Improving the lives of individuals with autism – and their families – through

resources, referrals,

and training since 2000.

Inside This Issue

Program Highlights... 2

Announcements & Updates... 3

MD TAP Helps With Technology Needs... 4

Improved Services for Crime Victims... 5

Celebrity BartendingEvent... 6

Pathfinders’ Volunteers... 7

PathfinderThe Volume 6, No. 3

Fall 2007

Linda Carter-FerrierBoard Member, Pathfinders for AutismPresident Anne Arundel County ASA

I can still clearly recall the first IEP meeting that I attended for my son. He was 3-years-old, and because we had concerns about his development, he had an observation by the Child Find team. They told me that he would need formal assessments, went over the paperwork, and asked for my signature. I walked out feeling like I had a vague idea of what had just taken place. The next few IEP meetings, where they reviewed the evaluation results and stated that he met the eligibility criteria for an IEP based on his disability of autism, andthenpresentedand obtained my written approval for the initial IEP, all ended with that same feeling that I had a vague idea of what was going on.

That was 12 years ago, and since that time, I have attended countless IEP meetings for him as well his brother, who has Asperger’s Syndrome. Overthepast5yearsIhavealsoattendedmany IEP meetings for other children in my role as a Parent Advocate.

WhatIhavelearnedisthattherearevaluable things that parents can do to prepare for IEP meetings, and that doing these things can significantly increase our abilitytobeactiveandinvolvedparticipantsin the IEP process. These suggestions apply to preparing for any type of IEP meeting.

FirsT, having a clear understanding of the purpose of the meeting, including who will be there and what will be discussed,

considered, reviewed, and/or decided. One of the most important phrases that we should use as often as necessary is “I want to make sure that I understand.” Don’t be hesitant to ask for clarification and information.

second, have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish at the meeting. It often helps to prepare something in writing that you can refer to, such as a check-list or brief talking points. For example, in preparing for an annual review, I often write down the 3 or 4 key ideas that I want to make sure I

communicate to the team. These might include things that have been ongoing areasofconcernduring the past

yearthatIbelieveneedtobeaddressedbetterin the IEP, or things that were problems that we developedaneffectivesolutionforandneedtobesuretoincludeinthe IEP.

Third,haveaclearideaofyourcurrent

priorities for your child. Our thoughts can overflow with all of the concerns we have about our child’s areas of difficulty—communication, social skills, self-care skills, academics, etc. One way to identify priorities is to fill a large piece of paper with all of your thoughts, and then come back to it again later prepared to select no more than 3 to 5 items that you believe are the critical items that should be the focus of attention for the next 6 to 12 months. This doesn’t mean that all of the other items won’t ever be addressed. Be prepared to share your continued on page 6

Tips For Preparing For An IEP Meeting

Pathfinders’ Program Highlights

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Over the past few years, the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) has noted the rise in the number of individuals they serve with autism. Knowing that the rate continues to climb in the school age population, and that these children will eventually leave the school system and need vocational training services, DORS turned to Pathfinders to help them prepare their staff for the coming surge. Over the past year, Pathfinders has worked with DORS to identify staff training needs and implementation strategies that work within its existing structure. In the spring 2007 Pathfinders sponsored two training workshops for DORS Transition

stepping down – but not outAs described in Dawn’s letter, a “changing of the guard” has taken place at Pathfinders, with Alisa rock becoming our new President as I resign from that position, but still remain on the Board. I am very pleased that

