Autism Walk Attracts Hundreds

Families gather to support loved ones

The sun was shining and the water was glistening as hundreds of family members came out to support the ASRC Autism Awareness Walk at Cole Park on April 20. 

Started seven years ago by CBAA (Coastal Bend Autism Advocacy) the Autism Awareness Walk has become a tradition in this area.  This was the first time ASRC planned the Walk, and volunteers started preparing months ahead of time to ensure its success.  ASRC was fortunate to get corporate support from HEB, Valero, Denny Bales Jewelers, Whiskey River, Weinerschnizel, Sprouts, Rudys BBQ, and Pepsi, which made the Walk even better.


Walking along the water

Some of the highlights included tables with local resources, a child finger printing station, the police museum, food and drink booths and children's activities.  Kids played games, made crafts, got their faces painted and even had balloon animals made.  Parents were able to learn about local organizations and get their questions answered. 



Mayor Nelda Martinez, Walk Organizer Sandra Lynch,
Police Chief Simpson and ASRC President Bill Butler

After some music, the police chief spoke about the police's awareness of autistic individuals and their plans in place in case one was in an emergency.  The mayor spoke as well, and read a proclamation before giving the official "send off" to the walkers.  Police Chief Simpson led the way, with a sea of bright blue shirts following. As the walk completed and the mayor returned, she graciously had her picture taken with several of our special children. 

Families and groups showed their support by wearing team tshirts and carrying signs for their loved ones.  Music therapy clients played songs, and then some professional musicians performed including Dezi B, a nine year old singer, and Flatline, who sang the emotional rap about autism "When the Children Cry."

Overall, there were a lot of smiles, positive energy and support- and we can't wait until the Walk next year!

Autism Rocks the House!

R&R plays at Autism Rocks!

The lights were low, the music was playing and the party-goers were enjoying the food and drinks at the second annual "Autism Rocks!" concert at the House of Rock on Friday April 12th.   Sponsored by HEB, Valero, and Denny Bales Jewelers, Autism Rocks hosts several bands who volunteer their time and talent to entertain the crowd.  This year, bands included R&R, Jimmy Willden, and the Melissa Ann band.  


Friends chatted, danced and took the opportunity to wear the new Autism Rocks Tshirt commemorating the night.  .

As the evening continued, people practiced their stealth shopping abilities as they secretly increased their bids on silent auction items hoping others didn't notice. Hooks tickets, Vera Bradley purses and Pepsi for a Year were just some of the potential items up for grabs.  


ASRC sets up at the House of Rock

Organized by ASRC volunteer Lisa McGrew, Autism Rocks encourages the community to learn more about autism and our organization's goals.  We thank all of the companies that donated food and Silent Auction items to make this fundraiser a great (and fun!) success.  We look forward to next year!

April is Autism Awareness Month!

The Lockett Gallery at the Art Center houses the Autism exhibit

ASRC is working hard at putting together events for the month of April with the help of several other wonderful Corpus Christi organizations.  It is great to see such support in our community!  Please take a moment and look at the events coming up.  If you are interested in attending, please contact our office at 851-5111, or sign up for our social group at www/meetup.com/ccasteam.

Coming up...
Monday April 1 - the start of an Autism Art Exhibit at the Art Center of Corpus Christi. This exhibit lasts all month
Tues April 2 - World Autism Awareness Day and "Light It Up Blue"
Tues April 2, 11:30am - Parent Lunch at The Art Center's cafe
Tues April 9, 5:30pm - Dinner and Speaker: Music Therapy at Legacy Therapy
Fri April 12, 8pm - Autism Rocks! Concert and Fundraiser at the House of Rock
Tues April 16, 6:30pm - Kids Social Bingo and April Birthday celebration at First Baptist Church
Sat April 20, 10am - 7th Annual Autism Awareness Walk at Cole Park
Sat April 27, 4:30pm - Pajama party and film screening of ASD children's self-made films with STUF South Texas Underground Films.  At the Art Center of Corpus Christi.
Mon April 29, 5pm - Autism Night at the CC Museum of Science and History

Thank you to all of the sponsors and organizations for making these events possible!

Autism Rocks

Are you ready for a fun night out, that also benefits a great community organization?  Come to Autism Rocks at the House of Rock for upbeat music,  finger foods, cool "Autism Rocks" Tshirts and a Silent Auction! Bands include R&R, American Idol contestant Melissa Ann Band, and back to Corpus Christi for one night only  - Jimmy Willden.  Flatline is also returning to perform his "Autism Rap" live.

Tickets are on sale now - $10 ahead of time, and $12 at the door.  All proceeds benefit The Autism Spectrum Resource Center a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.

