Saturday, December 10th

9:30 am - 11:30 am

Harmon Park Activity Center

3100 5th Avenue, Kearney

Meet new friends, do a craft with your children, enjoy treats and meet Santa as he  will arrive at 10 am and stay until 11 am.  Door prizes will also be given away.

Download a flyer HERE.

RSVPs strongly encouraged!  Call the Arc at 308-237-4343.

Parent volunteers appreciated!  Please call today to see what you can do to make a child’s holiday season special!

An update from Chrissy McNair and the Autism Insurance Reform Steering committee…

First, a BIG thank you to all parents and professionals who attended the hearing last week, and to all who wrote letters!  Although we didn’t quite get the turn out we were hoping for, the hearing was a HUGE success! According to the representative who was there from Autism Speaks, our hearing was the  best he’s seen yet! The Senators were very engaged, asked great questions, and I think the ground work has been laid for a bill to be introduced in January.

So, here are our next steps:  We are working hard to determine what Senator would be best to sponsor our bill, and on getting feedback from the Banking and Insurance Committee on how they feel we should proceed.  We are working with Autism Speaks to get national data to help build our case.  The Nebraska legislative session begins in January, and shortly after the session begins, we will be given another hearing date to present our case, once again, to the Committee. This time, the discussion will center around the bill we propose.  WE WILL NEED YOU!!

As soon as we know the date, we will send out information letting you where and when the hearing will be. PLEASE ATTEND IF YOU CAN!

Thanks again for all your efforts!

If you have questions, please contact me at cmcnair@neb.rr.com or Kristin Flott at tkflott@cox.net.

You can also check out our Facebook page  ”Autism Insurance Reform in Nebraska”  for updates and Information… Be sure to LIKE it!

The “Reel Movies for Real Needs” program creates a welcoming and accessible environment for special needs children by offering age-appropriate films with a lower sound volume and brighter lighting for families who may not feel comfortable attending regularly scheduled shows.

The environment is meant to be accommodating to all guests.  Lights are up, volume is down, and they welcome the families to get comfortable.  That may mean some extra movement and maybe a few more exits for guests than in a typical movie but it is a great and accepting community who visit for these shows.

Marcus Theaters hosts these special showings at the Village Point Cinema in Omaha and the Grand Cinema in Lincoln.  You can learn more at their web site HERE.

A group of families are coming together to create a social group for teenagers with autism spectrum disorders.

When:  3rd Saturday of the month

Where:  Jordan’s Place, 1915 Dana Lane, Papillion, NE

When:  6 pm - 10pm

Food/drinks provided

Download a flyer HERE.

RSVP to Rachael at (402)212-9575

The Rose Theater, located at 2001 Farnam Street, is happy to present TWO Saturday morning drama classes this Winter for high-functioning students on the Autism Spectrum.  Winter drama classes will take place every Saturday morning beginning Saturday, January 7th and lasting until Saturday, February 25th.  Both classes will take place at The Rose Theater.

The first class topic offered is ”Video Games and Movie Characters.” It will take place from 9-10 am and is for students grades 3-6. The second class topic offered is “Thomas the Tank Engine.” It will take place from 10:30-11:30 am and is for students grades K-2.

To register for these classes, please call (402) 502-4617, e-mail info@rosetheater.org, or visit our Box Office. Tuition is $30 per ASD Student.   Download a flyer HERE.

Family Strategies is offering Friendship Club this fall for those needing assistance in holding conversations with others, appropriate discussion topics to encourage relationships with others and ultimately interacting with others both now and in the future. Children will learn skills and techniques proven for helping them communicate effectively. This play-based approach not only helps children learn to manage their behavior with others successfully, it also provides parents with the keys to enhancing and strengthening the skills learned.

Download a flyer HERE.

For adults 18 and older diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Asperger’s Syndrome.  Members come together to connect around common issues and interests in a relaxed, supportive environment.  Each meeting includes a light breakfast and relevant discussions.

