The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is a national organization focused on adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

The mission of our volunteer-run organization is to develop and fund The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Programs that address critical needs and gaps in services and supports for the diverse population of adults living with ASD. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Programs can be found throughout the United States and include residential, vocational, educational, recreational, and health/wellness programs that are blueprints for replication in grassroots communities everywhere. We are a leading advocacy organization, inspired by autistic adults and their families, and our own self-advocate advisory board. Our goal is to create awareness that adults living with ASD are capable citizens and have the right to be respected and valued members of society.

DJF

ON THE COVER: Jacob and Zachary at The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation F.I.T. Together at the Ridgewood YMCA

News to be Red is a publication of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1149, Ridgewood, NJ 07451 All contents of this magazine are copyright 2011 by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material appearing herein without permission is strictly prohibited. The following articles appear herein by permission of the publication: Quality of Life = Fitness+ Fun by permission of Autism Advocate, Second Edition 2010; An Autsim Spectrum News Interview with Linda Walder Fiddle, Esq. by permission of Autism Spectrum News, Fall 2010; REDBOOK Heroes: The Strength & Spirit Awards by permssion of REDBOOK Magazine, December 2009.

FEATURES 4/2011
p. 1 Message from Linda Walder Fiddle, Esq., DJF Founder and Executive Director p. 2 REDBOOK HEROES: The Strength & Spirit Awards By Fran Smith p. 3 Quality of Life = Fitness + Fun By Linda Walder Fiddle, Esq. p. 10 Re ections of a Self-Advocate By Stephen Daly
p. 11 Stuck in a Rutabaga: Finding the Roots of Healthy Eating By Amy Gravino

DJF

p. 12 All the Worlds a Stage By B. Madeleine Goldfarb

p. 13 DJF and ASAN Collaborate on 2011 Signature Program By Ari Neeman p. 6 The DJF Kitchen Cabinet Perspectives from the Board Room By Vicki Gentempo Ofmani p. 7 Autism Spectrum News Interview with Linda Walder Fiddle, Esq. By David H. Minot COVER STORY p.14 how being a peer-mentor changed me By: Jacob Himeles

Message from Linda Walder Fiddle, Esq.

There is no doubt that the fate of over one million Americans, not to mention the millions of family members who raise them to adulthood and love them, is dangling by a thread over a cliff! I am not an alarmist by nature, but the sirens need to blare now, and we need to prepare now---we do not have the luxury of time to push aside the question that each and every adult living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will face---how will I survive throughout my adult life as an adult living with ASD? No matter what specific and individual challenges adults living with ASD face during their adult years, each will need a residence, many will need some sort of job or supportive employment, and all are entitled to be part of community life! The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation has been laser-focusing on the adult lives of individuals living with ASD for nearly a decade. We have developed and funded programs that serve the diverse population of adults on the spectrum from coast to coast across the United States. Our website (http://www.djfiddlefoundation.org) highlights the residential, vocational/employment, recreational, educational and health/wellness initiatives we have helped to launch, establish and fund. I invite you to take a look, and to learn more about how your support has made, and continues to make a difference in the lives of adults living with ASD throughout the nation. Within these pages, you will read articles from a variety of perspectives and from different members of our all-volunteer DJF community. You will also have the opportunity to read a few wonderful articles that appeared in recent publications about our organization. You will be introduced to our exciting new initiative that addresses the multi-faceted programmatic and support needs of the burgeoning adult population: The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Programs! The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is a social-entrepreneurial organization that spends 100% of its time developing, advocating for and funding programs that answer the question---how will I survive throughout my adult life as an adult living with ASD? Thank you for your continuous support and for your realization that for all we have achieved, there is so much more to be accomplished. Your donation makes a direct difference in the lives of adults living with ASD---it resounds---it changes lives---it inspires hope!

Linda Walder Fiddle, Esq. DJF Founder and Executive Director

Linda advocating for adults living with ASD

Linda

Gratefully Yours,

The DJF Foundation has received more than 25 prestigious awards as a leading autism organization

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

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What turns an ordinary woman into someone who will be a force for change? Sometimes its love, sometimes its loss, somtimes its a lifetime of lessons leading her to her true path.

t age 2, Danny Fiddle was diagnosed with autism, a shock that threw his mother, Linda, into a bewildering new world. Special schools, speech therapy, play programs Linda poured her heart and soul into getting Danny the services he needed. Yet even as he thrived, a thought nagged her: What are the lives of my child and his peers going to be like in 20 years? Already she recognized that services provided to help special-needs kids function in the world end once they become adults.