Alisa, who previously briefly served as Executive Director before joining the Board, will succeed me and I am confident that she will do a great job guiding Pathfinders going forward. I am also delighted that Linda Carter-Ferrier is joining our Board and that I will have a chance to work with her directly.It has been eight years since the first organizational meetings for Pathfinders took place and much has been accomplished in that time period – starting up a Resource Center for Maryland, initiating legislation, helping to fund groundbreaking early detection research by Dr. Rebecca Landa and launching our new training initiative, just to mention the most significant – all while putting the organization on a solid financial footing and hiring staff, etc. It has been a team effort – and what a team! Everyone contributed and those contributions have been substantial, and critical to Pathfinders’ success. But in particular I must acknowledge Becky Galli, whose official position has been Board Secretary but whom I described whenever I had the opportunity as our de-facto co-President. That term really describes our working relationship. Her contributions have been immeasurable and it has been a privilege to work with her.And as for me, well, resigning is not retiring. Along with some other parents of individuals with autism, I will be attempting to start an adult service provider agency for adults with autism in the greater Baltimore area. Pathfinders has chosen not to provide direct services, but to instead focus its efforts on being a catalyst in seeing services developed and improved. We in the autism community need that! We also need more adult service providers. I hope to address that need. Let me conclude by saying thanks to all of you who have supported and continue to support the great work that Pathfinders is doing. — Brian Mund

Pathfinders Training has direct impact on vocational training for individuals with autism

Dear Friends of Pathfinders,In September, Founding President Brian Mund, who has led the organization for the past eight years stepped down as President. We are forever grateful for his tireless dedication, guidance and creative ideas that have enabled us to accomplish a great deal on behalf of Maryland’s autism community.

We are extremely fortunate that Brian will remain on the Board of Directors, where his wisdom and insight will be invaluable. At the September meeting of Pathfinders Board of Directors, Rebecca Faye Smith Galli, Secretary of the Board, presented Brian with an engraved pewter tray that read: “Presented to Brian R. Mund with Sincere Appreciation for Your Many Years of Dedication as Founding President of the Board of Directors – Pathfinders for Autism.”We are very excited to announce the new President of the Board, Alisa Rock, and look forward to her leadership and energy as we continue to “find a path for our children.” Sincerely, Dawn Koplos, Executive Director

Coordinators and Vocational Training staff with very positive feedback and concrete examples of staff implementing the knowledge they had learned.

DORS Workforce Technology Center’s police chief relayed that the training validated the approach he takes when working with clients with autism. He feels even more prepared to handle crisis situations based on the techniques he learned. The training also helped identify some additional training for staff on emergency preparednessandcrisisinterventiontechniquesforthis population.

Announcements & Updates

CIBC Miracle DayPathfinders for Autism has been nominated to participatein the CIBC World Markets 2007 Miracle Day. CIBC is a major investment brokerage firm. Pathfinders will know mid-November if we have been accepted.

If selected, Pathfinders will be listed on the 2007 Miracle Day Charity List distributed to CIBC World Market clients. Then, on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, 100% of CIBC World Markets’ net commissions (less expenses) from trades made through the firm that day will be donated to over 350 participating Miracle Day charities located throughout the United States. Last year, this event netted Pathfinders $10,000!

Mark Your Calendars!3rd Annual Baltimore Comedy Fest For Autism AwarenessApril 4-6, 2008

Pathfinders BenefitSaturday, April 12, 2008VFW Hall, Port Deposit MDCelebrate Autism Awareness month with food, fun and the sounds of the Route One Band

Pathfinders’ 7th Annual Golf Tournament, Awards Dinner and AuctionMonday, May 5, 2008

Pathfinders’ Fashion ShowSaturday, October 25, 2008Geppi’s Entertainment Museum

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Pathfinders and the American Academy of Pediatrics - MD Chapter form a New PartnershipThe American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that all children be screened for autism spectrum disorder twice before age two, as part of well-baby checkups. The AAP also recommends that treatment for autism be started when the disorder is suspected, rather than waiting for a formal diagnosis. To that end, we are extremely please to announce a new partnership between the American Academy of Pediatrics - Maryland Chapter and Pathfinders for Autism. This partnership will focus on training pediatricians in the early screening/detection of autism and providing community resources to parents, pediatricians and family practitioners.

The partnership will jointly seek funds to purchase “AUTISM Toolkits” (to be released by the National AAP in the coming weeks); package them with information provided by Pathfinders on local resources for professionals and families; and provide training sessions across the state (offering Continuing Medical Education credits as an additional incentive for participation.) The effort will be rolled into other early childhood development education work that both Pathfinders and the AAP - Maryland Chapter are working on, such as: ABC Development, Medical Home and the Maryland State Department of Education Pilot Screening project.

