.

You may register for events by clicking here 

    National Junior Honor Society of Charlton Middle School  

Sibling Lindsey Ljungberg and friends in the Honor Society, Emily Novack, and Jennifer Wade held a bake sale last spring and donated the proceeds to the Center , in honor of Lindsey's older brother Bobby. Our thanks to these wonderful girls, their parents can be proud, we apologize for the very belated acknowledgement, their effort was accidently rolled in to Walk files and unearthed this week . 

To Lindsey, Emily and Jennifer our apologies and heartfelt thanks.

AUTHORIZATION FOR CONSENT TO USE PHOTOGRAPH

I, _________________________________________________, the parent/ guardian of

___________________________________________________, agree to give consent for 

his/ her/ my (please circle) photograph to be published by The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts  .  I understand his/ her /my (please circle)

picture is being used for the following reason: 

________Use on Website,_______________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________.

I understand the photograph will not be used in any other way without my consent.

_________________________________________________________         ______________

Individual/Parent/Guardian                                                                                       Date

_________________________________________________________         ______________

Photographer                                                                                                                 Date

      The Self-Advocacy Leadership Series is a FREE nine-week training sponsored by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities interested in learning about leadership. Each class focuses on a different aspect of leadership increasing self-esteem and providing opportunities for students to meet new people and try something new. The series is scheduled to begin January 23, 2013 and will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. -8 p.m. at Cambridge College, 1000 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA. Please forward this information to anyone you think might be interested.

We only have 12 places available for the class so please make sure you get your application in by the deadline which is January 8, 2013.

For more information and to request an application, please contact Lee Larriu, Training Coordinator at 617-770-7676 ext. 118.

To learn more about the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, please feel free to check out our web page 

 

  Simons Foundation for Autism Research Initiative

 Top Ten autism Research Papers for 2012

2012 was an exciting year in Autism research. The Simons Foundation's list is astounding when you read of the advances all in one sitting. Take a look by clicking here 

Chelation doesn't help kids with autism: study
By Genevra Pittman

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Removing heavy metals from the body through a process traditionally used to treat mercury and lead poisoning doesn't help relieve autism symptoms, a new analysis suggests. read more

Resources for discussing the Sandy Hook Tragedy From Our Friends at CANDI 

Following are some internet sites that provide guidance to families and care givers :
1. Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting:
Tips for Parents and Professionals 

 2. "Children and Grief/American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry". When a family member dies children react differently from adults.

3. Tips for Talking to Children about the Connecticut School Shooting
by AACAP member, David Fassler, M.D.:
.  

 We're hoping everyone will jump on board and  purchase tickets to an evening out at the Worcester Sharks, which will benefit YOUR center. February 23, 2012 is Autism Resource Center Night at the Worcester Sharks. We've tickets at a discounted price which would make for an enjoyable evening this winter for your friends and family.  The game will help cure the cabin fever we all suffer from by mid February and is appropriate for all ages! 

 

Once we reach 3,000 paid applications the MA Registry of
Motor Vehicles will then start the process of distributing our Autism Speaks / AFAM Specialty License Plate. Sign up today!
To learn more or to get involved with the campaign, please email greaterboston@autismspeaks.org
www.autismspeaks.org | www.afamaction.org

Click here to download an application 

The Lurie Center Expands Research Opportunities  
The Lurie Center of Massachusetts General Hospital, a Lexington based clinical care and research center of the Lurie Center for Autism, offers children and adults with autism spectrum disorders an opportunity to participate in clinical research that provides new and promising treatment options. For more information regarding current research at the Lurie  Center please email LurieCenterResearch@partners.org, call (781) 860-1711, or visit the website: www.LurieCenter.org or research page.

Targeted Pharmacological Interventions for Autism: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Atomoxetine in Children and Adolescents with Autism

The Massachusetts General Hospital for Children at the Lurie Center is conducting a research study for children and adolescents ages 5-15 who have autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified and who also have symptoms such as: overactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. The study involves a non-stimulant medication and clinic visits at no charge. If you would like to find out more about this research study at the Lurie Center, please contact us at (781) 860-1711 or LurieCenterResearch@partners.org. Institution - MGH - Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Lurie Center, Lexington, MA. Principle Investigator: Christopher J McDougle, MD

Guanfacine and Methylphenidate in the Treatment of Hyperactivity in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder

The Massachusetts General Hospital for Children at the Lurie Center is conducting a Research Study for children 5-14 years old who have Pervasive Developmental Disorders (autism, Asperger' disorder, or PDD-NOS). If your 5-14 year old has autism, Asperger' disorder, or PDD-NOS, he or she may qualify for a research study involving study medication and clinic visits with a child psychiatrist and qualified research staff at no charge. The purpose of this study is to find out if the medication, extended release guanfacine, is helpful for the treatment of hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children. Participation requirements and risks involved in this study will be disclosed prior to study enrollment. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact us at (781) 860-1700 or LurieCenterResearch@partners.org. Institution - MGH - Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Lurie Center, Lexington, MA. Principle Investigator: Christopher J McDougle, MD