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Linda, who quit her job as a lawyer when Danny was born, had just begun exploring the possibilities for his future when he died unexpectedly at age 9 from what may have been an autism-related seizure. She, her husband, Fred, and their daughter, Ava, then 6, were devastated. Friends thought Linda would walk away from the autism community, but instead, she made it her personal crusade to fight for more opportunities for adults with autism by starting the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, in honor of her son. "Autism is not just a childhood disorder," says the Ridgewood, NJ, mother. "It should be seen as a lifespan challenge." Since 2002, the volunteer-run foundation has awarded grants to a wide range of projects across the country, including residential farms, a cookie-making enterprise, fitness plans, mentoring programs, the first musical-theater program for adults with autism, and dog training classes for teens with autism. In the beginning, so few groups were serving this population that Linda had to push organizations to create autism programming that she could fund. Today, she is flooded with proposals, a measure of the growing need she foresaw as well as the increasing public awareness she has worked to foster. Linda, now 50, has been instrumental in advising legislators about the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009, which will require health insurers to cover the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. She also sat on the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force; last fall, Governor Jon Corzine followed the group's top recommendation and announced the creation of an Office of Autism Services within the state's Department of Human Services. "It's an important step forward," Linda says. And not a moment too soon: About one child in 150 now has autism. "With the right support systems, people with autism are capable of participating in their communities," she says, "and contributing to them in adulthood.'' Fran Smith

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The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

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The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

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The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

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THE

Perspectives from the Board Room

Kitchen Cabinet
by Vicki Gentempo Ofmani

DJF

sit around friendly W equips aboutaour work,breakfast table, sharing our families, our

I am honored to be doing these good works under the directorship of Linda Walder Fiddle. Through the efforts of Fred and Linda Fiddle, we moved into uncharted waters. Nearly ten years since its inception, we are still leading the way aiding in giving to those adults with ASD what we want for ourselvesrespect, acknowledgement of achievements, a social support system, a feeling of dignified self-worth.
DJF SelfAdvocate Advisors Stephen Daly and Paul Voss (L to R) and Vicki at DJF Board Party

favorite sports teams. We are neighbors, associates, and family--- gathering for a purpose. We are financers, real estate executives, lawyers, and consultants arriving at this table from diverse backgrounds and ways of looking at the world although in this setting we are all dedicated to a single intention- serving the Autism community. As members of the Board of Trustees of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, we gather to uphold the only organization of its kind that serves to better support and enhance the lives of adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We gather, almost monthly, to refine the focus of program and advocacy efforts, to evaluate, to brainstorm; we are always focused on sustainability and financial responsibility and prudence. Our next steps continually boost the available educational, social, and lifespan needs of our special community. The charge of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is focused on adults living with ASD. The mission of our volunteer-run organization is to develop, advocate The men of DJF (L to R) for and fund Top Row: Fred Fiddle, programs that Howard Fiddle Bottom create innovative Row: Steve Ball, Jim ways for the diverse Scancarella, Rich Bushnell population of adults on the spectrum to participate in and contribute to community life. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Programs can be found throughout the United States and include residential, vocational, educational and recreational opportunities that are suitable replicable and sustainable. We have also pioneered ground breaking initiatives that enhance health and wellness, provide support systems and promote understanding of co-morbid health conditions that impact ASD. In alignment with this purpose is our venture of blueprinting our Signature Programs.

Its remarkable for me to reflect on the beautiful soul that has inspired us to move in this direction. Danny, in my mind, conjures unconditional love. This sweet beautiful child brought more education and love into my world than I can express. A teacher is often taught by their students - if they are open to the magic of it. Danny brought wonder, love and enrichment to my life. I seek to bring that to the ASD world on his behalf. We all want to make a difference somehow in this world. Through service to The DJF Foundation and the endeavor of launching our Signature Programs, we are allowed to make and aide in the creation of a positive change in the lives of those with ASD. The time we give here, and the knowledge we have that our efforts are being felt by others could never be measured in a paycheck. That satisfaction comes from acknowledging and supporting humanitarian needs. We realize that giving back is our goal, because we have been given so much. While we enjoy seeing our organization recognized awards are lovely our true reward comes from meeting those we serve and their accomplishments are fuel for moving forward. We are humbled, proud, and always exhilarated to do this work.

Vicki Gentempo Ofmani, M.Ed., LDT-C, is the Program Development Chair on The Board of Trustees of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.

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By David H. Minot, BA Associate Director Autism Spectrum News

pace of the development of programs and services has not kept up with the growing needs of adults with autism spectrum disorders to enable them to participate in and contribute to community life. More energy must be devoted towards the adult population to address their unmet needs, and nobody is more aware of that than Linda Walder Fiddle, Esq, Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation. Inspired by her son Danny who passed away a decade ago, and her concerns during his lifetime for his future as an adult, Linda is a devoted advocate for adults with autism and, through her Foundations vital work, has helped develop and support many of the programs that exist now for adults across the country. Linda is changing the landscape of services for adults living with autism with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundations new Signature Grant Programs that ultimately will lead to the creation of blueprints for organizations across the country to utilize for their own development of adult autism programs. The model adult programs developed and funded by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation can be found throughout the United States and include residential, vocational, educational and recreational opportunities that are suitable and sustainable. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is at the forefront of the adult autism movement, not only as advocates but also as an organization that is addressing this challenge in tangible ways that affect lives. Q: Tell us about the history and mission of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation and why you decided to focus on adults with autism. A: The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundations first collaborative programs began in 2002 and initiated our focus on addressing the need for increased advocacy and services for adults living with autism spectrum disorders. At that time our organization was the only one in the country even talking about the adult population My son Danny passed away at age 9. During his lifetime, he attended wonderful schools and I knew that he was going to get a good education and the supports and services that he needed.

prevalence autism on rise, the numW ith the adults livingofwith autism thealso increasing. The ber of is

