Holiday Party

Monday December 7th

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

at

Pump It Up

The Omaha Autism support group will have a Holiday party the night of the December support group. The kids can bounce, do crafts, eats treats and best of all visit with Santa. There will not be a formal support group this night, just an opportunity for the kids to play and parents to visit. This event is free to families with children on the autism spectrum.

Download a flyer here.

Hope to see you there, no RSVP needed.  Pump It Up is located at 960 S 72nd St in Omaha, NE.

Questions: Michaela Newman 402-933-1216

The Autism Society of America has partnered with AMC to bring a free showing of the movie “Elf’ for families with children on the autism spectrum. This is a sensory friendly showing, so the lights will be turned up and the sound turned down to meet the audiences needs. The children are also free to move around if they need. You can bring in your own GFCF food items or enjoy a free popcorn and pop. RSVP is required. Enjoy the movie!

Please RSVP here or call Michaela Newman at 933-1216.

Thanks to the generosity and patience of the Bellevue Fire Department many local individuals with autism are a little more comfortable with the issues of fire safety! 

We learned about the importance of wearing our seatbelts and even practiced fastening them.  Many of us experienced the smoke trailer and even got to practice how we might climb out our window in the case of an emergency.  Some met Conan the arson dog and pretty much everyone rode on a real fire engine!  We also learned about what kind of emergencies might happen and how to dial 911.  We practiced telling the 911 operator our names and addresses.  We also learned some basics about First Aid so we know what to expect if we ever need medical help.  But the true highlight for many participants was using real hoses like the firemen!

The Autism Society thanks the Bellevue Fire Dept for all of their supprt as well as our families who came out to support the event!

2nd Annual Fire Safety Day sponsored by the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department

Let’s give a big cheer for the Bellevue Fire Department! They will be hosting their 2nd Annual Autism Fire Safety Day on October 25th.

Last year was an amazing event! The only major change this year is that instead of traveling through the stations in a group your family will be able to naviagate through the stations at your own speed and in your own time. The event runs from 2 to 5pm.

Come see a rollover car demo, friendly firefighter in full equipment, smoke trailer, learn about 911, bike safety, halloween safety tips and even some basics about first aid. Take a ride on a fire engine and visit with Conan the arson dog. (Conan is aware that some of us might be timid so he will just be hanging around for those who might want to meet him.)

Download a flyer here and help spread the word!

This event is free but please RSVP to Shawn at autismsociety@autismnebraska.org or (402)861-1947.

Check out some pictures from last year’s event.

Here is a local news story on last years event.

Pooley’s Pumpkin Patch Outing for families with Autism

Thank you to Carol Salber for all of her work putting together our event at Pooley’s Pumpkin Patch! And thank you to all of our wonderful families who joined us for a fantastic fall evening!

ASA and AMC Entertainment have expanded partnered up to create sensory friendly films in an attempt to accommodate families with special needs.  This is not only for autism families but also for any families with special needs.  The movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up, the sound turned down, and AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced.  There will be no previews before the film so plan to arrive early as the movie will start at 10am!   AMC is being very generous and letting our families bring in their own GFCF snacks. Regular concessions will also be available to purchase.

We are pleased to announce that our next Sensory Film will be Planet 51.

When?  Saturday, November 21st
10:00 am
Omaha’s AMC Oakview 24 Theater
3555 S 140th Plaza
$5 per person

Questions - contact Michaela Newman at 402-933-1216 or bnewms@cox.net

Download a flier here:   

View the trailer here:

(This program is a pilot venture between the Autism Society of America and AMC Entertainment.  Unfortunately, at this time Nebraska only has one AMC Theater.  As the program takes off, it is our goal to help other communities across Nebraska and their local theater’s create similar programs.  If you are interested in finding out more about this program please contact ASN’s Michaela Newman at bnewms@cox.net)

Welcome to Nebraska folks!

