We're Moving!

Well, sort of. The Pollard Memorial Library recently launched its new web site. In addition to a new design, the new web site now houses the Pollard Memorial Library's Autism Resource Guide. As such, this blog will no longer be maintained or updated. Instead, I will be updating it on the library's web site. It's the same information, just in a different format. To access the Autism Resource Guide via the library's web site, click here. Make sure to bookmark it!

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1 in 110

1 in 110: Autism Spectrum Resources for Families

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 110 children in the United States is on the autism spectrum. Youth Services Staff has compiled a list of autism spectrum resources for families. The best place to start, if you suspect your child might be on the spectrum, is to have your child screened. The earlier your child starts therapies, the better. If your child is under age three there are two local agencies, South Bay Early Intervention and Thom Anne Sullivan Center, that provide screening services. If your child is age three or older, contact the Lowell Public Schools for assistance.

Information contained in this blog does not constitute library endorsement of a treatment, agency or advocacy group. The library maintains that it is up to the parent/legal guardian to determine proper treatment for his/her child. This blog is solely a place of information for the huge array of materials related to Autism Spectrum Disorders.

If your family uses a service or has a favorite autism spectrum website that is not listed, please let us know so we can share with others in the community. Contact Molly Hancock, Coordinator of Youth Services at mhancock@mvlc.org.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Taking Care of the ASD Parent

Taking care of an ASD child takes up much of a parent's time. Often special needs parents neglect their own emotional and physical health to their own and their families' detriment. Read this article about taking care of yourself:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lshumaker/detail?entry_id=79789#ixzz19Q3K3DWv

Free and Low Cost Disability Events Workshop

Sharon Riddle, the founder of SPED Child & Teen newsletter http://spedchildmass.com/newsletters, will be conducting a workshop at the library about free and low cost disability events available to special needs families. The workshop is on January 24th at 6 PM.
This event is sponsored by the CTI Family Resource Network.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Encouraging Early Literacy for Special Needs Kids

The Center for Early Literacy Learning has an online guide about building early literacy skills for special needs children. This guide includes techniques for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
http://www.earlyliteracylearning.org/pgparents.php

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

New Sensory Friendly Film Site!

The AMC at the Methuen Loop is the newest addition to local theaters offering sensory friendly films. The AMC in Methuen and Tyngsboro will be showing a sensory friendly Yogi Bear on Saturday, January 8, 2011. For more information visit http://www.amctheatres.com/SFF/ or http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sensoryfilms.

Summer Camps 2011

The weather outside might be frightful but it's not too early to think about summer camp. The SPED Child and Teen web page has a list of special needs camps from throughout New England -
http://www.spedchildmass.com/camps_2011

Combating Autism Reauthorization Act 2010

News from the Autism Speaks website:
http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2010/12/20/combating-autism-reauthorization-act-2010-introduced-senators-dodd-and-menendez-are-again-champions-for-nations-autism-community/
The reauthorization of the 2006 act would mean increased federal funding for autism research.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

New Autism Spectrum Books

We've added some new ASD books to our Children's Department Parenting Collection:

Bashe, Patricia Romanowski. The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome
Bolduc, Kathleen Deyer. Autism and Alleluias
Bolick, Teresa. Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Helping Preteens and Teens Get Ready for the Real World
Neisworth, John T. The Autism Encyclopedia: 500+ Entries for Parents and Professionals
Powers, Michael D., ed. Children with Autism: a Parents' Guide

What Families on the Spectrum Really Want for Christmas

http://www.masslive.com/metroeastplus/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1292228470214420.xml&coll=1

Friday, December 10, 2010

Free iPad for Families Living on the Spectrum

The Holly Rod Foundation, created by Holly Robinson Peete and her husband Rodney Peete, has a holiday campaign to give away free iPads to families living on the spectrum whose children are limited verbally. Go to the Mass Match site for more information about this program:
http://www.massmatch.org/whatsnew/news.php#Free_iPad

McLean Autism Study

A recent study conducted by researchers at McLean Hospital examined the use of brain scans to diagnose autism. Researchers examined MRI's of a group of neurotypical subjects and subjects with autism. The MRI's showed differences between the two groups in how the tiny fibers between cells were organized. To read this article go to http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2010/12/06/brain_scans_detect_autism_in_preliminary_study_at_mclean/?page=1

Holiday Travel for ASD Families

This article is from the Autism Speaks blog:
http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2010/12/02/a-little-planning-goes-a-long-way-individuals-with-autism-and-their-families-get-ready-for-holiday-travel/

Thursday, December 9, 2010

New Link!

