Page 6 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - July '22

Page 6, Jupiter Ocean Mile
Quick Guide To Autism Interventions

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., most up-to-date research on benefited from them, and who successfully delivered
Licensed School Psychologist autism-focused interventions the interventions. You can locate the complete guide at:
When your child has autism, navigating intervention options and highlighting a few parent- www.ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/research-resources.
can be confusing and overwhelming when trying to act quickly friendly interventions that can Knowing there are 28 evidence-based practices for
but wisely to help your loved one. If you don’t know the help you and your child enjoy teaching skills at different ages is important. You can start
best interventions to use or when to use them, you may feel some shared accomplishments with parent-friendly practices that you can confidently
stuck. Unintentionally, you might delay your child’s access sooner rather than later. and safely use on your own. One recommended practice
to essential and timely interventions. Or, you may act in haste A number of professional to start using now to increase your child’s skills and
and spend your precious time and resources on interventions organizations have done independence are “visual supports.” A visual support is
that are ineffective or even potentially harmful to your child. the hard work of sorting a tool that will help your child understand and navigate
We want to help you avoid these pitfalls, by guiding you to the through what works and the social world better. Since using and understanding
spoken language is challenging for children with autism,
what does not work for
Jupiter you. A recent report provided by the National Clearing visuals are a great way to “show” instead of “tell” your
House for Autism Evidence Based Practices summarizes
child what to do. This and many more interventions are
Senior Softball 28 practices that research has demonstrated are the most discussed in my new book, Parent’s Quick Start Guide
to Autism available on Amazon.
effective interventions for people with autism. These
are the primary supports to use to help your child. This
Dr. Forgan is a licensed school psychologist and tests
comprehensive resource describes the positive outcomes kids for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other issues. Call
A Memorial Day tribute that was held under threatening reported in the reviewed studies, the age groups that (561) 625-4125 or JimForgan.com.
skies with intermittent thunder and lightning, featured plenty
of patriotic spirit among the crowd of 50 Jupiter Senior
Softball players who participated in the event at Maplewood Support Groups At La Posada
Community Park.
The ceremony, sponsored by the Jupiter Senior Softball
Association (JSSA), included an opportunity for persons to Address Mental And Emotional
call out names of friends or loved ones who made the ultimate
sacrifice for their country so they could be remembered.
Speaker Everett Barber stressed the significance of Needs Of Senior Residents
Memorial Day as more than celebrating family gatherings
with picnics, going to the beach and cookouts.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conversation
surrounding mental health and emotional wellness has evolved to
address the increased need for resources to combat this issue. While
the conversation around mental health has increased drastically,
many seniors are still feeling the effects of the pandemic. As one
of the largest demographics in the U.S., seniors are an increasingly
important component to the challenges of mental health, yet they
are frequently left out of the discussion.
However, La Posada, a senior living community located in the
heart of Palm Beach Gardens, is looking to change the conversation
about mental health for seniors. With feelings of isolation and
anxiety exacerbated by the pandemic, more seniors than ever
Everett Barber foreground, speaks at Memorial Day tribute. are reporting struggling with their mental and emotional health.
To confront this issue, La Posada has developed several men’s
“It is the day that we stop to remember that the freedom and women’s groups within the community that aim to provide
comfort, guidance and social connection for any resident who
that we enjoy in America is not free. We remember those who needs additional support. “Obtaining and maintaining friendships as an older adult is vital
fought and died to keep America and the world free from those As a Kisco senior living community, La Posada encourages their to overall quality of life,” says Rick Minichino, director of wellness
that would take our freedom away,” he said. residents to master the Art of Living Well, a lifestyle philosophy at La Posada. “Especially during periods of time where seniors are
feeling isolated, these topics are important to discuss to ensure our
When Barber asked the crowd what one word described ingrained in daily life within the community through programming residents always have the support they need in their corner.”
their thoughts about those who died for our nation, responses and amenities that allow residents to master multiple dimensions of Since these programs have been implemented, more residents
wellness including intellectual stimulation, culture and so much more.
included, “bravery, loyalty, honor, sacrifice, grief, freedom, It is this philosophy that laid the groundwork for the initial than ever are facilitating and developing friendships and their own
and courage.” Players observed a moment of silence followed implementation of La Posada’s senior support groups. Noel social groups. Residents within the community have bonded closely
by the recorded solemn sounds of Taps. Trachtenberg, resident and previous Chair of the Independent within their structured discussions, prompting them to extend those
friendships into attending events and activities within the community
Gary Vitaletti spoke about the history of Memorial Day, Living Health Committee at La Posada, first spurred the idea after together, and even forming their own support groups. Additionally,
noting that it evolved during and after the Civil War when the noticing a need for residents within the community to develop the La Posada team is exploring options to make these meetings
deeper social connections and friendships during the height of
tradition of honoring dead soldiers included the placement of the pandemic. Although certain restrictions were lifted by the end even more accessible across the community by offering sessions
flags and flowers on their graves. He pointed out that Veterans of 2020, Trachtenberg and the committee recognized that many over Zoom for residents who are unable to attend in person.
“At La Posada, we are constantly striving to find new
Day, which is held November 11, honors all those who served residents had continued to self-isolate for months. ways to enhance our resident’s wellbeing,” says Brad Cadiere,
in the military, while Memorial Day commemorates those who “We recognized the necessity to form support groups for our executive director at La Posada. “The introduction of this type
died “while defending the ideals that make us the greatest fellow residents,” says Trachtenberg. “In addition to effects from the of programming is more vital than ever, and we are already able
pandemic, we realized many residents needed support, especially if
country on earth.” they were recently widowed or had a spouse in memory care.” to observe the lasting, positive impact it is having throughout the
The tribute concluded with the crowd singing the National community.”
In addition to support groups, La Posada provides monthly
Anthem. After that it was, “Play ball!” as players took the wellness calendars filled with over 40 activities a week that address
field for their regularly scheduled softball games. The JSSA multiple facets of wellness, including mental, physical, emotional,
is seeking new players for the year-round slow-pitch softball social, financial, and more. For example, residents who would like
program that is open to persons 55 years of age and older. to focus on mental wellness may choose to participate in such
The three division league format enables persons of various experiences as support groups, social hours, discussion groups,
skill levels to play. Interested persons are invited to try out the and many other activities.

