volume 20, issue 7 t h e s p e ct r u mjanuary 7 - the adventures of tin tin february 25 - the...

Hello to a brand new year! January is a traditional time for reflection and 2012

should be no exception. Here at ASC we brainstormed recently and propose the

following resolutions, BUT we hope you will come up with your own ideas!

• I will take care of myself through yoga, Zumba, or regular walks at the beach

or in the woods.

• I’ll learn more about autism spectrum disorders by visiting the ASC library.

• I’ll expand my network by attending a support group at ASC

• I’ll sign up for at least one workshop.

• I’ll learn more about positive behavioral supports.

• I’ll make and use a visual to help resolve one issue with my child.

• I will ask for and accept help from friends, neighbors and/or family.

• I will help my child’s extended family understand autism. (Call ASC for tips)

• I’ll bring my family to ASC’s annual picnic (or other family event).

• I’ll spend 1:1 time with each of my children.

• I’ll try a new family activity each month.

• I’ll catch my child being good at least once a day.

What are your ideas for resolutions?

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2

V O L UM E 2 0 , I S S U E 7

T H E S P E C T R U M

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

U P C OM I N G E V E N T S

2

S U P P O R T G R O U P S

3

WO R K S H O P 4

S O C I A L S C E N E S 8

G O O D N EW S 1 6

C A L E N D A R 1 6

Check our

Facebook page

for program

updates

Making Plans: Defining your family’s financial future

An educational workshop for parents of children with special needs

When: January 23, 2012, from 10 am to 12 noon

Where: 6 Southside Road, Danvers

The purpose of this workshop is to motivate you to look at your own situation and make the nec-essary changes if your current plan does not do what you want. The presenters will give you an overview of the financial and estate considerations for special needs planning. The topics to be covered include: he need for proper planning; government programs; financial considerations; legal considerations; common planning mistakes; and important steps to take. See flyer on page 4

for full details. RSVP Susan at 978-624-2302.

IEP Clinic

Presented by Northeast Arc Advocacy Group

When: January 12th from 6-8 pm


Get advice on the strength of your child’s IEP, how to make things better, whether or not you

need an advocate. For More information, contact Aymee Lucifora at 978-624-2381.

SAVE THE DATE:

Helping children with autism to develop hand skills

When: February 28th, 6:30—8:30 pm


Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L has worked with children and adults with developmental disabilities

in a variety of settings over the past 30 years. She is the author of several books, including her

latest, From Rattles to Writing: A Parent’s Guide to Hand Skills. Barbara is passionate about

adapting activities and using teaching strategies that help children with attention and sensory

challenges to develop hand skills. Parents will learn how to provide the types of sensory stimula-

tion that help children develop the skills that lead to reading and writing- amazingly, this all be-

gins at birth! Children with autism often demonstrate sensory preferences and aversions that

impact learning. Adapting activities and using teaching strategies and sensory reinforcement to

meet the individual child’s needs is critical in achieving sensory regulation, focus and engagement

in hand activities. Please contact the Autism Support Center to register: 978-777-9135 or

[email protected]

February Vacation Week Event!

What: Lots of fun and then pizza!

When: Thursday, February23rd; 1:30 pm

Where: Jump on In, Haverhill

Cost: $10 per family at the door.

RSVP a must!!! Contact Whitney Ryan at 978-624-2305 or [email protected] for details.

U P C OM I N G E V E N T S


Acton ASC Sponsored; Target Group: Mandarin-speaking parents. Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St (Rt. 27) Acton; bi-monthly meetings TBA Parent facilitator: Wen Li Contact ASC 978-777-9135 or [email protected] Month

Danvers SPECIAL PRESENTATION! See page 4

ASC sponsored; Target Group: Grandparents 6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Mondays, 10-11:30 am Contact facilitator Susan Gilroy 978-624-2302 or email [email protected]

Danvers

ASC/AANE sponsored; Target Group: Adults (over 18) with Asperger’s syndrome 6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm Contact facilitator Gail Kastorf at 617-393-3824 ext. 42 or [email protected]

Danvers ASC Sponsored; Target Group: Parents of children with ASD 6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm Contact facilitator Scott Buchanan at 978-624-2347 or [email protected]

