Autism Safety Project

Autism Speaks has created an "Autism Safety Project." The purpose of the project is to offer tips and advice to families on the spectrum. Topics covered include safety at home, safety in the community, and other related subjects.

December Vacation Program at the Paul Center

The Paul Center in Chelmsford, MA offers a December vacation program for special needs kids. Here is a description of that program from their web site:

Provides a structured alternative for students during school vacations. The goals
of the program are to provide recreational activities, work on the activities of daily
living and social skills. On site activities include cooperative games, reading, visual
art expression, and outdoor activities weather permitting. Additional off-site
activities include bowling, movies, and when available; swimming, and gym activities.
The School Vacation Program runs during December, February, and April Vacation
weeks from 8:30am - 4:00pm

For more information contact the Paul Center at 978-256-4396 or by e-mail at info@thepaulcenter.org.

2012 Summer Camp Fair

From the SPED Child and Teen online newsletter:

Boston Parents Paper Camp & Summer Expo 2012. January 7^th, 2012, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Clay Center at the Dexter and Southfield Schools, Brookline, MA. 75+ Day & Overnight Camps and Summer Programs. Live Touch tank, Entertainment, Prizes and Giveaways to participants. Contact the Dexter-Southfield or call 617-522-1515 x32, or email Lisa.Braun@Parenthood.com

Sensory Santa

We had a wonderful time when Santa came to visit on Saturday, December 10th. He told me he very much enjoyed his time here and couldn't get over just how good the boys and girls were. They are all definitely on the "Nice List!" To see photos click this link.

A Very Special Santa

Don't forget that Santa is making a special visit to the Pollard Library this Saturday, December 10th. He is coming especially to see kids on the spectrum and kids with sensory issues. Stop by any time between 9:30 AM and 11 AM to say hello to Santa.
*For more details, see the information posted to the right of this posting.*

SibShops

This coming winter, LifeLinks is offering SibShops sessions. SibShops is a program for siblings of special needs kids. It's a chance for siblings of special needs kids to get together, share experiences and have fun. These sessions are for kids ages 8 to 11 years old. The fee is $5 per session and children do not have to attend all sessions. The sessions are January 14 and January 28 and February 11 and February 25, 1 PM - 3 PM. To reserve your spot or for more information call Amy Young at 978-349-3039 or by e-mail at ayoung@lifelinksinc.net.

Free Respite Care

From LifeLinks:

The holiday season can be a frantic time. Shopping is high on everyone's "to do" list. This task, however, can be even more challenging for special needs families. On Saturday, December 10, 2011, from 1 PM - 4 PM, LifeLinks is offering free respite care so that parents can get their holiday shopping done. Care is for children age 18 years and younger and there are a limited number of slots available. Parents must reserve their spot, provide transportation, and sign a waiver. Respite will be provided at the LifeLinks location in Chelmsford, MA. Reserve your spot by calling 978-349-3040 or by e-mailing familysupport@lifelinksinc.net.

Adult Services Fair

From LifeLinks:

Adult Services Fair
(For Individuals Ages 14 Years to 25 Years)
Thursday, December 8, 2011
4 PM - 6 PM
at LifeLinks
285 Mill Rd.
Chelmsford, MA 01824

LifeLinks, in conjunction with the DDS, is offering an Adult Services Fair. More than 25 organizations will be on hand.
Following the Fair, a transition workshop will be offered. This workshop runs 6 PM - 8 PM.

This is a drop-in event but RSVP's are appreciated. Contact 978-349-3040 or familysupport@lifelinksinc.net .

Coping with Holiday Gatherings

With the holidays comes more opportunities for social functions. People on the autism spectrum can sometimes have a difficult time with these occasions. As a way to help families, Autism Speaks has included the social story, "We Going to a Big Family Party" on its blog. Social stories are a way to help people on the spectrum anticipate something that is going to happen. Sometimes this type of assistance helps alleviate their anxieties. "We're Going to a Big Family Party" is taken from Carol Gray's The New Social Story Book.

Sensory Friendly Films

The AMC Theaters in Tyngsboro (978-649-4158) and Methuen (978-738-8942) are offering this upcoming sensory friendly films:

December 3, 2011 10 AM
The Muppets

For more information about AMC's Sensory Friendly films, visit their website or the Autism Society of America website.

Family Support Tool Kits

Autism Speaks has various family support tool kits on their web page. The latest tool kit is the "Siblings Support Kit." To download the link go to their webpage.

