Southern Minnesota Autism Coalition

Social Thinking and Related Social Skills Workshop
September 29 & 30 2009
Presented by Michelle Garcia Winner

Michelle Garcia Winner is an SLP who specializes in students with social cognitive deficits. She runs a clinic; authored numerous books and speaks internationally. Michelle’s goal is to help educators and parents appreciate how social thinking and social skills is an integral part of students academic, vocational and community success. She was honored with a “Congressional Special Recognition Award” in 2008.

Come One Come All to Jack McGowans Farm
September 26th 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
For children with vision impairments and children on the autism spectrum and their families in Region 9. Join us for Carnival Fun! There will be games with prizes, snacks, and all the other fun activities Jack’s has to offer (zip line, carts, tunnels and a little magic). Contact Loree Brown at (507) 389-1425 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) by September 21st 2009 to register. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. Check out Jack McGowan’s website for directions at http://www.hickorytech.net/~mcgowan/location.htm

Cub Scouts for Boys on the Spectrum
The Mankato area now has a unique Cub Scout Pack for autistic boys, grades K-5. This became official on March 12th at the Salvation Army Youth Center during the first meeting. Five families were present at this meeting and were enthused about establishing this unique Cub Scout Pack. The nine boys present at the meeting were as excited about the new pack as the parents were and the boys interacted well with each other. This pack will be a collective effort because we all want our children to experience making new friends, being part of a team, learning new things and of course having fun. The first official meeting was held on April 5th at 1:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army Youth Center in Mankato. The meeting lasted about an hour.

This could not have been possible without Kirsten Hill, District Executive Officer of the Boy Scouts of America who worked out the logistics and Megan Weerts, Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher at Monroe Elementary School in Mankato who was willing to ensure that parents of autistic children in the Mankato area receive flyers announcing the assembly of the autistic pack. The efforts made by both of these ladies are greatly appreciated.

If anyone is interested in signing up their autistic son, please contact: Shane and Michelle Bridges at 507-345-5158.

Southern Minnesota Autism Coalition presents WalkDo II
October 4th 2009

Mankato West High School to Mount Kato on the Red Jacket trail. Registration at noon - Walk at 1:00 PM. Funds raised will help implement Project Lifesaver to save the lives of individuals with Autism and other related disorders in Region 9.