But even when he was that young, I was concerned about what would happen to him when he became an adult. Once I began researching to learn what was available, it became clear that there were very few programs and services for adults living with autism. There were some services for adults with various challenges, but few focused solely on adults living with autism. After Danny passed away, friends and family urged me to continue as an advocate for people living with autism because of how deeply I care about the incredible individuals and families in the autism community. Eventually, I decided that this was indeed something I was committed to, so with the support of family and friends, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation was established as a public foundation. From the very beginning, the Foundations Board of Trustees determined that our exclusive focus would be on adults and young adults as they transition to adult life. No other national organization was focusing exclusively on adults and our Board had the foresight to embrace the vision I had to create opportunities for full and productive lives for the diverse population of adults on the spectrum. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is what I would call a hybrid organization in the sense that we are not a typical grant-awarding organization. We have become a co-developer of programs with exemplary partners who have expertise in various areas of serving adults. Betsey Parlato, President of Chapel Haven in Connecticut characterized us as a social entrepreneur. Currently, with our Signature Programs, heres how we do it. We approach a handpicked organization and present an idea about a potential program that they might consider working with us to initiate. We then work with them to develop and implement the program. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation then funds the development of the program, sometimes for several years, until a sustainable model is created. Our primary goal is not just to develop a vital new program for adults, but also to work together with the partner organization to create a blueprint for other organizations to replicate the program in their own community. Another aspect of our organization is that we are all volunteers. No one on our staff takes a salary, and we are all committed to volunteerism. We feel it is important to promote the idea of volunteerism in this country and that each person can make a difference. This is a core value of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation. We are equally committed to having our fundraising proceeds go directly towards our mission.

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refined by the service provider. In addition to creating Above all else, our goal is to enhance the presence of replicable blueprints, the goal is to make the program a adults on the spectrum in community life. We must respect the individuality and diversity of adults on the spectrum and society permanent entity within the service provider organization. Using The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Peer must be educated to do so. Support Group Program at The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP) as an example Q: Tell us about the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signaof how we have gone about partnering to develop a signature ture Programs that have recently been announced and what program, I asked Michael John Carley, Executive Director makes them unique. and Founder of GRASP, What are some of the gaps in services for the people that you work with? Michael A: The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation doesnt solely award explained that there are many adults who are now becoming grant support as I mentioned. We take it a step further by senior citizens and were not self-identified or diagnosed even actually looking at the needs and gaps in the services and though they suspected for many years that there was someprograms available for adults on the autism spectrum and then thing different about them. Now they are realizing that they innovating an approach to addressing these needs. Our Signaare on the spectrum and have many of the same ture Grant Programs exemplify unique endeavors that address qualities as individuals who live with Asperger Syndrome, a needs or areas that have not been focused upon. Since we support group for individuals in their 20s and 30s wouldnt be started the Foundation we've come to know and work with appropriate for them, as they need support appropriate for many programs around the country and we feel fortunate to their current stage in life. Out of this conversation, and have forged productive alliances with so many wonderful because of GRASPs expertise in developing support groups service providers. Our years of experience in fostering the for adults on the spectrum, we partnered with them to create development of adult programs and The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Peer Support supervising those we have supported enables us to identify the Group Program at GRASP to develop a support group that entities that can successfully achieve programming goals. For addresses the needs of these seniors on the spectrum. As far our Signature Programs we have carefully handpicked each as we know, it's the only autism support group in the United organization to partner with based upon their States, maybe in the world, that is focusing on senior citizens. expertise and ability to achieve desired outcomes as well as We will periodically evaluate how this program their track record in implementing sustainable programing. progresses and grows and also watch the challenges of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Grant engaging a group of this age to join such a support group. We Programs are destined to become blueprints that address residential, vocational, educational, recreational and health and will need to learn what unique supports they want at this stage in their lives. This is a good example of how we partner wellness supports for adults. We hope other with an exemplary service provider to develop a unique organizations will replicate them in their own communities, especially where such services for adults are lacking. By having program that fills a gap in services and addresses an area of unmet need for adults. We currently have seven different our name on each Signature Program along with that of our Signature Grant Programs with partner organizations across partner, we are putting a stake in the ground for adults within the United States and our goal is to help nurture these the service provider organization and programs and work closely with service providers to see that enhancing their repertoire. Hopefully we are also inspiring they succeed. others in the autism community to forge collaborations that better the lives of adults on the spectrum We are committed to Q: How will these Signature Grant Programs ultimately lead working with each of our partner organizations for multiple years until we are satisfied that the program is ready to to the development of blueprints that organizations across the country can utilize in the development of similar services in be shared with others. We have learned that it takes more than their local communities? one year to develop quality, successful programs. This is why we have gone in what others have called a ground- breaking direction in establishing suitable and sustainable blueprints that A: Using our magazine DJF News to Be RED and our have been cultivated over time. When a program is only funded website (www.djfiddlefoundation.org), we will report on the with a single year grant that organization then has to continually yearly progress of each of the programs. As it is still early in the development of this process, it has not been determined look for yearly funding to keep that program going; it is often what the final product will look like, but we are going to challenged to develop a sound model that can be replicated. share all of these different models with the community. One We feel that with the great and growing need for adult thing I can guarantee is that the presentation will be unique programs, we must create these blueprints. These blueprints and involve a format that will be pioneering in the world of can, of course, be adjusted within the grassroots of a given autism. It will allow for maximum dissemnation within the community but our goal is to provide a plan of action and autism community and the community at large. I hope this implementation. Some of the areas our Signature Program stimulates the publics curiosity - stay tuned! blueprints will address include: How to build the program? Ideas for funding the program? How to engage participation? How to assess the challenges and success of the program? It is our view that programs should be constantly evaluated and

