June is such a lovely month! There are so many celebrations, such as Cat National Day and Accordion Awareness Day - not to mention all the graduation parties (of course!) And if that wasn't enough, we are also having the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris! Incroyable!

In this spirit of competitive international pride and excellence, join us virtually on June 4-6 at our ESC6 Special Education Summer Series: Go for the Gold! (see a flyer below with all sessions, including some TSHA-approved options for SLPs.) Join us for several door prizes, too. Everybody wins in this event, but perhaps you will feel like gold. 🥇

This Post is filled with learning opportunities at the ESC6 and beyond, so pace yourself. Above all, we hope you are making time for what supports your health, feeds your mind, and replenishes your soul. You are worth it! And, as always, please let us know how we can serve you best.

Spotlight on Neglect Tuesday, June 4, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT

In this session, you’ll learn about how poverty impacts neglect, including how neglect is defined federally and across states, learn effective solutions and policies across America to address child neglect and support families, and the policy levers that support families and reduce adverse childhood experiences.

How to Integrate Nutrition into Trauma Treatment - Wednesday, June 12, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT

Proper nutrition is a key ingredient in rewiring your clients traumatized neural pathways. Yet, research shows that nutrition is not part of trauma treatment. In fact, nutrition and trauma are on two different planets. Mindful Movements: a trauma-informed approach to physical healing Pre-recorded webinar Mindful movements for trauma survivors. Downloadable materials.

Register Today

All Texas educators may access these courses for free on the TEALearn website and earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours.

https://tinyurl.com/TIERcourses

I am on the research team at Baylor University, which is looking to increase positive interactions between children with autism spectrum disorder and their siblings.

Our programs are uniquely designed to educate siblings about autism and equip them with the tools to Encourage, Support, and Communicate effectively, even in Unpredictable Situations. This distinctive learning experience fosters a stronger sibling bond and creates a more inclusive family environment, setting it apart from other programs.

Level 3 is for siblings of a student with ASD only and is a one-day, six-hour course in cities across Texas. The program is still booking towns and has openings in your area.

Participants must be between the ages of 5 and 7, live in Texas, and have a sibling with an ASD diagnosis.

Participants can earn up to $75 in Amazon gift cards for full participation.

Corpus Christi, TX – June 3rd

Waco, TX – June 5th

Lubbock, TX – June 6th

Amarillo, TX June 10th

RG Valley, TX – June 13th

El Paso, TX – June 20th

Practitioner Training is for practitioners who work with children with autism spectrum disorder. It is a three-hour course titled “Involving Siblings in Treatment Planning.”

BCBAs will receive three free CE units, and Texas-certified teachers and administrators will receive three free hours of CPEs.

Upon completion, participants receive a $50 Amazon gift card.

Corpus Christi, TX - June 4th

Lubbock, TX – June 7, 2024

Amarillo, TX – June 11, 2024

DFW, TX – June 12th

RG Valley, TX - June 14th

Austin, TX – June 17th

San Antonio, TX – June 17th

Waco, TX - June 18th

El Paso, TX – June 21st

Houston, TX – June 28th

The program has received resoundingly positive feedback from previous participants, administrators, and parents, which serves as a strong testament to its effectiveness and value. This should instill confidence in the program's ability to make a positive difference in your child's life, as it has for many others.

Please share this opportunity with friends and families, as plenty of openings exist. We value our participants and believe that every child and family can contribute to and benefit from this program.

Bonnie Lindley, M. Ed

Research Associate

School of Education

One Bear Place #97041

Waco, TX 76798

The Office of Mental Health Coordination's Veterans Mental Health Services has developed four webinars to occur each week of June in honor of National PTSD Awareness and Veteran Suicide Prevention Month.

The webinars will focus on various aspects of how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and returning home from service can impact veterans and their families.

Webinar dates, descriptions, and registration links can be found below.

PTSD in Military Veterans: What It Is and Isn't – and Unique Considerations for Veterans Living with PTSD

June 7, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.

Speaker: Dr. Samantha Marasa, Strong Star, Ft. Cavazos

Moderator: Tara Reyna

Learn how trauma experiences change the nervous system and the impact that childhood trauma can have on service-members. We will also discuss unique considerations for supporting veterans living with PTSD. This webinar is appropriate for veterans, their families, and clinicians.

The Deadly Gap – The Elevated Suicide Risk for Veterans in Their First Year After Service Separation

June 14, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.

