Monday, January 31, 2011
Autism Support Group
South Bay Early Intervention is offering "Putting the Pieces Together" an autism support group for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and others touched by autism. The support group will be held at the Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. The group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month and will begin on Tuesday, February 8, 2011. Come share and offer support. Some meetings will feature guest speakers. For more information please contact Judith Hahn at South Bay at 978-452-1736.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Upcoming Sensory Friendly Film
February's sensory friendly film is "Gnomeo and Juliet." The film will be shown at the AMC Theaters in Methuen and Tyngsboro on Saturday, February 12th. The start time is 10 AM. For more information about these films check out http://www.amctheatres.com/SFF/.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Inclusive Recreation Activities for Middle and High School Students
I received this information from the ARC of Greater Lawrence:
Reminder - Spaces still available:
Join members of the CLASS, Inc./Arc of Greater Lawrence and the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence in the Winter Recreational Program 2011. This is an inclusive program for middle school and high school aged teens from Feb. 1st until March 31st.Tuesdays:SWIMMING 4:00-5:00 or 5:00-6:00pm
Learn the swimming skills and gain confidence in the water
MUSIC: 4:00-5:00 or 5:00-6:00pm
Experience different rhythms using percussion instruments
Thursdays:COMPUTER 4:00-5:00pm
Increase your computer skills and explore new programs/software
ARTS & CRAFTS 5:00-6:00pm
Create original art-work through age-appropriate hands-on activities
To register or for additional information:kvasquez@classinc.org or (978) 975-8487 ext. 1208
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
iPad Apps for Autism
Blogger Shannon Des Roches Rosa has a spreadsheet review of iPad apps for people with Autism - http://www.squidalicious.com/2011/01/ipad-apps-for-autism-spreadsheet-of.html
MA 21 Alliance
This e-mail was sent to me and I'm passing the information on:
MA 21 Alliance
IN ORDER TO PREDICT OUR FUTURE WE MUST CREATE IT
Stephen Covey
February 15, 2011
6:30 PM
20 Gould St
Reading, MA
pizza and soda provided
The mission of the Massachusetts Alliance for the 21st Century Disability Policy (MA21) is to advance full community participation for individuals with disabilities.
The MA21 Alliance is a partnership of some of the Commonwealths leading statewide disability advocacy organizations: Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC), Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (M.A.S.S.), Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC), Advocates for Autism (AFAM), The Arc of Mass (The Arc), and Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC).
These organizations are leading the charge for a shift in disability policy moving ahead into the 21st century. This group is working to build a statewide constituency of friends, families, community members and self advocates and we need you. We believe real community includes all of us and that quality supports, policies and practices benefit everyone. The guiding principles of the MA21 policy include the beliefs that disability is natural, that individuals and their families should be supported to recognize and achieve their highest potential and that services should be designed to create rich, full lives for all in the community.
Booklets are available which clearly explain policy foundations, recommendations, as well as, strategies to move toward realization of the goals of MA21
Do you have a loved one of any age served by the Department of Developmental Services?
Do you live in the Northeast or Metro Boston Region?
Are you a parent of a child turning 22 and are worried about the adult service system options?
Have you had family support cut, lost respite services or job coaching?
Has your adult family member only been offered Day Habilitation instead of supported employment or other options?
If you said YES to any of the above questions - Join us!
It is never too early to begin working on our future.
RSVP TO Susan Nadworny 781 665 5179 or snadw@aol.com
IN ORDER TO PREDICT OUR FUTURE WE MUST CREATE IT
Stephen Covey
February 15, 2011
6:30 PM
20 Gould St
Reading, MA
pizza and soda provided
The mission of the Massachusetts Alliance for the 21st Century Disability Policy (MA21) is to advance full community participation for individuals with disabilities.
The MA21 Alliance is a partnership of some of the Commonwealths leading statewide disability advocacy organizations: Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC), Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (M.A.S.S.), Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC), Advocates for Autism (AFAM), The Arc of Mass (The Arc), and Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC).
These organizations are leading the charge for a shift in disability policy moving ahead into the 21st century. This group is working to build a statewide constituency of friends, families, community members and self advocates and we need you. We believe real community includes all of us and that quality supports, policies and practices benefit everyone. The guiding principles of the MA21 policy include the beliefs that disability is natural, that individuals and their families should be supported to recognize and achieve their highest potential and that services should be designed to create rich, full lives for all in the community.
