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April 2015 Indy Kids' Directory

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Page 1: April 2015 Indy Kids' Directory
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April is National Autism Awareness month. The National Autism Society began a month of Autism awareness in the 1970s with the intent to help increase better public understanding, generate discussions, and encourage self-advocacy of individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Although Autism began being diagnosed over 70 years ago, in the 1940s, there are still many mysteries surrounding the disorder.

The terms “Autism” comes from the Greek word “Autos”, which means “Self”. Therefore, “Autism” is a term used to describe individuals who tend to be motivated for removal from social interactions. However, a diagnosis of Autism includes more than a lack of social interest. Characteristics of Autism also tend to include impairments in communication, often with the lack of spoken language, and behaviors that are characterized by the motivation for sameness or rigidity.

The prevalence of Autism continues to rise each year. Fifteen years ago, in 2000, the Center for Disease Control’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network reported that approximately 1 in every 150 children were diagnosed with autism. Currently, the most recent report is that approximately 1 in every 68 children will be diagnosed with autism. The prevalence of a diagnosis of autism is higher in boys, with approximately 1 in every 42 boys receiving the diagnosis. Whereas, the prevalence of a diagnosis in girls is less frequent, with approximately 1 in every 189 girls receiving the diagnosis. However, there have not been any differences identified within racial, ethical or socioeconomic groups - Autism is diagnosed just as frequently in each of these sub-groups.

Because the prevalence of autism is so high, it affects a significant amount of

people. Not only are the people directly diagnosed with autism affected, but their family and friends are impacted as well. It is tremendously important to have the recognition

of Autism through April’s Autism Awareness Month in order to show necessary support for these individuals. Individuals who directly receive a diagnosis of autism are challenged daily with the struggle of learning to navigate a world that is often quite confusing due to communication barriers and intricate social nuances that are difficult to interpret. Likewise, the family members of individuals on the Autism Spectrum are challenged with a society that often lacks understanding and compassion for the distressing behaviors that can

accompany a diagnosis of Autism.

During Autism Awareness Month, you

can make a difference by listening to the story

of someone touched by Autism. Learn more about

that person’s struggles and vulnerabilities, as well as his/

her successes and triumphs. Each person has a unique story to tell and simply giving that person the opportunity to share his/her story will demonstrate support by showing compassion. You can also show support for Autism in the month of April by wearing, displaying, or sharing the symbol of a puzzle piece. The puzzle piece has become the symbol for Autism, and it represents the complexity of the diagnosis and the diversity of the people it affects. A diagnosis of autism is multifaceted and for true progress to occur it requires putting many pieces together.

For more information about the Verbal Behavior Center for Autism (VBCA), please visit us at www.vbca.org. Dr. Breanne Hartley, BCBA-D (Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctorate) Clinical Director of the [email protected]

AutismAwareness

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Applied Behavior Center for Autism See pgs. 16, 17, 32www.appliedbehaviorcenter.orgABC for Autism is proud to be Indiana’s largest and longest running ABA therapy provider. With 7 locations statewide (Indy North, Early Childhood Center, Indy West, Greenwood, Richmond, Terre Haute and Carmel), ABC provides one-on-one individualized programming in the areas of ABA therapy, behavior consulting, speech therapy, occupational therapy and special needs swim lessons for ages 2 and older.

BACA Behavior Analysis Center for Autism See pg. 6Contact Sarah Cox: [email protected] quality, intensive ABA Programs overseen by PH.D. behavior analysts.

Brain Balance See pg. 29www.brainbalanceindy.com317.843.92009510 N. Meridian St., IndianapolisBrain Balance’s Program has changed the lives of kids suffering with ADHD, learning disorders and behavioral issues. We integrate cognitive, sensory-motor and nutritional training into a highly effective, drug-free program that targets your child’s specific challenges.

Conduct Curbconductcurb.com317.966.1987 Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression,Property Destruction, Tantrums, Refusals& Inappropriate Public Behavior.