Oh What Fun!Discovery Days at the Children’s MuseumOnce again, Pathfinders sponsored two “Autism Awareness Family Days” at the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore. Pathfinders provided free admission for families who attended from 4-6 p.m. on August 18 and August 25. Nearly 80 guests attended, with registration from families in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Washington Counties, as well as Pennsylvania. Watch our calendar for more events with Port Discovery and other local attractions.

Night at Camden YardsMany thanks to the 140 guests that turned out to celebrate B.J. Surhoff’s induction intotheOriolesHall of Fame andtosupportPathfinders. The pre-game bullpen party was a blast with food and festivities for all. The induction ceremony was a wonderful walk down memory lane highlighting B.J.’s contribution to the team. Also present was Cal Ripken Jr., offering fond memories of his teammate.

Visit our website for more details on these,

and other events, coming soon.

Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP) Helps People with Disabilities Get Needed Technology

Michael Dalto, Executive Director

To build a better life, you need the right tools. People with disabilities often use tools called “assistive technology” to help them live, work and learn more independently. Recent developments in technology have caused the toolbox to grow rapidly. While assistive technology was once considered the province of only people with physical or sensory disabilities, an expanding array of products are now available to people with cognitive disabilities, including autism.

Communication devices with synthesized speech make communication easier for people who are non-verbal or are challenged by speaking directly to others. Adapted personal digital assistants (PDA’s) can be programmed to give step-by-step instructions with photos and text to help people complete tasks. A variety of computer programs enhance reading, writing and communication. Many children love electronic toys they can activatewith electrical switches.

Now that more and more products are available, how can you discover and try them out? Once you know which devices will work best, can you get financial aid to buy them? The Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP) can help. A division of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the agency helps Marylanders with disabilities, their families and advocates to find and acquire technology they need. MD TAP’s programs include:

Information and ReferralMD TAP will answer your questions by phone or e-mail. They’ll tell you how to find products and contact the vendors who sell them, how to get evaluations, how to get discounts on some products, and how to get financial assistance to pay for them.

Device Demonstration and LoanMD TAP can show you products that might meet your needs at one of its demonstration centers or at group presentations. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Once you’ve found a product you like, how can you be sure it will work for you? MD TAP will lend you a device for up to four weeks to try out at home, school or work. There is no fee, and even return shipping is free. (Note: Some complex, expensive devices may only be lent to experienced professionals who can help people with disabilities use them properly.)

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“The Visual Assistant, an adapted personal digital assistant (PDA), gives the user step-by-step instructions with photos and words to complete tasks.” ➤

Cyrano - “The Cyrano is a pocket communication device designed by the inventor for his son with autism.”

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Low-Interest Loan ProgramSome funding sources will pay for the full cost of some devices, but most people must either pay for a portion of the items they need or do without them. The Assistive Technology Loan Program helps to fill the gap. The program provides reduced-interest loans (the current rate for most loans is 6%) ranging from $500 to $50,000. You must have a good likelihood of being able to repay a loan to get approved, but the program’s criteria are much more flexible than for most conventional loans. About 80% of the program’s borrowers would be turned down for loans by banks or credit unionsduetolimited incomes, high debts or credit issues,butarestillable to get loans through the program.

Scott Feifarek using a digital assistant

conTAcT Md TAP1-800-832-4827 (voice)1-866-881-7488 (TTY)

mdtap@mdtap.orgwww.mdtap.org

Howard County Autism Society Works to Improve Services for Crime Victims with Autism

As part of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime, the Howard County Autism Society, along with partners the Autism Society of America (ASA) and L.E.A.N. On Us, Inc., are putting the finishing touches on a series of publications and a training curriculum on autism for crime victim professionals.

The project, the Victims with Autism Assistance, Education, and Training Program, will produce a series of six fact sheets for police, paramedics, child abuse counselors, domestic violence and sexual assault counselors, attorneys, and social workers, along with two brochures for crime victims with autism and their families. The fact sheets, brochures, and curriculum will be available to the public this coming spring.