A Very Special Santa

Santa will be making a special visit to the Pollard Library in Lowell, MA on Saturday, December 10th. He is coming to visit our friends on the autism spectrum and friends with sensory issues. Stop by any time between 9:30 AM and 11 AM to visit with Santa. Bring a camera to capture a memory.
Please note that this event is specifically for special needs kids. We appreciate your understanding!

KIDS Dances

From:

KIDS IN DISABILITY SPORTS, INC.

P.O. BOX 1397

LOWELL, MA 01853

1-866-712-7799

www.kidsinc.us

KIDS DANCE SCHEDULE 2011/2012

December 9, 2011 – Holiday Dance

February 10, 2012 – Valentine Dance

March 16, 2012 – St. Patrick’s Day

May 4, 2012 – Luau Dance

NEW: Attendance Door Prize Raffle @ every dance. Raffle at 8:30 p.m. (Must be present to get prize if you win). For every dance you attend your name goes into the final drawing to be held at the May Dance for $100 cash prize. Attend all dances, 6 chances to win.

Dances are held at Lowell Lodge of Elks, Old Ferry Road, Lowell

$5.00 Entrance Fee per person

No drinks can be brought in.

Donation of snacks/baked goods appreciated.

Dance Rules

Dances begin at 7:00 p.m. and end promptly at 10:00 p.m. Admittance begins at 6:45. No one will be allowed to enter the hall or wait outside before this time. Everyone must check in at the front table upon entering and pay the admittance fee. Your hand will be stamped at this time to acknowledge you’ve paid.

Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No exceptions.

Attendees over the age of 18 must sign in at the front table and leave your name and the name and phone number of an emergency contact who can be reached during the dance. Please come prepared with this information.

Individuals responsible for picking up attendees over age of 18 must arrive by 9:30 and be present for the last half hour of the dance. Our volunteers are not responsible for anyone who remains after 10:00 p.m.

After you have entered the hall, you may leave only to use the restroom. There is no loitering in the main hallway or outside the front door. This is for the safety of all and courtesy of those who may be using the facility for another function.

Failure to abide by these rules may prevent you from being allowed to attend future dances, which will be at the discretion of K.I.D.S. Thank You for your cooperation.

Halloween Tips

Here are some Halloween survival tips from LifeLinks:

• Plan out the evening and talk to your child about what to expect. Work with them on anxieties and fears they may have.
• Have your child practice wearing his/her costume before Halloween. Can they see? Are they able to climb stairs? Are they comfortable?
• To ensure the candy and treats your child consumes are safe, have another trick-or-treat bag that is identical to theirs prepared at home with safe snacks and toys for them. Switch bags before allowing them to consume anything they received while trick-or-treating.
• Is trick-or-treating too overwhelming? Plan your own party! Have a quiet area for your child to relax if he or she becomes overwhelmed. Invite your child's friends and prepare goodies your child can safely eat and that his or her friends can enjoy as well.
• Participate in local Halloween events instead of trick-or-treating. The Chelmsford Library is doing Spooky Story Celebration and a haunted house. The Tewksbury Public Library is having a Costume-a-rama, Halloween Concert, and Trick-or-Treating!
• Ensure your child knows proper etiquette for trick-or-treating. Social stories can help. Make sure the child knows it isn't the time to make small talk but does know the appropriate things to say.
• Your child may just not like Halloween or want to trick-or-treat. S/he can help hand out candy or you can engage him/her in a different Halloween-themed activity.
  

Federation for Children with Special Needs Local Workshops

The Federation for Children with Special Needs offers various workshops for parents at different locations in Massachusetts. The workshops are free but registration is required. Here are some upcoming workshops that will be happening in the Lowell area:

November 8, 2011
6:45 PM
Memorial Hall Library
Andover, MA
Basic Rights in Special Education

November 10, 2011
7 PM
Dracut High School
Dracut, MA
Basic Rights in Special Education

November 17,2011
7 PM
Wynn Middle School
Tewksbury, MA
Transition 101: High School to Adulthood

December 1, 2011
6:30 PM
Professional Center for Child Development
Andover, MA
An IEP for My Child

December 1, 2011
7 PM
Wilmington High School
Wilmington, MA
Basic Rights in Special Education

December 8, 2011
7 PM
Dracut High School
Dracut, MA
Understanding My Child's Learning Style

January 12, 2012
7 PM
Tewksbury High School
Tewksbury, MA
Effective Communication and the IEP

For more details about these programs and to register, please visit the Federation's website.

