Category Archives: Eden Autism Services Florida

Award recognizes people and organizations who are advocates for autism by increasing awareness, raising funds or providing leadership in support of autism

(January 23, 2013) – Eden Autism Services Florida has recognized Hector Mellen as recipient of the Autism Advocate of the Month award. The award recognizes people or organizations who are advocates for autism by increasing awareness, raising funds or providing leadership in support of autism.

Mellen, a student at Riverdale High School’s International Baccalaureate program, put together an art auction that raised more than $3,000 to benefit Kids Night Out. The art for sale was painted by Kids Night Out students, mentors and teachers. The program helps children with autism at Trafalgar Middle School in Cape Coral learn social skills and make friends. Mellen, who is viewed as one of the program’s greatest success stories, now serves as a mentor to the younger students.

“Hector is an exceptional young man,” said Terri Myles, Autism Program Specialist with the School District of Lee County. “He credits the Kids Night Out program with giving him the social skills needed to succeed in the IB program, and he wanted to give back to help others.”

Eden’s Advocate of the Month receives a certificate of appreciation and will be invited to an annual reception.

To nominate an advocate for autism who exemplifies Action in Autism, please submit your nomination including person’s name, contact information, and 50 word summary of why he or she should be selected to Taire.Malloy@edenautism.org or call 239-992-4680 extension 5014.

About Eden Autism Services

Eden Autism Services Florida was founded in 1996 to address the state’s growing need for specialized services for children and adults with autism and their families. Eden Autism Services’ mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and provide support to their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services. For more information, contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680 extension 5014 or Eden.florida@edenautism.org.

About Autism

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children in the United States, and one in 54 boys. The prevalence of autism has increased 600 percent in the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

Students with autism meet therapy horses

(Fort Myers, FL January 4, 2013) – Special Equestrians therapeutic outreach team visited the students at Eden School in Fort Myers on Monday, December 17. Students with autism were able to groom and interact with two Pet Partner horses.

“Equine therapy has been known to increase independence, communication, and self-confidence in individuals with autism,” said Jan Fifer, executive director of Special Equestrians. “Special Equestrians has been providing therapeutic horseback riding for 25 years in Southwest Florida. We recently expanded our outreach program so we could share the unique experience of equine interactions with individuals throughout our community.”

“The horses were gentle, patient, and calm,” said Cari Pusateri, Education Coordinator at Eden’s Fort Myers school. “Many of our students have never been able to touch or brush a horse and this was a wonderful opportunity for them. We appreciate the Special Equestrians volunteers providing this experience for our kids.”

About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children in the United States, and one in 54 boys. The prevalence of autism has increased 600 percent in the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Eden Autism Services
Eden Autism Services Florida was founded in 1996 to address the state’s growing need for specialized services for children and adults with autism and their families. Eden Autism Services’ mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and provide support to their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services. For more information, contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680, extension 5014 or Eden.florida@edenautism.org.

About Special Equestrians:
Special Equestrians, Inc. is a nonprofit organization which helps children and adults with disabilities by providing a structured therapeutic horseback riding program and equine assisted activities. For more information visit www.specialequestrians.net or call 239-226-1221.

Award recognizes people and organizations who are advocates for autism by increasing awareness, raising funds or providing leadership in support of autism

(December 12, 2012) – Eden Autism Services Florida has recognized Liz Quinter as recipient of the Autism Advocate of the Month award. The award recognizes people or organizations who are advocates for autism by increasing awareness, raising funds or providing leadership in support of autism.

Quinter, the mother of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome, has worked diligently to keep the Garden at Eden operations going since the garden’s manager, John Puig, took a leave of absence. The goal of the garden is to provide improved nutritional and vocational training for the students of Eden Autism Services’ schools, as well as other interested youth and community groups. Quinter works with volunteers to maintain the farm, composting and Rent-a-Bed operations.

“Liz saw the positive effect that the garden had on her son and is working to ensure that others receive the same benefits,” said Taire Malloy, Director of Development for Eden Autism Services Florida. “Working in the garden provides opportunities for increased communication as well as valuable work skills that our students need.”

Eden’s Advocate of the Month receives a certificate of appreciation and will be invited to an annual reception.

To nominate an advocate for autism who exemplifies Action in Autism, please submit your nomination including person’s name, contact information, and 50 word summary of why he or she should be selected to Taire.Malloy@edenautism.org or call 239-992-4680 extension 5014.

About Eden Autism Services

Eden Autism Services Florida was founded in 1996 to address the state’s growing need for specialized services for children and adults with autism and their families. Eden Autism Services’ mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and provide support to their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services. For more information, contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680 extension 5014 or Eden.florida@edenautism.org.

About Autism

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children in the United States, and one in 54 boys. The prevalence of autism has increased 600 percent in the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

Sean Ringgold, Shaun Evans on One Life to Live, paints with Mac Falanga, a student at Eden Autism Services’ Naples School, at the 14th Annual Soapfest on Marco Island

(Fort Myers – December 6, 2012) – On November 10th, students from Eden Autism Services joined soap opera actors at the 14th annual Soapfest on Marco Island. The Art-4-Autism event paired the stars with students to paint canvases that would be auctioned off during the weekend to benefit local children’s charities.

