The Matthew Reardon Center for Autism will be hosting a Sibshop on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 from 10am-2pm at The Chatham Academy.

This Sibshop is a FUN interactive workshop for kids ages 8-13 who have a sibling with special needs.

Limited Space available. The cost of the workshop is $10 and includes all materials and lunch. There are a limited amount of scholarships available on a first come, first serve basis.

This is an extra special opportunity since this workshop will be led by Don Meyer, the founder of Sibshops. This will serve as a demonstratioin workshop for professionals who are learning to plan and facilitate their own Sibshops. The Matthew Reardon Center is very excited to be learning from him and to host more Sibshops in our area in the future.

Lunch will be provided to the kids during the Sibshop. If your child has a food allergy or dietary restrictions it may be best for them to bring a lunch from home.

If you have questions or need more information contact Jennifer McGee, LPC at jennifermcgee@matthewreardon.org  or 912.355.9098

Chatham Academy, 4 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd, Savannah, 31416, http://savannahsibshop.eventbrite.com/#

Check out the upcoming kids’ yoga classes at Ganesha’s Place, Savannah’s new therapeutic yoga studio! Two different yoga for kids classes are available: one for ages 3-5 & one for ages 7 & older. Both are inclusive classes designed to bring yoga to kids in an enjoyable, accessible way.

Enrollment will be limited, so please enroll early. Registration ends Fri. Dec. 21, 2012. Classes start Jan. 5, 2013!

To register or more information, (912)665-4199 or www.ganeshasplace.com

Ganesha’s Place offers a variety of therapeutic classes including yoga for special needs kids, children with autism & restorative yoga for caretakers.

What we love about Ganesha’s Place is that it’s a spot to explore, heal and have fun. Ganesha’s can be a place for the whole family: you’re not required to be athletic or wear special outfits. Yoga therapy at Ganesha’s regulates and improves the balance between health and wellness without the intimidating images of body contortions and “pretzels”.

Keep up with Ganesha’s Place on Facebook here.

Ganesha’s Place, at the corner of Barnard & 40th St. @ 2323 Barnard St., 912-665-4199, http://ganeshasplace.com/ Ganesha’s Place is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

To register or for more info, call 912-665-4199 or click here.

Ganesha’s Place, at the corner of Barnard & 40th St. @ 2323 Barnard St., 912-665-4199, http://ganeshasplace.com/ Ganesha’s Place is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Attention parents of children with autism and other disabilities: Heroes on Horseback – a therapeutic riding center located just over Savannah’s Talmadge Bridge in South Carolina – offers equine assisted activities that enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities in the Lowcountry.

HEROES ON HORSEBACK Summer Empowerment Session consists of equestrian instruction, ground lessons and time spent learning about the environment.

The riding, combined with other characteristics of the weekly session, will develop balance and coordination while building mental concentration, self-esteem and social skills.

As part of the SUMMER RESPITE PROGRAM, neurotypical siblings will be allowed to attend with the Special Needs riders, in order to give the caregiver a true RESPITE. Ask for details.

The Heroes’ instructors and volunteers are very excited because we are looking forward to a wonderful summer filled with these week-long sessions sharing fun, knowledge, and empowerment.
Weekly Empowerment Sessions available June 18th through July 20th, 2012.

For information & registration please visit www.heroesonhorseback.org  and go to the Participant Forms section. If you are currently registered with HOH, please fill out the Continuing Registration form.

Heroes on Horseback, Bluffton S.C. (843) 757-5606, www.heroesonhorseback.org

FOR MORE LOCAL SUMMER CAMPS, VISIT OUR SUMMER CAMPS 2012 PAGE by clicking here.

We’re so thrilled to learn about the May opening of Ganesha’s Place, which is offering a variety of therapeutic classes including yoga for special needs kids & restorative yoga for caretakers. There is such a need for something like Ganesha’s Place in Savannah.

You’re invited to the Grand Opening of Ganesha’s Place, Sat. May 5, 2012.

The ribbon cutting will be held at 11 am, followed by class demonstrations until 3 PM.
In celebration of their Grand Opening, Ganesha’s Place is offering “Bring a Friend & Get the Class Free” for all classes during the month of May. Thai Massage & Reiki sessions discounted to $75 per session.

