Camp Quest 5K Run

Introduction

A 5k run, 1k walk, and a kids dash to benefit Camp Quest, an overnight summer camp for kids with high functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome.

Date :

April 14th, 2012 (Saturday)

Time :

Registration will start at 7:30 AM. Run will start at 9:00 AM

Location :

Happy Valley Middle School

Registration :

http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventDetails.aspx?fEID=12314

Details

Join us for a 5k race, family 1k walk, and kids dash to raise funds for Camp Quest this summer! Meet at the Happy Valley Middle School cafeteria for a morning of fun and physical activity!

Camp Quest is one of a kind in the Pacific Northwest. It is the only overnight camp in the region that is specifically designed for 10-15 year old campers with high functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Unfortunately, the cost for a camper to attend is over twice that of a typically developing child which adds to the already overwhelming cost of providing services to a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Camp Quest strives to make camp accessible to all families and only charges half of what it actually costs to put on the camp. The additional funds are raised through generous sponsors and fundraising events like The Camp Quest 5k Run.

At Camp Quest it is our goal that our campers have an opportunity to engage in activities that will help them grow and expand their social experiences. We want to provide opportunities for children with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism to enjoy their uniqueness, take pride in their strengths and just have fun!

Posted in Autism Activities, Autism Awareness, Calendar, Fundraisers, News and Updates | Comments Off on Camp Quest 5K Run

Jenell Streeter’s Autism Workshops – 18 March 2012

An ARRO Autism Westside Family and Community Center Event

Introduction

Date :

March 18th, 2011 (Sunday)

Time :

1pm – 3pm

Location :

ARRO Westside Center

Cost :

$5 to help cover costs.

Scholarships are available through ARRO for families experiencing financial hardship.  Please contact ARRO at kathyh@arroautism.org or 503-351-9255 regarding the scholarship prior to the event.

Registration :

Number of attendees is limited. Register by sending an email with name, contact info to Jenell Streeter (autismcct@yahoo.com).

Speakers :

Jenell Streeter has a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication.  She is a mother and primary care provider of three children on the spectrum and one typically developing child.  She is respected as a skilled case manager and advocate for her children.  Jenell has utilized private speech and language pathologists, private occupational therapists, ASD therapists, in-home support and respite providers.  She coordinates services, both medical and educational.  On the behalf of her children’s education, she participates in meetings regarding IEPs, staff training, problem solving, data gathering, and intervention strategies.  In her role, she is busy exploring and implementing treatments and therapies, attending conferences and training seminars, and participating in parent chat groups.  Prior to becoming a parent, Jenell taught classes at Portland State University and worked as a research assistant, psychology technician and a consultant.  Jenell has recently begun a business, Autism Consulting, Coaching, and Training (ACCT).  Whether working with parents, businesses, school districts, etc., the goal is the same: support the growth of those with ASD to enhance their happiness, health and safety.  As a parent herself, she understands the need for practical, realistic approaches to solving real world problems and increasing independence.

Details

The next workshop is being developed. Check back soon for details!

No child care is available at this time.

Posted in Calendar, Lecture, New!, News and Updates, Support Groups, Westside Family and Community Center | Comments Off on Jenell Streeter’s Autism Workshops – 18 March 2012

Autism Society of Oregon Summer Camp and Recreation Resource Fair

Autism Society of OregonIt’s still February, but it’s already time to think about summer, and what do with the kiddos on those too, too long summer vacation days! To help parents get information about options, ASO is hosting a “Summer Camp & Recreation Resource Fair” for families in the Portland metro area.

Date :

2/25/2012 (Saturday)

Time :

2pm – 4pm

Location :

ARROAutism is at 10 Percent of its Fundraising GoalARROAutism Westside Family and Community Center

Cost :

Free

Details

Participating will be: ACAP, ASD Oregon, Aspiring Youth, Camp Rivendale, Camp Yakety Yak, Kindtree Retreat, Polaris Dance Theatre, Upward Bound, West Linn Parks & Rec, Whiz Kids, and more!

