Autism and Siblings

The High Risk Baby Siblings Research Consortium recently released the results of a study they conducted that looked at autism and siblings. To their great surprise, the odds of a younger sibling of child on the spectrum developing autism was greater than previous studies determined. Researchers studied 664 infants who had at least one older sibling on the spectrum. They found that 1 in 5 babies with an older sibling on the spectrum will also be affected by autism. That was more than double the original estimates. The study recommends that families with infants that have an older sibling on the spectrum, closely monitor the infants' development. Autism Speaks advises that parents talk to pediatricians about early screening for these infants. The organization also developed a one page infant-toddler checklist that can be used as a screening tool. The checklist can be used on children as young as 12 months old. The screener, which includes the scoring key, can be downloaded for free.

Assistive Technology Workshop

From the MA SPED Child and Teen online newsletter:

Back-to-School Assistive Technology & Academic Tools – Open House: Free. August 30^th, 2011, Boston, MA. 10 a.m. – 12 noon and 2 – 4 p.m. The Easter Seals Assistive Technology Regional Center (ATRC) will offer hands-on opportunities to try out academic tools and assistive technology such as Kurzweill 3000, Livescribe Pulse pen, WordQ, text-to-speech software, ebook readers such as iPad 2, Kindle, talking calculators, digital recorders and more. Staff will be available for questions and assistance. For more information call 617-226-2634 or email atrc@eastersealsma.org.

First Responders and Autism

A fire fighter in Westwood, MA has created a training program for first responders about recognizing the signs of autism. He has presented this program for 17,000 responders throughout New England and now will be bringing the training to 13 other states. For more information read this article.

Family Movie at the Paul Center

Kids In Disability Sports in partnership with The Paul Center proudly presents:

FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES

"JUST LIKE BEING AT THE DRIVE-IN"

(WEATHER PERMITTING)

Location: The Paul Center, 39 Concord Road,
Chelmsford

Time: Gates open at 7:30 p.m.

Movie starts at dusk.

Date: August 12 - G rated movie (to be detemined)

Donation: $5.00 per person / $10.00 per family.

Popcorn, candy and drinks available for sale.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Family friendly event.

LifeLinks

News from LifeLinks:

The Family Support Center will resume its IEP clinics on the first Wednesday of the month. 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).

The next IEP clinic is Wednesday, September 7 from 9am-7pm. To make an appointment, please call or e-mail the Family Support Center: 978-349-3040 familysupport@lifelinksinc.net.

The Young Adult Social Groups will be starting again in the fall! These social groups are for young adults ages 16-30(ish!) who are looking to improve their social skills and make new friends.

More information about the upcoming social groups will be in the next newsletter and on our Facebook page. To get your child on the Young Adult Social Group contact list, please contact Rachel at 978-349-3040 or rwardsullivan@lifelinksinc.net.

The Resource Library is now open. Call or e-mail the Family Support Center to make an appointment to check out the Resource Library. 978-349-3040 familysupport@lifelinksinc.net.

Tool Kits

The Family Services department of Autism Speaks has created different online tool kits for families on the spectrum. Some of the tool kits are the dental tool kit, getting a haircut tool kit, as well as other helpful topics.

A Resource for Families

The Family Services Department of Autism Speaks is now offering online office hours each Wednesday from 1:00 - 2:30 PM. The goal of this new service is to connect families to needed resources. For more information visit the Office Hours link.