So grab some friends - and eat, laugh and dance.  Show your shopping prowess at the Silent Auction tables - where items such as massages, spa baskets and jewelry are waiting to be taken home.  We look forward to seeing you!  Click the ticket link below to buy tickets online.  Tickets also available at our office -3440 S Alameda.

New Study Shows Autism Rate is 1 in 50

According to a new study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, autism is occurring at a rate even higher than previously believed.  Health officials say the new statistic of 1 in 50 doesn't mean autism is occurring more often, but it does suggest that doctors are diagnosing autism more frequently, especially in children with milder difficulties.

This new study asked over 95,000 parents for input during 2011 and 2012, and looked at children's behaviors.  It did not use medical records as the previous study reporting the statistic of 1 in 88 children.  That study had limitations as well, since the data was from 2008 and only reported on eight year old children.  Updated figures for this study are expected next year.

We've been underestimating" how common autism is, said Michael Rosanoff of Autism Speaks, an advocacy group. He believes the figure is at least 1 in 50.  

Some children with milder cases may not have been diagnosed previously, but as school becomes more demanding and social situations grow more complex, the children's disability is becoming more obvious, said Dr. Roula Choueiri, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

7th Annual Autism Awareness Walk

It is that time of the year again -  the time when many of our families and their friends get together to spread autism awareness throughout the Coastal Bend.  This is the seventh Autism Awareness Walk, and we are hoping it will be the largest one yet!

Plans are already underway and families are marking their calendars.  It will be held at Cole Park on Saturday April 20th.  Registration begins at 10am and the Walk starts at 10:45 with the mayor's send-off.

Although we are bringing the same inspirational spirit as past years, some things will be different.  ASRC is planning this year's event, while previous Walks were developed and organized by Coastal Bend Autism Advocacy (CBAA).  We thank CBAA for starting this important tradition and are honored to help it continue.

2013 Tshirt design

In addition, there will be a registration donation to walk this year.  Adults are $25.00 and children 11 and under are $10.  Those who register with the donation will receive a free Tshirt and some extra benefits.  Children are encouraged to form a team and gather additional donations if possible; and high achievers will be recognized and brought up on stage.  Anyone can participate in the Walk, but only those with the registration donation will receive the Tshirt and perks.

You can pick up registration forms at ASRC (3440 S Alameda) or you can sign up online at AsrcAutismWalk.brownpapertickets.com or click the box below.  You can even print your ticket at home.  CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER...

Annual ASRC Holiday Party

Noah and Reagan visit with Santa 

On December 8, many of our families joined together for a wonderful holiday celebration, complete with food, fun and friends.

The children had a great afternoon making crafts, jumping on the bounce house, playing with games and toys such as outdoor chalk and Nerf guns, and finally meeting Santa Claus.  Santa was naturally gentle and kind, and he even brought his guitar to sing Christmas carols with the children.  Every child had the opportunity to sit on Santa's lap and chat with him, and tell him their most secret wishes.  Every child, young and old, received a gift and a wish for a wonderful holiday season.

The children weren't the only ones having fun.  The parents and family members were able to bond and meet new friends.  "It is nice to be able to bring our kids to a Christmas party and not be worried about their behavior," said Doreen Lund of ASRC.  "Everyone here understands and works together to make it a great day for the kids."

Approximately 80 people attended the year-end celebration.  The day started with holiday tattoos and crafts, a pot luck dinner, fun in the bounce house and other outdoor games, and time with Santa.  It ended at dark with an outdoor Christmas movie complete with hot cocoa and popcorn.  The families left with a new toy, some new friends, and a bright outlook for the upcoming year.  ASRC looks forward to our new year ahead with these kids and their families as well.

ASRC Kids: Community Service Project

On a beautiful day at the end of November, the kids of ASRC joined together to experience the wonders of the Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, as well as assist the Center with some plantings.  It was a great sensory activity, as the children touched the dirt, felt the sun on their faces, smelled the roses, and pulled and re-planted the seedlings into larger pots.

After planting, the group explored the live butterfly gardens, and tried desperately to get butterflies to land on their fingers.   Then they were treated to a "backstage tour" where they were allowed to feed and touch a turtle, pet a snake and even touch a giant lizard!  NuStar Energy sponsored the trip, and enabled all of the families to attend at no cost.  NuStar reserved the pavilion, offering families the opportunity to have lunch while examining the amazing butterfly exhibits.

 
Lastly, several groups participated in a scavenger hunt prepared by the DeCastro family.  The hunt took them ALL OVER the Gardens, and it was amazing to see the children's tenacity in finding the answers to the clues - no matter how far they had to walk.  Overall, it was a wonderful experience and the families had a great time.  Thank you to Dr. Womack and the Botanical Gardens, the DeCastro family, and NuStar Energy for providing an opportunity for the ASRC kids to contribute to the community.