Booklets are available which clearly explain policy foundations, recommendations, as well as, strategies to move toward realization of the goals of MA21
Do you have a loved one of any age served by the Department of Developmental Services?
Do you live in the Northeast or Metro Boston Region?
Are you a parent of a child turning 22 and are worried about the adult service system options?
Have you had family support cut, lost respite services or job coaching?
Has your adult family member only been offered Day Habilitation instead of supported employment or other options?
If you said YES to any of the above questions - Join us!
It is never too early to begin working on our future.
RSVP TO Susan Nadworny 781 665 5179 or snadw@aol.com
Social Skills Workshop
On Saturday, March 5th at the Perkins School in Lancaster, MA, there is an all day workshop on improving a child's social skills. This workshop is hosted by Donna Shea, Director of the Peter Pan Center and Nadine Briggs, Founder of Social Smart Kids and authors of How To Make & Keep Friends: Tips For Kids To Overcome 50 Common Social Challenges. The workshop fee is $79. For more information contact Donna Shea at dshea@peterpancenter.com or call 978/772-1255. You can also visit www.socialsmartkids.com.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Facebook Page - Siblings of Autistic Kids
I just came across this Facebook page - Siblings of Autistic Kids. Check it out:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Siblings-of-Autistic-Kids/158993287482248?v=wall
I included in the list of links for this blog.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Siblings-of-Autistic-Kids/158993287482248?v=wall
I included in the list of links for this blog.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Workshop at the Library
Don't forget about the workshop at the library this Monday, Jan. 24th at 6 PM. Sharon Riddle, creator of SPED Child and Teen newsletter will be speaking about free and low cost disability events in the area. The workshop is sponsored by the CTI Family Resource Network.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sleep Issues
From the SPED Child and Teen calendar:
Treating Sleeping Disorders: February 16th, 2011, 11:30 a.m. & 3:30 pm., Melmark New England, Andover. Learn strategies for problems such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nighttime routine non- compliance, night terrors, how family members and support staff can work as a team to promote healthy sleep in children, parent friendly treatments and preventing sleep problems. $25.00 per session. Contact 978-654-4332 or dgreeley@melmarkne.org
Treating Sleeping Disorders: February 16th, 2011, 11:30 a.m. & 3:30 pm., Melmark New England, Andover. Learn strategies for problems such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nighttime routine non- compliance, night terrors, how family members and support staff can work as a team to promote healthy sleep in children, parent friendly treatments and preventing sleep problems. $25.00 per session. Contact 978-654-4332 or dgreeley@melmarkne.org
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Upcoming Workshops
This information was passed on to me from LifeLinks. The clinician thought some families might be interested:
From Riverside Community Care
Resilience in the Face of Stress & Depression
Date: 2/3/2011, Thursday
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Location: CM Family Support Center,
100 Sylvan Rd, Suite G-800, Woburn
Date: 2/3/2011, Thursday
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Location: CM Family Support Center,
100 Sylvan Rd, Suite G-800, Woburn
The presenter will be Waheeda Saif, LMHC, Program Coordinator of the Riverside Community Care Trauma Center.
Waheeda earned a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College and has focused her work on both interpersonal and acute, critical incident trauma.
This is a two part presentation:
1- Exploring the effects and impact of stress in our lives
2- A facilitated group process that focuses on coping skills.
Note: This is training is for Parents and Caregivers only. Due to the confidential nature during the workshop discussion and respect for family’s experiences, no staff will be allowed to attend.
This is a free training. Refreshments will be provided.
To register, please call or email:
Jackie Forte, 781-686-4527, jforte@riversidecc.org
Or
Tracy Reilly-Ingersoll, 781-246-2003 ext.6521, treilly@riversidecc.org
Waheeda earned a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College and has focused her work on both interpersonal and acute, critical incident trauma.
This is a two part presentation:
1- Exploring the effects and impact of stress in our lives
2- A facilitated group process that focuses on coping skills.
Note: This is training is for Parents and Caregivers only. Due to the confidential nature during the workshop discussion and respect for family’s experiences, no staff will be allowed to attend.
This is a free training. Refreshments will be provided.