What we love about Ganesha’s Place is that it’s spot to explore, heal and have fun. Ganesha’s can be a place for the whole family: you’re not required to be athletic or wear special outfits. Yoga therapy at Ganesha’s regulates and improves the balance between health and wellness without the intimidating images of body contortions and “pretzels”.

Keep up with Ganesha’s Place on Facebook here.

Ganesha’s Place, at the corner of Barnard & 40th St. @ 2323 Barnard St., 912-665-4199, http://ganeshasplace.com/ Ganesha’s Place is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

April is Autism Awareness Month.
April 2 is Light it up Blue for Autism! If you purchase a blue light bulb from Home Depot, they will donate $1 for Autism Awareness.
Click here to donate to the local Autism Speaks Team Bray & J, or join their team or get more info.
There has been a 600 percent increase of children diagnosed with autism. The increase is partly explained by improved diagnosis, but other factors have also contributed. The Light It Up Blue movement by Autism Speaks encourages businesses and individuals to get involved by “lighting up” blue on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, to help bring attention to the disorder. Will you light it up blue, too?

You’re invited to the first Mama Time Webinar. The topic is “Bullying Intervention Strategies for Parents”.

While the Webinar is specifically for parents of children with special needs, all mothers can benefit from hearing about this topic. The webinar is free and is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday night Jan. 17 & 18! Recordings will be available for those that can’t listen that evening, but you must register for the event to listen to the recordings. Click here for more information

Mama Time, , based in Savannah, provides workshops and retreats for all mothers and expectant mothers needing some time to rest, relax, play and grow. Visit www.mamatime.net  to learn more about their other upcoming workshops and events!

Upcoming Mama Time events include:

A Jan 14 2012 retreat for Special Needs Mothers called Grieving Losses/Identifying Gifts. Details here.

A Feb 4 Autism Mama Retreat. Details here.

Mama Time, www.mamatime.net/, email information@mamatime.net Mama Time is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

An exciting Savannah Celtic soccer program for children with disabilities – including autism/aspergers – starts next week Jan. 10 2012.

TOPSoccer is an indoor soccer program that helps young players with disabilities develop, compete & achieve success according to their individual abilities.

TOPSoccer will be 7-8 PM Tuesday nights, indoors. The Winter 2012 Season will run Jan. 10-Feb. 14. Registration fee for U8 through U14 TOPSoccer is $85.

The goal of TOPSoccer – started by US Youth Soccer – is to take children from the sidelines to participating in the game!

Check the Savannah Celtic website here for more information.

If you have any questions, please email Savannah Celtic at celtic@savannahceltics.com. Savannah Celtic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

We love this!

Mama Time – which provides workshops and retreats for all mothers and expectant mothers needing some time to rest, relax, play and grow – is encouraging local families to go “unplugged” for just a day during the holidays. Go unplugged for a day and you will be entered to win $100 gift card.

No TV, No Internet and no cell phones. Spend a day during this joyous holiday season doing something simple with your family and tell Mama Time about it! Submit a blog telling Mama Time about your unplugged day and a picture of you and your family by Jan. 1, 2012 and the Mama Time Team will select their favorite story to showcase on their blog here. The winner receives a $100 gift certificate to do something fun with your family.

Although only one $100 prize will be awarded, the folks at Mama Time believe that any families that take on this challenge will find the memories they will create during that simple day will make them winners as well! Email your blogs to mamatimechallange@mamatime.net  with your name and contact information.

Read more about the Unplugged for a Day Challenge for the Holiday season here.

At Mama Time, the belief is that self-care is an essential ingredient for our health and the health of our children and families

Mama Time also provides specialized workshops for :
Mothers with Children on the Autism Spectrum and Other Types of Special Needs
Military Mothers
Expectant and New Mothers
Mothers and Babies
Mothers and Daughters
Adoptive Mothers
Mothers living with Fibromylagia, Arthritis, Migraines or Other Chronic Medical Conditions
Recovering Mothers
Single Mothers
Mothers living with Depression, Anxiety or other Psychiatric Conditions
Mothers with a History of Trauma or Abuse

Workshops and Retreat topics and locations are added regularly so visit the Mama Time site often and join the Mama Time contact list and facebook page for workshop notifications

Staff at Mama Time look forward to meeting you at a Mama Time event soon. Upcoming events include:

A Jan 14 2012 retreat for Special Needs Mothers called Grieving Losses/Identifying Gifts. Details here.

