L ifeLong LearnerSM

L I F E L O N G L E A R N I N GTM

Spring 2012

New York State Passes Autism Insurance Legislation

In November 2011, Anderson Center for Autism was honored to witness

Governor Andrew Cuomo signing into law new requirements that compel health insurance companies to provide coverage for the treatment of individuals with autism. With the signing, New York State has become the 29th state to pass this legislation, which applies to state-regulated insurance plans. Designed to help families afford the high cost of providing services for their loved ones with ASD, the law, which takes effect November 1, 2012, will open the door for these families to obtain services that have previously been deemed medically unnecessary.

In recognition of the signing, Patrick Paul, Anderson Center’s Chief Operating Officer noted,

“In my estimation, the recent passage of

the NYS Autism Insurance Legislation is,

to date, the most significant legislation

improving services to individuals with

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).”As part of Anderson Center’s ongoing efforts to educate and inform, we have begun a public service campaign focusing on families, advocacy groups, and other interested stakeholders and organizations, outlining the impact this new law will have on services for individuals with ASD throughout our state. We are monitoring information on related regulations as they are developed by the responsible state agencies. We have also dedicated a section of our website to this vital topic. You can access this section by clicking on the box in the upper right corner of our homepage at www.andersoncenterforautism.org.

If you know of an organization or group that would like to have an Anderson Center representative provide a free presentation about the new Autism Insurance Legislation, please call (845) 889-9223 or email ail@acenterforautism.org to schedule a date.

Executive Director’s Message 2

Staff Kudos 3

Family Corner 4

In Their Own Words 4

Program Initiatives 5

Fundraising Highlights 5

Notes & Notables 6–7

w h a t ’ s i n s i d e

Look for our new “Supportive Environment” logo at a business near you! See related article on page 5

Executive Director’s Message

The world is changing so rapidly. The CDC’s revised autism statistics now show a rate of 1 in 88. And, the committee examining the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is suggesting that the new version—DSM5—will include a revised definition of autism. I worry that this definition will likely rule out many individuals at the level of Asperger’s and/or high IQ autism…in the end, leaving behind individuals in need. I take pause to ask if at a time when financial systems are collapsing, is this decision truly motivated, by the need to help people or is it driven by money? We are service providers at Anderson, so we will leave the politics, definitions and money to others. Our job is to deliver great services to people in need with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

In this regard, I have two extraordinary pieces of information to share.

First, Anderson has been selected as one of 21 non-profits in New York to be part of a global budgeting study by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The study is aimed at redesigning the delivery system for all OPWDD services pertaining to Medicaid. We recognize that our involvement in this very important project demonstrates the successes we have achieved in New York—helping to steer the state on this critical issue. As part of the project, we will also obtain the Compass accreditation required by OPWDD. Second, Governor Cuomo recently signed very important autism insurance legislation into law, (see related cover article). The new law requires insurance companies to provide services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. As a major supplier of services, Anderson Center is prepared to meet all requirements and educate our families and the public on this important initiative.

In looking to the future of services for people with autism spectrum disorders, one need look no further than Anderson Center for Autism, Uniquely Qualified. As always, I invite you to contribute generously to Anderson Foundation for Autism.

Your dollars make a difference in the lives of people needing supports beyond those funded by government agencies. Additionally, they help build our endowment—allowing us to have a secure and bright future, meeting the needs of these individuals and their families.

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a u t i s m t o d a y

Thoughts from the

desk of Neil J. Pollack,

Executive Director

b o a r d s o f t r u s t e e s Anderson Center for Autism operates under the guidance of our exceptional Boards of Trustees. We appreciate the contributions that each of these talented and generous individuals makes towards the achievement of our goals.

Anderson Foundation for Autism, Inc.

Lifetime Honorary Trustees

Providing Services for People in Need

David W. Melby, Chair

Francis M. Synan, 1st Vice Chair

Eric D. Gorman, 2nd Vice Chair

Justin L. Cole, Treasurer

Elizabeth P. Corcoran, Secretary

Neeraj Alimchandani, Trustee

Elinor B. E. Arnold, Trustee

Rebecca M. Blahut, Trustee

Pompey Delafield, Trustee

Joseph Lepore, Trustee

Richard W. Lewis, Trustee

Peter M. Olympia, Jr., Trustee

Jeanne R. Raichle, Trustee

John A. Scileppi, Ph.D., Trustee

Andrew Stewart, MD, Trustee

*Trustees for Anderson Center for Autism are also trustees for Anderson Center Services, Inc.

