Build A Communication Bridge!

Build A Communication Bridge! We parents often experience difficulty communicating with therapists, doctors, or even family members who just don’t understand, no matter how hard we try, that autism is a treatable medical illness.

"Healing Our Autistic Children" by Dr. Julie Buckley will help us bridge these communication gaps. Short and readable, this book introduces the reader to complex science using office visits and patient stories, including those of her own daughter. Included is published medical literature so that this book also “Shows us the science.”

Please join HEAL and families across the country participating in “Build a Communication Bridge Day”. On 1-10-10, January 10th, 2010, the autism community will speak with one voice- we will purchase and deliver copies of this book into the hands of our teachers, our therapists, our doctors, our politicians, our family members, communicating as one body the message that autism is a treatable medical illness.

For more information and ordering, please visit www.healingourautisticchildren.com

HEAL Hosts Educational Advocacy Seminar on January 16

Join fellow parents for a an Educational Advocacy Seminar on Saturday, January 16, 2010  at 10 AM at the TPC Sawgrass Media Center in Ponte Vedra. Three Northeast Florida advocates will be on hand to help answer your questions about how to get the educational services your child needs in the public school setting.

Advocating for your child is often a complex process. At the HEAL Educational Advocacy Seminar, parents will learn about how educational law applies to their child, and to use this knowledge to gain control of their child's education. Parents will become empowered IEP team members by gaining a better understanding of special education law, IEP meeting strategies, and educational advocacy, which then can be directly applied to their child's specific needs and situation.

Jill Hill Fane is the former chairman of the Duval County Autism Program Advisory Committee, serves on the Duval County Exceptional Student Education Advisory Committee, and is a parent trainer and advocate in northeast Florida for the Central Florida Parent Center. Jill is has two beautiful children, one of whom has an autism spectrum disorder.

Grace Chionchio is a parent advocate who has been trained by the Florida Network on Disabilities.  Grace has also served as a parent trainer for FND, and now works with Special Education Attorney Doris Raskin to assist parents in securing appropriate educational services for their special needs children. Grace is the mother of two children, one of whom has multiple special needs.

Julie Delegal is a free-lance writer in Jacksonville and a veteran advocate. She has advocated for dozens of families in Northeast Florida under the auspices of her husband’s law-firm, Delegal Law Offices. Julie co-founded the Duval County Autism Advisory Committee to help reform autism programming in Jacksonville following litigation several years ago. Julie has three children, the oldest of whom has an autism spectrum disorder.

This seminar provides strategies for ANY family with a child with special needs, not just children on the spectrum.  Pre-registration and a $5 donation is requested. 

THE PLAYERS Championship selects Kyle Walsh's Artwork for Holiday Card

"Kyle Walsh is famous . . . We love his artwork so much we want to ask permission to use it on a special PLAYERS Holiday Card" These were the words that made Kyle Walsh's wildest dreams come true!  Kyle Walsh 17, is an aspiring cartoonist diagnosed with with Autism.  For the past few years, The HEAL Foundation has commissioned Kyle to create artwork for silent and live auctions and to appear the cover of the "Valley of Dreams" Gala and Golf Classic Invitation.  Kyle’s artwork has raised over $15,000. for HEAL to assist families and individuals living with Autism in our community.

This year Kyle's design depicted the Pete Dye's famous 17 Island Green at the TPC Sawgrass. THE PLAYERS Championship, a major Golf Tournament on the PGA TOUR has selected Kyle’s artwork to appear on t-shirts given to the hundreds of volunteers at the tournament.  If that wasn't enough, Kyle’s  artwork appears THE PLAYERS Championship Holiday greeting card this year!

Thanks to the PGA TOUR and THE PLAYERS Championship Kyle’s dreams are becoming a reality. Congratulations Kyle, HEAL is proud of you!

Young HEALer ~ 11 year old Phoebe Richmond “Pays It Forward” for HEAL

Phoebe Richmond is a rare young lady who has a heart for charitable giving and helping others. Her Bible Study Class at Palms Presbyterian Church challenged its young members with a service project.  The task was to take $10 and create a way to make the money grow to help a charity.  Phoebe wanted to help kids with Autism and chose The HEAL Foundation as her charity. Phoebe invested her money and created Christmas ornaments.  With a donation to HEAL you can receive a one-of-a-kind Holiday HEAL ornament. 

HEAL applauds this “Young HEALer” who is “paying it forward” and is making a difference in the lives of those with Autism in our community.  

If you would like one of Phoebe’s special HEAL ornaments, and live in the Ponte Vedra Area (shipping unavailable) e-mail LeslieWeed@healautismnow.org  

HEAL's Tips For Surviving the Holidays With Autism

The Holiday season can be especially challenging for families who have a child with autism.  The following tips may alleviate some of the stress as you plan a  for family gatherings and parties.

• Keep Visits Short: Plan shorter visits with family and friends.
• Plan for a safe quiet place: Prepare a safe place your child can  retreat with their favorite things .
• Don't Force Activities: If you put too much energy into pressing an activity your child doesn't like, it will cause grief for all involved.
• Keep Routines: If it is not possible to keep the full routine, have them engage in similar activity at the regular time.
• Open a Few Presents at a Time: The excitement of opening gifts can get out of control and lead to overstimulation.
• Make Others Aware: Family may not understand the nuances of what your child needs or what is going to cause harm.
• Reward Your Child's Good Behavior: This will inspire your child to be on his best behavior.
• Focus on your family: Don't become stressed,  focus on your family and enjoy your time together

Give the Gift of HEALing this Holiday Season

This year, HEAL is offering a HEAL e-donation in honor of friends, relatives, or co-workers. Your donation will directly impact the lives of those living with autism.

HEAL is honored to have given over $600,000 towards grants which serve hundreds of families and individuals affected by Autism living on the First Coast. Community donations allow HEAL to disburse grants that support projects such as HEALing Hands-financial aid to families for medical care, HEALing Families-outreach support groups for parents, various camps, educational seminars, and community projects.

A Charitable donation in honor of an individual lets them know that together you are making a difference in the lives of those who face difficult challenges every day. Tragically, Autism Spectrum Disorders strikes 1 in 91 children, as the numbers grow, so do our local community needs. With your support, HEAL can continue its mission to assist families and individuals living with Autism. 

To buy someone the perfect holiday gift, simply click here to make a safe Pay Pal donation. 
E-Certificates will be emailed to the recipient of your choice.   Gifts to the HEAL Foundation are tax-deductible.