advocate asd oakland county -...

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W e need your support- Join Autism Society of Oakland County now! Our annual membership drive is underway and if you haven’t formally joined, now is a great time. With your support, we can contin- ue to provide resource and referral services, grants, social and recreational opportunities, par- ent networking, employment skills, and many other services that improve the lives of all those affected by autism. Our efforts to improve the lives of all individu- als impacted by autism, we offer many of our resources to anyone in need of the information. Our website, email list and Facebook page are welcoming to all who seek to receive updates. Given this open exchange of information, it may be difficult to understand why you should become a member. As an ASOC member you: Receive our newsletter the Advocate Are a part of all that the ASOC accomplishes Have a vote on the leadership and direction of the ASOC Another reason to become a member: When the ASOC advocates on behalf of indi- viduals with ASD and their families, members are counted by the legislature, agencies and other governing organizations. Increased membership makes us stronger. Sign up now, we want to add you to our email list to receive valuable information, get your input on topics of interest, and continue to pro- vide services that are important to you. The reg- istration form is on our website — don’t delay register now so we can better serve you. We can do so much more to help families and provide additional programs and services but only with your support — join now! Article submitted by Patty Dufault, ASOC Director. Advocate Oakland County AUTISM SOCIETY OAKLAND COUNTY P.O. BOX 70207, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48307 SPRING 2013 A PUBLICATION OF THE ASOC TO RECOGNIZE OUR DONORS, VOLUNTEERS AND ADVOCATES ASD ASD Advocate • Spring 2013 1 ASOC WANTS YOU!! Membership Drive ASOC MISSION STATEMENT To advocate and support meaningful participation in all aspects of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. IN THIS ISSUE A Resource for You! Message from the President ..............2 OUCares Promotes Understanding and Awareness ..........3 Golf Outing Success ......................4-5 Getting My Own Address ................6-7 Employment Grants Making A Difference ..........................7 Dutton Farms Offers Unique Vocation Programs ................8 Donations ..........................................8 Lose the Training Wheels: Friendship Circles Summer Bike Camp 2012 ..................9 Friendship Club Offers Unique Vocation Programs ..............10 Walk Your Dog for a Cause ..............10 Membership ....................................11 Contribution Form ..............Back Cover AUTISM SOCIETY OAKLAND COUNTY (248) 393-3131 Send us your email address at our new email address: [email protected] We can do so much more to help families and provide additional programs and services but only with your support — join now!

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Page 1: Advocate ASD Oakland County - Ningapi.ning.com/files/nylQTtPtXb9tenR5L6uPJMsuceXRUXtxUxJU4*E*qX7… · AUTISM SOCIETY OAKLAND COUNTY ... Carrie Baumann of Carrie's Creations. Left:

We need your support- Join Autism

Society of Oakland County now!

Our annual membership drive is

underway and if you haven’t formally joined, now

is a great time. With your support, we can contin-

ue to provide resource and referral services,

grants, social and recreational opportunities, par-

ent networking, employment skills, and many

other services that improve the lives of all those

affected by autism.

Our efforts to improve the lives of all individu-

als impacted by autism, we offer many of our

resources to anyone in need of the information.

Our website, email list and Facebook page are

welcoming to all who seek to receive updates.

Given this open exchange of information, it may

be difficult to understand why you should

become a member.

As an ASOC member you:

• Receive our newsletter the Advocate

• Are a part of all that the ASOC accomplishes

• Have a vote on the leadership and direction

of the ASOC

Another reason to become a member:

• When the ASOC advocates on behalf of indi-

viduals with ASD and their families, members

are counted by the legislature, agencies and

other governing organizations. Increased

membership makes us stronger.

Sign up now, we want to add you to our email

list to receive valuable information, get your

input on topics of interest, and continue to pro-

vide services that are important to you. The reg-

istration form is on our website — don’t delay—

register now so we can better serve you.

We can do so much more to help families and

provide additional programs and services but

only with your support — join now!

Article submitted by Patty Dufault, ASOC Director.