Danvers

ASC/AANE sponsored; Target Group: Parents of Adults with Asperger’s syndrome 6 Southside Road, Danvers; 2nd Thursdays, 6:45-8:15 pm Contact facilitator Gail Kastorf at 617-393-3824 ext. 42 or [email protected]

Lawrence

ASC sponsored; Target Group: Spanish-speaking parents of children with disabilities Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, 700 Essex St, Lawrence; 3rd Friday, 9:30-11:30am Contact facilitator Gloria Castillo 978-624-2301 or [email protected]

Lowell ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of children with ASD DDS Lowell Area Office 325 Chelmsford St. Lowell; 1st Tuesday, 10:00 to 12:00

Contact facilitator Whitney Ryan 978-624-2305 or [email protected]

Newburyport ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of children with ASD Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St, Newburyport; 2nd Thursday, 6:30-8:30pm Parent facilitator: Nancy Lucier Contact ASC for more info 978-777-9135 or email [email protected]

S U P P O R T G R O U P S

The PAPC (ASC’s

advisory board) will

meet on Tuesday January 9th at 10 am. If you want to know more about

serving on the

board, contact

Susan Gilroy at

978-624-2302.

Chair-Kathleen

Moline; Vice-chair-

Nancy Lucier.

Other members:

Chris Curtin,

Debbie Bashaw,

Renee Williams,

Greg Candage,

Judy Doherty, Pina

Hayes, and Annie

Pulaski. Provisional

members are

Kristine Nicholas,

Christine Romaides,

and Christine Kelly.

V O L U M E 2 0 , I S S U E 7

V O L U M E 2 0 , I S S U E 7

Federation workshops are free and open to the public.

You may register for workshops by either calling the Federation at 617-236-7210 or in Mas-

sachusetts toll-free at 800-331-0688. OR go to http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/

home.php#schedule to register online.

January 2012 1/12 Cambridge, 504 Plans, location TBD, 6:30-8:30pm 1/12 Tewksbury, Effective Communication and the IEP, Wynn Middle School, TSEPAC office, room 204, 1 Griffin Way, 7-9pm 1/25 Westford, MCAS, Access & Achievement in Special Education, Chrisfulli School, 2nd fl. li-

brary, 13 Robinson Rd, 7-9pm

February 2012 2/8 Peabody, Basic Rights, Higgins Middle School, 1 King Street Extension, 7-9pm

2/27 Somerville, Basic Rights, Kennedy Elementary School library, 5 Cherry St, 6:30-8:30pm

F R E E F E D E R A T I O N WO R K S H O P S

Join AMC Theatres and the Autism Society special showings of the following movies. Movies will

be shown at 10 a.m. local time in participating theatres nationwide.

January 7 - The Adventures of Tin Tin February 25 - The Secret World of Arrietty

March 10 - Dr. Seuss' The Lorax April 7 - Pirates! Band of Misfits

AMC Dartmouth Mall 12, 140 North Dartmouth Mall North Dartmouth, Mass. 02747

AMC Framingham 15, 22 Flutie Pass, Framingham, Mass. 17014

AMC Tyngsboro 12, 440 Middlesex Road Tyngsboro, Mass. 01879

AMC Loews Methuen 20, 90 Pleasant Valley St. Methuen, Mass. 01844

AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by au-

tism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and ac-

cepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie

auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to

bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be

shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk,

shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the

safety of the audience is questioned.

PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL THEATER TO CONFIRM DATE AND TIME.

Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR THEATRE TO CONFIRM SHOW TIMES AND PRICES.

S E N S O R Y - F R I E N D L Y M O V I E S


A T H L E T I C O P P O R T U N I T I E S Report Offers Ways to Increase Athletic Opportunities for Students

Creating equal opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in physical education and athletics in school is the subject of a new report from the U.S. Department of Education. It fol-lows a 2010 Government Accountability Office report that cited limited opportunities for stu-dents with disabilities in these areas, despite legal obligations for states and schools to provide equal access. The new report includes an overview of federal law, suggestions to increase opportu-

nities for children, program options, and resources.

http://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/equal-pe.doc

V O L U M E 2 0 , I S S U E 7

Just before Christmas, we had great day of climbing at Boston Rock Gym in Woburn. Three chil-dren participated, including Andrew Donlon (above), as well one of the parents. While one family mentioned that this was a big step for their son and that just getting through the door was a

challenge, everyone had a great time.

