-21, with disabilities, still
enrolled in high school; Marion Diehl Rec Center, 2219 Tyvola Road ; 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; $35.00 per date; enjoy a variety
of activities promoting social skills, physical activity and spending time with your friends!
ariel.Kleim@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov; jana.McMullen@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Apr. 7 (T) Autism Society of North Carolina Webinar: IEP Notebook: Taming the Paper Monster; Cost $10.00;
Registration closes Apr. 4th; go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iep-notebook-taming-the-paper-monster-webinartickets-14233477715
Apr. 10th (F-Sun) Camp Royall Mini-camp; 250 Bill Ash Rd Moncure, NC 27559; Providing a weekend camping
opportunity for individuals of all ages on the spectrum. Priority is given to campers who live at home, to provide respite to
families; Check-in runs from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, and campers leave by noon Sunday. Campers receive 1:1 or 1:2
counselor-to-camper supervision, based on level of need. Staff members provide close supervision in the cabins at night;
The fee for each Mini-Camp Weekend is $375, with a required deposit of $100 to secure your camper’s spot. The fee
includes supervision, activities, lodging, and all meals; Spots are first come, first served; If you have questions, please
contact: camproyall@autismsociety-nc.org or 919-542-1033.
Apr. 16th (Th) After the Diagnosis: Get Answers, Get Help, Get Going! Workshop; Autism Society of NC Charlotte a Area
Services Office, 8420 University Executive Park Dr, Suite 810, Charlotte NC 28262; FREE informational workshop for
parents and grandparents of children 8 years or younger recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. For more
information or to register, contact Nancy Popkin at 704-894-9678 or npopkin@autismsociety-nc.org
Apr. 16th (Th) Adaptive Experiences for Adults and Teens 1:00 - 2:00 PM; Independence Regional Library, 6000
Conference Dr, Charlotte, NC 28212; Walk-in program; Free; Call 704-416-4800 option 4 for more information.
Apr. 18th (Sa) Guiding Parents to Services - Autism and the Restoration Model; Dr. Jean-Ronel Corbier, Neurologist,
Director of the Neurology Wellness Center 10:30 AM - noon. ImaginOn Children's Library, 300 E 7th St., Charlotte, NC.
Free; Children welcome; MUST RESERVE FOR SPANISH TRANSLATOR; Dianne at 704-943-9416
dalexander@smartstartofmeck.org
Apr. 18th (Sa) Spring Recreation Event 10:00am; The Schiele Museum 1500 E. Garrison Blvd Gastonia, NC 28054; for
more info see flyer on page 4
Apr. 18th (Sa) Sensory Friendly Movie-"Underdogs" 10:00am; AMC Carolina Pavillion 9541 South Blvd Charlotte, NC
28273; AMC Concord Mills 8421 Concord Mills, NC 28027 matinee ticket prices
Apr. 21st (Tu) Autism Aware Fare-All day; See flyer Page 6 for participating restaurants
Apr. 23rd (Th) Sensory Storytime 6:00 - 6:30 PM; Imaginon 300 E 7th St., Charlotte, NC; No registration required. Please
call (704) 416-4630 for more information.
Apr. 24th (F) Adult Sensory Storytime 10:30 - 11:15 AM; Scaleybark Library, 101 Scaleybark Road, Charlotte NC 28209;
Register online by midnight on April 21. Please call (704) 416-6400 for info.
Apr. 25 (Sa) Ales for Autism, benefits Autism Charlotte, for more info go to: http://www.autismcharlotte.org/#!ales-forautism/c1lkw
Apr. 25 (Sa-Sun) Camp Royall Family Camping; 250 Bill Ash Rd Moncure, NC 27559; For more information, call
919-542-1033 or email camproyall@autismsociety-nc.org .
May 9 (Sa), Autism Horizon's Foundation 5K and Fun Run; Providence Plantation, for more info go to: http://
autismhorizonfoundation.org/index.php/events/annual-5k
May 14 (Th) Catwalk for Camp at The Old Mecklenburg Brewery 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217; Supporting
scholarships for summer campers to attend Camp Royall. Bringing together businesses, parents, and local celebrities for
fun, fashion, and sharing. For more information about volunteering or supporting the 2015 Catwalk to Camp events,
contact Kristy White, Chief Development Officer, at 919-865-5086 or email kwhite@autismsociety-nc.org.