Advocate Oakland County

AUTISM SOCIETY OAKLAND COUNTY • P.O. BOX 70207, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48307 SPRING 2013A PUBL ICAT ION OF THE ASOC TO RECOGNIZE OUR DONORS , VOLUNTEERS AND ADVOCATES

ASD

ASD Advocate • Spring 2013 1

ASOC WANTS YOU!!

Membership Drive ASOC

MISSIONSTATEMENTTo advocate and support meaningful participation in allaspects of life for individualswith Autism Spectrum Disordersand their families.

IN THIS ISSUEA Resource for You!Message from the President ..............2

OUCares Promotes Understanding and Awareness ..........3

Golf Outing Success ......................4-5

Getting My Own Address ................6-7

Employment Grants Making A Difference ..........................7

Dutton Farms Offers Unique Vocation Programs ................8

Donations ..........................................8

Lose the Training Wheels:Friendship Circles Summer Bike Camp 2012 ..................9

Friendship Club Offers Unique Vocation Programs ..............10

Walk Your Dog for a Cause ..............10

Membership ....................................11

Contribution Form ..............Back Cover

AUTISM SOCIETY OAKLAND COUNTY(248) 393-3131

Send us your email address at our new email address:[email protected]

We can do so much more to help families and provide additional

programs and services but only with your support —

join now!

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It is with great pride andoptimism that we begin

2013 with this message:

Whether you are a family with

a new diagnosis at the begin-

ning of your journey, or an

adult with autism moving

towards becoming an active

member of your community, we

are dedicated to being an ever

evolving, multi-faceted resource

for you.

Our focus for this year will be

strengthening our connection

with our community. One way

we can accomplish this is

through improving our commu-

nication. This sounds simple

enough. Yet, this seemingly

straightforward concept can be

a monumental task. As an indi-

vidual with autism or someone

who is part of their support

system, it can be difficult to be

truly heard. We understand

this struggle.

We know that there are

many individual voices in the

support of autism. As the

ASOC begins our 28th year

assisting our community, we

continue to listen to you and

utilize what we have learned to

have a genuine impact in our

community. The information

we convey and the programs

we support range from social

and recreational to the imple-

mentation of life skills which

will assist individuals on their

path to employment and inde-

pendence. It is our fondest

hope to unify the efforts of the

autism community in order to

best serve those who need us.

Furthering our mission, we

can be your sounding board

through our online forum. Our

ASOC website members have

the opportunity to join private

discussion groups. These

groups are able to brainstorm

topics from being newly diag-

nosed, various therapeutic

approaches, IEP concerns, tran-

sitional issues, employment and

much more. To become an

ASOC website member, visit

our website at: autismsoci-

etyoaklandcounty.org and

select “Sign Up” on the upper

right of our main page.

The rising trend of social

media has encouraged us to

create a Facebook page. We

regularly post updates filled

with resources, events and

helpful information from a

variety of organizations within

our community as well as

nationally. Simply “Like” our

page and view our latest posts.

We also send out bi-weekly e-

mail messages, which include

additional groups and resources

which may not be linked with

Facebook. E-mail us a request

to be on our email list at asoc-

[email protected] or visit our

website to learn more.

In these pages, we will

highlight many of the wonder-

ful programs and initiatives

that we have had the pleasure

of supporting in 2012 as we

look ahead to the promise that

2013 holds.

Article submitted by Barbara

Brennan, ASOC President.

President’s Message

2 ASD Advocate • ASOC

A Resource For You! A M E S S AG E F ROM TH E P R E S I D ENT

Autism is truly a spectrum, a many-colored rainbow,

in which we recognize that every individual is wonderfully unique.

That being said, the experience of living with autism is different

as each person. However, there are some consistent themes or

issues that most encounter. Recognizing and preparing for

the challenges that are in store will make a tremendous difference

to all involved, including parents, siblings, grandparents,

extended family, caregivers and friends.