Transistion Help

From the SPED Child and Teen website:

Easter Seals of Massachusetts Youth Transition Services: High School students with disabilities, their families and educators are given tools to help achieve their vision. Assistive technology, rehabilitation therapy, vocational evaluation, career skills development, job placement, on-the-job training, Independent living skills, social and recreational opportunities are just a few of offerings. For more information, contact info@eastersealsma.org, call 800-244-2756 or visit Easter Seals of Massachusetts.

Music Workshop

From the SPED Child and Teen web page:
Music & Activity Programs for Adolescents/Youth on the Autism Spectrum - Fall 2011: UMass Lowell's programs are designed for those 13 - 30 who are high functioning on the autism spectrum and include: SoundScape Music Program, The "Chapters" Book Club, Fit and Fun Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program, The Network monthly social and vocational skills program, Horizons College Preparation Mentoring Program with one-on-one mentoring with trained UMass Lowell students. Registration is required and space is limited. For enrollment forms or to register, ashleigh_hillier@uml.edu or visit http://faculty.uml.edu/ahillier

Focus Group

From LifeLinks:

Help Shape the Future of Family Support!

The Department of Development Services (DDS), together with local Citizen Advisory Boards and the Family Support Centers, wants to hear your ideas about the future of Family Support services in Massachusetts.

It's critical that we hear directly from you so that a plan for the future can be developed that really reflects your needs. This is not a presentation but an opportunity for us to listen to you and learn more about what you need. We encourage you to attend this meeting and make your voice heard.

Please come!

DATE: Friday, October 21, 2011

TIME: 1:00 - 3:00PM

LOCATION: Courtyard Marriott Billerica

If you need an ASL or language interpreter or other accommodations, please contact:

Rick Kalish, Assistant Area Director, DDS at 978-322-4309 or rick.kalish@massmail.state.ma.us.

Please RSVP to Rick Kalish by October 18.

Your Help Is Needed

Futures Behavior Therapy Center in Beverly, MA, was severely damaged by the recent flooding. All of the toys, games, area rugs, and many school supplies were lost due to water damage. They are soliciting donations of these materials. The school will even accept any gently used items that are in good condition.

Upcoming Conferences

From the Sped Child and Teen Online Newsletter:
Aspergers Syndrome - Connections 2011 Conference: October 14th & 15th, 2011, Marlborough, MA. The Aspergers Association of New England's annual conference features Keynotes speakers Dan Coulter, with Succeeding with Aspergers Syndrome, and Todd Drezern & Pricilla Gilman, Our Categoreis and Communities. Plus 57 workshops that cover: Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention, Inclusion in Elementary School, Social Thinking, Executive Function Strategies for Children and Teens, Sibling, Behavior Challenges and Solutions, Healthcare, IEPS, Medication, Transition to Adulthood, Driving, and much more. For more information, contact lisa.graffeo@aane.org, call 617-393-3824, or visit the Aspergers Association of New England.

Autism Consortium Symposium & Family Resource and Research Fair – Free: October 25^th, 2011, Joseph B. Martin Conference Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hear top doctors, researchers, and other autism experts discuss advances in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), families and autism research findings, the future of autism genetic, and research related to the neurology of autism and synapse development. Experienced autism agencies will be on hand to discuss what they have to offer your child and family, learn about research studies designed to improve treatments and outcomes for people with ASD, and view an Autism Research Exhibit. Pre-registration required. Please visit https://autismconsortium.eventbrite.com to sign up or call 617-432-6961.

Upcoming LifeLinks Workshops

From LifeLinks:

Special Needs Financial Planning

On Wednesday, October 19 at 6:30PM, LifeLinks Family Support Center will be hosting Cynthia Haddad and John Nadworny of the Special Needs Planning division of Shepherd Financial Partners. They will be presenting an overview of important financial and legal issues in regards to your child with special needs.

The evening will start with parent support and networking time at 6:30 PM where resources and concerns are shared. Free gift, refreshments, and door prize for attending.

The presentation will begin at 7:00PM. All registrants will receive a copy of Ms. Haddad and Mr. Nadworny's book "The Special Needs Planning Guide: How to Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child's Life".

To attend this workshop, please RSVP to 978-349-3040.

Young Adult Relationships and Sexuality

We have a great Young Adult Social Group event planned for October, thanks to Paula Thompson, LICSW. The Family Support Center Young Adult Social Group is for teens and young adults ages 16-28(ish!) who want more social time with their peers and would like to improve their social skills.

The October session, on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00AM-2:00PM, will focus on young adult relationships. This one day workshop for young adults will focus on the goals of individuals in the group. Some topics will include talking about public and private relationships, decision making, and sexuality. Paula Thompson, LICSW will conduct this workshop and engage participants in fun games to help them learn about these important topics.

