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Upcoming Events

FRCEducationSeriesMG
Important Dates:
April 15th - Discussing the Strengths and Weaknesses that Children with Asperger's and Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD NOS) bring to Social Interactions
May 3rd - 2010 NSMC Update on ADHD in Children and Teens: for Educators, Professionals and Parents
 
Subscribe to Our Newsletter!
April 2010
 
 
2010 NSMC Update on ADHD in Children and Teens:
       
           for Educators, Professionals and Parents 
      
                   Monday, May 3, 2010     4:30pm-7:30pm
 
 
      
     Davenport Conference Center, NSMC Salem Hospital
                  81 Highland Avenue,  Salem
 
  • "ADHD Assessment and the Role of Psychological Testing" ~ Barry Skoff, PhD, Clinical Director of Neurodevelopmental Center, MassGeneral for Children at NSMC 
 
  •  "Common Behavioral Issues with ADHD and Strategies for School and at Home" ~
    • James Howland LICSW, Social Worker, North Shore Recovery High School, Beverly
                                     
  • "Social Aspects  for Children and Adolescents  with ADHD" ~ Shalini Bhalla Psy D, Psychologist and Coordinator for OPMH Behavioral Medicine Team, MassGeneral for Children at NSMC
  
  • "Overview of Pharmacotherapy for ADHD and Common Co-Morbid Conditions " ~ Jefferson Prince MD, Director of Child Psychiatry,  Pediatric and Adult  Psychopharmacology, MassGeneral for Children at NSMC
 
Pre-Registration required, please visit http://nsmc.partners.org/web/support/pediatrics_resource_center workshops.  Light dinner included.
 
Early Registration fee by April 16th Professionals $35 (PDP/CEU) ~ Late registration April 17-30 $45
Early Registration fee by April 16th Parents $25 ~ Late registration April 17-30 $35
 
Email ithomson@partners.org or call 978-354-2670 for more information.
The upcoming talk in our Family Rounds series for parents and professionals...
April 15, 2010 ~ 12-1:30pm 
 
 
"Navigating the Social Maze: Discussing the Strengths and Weaknesses that Children with Asperger's and Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD) Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) bring to Social Interactions"  
 
Presenter:   Shalini Bhalla, Psy.D., Psychologist & Coordinator OPMH Behavioral Medicine Team, MassGeneral for Children at North Shore Medical Center 
 
PDD NOS
 
Children with Asperger's disorder and Pervasive Development Disorder often struggle with reading, understanding, and responding to social cues.  This impacts their making and keeping friends, and understanding family interactions resulting in much frustration and low self-esteem.  These children have unique strengths and fascinating interests which can be tapped to assist with social and emotional functioning.
 
 
This presentation will cover ways to understand how children with Asperger's relate socially - their strengths and weaknesses.  The focus will be on discussing appropriate interventions for use at home, school and playground/play-dates, and how parents and care-givers can use different skills to provide more social opportunities.  We will disucss how social skills groups and other resources can assist with improving social interactions. 
  
 
 
As usual the lecture is FREE, intended for parents and professionals, and takes place in the Lynch Conference Room on the ground floor of MassGeneral for Children at North Shore Medical Center. 
                                  
Registration is required as space is limited: email Ivette Thomson or call 978 354 2670.

From the Autism Support Center

The Autism Support Center is a part of the North Shore ARC, Southside Rd. Danvers, MA.  They serve the Northeast of MA.

April is Autism Awareness Month!  Please join us for AFAM's annual Autism Awareness Day at the State House on April 13th!  Registration begins at 9 am.  Please see below for more details.
 
This year, more than ever before, your participation is crucial.   
 
Join Our Mailing List!
New to ASC?
 
Are you the parent of a child on the spectrum?  Please contact us for an intake!  It takes just a few minutes.  Call 978-777-9135 or asc@ne-arc.org   
 
Autism Awareness Day at the State House
 
 
Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts
Annual Autism Awareness Day
 
Awash in Autism: Ask me about 1 in 110
 
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
Great Hall
The State House
Boston
 
Agenda
9-10 am   Registration & Refreshments
10-11:30am  AFAM Program
11:30am  Visit your legislators
 
For more information, call the Autism Support Center
978-777-9135
Presented by
Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts & The Statewide Autism Coalition
 
 
ASC Activities and Events
 
 

Last chance to complete the FY2010 survey!  Please click here. 