Our mission is to dedicate ourselves to helping those

with the Autism Spectrum Disorder to unlock the potential that

lies within all of us and to help provide the best support to

the individual and people involved in their lives.

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ASD Advocate • Spring 2013 3

Programs

OUCares PromotesUNDER STAND I NG AND AWAR EN E S S

OUCARES integrates

academic course

work, knowledge

and research with hands-on

work in the community to pre-

pare professionals to be leaders

in the autism community.

Through these academic and

service programs, Oakland

University also provides sup-

portive individual and family

programs. OUCARES, housed

in the School of Education and

Human Services, encourages

the exchange of ideas relating

to the education and support of

individuals with Autism

Spectrum Disorder as well as

provides services and support

needed to improve daily living.

The ASOC is proud to assist

OUCARES with many of the

wonderful opportunities they

offer including; After Hours

Adult Social, Bowling and their

annual Holiday Party.

After Hours Social Club

"After Hours," is a support

group for those 18 years and

over with autism spectrum dis-

order. This evening social is

offered monthly on the

Oakland University campus in

Rochester. These evenings are

filled with conversation, cards,

billiards, and other fun! So

many amazing things can hap-

pen when you bring people

together and give them an out-

let to connect with each other.

One wonderful happening was

the blossoming of an idea.

During a social

last year, a group

of individuals

with autism

began to talk

about how nice it

would be to get

together and play

volleyball. As a

direct result of

their discussions,

a new OUCARES

volleyball pro-

gram began on

January 22,

2013. This fantastic new pro-

gram was the idea of the indi-

viduals with autism came up

with the idea and discussed

Bowling

In January 2012, OUCARES

began an adult bowling league

at Classic Lanes in Rochester

Hills. The bowlers "The

Strikers" look forward to

enjoying 2 hours every

Saturday morning bowling

together. This program, for

individuals with ASD who are

16 and older, runs year round.

Gathering more bowlers with

each session, 26 bowlers now

participate. It is a wonderful

opportunity to develop social-

ization skills as well as provid-

ing physical activity.

2012 Holiday Party!

A bustle of holiday excitement

filled the room. Enthusiastic

dancers took to the floor to

express kindled euphoria, and

some party participants even

sang karaoke. Fun activities

could be found at all corners of

the room, ranging from sumo

wrestling to photography. This

evening was a beautiful celebra-

tion of each unique individual

who attended.

Top Left: Games and fun at the After Hours Adult Social.

Left: Sumo Fun at the Annual Holiday Party.

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4 ASD Advocate • ASOC

Golf Outing

Our 17th Annual

Golf Outing was

held at the lovely

Fox Hills Golf Course and

Banquet Center. Over 200

people came out to enjoy the

beautiful day! This wonderful

event would not be possible

without the vision and planning

of our golf outing committee,

especially our team leaders:

• Golf Outing Chairs: Steve

Bubnes, Michael Hayes,

Lisa Kowalski

• Honorary Chairpersons:

Robert Abernathy, Ron

Ketelhut and Kelvin Squires.

We are grateful to all those

who continue to support

ASOC. Our largest fundraiser,

the 2012 golf outing raised over

$66,000! As you will see

throughout our newsletter,

this generous support has

already begun to impact our

community through the cre-

ation of employment skills

programs, as well as supporting

a wide range of programs and

services. To think, it all begins

with a plan and a beautiful day

at the golf course!

ASOC Supports Employment

and Vocational Education

The day also featured a wide

range of quality products from

micro-businesses and the

advocacy of job developers

from Macomb Oakland

Regional Center. It was encour-

aging to see so many wonder-

ful adults with special needs

and professionals sharing their

creativity and expertise!

Save The Date!

The 18th Annual ASOC

Golf Outing will be held

on September 9, 2013 at

Fox Hills Golf Course and

Banquet Center.

Article submitted by Tamra

Pickthorn, Recording Secretary.

Golf Outing Success!

Top Left: Carrie Baumann of Carrie's Creations.

Left: Bubble Up for Autism from the Waterford Schools

Life Tracks post-high program.

