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Heart of Texas Autism Network
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| Updated 5/23/12 " Refresh" for latest information |
| The Heart of Texas Autism Network provides support, encouragement and information for people affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their families and the community. We work to improve the resources available to help people with ASD live, work and participate as fully and independently as possible in our society. There is no charge for membership and no dues. Monthly meetings with speakers usually include free childcare for children with ASD and their siblings, with a reservation. Other activities and programs promote inclusion, independence and participation in the community for all people affected by ASD. For more information on child care, speakers, topics, meeting date, time and location, please visit our meetings page. HOTAN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. For a free HOTAN brochure PDF file click here. HOTAN is seeking volunteers for fundraisers, programs, community relations, volunteer coordination, and communications (website, newsletters and publicity). Creativity and enthusiasm is needed! To volunteer, please contact Anita Karney by email, or call (214) 766-3260. =================== TAKE ME HOME Program The Take Me Home program is a free registry available to McLennan County residents, for adults and children who may have difficulty communicating due to a developmental or cognitive disability. This could be crucial when a person is unable to speak or identify themselves properly, if they seem disoriented or are acting in an unusual manner. Registration forms are available on the McLennan County Sherif's website (click here). =================== APPS -- and Funding -- for Autism and Special Needs Families with special needs children may find grants and funding available to help them afford medical treatments, therapies, assistive technologies (INCLUDING iPADS) etc. Click here for a list of resources for funding/grant assistance, as well as a list of apps for mobile technology devices, for autism and special needs. ASD Childcare A number of the staff members who worked at the Arc of McLennan County Summer Day Camp for Children with Disabilities are available for childcare . For a list of names with contact information, go to the CONTACT US page. HOTAN seeks people who speak Spanish to help the parents of ASD persons whose primary language is Spanish. Contact HOTAN through our Contact Us page. |
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| Heart of Texas Autism Network -- Classes and Activities: NEW!!! SOCIAL THINKING for Autism CLASSES for Children and Youth on the autism spectrum begin SATURDAY, JUNE 2! Six consecutive Saturday sessions TIMES: 1:00 - 2:00 pm, for age group 11-15 years 2:15 - 3:15 pm, for age group 6 - 10 years These classes are for kids who are verbal and can express their wants/needs, but are challenged in understanding others. Cost is $25 per session. The Social Thinking® model is a developmental and behavioral approach that teaches social behavior, communication, and thinking concepts to individuals challenged in these areas. Contact Fran at fran@spectrumautism.com or 817-454-6501 for more information. Fran Templeton is well-known expert on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and has conducted many trainings for parents, consulted with school districts, etc. Contact Fran at fran@spectrumautism.com or 817-454-6501 for more information . Let's Get Growing ... Click here for a flyer NEXT CLASS MEETS SUNDAY JUNE 3 at 3 pm. Master Gardener Lynn DeMuynck is leading children/youth in adventures with plants! In addition to learning about Nature and the growing process, students also do "hands-on" projects and activities and take home materials to continue their experiences with living plants. The Heart of Texas Autism Network also participates with Waco's "We Care" Community Garden, taking care of two of the Garden's planting spaces, and contributing the harvest to Caritas. For more information email anitakarney@hotautismnetwork.org or leave a message on the "Contact Us" page of this website. SUPPER CLUBS Groups of children/youth with autism meet monthly to socialize and have fun! Groups for different ages, supervised by experienced special education teacher and facilitated by skilled volunteers. FIRST MONDAY Supper Club at Chili's meets Monday June 4 at 6 pm at Chili's on 5804 Bosque Blvd. Contact Lisa Plemons for more information at lisabplemons@aol.com. TEEN PLUS Supper Club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. Each month's location and activity are decided by the group Contact Lisa Plemons for more information at lisabplemons@aol.com. ART CLASSES! Betty Vela, owner of B's Art School (254-644-1323, 504 Hewitt Drive, in Hewitt), is partnering with the Heart of Texas Autism Network and organizing an art class for children with autism, every Thursday from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. (or 5:00, depending on student). Cost is only $10 per class, which includes all art materials! For more information leave a message on the "Contact Us" page of this website. ============================================================================================= |
