1. Solutions Vs. Strategies (Bambi VanWoert, Editor)
C O N T E N T S
Solutions VS Strategies 1
Save the Dates 2
Resource Spotlight 2
Community News 3
Events 4
Training
Opportunities
5
About Us/Donate 6
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 N E W S L E T T E R
C O L L A B O R A T I O N
E D U C A T I O N
I N F O R M A T I O N
R E L A T I O N S H I P S
S U P P O R T
Most individuals, when pre-
sented with a complicated is-
sue, try to find solutions.
The definition of the word solu-
tion is “the means of solving a
problem or dealing with a diffi-
cult situation”.
Many times the solution can be
found by a number of different
approaches; but there is a de-
finitive end point to the pro-
cess. However, there is a differ-
ence between a solution and
progress towards a goal.
Dealing with the challenges
that disabilities often present,
means that families need to re-
evaluate their definition of
success. The process of finding
a balance between stretching
the abilities of the individual
with a disability while
understanding their limitations,
is ongoing and requires fore-
planning.
As with any plan, there needs
to be a goal, and various strate-
gies to meet that goal. Strategy,
by definition, is “a plan of ac-
tion designed to achieve a ma-
jor or overall aim”. Strategies
need to be flexible, effective
and efficient.
Strategies may often lead to
solutions. An example of this
may be working towards the
goal of self-care. The strategy
could be using visual schedules
and social narratives to initiate
self-care. Once self-care is
mastered, the solution has
been met using various strate-
gies.
It can be difficult to change the
mindset from solution-based
thinking to strategy based
thinking. And oftentimes, it
takes a capable and focused
team of individuals to develop
effective strategies.
One way families, educators
and care providers can learn
these skills are through train-
ings available locally.
Two sources of training and
workshops are offered though
the following work groups:
1. CRAN/START
(Capital Region Area Network/
STate Autism Regional Training)
2. SEW 4 FEC
(Special Education Workshops 4
Families with Exceptional Chil-
dren)
These workgroups provide a
wealth of ideas for strategies
at home and in the school
setting and are free to attend!
All families are welcome and
encouraged to attend! (more
information is provided
in this newsletter)
Share your thoughts and experiences! This month’s topic:
Genetic Testing. Has your family utilized this medical service; what was the
outcome?
Send to: info@midmichiganautism.org
Anonymity Guaranteed

2. P A G E 2
Get Connected
Stay Educated
Fight Isolation
Resource
Spotlight
Save the Date-Local Trainings & Workshops
Here are a few resources we have found beneficial.
Please email us your favorite resources so that we can share with your fellow families.
FREE resources to create visual
supports!
Keep these resources in mind when you attend the workshop on December 4, 2013. Visual
schedules can be a very useful strategy!
Special Education Workshop: A Collaborative Program for
Families with Exceptional Children
Location: Heartwood, Mason
Time: 5:30
Details to Follow
2014
February 5: Community Resource Mapping – What has worked for you?
March 5: Summer is coming…Planning a successful summer schedule
April 2: IEPs: A Strength Based Collaboration for Positive Outcomes
May 7: Special Needs Trust: The future is just around the corner!
RSVP: Leanne Minshall at lminshal@inghamisd.org or 517.244.1298
(please include number of adults and number of children attending)
FREE!!
http://praacticalaac.org/praactical/5-free-resources-for-
making-communication-boards-visual-supports/

3. Community News
P A G E 3
The long-awaited Special Education Manual from Michigan Protection and
Advocacy Service is now online!
Find your copy here: http://mpas.org/resources/special-education-manual
In addition, MPAS needs your assistance in our efforts to design advocacy
services that will enable people with disabilities to live independent, produc-
tive lives as fully included members of the community. Please take a mo-
ment and fill out their survey, it is your opportunity to influence MPAS’ pri-
orities: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FLSL6DD
Evidence Based Practices
Decisions regarding stand-
ard of care will be based on
research studies that are re-
producible in more than one
scientific model using data
collection to measure out-
comes.
PHRASE OF THE MONTH

4. EVENTS
P A G E 4
VARIOUS DATES-START TRAINING
December 2013/NMS & UofM Basketball
2013 Jumpin Jaxx/MMAA night
**watch for 2014 dates coming soon**

5. P A G E 5
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Learning is a treasure that will follow its
owner everywhere. - Chinese Proverb

6. Mid-Michigan Autism Association
PO Box 27462
Lansing, Michigan 48909
info@midmichiganautism.org
P A G E 6
Mid-Michigan Autism Association is committed to :
~Uniting the local autism community; bringing together existing sup-
port groups and resources; creating opportunities for families affected
by all forms of autism
~Promoting quality education for families on the spectrum
~Collaborating with local organizations and non-profits.
~Addressing the unique emotional needs of families on the spectrum.
~Educational outreach to the community.
Mary Sharp, President
mary@midmichiganautism.org
Mary Douglass, Vice-President
maryd@midmichiganautism.org
Mary Opsommer, Treasurer
mops@midmichiganautism.org
Trustees:
Wanda Watson
Sarah Winslow
Alexis Schneider
Kristan Buege-Miller
Pat Miller
Secretary:
Min Lee
Bambi VanWoert, Editor
bambi@midmichiganautism.org
MMAA Board of Directors
Autism Driven, not Autism Specific
The board and volunteers of MMAA are thankful for the generous support of our community through
donations, participation in fundraisers and purchases from our gift shop:
http://www.midmichiganautism.org/cool_stuff.html