Welcome To SWAN!
SWAN Selected as Potential Recipient To Receive Profits From New Book!!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE!
This is so exciting everyone...how often do opportunities like this come along? Author, Lisa Shooman, has sifted through a large number of organizations who asked to be considered as a recipient for the proceeds of her new book titled, "The GraspRite Method." Lisa is the founder of GraspRite, LLC. Lisa Shooman, MS, OTR/L, BSS, CLVT is a practicing Occupational Therapist, Behavior Support Specialist and researcher. Lisa overcame a developmental delay as a young child and went on to earn her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University in 1996. She holds specialized certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis, Sensory Integration, and Low Vision. Lisa is also an experienced mother. Her research includes figuring out how to best nurture and guide the development of her own three very unique children. She had only heard of a few charitable organizations that served families affected by autism, and by developing an idea for a contest thought of an idea that could help bring awareness to more of the many other charitable organizations that exist. We are so excited that she has chosen SWAN as a contender to receive the proceeds from her new book! Imagine what we could do in our community with this money...please support families and children by clicking the link above and going to the menu bar to vote for SWAN today - it's very easy and only takes a few seconds. The voting deadline has been extended through May. Thank you for your support!
Meetings
SWAN meets regularly on the second Saturday of each month at Wesley United Methodist Church on 922 W. Republic Road in Springfield from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. with child care provided. Use the R.S.V.P. link below if you would like to reserve a space for child care. (Siblings are welcome). If you are attending for the first time and would like child care, it will be helpful to come a couple of minutes early to fill out a registration form for your child to be in care. We also meet on the last Tuesday of the month at The Arc of the Ozarks on 1501 E. Pythian Street at 7:00 p.m. At this time, child care is not available.
Office Location
1501 E. Pythian Street, Springfield. SWAN would like to thank The Arc of the Ozarks for its generous donation of an office space to the SWAN community! Give us a call and we'll treat you to a cup of coffee and give you the 10c tour! :o) If you want to just hang out for awhile, need someone to talk to, or would like to schedule a meeting to talk about your child's IEP, call (417) 655-2235...no one understands what you're going through better than another parent!
 We're now on Pinterest with ideas, resources, and a variety of other helpful information!
|
Mailing Address:The Southwest Autism Network of Missouri
P.O. Box 8393 Springfield, MO 65803 "Like" Us On Facebook! CLICK HERE TO CONNECT
Join the SWAN community on Facebook. A great place to read informative links, post helpful information about the issues that affect us, share recipes, craft ideas, have discussions, and get questions answered! |
Meet Annette Brandenburg PRESIDENT
Hi, I'm a wife, a mom to an amazing kid on the spectrum, an autism advocate, a writer and communications professional, along with being a military veteran who served honorably for 12 years in the military, which included a tour of duty during the Persian Gulf War in the Middle East. Since discovering our son has autism, I've spent countless hours reading, researching, and learning from our son's therapists and doctors as much as I can about autism and sensory processing disorder, and how these disorders affect him. I've learned that it's so important to take what the professionals do with our children and help them practice it outside of a clinical setting. Once a week at a therapy session isn't enough to help them truly overcome their challenges...as parents we have to help them practice those things on a daily basis in between therapy sessions. Other parents have also been a tremendous source of information, and I have benefited from their experiences. SWAN is a community network of parents, the atmosphere is positive, friendly, and supportive. SWAN is not only here to help you connect to resources and support, but also for you to find encouragement and make connections with other parents who are on this journey too. Come join us...there's nothing like parent support!
