"Big MAKS"... More support than a 44DD

Extended deadline date!!

2012-01-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

FREE Red Devils Soccer Clinic

Children withAutism Spectrum Disorder ages 4-9

Tuesday, May 1^stand Thursday, May 3^rd, 2012 3:30-4:30pm

Carmen B. PingreeSchool 780 Guardsman Way

Salt LakeCity, UT

Registration is due by February 20,2012

For more information please contact: if you are interested email Jennifer at:

jencunningham6@aol.com

Michelle Jensen

801-486-1552

michellerandalljensen@gmail.com

2012-01-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

U FIT is starting soon....take a look!!

2012-01-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

U-FIT is a family-centered, family-friendly program designed for children and youth with special needs. We provide physical activities in a fun, noncompetitive atmosphere that will help individuals reach their goals! By working along side skilled volunteers, the program is designed to build friendships, increase self-esteem, improve motor skills and levels of physical fitness while ultimately having fun in a nurturing environment.

http://www.health.utah.edu/ess/ufit/index.html

2012-01-04T21:46:00.000-08:00

AUTISM MOMS HAVE STRESS SIMILAR TO COMBAT SOLDIERS....

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/11/10/autism-moms-stress/6121/

2012-01-03T20:38:00.001-08:00

Mark the 2nd Monday night of each month for
Bouncin' Off the Walls

9400 So 350 W. Sandy
We meet from 6 - 8 pm, for fun in a giant bouncy room
that only has one door in/out.$5 a kid and lots of cool people to hang out with!
Bring everyone!!

NEW DATE IN MARCH

2012-01-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

2012 Transition Mini-Conference
Utah Parent Center
March 2012 Transition Mini-Conference

We have had such a great response to the January Transition Mini-Conference, we have chosen to schedule a repeat of the event for March 22 and 23, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This event is offered at no cost! The January event filled quickly, so please register early. Lunch will be provided to those who preregister. Space is limited. Registration will close once the conference is full. Click the link below to register today!

For more information

http://www.utahparentcenter.org/

Love, Love, Love this....

2011-12-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Shopper Staring at My Child Having a Meltdown in the Grocery Store....

http://flappinessis.com/2011/12/28/dear-shopper-staring-at-my-child-having-a-meltdown-in-the-grocery-store/

DSPD Waiting List for Services

2011-12-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in having your child placed on the Division of Services for People with Disabilities waiting list for future services you can contact the Intake Department - let them know you want your child with a disability placed on the waiting list for the Home and Community Based Waiver Program. This program is not income based, rather it is based on the needs of your child and offers funding for respite services and health care.

Intake - 1-877-568-0084

Toll Free 1-800-837-6811

State Office 801-538-4200

www.dspd.utah.gov

You must first be on the waiting list to be eligible for services. It can be a long wait - don't be discouraged - this is how the state legislature will know how many kids need services.

2011-12-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

Handwriting Camps

Are you concerned about your child's handwriting?

Starting again in January Katie Mangus OTR/L is offering handwriting groups for children. Parents will learn along with their child how handwriting can be fun.

Groups will run weekly from January 5 through February 9. 2012 (6 weeks total)

http://esgw-nrm.easterseals.com

2011-12-19T19:06:00.001-08:00

2011-12-18T16:57:00.000-08:00

The CRAPPY Life of an Autism Mom
Kim Stagliano

Author, 'All I Can Handle: I'm No Mother Teresa'

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-stagliano/the-crappy-life-of-the-au_b_37742.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

2011-12-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

2011-12-01T19:38:00.001-08:00

Looking for that perfect gift?

http://dmv.utah.gov/licensespecialplates.html#autism

Local MAK Sharla Jordan

2011-11-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

Looking for a great book to give for the holidays?

http://autismunderstandingthepuzzle.blogspot.com

The “Poop” Page | | Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)

2011-11-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

Just found out that boy wonder (15) who poops daily -

is actually very constipated!

Bowel X-ray confirms.

How many of his behaviors are related to this??

Here is some great information about this crappy issue -

The “Poop” Page | | Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)

2011-11-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

Power of a MAK

Remember, amateurs built the ark,

professionals built the Titanic.

