Early intervention truly makes a huge difference, which is why we offer free autism screenings for children age three and under. If you have any concerns at all, call Children’s Care in Sioux Falls or Rapid City, SD and ask for a free autism screen. Don’t wait, time is of the essence for your little one. In Sioux Falls, call (605) 782-2400. In Rapid City, call (605) 342-4412. Our staff can ease your mind or make “next-step” recommendations to help your child be one who “blooms.”

Lisa Williams of Mitchell, SD, with raffle ticket #250, won the 2-year lease on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz!

Karen Michels of Pierre, SD, with raffle ticket #471, won the $1,500 Gunderson’s Jewelry Shopping Spree!

John Bennett of Sioux Falls, SD, with raffle ticket #52, won the one-week stay at Aventure Lodge near Deadwood in the Black Hills!

Thank you for helping celebrate 60 years of extraordinary care!

People with disabilities, no matter what age or what disability they may have, are people first. They have individual personalities, interests, abilities, and needs. They are our children, sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers. They are our neighbors, employees, and friends. Please join Children’s Care in bringing awareness to People First Language.

Sign the Pledge to Use People First Language at www.cchs.org, and we’ll send you a flyer with People First Language!

Brayden’s birth was fairly typical, spending only a few days in the hospital before going home with his parents. His life took an altering course when at seven weeks old, he quit breathing at daycare. After his daycare provider and her husband applied CPR, he was rushed to the hospital in Mitchell, and later sent to a Sioux Falls hospital suffering multiple seizures on the way. In an instant his family’s life changed forever.

Brayden’s mom, Christie Wobig, says they found out later that Brayden had an esophageal stricture and had aspirated. As a result of the trauma, the portion of his brain controlling the body’s voluntary movements (sitting, crawling, walking), along with communication and learning functions was severely affected.

Children’s Care was there when Brayden’s family needed therapy and education support. “Children’s Care has been a blessing,” says Christie. “I didn’t think they could teach someone with disabilities to do some of these things. It’s been an eye opener.”

Brayden came to Children’s Care when he was three. Since that time, he has made remarkable progress and captivates everyone he meets. According to his teacher, Robert Beringer, “Everyone knows Brayden for his smile – his cheesy grin from ear to ear – it’s infectious.”

When Brayden first came to Children’s Care he used his left hand most times, but now uses both hands. In addition, he has overcome a gagging reflex he used to experience when touching things like fuzzy balls or textured items.

Brayden has learned to swallow better making it easier for him to eat which is a step toward independence. He knows his colors, animals, shapes, letters, and responds to questions about stories. Even more importantly, Children’s Care has given him the ability and tools to communicate better. He’s been given a sense of independence through the use of a power mobility chair at school says his mother.

Just recently, Brayden received a new communication device that uses ipad-like technology allowing him to make choices and decisions by nudging a button with his head. Otherwise, he communicates by holding up a finger or through his looks and expressions.

Although Brayden doesn’t have a power mobility chair at home, he can take his communication device home which opens doors to communicating with his family. The device is personalized with his school schedule, songs he has learned, pictures of his family, and more.

Brayden’s teachers are proud of the progress he’s made and say that his glowing personality shines through even more as he gains independence. He is beginning to enjoy and do some of the same things other children his age do. “The progress he has made academically is phenomenal. You take away his disabilities and he’s just like every other kid,” says Beringer.

“Brayden’s parents put the time in to help him – over and beyond what some families do,” continued Beringer. “They have run with everything we recommend – and they bring him everywhere. We’re benefiting from what they’re doing and they benefit from what we’re doing”

Parents Ed and Christie, brother Jaedon, Brayden, and sister Ashtyn

Through the dedication of staff at Children’s Care and the love and support of a caring family, Brayden is beating the odds – he’s learning, growing, and becoming more independent.

With the help of Children’s Care and generous individuals who support our mission, those dreams may be within reach!

Exactly sixty years later, on Friday, March 2nd, 2012, children and staff will celebrate with a party in the gym at Children’s Care in Sioux Falls. We’ll have cake, punch, and games, and we’ll see the debut of the new Children’s Care video. Our music therapist Cherie Ortman will provide entertainment with former staff member, social worker Nate Anderson. They’ve written a song especially for the occasion! Dr. E.B. Morrison, founding executive director of “Crippled Children’s Hospital & School,” will also attend.

The party will be held from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Alumni and former students are welcome to attend for a look around and to visit with old friends. If you have any questions, call (605) 782-2384.
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Franceschini notes that swallowing doesn’t end at the pharynx. As such, he says, comprehensive dysphagia interventions cannot consist solely of muscle exercises, maneuvers, compensatory postures and diet modifications. To ensure the highest quality of care is achieved, clinicians must consider the other factors that contribute to swallowing difficulties, such as esophageal abnormalities, acid reflux disease, and pharmacology.

Workshop hours are 8:00AM-4:30PM on Thursday and 8:00AM-1:30PM on Friday. The cost is $300 per person, and twelve contact hours are provided. To register, click on the “Training & Workshops” button on our website, or call (605) 782-2371. This workshop is provided by Children’s Care University, a training and continuing education program of Children’s Care Hospital & School.

This 1-day seminar will present strategies that have served people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) of all ages and all levels of functioning in a wide variety of settings all over the world. The strategies and approaches are based on understanding the neurological differences that research has identified in people with ASD and then adjusting educational, self-help, and community-based activities so that these activities are taught in ways that match the learning styles of individuals with ASD. The presentation will describe some of the learning differences that have been identified in people with ASD and show how these can be accommodated by making appropriate adaptations in how educational strategies and approaches are created and delivered. The goal of this presentation is for participants to better understand ASD and how to help these people to think and learn and understand more effectively in the home and the school and the community.

Objectives

1. Increase understanding of brain differences in people with ASD from typical people.
2. Learn about the implications of those brain differences for thinking and learning and understanding in ASD
3. Understanding treatment approaches that are based on those brain differences
4. Gaining knowledge about Current Research in ASD and what its implications might be.

Dr. Gary B. Mesibov is a Professor Emeritus of Psychology in the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served on the faculty for 35 years. He was the Director of Division TEACCH at the University of North Carolina from 1992 until 2010. This internationally recognized statewide program is one of a kind in its pioneering approaches to service, treatment, training, research and the education of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Mesibov has degrees from Stanford University (A.B.), The University of Michigan (M.A.), Brandeis University (Ph.D.). Dr. Mesibov is a licensed Psychologist in the state of North Carolina.

Dr. Mesibov’s editorial appointments include: Editor of the Journal of Autism and
Developmental Disorders for 10 years, and membership on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Clinical Child Psychology and the Journal of Pediatric Psychology. He has written numerous books, journal articles, book reviews, editorials, chapters and research papers dealing with all aspects of autism and developmental disabilities and has been recognized with numerous local, national and international awards for his work.

Target Audience:
Special ed teachers
Behavior Analysts
Behavior Therapists
Community service providers for children with special needs
Anyone who works with kids with autism
Pre-school teachers/daycare providers
OT, PT, ST