Margaret Cusumano, Chair

John Maserjian, Vice Chair

Robert Shoemaker, Treasurer

Tondra Lynford, Secretary

Susan Angeles, Trustee

Ellen L. Baker, Trustee

Didi Barrett, Trustee

Barry R. Feirstein, Trustee

Vance A. Gage, Trustee

Joseph T. Kirchhoff, Trustee

Harold L. Mangold, Trustee

William F. Melcher, Trustee

Marisa Perez-Rogers, Trustee

Maryann R. Pilon, Trustee

Alexander E. Roithmayr, Ex-Officio Trustee

Rebecca A. Valk, Trustee

Ellen L. Baker Michael McNaughton Jaime Rodriguez-Tellez Wilfred Rohde Sarah E. Sholes Fritz Sonnenschmidt

Anderson Center for Autism*

2 LifeLong Learner

Staff Kudos

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Education Enhancement ProgramAnderson Center has always demonstrated a strong commitment to a highly educated workforce. Our Education Enhancement Program provides incentives to encourage our direct support staff to continue their education. The following is a list of staff who have received incentives so far this year and their schools. Congratulations to all!

s t a f f k u d o s

Ellen L. Baker Michael McNaughton Jaime Rodriguez-Tellez Wilfred Rohde Sarah E. Sholes Fritz Sonnenschmidt

Abelrazaq Agha Ulster CC

Royal Agha DCC

Michael Camargo University North Texas

Elizabeth Carino University North Texas

ShannonMarie Carroll SUNY New Paltz

Albert Chevers DCC

*Katie Craft Marist College, Masters Degree

Vashti Daisley SUNY New Paltz

Kyanazuna Edidah DCC

Adrianna Finger Vassar

Kevin Fish Ulster CC

Ricardo Jones DCC

*Anderson Center congratulates the highlighted staff members on their recent graduations. Great job everyone!

*Anne Jordan SUNY Empire State, BS

*Nicole Lodise SUNY New Paltz, Masters Degree

Sandra Martinez Mt. St. Mary

Justin Miller DCC

Bethany Morrisey DCC

Faith Ololchoki DCC

Leonardo Sanchez DCC

*Charles Serunkuuma SUNY Stony Brook, Masters Degree

Christina Thomas Columbia Greene CC

Amber Turner SUNY New Paltz

Marissa Turro SUNY New Paltz

Oscar Weke DCC

Sharol Whyte Pace College

PROMOTE Certification Recipient

Congratulations to Cindy Mowris, Coordinator Staff Development, for being part of the first class in New York State to receive certification in the PROMOTE (Positive Relationships Offer More Opportunities To Everyone) curriculum, which took place from February 27, 2012, through March 2, 2012.

Pictured Left to Right (1st row) Linda Moller, COARC; Pamela Vangel, Taconic DDSO; Cindy Mowris, Anderson Center for Autism; Kathy Nolan, DCARC; Mike Payeur, Devereux. (2nd row) Keith Rico, The Center for Discovery; Dave Strock, Hudson Valley DDSO, Amanda Crowley, Abilities First; Tom McCluskey, New Horizons Resources; Garry Krom, Taconic DDSO.

Congratulations!

Congrats to Heidi Schlipmann, Adult Services RN Supervisor, on earning her certification as a Developmental Disabilities

Nurse from the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association! This exceptional achievement acknowledges the professional expertise that she has in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Congratulations Heidi and “thank you” for your endless dedication to the individuals we serve!

The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Seventh Annual Forty Under Forty Shaker Awards took place on March

19, 2012. Among the impressive group of 40 area young people honored for their professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to their communities was our own Stacey Trapani-Barber! Stacey stands out as a leader at Anderson Center and throughout the community, specifically in her volunteer work with Hudson Valley Young Professionals, the American Red Cross, and Special Olympics. Stacey, we’re glad you choose to bring your talents and hard work to Anderson Center every day and we congratulate you on this prestigious honor!

Mozart Macauley, Shift Supervisor of the Pine Residence, has joined the Mid-Hudson Coalition Public Relations Sub-

Committee and will be attending the Mid-Hudson Coalition Conference on June 21, 2012, as a guest to the Board of Directors. Mozart is a welcomed addition to the Mid-Hudson Coalition.

Spring 2012 3

In Their Own Words

Family Corner

It Was Meant to Be

Four years ago, Leanne was living in Florida and searching for a residential program that would be beneficial for her

then-eight-year-old son with autism, Jonathan. During her search, she had heard “great things” about Anderson Center, but chose a program in Florida where he could be close to home. Then, in what according to Leanne was “Meant to be,” her husband, Jonathan’s stepfather, Dan, was offered a job right in the same area of New York as Anderson Center. In 2010, Jonathan and his family made the move.

“Jonathan is non-verbal and his self-injury behaviors were escalating while at his program in Florida,” Leanne says. “We immediately felt trust in Anderson Center though. The campus is beautiful and the environment is uniquely structured for people with autism. The staff really cares about what the children AND the families need. The transition was smooth and they communicated with me and reassured me all the time.”

