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Tuesday 9AM - 5 PM
Wednesday 9 AM - 9 PM
Thursday 9 AM - 9 PM
Friday 9 AM -3 PM |
2013 Autism Resource Center of Central Masschusett's 5K & walk for Autism Awareness
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Presenting Sponsor
Pavilion Sponsor
DCU for Kids Foundation
Silver Sponsor
Behavioral Concepts Inc. |
| 2012 Tee Up for Autism SPONSORS & DONORS | |
UniBank
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Weekly Update
May 15, 2013
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Greetings!
This is a bittersweet time of year, the school year is coming to an end, which means transitions and change, which challenges many of our kids. End of school activities break up the comfortable routine and create stress. Speaking of stress, it is also IEP season, where we sit and review the past year, did our child reach the goals we set? For many this is a frustrating time, if the goals are still outside our child's grasp. We wonder are we expecting too much, are we over reaching or is the TEAM failing our child ?
If your child has not met their goals it is also a good time to re assess what it is we want for them to learn. If the goal is attainable and reasonable, then change up HOW we try to reach that goal. Our kids are a work in progress and we need to remember that goals not achieved this year may well be achieved in the future. Break the goal down into steps and focus on the 1st step. We want so much for our children, and can be impatient. Each year, if we see the gap between them and their peers growing wider we feel discouraged. Finding a balance is difficult. What I've learned over the years is that progress happens at it's own pace.
For my son, summer was always a season of growth and skill acquisition. We often would find ourselves reconvening the TEAM in the fall to rework his IEP as he'd surprise new staff with skills not "mastered" in the previous year. An IEP can always be reworked, amended and changed. Each of our kids is unique and as we grow with them we begin to see patterns emerging.
Spring was always difficult for my son, he'd have aggressive outbursts and the typical response from teachers was he was suffering from cabin fever, his behavior was seen as non-compliance. What emerged after a few years, was the realization that he suffered from seasonal allergies and his "noncompliant" , aggressive behavior was the symptom. If you can't tell someone your head is throbbing, you are pretty dang cranky! Always look for the possibility that behavior is a symptom of underlying physical discomfort!
Spring is however, also a season of rebirth and possibilities lie before us and our children. I just read an interesting study on the effects of exercise on ADD and ADHD, a quick google search brought me to studies on exercise and autism, a little closer to home I also found articles on the beneficial effects of exercise on Alzheimers! It's all good! With the good weather, we should ALL UNPLUG, get ou,t and get moving! Start a family tradition of walking after supper, spend as many hours as you can playing with your kids, time passes so quickly, enjoy their childhood, it's the only one they are going to get and make memories to last a lifetime.
Have a great week everyone, hope to see some of you at Dean Park this Saturday for the Eagle scout Carnival!
Sue
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Autism Resource Center Calendar
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IF you are a registered member of the Center you may register for events by clicking hereNot a Member? Call 508-298-1609 to register with Kathy O'Neill
MAY
May 17, 2013
Spring Fling Dinner Dance for Teens and Young Adults
Manor Restaurant
6:30- 9:30 PM
Cost $15.00/teen $30.00 Family Cap
Parent Night Out Runs Concurrently at the Manor
registration closed
May 22, 2013
Social Group for Older Teens & Young Adults
Facilitated by Deb Gonzalez and Lori Lauria
7-9 PM
Presentation by Mass Advocates Standing Strong
Parents of Teens will attend presentation as well.
JUNE
June 1-2 2013
Mothers Retreat
Colonial Hotel, Betty Spring Road , Gardner
See newsletter link for details
June 5, 2013
Asperger/High Functioning Autism Support Group
Parent Night Out
99 Restaurant
West Boylston St , Worcester
7-9 PM
June 10, 2013
Parent Network Brunch
10 AM - 12 PM
Parents & Tots
4:30 - 5:30 PM
June 12, 2013
Support Group for Parents of Children on the Spectrum
7-9 PM
June 19, 2013
Social Group for Older Teens & Young Adults
Support Group for Parents of Teens & Young Adults
7-9 PM
June 24- 28 2013
CENTER CLOSED
Family Fun Days at Camp
Camp Laurelwood
Registration Required
SUMMER HOURS FOR THE AUTISM RESOURCE CENTER
July 1 - Sept 3
Monday- Thursday 9 AM -5 PM
Fridays 9 AM - 3PM
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Community Recreational Inclusion Program
A YMCA Membership for Your Child.