Speaker: Tara Reyna

Moderator: Kimberly Patterson

In the first year after leaving military service, the rate of veteran suicide is 2.5x higher compared to the active-duty population. During this time, veterans are experiencing change in all major areas of life: family, job, community, friendships, and life purpose. We will discuss why these changes can be both mentally and physically overwhelming, the impact of substance use, and discuss the various programs and places in the community that can provide support.

“Sober Curious” for Veterans and Families: Alcohol's Impact on Mental Health and How the Sober Curious Movement Can Help

June 28, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.

Speaker: Tara Reyna

Moderator: Kimberly Patterson

The recent "sober curious" movement challenges drinking culture norms and encourages individuals to examine their drinking habits in order to drink less and live fuller, healthier lives. In this webinar, we will explore the details of this rising movement and how it could have a positive impact on military communities.

How Families Are Impacted When a Service Member or Veteran Lives with PTSD

June 21, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.

Speaker: Dr. Elisa Borah

Moderator: Tara Reyna

When a service member lives with PTSD, it impacts not just them, but their families as well. Sometimes, secondary trauma can occur, and in order to help the veteran, it's important to help their family, too. This webinar will discuss how PTSD impacts the entire family unit and the effective supports for families.

I am pleased to invite you to our upcoming event, an introduction and overview to the most widespread standardized suicide assessment tool, the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), a science-driven screening model to accurately assess suicidality, determine the risk level, and offer appropriate support.

The seminar is free of charge. However, there is a $30 CE credit processing fee for those seeking CE credit (see accreditation statement below).

This event is tailored to mental health professionals dedicated to suicide prevention and seeking to bolster their expertise in suicide risk assessment. Additionally, we extend our invitation to companies, organizations, and government entities committed to disseminating vital information on suicide prevention strategies.

Together, let us take proactive steps toward lowering the rates of suicide. We look forward to your participation in this informative workshop.

REGISTER HERE

2024 Injury Prevention Conference

Save the Date!

July 18-19, 2024

The Texas Department of State Health Services, Title V Maternal & Child Health, will host the 2024 Texas Injury Prevention Conference virtually and in person at the Holiday Inn Austin Midtown from July 18 -19, 2024.

Schedule/Registration. The conference will provide training and education on the prevention of injury and death for infants, children and adolescents. Presentations will take place Thursday, July 18th from 7:30am -5:00pm, and half the day Friday, July 19th from 7:30am -12pm.

You can register using this link. A schedule with session descriptions will be sent soon.

Target Attendees. Invited participants include members of the Child Fatality Review Teams across Texas, physicians, nurses, counselors, educators, public health professionals, and social workers.

Accommodations. Register as a virtual attendant or in person attendant and book your hotel room today! A block of rooms has been secured at the Holiday Inn Austin Midtown for conference attendees.

Click HERE to reserve your room now.

Meals and Parking. Registration includes free parking, breakfast and lunch on Thursday, and breakfast Friday.

Exhibitors. Interested in being an exhibitor? Send us an email for more information!

Questions: Please contact Innovation Event Management - dshs@iemshows.com | (512) 358-1000

We look forward to seeing you in Austin in July for the Injury Prevention Conference!

Director: Pauline A. Filipek, MD

Mission

LoneStar LEND is a training program designed to develop leaders in the field of autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities (ASD/DD) using a 10-month, interdisciplinary training model focused on leadership, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice. The LoneStar LEND mission particularly promotes training that produces future leaders equipped to best serve underrepresented and underserved children with ASD/DDs across Texas.

Educational Opportunities

The LEND offers three types of educational opportunities:

1. Long-Term Trainee Program
2. Medium-Term Trainee Program
3. Short-Term Trainee Program

You can find more information about each program below.

1. Long-Term Trainee (LTT) Program

Provides leadership training to:

• Medical residents and fellows
• Graduate students whose academic focus is within one of the Core Disciplines
• Professionals who work within one of the Core Disciplines
• Parents and siblings of individuals with ASD/DDs
• Self-advocates

Long-Term Trainees (LTTs) complete an average of 20hrs/week of LEND-specific activities. Curriculum includes:

• Didactic seminars
• Clinical observations
• Community field experiences
• Leadership training
• Service Learning Project
• Family mentorship experience
• Monthly stipend support, paid conference registration and a professional development travel stipend are also provided.

Find more information about the LTT Program Requirements HERE.

Applications are open until April 30th, 2024! Rolling admissions policy.