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Q: What specific areas of unmet need and gaps in adult services are you focusing on? A: We are currently focusing on lifespan health and wellness vocational training and community life skills, the transition into adult life and facilitating the participation of adults who normally do not have access to good programs. Other Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Programs include a blueprint for developing a grassroots resource network and another is a respite/vacation program that is all about fun for adults and their families. In the near future we will be adding more Signature Programs that address residential support systems and self-advocacy for adults. There are really endless possibilities for program ideas, but our ultimate goal is to present viable new ways for adults on the spectrum to live, work and participate in community life. I would like to give the readers of Autism Spectrum News a sampling of some of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Programs: The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundtion Vocational/Life Skills Fund at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC). The Vocational and Life Skills Academy in Arizona is designed to create a blueprint for engaging those adults in the autism community who do not normally have access to vocational and life skill training. The blueprint will include ways to enhance communication about such programs so that people in underserved communities can become informed. The fund then enables such individuals to attain the benefits of the outstanding offerings and trainings at the academy. We feel that all service providers will benefit from this blueprint we are developing as they seek to help not only those who have funding but those who are unable to afford quality vocational and life skills programming. The blueprint will also include ideas for service providers to gain funding and community support for such programs so as to enable underserved individuals to participate. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Workplace Development Program at the New England Center for Children (NECC) located in Massachusetts enhances their already wonderful vocational programs for adults and young adults by creating a blueprint for starting or improving such workplace training skills that are vital to attaining employment. During the next five years, the program will develop instructional modes that add to the existing workplace development program. This year they are developing a video modeling program because research has shown that modeling and showing interview skills and task analysis on video helps individuals on the spectrum learn how to improve skills. As the number of young adults and adults on the spectrum wishing to enter the workforce increases, this blueprint will help existing programs expand training and new programs develop the curriculum to prepare adults on the spectrum in their pursuit of employment. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Health and Wellness Program at Chapel Haven in Connecticut is a completely new endeavor for them. We were seeking a project to partner with Chapel Haven that added to their renowned programs that prepare adults to live independently in the community. Although Chapel Havens

comprehensive residential, employment and educational programming is effective, there was one piece missing: health and wellness. This exciting new program, with the research support of the University of Connecticut, will examine aspects that improve and affect the health and wellness of an individual on the spectrum. Areas to be focused on include: decreasing anxiety, increasing selfesteem, attaining a healthy weight, fostering independent healthy food choices, and independent choices of exercise and activity. The blueprint will focus on how to teach adults about healthy lifestyles that include eating well, exercising, cooking and joyful relaxation. One program that we fostered and have worked with since 2002 is with an organization called J-ADD (Jewish Association for Developmental Disabilities) located in New Jersey. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Hotline and Resource Guide at J-ADD is a grassroots initiative that provides a free hotline and resource guide for families with nearly one hundred community resources. We have found that parents and caregivers, especially of adult children, and even the adult individuals themselves, often have questions about accessing information regarding programs and services that relate to their daily life such as, Where do I find transportation? How do I find a program to learn about my recreational interest? We are really committed to the idea that there should be a central repository of information where one can call free of charge to access information about local resources in the community. This blueprint will offer a way for communities around the country to create not only the resource guide but also a complimentary hotline where people can call to get personal attention regarding their questions. These are some of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Programs for 2010 and more information can be found about our other programs on our website. Q: In the future, what do you see as some of the next Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Programs? A: As mentioned, we will be adding more Signature Programs, but in a thoughtful manner. We are deliberately only adding a few programs at a time so that we can allocate the attention and resources necessary for each current Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Program to develop into a blueprint. In some cases this may happen in a year, in other cases it will take several years. Future programs will likely include ones relating to fostering strengths and talents of adults on the spectrum, such as in the arts, science and technology. We will most definitely focus on lifespan learning and educational opportunities for the diverse population of adults. Another area ripe for development are different kinds of residential related programs for rural, suburban and urban communities. The development of our Signature Programs is intentionally meant to be fluid and evolve to address the existing and changing needs of adult individuals with autism. Continued on page 15

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Reflections of a
by Stephen Daly
Stephen volunteering at the Cresskill Performing Arts annual fundraiser for DJF

Stephen Daly is a member of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Self Advocate Advisory Board. He works for Cressklill Performing Arts, a company founded by his mother, Betsy Daly. For more information about CPA visit: www.cresskillperformingarts.com