As part of the process of creating the curriculum, the project surveyed almost 1600 individuals with autism and their families about their experiences with crime. The survey results indicated that 35% of individuals with autism experience a crime. Over 70% of crime victims with autism and their families surveyed regarded crime victim professionals as “not very knowledgeable” about autism. A smaller survey of almost 200 professionals revealed consistent concerns; 60% rated their colleagues as “not very knowledgeable” about autism. Officer Carolyn Gammicchia from L.E.A.N On Us, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization specializing in police training about disabilities, says, “Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities experience crime at rates higher than the general public, and yet police officers and others within the criminal justice system generally receive little training on disabilities, particularly autism.”

Lee Grossman, President and CEO of the ASA, concurs: “As the number of individuals with autism living in our local communities grows, there is an increasing need for training of professionals about the characteristics and

needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. This includes not only first-responders, but the full range of individuals and organizations that provide services to victims of crime.”

The Howard County Autism Society has now piloted the program with police, paramedics, and a number of other professionals that serve crime victims. By the end of 2008, all of Howard County’s paramedics will have been trained using the curriculum thanks to a partnership with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue. Says Kim Manning, the Howard County Autism Society’s executive director, “We have been incredibly fortunate that the Howard

County Police Department and the Department of Fire and Rescue realize how important education and training about autism is. We hope that the

materials and curriculum created by this project can assist autism

groups throughout the country to have similar partnerships.”

Adds Gammicchia: “The initial interaction between

a police officer and an individual is just the beginning

of what can be a positive or negative experience for a crime victim who has an autism spectrum disorder. We hope that our training curriculum will be used by a number of professionals – from domestic andchildabusecounselorstosocial workers and legal advocacy organizations. All are likely to come into contact with individuals with

autism and it will be of great benefit for them to have additional tools to

meet the unique needs of individuals with autism.”

Maryland individuals interested in the materials and curriculum should check back with the Howard County Autism Society in March when all of the publications are expected to be available. Information will be available on their website – (www.howard-autism.org). Information will also be available from the Autism Society of America – (www.autism-society.org).

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Many thanks to everyone who supported our Celebrity Bartending Event at the Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore.The bar and restaurant were packed for the better part of the evening. Local favorite, Al Walsh, provided fantastic music. Our celebrity bartenders drew a crowd and kept them happy, and loud. The event is a competition among local non-profits. The organization that generates the most sales for an evening wins a $10,000 prize from the Mt. Washington Tavern. This year’s winner will be announced in December. Wish us luck!

A very special “Thank You” to our Celebrity Bartenders:B.J. and Polly SurhoffMike BordickMarianne BannisterMary Beth MarsdenStash from 98 Rock Greg Hall of the Baltimore Comedy Fest

From top to bottom: — Polly Surhoff (2nd from left) and friends. — Check out the crowd at the bar! — Mary Beth Marsden and Steve Geppi keep the crowd happy. — Mike Bordick plays bartender. — PFA staff and volunteers Linda O’Connor, Richard Chaney, Karran Chaney and Linda Pearl.

Celebrity Bartending Event a Huge Success

Tips For Preparing For an IEP Meeting continued

ideas of what you believe should be the current priorities for your child at the IEP meeting, along with information about why you selected these items.

FourTh, gather and review materials and information. We accumulate a monumental amount of papers about our children, and it is hard to keep it even minimally organized. The value of going through these papers is that they contain information to help you prepare for the IEP meeting. Gathering and reviewing these papers can be particularly helpful if you are having difficulty deciding what you want to accomplish at the meeting or deciding what you want the priority items/areas to be for

the next 6 to 12 months. You can then use the material you found to support your statements at the meeting.

Implementing these suggestions will require some work and some effort. I have found that these suggestions can be effectively accomplished by devoting small blocks of time to each of them over 3-4 days. The result is that you will walk into an IEP meeting much more able to serve asanactiveandinvolvedparticipant,becauseyouhavea clear understanding of the purpose of the meeting, a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, a clear idea aboutyourcurrentprioritiesforyourchild,andyouhavebrought the necessary materials and information to support your ideas.