For more information , please contact the ASO office at 503-636-1676, or at: info@oregonautism.com.

Posted in Autism Activities, Autism Awareness, Calendar, Local Organizations, News and Updates, Westside Family and Community Center | Comments Off on Autism Society of Oregon Summer Camp and Recreation Resource Fair

Bridging ASD and NT Culture – Karla Fisher

A presentation from Karla Fisher and Dr. Arnold to discuss ways to help parents and care for our children of all ages on the spectrum. No children at this event. Adults only.

Date :

March 24th, 2012 (Saturday)

Time :

1pm to 3pm

Location :

ARROAutism Westside Family and Community Center

Cost :

Fee is $5 donation to ARRO to continue to serve the community

Registration :

We have reached the maximum number of registrants for this event.

Speakers :

Karla Fisher on farm with her dog

Karla Fisher

Karla Fisher is a Senior Program Manager at Intel, a football player, and an Adult with Autism who is dedicated to bringing together a collection of articulate, respectful and intelligent ASD Adults with parents/professionals and other Neurologically Typical caregivers and partners all with the goal of raising awareness of the shared cultures while creating resources and answers to help every ASD person THRIVE not just survive. To learn more about Karla follow Karla’s ASD Page.

CYNTHIA L. ARNOLD, PH.D.

Dr. Cynthia Arnold is a Licensed Psychologist in Oregon with extensive personal background and clinical training in treatment of Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and pervasive developmental disabilities. In addition, Dr. Arnold has supervised teams of therapists, conducted educational trainings for elementary schools and universities, assisted families in fighting for their children’s legal rights to appropriate both education and insurance coverage, and has lectured to post-doctoral residents on Autism treatment. Dr. Arnold believes that every person has the capacity for growth while setting realistic expectations. This is derived from a focus on efficacious treatment approaches for children with Autism, and Dr. Arnold has published based on this work. Learn more about Dr. Arnold on the New Leaves Clinic Website.

Details

A presentation from Karla Fisher and Dr. Arnold to discuss ways to help parents and care for our children of all ages on the spectrum. No children at this event. Adults only.

Posted in Autism Activities, Calendar, Lecture, New!, News and Updates | Comments Off on Bridging ASD and NT Culture – Karla Fisher

Autism Insurance for Oregon – SB1568 Senate Hearing Needs you Friday Feb. 10th 2012 at 3pm

The insurance industry is pushing back very hard on our bill this year (surprise, surprise).  Thanks to their pressure, Senate Health Care committee chair Sen. Monnes Anderson has so far refused to allow an actual vote on the bill:  we are confident that we have the votes to pass the bill in this committee, but in the legislature, committee chairs have the power to decide which bills actually get voted on.

There is still time to persuade the committee, and Sen. Monnes Anderson, to allow a vote on this bill, and to move it forward through the legislative process.  We know from experience that grassroots support can be very effective in motivating legislators to do the “right thing” – so:

  • Please come to the Senate Health Care committee hearing on Friday, February 10th at 3:00 PM to show your support for SB1568, the Autism Health Insurance Reform bill
  • Please e-mail Sen. Monnes Anderson, and ask her to schedule a “work session” on SB1568

Senate Health Care Committee Hearing – Friday, February 10th at 3:00 PM:
The Senate Health Care committee hearing for SB1568, the Autism Health Insurance Reform bill, has been scheduled for this coming Friday.
Date:  Friday, February 10th
Time:  3:00 PM
Location:

  • Hearing Room B
  • Oregon State Capitol
  • 900 Court St. NE, Salem, Oregon 97301

The hearing should be interesting – Sen. Monnes Anderson has directed the Insurance Industry to attend, and to explain their objections to the bill in person and on the record.  We need to show our strength to persuade her to allow an actual vote on the bill – so far, she has declined, because of the Insurance Industry’s unwillingness to support it.

We encourage you to attend the hearing in person if you can – it will be a great way to show your support, and to see the process in action.  You may submit written testimony (a simple, 1-page letter) – but there probably won’t be enough time to let everyone speak.  We’re at the end of the agenda – so please come even if you can’t be sure you’ll make it on time.