CLICK HERE TO SEND AN EMAIL
OR CALL (417 ) 655-2235
|
Meet Elizabeth Obrey DIRECTOR
BUDGET & OPERATIONS
Hello to all. I am the mother of five children. I am an autism advocate, a blogger and have a small business which promotes autism awareness and helps me support my family. Three of my children have been diagnosed with autism, and given the time I have spent teaching, training and advocating for them...I have spent a combined 32 years! During this time I have learned countless lessons and felt the full "spectrum" of emotions. Understanding the cost of time and resources, and the financial struggles that families experience when bringing up children with autism, I have developed a passion for creative financing. I've spent countless hours in various fundraising efforts, and have learned how to become quite resourceful in acquiring all types of therapy and education that benefit my children. My hope is that through SWAN we are able to reach families locally, and help them preserve the family unit they have. My desire is to help families find the resources they need so that during the process of tending to their child's needs, it becomes a joy rather than a financial burden. Each of my children are different and so are their needs. So much of what I have learned, I have learned from other parents. Coming together and sharing our successes and failures is part of what we do. By coming together at the local level we can share experiences, ideas and resources for the benefit of all our children. Visit my blog "The Obrey Chronicles" through the link below. While you're there, check out the selection of awareness items available at the online store! I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you.
AUTISM TREASURES
|
Encourage~Enlighten~Exchange~Enrich~Experience
THE MISSION
To ENCOURAGE parents, family members, and caregivers with understanding and support.
To ENLIGHTEN the public about the joys and challenges of parenting an awesome kid with autism.
To EXCHANGE ideas, information and experiences that can help us on this journey called autism.
To ENRICH the lives of our children as we help them find opportunities to socialize and form friendships.
To EXPERIENCE the joys of parenthood with other parents who are on this journey too!
To ENCOURAGE parents, family members, and caregivers with understanding and support.
To ENLIGHTEN the public about the joys and challenges of parenting an awesome kid with autism.
To EXCHANGE ideas, information and experiences that can help us on this journey called autism.
To ENRICH the lives of our children as we help them find opportunities to socialize and form friendships.
To EXPERIENCE the joys of parenthood with other parents who are on this journey too!
|
|
|
|
COMING SOON! JOIN US! JUNE 9TH 2012 - YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!
Click here to download flyer - forward and share!
| parent-led_social_skill_building_workshop.jpg |
May 12th 2012
You're invited to join us on May 12th when special guest Dr. Kerri Duncan will be joining us to do a free workshop for parents. This workshop is designed to equip parents and providers with solutions for tough behavioral challenges in a variety of settings. After the workshop, time permitting, she will be on hand to answer questions...so bring your toughest challenges and ask a respected expert in the field of autism for advice. Best of all, this workshop is FREE!
| hart4autism_flyer.png |
Download and print flyer - share with friends.
Meet Dayna Busch (417) 209-0103
Hi, I'm a mother of eight with a 16 year old son who was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum at the age of two. I also serve the autism community as Editor and Publisher of the Missouri Autism Report, the new and improved Autism Gossip! It's filled with news, information, and the latest developments. Our goal is to raise awareness, share hope and knowledge, and connect families with the help they need. I'm excited to be a part of something so integral to the autism community. My goal is to create a voice in our community which links parents and providers with information and knowledge. I'm proud to support SWAN, it's a great network of parents who support and encourage one another. If you are looking to make parent connections or find connections for your children, give them a call, tell them Dayna sent you!
The Missouri Autism Report (MAR) is a monthly online magazine now available in hard copy. If you are not a current subscriber, visit the link below to sign up! If you are a provider, or have an announcement or event you'd like to advertise, visit the website for more information. 
CLICK HERE TO CONNECT NOW!
|
Meet Dawn Rethman Click to email (drrethman@yahoo.com)
Hi, my husband Steve and I have two children, Joseph and Zara. My 15 year old son is on the spectrum. My son’s ASD has changed my life. I doubt I have had one day in the past ten years that I have not said, read, heard, or thought the word autism. Autism has become an obsession which I temper with my faith in God. Life is not boring. In 2007 along with a handful of parents in the Springfield district, we formed a Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SSEPTA). Springfield Public Schools has been my son’s major service provider, and PTA involvement is a way to say thanks to the teachers and therapists for their efforts in educating my son. I like the philosophy of PTA and the emphasis placed on parent involvement and the role it can play in student achievement. SSEPTA’s major events are an annual fall resource fair, general membership meetings, a spring literacy night and recognizing teacher appreciation in May. SSEPTA is currently raising money for assistive technology for the district. Please check out our Facebook page and website for additional information.
