The Center Blog

Fantastic Workshop

by Lynn on 01/19/12

If you haven't had the opportunity to hear Peter Gerhardt speak, he is not to be missed. The workshop hosted by the Center, Bridges to Adulthood, received rave reviews by staff and parents alike. We all left feeling inspired, heartened, and hopeful about the future for individuals with Autism.

One of my favorite Peter quotes from the day: "I'm thoroughly done with talking about what people with Autism can't do. Let's talk about what they can do. That's where the fun is"

Below, (almost) the entire Center staff with Dr. Gerhardt at our December 3, 2011 workshop.

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The Center will be open January 3rd!

by Lynn on 12/28/11

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays! The Center is currently closed for winter break, and will be open and back to business on Tuesday January 3rd.We are looking forward to seeing everyone again soon!

Happy New Year!

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The Dance

by Lynn on 12/08/11

I intended to post this a month ago- better late than never!

Its a cool job we all have at the Center. We get to be a part of a lot of big moments in the lives of the children and families we work with.

There are some moments we get to be a part of that anyone would consider significant; a child saying his first word, or calling his mother "mama" for the first time.

Other big moments probably cannot be fully appreciated by people outside of the Autism community. You would have to be a part of the day to day effort, struggles, and missteps to appreciate the significance of the first time a child asks a question, tells a well timed joke, or chooses to play with a friend at school without being prompted.

In the past week alone Center therapists were lucky enough to hear a two year old client sing his first song, see a teenage client order a coffee coolatta for the first time (see, we are teaching critical life skills here!), and be a part of a "sending off party" for one young man's first trip to a formal high school dance.

The sending off party was particularly special, as this guy is one I have known since he was three years old. Myself, and other Center therapists were there the first time he said his name intelligibly. We facilitated his first play dates, taught him to swim and ride a bike. All of it was wonderful, but honestly, none of it was easy. Teaching the difference between "yes" and "no" was painstaking- it took several months. Almost everything he was taught took time, patience, and a lot of positive reinforcement.

I still remember how I felt when at four years old he responded to a question with "I don't know" independently for the first time. What a victory! He had worked so hard on this, and it was a concept that needed to be mastered: If someone asks you a question that you know the answer to, give the answer. For all other questions, say "I don't know". It required discrimination training, and for this little guy, a lot of "think outside the box" teaching strategies (the beauty of ABA- there are limitless teaching strategies that can be used). Each seemingly little skill we teach is important...if you can't say "I don't know" and ask appropriate follow up questions, you really can't carry on a two way conversation.

Without understanding the amount of work it took for him to learn each word and master each skill, you wouldn't be able to appreciate the significance of the sending off party.

He has grown up into a very cool 17 year old who still works hard, and still keeps everyone on their toes. He has quite a following- Here he is on the big night with his date, and with the Center therapists past and present who came to see him off.

By the way- he danced to every song!

With Center staff:

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Saving a life

by Lynn on 11/12/11

Since the Center opened, we have chosen to provide our staff with CPR and first aid training. This summer Tanya and I became certified Red Cross instructors- allowing the Center to provide Red Cross first aid, CPR, and AED training in house.

Over the years various therapists have used some of the skills they have learned including appropriate ways to treat minor injuries, and even the heimlich maneuver once or twice. Up until last month, no one has ever been in a situation that required utilizing their CPR skills.

In October, Center therapist Jackie Tuttle used CPR to save the life of an 18 year old man who collapsed and stopped breathing in the parking lot of a grocery store. Although Jackie hadn't yet had her Red Cross class through CGD, she did have current Red Cross certification and intervened to help this stranger when she recognized someone attempting to perform CPR incorrectly and ineffectively. We are in awe of Jackie's selfless nature, and the presence of mind she was able to maintain in a traumatic situation.

I can't say that I am surprised that Jackie stepped up to help while others watched. She is part of a very special group of people who were chosen to be a part of the Center not only because of a gift for teaching children with special needs, but because they fit into the Center culture. In smaller ways, I see this with the staff each day- I am surrounded by people who step up, who are willing to take risks for the good of someone else, who are unflappable, fiercely devoted, and own their skills.

