Warm Welcome 
After returning to Cornerstone Autism Center in West Lafayette, the staff and clients decided to spread a little cheer and hope when people look out their windows in the pickup line. Our clients had fun making hearts by using their fine motor skills, which required them to pick up small pieces of tissue paper and place them on the heart. The kids enjoyed picking out their favorite colors and making designs on their craft, while working on listening and waiting skills. The staff also got creative by recreating our Cornerstone logo, an elephant, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and a llama out of hearts. The kids loved seeing the designs and we loved seeing their smiling faces.
4 Tips for the 4th of July Changes in routine can often be challenging for children on the autism spectrum, and holidays are no exception. Holidays come with a lot of hustle and bustle—crowds of people, different smells, new foods, and a lot of noise can create a stressful situation for families of children with autism. In our latest blog post, Victoria Oliver, BCBA shares some tips to help make the 4th of July go a little smoother so that, as a family, this special holiday is as enjoyable as possible. Read more at cornerstoneautismcenter.com/resources/4thofjuly
A reminder that our centers will be closed Friday, July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day.
Thank you to these staff members for Maximizing Those Who Struggle, Embracing Those Who Love and Fulfilling Those Who Serve.
Miriah, Insurance Coordinator In my free time I enjoy exploring new towns and hiking through the state with my son Tharen. I also enjoy cooking new recipes for my family and friends. I love to read when I find a rare quiet moment. Recently I’ve started running and have enjoyed challenging myself to become stronger and healthier.
Beats for Bristol is an organization very close to my heart. They provide fetal Dopplers to high risk pregnant women across the world. For more information, you can visit beatsforbristol.com.
One of the best memories since I started working at Cornerstone is when one of our clients was so happy to see me he came running full speed to hug me… so hard it knocked me off my feet!
Hailey Guidi, BCBA
I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, Brad, and our children, Emelyn and Reid. We love being outside, riding bikes, and doing crafts and projects around the house together! I also serve twice monthly with the SPROUT special-needs ministry team at our church.
I’ve accomplished so many dreams and goals since starting at Cornerstone over nine years ago! My most proud moments have been obtaining my Master’s degree and BCBA certification, growing my family, and purchasing our forever home. One of my current goals is to finish a post-graduate certificate in Organizational Behavior Management.
My favorite part of my role here is getting to work with so many of our clients and staff. I have had the privilege of working for Cornerstone since 2011, and I have witnessed endless growth and success for a number of clients. It is also very rewarding to be a part of coaching our therapists each day, whether I am shaping skills and implementation of therapy for therapists or helping them advance their knowledge and abilities while working toward a BCBA certification of their own.
Brady, Therapist
A Dream Manager goal I have accomplished since coming to Cornerstone was to successfully move into my own apartment. I have also continued to work on bettering my body and mind through fitness and continued learning.
I am inspired by Bruce Lee. His philosophies about life and wellness continue to inspire me as I learn more about them. A favorite quote is, “Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water. If you put water in a cup it comes the cup. If you put it in a bottle it becomes the bottle. If you put it in a tea pot it becomes the teapot. Water can flow, or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
At Cornerstone I LOVE getting to learn about each child’s personality and characteristics. I also love the lack of criticism of others that seems apparent in most kids I’ve worked with. Plus, they are all so adorable in their own unique ways!
New PBS Series Hero Elementary features four superhero students learning to master their special powers. The character AJ Gadgets has the ability to make super gadgets, and also happens to be on the Autism spectrum. The show’s creators hope that Hero Elementary can teach empathy. “There is a place for kids with autism,” said Linda Simensky, head of content at PBS Kids. “They’ll have different needs. But there is a place for them and they will bring something to it as well.” The series premiered last month on PBS stations and at pbskids.org/heroelementary. View the full news story about the series at abcnews.go.com.
Pinterest Resources About Special Kids has added new Pinterest Boards dedicated to COVID-19 Resources for Families. Their other boards include ideas for ASL (American Sign Language), At Home Learning, Financial Assistance, Parent Support, Reducing Anxiety, and Virtual Summer Camps. Visit pinterest.com to see this great collection of ideas and information for families.
Arts for All The Garfield Park Arts Center has created Arts for All (At Home), which welcomes everyone to take a journey through the world of art using materials you can find at home. Creative activities can stimulate curiosity and are designed to be challenging yet accessible to all. Make your own sun catcher using crayons and craft sticks, create your own foil friend, paint a rock to hide, or surprise your family with a fun paper-folding craft. 14 crafts are listed, with supplies, directions, and sometimes a helpful how-to video.
IRCA Free Parent Zoom Meetings This summer, the Indiana Resource Center for Autism staff, in conjunction with autism leaders from school districts across Indiana, and others will present on topics identified by family members to be of particular interest. Presentations will start at 2:00 pm and last approximately 30 minutes. There will be time for questions and answers. Event topics include Changes in Routine: Preparing for the Inevitable, Transition to Adulthood: Planning for Life After High School, and Tips to Support Your Anxious or Upset Child. Parents must register in advance for these webinars.
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