I Can We Can See pg. [email protected] Therapy Gymnastic-Based Therapy1:1 & Small Group Sessions AvailablePotential! Dramatic Results using Cutting-edge NASA Technology!

Natural Valley Ranch See pg. 7www.NaturalValleyRanch.comwww.NaturalValleyTherapeuticRiding.orgMarie@NaturalValleyRanch.com317-509-3577Birthday Parties, Trail Rides, Lessons, Petting ZooHayride/Bonfire, Therapeutic Riding

Pilipis Behavioral Group LLC See pg. [email protected]. (317) 572-1313, fax (317) 572-9999152 S 9th St., Noblesville, IN 46060.Specializes in School Social Work and provides support and guidance to families and children.

The Verbal Behavior Center for Autism See pgs. 2, 3www.vbca.org317.848.47749830 Bauer Drive Indpls., IN 46280The Verbal Behavior Center for Autism provides year-round services offering one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to children with autism ages 1-13. All programs are overseen by Board Certified Behavioral Consultants. Call or come in for a tour today – walk-ins are always welcome! For more information about the VBCA and pictures of our center, visit our website at vbca.org.

Proud Sponsors of Resources forSpecial Needs Children

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MyARTKids love to create art and while any art class can (and should) encourage your child’s creativity, at Myart, we know there is much more to drawing and painting than just putting paintbrush to paper. Our unique method of teaching children how to draw and paint allows Myart students to create art that goes far beyond your average art class.

Children at Myart learn how to break a drawing down into its smaller parts through guided step by step lessons. Myart instructors work one on one with each child, demonstrating how to use the different art mediums, from graphite and colored pencil to pastels, watercolors and acrylics. At Myart, we don’t just give your child paper and paint and tell them to create, we teach them how. Myart students learn the skills, techniques and craftsmanship that has enabled many of our students to go on to careers in art.

And the learning at Myart doesn’t end with art. Myart students not only learn how to successfully draw and paint, they develop essential thinking and creative problem solving skills, increase their ability to focus and concentrate, and discover increased confidence through their accomplishments at Myart.

And best of all, Myart is fun! Our weekly classes provide students with a never ending array of subjects to draw and paint. For those who can’t commit to weekly classes, we offer canvas painting events, birthday parties, and scout activities along with themed spring break and summer art camps including cartooning, animals, fantasy and more.

To learn more about Myart or to register for any of our classes or camps, please visit us at www.myartindy.com .

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An autism diagnosis indicates communication deficits which lead to socially awkward interactions for those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Issues in performing the following skills commonly accompany autism; visual perception difficulties which make imitation difficult, lack of appropriate eye contact and the recognition of the personal space of others. There are many prescribed ways of teaching these social skills. An individual’s Applied Behavior Analysis program can include Discrete Trial Training as well as instruction during times in natural settings to reinforce the use of these lessons in a variety of settings. All games require taking turns and following directions, which are vital to academic and social success. Students can gain the repetition necessary to learn new skills by playing common childhood games. In fact, a lesson that is learned along with movement is more likely to be retained by the learner. Young children, both with autism or

other developmental disorders, as well as neurotypically developing students, learn during activities that first appear to only be fun and games. The game of Simon Says, for instance, requires looking and facing toward the leader, the use of imitation, keeping appropriate personal space and eye contact with the leader. These abilities can be taught in both structured and less structured ways. Go Fish, the simple card game, is a great way to enhance visual and auditory perception abilities, to keep appropriate personal space, use eye contact and taking turns. These tasks are difficult for most students with autism, so it is important to keep the activity itself easy. Players also alternate asking questions and supplying answers, needing to share if someone asks for a card you have, making friends and learning how to win and lose gracefully. Playing is more than just fun and games, which, with DTT, makes for a complete program.

