September 2018 was the start of a wonderful endeavor by some of our high school students.  Students, in conjunction with Related Services were given the opportunity to give back to the community by providing hand-bagged lunches for the homeless. 

This project was started by educating students on the plight of the homeless, with the help from SFSS.  This was an eye opening experience, ensuring that students were emotionally invested and not just going through the motions.  After the students connected with the need, it was smooth sailing from there.  They quickly moved into planning health conscious and economical meals, creating flyers to gather donations, purchasing supplies, and finally making the lunches. 

Several months into the program they are still going strong and have even progressed to making lunches for a Women’s and Children’s shelter for those in crisis.  

-Immy Moustafa, Related Services Department, Celebrate the Children

National Random Acts of Kindness Day will be celebrated on February 17th. This is a wonderful day to take time to show others your appreciation, or just show you care to random strangers. This is also a nice time to teach children about compassion for others without the expectation of receiving something in return. There are many ways to show your kindness:
 

• Leave an inspirational note for someone to find
• Invite someone who is alone over for dinner
• Buy a coffee for the person behind you in line
• Let someone go in line before you
• Start up a conversation with a stranger
• Write a special thank you to a food server to leave with the bill
• Donate some of your possessions
• Text, call or write a note to an old friend and tell them how much they meant in your life
• Bring your co-workers an extra treat
• Offer to help run an errand for a busy friend or neighbor
• Give someone a book you think they might like
• Let someone else have the good parking spot or seat on the bus/train
• Give someone a compliment
• Visit a nursing home
• Offer to babysit for a family or friend

 
It is always important to remember that the act itself is not what truly matters, but rather the intent behind the act. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” (Aesop)

Happy National Random Acts of Kindness Day!

-Michelle Rehse, Teacher, Celebrate the Children

What's your opinion?
 
The Autism Puzzle Piece logo, which is associated with autism, is currently a controversial symbol and highly debated topic in the autism community.
 
Gerald Glasson, a parent member of the Executive Committee for the National Autistic Society, created this Autism Puzzle Piece in 1963. He chose a puzzle piece as a visual aid to illustrate the puzzling nature of autism. 

However, some opposed it stating that the logo depicted those with autism as incomplete, irregular, challenging, and isolated. The controversy continued further when the puzzle piece was adopted by Autism Speaks.

Therefore, in 2017, researchers tested the general public’s reactions to being shown the Puzzle Piece logo, in relation to individuals with autism.
 
Their test revealed that more often than not, people reacted negatively when seeing the Puzzle Piece logo, confirming the sentiments of many autism advocates, that people associate puzzle pieces with things that are odd. 
 
These results prompted Autism Advocates to think of alternate ideas for a new logo.  Several were in favor of the Autism Pride rainbow-colored infinity logo, some advocated for a brain logo, while others rallied for the Puzzle Piece Ribbon illustrating the diversity of people on the spectrum and how we all come in different shapes and sizes. Since the vast majority could not agree on one specific logo the National Autism Awareness organization stuck with the blue logo to avoid any confusion.
 
Since the conversation still continues today regarding a new logo, what are your thoughts?  Would you be open to a new design?  Should the Puzzle Piece one be replaced or are you okay with it?    
 
Personally, as a Special Education teacher and avid advocate for individuals on the spectrum, I am in favor of the Puzzle Piece Ribbon.  I believe the pieces represent the many unique attributes that individuals on the Autism Spectrum possess.  It is a logo I am proud to wear and display in support of the students I am privileged to teach every day.

-Debbie Castelluccio, Teacher, Celebrate the Children
 
Reference Article:  Puzzle Piece logo from Art Of Autism 2017

A good way to not succumb to the winter blues is to get outside of your home. There are a plethora of sensory friendly events in our state you can take advantage of during the cold months. 

Studies have proven that there is a direct correlation between movement and brain activation, between physical activity and mood improvement and that play is necessary for optimal development.

As SFSS therapists, we are keenly conscious of the connection between emotions, energy levels, the quality/quantity of sleep and the ability to engage in the work we do with the students. We each try to be aware of our own mood variations and how intricately this is connected to how much we move. We often start our day by noting what our sense of ourselves is based on these general guidelines. 
 
One of the most basic concepts we have discovered and try to reinforce is to find something that you like to do. Then start doing it even minimally. When it’s something you like to do, the chances of noticing the benefits emotionally, mentally and physically is almost immediately apparent. 
 
When we think about our student’s sense of self, their confidence and sense of competency, we need to integrate the movement piece into whatever work we do. It’s ability to regulate the nervous system is clear; it’s ability to regulate our feelings, build self esteem, support better sleep and increase sustained engagement cannot be overlooked.

-Student and Family Support Services, Celebrate the Children