Above: Lovely handmade greetings from Kaci's Cards with

Dj Mikester and Jonathon Kuhn of JTK Custom Creations

in the background.

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ASD Advocate • Spring 2013 5

Golf Outing

CHARTER SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

• Next Generation

Services Group

• Rudolph/Libbe, Inc.

SILVER SPONSORS

• Able Construction Company

• Comac

• KUKA Systems Corporation

• Valiant Corporation

BRONZE SPONSORS

• ABB Inc

• Aristeo Construction

• Barton Malow

• CEC Controls

• DE-CAL Inc

• DeMaria Build

• Devon Facility Management

• Don Tocco and Associates

• Ferrous Processing and Trading

• Gala/Tri Tec

• GHAFARI Associates

• Heller Machine Tools

• International Industrial

Contracting Corporation

•MAG IAS, LLC

•Midwest Steel

•Motor City Electric

• Schreiber Corporation

• Slifco Electric

• Stenco Construction

• Ventcon

LUNCH SPONSORS

• Angelo Iafrate

Construction Company

• Knights of Columbus

Council #4188 Clawson

DINNER SPONSORS

• Cinetic Automation

• Knights of Columbus

Council #4188 Clawson

SNACK AND

BEVERAGE SPONSORS

• Knights of Columbus

Council #4188 Clawson

• Triangle Electric

COCKTAIL HOUR

SPONSOR

• Lamont Brown Advisors

CLOSEST TO THE

PIN SPONSOR

• Knights of Columbus

Council #4188 Clawson

LONGEST DRIVE

SPONSORS

• Knights of Columbus

Council #4188 Clawson

BUSINESS CARD

RAFFLE SPONSOR

• Roncelli, Inc

TEE SPONSORS

• Ameriprise Financial

Carol Balagur

• ASCO Numatics

• Cinetic Automation

• Knights of Columbus Council

#4188 Clawson

• KUKA Systems Corporation

• Novi Family Dental

• The Grider Company

DONATIONS

• Gino and Luciana DiClemente

• Knights of Columbus Council

#4188 Clawson

• Tom Holzer Ford

• Carl’s Golfland

[email protected]

• Lynch & Sons

Funeral Directors

•Martini Golf Tees

•MKT Inc.

SPECIAL THANKS TO . . .Co-Chairpersons: Steve Bubnes, Michael Hayes, Lisa Kowalski

Honorary Chairpersons: Robert Abernethy, Ron Ketelhut, Kelvin Squires

Committee Members: Craig Brown, Joe DiIorio, Patty Dufault, Wade Herzig, Sue Hodess, Jackie Jackson, Ron Koshewitz, Claire Lockhart, Larry Lottinville, Sally McInnes, Diane Risko, Mark Strait, Kari Theisen

Day-of-the Event Volunteers: Carol Balagur, Barb Brennan, Linda Brown, Colleen Caldwell, Ray Debold, Jaclyn Dufault, Brittany Hall,Marie Anne Horne, Pete Howard, Aaron Kowalski, Joe Kowalski, Bill McInnes, Carrie Mitchell, Tamra Pickthorn, Sherry Velasco

Thank You for Your Donations

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Getting My Own

Address (GMOA) is

a program for peo-

ple with Autism Spectrum

Disorders and developmental

disabilities and their families

offered by Community Housing

Network. The multi- faceted

GMOA program includes a

written guide, monthly housing

support groups, informative

workshops, a roommate data-

base, and one-on-one housing

counseling assistance.

To incorporate real world

experience, the GMOA guide

was compiled with input from

individuals with ASD and devel-

opmental disabilities, as well as

their families and supports. The

information and worksheets

included offer clear steps,

options and choices to allow

you to work towards the transi-

tion to independent living at

the pace that works best for

you. This step-by-step

guide is available in

print (for a nominal

cost) or for free

online at:

-www. com-

munityhousingnet-

work.org/GMOA

Are you ready

to learn more?

