Family Live Chat from Parenting Special Needs: Helping your Anxious Child

Many children live with anxiety and fears. In this family chat, families will have a chance to hear strategies from clinical psychologist Dr. Lauren Moskowitz whose research focuses upon parent-mediated approaches to improve the quality of life for anxious youth with IDD and autism. The event will be held on Zoom on September 24th from 8 - 9 PM.

QUESTIONS? Send Chantai@parentingspecialneeds.org any questions or challenges regarding accessing care for your loved one you would like addressed in this Family Chat.

Register here!

Parents of Adults with Autism Study

The Autism and Family Lab at the University of South Carolina launched a new study to learn about parenting adult autistic children in later life.

They are seeking participants who meet the following criteria:

Parent of an autistic adult who requires ongoing caregiver support
Aged 55 or older
Adult child is age 22 and above
Speak English or Spanish as their primary language

Please help us by sharing your experiences in a 60-90 minute interview. You can complete the interview in person or virtually (Zoom), and you will receive a $30 gift card.

To schedule an interview or to learn more about the study, please contact:

Abigail Mojica

Autism & Family Research Lab

Research Coordinator

(803)-777-1306

Mojica@email.sc.edu

Barbie Unveils Dolls with Down Syndrome

Mattel has released new Barbie dolls that represent individuals who are blind or who have Down syndrome, to highlight diversity and inclusion. This is a meaningful step toward ensuring that all children can see themselves represented in the toys they play with, fostering a world where everyone feels seen and valued. To read more, click here.

Guidance on ABA and School in SC

Teacher and students working together at a table.

Case-by-Case Consideration of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy in Schools

ABA therapy is a recognized behavioral health treatment for students diagnoses with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For some students, receiving ABA therapy in school may be needed for their growth and development.
Decisions are made on an individual, case-by-case basis when a request is made especially when it is prescribed by a qualified medical professional as a medically necessary behavioral health treatment within the school environment.
Public schools have a legal requirement to accommodate the special needs of students with disabilities, including those with ASD, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. As such, a school cannot deny a request for an accommodation, like ABA therapy, without a comprehensive, individualized review of the request.

Tips for working with your child’s school when making this request:

Keep open lines of communication with your child’s teacher and IEP team.
Provide current and accurate documentation of the need for the request. For example, a recommendation from your child’s medical provider stating the importance and benefit of ABA therapy for your student could be helpful documentation to share when you make the request.
Work with your child’s IEP team, to determine if ABA therapy is the most appropriate service or accommodation for your student in the school setting. Be willing to listen to and consider other possible ideas of accommodations or modifications that may be available and more appropriate for your child to safely and meaningfully access the school’s programs, services, and activities. Remembering, the goal of an accommodation, including ABA therapy, is for a student with a disability to be able to access these school programs and services to the same extent as non-disabled students.

Committee on Children Fall Hearings

Please join the Committee of Children for the 2024 fall hearings! These hearings are to receive public testimony on children's issues in South Carolina. Hearing dates are:

September 10, 2024 at Horry Georgetown Tech. College (B&C Auditorium Bldg 1100B) from 5-7 PM
September 17, 2024 at SC Sate House (Gressette Bldg, Room 105) from 9 AM-12 PM and 5-7 PM
September 24, 2024 at USC Upstate Campus Life Center (Ballroom 310) from 5-7 PM
October 3, 2024 at County Council Chambers (4045 Bridge View Drive) from 5-7 PM

Please email childrenscommittee@sc.edu to sign up to speak, submit written testimony, or request additional information.

Caregiver Resource Fair Across the State

Join SC Respite at their regional fairs with local and statewide community partners that includes vendors, networking, presentations, and companionship. Event dates are listed below if interested in learning more.

Midlands on November 1, 2024 from 9 AM - 2 PM
Lowcountry on November 6, 2024 from 9 AM - 2 PM
Upstate on November 8, 2024 from 9 AM - 2 PM
PeeDee on November 15, 2024 from 10 AM - 3 PM

Click to register!

What's coming up?

Curious about current trainings, events, or activities--or just want to be in the know? Check out the Family Connection calendar for the all the details!