Fun and Learning through GamesBy: Denise Hubble, MA, BCBA and Karen Lake, MA, ABA Therapist

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I remember back when I was pregnant with Kennedy. I read all the baby books and made all the lists of things that I needed. I had my bag packed and ready with all the “essentials” that you were supposed to bring to the hospital two months before my due date. Her nursery was stocked with all the things I would end up never using. I ate all the right things. I took my vitamins. I avoided caffeine. I did my homework and carefully planned the next eighteen years of her life before she ever took her first breath.

I would be the kind of mom who read stories at bedtime, and did crafts after our homemade organic lunches. She would take ballet and violin lessons and read chapter books before kindergarten. She would never argue or throw tantrums in the grocery isle. I would never yell. We would attend mother-daughter tea in perfectly pressed lacey dresses that would never be soiled. I imagined it all in my white-picket-fence silver screen version of our life. Needless to say, life looks a little different today.

I had several friends who were pregnant at the same time as I was with Kennedy. We all had babies around the same age, and it didn’t take long to start noticing that things with my baby were a little, well, different. The wondering turned to worrying, and the worrying turned panic, and the panic soon turned to sadness and confusion. There is a moment in every parent of a child with autism’s life where they realize that the script that they had written for their lives would have to be edited. How we handle the situation determines what genre this version of the story is categorized. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for me to decide that our story would still be a happy one.

Determined to do everything I could for my daughter, I went through the dreaded process of diagnosis. But what followed wasn’t what I was expecting. I thought that with this diagnosis the doors would be unlocked to opportunity and services would be lined up ready to start helping

my darling girl reach every potential I knew she had in her. That wasn’t really the case. I left not knowing which way was up and where to turn. There is no roadmap for autism. There is no secret recipe.

By incredible chance, a friend of mine texted one day out of nowhere and said

she was driving behind a van that said “Applied Behavior Center for Autism” and

asked if I ever heard of it. She gave me the number, and I figured it was worth at least

a phone call. Upon walking into the center for the first time, I couldn’t help but see those

images I had once dreamed sneaking out of the corners of my mind. Call it mother’s intuition, but

I knew undoubtedly this was the place that was going to make a difference for my child.

When Sawyer started also displaying signs of autism, I didn’t hesitate to

get him diagnosed and started at the center along with Kennedy. Now

almost three years later, Kennedy is preparing to enter kindergarten. She

will join mainstream classes and likely need minimal help. Sawyer, who started

at ABC completely non-verbal and not even walking, is an ornery toddler boy just

like any other. He runs around and climbs on everything looking for things he can get into, and his communication is exploding with new words and phrases. He can tell me what he wants, if he is hungry or tired, and repeats anything you ask. Of course, my favorite is “I love you Mommy.” These are words that at one time I wasn’t sure I would ever hear.

I cannot imagine our lives without the amazing therapists who have worked so hard to get where we are today. What they do everyday is truly a gift for which I am not sure I can ever express how thankful I am. Our life may not have taken the path that I had originally planned, but we are moving forward and there is so much joy and pride in our journey. I may not have had a roadmap, but ABC has been our compass in the storm, leading my kids to a brighter tomorrow.

To inquire about services, contact us today at 317-849-KIDS ext. 112 or visit us online

at www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org

Rewriting the ScriptBy: Beth (mother of two children with autism)

To inquire about services, call us at 317-849-KIDS ext. 112 or email us at [email protected].

