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Clark Ferguson and his Grandson Jonah 5 1/2 years old diagnosed with Autism.
Jonah's favorite thing is going to papa's house for cinnamon rolls and milk.

I n memory of

Clark G. Ferguson Jr.

The Family of Clark G. Ferguson, Wife, Daughter, Grandson, is asking that all remembrances
honoring the life and times of Mr. Ferguson be sent to FEAT-FMC
Mr. Ferguson's tireless efforts to help his grandson with autism improve his
quality of life will continue on, due in part for the kind donations of his friends
and family to the FEAT-FMC efforts to open an After School Center for
children with autism.

FEAT-FMC wishes to offer the deepest sympathy to the Clark G. Ferguson's family and friends.
FEAT-FMC also wants to thank all those who submitted a donation in Mr. Ferguson's name.

Send remembrances to FEAT-FMC 16759 Road 19 Madera, Ca. 93637
All Remembrances will be acknowledged

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Tuesday April 1, 2008

My morning started off on an amazing note. I had been invited to visit the first grade classroom of Teacher Marissa Saldate. As I approached the John Adams School in the Madera Unified School District I was caught up in a traffic jam. When I got to the source of the confusion, there were several people going out into the street stopping cars. Mrs. Saldate with her four aids, School Board Trustee Carles & wife Georgia Beckett, the soon to be Superintendent John Stafford and a few other volunteers were giving out Star Bucks Coffee, Autism Ribbons, and autism pamphlets to every car that passed. When I asked what was going on Carles replied "April is Autism Month Man". Carles went on to say they had handed out over 100 cups of coffee. That means that 100 people found out something about Autism.

My adventure continued on. I went into the office to register for the class visit. Inside on a wall was a large white circle with autism printed on it. There were 15 or 20 rays coming off the center leading to other circles with autism facts such as 0ne in 150 children born will have autism. Sitting on top of a shelf above this display was a book "Autism Heroes" the stories of 38 families and their struggles to cope with autism.

I spent the next hour watching the moves of a skilled teacher along with her aids as they interacted with five little boys and one small girl during what was called circle time. The children were singing, posting velcro signs, writing with dry markers on prepared boards with images, and generally engaging in a social circle. The children then broke away into individual stations to learn about subjects of their choosing.

I have to tell you it was very moving to see the education of a child with autism being very expertly guided through what I have come to know as the confused world of autism. I have no doubt that the success was indeed due to the dedication of a teacher and that teachers desire to learn the techniques that enable her to engage children with autism. That teacher has discovered the secrets of autism communication with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

My day was made.

Charles Genseal
Grandparent of a 7 year old autistic Granddaughter

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Invitation to an “Interest” Meeting for CSUF Students on the Autism/Asperger’s Spectrum and their friends

What: This is an informal meeting to assess interest in developing a student group that would engage in primarily social activities, but perhaps other activities as well. This meeting will be very informal and low profile. Somebody will be present to facilitate if needed.

Please call or email if you’re interested but can’t make this meeting.

Date: Wednesday, April 2nd

Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (ok to come late)

Place: Science II Building, Room 242

For more information contact:

Dr. Adams: 278-2479 or aadams at csufresno.edu

or Mark Balcom: 448-4328 or mark.balcom at gmail.com

Note: Replace at with @ (no spaces) done to avoid bots

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Sunday April 6, 2008 Channel 30 is going to air a 1/2 hour Autism Special

Beth Varney at 6:30 is going to air interviews with local Special Ed Administrators
A school in Madera will be highlighted-Fresno State will participate
Parents and Service providers will be interviewed

This will be an opportunity to learn how others cope with the Health Crisis
Some are calling an Epidemic involving Autism and ASD in the
Central Valley

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FYI.....

The Central Valley Regional Center has a program that helps parents with one-half the costs of autism educational/conference costs that benefits their clients. Call your case worker and find out if you qualify for assistance. You may have to resort to the case workers supervisor to gain approval. This is one of the most important investments you can make for the future of your Child With Autism.

SNAFU is having their 1st Annual Autism Conference in April! Lawyers and Advocates will teach you everything about Autism from diagnosis to obtaining appropriately intensive services from your school district and regional center. You will receive step-by-step tips and strategies to ensure your child is afforded everything he or she needs to be successful in the least restrictive environment. Seating is limited so sign up early for a discounted price! Registrations are required. Register at: http://www.valleysnafu.com/Registration-Conference%20Forms.pdf See you there! Shirley Nutt
(209) 321-6510
www.valleysnafu.com
www.believeacademy.org DISCLAIMER NOTICE: This communication is for information purposes only. Special Needs Advocates for Understanding, a private nonprofit organization, seeks to freely share information and resources so that Parents and Caregivers of disabled persons can make "fully informed" decisions regarding the education and intervention treatment, programs and services on behalf of their child(ren). This E-mail communication is not to be intended as a substitute for medical and/or legal advice and should not be construed as such. Should you need a parent advocate or attorney, you may request for a referral by replying to this e-mail

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APRIL

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

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The truth about autism……it is a daily challenge, it tests your limits and it makes you stronger!!!!!

APRIL IS NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

PLEASE LEND YOUR SUPPORT BY ATTENDING THE

MATHEWS’ FAMILY 1st ANNUAL

“PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER”

FUNDRAISER EVENT

DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 19TH

FROM 10-3

CIVIC PARK, DOWNTOWN HANFORD

BOUNCEHOUSES, VENDORS, FOOD, CAROSEL RIDES, DUNK TANK, RAFFLES, DISC JOCKEY, DEMONTRATIONS AND SO MUCH MORE

PROCEEDS TO GO TO:

VISIT THEIR SITE AT WWW.AUTISMSPEAKS.ORG

For more information, please contact Robin Mathews at 559/707-4450

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Autistic Children and Their Families

Need Your Help

Carlos Vieira Racing, Inc/ Team 51 FIFTY is hosting a

New York Steak Dinner & Dance Fund-Raiser

April 19, 2008 at 7:00pm.

This special event is being held to raise money to help

Autistic Children and their Families in our community.

It will be held at the Livingston Pentecost Hall

At 1237 Main Street Livingston, CA.

No Host Cocktails will begin at 6:00pm with the

Dinner starting at 7:00pm and the dance following the dinner.

Tickets are $30.00 with all the proceeds going to

Challenged Family Resource Center in Merced, California.

There will also be a raffle and auction. Please send checks to the address below and we will send you the tickets.

If you cannot spend the evening with us, donations will be greatly appreciated.

Come join us for a great night and please remember that your support does make a difference. If you have any questions or would like to help in other ways, please call Carlos at 209-201-4025 or email at carlosv@elite.net.

Thank you for your support!

Please send checks to:

Carlos Vieira Racing, Inc

Autism Fund Raiser

257 E. Bellevue Road, PMB 5150

Atwater, California 95301

The information and resources on the Families for Effective Autism Treatment-Fresno/Madera County (FEAT-FMC) Website are for educational and informational purposes only. Information provided through The Site should not be used as a substitute for care by a qualified Developmental Pediatrician, Pediatric Neurologist, Behavioral Psychologist, Behavior Analyst, Speech and Language Pathologist, Attorney, or other appropriate professional.

FAMILIES FOR EFFECTIVE AUTISM TREATMENT

FRESNO/MADERA COUNTY

This special event is being held to raise money to help

No Host Cocktails will begin at 6:00pm with the