Informative

GMOA

presentations are held

throughout our area (see

below). Additional dates, times

and locations are available on

the ASOC website under the

Events & Social tab.

The Getting My Own

Address Support Groups

create[s] an environment

where individuals and families

can learn from one another,

share resources and make con-

nections with potential room-

mates. One group meets the

third Tuesday each month at

6:00 p.m. at the Troy office

of Community Housing

Network, 570 Kirts Blvd.,

Suite 231. Another group

meets the second Thursday

of each month from 6:00 -

8:00 p.m. at Apollo Center,

2029 N. Milford Rd., Highland.

Contact Chuck Bratton at

[email protected] to

have your email added to

Community Housing Network's

GMOA email alert list for

up-dates on planned speakers

and topics for the support

groups and notification of

GMOA workshops and

related events.

6 ASD Advocate • ASOC

Community

Getting My Own AddressTRANSITION TO INDEPENDENT LIVING

GMOA PRESENTATIONS

April 19, 20133:15-4:30 p.m.

2013 Autism Society of Wisconsin Conference

Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Tuesday, April 23, 201310:00 - 11:30 a.m.

2013 Developmental Disabilities Conference 4/23-24

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center,

55 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48824

For People with

Autism Spectrum

Disorders and

Developmental

Disabilities

Get Your Own Copy! Download the “Getting My Own Address” resource guide free from Community Housing Network: www.communityhousingnetwork.org/GMOA

Continued on next page

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Community Housing

Network's Roommate Database

provides information regarding

home-sharing opportunities for

people with disabilities living in

Macomb and Oakland

Counties. The goal is to encour-

age arrangements that will help

to create affordable housing

opportunities. No identifying

information is shared through

this website, but it does provide

a brief explanation of an indi-

vidual’s situation so that others

can determine if they may have

common interests.

Planning for long-term hous-

ing is a complicated process

and there are many options to

consider when setting housing

goals. The Getting My Own

Address program is an impor-

tant resource to help individu-

als, their families, and the pro-

fessionals that support them

create a successful long-term

housing plan.

Article submitted

by Linda Brown,

ASOC Vice President.

ASD Advocate • Spring 2013 7

Community

In December, the ASOC’s Improving Employability Outcomes Subcommittee awarded almost $16,000 in Employment Skill Buildinggrants to teachers and ancillary staff working with high school and post-secondary students who have an ASD eligibility. The grants

ranged from $500 to $1,000 each. As reported in the grant applications, a total of 143 students with ASD and 158 other students

with a disability will benefit from these grants. This is a summary of the grants that were awarded:

School Building/Program Grant Explanation

Lake Orion High School Replenish disposable supplies for the PAES Employment skills lab.

Buy compensation items for students, checks and cash box

Stoney Creek High School, Rochester Schools As a step toward vocational opportunities outside the classroom,

purchase assembly task materials from Attainment Company

Clarkston High School Wood working equipment to make wood pens for U.S. soldiers

Southfield Lathrup and Southfield High School Fieldtrip to Michigan Career Technical Institute with staff, parents and students

Clawson Public Schools ASD Program (3) iPod Touches for vocational support and social thinking materials

Clawson High School Autism Program (3) iPod Touches, cases, social navigator, various apps

Rochester WINGS Post-Secondary Program Shed, various landscaping supplies, portable green house for working the

school building courtyard

Birmingham Post-Secondary ASD Program The workstation equipment needed to fold pizza boxes for Uncle Andy's Pizza.

The stainless steel tables, gel mats, and multi-purpose bag stand are universal

pieces of equipment that can be used for other projects in the future.

Rochester Post-Secondary/Adams High School Start-up equipment and materials for a coffee shop micro-business

inside Adams High School

Clarkston Life Skills Center- Post-High Program Two James Stanfield video training programs called Job Smart-2:-Job Safety

and Productive Attitudes and First Impressions

West Bloomfield Transition Center Materials to start-up a ribbon wreath micro-business

Southfield Lathrup and Southfield High School Start-up equipment and supplies for the Charger Laundry Depot

micro-business, Rozier Construction agreed to be their corporate customer

Farmington Visions Unlimited Start-up supplies and materials for a dog biscuit micro-business

Birmingham Post-Secondary ASD Program Workstation equipment for a recycle material sorting center along with recycle

bins for their commons area. The program will go on community trips to the

recycling center to deliver the sorted items on a regular basis.

