How to apply for the
Disability Tax Credit for yourself and/or
your dependant!
Wednesday, April 4
9:30 - 11:30 am
Presented by Colleen Eggertson,
Registered Psychologist (see pg. 4)
#174, 3359—27 Street NE
Calgary, Alberta T1Y 5E4
(north of 32 Ave on 27 St)
Ph (403) 250-5033 Fax (403) 250-2625
Email: [email protected]
www.autismcalgary.com
Autism Spectrum Disorder includes:
Autism
PDD-NOS and
Asperger’s Syndrome
Rett’s Syndrome
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
the autism echo
April 2012
Autism Calgary Community Sessions & Events
Page 2
PLEASE NOTE: To register for these events, contact Rebecca Mason;
By phone: 403-250-5033 ext. 0 or email: [email protected]
Leave your name, phone number, and number of people attending
April 2012
Wednesday, April. 4, 2012 from 9:30-11:30 am
(Autism Calgary Office)
Special Presentation– Colleen Eggertson
The Disability Tax Credit
To register, phone Rebecca at 403-250-5033 x 0 or email her at
[email protected]
Thursday, April. 5, 2012 From 7-9pm
(Autism Calgary Office)
Parent’s Connecting
If your child is 18 years or younger—join us for this great support group.
Thursday, April. 19, 2012 From 7-9pm
(Autism Calgary Office)
Asperger’s Network Meeting
A group of adults with Asperger`s. Come and join us for this unique group.
Thursday, April. 26, 2012 From 7-9 pm
(Autism Calgary Office)
Special Presentation
To be announced...
Articles and advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by Autism Calgary Association.
They are printed for information only. Articles may be reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
the autism echo
April 2012
Autism Calgary News
Page 3
Autism Calgary would like to make a special THANK YOU to Adam
Glendon, who made our amazing 20th Anniversary cake ….
This was one of many celebrations we will have this year, stay tuned….
Articles and advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by Autism Calgary Association.
They are printed for information only. Articles may be reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
the autism echo
April 2012
Autism Calgary - News
Page 4
Autism Calgary Live on the Web
As of this fall, our newsletter will not be routinely
published monthly. Our new Website, Facebook, and
Twitter are rapidly becoming our primary source of
information and communication with our members and
our community. Always—Check our website for the
latest events and articles.
With the exception of “Classified” - all information in the newsletter is now a
snapshot of our website. Classified will soon also be published on the
website. At that point, the newsletter will be published periodically for
members without access to internet technology.
Special Presentation
Disability Tax Credit
Colleen Eggertson will present information about how to get the help of your
doctor in applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) for children and adults
with Aspergers Syndrome and similar higher functioning Autism Spectrum
Disorders. People with severe ASD have no trouble qualifying for the DTC,
but doctors often do not realize that people with Aspergers can qualify as
well. Information shared at this meeting will be completely confidential.
The DTC allows a tax deduction of up to $10,000.00 per year both federally
and provincially. It can also be applied retroactively for up to 10 years of past
income tax returns. Having the DTC, automatically qualifies the person for
the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The Federal Government of
Canada will make contributions to this plan even if the person or family can
not put money into it themselves.
Articles and advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by Autism Calgary Association.
They are printed for information only. Articles may be reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
the autism echo
April 2012
Autism Calgary - Members Matter
Page 5
What in the World Is Going On?
February 2012 Edition
By Maureen Bennie
Autism Calgary Member &
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc
th
The 5 annual Autism Awareness Day, declared by the United Nations, is on Monday, April 2nd. This
UN resolution is one of only 3 official health-specific United Nation days. The idea is to bring world
attention to autism and encourage Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism
throughout society, and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. By bringing together
autism organizations all around the world, a voice will be given to the millions of individuals
worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help.
Autism Speaks will mark this day with their Light It Up Blue campaign (http://
www.lightitupblue.org/Markslist/home.do ). Now in its third year, iconic landmarks around the
world will Light It Up Blue to show their support and raise awareness about autism. Anyone can
participate in this campaign. To find out about ideas you can do to Light It Up Blue, click on the link
here.
(http://www.lightitupblue.org/Markslist/tools-and-resources.do )
An international consortium of scientists is collaborating on one of the largest ever academicindustry research projects to find new methods for the development of drugs for autism spectrum
disorder (ASD). European Autism Interventions - A Multicentre Study for Developing New
Medications (EU-AIMS) is the largest single grant for autism research in the world and the largest
for the study of any mental health disorder in Europe.
Robert Ring, Vice President of Translational Research for Autism Speaks said: "The lack of
effective pharmacological treatments for ASD has a profound effect on patients' lives. We are
excited that with this unique collaboration we may see a real shift in future treatment for this
devastating disorder."
EU-AIMS will focus on three areas: the development and validation of translational research
approaches for the advancement of novel therapies for ASD; the identification, alignment, and
development of expert clinical sites across Europe to run clinical trials; and the creation of an
interactive platform for ASD professionals and patients.