Marco Island’s Soapfest Charity Weekend is an annual event that hosts daytime soap opera stars who donate their time and talent. This year’s event included 15 daytime actors from All My Children, General Hospital, One Life to Live, Young and the Restless and Guiding Light.

“We are grateful to the stars and the Soapfest organizers for including Eden in this special event. The kids loved participating in the art projects and we appreciate the financial support for our programs.” said Taire Malloy, Director of Development of Eden Florida.

For more information about Eden Autism Services, contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680, extension 5014 or Eden.florida@edenautism.org.

About Eden Autism Services
Eden Autism Services Florida was founded in 1996 to address the state’s growing need for specialized services for children and adults with autism and their families. Eden Autism Services’ mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and provide support to their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services. For more information, contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680, extension 5014 or Eden.florida@edenautism.org.

About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children in the United States, and one in 54 boys. The prevalence of autism has increased 600 percent in the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

Deadline approaching for McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

(Fort Myers – November 7, 2012) – Florida’s school choice programs ensure that no child will be left behind by allowing parents to choose the best educational setting—public or private—for their child. Eden Florida accepts the McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program, which has provided more than 24,000 Florida students with special needs the opportunity to attend a participating private school during the 2011-12 school year.

A private K-12 school for children with autism or autism spectrum disorders, Eden offers specialized services with school campuses in Lee and Collier counties. Eden is offering appointments for families to visit the schools and to learn more about their services, and how to qualify and apply for McKay Scholarships.

A child qualifies for the McKay Scholarship if he or she has a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Accommodation Plan and has attended school for an entire year. The next deadline for intent filing for the McKay Scholarship is December 3, 2012 for students enrolling in January 2013.

“Eden is proud to provide an alternative for families seeking the best education for their children with autism,” said Taire Malloy, Director of Development of Eden Florida. “Eden’s therapeutic teaching techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) have been found to be successful for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

For more information about Eden Florida and the McKay Scholarship contact Jackie Indriago, Education Coordinator, at (239) 384-5620 or email Eden.florida@edenservices.org.

About Eden Autism Services
Eden Autism Services Florida was founded in 1996 to address the state’s growing need for specialized services for children and adults with autism and their families. Eden Autism Services’ mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and provide support to their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services. For more information, contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680, extension 5014 or Eden.florida@edenautism.org.

About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children in the United States, and one in 54 boys. The prevalence of autism has increased 600 percent in the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

Arnold McCuller

Alive in the World concert at The Phil on April 26

(Naples, Fla. – October 31, 2012) Acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Arnold McCuller will headline this spring’s Alive in the World Concert benefiting Eden Autism Services Florida. The concert and auction event is presented by the Trust for the Advancement of Responsible Artists (TARA) and will be held at The Philharmonic Center for the Arts Daniels Pavilion, Friday, April 26, 2013 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

At some point in your life you have heard Arnold McCuller’s rich and distinctive vocals that have captured the hearts and ears of many well-respected musicians and fans alike. He is probably best known for his 30-year association with James Taylor, where he is often featured on the stage performances of Taylor’s song “Shower the People”.

Whether performing solo or singing back up, his show stopping live performances regularly bring audiences to their feet. McCuller has been one of the music industry’s most popular session singers. His voice has graced recordings by a virtual who’s who of the music industry, including Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler, Lionel Ritchie, Dave Koz, Billy Idol, Lyle Lovett and Beck to name only a few.

“Arnold McCuller is one of the greatest vocalists alive,” said Bob Goldman, director and founder of TARA. “His extraordinary stage presence and vocal ability are going to make for an amazing show.”

TARA was founded as a result of Bob Goldman’s involvement with Eden Autism Services. “Eden addresses the needs of people with autism like no one else in our community,” Goldman says. “Just supporting the cause is reason enough to come to an event like ours. But people also get a great performance by artists they might otherwise never get to see.” Previous concerts have included Ben Taylor, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Rodney Crowell, Brandi Carlile and Phoebe Snow.

The “Alive in the World Concert,” featuring Arnold McCuller, will be held on Friday, April 26, 2013. The opening act for the concert is the Community School Naples all-star rock band. The event kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails, victuals and a silent auction. At 8:00 p.m. the CSN Rock Band opens the show, followed by a live auction. Then, McCuller will take the stage. Tickets for the event are $150 each, and only 200 tickets will be sold. For more information or to purchase tickets call (239) 919-0408 or visit www.gigforgood.org.

About Eden Autism Services Florida
Eden Autism Services Florida was founded in 1996 to address the state’s growing need for specialized services for children and adults with autism and their families. Eden Autism Services’ mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and provide support to their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services. For more information, about Eden Florida, contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680 extension 5014 or Eden.florida@edenautism.org.

About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children in the United States, and one in 54 boys. The prevalence of autism has increased 600 percent in the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.