After some instruction, the kids were climbing up two or three of the rocks. The wall was pretty

difficult, so we decided to move onto another piece of apparatus.

The two instructors did a wonderful job of explaining the gym’s rules and expectations—they were

kind, patient and very intuitive.

We want to thank Boston Rock Gym for helping us make this a very successful first experience.

B O S T O N R O C K G Y M E V E N T

N I G H T O U T F O R T H E H O L I D A Y S

Nancy Lucier (at the top in red sweater) and other members of the Newburyport support group

gathered at a local restaurant for an evening out to celebrate the holiday season.


A big THANK YOU to Beverly and Harriet Norman, co-

owners of Marblehead Antiques, for their very gener-

ous contribution to the Autism Support Center. Over

the years, their donations have aided families and al-

lowed us to offer events to the children we serve. If

you haven’t visited their delightful store on Pleasant

Street in Marblehead do so soon. You won’t be disap-

pointed!

Our most sincere gratitude to two friends of ASC

During the holidays for over 12 years the families of Shore Country Day School have collaborated with ASC to bring gifts to those less fortunate. We would like to recognize the hard work and dedication that the volun-teers of Shore Country Day put into the gift giving experience. Their commitment to help families in need goes beyond just buying a few gifts - they take this job very seriously and they make sure that each child that receives a gift feels important and special; each gift bag is packed with beautiful new presents showing the attention everyone at the school puts into each individual gift. This is giving at its best!

S I B S H O P S

Where: Peabody Institute Library of Danvers, 15 Sylvan St, Danvers in the Gordon Room off

the Children's Library

When: To be announced

Cost: $15.00 per child - includes lunch; Ages: 8-12 year olds

Your child's spot will be reserved once we receive your check no later than December 5, 2011. For more information contact Sishop facilitators: Marguerite Roberts or Mary Dean Calnan at

978-354-2660 or [email protected] [email protected]

Sibshops are provided through the Family Resource Center at MassGeneral for Children at

North Shore Medical Center and held at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers.

What are Sibshops?

Sibshops are for siblings of children with special needs. The Goals of the Sibshop Model:

Goal 1: Sibshops will provide brothers and sisters of children with special needs an opportunity

to meet other siblings in a relaxed, recreational setting.

Goal 2: Sibshops will provide brothers and sisters with opportunities to discuss common joys

and concerns with other siblings of children with special needs.

Goal 3: Sibshops will provide siblings with an opportunity to learn how others handle situations

commonly experienced by siblings of children with special needs.

Goal 4: Sibshops will provide siblings with an opportunity to learn more about the implications

of their sibling's special needs.

Goal 5: Sibshops will provide parents and other professionals with opportunities to learn more about the concerns and opportunities frequently experienced by brothers and sisters of people

with special needs.

Classes for Kids, Teens, Adults, Seniors

All abilities

Sign up soon, they will sell out!

After much anticipation, ArcWorks Community Art Center (in Peabody) is proud to announce the arrival of our Fall/Winter Class Schedule. Whether you have little ones, teenagers, are an adult who wants to learn something new, or are a senior who is looking for a fun class, we have something for you! Our classes are inclusive and are offered to all North Shore residents. For more info, please click on the section titles.

http://arcworksns.org/KidsClasses.aspx

http://arcworksns.org/AdultClasses.aspx

http://arcworksns.org/TeenClasses.aspx

http://arcworksns.org/SeniorClasses.aspx Once you have made your decisions, please contact Beth Mazzetta at 978-624-2555 or

[email protected] to sign up!

A R T C E N T E R C L A S S E S A N N O U N C E D


We are pleased to announce that ASC’s proposal for family support

flexible funding to the Doug Flutie, Jr., Foundation has been approved.

We will begin accepting flex funding requests for Flutie funds soon. Low income families with a child on the autism spectrum not receiving funding from another source of support (for example, DDS family support, intensive supports, DESE/DDS, etc.) are eligible to apply. Funds can be requested for recreational activities, respite care, tui-

tion to a social skills group, Y membership or other goods and services

of direct benefit to the child with ASD.

