The ASA's 38th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders (July 11-14, 2007) of ASA

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ

http://www.autism-society.org/

For a complete author index with session numbers, please click here
Friday, July 13, 2007: 10:30 AM-11:45 AM
Herberger Ballroom 1
#2935- Our Life In A Nutty Shell III, Living With Autism and Loving It, Planning for the Future
This session will continue the inspiring series the Gammicchia Family has shared with others over the past three years. Attendees will learn from how the entire family has collaborated to support Nicholas through his transition to High School and also planning for his future beyond age eighteen. Learn how an individual with Autism is supported by his parents, brother, and natural circle of support to assist him in seeking self-determination options as an adolescent within his community.

Presenters:Nicholas Gammicchia, Teen, on, a, mission, to, assi, A teen entering young adulthood - Nicholas is a fifteen year-old who loves his family, loves his friends, is a Disney maniac, is a great artist, and has autism. He was honored in 2004 with a national Temple Grandin Award for his community involvement and academic achievements, and is one of the hardest working volunteers within his community. His dreams for this year are to start dating and learn to drive.....the same things that are giving his parents nightmares.

Alexander S. Gammicchia, Brother and supporter of Nick Gammicchia - Alexander is a sixteen-year old who will be entering his senior year in high school. His mission is to provide an avenue for people in his community to know his brother as the cool kid he is and that autism is just a part of who he is. Too it's not at all bad, especially when he is his best friend and the feeling is mutual.

Andrew W. Gammicchia, Father, Husband, Advocate, LEAN On Us, Police Officer and President of LEAN On Us - Andrew prides himself in being a very involved Dad and his biggest accomplishment in life thusfar. Being a father to two teens, one affected by autism, has also provided him a catalyst to educate his chosen profession law enforcement about the disorder. An officer for over twenty-two years, he prides himself in being able to share positively what ASD has brought to his life....and to also make others aware that there are specific needs of individuals with ASD. He too is married to Carolyn and refer's to himself as Carolyn's husband as a standing quip within the ASA community.

Carolyn A. Gammicchia, Mother, Wife, Friend, and, Adv, LEAN On Us, Police Officer and Executive Director of LEAN On Us - Carolyn is mom to two teens who are both her pride and joy as well as her reason for being here. Nicholas fifteen has autism and Alexander sixteen hav been her motiviation for many efforts over the last ten years in the ASD community. Carolyn has been married to Andrew for seventeen years and this year was named one of the finalists, 250 individuals out of 20,000 candidates, for the Volvo for Life Hero Award for her volunteer efforts. Carolyn has also been active in ASA National for many years serving on local boards as well as several national committees.

 
The purpose of this session is to guide and inspire participants through an individual with Autism's transition from junior high to high school as well as his transition planning for the future. The session will provide introductions of all participants ~ the Gammicchia Family, and provide insight how each family member has supported Nicholas in achieving his goals. Nicholas will also take the lead in providing a window into how he has managed, though an individual with expressive language difficulty, to have people within educational and community settings listen, value his choices, and consider him as a person outside of his disability.

This session will also provide what we hope has been achieved by the last two sessions presented in Rhode Island and Nashville. It will provide a window into what it is like to live with ASD, support a child and sibling who has Autism, and to also ensure that person has doors opened to be both respected and valued for who they are.

The session will format will be as follows:

I. Introductions ~ A cast of characters

II. A quick overview A. Diagnosis ~ Initial Struggles a. What's the buzz? b. Appropriate paths B. Seeking assistance and maintaining a healthy family dynamic a. Support from family b. ASD Community support C. A Rocky Road ~ Pursuing Inclusive Education Options a. Laying the groundwork b. Obtaining professional support D. Believing in our child ~ Triumphs outweigh the difficulty a. Getting past the obstacles and recognizing the abilities E. A family of advocates evolves with the most powerful in a self-advocate a. Effecting change b. Being heard c. Educating a self-advocate and supporters

III. Adolescence ~ Yes this is a scary time A. Sexuality and Maturation issues a. Healthy education options b. Safety concerns ~ Personal safety program c. Circles program

B. Encouraging goals without diminishing dreams a. Getting real and focusing on accomplishments that are within range ~ providing encouragement to keep the dream alive, but via a different means b. Supporting independence and risk taking

IV. Transitioning from Junior High to High School A. A respectful team approach a. It's all about Nicholas with Nicholas b. Personal choice options c. Natural circle of support d. Best laid PATH

B. Looking toward the future a. Personal choices b. True independence c. Security

V. Establishing a Micro board and Micro enterprise A. Selection of members B. A strategic plan for a persons life C. Providing financial groundwork

VI. Perspectives of a sibling A. Natural support is not so different for a person with ASD B. That top ten list ~ “What we can get away with on our own” C. What burden? D. The fear is a natural feeling

VII. A parents' role ~ Revisiting the “norm” A. Eliminating fears B. Providing support C. “Getting over it” D. Letting go E. Being able to have a sigh of relief

VIII. My dreams for my future A. The responsibility of a self-advocate B. Dreams are personal ~ sharing some C. Hopes provide inspiration D. Abilities provide direction E. Autism is a part of me, it is not all of me

IX. Getting over the hurdles ~ preparing for adulthood A. Identification B. Solution seeking C. Ever evolving action plan D. Building a natural circle of support daily

X. Sharing successes and triumphs ~ the finale

Within this session there will be video clips, photos, and artwork shared. Nicholas and Alex will also share clips from a film they assisted in making along with some other personal successes they have shared in. There will also be discussion, by Carolyn and Andrew the fears they have as they look at what may transpired for their son, but also how those fears have been eliminated as they have planned for Nicholas and his future.

As in the past it is the family's intent to inspire others to seek a path that may seem more challenging, but will lead to opening doors, provide for more options, and also provide respectful and supportive avenues for a entire family when living with autism. Though those choices may seem difficult, or more fearful, the ending results often prove to be worth the risk as well as a wonderful learning experience for all those involved within the life of an individual with autism.

It is also the hope of the Gammicchia family to share the positive that has come from their journey thus far. To show that each person touched by their son Nicholas has learned a great deal from him as a person. To encourage looking outside of the box in searching for lifespan options, and to also listen to what is most important, the desires, hopes, and dreams of the person they are wishing to support.

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