Online Study Helped Needed for Individuals on Spectrum 18 Years or Older

Researchers at Flinders University in Australia invite individuals aged 18 years or older with an autism spectrum disorder to participate in an online study. This research is being  conducted by Rebecca Flower ([email protected]) under the supervision of Associate Professor Robyn Young ([email protected]) and Professor Neil Brewer ([email protected]).

The aim of this project is to understand whether features that may be present in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder influence their understanding of social situations and appropriate behaviour. 

The project consists of two sessions. Each session is expected to take approximately 1 hour (you may take up to 4 hours to allow for breaks). The second session will occur weeks or possibly months later.

This session will involve questions about demographic information (including age, gender, diagnosis, and any experiences you have had with the criminal justice system) and a set of statements about your preferences and skills. Following this, you will be asked about your interests, and then to watch some short scenarios and answer 1-2 questions after each. …

Research Study Help Needed

Dear ASMC,

My name is Ayshah Alahmari, and I am a graduate student under the direction of Dr. Steve Mertens in the Master’s degree program in the School of Teaching & Learning at Illinois State University. I am conducting a research study to explore parents’ perspectives about education services offered to their children with autism, and to examine the level of parental satisfaction regarding their student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The results of the study will be used to examine ways that both parents and educators can improve IEP meetings to better serve students with autism.

Since the research is focusing primarily on parents of school age children with autism (K-12 students) who attend schools in Central Illinois, I am seeking your help to reach a large number of parents of children with autism. I will keep all the data I collect completely confidential, and I will not use any school’s name nor any parents or their students’ names in any research report.…

Help Us Pick a New Logo

Help Us Pick a New Logo

As the Autism Society of McLean County continues to move forward and grow, we thought it was time for a fresh look. Therefore, we have been in the process of designing a new logo. With members being the driving force of all we do, we would like your input on the new logo. We have narrowed the options to two and would appreciate your guidance in selecting the final design.
 
Please take look at the two finalist and choose which you would like to represent the Autism Society of McLean County.

Thanks!

…

The Lego Movie – A Sensory Friendly Showing

The Lego Movie – A Sensory Friendly Showing

ASMC is partnering with Wehrenberg Galaxy 14 to present a sensory friendly showing of The Lego Movie. The lights are brought up and sound is turned down. It’s OK if people need to get up and move around or talk.

Download the attached coloring pages for the kids. Color them, scan them, and then email us (or give them to us at the movie) and we'll post them on our Facebook page.
 
We will also be giving away two lego sets, one for a girl and one for a boy. The kids will be handed a ticket when they arrive.

The movie starts at 11:00 AM, but please be there by 10:30 AM.

All families who have children and adults with autism welcome. 

The movie is free for ASMC members and $5.50 for non-members. Learn more about joining ASMC as a member.

Please register here: http://autismmclean.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=3.

We are looking forward to a great turn out!…

Say Something with Music – A Music Therapy Group to Enhance Social Skills and Communication

Say Something with Music – A Music Therapy Group to Enhance Social Skills and Communication

Music Therapy is an effective and enjoyable way to capture the attention and interest of participants of a variety of ages. It is an interactive process that promote communication and social skills and learning. Children will participate in music making experiences including, but not limited to, movement, song writing, interactive instrument and ensemble play and relaxation strategies, that focus on each child’s strengths and targets their needs.

Currently, we are offering this group for children 6 to 8 years of age who are looking for ways to enhance communication and social skills. Sessions will be limited to 6 children with a minimum of 4 children in order to move forward with the session.

Sessions will take place at the Lincoln Leisure Center, located in Bloomington, IL. Directions will be provided upon registration completion. In addition, you will receive a Music Therapy Group Checklist to fill out, which will provide the therapist with information about your child that will be necessary in order to provide the most effective music therapy experience!…

Sibshop’s Fun, Food, and Friends in February

Sibshop’s Fun, Food, and Friends in February

For children ages 7‐14 who have a sibling with special needs. Sibshops provide a fun and safe place for siblings to meet other children in the same situation, share experiences, feelings, and discuss joys and challenges. Class size limit is 20.

Participants must register by Feburary 4th. Register below.

For additional information, contact Jacquie Mace at [email protected] or 309‐824‐4555.

In the event that we do not have enough children registered for a group, Sibshops will be canceled for that month.

Sponsored By Illinois Autism Training & Technical Assistance Project The Autism Society of McLean County.

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Wings and Prayers Ministry

Dear Friends,

I hope this email finds you warm and rejoicing in the stillness winter brings. The next Wings and Prayers Differently Abled Ecumenical Service will be meeting this Sunday, January 19th at 3pm at Crossroads Chapel – 1049 JC Parkway, Bloomington, IL. We would love to see you there. Light refreshments will be provided following the worship service.

One of our new flyers is attached. Please feel free to post and to pass it on to others who may be interested. You may contact Rev. Cheree’ Johnson (309) 706-2961 or Rev. Mary Armstrong-Reiner (309) 212-0888 with questions or for more information.

Hope to see you there.…