We are sorry to report that the Omaha Support Group Autism Event at Pooley’s is cancelled for tonight.   However it has been rescheduled for Friday October 16th from 5pm - 9pm.   Please RSVP again to Carol Salber at 571-5690 or salb6@cox.net! 

Enjoy the snow and we hope to see you on Friday!

Join the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Dept and the Autism Society for an Autism Fire Safety Day!

2nd Annual Fire Safety Day sponsored by the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department

**PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE IN THE DATE.  IT WILL BE HELD OCTOBER 25TH AND NOT OCTOBER 18TH AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED!

Let’s give a big cheer for the Bellevue Fire Department!  They will be hosting their 2nd Annual Autism Fire Safety Day on October 25th.  

Last year was an amazing event!   The only major change this year is that instead of traveling through the stations in a group your family will be able to naviagate through the stations at your own speed and in your own time.   The event runs from 2 to 5pm.

Come see a rollover car demo, friendly firefighter in full equipment, smoke trailer, learn about 911, bike safety, halloween safety tips and even some basics about first aid.  Take a ride on a fire engine and visit with Conan the arson dog.  (Conan is aware that some of us might be timid so he will just be hanging around for those who might want to meet him.)

Download a flyer here and help spread the word!

Check out some pictures from last year’s event. 

Here is a local news story on last years event.

 ATTENTION LINCOLN AUTISM COMMUNITY!

Come join the Autism Society on Sunday, September 13 for a 1pm showing of the movie, ADAM.   As a benefit to membership, the Autism Society will be covering the cost of admission for all Autism Society members.  However, you do not have to be an Autism Society member to attend this showing or the panel discussion that will immediately follow!

In fact, the Autism Society has worked with the Mary Riepma Ross Arts Center to get the autism community a discounted rate of $5.50 no matter when you attend!  Join us on Sunday or come another time that fits into your schedule.   The only catch is to get the reduced admission you need to be on our VIP list!  Click here to get on that list!

And if you are not already a member of the Autism Society there is no better time!  Learn more about membership  here.

Also please join The Ross and the Autism Society for a Movie Talk immediately following the showing.  We’ve helped gather a panel of professionals, parents and individuals on the spectrum to lead us in a discussion about the film.

View the movie trailer here.

LINCOLN–Sunday, September 13th at 1:00  (see flyer here)

Click here to RSVP for this Lincoln showing!

Make it, feel it, smell it, hear it and watch it, take it home.  Paint a picture or walk on goo. All the sensory ingredients for a fun filled exploration for all sensory sensitivities.  We’ll also make monster bubbles. And, of course, a hay rack ride. (weather permitting).

Snacks and drinks provided. Bring your family and plan on having fun.  

Friday September 11 6:30 pm. $5.00 per child

Contact info@myplaybarn.com or call 402-301-6829 with questions.

There is a movie out in limited release right now that is creating some buzz in the autism community. 

View the movie trailer here.

The Autism Society is coordinating a group to attend this film during it’s run in both Omaha and Lincoln.    

OMAHA—Sunday, August 30th at 2:30pm   (see flyer here)
Autism Society  members - FREE; Autism Community $5

LINCOLN–Sunday, September 13th at 1:00  (see flyer here)
Autism Society members - FREE; Autism Community $5.50
This will be followed by a panel discussion.

 Click here to RSVP for Omaha                             Click here to RSVP for Lincoln 

Or call Michaela at 402-933-1216

The Autism Society will be covering the cost of admission for all Autism Society members.  If you are not already a member of the Autism Society there is no better time!  Check out how to become an Autism Society member here!

Those community members who are not Autism Society members can still receive a discounted admission rate for the showing.   Rates and dates are different so please refer to the flyer for each location (see links above) to get the exact details! 

____

**The Ross theater in Lincoln has also extended the offer that any one in the autism community can receive the discounted ticket rate to any show during the entire run! 

**The Dundee theater in Omaha has extended the discounted rate to anyone in the autism community who attends a matinee showing during the entire run!