I've added a new link to the Autism Resources page. It's for Autism Cares. This agency provides financial assistance to ASD families struggling with cost of living expenses.
http://www.autismcares.org/site/c.mqLOIYOBKlF/b.4745901/k.BD21/Home.htm

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Cell Dysfunction and Autism

A recent study at the University of California, Davis, suggests children with autism are more likely to suffer from mitochondria, a defect in cellular structure. To read more about this study go to http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/646694.html.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Saturday Programs at the Paul Center

SATURDAY RESPITE PROGRAM
2010-2011 SESSION II

The Saturday Respite Program is designed to provide respite for families with children ages 6 to 21 with disabilities and is designed to teach appropriate social, self-care and daily-living skills as well as appropriate educational and recreational skills.

PROGRAM SESSION II DATES:
12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26
(Session III is scheduled to begin March 5th, 2011)

PROGRAM TIMES:
Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Cooperative games, Arts & Crafts, cooking, music and dance expression, reading and homework help, as well as appropriate outdoor recreational activities when weather permits.

PROGRAM FEE:
$500.00 for all 10 sessions


REGISTRATION: Enrollment is limited!
Please note: Registration and $250.00
Due by December 3, 2010
Balance due by February 26, 2011

Please contact The Paul Center by phone at 978.256.4396 or by email at info@thepaulcenter.org to register your student.

December Vacation at the Paul Center

The following is copied from a flyer that I received:

This program is designed to provide families with a structured alternative for their child with disabilities during school vacations. The goals of the program are to provide respite care, recreational activities and to teach appropriate social, self-help and other skills of daily living. In addition to on-site activities, there will be appropriate off-site activities planned. When field trips are planned, there may be a small, additional fee for admission to the activity or event.

DATES: 12/27, 12/28, 12/29, 12/30
Students may register from 1 to all 4 days

TIME: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

ON-SITE ACTIVITIES: Cooperative Games, Visual Art and Dance Expression, Cooking, Baking and Outdoor Activities when weather permits

POSSIBLE OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES: Movies, Bowling,
and Pizza Party

COST: $70/day

Enrollment is limited! To register, please contact The Paul Center by phone at 978-256-4396 or through email at info@thepaulcenter.org

Friday, November 19, 2010

Autism Drugs?

An article that appeared in the November 11th issue of Technology Review reported on cell research conducted at the University of California, San Diego that involved taking skin cells from four females who have Retts Syndrome, a severe form of autism. Researchers discovered that the neurons derived from the Retts' subjects demonstrated certain abnormalities. The hope is that in the future drugs could be developed to reverse the abnormalities. To read the full article click this link: http: http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/26702/page1/.

Kids on the Spectrum and Handwriting

A study about ASD kids and handwriting was recently conducted at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. Teens with ASD tend to have struggles with handwriting. Here's the article: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/645891.html

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Autism and Genes

A study published on November 4, 2010 in the American Journal of Genetics found that people who have a specific change in one one of their chromosomes have a greater chance of developing autism or schizophrenia. To read the article check out http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40073108/ns/health-mental_health/

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Autism Therapy for Babies

A new pilot program targeting infants with autistic tendencies has been created at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. The "Infant Start" program is based on a daily therapy of games and pretend play for toddlers on the Spectrum. Researchers at UC adapted it for infants. The hope is that by intervening even earlier, some ASD developmental tendencies may be curtailed or diminished. Read about it in this New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/health/02autism.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hpw

Upcoming Workshops

Upcoming Workshops from the Autism 101 Series
November 9
What is ABA?

November 16
Accessing Public Support

November 23
An Overview of Medical Issues in Autism

Workshop times are 10 AM - 12 PM in West Boylston.
The series is open to all families.
To register or for more information visit www.autismresourcecentral.org.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

New Link!

I've added a new link to the "ASD Agencies, Groups, and Resources" page:
Sensory Smart Parent
http://www.sensorysmartparent.com/
This online resource is for parents and caregivers of kids with sensory issues. Often kids on the autism spectrum do have sensory challenges and this web site provides tips and advice.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Night of Too Many Stars

From the Autism Speaks blog:
Comedy Central’s Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert for Autism Education is hosted by Jon Stewart and will air at 9 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. PDT. During the airing of “Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert for Autism Education” on COMEDY CENTRAL, viewers who call in to a celebrity operated phone bank and make a donation of $100 or more to the program will receive a complimentary White Castle Original Slider®-Scented Candle. Comedians include Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and many, many more. Viewers will be urged to call in to a celebrity phone bank to make donations. Answering the phones during the broadcast will be many of the comedians as well as George Clooney, Larry David and Jimmy Kimmel. Autism Speaks receives 10 percent of all proceeds. Check your local listings.

