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Autism Around Alberta – June 2017 Edition
This Board is Not Boring!
Over the years, I’ve sat on a number of boards and committees. Many of them were, well, boring. They were about budgets and numbers and a lot of what seemed like rubber-stamping. 
Autism Alberta’s Board of Directors is composed of inspired, passionate people who use both head and heart to move Alberta toward a better quality of life for people on the spectrum. The good news is that there is currently room for you to join this forward-thinking board! If you are concerned about the issues surrounding people who are affected by autism, please consider joining our board. I can promise it won’t be dull! Contact dbarrett@interbaun.com, or call Deborah at 780-982-2051.
Child Care is available, but please BE SURE to let us know by Thursday, August 24, 2017 at jscheyen@hotmail.com
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Autism Around Alberta – May 2017 Edition
Our Spring Vacation
This Spring Break, we were very fortunate to get away on a vacation to Mexico. It was definitely time to escape winter for a bit! We had travelled with Conor and Shea before, so I had picked up a few tips for this upcoming trip.
I made sure we had plenty of activities to choose from on the plane. After all, Conor told me before that plane journeys are the most boring thing in the world! We packed together, so he had lots of say in what he wanted to bring, and he chatted lots about what we would do once we got there. For the first time, he was actually getting excited about the whole adventure!
This time our airport experience was much calmer. The new terminal in Calgary meant we did not have to line up or deal with crowds going through security. That really helped! Choosing where to eat did result in a meltdown, but Conor went along with our group plan and tried a new restaurant. Before boarding, he spent lots of time in the play areas and running up and down the corridor to satisfy his sensory needs!
The flight went great, with no big lineups after we landed, and we arrived at our destination safe and sound after a very long day of travel. Big relief!
Autism Around Alberta – April 2017 Edition
April Update From The Autism Society of the RMWB
Happy Autism Awareness Month from the Autism Society of the RMWB!
We were also invited to the Wellness Fair at Peter Pond Mall. Groups from the region that promote mental and physical health were invited to have a booth and do talks about their organizations and what they provide for the community. It was a great to chance for us to share about what we do.
We are fundraising hanging baskets from Meadow Creek Greenhouses until the end of April, for delivery in May. So far the fundraiser is going very well!
We also hosted a Swim for a Toonie event at MacDonald Island on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness day! We offered sensory items for sale, information packages and displays, pins, and tickets for our Gala. We had a great turnout, and it was a very successful day!
Autism Around Alberta – March 2017 Edition
Hardly Eating Anything!
Can you count on one hand the foods your child will eat? Perhaps your family has concerns about nutrition. Maybe your child’s weight is below average as a result. I went through the very same thing with Eric when he was younger, and still have to prep him when I want him to give a new food a chance.
There are so many strategies I’ve used over the years. Today let’s just concentrate on one strategy: make food a play thing! Invent a lot of play opportunities that involve food, when there is NO pressure to eat. This is not done at meal time, and maybe not even at the table where you normally eat, but in places in your home that are associated with fun.
For some people with autism, part of the problem is that they need to build up trust and confidence with food. Meaning, they need to have many experiences with food so that they slowly learn to cope with the overwhelming input that comes through their senses. In this way, you help to prevent them from feeling the overpowering fear and stress they may associate with food, and therefore increase their interest and comfort in eating other things.
Don’t tell them what to do in the activities; show all the ways you can think of participating, by doing it yourself. Be expressive with your words and your facial expressions. Show by example that you can touch the food, smell it, lick it, put it some on your nose or chin and laugh. Lay cooked spaghetti over your head to make long hair.
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Autism Around Alberta – February 2017 Edition
February Update from Autism RMWB
Happy Valentine’s Month from the Autism Society of the R.M.W.B.! This month we hosted a family tubing day at our local ski hill. It was great turnout, with 98 people in attendance. Everyone had a blast, weather was great, and the staff at Vista Ridge were amazing!