Now 12, “Jonathan has shown incredible improvement with his behaviors. He comes home for weekends and he’s not banging his head and is much calmer,” Leanne adds. “Anderson has provided a solid foundation that I feel has given us all a new sense of peace inside. He loves his visits home but it’s also comforting to us that when we bring him back to Anderson Center he’s happy to arrive there too.”

For Jonathan’s dad Steve, still living in Florida, “Anderson has

been all we could have hoped for,” he notes. “During visits, I have been impressed with the environment and the attentive and caring staff. It’s a finely-tuned program that is so vastly superior to the program he was in here in Florida. Jonathan is demonstrating great progress with his behaviors and I am comforted that he seems content and happy. Having him so far away is tough, but knowing that he is where he should be, is worth the distance.”

“I often think about my daughters (Julia, 15 and Natalie, 14) sharing in their praise of Anderson Center during our first visit there,” Leanne recounts. “The girls assured me by saying, ‘Oh Mom, he will be happy here.’ Jonathan will always be a central part of all of our lives. Now the entire family is comforted to know he has a safe and nurturing environment that we will all think of as home—and he IS happy there.”

f a m i l y c o r n e r

In Their Own Words is a new regular feature in our newsletter. It is designed to offer a unique, first-hand perspective from individuals who are a part of—or associated with—the Anderson Center family. Our first interview is with

Gary S. Gary is a resident at the Fortune Valley IRA who is proud to work at the local movie theater. Here’s what Gary had to say about his job, in his own words…

How do you like working at the theater? Good—I’d like to get paid money too.

What are your duties? Sometimes I make the popcorn. I put

the popcorn in the machine. Sometimes I take the tickets

from the customers and put them in a big bowl.

Do you get to see any of the movies? I get to watch the

movie that is playing after I have taken the tickets.

Do you have fun? Yes.

Do you like having a job? I like to get paid…I love money. I

like that I work there.

What is your favorite part? I like collecting the tickets.

What have you learned there? I made a new friend who also

works there. I learned how to make popcorn. I watch people

buy the tickets when the line is long.

i n t h e i r o w n w o r d s

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Program Initiatives

Outcome of previously funded request Autism Supportive Environment Program

On April 1, 2012, Anderson Center kicked-off our new

Autism Supportive Environment Program—formerly called Autism Friendly Businesses—with a Meet ‘N Eat event at Coppola’s in Hyde Park.

Imagine a gorgeous private room at Coppola’s, perfect lighting, picture menus, adaptive utensils, wait staff trained by our Consulting Services staff, and most importantly, many families sitting down together with their children, grandparents, extended family, and friends to enjoy perhaps their first fine dining experience as an entire family. The impact on families was immediate and clear. Everyone was smiling, everyone was eating and everyone felt comfortable.

Anderson Center benefits greatly from our strong relationships with local businesses. By partnering with us for this very important and historic event, our good friends at Coppola’s broadened that relationship well into the community. Throughout the event, the message was clear—Coppola’s was the first step in a program designed with an overall goal of eventually making the entire nation Autism Supportive.

The program includes customized training for business staff, review of the physical environment and suggestions for

adjustments, and partnership on public events. We encourage everyone to consider how it may be appropriate for businesses that you frequent in the surrounding communities. All

businesses participating in the program will be identified by a window decal of the program logo; subtly but clearly noting that all families are welcome. For more information about the program, please contact Lisa Lawrence at (845) 889-4034 extension 1616. Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to all for the support that made this possible!

p r o g r a m i n i t i a t i v e s

Additional funding needed for new Swing Sets

Swing sets offer opportunities for recreation and leisure skills development for the residents living in our IRAs. The use of swing sets can help to improve sensory deficits the individuals experience as well. The specially equipped swing sets are also designed with a seizure swing as a second swing option.

Although generous donations have already been received to fund swing sets at the East Meadowbrook and Brian Court IRAs, the Adult Program is seeking additional funds to provide the same opportunity at our other IRAs.

Fundraising Highlights Recent Fundraising Events

Thank you to all of our generous supporters who made the following recent fundraising events such great successes:

• Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, April 12, 2012

• Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Policy Breakfast, April 13, 2012

• Mount Saint Mary College, Autism Forum, April 24, 2012 and follow-up event April 28, 2012, at Kozy Tavern, Kingston

• Light It Up Blue—The National Hotel—Bar & Grill, Montgomery, NY, April 26, 2012

• An Evening in Macau hosted by the senior class of the CIA, April 28, 2012

Tickets Fore Charity

Through this unique PGA Tour fundraising initiative, if you buy a ticket to The Barclays Tournament at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, NY, August 21–26, 2012, you can help to support Anderson Center. To purchase tickets, visit buytfc.com and click on The Barclays; use code: CLOSETOPIN. Or call Noel Crotone, 845-889-9208, to purchase tickets directly (this allows you to avoid 8.65% sales tax and a $15.95 Ticketmaster fee) or visit www.AndersonCenterforAutism.org.