5th Annual Haunt for a Cure

The Haunt is a family friendly festival created and conducted by students at Chelmsford High School. There are games, music, food, and themed cabins to visit.


5th Annual Haunt for Autism
Sunday, October 24, 2010
12 PM to 5 PM
The Paul Center
39 Concord Rd.
Chelmsford, MA

Admission:
$5 per person
Children under age 2 - FREE
$20 maximum admission per family
Add $3 for the Haunted Trail
*Proceeds benefit Autism Speaks and The Paul Center

For more information:
http://www.thepaulcenter.org/files/Print_Flyer_2010.pdf
http://www.thepaulcenter.org/

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid

This announcement was passed on to me from someone that works at LifeLinks:

Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid! November 9, North Andover, 7 p.m., and November 10th, Tyngsborough Elementary School, 7 p.m. Gina and Patty, real-life sisters and local authors of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid! – A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children, discuss the humorous yet heartwarming side of raising imperfect "special" children in a world pre-occupied with perfection. For more information about the Andover night, visit The North Andover Parent Advisory Council (http://www.northandoverpublicschools.com/nahs/nahs_pac.cfm). For more information about the Tyngsborough speaking event, visit The Tyngsborough SEPAC (http://sepac.tyngsboroughps.org). Hear more about the Movement of Imperfection at www.shutupabout.com.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Another Article About Autism and Siblings

"Science News" had an article posted on Oct. 8th on its site. According to the article, siblings of children with autism may have milder ASD symptons that can go undiagnosed. Often many of these siblings are girls.
http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2010/10/08/siblings-of-autistic-children-may-share-some-symptoms.html

Financial Workshop for Parents of Special Needs Kids

The Professional Center for Child Development will be hosting a workshop, "Planning for the Financial Future of Your Child with Special Needs" on Tuesday, November 9th at 7 PM. The workshop will feature Attorney Dave Burbridge who will discuss estate and special needs planning. To sign up for this event call 978-475-3806 x 217.

The Professional Center for Child Development
32 Osgood St.
Andover, MA
www.TheProfessionalCenter.org

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Help for Families

Navigating the services for special needs children as well as filling out necessary paperwork can be daunting for families. The Massachusetts Family-to-Family Health Information Center is a FREE parent-run project at the Federation for Children with Special Needs. The center advises families on how to qualify and apply for MassHealth and how to receive different benefits such as private and public health insurance benefits. The center also offers information on community resources, has a listserv, conducts conferences and workshops. For more information Visit www.massfamilyvoices.org, or contact project director Beth Dworetzky at 1-800-331-0688, ext. 210 or massfv@fcsn.org.

Music, Social, and Career Programs for High Functioning ASD Teens and Young Adults

Beginning in October, the University of Massachusetts at Lowell will be offering various workshops for high functioning ASD teens and young adults. Some of the workshops:
SoundScape Music, Horizons College Preparation Mentoring, Career Chat Employment Skills, and Aspirations Social and Vocational Skills Support. Scholarships are available.

For more information visit http://faculty.uml.edu/ahillier/ or contact Dr. Ashleigh Hiller ashleigh_hillier@uml.edu or 978-934-2930.

Fall Calendar for the Asperger's Association of New England

Check out the fall calendar for the Asperger's Association of New England:
http://www.aane.org/
Some upcoming workshops:
"Understanding AS: Intervention and Strategies for Parents"
"Helping Teens Stay in Safe Relationships"
"Helping Your Child Make Friends"

Free Conference for Families Raising Children with Emotional, Behavioral, Mental, Physical and Other Special Health Care Needs

This year’s annual Joining Voices Conference topics: Navigating Health Care Systems, Available Services and Support, Health and Health Care Providers, Guardianship, Transition, Respite. The Keynote Speaker is Rosalie Edes (Executive Office of Health and Human Services). She will speak about updates in state programs and policies and the importance of family involvement in helping to shape programs for the disabled and their families.