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As promised we have created more programs to encourage inclusion in the community for kids with ASD. We're
able to include the Y Scholarships for Children's and Teen memberships at the Borough's YMCA which is located in Westboro, and we're still working on extending this to The Clark YMCA in Winchendon. We are now also offering a chance to participate in Martial Arts Classes this spring. The Autism Resource Center, through a grant form the Department of Developmental Services Children's division will offer scholarships to the Greendale YMCA in Worcester, Montachusett YMCA in Fitchburg, The Tri Community YMCA in Southbridge and the Hockomock YMCA, Franklin Branch for children ( under 18) with ASD who are DDS eligible, which will run through to June 30th. Children who qualify may be accompanied by 1 parent or 1:1 aide. Access to some of the program areas for children under the age of 13 will require the person accompanying the child to have a CORI & SORI check done, which would take 24 hours. This is to protect all the children. Children 13 and up who receive memberships will be able access the full gym and all it's amenities. Those who are under 13 will have access to children's gym, and programs for children at the YMCA. The one aspect of the membership not open would be the child care center, the membership is a CHILD/Teen Membership.
Staff at the various YMCAs will be trained by staff from the Autism Resource Center and we will collaborate to create visuals for the YMCA that will make the experience for individuals on the spectrum more successful. In general a Y membership allows you utilize YMCA's across the country, but your membership should be utilized most at the YMCA where you have a membership, hence if you get a membership at the Greendale Y - you can't just use the facilities at the Boroughs YMCA.
The use of a YMCA allows more flexibility for families in hours and access
To apply on your child's behalf for a Y scholarship please use the form below, indicating which YMCA you'd like to have them join. You can copy and paste into a word document and mail to the Autism Resource Center. Please do not call or e-mail forms. Cid will call you with the contact person at the YMCA's name & number so you can meet to fill out your application and they will invoice the Autism Resource Center. Memberships will be effective to June 30th
YMCA Scholarship
Greendale YMCA Montachusett YMCA Tri Community YMCA Hockamock YMCA Franklin Branch Boroughs YMCA Clark YMCA (circle please)
Child's Name___________________________________Diagnosis ____________________Age: _____________
Parent Name __________________________Phone: ______________ E-mail____________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________
Mail to: Autism Resource Center, 71 Sterling St, West Boylston MA 01583
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Martial Arts Classes
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As part of our Community Inclusion Recreation Program we are partnering with MJA Martial Arts in Spencer to offer Martial Arts to children on the spectrum. We are able to offer families a 3 month session from April - June of martial art classes. MJA Martial Arts offers families an opportunity to meet with them prior to committing to a session, to have a child acclimate to the facility, meet with instructors and "try out" a class. This will allow parents to see if the classes are a good fit for their child, as well as allowing the program to assess a child's readiness to be included in an integrated class or if they need some time in fewer classes a week to get acclimated and comfortable before entering a full inclusion model. Students at MJA Martial Arts can take as many classes a week as they desire. MJA has successfully included many students with ASD in their program and look forward to working with us to provide this for children ages 3-18. Check out their website at www.MJAmartialarts.com and then contact Lori Agbay at 508-885-9100 to make an intake appointment. If you decide you want to pursue this program for your child fill out the application below and mail to the Autism Resource Center- This program is open to children who are DDS eligible or Autism Division eligible.
MJA Martial Arts is located at 64 Main St in Spencer MA
MJA Martial Arts Scholarship
Child's Name__________________________ Age____________________ Diagnosis_______________
Parent Name: ______________________ Phone___________________ E-mail_____________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________
Mail to Autism Resource Center , 71 Sterling St. West Boylston, MA 01583
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Boy Scout Eagle Project- A Carnival for Our Families ! May 19, 2013 10AM- 12 Noon
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Giving Back to his Community- a Boy Scout Eagle Project
My name is Thomas "TJ" Dillenkoffer. I am a junior at Holy Name High School and I have Asperger's. The Center has been a part of my life since I was in fifth grade, allowing me to participate in several social groups, the LEGO group, the annual walk, summer camps, family outings and holiday celebrations. My family has also been able to benefit from the Center's many support groups as well. My siblings really enjoyed their time in the Sibshops.
