Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana - Girl Scouts Achieve

Girl Scouts Achieve is a troop designed especially for girls on the autism spectrum in grades 1-6, or 7-12 years old. The troop can accommodate 15 girls. This troop focuses on the same leadership development elements as traditional troops, but also focuses more on inclusion and less on badge earning.

The group also works toward spreading autism awareness, diversity in social groups, and acceptance in the community by encouraging participants to visit local organizations, schools, education venues, and businesses.

Location:
GSSI Office, 223 NW Second St. Evansville, IN 47708

Dates:
August 24, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 14

Time:
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

With questions or to register your girl, contact support@girlscouts-gssi.org or 812-421-4970.

Upcoming Events in IRCA

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University's Indiana Institute on Disability and Community is pleased to announce numerous training opportunities for the 2016-2017 school year. Details of workshop and training opportunities are distributed through the IRCA e-newsletter, the Reporter.

To subscribe to the Reporter, scroll to bottom of the screen, "Sign up for the IRCA Reporter"contact Pam Anderson at pamander@indiana.edu or call (812) 855-6508.

For Parents: Preparing for the School Year

Summer is winding down. School is about to start and, for some in this state, it already has! To help parents get ready for the new school year, the folks at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism has put together an article of tips on advocating for their son or daughter.

Read the article by visiting:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/for-parents-preparing-for-the-school-year

Save the Date

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism is announcing a November date for the workshop by Ross Greene, Collaborative & Proactive Solutions: Understanding and Helping Students with Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Challenges. Dr. Greene will present this workshop on November 18, 2016, at the Westfield High School Auditorium, 18250 North Union Street, Westfield,  IN 46074. Special and general education teachers, early childhood educators, psychologists, speech language pathologists, administrators, counselors, social workers, family members, and others for whom this topic is relevant are all invited to attend.

For more information about the workshop and to register, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu//index.php?pageId=ross-greene-workshop

Mobile App Monday - Pokémon Go--Benefits of gaming

We have probably all heard about the latest mobile app craze going on right now: Pokémon Go. But have you heard about its potential benefits? This augmented reality app seems to be having a good effect on individuals with autism. Here are three different articles on its benefits:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2016/07/15/pok%C3%A9mon-go-what-parents-individuals-autism-need-understand

http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2016/07/21/5-benefits-playing-pokemon-go-autistic/

http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2016/07/why-pokmon-go-might-actually-be-helping-kids-with-autism.html

To learn more about this app, please visit:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pokemon-go/id1094591345

Workshop Dates and Locations Announced

Understanding and Managing 

Challenging Behaviors

Presented by 

Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D 

Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism

Sponsored by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism

If you work with students who have challenging or difficult behaviors (regardless of their diagnostic label), this workshop may be relevant to you.

The goal of this full-day workshop is to provide affordable and localized training for those working with students who engage in challenging behaviors. It is relevant for certified and non-certified staff, including general and special educators, paraprofessionals, school psychologists, behavior consultants and interested others. Content is practical, based on ongoing experience in the field, and addresses students with various disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders and across grade levels. The hope is that those attending can walk away with ideas that can be implemented immediately and that are evidence-based. Many of these strategies work with students without disabilities as well.

For more information including dates and locations of this workshop, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/understanding-and-managing-challenging-behaviors-workshop

Going to college with autism: Tips and strategies from successful voices

Going to college with autism: Tips and strategies from successful voices is 110 pages of information about autism written with college professors in mind. As more and more students with disabilities go on to higher education after high school, professors, special educators, high school transition coordinators, and families can appreciate the wisdom and success stories found in this book.

The book begins with an overview of autism, its prevalence in the population, and some of its defining characteristics. It offers professors a look into some of the behaviors they might see in a student on the spectrum as well as some of the different learning styles that can accompany the disorder. Transition planning is key for students with autism and links to agencies that can help are included. Information on developing relationships and independence for students is highlighted in addition to the importance of a student knowing what works best for them and being able to advocate for themselves. Each chapter ends with success stories offering a personal glimpse into what life is really like for students with autism.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.