Autism Program

In October of 2007 the Autism Division of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) started a model program called the Children's Autism Spectrum Disorders Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program. This program is for children with autism age 9 and younger who exhibit severe behavior, social, and communication problems. The program provides a service called Expanded Habilitation and includes use of Applied Behavioral Analysis, Floor Time, and Communication models. The service occurs in the child's home or other natural settings under the supervision of trained staff. This waiver also provides related services such as community integration activities and respite. Applications will only be accepted if postmarked between the dates of September 20, 2010 and October 1, 2010. More information and applications can be obtained from DDS at www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dmr/autism_waiver_renewal_notice.pdf. For more assistance with filling out the application contact NEARC Autism Support Center at 978-777-9135. You can also visit their website at www.ne-arcautismsupportcenter.org.

ASD Agency

Although this agency specifically services southeastern Massachusetts and the islands, there are still a lot of helpful general ASD resources on their webpage. The agency is called Community Autism Resources and their link is http://community-autism-resources.com/index.html.

Fall Recreational Programs at Lawrence Boys and Girls Club

Fall Recreational Programs 2010
Sept. 26th - Nov. 19th

Swimming: Learn the basics of swimming and gain confidence in the water

Tuesdays - 4:00-5:00pm or 5:00-6:00pm

Music: Experience different rhythms by using different percussion instruments

Tuesdays - 4:00-5:00pm or 5:00-6:00pm

Computer: Increase your computer skills and learn the importance of internet safety

Thursdays - 4:00-5:00pm

Arts and Crafts: Create original art work through age-appropriate hands-on activities Thursdays - 5:00-6:00pm

This is an inclusive program for children (middle school and high school age) with and without disabilities. It will be held at the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club - 136 Water St, Lawrence, MA.

Donations are suggested to be able to continue offering programs in the future.

For more information contact:Kendrys Vasquez - Recreation Coordinator

(978) 975-8587 ext. 1208 kvasquez@classinc.org

Sensory Friendly Movie!

The AMC in Tyngsboro will be showing another sensory friendly movie on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 10 AM. This month's film is "The Return of Nanny McPhee." For more information see http://www.amcentertainment.com/SFF.

New Link

I posted a new link on the "ASD Agencies, Groups, and Resources" page. It is for an online resource concerned with special needs laws and advocacy, "Wrightslaw."

Massachusetts Becomes 23rd State to Enact Insurance Reforms

On August 3, 2010, Gov. Deval Patrick signed House Bill 4935 (An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder). This bill requires private health insurance plans to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies for people of all ages. The governor signed the bill at Fenway Park in front of hundreds of families. For more details see http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.4432481/k.90A7/Massachusetts.htm.

New Link

I've added a new link to the Autism Resources page. It's for Childnett.tv. Childnett.tv is an online resource of video information about ASD for families and also clinicians. It is funded by the Dan Marino Foundation.
http://www.childnett.tv/