Welcome to "On the Horizon"

Issue 214:
More than Words

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 Dr. Beurkens
• Feature Article:
  More than Words
• Upcoming Events
• Recommended Resources

Hi Everyone!

Can you believe the end of February is already here?  It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the holidays and the start of the new year.  As construction continues at our clinic, we are happy to see the days moving quickly!  Things have really started to take shape, and the new parts of the building are just about fully enclosed at this point.  If you want to follow our journey with this project, you can check out pictures on our Facebook page. 

This week’s feature article by Michelle is about the importance of nonverbal communication.  Whether your child is not yet speaking, or speaks constantly, it is vital to recognize the role of nonverbals in communication and socialization.  We cannot focus on the words alone, as Michelle’s article conveys.

A reminder to all of you local families – we have a Sibling Support group happening on March 9.  You can get all the details here and we’d love to see your kids!

Have a fabulous week!

Looking to the horizon,

More than Words

By Michelle VanderHeide, LLBSW

I recently read the book “Growing Girls: The Mother of All Adventures”. Jeanne Marie Laskas, a mother of two little girls adopted from China, writes this story. What an adventurous life this family has, and what a fun book to read. Her writing style has kept me interested in what is going to happen next, as I’ve laughed with her and cried with her. She also adds an educational component, helping her readers understand the parents’ perspective of dealing with issues of adoption and language development. Her youngest daughter has apraxia, and portions of the story discuss the family’s journey to helping her daughter develop speech. Here is a segment from her book:

Click here to read the rest of this article…

Follow Us:

Upcoming Events

Sibshop

Saturday March 9, 2013

We feel strongly that as part of our family-focused mission we need to attend to the needs of all of your children, not just the ones with disabilities. Siblings of children with autism or other disabilities have their own unique needs and experiences, and we will be using the renowned Sibshop model that is designed to provide them with support, education, and fun.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY by emailing our office info@horizonsdrc.comor by calling us at (616) 698-0306.

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Hear Dr. Beurkens Speak

Upcoming dates and locations where Nicole Beurkens, PhD will be speaking:

Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Practical Strategies to Improve Processing

April 10, 2013 in Tarrytown, NY

April 11, 2013 in Plainview, NY

April 12, 2013 in Manhattan, NY

Maintaining a Healthy Relationship With Each Other: Strategies for Couples

March 2, 2013 from 8:30-2:30 at Kent ISD

Recommended
Resources

Learn as we grow

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.

More Information >>