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.

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