A Feb 4 Autism Mama Retreat. Details here.

Mama Time, www.mamatime.net/, email information@mamatime.net  Mama Time is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser  

We’re all looking for resources to help our children with speech and language development.

A new Web site called Little Stories helps us do just that.

Little Stories is a community created by Savannah-area speech-language pathologist Kim Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP to offer information and support to families interested in early speech and language development. Little Stories has something for everyone, whether your child is having difficulty learning language or is learning language easily.

Little Stories wants to help you hear your child’s story!

Little Stories will be posting new information weekly, so be sure to subscribe to the blog or like Little Stories on Facebook here to get updates. You can follow Little Stories via Twitter @lilSTORIESblog.

Meet the mother of three who forced South Carolina insurance companies to cover autism.

I had the honor of interviewing attorney Lorri Unumb for a Savannah Morning News column (read it here). You , too, can meet Lorri at this Saturday’s Savannah Autism Conference 2011. She’s the keynote speaker.

All those whose lives have been touched by autism are invited to attend.

Lorri Unumb (pictured here with her 10-year-old son who has severe autism) forced insurance companies in South Carolina to cover autism and is helping other states, including Georgia, pass similar laws. Lorri is the author of the ground-breaking autism insurance legislation in South Carolina known as “Ryan’s Law,” which requires insurance companies to cover treatments for autism.

Ryan’s Law, named after Lorri’s son, states that insurance companies must provide up to $50,000 annually on behavioral therapy, up to the age of 16. The law provides coverage for various treatments, including those previously denied as “experimental.” It doesn’t, however, apply to people or companies who are self-insured, such as the Unumbs.

To date, 27 states have enacted similar statutes. Lorri is hopeful a similar bill in the works for Georgia will pass next legislative session. Read more here.

Savannah Autism Conference 2011 at Memorial University Medical Campus, 4700 Waters Ave., Hoskins Center for Biomedical Research
8:15 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sept. 17
For more info, call 912-748-6463 or go to www.facebook.com/themindspringcenter  and click on the autism seminar tab.

AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
Sun. Aug. 14 | 1:30 PM
Braves vs. Cubs

Join the Atlanta Braves and help raise awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Children and adults with autism may receive a free ticket with the purchase of one Terrace Pavilion ticket. Families are welcome to participate in a pre-game parade around Turner Field. A portion of all proceeds will go to support The Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund, Inc. which promotes inclusion in college and adult life for students with disabilities.

ALL CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM GET IN FREE with a paid ticket when you order tickets using the form above.

If you order tickets off the form above or email or call DAN with the Braves (on the form), The Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund receives credit. That is the ONLY way the scholarship fund receives credit. If emailing, please put Nathan’s Something Special in the header.

Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund is a non-profit that awards scholarship each year to attend college or vocational school to a student in Georgia that has autism or cerebral palsy. Learn more about the Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund, INC, by clicking here.

Savannah Autism Conference 2011 Register now for best ticket prices

Sat. Sept. 17, 2011, 8:15 AM to 5:30 PM at Memorial University Med Campus
4700 Waters Ave., Hoskins Center for Biomedical Research
Savannah, GA 31404

Here is the line-up of speakers for the 2011 Savannah Autism Conference:

Lorri Unumb from Autism Speaks
How to Win Friends and Influence Legislators

Dr. Steve Ranicki from Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center
Therapies that Create Lasting Neurologic Change

Katrina Laygo from Something Special Magazine
Bringing the Life to the Lifestyle of the Special Needs Parent

Dr. Toi Curry from The Mindspring Center
Understanding the Evaluation Process: Recommendations, Referrals and Everything in Between

Teresa Heard, RN from Easter Seals
Financial Aid Resources

Dr. Sheryl Kaufman from Educational Journeys
The Power of Language and How it Affects Behavior

Staci Bockmann from My Great Kid Educational Center Building a Strong IEP
Winning for your Child’s Education Rights

Sally Way from Behavior Consultation Services
ABA – What you need to know before starting a program

Jennifer McGee from The Mindspring Center
From Social Skills to Therapy: The Importance of a Counselor’s Role in the Treatment of ASD

To register and purchase tickets, call 912-748-6463, visit www.facebook.com/themindspringcenter  or click here. Please encourage any person touched by autism to attend this conference including your doctors, therapists, teachers and counselors.