Psychiatrist David Goldbloom is the new chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada
(MHCC) (http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/english/pages/default.aspx ) was recently
appointed. The MHCC is about to unveil its mental health strategy. Canada is the only G-8 country
without a strategy. The strategy is a way of articulating priorities and focusing efforts but does not
fund mental-health programs. Many individuals on the autism spectrum also experience mental
health problems such as anxiety and depression. Hopefully, the development of this national strategy
will lead to one for autism in the near future.
Articles and advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by Autism Calgary Association.
They are printed for information only. Articles may be reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
the autism echo
April 2012
Autism Calgary - Members Matter
Page 6
Continued...
I recently discovered The Riot which promotes self-advocacy for people with disabilities. Selfadvocates speak up with spoken words, sign language, letter boards or in ways unique to each
person. The Riot offers a newsletter, a blog where self-advocates can share opinions, an online
art gallery, toolkits, games and services to help individuals become stronger self-advocates.
They cover topics that are important to self-advocates. Although they are serious about selfadvocacy issues, they also want to make self-advocates laugh and feel good about life. Check
out this great site. (http://www.theriotrocks.org/ )
A new report (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/19/us-autisticidUSBRE82I05820120319) from the Center for Autism Research at The Children's Hospital of
Philadelphia found that US families with autistic children earn nearly $18,000 less than parents
of normally developing kids. Accounting for factors such as parents' age, race, education and
health, fathers of kids with autism were just as likely to be employed as fathers of typically
developing children. The same was true for how much fathers worked and earned.
The same did not hold true for mothers. Compared with mothers of kids without disabilities,
those who had autistic children were six percent less likely to be employed, worked seven hours
less per week and had less than half the annual income. Mothers tend to be the primary
caregivers for children on the spectrum, advocates, and often are case managers for services.
"State legislatures, employers and the federal government have to engage these families in a
conversation about how to best assist them," said David Mandell who spearheaded the study.
"Any assistance must preserve work flexibility and the wide variety of work and care
arrangements which are key to achieve a work-family balance that works for kids with autism,
their siblings and their parents."
Although this was a US study, I believe the results would more than likely be similar in Canada.
The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) for children from birth to age 5 is available on-line
for free through the Easter Seals. (http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageNavigator/
ntlc10_mffc_homepageasq.html).The ASQ-3 results will help parents see if a child's
developmental progress is on time and alert parents to concerns that can be discussed with a
health care provider. The ASQ-3 is designed as a screening tool and not for diagnosis. Results
from the on-line ASQ-3 will be e-mailed within two weeks.
Not sure how to teach the hidden curriculum of social situations to adults on the spectrum? Judy
Endow, adult with ASD, has written a new book based on her personal experiences. Learning
the Hidden Curriculum: The Odyssey of One Autistic Adult (http://
www.autismawarenesscentre.com/booksproducts/new-titles?
page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_aaci_books.tpl&product_id=782&category_id=59
) provides lots of hidden curriculum items that pertain to most areas of adult life. In relating how
Judy personally has learned to more successfully manoeuver social interactions, she also
Articles and advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by Autism Calgary Association.
They are printed for information only. Articles may be reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
the autism echo
April 2012
Autism Calgary - Members Matter
Page 7
Continued….a situation and take steps to avoid making social blunders before they have been
committed. This book is all the more valuable because it was written by an autistic person who has
learned by trial and error.
The new book Everyday Activities to Help Your Young Child with Autism Live Life to the Full (http://
www.autismawarenesscentre.com/booksproducts/new-titles?
page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_aaci_books.tpl&product_id=783&category_id=59) is
brimming with simple ideas, activities and exercises to address the daily challenges that young
children with autism face such as getting dressed and tooth-brushing. Easy to carry out and to fit into
routines, the activities will help improve a child's sense of body awareness, coordination and motor
skills, and address key tasks such as eating meals and healthy sleep. There are also ideas for tackling
social challenges, including playing with friends, going on a holiday and staying calm at school. This
jargon-free book shows how occupational therapy techniques can be used to help a young child with
autism to live life to the full, and will be an essential tool for parents and carers.
I discovered a great website this month called Autism and Empathy. (http://
www.autismandempathy.com/ ) The purpose of the site is to to undo the myths about autism and
empathy that have stigmatized autistic people for so long. It features writing by autistic individuals,
autism parents and family members, autism professionals, and others who understand that autistic
people, all along the spectrum, can experience the world in highly empathetic and sensitive ways. By
telling their stories, describing their experiences, and speaking the truth in their own voices, they can
break dehumanizing stereotypes and increase understanding. The posts are insightful and well written.
These are the highlights of what in the world is going on in autism for April 2012.
