RSVP Now for Monday’s Free Art Workshop!

Have you RSVP’d yet for Monday’s workshop?

Click here!

Register Now for Some Fun!

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Autistic License: Take It!

Here’s a great opportunity for individuals and families alike.

Different art forms will be available at different stations throughout the spacious Chuck Jones Center for Creativity facility. And an art educator will guide your efforts.

Join us on November 9 and unleash your inner artist.

OMG! My Kid Is Attached To His Mobile Device!

A common complaint of parents these days is how much screen time their kids spend on their mobile devices. Parents, unfortunately, are reluctant to take possession of the devices, for various reasons. But here’s a free app that does the dirty work for you:     OurPact. Have you heard about it?

You sync it with your kids’ device and it basically allows you to turn off some or all apps — it can even block Internet access altogether. I caution parents to resist the temptation to use this as a punishment, but instead use it as part of a positive reinforcement plan.

The product review below was in fact solicited and sponsored by OurPact, but I thought it was well-written and provided a good description. Just know that it’s probably a little biased.

http://www.simplystacie.net/2015/07/manage-your-childs-screen-time/

It’s too late for my kid (he’s 19 and doesn’t live under my roof anymore), but gosh I would have liked this app a few years ago.  We could have come to an agreement together as a family. He was really into the whole contract thing; he likes knowing what’s expected, having a vested interest in putting the agreement together and all that.

For my two cents’ worth, even though I really like that Family Contract (read the review), I’d make some minor tweaks to #1, #2 and #4:

1. I agree to comply with the schedule we’ve agreed to, using OurPact. [allows for a more collaborative approach, rather than the parent simply imposing his or her will on the child]
2. If I find that I need to exceed the daily limits that we’ve defined for me, I promise to have a calm conversation outlining my reasons for needing a time extension, and coming to an agreement about what an appropriate amount of time would be needed to accomplish the tasks at hand. [allows for collaborative problem-solving]
3. —–
4. I will never provide personal information (address, school phone number, etc.) online without my parents’ consent because of the danger that could result in doing so. [don’t assume our kids understand the perils]

Another good family media contract with age-appropriate versions is found at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators.

Have fun! And be sure to include your child in on the process.

In the Driver’s Seat

Excellent ARM Parenting & Sharing Workshop last night on the subject of driving and vision/perception. Terrific speakers on hand to address various issues and answer parents’ concerns.

Our profound thanks to Dan Mulrenin of Teen Road to Safety – Newport and Kauser Sharieff, OD FCOVD FNORA, of Vision Performance Optometric Center. And as always, a big thank you to the YMCA of OC for hosting!

http://www.TeenRoadToSafety.com  

http://www.visionnperformanceoc.com  

http://www.textinganddrivingsafety.com/texting-and-driving-stats

https://www.samsung.com.au/sdrive  —  A brilliant program in Australia that rewards kids for safe driving.

See you on Oct. 27 for a workshop on executive function! Save the date!

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON AUTISM

A heartfelt evening of sharing and caring and supporting one another. Last night at A HEART-TO-HEART WITH MOM, we welcomed familiar faces and many new ones. And we discussed co-occurring conditions with autism. Among other topics.

Get in on the fun next month! We meet again on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Be sure to RSVP to save your space at the table.

Mom Knows Best!

ARM is a good family resource. After all, Mom knows best!

“Debora has become such an amazing resource for our family. From IEPs, gluten-free eating or just plain moral support, she rocks! She is extremely knowledgeable and personable. She is my go-to and has become a dear friend through our shared experiences. Her ‘A Heart-to-Heart with Mom’ roundtable sessions are therapeutic for me and lots of other parents.”                   —Shannon, mom, Anaheim, CA

Get Covered!

Find out how to get ABA funded through your health insurance. 

Come to our insurance workshop on Tuesday, August 25 at 7pm and our guest speaker ASHLEY DAMAJ, ACSW, BCaBA, Program Manager, Operations at Molina Healthcare, will answer your questions about getting health insurance coverage for your children on the autism spectrum.

Register now for this free workshop!

RSVP for FREE ROUNDTABLE NOW!

Open up and share what’s in your heart at next week’s A HEART-TO-HEART WITH MOM. To RSVP, click here. It’s a no-cost roundtable discussion for parents of children with high-functioning autism.

Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. – Temple Beth Sholom, Santa Ana, CA.

Of Course I Can Do That By Myself!

ARM and The Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) partnered again over the weekend for another independent living skills workshop for young adults — Making Sense of Dollar$ & Cents on July 11, 2015. Let’s just say it was a capital success!

The students learned strategies for paying rent, grocery and phone/utilities bills — and how job performance is related to pay. And lots more.

A huge thank you to author and adviser Chella Diaz [http://www.linkedin.com/in/chelladiaz; follow her on Twitter–MoneyMap 101@ChellaDiazMoney] and all the wonderful students!

Hats off to Kimberly Orliczky and Michael Wright of Trumpet Behavioral Health www.tbh.com who generously donated the space, the coffee and the doughnuts! Much appreciated!

On Monday, July 20, 2015, the OCASG Newport Beach Support Group Meeting will talk more about these workshops. We’ll have a panel featuring Chef Patrick DiGiacomo and boxing coach/fitness expert Juan Gonzalez to talk about the importance of good eating habits and exercise. And we’ll have sign-ups for upcoming life skills workshops, as well. Don’t miss it! RSVPs are required. Click here.