Surfers for Autism, a non-profit organization based in South Florida, unites surfers to raise money to assist in autism research and advocacy. The Saturday event, which is open to the public, will include surfing as well as family-friendly activities face painting, live music, games and more. This is the first time the organization has hosted an event outside of the state of Florida.

For more info, visit the Coastal Empire First Annual Surfers for Autism Facebook page here.

Contacts: SFA President Don Ryan SFA Director of Communication Dave Rossman
561-445-7154, surferforautism@live.com 561-315-0407, dsrman747@gmail.com

Children on the autism spectrum spend the day being pushed into waves by expert instructors, and with no fear of mocking or awkward stares, families can let their guard down and enjoy the moment for a change. These days are not just about the children, but also the families that deal with so much stress, frustration and uncertainty on a daily basis. Many families withdraw socially for fear of uncomfortable social situations, and SFA events provide a safe setting where they can just enjoy each other for a day.

SFA events are free for participating families and also serve as fundraisers, and the money is used to fund future events and to assist in furthering research and advocacy. Surfing is not the only attraction, and there are a range of diversions for typical siblings including face-painting, fire trucks, live music, games and much more.

Something Special Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for all created by a special needs parent.

This magazine brings hope, inspiration and resources for the special needs parent, while taking care of the “parent” in the special needs parent. For families that don’t directly have a special needs child in their life, chances are- they know someone that does.

By educating yourself on life with a special needs child, you are more able to teach your children about differences and disabilities.

Something Special is free both online and in print. The magazine’s advertisers keep the information coming to you.

Find one of Something Special’s 5,500 copies at over 125 locations in Georgia, or simply log on to www.somethingspecialmagazine.com .

This publication started out locally by a real “southern mama” of five children, one of whom has autism. Log on today and please enter your favorite special needs dad for Something Special’s Fabulous Father’s Day giveaway. Enter as many times as you wish! Grand prize is a family four pack of Atlanta Braves tickets for a game in July against the Pirates and VIP batting practice seats. Winners will be announced on Something Special Magazine on Facebook June 18 at 8pm.

Make sure you visit and “Like” Something Special Magazine on Facebook by clicking here for updates, places to visit, and some words of wisdom.

Is your child struggling with making friends? Social Skills for Individuals and Groups are available at The Mindspring Center in Pooler. Now forming groups for summer and fall sessions.

Social Skills Therapy teaches skills that will promote positive interactions with others, decrease anxiety, and increase self-esteem.

Summer and Fall Group Registration
Ages: Preschool – Adult

Summer Groups:
Preschool and upper elementary & middle school
Dates: Tues. May 31 – Tues. July 14
Day: Every Tuesday and Thursday (7 weeks = 14 sessions)
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 (preschool) and 5:45 – 6:45 pm (elementary/middle)

Fall Groups:
Preschool, early elementary, older elementary, middle school, high school, and adult.
Dates: Begin week of Aug. 13
Day: Depends on group – Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday
(14 weeks = 14 sessions)
Time: Pending

How to Join?

Contact The Mindspring Center to schedule your child’s assessment: call 912-748-6463 or email jennifer@mindspringcenter.com .
Insurance reimbursement may be available. The office can check your benefits.
 

Save 50%

Schedule your child’s assessment on or before June 9 and recieve 50% off of the cost of an assessment. Regular rate: $70. An individualized assessment is required for participation in any social skills group therapy. Offer Expires: June 9, 2011

The MindSpring Center, 1147 West Highway 80, Pooler, GA, 31322, www.facebook.com/themindspringcenter The Mindspring Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Georgia Walk Now for Autism at the International Plaza at Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta

In just five years, the Georgia Walk Now for Autism Speaks has raised more than $3.8 million for autism awareness, advocacy, and research and family services. The 2011 event, will be a family-friendly event that will include a walk, activities for children, and a resource fair for parents, refreshments and entertainment.