An accompanying workshop for parents will be held on Wednesday, October 5 at 6:00PM. This session will focus on sexuality and relationships for young adults with developmental disabilities and how to have conversations about these topics with your child. The training will also allow for parents to ask questions and will provide a variety of resources. If your child is attending the Saturday workshop, we ask that you (the parent) please attend this training.

Both of these workshops are FREE!

The Saturday workshop has limited space so reserve your young adult child's spot soon!

To RSVP for any of the aforementioned Young Adult Social Group events, please call Rachel at 978-349-3040.

LifeLinks, 285 Mill Road, Chelmsford

Lego Club!

Lego Club is this Saturday at 9:30 AM. All kids grade 1 and older are welcome. We supply the Legos, you supply the imagination. All creations are put on display to the public.
No sign up necessary.

Parents and IEP Workshop

Staff from Kenwood Academy and Amy Young from Lifelinks will be conducting a free workshop for parents about educating a special needs child. Topics covered:

• Parent participation in the IEP process
• MCAS and the special needs child
• A longer school day and a longer school year
• Home services
• Accepting or rejecting an IEP
• Out of district placements
• Helpful resources

This workshop will be on Thursday, October 6th at 6 PM at Kenwood Academy (920 Methuen St., Dracut, MA). To register for the workshop or to ask questions call 978-453-4900 or e-mail mail@kenwoodacademy.net.

Fall Festival

This Saturday, October 1st, the library will be holding its Fall Festival. Lots of activities are planned including stories for adults and kids, music, crafts, a "Food for Art" raffle and lots more. The featured children's performer is Elaine Kessler who performs at 10 AM. For a brochure about the Fall Festival see our home page.

Free Guardianship Workshop

The Family Support Center in Danvers is offering a free two part workshop for parents about the guardianship process in Massachusetts. The workshop is being presented by Attorney Annette M. Hines who is also the parent of a 15 year old special needs child. Ms. Hines has also received accolades from the Massachusetts House and Senate for her work on behalf of people with special needs.

The workshops are free but registration is required. To register contact Aymee Lucifora at 978-624-2381.
*Please make sure to register! Workshops will only be held if 10 or more people are registered.

Workshop Dates
Guardianship Overview
Thursday, October 20, 2011
6 PM - 8 PM

Guardianship Clinic
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Location for Workshops:
Northeast Arc
6 Southside Rd.
Danvers, MA 01923

Wally the Green Monster

Wally the Green Monster will be visiting the Irish Cottage restaurant in Methuen on Saturday, October 8th from 9 AM - 12 PM. Stop by for the breakfast buffet and meet Wally. There will also be raffles and prizes. Bring your camera and your appetite. All proceeds will benefit Melmark New England, a nonprofit educational center serving children on the autism spectrum. Reservations strongly recommended. Make your reservation by calling 978-208-4347, extension 3.

ASD and Toilet Training

From a post from the "Autism Speaks" blog:

Around half of all children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn to use the toilet later than other children. In the Autism Speaks ATN/AIR-P Toileting Tool Kit due out this fall, we talk about why your child might have trouble and provide tips for achieving success. Here are some important points:

Toileting Challenges with ASD:
* Physical: Talk with your doctor about medical reasons that may make toileting more difficult for your child. These can include constipation, and kidney, urinary tract, or bladder problems.
* Language: Language delay can make it difficult for a child to ask to use the toilet. Children may need other methods to communicate their needs.
* Fears: Your child may be afraid of sitting on the toilet or hearing it flush.
* Body cues: Some children with autism have difficulty sensing the “need to go” and may not realize that their clothes are wet or soiled.
* Dressing: Can your child easily pull up and down his or her pants? This may need to be addressed.
* Need for sameness: Your child may have developed a habitual way of toileting and, so, may resist doing so “your way.”
* Using different toilets: Your child may have difficulty toileting in new places—such as school vs. home.

Tips for Parents:
Sit for six: Set a goal for six toilet sits per day. Start out slow. First trips may only last 5 seconds. Encourage boys to sit to urinate until they regularly have bowel movements on the toilet.
Don’t ask, tell: Take your child to the toilet and tell them it is time to go. Don’t wait for them to tell you that they need to go.
Stick to a schedule: Take your child to the toilet at the same times each day. Track when they urinate or have bowel movements and use those times if possible. Otherwise plan toilet trips around your usual routine. And think ahead: Take your child to the toilet before he or she starts an activity that will be difficult to interrupt.
Communicate: Use the same simple words, signs, or pictures during each trip. Talk with other people who work with your child. Everyone on the team needs to use the same toileting communication plan.
Reward: Praise your child for trying. Give your child a favorite treat or reward right after going in the toilet. Be matter-of-fact when accidents happen.
Consider comfort: Your child needs to feel safe on the toilet, with feet supported for balance. Also address sensory difficulties your child may have with sounds, smells, lights, or textures in the bathroom.

