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: 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.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

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.

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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.
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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

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.
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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

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!
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Monday, February 7, 2011

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.
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Friday, February 4, 2011

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
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Thursday, February 3, 2011

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
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