“One of the aspects that makes life special at La Posada is our
league even though it may have been years since they played. holistic culture surrounding wellness,” says Minichino. “We are
Games are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at committed to offering experiences that interest and inspire our
Jupiter Community Park. For information or to register go to residents every day.”
www.leaguelineup.com/jssa.

La Posada currently facilitates four groups for residents, two
women’s groups and two men’s groups, with various levels of
structure for mental and emotional wellness. The Women’s Circles
are guided by DeeAnn Vera, a professional who first began working
with the community to bring new and unique classes that allowed
residents to explore their creativity. While conducting these classes,
Vera took notice of an untapped potential to further connect women
within the community on a more intentional level.
Gary Braun makes contact as catcher Sal Messina watches. Since the beginning of the women’s circles, Vera has used her
background in counseling to guide the group discussions, enabling
the female residents to be social and have fun, all while creating a
safe space for them to address topics that affect most seniors, such
as downsizing, grief, community living, and sense of purpose.
Similarly, the men’s groups are directed by Dr. Andrea Stripling,
a local clinical psychologist in West Palm Beach. In addition to If you are interested in learning more about life at
designating a space for the male residents to interact and bond, La Posada, join us for a special event in partnership
these groups were created to clear the way for conversations that with Sutter & Nugent on July 19, 2022 at 2:00pm.
are not typical among men’s usual social circles. While seniors of During the event, attendees will experience the award-
both sexes experience comparable issues, in general, men usually winning amenities and service that make La Posada
have a more difficult time – sharing emotions and discussing more
vulnerable topics. special. Space is limited, so call (561) 475.3386 or
visit mylaposada.com to reserve your seat.
Paid Advertisement