The conference is free and will take place on November 3, 2010 in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. For more information call Beth at 1-800-331-0688, ext. 210 or e-mail massfv@fcsn.org or visit http://www.massfamilyvoices.org/. Space is limited and registration is required. Please note that priority will be given to families with special needs children. Registration deadline is October 22, 2010.

Siblings of Children with Autism

Lately I've been noticing the beginnings of a trickling of research about siblings of children with autism. This brief article is from NPR's health blog:
http://http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/10/04/130324617/siblings-of-a-child-with-autism-often-have-subtler-problems

Monday, October 4, 2010

Something for Siblings

In the Sept. 8th posting I wrote about a program for siblings of special needs kids. The program is called Sibshops. See the Sept. 8th posting for details. The first workshop is this Saturday, October 9th. There is still space available. Contact Amy Young at 978-251-0610 Ext. 529 ayoung@lifelinksinc.net with any questions or to sign up.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Online Resource

Family Ties of Massachusetts, a group that provides support to special needs parents, has created an online edition of their 2010 Directory of Resources for Families of Children and Youth with Special Needs. Check it out at http://massfamilyties.org/info/directory.php.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Autism Study

A new project is underway at Johns Hopkins. The EARLI study looks specifically at younger siblings of children on the ASD spectrum because studies show that younger siblings have a higher rate of autism themselves. Read the article about the study at http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/family/bs-hs-ask-the-expert-0923-20100920,0,5929158.story

Monday, September 20, 2010

We're On Twitter!


I am also posting updates to this blog on Twitter -
http://twitter.com/PMLkidsdept.

Hope to see you in Cyberspace!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Walk Now for Autism


The Boston area "Walk Now for Autism" event will take place on Sunday, September 26, 2010. For more information about the walk check out the "Walk Now for Autism" blog at http://walknowforautismspeaks.wordpress.com/.
You can also check out the Autism Speaks web page at http://www.autismspeaks.org/.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Special Siblings

I just received a flyer for upcoming fall Sibshops (http://siblingsupport.org/). Created with the idea that being a sibling of someone with special needs isn't always easy, Sibshops offers the siblings an opportunity to get together, share experiences, offer support, and most importantly have fun! A Lowell organization, Lifelinks (http://www.lifelinks.ws/) will be offering Sibshops at the Paul Center (http://thepaulcenter.org/index.html) in Chelmsford.

Here is more information about the upcoming program:

Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in-between. They reflect a belief that siblings have much to offer one another. Sibshops are a spirited mix of new games (designed to be unique, off-beat, and appealing to a wide ability range), new friends, and discussion activities. Because Sibshops are designed (primarily) for school-age children, peer support is provided within a lively, recreational context that emphasizes a kids’-eye-view. Sibshops seek to provide siblings with opportunities for peer support. Sibshops are not therapy, group or otherwise, although their effect may be therapeutic for some children. Sibshops acknowledge that most brothers and sisters of people with special needs, like their parents, are doing well, despite the challenges of an illness or disability. Consequently, while Sibshop facilitators always keep an eye open for participants who may need additional services, the Sibshop model takes a wellness approach.

For siblings ages 6 – 16

Participants can not have a diagnosis or delay.
Parents and other family members are not to stay during the program.

Held at: The Paul Center 39 Concord Road Chelmsford

Dates:
Ages 6-8: September 18, October 9, November 6
3:30 – 5:00 PM

Ages 9-12: September 25, October 16, November 13
3:30 - 5:30PM

Ages 13-16: October 2, October 23, November 20
3:30 - 5:30 PM

Cost: $25 for all sessions. Scholarships are available.
Cost includes refreshments and supplies for all three sessions.

To register or ask questions, contact Amy Young at 978-251-0610 Ext. 529 or ayoung@lifelinksinc.net.

Autism Program

In October of 2007 the Autism Division of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) started a model program called the Children's Autism Spectrum Disorders Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program. This program is for children with autism age 9 and younger who exhibit severe behavior, social, and communication problems. The program provides a service called Expanded Habilitation and includes use of Applied Behavioral Analysis, Floor Time, and Communication models. The service occurs in the child's home or other natural settings under the supervision of trained staff. This waiver also provides related services such as community integration activities and respite. Applications will only be accepted if postmarked between the dates of September 20, 2010 and October 1, 2010. More information and applications can be obtained from DDS at www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dmr/autism_waiver_renewal_notice.pdf. For more assistance with filling out the application contact NEARC Autism Support Center at 978-777-9135. You can also visit their website at www.ne-arcautismsupportcenter.org.