| Special Needs Resources in the Heart of Central Texas IMPORTANT SURVEY!! Does your area have anyone offering equine (horse) therapy? Swimming for special needs? Music classes? Is it easy, or difficult, to find a medical specialist for your special-needs family member where you live? This online survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/ s/SpecialNeedsResources) will help identify resource needs throughout the Heart of Central Texas area, and highlight opportunities for growth. For other news about research, studies and surveys, go to the Conferences and Studies page on this website. ========================= |
Heart of Texas Autism Network P.O. Box 2484 Waco, TX 76703 |
| Check out the Activities and Meetings page for more information! |
| April was AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH -- but for those living with autism, "Awareness" is 24/7, 365 days a year 1 in 88 children, and 1 in 54 boys .... the most recent rates published by the CDC show a continuing upward trend in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders. These estimates are based on data collected from health and special education records of 8-year-old children living in 14 areas of the United States during 2008. In 2007, based on 2002 data, CDC reported that 1 in 150 children had an ASD. In 2009, based on 2006 data, CDC reported that 1 in 110 children had an ASD. And now...in 2012, based on 2008 data ... 1 in 88 children (and 1 in 54 boys) This means that the estimated prevalence of ASDs increased 78% during 2002 to 2008. From 2002 to 2008, rates went from 1 in 150 to 1 in 88. (Click here to see the report; click here to see a summary) During April, area businesses and the community showed support for our efforts to raise awareness and funding for area programs and resources that help families and people with autism. 5th Annual Waco Walk for Autism on April 15, 2012 had a great turnout and during April, Fuddruckers and No Springs Attached raised funds to benefit HOTAN and area programs. THANK YOU! Together, we can make a difference! ================================================================================ |
ENCRYPTED ART High School Art Competition!! $150 prize to the student with the best design!! When we have a strong emotional experience, our senses (taste, smell, sight, sound, touch) "encrypt" it permanently into our brains -- we always associate a particular scent, or song, or feeling with that experience, and can "flash back" to that moment when we re-encounter one of those sensory "triggers". Betsy Klesse, the founder and director of the Mardi Gras Celebration of Art, is conducting a design experiment utilizing "Encrypted" art, and is opening a summertime art competition for High School Students, The competition involves the student revealing their meaning of the piece using all 5 senses. The winning design will be on display and its “excrypted” experience available to the public at the Waco Cultural Arts Fest Sept. 21-23, 2012. By creating an entire sensory experience around a piece of artwork, the observer (or participant) has a much clearer understanding of, or even participation in, the artist's meaning or ”experience” of the piece. For more information, CLICK HERE. Submissions are due by August 15, 2012. ================================================================================================= |
| NEW! KIDS CONNECTION PROJECT! Kids Connection Project are regional directories for the Special Care industry -- businesses, medical providers, recreation opportunities, nonprofit organizations, agencies, etc ... information is provided FREE to the public. Already in place in DFW, Connections is launching in Tyler/East Texas, Houston, Austin/San Antonio, and Waco: Upcoming 2012 networking dates in Waco: June 12th, July 10th, Aug 7th, Sept 11th, Oct 9th, Nov 13th, Dec 11th June 12 location: Texas Ranger Museum Education Center More information to come. ================================================================================================= |
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Heart of Texas Autism Network -- Next Meeting: Monday, June 11th, 2012 6:30 - 8:00 pm 801 Washington Ave. (Baylor Social Work Building), 4th floor, #405 Waco, TX Meetings are open to all, family/friends/professionals and individuals living with autism. For printable directions to the meeting location click here. Childcare is available, however you need to request childcare ... If you have not previously registered your children, please download and fill out this form. Please send the registration form and your reservation to hotanwaco@gmail.com =========================================================================================== |