Be an Oyster for Autism!

Social Groups / Social Times- the magazine

Autism Asperger Publishing Company: Helping Boost Social Skills

Be Among the First to Subscribe to
The Social Times -- A Revolutionary Tool
to Boost Any Social Skills Program

   by Kari Dunn Buron

Students with social cognitive disorders need social skills training just as much as they need math, reading, and writing classes-sometimes even more!

That is why the Autism Asperger Publishing Company and bestselling author Kari Dunn Buron have teamed up to bring you a revolutionary new tool for boosting any social skills curriculum . . . The Social Times!

While designed to meet the needs of the ASD population, we consciously do not use the terms "autism" or "Asperger Syndrome" in the publication. The articles and other features in The Social Times apply to almost all children who need to work on social skills, self-understanding, and emotional and sensory regulation.

All your students will love it, and so will you when you see their enthusiasm and, more important, their gains in social skills. From their visual learning style to their fascination with facts and trivia, it's all here! Better yet, we have made it easy for you to integrate this much-needed training into your full schedules-subscribers to this well-researched publication will gain access to teacher materials and instructional support on a special password-protected website.

Using a magazine format in full color and with standard columns in each issue, The Social Times is written directly to students grades 3-9, in their "voice." Instead of hearing from yet another adult what they need to work on, students become acquainted with Claire, Winston, and Roger Gets-It and learn about friendships anxiety, emotions, explosive behavior, knowing what to say when, etc.-entertaining lessons offering critical information that are directly applicable to their lives and concerns.

Your students will love all the regular features and come to look for them from issue to issue:

The Main Event
Coming to Our Senses
I Second That Emotion!
Cartoon
Word Search and Crossword Puzzle
Something to Talk About
Trivia

Get a closer look at this exciting new tool guaranteed to spark interest and promote and enhance your students' social skills! Visit www.asperger.net to download a sample copy.

Where else can you find quality, true-and-tried materials for only 69 cents per copy?

Intended for classroom use. Sold in sets of 10, for only $48.00 for all seven issues. Your entire packet—all seven issues—will be shipped in early September.

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Services in your Area / Websites that list therapy openings

Here are a couple of websites that you may want to check out if you are looking for services like OT,Speech, PT, etc.  Look at:  WWW.finding services.org and http://www.providersearch.com

Support Groups / Do you know of a support group in your area?

Do you know of another support group in your area that you would like others to know about?  Let us know about it!

Support Groups / Spanish Groups in Phx

En Español –

East Valley Autism Support Group for Spanish-Speakers
This group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month with experts from different fields related to autism. The group shares valuable information and offers support to families.
Contact: Alberto Serpias at (480) 831-1009.

G.A.N.E. – Grupo de apoyo para niños especiales (West Valley)
Somos un grupo de padres y profesionales que nos renuimos El ultimo Lunes de cada mes. Ven y conoce mas sobre los servicios y agencias que hay en tu comunidad.
Location: 7102 W. Thomas Road, Suite 105, Phoenix, AZ 85323.
Contact: Gabriela Orozco at (623) 478-7277.

Support Groups / Teen/Adult Groups in Phx

Groups Sponsored by ASA-GPC

Asperger’s Adult Support Group
When: 2nd Saturday of each month, 12:30pm-3:30pm
Where: Pyle Adult Recreation Center, Tempe, AZ
Ages: 18 – 60+
Snacks/Lunch provided: sandwich makings, chips, fruit, cookies, gf/cf options available
Who: People diagnosed or who suspect they have Asperger’s Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, Right Hemisphere Learning Disorder, Semantic Pragmatic Language Disorder, High-Functioning Fragile X Disorder, Tuberous Sclerosis
Contact: Tara Marshall at jamethiel9@hotmail.com or (602) 421-2215
(Note that this group meets at the same time as the Parents of Adults (18+) on the Spectrum)

West Valley Young Adult Asperger’s Group
When: 3rd Saturday of each month, 1:30-3:30pm
Where: Home of Teri Beardsley in Peoria (call 602-615-9473 for directions)
Ages: 18 – 30, older adult mentors welcome
Contact: Sue Golubock at sgolubock4@msn.com or (480) 695-3853

ASSIST Monthly Social (East Valley Young Adult Asperger’s Group)
When: 4th Sunday of each month, locations and times vary.
Where: Locations and times vary. Visit the website for the calendar, www.azassist.wetpaint.com which will be kept up-to-date.
Ages: 14 – 24, older adult mentors welcome
Contact: Cinder McDonald at sandylioness@gmail.com

ASSIST (Autism Spectrum Support Information Strategies for Transition)
Formerly Parents of Young Adults on the Spectrum
When: Meets on the third Monday of the month from 6:30-8:30pm starting in July 2009
Where: Tempe Westside Community Center, 715 West Fifth Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281
Who: Teens and Young Adults ages 14-24 are also invited for an opportunity to socialize while the parents meet.
Parents will be meeting in the Los Vecinos room and the Teens/Young Adults will be socializing in the Boys&Girls Club Game Room.
Contact: Debbie at 480-831-5907 or visit www.azassist.wetpaint.com for more information .