In other news, a local boy named Josh generously requested that, instead of getting birthday gifts, his friends and family should make donations to the Autism Society of the RMWB. In total $415 was given to us on his behalf. We are so grateful for such a kind gesture from such an amazing kid! A big thank you to Josh!
We are planning several new events for the upcoming months:
- March Movie Night
- Autism Awareness Art Gala on April 22nd, featuring comedian Don Burnstick
- Paint Night fundraiser for Mother's Day on May 14th (Almost sold out!)
Sincerely,
Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
780-742-4424
AutismSupport@AutismRMWB.org
Autism Around Alberta – January 2017 Edition
January 2017 Edition
New Year’s Resolutions?
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It’s OK not to be involved in everything that you feel you should be. Because of Conor’s ASD I feel like I need to be involved in every committee and activity, but in reality it’s just too overwhelming, and is simply not possible. -
Stop feeling like Conor has to be busy all the time to help him regulate. With school demands and extracurricular activities he needs that downtime, just like all kids. I have to tell myself that it’s OK to take a break and have a quiet weekend – sometimes that is what we all need.
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Spend more quality time with Conor and Shea – we don’t always have to go somewhere. Never be too busy to stop, listen and focus on what they are telling me or showing me.
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Take care of me! Making time for the things that I enjoy doing is very important. I am a better person and parent when I can do this. I need to stay healthy for my kids!
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Follow Conor’s cues more. Give him more independence to make him feel good about himself.
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Stay connected with friends
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Continue to learn about ASD – this will be a lifelong intention!
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Stop and look at how far Conor has come, and appreciate the amazing progress. Make sure to tell him, too!
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When regression hits, remember that he will come out of it and progress. Just be there for him and give him the support he needs.
It’s OK not to be involved in everything that you feel you should be. Because of Conor’s ASD I feel like I need to be involved in every committee and activity, but in reality it’s just too overwhelming, and is simply not possible.(more…)
Autism Around Alberta – December 2016 Edition
December News from the Autism Society of the RMWB
It has been a very busy month for the Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and we have had great success with all our events since our last update.
We had a great turnout to our movie night! A lot of parents thanked us and asked that we try to put on more of these events, and we are now looking hosting an adult/teen movie night in the new year.
We have also been getting amazing feedback on our visit from Dr. Anthony Bailey, Dr. David Nicolas, Dr. Deborah Barrett and Nancy Gale. Our community is grateful to them for taking the time to come all the way up here to give us some wonderful information and advice.
Our fundraising efforts have been going well, but raising funds is challenging in a community that is still recovering from the events of the summer. A lot of our businesses are still struggling, but we were amazed that we managed to sell twice as many poinsettias as our initial target!
Our Christmas party was a hit, too! We had almost double the kids from last year – almost 70 children had a wonderful time visiting with Santa and enjoying the bouncy castles. They all loved their gifts from 
Santa, too! Even the parents told us what a great time they had, and that they’re already looking forward to next year’s celebration.
We are all excited for the New Year and all the great things we have planned for 2017. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Autism Society of the R.M.W.B.!
Sincerely,
Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
780-742-4424
AutismSupport@AutismRMWB.org
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Autism Around Alberta – November 2016 Edition
Three Stressful Mistakes
My name is Kitty Parlby. I am:- the mother of a son with severe autism
- a special needs Educational Assistant
- a speaker/presenter on the subject of autism
- a member of the Board of Directors for Autism Alberta
Autism Around Alberta – October 2016 Edition
Autism Families Looking For Jobs in Smaller Centres
In a medium-to-large city, you can likely find support when looking for a job for your family member with autism. There are organizations in the larger centres that have programs and services to facilitate job placement support for those with autism.Autism Around Alberta – September 2016 Edition
Central Alberta Support & Information Group – September Update
On September 12, 2016, eighteen parents gathered at the GH Dawe Community Centre to discuss some of their challenges and successes so far during the new school year. We got to hear from some parents about the things that have been going great for their children, and we also had the chance to provide support and talk through some suggestions for others who are experiencing a difficult transition back to school. Parents enjoyed meeting and connecting with others on a similar journey, and I loved that we had some parents of older (high school and middle school) children come out and share what the new school year looks like for them and their family. They also really enjoyed the free childminding that is graciously provided by ASA for some well-needed respite – this month, we had a record 9 children in the Kidz Club!
