The Grandparent Autism Network informs grandparents about autism and the medical, educational, legal and social issues that affect their families, enabling them to share how they may improve the quality of life for their children and grandchildren. Activities include social events for grandparents and grandchildren and advocacy efforts to increase support for autism causes. Networking together, grandparents are a vital resource for autism …and each other.
Announcements
DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS, MANY EVENTS ON THE CALENDAR HAVE BEEN CANCELED OR ARE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE. BE SURE TO CHECK WITH THE EVENT SPONSORS BEFORE THE EVENTS TO CONFIRM IF THEY ARE STILL PLANNED
National Grandparent Survey
This 2021 National Survey of Autism Grandparents was developed over the past year by nationwide autism professionals. It is being managed by AARP. Participants are anonymous and results will be will be tabulated and reported by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Survey Evaluation Research Laboratory. The findings will help autism providers to become more aware of grandparents as resources and help to define grandparents’ roles even better – all for the benefit of our grandchildren. Please take a few moments to participate by taking the survey here.
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Fall Newsletter 2021
Read our latest newsletter including articles on Tips for Grandparents to Reduce Stress, Fall Fun with Your Grandchildren, Nature Apps and more... READ NOW
Cost-Free Membership in GAN is Available to Grandparents Everywhere!
Sign up here to receive the next copy of GAN's e-Newsletter. Articles focus on grandparents and offer suggestions about how they can increase personal and community support for their families.
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Seniors need to Beware of Possible COVID-19 SCAMS!
Scammers are targeting older adults and those with long-term health conditions, in attempts to bill Medicare for sham treatments and to illegally obtain money or Medicare numbers. Go here to report if you have provided your Medicare number to someone by phone, text or email and to learn more about how to report suspected fraud.
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Get Together With Others Virtually
"Ideas for Activities While Sheltering in Place" ("Ideas para Actividades Mientras Se Refugia en el Lugar") or "10 Tips to Support Someone During Times of Change" (10 Consejos para Apoyar a Alguien en Tiempos de Cambi)
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GAN Remembers...
The GAN Board of Directors and Advisory Board members extend our sincere condolences to Lee Butler and his family on the loss of their beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Dorene Butler, who passed away on October 24, 2020. Dorene and Lee provided enthusiastic support and sage advice as founding board members of GAN, in efforts to help grandparents and their families world-wide. Dorene will be remembered for her kindness, her keen sense of humor and her dedication to GAN and other philanthropic causes. She will be missed by all who knew her - and so many others who benefitted from her very generous and caring heart.
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Additional Local, National & International Resources Available
Our Family Autism Network website has local, national and international resources for families and a community calendar that posts autism events for Orange County, California . Go to www.faninfo.org
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Expanded Telehealth Benefits for Medicare Beneficiaries during the Coronavirus Epidemic
Go here for additional information: Medicare & Telehealth Fact Sheet
Medicare & Telehealth FAQ
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Grandparents are Great Resources for Sibling Support
Typical siblings sometimes feel left out because their brother or sister with autism requires more attention. Learn what you can do to make them feel special too.
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Special Education News- Free INDEPENDENT Educational Evaluations (IEE)
Need An Independent Educational Evaluation?
The Jonathan Foundation has an Assessment Scholarship Program to fund IEEs (private psycho-educational assessments) to be administered by credentialed assessors. They are looking for students in Orange County that would benefit from receiving an IEE. If you are in need and interested, please complete their online application here. For more information, please contact The Jonathan Foundation at 818-368-2600 or via email info@thejonathanfoundation.org.
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New Legislation to Ensure Safety for Those At Risk of Wandering
The Kevin & Avonte's Law will benefit those with autism, Alzheimer's Disease and other conditions that put them at risk for wandering. Learn more about the law here
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Regional Center of Orange County Resources
The Regional Center of Orange County California has a website with links to many local resources for families. You can access that page at http://www.rcocdd.com/frc/ccfrc/resources/
The Comfort Connection provides additional support, information and brochures for programs and services. It is located to the right of the entrance at the Main Headquarters Office, 1525 North Tustin Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705
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Families Can Pool Resources for Disabled in ABLE Accounts!
Learn how you can contribute to ABLE accounts for your grandchild and how you can provide for future needs. Go here for additional information.
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Prepare for Emergencies
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
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