These are just a few of the ideas we discuss in the forthcoming Autism Speaks ATN/AIR-P Toileting Toolkit.

Please remember: Toileting can be difficult for children with an ASD. One study found that they needed a year and a half of training, on average, to stay dry during the day and more than two years to become bowel trained. So don’t become discouraged. Be consistent. Build routines. Talk with your doctor. And look for the launch of the Autism Speaks ATN/AIR-P Toileting Tool Kit. We’ll keep you posted here in the blog and on the ATN’s Tools You Can Use section of the Autism Speaks science pages.

The Autism Speaks ATN/AIR-P Toileting Tool Kit is the product of on-going activities of the Autism Treatment Network, a funded program of Autism Speaks. It is supported by cooperative agreement UA3 MC 11054 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and Maternal and Child Health Research Program (MCHB) to the Massachusetts General Hospital. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the MCHB, HRSA, or HHS.

Kids on the Spectrum and Blood Work

Taking any child to have blood work done can be a difficult task for a parent. Taking a child on the spectrum can be an extremely daunting task and unfortunately, ASD kids can have lots of doctor appointments that require lab work. In an attempt to make the procedure less traumatic for families and professionals, Autism Speaks has developed a "Blood Work Tool Kit" for parents and practitioners.

Hewlett-Packard to Design ASD Apps

"Disability Scoop" is reporting that Hewlett-Packard will be designing free autism apps. HP is collaborating with Autism Speaks and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism on the project.

A Creative Way to Help Kids on the Spectrum

Often people on the autism spectrum are visual learners. Many times social stories include pictures and photos. A creative resource to use when working with people on the spectrum is comics. Makebeliefscomix.com, an online comic making website, includes a section about using and creating comics with specials needs kids, including children on the autism spectrum.

A Night for Families on the Spectrum at the Discovery Museum

The Discovery Museum is offering another night of fun for families on the Spectrum on Saturday, October 1st from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

FREE admission to both buildings!
Come join in all the fun at The Discovery Museums during this special
FREE evening for families with children on the autism spectrum
supported by the Autism Alliance of MetroWest. Please e-mail
Autism-Events@discoverymuseums.org or call 978-264-4200 ext. 28
for more information or to register for the event.

www.discoverymuseums.org
177 Main Street • Acton, MA 01720 • 978-264-4200

This event is funded by: the Foundation for Metro West, the Boston Bruins Foundation, Nypro, Morgan Stanley, and Not Your Average Joe's

Upcoming LifeLinks Workshops

Some upcoming workshops at LifeLinks:

On Wednesday, September 28 at 6:00PM, LifeLinks Family Support Center will be hosting Attorney Marisa Higgins of Fletcher Tilton law firm in Worcester, MA. Ms. Higgins will be conducting a workshop on Special Needs and Divorce.

Divorce is difficult for all families but even more so for families with a child with a disability. Attorney Higgins will discuss the different issues that need to be considered, such as custody, special needs trusts, child support, and more.

To attend this workshop, please RSVP to 978-349-3040.

Special Needs and Divorce Workshop

Wednesday, September 28

6:00PM

LifeLinks, 285 Mill Road, Chelmsford

Young Adult Progrms

The Young Adult Social Groups are starting again! The Family Support Center Young Adult Social Group is for teens and young adults ages 16-28(ish!) who want more social time with their peers and would like to improve their social skills.

The next Young Adult Social Group is on Friday, September 16 from 6:00-8:00PM at LifeLinks. We'll make snacks and play some games to get to know one another.

The October session, on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00AM-2:00PM will focus on young adult relationships. This program will be run by Paula Thompson, LICSW and will focus on sexuality, public and private relationships, and decision making.

An accompanying workshop for parents will be held on Wednesday, October 5 at 6:00PM. This session will focus on discussing sexuality, relationships, and how to have conversations about these topics with your child. The training will also allow for parents to ask questions and will provide a variety of resources. If your child is attending the Saturday workshop, we ask that you (the parent) please attend this training.

To RSVP for any of the aforementioned Young Adult Social Group events, please call Rachel at 978-349-3040.