To register, please call or email:
Jackie Forte, 781-686-4527, jforte@riversidecc.org
Or
Tracy Reilly-Ingersoll, 781-246-2003 ext.6521, treilly@riversidecc.org
What Makes Your Child Tick? Understanding How Sensory Input Impacts Your Child’s Behaviors
Date: Tuesday, 3/15/2011
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Location: Central Middlesex Family Support Center, 100 Sylvan Road, Suite G-800, Woburn
§ Do you ever wonder why a child is a picky eater or avoids certain clothes? Do you want to know why a child does not sit still or makes himself dizzy? Do you have a child who seems aggressive for no reason? Do you have a child who has behaviors that puzzle you?
§ This workshop will help explain what might be going on for these children.
§ Participants will learn how children react to the world through their senses.
§ This workshop will teach the fundamental concepts of Sensory Integration.
§ This workshop will give several ideas and tactics to help these children work through their sensory needs.
§ Participants will walk away from this workshop with many resources and a brand new way of understanding their child or children.
About the presenter:
Jill Vetstein is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who specializes in families, parents, and birth to age five. She is an Early Intervention Specialist, Developmental Specialist, and an Infant Massage Instructor. Her areas of expertise include early childhood development, infant mental health, parent/child relationships, and parenting skills. She has previously worked in settings ranging from Early Intervention to Early Head Start, including daycare. Jill has been educating and consulting with parents and child care providers for more than fourteen years. Jill is also a mother of two children.
Please note: Reimbursement for transportation and respite available on a limited basis, please inquire when registering.
This is a free training, but registration is required. Refreshments will be provided.
To register, please call or email:
Jackie Forte, 781-686-4527, jforte@riversidecc.org
Or
Tracy Reilly-Ingersoll, 781-246-2003 ext.6521, treilly@riversidecc.org
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Location: Central Middlesex Family Support Center, 100 Sylvan Road, Suite G-800, Woburn
§ Do you ever wonder why a child is a picky eater or avoids certain clothes? Do you want to know why a child does not sit still or makes himself dizzy? Do you have a child who seems aggressive for no reason? Do you have a child who has behaviors that puzzle you?
§ This workshop will help explain what might be going on for these children.
§ Participants will learn how children react to the world through their senses.
§ This workshop will teach the fundamental concepts of Sensory Integration.
§ This workshop will give several ideas and tactics to help these children work through their sensory needs.
§ Participants will walk away from this workshop with many resources and a brand new way of understanding their child or children.
About the presenter:
Jill Vetstein is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who specializes in families, parents, and birth to age five. She is an Early Intervention Specialist, Developmental Specialist, and an Infant Massage Instructor. Her areas of expertise include early childhood development, infant mental health, parent/child relationships, and parenting skills. She has previously worked in settings ranging from Early Intervention to Early Head Start, including daycare. Jill has been educating and consulting with parents and child care providers for more than fourteen years. Jill is also a mother of two children.
Please note: Reimbursement for transportation and respite available on a limited basis, please inquire when registering.
This is a free training, but registration is required. Refreshments will be provided.
To register, please call or email:
Jackie Forte, 781-686-4527, jforte@riversidecc.org
Or
Tracy Reilly-Ingersoll, 781-246-2003 ext.6521, treilly@riversidecc.org
Smooth Transitions
Date: Tuesday, 4/5/2011
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Location: Central Middlesex Family Support Center, 100 Sylvan Road, Suite G-800, Woburn
§ Do you have or know a child who is going to be a big brother or big sister?
§ Are you moving into a new home or have a child in your class who is moving?
§ Do you work with a child or have one who is going to a new school or a new classroom?
§ Do you have or know a child moving from a crib to a bed, or changing bedrooms?
§ This workshop will help parents and caregivers learn to make big and small changes a smoother transition for their children.
§ Childcare providers/teachers will benefit from learning concrete tactics that they can share with the parents they work with.
§ This workshop will help alleviate a great deal of stress for the entire family.
About the presenter:
Jill Vetstein is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who specializes in families, parents, and birth to age five. She is an Early Intervention Specialist, Developmental Specialist, and an Infant Massage Instructor. Her areas of expertise include early childhood development, infant mental health, parent/child relationships, and parenting skills. She has previously worked in settings ranging from Early Intervention to Early Head Start, including daycare. Jill has been educating and consulting with parents and child care providers for more than fourteen years. Jill is also a mother of two children.
Please note: Reimbursement for transportation and respite available on a limited basis, please inquire when registering.
