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Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Chapter
ASA Pittsburgh
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Thanks, World of Wheels Pinstripers!
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CHECK US OUT!
Come see us at our ongoing Monroeville support group Monday nights at: The Monroeville Public Library Gateway Campus Boulevard Monroeville, PA 15146 The FOURTH Monday of each month through the end of May. The specific dates are: January 25, February 22, March 22, April 26, and May 24th.
WTAE's Michelle Wright has done a great series on autism. Click on these links to see video: Families Look for Hope Do Diet and Vaccines Play a Role? As Autism Cases Rise, So Do Costs
What we've been doing Exploring new housing options Together with our board we continue to visit and work with Blueroof Technologies in McKeesport, PA. They offer a wide variety of technology options designed to support people with disabilities who live in their family home, alone, or in group settings. The possiblities are extensive when considering types of monitoring and communication devices one can place into either a new home or while retrofitting an existing dwelling. Check them out at http://www.bluerooftechnologies.com
Answering the phone
Calls into the office have been picking up, with an increase in the number of those related to young adults on the spectrum. As a result we have been spending "quality time" with parents on the phone or trading emails about problematic situations. We do love to talk with our families, but wish the conversations could be about happier things for their sake. Training Several groups have contacted us about training. We got out to visit with and train lead teachers and directors from 16 Tender Care Learning Centers when they got together for a day of professional development. We discussed signs and symptoms of autism in children of various ages, talked about the importance of early intervention and erring on the side of caution, and went over sensory and communications while covering some interventions. Lu Randall taught a session on the Brain Basics of Autism to 80+ Duquense University nursing students in their fourth and final year of school. This is the third year Duqusne has included ASA Pittsburgh in the education of these soon-to-be nurses and it is always a good discussion. Helping with New Ventures! Learning Express welcomed us during the opening of their new store in Robinson Township for an evening of toy discounts and giving. Owners Jen Palashoff and Julie Toussaint gave a generous donation to ASA Pittsburgh, we got to meet and advise some new families, and a good time was had by all who played with the cool educational toys that night. Thanks to Jen and Julie for their welcoming attitude and generosity. Additionally, we are writing and planning a DVD and web-hosted training series for the Pennsylvania justice system. 
We have lost a great friend Foge Fazio, 1938-2009 It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a true friend. As you may know by now, Foge Fazio passed away on Wednesday, December 2nd. While his excellence as a player and accomplished coach earned him universal respect in the football world, in our world of special needs he is owed so much more for his countless hours of volunteer work for area children with autism and their families. In 1981 Foge, Myron Cope, Pitt football alumns and Montour Country Club members held the first Cope Fazio Golf Outing for Autism, recently renamed the Myron Cope Memorial Golf outing. To date it has raised a total of more than 1.3 million dollars for the Autism Society of Pittsburgh. Foge’s involvement in this fundraiser was inspirational to every one of us involved who witnessed his unselfish commitment and optimistic handling of any difficulty. “When Myron passed away, he smoothly assumed full responsibility for arranging foursomes, soliciting sponsors, prizes and auction items, and overseeing every detail of this major undertaking,” according to the chairman of the event. “He kept it going in good times and in bad.” Only God know the full value of Foge Fazio’s remarkable life, and what it has meant to thousands of children and families in our area struggling with autism. The Fazio family has chosen The Autism Society of Pittsburgh as one of Foge's favorite charities to recieve memorial contributions. You may mail yours to: The Autism Society of Pittsburgh, 4371 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by our not being able to take online donations at this time. If you need to use a credit card to make a contribution, please call us at 412.856.7223 and we will take your information over the phone. We continue to offer the coolest tee shirts on the planet see them in greater detail by clicking on the SHIRT button to the right. Speaking of cool, visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/steelcityiceburghs , a division of USA Hockey and the American Special Hockey Association, sponsoring ice hockey for special players dealing with Autism, Down Syndrome, & Developmental Delays.) We Need You! It is autism awareness day EVERY SINGLE DAY for our community. To us this means answering all kinds of questions about autism spectrum disorders (ASD's) from cause to treatments to genetics to aging with autism ~ and beyond! Send us your email addresses please so we can send you our daily updates of autism news, legislation, intervention ideas and special events! If you prefer, we'll also take your regular mail address so you can receive copies of our paper newsletter. Just send your info to asapgh@aol.com  Let us know what your interests or concerns are and we look forward to hearing from you soon! ~ ASA Pittsburgh staff HOW TO REACH US: Our office is located at: 4371 Northern Pike Monroeville, Pa 15146 412.856.7223 asapgh@aol.com
Thank you, WORLD OF WHEELS! We had a blast at the 2010 World of Wheels. Huge thanks go out to Rebecca Ferrar, auctioneer extraordinaire Cassandra Seth and her husband Josh, and all the fabulous pinstripers who donated their time to help local families struggling with autism. See our PHOTOS to the right.
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