On the Horizon is an award winning weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.
To keep receiving On the Horizon, please add the email address “nicolebeurkens@horizonsdrc.com” to your safe address list.
A Note from Nicole: Beautiful Weather; AutismOne Conference
Idea of the Week: Pulling Weeds
Feature Article: SUCCESS Builds Confidence!
The Horizons Team Recommends: Learning as we Grow
Upcoming Events: Workshops/Conferences
Hi Everyone,
We are getting some beautiful weather here in West Michigan, and it feels like summer is finally on its way! It’s been great to spend lots of time outside at the park, going for walks, and playing baseball with the kids. I hope you are finding time for outdoor fun with your family!
Later this week I’ll be heading to Chicago for the annual AutismOne conference. It’s a great conference with more speakers and events added every year. I’ll be speaking on Thursday, and then Michelle and I will be at the Horizons booth in the exhibit hall through the weekend. If you’re at the conference please stop by and say hello!
Michelle’s feature article this week is a great reminder about ways to build competence and confidence in kids who have neurodevelopmental challenges. Her SUCCESS acronym will help you think about and set up opportunities for your child to have successful learning experiences with you. Enjoy!
Make it a great week!
Looking to the horizon,
Pulling Weeds
There may be a lot of weeds outside in your yard and flower beds. Have a parent help you decide which ones are weeds and which ones need to stay.
SUCCESS Builds Confidence!
By: Michelle VanderHeide, BSW
Living in our dynamic, fast changing world can be extremely stressful — even for those who are processing information at a normal rate. Imagine moving to another country where you know only a limited amount of the language that the nationals speak. It could be overwhelming! Now imagine trying to keep up the same lifestyle you now have in that country. Without the support of a trusted guide, we’d all fail! What a different experience that would be if you were given more guidance, such as learning about the culture and foundational words in their language before you go; or going with somebody that is familiar with that country!
As a parent, being the guide to your children is an extremely important role; and when you have a child with autism, the stress of this job is amplified all the more. The pace of our world is very fast, and much too fast for a child with autism to process all that is necessary to function successfully. Below is the acronym SUCCESS, which offers 7 simple things you can do to begin a successful guided relationship with your child.
You’ve Been Asking For It – The Resource for Applying Principles of Remediation in School Settings is Finally Here!
This long-awaited book is written for parents and professionals who want to be more effective in their work with students who have neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.
You will learn how to:
Identify the core features of neurodevelopmental disorders that create communication, learning, and relationship challenges for your students
Shift from a mindset of working around deficits (compensation) to correcting the root issues that create obstacles for your students (remediation)
Modify your communication to promote your students’ communication and thinking abilities
Identify the unique strengths and obstacles of each student in order to determine appropriate placement and programming
Achieve meaningful outcomes for students that allow them to reach their greatest potential
AutismOne Conference Nicole will be presenting Chicago – May 25-29
Parent Education Day (workshop) (for Horizons families only) Saturday June 25
MAGIC Foundation Children’s Convention Nicole will be presenting Chicago – July 14-16
On the Horizon is a weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child¹s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.
Our mailing address is: Horizons Developmental Remediation Center 3120 68th Street SE Caledonia, MI 49316
Horizons DRC continues to provide therapy and consultations. Telehealth options are available. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or for resources to help handle this situation.
A Note from Nicole: 
SUCCESS Builds Confidence!