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Thursday, March 19 – Saturday, April 18Rumpelstiltskin at Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio. We will bring this classic fairytale to life for your youngsters...all presented on a vintage style marionette stage with classic hand crafted marionettes. Unlike many of our other shows, the puppeteers will not be seen. www.peewinklespuppets.comFriday, April 3, 11:30am Dissect a T. Rex at The Children’s Museum. From skin to guts, come scrub in for this dinosaur dissection! Find out how studying each layer of a dinosaur helps paleo artists make connections between a T. rex and modern relatives. Study a fleshed-out dinosaur layer by layer alongside a real paleo artist to better imagine how it lived. www.childrensmuseum.orgFriday, April 3 – Monday, April 6NCAA Final Four Fan Fest at The Indiana Convention Center. Exciting events for fans of all ages surrounding the games! www.ncaa.com/final-four/fan-eventsSaturday, April 4, 9:00amA Very Bunny Breakfast at Indiana State Museum. Join us for a delicious breakfast, a meeting with the Easter Bunny, story time with Mother Goose, activities in the Bunny Playground, crafts and an egg hunt on the front lawn and galleries of the museum. Please visit the museum website for more details.Saturday, April 4Easter Egg 5K & Kid’s Run at Roncalli High School. Colorful Medals & Shirts to all (Even the kids!) 5K/Kid's run benefitting St Vincent de Paul. (Please bring men's blue jeans or khaki pants if possible to help our local homeless men) The 5K begins and finishes on the track at Roncalli High School. Around 11:00 or so, we will line up the smaller kids for their 80-yard dash, where they get their medal upon finishing.Saturday, April 4, 10:00amWho Framed Roger Rabbit? at Athenaeum. Parents and kids are invited to experience Cereal Cinema, a unique family friendly experience created by the Indy Film Fest, The Athenaeum and the Indianapolis Museum

of Art (IMA). Cereal Cinema features the two things every family needs on a Saturday morning—a classic movie that the whole family can enjoy and a cereal bar! Indyfilmfest.org/eventsSaturday, April 4, 10:00amEaster on the Praire at Conner Praire. Help the Prairietown citizens with springtime preparations like seed sorting at the Gregorys, Easter egg dyeing at the Zimmermans and bonnet decorating at the Campbells. Make your own Easter basket ($5) or egg-themed crafts and sample a taste of maple gingerbread at the Curtis home. Take part in the *Egg-Stravaganza (weather permitting) for children ages 2-12 and collect candy and Easter eggs. Next, witness the science behind Peeps® marshmallows as we put them through a series of experiments. See how they respond to a high-impact crash as we shoot them from a potato cannon! www.connerpraire.orgSaturday, April 4Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Conner Praire. Celebrate Easter with a scrumptious breakfast, cookie-decorating and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Save $3 per person on the price of admission to Conner Prairie’s grounds and other Easter activities by showing your breakfast buffet ticket. www.connerpraire.orgThursday, April 9, 9:30amFly a Kite at Conner Praire. Make your own kite and see what types of kites that children flew in the 1800s, then head outside to try and fly your kite (weather permitting). www.connerpraire.orgFriday, April 10 – Sunday, April 122015 Hoosier Horse Fair & Expo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The Hoosier Horse Fair & Expo is a 3-day event celebrating and promoting the equine industry. The expo serves as the primary fundraiser for the Indiana Horse Council programming which positively impacts the growth, retention and development of the horse industry. The longevity of the event can be attributed to our commitment to diversity, quality and true presentation of each segment of interest.

April Calendar of Events

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April Calendar of EventsFriday, April 10, 8:00pmAll Beethoven presented by the Indianapolis Symphony at the Hilbert Circle Theater. Music Director Krzysztof Urbański conducts the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, along with solo pianist Alice Sara Ott, in two performances focusing entirely on one of the most revered composers of all time, Ludwig Van Beethoven. www.indianapolissymphony.orgSaturday, April 11Indy Eleven vs. NY Cosmos at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. www.indyelevn.comSaturday, April 11 - Sunday, April 12Power Recycling Weekend at the Indianapolis Zoo. At Power Recycling Weekend you can get rid of all your clutter and help the environment, too! Just drop off your old electronics, phone books, cardboard, and paper ready for shredding in the Zoo parking lot at our next Power Recycling Weekend in April. Our recycling partners will take it from there. In addition to doing good, you will receive a discount coupon for Zoo admission. http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/events-and-groupsFriday, April 17, 8:00pmButler Ballet’s “The Sleeping Beauty” at Clowes Memorial Hall. The Sleeping Beauty, the most magical of all the fairy-tale ballets! A beautiful princess; an evil fairy; a curse that dooms everyone to sleep for a hundred years; and a magical kiss, what more can you ask? The Bluebird, Puss-in-Boots, the White Cat, Red Riding Hood, the Wolf, and vibrant and colorful Fairies, are among the many guests invited to Aurora’s extravagant wedding that concludes this family favorite.