Pre-Meeting – Friday, February 10th, at 2:30 PM, Capitol Room 243:
We’ve reserved a conference room at the capitol to meet in advance of the hearing.  If you can come a little early, please visit us in Room 243 to talk about the hearing, and what we can do to help.
Date:  Friday, February 10th
Time:  2:30 PM
Location:  Room 243, Oregon State Capitol
Room 243 is adjacent to the entrance to the Senate chamber, on the left side, overlooking the capitol steps.

Please contact me if you are interested in coming to the hearing!  I can be reached at paul@AutismInsuranceOR.org.

Please Ask the Chair Monnes Anderson to allow a vote on SB1568:
Please write to her again even if you’ve already written to the committee to express your support for this bill.  Here’s a short, simple e-mail message that you can use to get started.  Revise the third paragraph to describe how this affects you, your family, or your patients, and update the greeting and address.

To:
sen.lauriemonnesanderson@state.or.us

Subject:
Please Schedule a Work Session on SB1568, Autism Health Insurance Reform

Body:
Dear Sen. Monnes Anderson,

Please schedule a Work Session on SB1568, the Autism Health Insurance Reform bill.

Three years of talks with the insurance industry are enough – it’s time to move forward, and start requiring insurance companies to pay for medically necessary, evidence-based treatment for patients with autism.

Every year we wait, 600 more children are diagnosed with autism in Oregon.  With effective, timely treatment, many of these children will be able to make substantial gains and need fewer services.  Providing these individuals with the right care at the right time will save the state money.

[*** If you wish, you can insert a brief personal story here.  Example:  I have a 20-year-old son with this diagnosis.  His treatment was not covered by our health insurance, and consequently he did not receive what might have helped him to overcome some of the most debilitating aspects of autism.  Now he needs costly support from state services, and probably will for life. ***]

Thank you,

Your Name
123 SW Main
Hometown, OR  97201

—–
If you have questions about the bill or about how to communicate with your legislators, please send me an e-mail.  Please also let me know what the legislators have to say – send me a note or forward their responses to me at: paul@AutismInsuranceOR.org
You can find more information about the bill at:  http://autisminsuranceor.org/2012-legislation/

Thanks for your help!

Paul Terdal

Posted in Legislative, News and Updates | Comments Off on Autism Insurance for Oregon – SB1568 Senate Hearing Needs you Friday Feb. 10th 2012 at 3pm

Jenell Streeter’s Autism Workshops – Viewing of “The Autism Enigma” – 19 February 2012

An ARRO Autism Westside Family and Community Center Event

Introduction

Date :

February 19th, 2011 (Sunday)

Time :

1pm – 3pm

Location :

ARRO Westside Center

Cost :

$5 to help cover costs.

Scholarships are available through ARRO for families experiencing financial hardship.  Please contact ARRO at kathyh@arroautism.org or 503-351-9255 regarding the scholarship prior to the event.

Registration :

Number of attendees is limited. Register by sending an email with name, contact info to Jenell Streeter (autismcct@yahoo.com).

Speakers :

Jenell Streeter has a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication.  She is a mother and primary care provider of three children on the spectrum and one typically developing child.  She is respected as a skilled case manager and advocate for her children.  Jenell has utilized private speech and language pathologists, private occupational therapists, ASD therapists, in-home support and respite providers.  She coordinates services, both medical and educational.  On the behalf of her children’s education, she participates in meetings regarding IEPs, staff training, problem solving, data gathering, and intervention strategies.  In her role, she is busy exploring and implementing treatments and therapies, attending conferences and training seminars, and participating in parent chat groups.  Prior to becoming a parent, Jenell taught classes at Portland State University and worked as a research assistant, psychology technician and a consultant.  Jenell has recently begun a business, Autism Consulting, Coaching, and Training (ACCT).  Whether working with parents, businesses, school districts, etc., the goal is the same: support the growth of those with ASD to enhance their happiness, health and safety.  As a parent herself, she understands the need for practical, realistic approaches to solving real world problems and increasing independence.