Marblehead Antiques and Northeast Arc
Champagne and Chocolate Reception
Thursday, April 1 from 5-7 pm
Please join us and enjoy a fabulous collection of furniture, china, silver, estate pieces and objects d'art.  A raffle prize for a $250 shopping spree will benefit Northeast Arc's Autism Support Center.  Marblehead Antiques will donate a percentage of all proceeds from purchases made between April 1 through the 18th to the Autism Support Center in Danvers.
Marblehead Antiques is located at 118 Pleaseant Street, Marblehead.  781-631-9791.
 
Curious Creatures
April 20th from 3-4 pm
6 Southside Road, Danvers
Professional handlers teach respect and appreciation for an array of unusual animals including a giant tree frog and flyer squirrels.  Ice cream social to follow.  RSVP a MUST!  Call 978-777-9135 or email asc@ne-arc.org  
 
Jump on In
April 21 at 1:30pm
40 Rogers Road, Haverhill
A sensory event for 4-8 year olds.  Safe environment featuring inflatable equipment and trampolines.  Pizza party to follow.  To RSVP contact Whitney Ryan at 978-624-2305 or wryan@ne-arc.org
 
 
Bike Clinic 
Thursday, April 22, 11 am to 1 pm
at the Proctor School, 60 Main Street, Topsfield
Is your son or daughter having difficulty learning to ride a bike?  This hands-on clinic is for children on the autism spectrum and their siblings ages 5 and up.  Skilled bolunteers will be available to work with paricipants on the fun, healthy, activity.  Bring your own bike and helmet.
For registration information, contact Scott Buchanan at 978-624-2347 or sbuchanan@ne-arc.org
 
Two BIG movie events! FREE
How to Train Your Dragon
Friday, April 23 at 10 am
Showcase Cinema, Lawrence
RSVP a MUST!  email gcastillo@ne-arc.org 
 
and
 
Shrek Forever After
Saturday, May 22 at 10 am
Showcase Cinema, Woburn
RSVP a MUST!  email gcastillo@ne-arc.org  
 
 
 
Join one of ASC's support groups! Connect and network with other parents to gain support, information, resources, as well as share your own expertise.  For a complete list of groups and meeting times please click here.
  
NEW SUPPORT GROUPS!
Parents of newly diagnosed children with ASD
1st Thursdays of the month, 10-11:30 am at 6 Southside Road, Danvers
Co-sponsored by Building Blocks and ASC
Contact Gloria Castillo for more information at 978-624-2301 or gcastillo@ne-arc.org
 
Parents of Teens and Young Adults with ASD
Last Monday of the month 9:30-11 am at 6 Southside Road, Danvers
Contact Susan Gilroy at 978-624-2302 or sgilroy@ne-arc.org
 
 
ASC's Parent Advisory Policy Committee
The next meeting of the PAPC is May 11th from 10am to noon at 6 Southside Road, Danvers.  For more information, contact sgilroy@ne-arc.org or gcastillo@ne-arc.org
 
Don't forget to look for the Autism Support Center of the Northeast Arc on Facebook! 
 
Northeast Arc Programs and Events 
 
  
Please visit Northeast Arc's Future Focus Group on Facebook
A place for family and friends of individuals with developmental disabilities to share information and ideas that contribute to a better quality of life for all.  Focus Group
  