Come experience the enchantment and majesty of this time-honored classic set to some of the most beautiful music ever written for the ballet.Saturday, April 25Naturally Inspired Paint Out Day at the Indianapolis Zoo. Each spring, the Zoo invites a group of 15 juried artists to make art "en plein air" (outdoors) at Naturally Inspired Paint Out Day. During this signature Zoo event, guests have a special opportunity to observe the artists as they turn a blank canvas or a hunk of clay into a truly extraordinary work of art inspired by the natural world, right on the Indianapolis Zoo's campus. http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/events-and-groupsWednesday, April 22 - Saturday, April 25Just Between Friends North Indy Children’s Consignment Event at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. We will have clothing, shoes, baby equipment and gear, maternity items, feeding and bathing gear, bedding, room decor, outdoor and indoor toys, sports equipment, electronics, books, games, musical instruments and toys, baby and children's furniture, strollers and SO MUCH MORE... http://northindy.jbfsale.com

If you would like your event included in our monthly calendars,

submit it by going to wwwIndyKidsDirectory.com.

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Family

Night&

Kids Eat Free

Con’t.

Monday Thru Sunday Multiple DaysJim Dandy Family Restaurant Kids’ 5 and under eat free 2301 Conner St.773-3288 Noblesville

PaPa Roux 8950 E. 10th Indy 603-9861 Nightly after 4Perkins 250 Noble Creek Dr. Noblesville Monday Thru Wednesday 4 to close 776-2800

Barley Island Brewing Co. 630 Conner St.Noblesville 770-5280 Tuesday and Wednesday Quizno’s 14300 Mundy Dr Noblesville 7 days a week 4 to close dine in only 773-7041

MondayChick Fil-A 3360 W. 86th St. The Pyramids, Indy 871-5330

Latitude 39 4016 E. 82nd Fee Game Bowling, Kid’s Meal and $5 game card with adult meal 813-6565Mexico City Grill Fishers 11653 Fishers Station Rd 577-1900

Mexican City Grill Indy 8028 S. Emerson Ave 884-4901Castlers Kitchen and Bar 11501 Geist Pavilion Dr.596-9810 Fishers 5-9

Texas Road House Fishers 12950 Publishers Dr. 585-5020 Family Night 1.99 Kid’s MealCulvers Kids Night Face Painting Balloons and Clowns

Fishers 96th St Every Monday, 5:30-8:30 pm 96thSst FishersIndy 71st and Georgetown – Every Monday, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

TuesdayMacKinzie River Pizza Carmel and 82nd St Castleton 564-4211 and 288-0609

Scotty’s Brewhouse 3905 E. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN & 1 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204CR Heroes 10570 E. 96th St. Fishers 576-1070 5-p Face Painting & Balloon Animals

Cancun 6714 E 82nd St, Indianapolis 578-7054Chick-fil-A Noblesville Buy one Get one Free Tuesday 5-9 773-4100

Chick Fil A Carmel 14647 US 31 North Family Night each Tuesday from 5-8pm 815-9465Hellas Café 8501 Westfield Blvd 257-6211 Indy

Champps Indy Northside 8711 N. River Crossing Blvd. 2 children eat free with 1 adult meal all day TuesdayBob Evans’ Family Night from DJ 6-8pm One kid eats free with adult meal purchase. Greenwood In

Perkin’s Castleton East 82nd St. Indy 842-9447 4-9Joe’s Shelby St. Diner Indy 783-9590

Cheese Burger In Paradise South Indy 883-4386Patriot Grill Restaurant 1265 N. Madison Greenwood 851-8252 Kid’s Eat Free and Magician