Details

This workshop will begin with a viewing of “The Autism Enigma,” followed by a discussion of this and other medical aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders, and potential treatments for these conditions.

The dvd is “The Autism Enigma” by David Suzuki. The series title is “The Nature of Things”.

A fresh perspective on autism research with the developing “Bacterial Theory” of autism. The fastest-growing developmental disorder in the industrialized world, autism has increased an astounding 600 per cent over the last 20 years. Science cannot say why. Some say it’s triggered by environmental factors and point to another intriguing statistic: 70 per cent of kids with autism also have severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Could autism actually begin in the gut? The Autism Enigma looks at the progress of an international group of scientists who are studying the gut’s amazingly diverse and powerful microbial ecosystem for clues to the baffling disorder.

No child care is available at this time.

Posted in Calendar, Lecture, New!, News and Updates, Support Groups, Westside Family and Community Center | Comments Off on Jenell Streeter’s Autism Workshops – Viewing of “The Autism Enigma” – 19 February 2012

Nourishing Children on the Autism Spectrum 18 February 2012

Introduction

This lecture will give an overview of the gut-brain connection and make suggestions for herbs and foods that are healing to sensitive children. Specific foods, recipes, and strategies for feeding children with Autism, ADHD, ADD, and Aspergers will be included along with a cooking demonstration.

Date :

February 18th, 2012 (Saturday)

Time :

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Location :

People’s Co-op Community Room, 3029 SE 21st Ave., Portland, Oregon 97202

Cost :

Donations of $10-20 are greatly appreciated.

Registration :

Contact Stephanie to register, stephbrooklyn@gmail.com or 971.678.4280.

Speakers :

Stephanie PearsonStephanie Pearson has spent the last ten years studying and practicing nutritional, herbal and energy healing. After experiencing a difficult postpartum and learning that her children had food allergies, Stephanie was inspired to make family health a special focus. She lives in Portland with her husband and three children. In her free time she enjoys organic gardening, photography, reading, cooking, knitting, and practicing Qigong. Curriculum Developer & Nutrition Educator for disabled adults Certified in Applied Holistic Nutrition & Clinical Herbology Certified Nursing Assistant [with professional experience in Dermatology] Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies Certified Reiki Master-Teacher Member Multnomah Food Policy Council Board Member American Herbalist Guild Member Gluten-Free Society Candidate for Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals

Details

This lecture gives an overview of the gut-brain connection and makes suggestions for herbs and foods that are healing to sensitive children. Includes specific foods, recipes, and strategies for feeding children with Autism, ADHD, and Aspergers.
For more information, please visit the Daily Nectar Website

Printable Material

Nourishing Children On Autism Spectrum Feb 18 flyer

Posted in Calendar, Food and Cooking, News and Updates, Other Events | Comments Off on Nourishing Children on the Autism Spectrum 18 February 2012

Family Social – Saturday 18 February 2012

An ARRO Autism Westside Family and Community Center Event

  • Looking for opportunities to help your kids socialize?
    • Ready to get the family out of the house for a little while?
      • We have the answer for you!

The ARROAutism Westside Family and Community Center is pleased to be able to host the PAN/ASO sponsored Family Social on Saturday, February 18th, 2012.

Bring the whole family! Bring a game! Your outside food is totally welcome here*!

February bring’s Valentine’s Day, and what says love more than family time? And what better place than here? The games are here. The coffee, tea, and a small supply of games and snacks and more are here. So, wrap up your Valentine’s week with a family outing and meet us here on Saturday, February 19th. See you at the game table!

Date :

18 February 2012 (Saturday)

Time :

1pm – 3pm

Location :

ARROAutism Westside Family and Community Center

Cost :

Donations of $5 help to cover costs, including facilitator.

Registration :

Just come on down! Feel free to invite friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, high school sweethearts …

Speaking of invitations, there’s always Facebook!.

Speakers :

You may have the floor! 🙂

Details

Come meet new friends, visit with old, and enjoy some casual family bonding at this once a month Family Social. A “make yourself at home” atmosphere will be provided, where you can play a game, watch a movie, and mingle with friends. Bring a munchie to share, and coffee/tea/water beverages will be provided. A $5 donation is requested to cover facility use and food.

