Social Skills Group Starting in Conway

Social Skills Groups
We are excited to announce that social skills groups are forming and will begin this September in Conway. The groups will include up to 8 children with 2 group leaders.

The social skills groups are open to children ages 4-12 who need instruction in the area of social skills. Deficits in this area are commonly found in children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders but a formal diagnosis is not required.

Group leaders will utilize research-based strategies and ABA methodology during instruction. Data will be collected during each session to monitor progress on the areas being programmed for.

An intake appointment with both the parent and child will be scheduled for August and will assist group leaders in developing social skill goals and group placement. Ongoing communication with parents will assist in allowing skills that are learned in group to be practiced outside of group times.

Group Leaders:

Jennifer Hennessey, Ed.D., is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has over 10 years experience working with children on the autism spectrum in both home and public school settings.

Shelia Smith, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, has over 6 years experience specializing in early childhood and working with children on the autism spectrum. She is currently completing coursework and receiving supervision required for the BCBA exam.

For more information, please contact Jennifer at 501-940-4435 jhennessey@conwaycorp.net or Shelia at 501-730-3578 dr.sheliasmith@gmail.com

FYAN Conference and Dr. Ross Greene

I just returned from the first annual FYAN (Family Youth Assistance Network) conference. It was an informative event and one I would recommend. One highlight of the meeting was the presentation on Friday by Dr. Ross Greene on Collaborative Problem Solving. Dr. Greene is the author of "The Explosive Child" and "Lost at School." His technique for dealing with children with challenging behaviors is first rate. If you are interested, he is coming back to Arkansas in June for the ARMEA conference. Here's the link. http://www.arkansasmentalhealthineducation.org/events.html

Mike's Morning Mo-Joe

Mike's Morning Mo-Joe

Online Arkansas Autism Resources

I was just asked to put together a listing of parent support groups for Autism in Arkansas. Here's what I have come up with so far (in no particular order). Please post comments if you have some to add to the list!

http://www.aaroc.org/
http://www.communityconnectionsar.org/
http://www.arkansasautism.org/
http://www.arfeatok.org/
http://nwaautismsupport.com/Home_Page.php
http://www.aanea.org/
http://conwayasperger.org/
http://arkansasnaa.org/
http://www.parentsofspecialkidssearcy.org/
http://achildsvoiceautismfoundation.org/
http://www.calmmar.org/
http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fsdb/category.php?sid=5&cid=108
http://www.eyecontactarkansas.org/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ArkansasAutismNetwork/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ParentsofchildrenwithAspergers/

HEAR to host CAM lecture

Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) Lecture Series

H.E.A.R. (Helping Educate about Autism Recovery) presents "Integrative & Holistic Care of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders" by Nancy O'Hara.

Saturday, May 22, 2010
10am to 3pm

Wilson Education Building
UAMS
1st Floor Lecture Hall
Hooper and Markham Streets
Little Rock, Arkansas

Registration fee is $6.00 (box lunch provided) and registration deadline is Friday, May 14, 2010. To register call Dianna Varady at (501) 526-6084 or email divarady@yahoo.com

AR Autism Speaks Kick Off Event May 1st!

I will be attending the Kick Off Event for the Autism Speaks Walk. It is this Saturday at 11 am at the Clinton Library.

2010 Arkansas Walk Now for Autism Speaks Kick Off Event
Saturday, May 1st
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Clinton Presidential Center
For more information please email arkansas@autismspeaks.org

2010 Arkansas Walk Now for Autism Speaks
Clinton Presidential Center
1200 President Clinton Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Registration: 8:30 am
Walk Starts: 10:00 am
REGISTER TODAY: www.walknowforautismspeaks.org

Walked in the AAROC 5 K Saturday

I did it in the rain too! The 3rd annual All Out For Autism 5K was Saturday morning. Although it was wet, it was a great event. The race benefits AAROC - a great resource for anyone impacted by Autism in Arkansas. http://www.aaroc.org/ is the website.