It wasn’t a coincidence the word “partnership” is in our name. Autism Action Partnership seeks to partner with other organizations to establish or expand services and opportunities for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Some of our current partners are:
We currently support the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders with funding for two key positions within the center, scholarship dollars for the Autism Diagnostic Clinic and financial support for the Early Intervention Program and the Severe Behavior Program.
In addition, we fund social skills clubs in four area school districts for middle and high school students with ASDs through the Recreational Therapy Department. An elementary club will be beginning later in 2009. A young adult club is also available.
Our newest partnership at MMI is with the Social Work Department which will begin a Sibling Support Group for children who have a sibling with an ASD. This program begins in the winter of 2009 and hope that this will be a continuous offering.
Recreational activities for children and teens with ASDs can be hard to find. We are into our second year of drama classes at The Rose Theater that are customized for individuals on the spectrum. Additionally, while the individual with ASD takes their class, his or her siblings can sign up for classes of their choice at The Rose for free. This provides some much-needed respite for parents to grab coffee, run an errand or read a book in the library. A series of eight-week classes are offered four times per year and a summer day-camp is a new addition this year.
University of Nebraska Barkley Center
We are entering our second year supporting the Barkley Memorial Center Autism Spectrum Disorders Project. A new early childhood program, Project EXCEED, is integrating children with autism into the half-day classroom activities at the Ruth Staples Child Development Lab. UNL students will gain educational experiences using evidence-based practices with these children.
The integration of students with autism spectrum disorders into the Staples Lab is part of an effort to help children with autism. The program will assist their families to more fully participate in educational opportunities and gain support from a special educator and a speech-language clinician. A board-certified behavior analyst will provide consultation to the staff and a family resources liaison will be available throughout the project to provide a link for families to education opportunities and related services in their communities.
As part of the project, communication and social skill groups will also be implemented in schools. Project staff and UNL students will assess the skills and challenges of the participants and plan activities that address individual students’ needs.
Since the staff at Pediatric Therapy Center in Papillion successfully piloted their first Friendship Club in the fall of 2008, we have partnered with them to offer additional classes for children that require assistance with social skills. Each session is co-facilitated by a Speech and Language Pathologist and an Occupational Therapist. We have also provided funds for equipment for their Therapeutic Listening lending library. Through this library, families may borrow otherwise expensive equipment.
For individuals, it is no surprise that there is a lack of employment opportunties which are suited for individuals living on the autism spectrum.The Prevention Group has partnered up with Signs and Shapes International, the company that brought you the Nebraska Cornhusker's Lil' Red Mascot, to provide a unique vocational opportunity for individual on the spectrum. Within the mascot, individuals are provided a buffer between sensory information which may interfere with his or her performance. Addtionally, vocational training is provided to ensure the individual's success.
Omaha's Autism Night at the Zoo
While Omaha has the tremendous opportunity to visit a world-class zoo, individuals on the autism spectrum may not be able to experience the zoo without significant stress. Autism Action Partnership has partnered with the Omaha Zoo to let individuals on the autism spectrum have the zoo one night a year to themselves. During the evening, doors are closed to the general public, lights are turned up, sounds turned down, and an understanding environment is provided to everyone. Additionally, food and refreshments, animal interactions, and educational opportunities are provided.