Life Quest:
The Journey to Adulthood for Individuals with Disabilities
Life Quest is a series of monthly workshops beginning October 13th for parents of transition-aged students (14-22).
2nd Tuesdays October-June, 6:30 pm
Where:  6 Southside Road, Danvers
Cost:  $5 per workshop
April 13:  When do we start having fun?  The pursuit of leisure. Presenters:  Madelyn O'Reilly, OT;  NEArc Recreation Dept.; Partners and Youth with Disabilities; YMCA; Outdoor Explorations.
May 11:  Stand up for yourself! Self-Advocacy.  Presenters:  John Anton, Mass. Advocates Standing Strong; Donna Jay, NE Arc Self-Advocate; Panel of self-advocates.
June 8:  Financial Planning for Every Stage.  Cynthia Haddad, Financial Advisor.
Registration:  Aymee Luciflora 978-624-2340  
 
 
 Exciting vacation week program offered by Northeast Arc
There are a couple of openings left!
HOOKED ON COOKIN' & FITNESS
This 8 week program kicks off during April school vacation week, then continues for 7 Saturday mornings.  This innovative nutrition and fitness program will feature and individualized curriculum that is targeted for each teen's level of ability. A local registered dietitian and a personal trainer/fitness trainer will conduct an initial assessment and then come up with menus and fitness plans tailored to each member of the group.  Limited to 10 participants, ages 13-18.  Interview and IEP required.  Location: 6 Southside Road, Danvers. Cost: $150.  Registration deadline is April 15th.  Contact Maria Maniaci at 978-624-2396 or mmaniaci@ne-arc.org
 
Northeast Arc Recreation Department
Check for the newest programs for children, youth and adults
Or call the director, Peter Flister, at 978-624-2308.
 
 
Sibshops 
An exciting program just for brothers and sisters of a child with any developmental, behavioral health, medical or mental illness. Next event:
When: Tuesday, April 20 from 10-2
Where:  Danvers Art Assn., 105 Elliot Street, Danvers
Cost:  $20/child, includes lunch
Ages: 8-13 year olds
Facilitated by the Northeast Arc.  Contact Maria Maniaci at 978-624-2340 mmaniaci@ne-arc.org or Nicole Biggs at 978-624-2380 nbiggs@ne-arc.org
The Spotlight Program
Social Skills Programs for children and youth are offered after school, on Saturdays and during vacation weeks.  For more info,  click here.
 
 
 
 
Of Interest 
 
Support AFAM and See a Great Show at Showcase Live Theater, Patriot Place
The Jazz Masters with Karrin Allyson and Jay Geils -- will take place on Friday, May 14, 2010 at the Showcase Live Theater at Patriot Place in Foxborough. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for dinner and best seat selection; show time is at 8 p.m. Tickets for the show are $25 per person and a portion of the proceeds will benefit AFAM (dinner is not included). This show is expected to be sold out very quickly, so send in your reservations early. Mail your check (payable to The Arc of Mass/AFAM) to:  AFAM, 217 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453  Be sure to include your full name and address so that we can mail your tickets out in time for the show.  For more info call 781-891-6270.
 
8th Annual Essex county Spring School Safety Conference 
Prevention Strategies and Planning:  Bullying, Cyberbullying, and School Violence
Experts share the latest research
Wednesday, April 28, 2010,  8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Peabody Marriott, 8 Centennial Drive, Peabody
For further information, please contact Ruth Budelmann, Mariellen Fidrych, or Meghan Meagher at (978) 745-6610 Ext. 5086, Ext. 5085, Ext 5055
Sponsored by: The Office of Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett in collaboration with:  Anti-Defamation League, A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE ® Institute New England Region,
Beverly Public Schools, Triton Regional School District
Professional Development Points (PDPs) and Certificates of Attendance will be available at the close of the conference.
  
Sibshops at The Paul Center
The first round of Sibshop offerings will be a four part series on the first Saturday in each month beginning in February.
Apr 3               3:30 to 5:30 pm
May1               3:30 to 5:30 pm
To Register for Sibshops call 978-256-4396 www.thepaulcenter.org
 

Sibshops with Cambridge Family & Children's Service

This FREE event is intended for kids ages 8-13 years old who have siblings with developmental disabilities. The Sibshop provides fun and interactive games and activities, led by enthusiastic and caring adults.  Kids will get an opportunity to meet other kids who have siblings with special needs. This experience will provide kids with a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for talking about their experiences living with a sibling with disabilities. Refreshments will be served!
SESSION 1: Sundays, 4/18, 4/25; 1-5pm; Location: Burlington Public library
OR
SESSION 2:Thursdays, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13; 5:30-7:30pm;Location:Cambridge Family & Children's Service
For more information please contact: Neal Goodman (617) 876-4210 x123 ngoodman@helpfamilies.org 
 