It really is up to us to make the change!

Throughout the centuries there were those who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision.

Thankful Autism Mom

2011-11-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

Here it is again, that glorious day where we are reminded about all we should be thankful for. The prefect family in their perfect clothes, with the perfect meal and perfect balance and harmony....

Being Thankful doesn't come easy to me when it seems that all we do is advocate, educate, silently scream, and shed a quiet tear at the end of the day wondering how this will all turn out.

But this morning I have had a moment to reflect of just how thankful I am - and that Autism has increased my 'Thankfullness".

Without autism I wouldn't appreciate the small miracles that occur everyday - miracles that may be overlooked - or simply expected - by many 'neurotypical' friends. He smiled at me, he flushed the toilet, he didn't pinch anyone, he slept in, he pranced through the house with clothes ON....all of these thankful moments have happened just today! How much better could it get? Without the big "A" I might overlook how incredible these small miracles are - and miss out on the moments.

A huge hug of Thanks - to YOU - the MAKS in my life who are my rock, my inspiration, and my friends. I would hope that autism had made us better, stronger, and more compassionate, and yes, thankful!

Love to you all - Laura

2011-11-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

What They Didn't Tell Me About My Child's Autism

Here are some things you will not find in your research on autism:

You will not learn how this diagnosis will affect your marriage or other members of your family. You will not be told how it may fundamentally alter your perceptions of what is "normal," how it may change your view of human beings, how it can force you to question small talk and why we behave the way we do, how it will transform your outlook on life, how it will change you, how your life and everything you assumed to be true, is no longer what you thought.

To read the entire article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ariane-zurcher/children-with-autism_b_1080076.html

2011-11-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

2011-11-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

BUILDING YOUR AUTISM COMMUNITY

This video was made through a grant that the Utah Parent Center received. We collaborated with them to write the scripts and come up with the ideas and people. We think it's awesome...a bit cheesy perhaps, but awesome. It is all dedicated to building your own autism community, don't wait for someone to help you or for funding, etc. start building your own supports where you can. Not that we will ever stop advocating for supports for our families, but it's a start.

http://www.utahparentcenter.org/training/videos/families-living-with-autism/

2011-11-03T18:28:00.001-07:00

What did you learn from

Temple Grandin?

Please share your thoughts and ideas with us!

Dear MAKs...

2011-11-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the FREEDOM to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."
~Mother Theresa♥

Help! My Autistic Son Was Not Invited to Our Neighbor's Party

2011-10-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Q: My son Jack, 7, and the neighbors’ kids play together all the time. Recently, the neighbors had a party for their boy and didn’t invite Jack. Jack is autistic and doesn’t realize he wasn’t included, but I am angry. What should I do?
—Name withheld

A: As the mother of an autistic son, I feel like calling up your neighbors and yelling, “What’s wrong with you people?” But righteous fury is counter-productive. Be grateful that at his age, your son has the gift of obliviousness. Only one thing is truly important here: that he has relationships with other kids. You want to maintain them, even if you secretly think the neighbors are idiots. So the next time a kid on the block has a party, launch a preemptive strike: Say that Jack wants to take him out for a celebration of their own, and then go for pizza or cake. Does this put the burden on you? Yes. But this is your child, and you want him to have good times and friendships. Finally, remember this: Your son is changing every day. The troubling behavior he may exhibit in group situations today could be significantly better, or even gone, in a year or two. — Judith Newman

Send your questions to Parade.com/mannerup

http://www.parade.com/news/intelligence-report/manner-up/2011/10/30-autistic-child-not-invited.html

REALLY....

2011-10-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

I was sharing (bragging) that Ty - my 15 year old son with autism - no longer needed to wear pull ups at night. It's been almost a year since I had to wash pee-pee sheets. I was so proud to share such a huge accomplishment...

Have I not learned anything about being a MAK! 2 nights in a row....pee pee sheets.

Lesson learned - Keep the celebration realistic.

It's autism.

Putting some Zoom in our Broom....

2011-10-28T20:58:00.001-07:00

MAKS LUNCH...Way fun!!