The last thirty minutes of our meeting were dedicated to the discussion of any new business items that people in attendance wanted to discuss. Parents were very excited to hear about the plans made by the Social Solvers Crew about the Playdate Program – many parents were heading home to fill out the Social Skills and Information Profile and await their child’s match! If you'd like to learn more, visit www.socialsolvers.ca.
Autism Around Alberta – August 2016 Edition
Moving Mountains – My AGM Experience
It was not five hours of budgets and reports – it was time spent learning and celebrating the other events and initiatives happening all over Alberta. For myself, on a personal level, it was a chance to spend time and connect with other parents and grandparents from across the province who are actively working to make the lives of all people touched by autism better. They are working tirelessly on policy, fundraising, and awareness. Most importantly (for me), I get the privilege of sitting in a room with parents who have children who are significantly older than my daughter and gaining knowledge and tips from them for when we get there. The advice, in my mind, is invaluable. My Matea is ten years shy of adulthood, but what a fast ten years I know it will be. I am forever thankful to this group of men and women who give of their time and their experience to help me and my daughter.Autism Around Alberta – July 2016 Edition
Autism Alberta AGM – August 20, 2016
I used to think Annual General Meetings were boring, not something that would interest me. That changed a lot when I got involved in the autism community. I learned that Annual General Meetings were my chance to find out what was going on in the broader autism world. AGMs were my chance to try to shape a future for my son and my family. They were my chance to meet families just a little further down the road than I was, families that freely shared from their experience and helped me navigate the next set of challenges. In short, I learned that I was short-changing myself if I didn’t attend. Annual General Meetings have become a way to meet more of the autism community across Alberta. Yes, it takes a day out of my life, but it’s also a day that gives me life . . . and connection . . . and community. I invite you to join us. See if it does the same for you.
Autism Alberta’s Annual General MeetingSaturday, August 20, 2016
10: 00 AM – 3:00 PM
Board Room
GH Dawe Centre
56 Holt St
Red Deer, Alberta
RSVP to info@autismalberta.ca
by 4:00 PM, Thursday, Aug 18, 2016
Child Care is available, but we MUST know your needs by 4 PM, August 12, 2016. Please note, this is a week earlier than the general RSVP.
Autism Around Alberta – June 2016 Edition
Fort McMurray Community Discussions
Autism Alberta, the University of Calgary, and community leaders and partners are working together to better understand the information and resource needs related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for rural, remote, and northern communities in Alberta. On April 20th and April 21st, two terrific in-person meetings, led by Kirsti Mardell and Tosha Moore, identified areas to advance in Fort McMurray. Approximately 40 community members with a range of experiences participated in the meetings, including family members of individuals with ASD, service providers, and even a local media representative! Click here to see the media story.Autism Around Alberta – May 2016 Edition
Alberta’s Autism Community Pulls Together in Support of Fire-Affected Families
Thank you all for your outpouring of concern and support for Alberta’s wildfire evacuees.
Autism Around Alberta – April 2016 Edition
Is Your Partner on the Spectrum?
Is your relationship clearly difficult, but you feel you love each other? Are you like a couple trying to dance but not hearing the same rhythm? This year, Autism Edmonton started a drop-in discussion group for adults in relationship with individuals with ASD. Members learn about high functioning autism and have the opportunity to discuss their own experiences with others in similar situations. An official diagnosis of autism is not required.
In the past year we have had two special information nights with professional speakers. Diane Hinves, PhD, a marriage and family therapist and psychologist with a special interest in neurology and how brain function may be affected by autism, and Cory Hrushka, psychologist and sex therapist, spoke to our group and answered questions. Other discussions were led by Support Services staff and volunteers. Topics we focused on were core aspects of autism, social needs of the neurotypical partner, lack of clarity around needs, and socializing as a couple.
