February - Autism Spectrum Disorders NW Spark Parent Resource Meeting

Wednesday, February 1, 2012
7:00 pm- 9:00pm
Handke Family Center, Room 112, 1170 Main Street, Elk River, MN 55330

This month we'll be having an open forum. Come, bring your latest joys and concerns to discuss. This meeting will be in room 112.
This is a parent-facilitated, informal gathering for discussion of both challenges and joys faced by parents of children on the Autism Spectrum. A medical diagnosis is not required. Preschool and elementary school-aged topics will be covered.

February - Parents of Children with Challenging Behaviors

**Two meetings each month - Daytime and evening options**

Thurs, February 2, 2012
10 - 11:30 am
Elk River YMCA, community room A.

Thursday, Feb 16, 2012
6 pm- 8pm
Elk River YMCA Community Room

Elk River YMCA Community Room
13337 Business Center Drive NW, Elk River, MN 55330

Sometimes the best resource for parents and caregivers of children with challenging behaviors are other parents and caregivers who are facing the same issues and challenges. The group will enable support and networking, as well as offer educational resources on topics that the group selects. This meeting will focus on a discussion about your experiences!

For the evening meeting, dinner is provided. Following the meal children are able to use available child care or YMCA facilities if members. On-site child care is available for children ages 6 weeks-10 years. It is free for members of the YMCA, and $5 per child for non-members.

Questions and to RSVP please contact:Sue Schmieg - 763.633.0894 or smithspan@gmail.com
Co-sponsored by Sherburne County Social Services and Parents In Partnership with STARS for Children’s Mental Health and NAMI

February - Down syndrome NW Spark Parent Resource Meeting

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
5:45 - 8:00 pm
Handke Family Center, Cafeteria
1170 Main Street, Elk River, MN 55330

Come and have fun celebrating Valentine's Day family style! Bring the whole family out for a pizza party supper, valentine treats and valentine themed children's activities. We will use group funds to provide the food and beverages and will bring activities for the kids! We will be meeting in the basement of the Handke Family Center in the former cafeteria, so there will be lots of room for the kids to play and plenty of table space for us to utilize for our meal and crafts. Please bring your own high chairs or booster seats if they are needed.

Please RSVP by 2/13 to help us plan how much food to order.
Heather -(763) 274-1710 woodland132@yahoo.com
Julie - (763) 856-1078 mielkman@hotmail.com

OASIS February meeting "Beyond the Bedtime Story"

Tuesday February 21st, 2012
Weaver Lake Elementary School - Media Center
15900 Weaver Lake Rd. Maple Grove, 763-420-3337
6:30-8:30pm Presentation
8:30-9:00pm - Please stay to continue the conversation - seek support and share resources.

"Beyond the Bedtime Story"
Presented by Ingrid Meyer, LP, and Marit Appledoorn, LICSW

Learn to use creative writing and story telling to help children inspire change, create mood regulation, and improve relationships.

RSVP Appreciated, but not required. Contact Jen Holper at jholper@prairie-care.com, 952-334-7755.
FREE CHILDCARE: Contact Weaver Lake Elem. 763-420-3337 prior to meeting

OASIS is sponsored by PrairieCare, Weaver Lake Elem. School, ISD 279 Dept. of Special Education, The 279 Foundation, District 279 Community Education and supported by volunteer parent and professional facilitation. These programs are open to all parents, caregivers, and staff

Anoka Area Autism Family Support Group

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
6:30 - 9:00 pm
Cross of Christ church, 9931 Foley Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN
Contact Jenny Johnson for more information: kjohn1430@aol.com

Autism Risk and Safety Management

Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd St. NW, Buffalo, MN 55313
Room 120A & B
See below for more information on dates and times and how to register

Autism Allies of Wright County is hosting training for first responders, families, and concerned community members. Dennis Debbaudt, of Autism Risk and Safety Management, will be presenting on this very important topic.

Dennis is the proud father of Brad, a young man who has Autism. A professional investigator and law enforcement trainer, Dennis has authored or co-authored over 30 articles, chapters, reports, and books. His training video, Autism & Law Enforcement is in use by the Department of Homeland Security and hundreds of other agencies. Dennis is one of the most sought after speakers in the Autism community and is a frequent presenter at Autism conferences worldwide. Please see the attached documents and website (www.autismriskmanagement.com) for more details about Dennis’ background and credentials. Attendees will walk away with ideas and plans designed to lower risk and increase safety for every child or adult living in the spectrum.

The training sessions are offered as follows;
2/29/12 6:30-8:30pm
Autism Risk & Safety Training for family members, Educators, Autism Professionals, and concerned community members.
Registration fee - $5/person

3/1/12 12:30-4:30pm
Autism Recognition & Response Training for Law Enforcement (City, County, State, Federal), First Responders, 911 Dispatch, Criminal Justice Professionals (County, State, and Federal),and Human Service staff. This session will include the topics of questioning, restraint, interviewing, and interrogation.
Registration fee - $15/person or Agency Block Rate of $150

3/1/12 6:30-9:00pm
Autism Recognition & Response Training for Fire Departments and EMS.
Registration fee - $15/person or Agency Block Rate of $150

While you are welcome to attend more than one session, it is not required.
To register, please complete and return the form located on the Autism Allies website: www.autismallies.org

The registration deadline is February 20, 2012. Space is limited so register soon! We hope to see you there!
Please direct questions to Nicole Bender at nicole.bender@co.wright.mn.us.

Autism Society of MN Steps of Hope Walk

Sunday, March 4, 2012
Ridgedale Center, 12401 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN
9:30-11:00am - Registration
11:00am-12:00pm - Walk
For more information go to the Autism Society of Minnesota's web page: www.ausm.org

If you know of other one time events that you would like to see listed here, please contact our Web Admin, Christin Mielke at mielkec@hotmail.com