ASRC Speaker Series

Licensed school psychologist, Amy Ehle,
speaks about the Autistic Brain

Q: Where might you find a large group of parents with children on the autism spectrum?  

A: At Legacy Healthcare, the second Tuesday of the month, attending a monthly speaker and dinner arranged just for them.

ASRC has been working with Legacy Healthcare and the Pediatric Therapy department to bring in speakers to educate and answer questions from parents with special needs children.  Legacy provides pediatric physical, speech and occupational therapies for children at their location on the corner of Staples and Holly.

Some of the past speakers have included:

• an ABA Therapist speaking about "Understanding Your Child's Behavior"  
• a financial group explaining "How to Plan Financially for Your Special Needs Child's Future" 
• a dietitian speaking about "Strategies for an Autism Diet" 
• a psychologist and her college-age autistic son explaining "How to Talk to Your Autistic Teenager About Growing Up" 
• a special education lawyer from San Antonio speaking and answering questions about "Legal Strategies and Information about ARD Meetings" 
• and a school psychologist speaking about the newest research "How the Autistic Brain Differs from the Neuro-typical Brain"

ASRC thanks Legacy Healthcare for sponsoring these dinners.    The series continues in January with representatives from the Special Populations departments of Del Mar College and TAMUCC.  They will inform parents of admissions requirements and resources available to college-aged special needs students.  Join us.

Art Night

November 9th, the kids of ASRC tried something new - an Art Night.  ASRC provided paint, paper, stickers, clay and crafts and the kids let their creative juices flow.  Each child made something unique and it was great to see the different artistic styles.  (One girl even glued a piece of pizza to her paper and decorated it - definitely original!)

The kids also made new friends, as several new families attended this month's pizza party and activity night.    As usual, the group also celebrated the birthdays of the children born in that month with a cake, singing the traditional "Happy Birthday," and a card signed by all the kids.  The monthly birthday parties are a wonderful opportunity for the children to have a small party, as oftentimes their social difficulties make birthdays somewhat lonely.  ASRC loves to see them smile, feel comfortable - and create!

ASD Modeling Workshop and Fashion Show

Participants at the end of the fashion show

It was a special day for ten girls, their families and friends, and local organizations who made it all happen.  ASRC, with the help of the Crush Girls Modeling Agency, held a one-day workshop for teens and pre-teens on the autism spectrum and their siblings, at the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS.  The idea was to help build social skills and increase self confidence.

The morning started with a talk with Mrs. Nueces County, Lisa McGrew.  Teaching about nutrition, body image, manners, and how to combat bullying, the pageant winner was an inspiration to the young girls.  She showed them magazine advertisements - and revealed the "before" and "after" touched-up photographs that were used.  She reminded the girls that no one is perfect, and almost all magazine photos have been altered in some way.

Makeup and hair makeover

The Crush Girls were next with lessons in runway walking and posing for the camera.  Tony Martinez of the Crush Girls took photos of the girls throughout the workshop.  

The afternoon continued with a healthy lunch provided by Jason's Deli, and then a makeover.  The girls each received a makeup lesson, and had their hair done by the teachers.  Glowing, they were ready to don the dresses for the fashion show.  The dresses, donated by military spouses, ranged from casual to evening wear.  Each girl modeled two dresses and even got to take home a dress.  The girls also received a rose, and a gift bag with makeup and fun girly items.

Overall, the day was a huge success.  ASRC had a cake and punch reception at the end, thanked the community and several volunteers- and the biggest winners being the girls!

New ASRC Library Opens

Kevin and Andrew at the library

Just found out your child has autism and not sure what to do next?  What's this GF/CF diet I keep hearing about?  Did you see that Temple Grandin movie, wasn't it great?  Answers to these questions can be found at the library - the new ASRC Autism Library.

After a long day of promoting the Autism Spectrum Resource Center with several volunteers reading storytime, making crafts with kids and offering advice, ASRC made over $600 at the Barnes and Noble bookfair and fundraiser.  The money went to supply a new family library with books and movies about autism and parenting.
Dorothy Cunningham, a staff member of ASRC and parent of a child on the spectrum, thought of the idea for the library since parents are not always able to get the books they need in regular bookstores, and cost is always an issue as well.  Books range from topics of autism diets and medications, to how to play with a child with sensory issues.

Although many books are non-fiction, there are several fictional stories featuring a character with autism or Asperger's.  There are books for children and adults alike.  Housed at Spectrum Counseling (3440 Alameda in Corpus Christi), the books can be read while sitting in the waiting room, or checked out for a period of time.  Books are available to the public, but must be checked out before removing them from the library.