2. Medium-Term Trainee (MTT) Program

The MTT Program allows for a less structured, less intensive learning opportunity. MTTs are permitted to design their own learning experience. However, their program must span no longer than five months and include 40 – 299 hours of training.

The MTT Program is available to:

• Students / Residents
• Professionals
• Family members
• Community advocates
• Self-advocates

The MTT Program includes participation in:

• Didactic seminars
• LoneStar LEND Conference
• Cultural Responsiveness training *
• LEND Leadership Weekend*
• LEND Book Club*

You can find more information about the MTT Program Requirements HERE. A completed application is required for consideration. Applications remain open and are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.

3. Short-Term Trainee (STT) Program

The STT Program is the least structured way for individuals to participate in LEND educational opportunities; it includes weekly seminars and the annual LEND Conference. Anyone in the community, from high school students to parents to healthcare professionals, may attend the didactic seminars and/or the LoneStar LEND Conference. STTs complete up to 40 hours of training. No application required- to attend LEND seminars, contact the Program Coordinator to RSVP at least 48hrs prior tothe seminar date. The LEND Conference can be registered for by following the link above.

Program Coordinator Contact Information: Annie Rangel - (713) 500-3637 - Annie.A.Rangel@uth.tmc.edu

SchoolSafety.gov released a new issue brief that describes the impact of trauma on children and youth. The brief specifically focuses on strategies and resources to build and maintain trauma-informed schools that promote student well-being and safe, supportive learning environments.

Learn more below and download and share this new resource with others in your K-12 school community.

What is a trauma-informed school?
A trauma-informed school promotes a safe and welcoming environment while also recognizing the widespread impact of trauma. This approach includes integrating trauma-informed principles with various aspects of a school’s policies and actions, including social, emotional, and behavioral learning practices; disciplinary procedures; classroom management and activities; and support systems and services for students and school personnel.

What is the value of a trauma-informed school?
Children in the United States are exposed to trauma at a high rate, with more than two-thirds of children reporting at least one traumatic event by age 16. Creating and maintaining a trauma-informed school can promote a sense of safety, support, and inclusivity; lessen the escalation of mental health issues associated with trauma; and better position students for success.

How can schools create and maintain a trauma-informed environment?
School leaders, educators, and staff can consider the following strategies to adopt a trauma-informed environment:

• Recognize and understand the signs of traumatic stress. Offering continuous professional development opportunities can help school leaders, educators, and staff identify signs of traumatic stress and better respond to and support affected students.
• Incorporate trauma-informed classroom practices and strategies. Creating a compassionate, positive, and supportive classroom environment can help students impacted by trauma form trusting relationships with others, grow confidence to engage in classroom learning, and develop resilience.
• Create partnerships with families and community organizations. Engaging families and local organizations can expand services to children and families affected by trauma and enhance a student’s chances for success.

For additional trauma-informed school resources, please visit SchoolSafety.gov’s mental health topic page. If you have any questions, please contact us at SchoolSafety@hq.dhs.gov.

The State Performance Plan Indicator (SPPI) 14 survey measures post-school outcomes for students who were receiving special education services when they exited public school. TEA contracts with a vendor to conduct the SPPI 14 survey. On June 3, Gibson Consulting Group will launch the summer 2024 survey for students who were enrolled in grades 9-12 during the 2022-23 school year and graduated, dropped out, completed a GED, or withdrew to enter college. Resources are available on the Texas SPED Support website to understand the SPPI 14 post-school outcomes survey. Watch the videos to learn more about SPPI 14, including how to use the results of the survey to inform transition planning practices or to increase response rates. Use the bookmark to share information about the post-school outcomes survey with students and families.

This year, former students and families will receive invitations to complete the survey through the following methods:

• Email messages from gibsonsurveys@qemailserver.com
• Phone calls from (512) 580-6008
• Text messages from (833) 495-3340
• Postcards

For questions about the survey, they may contact Gibson by sending an email to support@gibsonconsult.com or calling (512) 580-6008. They may also complete the survey by visiting www.TxExit.com.

Fabiana Bezerra, LSSP, NCSP

ESC 6 Behavior & Autism Specialist for Special Education

Email: fbezerra@esc6.net
Website: https://www.esc6.net/
Location: Education Service Center Region 6, Montgomery Road, Huntsville, TX, USA
Phone: 936-4350-8252
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Region6ESC
Twitter: @escregion6