Family thankful for Indiana ABA therapy services at Little Star Center

By Clayton Sheese, Little Star Center dad to Jacob, 8

How long has your child attended Little Star Center?

Since March 2011

What has been the biggest challenge in finding services for your child? 

Our biggest challenge has been finding insurance coverage for ABA therapy. We were lucky to get a child-only policy from our insurance carrier when Little Star-Lafayette opened — and before the insurer stopped offering such plans. Then, over the years, the premiums increased and we were paying double the original cost.

As Jacob became school-aged, our insurance carrier pushed for him to attend his area school and cut his hours at Little Star in half. We went through all the appeals. The first was handled by Little Star, but was denied. Second appeal also was denied. Shortly after learning a second appeals board overturned the previous decisions, we learned that decision only covered the first appeal, forcing us to begin the process all over again!!! Now, we have to go through the application process every six months.

Jacob is now in school half days. He has settled in pretty well! We feel he needs more time at Little Star in this stage of his life.

How has Little Star Center provided support to your family? 

Little Star was there with us through the appeals process, and we are appreciative of that. During the appeals process, Jacob was able to stay at Little Star 40 hours a week! We are very grateful that Little Star found a way for Jacob during our challenges with insurance! We feel ABA is the best thing for Jacob! He has made leaps and bounds!

 You could have chosen other ABA facilities for your child. What makes Little Star Center stand out from other ABA facilities? 

Little Star was our first choice. We went to Carmel and toured the facility. When the Lafayette center opened, everyone was so helpful and kind!

For what are you most grateful at Little Star Center?

We are grateful for everything Little Star has done for Jacob. He has come so far since he has been at the facility! It has been a long road! We have some challenges ahead, but we know Little Star will be there for Jacob and our family!

Help us recognize Big Stars for Autism Awareness Month Indiana

Little Star Center is honoring Big Stars for Autism Awareness Month Indiana and we need your help! In the Indiana autism community, we know it truly takes a village to ensure our children receive the care and attention they deserve. Among our Little Star Center team, these friends, neighbors and professionals provide support to our families and our Indiana ABA facilities in Carmel, Bloomington and Lafayette.

Who are your Big Stars? During April’s annual Autism Awareness Month we will recognize these people and their contributions on your behalf by sending an appreciation letter and a small gift.

If you know someone you’d like to recognize during the Big Stars for Little Star campaign, please forward their name, address and reason why to [email protected] by Feb. 13. We’ll be sure they are included and recognized on your behalf.

Grant provides iPads to assist non-vocal learners at Little Star – Indiana ABA center

Little Star Center recently received a grant from Answers for Autism (AAI) to further its mission to help individuals with autism become more independent.

Project: It’s my Turn to Talk focuses on increasing and improving communication for all of our learners. Statistics estimate that as many as 14 to 25 percent of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with little or no functional speech (Lord & Bailey, 2002; Lord, Risi, & Pickles, 2004). The ability to express primary wants and needs is severely limited for these individuals. This affects every aspect of their lives.

With the generous help from Answers for Autism, an organization that raises funds to provide grants to Indiana programs that serve individuals with autism, we are able to provide iPads to several of our non-vocal learners.  Each iPad will be individually programmed for the specific learner with items, places, people and sayings that matter to her/him.

We started this mission back in 2011, after receiving a grant from Answers for Autism that allowed us to purchase four iPads and an advanced communication app. Since then, we have successfully improved communication for more than 15 learners who previously did not have an effective mode of communication.  A parent of one LSC learner described the impact the iPad and communication application have had for her family:

“I couldn’t be happier with how well he is doing and it is SO nice to be able to ask him questions and know that we are getting HIS answer instead of just making a choice for him…

“…It’s a little step perhaps to some, but for us… it’s HUGE. Last weekend he told me that he wanted to play with his cars which I had all put away. Had he not asked, I would have never known that’s what he wanted, but once I knew- I got them out and he was thrilled. And I was thrilled. Life changing!” –Margaret Young, parent of a LSC learner

Thank you to Answers for Autism!  For more information about Answers for Autism, please visit www.answersautism.org

 

A tribute to Santa

Every year when it’s cold and cheery,

When excitement builds for children and parents grow weary,

Planning begins at Little Star Center, where the guest of honor will appear,

It’s Santa, the same jolly gentleman who visits our learners each year.

From the moment he enters Little Star’s doors, Santa is greeted with hugs and even a few

stares;

He knows our learners are beautiful, unique, bright “stars,” so he handles each of them with

special care.

Photos are unpredictable, there could be cries, screams or even fear,

But, our Santa waits for that perfect moment of calm to give the thumbs up for the camera

flash to appear.

He’s seen many of our learners grow into their teens,

They’re much too old for Santa, but give him a handshake, or sneak a moment on

the photo screen.

