Dear Family Caregiver,

Did you know that 80% of the long term care in Massachusetts and across the coun-try is provided by family caregivers like yourself? An important factor in supporting caregivers is respite care that provides short term relief to families from the de-mands of caring for family members that need frequent or constant attention.

The mission of the Massachusetts Lifespan Respite Coalition is to support all family caregivers across the Commonwealth by promoting and supporting access to quality and affordable respite care options.

In working toward this goal, the Coalition is conducting a statewide Respite Needs Assessment that involves a Caregiver Survey. You will find a link to the survey in at the end of this post.

We encourage your participation in the survey, since gaining information on your experiences with and need for respite care is critical.

The results of this survey will be used by the Coalition to enhance information and access to respite options for all family caregivers regardless of age or disability. Additionally, the results will be shared with legislators, policy makers, the media, and others with an interest in supporting family caregivers.

The survey is on a secure website; no information will be used in a way to identify individual caregivers; and it can be completed in a short time.

If you have any questions or for technical assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Joan Rafferty at 781-893-5156 or at macaregivers@yahoo.com

We hope you can find a few minutes to complete the survey. The information you share is very important in raising awareness of the needs of family caregivers such as yourself.

Thank you so much for your assistance!!

Sincerely,

The Massachusetts Lifespan Respite Coalition

Please Click on the Link Below to Access the Survey:

https://www.keysurvey.com/survey/384569/29b1/

SEE PAGE 13 FOR AN ARTICLE ON THE BENEFITS OF RESPITE.

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Check our Facebook page for program updates.

Vacation Fun at Planet Gymnastics

Wednesday, February 22nd, 11am til 12:30noon

Free play & Pizza Party

Planet Gymnastics,10 Granite Road, Acton

$10 per family

Contact Scott Buchanan at 978-624-2347

http://planet-gymnastics.net/

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 wryan@ne-arc.org for details.

FREE EVENT At Boston Rock Gym

When: February 25th, 10:30am-12:30pm

Where: Boston Rock Gym, 78G Olympia Ave. Woburn

Child (9-15) must be able to work in 4:1 ratio

This is our second time collaborating with BRG and we were certainly impressed with their caring

and patient young staff. SEE FLYER FOR DETAILS. Contact : Scott D Buchanan, 978 624

2347, sbuchanan@ne-arc.org to register

Helping children with autism to develop hand skills

When: February 28th, 6:30—8:30 pm

Where: 6 Southside Road, Danvers

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

asc@ne-arc.org

Social Security Workshop

Presenter: Attorney Linda Landry, Disability Law Center

When: February 9th, 6:30-8:30 pm

Where: 6 Southside Road, Danvers

The workshop will cover the following: Basic Overview, SSI/SSDI; Effect of work; Transition

issues. Please RSVP: Aymee Lucifora, (978) 624-2381or alucifora@ne-arc.org

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

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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 asc@ne-arc.org Month

Danvers

ASC sponsored; Target Group: Grandparents 6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Mondays, 10-11:30 am Contact facilitator Susan Gilroy 978-624-2302 or email sgilroy@ne-arc.org

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 gail.kastorf@aane.org

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 sbuchanan@ne-arc.org

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 gail.kastorf@aane.org

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 gcastillo@ne-arc.org

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 wryan@ne-arc.org

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 ASC@ne-arc.org

Reading

EMARC/ASC sponsored; Target: parents of children with ASD

The Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave., Reading; Monday, February 6th, 7:00 pm

Parent facilitator: Kim Gargano

Email kimgargs@yahoo.com or call 1-781-526-9171

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

The PAPC (ASC’s

advisory board) will

meet on Tuesday Monday Feb. 6th 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.

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Autism Insurance Resource Center Webinar with Amy Weinstock

When: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Title: ARICA – The Second Year: The Autism Insurance Law in Massachusetts and the Au-

tism Insurance Resource Center at New England INDEX

If you require accommodations, please include these in your reservation. After registering you

will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Space is limited. To reserve your space, contact: info@disabilityinfo.org

The Northeast Arc has developed the Tools for Independence project, funded by the Peter and

Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation. The goal of this two year project is to assist post-high school

age young adults (22-26) with intellectual disabilities in creating workable plans for successful

adult lives. Through workshops, training, mentoring, coaching, and pra ctical experience, these

young adults will be provided with the tools they need to implement their plans for more inde-

pendent futures. The selected participants will be place in one of two tracks.

Track 1 will consist of 10-15 participants who will receive the following supports: self-

determination assessment, independent living skills assessment, situational vocational assess-

ment, life planning, job coaching mentoring, internships, transition overnights, workshop training

series.

