October
3 - 4, 2008
4th Annual Autism/Disability Resource Fair & Conference, Graceview Baptist
Church, 25510 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX 77375 F
or conference information:
NorthwestHouston-ChapterASA@yahoo.com
(See
Major Conferences Link under Calendar of Events for more Details)
TO BE RESCHEDULED DUE TO BUILDING DAMAGE DONE
BY HURRICANE IKE
October 7,
2008
10:00am
- 12:00pm
MHMRA Planning Advisory Council
7033 Southwest Freeway Houston, Texas
Call Dee Hall 713-970-3466
October 11, 2008
10:00am - 12:00 noon
Chapter Meeting
October 11, 2008
10:00am - 12:00 noon
AUTISM Play Group of
Fort Bend County -
This group provides
social opportunities for children with Autism ages 1-12yrs & their families
while building a support network in Fort Bend County . We meet the 2nd Saturday
of every month. Thanks to local sponsors, drinks, snacks and door prizes are
provided. Cost is FREE but donations are appreciated. RSVP is required. For
more information, please contact Susan at
susanbgar@earthlink.net or
281-726-2665. Location for October: Lost Creek Park, Sugar
Land
October 18, 2008
North Houston Autism Play Group
for children ages 1-12 (up to 5th grade) including their parents and siblings.
This group will provide social opportunities for children with Autism & their
families while building a support network in Harris and Montgomery County . We
will meet the 3rd Saturday of every month. Everyone attending must RSVP
so that we know how many refreshments we will need. For more information, please
contact Janet at
nhautismplaygroup@sbcglobal.net or
713-962-0474
October 29, 2008
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
“K-12 Technology
Applications Conference”: Held at the Region 4 Education Service Center, 7145
W. Tidwell Rd., Houston, 77092. Explore a wealth of exciting ideas, concepts
and information designed to help teachers develop 21st Century Learners.
Presented for Teachers, By Teachers, this event is deigned to showcase the
lessons, activities, tips and tricks that teachers can use in their classrooms.
Registration fee is $50, and registration ends on October 20. For more
information, contact Marcy Kay Harris at
mharris@esc4.net.
Five Tips to Enjoy Halloween with your child who has Autism
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Prepare them for something different. Use social stories, videos, magazines and books to prepare your child for Halloween expectations. Costumes, decorations and sounds may be scary especially if it is unpredictable to the person with Autism. So whether they are trick or treating, answering the doorbell , going to a party or to the mall help them know what to expect.
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Choose a costume that “fits” your child. Fit must not only take into account size, it must take into account his or her preferences, also sensory concerns. For example, a costume with a mask may be overwhelming or uncomfortable. If your child has a natural fear of clowns a clown costume may cause a meltdown. Face paint, may trigger tactile defensiveness.
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Make a plan. If your child is on a gluten free diet. Pre plan with grandparents or friends by providing them with an acceptable snack. Scope out the neighborhood ahead of time for anything that might trigger sensory reactions? It may be better to visit 5 preplanned houses than all the houses on the street. If you have other children have someone who can take over if the child with Autism gets overwhelmed and needs to go home.
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Recruit peer or sibling support. The peer can go door to door with the person with Autism while you wait at the curb.
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Rehearse Put on the costume. Practice what to say when someone opens the door. what should he or she should say when someone says "You look beautiful (or scary or creepy)!" What if you don't like the treat that's offered? What if you meet kids you know? What if you see something that is scary? Also rehearse with the peer support what should be done in various situations. What do you say when someone gives you something?