On the Horizon – 5/17/2011

Horizons Developmental Remediation Center
On the Horizon
On the Horizon 

Welcome to “On the Horizon”

Issue 149: How to Celebrate Your Child’s Special Day Appropriately

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.

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In This Issue

A Note from Nicole: Autism Researchers

Idea of the Week:  Salsa Picante

Feature Article: How to Celebrate Your Child’s Special Day Appropriately

The Horizons Team Recommends: Summer CAMPS

Upcoming Events: Workshops/Conferences

 

A Note From Nicole
Nicole Beurkens 

Hi Everyone,

I had the
pleasure of attending the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR)
last week in sunny San Diego.  This
annual meeting brings the worlds autism researchers together in one place to
discuss the current state of the field, as well as new research
directions.  I was able to present
a poster of my dissertation research on autism symptom severity and
parent-child interaction, and engaged in some great conversations with others
who are interested in similar research questions and approaches.  I’m hopeful about some of the new
research in neurobiology, evaluation, and intervention that is being done; and
also dismayed by some of the types of research that seem to get funded (can we
please stop investigating the use of robots to interact with people on the
spectrum?!).  I’ve got an article
brewing in my head about the conference, and will share it here soon.

This week’s
feature article by Courtney shares some ideas for planning birthday
celebrations.  It can be difficult
to know how to celebrate this special day for a child who is easily overwhelmed
or anxious.  These strategies can
help parents, as well as extended family members and classroom teachers, plan
events that will be well received and enjoyable for everyone involved.

With summer
right around the corner, I want to remind everyone about our upcoming Summer
Camps programs.  If you haven’t
already checked out the various options, click here
for all the details.  We’d love to
welcome your child to camp this summer!

Have an amazing week!

Looking to the horizon,

Idea of the Week

Salsa Picante

Salsa Anyone?Craving Spicy foods? This salsa is for you.This salsa can be mild or very spicy hot, depending on the type of peppers used.

1/3 c chopped sweet red bell pepper
2 tsp. oregano
2 tomatoes
2 T. expeller pressed safflower oil
1 tsp. sea salt
for mild salsa: 1 T. chopped Cubanel chili pepper
for hot salsa: up to 1 tsp. chopper fresh hot pepper (jalapeno or other)

Chop the tomatoes and set aside. Heat the oil in a small saucepan. When hot, add the other ingredients except the peppers. If using jalapeno or other very spicy peppers, add a little at a time and taste frequently to make sure you don’t over spice the salsa. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes or more. Let sit at least 30 minutes, to allow the flavor to settle. Enjoy!

Feature Article

Celebrate a Birthday RightHappy Birthday to You!
How to Celebrate Your Child’s Special Day Appropriately

By: Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed

Over the past few months, a few of my clients have asked “how should we celebrate our child’s birthday, taking into consideration his or her special needs.”  This is an important question on many levels, since we all want to celebrate special occasions with family; however, this can sometimes be too much for many of our children with special needs.  Here are a few ideas and strategies to use so that you can celebrate your child’s birthday without making the event too overwhelming for the child and yourself!

-Limit the guest list! All too often, we find ourselves inviting to birthday parties family members whom we generally don’t see very often.  Even though it may be uncomfortable for you not to invite them, think about how overwhelmed your child may feel if there are several people around whom he or she may not know.  If you feel the need to invite all of your family and friends, then split the party up into a couple of different occasions.  By limiting the number of guests, you can help to reduce the anxiety and fear of uncertainty that your child may be facing.

Read more …

The Horizons Team Recommends

Horizons Summer Camps 2011

Summer Camp

Looking for a place for your child to go this summer? Our summer camps give children a place to engage with other children, try new activities, retain what they have learned over the year and learn life-long skills all while having a great time!

For children ages 4 to 12, weekly sessions start July 11, 2011. Four sessions are available. Select the weeks that best fit your schedule – one, a
few, or all of them depending on your needs and summer plans.

Pre-teens and teens ages 11 to 18 can attend our Collaborate and Create Summer Camp. These campers tackle major real-life projects they can put to use in the future, such as building fences, landscaping and woodworking. First session begins July 11, 2011.

See details about the camp or Register Now!

 

Please join us!

  • TeleseminarSelf-Care and relaxation strategies for parents (with Jenny Fenig)

    Thursday May 19th
    at 11am-12pm

  • Simple Solutions SeminarBeneath the Surface: The Truth
    About Friendships and Social Skills

    Thursday May 19th at
    7-8:30pm

  • AutismOne ConferenceNicole will be presenting

    Chicago – May 25-29

  • Parent Education Day (workshop)(for Horizons families only)

    Saturday June 25

  • MAGIC Foundation Children’s ConventionNicole 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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