To commemorate World Autism month, SouthCoast Health pediatrician, L. Nelson Elam, M.D., FAAP shares an essay written a couple years ago by his eldest son, Simon, that captures his family’s unique journey with an autistic family member.
“The essay describes my son’s experience as an older brother and our family’s journey,” explains Dr. Elam, whose younger son has autism. “Although our experience may be different than most, it is still important to tell. The saying ‘If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism’ is certainly true. Every autistic individual you meet is unique.”
Read the full essay, Life with Lucas, here. Some names have been changed to protect privacy.
If you suspect or are concerned your child may have autism, SouthCoast Health pediatricians are here to assist you and your family. A specialist at SouthCoast Health can provide you with the guidance and support you need. To make an appointment click here, or call 912-691-3600 to learn more.
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One in 59 American children have autism, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Unfortunately, many still view autism negatively and those with autism suffer from the biased opinions of others,” said SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Nelson Elam. “This is largely in part of lack of knowledge. Believe it or not, there’s a lot to learn about autism and from those who may be on the spectrum. The biggest thing to understand is that autism is just another way of living and another perspective in this diverse world.”
To help spur positive conversation about autism, SouthCoast Health shares the basics of autism including the definition of autism; signs of autism; and the autism diagnosis process.
On April 1 @ 3PM, Savannah Children’s Theatre is excited to offer their first low-sensory performance.
This matinee of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is designed especially to create a comfortable environment for children with autism, sensory processing differences, or for families who are nervous about how their child(ren) might respond to live theatre. Keep reading for more information!
WHAT TO EXPECT: Low lights will remain on throughout the performance; reduced volume & sound effects; noise-cancelling headphones available to borrow; flexible seating options including pillows & wiggle seats; designated quiet area with soft beanbag seating; limited audience size; playbills including information about which parts of the play contain more intense feelings or movements so caregivers & children can prepare; opportunity to meet & interact with characters after the performance.
NOTE: All modifications being made were recommended by licensed & working BCaBA therapists. SCT performers & volunteers are not trained special educators, but are proud to be working with educators & families to make SCT a welcoming & inclusive space.
Savannah Children’s Theatre is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Posted in Art/Culture/Entertainment, Autism, Mommy & Me | Comments Off on Low-sensory performance of ‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus’ @ Savannah Children’s Theatre
Lowcountry Celebration Park, one of Hilton Head Island’s newest parks that reflects some of its coastal, historical and environmental attributes, was recognized with an Award of Excellence for its design.
The South Carolina Chapter American Society of Landscape Architects presented the award, which is the highest honor it bestows, at its annual conference held recently in Greenville, South Carolina. Chris Darnell, an Urban Designer with the Town of Hilton Head Island, and Wood and Partners, the firm that designed the park, accepted the award.
Advanced Academics in Pooler offers tutoring including:
*After-School Tutoring to help your child regain momentum in their learning. Sessions can include teaching current material in a way that works for your child; homework support; and prepping for tests.
*Tutoring for students with special needs such as ADD & ADHD, Asperger Syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia, learning difference, learning gaps, Tourette’s Syndrome
Did you know Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy developed a developmental checklist to help parents and caregivers better understand age-appropriate milestones?
Have you tried it yet? Find the free checklist online here.
Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy offers pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapy services in Pooler and Richmond Hill, GA. The experts @ Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy see the benefits of early intervention in kids every day.
Find the interactive child developmental checklist here.
Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy strives to help children reach their full potential. As a part of that mission, Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy is here to provide you with the tools you need to make sure your child is meeting critical developmental milestones. You may use this developmental screening questionnaire here to see if your child is on track and to identify potential areas for improvement.
Find the interactive child developmental checklist here.
Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy strives to help children reach their full potential. As a part of that mission, Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy is here to provide you with the tools you need to make sure your child is meeting critical developmental milestones. You may use this developmental screening questionnaire here to see if your child is on track and to identify potential areas for improvement.