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Congratulations Danielle!

by Lynn on 11/12/11

Center therapist Danielle Daure earned her BCBA!

What we think is particularly impressive- Danielle had a baby and earned her BCBA all in the same year. An excellent example of the amazing things all of the working parents of the Center can accomplish. We strive to create a working environment that allows parents to pursue career ambitions and enjoy raising a family, without compromising much of either.

Well done Danielle! Congratulations!

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Peter Gerhardt Workshop December 3, 2011- details below : )

by Lynn on 11/09/11

Dr. Peter Gerhardt will be presenting:

"Bridges to Adulthood for Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Targeting Lives of Competence and Quality"

Saturday December 3, 2011 at the Courtyard Marriott in Shelton, CT

9:00am-4:00pm

Parents: $75.00 (includes workshop plus continental breakfast, lunch, snack)

Professionals: $100 (includes workshop plus continental breakfast, lunch, snack, and BCBA CEs)

6.5 CEs available for BCBAs and BCABAs

Peter Gerhardt is a dynamic speaker! This workshop is an excellent opportunity for parents of adolescents, teenagers, and young adults with Autism, as well as professionals who work with this demographic to learn about and discuss the complex issues related to transitioning individuals with ASD to adulthood.

We have approximately 10 seats left. If you are interested in attending, please email the Center: TheCenter_ABA@yahoo.com

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We are open tomorrow!

by Lynn on 10/30/11

The Center has power and will be open on time tomorrow.

If your child's school is closed, and you have made arrangements with your child's therapist to meet at the Center, be sure to bring a costume for the Halloween party!

Happy Halloween!

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Our evening with Jill Mays

by Lynn on 10/05/11

We had a fabulous time with Jill Mays last night! Jill presented her book and shared her expertise on motor development and sensory processing for typical children and children on the autism spectrum. She put particular emphasis on "the quiet senses"; proprioception (activated by pressure to the joints), kinesthesia (activated by movement of the muscles), and the vestibular system (activated by rotation and movement, change in head position). We learned about enhancing sensorimotor development all the way from newborn reflexes through bike riding.
A special thank you to Jill Mays for spending the evening with us sharing her insight and experience. Thank you also to the many parents that joined us- your thoughtful (and sometimes lively!) comments and questions made the evening a joy. Lastly, thank you to the ever committed Center staff members whose open minds, and insatiable desire for new information and skills makes the Center an amazing place to teach and learn.

Photos

Below: Jill discusses the vestibular system

Below: Center supervisors with Jill Mays after the presentation (left to right: Jillian Cano, Nicole Nemchek, Lynn Hartigan, Pam Konareski, Jill Mays, Colleen Balash, Liz Venturini, Gail Felice)

Below: Our gift from Jill, a signed copy of her book

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Jill Mays- This Tuesday, October 4th at 7:30 pm

by Lynn on 09/30/11

This Tuesday! Only a few seats left!

Tuesday, October 4th at 7:30 pm the Center will welcome Jill Mays to discuss her newly released book, Your Child's Motor Development Story. This event is a great opportunity to hear Jill speak, participate in a Q & A session, and have her sign your own copy of Your Child's Motor Development Story. Copies of the book will be available at a discounted rate. Dessert & coffee will be provided : )

Throughout her 30+ year career, Jill has been helping parents and educators understand the many concepts of sensory motor development- processes that affect not only motor skills, but also the emotional well being of the child and the child's ability to organize and attend to the world.

Your Child's Motor Development Story is designed to provide the parent critical insight into the physical development of any child, beginning with a baby's first simple movements and traveling all the way through the complexity required to participate in organized sports. Developmental obstacles are discussed in depth and practical solutions and strategies are provided.

Jill Mays is an occupational therapist with more than three decades of experience working with children with sensory- motor challenges as well as typically developing children (not to mention raising her own three children!). Jill has been a long time friend of the Center for Growth & Development, providing OT services and consultation to many Center children over the years both in our facility and in her home office. You may have had the pleasure of meeting Jill at the invaluable cycling clinic she provided for Center children in April. Anyone who is navigating the complex terrain of raising young children will benefit from Jill's expertise. Jill holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, and completed a teaching fellowship at New York University.