Teddy’s Burger Joint 222W.Southport Rd Indy 893-2791Thr3e Wise Men Brewery 1021 Broad Ripple Ave Indy 255-5151Max and Erma’s Carmel and Greenwood 705-3988 and 882-4477

Panda Express 17055 Geist Pavilion Dr. Fishers 5-9 770-9684Chick Fil A Avon Rt 36 Spring Family EventApril 7th 5:30 to 7:30

Culvers Kids Night Face Painting Balloons and ClownsIndy 96th Street – Every Tuesday, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Greenfield – Every Tuesday, 5:30 – 8:30 pm(All Information subject to change without notice. Call ahead for details)

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WednesdayMichaelangelo’s 550 Westfield Rd Noblesville Kids Eat Free 773-6066

Grindstone Charley’s Rockville Rd and Crawfordsville Rd’s Indy 243-8760 and 481-1870Johnny Rockets Greenwood Mall and Castleton Mall 881-6240 and 578-8015 5 to 9

ThursdayJohnny Carino’s Greenwood 885-5735

Culvers Kids Night Face Painting Balloons and ClownsNoblesville – Every Thursday, 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Friday

SaturdaySteak N Shake all Indianapolis locations

SundayScotty’s Brewhouse 3905 E. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN & 1 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Granite City Food and Brewery 150 W. 96th St Carmel 218-7185 5-9 Magician 5-8 Steak N Shake all Indianapolis locations

Rock Star Pizza 922 E. Main St. Brownsburg 858-1188 all day dine in Only

(Please call ahead to verify details)

Family

Night&

Kids Eat Free

Con’t.

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Early DEtEction of autism

A recent news story about early detection of autism indicated that children as young as two months could be identified as having a likelihood of the disability. The study found that babies who had reduced eye contact as infants tended to develop other autism characteristics as they got older. Of course early detection is a critical component of every therapeutic approach for children on the autism spectrum and this finding could allow for intervention to begin even earlier than before.Signs and symptoms of autism vary from child to child. Children may have mild to severe impairments. Monitoring your child’s development is important. Don’t rely on your pediatrician alone to find developmental delays. The Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) provides lists of developmental milestones arranged by age. Consulting the checklist for your child’s age can give you information about possible developmental delays.Early signs of autism in babies and toddlers include:

• Doesn’tlookatyouwhenbeingfed,• Doesn’tsmileback,• Doesn’trespondtonameorfamiliar

voice,• Doesn’tfollowobjectswitheyes,• Doesn’tpointorwave,• Doesn’tfollowgestureswhenyou

point,• Doesn’tmakenoisetogetyour

attention,• Doesn’trespondtocuddling,• Doesn’timitategesturesor

expressions,• Doesn’treachouttobepickedup,• Doesn’tplaywithothers,or• Doesn’taskforhelpormakerequests

If you are concerned, don’t take a wait and see approach. Trust your instincts. Any loss of speech, babbling, gestures, or social skills should be taken very seriously. If your child is age zero to three years contact First Steps (www.infirststeps.com) to request a developmental assessment for your child. First Steps can

provide the assessments as well as any services that are needed for your child. This is a Federal program available throughout the United States.As your child gets older the signs and symptoms of autism can become more diverse. There are many warning signs, but symptoms typically revolve around impaired social skills, speech and language difficulties, non-verbal language difficulties or inflexible behavior. If your child is over three and not yet age eligible for kindergarten, you may contact your local school system. Early Childhood Special Education programs are available through all public schools. This program will provide developmental assessments along with services needed to help your child develop more age appropriate skills.Once a child is enrolled in the public schools, assessments and services will be provided until he/she graduations or reaches age twenty-two, whichever comes first. Before a student leaves the public school programs, the school staff along with the student and parents put adult services into place. These adult services include a wide variety of supports depending on the student’s needs.The causes of autism continue to be a subject of debate. Most scientists agree it is most likely a result of a genetic vulnerability to the syndrome along with environmental factors that cause the predisposition to trigger. Regardless of the cause of the disorder, it is critical that intervention begins as early as possible. Early intervention provides the most positive results possible for a child’s future development.

