Washington Autism Alliance - WAA

Today is International Day of Charity. Washington Autism Alliance is dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families. Our mission is to create a world where everyone on the spectrum can reach their full potential, and that begins with education. Please consider making a donation today for our Back-to-School Campaign. Thank you!

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/donate/

As the new school year kicks off, make sure you understand your child's special education program and their rights. If you haven't done so already, sign up for our Blueprints to Special Education training workshop being held virtually on Saturday, October 19th from 9 am-2:30 pm.

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/events/special-education-sep2024/?occurrence=2024-10-12

The new school year is right around the corner. Are you and your child prepared? Are you looking for private therapists to supplement what your child is receiving at school? Are you looking for an after school social group?

Check out WAA's resource directory. We have an online tool for families to utilize when searching for various services and resources.

https://www.washingtonautismalliance.org/resources/

If you haven't done so already, make sure to sign up for WAA's Blueprints to Special Education. It will be virtual on Saturday, October 12th from 9:00 am-2:30 pm. Don't miss out on learning from some of the top special education attorneys in the state!

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/events/special-education-sep2024/?occurrence=2024-10-12

Back to school shopping is well under way. Do you have a specific brand or store you prefer to purchase adaptive or sensory friendly clothing or shoes from? We're compiling a list to publish for our community and would love to hear from you! Please respond on this post or you can reach out to [email protected].

Last month we had a post asking for adaptive swim lesson recommendations. In case you missed it in our monthly newsletter, here's the blog post containing some of those recommendations. Many of these providers offer lessons all year long. It's never too late to learn how to swim!

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/learning-to-swim-a-life-skill/

Not signed up to receive our monthly newsletter? Go to www.washingtonautismalliance.org and click on the newsletter button located in the upper righthand corner.

We know this time of year can be quite hectic as parents prepare their kids to return to school. To give parents more time to enroll in our Blueprints to Special Education, we are moving the virtual training workshop to Saturday, October 12th 9:00 am-2:30 pm. Some of the top special education attorneys in Washington will be presenting and we hope you can attend. Sign up today!

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/events/special-education-sep2024/?occurrence=2024-09-21

With the school year fast approaching, here are some tips for transitioning your child back to school.

Strategies For Transitioning Your Child Back To School - Washington Autism Alliance As we enter the month of August, we feel summer start to gradually wind down. The back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and anxiety for many

Come out to celebrate Megan Rapinoe and bring the energy and hype to the supporter section! Let's fill the South End and bring the noise and energy to celebrate Rapinoe and cheer on the Reign!

https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Supportersection2

Our community has been offered a chance to purchase tickets for $15 to come together & celebrate a local and global legend.

Sunday, August 25th 7:00 pm
Lumen Field - Reign
800 Occidental Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98134, US
Purchase Deadline: Aug 25, 2024 5:00 PM PDT

Please note:
Lumen Field has Ben's Sensory Room and they also have sensory toolkits available, if one is needed.

https://www.lumenfield.com/plan-your-visit-stadium-guide/bens-sensory-room

Two new telehealth bills passed the 2024 legislative session: Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5481 and Senate Bill (SB) 5821. Links to the session laws are included as the online version of the RCW will not be updated until early fall.

ESSB 5481 establishes uniform standards for providing telehealth services to patients in Washington state, outlines the conditions telehealth services are authorized, and which regulated professionals may provide services via telehealth. The bill also impacts the Washington State Telehealth Collaborative. No rule-making is needed for ESSB 5481.

SB 5821 addresses audio-only telehealth and establishes uniform standards for providing audio-only telehealth services to patients in Washington state. It also changes the requirement to have an in-person or real-time interactive appointment (utilizing video and audio) from every two years to three years. The department will update the rules for in-home service providers that reference the two year requirement; no other rule-making is needed for SB 5821.

https://doh.wa.gov/about-us/programs-and-services/health-systems-quality-assurance/health-professions-and-facilities/telehealth-resources

A member of our community shared these details about an upcoming inclusive dance party for all. Fun way to wrap up the summer! We wanted to share:

Welcome to the Beans & Board Summer Swan Song Dance Party!

Join us for an inclusive night of fun and dancing at the Maplewood Rock & Gem Club. It's time to bid farewell to summer in style for teens and young at heart adults with physical and intellectual challenges including those who are deaf, hard of hearing and sight impaired.

This is an event for kids, teens and adults of ALL abilities. Family members are welcome and encouraged to provide onsite support and have fun with the gang.

Get ready to groove to the music, mingle with friends, and enjoy delicious refreshments. Let's make this summer swan song one to remember!

Don't miss out on the chance to dance the night away at this exciting event. Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to have a blast!

The event is free but RSVPs are required. A $10 donation is suggested.

There will be a variety of dietary options (gluten-free/dairy-free/vegan treats) but for those with special dietary restrictions you are welcome to also bring your own food/refreshments.

It is important to carve out some time for relaxation. For autistic individuals, it's critical. It's equally vital for the loved ones that support autistic individuals. National Relaxation Day is today. Take time to relax, refresh and renew.