Track 2 will consist of up to 35 participants who will receive the following: self-determination

assessment, independent living skills assessment, situational vocational assessment, and workshop

taining series.

This project is not full-time and the hours for each participant will vary. If you would like to

make a referral and/or be sent an application, please contact Lauren Tobey at 978-624-

3060

Deadline for application is 2/24/2012

I N S U R A N C E W E B I N A R

T O O L S F O R I N D E P E N D E N C E P R O J E C T

F A M I L Y N E E D S W E E K E N D R E S P I T E Weekend Respite Provider Needed

An Andover family is seeking a reliable, dynamic individual to provide care for their happy, outgo-ing 17 year old son who has Fragile X. Care is needed for weekends as well as a once-a-month overnight. Duties would include community outings (shopping, visits to Ironstone Farm, restau-

rants, etc.), meal preparation and overall supervision.

The ideal person will be self-confident and playful, capable of maintaining this young man’s rou-tine. Rate negotiable. References required. Please contact Rick at 781-526-1667 for more

information.

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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.

February 2/6 Lynn, Basic Rights, Lynn Housing Authority, community room, 10 Church Street, 7-9pm 2/8 Peabody, Basic Rights, Higgins Middle School, 1 King Street Extension, 7-9pm 2/15 Belmont, Basic Rights, Wellington Elementary, community room, 121 Orchard Street, 7-9pm 2/15 Revere, Basic Rights, Revere Recreation Center, 150 Beech St, 6:30-8:30pm 2/27 Somerville, Basic Rights, Kennedy Elementary School library, 5 Cherry St, 6:30-8:30pm 2/28 Saugus, An IEP for my Child, Veteran's Elementary School, library, 39 Hurd Avenue, 6:30-8:30pm

March 2012 3/1 Tewksbury, Turning Three Essentials, Wynn Middle School, TSEPAC room 204, 1 Griffin Way, 7-9pm 3/6 Rockland, Basic Rights, Rockland High School, 52 MacKinlay Way, 7-9pm 3/7 Tyngsborough, Effective Communication and the IEP, location TBD, 6:30-8:30pm 3/13 Waltham, Turning Three, 411 Waverly Oaks, Suite 305, 7-9pm 3/14 Acton, An IEP for my Child, R.J. Grey Middle School library, 16 Charter Road, 7-9pm 3/14 Westford, Basic Rights, location TBD, 7-9pm 3/15 Lowell, Turning Three Essentials, Anne Sullivans Center, E.I. Program, 126 Phoenix Avenue, bldg. 2, 7-9pm 3/21 Lynnfield, An IEP for my Child, Lynnfield Senior/Preschool Center, 525 Salem Street, 7-9pm 3/22 Stoneham, Turning 14, Stoneham H.S., library, 147 Franklin Street, 7-9pm

April 2012 4/2 Maynard, Turning 14, Fowler School, library, 3 Tiger Drive, 7-9pm 4/4 Medford, Basic Rights, Medford High School library, 489 Winthrop Street, 7-9pm 4/5 Lexington, Celebrate Yourself; Self-Determination and Successful Students, Lexington H.S.

Rm. 147 media lab, 251 Waltham St, 7-9pm

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.

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.

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

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F O U N D A T I O N S R E S E A R C H S T U D Y “Foundations of Learning in Children with and without Developmental Disabilities” is a research study whose purpose is to develop and/or improve on educational procedures for individuals with developmental disabilities. We are enrolling typically developing children and adolescents (ages 5 to 10), and those with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, & Down syndrome be-tween the ages of 5 and 22. This project actually consists of 4 separate studies that look at how children learn to focus on, respond to, and communicate with visual symbols (like pictures and

faces) and sounds (both speech and non-speech).

The study also involves:

• Developmental testing (IQ and language tests)

• Basic vision & hearing tests;

• Computer tasks;-

• May include tracking of eye movements

• May include brainwave measurement using an EEG machine

Study visits can take place in your home or here at the Shriver Center in Waltham, MA. We

schedule sessions at the parents’ and child’s convenience.

You will be compensated for your time and participation.

For more information, contact Jennifer: 781.642.0020/shriver.recruit@umassmed.edu

UMMS IRB docket #H-12531

UMass Lowell is now recruiting for our Spring programs for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. The programs are designed for those who are high functioning on the autism

spectrum (e.g. Asperger's) and include:

1) "Chapters" Book Club. Starts Feb 27th 2012, once a week for 9-weeks, $50 for the entire program. Mondays 4.30-6.00pm. 13-30 year olds. Includes an informal parent group. Takes place in Mahoney Hall on UMass Lowell's south campus. Space is limited. Contact ashleigh_hillier@uml.edu

for an enrollment form.