“Autistic Babies Reduce Eye Contact in Early Months”, Bloomberg Washington Newsletter, 11/07/13. “Autism Symptoms & Early Signs”, www.HELPGUIDE.com

Mika AdamsAutism Consultation, LLCwww.autismconsultation.net866-968-3698

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See pg 27

See pg 22

See pg 8

See pg 9

See pg 5

See pg 10

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When Rebecca started the Brain Balance program she had anxiety, sensory challenges, and was taking medication daily for ADHD. Brain Balance outlined

exercises for us do at home, and we went to the center three nights a week to do exercises there as

well. Brain Balance helped us identify and eliminate food sensitivities that were contributing to Rebecca's inability to focus. After 12 weeks at Brain Balance Achievement Centers, Rebecca is off of her ADHD medication, her anxiety is significantly reduced and her sensory issues are gone! She is a calm, confident, happy little girl now. We couldn't be happier!

Thank you Brain Balance,

~Sean, Tonya and Rebecca O.

www.brainbalanceindianapolis.comwww.brainbalancegreenwood.com

Rebecca'sStory

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Perhaps one of the toughest situations for a parent to be

in… is to watch his/her child being the victim of bullying. This can be a terrifying experience because it leaves a parent feeling helpless.It seems to be an epidemic. Children are being desensitized to violence and are participating in mean-spirited behavior. What social researchers have known for a long time is that when people get together in groups, they participate in behaviors that can be atypical for them as an individual and yet when part of a group they feel strength and camaraderie. This behavior leads to bullying and is detrimental to a child's psyche. It can have adverse effects that are lifelong.What can you do as a parent of a child who is being bullied?You have to ask yourself a question that will help you to be a better parent in general.How do you perceive yourself as a listening agent for your child? Could you take your child aside and ask… Would you feel comfortable sharing your problems with mommy/daddy?Could your child come and talk to you about anything and either: 1) Feel that he/she will be understood and validated.2) He/she will get the needed help to help solve the problem.Your child needs to know that he can come to you with any situation. If you suspect that your child is being bullied the most important thing that you can do is to be there for your child when he/she shares their fears and thoughts. Does your child know how to assess and talk about feelings especially fears?These are two very important questions because often time a child that is being bullied will fear retaliation and not share with his or her parents (or authority figures) that

this behavior is going on. That means you have to be present for your child and notice changes in his/her behavior.It can feel humiliating and shameful to be picked on and to be afraid. This results in parents needing to be aware of changes in their child's behavior. Most parents who have helped their child through a bullying experience say they saw some unusual behavior prior to figuring out what was going on. Their children seemed to act different. They lost their exuberance for life; they seemed timid, isolated or just disinterested in their typical day.If your child develops these behaviors and doesn't want to go to school or day care or to the babysitter’s house and seems lethargic, sad, or angry he/she may be a victim of bullying.How do you empower your child?Brainstorm with your child as it can be very helpful in the two of you coming up with potential ideas to solve the bullying problem. Ask your child which idea seems to be the best place to start. That may look like sharing with the teacher that the two children are having conflict. It may be going to the parents of the child who is bullying and seeing if you might be able to sit down and talk about the differences together. It may look like inviting the mean spirited child over to do something special. Or reporting to Facebook/Twitter that inappropriate threats are occurring.There are lots of options for dealing with bullying. The important thing is working together with your child to find options to increase your child's feelings of empowerment to stop the bullying.

Carol Juergensen Sheets

Carol Juergensen Sheets LCSW PCC is a psychotherapist and personal life coach. She does motivational speaking and empowerment trainings locally and nationally. To find out more about her services--contact her at www.carolthecoach.com or call her at 317-218-3479.

Stop the Bullying –With Empowerment

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Page 32: April 2015 Indy Kids' Directory