For more information on all the ways you can help to support ACA, please contact Noel Crotone at (845) 889-9208 or NoelCrotone@ACenterforAutism.org. Donations should be made payable to Anderson Foundation for Autism.

Spring 2012 5

Notes & Notablesn o t e s & n o t a b l e s

Painting with SandyIn January, 2012, the Fiscal Department’s Sandy Foster brought her artistic talents and started an Acrylic Painting After-School Program. This fantastic addition to the club roster has quickly become a student favorite. The students involved have shown excellent attention to instruction and have created beautiful paintings—some will be on display and others will be given to family members. Plans are underway to increase the number of students in this exciting program.

Benefits and Health Fair 2012 Our annual Staff Benefits and Health Fair, held on March 8, 2012, was a great success. Twenty five providers and vendors fielded questions and gave helpful information to the over 300 staff members in attendance. More than 25 lucky staff members were also winners of raffle prizes donated by the exhibitors. A “healthy dose” of fun was had by all.

Anderson Center MarathonerOn March 16, 2012, one our Day Participants, Jonathan Brunot, ran the 2012 Boston Marathon. It turned out to be one of the hottest days of this year —reaching temperatures in the 90s. Despite this type of weather being the worst for long-distance running, Jonathan, who started running marathons two years ago, was determined to accomplish his goal. He completed the marathon in 5 hours. His first attempt at the NYC Marathon, in 2008, was also hugely successful, with a finishing time of four hours 49 minutes and 20 seconds.

6 LifeLong Learner

Special Olympics

Special Olympics StarsOur Adult Services Program is proud to announce the results from the Special Olympics Basketball Skills and Swimming Competition at Marist College on April 1, 2012. A total of 22 Anderson Center adult athletes participated in these two events. Everyone did a great job and deserves a congratulations and a huge round of applause!

s p e c i a l o l y m p i c s

Emerging ArtistsOn April 13 and 14, 2012, several of our students had art work displayed at the “Young Emerging Artists of the Hudson Valley” Art Exhibit at the Wallace Center. Many visitors came to the event, organized by the Dutchess Day School, to admire the amazing art pieces. Many thanks to Art Teacher, Nathan Parker, for guiding and supporting our young artists!

Basketball Skills Results: Chris D., 1st; David A., 2nd; Ella J., 1st; Frankie H., 2nd; Jarrett R., 1st; Jonah F., 5th; Kyle Z., 4th; Matt. R.,1st; Matt T., 1st; Michael R., 5th; Paul G., 3rd; Richard B., 6th; Spike V., 2nd; Steven L., 5th; Tommy L., 5th.

Swimming Competition Results: Chris M. (3rd Place); Chrissy C. (1st Place, 2nd Place, Participation Ribbon for Relay Race); Ed B. (3rd Place, Participation Ribbon for Relay Race); Ed H. (1st Place, 2nd Place, Participation Ribbon for Relay Race); John H. (3rd Place, 2nd Place); Marcos D. (1st Place, 1st Place, Participation Ribbon for Relay Race); Rob G. (2nd Place).

Donut Brandon S., Ethan B., Jorge C., Daniel L., Karl K., Vincent G., Delfin R., William H.

Scottie Dog Dominic C.AnDy WArhol inSpireD Mono print

Makaila C., Frank A.

tubing polAr beAr Jessica C.

Spooky tree Ashley B.

DAffoDilS in VASe Shemar L.

Winter tree Jake T.

SleDDing penguin Katie L.

The following are the names of the artists and their masterpieces:

Food Drive Thanks Many thanks to everyone who contributed to our food drive for the Castle Point Food Pantry—especially, Christine Croft and the students of classroom 119 who counted, sorted and graphed all the donations. (Be sure to check out their bulletin board in the North Wing of the AEC!) In total, we collected 226 food items and the organization certainly appreciated our efforts. Great job everyone!

Spring 2012 7

4885 Route 9 · P.O. Box 367

Staatsburg, NY 12580-0367

Ph: 845-889-4034

www.AndersonCenterforAutism.org

s a v e t h e d a t e s

October 6, 201211th Annual Gala at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, NY

Honoring David W. Melby and Marist College

October 20, 2012 ACA’s Open House & Harvest Festival at Anderson Center for Autism

October 23, 2012Family & Community Workshop at Anderson Center for Autism

For details, participation and sponsorship information, or to register for the above events, please contact Noel Crotone at 845-889-9208.