Autism Parent Support Group
School Year 2007-2008
*Information and support group for parents of children with Autism
Weaver Lake Elementary School-Media Center
15900 Weaver Lake Road , Maple Grove (763)420-3337
Mondays 7-9 p.m.
Meet at 6:30 pm, prior to our informational meeting, for an informal time of
support and sharing with other parents. Plus check-out our parent lending library!!
10/22/07Come learn about Autism through the eyes of a married couple both diagnosed with Autism.
E rika and John a married couple who live in Minneapolis, MN share their experiences about autism spectrum disorders. They have spoken at various colleges and universities as well as public and private schools. In May 2005, they were the featured speakers at the Annual Autism Society of Minnesota Conference. She was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and Tourette’s Syndrome at the age of 11. Her interests include language and the ways that studying the written and spoken word can help deal with some of the obstacles related to autism spectrum disorders. She has written a book about her life entitled “Born on the Wrong Planet”. As the book title suggests, Erika also likes to discuss the feeling of being a creature from another planet trapped in a human body – not born with the instincts for human social interaction and having to study humans like a foreign culture before being able to fit in. John’s was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of 24, he was previously misdiagnosed multiple times. Specialists were unable to predict his performance and often found him not to fit their diagnosis. Tests showed that he was both disabled and very intelligent.
T hey prefer a question and answer format for their speeches because it allows them to present the aspects of autism that concern the audience. This format allows the audience to learn about autism in a way that is both interactive and informative. Speeches start with an introduction from Erika and John while note cards are passed out for the audience to write their questions on. After introductions, note cards are handed in and they answer the questions.
11/12/07 We’ve invited Dr. Agrawa back to our group!! He will answer more questions related to the ABC’s of common medications that are used to treat children with Autism Spectrum disorder who suffer Co-morbidity with other disorders such as ADHD, Depression, Sleep disturbances, and/or Anxiety.
Medication issues impact the lives of children with autism spectrum disorders. Come learn the ABC’s of common medications sometimes recommended for hyperactivity, attention, depression, sleep disturbance, and anxiety difficulties. This engaging speaker, Dr. Agrawa, works at the University Of Minnesota Department Of Psychiatry as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow. His explanation of how medications work in the body is excellent information for every parent.
***The Year Schedule will be sent out soon! Thanks for your patience!!***
Any Questions?? Please Contact: Shannon Ross 763-315-7664
Free CHILDCARE or TRANSPORTATION RESERVATIONS call Shannon Ross 763-315-7664 or rosss@district279.org a week or more prior to the meeting.
Sponsored by ISD 279 Department of Special Education, The 279 Foundation, and Northwest Hennepin
Family Services Collaborative. **All parents, caregivers, and staff are welcome and encouraged to participate!!