Please be sure and thank them for their support!

____

This film looks to provide  great awareness about Asperger Syndrome so please be sure and share the information with friends, family and teachers!  Everyone is welcome to join us and as long as they RSVP we will be able to get them in for a reduced admission!  Please help spread the word!

Also here is an article from our sister chapter in San Diego where they were able to interview the director and one of the stars of the movie.

**Couple changes to note - Due to amazing turnout we have expanded!  We will now operate both bounce rooms the entire night.  Jumpers will be broken into separate groups based on age/size.  The two groups will rotate half way through the night to give everyone an opportunity in both bounce areas!

______________

Also this month we will have guest speakers as a follow up to the various DAN Doctor presentations Omaha has had in the past month.  Two local parents share their journey and experiences with biomedical interventions.  (See a flyer here)

______________

Come join us at Pump It Up - The Original Inflatable Party Zone - for a night of bouncing, jumping and climbing!  This will be a private event for families with children on the autism spectrum.

WHO:     All Autism Families
WHEN:   The first Monday of every month  
              Next event is September 14, 2009
              6:00pm - 8:00pm
WHERE:  Pump It Up  960 S 72nd   (72nd and Pacific)
COST:    $5 per child  ($10 maximum charge per family)

THIS EVENING CAN BE WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO BE! 

There are a variety of ways this evening can serve your family:  Read the rest of this entry »

ASA and AMC Entertainment have partnered up to create sensory friendly films in an attempt to accommodate families with special needs. This is not only for autism families but also for any families with special needs. The movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up, the sound turned down, and AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced. There will be no previews before the film so plan to arrive early as the movie will start at 10am! AMC is being very generous and letting our families bring in their own GFCF snacks. Regular concessions will also be available to purchase.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19th

10:00 am
Omaha’s AMC Oakview 24 Theater
3555 S 140th Plaza
$5 per person

Check out the movie trailer HERE.

Download a flyer here.

The Nebraska Autism Society is thrilled to announce that we will be coordinating a group to attend this film during it’s run in both Omaha and Lincoln.     Everyone is welcome to join us!

OMAHA: 

Join us on Sunday, August 30th for an afternooon matinee of the movie, “Adam”.  The Autism Society will be covering the cost of admission for all Autism Society members who RSVP prior to Thursday, August 27th.  If you are not already a member of the Autism Society there is no better time! 

Check out how to become an Autism Society member here!

Any community members who may not be Autism Society members can still receive a discounted admission rate of $5 but they must RSVP to us prior to Saturday, August 29th.  This film looks to provide  great awareness about Asperger Syndrome so please be sure and share the information with friends, family and teachers!  Everyone is welcome to join us and as long as they RSVP we will be able to get them in for a reduced admission!  Please help spread the word!

Click here to RSVP for the Omaha showing.

LINCOLN:

Look for information soon about a September Event when ”Adam” comes to the Ross Theater in Lincoln!   (RSVP information coming soon!)

To learn more about this movie you can view the trailer here.

Also here is an article from our sister chapter in San Diego where they were able to interview the director and one of the stars of the movie.  

Please mark your calendars!  The Omaha Support Group / Pump It Up Night will NOT be the first Monday of September.  Due to Labor day, we are rescheduling for Monday, September 14th! 

We had a fantastic turnout in August and we hope to see you all on September 14th!

YES!  THE ASN OMAHA SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS DO CONTINUE THROUGH THE SUMMER!!!

Come join us at Pump It Up - The Original Inflatable Party Zone - for a night of bouncing, jumping and climbing!  This will be a private event for families with children on the autism spectrum.

WHO:     All Autism Families
WHEN:   The first Monday of every month  
              Next event is August 3, 2009
              6:00pm - 8:00pm
WHERE:  Pump It Up  960 S 72nd   (72nd and Pacific)
COST:    $5 per child  ($10 maximum charge per family)

THIS EVENING CAN BE WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO BE! 