When: 1st Saturday of the Month  (December rescheduled due to weather.  Next meeting is December 10)

Time:  9:00 am - 10:30 am

Where;  Autism Center of Nebraska

Cost:  $5

Registration:  requested by the Thursday before the meeting to 402-658-9962 or csalber30@gmail.com

For more information contact Carol Salber, MS, LMHP, Group facilitator at 402-658-9962.

Download a flyer HERE.

Sponsored by the Autism Society of Nebraska - Omaha Support Group and the Autism Center of Nebraska.

You are invited to a Holly Jolly Family Fest hosted by the Autism Society of Nebraska - Omaha Family Network for their families.

Saturday, December 10

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Shadow Lake Community Church, 1510 Papillion Drive

Do you have an amazing holiday recipe?  Participate in the “Best Holiday Treat” contest!  Bring your family favorite plate of goodies to win the Guest Favorite Prize!

The Autism Society will provide the main dish and drinks.  We are asking our guests to bring a side dish and a plate of goodies to share.

Come get a photo with Santa!  Win prizes!  Play games!  Eat dinner and ENJOY!

Please RSVP by December 5th to help us make sure we have enough food for everyone!  RSVP online HERE

Download a flyer HERE.  Contact Renee at rkiernan@freshstartomaha.org or 402-598-1361 with questions.

While most family members of children with a disability are most concerned about their immediate needs, parents and others regularly ask the question:  “How will my loved one be cared for when I am no longer able?”   Dan Kline and Marvin Brinkman of The Andrew-Benjamin Group will lead a discussion on topics such as Social Security, Guardianship, Special Needs Trusts, Medicaid and the importance of making these plans on a timely basis to provide the best quality of life.  Dan has an adult son with Down Syndrome, while Marvin has a son with Asperger Syndrome and have lived through most of these issues themselves.  As founding partners of The Andrew-Benjamin Group, they help families through this process on a daily basis.

Saturday, December 3

Noon - 1:30 pm

Williamsburg Behaviorial Pyschology

3801 Union Drive, Suite 206

Lincoln, NE  68516

Download a flyer HERE.

RSVP is appreciate as space is limited.  Refreshments will be served.

December 11, 2011

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Third Christian City Church

4100 W 13th St, Grand Island, NE

Lots of food, games, and even a special visit from Santa Claus!

**Parents, please bring a salad or dessert & also bring a wrapped gift for your child with their name on it for Santa’s bag (not to exceed $10).

Please RSVP to Bridget at 308-381-8844.   Download a flyer HERE.

Sponsored by Grand Island Parent Support Group, Autism Society of NE, Alpha Sigma Sorority, Planning Region #26, and Third City Christian Church

Sunday, November 20th

1:00 pm

Cody School, 2000 West 2nd Street

Pizza and pop will be provided

Come watch:  ”Dad’s in Heaven with Nixon”.   We’ll also have a kid’s movie and some activities.

Download a flyer HERE.

While many happily anticipate the coming holiday season, families of people on the autism spectrum also understand the special challenges that may occur when schedules are disrupted and routines broken. Our hope is that by following these few helpful tips, families may lessen the stress of the holiday season and make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The following tips were developed with input from the Autism Society, the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Easter Seals Crossroads, the Sonya Ansari Center for Autism at Logan and the Indiana Autism Leadership Network..

1. Preparation is crucial for many individuals. At the same time, it is important to determine how much preparation a specific person may need. For example, if your son or daughter has a tendency to become anxious when anticipating an event that is to occur in the future, you may want to adjust how many days in advance you prepare him or her. Preparation can occur in various ways by using a calendar and marking the dates of various holiday events, or by creating a social story that highlights what will happen at a given event.

2. Decorations around the house may be disruptive for some.

(Read more here.)