ASD Agency

Although this agency specifically services southeastern Massachusetts and the islands, there are still a lot of helpful general ASD resources on their webpage. The agency is called Community Autism Resources and their link is http://community-autism-resources.com/index.html.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Fall Recreational Programs at Lawrence Boys and Girls Club

Fall Recreational Programs 2010
Sept. 26th - Nov. 19th

Swimming: Learn the basics of swimming and gain confidence in the water
Tuesdays - 4:00-5:00pm or 5:00-6:00pm

Music: Experience different rhythms by using different percussion instruments
Tuesdays - 4:00-5:00pm or 5:00-6:00pm

Computer: Increase your computer skills and learn the importance of internet safety
Thursdays - 4:00-5:00pm

Arts and Crafts: Create original art work through age-appropriate hands-on activities Thursdays - 5:00-6:00pm

This is an inclusive program for children (middle school and high school age) with and without disabilities. It will be held at the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club - 136 Water St, Lawrence, MA.

Donations are suggested to be able to continue offering programs in the future.

For more information contact:Kendrys Vasquez - Recreation Coordinator
(978) 975-8587 ext. 1208 kvasquez@classinc.org

Monday, August 30, 2010

Sensory Friendly Movie!


The AMC in Tyngsboro will be showing another sensory friendly movie on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 10 AM. This month's film is "The Return of Nanny McPhee." For more information see http://www.amcentertainment.com/SFF.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

New Link

I posted a new link on the "ASD Agencies, Groups, and Resources" page. It is for an online resource concerned with special needs laws and advocacy, "Wrightslaw."

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Massachusetts Becomes 23rd State to Enact Insurance Reforms

On August 3, 2010, Gov. Deval Patrick signed House Bill 4935 (An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder). This bill requires private health insurance plans to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies for people of all ages. The governor signed the bill at Fenway Park in front of hundreds of families. For more details see http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.4432481/k.90A7/Massachusetts.htm.

Monday, August 2, 2010

New Link

I've added a new link to the Autism Resources page. It's for Childnett.tv. Childnett.tv is an online resource of video information about ASD for families and also clinicians. It is funded by the Dan Marino Foundation.
http://www.childnett.tv/

Friday, July 30, 2010

Another New Link - Assistive Technologies

MassMatch works to coordinate Assistive Technology services throughout Massachusetts. Some of their services are an AT exchange, consumer feedback on AT, as well as advocacy and conducting different AT related events. See their web site: www.massmatch.org.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Sensory Friendly Movie


The next sensory friendly movie at the AMC in Tyngsboro will be Cats and Dogs: the Revenge of Kitty Galore on August 7th at 10 AM. For more information about this event see http://www.amcentertainment.com/SFF/ or http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sensoryfilms.

Shonda Schilling Talk

Shonda Schilling, wife of former Red Sox pitcher, Curt Schilling, will be speaking at the Wellesley Free Public Library on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 7 PM. Shonda's son, Grant, has Asperger's Syndrome and she will be talking about his triumphs and struggles. She will also discuss her book, The Best Kind of Different, which also relates the family's experiences with Asperger's. For more details check out http://www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org/home/.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Friday Family Movie Night

The Paul Center in Chelmsford is offering Family Movie nights on Fridays in the summer.
http://www.thepaulcenter.org/files/PDF_Movie_Night_Poster.pdf.

New Link

I've added a new link to the ASD resources page. It's for the Sibling Support Project. This group is dedicated to the concerns of siblings of people with special issues whether they be physical health, developmental or mental health. The Sibling Support Project also has designed a sibling support program called "Sibshops." The link for the Sibling Support Project is http://www.siblingsupport.org/. To read an article from the Boston Globe about a "Sibshops" in Massachusetts check out http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2008/06/07/siblings_of_autistic_children_get_chance_to_express_concerns/?page=1.

Monday, July 26, 2010

The End of the IEP and the Beginning of "Reasonable Accommodations"

The End of the IEP and the Beginning of "Reasonable Accommodations"

This is something that families of kids with autism need to think about. It may seem as if college is a long way off but time does fly and the sooner families start thinking about college and the special requirements the ASD student may need, the better. This article, written by a college senior with autism, offers good insight and recommendations.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Friday, July 9, 2010

Sensory Friendly Movie!



