Happy Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month, and it is a great time to recognize the unique strengths and needs of people with Autism. We are grateful for the chance to know so many wonderful people with Autism, and watch them grow their skills through Mercyhealth Behavioral Health Autism Program. April creates an opportunity to help spread the message about understanding Autism and how other people can help those affected by it. This month we are sharing resources to help educate yourselves and spread the word. Talk to your case managers for ideas to create awareness and advocacy related to your child that can be shared with family members, friends, or school staff.
Autism Internet Modules is a website that provides information, case studies and instructional videos about autism spectrum disorders in order to educate families, friends, caregivers and teachers . We use this great resource in some of our trainings at Mercyhealth Behavioral Health Autism Program. You can create an account and select from a variety of modules that cover topics related to autism, including: social narratives, reinforcement, sensory differences and much more. Share this great resource with others to help them learn about ASD.
Autism Lending Library
Another great resource you can access is our Autism Lending Library. We have informational resources, books with tips and techniques, and social skill stories geared for kids. Included is a list of books we have and would love to share. Please contact your case manager or Stacy Coleman in order to obtain a specific book or to request materials on a certain topic.
We are Looking for Autism Related Art
We are collecting art that represents what autism means to you. Art can be create by someone on the spectrum or by someone touched by the spectrum. We will display the artwork to promote Autism Awareness at Mercyhealth and the community. Submissions should be two dimensional and no larger than 15x15. Artwork can be framed, or we will frame for display. Artwork can be given to your case manager or delivered to the Autism Program Office. Mercyhealth will keep the artwork that is submitted. We look forward to seeing all of your creative art!
Sign up for Social Skills Classes
The second session of social skills classes are starting this month. These offerings provide instruction and real world practice for a variety of social skills. Participants learn important lessons and make new friends. Parents can sign up for the Parent Training Group in order to learn more about ASD, how to grow your child's skills, and make connections with other families.