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation awards grants on an annual basis to non-profit organizations and

schools that provide services, education and advocacy for children with autism spectrum disor-

der and to organizations that conduct research on the causes and effects of autism. Over 200

organizations applied for funding and 30 organizations have been awarded grants for the 2011

grant cycle.

For more information, contact ASC at 978-777-9135.


G O O D N EW S F O R 2 0 1 2 !

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2

S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T

1 2

Closed

3 Lowell

group 10 am

4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 AANE Parents of Adults w/AS 6:45 pm Newbrypt group 6:30pm

13 14

15 16

17 18 Dnvers

group 7pm

AANE adults 7

pm

19 20 Lawrence

Spanish group

9:30 am

21

22 23 Finan-

cial seminar

10 am

24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

Zumba participants at the Salem YMCA.

We Connect Now is dedicated to uniting people interested in rights and issues affecting people with disabilities, with particular emphasis on college students and access to higher education and

employment issues.

We Connect Now website: http://weconnectnow.wordpress.com/

WE B S I T E F O R C O L L E G E S T U D E N T S

iPad and Autism

Download Shannon’s iPad Apps & Resources for Autism Spreadsheet and scroll down to iPad Re-sources – Fundraising and Donations. There you will find several links that can help you finance an iPad. While you are scrolling–WOW!–look at all of the wonderful ways the iPad can help your

child learn and communicate.

Shannon Des Roches Rosa is the co-editor of the book THE THINKING PERSONS GUIDE TO

AUTISM which will be released soon.

The Lurie Family Autism Center is proud to offer the Annual Roger A. Bauman Parent Lecture

Series.

Where: Charles River Center, Needham, MA (59 E. Militia Heights Rd, located at the top of Dwight Rd, off of Central Street) in the Paul D. Merritt Building, basement conference room.

Visit www.charlesrivercenter.org

January 26, 2012 IPAD APPS and Augmentative Communication Options for Individuals with

Autism Spectrum Disorders, Jennifer Leighton, CCC SLP Lurie Center/Spaulding Outpatient

To register, Please contact Julie O'Brien, Family Support Clinician, LURIE CENTER MGH for Children at 781-860-1726 or [email protected]

*Limited childcare slots may be available by preregistration and confirmation in advance

SPECIAL THANKS to FOL, Charles River Center and The Doug Flutie Jr Foundation for Autism

for supporting our program!

I P A D A N D A U T I S M

L E C T U R E S E R I E S

A A C I N S C H O O L S The Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education has published Guidelines for the Preparation of Teachers of Moderate and Severe Disabilities: Instruction on the appropriate

use of augmentative and alternative communication and other

assistive technologies. http://www.massadvocates.org/documents/DESEAACGuidelines.pdf


Center for Developmental Excellence

6 Southside Road

Danvers, MA 01923

Phone: 978-777-9135

E-mail: [email protected]

The Autism

Support Center

is celebrating

20 years of

supporting and

empowering

families in

northeastern

Massachusetts.

the Mass. Dept. of Develop-

mental Services. The views

expressed do not necessarily

reflect those of the funding

source. ASC does not en-

dorse any product, service or

theory referred to in this

newsletter. Articles, re-

sources and announcements

are included for information

only.

Anyone wishing to contribute

information for this newslet-

ter should send it to asc@ne-

arc.org or to our mailing ad-

dress above. Parent contribu-

The Spectrum is a monthly

electronic publication of the

Autism Support Center:

6Southside Road

Danvers, MA 01923

978-777-9135 or 800-7-

AUTISM (in Eastern MA)

E-mail: [email protected]

Www.ne-arcautismsupportcenter.org

This newsletter is published

to inform parents and profes-

sionals of resource informa-

tion, upcoming events, and

other autism-related topics.

ASC is funded primarily by

tions are encouraged. An-

nouncements are included as

space is available.

NEWSLETTER STAFF

Susan Gilroy, Editor

Contributors:

Gloria Ricardi Castillo

Scott Buchanan

Whitney Ryan

Stephanie Gammons

T H E S P E C T R UM

Check our website!

www.NE-arcAutismSupportCenter.org

volume 20, issue 7 t h e s p e ct r u mjanuary 7 - the adventures of tin tin february 25 - the...

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