Yes, our Santa is special to Little Star, a family member we hold dear,

The holidays would not be the same without him because he brings joy and laughter to our

learners year after year!

Autism and the holidays – Tips for a merry season

 

By Mary Rosswurm

The holidays are an exciting time of year for all, but, in many ways, can be challenging for those with autism and their families. The colorful lights, large family gatherings, festive music, unusual foods and crowds can cause individuals with autism to feel anxious and overwhelmed.

As a parent of a child with autism, I’ve learned over the years not to put too much pressure on my son, Brad, over the holidays. I know what he can tolerate and what he can’t and I want him to enjoy the season, too.

As you plan your holiday activities with your children, here are a few ideas to keep in mind:

  • If you are attending a holiday party, contact the host in advance about your child’s needs. Ask for a quiet room in case your son or daughter needs time away from the festivities. Also, inform the host that you may bring specific toys that your child may not want to share with others. Ask the host to assist in helping other children in attendance respect your child’s choice not to share his or her favorite items.
  • Create a gift list to share with friends and family. This eliminates the guesswork from those who aren’t sure what item your child will enjoy. Many children, teens and young adults with ASD have specific preferences, so helping others with a detailed gift list will be much appreciated.
  • Be realistic. Don’t put too many demands on yourself or your child. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the activities, shopping and get-togethers of the season. But, remember, this holiday is supposed to be a fun and relaxing time for you and your family as well. Don’t stress out about things that really don’t matter – it’s OK if you don’t get your house covered in lights! Keep in mind what your family can handle. Decide early on which events to attend, and plan accordingly. Fun family time trumps all!
  • A final reminder – Now is not the time to begin to teach new skills. While it may be a goal to eventually get your child with ASD to participate in family holiday events, they are not the time to teach the new skills. Let your child’s service provider know that you are interested in having these skills worked on during the year so when next year comes around, your child and his team will be ready!

Mary Rosswurm is executive director at Little Star Center, Indiana’s first ABA center.

Kids with autism can enjoy Halloween

 

It’s that time again when little ghosts and goblins roam our neighborhoods and homes are decorated with spider webs, skeletons and all things scary. It’s Halloween, which could be an overwhelming time for our children with autism.

Here are tips from Autism Speaks to make Halloween fun for your child with autism:

Before Halloween:

  • Create a visual story about what Halloween may be like for your child using pictures or drawings. This will help your child prepare for the day’s activities.
  • Try on costumes before Halloween. If the costume is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit right, it may cause unnecessary distress and ruin their fun.
  • If your child does not like their costume, don’t make them wear it.
  • Instead, talk about the situation and try to uncover the reason why they don’t like it. After you talk with your child, they may gradually get used to the costume. Have them wear it for short periods of time and at increasing intervals over time.
  • Consider a Halloween costume that fits over your child’s regular clothes, such as butterfly wings or capes.
  • Practice going to a neighbor’s door, ringing the bell or knocking on the door to receive candy.

Halloween Day:

  • Know your child’s limits and do only what he or she can handle. For example, if your child is not comfortable trick-or-treating for long periods, start by going to three houses.
  • Take your child to an activity in the community, such as a school festival or a neighborhood party, where the child is already comfortable and knows people. Partner with family and friends that your child likes.
  • If you are giving out candy at your home, give your child the option to also give a piece of candy. During the day, practice greeting people and giving out candy. If your child is afraid of going out at night, plan indoor or daytime Halloween activities.
  • Remember, Halloween is supposed to be fun. Don’t let it stress out your child or you!

If you have additional questions about preparing your child for Halloween, please contact your child’s Little Star Center program manager. Families not enrolled at Little Star should contact Vince LaMarca, BCBA, Little Star Center clinical director.

Thank you, Little Star Center for quality ABA services in Bloomington, Indiana

The following comments are from a mom with a newly enrolled learner at our Bloomington location.

As a parent of a child recently enrolled in the Little Star program, I would describe my experience in this process as nothing short of exceptional!

Enrolling your child in an intense therapy program can be extremely stressful for your child, as well as for yourself as the parent, and the other members of your family. Little Star’s staff removed these stresses for all of us.

The staff was professional, knowledgeable, organized, efficient, and, above all, compassionate throughout every phase of this process. They look at your child and their family as individual entities with specific needs and they work with you in order to make it possible for your child to receive these much-needed services.

I had many concerns from previous experiences with other centers and the many challenges facing me as a parent in trying to seek out ABA services for my son. They have worked with me tirelessly and patiently to facilitate services and to meet every need of my son and our family. They are genuinely compassionate and committed to providing the best services to the children and their families! We are forever indebted to this wonderful organization!