I am a Boy Scout with Troop 227 of Shrewsbury. My next advancement is to become an Eagle Scout. In order to earn this rank, I must complete an Eagle Project. I am hosting a Carnival/Cookout for the families of the ARCCM, on May 19, 2013 from 10-12 at Shrewsbury's Dean Park. This event will have several carnival-like activity centers along with other types of fun things to do. I will also be serving hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone. This is my gift to the children and the families of the Center. I want to pay-it-forward to the Center by giving back to the Center families what has been given to me. I wish to offer this to the first 20 ARCCM families that register. Please register through this email account: eaglescoutcarnival@yahoo.com. Please indicate how many will be at-tending and choice of hamburger or hotdog. I would also like to take this time to thank Mrs. Sue, Ms. Cid, and all the staff of the Center for their support and help throughout all these years. It is because of you that I have grown and become a better person. I invite you to register for my event and look forward to a very fun and enjoyable outing!
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Health needs survey for people with disabilities in Massachusetts
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Help influence health care in Massachusetts! The Health and Disability Program, part of Office of Health Equity at the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) is conducting a health needs survey for people with disabilities in Massachusetts. The Office of Health Equity promotes the health and well being of minority populations, including people with disabilities throughout the Commonwealth. Results from the survey will be used to determine how best to address the current public health needs of the disability community. To that end, first, please take a few moments to complete the health needs survey yourself click here
Then, as we would like to get a broad range of respondents representing all the facets of the disability community, please forward the link to your friends and colleagues in the disability community and ask them to complete.
Who should complete this survey?
- Residents of Massachusetts, over the age of 18 who have disabilities
- Caregivers or guardians of adults or children with disabilities
- Disability advocates
- Staff at community based organizations or state or local government offices that serve people with disabilities
We also invite participation by anyone else who has an interest in the health of people living with disabilities in Massachusetts. Please forward as soon as possible, as the survey link will only remain active until May 31, 2013. We look forward to hearing from you! This is a voluntary and anonymous survey. The responses are compiled and we do not have knowledge of individual respondents.
Rachel H. Tanenhaus, MPH, Program Coordinator Health and Disability Program, Office of Health Equity
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108-4619
Ph: (617) 624-5957 Fax: (617) 624-6062
E-Mail: Rachel.Tanenhaus@state.ma.us
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Sibling survey for adult Siblings of people with disabilities
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Sibling Relationship Survey
Relationships between Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their Siblings
Are you 18 years of age or older?
Do you have a brother or sister with an intellectual and/or developmental disability?
We are looking for volunteers to complete an anonymous survey about the relationship siblings have with their brother or sister who has an intellectual and/or developmental disability.
Developmental disabilities includes autism, Asperger's syndrome, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Rett syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Williams syndrome, and Spina Bifida.
We would love to hear your perspective!
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Zachary Rossetti at zsr@bu.edu or Dr. Sarah Hall at sahall@ashland.edu.
To take this survey, please go click here
Zachary S. Rossetti, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Special Education
Boston University, School of Education
Two Silber Way, Room 224
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-6419 (office)
(617 353-3206 (fax)
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Spiking for Autism
The Clinton High School Boys' Volleyball team will be sponsoring a charity game, "Spiking for Autism", on Wednesday, May 15 at 4pm against North High School at the Clinton High gym.
Admission is free but donations will be accepted. There will be a bake sale and raffles during the game.
The proceeds will go to the Autism Resource Center of Central Mass, 71 Sterling St., West Boylston.
Hannaford has a kiosk in their store that will also be donated to Autism until the June 8th.
The color is royal blue to show your support. We hope you can attend this exciting and fast pace game of volleyball .
Free Bowling For Kids
from May 13th to September 2nd
Summer Unplugged is back! Simply register your kids in the program and their two FREE games will be waiting for them at your local AMF. That's it. No coupons, vouchers or printouts necessary, and who says a summer break is just for kids?
Now adults can get in on all the fun as well with an AMF Summer Pass. You and up to three guests ages 16 and up can bowl all summer long for only $34.95.
Good at: Shrewsbury and Auburn AMF
Click here to learn more and register.