My name is Stephen Daly. I am 24 years old. I am a member of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Self-Advocate Advisory Board that bears the name of my late friend, Daniel Jordan Fiddle. During the past several years as a member of this advisory board, I have had the opportunity to participate in some exciting things. Last year, I was asked by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation to attend a town hall meeting for Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA). My time at the meeting on autism in Newark was a really unique experience. I met a lot of cool people there. I almost got lost on the way there, but I made it. The meeting was held in different cities around the country. We were basically on a live broadcast. I got to take part in conversations on certain topics. We all sat at different tables and answered questions. Some of my friends were there as well. I got to express my opinion on several topics. We also had some refreshments. We talked about people who suffer from autism. We talked about how they often end up: in a mental hospital; not married; maybe dead either from suicide or drugs, etc. People with autism are often treated like circus animals or second-class citizens. They are sometimes misunderstood or mistreated. This just enrages me and upsets me. Sometimes, after working hard in school for most if not all of their childhood, they can end up with nothing. We talked about ways in which we can solve these problems. We talked about our own lives as well. We all took notes on these topics. We voted that health care should be for everyone. We discussed .

this and much more. I think it was good for me to go to this meeting. I got to speak my mind. I tried to come up with solutions to some of the problems. I really learned a lot. In my opinion, it was a good experience. Another good experience for me is at the Garage Theater as part of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Theater Program at the Garage Theater Company for Adults on the Spectrum. It has been great. I get to express myself and socialize freely. I work with Mike Bias, (a friend of my drum teacher, Howard Fields). Mike directs the program. I get to write and act out my own scenes. I enjoy expressing myself as an actor. I go there because I am very artistic in what I do. Art for me includes acting, music, poetry, and more. I like sports, too, like bowling, basketball, baseball, and football. I want to do well at everything I do. The Garage Theater really brings out some of my creative drive. I come from a family of performers and artists. My Dad is an actor turned fencing and acting teacher. My Mom worked in the theater and now teaches dance and acting and has a dance and theater studio. My sister is striving to be a Broadway dancer. I am mainly a musician and poet. I want to be accepted for the things I know how to do. I don't want to look for fame, but I want to be noticed. Fame can make you or break you, and I really don't want to risk something like that. I am not going to pretend to be something I am not. I know who I am inside, and no one can change that at all.

Stephen representing DJF at AFAA town hall

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by Amy Gravino

The first time I ever thought about eating healthy, I wasnt eating healthy. I remember the moment clearly: A freshly prepared pot of Hamburger Helper in one hand and a soda in the other. That was to be my dinner, as it had been many times before. But this time was different. I stopped cold in my tracks, feeling the weight of the pot in my hand, and the coldness of the can against my skin. A voice in my head spoke up and said: I cant eat like this anymore. One day five years ago, I was standing at my kitchen counter, attempting to slice shiitake mushrooms.

Stuck in a Rutabaga: Finding the Roots of Healthy Eating

Id always hated mushroomseating them, touching them, even seeing them in the produce section. To this day, I have to walk quickly when passing by the large Portobello caps in the supermarket. When I sliced those shiitakes, I had my hands covered with the plastic bag that theyd come in. As nervous as I was, I was inching my way inslowly, on terms that Id set on my own. And through each of these trials, I came to learn that the foods Id always thought of as unappealing or even downright scary werent so bad after all. Today, hundreds of photos of dishes that I have cooked fill photo albums of mine on Facebook. These dishes are the result of my passionate love of cookingquiet half-hours spent in my kitchen dicing carrots, sauting onions, or kneading a ball of dough with my own two lightlyfloured hands.

And that was the begining of my journey

Amy Gravino is a member of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Self-Advocate Advisory Board. She is not only a talented chef but runs a consulting firm called ASCOT Consulting that provides guidance and support for those on the spectrum.

Plum

Amy Gravino

Galette

This fruit-filled dessert is easy to prepare and beautiful to present! Toast the whole almonds in a toaster oven or 350 degree conventional oven for about 5 minutes (watch to keep from burning).

Preparing something on my own makes eating a meal a far different experience from the days of Hamburger Helper and soda. Once, my body was all that was being nourished; now, so is my soul.

Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for rolling 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup ice water 1/4 cup whole, skin-on almonds, toasted 5 to 6 plums, halved, pitted, and sliced inch thick (keep slices together) 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions: 1. In a food processor, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, butter, 1 teaspoon sugar, and salt; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup ice water. Pulse until dough is crumbly but holds together when squeezed (if necessary, add up to 1/4 cup remaining ice water, one tablespoon at a time). Dont overmix. Remove dough from processor and shape into a disk; wrap in plastic and refrigerate 1 hour. 2. Meanwhile, wipe bowl of food processor clean and add almonds, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons flour; pulse until ground to a coarse meal.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet; sprinkle almond mixture over dough. With a spatula, transfer plums to dough; press lightly to fan out, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold edge of dough over fruit. Refrigerate galette for 20 minutes. 4. Brush crust with cream; sprinkle galette with 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake until crust is golden and underside of galette is cooked through, about 70 minutes.

Continued on page 15

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ALL THE WORLDS A STAGE by B. Madeleine Goldfarb

a stage A ll the worldstrue, but according to Shakespeare. Perhaps that is for people living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the idea of a theater program may seem at first paradoxical. Let the play begin. Life for many individuals living with ASD can be very complicated with complex social and emotional challenges. The difficultly in reading, understanding and reacting appropriately to social cues is well known and widely documented. How then will these individuals use theater? At its core, theater is the transmission of emotion, conflict and resolution... in short, lifes very real daily drama in a safe environment. How wonderful to be able to engage and practice all things social/ emotional on a stage. From practice...perhaps we can affect daily life. Unusual therapy to be sure, but the beginning of the process comes from a desire to organize a group of like-minded individuals on the spectrum. When the student is ready the teacher will arrive, (anonymous quote.)