LSC therapists unite to raise money for our centers

 

Pizza anyone? How about taking the family out to dinner to support a great cause? Our Little Star Center therapists have been busy this month hosting a variety of events in the Indianapolis and Lafayette areas to raise money for our non-profit organization.  Several businesses, including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Sky Zone and Hot Box Pizza, have hosted special events to raise funds for Little Star!

There’s still time to show your support for Little Star. Here’s the remaining list of fundraising events:

  • Carmel – All Little Star directors have volunteered to take a pie to the face – to benefit Little Star! Raffle tickets are available for $1 at Little Star-Carmel. Our directors will take the pies to the face at our Independence Day Celebration on July 3.
  • Lafayette – Buffalo Wild Wings, 2715 S. Creasy Lane, Friday, June 27. Present your Little Star Coupon and 15 percent of your ticket will go to LSC.
  • Lafayette – Knickerbocker, 113 N 5th St., Saturday, June 28, is hosting a benefit concert, starting at 9 a.m. This event features two bands, a silent auction and raffle. All proceeds go to Little Star.
  • Sentsy online fundraiser ends Saturday, June 28. To participate, click here
  • Westfield – Big Hoffa’s BBQ, 800 E. Main St., Monday, June 30, dine and donate to Little Star.

“We are here for each other and for all our children living with autism” — Our final word for Autism Awareness Month

By Mary Rosswurm

I remember when my son was diagnosed in 1994 like it was yesterday. At the time, though, the prevalence rate was 1 in 10,000 births. Here we are, two decades later, and the diagnosis rate is 1 in 68. Autism has changed the face of childhood worldwide and, I guess, parenthood as well. Little did I know that we were on the front edge of an epidemic.

As I look back over the last 20 years, I can categorize my journey into seven distinct “stages of autism”:

Alarm – That came right after the diagnosis. I was in a panic. It was a crisis for our family.

Anguish – I remember feeling that my world, as I knew it, was over and that I would never feel happiness again. I wondered if I had done something to cause his autism. This was by far the worst of the stages for me. My mom really helped me through this.

Anger – Then I just was mad. Why did this happen to my beautiful little boy? What did we do to deserve this? I remember reading an article in Rolling Stone magazine and Courtney Love was talking about the drugs she did while she was pregnant. I didn’t even take Tylenol when I had a headache! This did not seem fair!

Action – This stage was about pulling myself up by my bootstraps and finding out all I could about autism and treatments.  Unfortunately, there was no autism welcome wagon that was going to pull up into my driveway!

Acceptance – This crept in slowly, but I began to realize that autism was the hand that life had dealt me, and that I was going to have to make things happen for my son. It was up to me.

Advocacy – I learned that the squeaky wheel got the oil! I had to be on top of everything! Soon there were other autism parents like me – and I saw that when a lot of autism parents got together, things started to happen!

Admiration – I am truly amazed each day at what our kids with autism can do. I know that for many of them, getting up each day and facing a room full of people is so difficult, yet they do it day in and day out. I am blown away by what the parents of children with autism have done – they have moved mountains!

Right now, my moments of alarm, anguish and anger are few and far between, but they happen. If you are an autism parent and are struggling with alarm, anguish and/or anger, please reach out to somebody! You are not in this alone – we are here for each other and for all our children living with autism. It’s a journey, but thankfully, one that we are not on alone.

Mary Rosswurm is executive director of Little Star Center, Indiana’s first ABA facility.

 

Technology & the autism community – Little Star Center, Indiana ABA therapy

 

By Tim Courtney, MS, BCBA

We live in a very exciting time, where technology is rapidly changing the world around us. For individuals with autism and language/communication deficits, technology has had a sudden and dramatic effect. Individuals with autism that are non-vocal account for about 25% of this population, based upon recent research.  Technology has assisted this population with communicating, either via exchange of pictures, text to voice output, and speech generating devices.

Speech generating devices have changed dramatically from devices larger than most current laptops to devices like the iPad, iPad mini, or iPods that can achieve the exact same thing, and more, all while looking very typical. Look around most areas and all of us are using our devices to navigate and access our real and virtual social communities. Individuals with autism are not being left out.

The beauty of the recent tablet devices is the ease at which we can expand their functionality. Most everything we could ever want a device to do is available in an app. As of October 2013, the iOS app market now includes 1,000,000 apps. Fortunately, there is help with finding the right app to help individuals with autism. AutismSpeaks offers very helpful information for navigating the app store. The webpage even allows for searching the Android play store.

I can’t wait to see what the future brings. We are currently getting a glimpse into some of the possibilities. The Enable Talk glove which enables ASL signers to speak through a Bluetooth enabled phone, or the Hapifork that collects data and encourages either slower or faster eating through tactile feedback. Virtual reality through headsets like the Oculus Rift could provide for interesting ways to teach social skills, community skills, and even desensitization from situations that have evoked fear.

Tim Courtney is research and training director at Little Star Center, Indiana’s first ABA facility.