Autism Spectrum Disorders across the Lifespan Series - Part 3
The Leominster Public Library is proud to partner with the May Institute to present Autism Spectrum Disorders across the Lifespan, a three-part series of programs dealing with diagnosis, treatment and insurance options for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Each program will feature a presentation by experts with a question & answer period.
May 15, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Topic: Insurance Options May 16, 2013 Samoset School , 100 Decicco Drive Leominster MA 7-9 PM Introduction to Executive Function Skills
A Functional Understanding- Moving past the text book definition: A functional explanation of the executive function skills will be presented such that professionals can quickly identify behaviors associated with the various component/s of the executive system. Understand the development of the executive control skills. What skills can be expected at what age? How do we define 'Executive Dysfunction'?
Executive function skills are the core set of cognitive skills required for planning, completing and evaluating the completion of tasks, as well as overseeing our communication exchanges. These cognitive skills are typically divided into lower level and higher-level skills. The lower level cognitive skills refer to functions that control behavior, such as attention, motivation and emotion regulation. The higher-level cognitive skills refer to metacognitive functions that guide behavior, such as planning, organizing, monitoring, reasoning, problem solving and flexibility. There are episodic memories of our experiences that we form into schemas and routines. We retrieve and flexibly apply these schemas for new communication and learning situations while we also monitor our goals, time and use of strategies. We gradually develop these cognitive skill sets from young childhood through young adulthood.
Free Evening for Families with
Children on the Autism Spectrum
Discovery Museums
Acton Ma
Saturday, May 18
5:30pm - 8:30pm
featuring music therapist,
Romy Wilhelm
Click here to register
An Evening with Sue Senator
Sensability Gym
Hopedale
7- 8:30 PM
Solving the Autism Puzzle Conference
A Conference for Educators, Social Service Providers, Faculty, Parents, and Caregivers
June 27 - 28, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
$195.00 registration fee
12 PDPs/1.2 CEUs
Register Online
Wheelock College presents a conference on the timely topic "Solving the Autism Puzzle." New findings indicate that autism now affects an average of one in 110 children the United States. Characterized by a wide range of symptoms that affect a child's social interaction and communication, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is gaining prominence as numbers of those affected appear to be growing rapidly and studies show complex, interrelated causes.
At this conference, you will learn about current education trends and theory, diagnostic updates, medical/genetic/physiological information, resources and materials, and best practices for educators, social service providers, health professionals, advocates, parents, caregivers, students, and faculty.
Gain Skills and Fulfill Professional Development Requirements
Learn from experts and engage with your peers about the up-and-coming theories and best practices in the growing field of autism education.
Conference attendees can earn 12 professional development points or 1.2 continuing education units.
Conference Highlights
The conference will feature a mixture of informative presentations followed by breakout sessions and workshops that will allow you to dive deeper into each topic and come away with actionable knowledge and new skills.
Download the full conference schedule (pdf).
Presenters include:
*Jessica Minahan, Newton Public Schools
*John Bay, Wheelock Family Theatre
*Jen Bullin, Educator, Brookline Public Schools
*Rich Martin, New England Children's Center
*Sue Constable, Autism Support Center
*Dr. Hanna Rue, Wheelock College and The May Institute
*Jo Ann Bayliss, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
*Kate Bicego, Health Care for All
Breakout session/workshop topics include:
*Drama for Youngsters with ASD
*Transitioning to Adulthood: The Importance of Building Social Competencies
*Autism in the Classroom: Techniques and Best Practices
*Working with Families with Autism
*National Standards Project on ASD Treatment
*Accessing Evidence Based Treatment: Insurance Options Across the Lifespan
*Understanding and Teaching Students with Anxiety
Directions and Parking
The Conference will be held on Wheelock College's Brookline Campus
43 Hawes St., Ladd Room
Brookline, MA
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AFAM Newsletter and Autism License Plate
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Apply today for an Autism Speaks / Advocates for Autism Massachusetts Specialty License Plate!
A portion of every plate sold and renewed will go to Autism Speaks and Advocates for Autism Massachusetts!
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
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Research Studies Seeking Participants
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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
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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
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The Autism Resource Center does not endorse any treatments, programs or products. Articles, announcements and resources are provided for information purposes only.
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