Details and directions here: http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=447313

Autism Support Corner, Inc., a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3), organization, provides a line of local resources to families affected by the autism spectrum disorder. The mission is to work together with the community and schools to provide a better knowledge and understanding of autism.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of every month
Contact: Jeanette Orr
ascrh@yahoo.com
912-445-0233

*Child care is available upon RSVP

Plans for an event to help children with autism are underway. But the event – Tybee Island Sensory Day – won’t happen unless people show an interest.

Tybee Island Sensory Day is planned for 10 AM-noon Feb. 19. Sensory Activities include clay sculpting, face painting, music, arts & crafts, etc. From noon-2 PM a movie will be shown

Nancy Rose is working with the City of Tybee Island to schedule a sensory day to increase Autism Awareness. The Matthew Reardon Center for Autism is reaching out to the Autism Community to gather interest in this event. If you’ re interested in attending or know someone who is, please email by Feb. 4 2011 the number of attendees interested. Email the number to nancyroseaba@georgia.usa.com. If you would like continued updates about this event please email her with your name and contact information.

For more info on local autism resources, click here.

Making Melodies Music Therapy is accepting new clients in the New Year! Sign up for lessons or therapy in January, and receive $5 off each lesson for a month!

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music Therapy can address the following developmental domains:
communication skills
academics
motor skills
emotional/behavioral development skills
social skills
adaptive skills

Making Melodies also offers adaptive guitar and piano lessons, which are tailored to meet the needs of specialized population including children with:
developmental disabilities
physical disabilities
learning disabilities
These lessons use a therapeutic approach in teaching the skills needed to play the piano and guitar, while increasing self discipline, increasing all motor domains, and improving self esteem through accomplishment.

Sessions are offered in your home, making it extremely convenient and comfortable for you and your child! For more information on how your child can benefit from music therapy, click here ; call at (912) 293-1161; or email: makingmelodiesmt@gmail.com.

Savannah-area families with children with special needs are invited to a enjoy a Sensory Friendly Santa Experience 9-11:30 AM Sat. Dec. 4, 2010 at Guyton Christian Church, 301 Pine Street (Corner of Third street and Pine in Guyton)

Have your family visit Santa in a sensory friendly environment. Santa has experience with children with special needs and is patient, friendly and kind. Have your picture taken with Santa. Enjoy a Christmas activity and snack. Feel free to bring your own GFCF snack as well. Minimal decorations and low-level Christmas music.

Hosted by the Guyton Christian Church Youth Group. Event is FREE, however, please RSVP by Dec. 1.

Vicki at 661-1418 themimiv@aol.com or Jennifer @ 355-9098 or email jennifermcgee4@comcast.net

Making Melodies Music Therapy is now in Savannah and surrounding areas.

Making Melodies offers quality individual music therapy sessions, as well as adaptive piano and guitar lessons, for children ages newborn to 18 years.

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Music Therapy can address the following developmental domains:

• communication skills
• academics
• motor skills
• emotional/behavioral development skills
• social skills
• adaptive skills

Making Melodies also offers adaptive guitar and piano lessons, which are tailored to meet the needs of specialized population including children with:

• developmental disabilities
• physical disabilities
• learning disabilities

These lessons use a therapeutic approach in teaching the skills needed to play the piano and guitar, while increasing self discipline, increasing all motor domains, and improving self esteem through accomplishment.

Sessions are offered in your home, making it extremely convenient and comfortable for you and your child! For more information on how your child can benefit from music therapy, visit www.makingmelodiesmt.com For more info, contact Caitlin Whitaker, MT-BC, via email at makingmelodiesmt@gmail.com or call (912) 293-1161

A new yoga class is being taught in Savannah that is geared toward children with special needs.

The Special Needs Yoga Class will be 4:15-5 PM Thursdays for six weeks at Yoga Me Fit, 7208 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Cost is $120

The class is for children ages 4 – 8 year olds. For more info, contact Lynn Geddes, 912-308-3410 or email yogamelynn@comcast.net.