Employment GrantsMAK I NG A D I F F E R ENC E

Continued from previous page

Article Submitted by Lisa Kowalski, ASOC Immediate Past President.

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8 ASD Advocate • ASA/OCC

On picturesque

Dutton Farm on

the northern end of

Rochester, a unique Vocational

Program assists individuals of

all age groups with develop-

mental disabilities in developing

employability skills.

The curriculum allows their

participants to experience job

training firsthand, rather than

being taught from a lecture or a

book. These skills also maxi-

mize their opportunities for

greater friendships; independ-

ence, overall satisfaction; and a

more active, productive

lifestyle.

Expanding the opportunities

available to the farmers,

Dutton’s staff introduced the

option of starting their own

micro-business. This newest

option gives them another

avenue to enjoy the

sense of pride and

accomplishment which

comes from employ-

ment. With funding from

ASOC, the farmers

began to master their

micro-business of choice

in November 2012.

Having created bird

feeders, caramel sauce, center-

pieces, chocolate covered pret-

zels, flower arrangements, hot

chocolate and soaps, the farm-

ers are ready to sell their prod-

ucts. With every purchase, the

farmer who created it will

receive a percentage of the sell-

ing price and put the rest back

into purchasing their supplies.

The February 1 Kick-off event

featuring their micro-businesses

was a success, selling out of all

the items the farmers created!

Dutton Farms micro-businesses

will begin selling their products

in Buschs stores every other

Friday starting on April 12th.

Other activities include

Summer Camp and a Spring

Yard Sale, with proceeds going

to Dutton Farm. Registration

for Summer Camp will begin

March 1. The yard sale will be

at the farm, 2270 Dutton Rd.,

Rochester, on May 4th and 5th

between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Donations will be accepted until

April 18. Dutton Farm strives to

develop a sense of accomplish-

ment in their students; bring

support to their families; and

inspire our community. Please

join us in supporting these

young entrepreneurs. For more

information regarding this won-

derful program, visit their web-

site www.duttonfarm.org.

Dutton FarmOFF E R S UN I QU E VOCAT I ON P ROGRAMS

Community

The ASOC Thanks You forYour Donations

In Memory of Charla Andresen• Donald Soderholm

In Memory of Peg Burger• Bill & Sally McInnes

In Memory of Virginia Lazarus• Barbara Ambrose• Robert H. Ambrose

• Liz Preibe• Elizabeth Sharick• Patricia Solomon• Elisabeth Stayer• Audrey Thomas

In Memory of Nina Ritcher• Bill & Sally McInnes

In Memory of John L. Sherby• Katherine Bourdeau

• Celia Rasico

Donations to Chapter• American Express Employee

Giving Program• American Society of SafetyEngineers, Oakland University

• ExpertCare Management Services• Friendship Circle• Hewlett Packard

• Marjorie and Maxwell JospeyFoundation

• Mothers and More Chapter 135• Annette Sebestin• TMP Architecture

• Truist• Wines for Humanity

Danny Forsterse.

Above: Marty Riddell.

Right: Louis Bussier.

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ASD Advocate • Sprint 2013 9

Think back to the

hottest stretch of

days last summer.

While many of us avoided

the excessive heat of those

scorchers, more than

30 children with special needs

buckled down and learned

something many considered to

be out of their reach: they

learned how to ride a bike.

Last July, Friendship Circle,

with the support of the ASOC,

hosted Lose the Training

Wheels, a national organization

that provides camps designed

to teach children with special

needs to ride a bicycle in a

single week.