Paul Voss, DJF Self-Advocate, inspired the adult theater program

An articulate young man living with Asperger Syndrome (part of the ASD spectrum) named Paul had a vision. His vision was to have a theater program with others on the spectrum. There are theater programs around, yet there was not one anywhere that focused on adults age 21 years and older living with ASD. Paul is a member of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Self-Advocate Advisory Board and part of his role is to bring new program ideas to Linda Walder Fiddle, the Executive Director of the organization. Paul and Linda discussed how such a program could be implemented. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation developed a game plan for collaboratively developing this unique program that would serve Paul and his peers who are in the their late 20s and early 30s.

Linda put together the collaborative partnership that would make up the team for piloting The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Theater Program at the Garage Theater Company for Adults on the Spectrum. The Autism Center provided the consulting and program advice as they had previously created similar programs with Montclair State University. The Garage Theater Group, under the direction of Michael Bias, did not have formal experience with the ASD population, but was willing and immediately on board with the idea of giving this program a home base. Autism is like an onion, with layers and layers of communication difficulties waiting to be peeled away. When you find the vehicle to help peel those layers away, more often than not, what you find is the indomitable spirit of a beautiful mind with so much potential that the teacher becomes the student. And so it was with this program. Open to adults living with ASD the group was formed. Age was more of a factor than functioning level, as it was imperative to Pauls vision that the program accommodated adults. The group consisted of very high functioning Aspergers individuals with more moderately functioning individuals with more profound ASD impairments. The commonality was a love of theater and a willingness and desire to act. The initial anxiety of joining in a new group experience gave way to self discovery and enthusiasm. The able direction of Michael Bias and the trust and support of the fellow actors was extraordinary. Give me the opportunity to grow in the light...and I will amaze you. And they did. Not only did the actors amaze us all, but they amazed themselves as well. The profound ability for theater to change lives for the better and enrich us all is not lost here. It is important to continue to offer this type of programming to the ASD community, as it is not only life changing and affirming for the participants, it also changes our perception of the possible for us all. B. Madeleine Goldfarb is the Director of Outreach at UMDNJs Autism Center in New Jersey. She is a member of the Advisory Boards of both The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation and Autism Family Services of New Jersey. She also serves on the NJ Governors Council on Autism.

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DJF and
ASAN

2011

Collaborate on

SIgnature

Ari Ne'eman is the President of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. He also serves as Vice Chair for Engagement on the National Council on Disability and as a public member of the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). One of the advantages of focusing on a resource designed to empower Autistic students to act as systems change advocates on their own campuses is that it holds the promise of empowering change not limited to any one academic institution. By pursuing a grassroots approach, DJF and ASAN can reach campuses across America and enlist each and every Autistic college student as our partner in advocating for including students on the autism spectrum in every aspect of the higher education experience. In addition, campusbased advocacy efforts have the potential of generating advocacy on issues outside of higher education access. There exists a long tradition of student groups getting involved in advocacy to advance public policy and social change far outside the university environment. By empowering Autistic students to be effective advocates on college campuses, we also empower those students to advocate for better services, supports and education for children and adults on the spectrum at every stage of life. The project, funded at $20,000 over a three year period, will include multiple components, including information on relevant disability civil rights laws, a section on autism and general disability history and general information on how to conduct effective grassroots organizing and systems change activities on a college campus. ASAN intends to disseminate the booklet broadly to our chapter network and work closely with universities with which we have relationships to help the booklet see widespread utilization as a tool for effective and meaningful empowerment of college-age adults and youth on the autism spectrum. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation in turn, intends to disseminate this vital booklet as a blueprint in its Signature Program initiative. As more and more Autistic young people enter college, a new generation of Autistic leaders is emerging. ASAN and The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation believe this resource will be a critical tool towards empowering that new leadership and swinging open the doors of higher education for all.

Program

By: Ari Neeman, Founder and President of ASAN As more and more Autistic students attend university, new opportunities and challenges associated with including Autistic people in higher education have emerged. While universities have been working to accommodate special needs students in one form or another since the 1970s, much of this has been focused around physical accessibility rather than the needs of students who live with neurological challenges. Many students on the spectrum face challenges not just in the classroom environment, but with regard to things like sensory issues in dormitories, social exclusion in campus activities, executive functioning challenges and other areas where little to no support currently exists. Despite a number of specialized programs, few efforts have been made to craft supports and accommodations that address these concerns in the general college campus environment. With the recent passage of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 re-asserting Congresss intent that the Americans with Disabilities Act cover all disabilities, even less visible ones, a strong message has been sent to American colleges and universities that accommodations of a new type are going to need to be made. However, real change doesnt just come from new laws or new needs it requires activism by the people who stand the most to gain or lose by how institutes of higher education respond to a more neurologically diverse student body: Autistic students themselves. Starting this April, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), in collaboration with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation (DJF), will be launching a groundbreaking project to develop a vital new resource to empower Autistic college students to be activists on their campuses. The DJF-ASAN Empowering Autistic Leaders Manual will be compiled utilizing a process which will engage college students on the spectrum from a wide variety of backgrounds as well as disability services professionals and activists from other disability and civil rights communities with experience in campus organizing. ASAN will be using DJF funding to produce a booklet which, in the hands of students on the spectrum, will provide a blueprint for how to start an Autistic-run group on a college campus and work with university disability services offices as well as other stakeholders on how to improve the quality of support for students on the spectrum.

