Another Venue for Sensory Movies

In addition to local AMC Theaters, Chunky's Cinema Pubs are now offering sensory friendly movies at their Pelham, Nashua, and Haverhill locations. The first sensory friendly film they will show is Rango on Wednesday, March 16th at 12:30 PM. For more information read this recent Lowell Sun article http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_17460438.

AMC will be showing their next sensory friendly film, Mars Needs Moms, on March 12th at 10 AM. For more information about this film check out the AMC website at http://www.amctheatres.com/SFF/.

Upcoming Event for Special Needs Families

I received this from LifeLinks:

Please share with all special needs parent networks. Join other families to network and get a break outside of the house! There is resource and discussion time at each meeting.

Thursday, February 24: Book signing!
Nadine Briggs and Donna Shea will be sharing their book "How to Make & Keep Friends: Tips for Kids to Overcome 50 Social Challenges".
*Each person who RSVPs will get a free copy of the book!*
Refreshments, gift card giveaways, free books…. You can even bring a friend!
Best Western, Chelmsford, 6-8PM

Please RSVP to:
Amy Young
Family Support Center Manager
Lifelinks Inc.
145 Lexington Ave.
Lowell, MA 01854
978-251-0610 Ext.6039
Please Note NEW Extension

"Putting the Pieces Together"

The Autism Support Group meets tonight at the library at 6:30 PM.

All touched by autism are welcome!

Autism and Driving

A challenging moment for parents of teens with Aspergers or high functioning Autism is the issue of a driver's license. The University of Virginia recently received a $100,000 grant to study high functioning teens and driving. For more information read this article:
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/02/18/study-autism-driving/12361/

Parent Workshops and IEP Help from LifeLinks

LifeLinks offers parents IEP assistance:
EP Clinics
Meet with a Support Center Educational Advocate to review your IEP and get advice. One hour slots available. Appointments suggested
$25 per visit (scholarships available)
First Wednesday each month:
March 2
9:00AM-7:00PM
Family Support Center
Contact: 978-251-0610 ext. 6040 or emailing familysupport@lifelinksinc.net.

LifeLinks is offering two upcoming workshops for special needs parents:
We will be hosting daytime workshops at our new facility! The workshops are scheduled from 9:30am-11:00am at our 285 Mill Road, Chelmsford building.

Tuesday, March 22: Lisa Morrow, education attorney at Children's Law Center of Massachusetts, will be conducting Preparation for a Team Meeting. She will discuss what documents to bring, timelines that are important to know, and more.

Thursday, April 21: Lisa Morrow will present the School Discipline for Special Education Students training. She will address students' protections under IDEA, discipline and IEPs, and more.

Please RSVP for these events by calling 978-251-0610 ext. 6040 or emailing familysupport@lifelinksinc.net.

February Vacation Activity

News from LifeLinks about a February Vacation Movie Activity -
On Wednesday, February 23 from 11:15am-12:30pm at Showcase Cinemas in Lowell, we will be giving families free tickets to see a movie of their choice. You must call the Family Support Center by Tuesday, February 22 to reserve your tickets. Limited availability. Call 978-251-0610 ext. 6040.

Special Toys for Special Kids

I have never dealt with this company but I came across their website -
http://www.playabilitytoys.com. They claim to specialize in toys for kids on the spectrum and kids with sensory issues.

Autism Support Group

The first meeting for the autism support group, "Putting the Pieces Together" is tonight at the library at 6:30 PM. We hope to see you there!

New Kit - Transitioning from Adolescence to Adulthood

Autism Speaks has created a new tool kit to help families on the Spectrum transition from adolescence to adulthood, the Transition Tool Kit - http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/transition.php.

Paul Center February Vacation Program

The Paul Center in Chelmsford is offering a February vacation program. This is from their flyer:

This program is designed to provide families with a structured alternative for their child with disabilities during school vacations. The goals of the program are to provide respite care, recreational activities and to teach appropriate social, self-help and other skills of daily living. In addition to on-site activities, there will be appropriate off-site activities planned. When field trips are planned, there may be a small, additional fee for admission to the activity or event.

DATES: 2/22, 2/23, 2/24, 2/25
Students may register from 1 to all 4 days

TIME: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

ON-SITE ACTIVITIES: Cooperative Games, Visual Art and Dance Expression, Cooking, Baking and Outdoor Activities when weather permits

POSSIBLE OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES: Movies, Bowling,
and Pizza Party

COST: $70/day

Enrollment is limited! To register, please contact The Paul Center by phone at 978-256-4396 or through email at info@thepaulcenter.org

FCSN Conference - Visions of Community

The Federation for Children with Special Needs will be holding their annual conference on March 12, 2011 at the World Trade Center in Boston. Partial scholarships to attend are available. Some of the workshops offered:
Advocating Effectively for Your Child
Special Education Law: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Social Thinking: What is it?
For more information see the FCSN website at http://fcsn.org/conferences/voc2011.php