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: 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.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

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.Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Bulldozer
  • 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.
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