Thank you to all who came out to our Care and Share Evening on April 24 at Cedar Lane Elementary! We estimate that there were close to 30 people in attendance, including educators and professionals, what a turnout!
We had lots of questions and discussions about IEPs and extended school year services, early intervention, types of therapies, where to begin with DAN protocols and beginning a special diet, etc. We hope that you found useful information. Here are some of the highlights:
We had a surprise visit by a reporter from the Loudoun-Times Mirror – watch for an article about the group when the 4/30/08 edition hits the streets.
Autism Awareness Month
During the month of April, our group offered to provide a reading of the book Since We’re Friends to any interested Loudoun County Public School. Cedar Lane Elementary and Pinebrook Elementary took us up on our offer – see the highlights of the readings on our website.
Lending Library
Members brought their autism related books in to share with others. There was a wide range of books available to borrow on autism, IEP, diets, biomedical treatments and more. We are planning to add the Lending Library to our website so that you can borrow a book free from another member – watch for this soon.
As If Bags (As If stands for Asperger’s Syndrome In the Family)
Susan Hardt brought a fabulous selection of their hand-sewn bags for our shopping pleasure! The As If Bags founders are local moms living with aspergers syndrome in their families and they generously donate 20% of their profits to ASA-NV chapter. As If Bags are available online at www.asifbags.com
Sense Abilities 4 Kids
Michael Bellizia introduced their classes and programs for sensory integration in a fun filled environment that welcomes all children, including those with special needs, at their Leesburg facility. Additional information is available at www.sa4kids.com
KiDazzles
Curtis Waters brought his display to share about their newly opening KiDazzles facility (May 2 is the soft opening). Children Speech Therapy Center is opening KiDazzles as their expanded vision for serving clients and their friends and parents. Check out their offerings, including great summer camps and other therapist led fun at www.kidazzles.com. From now on, we’ll be holding our monthly meetings in the KiDazzles Parent Resource Center (directions and address are available on our website).
Website Updates and Sign-Up
Please be sure to signup for our email list so we can stay in touch! www.locoautismnetwork.com.
Coming Soon
May 17, 2008 - Silpada Jewelry Fundraiser
The hosts are generously donating 20% of the show’s proceeds to support Team Ashburn in the 2008 Walk Now for Autism. Catalog orders are gladly accepted, contact Jodi at jodi@locoautismnetwork.com if you are interested in ordering jewelry or attending the show.
May 22, 2008 - LoCo Monthly Meeting
At the KiDazzles facility at 21660 Red Rum Drive, Suite 105, Ashburn
June 4, 2008 - Green Our Vaccines Rally
Interested members are participating in the Green Our Vaccines Rally in DC which is being organized by Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carey on Wednesday, June 4. The Rally goal is to promote safer vaccines and is not “anti-vaccine”. If you would like to join us in the rally and march together, please sign up for the list on our website and we’ll send you more information.
May/June - Community Yard Sale Fundraiser
Come join us to turn our spring cleaning into fundraising for autism. We’ll take over a cul-de-sac in Ashburn Farm and offer food, fun and bargains. Details are coming very soon on our website.
In close, we’d like to remind you that we’re looking for information about what concerns you have and the types of topics you’d like to see covered in future meetings. Please send your ideas, comments or feedback to me at jodi@locoautismnetwork.com. We look forward to seeing you soon! Jodi
