“My wife and I discussed doing this a year ago, but thought we’d get more attention if we held it during Autism Month, which is in April,” said Orndorff. “She has a child who was diagnosed with mild autism.  A lot of people don’t know much about it and we wanted to help bring some attention to it.” Highlander said the event raised $1,100 for Little Star and he plans to conduct the fundraiser again next year.

Shelly Will, Little Star – Lafayette Center Manager, said “It was very thoughtful of them to think of us and I was very touched with their interest in increasing awareness, particularly as they have experienced it personally.” Funds will go toward the building of a playground at the Lafayette center.

WLFI-TV 18 reporter David DeLong was on the scene to see how Robyn Eads, Little Star Center-Carmel therapist  supported the cause. ”It really hurt but I like the autism symbol of puzzle pieces that was tattooed on my ankle.  It was worth it.”  Click here to see TV footage.

Senator Head visits Little Star Center playroom.

Indiana State Senator Randall Head, District 18, recently visited Little Star Center with Dana Renay, Executive Director of Autism Society of Indiana. As part of an informal regional site visit and overview of options available to Hoosier children and families living with autism, the senator visited Little Star Center, a local school, and the Indiana Developmental Training Center.

Senator Head serves on the Indiana Autism Commission (as does Little Star Center Executive Director Mary Rosswurm), which is directed by the Indiana General Assembly to study the service delivery system for individuals and families living with autism.  It also studies the need for and effectiveness of available programs and oversees and updates the development of a comprehensive plan for services for individuals of all ages with autism.

 Little Star Center was acknowledged during the tour as an exceptional provider for people needing therapeutic intervention services. “I have always been impressed by the dedication and patience of teachers,” said Senator Head, “and today was no exception. Seeing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy first-hand was truly a great experience. Little Star has a lot going for it…(and offers) fine program(ming) for kids on the spectrum.”

Adrian Bramlage, group coordinator teaching a group session at Little Star Center Carmel

Little Star Center is featured on the cover of the May 8, 2012 issue of the Current in Carmel newspaper!  The cover story, “Understanding Autism,” shares some things ”those in the know want the rest of us to know about the disorder.”  The article highlights experiences by a parent of a child with the disorder and a school teacher, noting that people who don’t understand autistic behavior think the parent allows “bad behavior” in the child.

The parent said people need to understand that the child doesn’t “get” the world and requires certain guidance in how to deal with situations and learn how to gain control over his/her response to frustration.  The teacher, Jane Webb, indicated that there are not a lot of books designed to help create an understanding of autism so she wrote, “My Brother is Artistic,” which is illustrated by a young man with autism, Griffin Nickels. 

Little Star is identified as a resource for parents. Executive Director Mary Rosswurm said, ”A lot of people talk about people with autism as patients.  I don’t think our kids are sick. There’s nothing about them that’s not whole.”  She encouraged parents not to wait if they think something is not right as early diagnosis and intervention is critical.   Mary observed that finding the right place for children is one of the most important decisions parents make and can go a long way toward lightening their load.  “My goal at the end of the day is to be the soft place for parents to fall,” Rosswurm said.  “They have so many battles…I want this to be the easy part of their day.”

The staff will also tour Morningside Academy, a nonprofit school for elementary and middle school students that integrates several behavior analysis activities and methods including research-based instructional technologies, direct instruction, precision teaching, and talk-aloud problem solving.

The ABAI is the primary membership organization for those interested in the philosophy, science, application, and teaching of behavior analysis.  Its events, research, education, journals, and resources help develop, enhance, and support the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis and contribute to success in the field.

Every family wants the best for their children. That desire is even stronger when parents learn their child has autism.

Thankfully, we live in a state that understands that the best treatment for this fast-growing neurological disorder shouldn’t be limited to those who can afford it.

As we recognize National Autism Awareness Month, I believe it’s important to acknowledge the groundbreaking efforts in Indiana to pass a law requiring health insurers, with some exceptions, to cover intensive therapy for autism, regardless of age or time in treatment. 

This mandate — passed in 2001, five years before any other state – reaffirms that autism is a medical diagnosis that requires treatment just like any other health issue.  More importantly, many Hoosier families have more autism therapy options for their children without the added stress of struggling to cover costs.

Indiana  families are in a unique group, as 27 of the 28 other states with autism health insurance mandates cap the amount of annual treatment a person can receive, as well as the age of the person being treated.  Massachusetts passed a similar law to Indiana’s in 2011.

Indiana’s Health Insurance Mandate for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Pervasive Developmental Disorders law increases access to proven successful therapy such as applied behavior analysis, once limited to those who could afford to pay out of pocket.  This therapy is a highly researched approach to teaching children with autism appropriate social, communication and life skills critical to helping them lead productive lives.

Little Star Center was the first center to offer applied behavior analysis when it opened in 2002. Ten families enrolled, with all paying the treatment costs personally.  Enrollment has increased steadily at both the Carmel and Lafayette facilities; the Lafayette center opened in 2011.

The treatment cost for nearly all those enrolled is covered by health insurance. Our enrollment now includes families from diverse economic backgrounds, thanks to Indiana’s mandate.

Each day, we celebrate with our families as their son or daughter achieves success through this proven therapy. Our accomplishment feels even more complete knowing that many of those enrolled would have been unable to benefit from this treatment if not for Indiana’s law.

Yes, there are restrictions to the law. Self-insured companies and employers not based in Indiana are not required to follow the mandate. Medicaid and Hoosier Healthwise are not required to follow the mandate, either.

Although it’s not a perfect system, more families now have access to effective and research-based treatments that were once out of reach.

This accomplishment alone sends a powerful message to families that Indiana stands with them in their search for the best autism treatment for their child, period.

Mary Rosswurm is executive director of Little Star Centers in Carmel and Lafayette.  She serves on the Indiana Commission for Autism and is mother of a young adult with autism.

Pool Safety Tips: wishtv.com

Swim season is about to start and drowning is the leading cause of death for children and young adults with autism, due to pool incidents or wandering-related episodes, according to statistics.

Mary Rosswurm, executive director of Little Star Center in Carmel, discusses safety tips, such as life vests, arm bands and ankle monitors.

Mary can also talks the importance of swim lessons and how parents can be vigilant about protecting their child with autism this summer.

We even had sunglasses for the kids!

Thank you to the Little Star Lafayette Families and Staff for a great year! We couldn’t have done it without you!

I'm a Little Star shades!

Her future is so bright....

LSC Lafayette Parents and Siblings

Congratulations!

The motto of A Fighting Chance is “Be Prepared; Not Scared.” Marita Bower, the class instructor, and her “bad guy” demonstrated the most common attack scenarios.

They addressed ways to avoid an attack; escape if you can’t avoid it; and survive if you can’t escape. It was an intense four hours, but well worth the time. I came into the class not knowing anything about self-defense and left feeling that I would be able to know what to do if I was in a bad situation. As I work with many young women, I am planning on having another class for staff and moms this summer. If you would like more info on A Fighting Chance, please visit their website as www.AFCselfdefense.com

Mary Rosswurm

Executive Director

Little Star Center, Inc.