The AMC in Tyngsboro, in partnership with the Austism Society of America, will be showing another sensory friendly movie, "Despicable Me" on Saturday, July 17th at 10 AM. For more information check out the AMC site at http://www.amcentertainment.com/SFF/.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Autism Special Education Legal Support Center

Massachusetts Advocates for Children has a quick online guide to families' legal rights when it comes to educating children on the spectrum. The link for that guide is http://massadvocates.org/uploads/oT/OC/oTOCHmWl3HowBhYDcgDwCg/Autism-Tips-Parents1FINAL_02_01_05_1_.pdf

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Sensory Friendly Film

The AMC Movie Theatre in Tyngsboro is showing a sensory friendly Toy Story 3 on Saturday, June 26th at 10 AM. The theater's lights are on, the sound is down and it's okay to move around. Brought to you by the Autism Society of America and AMC Theatres. For more information see AMC's site at http://www.amcentertainment.com/SFF/ or the Autism Society of America site at www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sensoryfilms.

Autism Resource Center is Now on Facebook

The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts is now on Facebook. Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Autism-Resource-Center-of-Central-Massachusetts/121788106030?ref=nf.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

New Autism Picture Book

A new picture book about a boy with autism written from the perspective of his sister has just come out. The title is My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and her daughter Ryan Elizabeth Peete. The story is pseudo-biographical as Ryan's twin brother, RJ, is on the spectrum. It is well written and does capture what it is like for autism families. Autism families can read the story and identify with it. I highly recommend it for people not closely affected by autism as it presents a wonderful window into the world of autism families as autism doesn't just impact the individual with ASD but also the entire family.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Summer Reading Program 2010



"Going Green @ the Pollard Library:" Summer Reading 2010

It's summer reading time again! The library's summer reading program has two parts - a reading component and an activity component. Check out our "Children's Happenings" blog at http://childrenshappenings.blogspot.com/ for more information about summer reading.
We look forward to seeing you and your child this summer at the library!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

New ASD Books

New Autism Spectrum Disorder Books at the Library!

Check out the New Autism Spectrum Books page to the right for a list of new titles. All the book are located in our Children's Department's "Parenting Collection."

Thursday, May 6, 2010



It's already May and summer will be here before we know it. The Federation for Children with Special Needs has compiled a Summer Fun 2010 Camp Guide. The guide can be downloaded or you may purchase a copy of the guide for $7.00. Check out their link for more information:



And don't forget to visit the library this summer for our Summer Reading 2010 program, Going Green!

More details to follow.




Friday, March 19, 2010

Sensory Friendly Clothing

I came across this company while I was doing research for this blog. I haven't dealt with them or know anyone who has but the idea of "sensory friendly clothing" is a really good one. According to the web site the company was founded by a special needs teacher and the parent of a child with sensory issues. There are customer testimonials too. Here's that link:
http://www.softclothing.net/

Monday, March 15, 2010

Autism Workshops

The Nevins Library in Methuen is offering autism workshops. All workshops run 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Monday, March 29, 2010 (snow date April 5)
Strategies for Teaching Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Monday, April 12, 2010
Differentiated Instruction for All Children

Monday, May 17, 2010
Using Children's Literature to Teach About Learning Differences

Please RSVP to:
Bari Glazer, M.Ed
Autism Specialist
Methuen Public Schools
978-722-9075
biglazer@methuen.k12.ma.us
www.methuen.k12.ma.us/autism

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Autism - Know the Signs

The earlier a child starts receiving services the better. Here's a link from the Center for Disease Control about knowing the signs of ASD:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html

Thursday, March 4, 2010

A Parent's Guide to Special Education

Having a child with special needs can be overwhelming for parents. Even navigating services that are available can be a challenge. Here's a recommended resource I got from the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System Autism Grant site:
http://www.fcsn.org/parentguide/pgintro.html.
This guide can be printed out and is also available in English and Portuguese.

Friday, January 29, 2010

CDC Releases New Autism Data

The most recent autism data released by the Centers for Disease Control shows that the rate is now 1 in 110 for children diagnosed with ASD. For full information check out the CDC link at www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/features/counting-autism.html.

Monday, January 25, 2010

My child has just been diagnosed as being on the spectrum. Now what?

After digesting the news and sorting through your own feelings you may be ready to check out some helpful resources. If you have just received a diagnosis, you may find this site, “First 100 Days Kit,” helpful. It is a guide for families about what to do following an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/100_day_kit.php

It may be overwhelming, a little heartbreaking and a little sad, but there are resources to help children on the spectrum and their families.