See you in CHICAGO!

Hey Chicago!

We're packing up and getting ready to see you at the Lincoln Park Boat Club once again! We've got a few kids signed up, including one we met a few years ago whose mom just sent us an email:

"I am also happy to report that my son J--who paddled for the first time with you-- now paddles around in his own kayak independently! It's so great that you gave him such a warm, reinforcing experience. As a result, he is not afraid of trying new things and actually we just got back from a trip to Egypt and Europe--everything went smoothly--not bad for a kid on the autism spectrum! I'm attaching a picture."

These sorts of emails make us realize what an impact this event can have not only globally but on kids here in the US as well. It's a great day and EVERYONE's INVITED TO PADDLE WITH US!! Although the event is open to children with autism--anyone can join us!

Grown-ups are also invited to share a drink with us on Thursday night at the kick-off event. All of the details for both events can be found at: www.globalautismproject.org/paddle.

Looks like the weather is expected to cooperate with us and it's going to be a great weekend! We can NOT wait to see you there!

Also- if any autism professionals or others are interested in meeting with our organization on Friday, we have a few more spaces open, and we'd love to talk with you!

A BIG thank you and congratulations to Liz Wissner who has been working hard to make this event happen in Chicago since 2005! Come on down to our Thursday night kickoff event and check out some of the amazing prizes she's managed to get her hands on for the raffle!

See you soon! Email me with any questions at molly@globalautismproject.org.

They are SO stellar!

Today it was a back to work at the Centre...We got an early start trying to set up the BI Capture and preparing for the second training on the Picture Exchange Communication System...The support team has been incredible..AACT and the Global Autism Project are really working together to get this BI Capture software up and running. The staff did very well with what they have done so far, so we took the next step by showing them how to take data on this system. Everyone was enthusiastic about a way to track progress and was eager to practice data collection. The participation was wonderful...More of the staff were able to practice and they were all excited to see the system in action. After a quick review of discrete trials it was back to the classroom for some assistance with behavior management. This incredibly dedicated staff are always ready to help these children and we can see how our support has been helpful to them. What an honor to work with these amazing people. Medasi pa, AACT! ("Thank you very much" in Twi).



After the morning of work at the Centre, we were inteviewed for our new video describing our work with the project. This video is a great tool to raise awareness of childen with autism in other parts of the world. Look for it on our website in the coming months!

And now it's another evening at good ol' Busy Internet creating materials, and, of course, blogging.

It's hard to believe that tomorrow will be our last full day at the Centre. It should be a full one, starting off with data share with Mr. Mawusi in the morning and finishing up who knows when!

Working for the weekend

The only thing we took time off from this weekend was the internet cafe! Saturday morning started with Board meeting...and Saturday evening ended with it! It was so great to have a face-to-face meeting with our whole team! We discussed the exciting upcoming opportunities for this organization...Molly often says that she started this project simply because it had to be started and we are so grateful for the support and passion for our cause!

On Sunday, we went to church with Auntie Serwah. Somehow, they convinced Ann to sing! Auntie Serwah was very pleased and Ann and Molly enjoyed the opportunity to meet everyone. The rest of the day was spent in meetings (no day of rest for us!). It was really affirming to hear from others doing similar work to build local capacity in human service work. We feel strongly that building local capacity is the key to the long term success of autism treatment, and we felt we were in good company with some of the wonderful work going on in Ghana. Their support of our work really made us feel that we're on the right track.

Stellar students!

Today was another hectic day in Ghana...we are really making the most of our brief visit. We got an early start at the Centre. After working long into the night on our presentation, we got an early start at the Centre. Thankfully, Molly and Mawusi noticed that the rain was coming and moved the presentation indoors so Ann didn't get drenched! Before the presentation, Molly was able to speak to an aunt who had come to inquire about services for her nephew, who is 13 years old and without services. This woman had the same questions that many family members have in the states. What is the cause? Will he make progress? It was a powerful reminder that, even across the ocean, our concerns are more alike than they are different.

The presentation on PECS (the Picture Exchange Communication System) went beautifully. Ann gave examples of how to teach a child to use pictures to communicate. Mawusi was helping by playing the role of both teacher and child in the demonstrations. The staff was eager to see the system used with one of the children, and we were all delighted when she was able to exchange the pictures to request so quickly. The entire room burst into applause (including the trainers!). Some staff members tried the system and when the child's aunt picked her up at the end of the day, she was excited to try it at home too!

We also reviewed with Mawusi some of the data that had been taken on the children's programs. It was amazing to see their enthusiasm for this new system. We are all getting excited about the possibility of going to the Association of Behavior Analysis conference in Norway in 2009. Ann and Molly would be particularly happy to see Mawusi there -- he speaks Norwegian! How will we manage without him?