This is a free training, but registration is required. Refreshments will be provided.
To register, please call or email:
Jackie Forte, 781-686-4527, jforte@riversidecc.org
Or
Tracy Reilly-Ingersoll, 781-246-2003 ext.6521, treilly@riversidecc.org
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Location: Central Middlesex Family Support Center, 100 Sylvan Road, Suite G-800, Woburn
§ Do you have or know a child who is going to be a big brother or big sister?
§ Are you moving into a new home or have a child in your class who is moving?
§ Do you work with a child or have one who is going to a new school or a new classroom?
§ Do you have or know a child moving from a crib to a bed, or changing bedrooms?
§ This workshop will help parents and caregivers learn to make big and small changes a smoother transition for their children.
§ Childcare providers/teachers will benefit from learning concrete tactics that they can share with the parents they work with.
§ This workshop will help alleviate a great deal of stress for the entire family.
About the presenter:
Jill Vetstein is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who specializes in families, parents, and birth to age five. She is an Early Intervention Specialist, Developmental Specialist, and an Infant Massage Instructor. Her areas of expertise include early childhood development, infant mental health, parent/child relationships, and parenting skills. She has previously worked in settings ranging from Early Intervention to Early Head Start, including daycare. Jill has been educating and consulting with parents and child care providers for more than fourteen years. Jill is also a mother of two children.
Please note: Reimbursement for transportation and respite available on a limited basis, please inquire when registering.
This is a free training, but registration is required. Refreshments will be provided.
To register, please call or email:
Jackie Forte, 781-686-4527, jforte@riversidecc.org
Or
Tracy Reilly-Ingersoll, 781-246-2003 ext.6521, treilly@riversidecc.org
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Autism and Genetic Mutation
Scientists are discovering genetic mutations in children with autism. For more information read this article from the Discovery Channel webpage: http://news.discovery.com/human/autism-genetic-mutations-dna.html.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A "Trust Hormone" to Help Autism
Scientists have initiated studies of the hormone oxytocin (not to be confused with the drug oxycontin) which is sometimes referred to as the "truth hormone." Initial research has found that this hormone can promote feelings of trust and empathy. As people with autism often have deficits in social functioning, there is some speculation that oxytocin might be a good treatment. Research is still in its very early stages. For more information read the story from National Public Radio - http://www.npr.org/2011/01/03/132473913/scientists-test-trust-hormone-for-autism-fight?ps=cprs.
Music Therapy Workshops
The Arc of East Middlesex (EMARC) Recreation Department is offering two music therapy programs in Malden. The programs run January through June 2011. Programs will be offered for nonverbal children, ages 3 - 7 and ages 8 - 14. The nonverbal groups will use instruments, movement, and voice to support verbal and non-verbal communication skills. For children with developing and emerging verbal skills there is a program called Music Therapy Talks. This program is for children ages 5 - 13. Children will engage in various musical activities as a way to improve conversation skills and create friendships. Parent participation is required for both programs. The fee is $60. The sessions last 6 weeks. Contact EMARC in Reading at 781-992-4888 to sign up and for information.
Summer Camps 2011
Don't forget to check the "Camps" listing at SPED Child and Teen. A few of the camps are specifically targeted at kids on the spectrum. The listing is updated frequently so make sure to check it regularly.
http://www.spedchildmass.com/camps_2011
http://www.spedchildmass.com/camps_2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
It's Now the Law
As of January 1, 2011, Massachusetts became one of 7 states that requires certain state regulated insurance plans cover the screening, diagnosis and treatment of autistic spectrum disorders starting in this new year. For more information about this autism reform law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you can check out this link:
http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.4432481/k.90A7/Massachusetts.htm
It is also important to check with your company's HR department to see if your company's health insurance is subject to state laws. Some employers choose to self-insure and if that is the case these insurance plans are not subject to state law but are subject to ERISA a federal law. Visit http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.5216011/k.1245/Selfinsured_Companies_and_Autism_Coverage.htm for more information about that.
http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.4432481/k.90A7/Massachusetts.htm
It is also important to check with your company's HR department to see if your company's health insurance is subject to state laws. Some employers choose to self-insure and if that is the case these insurance plans are not subject to state law but are subject to ERISA a federal law. Visit http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.5216011/k.1245/Selfinsured_Companies_and_Autism_Coverage.htm for more information about that.
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