Open gym 9AM-5PM Mon through Friday. CLOSED Saturday for parties.
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Ignite the Senses Gym is a gym for ALL kids…
At Ignite the Senses, we ignite each child’s curiosity to explore new activities and new social relationships. Ignite the Senses gym is a fun, clean and safe place for kids to play, learn and party.
As Bluffton’s only children’s sensory gym, we intend to spread community awareness and acceptance for those living with Autism in and around the Lowcountry. We will provide a safe and fun indoor environment where autistic and typical children can grow physically, emotionally, and socially together whether in the open gym setting or in any of the small group classes offered.
Ignite the Senses also has a new half day preschool program where children do active learning.
The gym’s motto: It’s OK to be DIFFERENT!
Check out the difference Ignite the Senses can make in your family’s life.
Learn more about Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym in Bluffton here.
Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym
163 Bluffton Road, Suite C1
Bluffton, SC 29910
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Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
At Ignite the Senses, we ignite each child’s curiosity to explore new activities and new social relationships. Ignite the Senses gym is a fun, clean and safe place for kids to play, learn and party.
As Bluffton’s only children’s sensory gym, we intend to spread community awareness and acceptance for those living with Autism in and around the Lowcountry. We will provide a safe and fun indoor environment where autistic and typical children can grow physically, emotionally, and socially together whether in the open gym setting or in any of the small group classes offered.
Ignite the Senses also has a new half day preschool program where children do active learning.
The gym’s motto: It’s OK to be DIFFERENT!
Check out the difference Ignite the Senses can make in your family’s life.
Learn more about Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym in Bluffton here.
Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym
163 Bluffton Road, Suite C1
Bluffton, SC 29910
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Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Come see all that Advanced Academics in Pooler has to offer your child at an open house at noon on Sat. July 24 2021.
Advanced Academics is a microschool, which does mean a small campus, but also means that Advanced Academics can customize education for each child. Face-to-face customized learning on a small campus provides an enriched learning environment.
Just a reminder of this great way for your teens to get in some volunteers hours and outside, too.
The Pegasus Riding Academy (Summer Adventure) sessions are looking for 14YO (and older) volunteers for week-long camps Mondays-Friday from 8:30AM-12:15PM. Peggi Noon is the contact for the camp. They are looking to fill four volunteer spots each week.
Final weekly camp sessions are camps this week (July 12) and next week (July 19).
If your child ages 14+ is interested in volunteering, please email: peggi@prasav.org
Pegasus Riding Academy is a therapeutic riding program providing equine assisted activities for individuals with physical, mental or emotional disabilities. Summers at PRA include equestrian instruction, ground lessons with horse and equestrian themed art projects. Sessions are conducted by Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors.
The equestrian center is located at The Old Roberds Dairy, 2500 Tennessee Ave., Savannah, GA 31404.
Treasure Maps is a pop-up, interactive, outdoor theatre taking place in six cities across Georgia.
The Treasure Maps show will include live-local hosts, film screening, installations, and interactive activities, all under safe social distancing practices. The roadshow feature is the film screening of Treasure Maps on the big screen.
Treasure Maps showcases a collage of ten Georgia storytellers’ experiences with an up-close and personal viewpoint into what it’s like navigating the complex webs of life in our communities as a person with a developmental disability.
Themes include:
starting your own business
friendship
going to college
alienation & acceptance
dealing with the physical aspects of disability
and how transformative living a full inclusion life can be.
This show is proudly presented by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and L’arche Atlanta. Local partners include the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society and Savannah-Chatham County Parent Mentors.
NOTE: In the event of inclement weather, this event will be moved to an online format.
You’re invited: Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym AUTISM AWARENESS 5K Bubble Run & Children’s DASH on Sat June 26, 2021 in Bluffton, SC. Register online here.
There will be two children’s dashes at 8AM – one for ages 2-4 & one for ages 5-10.