We headed down to the Cultural Arts Centre to look for gifts for our supporters in New York and then at dinner met an American couple who had also started a nonprofit working in rural areas. Even she said, "I didn't know there was autism in Ghana". It's good to know that we can make an impact raising awareness of the need for services in Ghana both here in Ghana and abroad

Well, for tonight it's back to the house for another meeting with Nic and maybe a full night's sleep...but knowing us, maybe not!

Please, where can I find Press-Ted?

Well, that meeting with Nic went into the wee hours, but we’ve established an excellent schedule to be sure we accomplish plenty as they say here in Ghana. This morning, we were in the centre bright and early ready to get BI Capture software set up and running and hold our business meeting with Auntie Serwah, the Director of AACT.
Nic and Mawusi got started right away with the installation of the BI Capture software, and though we still need to work out some kinks of installation, we expect to have the software up and running by tomorrow so that we can do a few test runs of the upload and comment process before we head back!
Ann and Molly continued observation of the staff and teaching, and Mawusi and Ann began setting up staff training data sheets. It’s so great to see the children and staff again- we are making new friends and reuniting with old ones. In our meeting with Auntie Serwah we got to hear the details of some of the awareness raising that AACT has been doing throughout Ghana. We were reminded of the realities of working within a culture where autism still carries an overwhelming stigma. Although AACT has made tremendous progress in raising awareness of children with autism in Ghana, the cultural beliefs surrounding autism create a large and complex challenge.
One of the difficulties of this stigma is manifested in parents’ hesitance to sign photo releases that would allow their child’s picture to be publicly displayed in any way. This would of course raise visibility and awareness of the condition here in Ghana. Even after signing photo releases, many parents can sometimes have second thoughts when presented with the realities of having their child’s photo used publicly.
Then, we were off to prepare materials for a presentation on PECS-the Picture Exchange Communication System. This system will allow the children to communicate using pictures and give a mode of communication to children who currently have none. These children often rely on inappropriate and even dangerous behaviors to get their needs met. It is these behaviors that cause some children to be ostracized from their communities and sometimes even their families.
After a long search for Velcro (including the discovery that it is called “press-ted” in Ghana) we managed to find time to mail a few postcards. Ann is now about to start writing out the flipcharts for tomorrow’s presentation while Molly prepares the participation certificates and checks Global Autism Project mail from Busy Internet, whilst posting this blog!

Day 1: We have arrived!

After a stressful trip to the airport (Molly almost missed the flight because of a fire in the middle of the road!) and a nerve-wracking flight (that turbulence really meant business!), we have finally arrived in Ghana! After our arrival, we took a cab right down to the center. It was wonderful to see them and the great work they were doing! They have really enjoyed using data collection systems and tracking children's progress.

Baaba had Ann get started right away observing a new child. Ann was still wearing her traveling clothes, but with a quick apology for her appearance, she jumped right in! Molly explained the importance of functional analysis as well as baseline data so that we can track progress. We also filmed some trials to use for staff training.

One of the main goals of this trip is to set up the software and equipment that has been generously donated by Caring Technologies/TalkAutism. True to form (of literally hitting the ground running) we started to get that set up today as well. Mr. Mawusi, the Educational Director, had lots of great suggestions of ways to make the most of this equipment. Molly and Ann also met with Auntie Serwah who is thrilled to get started on the new software and increase our communication from across the ocean. There was lots of excitement generated over the BI (Behavior Imaging) Capture software and ways it will help us communicate from the U.S. During the staff meeting, there was even applause!

After a lunch with the familiar sounds of dogs and roosters, we met with the staff to find out what had been working since January and what may need to change or improve. They have so many dreams for the Centre...it was wonderful to get their feedback.. They all said that data collection was what they liked most. Their concerns included getting more space, including a workshop for older children, increasing parental involvement, and the possibility of coming to the U.S. for more intensive training. Tomorrow we will be back at work installing and setting up the software. We will also begin gathering materials for the Picture Exchange Communication System, an augmentative communication system. For now, it's off to a meeting with our Country Director, Nic. And maybe even a good night's sleep!

Day #7- Tuesday

Day 6- abcdefghijlmnopalopalogualogo!

We all woke up for a trip to the Cultural Art Center, a huge market. There are what feels like hundreds of small stands, with vendors ready and willing to approach, using tactics as sneaky as "Oh! My friend! I have forgotten your name!" Reminding them that they never knew your name (jokingly) doesn't bother them in the least. The relief of so many stands is that there are inevitably repetitions, making the necessary, encouraged haggling easier - comparison shopping made very, very real. We found some souvenirs and gifts, including sculptures of animals made from melted down old cedi coins and recycled car parts (my favorite).