Pathfinders’ Volunteers

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Pathfinders for Autism is very lucky to have many volunteers who assist us in so many ways. Our volunteersplanevents,assistourresourcecenterand provide office support. To date this year, Pathfinders’ volunteers have contributed over 320 hours of service, valued at over $6,025 (based on the national rate established by Independent Sector). We appreciate all of our volunteers’ contributions to our efforts.

In particular, pathfinder wishes to thank the following volunteers:Our summer interns, Drew CosgareaandAustin Surhoff, for their outstanding service. Both young men spent part of their summer vacation working on service projects designed to enhance the Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center and outreach efforts. Drew spent many hours checking our website and provider database looking for “dead” links. He also assisted Pathfinders in archiving our publications and articles. Austin also contributed dozens of hours to researching autism resources on the web. This information will be included in Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center and will be part of a web marketing strategy aimed at increasing visibility of the Resource Center.

A great heartfelt thanks to volunteer, Glenn Carr, who organized Pathfinders’ Night at Camden Yards event. Not only was the event his idea, but he handled all the logistics and ticket sales. Glenn’s creativity, enthusiasm and dedication are true assets to the autism community. Thanks, Glenn!

WAnTedVolunteer(s) interested in assisting our Resource Center with content research. Tasks may include web-based research, information verification and article review and/or solicitation. Candidate must be computer savvy. Volunteers interested in committing to 300 hours of service by August 30 may be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps education award of $1000(this is not a requirement). To qualify for the AmeriCorps program, volunteers must be 17 yearsof age or older and a US Citizen. To learn more, contactRebecca Rienzi at rrienzi@pathfindersforautism.org or call 410-769-8221.

Volunteer Extraordinaire, Glenn Carr, and his daughter Susanna

Did you know that the Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center...

4 Offers a unique service with staff available to personally answer your questions via telephone (toll-free 1-866-806-8400) or e-mail?

4 Our database of resources is shared with national and other state autism organizations?

4 Most providers in our resource database are parent-recommended?

4 You can download articles about Autism, Maryland Services, Education, Treatment & Therapies, and more?

4 Depends on you for recommendations about the providers, services, and products that you find most helpful?

Above: Drew CosgareaBelow: Austin Surhoff

Thank You!

Alisa rockPresident B.J. SurhoffVice PresidentBruce L. SchindlerTreasurerRebecca Faye Smith GalliSecretaryPolly Winde SurhoffLinda Carter-FerrierH. Bradley DonovanMichael R. FordStephen A. GeppiJohn W. KamauffBrian MundRick OpferStuart SpielmanHonorary Board MemberMichael Phelps

Nonprofit OrganizationPermit #549

U.S. Postage PAID

Cockeysville, MD

Pathfinders welcomes articles on autism related topics for our newsletter and website. Articles must provide information, tips or resources for parents, providers or educators. Articles that relate personal success stories are also welcome. All articles are subject to review by our resource and information committee. Submissions should be sent to info@pathfindersforautism.org, subject ARTICLE SUBMISSION. Newsletter articles should be 300-600 words in length and CANNOT sell or endorse products or services. Deadline for possible inclusion in our spring newsletter is December 31, 2007.

Sign Up for e-mail Alerts.... Pathfinders for Autism is pleased to offer our newsletter electronically (via e-mail) and alerts on breaking news, invitations to special events and autism specific information. To sign up please send an e-mail to info@pathfindersforautism.org or see our website: www.pathfindersforautism.org

Your Donation Makes a Difference!Please consider a contribution to Pathfinders for Autism – a great gift idea to honor a loved one or colleague. See the enclosed envelope for details. Thank you!

Board Members

Pathfinders For Autism Resource CenterHELP LINE: (410) 769-9500

Toll-free (866) 806-8400www.pathfindersforautism.org

“Our mission is to find a path for our children.”