2011-10-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

2011-10-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Utah Act Early

Welcome to the Utah Act Early website. We help parents learn about healthy development for their newborns and young children.

http://www.health.utah.gov/utahactearly/

2011-10-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

Found this great blog "Laughing Through the Tears" with a wonderful post about the

Top 5 Reasons You Should Never Piss Off An Autistic Mom...

http://laughingthroughtears.com/2011/10/21/top-five-reasons-you-should-never-piss-off-an-autism-mom/

2011-10-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

Utah County

https://www.fridayskids.org/app/?page=home

2011-10-20T20:55:00.001-07:00

http://www.uen.org/autism/

2011-10-20T16:08:00.001-07:00

2011-10-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Autism Training DVD for Police Officers:

SaharaCares produced a DVD that will be used to train police officers at training facilities and in regular pre-duty training sessions. The purpose of the DVD is to raise awareness of the rising prevalence of autism in our communities. It discusses ways to recognize the disability and gives constructive suggestions for dealing with people with autism. The DVD is being offer for free to any organization that can benefit from it.

http://saharacares.net/saharacares/08_saharacares08.htm

2011-10-16T20:35:00.001-07:00

2011-10-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

MAKs - FABULOUS PEOPLE SUPPORT AUTISM

Jenny - Chair of the Walk for Autism

Cheryl - Captain of the MAKS Team

2011-10-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Mark the 2nd Monday night of each month for
Bouncin' Off the Walls

9400 So 350 W. Sandy
We meet from 6 - 8 pm, for fun in a giant bouncy room
that only has one door in/out.
$5 a kid and lots of cool people to hang out with!
Bring everyone!!

2011-09-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

Sensory Friendly Movies:

AMC Loews Layton Hills 9

728 West 1425 North Layton, UT 84041

http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/events/sensory-friendly-films/

2011-09-14T20:30:00.001-07:00

Be sure to check the 'older posts' at the bottom of the page -

we have so much going on that posts roll through pretty fast!!

2011-08-30T17:11:00.001-07:00

2011-08-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Medical Home Portal - Augmentative Communication

http://www.medicalhomeportal.org/clinical-practice/technology-reviews/augmentative-communication

We've updated our page about augmentative and alternate communication devices and methods. We hope you find it helpful!

2011-08-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

Check out the new page under MORE STUFF:

Considerations when Looking for Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

2011-08-27T00:16:00.000-07:00

America The Beautiful -Lifetime Access Pass

for People with Disabilities (and their families)

You can get an Access Pass to gain FREE entry into National Parks

There is no fee for this pass

You will need proof of disability

http://www.us-parks.com/golden-access-passport.html

There is a list of offices where you can get your pass on the website

Social Skills Groups

2011-08-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

The University of Utah Behavioral Health Specialty Clinic is starting up it’s adolescent social skills group for the 2011-2012 school year!
Participants are ages 13 to 18 with “high-functioning” autism and
Asperger’s.

Groups meet on Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:15 throughout
the school year.

Please contact Jenny Jensen at 801-587-8020 or
jenny.jensen@hsc.utah.edu for more information.

Groups for other ages are
also available and run year-round. For information about these groups, call
801-585-1212.

Jubel Morgan runs a men’s group (under Janet Lainhart’s supervision) ---
he’s at Jubel.morgan@hsc.utah.edu or 801-587-3775 --- there is a group for
women call the Greatest Gals that is run by Anna Cariello (also under
Janet’s supervision) – she’s at annahir.cariello@hsc.utah.edu

NEW T-SHIRTS

2011-08-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

We'll have these new shirts at the Sahara Carnival and the Walk for Autism....

Still have several of the "Autism is Not for Sissy's", and "I have Autism...be nice to my mom" shirts. Stop by the MAKS table and check them out!

2011-07-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hidden Stress: Parental Burdens

Caused by Autism

http://triplehelixblog.com/2011/07/hidden-stress-parental-burdens-caused-by-autism/

Really...it took a study to figure this out!!