Please RSVP to the center (thecenter_ABA@yahoo.com)
to reserve a seat!

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He's Kind of a Big Deal... Peter Gerhardt is coming to the Center!

by Lynn on 09/22/11

That's right folks.... Peter Gerhardt, Behavior Analyst to the Stars, will be coming to the Center in December. Dr. Gerhardt is a dynamic speaker and a world renowned expert in the field of autism treatment, with specific expertise in adolescence and transitioning to adulthood.

On Saturday December 3, 2011 Dr. Gerhardt will be presenting a workshop entitled "Bridges to Adulthood: Promoting Competence, Dignity, and Quality of Life". The workshop is full day, 9:00am-4:00pm, and will take place at the Center. Seats will be offered first to Center staff and clients, and any remaining spots will be made available to the greater community.

We are honored to host Dr. Gerhardt, and anxiously await the December 3rd workshop.

Dr. Gerhardt has over 25 years experience working with adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders in educational, employment, and community based settings. He is the author or co-author of articles and book chapters on the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder, the school-to-work-transition process and analysis and intervention of problematic behavior. Dr. Gerhardt is currently the Director of the Upper School at the McCarton School in Manhattan.

He has presented nationally and internationally on these topics. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education.

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Anytime Fitness

by Lynn on 09/14/11

Did you know that our good neighbor, Anytime Fitness, has offered special rates to Center families and staff? Anytime Fitness is a beautiful (not to mention incredibly convenient!) gym. Stop in and check it out!

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Staff Growth & Development

by Lynn on 09/08/11

We believe that continuing education is crucial to the Center's ability to provide state of the art applied behavior analysis services to the children we work with. To keep up on the latest research, techniques and technologies, the Center supports each staff member's participation in continuing education. Over the years our staff has attended many trainings, workshops and classes taught by the finest Behavior Analysts in the field of Autism treatment. We are particularly proud of the thoughtful, reflective and meaningful learning and growing that is taking place this year.
Two therapists have recently enrolled in Pennsylvania State University's online Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst program. These motivated young women, Melissa Murtough and Melissa Brenner, have immersed themselves in ABA coursework and are thrilled to be on the path to pursuing certification. We look forward to being a part of this journey with Melissa and Melissa.
The Center as a community, as well as each individual child that Melissa and Melissa work with, will benefit from the deeper knowledge of ABA principles and fine tuning of clinical skills that will result from participation in the BCABA coursework.

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Powered Up

by Lynn on 09/08/11

We are thrilled that the entire extended "Center family" has power again. We are looking back on our days without electricity (and without water in some cases!) as some wonderful naturally occurring divergent thinking training, and overall a great lesson in flexibility (did I mention we are optimists here at the Center?).
During the first days after Hurricane Irene the Center became somewhat of a refugee camp, with clients and staff stopping in to charge cell phones, use the keurig, check email, and play. With the start of public schools delayed, the next few days were dubbed "Reunion Week" as many former Center clients stopped in for visits passing the time while waiting for electricity to be restored at home. By the end of the week we had abandoned the "Refugee Camp" and "Reunion Week" descriptors, and decided to call Center our very own "Cheers bar", minus the drinks.
A very special thank you to all the Center clients and staff for your generosity and mutual support. I can't think of a greater group of people to ride out a storm with.

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We are open tomorrow (Tuesday 8/30/11)!

by Lynn on 08/29/11

Hello Center Staff & Families!

I hope everyone made it through the storm safely. The Center has power, thank goodness! We are looking forward to the beginning of a new school year, and very grateful to be starting only one day later than planned.

If you don't have power at your home, bring your chargers for cell phones and laptops and charge up while you are here : )

See you tomorrow!

Lynn

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Be Safe!

by Lynn on 08/27/11

Hi Everyone. I hope you are all safe, dry, and prepared for the storm. As of right now, we are planning on being closed on Monday. After Monday we will take it one day at a time and keep you posted as well as we can. Good luck. Hopefully when Irene is behind us we will be able to get back to a regular routine soon.

Wishing you well!

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