Out back, Molly lead us to her friend Louis Wonder ("Won-da"), a professional drummer and drummaker. He took us into the back room of his shop to welcome us, then gathered some friends - including Shine, who later revealed himself to the be the first flutist of the Pan-African Orchestra - for a concert. Shine taught me all the drum names: I recognized the djembe (which pleased him almost as much as my familiarity with the Orchestra), and he introduced me to the dom-dom and the bass, gome. Louis got Molly to go get libations as an offering to the spirits afterwards - the Rastafarians give thanks to their predecessors for passing down the music. Molly arranged for us to return at sunset for drumming lessons on the beach.

Louis proved himself to be exactly the teacher most American pre-schools are looking for. He taught us basic Palogo rhythms, broke them down into small segments, and sprinkled his lessons with exclamations like "WOW!" "Nice one!" and "Clap for yourself!", which Molly says is a typical Ghanaian expression. By the end, he had us playing supporting rhythms - accompanied by one of his students on cowbell - and singing a song children learn as a mnemonic. It would be difficult to transcribe, but I did write it down in the notebook I've been carrying - when we left the market in the morning Louis asked us all to bring a pen and paper, to help us remember and bring his lessons home with us. He offered to arrange a bonfire on the beach on our last night, and, beyond, assured us "family prices" on any instruments we decide to buy.

Day 5- Our day of Rest!

church in morning
rest in afternoon
party with drs. in evening

Day 4- Up to our elbows in PAINT!

Day 3- Chez Afrique with Auntie Serwah

It was a big day of cleaning for the centre. Lots of toys and other teaching materials needed to be washed and organized, so our volunteers got right into the thick of it! The harmattan brings thick dust into the centre and I'm so glad we were there to help restore it to beauty. Auntie Serwah, Mr. Mawusi and I discussed the teaching at the centre and all the great things that are going on. I am so excited about their dedication and enthusiasm, and meeting the staff and more of the children. One of the children enjoyed playing with a ball today and was happy to have a new playmate (lucky me!).

Day 2 - At the Autism Awareness Care and Training Centre

AKWAABA!

AKWAABA!

You are Welcome! This familiar Ghanaian greeting was recited over and over again to our volunteers as they wandered the streets of Accra and began to take in the sights and sounds of Ghana!

From Jess:
Vlad & I got off our near-empty Delta flight; in Accra you disembark outside, and there is indeed a huge 'AKWAABA' sign painted on the outside of the airport. Inside there were many banners advertising the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, a football tournament we will all, tragically, miss due to school. The visa people were the kindest I've ever come across - my guy asked what my name means, assured me it had to mean something, and, appalled by a mere 2-week stay, promised to throw in an extra 2 to allow me a full 4. We were destined to be friends, he explained, given our sharing a birthday.

That set the tone for the local population. Outside on the tarmac, attendants repeatedly checked in, making sure that we were okay, offering us their cell phones. Though we weren't worried, we eventually caved, resulting in 2 calls to Auntie Serwah (who was unflaggingly polite and receptive, notably so for such an erroneous mishap).

After settling in at our respective abodes (the Project's apartment and the Obroni House), we went over to the Center, where we were greeted by Mr. Mousey, the educational coordinator. Auntie Serwah ("Mrs. Q", to Mousey) arrived soon after. They seemed delighted to see us. High fives are common, as are thumbs up - though you must be careful here to stick your thumb straight up as a tilted thumb in that position is profane. Auntie Serwah explained that most of the children are still on holiday, but introduced us to Kofi and Jeffrey, the two children present. Kofi recognized Molly and pulled her in to take her to a classroom and get to work.
Soon after getting our bearings and hanging at the Center, we went to get dinner. On the way we met Steven, the guard, a 90-something year-old man who sits outside on the stoop watching over things. Unfailing, he smiles, nods, reaches for a handshake and announces, "You are welcome". We learned it's important here to always greet elders, with a "Good [whatever time of day]". Steven taught us the How are you/I'm fine exchange in Ga, one of the local dialects, and was glad to see that I could answer his French in kind.

Molly and Nic took us to Hi-Tech Fast Food, a local spot that specializes in fried chicken and rice. I opted for choli, the spicy sauce (Auntie Serwah had earlier congratulated my eagerness to eat anything and everything), and was glad I did. Hi-Tech is wonderful, with blue light bulbs and a disproportionate amount of space dedicated to speakers (which play a bit of highlife and a LOT of Akon). It is NOT, egregiously, in any of the guidebooks previous volunteers and other guests have left at the house.