POTTY TRAINING HELP

2011-07-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hi big MAKS,

I am offering free potty training classes for anyone interested. My presentation is based on research by Azrin and Foxx, and from information Cindy Meyer's has provided to teachers and parents on toilet training. I live in Tooele, but could Skype with families/groups who need that. Anyone who attends a class will get a $50 discount towards the purchase of an in-home potty program. Of course, I specialize in training kids on the spectrum :)

www.apexbehavior.com--

Jennilyn Hitesman M.Ed

Apex Behavioral Consulting

jennilyn@apexbehavior.com

435 830-6225

Autism and the Dentist

2011-07-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

It's hard enough to get my typical children to go to the dentist and cooperate, let alone trying to take my eight year old boy with "autism" to the dentist. yuck. I really dislike it. Why does EVERYTHING have to be so hard. really? Autism complicates EVERYTHING. Making everything HARDER. and worrisome. and stressful. and EXPENSIVE. First of all, I am taking him because I "Think" he might be having tooth pain or that something might be bothering him there. I don't know though, of course. He has just been crying on and off with real tears, like something hurts and been acting real out of sync. Hard to explain unless you have a child with autism. Its the "something is wrong" feeling. Because since he can't talk, he can't tell you when something is wrong!!!! You can't even ask him what is wrong, or what hurts. He can't tell you, even with his PECs books. It is hard to know what his needs are. I took him to the doctor to rule out anything physical, well besides his "autism". It is a helpless feeling as a mother when you can't help your child. I have to rely on the my instincts and the spirit. I decided the dentist was a good idea to rule out any teeth problem. When we got to the dentist office today, he was worried. Like he always is when we go. Despite my best efforts to prepare him, he was shaking. I hate the dentist too and I understand what is going on, and I can verbalize and explain to everyone how scared I am, how I don't like it. I can only imagine how he must feel. I don't know what he understands of what is going on, of what I tell him, and he can't communicate to me how scared he is, and I am helpless at comforting him. Today I went for the "When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are..........". I hope no one heard me, I can't sing. I also used my Airheads candy bribe. Didn't work. The first attempt from the dentist went no where. He was stiff as a board and wouldn't lay in the chair. When the dentist left to go get help, I started my 50 prayers.....(please let him cooperate long enough for the dentist to get a good look, please comfort him, please calm him down, please calm ME down) Long story short, when the dentist came back in, he laid down in the chair, opened his mouth, let the dentist and assistant check out his teeth, without fighting it or screaming. Only a little shivering and jerking. When he sat up he was so proud of himself. I was prouder. His eyes caught mine, and he smiled. Small moments like these are the best. I wiped the sweat (and tears of course) off my face in time for the dentist to tell me that he had a cavity that needed to be fixed and that of course it was going to have to be done sedated ($$$$$$$, he doesn't have medicaid yet, still on the waiting list 6 years later) at the Primary Children's clinic. Again, $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ flashed before my eyes like it always does with this kid. Autism is expensive. I pray my medical insurance will authorize it.

Time for a diet coke and a Motrin........I have a Head. Ache. But wait, not yet. I have to go remove the trampoline ladder away from the fence first. Never a dull moment.

Love you Mason :)

Written by Jenna, fellow MAK and proud but exhausted mother of an eight year old with Autism.

2011-07-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

AUTISM RESPITE PROGRAM

Autism respite care for children ages 0-11 years old

33 years of respite child care experience

Well trained, patient staff, with a small staff-client ratio

Center open Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM

Licensed, bonded and insured

801-487-7778

Family Support Center

2020 South Lake Street (740 East)

Salt Lake City, Utah

Social Security Information

2011-07-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

Some children with disabitlites may qualify for SSI, here is a link to help you find out if your's would.

Or perhaps, someone you know.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_child_eng.htm

2011-06-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

Friends are like bras –

Close to the heart and always there for support

2011-05-18T18:58:00.001-07:00

MAKS Blogs

2011-05-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

If you would like to post your blog - feel free to add it to the comments. Check out one our MAKS blogs and read her comments on the movie:

- http://aspie-wise.blogspot.com/

Watch Clips from the Movie

2011-05-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

If you missed the Wretches & Jabberers movie Thursday night (about 2 adults with autism who comunicate throught typing) you can see other videos about them on their website.

