Tuesday, July 15, 2008

F.A.L.A. January/February 2008 Newsletter

Welcome to F.A.L.A. and Happy New Year!
Our “Innovative & Comprehensive Permanent Living Model” has gained the National attention of some of the most prominent professionals within the Autism Community.

Here is what they had to say:

“The adult living situation is an important issue in the autism community, but this issue has received very little attention by government agencies and many of the national autism organizations.

The well-being of adults with autism was also a big concern of Dr. Bernard Rimland, father of Mark, a 51-year old man with autism. I applaud the gallant efforts of Kim Andersen-Ashburn and the others involved in 'Families for Adults Living with Autism' project.”

Steve M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Director
Autism Research Institute

"The work that Families for Adults Living with Autism provides a wonderful and positive message as to how people with autism can be helped to lead fulfilling and productive lives using their strengths and interests."

Stephen M. Shore, Ph.D.
www.autismasperger.net
Executive Director of Autism Spectrum Consulting.
Author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Editor and contributor of Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum
Co-author of Understanding Autism for Dummies
Board member of the Autism Society of America, Asperger's Association of New England and other autism related organizations.

"There is a huge need for adult living programs with goals and values such as those of Families for Adults Living with Autism (F.A.L.A.). They have a thoughtful plan, dedicated parent leaders and have a program for the future."

Robert L. Hendren, DO
Professor of Psychiatry
Tsakopoulos-Vismara Chair & Executive Director, M.I.N.D. Institute
President, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Chief, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry UC Davis

"I commend F.A.L.A. for recognizing the importance of creating jobs that Autistic teens and Adults enjoy doing that also provides Health & Dental Insurance."

Temple Grandin
Professor of Animal Science, Colorado State University
Author of Thinking in Pictures, Emergence-Labeled Autistic, Developing Talents, The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships, Asperger's and Girls, and Temple Grandin.

“I am pleased to learn about Families of Adults Living with Autism. The efforts proposed offer great promise for addressing the growing need for effective and meaningful adult supported services. I look forward to the realization of their thoughtful mission.”

Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Director, Autism Spectrum Program, San Francisco State University

“As educators, we strive to build the foundation for children with Autism to have the self determination to live the quality of life each individual deserves after their school aged years. Families for Adults Living with Autism takes the reins where we left off and fulfills each individual’s life dream.”

Kimberly Diamond, M.A.
Special Educator Teacher

With your help you can change our children’s future. Support F.A.L.A. today!

I was a Kirkman Mom at D.A.N. Conference
I was a Kirkman Mom at the October 2007 Defeat Autism Now (D.A.N.) Conference www.AutismResearchInstitute.com held at the Hyatt in Garden Grove, California. Kirkman Labs is a leader in Compounded Vitamin Supplements that are Gluten (wheat) and Casein (dairy) free.

Our son, Alex has been taking Kirkman Vitamins for close to two years and we have witnessed first hand a huge improvement in his overall health.

Kirkman made it possible for me to attend my first D.A.N. Conference as a volunteer. I worked their booths and helped sell their product lines during breaks. I was able to take in 30-hours of lectures from leading experts across the Nation.

We greatly appreciate and want to thank Kirkman for their invitation and giving me the opportunity to attend such a wonderful and inspiring conference.

Please visit Kirkman Labs at: www.kirkmanlabs.com for valuable product information. Kirkman also launched a new product line of natural and chemical free household products that were huge sellers at the conference.

College Programs Address Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Needs
Several colleges have designed programs that specifically address asperger’s syndrome adult needs.
Taft College, Bakersfield, CA: http://www.taftcollege.edu/
Educational Services of America, Nashville, TN: http://www.esa-education.com/
Marshall College, West Virginia: http://www.marshall.edu/coe/atc/modelcollege.

F.A.L.A. encourages all parents to look to the future and to help their children become independent now so they are capable of attending college programs as they near adulthood. Transition begins at diagnosis.

Former Neighbor and La Serna Alumni, Gregg Weiss Named in West Palm Beach, FL Article

As a dedicated volunteer for over 36-years, I was elated to receive an article from my former neighbor, La Serna High School Alumni (Class 0f 1975), and dear friend, Gregg Weiss.

I enjoyed the article so much that I forwarded it onto our Partners for Creating a Brighter Future for Adults on the Spectrum

Please click on the link provided below to access the article: http://palmbeachpost.printthis.clickability.com/ “Adults Conquer Hurdles to Sell at Market” Sunday, October 14, 2007

Quality volunteers like Gregg, make a huge difference in our children’s lives. My hat goes off to Gregg for dedicating his time to touching the lives of so many people who live day-to-day with disabilities! F.A.L.A. welcomes your involvement as a volunteer, mentor, and partner to our organization. Get involved today!


California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism
Keep informed and find out what our Legislators are doing to address the needs of Families Impacted by Autism at: http://senweb03.senate.ca.gov/autism/whatsnew

The Gluten Free & Casein Free Pantry
This issue’s featured Gluten Free & Casein Free Recipe is one of our family favorites and is easy to make.

Pasta Pizza

Ingredients:

1 pound lean Ground Beef
1 jar Muir Glen Organic Pasta Sauce
12 oz. Tinkyada “Penne” Organic Brown Rice Pasta
12 oz./4 “Aidells” all natural Sausage (Costco)
8 oz. Galaxy Mozzarella Rice Shreds

Directions: Bring pasta to a boil by following package directions (I usually cook to taste which is closer to 20+ min.), rinse, and drain.

In large skillet over medium heat, brown beef, drain, and put aside. Brown sausages in skillet and drain. Remove sausages from skillet and cut into ¼ inch slices.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Drain and rinse Pasta and thoroughly clean pot. Place pasta, sausage slices, browned beef back into clean pot and add pasta sauce and mix and toss.

Pour mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Top pasta with mozzarella “Rice” shreds.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with Rice Grated Topping “Parmesan Flavor.”

Enjoy!


© Copyright 2007 Families for Adults Living with Autism. All Rights Reserved

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