Helping an autistic individual find relaxation:
https://washingtonautismalliance.org/national-relaxation-day-helping-an-autistic-individual-find-relaxation/

A vital reminder for parents of kids with disabilities:
https://washingtonautismalliance.org/national-relaxation-day-a-vital-reminder-for-parents-of-kids-with-disabilities/

What are you doing to prepare your child for the start of school? Are you looking for social skill groups? Are you trying to find after school activities for your child? Are you looking for outside therapy to supplement what your child is receiving at school (i.e. OT, PT, Speech, etc...)?

Have you explored WAA's online resource directory? We have compiled provider information by category in one central location on our website. Check it out today!

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/resources/

Have you signed up yet for WAA's Blueprints to Special Education online workshop being held Saturday, September 21st from 9:00 am-2:30 pm? Don't miss out on an in-depth explanation on how to use the building blocks of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to develop appropriate services for your child or student.

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/events/special-education-sep2024/?occurrence=2024-09-21

Don't miss out on WAA's semi-annual Blueprints to Special Education training workshop. It is being held virtually on Saturday, September 21st from 9:00 am-2:30 pm.

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/events/special-education-sep2024/?occurrence=2024-09-21

With the start of school in less than a month, do you have any tips you've found helpful to prepare your child? We'd love to hear from you! [email protected]. Here is a recent article we posted about strategies that we hope will help your students have a successful transition.

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/strategies-for-transitioning-your-child-back-to-school/

Strategies For Transitioning Your Child Back To School - Washington Autism Alliance As we enter the month of August, we feel summer start to gradually wind down. The back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and anxiety for many

Make sure to sign up for our Blueprints to Special Education being held virtually on Saturday, September 25th from 9:00 am-2:30 pm.

www.washingtonautismalliance.org

Are you looking for a physical therapist? Speech therapist? Occupational therapist? Have you logged into our resource directory? You'll find therapy providers, along with other resources targeting behavioral/mental health, health services, educational programs and a lot more for our community.

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/resources/

Making friends is a journey. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your strengths, and don't be afraid to be yourself. You have a lot to offer in a friendship, and the right people will recognize and appreciate that.

If you are a parent getting ready to navigate your child's support and services through the school system for the first time, there's still time to sign up for our virtual informational session being held this Thursday (August 1st) at 12:00.

34 years ago today (July 26, 1990), the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law.

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/happy-birthday-to-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-ada/

Join attorney Courtney Bhatt for an in-depth explanation of how to help develop appropriate services for your child as they receive their first IEP.
Register today to reserve your spot.
https://washingtonautismalliance.org/events/my-first-iep-workshop-2/?occurrence=2024-08-01

Topics covered in the workshop will include:

Eligibility Process
Evaluations
Developing a measurable and effective IEP
Documentation and effective communication
What do all the components of this document actually mean?
What if you disagree with the IEP proposed by your child’s school?

Pediatricians recently received guidance on dental care for kids with developmental disabilities.
https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/29424/How-pediatricians-can-address-oral-health-in

Are you looking for a dentist? Have a dentist you'd like to recommend to the community/ Check out WAA's resource directory;

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/resources/business-providers/wpbdp_category/health-services/

How pediatricians can address oral health in youths with developmental disabilities An updated AAP clinical report provides literature-supported guidance on assessing unique caries risk factors and barriers to care.

Our next WAA Online Academy will have attorney Courtney D. Bhatt, a senior associate attorney at Littler's Seattle office, speaking about the First IEP.

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/events/my-first-iep-workshop-2/?occurrence=2024-08-01

Topics covered in the workshop will include:

Eligibility Process
Evaluations
Developing a measurable and effective IEP
Documentation and effective communication
What do all the components of this document actually mean?
What if you disagree with the IEP proposed by your child’s school?

Are you signed up to receive WAA"s monthly newsletter? Here's our July edition.

https://mailchi.mp/washingtonautismadvocacy/wearehereforyou-17388800

Have you signed up for our Lunch & Learn happening this Thursday? If not, there's still time...
https://washingtonautismalliance.org/events/neurodiversity-employment/?occurrence=2024-07-18

Terrific learning opportunity for parents of children ages Birth-5, or others who are working towards receiving their child's first individualized education plan (IEP). Follow link to reserve your spot.

MY FIRST IEP WORKSHOP - Washington Autism Alliance Understanding Early Childhood Transition from IDEA’s Part C to Part B: What is the parent or legal guardian’s role under Part B?

Our upcoming Lunch & Learn is Thursday, July 18th. Make sure to sign up!

https://washingtonautismalliance.org/events/neurodiversity-employment/?occurrence=2024-07-18

The National Leadership Consortium, in partnership with the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (WADDC), is conducting a statewide survey and interviews in Washington state investigating the practices, needs, and experiences of people with co-occurring developmental disabilities AND mental and/or behavioral health support needs and hopes to hear from people with lived experience! https://www.ddc.wa.gov/post/statewide-survey-on-co-occurring-idd-and-mental-behavioral-health?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2CgX6mpAzJ1-9oDQf1qHdDCSQcEYDWJ-9kcXtFoZMry8sVd7BPESBrwE8_aem_rOavGLxFFKaprQOzWG-MgA

Statewide Survey on Co-Occurring IDD and Mental-Behavioral Health | WADDC The National Leadership Consortium, in partnership with the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (WADDC), is conducting a statewide survey and interviews in Washington state investigating the practices, needs, and experiences of people with co-occurring developmental disabilities AND....