Energetic teenage volunteers

recruited from the Friendship

Circle were paired one-on-one

with the children with special

needs. Their main responsibili-

ties were assisting and spotting

the child while they were on

the bikes.

Sixteen-year-old Andy

Hodess had not been on a bike

since age 4. As a child with pro-

found sensory issues, his moth-

er did not think that he would

even tolerate putting on a bike

helmet for an extended period

of time. Not only did Andy

wear his helmet, but he rode a

bike, unassisted, on the last day!

Friendship Circle is pleased

to report a major victory

with an 88% success rate with

Lose the Training Wheels. A

whopping 30 out of 34 children

were riding bikes at the end

of the week.

The ASOC is pleased to have

assisted the Friendship Circle in

bringing this great program to

Oakland County and to be able

to witness how proud the chil-

dren were of themselves and

the independence that they

achieved.

Article contributed by Sue

Hodess, ASOC Vice-President

and Bassie Shemtov, Executive

Director of the Friendship Circle.

Community

Lose the Training WheelsFR I E ND SH I P C I R C L E S

S UMMER B I K E CAMP 2 0 1 2

Top Left: Hannah Tighe.

Top Right: Noah Tighe.

Left: Lose the Training Wheels

graduates! Christopher Dewar,

Noah Tighe, Michael Suriano,

Luke Tyrell, Daniel Tyrell and

Billy Kattiner

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Candle-lit tables, din-

ner, a magician and

music provided by DJ

David Taylor filled the room in

the first formal dinner dance of

the Friendship Club in June

2012.

Socials for the Friendship

Club are held eight times a year.

Activities include a talent show,

demonstrations of musical,

artistic, humor and other tal-

ents; physical activities includ-

ing floor hockey and basketball;

and video game systems. The

talent show usually ends in a

mass sing-along on the stage.

The first Friendship Club

social for teens and adults with

ASD was held on November 17,

2001, to the entertainment of

43 attendees. Exactly 11 years

after the first social, the 85th

Friendship Club social was held.

There were 90 attendees, more

than half of them had ASD or

other disabilities.

There are participants who

attended that first social in

2001 who still come regularly.

Participants travel from all

over Metro Detroit and

surrounding areas.

Over the years, many people

have helped with the socials.

Ryan Madden has generously

provided most of the video

game systems, video games and

televisions, as well as providing

set up at each event and main-

tenance of the games and sys-

tems. Other dedicated volun-

teers include Will Brunetti, who

assists with setting up and tear-

ing down the sports equipment

as well as organizing the sports

in the gym with Scott Decker.

St. Anastasia Catholic Church

in Troy and the ASOC have

been major supporters of

the event. This support has

enabled the Friendship Club

to continue to blossom.

Dates scheduled for the

Friendship Club social in 2013

so far include January 19,

February 23, April 27 and

June 1. For more information,

please visit the Friendship

Club’s website at http://autism-

social.weebly.com/ or call the

ASOC at (248) 393-3131.

10 ASD Advocate • ASOC

Community

An excited group of friends at the first formal dinner dance of the

ASOC Friendship Circle.

WALK YOUR DOG FOR A CAUSE

Exciting new fundraising idea for the Autism Society of Oakland County! We are exploring a fun new way to promote autism awareness while raising

money for ASOC. This event would be an opportunity to bring your dog, friends, family, and co-workers for some great exercise and help families and

individuals with Autism. The funds we raise allow us provide support to a range of programs and services throughout our area.

Date and Time: TBD Distance: 1- 3K walk

There are many ways to get involved:

• Find a dog, and start forming your walking team now

• Don’t have a dog? You can still participate and walk anyway!

• Don’t want to walk? You can participate and help out the day of the event

• Maybe your company would like to be a sponsor?

Email [email protected] to get on the distribution list for more information and to

gather your input on this fundraiser More info coming soon!!!

Article submitted by Patty Dufault, ASOC Director.

Friendship ClubA CHANC E TO S H I N E !

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ASD Advocate • Spring 2013 11

DEAR READERS

Please help us keep your address and membership status current. Use the form above to join ASOC, renewyour dues or to notify us that you have moved, or visit uson the web at www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org.

