THRIVING WITH AUTISM IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Tuesday, March 16  |  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm  |  Zoom Discussion

In every life, there are stages that we navigate, i.e., birth, early childhood, school-age, transition age, adulthood and aging. We (or our parents) confront questions and search for answers that will help us on our journey to a full and meaningful life in each of these stages. While this is true for everyone, it is especially relevant for individuals and families who are living with a disability.

Charting the LifeCourse is a tool that was developed to help individuals and families of all abilities and ages develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do in each life stage, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live their best lives.

Barbara Sapharas from the The Ohio State University Nisonger Center will guide us through the Early Childhood Life Stage (ages 0-5) using Charting the LifeCourse framework.

PARTICIPANTS WILL:

• Explore the different domains for the Early Childhood Stage (i.e., where you live, what you do during the day, etc.)
• Discover ways to think about your child's future - know what questions to ask and what supports might be helpful
• Practice putting together a one-page profile to help the people who support your child understand what's most helpful
• Learn to provide experiences and opportunities now to help him/her work toward the future that you envision
• Hear how to help your child prepare for the next life stage - School Age Years

Participants will leave with the beginning of a vision for their child that will continue to grow and change as the child ages. This vision can be shared with service providers and family to help them understand what is important to you and your family. Having everyone on the same page can help ensure that your child stays on track to live the life they want.

FOCUS on EARLY CHILDHOOD 
Early childhood is the time in a child’s life before they begin school full time.

You may think it’s too soon to be thinking about your young child’s future, but before you know it, they will be in school and then becoming an adult! You will want to give your child the best possible start to prepare them for the next stages of life, and help them reach their vision for an inclusive, productive, full “good life” in the future.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

BARBARA SAPHARAS

Barb has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for over 40 years. She has an MA in Speech Language Pathology (SLP) from Cleveland State University. She has worked as an SLP, Support Administrator, Staff Development Specialist and Direct Support Professional. She is an Ohio Ambassador for Charting the LifeCourse working with the Ohio State University, National Team Member of Charting the LifeCourse-University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC), Mentor Trainer in the international Learning Community for Person Centered Practices (TLC-PCP) and serves as a Board Member of the Ohio Self Determination Association and of the International Sibling Leadership Network. Her perspective as a sibling and professional support her passion to empower people with disabilities, families, and professionals.

HOW DO I ATTEND

Registration is required. You will receive an email confirmation with the zoom link for meeting.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Wendy Cline, LSW and ASGA Support Specialist via email here or via phone at 330.940.1441 ext 1. 

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About the Autism Society of Greater Akron

The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is part of a nationwide network of affiliates with the Autism Society of America, the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots autism organization. ASGA serves Summit, Stark, Wayne, Portage and Medina counties (OH) and works locally to achieve its mission --to improve the lives of all affected by autism.

ASGA is also a proud member of the Ohio Family Network (OFN), connecting people with disabilities and their families to local information and resources within their communities.  OFN provides opportunities to share ideas, find solutions to common challenges and inspire and strengthen others.