 
Horsemanship Clinic
Wind Rush Farm www.windrushfarm.org  is offering a half day Horsemanship
Clinic for children who would love to learn more about horses. This is a nonriding
program for children ages 6-12. The program will include: Safety, Handling & Leading, Horse care & Management, Horse breeds & Body parts, Hoof care, Tack & Equipment, and much more!
Picnic lunch will be offered.
 
Working with Wind Rush Farm's amazing volunteers, youngsters will learn about horses and horsemanship. The day will culminate on the kids leading their horses on a parade, practicing horsemanship and safety skills along the way. This is a great chance for children to preview Wind Rush Farms, which has all sorts of spring and summer program offerings.
Date:               Friday, April 23, 2010
Time:              10:00am-2:00pm
Place:             Wind Rush Farm, 30 Brookview Road,Boxford, MA 01921
www.windrushfarm.org
Cost:               $80.00 per participant
Attire:              Kids should wear long pants and shoes; helmets will be provided.
This special group clinic is being organized by Kim Martin and has limited availability. Call Kim at 781-334-5964 or email at kimberlyannemartin@yahoo.com  for details and to sign up.
 
 

 
The Lurie Family Autism LADDERS program is proud to announce the 3rd Annual: Roger A. Bauman M.D. Parent Lecture Series for 2010
 
April 28    2010    "Social Competence and Social Skills Groups for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders", expert panel: Dr. Al Cotugno, MGH/Youthcare and Lori Hodgins Brazell, Adventures Outside The Box
 
May 19   2010    Susan Senator, Mother of child with ASD; author of "Making Peace with Autism" and the "Autism Moms Survival Guide"
 
June   16        to be announced
  
When:   (ALL) WEDNESDAY Evenings   6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: CHARLES RIVER CENTER 59 E. Militia Heights Rd, Needham, MA (located at the top of Dwight Rd, off of Central Street) in the Paul D. Merritt Center    For directions, please visit www.crarc.org
 
YOU MUST RSVP/REGISTER  please contact Julie O'Brien, Resource Specialist, Autism Consortium , LFAC/ LADDERS at 781-860-1726, jobrien20@partners.org  
 
 Legislative Advocacy
 
 
For the latest news of the state budget process visit the Arc of Massachusetts website.  There you may join their listserve and see the current postings. http://www.arcmass.org/
 
 
 Research
 
 
 
Guide to Research
Life Journey Through Autism: A Parent's Guide to Research
www.researchautism.org/uploads/parents%20guide.pdf  
 
 
 
Prospective Multisystem Evaluation of Infants at Risk for Autism
Do you have a Child with Autism AND Are you Pregnant?
OR
Do you have a NEWBORN Less Than 4 Months Old?
If so, you may be eligible to join our research study on the early signs of Autism. This study will monitor the development of infants at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders during 7 follow up visits from 2 weeks to 30 months of age, involving:
· Medical and neurological exams
· Cognitive, behavioral, and developmental assessments
· Examination of biological development and of brain, metabolic, and immune
function
· Samples of saliva, urine, hair, blood
· The study is being conducted by: Martha Herbert, MD, PhD and Margaret
Bauman, MD
There is no charge for study evaluations and compensation for time is provided.
For more information, please contact us:  email or at 781-860-1760
 
Transition
  
 

From AFAM:  Awash in Autism: Why We Must Begin to Address the Critical Need for Services for Adults with Autism in Massachusetts
We call on the Commonwealth to establish a task force to begin the work necessary to develop a more complete understanding of the current status and future needs of adults with autism in Massachusetts and assist in the development of effective policy and service options. We know that demand for services for people with disabilities is growing and services are severely underfunded at a time when the Commonwealth is facing a fiscal crisis. We do not have the luxury of waiting for the economy to turn around before we start tackling the problem of a lack of adult services for people with autism. The discussion must start now.
 