There are a variety of ways this evening can serve your family:  Read the rest of this entry »

ASA and AMC Entertainment have partnered up to create sensory friendly films in an attempt to accommodate families with special needs. This is not only for autism families but also for any families with special needs. The movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up, the sound turned down, and AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced. There will be no previews before the film so plan to arrive early as the movie will start at 10am! AMC is being very generous and letting our families bring in their own GFCF snacks. Regular concessions will also be available to purchase.

We have two movies coming up this month.  Harry Potter for our older families and G-Force for everyone young at heart.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

SATURDAY JULY 25th

10:00 am
Omaha’s AMC Oakview 24 Theater
3555 S 140th Plaza
$5 per person

Check out the movie trailer HERE.

G-Force

SATURDAY AUGUST 1st

10:00 am
Omaha’s AMC Oakview 24 Theater
3555 S 140th Plaza
$5 per person

Check out the movie trailer HERE

ASA and AMC Entertainment have partnered up to create sensory friendly films in an attempt to accommodate families with special needs.  This is not only for autism families but also for any families with special needs.  The movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up, the sound turned down, and AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced.  There will be no previews before the film so plan to arrive early as the movie will start at 10am!   AMC is being very generous and letting our families bring in their own GFCF snacks. Regular concessions will also be available to purchase.

ICE AGE:  DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS

SATURDAY JULY 11th 

 10:00 am
Omaha’s AMC Oakview 24 Theater
3555 S 140th Plaza
$5 per person

Check out the movie trailer HERE. 

Questions - contact Michaela Newman at 402-933-1216 or bnewms@cox.net

**SAVE THE DATE FOR FUTURE SENSORY FRIENDLY MOVIES**

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” on July 25 at 10 a.m.  WATCH TRAILER HERE.

FRIDAY MORNING BOWLING (FREE) - Join other autism families for free bowling at Sempecks Elkhorn Lanes. They have a “Kids Bowl Free” program that requires you to register online and print out your own coupons. They also have a family plan where up to 4 adults can bowl free with the kids every day for a one time charge of $23.95.

Sempeck’s does not reserve lanes during this Kids Bowl Free time but they did agree to set aside a few lanes for our group first thing in the morning so that we can bowl together. The lanes are first come, first served so plan to arrive early! The lanes open at 9am and the lanes are pretty active by 11am. There may be a few weeks over the summer where he already has field trips scheduled but he’ll let us know in advance. So we are planning this as a weekly outing for anyone interested in joining us.

WEDNESDAY MORNING PARK PLAYDATE - Join other autism families for some sunshine at a local park.  We will be meeting at the Zorinsky Lake playground each Wednesday at 10am.  The lake has several play areas but the one we meet at is off the entrance at 156th and F. You follow a long winding road and you won’t be able to miss the park area at the end of the loop.  This is just a come as you are event.  We don’t have any activities planned or refreshments. It is just a chance to take your child to the park when you know that there will be other families there who understand your difficulties. One parent commented that it is
nice to feel like we can run a “zone defense” knowing that the other families there have our backs.

Again, this is just a standing engagement.  There is no need to RSVP.  And if it is rainy (like it notoriously is when we schedule these events) just make your own determination.  Come whenever you can.

FRIDAY June 19th - Family Evening at The Barn.  The crew at The Barn have been planning some theme based events for our autism families.    Their first event is an evening of Carnival Games.  Come join the festivities starting at 6pm.  There will be a $5 charge per child and will include hotdogs, chips and a drink.  Questions can be directed to info@myplaybarn.com or 402-301-6829.

 
SATURDAY June 27th -  Autism Friendly Bowling Event.  Join us for an autism bowling event at Sempeck’s Elkhorn Lanes.  Lanes are being set aside for our group from 9am -10am therefore the Kids Bowl Free coupons will not be eligible.  Cost is $4 per person with shoes included.  Please RSVP to Kris Perry at 289-2927 or krisperry@cox.net before June 21st to reserve a spot for your family.