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.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Upcoming Programs at LifeLinks

Sibscene Workshop

LifeLinks Family Support Center is hosting one more FREE Sibscene this spring. Sibscene is a fun workshop for siblings of children with special needs. Attendees talk about their siblings, play games, and make new friends!

The event is held at the LifeLinks office at 285 Mill Road, Chelmsford.

Sibscene is a new workshop for siblings ages 12-16. On Saturday, May 7, from 3:00-5:30pm teens will hang out, watch a movie, and make new friends who also have a sibling with special needs.

To sign up, please contact Amy Young at 978-349-3039 or ayoung@lifelinksinc.net.

Parenting Program

Wednesday, May 18: Susan Tordella, author of Raising Able, will speak about parenting. Free copies of her book for all attendees who RSVP.

www.raisingable.com

285 Mill Road, Chelmsford, 6-9PM

Dinner included! From 6-7PM

Presentation 7-9PM

Free gift for all who attend!

Prizes for lucky attendees!

Drinks and light snacks provided

Please RSVP to 978-349-3040 or familysupport@lifelinksinc.net

Adult Transition Open House

Department of Developmental Services

Adult Services Transition Planning Open House

We would like to invite you to the Transition Open House.

Come and meet different Day Program Service Providers; learn about their services and the transition process.

Feel free to stop by at the time most convenient for you.

When: Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Where: Lowell High School, Gymnasium - 50 Father Morrisette Boulevard, Lowell, MA
Time: 10 AM - 1 PM

Light refreshments will be served thanks to the generosity of Dunkin Donuts, Chelmsford St., Lowell, MA.

Contact Stephania Jean-Michel at 978-322-4347 if you have questions.

Sexuality and Social Skills

This was sent to me from LifeLinks:

**A Free Parent/Guardian Training**

Topic: Sexuality and Social Skills

with guest speaker, Sally Fogel, M.Ed.

Concerns about sexuality and social skills raise many important issues for individuals with developmental disabilities. Relationships, sexual behavior, decision-making, social skills, and safety will be discussed with opportunity for questions.

Parents/caregivers and professional staff are invited.

Sally Fogel, M.Ed. is an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, who has been on the faculty of Wheelock College, Boston University School of Social Work, and Boston College. She is currently in private practice as a sexuality educator and counselor, with a particular interest in working with individuals and couples with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities.

Date: Thursday, May 12, 2011

Time: 6:45-8:45 P.M.

Place: Minute Man Arc for Human Services,

130C Baker Ave. Extension, Concord, MA

FOR THIS TRAINING TO OCCUR, WE WILL NEED A MINIMUM OF 12 PARTICIPANTS, SO BE SURE TO REGISTER BY FRIDAY, MAY 6TH

to Michele Klein: mklein@minutemanarc.org or at 978-287-7900

(If you decide to attend at the last minute, check on 5/12 to make sure it is taking place.)

Thank you ~

Gail Palm, Parent Training Coordinator

Summer Social Skills Camp

The Peter Pan Center in Harvard, MA is offering a special summer day camp to help kids develop social skills. The camp is led by Nadine Briggs of "Social Smart Kids" and Donna Shea of the Peter Pan Center. The program will run for six weeks and kids may attend one or all the weeks. The program is for children ages 7 to 12 years. For more information, cost of the program, and a registration form, see the link below.

Peter Pan Social Smart KidsCamp Information and Registration Form

The Peter Pan Center is also offering a social camp for children ages 4 - 6 years. For more information, cost of the program, and a registration form see the link below.

Peter Pan Social Smart Teenies Camp Information and Registration Form

LifeLinks is offering scholarships to these camps. If you are interested in participating, call Amy at 978-349-3039.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Free April Vacation Activities from LifeLinks

FREE APRIL VACATION ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES!

TUESDAY, April 19th

Roller Skating

Skate 3

Tyngsboro, MA

3:00 – 5:00 PM

Free skate rental, pizza, drinks included.

We have the whole rink for a private event.

We can control the lights and music as well.

Wheelchairs and non-skaters welcome on the rink!

FRIDAY, April 22nd

Bowling

Brunswick Lanes

Lowell, MA

3:00 – 5:00 PM

Prize for everyone who attends.

Please RSVP to 978-349-3039 or ayoung@lifelinksinc.net

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Play Ball!

I'm forwarding along this e-mail that I received from LifeLinks about a very special baseball league:

Challenger Sports

Registration April 9th

11am-1pm Baseball Building

East St. Fields (Tewksbury)

Tewksbury Youth Baseball is proud to announce that it has established a Little League Challenger Division as part of its program. The Challenger Division offers boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 5-18, the opportunity to participate in an organized game of baseball. The fundamental goal of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play and to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide.

Tewksbury Youth Baseball is proud to announce its Challenger Program’s inaugural season in the spring of 2011. The Challenger Program is open to Tewksbury residents and residents throughout the Merrimack Valley. TYB’s managers, coaches and players are eager to welcome these new players into the leagues. There is no fee to participate in this program.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Special Needs Sibling Group

Unfortunately, due to low enrollment, we have had to cancel the Special Needs Siblings support group. We will try again the fall.

Friday, April 1, 2011

A Night for Families on the Spectrum at the Discovery Museum

The Discovery Museum in Acton is hosting a special night for families on the Spectrum!

Especially for Me!
FREE Evening at The Discovery Museums
for Families with Children on the Autism
Spectrum

Saturday, May 14, 2011 5:30-8:30 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 Autism Alliance of MetroWest. Please contact Amy
Spencer at aspencer@discoverymuseums.org or 978-264-4200 ext. 28
for more information or to register for the event.
www.discoverymuseums.org

Autism Awareness Month at the Library

In recognition that April is Autism Awareness Month the library has some activities planned:

On Saturday, April 2nd at 10:30 AM the library is offering a storytime for Special Needs families. All are welcome!


April's quick question is "How Many People Do You Know on the Autism Spectrum?" Patrons can participate in the library by putting a sticker on the question poster or online at this
blog or on the "Children's Happenings" blog. We hope all our library visitors, in-house and online, will participate. Let's show how many friends with Autism are in our community and how Autism touches so many people.

In addition we do have an "Autism Awareness" display.