Louis Brucker

(908) 242-3322

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As part of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundations Adult Autism Programs at the Ridgewood YMCA, I worked twice a week with Zachary, a nineteen-year-old living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is called The Fitness, Independence, and Training (F.I.T.) Program at the YMCA that will be used as a blueprint for community centers and YMCAs to replicate. In each session, six peer mentors and six autistic teenagers participated together in private classes of aerobics, yoga, and swimming. We had our own instructors and exercise rooms because none of the six autistic teenagers could participate in a public class at the YMCA. Each of the autistic participants required the assistance of a mentor, but the ultimate hope was that each teenager would one day be able to participate in a public fitness class independently. I met Zachary for the first time on a Tuesday afternoon. He walked through the automatic doors of the YMCA with a duffle bag slung over each shoulder. He came over to me and I introduced myself. He was around 510 with curly hair. Based on his appearance alone, I never would have known of his disability. Hi Zachary. How are you? Im okay. How are you? It was an ordinary exchange that would take place each week. What are we doing today, Zachary? Aerobics, yoga, swimming, free! he exclaimed mechanically. From the YMCA lobby, we kept our routine simple. We walked up to an empty exercise room where Zachary took an aerobics step and meticulously placed it in the same spot each week. I helped him during aerobics class by making sure he followed the instructor. Sometimes Zachary would recite an entire verse from Jack and the Beanstalk in the middle of class, at which point I would tap him on the shoulder and quietly put my finger to my mouth, holding eye contact as long as possible. He wouldnt say anything, but hed nod. I knew he understood. One day we were in the locker room before our free swim session. After weeks of trying to teach Zachary how to open his Master Lock, I almost thought it was hopeless. Whats the combination, Zachary? I asked him for the third week in a row. Combination: 10-22-20! Remembering numbers, stories, or any information was easy for him. Remember, Zachary. I said. First right, then left, then right. I turned around and began taking off my shoes when I heard a click from behind me. I looked at the open lock and then at Zachary. His face beamed. You did it! .

how being a peer-mentor changed me

I did it!

by Jacob Himeles

I did it! This was the first time I had ever seen him express any emotion. Maybe I really am helping him, I thought to myself as he began walking towards the pool. The program had gone by so quickly, but it was evident that Zachary had made a lot of progress. At the beginning, I was always giving him instructions, but now he was almost able to do it all himself. I came to realize that even though Zachary would never live a normal life, there was still hope that he could live independently. There was no doubt in my mind that one day, he would be ready. On one of the last days of the eight week program, one of the coordinators decided that Zachary was ready to participate in a routine YMCA yoga class for an hour. In this attempt to fulfill the programs vision, Zachary entered the yoga room alone. I spotted Zacharys mother in the waiting room and told her what Zachary was doing. When she peered through the small window and into the yoga room, she saw the silhouette of her son, his arms outstretched in extended child position in perfect unison with the other adults surrounding him. Zacharys really been in there for forty-five minutes? she asked me. And he hasnt interrupted the class at all? I nodded and saw her eyes begin to water. Excuse me for a moment, she said, and she walked down the hall and back. I never imagined I would see this day. She paused, looking at me through her tears. Thank you. I tried to smile, but I could feel a lump forming in my throat. I looked back through the window at Zachary, sitting cross-legged on his yoga mat. Had I helped Zachary accomplish such a goal? Going into the program, I saw my job as helping Zachary with everyday tasks. I was supposed to have a lasting impact on him. But there is no doubt that Zachary gave more to me than I had given to him. I still think about Zachary all the time. He will remain in my memory as living proof that no obstacle can stand in the way of accomplishing the unthinkable.

Jacob Himeles is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a peer-mentor during the piloting of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation F.I.T Together at the YMCA program in the summer of 2009.