The movie was sooooo amazing and insightfull, please take a moment and watch one or two of these clips.

http://www.wretchesandjabberers.org/ontheroad.php

MAKs T-Shirts

2011-03-28T15:00:00.001-07:00

Our t-shirts are now available at

Creative Expressions, Inc.

4140 South 500 West
Murray, UT 84123

801-269-1282 Office

Hours 9-5:30 Mon-Friday

We will still sell them at the conferences, walks and carnivals!!

POWER OF THE MAKs

2011-02-24T18:38:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the MAKs who took the time to come up to the Capitol for Carson Smith Day!!

You can see more pictures on facebook - Parent for Choice in Education.

BEEP BEEP

2011-02-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

Autism Licsense Plate - 2011

2010-10-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Autism Awareness Support Special Group Plate

Availability

This plate will be available beginning January 3rd, 2011.

What is the purpose of this plate?

To generate funds to be used to support programs that create or support autism awareness in the state of Utah.

Who may purchase this plate?

This plate is available to any vehicle owner registering a vehicle in Utah interested in displaying this plate and supporting this cause.

Is there a fee to purchase this plate?

Vehicle owners pay an original contribution fee of at least $25 when this plate is issued. This is the required contribution to the Autism Awareness account. This fee is in addition to all other fees due at the time the plate is issued.

Is there an annual fee to renew this plate?

Vehicle owners pay an additional annual contribution fee of at least $25 for each year this plate is renewed as part of the registration renewal process. This fee is in addition to all other fees due at time of renewal of the annual registration.
Can this plate be personalized?

Yes, it may be personalized with up to five characters, if that combination of characters is not already issued, and the selection meets DMV criteria for issuance.

See Form TC-817, "Application for Personalized Plates" for a listing of fees and other information

COOKBOOK - YUMMY

2010-09-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

Family Comfort Favorites Cookbook
FREE with a $25.00 donation to the Autism Council of Utah.
Kim Warren, the author of this cookbook, has a son with autism.

You can find out more online by visiting
www.autismcouncilofutah.org

THE 2010 MAKS Shirts are HERE

2010-04-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

2008 - More Support than a 44DD
2009 - We're only as strong as our hairspray, our Diet Coke and our friends
2010 - You can't make this stuff up!
$15.00
Contact Cheryl or leave a comment if you NEED one!

T-Shirts

2009-11-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

Autism T-Shirts for sale. There is the famous "I Have Autism...Be Nice To My MOM", "Caution: Kid with Autism. Expect the Unexpected", and "I (heart) Someone with Autism". Autism definition is on the back. See more shirt examples below.
There are also the MAK Shirts from the Autism Speaks walk.
If you would like to order one, or have questions about size and availability, email Cheryl at smithfam29@msn.com

Big MAKs

2009-10-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hello to all the Big MAKs (moms of autistic kids)...
Hopefully this will be a place where we can share upcoming events and resources. Please send any ideas, or upcoming events that you want posted to lauanderson@comcast.net

"Big MAKS"... More support than a 44DD

Extended deadline date!!

FREE Red Devils Soccer Clinic

Children withAutism Spectrum Disorder ages 4-9

Tuesday, May 1stand Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 3:30-4:30pm

Registration is due by February 20,2012

U FIT is starting soon....take a look!!

NEW DATE IN MARCH

2012 Transition Mini-Conference

Love, Love, Love this....

DSPD Waiting List for Services

Local MAK Sharla Jordan

The “Poop” Page | | Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)

Thankful Autism Mom

What They Didn't Tell Me About My Child's Autism

Dear MAKs...

Help! My Autistic Son Was Not Invited to Our Neighbor's Party

REALLY....

Putting some Zoom in our Broom....

Utah Act Early

Social Skills Groups

NEW T-SHIRTS

POTTY TRAINING HELP

Autism and the Dentist

Social Security Information

MAKS Blogs

Watch Clips from the Movie

MAKs T-Shirts

POWER OF THE MAKs

BEEP BEEP

Autism Licsense Plate - 2011

COOKBOOK - YUMMY

THE 2010 MAKS Shirts are HERE

T-Shirts

Big MAKs

Tuesday, May 1^stand Thursday, May 3^rd, 2012 3:30-4:30pm