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Welcome to the October 2019 issue of our newsletter!
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In this issue
Research Opportunities
Professional Trainings
Events & Activities
Resources
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In this season of harvest and changing colors, the UVM Autism Collaborative is celebrating its first year!
Join us as we host our first networking event with other autism research stakeholders to discuss potential research partnerships. If you are interested in learning more about what is happening at UVM for autism research, we would love to see you.
When: November 8th 2019, 10:00 - 11:45 AM
Where: Larner College of Medicine, Med.Ed. 300
Format: Collaborative members and their graduate students will share information on their research followed by individual and small group discussions
RSVP at UVM-AC@uvm.edu
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Research Opportunities
What was your experience of childbirth? Looking for adults with autism who have experienced childbirth (either giving birth or being present for a birth as a support partner) to share your stories with us! This study is titled “Labor and Delivery Experiences of Autistic Parents: A Narrative Research Study.”
We are looking for individuals who believe they are on the spectrum (may be formally, informally, or self-diagnosed). You must be 18 years or older to participate. Participation is entirely online and includes answering questions about your labor and childbirth experience. You may take however long or short to complete the survey depending on the amount you choose to share with us, however it will likely take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
To find out more or to participate, please use this link: https://survey.uvm.edu/index.php/259544?lang=en
Please contact Laura Lewis directly if you have any questions about this study at laura.lewis@med.uvm.edu.
Thank you for your consideration,
Laura Lewis, RN, PhD (Faculty mentor/nurse researcher), Emma Beaudoin, Alexa Cestrone, Hannah Scheibner, & Hannah Schirling (undergraduate nursing students)
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Professional Development Opportunities
Executive Functioning Training The Vermont Higher Education Collaborative is hosting a 2-day training with Danielle Kent MS,CCC-SLP on October 25th and November 22nd covering Executive Functioning, Theory of Mind and Socialization & Play. Click here for more information and registration
A Team Approach to Communication in Children with Complex Motor Needs Training On November 12th, in Colchester VT, Shelley Velleman, PhD, CCC-SLP in collaboration with the I-Team is going to present a training A Team Approach to Communication in Children with Complex Motor Needs. For more information see the brochure and use this link to register. Lunch is provided.
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Local Events & Activities
Partners in Adventure Halloween Social On Saturday, October 26th, Partners in Adventure will be hosting a Halloween party at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Essex, VT. Costumes are encouraged, and there will be a DJ, crafts, games, and food. Costs per person is $5.00 or $10.00 per family. Please RSVP to Sue Minter at 310-0808 or sminter@partnersinadventure.org. All proceeds go to the Joe Shook Scholarship Fund.
Partners in Adventure's Fitness Fridays
5:00pm or 5:15pm: exercise (meet at location of activity)
6:15 pm to 7:15 pm: a low cost dinner (example: McDonalds, Subway, Vespa’s, Hoagies, Zachary’s Pizza or other suggestions)
Pay as you go - $8.00 weekly (unless otherwise noted). Dinner is your responsibility.
Contact Katie at knikel@partnersinadventure.org or 802-881-8281 for information and registration
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports Vermont Adaptive is committed to ensuring that everyBODY is able to enjoy winter to their fullest. They are currently accepting registration for snow sports, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and other group actives. Please refer to the link for more details and a link to registration. https://www.vermontadaptive.org/snow-sports/
Night to Shine The Night to Shine is coming up on February 7, 2020. For those registered guests who may be in need of attire for this event, there will be an opportunity to come and try on some donated dresses and men's clothing on the following dates at the Night to Shine Boutique located a the Essex Alliance Church, 37 Old Stage Road in Essex Junction, VT on Wednesday, January 22nd from 2:00 - 6:00 pm and
Thursday, January 23rd from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Something new this year for those traveling a distance is that they have blocked off a set number of rooms for guests at a special rate of $109/night. Although the number of rooms can be increased, it will be subject to whether there is availability. Rooms will be held up to 14 days prior to the event. For more information visit the Essex Alliance Church website.
A Fun Safe Indoor Trampoline Park for Children with Special Needs On Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, there is a dedicated time for jumpers with special needs. The atmosphere is calmer, including music at a lower volume. Please refer to the link for directions, costs, and a waiver for jumpers. http://getairsports.com/williston/events/special-needs/
2020 Special Olympics Vermont and Burlington Cool Schools Penguin Plunge Special Olympics Vermont's largest annual fundraising effort, Penguin Plunge, will take place on February 1, 2020 at the Burlington Waterfront. Please visit https://penguinplunge.org/ for more information and registration information.
FlynnCenter Sensory Friendy Druming Among Free Family Saturday events the center is hosting in the upcoming new year, there will be a Sensory Friendly Drumming program for families with children on Sunday, December 8th at 1:00 PM. The event is free, but registration is opened now and encouraged as the event can only host 18 participants. Please follow the link for more information: https://www.flynncenter.org/education/take-a-class/classes/details.html?perf_no=17025&from_home_tab=1
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Local Resources
Kayla's Directory Kayla's Directory is a parent created organization that is dedicated to a life of fulfillment, participation, and inclusion for children with special needs. The website offers various resources, from doctors of all specialties to haircut locations, that are best suited to fit the needs of various children. They also offer up-to-date event information for families, such as current Fall activities in the area. Please reference the link as needed. http://www.kaylasdirectory.org/
Halloween Preparations Even though Halloween does offer a lot of excitement, this festive day may be a bit overwhelming for some children. Here is a visual story from Autism Speaks that may prove helpful for families and children to help them prepare and know what to expect. Autism Speaks also has new templates so you can edit and personalize your story.
Vermont Family Network The Vermont Family Network is committed to empowering and supporting all Vermont families of children with special needs. The Network offers an abundance of family support, such as programs and education like Parent-to-Parent Match. There is also a calendar of events providing workshops as early as October 22nd. Please reference the link for more information. https://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org/
CDCI Progams The University of Vermont's Center on Disability and Community Inclusion (CDCI) is partaking in a variety of different programs, including but not limited to mobility, supported employment, and metabolic clinical nutrition programs. This program is part of the College of Education and Social Services and partners with the Vermont Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (VT LEND) program. Please reference the link for ways to get involved in and support these programs. https://www.uvm.edu/cess/cdci/cdci-projects
The Center for Disability and Community Inclusion (CDCI) at UVM hosts the Training and Resources for Interdisiciplinary Professionals Serving Children and Youth (TRIPSCY) Project. Their listserv is a great way for professionals to connect, disseminate information and ask questions related to providing services to children with autism and other developmental disabilities. To be added to the listserv, contact Lisa Hurst-Bouffard at Lisa.Hurst-Bouffard@uvm.edu. or visit the website (click on “Contact Us”).
 
Since November of 2015, a group of community and state stakeholders, called the Autism Workgroup, started coming together to ask the following: How do we use our collective resources to move autism services forward for children and their families in Vermont? This group is building on the work that was done by the previous Autism Plan Advisory Committee and the Vermont State Autism Plan. Every other month a diverse group of family members, state staff, and community partners come together to talk about gaps, issues, and to highlight examples of exemplary work. This is an open group and if you are interested in joining or learning more please contact, Cheryle.Wilcox@vermont.gov, Interagency Planning Director, Department of Mental Health.
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About the Collaborative: This Collaborative was put together by UVM scientists and health care providers who have decided to unite their efforts. We share the same values for family centered care, quality of life, community inclusion and interdisciplinary practice and research.
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Mission: We are dedicated to improving quality of life for people with autism. We strive to collaborate across disciplines and involve all stakeholders, especially those with autism, their families, and friends.
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