Call (248) 393-3131 if you have any questions concerning membership and dues. Thank You!

PRESIDENT: Barbara Brennan

Sue Hodess

TREASURER:Ken Barnowski

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:Linda Ronan Brown

RECORDING SECRETARY:

Tamra Pickthorn

DIRECTORS: Patricia DufaultCathy Schmidt

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT:

Lisa Kowalski

PHONE: (248) 393-3131ASOC Board members are parent volunteers. Please leave a message, including

your question. An ASOC volunteer will return your call as promptly as possible.

AUTISM SOCIETY OAKLAND COUNTY P.O. Box 70207 • Rochester Hills, MI 48307

EXECUTIVE BOARD

VICE PRESIDENT:

If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation to ASOC, a 501(c)(3) organization:

You may download a contribution form or donate online atwww.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org

GET INVOLVED LOCALLY!Name(s): ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________________________________State: ______ Zip___________________

Phone: ( _______ ) ________________________________________________ County ___________________________

E-Mail: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Oakland County Chapter Dues: Individual (1 vote).........$15.00 = _________

Family (2 votes).............$25.00 = _________

Note: Membership in the ASOC requires concurrent membership with the Autism Society of America.

Autism Society of America Dues:

Household.............................................................................$40 = _________

Champion..............................................................................$75 = _________

Professional.........................................................................$150 = _________

International Household Member ......................................$50 = _________

Lifetime Member.............................................................$1,500 = _________

Donation to the ASOC .................................................................... = _________(Contributions to the ASOC are qualified charitable donations.)

Total enclosed = _________

Please make checks payable to the ASOC and mail to Ken Barnowski, Treasurer, P.O. Box 70207, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Membership dues and donations are also accepted online at www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING: q Please check here and mail this form to: Donna Yates, ASOC, P.O. Box 70207, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Donna Yates will contact you and ask about your available time commitment and how you would like to become involved.

You may also inquire through the chapter phone line at (248) 393-3131 or Email the chapter at [email protected].

With the help of caring

individuals like you, we can

achieve our mission of improving

the lives of all affected by autism.

Thousands of individuals, fami-

lies, professionals and agencies

are already part of the Autism

Society. Together, we can become

not only a resource for the autism

community, but also an agent of

change to help people get the

services and supports they need

throughout their lifetime.

THANK YOU!!!

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P.O. Box 70207

Rochester Hills, MI 48307

CONTRIBUTION FORM

Please print clearly.

Donor Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________State: ______________ Zip Code: __________

Daytime Phone: ( _____ ) _______________________________________________________

In Memory of: _______________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Name of Honoree: ____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Occasion: ___________________________________________________________________

Notification to be sent to: ______________________________________________________

Mail this form to:

ASOC c/o Ken Barnowski, Treasurer

P.O. Box 70207, Rochester Hills, MI 48307

All information provided or published in the ASOC newsletter is for informational purposes only. ASOC assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information

published or provided by ASOC. Under the ASOC Options policy you are responsible for the choice of any treatment, therapy or service provider. Specific services should be

provided only at the direction and under the supervision of an individual’s doctor, care giver or medical professional. Reference to any treatment, program or therapy option is not

an endorsement by the ASOC. Such references are not intended to be comprehensive statements of available options, programs, services or providers.

You should investigate alternatives to find options that are the most appropriate for a specific individual.

NEWSLETTERCOMMITTEE

Barbara Brennan - EditorContributors: Linda BrownPatty DufaultKelly HillsteadSue HodessLisa Kowalski

Tamra Pickthron

GRAPHIC DESIGNSunny Design

(586) 871-7288

THE AUTISM SOCIETY OAKLAND COUNTY (248) 393-3131

WWW.AUTISMSOCIETY OAKLANDCOUNTY.ORG

— Mailing Address —P.O. Box 70207

Rochester Hills, MI 48307

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTROY, MI

PERMIT NO. 36