2) "Horizons" College Preparation Mentoring Program. Starts late Feb / March, once a week for 6 weeks, $50 for entire program. One-on-one mentoring with a trained UMass Lowell student (with oversight from Dr. Hillier). Meetings are scheduled late afternoon week days on specific day and time convenient to participant and mentor. Meetings take place on UMass Lowell's south cam-pus. Designed for those planning to attend college / university within the next couple of years (does not need to be planning to come to UMass Lowell). Space is limited. Contact ash-

leigh_hillier@uml.edu for an enrollment form.

3) "Fit and Fun Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program". Starts Feb 23rd, once a week for 9-weeks, Thursdays 4.30-6.00pm. 13-30 year olds. Includes an informal parent group. Takes place in Weed Hall on UMass Lowell's south campus. Space is limited. Contact ashleigh_hillier@uml.edu

for an enrollment form.

4) "The Network" monthly social and vocational skills group. Meetings are usually the first Wednesday of the month 6.00-7.30pm. 13-30 year olds. Includes parent group. Each month a dif-ferent activity is scheduled - some focused on a social event, some on an educational event such as a presentation / discussion. $75 for the year and scholarships are available. Contact ash-

leigh_hillier@uml.edu for an enrollment form.

Please email Dr. Ashleigh Hillier at: ashleigh_hillier@uml.edu for further information and to re-

quest an enrollment form. More information is also available at: http://faculty2.uml.edu/ahillier

Page 9 V O L U M E 2 0 , I S S U E 8

S P R I N G P R O G R A M S A T U M A S S L OW E L L

Please keep us posted!!!

Are you moving?

Has your email address changed?

Contact us with any changes so you don’t miss out on our events, workshops and announce-ments.

Call 978-777-9135 or email us at asc@ne-arc.org

News from the Advocacy Department of Northeast Arc:

Not sure if you need an advocate? Take advantage of a 1 hour consultation without the expense

of retaining one!

Does your child’s IEP include all the supports and services he or she needs? Do you have concerns about his or her current goals and progress being made? Are you unsure as to whether or not you

need to retain an advocate at this point? A consultation is your best solution!

The Advocacy Department is now scheduling 1 hour consultations for $80. If you are unsure if you need to retain an advocate OR just want to have an advocate discuss your child’s unique situation, call the advocacy department intake line at: 978-978-624-2326 to reserve a one

hour slot and schedule a consultation.

Demystifying the IEP:

As the middle of the school year is now upon us, so too is the busy season of the IEP. While many parents know what IEP stands for, many are overwhelmed by the document that serves as their child's life-line to education and their child's rights in accordance with FAPE (Free and Appro-priate Public Education). Recently the Advocacy and Family Support departments presented the "Demystifying the IEP" workshop to parents and professionals. Attendees of the workshop ex-pressed a sense of feeling more empowered by the knowledge obtained and left with some great tools to help advocate for their child, as well as a better understanding of the IEP. Here's what some of the participants had to say: "This was fantastic!" "I loved the hand-outs and opened forum discussions. I wish I my friend had come too. Her son is having the same problems as us

with the school." and "I love the 'building bridges not walls philosophy" were just a few.

If your PAC, parent group or organization is interested in this workshop or any others conducted

by the Advocacy department, please feel free to contact for information and rates:

Lisa 978-624-2324 or Kathie 978-624-2325

N EW S F R O M A D V O C A C Y

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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: February 11, 2012 from 9:30 - 1 pm

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 mroberts2@partners.org mbdc45_60@hotmail.com

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.

The Hidden Potential of Autistic Kids

What intelligence tests might be overlooking when it comes to autism

By Rose Eveleth | November 30, 2011 | 49

When I was in fifth grade, my brother Alex started correcting my homework. This would not

have been weird, except that he was in kindergarten—and autistic.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-hidden-potential-of-autistic-kids

S C I E N T I F I C A M E R I C A N

For the latest updates on ASC’s events, workshops, support groups and activities please go to the link below:

ASC Calendar

A S C G O O G L E C A L E N D A R

Page 12 T H E S P E C T R U M

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, tuition 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. We are very grateful to the

Flutie Foundation for their continued support of the families we serve.

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

C R E A T I V E H O U S I N G F O R U M MA Families Organizing for Change

In collaboration with the Arc of GHN and EMARC present

A Creative Housing Forum

When: Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 4:45 PM- 8:00 PM

Where: Andover Country Club, 60 Canterbury St, Andover

Overview

Where do I start~ what are the planning steps~ What planning tools are available ~ How do I

build a budget~ What are the range of financial and other resources ~ How do I make it happen?