The 5k race starts and ends at LowCountry Community Church off of Buckwalter Parkway. It is a fast flat course and will be chip timed by Grounded Running. There will be one water station on the course approximately at the halfway point. The race will start promptly at 8AM with the Children’s DASH followed by the 5k run. Parents are welcome to run with their child(ren) if necessary. All participants will be welcomed back to the finish with a shower of bubbles (representative of special needs) and a finisher’s medal. NOTE: Each participant MUST turn in their timing chip to receive a medal.
Register by June 15 to receive T-shirts.
Registrations accepted until 7:45AM on race day.
Packet Pick up is Friday June 25 9AM-6PM at Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym, 163 Bluffton Road, Suite C-1 and race day morning from 7-7:45AM at the race start.
**Proceeds from this event will be used to provide support groups, special events and activities like art, music, yoga and fitness opportunities for our local special needs population.
At Ignite the Senses, we ignite each child’s curiosity to explore new activities and new social relationships. Ignite the Senses gym is a fun, clean and safe place for kids to play, learn and party.
As Bluffton’s only children’s sensory gym, we intend to spread community awareness and acceptance for those living with Autism in and around the Lowcountry. We will provide a safe and fun indoor environment where autistic and typical children can grow physically, emotionally, and socially together whether in the open gym setting or in any of the small group classes offered.
Ignite the Senses also has a new half day preschool program where children do active learning.
The gym’s motto: It’s OK to be DIFFERENT!
Check out the difference Ignite the Senses can make in your family’s life.
Learn more about Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym in Bluffton here.
Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym
163 Bluffton Road, Suite C1
Bluffton, SC 29910
_______________________________________
Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
“Unfortunately, many still view autism negatively and those with autism suffer from the biased opinions of others,” said SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Nelson Elam. “This is largely in part of lack of knowledge. Believe it or not, there’s a lot to learn about autism and from those who may be on the spectrum. The biggest thing to understand is that autism is just another way of living and another perspective in this diverse world.”
To help spur positive conversation about autism during Autism Awareness Month, find the basics of autism here including what is autism; what does ‘On the spectrum’ mean; signs of autism; diagnosis of autism; and what happens after diagnosis.
This service is available for anyone experiencing developmental delays or concerns.
Some areas addressed include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
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If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling offers specialized therapy for Individuals, Moms, Couples, Families, Children, and Teens. Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. Help is available. You’re not alone.
Low Country Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Did you know that Justin Timberlake has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? And Michael Phelps? There are ways to channel the extra energy into SUCCESS!
If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling offers specialized therapy for individuals, moms, couples, families, and teens. Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions or to schedule an appointment. Help is available.
Low Country Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Savannah Educational Consultants can provide academic achievement tests and determine current levels of performance in reading (decoding and comprehension), written language (spelling, grammar, and writing mechanics) and math (calculation and applied problems).
Contact Savannah Educational Consultants to discuss your concerns and set up an individualized plan to ensure that your child is ready to go!
With the end of this school year fast approaching, Savannah Educational Consultants is busy planning for those students who will need to be evaluated or re-evaluated this summer in preparation for the 2020-21 school year.
Please ask about Savannah Educational Consultants’ COVID-19 policy statement, which will be shared with all clients as they work with Savannah Educational Consultants to move through the evaluation process.
Savannah Educational Consultants want all parties involved, including SEC professionals, parents, and school personnel, to be assured that they are conducting valid and reliable evaluations under the best and safest conditions possible. Savannah Educational Consultants believes these measures will keep us all safe and will ensure a productive test experience.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 912-238-9552 or email: info@savannaheducationalconsultants.com
Are you an adult with ADHD? Does ADHD detract from your ability to apply your talents efficiently and effectively? Are you feeling “stuck” in your life?
· Learn effective strategies to manage your time and overcome procrastination.
· Learn effective communication skills that enhance your relationships at home, work and play.
· Establish a positive mind-set, enhance motivation and pursue goal achievement.
