1 in 110
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, July 27, 2011
Program for Special Needs Siblings
Siblings Ages 18 to 25 - Kayaking & Networking: August 16th, 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.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tips for Eating Out
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A Resource for Families
Monday, July 18, 2011
Life Skills Program
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 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