 Other Teen/Adult Support Groups

Bridging the Gap
When: Monthly on Mondays 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Where: Baio Enterprises, 1745 S. Alma School, Mesa
Who: Adults on the spectrum and their families, spouses, partners, friends, hab workers…anyone who wants to improve their communication and relationship with a person on the spectrum
Contact: Send email address to makingsenseofautism@msn.com to receive notification of dates

Parents of Adults (18+) on the Spectrum
When: Meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month, 12:20 – 3:30 pm
Where: Pyle Adult Recreation Center, Tempe
Contact: Sherman Minkoff at SabaHJM@aol.com or (480) 209-1952
(Note that this group meets at the same time as the Asperger’s Adult Support Group)

Support Groups / More Metro Phoenix Support Groups

Other Metro Phoenix Support Meetings –

North Valley:

North Phoenix High Functioning Autism/Asperger's Family Network
It's all about our kids! New North Phoenix high functioning autism/Asperger group to help share information on doctors, therapies, school issues, camps and counseling. If you are one of our neighbors who live in North Phoenix, North Scottscale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek or Carefree, you are invited to join.
Meets: Last Wednesday of the month. Kids are invited and encouraged.
Location: Scottsdale Bible Church, 7601 E Shea Blvd E102, Scottsdale, AZ from 6:30-8:00 pm.
Contact: (602) 225-0052, hfautism@cox.net or visit our website at www.phoenixautism.com.

Dads 4 Special Kids (D4SK)
This is a group of dads/men that have a child with special needs in their life.
Meets: Second Saturday of the month from 9:30-11:00 am.
Location: Shiloh Community Church, 19021 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85050 (N. of Union Hills)
Contact: Ray Morris at ray@dads4specialkids.com.

West Valley:

Northwest Valley Autism Support Meeting
Meets: 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Location: New Life Community Church, 8155 W Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ 85381.
Contact: shellyvin@cox.net or (623) 572-5289.

Southwest Valley Autism Support Meeting
Meets: 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Wee Care Corp., 12409 W. Indian School Rd. #C306, Avondale, Arizona 85396
(East of Dysart on Indian School in the Indian School Crossings Building on the south side of the road.)
Contact:

East Valley:

Parent Autism Network In Chandler (P.A.N.I.C.)
Meets: 6:30-8:30pm
Contact: Call Kate McIntosh 480-917-2923, kmcintosh05@yahoo.com, Please R.S.V.P for directions

Support Groups / Metro Phoenix Support Groups

ASA-Greater Phoenix Chapter & Partner Support Meetings –

ASA-GPC/ROK Support Meeting (Coco's Meeting)
This group is for all people interested in autism, including parents of children/adults, people with Autism/Asperger’s, and the general public. There is no admission charge for the meeting.
Meets: 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm.
Location: Coco’s Restaurant at Paradise Valley Mall, 4514 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032-7702.
Contact: For ASA-GPC contact us at info@phxautism.org or call (480) 940-1093 for more information or for ROK: Cynthia Macluskie at (480) 585-9312 or via email at cynthia.marksmom@cox.net.

Asperger Parent Network (APN)
Asperger Parent Network offers information and support for families of children and teens with Asperger’s Syndrome, and for professionals who work with them. Monthly meetings and an online e-group.
Contact: Carolyn Warden at (480) 759-6329 or at www.apn.150m.com.

EVAN - East Valley Autism Network (formerly S.A.N.E.)
EVAN is a parent-led organization dedicated to providing hope, information and support for families with children on the autism spectrum. We are striving to implement positive lasting changes in the educational system for the success of our children as well as inclusion and acceptance of those with autism spectrum disorder in the community.
Meets: 3rd Tuesday evening of the month at 7:00pm
Location: Usually at a home in Gilbert.
Contacts: Melissa Van Hook kavh1129@cox.net , Katie Wride wridetribe@cox.net, Holly Reycraft hreycraft@cox.net

DAN! (Defeat Autism NOW) Moms of Anthem
DAN! Moms is a parent led support group. We believe that Autism IS treatable and we meet to discuss HOW to make that happen. We have TWO meeting times each month. For those available in the evenings, we have combined our meeting
with Az. Parent Advocate.
Meets: 2nd Tuesday of each month 6:30 to 8:30 pm .
Location: North Regional Library at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem.
Contact: For more information, please visit: www.azparentadvocate.com.
For those available during the day:
Meets: 3rd Thursday of each month, 10 am.
Location: Starbuck's in the Fry's shopping plaza in Anthem. (Corner of Gavilan Peak Parkway & Daisy Mountain)
Contact: Heidi Bonaroti (480) 510-4219

ABC (Autism Biomedical Connections)
ABC is an East Valley support group for parents who are using or are interested in learning more about biomedical interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Meetings will include information to reduce toxins, address GI function and improve the nutrition and health of children with autism. Come and share resources, recipes and research updates. This group promotes learning and discussion of improving children’s outcomes. We exist to share options with parents and we desire to establish a supportive community for parents using any type of biomedical interventions. Celiac friends welcome!
Website: http://abcaz.synthasite.com/

Services in your Area / East Valley Agencies

Where do you go for your child's therapies?  What is your favorite agency?