Parent panel will tell you how they made it happen!

Meet and greet area DDS Directors - Round tables AND a Resource/Provider fair

With light refreshments

RSVP PLEASE to snadworny@riversidecc.org

In appreciation to the Niel M Wreidt 2003 Revocable Trust.

This is a free event; however we will gratefully accept donations to MFOFC

Questions ~call Susan @ 781 665 5179

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T R A V E L E R S W I T H D I S A B I L I T I E S

TSA Cares is now available and accepting calls. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to

contact TSA Cares or can e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

The hours of operation for the TSA Cares helpline are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays. After hours, travelers can find information about traveling with dis-abilities and medical needs on TSA’s website at: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/

disabilityandmedicalneeds/

When a passenger with a disability or medical condition calls TSA Cares, a representative will pro-vide assistance, either with information about screening that is relevant to the passenger’s specific

disability or medical condition, or the passenger may be referred to disability experts at TSA.

TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel so that TSA Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager lo-cated at the airport when necessary. Learn more at: www.tsa.govTransportation Security Admini-

stration. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/disabilityandmedicalneeds/

Respite Care May Be More Beneficial Than Autism Therapy

By Shaun Heasley, Disability Scoop

A little money spent on temporary relief for caregivers goes a long way toward keeping kids and

young adults with autism out of psychiatric hospitals, a new study suggests.

For every $1,000 states spent on respite services in the previous 60 days, researchers at the

University of Pennsylvania found an 8 percent drop in the odds of hospitalization.

Meanwhile, the level of therapeutic services — including speech, occupational, behavioral and other therapies — provided to an individual with autism did not impact the likelihood that they

would end up in a psychiatric hospital.

The findings, published this month in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, come from a study of records for over 28,000 kids with autism ages 5 to 21 who were enrolled in

Medicaid in 2004.

During the research period, 675 of the children spent time at a psychiatric hospital for issues

related to their autism diagnosis.

“Raising a child with ASD is fraught with challenges and can place considerable stress on fami-lies. In many cases, hospitalization may result as much from the stress the child’s behavior places on the family as from the behavior,” wrote David Mandell of the University of Pennsyl-

vania and his colleagues in the study.

Identifying ways to reduce psychiatric hospitalizations among those with autism is important, the authors indicate, because previous research has found that those with the disorder are far more likely to be hospitalized than their peers with other psychiatric or developmental condi-

tions.

Currently, respite care is not offered to Medicaid recipients in every state, something that the

study authors say ought to be reconsidered given the positive results shown in their research.

Mandell and his colleagues said they found it “puzzling” that therapeutic services did not also

mitigate the odds of hospitalization.

“The lack of association between therapeutic services and hospitalization raises concerns re-

garding the effectiveness of these services,” they wrote.

http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/166/1/68

B E N E F I T S O F R E S P I T E

“In many

cases,

hospitalization

may result as

much from the

stress the

child’s behavior

places on the

family as from

the behavior..”

Page 14 V O L U M E 2 0 , I S S U E 8

Zumba participants at the Salem YMCA.

With Autism Plugged in, Jack Kieffer offers kids with autism and their families access to infor-mation about helpful apps. Autism Plugged In is a place where Jack combines his passion about gadgets with my desire to assist children with Autism. I began volunteering with special needs kids through our community’s Special Recreation Association and their recreational camps and have developed a passion for ensuring that kids with autism are able to get the assistance and education necessary to connect them with their world. The iPad, iPhone, iPod, and various other handheld devices have been successfully used for educating and entertaining these special kids. They are an easy-to-use and affordable way to enhance an autistic child’s learning environ-ment, and I’m here to help walk you through the various apps available to those with Autism

Spectrum Disorder and related disabilities.

http://www.autismpluggedin.com/

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

February 16 Advances Learning Center www.advancesonline.com “Teaching Social Skills

Across the Day” There has been a lot of research showing a correlation between hav-ing good social skills and having positive outcomes later in life. Teachers, aides, and therapists can teach your child social skills, but skills are most likely to be general-ized, maintained, and used frequently if they are taught in the home as well. Become an amazing social skills teacher for your child by attending this workshop! We will cover what social skills are, how to know which social skills to teach, and how to teach them to your child.

To register, Please contact Julie O'Brien, Family Support Clinician, LURIE CENTER MGH for Children at 781-860-1726 or jobrien20@partners.org

*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!

A U T I S M P L U G G E D I N

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

Page 15 T H E S P E C T R U M

Center for Developmental Excellence

6 Southside Road

Danvers, MA 01923

Phone: 978-777-9135

E-mail: asc@ne-arc.org

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: asc@ne-arc.org

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