CLICK HERE TO CONNECT!
|
APRIL MEETING
|
There are a couple of great events going on April 14th! Burrell Autism Center will be having their annual Autism Fair from 10:00 - 1:00, and Forest Institute will be hosting a great play about a pirate on the spectrum (see flyers for dates and times).
Contact for the Autism Fair is Melissa Davenport at 417-761-5333 |
February's Meeting
Another great SWAN meeting! It can be intimidating for a parent to try to make decisions about treatments and therapies for their child. Dr. Grant put some great information into our hands today about the many therapies and treatment approaches there are to choose from. SWAN gives Dr. Grant a great big THANK YOU for taking the time to stop by and help us better understand some of them. If you missed today's meeting, you can go below to download the handouts. Dr. Grant shared many wonderful websites where you can further explore the information that was shared in today's meeting. Check out all the smiling faces of the kids who enjoyed the Paint Among Friends painting activity today too! Thank you so much Dr. Grant for visiting with us today!!! Thank you Roger and the Paint Among Friends staff who came and helped our kids in respite have a great time creating art!
|
|
|
Dr. Grant To Give SeminarOn February 11, 2012, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., at 922 W. Republic Road, Dr. Grant will be presenting information to help us better understand some of the options that are available for treating autism. He will talk about 30 of the most popular evidence based treatment approaches that are available today. Dr. Grant has generously donated his service to offer this seminar free of charge.
Paint Among Friends has given SWAN a special discount that allows us to offer a special painting activity for children five and older while parents attend the seminar. If you would like your child to participate in this activity, you must R.S.V.P.! This special painting activity is $10.00 which will include a painting lesson, canvas, apron, paint and brushes for each child participating. This is regularly a $25.00 value! Normally, the painting activity is held at the Paint Among Friends studio...but the staff have generously agreed to bring the supplies to the children in respite while parents attend the seminar! There is no fee for respite. If for whatever reason your child/children are not able to participate in this activity - don't worry, there will be plenty of fun activities to keep them busy. This will be a great seminar, and a great chance to connect and network with others in the community. Feel free to bring refreshments to share, we look forward to seeing you! |
| dr_grant_seminar__february_swan.gif |
About Paint Among Friends
Bring friends for a fun-filled time of painting and relaxation! Easy step-by-step instructions will help you create your own unique 16x20 piece of art. Come with your favorite drink or snack, and get ready to have fun! All of your materials will be provided including canvas, acrylic paint, brushes, easels, and aprons! Leave with a smile and a beautiful masterpiece!
Address 3211 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807 Phone 417-258-7767 |
Meet Roger Dunn
Roger Dunn received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Abilene Christian University and began work as an artist for Southwestern Bell. Over the next 31 years he has created thousands of art pieces using styles of realism, impressionism, and even cartooning! He's created original art for AT&T, Six Flags, General Electric, Mobile Systems, U.S. Senators, and many others. His passion for art has led to the beginnings of Paint Among Friends, where he shares his enthusiasm for painting!
|
Colorful Fish especially designed by Roger for the kids at the Southwest Autism Network of Missouri!
The Missouri Autism Report
Click here to link to free information about the latest news, information, and events in the autism community here in Springfield and throughout the state of Missouri. The MAR is available in hard copy or via e-mail.
|
Springfield Special Education PTA
The Springfield Special Education Parent Teacher Association is an organization whose members are working to build connections and support between parents, teachers, programs and community members/organizations. Click here to find out how you can get involved in SSEPTA today!
|
Please R.S.V.P. To Let Us Know You Are Coming!
Let us know how many children you will be bringing for respite along with their ages. We welcome feedback and ideas! Your input is appreciated, if you have a suggestion for a future topic - feel free to send it in!
