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.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Summer Reading 2011

School's out and it's time for the library's summer reading program!
We hope to see you at the library this summer!

Radio and Asperger's

A new program in Colorado uses radio to help kids on the spectrum with communication skills. The Perspectives program is a collaboration between the Temple Grandin School and the University of Colorado.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Free Evening at the Discovery Museum

The Discovery Museum is offering a free evening to families on the Autism Spectrum on Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Free admission to both Museums
Come join in all the fun at The Discovery Museums during this
special free evening for families with children on the autism spectrum
sponsored by the Autism Alliance of MetroWest and HMEA's Autism
Resource Center of Central Massachusetts. 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
177 Main Street • Acton, MA 01720 • 978-264-4200

Monday, June 13, 2011

New Clues on Genetics and Autism

A recent article in WebMD looked at new developments in genetic research and autism. One area studied was why autism was more prevalent in boys than girls.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Upcoming Programs and Events

From the SPED Child and Teen online newsletter:

Kids in Disability Sports (KIDS): KIDS, serving the Greater Lowell Communities, has open registration throughout June to sign up for the September 2011 - August 2012 season. KIDS offers baseball, bowling, floor hockey, golf, gymnastics, karate, soccer, swimming, track and field, dances and outings for children, teen and young adults with disabilities. For more information, call 866-712-7799, email info@kidsinc.org or visit www.kidsinc.us.

Easter Seals of Massachusetts Now Has Youth Transition Services! High School students with disabilities, their families and educators are given tools to help acheive their vision. Assistive technology, rehabiliation therapy, vocational evaluation, career skills development, job placement, on-the-job training, Independent living skills, social and recreational oppportunities are just a few of the tools offered. For more information, contact info@eastersealsma.org, call 800-244-2756 or visit Easter Seals of Massachusetts.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Family to Family Health Information Center

This was passed along to me from LifeLinks:

The Federation for Children with Special Needs (www.fcsn.org) supports the project 'Massachusetts Family to Family Health Information Center (F2F HIC)'. Beth Dworetzky, the Project Director, provided a wonderful article detailing what the program does.

The Massachusetts Family-to-Family Health Information Center

If you have questions about:

  • Maximizing health insurance benefits for your children and youth with special health needs
  • MassHealth, the Massachusetts Medicaid programs - even if you think your family income is too high to qualify
  • Working with your children's medical teams, or
  • Navigating community-based systems of care...

...the Massachusetts Family-to-Family Health Information Center can help.

The Massachusetts Family-to-Family Health Information Center is a project at the Federation for Children with Special Needs. A grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Division of Services for Children with Special Health Needs supports the work of this family-staffed Center. Last month, the Federation received a new two-year grant from U.S. Health & Human Services to continue operation of the Center.

The Center provides free, confidential assistance to families raising children and youth with special health care needs (medical, developmental, mental, behavioral, and emotional health needs), professionals, about:

1) Health Care Financing

2) Medical Home

3) Early and Periodic Screening

4) Navigating Community Supports

5) Transition to Adult Systems of Care

6) Family/Provider Partnerships

In addition to providing individualized assistance, staff is available to present workshops about health care financing (MassHealth and private health insurance), medical home, working with private health insurers, and with the new funding, will be developing workshops about parent leadership and other topics.

The Web site includes a calendar of events where families can find workshops, conferences, and other meetings of interest. And, because families cannot always attend events in person, we host topical conference calls as an alternative learning and networking opportunity. These calls are recorded for individuals unable to participate at the time of the call. The playback and handouts are available at no cost on the project Web site.

The Center listserv (a way to use a single internet e-mail address to send e-mail to and receive e-mail from many other people who share a common interest) is an on-line forum where families raising children and youth with special health needs and our professional partners share resources and information, ask questions and learn from each other's experience and expertise. Membership is free and confidential.

Learn more about the Family-to-Family Health Information Center by calling 1-800-331-0688, ext. 301 or visit www.massfamilyvoices.org.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Free IEP Workshop

I received this from LifeLinks:

Do you fully understand your rights concerning your child’s IEP?

Do you have more questions than answers?

Come join us for a free information and discussion session!

Lead by Amy Young, Family Support Center Manager of Life Links Inc. and the staff of Kenwood Academy.

Topics Include:

· Longer School Year – Summer Program

· Out of District Placement Options –Approved vs. Unapproved Programs

· Funding

· IEP acceptance/rejection (Full or Part)

· Supporting Documentation, Evaluations

· Parental Rights

· Helpful Resources

920 Methuen St. Dracut, MA 01826

Thursday, June 9th

6:00pm – 8:30 pm

FREE

Phone: (978) 453-4900

Email: ayoung@lifelinksinc.net

lbechard@kenwoodacademy.net

Please Call or E-Mail to Confirm Attendence