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.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

A Very Special Saturday



Calling all special needs kids and their families! Come meet Sir Topham Hatt, make a sticker craft and play some games at the library. Join us for a fun morning on Saturday, March 10th. Drop in anytime between 10 AM and 11:30 AM. Bring a camera to capture a memory.
If you have questions please contact Molly Hancock, Coordinator of Youth Services at 978-970-4124 or by e-mail at mhancock@mvlc.org.
This program is for special needs families only. We appreciate your understanding!


Thursday, February 23, 2012

Using the iPad for Communication Workshop

LifeLinks is offering a free workshop about using iPads for communication:

  • Come meet with a speech therapist who has extensive experience integrating iPad applications for individuals who are non-verbal.
  • This training will be a question and answer forum for families using iPads for communication or hope to use.
  • Please bring your iPad if your child uses one
When: Thursday March 15th
Time: 5:00PM– 7:00PM
Location: LifeLinks 285 Mill Road, Chelmsford, MA

Event is free and requires registration
RSVP to 978-349-3040 or familysupport@lifelinksinc.net

Friday, February 17, 2012

Upcoming Programs at LifeLinks

From LifeLinks:

FREE PARENTING GROUP:

You do not have to come to all meetings, there are four weeks left.

Monday evenings 7-9 PM thru March 12

Free book for each attendee!

Come learn new approaches to making better connections with your children. Less yack, more act. This is an open forum where parents can share frustrations and areas of need without judgment.

FREE ROLLER SKATING

Tuesday, February 21st

10:00 AM – Noon

Roller Kingdom in Tyngsboro

Skate rental and pizza included

SOCIAL GROUPS:

Ages 10 – 13 on Tuesdays

Ages 7-10 on Wednesdays

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Ongoing but you must be registered.

$65 per month (this is a 50% discount off the regular program price)

LIVING SKILLS for those 18-28

8 Week class that will offer basic skills in cooking, laundry, nutrition and self care.

Tuesdays Starting February 28th

5:30 – 7:00 PM

$200 for all 8 weeks, includes all supplies (this is a 50% discount off the regular program price)

FREE GUARDIANSHIP WORKSHOP

February 29th

6:30 – 8:00 PM

Learn the basic process for applying for guardianship and the reasons you may need a more specific application.

Plenty of time for questions and answers!

To register for any program or get more information please contact Rachel at 978-349-3040 or rwardsullivan@lifelinksinc.net

All program (aside from skating) are located at 285 Mill Road ~ Chelmsford, MA

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Free Night at the Museum for Special Needs Families

From the Discovery Museum in Acton:

Especially for Me!

Free Evening at The Discovery Museums for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum

Date:
March 24, 2012
Time:
5:30 - 8:30 PM
Location:
Science and Children's Discovery Museums
Ages Range:
All Ages
Cost:
Free, Pre-Registration Required
Program Description:

Come join in all the fun during this special free evening for families with children on the autism spectrum. Pre-registration required. Visit http://tinyurl.com/EspeciallyforMe2012-2 to register. Funding provided by the Boston Bruins Foundation, CVS, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School’s Youth in Philanthropy Club, and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Framingham, Harvard, Hudson, Lawrence, Leominster, Littleton, Natick, Waltham, Wayland, Westford and Weston with in-kind support provided by Not Your Average Joe's.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Free Program for Special Needs Families

Mark your calendars to make sure you don't miss out on this free and fun event for special needs families!

A Very Special Saturday

Saturday, March 10, 2012

10 AM – 11:30 AM

Pollard Memorial Library

401 Merrimack St.

Lowell, MA 01852

Come by the library for a morning full of fun! Join Thomas the Tank Engine’s Sir Topham Hatt for some stories. Play games and make a craft. Stop by any time between 10 AM and 11:30 AM to get into the fun. This is a free event and all Special Needs Kids and their families are welcome. Bring a camera to capture a memory! If you have questions, please contact Molly Hancock, Coordinator of Youth Services at 978-970-4124 or by e-mail at mhancock@mvlc.org.

This program is just for Special Needs Families. Thank you for understanding!

This program is brought to you by the Pollard Memorial Library and the Thom Anne Sullivan Center.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

10 Strategies for Success

Sometimes parenting a child on the spectrum can be challenging. The Autism Support Network has created 10 Strategies for Success for parents.

ASD Resource Fair

From the MA Sped Child and Teen Newsletter:

Disability Family-Resource Fair for All Ages: Free & Open to the Public:February 12, 2012, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Bennet-Hemmenway Elementary, Natick. Special-needs resources available to Boston, Metrowest and Eastern Massachusetts families, Camp and Recreation programs, Child, Teen & Adult Support Services, Medical Programs, Yoga, Schools, Therapists, and Educational Services. Visithttp://naticksepacvendorfair.eventbrite.com or contact NatickSepac@gmail.com.