APRIL is here, the National Autism Month - Wear Blue on April 3rd - campaign to increase understanding and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder, promote inclusion and self determination, and support opportunity for highest possible quality of life.

This month we will be learning the "Apology and Forgiveness", "Patience Tool" and the "Courage Tool" from our Toolbox Curriculum which are our last 3 tools.

Apology and Forgiveness "I admit my mistakes and work to forgive yours" A sincere apology opens the doors to self-responsibility and forgiveness. It takes self-esteem and inner strength to admit a mistake and to do the "right" thing. Using the Apology and Forgiveness Tool is a giant leap towards maturity. Forgiveness takes equal strength. It requires letting go of anger and judgement. It does not mean we have to forget , but there can be a willingness to forgive. If we are still holding the hot amber of anger, resentment, or hatred, we are the one still getting burned.

Apology and forgiveness is the glue that holds and repair broken relationships. Just like we glue two pieces of paper together , we use Apology and Forgiveness to glue friendships back together and restore communication.

Patience Tool "I am strong enough to wait" Patience is the ability to wait quietly. Patience develops our capacity to for tolerating situations that are not in our control. Children learn patience when we model it. If patience is not modeled, children may learn to be impatient, demanding, and impulsive.

Courage Tool "I have the courage to do the "right" thing" Courage is having inner strength and bravery to do the "right thing" even when it is difficult. When we feel troubled by our own or others behaviors, it takes courage to use our Tools when others are not using theirs. Helping children to have courage lets them explore the unfamiliar. Courage, from Latin cor ("heart"), means to act with "heart". Acting with courage is following one's heart.

THURSDAYS - Early Release 1pm

APRIL IS STATE TESTING MONTH - 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th Grades

April 3rd - Spirit Day Autism Awareness - WEAR BLUE

April 7th - World Health Day

April 22nd - Earth Day

• Make sure that your child gets a good night sleep , starts the day with a filling breakfast, and goes to school with a water bottle to help stay hydrated.
• Positive reinforcement - A little encouragement can go a long way in helping students walk into testing days feeling confident—which, in turn, can have a huge effect on their performance.
• Avoid putting too much emphasis on your child's test - doing so can make your child feel pressure that will ultimately affect his or her performance negatively
• Bring your child to school on time
• Encourage your child to take a few deep breaths and relax - repeat throughout the test, this will help calm them down
• Encourage your child not rush through the test but to to take time and read directions carefully

Our community offers a wealth of resources to support children and their families. Please let me know if you are in need of outside counseling contacts, employment support, food/clothing/utilities, crisis intervention, or any other concerns/questions!

https://www.autismspeaks.org/

https://autismsociety.org/