Join our Autism Calgary Choir
Attention all youth with ASD, 15 years and up (across
the spectrum). Come and join our us for one hour of great
songs and socializing. This is a free activity and it happens
every Tuesday at the location below. Aides welcome. We
hope to see you there.
To register, please email Rebecca at [email protected] or call 403.250.5033 x0
Where: Deer Park United Church (SE Calgary)
When: Tuesday Afternoons @ 1:30pm - 2:30pm
_______________________________________________________________________
Articles and advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by Autism Calgary Association.
They are printed for information only. Articles may be reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
the autism echo
April 2012
Classifieds
Page 8
Friends Club
Objective: To provide natural opportunities to practice and generalize social skills in a
variety of community-based environments.
Who?: 8-11 year olds.
Student Goals?: Each student will have individualized goals that they will be responsible
for (promote self-monitoring).
How?: All goals will be established before each session starts (fading out support as
success is demonstrated). Subtle reminders and positive feedback will be delivered
throughout the session, ensuring that the student is aware of their successes. We will debrief at the end of the session to solidify their accomplishments that day and each student
will identify one thing that requires on-going work (promoting self-awareness).
Where?: Each month we will choose one location to meet at (e.g., community centres,
recreational centres, etc.). The specific locations are to be determined.
When?: Every Friday from 5:00-6:30 (with exception to holidays). Registration occurs
monthly.
Cost?: $45.00 per session (not including admittance fees for community locations).
If you are interested in having your child join this group, please contact:
Jenny Duffield
Behaviour Strategist
[email protected]
(403)630-2518
Articles and advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by Autism Calgary Association.
They are printed for information only. Articles may be reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
the autism echo
April 2012
Classifieds
Page 9
Children and Their Parents Needed for Research about Food
Researchers at the University of Calgary want to know which foods children aged 3-16 years would eat IF
they had complete freedom to make their own choices. We especially want to know if children with learning
and developmental problems have different food preferences from children experiencing typical growth and
development. Participation in this project is voluntary and anonymous. Parents and children should decide
together if they want to participate. If you and your child choose to participate, please complete the questions
online by May 2012. If you prefer writing answers on paper, a package can be mailed to you along with a self
-addressed, stamped return envelope. To receive a package, please contact Kristin Wiens at
[email protected]. This study has been reviewed and approved by the Conjoint Health
Research Ethics Board at the University of Calgary. Thank you in advance for your interest in this project!
What we ask of you: Complete a survey
1. Copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser address bar to access the survey.
Take about 30 minutes to answer some questions online.
Help your child (if help is needed) to complete one section of questions. Keep in mind that we want to know your
child’s preferences, not what you wish your child would prefer!
URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/foodpreferencestudy
(If this link does not work by clicking, please copy and paste it into your browser!)
Bonnie J. Kaplan, PhD
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics
Alberta Children’s Hospital
Telephone: (403) 955-7363
Fax: (403) 955-2772
Email: [email protected]
Looking for: Behavioural Therapy Aid/Child Development Specialist
Looking for an enthusiastic, caring, fun and dedicated person to work with a bright, sweet, three
year old child with autism. We are seeking an individual to work part-time on direct skills
development with our son and to be part of a motivated, home-based team providing an early
intervention program (ABA based). The specialist will have the opportunity to work on a team
focusing on behavioral intervention and receive training from other team members in methods such
as ABA. Private home location. Flexible hours. Interested candidiates, please inquire with a resume
via e-mail at [email protected] or via phone at 403.966.2794.
Articles and advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by Autism Calgary Association.
They are printed for information only. Articles may be reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
the autism echo
April 2012
Classifieds
Articles and advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by Autism Calgary Association.
They are printed for information only. Articles may be reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
Page 10
the autism echo
April 2012
Classifieds
Page 11
Articles and advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by Autism Calgary Association.
They are printed for information only. Articles may be reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
Autism Calgary
#174, 3359—27 St NE
Calgary, AB T1Y 5E4
Phone: 403-250-5033
Fax: 403-250-2625
Email: [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9:00AM—5:00PM
FAMY SUPPORT
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
10:30AM-5:00PM
Website: www.autismcalgary.com
April 2012
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
Family Swim
5:30-6:30 pm
2
3
4 Disability Tax
Credit
Presentation
9:30-11:30 am
5 Parent’s
Connecting
Support
Group
7-9 pm
6
7
8
No Family
Swim
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Family Swim
5:30-6:30 pm
16
17
18
19 Asperger’s
Network
Meeting
7-9 pm
20
21
22
Family Swim
5:30-6:30 pm
23
24
25
26 Special
Presentation
7-9 pm
27
28
29
Family Swim
5:30-6:30 pm
30
FREE Family Swim for AC Members at the
Vecova - Center for Disability Services and Research 3304 –33rd
Street NW (just north of the
University of Calgary) ph: 403-284-2231
Drop-in, no reservations required-See calendar for times