April is Child Abuse Prevention and Autism Awareness Month

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1 April Newsletter 2017 April is Child Abuse Prevention and Autism Awareness Month Helping children with special health care needs. Since 1948 Children are a precious gift and we must protect and prevent any harm to them! What can you do to help? Take action! Learn the signs of child abuse and report or become an advocate! Call or visit Contents Family Journey 1 & 2 Parents Night Out 3 Academies 4 Sibshops 5 Community Events 6 Support Groups 7 National Autism Awareness represents an excellent opportunity to promote Autism, Autism Acceptance and to draw attention to the tens of thousands facing an Autism diagnosis each year. There are things you can do as an individual to raise awareness: Share an article about Autism on social media, wear blue and wear the puzzle ribbon; Share your experiences, participate in local activities to show your support and most importantly know the symptoms and characteristics of Autism. For more information on Autism visit:

2 A Family s Journey Our journey with Autism started long before a diagnosis. My four year old identical twin boys, Max and Nick were born at 27 weeks and weighed only 3.6lbs and 2.8lbs. From the day they were born, Doctors prepared us for a wide range of disabilities the boys could potentially face. We spent three long emotional months in the NICU when we finally got to take them home. Max and Nick immediately started services with ECI. The boys met many of their milestones but were delayed in speech. When the boys turned three years old, they were discharged by ECI and referred to the school district for continued speech therapy. They received speech through the school district and privately. They did not make the progress I had hoped for, so I spoke to their pediatrician about my concerns. We were referred to a child psychiatrist. After being on a waiting list for four months we finally met with the Doctor. The Doctor used the ADOS along with information provided by me and the school to help determine the diagnosis. I felt a sense of relief after the boys received their diagnosis of Autism. It helped explain some of their behaviors. Since their diagnosis seven months ago, the boys have continued with their therapies and have recently started ABA therapy through Paso del Norte CDC. I have seen great improvement in their communication skills and other skills that we are currently working on at ABA. Max and Nick have always been my little miracles and they continue to amaze me everyday. We are so fortunate to have an organization like Paso Del Norte CDC that offer services and support to our kids with disabilities.

3 El Paso Leadership & Advocacy Institute

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5 Academies

6 Paso del Norte CDC Support Group Training for Parents

7 Community Events

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9 Community Events

10 Community Events What: Films for Friends- BOSS BABY When: Saturday, April 8, 9:30am Where: Cinemark Cielo Vista Mall, 8401 Gateway West Cost: $6.71 per person (Theatre early bird rate, subject to change.) Lights are up and volume is down. This is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the movie without being judged. You may purchase your tickets at the ticket booth. The theatre doors open at 9:15am. The movie starts at 9:30am. You can bring your own healthy snacks for children on special diets. Concession stand will be open for all other snacks and beverages. Please do not bring outside junk food, fast food or sodas. Everyone is welcome! For more information call Martin (915) Autism Community Network of El Paso- Join our group on Facebook!

11 Community Events Like us on Facebook COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER Support groups in El Paso If you are interested receiving the newsletter by , call (915) ext. 192 Or send an * St. Marks Special Needs Ministry-support group for individuals with intellectual and physical challenges. Daily activities: recreational, educational, sports and religious formation. Meetings every Monday at 6:00 p.m. at St. Marks Parish Pebble Hills, El Paso TX For more information please contact Mariquel Cervantes (915) * ADD/ADHD Parent Support Group- Meetings and special presentations the last Thursday of every month. For information call (915) * Autism Community Network of El Paso- A Facebook group where parents can share information about services, events and activities. They also host the Films for Friends once a month. Follow them on Facebook: * Autism Society of El Paso -Monthly meetings the second Tuesday of every month, family activities, Annual conference and Autism Walk. Call for information at (915) * St. Pius X Special Needs Group -Dance group, spiritual activities, sports, quarterly events. Contact Richard Couder (915) * Mentes Brillantes (Spanish Support Group) Meetings the last Wednesday of every month. Family activities, picnics, Christmas Posada, Easter Egg Hunt. For information call (915) * The Arc del Paso -provides employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information call (915) * Miracle Kids Support Group -Meetings every Friday. Weekly meetings, Annual D de Niño Celebration, and Christmas Party. Call (915) for more information. * Down syndrome Coalition for El Paso -provides educational information, monthly meetings, Family Movie Day, and more. Call (915) for more information. * Gluten Free & Casein Free Diet information-find out about supplements for children with ADHD and autism. Call (915) ext. 163 * Inclusive Drama Club. For more information contact Josefina Muñoz at (915) * Ladies in Blue-Support group for Mothers with children with Autism. For information call (915) * De mujer a mujer Pasa la Voz support group. (Spanish Support Group) Monthly meetings on the first Wednesdays of the month. For more information please call (915)