Program for Special Needs Siblings

From the SpedChild web site:

Siblings Ages 18 to 25 - Kayaking & Networking: August 16^th, 2011, 12 - 6 p.m., Plum Island Kayak Company, Newburyport, MA. For young adults who have brothers and/or sisters with special needs. Fees and RSVPs required. Enjoy kayaking, a pizza dinner, networking, learning about resources and meet others who "get it". This is especially for those who are home from college or headed off to school in the Fall. $10.00 fee, RSVP to Kerry.mahoney@thearcofghn.org or visit the www.thearcofghn.org

Upcoming Sensory Friendly Film

The AMC Theaters in Methuen and Tyngsboro will be offering a sensory friendly showing of "The Smurfs" on Saturday, August 6th at 10 AM. For more information check out the AMC web site.

Tips for Eating Out

A trip to a restaurant is a difficult task for many families on the spectrum. This article from the Autism Support Network has tips for eating out.

A Resource for Families

It isn't always easy to find the right services or support for families on the spectrum. There is a new website called "My Autism Team" whose purpose is to help families find the resources they need from summer camps to dentists to hairdressers and more. This website was recently featured in the "Autism Speaks" blog.

Life Skills Program

Another program at LifeLinks:

Daily Living Skills Program for Teens and Tweens!

A place where kids ages 11-16 kids can learn:

· Safety/Home Alone

· Clothing Care

· Meal preparation *

· Nutrition

· Grooming/Appearance

· Manners

· Social Skills

· Being a Teen

* Food preparation will be part of each meeting to allow for more robust skill development

Participants must:

· participate voluntarily and be able to follow directions

· be able to transition in and out of the program without incident and in an appropriate manner.

· refrain from use of profanity, inappropriate language, or illegal substances and remain in the room for the duration of the program

· not be aggressive toward others or exhibit defiant behaviors

· must be completely independent with restroom needs

· not require 1:1 adult attention unless they attend with an aide

When/Where:

Mondays 4:00 – 5:30

Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 17, 24, Nov. 7, 14

LifeLinks, 285 Mill Road Chelmsford, MA

Program Facilitator Contact:

Nadine Briggs, Social Smart Kids

978-764-2758

nbriggs@socialsmartkids.com

If you are interested in this program, contact Amy and application materials will be sent to you:

Amy Young

Family Support Center Manager

285 Mill Road

Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-349-3039

Social Skills Group

Social Smart Kids workshops will be offered this fall at LifeLinks. Following is information about the program:

Social Opportunities for children ages 7-11

A place where kids can interact with peers and teenage helpers while working with a friendship tutor on:

· Sportsmanship

· Conversation Skills

· Flexible Thinking

· Managing Strong Feelings (anger/frustration/embarrassment)

· Understanding Their Social Environment

· Body Language

· Managing Conflict and Disagreements

· …and more, depending on the needs of participants.

Participation guidelines and requirements:

· Program participants are “fluent” in their use of language

· One-to-one adult attention is not necessary for safety

· Members can transition in and out of the program without incident

· Participants refrain from aggression toward others

· Program members are interested in socializing and role-playing

· Participants can independently take care of rest room needs

When/Where:

Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26

LifeLinks, 285 Mill Road Chelmsford, MA

Parents are welcome to discuss details of the program with the facilitator:

Nadine Briggs, Social Smart Kids

978-764-2758

nbriggs@socialsmartkids.com

If you are interested in applying to participate please contact Amy and registration materials will be sent to you.

Amy Young

Family Support Center Manager

285 Mill Road

Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-349-3039

Lowell Spinners and Autism Awareness Game

Join Autism Speaks and WROR at the Lowell Spinners Autism Awareness Game as they take on the Hudson Valley Renegades! The first 1,000 fans will receive a free logo baseball, courtesy of Town Fair Tire.

Saturday, July 9 · 5:00pm - 8:00pm

LeLacher Park

450 Aikein Street

Lowell, Massachusetts

Tickets range from $6-$10 and can be bought at LeLacheur Park on game day or online at https://www.choicesecure03.net/mainapp/EventSchedule.aspx?ClientID=spinners&prod=12&group=LSBB