Pervasive Developmental Disorders Research Study

The Massachusetts General Hospital for Children at the Lurie Center is conducting a study designed to evaluate the effects of mirtazapine in children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs). Participants must be children between the ages of 5 and 17 with autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder or PDD not otherwise specified, as well as difficulties with anxiety. Participants must have no significant medical illness and not have had a previous adequate trial of mirtazapine. Participants will receive study medication and all study related evaluations at no charge. For additional information about study requirements and study procedures, please contact Dr. Christopher McDougle's study staff at 781-860-1711 or LurieCenterResearch@partners.org.   

UMass Medical School Child and Adolescent Neuro Development Initiative

Study Seeking Boys ages  13-17 with an IQ over 70 with ASD and Typically Developing Boys for a Study on Brain Imaging EXPANDING!

I received an update from Dr David Cochran at UMass in regard to this study and I am excited to share with you this update and that the Study is being expanded and so is in need of subjects as described above. From Dr Cochran

" 

The preliminary data for this study was presented at both the Autism Consortium meeting in Boston, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry meeting in San Francisco. There was a great deal of enthusiasm about the findings of differences in glutamate and GABA systems (primary neurotransmitters in the brain) in the adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. This work has far-reaching implications, and is also being explored as potentially informing the development of new treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Given the impact of the preliminary data, we are extending the study to try to recruit a larger number of subjects, both in the Autism Spectrum Disorder group and the Typically Developing group. So we'd like to ask you again to get the word out that we are still recruiting, and would love to get more adolescent males (age 13-17) to help move this research forward. Feel free to pass along the excitement that has been generated by this study to date."

Participants will be compensated for time and travel

Please click here for a brochure  and more information

 Mass General Transcend Study    

Visit our website for other studies seeking participants Research Studies

CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS

Community Autism Resources

The 18th Annual ASD Symposium

For More information on registration click here

This Years Schedule

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 

Paula Kluth, Ph.D.

Joyful Learning: Using Active and Collaborative Structures to Differentiate Instruction for Students with ASD & Related Disabilities 

Too often a "one-size-fits-all" approach is used to design lessons leaving some learners struggling to participate and leaving teachers feeling they have not reached all of their students. In this interactive session, participants will apply principles of differentiation by exploring a number of collaborative, active, and brain-compatible learning techniques aimed at engaging students and making learning joyful. This session is appropriate for educators in K-12 classrooms as well as parents and others working with children with disabilities and is structured for participants to experience these active techniques through demonstrations.

Paula Kluth, Ph.D. is a consultant, teacher, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners.  Paula is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher and inclusion facilitator. Her professional interests include differentiating instruction and inclusive schooling. She is the author or co-author of nine books including; You're Going to Love this Kid: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms and A Land We Can Share: Teaching Literacy to Students with Autism. Paula is also a director of a documentary film titles "We Thought You'd Never Ask": Voices of People with Autism.


FRIDAY, MARCH 22 

Justin Canha, Person with Autism

Maria Teresa Canha, Parent and Autism Advocate

Nicole Turon-Diaz, M.A>, Ed.?SpEd., Learning By Design, LLC

A Young Man with Autism's transition to Adult Life: How Talent, Perseverance, Advocacy and Training Carve the Path to Independence 

Justin Canha showed a passion for drawing early in his life. His parents were instrumental in giving him as many opportunities as possible to develop his talent and ability. He is now a renowned artist. His mother, Maria Teresa Canha has been advocating for him since his diagnosis at 31/2. Justin, now 22, in on the threshold of entering into the adult world and independence. NicoleTuron-Diaz, M.A, owns Learning By Design, LLC. She is a Certified College Coach for individuals with ASD and has been working with individuals on the spectrum for last decade.

Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L

Sensory Smart Strategies for Students with ASD 

The sensory issues experienced by most people with ASD can make everyday function difficult and even painful. Lindsey will demystify these sensory issues and provide real-life techniques you can use immediately to make school and other environments more tolerable. She will share practical strategies for challenges such as oversensitivity to sound, touch, lighting and other sensory input plus simple environmental modifications and "sensory diet" activities that can help students stay tuned in all day long.

Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L is co-author of the award-winning Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, foreword by temple Grandin. She is an occupational therapist based in NYC where she evaluates and treats children and adolescents with sensory processing issues, autism spectrum disorders, and other challenges. Please visit www.sensorysmarts.com