We Need You!  On Wednesday, November 30th at 1:30pm the Banking and Insurance Committee of the Nebraska State Legislature will be hearing testimony about Nebraska’s insurance coverage for people with autism.  We want to send the message to our State Senators that we are united and it is time that insurance companies stop discriminating against people with autism and provide coverage for necessary therapies.

PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND!  We want to pack the room with parents, family members, neighbors.  Here’s what you can do:

1. PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND!  The hearing will be in the State Capitol Building at 1:30pm on Wednesday, November 30th.  Most likely, the hearing will last only an hour or so.

2.  WEAR RED!  This is a way for the Senators to easily see who supports insurance coverage.

3.  WRITE A LETTER!  Please write up a short email addressed to the “Banking and Insurance Committee Members.”  Tell them in your email why you believe insurance companies should cover people with autism.  Tell them the impact not having coverage has had on your family. (send to cmcnair@neb.rr.com no later than Monday, November 28th) .

4.  ASK YOUR FAMILY/FRIENDS TO WRITE EMAILS TOO!  Have them send a short email as well on your behalf.  The more letters we get, the better! (send to cmcnair@neb.rr.com)

5.  SEND YOUR EMAIL/LETTER to cmcnair@neb.rr.com We will print off all these letters, bring them to the hearing, and submit them during testimony.  YOUR VOICE WILL BE HEARD!!!

If you cannot attend, please send the emails anyway by Monday, November 28th. If you have any questions, please contact Chrissy McNair at cmcnair@neb.rr.com or Kristin Flott at kristin.maylebenflott@unmc.edu.  Your voice is important!  This is not going to be easy, and it will take the entire community, united together, to be heard.

ACN will be hosting an Art and Gift Boutique featuring art and gifts created by our ACN Artisans on Thursday, December 1^st from 5-7 p.m. at the Autism Center of Nebraska located at 9012 Q Street in Omaha.

Professional prints of various pieces of artwork in varying sizes will be available for purchase as well as all of their hand crafted gifts including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, cheese trays, handbags and our 2012 ACN Calendar and Christmas card sets.

Download a flyer HERE.

Thursday, November 10th

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Presented by Dan Kline, MBA and Marvin Brinkman

MassMutual / Continuum Financial Offices

10250 Regency Circle, Suite 250

RSVP is appreciated.  Space is limited.  402-397-8600.  Refreshments will be served.

Download a flyer HERE.

The photos have been taken.  The Cuties have been selected.  The Calendars are off to the printer!

Let us help you cross a few names off of your Christmas list while you also help the Autism Society of Nebraska.  All proceeds from Cuties for a Cause Calendar sales come to the Autism Society of Nebraska!

Download an order form HERE.

November 15, 2011
6:00pm – 8:00pm

PTI - Nebraska
6805 Grover Street Omaha, NE

Featured Topic: “Overcoming Challenges of Refractory Epilepsy”

Presenter: Victoria Driscoll, BSN
Since graduating from Creighton University with BSN, Victoria has specialized as a clinician in pediatric epilepsy for over 20 years, working in such places as Boston Children’s Hospital, Minnesota Epilepsy group in St. Paul, and most recently at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Victoria has been
published multiple times on using the Ketogenic Diet and VNS therapies to help control seizures in Epilepsy.

Learn about:
*Treatment options for all types of Epilepsy
*What is today’s definition of Refractory Epilepsy?
*What challenges does hard to control epilepsy present and how you can overcome those challenges?

All family/friends are welcome to attend. For more information contact: Stacey Doty 402-850-7680 or sdoty77@hotmail.com

Refreshments provided by Cyberonics, Inc.

Sometimes emotions or personal feelings of past situations get int eh way of being able to effectively work with groups or individuals. In this webinar, you will learn effective strategies to partner with different organizations.  Bridget will discuss ways to overcome obstacles, avoid potential pitfalls, and maintain a constructive approach while continuing to achieve desired outcomes.

Presented by Bridget Cannon-Hale, M.S.W.  Special Education Consultant.

Register online HERE.