*Please, no peanut/nut products due to allergies.

Posted in Autism Activities, Calendar, News and Updates, Social Groups, Westside Family and Community Center | Comments Off on Family Social – Saturday 18 February 2012

Autism Medical Information Support Group 2/28/2012

ARRO Logo with blue background and text and a white vertical arrowMedical information broken down to a parent level

Presented by Kathy Henley, President of the ARRO Board, the Medical Information Support Group is a free information support group for family members of individuals with Autism. Kathy discusses Autism medical research information from medical articles and conferences.

Questions are welcome and encouraged so that families can make informed medical decisions. The format includes review of medical articles and web information, and invited speakers in any of the medical and therapeutic specialties.

All interested parties are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

Meetings are held January through October. There is no meeting in November or December. Call ahead to confirm the meeting, especially if the weather is snowy or icy.

Topics of Discussion

YOU can start the discussion now by adding a public comment in the “Leave a Reply” section at the bottom of this post! Or, you can submit your ideas privately on our “Contact Us” page.

Date

02/28/2011 (Tuesday)

Time

7:00 P.M.

Where

ARRO Westside Family and Community Center
2360 Sw 170th Ave
Beaverton, OR 97006
 

Please come and bring your questions!

Everyone is welcome to attend this free support group.

For more information or directions, call 503-351-9255

[[1652]]

Posted in Calendar, News and Updates, Support Groups, Westside Family and Community Center | Comments Off on Autism Medical Information Support Group 2/28/2012

Coaching Session for Parents and Guardians of ASD children 29 January 2012

An ARRO Autism Westside Family and Community Center Event

Introduction

Parents and guardians of ASD Children, bring your questions, concerns, and challenges. Jenell Streeter, M.S. in Psychology (expert parent, mother of children on the spectrum) will be facilitating the group. The goal is for every attendee to have at least one of their specific issues addressed in the session.

Date :

January 29th, 2012 (Sunday)

Time :

1pm – 3pm

Location :

ARRO Westside Center

Cost :

$5 to help cover costs.

Scholarships are available through ARRO for families experiencing financial hardship.  Please contact ARRO at kathyh@arroautism.org or 503-351-9255 regarding the scholarship prior to the event.

Registration :

Number of attendees is limited. Register by sending an email with name, contact info to Jenell Streeter (autismcct@yahoo.com).

Speakers :

Jenell Streeter has a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication.  She is a mother and primary care provider of three children on the spectrum and one typically developing child.  She is respected as a skilled case manager and advocate for her children.  Jenell has utilized private speech and language pathologists, private occupational therapists, ASD therapists, in-home support and respite providers.  She coordinates services, both medical and educational.  On the behalf of her children’s education, she participates in meetings regarding IEPs, staff training, problem solving, data gathering, and intervention strategies.  In her role, she is busy exploring and implementing treatments and therapies, attending conferences and training seminars, and participating in parent chat groups.  Prior to becoming a parent, Jenell taught classes at Portland State University and worked as a research assistant, psychology technician and a consultant.  Jenell has recently begun a business, Autism Consulting, Coaching, and Training (ACCT).  Whether working with parents, businesses, school districts, etc., the goal is the same: support the growth of those with ASD to enhance their happiness, health and safety.  As a parent herself, she understands the need for practical, realistic approaches to solving real world problems and increasing independence.

Details

Bring your questions, concerns, and challenges.  Jenell Streeter, M.S. in Psychology (expert parent, mother of children on the spectrum) will be facilitating the group.  The goal is for every attendee to have at least one of their specific issues addressed in the session.

This will be the last coaching session with 2 hours devoted to addressing participants’ individual questions.  The monthly sessions starting in February will be workshops focused on a specific topic with very limited time to address off topic concerns and challenges.

No child care is available at this time.

Posted in Calendar, Lecture, New!, News and Updates, Support Groups, Westside Family and Community Center | Comments Off on Coaching Session for Parents and Guardians of ASD children 29 January 2012