Welcome to “On the Horizon”

Issue 150: SUCCESS Builds Confidence!

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.

Read more …

Learning as
we Grow

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

Please join us!

• 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

Our telephone:
(616) 698-0306

Our email address:
info@horizonsdrc.com

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