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Continued from page 9

Q: In addition to the Signature Programs, in what other ways is the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation active in the autism community? A: Besides co-developing and funding programs for adults on the spectrum, we also have been a very strong advocate on the state and national levels. I am a member of the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force and last year we presented a comprehensive legislative and policy agenda for improving the lives of adults on the spectrum. In addition, in our home state of New Jersey, we have worked very closely with legislators, including the former NJ Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts, Assemblywoman Joan Voss, and Senator Loretta Weinberg. For example, we have collaborated to create first responder training, money for autism pilot programs for adults, insurance support for ABA therapy, as examples. Much of this work on the state level has translated to the federal level where we have worked closely with Senator Robert Menendez (NJ), who is extremely committed to helping families and individuals affected by autism. This past July, as a member of the Steering Committee for Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA), a consortium of autism organizations committed to advocating on behalf of adults, a congressional briefing in Washington, DC was hosted by Honorary Co-Chairs, Senator Robert Menendez (NJ) and Congressman Michael Doyle (PA), where we presented a policy agenda relating to adults. I was honored to moderate a panel of Stakeholders who exemplified the diversity of adults living with autism. It is my view that we need more collaboration between the public, private, and community sectors. That is what The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation has been doing since our inception and this is what the AFAA is about engaging the government to become a partner in creating the best futures possible for adults living on the spectrum. It makes perfect sense that the more organizations, businesses, community and government can work together, the better it will be for the adults we are serving through our efforts. Q: What hopeful message would you like to leave for families of young adult children who are transitioning into adulthood and also to adult individuals on the spectrum? A: During the past decade it is absolutely gratifying to see how far our society has come in realizing that autism is a lifespan challenge that does not just affect children. So many years ago, when I sat alone researching how I would be able to find programs and supports for my son when he attained adulthood, I was dismayed and frightened. Today, parents of children and young adults do not have to feel so terribly alone, and indeed they are not. I am proud of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Board of Trustees and their pioneering commitment to embrace the cause for adults and I believe we have been successful in opening many new doors for adults and hopefully opening the eyes of the community at large too. Sure, there is still much to be done, and many more doors need to be opened. I am confident that together we can do this. Each

parent as an advocate for their adult child, each business that employs an adult on the spectrum, each community that says yes to a group home and each supportive neighbor makes a difference. We must not give up, we must continue to strive for the best futures possible for all adults living with autism, and in doing so, we will fulfill for all people on the spectrum, the dreams I had for my Danny.

Late Summer Vegetable Soup

Continued from page 11

Ingredients: 4 ears of corn, husks and silks removed 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped Coarse salt and ground pepper 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) reducedsodium vegetable or chicken broth 2 large zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced 8 ounces green beans (stem ends removed), cut into thirds 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes in juice 1/2 cup orzo pasta

This soup is hearty and delicious with all the fresh, in season vegetables you can find at the end of the summer. Let the soup cool and freeze it in resealable plastic bags so you can thaw one out and enjoy it in the cooler months ahead (see directions below).

Directions: 1. Cut off the tip of each ear of corn. One at a time, stand ears in a wide bowl. With a sharp knife, carefully slice downward to release kernels. Discard cobs; set kernels aside. 2. In a Dutch oven or 5-quart pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. 3. Add broth and 2 cups water; bring to a boil. Add zucchini, green beans, corn, tomatoes (with juice), and orzo; cook, uncovered, until orzo is tender, 8 to 11 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. To Freeze the Soup: Ladle cooled soup into each of six resealable plastic bags. Store flat in freezer, up to 3 months. Before reheating, thaw in refrigerator.

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DJF is run completely by volunteers including a volunteer Board of Trustees, Advisory Board and Self-Advocate Advisory Board and the incredible Pam Ball, Director of Community Affairs DJF donors can support our mission through The United Way at their workplace DJF is a national autism organization sustained by the generosity of our donors DJF is on Facebook join our cause by visiting and become a FAN DJF is constantly updating our website with news, information and free downloads DJF donors can support our mission by shopping on line from our website: www.djfiddlefoundation.org DJF has the BEST community partners:, Gardiner & Co., Just Desserts, Cresskill Performing Arts Center,Indoor Sports Pavilion, All-State Legal, Vero Uomo, La Viano Jewelers, Gilberto Designs, My Tech Guy, The Junior Womens Club of Ridgewood, Womens Club of Ridgewood, BB Clover, BB Clover at Home, Highlights n Hair Design Salon, Amanda Borghese LTD., Antoinette Gentempo, Audra Bursae, Craig Stodola, Maureen Cummings, Leapin Lizards, The Atlantis Hotel, The London Hotel, Maze Restaurant, Lodge at Woodloch, Town & Country Apothecary, BnBFinder.com, Windswept Boutique, Martha Fickinger at Worth, Ltd.

DJF students can be great fundraisers and volunteers like the 7th Graders at Ridgewoods GW Middle School. You can host your own fundraiser too! DJF has a stunning Swarovski Crystal Awareness Bracelet and matching jewelry that you can purchase on our website DJF accepts and appreciates matching gifts, planned giving and donations of securities. Please contact our office for guidance DJF is committed to developing and cultivating programs in underserved communities DJF can help your child, teen or you design a community service project to benefit adults living with autism DJF is a resource for life span Autism information, including health and wellness for the entire family DJF develops innovative programs, symposiums and business initiatives that focus on new and unexplored areas that enhance the lives of adults living with Autism DJF created and produced the first informational brochure on Autism, Epliepsy & Seizures with basic first aid in a fold open chart. Download this important brochure, free of charge from our website!

FACTS

I (we) would like to support The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation in the following category:
$5,000 Ruby Employment $2,500 Crimson Education $1,000 Cardinal Recreation $500 Red Rose Residential $100 Red Ball Advocate Please make your check payable to: THE DANIEL JORDAN FIDDLE FOUNDATION P.O. Box 1149, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07451-1149

I (we) would like to make a DONATION to The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation by check in the amount of $_________.

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If you would like to make a donation of securities, please contact our office at 877-444-1149. Support DJF by making a secure donation from our homepage at www.djfiddlefoundation.org. Select The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation as your designated charity through the United Way!

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation P.O. Box 1149 Ridgewood, NJ 07451-1149

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 924 PARAMUS,N.J. 07652