May. 16th (Sa) Guiding Parents to Services - Adding Books and Literacy to Your Child's World; 10:30 AM - Noon,
ImaginOn Children's Library, 300 E 7th St., Charlotte, NC. Free; MUST RESERVE FOR SPANISH TRANSLATOR;
Dianne at 704-943-9416 dalexander@smartstartofmeck.org
Jun. 20th (Sa) Guiding Parents to Services - Finding Teaching Moments All Day Long; Dianne Alexander, GPS 10:30 AM
- Noon, ImaginOn Children's Library, 300 E 7th St., Charlotte, NC. Free; MUST RESERVE FOR SPANISH
TRANSLATOR; Dianne at 704-943-9416 dalexander@smartstartofmeck.org
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April 2015
The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County Chapter
www.asncmeck.org
Calendar of Events cont...
For current Mecklenburg Therapeutic Recreation activities, please visit their website below:
Therapeutic Recreation Programs http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Therapeutics/Pages/default.aspx
Cornelius and Huntersville Parks and Recreation http://www.cornelius.org/index.aspx?NID=170
Charlotte TEACCH Center http://teacch.com/regional%20centers/charlotte-teacch-center
***ASNC-MCC does not promote any activity or event. We simply offer information. Please note that it is your responsibility to
decide what works best for your family’s specific needs.
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April 2015
The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County Chapter
www.asncmeck.org
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April 2015
The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County Chapter
www.asncmeck.org
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April 2015
The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County Chapter
www.asncmeck.org
For years, TEACCH has been very important in the lives of many of our families. For most of us, they were the ones
who first diagnosed our children with autism. They were the ones who provided the important training needed to
understand autism on a level that you could educate others and to advocate for your child. They taught us how to
structure our lives so that our children could be successful. TEACCH was the first place to help our child be more
independent. Recently TEACCH has added new staff and new services, including ABA. Because
families need options, we would like to share this information with you.
Kasey Wilson is one of two new Autism Specialists at the Charlotte TEACCH Center. Kasey has a
Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and comes to TEACCH from the University of
Louisville Autism Center in Kentucky.
Dr. Rachel Aiello is the newly appointed Associate Director of the Charlotte TEACCH Center. Dr.
Aiello is a licensed psychologist and is directly involved with clinical services and training activities
at the center and within the community. She also is a sibling to an adult with ASD.
Shanel Diviney recently relocated to North Carolina with her family from Northern New
Jersey. She has a B.S in Biology and is now the Clinic Manager for the UNC TEACCH
Autism Program in the Charlotte Office. She is very excited about joining the UNC
TEACCH Autism team and learning more about the program as she continues settling into
her new position.”
Maria Lemler also a new Autism Specialist. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood
Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a licensed special educator for birth
through sixth grade and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She comes to TEACCH from the
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s TRIAD program.”
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April 2015
The Newsletter of the Autism Society of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County Chapter
www.asncmeck.org
TELL A FRIEND
Recently I was talking with a friend about our “journey with autism” and the discussion turned
to the helpful information we learned from other parents with children on the spectrum. As
parents, we connect with others in our community at speech therapy, OT appointments, and
special needs events. These encounters often lead to a good source of information sharing
about all kinds of information- where is a good barber, fun “autism friendly parks, and the list
goes on. Not everyone has the luxury of taking their child to private speech/ OT, or event
special events. To help those parents who are unable to connect with others, we would like to
offer this on-going column of help and support. If you have ideas that you would like to share
please feel free to send your story to Cheryl Aguero, “Autism Matters” newsletter ~
cherylaguero@yahoo.com
News to You
For those of you who have tried to contact the ASNC- Charlotte Office to speak with an Autism
Resource Specialist, you know that you will always reach an answering machine as they are either
on the phone with another parent, or they are out of the office working in the community.
Sometimes it can take as much as a week or more for calls to be returned. Our local ARS staff
only work part time, so they are not able to man the phones daily during normal working hours,
and this adds to the delay. That said, there is good news!!
In the beginning of March, the Charlotte office expanded to include a new ARS member. She is
Gwen Capers-Singleton and she has a long history working in the world on non-profits and
autism. Gwen and her family live in Southeast Charlotte and her middle child is on the Autism
Spectrum. Prior to working with ASNC, Gwen was a chapter member twice. She also worked for
the Arc of Mecklenburg and Family Support Network helping families find resources in the
Mecklenburg County. The Charlotte office is very excited to have her on-board. She will be
working evenings and some on weekends, so if you need to talk to an Autism Resource Specialist
and you work days, it might be Gwen who calls you back with the important information you
need.
From Charlotte TEACCH:
UNC TEACCH Autism Program is excited to be forming a relationship with the Discovery
Place of Charlotte as well as providing a one-hour staff training to the Morrison YMCA after
school staff. We also have shared some TEACCH Tipsheets on dating and the use of
choiceboards which can be found at our website.
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