Thursday, April 2nd, 2015 marks the 8th annual World Autism Awareness Day. Around the world, autism organizations, parents, and individuals with autism will be recognizing the day with all kinds of events, from telling their stories, to fundraising, to showing support. As he turned 18 in November, this year will be our son Eric’s first World Autism Awareness day as an adult. So I thought I would share with you some of our family’s experiences in transitioning Eric from a child with autism to an adult with autism.  

Knowing that Eric is within the severe range of the autism scale led us in a certain direction. The process is very individualized, depending on each person’s capabilities and skills. The first step for us was having an up-to-date psychological assessment done on Eric to document his capabilities, challenges, and his I.Q. This step was very important when it came to finding out what funding and supports our son qualified for.  

Next we applied for PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities). In Alberta, this funding model gives dollars for services provided to the individual, either through a community agency, or through family managed services. To qualify, you must have significant limitation in intellectual capacity and in adaptive skills (basic living skills). You must have had both of these limitations before you turn 18. My advice: start this process when your child is 16 years old.

When you qualify for PDD they conduct an assessment called the Supports Intensity Scale. This helped them to establish what Eric can and can’t do for himself, and how much support he needs to do each task successfully. They like to see people from different aspects of the individual’s life at this meeting (including the person with autism), all giving input to provide a well rounded picture. This helps to indicate what services and supports Eric needs. Once he was approved for PDD, that meant that Eric would likely be approved when we applied for AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped), which gives him a monthly living allowance and health benefits.  

There was still more to be done. Currently and into the foreseeable future, our son will not be capable of making life decisions for himself, so my husband and I had to apply to become Eric’s guardians, for decisions like where he will live, what work he will do, medical care, his safety, etc. Likewise, we also had to apply to become his trustees, as he currently is not able to make financial decisions for himself. Usually a family member or close friend becomes a guardian and/or trustee. If no one applies to fill this role, the Office of the Public Guardian takes on this responsibility at the age of 18.

Whew! After a very stressful year and a half of meetings, assessments, applications, and interviews, we now have PDD and AISH for our son, as well as trusteeship and guardianship of Eric. People all along the way did their best to give us assistance with paperwork, advice and encouragement, but it is just a very long, multi-faceted undertaking.

Are we done? Not at all; now begins the task of helping him to build a life.

Click here to read more

Facebook Group Supports Autism Parents in Rockyview/Kneehill

Autism parents in the Rockyview/Kneehill area now have a new source of support – A Facebook group founded by a local parent. The group will be a place for parents to share experiences, resources and tips. Click here to join.

Join the Celebration – Bubbles for Autism in Calgary

Click the poster to see a larger version (including additional information)

There’s Still Time to Fill in ASA’s Member Survey!

If you haven’t filled in our member survey yet, we’d still love to hear from you! It’s your chance to tell us how we can serve you better through our web site and social media. It should only take 15 minutes or less to fill it in – Just visit http://autismsocietyalberta.org/member-survey to get started. Thank you for your participation!

Free Swim for Autism in Fort McMurray

Join us in raising autism awareness with a free public swim!

We hope to see you there!

Job Posting – Volunteer Services Coordinator

Since 1971, the Autism Society of Edmonton Area (ASEA) has stood as a pillar of support and advocacy for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as for their families. Today, ASEA responds to over 10,000 general inquiries per year, of which 1200 are specific requests for support and assistance from individuals, families, and service professionals in the Edmonton and surrounding communities.
 
Currently, ASEA is looking for dynamic and dedicated individual to fill term part-time position of Volunteer Services Coordinator. This is a one-year term position with good possibility of renewal.
 
Click here to learn more

Keys to Creating a Good Transition Plan

A Transition Plan can act as a road map in guiding you and your youth towards achieving their goals and vision for the future. A good Transition Plan:

• Is created early: by the time the youth is 16 years old
• Is person-centred: focuses on what’s important to the youth
• Identifies immediate and future goals, actions and timelines
• Is created as a team
• Encourages connections with community and natural supports
• Celebrates successes and milestones

The transition team identifies what actions need to take place to achieve the youth’s goals captured on the Transition Plan. Tasks or strategies to achieve the goals are assigned to a team member and include timelines.
 
Finally, check the plan to ensure it is consistent with the youth’s vision. Answering the following questions can help everyone ensure the plan is heading in the right direction:

1. Do the goals move the youth toward his or her dreams?
2. Will reaching these goals assist the youth in leading a healthy and successful adult life?

Visit the Human Services Transition Planning webpage to learn more about the integrated approach to transition planning and proactive supports that are available. If you have any questions about your role in transition planning, please contact your local FSCD office.

Bubbles for Autism in Red Deer on April 2

Autism Society Alberta – Central Alberta Chapter will be joining together with other communities all over Alberta to celebrate Autism Awareness! We would like to welcome all families and friends touched by Autism to come out and blow some bubbles with us and show that they care about people with autism.

Please join us in Red Deer this April 2nd 2015 at 5:00 p.m. as we celebrate Autism Awareness Day.
 
We will be meeting at Bower Ponds (4707 Fountain Drive Red Deer) on the steps of the Cronquist house and then walking to the park and blowing bubbles all the way!

Please invite friends, family, teachers & neighbours!

This event is a fun way to make our communities more aware of autism and the needs of those affected by it.

For more information, contact central@autismsocietyalberta.org

Spring Programs for Teens

This spring, the Centre for Autism Services Alberta is offering a range of programs for teens with ASD. Click the program names to download each program brochure:

• Independence In The Kitchen – Adult Cooking Class
• Blast Into Fitness
• Unleash Your Creativity – Creative Expression Program
• Join The Treasure Hunt – Explore Our Geocaching Program
• Let’s Ride Program – Learning to Use ETS
• Shop, Cook and Learn
  
• Exploring Art Program

Click the links to register and learn more!