 
Planning your transition from high school: A tool kit.
A very good tool kit from PACER for youth with disabilities and their parents.
http://www.pacer.org/tatra/2009Award.pdf 
 
Northeast Arc's Transition Consultation 
Parents often do not know where to begin and may put off taking the journey, not realizing that a lack of planning may result in a lack of services for their son or daughter.  The Transition Coordinator can help navigate through the confusing routes from school to adulthood.  For more information call 978-624-2321.
 
Develop your support plan with this service
Learn about how Support Brokers & PALS can help you.   Support Broker services focus on problem solving, person centered planning   and plan implementation.  PALS helps individuals or families develop an ongoing network of support.
SUPPORTbrokers & PALS can help you.......
·    plan a major transition in your life.
·    find resources in your community based on your vision.
·    facilitate a person-centered planning session
·    develop social networks and a circle of friends.
We are independent of any state agencies.
We open doors, rather than being gatekeepers.
We look at all options in the community, public and private.
We explore and map out opportunities used in the community, by people without disabilities.
For more information e-mail:  info@supportbrokers.org  
Or call 781 891-6270, ext. 109 and leave a message.
Learn more at www.supportbrokers.org  
 
 
Do you have a story to share?
 
The Autism Support Center Needs YOUR Story!! 

Do you have a story to tell?  Has your family emerged from a crisis with experience that might be valuable to other families? Do you have a success story? Have you developed strategies to help your son or daughter get through the day?  We love to hear what is going on with the families we serve.  Some of our best newsletters have featured articles by parents.  We will not reveal your identity if you wish to remain anonymous.  Send your ideas to sgilroy@ne-arc.org

Resource
 
Susan Parziale/ Professional Organizer
Have you ever wasted time hunting for your child's school report or insurance paperwork?  Have you been stressed or frustrated while looking for a medical assessment or even your child's favorite DVD?  Organization can be challenging for families living with autism.  As the parent of a special needs child, I know about the overwhelming amount of work that comes with raising a child on the spectrum.  I have designed an easy, portable system for paperwork that can simplify your school meetings and medical appointments.  I also have innovative ideas to organize your child's playspaces and creative solutions for storage spaces and bedrooms.  I look forward to making your life a little easier!  Call or email me to schedule an appointment.  Susan Parziale, 617-797-8146, sjparziale@verizon.net  www.susanparziale.com
 
 
 

From Advances Learning Center  | 85 Main St. | Suite 102 | Watertown | MA | 02472

Upcoming Workshop: Playdates!
 

Play dates are excellent opportunities for your child to form lasting friendships and to practice his/her social skills.  However, play dates can be daunting for children who are nervous, uninterested, or easily upset around their peers.
This workshop will teach you how to:
 

·        Motivate your child to play with peers

·        Structure the play date so it goes smoothly

·        Select an ideal peer for a play date

·        Help your child be a good friend so peers will want to come over and play again and again!

 

2 hour workshop
Wednesday, February 10th, 10am-12pm
Cost: $30

Taught by John Briggs and Libby Adams, BCABA
Please call or email to register; space is limited. For more information, email our Training Coordinator, Libby Adams at libby.adams@advancesonline.com. 

February Vacation Camp!
 
We still have space available in our February Vacation Camp!  Hurry, it's coming up soon!

Appropriate for ages 3 - 5 
Tuesday, February 16 - Friday, February 19
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm 
Cost: $480
 
For an application, please reply to this email or email Katie Carey at katie.carey@advancesonline.com.  
 


In This Issue
Playdates Workshop
February Vacation Camp
Spring Social Groups
Quick Links
 
Join our Mailing List!
Spring Social Skills Groups begin January 30!
It's still not too late to join a social skills group for our spring semester!   
 
You may find out more about our social skills groups at our website: www.advancesonline.com, or by emailing our Placement and Progress Coordinator, Katie Carey at katie.carey@advancesonline.com.   
 
Hope to see you soon for an intake!