The A Games are coming!

2014 A Games

June 1, 2014, 12:00am

Sport-Social

What is the A Games? The “A Games” is similar to the well-known “X Games,” but for children on the autism spectrum. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in two of seven events. Festivities will include a DJ, live band, silent auction, bounce houses, food trucks, award ceremony and much more! When and where? June 1, 2014 @ Sport Social – 7055 Windy Street, Las Vegas NV 89119 – 9am-3pm Who is it for? Children on the autism spectrum between the ages of 3-17. What events are in the A Games? Kids will pick 2 events from the following: Bike Race, Skateboard Race, Scooter Race, Bike Trick Competition, Skateboard Trick Competition, Scooter Trick Competition and the Parkour Obstacle Course. Events will be modified for each child's individual abilities ensuring participation is appropriate for all those on the spectrum. How can I sign up my child to participate? Simply click the REGISTER AS A PARTICPANT button here: http://www.agameslasvegas.com and follow the quick and easy steps. Each participant will receive a fund raising page with their picture that they can send to friends and family to help solicit additional donations. The more you raise, the more prizes you will receive! Tell me more about the A Games! The day will be amazing! All participants will receive medals during the medal ceremony at the end of each event. We will also have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons. In addition, we will have live music, food trucks, swag bag for each of the kids participating and BEST of ALL...we are honored to have TJ Lavin, X-Games gold medalist and also the host of the MTV show "The Challenge." How can participants practice for the event? Participants will have the opportunity to sign up for practice sessions at Sports Social during the enrollment process. How much does it cost to participate? $35 is the participation fee. All kids will receive swag bags, event t-shirts and a medals. If you raise more money you will win prizes! Please share your fundraising page with friends and family and help FEAT build a successful event. How do I sponsor a kid with autism? Simply click on the DONATE button and select the participant you wish to sponsor. It takes only a few minutes! What does the money benefit? All monies raised will stay in Southern Nevada and go towards FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment). FEAT provides information on autism treatment resources, support, encouragement and guidance for families affected by autism. How else can you help? There are many ways to help. We can use volunteers prior to the event as well as 100+ people for the day of the event. If you are interested in learning more about ways to help, please email Jennifer@featsonv.org Please visit http://www.featsonv.org to view the Prize list, Event Descriptions and Sign Up Instructions.

Spring Break Camp!!! April 14th - 18th

Join us at Sport-Social for Spring Break Camp! Have fun and learn new skills from April 14-18, 9 am to 1 pm. Space is limited-call today to reserve your spot (702) 485-5515.

Sport-Social is offering Spring Break Camp for kids of all ages and abilities! Camp is offered April 14-18 from 9 am to 1 pm, with after camp care available.

What is Reinforcement?

Chances are that at some point during your quest to find treatment options for your child with autism you have heard the term "reinforcement." Reinforcement can be a valuable tool in your arsenal against autism, but the term can be confusing because we often see it in many different contexts. While we most often use reinforcement in ABA, or Applied Behavioral Analysis, reinforcement can be used for other therapy options as well.
Reinforcing stimuli, commonly referred to as reinforcers, are events that take place after a behavior that increases the probability that a behavior will occur in the future. There are two types: primary reinforcers and secondary reinforcers. Primary reinforcers are naturally or intrinsically valued rewards, like desired food items. Secondary reinforcers are learned rewards like a token system, a tickle, or a high five. Secondary reinforcers are generally preferred by parents because they help broaden your child's interests and they can take the place of primary reinforcers (so you can empty those M & M's out of your pockets).
Primary and secondary reinforcing stimuli are examples of positive reinforcement, presenting positive events that increase the probability of the preferred behavior (like we discussed above). There is also negative reinforcement, which is the removal of aversive events after a behavior to increase the likelihood that the behavior will re-occur (huh?). In English, this means that when the child uses appropriate language or behavior, the thing that is bothering them stops. A desired behavior results in the removal of a less desirable behavior. For example, if a bell rings and it bothers your child, he can ask, "Please turn that off," resulting in the bell stopping (the desired result). Ask your Sport-Social instructor how they are using reinforcement with your child!

Having a Sibling with Autism

Siblings of children with autism face unique challenges, which may cause additional anxiety and concern to parents. Your typically developing child may wonder why his brother or sister won't play with him, or why mom and dad are spending all their time focused on therapy and treatment. Here are some ways you can ease the stress on your child with autism’s siblings:
    •    Have frequent conversations with your typically developing children about autism, explaining how it affects the child and why the child behaves the way he does.
    •    Include typically developing children in visits to the doctor and other professionals (including early intervention therapy).
    •    Acknowledge that the child may feel like an outsider, and these negative feelings are normal.
    •    Introduce your child to other siblings of children with autism (at Sport-Social events!), so they realize they aren't alone.
The good news is (and we probably don't even need to tell you this), that siblings of children with autism tend to be more caring and compassionate than an average child. The challenges they face build character and strength- and another advocate for autism.

What’s Generalization, and Why Is It Important?

At Sport-Social, our instructors are trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), a learning process that brings about positive changes in behavior. While learning skills through ABA, a child may have a difficult time generalizing these skills in other areas of his or her life. For example, a child with autism may learn how to engage in eye contact in a classroom setting, but cannot use this skill on the playground.
That’s where we come in. We use generalization to teach social and behavioral skills to your child across many different types of settings, through the use of sports and the arts. We offer your children endless opportunities to practice the skills they learn by engaging them in different activities with a variety of children. Generalization at Sport-Social will expand your child’s skill set from a classroom setting to a broader, more natural environment. Learn more about our programs here.