January 2016 - Northeast Arc

VOLUME 24 ISSUE 7 JANUARY 2016
The Autism Support Center
The Spectrum
Save the date!
Contact us:
SUSAN GILROY, EDITOR
CO-DIRECTOR
978-624-2302
GLORIA RICARDI CASTILLO
CO-DIRECTOR
978-624-2301
WHITNEY RYAN POSADA
SENIOR COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-2305
STACEY CRUWYS
COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-2347
JACKIE MURPHY
COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-3721
INSIDE:
DOWNTIME TIPS
Celebrating
25 years
serving families!
Join us on April 30, 2016
Details to come…..
Autism: 1 in 45 according to the CDC
ArcWorks Paint Night
Sponsored by Northeast Arc’s Family Resource Center
Paint Night!
A Social Painting Event for Parents to De-stress and De-compress!
January 21st, 6 to 8 pm
Community Art Center
22 Foster Street, Peabody
Join us for a fun and creative paint night. During this workshop you will be guided through each step of the painting
process, encouraging creative expression in a support ive, positive atmosphere; painting your interpretation of the evening’s selected piece while enjoying food and wine. All painting supplies will be provided. So come by to
relax and mingle while make art. Space is limited. Registration required.
Contact the Family Resource Center to register at 978-624-2381
Thanks to funding from the Department of Developmental Services this program is offered FREE of charge to families eligible to receive Family Support
services through the North Shore DDS area office.
GRANT REQUEST APPROVED
We are pleased to announce that ASC’s proposal for family
support flexible funding to the Doug Flutie, Jr., Foundation for Autism has been approved. We will begin accepting flex funding requests for Flutie funds in February. 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, autism waiver, 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 disorder and to organizations that conduct research on the causes and effects of autism. Forty-nine organizations have been awarded grants for the
2015 grant cycle. We are very grateful to the Flutie Foundation for
Susan Gilroy; Lisa Borges, Flutie Foundation, Gloria Ricardi Castillo
their continued support of the families we serve.
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SUPPORT GROUPS
Acton
ASC Sponsored; Target Group: Mandarin-speaking parents.
Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St (Rt. 27) Acton; bimonthly meetings TBA; Parent facilitator: Wen Li
Contact ASC 978-777-9135 or asc@ne-arc.org for info.
Danvers
ASC/AANE sponsored; Target Group: Adults (18+) with
Asperger’s syndrome
6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Thursdays, 6:45 to
8:00pm. Contact facilitator Gail Kastorf at 617-393-3824
or gail.kastorf@aane.org
Burlington
ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of children with
ASD
Burlington Public Library, 1st Mondays, Time 6:30 pm
Parent facilitator: Christine Curtin
Contact ASC at 978-777-9135
Lawrence
ASC sponsored; Target Group: Spanishspeaking parents
of children with
disabilities
Families & Youth
Initiative, 130 Parker St, Lawrence;
3rd Friday, 9:3011:30am
Contact facilitator
Gloria Castillo 978624-2301 or gcastillo@ne-arc.org
Danvers
AANE/ASC sponsored; Adults with Asperger’s
Pizza and Game Night
6 Southside Road, Danvers, 1st Thursday, 6-8 pm
$12 for pizza, salad, dessert, beverage. Prior registration
required.
Facilitator: Gail Kastorf 617-393-3824
Danvers
AANE/ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of adults
with Asperger’s
6 Southside Rd, Danvers; 2nd Thursdays, 6:30 to 8pm
Facilitator: Gail Kastorf 617-393-3824
Fee: $90 for 6 sessions, $45 for 2nd parent of same
adult
Lynn
Family Resource Center sponsored;
Target group: Spanish-speaking parents of children with disabilities
Contact: Aymee Lucifora 978-624-2381
Newburyport
ASC sponsored; target group: Parents of children & teens; Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank,
State Street. Parent facilitator: Nancy Lucier. For more
info contact Susan Gilroy at 978-624-2302.
Danvers
ASC sponsored; Target
group: Parents of children
with Intensive Needs
6 Southside Rd, Danvers;
3rd Wednesday, 10-11:30
am
Contact: Susan Gilroy at
978-624-2302 or sgilroy@ne-arc.org
Danvers
ASC sponsored; Target
Group: Parents of children
under age 5
6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Thursday, 5-6:30pm
Contact: Jackie Murphy at 978-624-3721
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IT’S A FACT:
Northeast Arc is the second largest Arc in the country.
Vacations and the Downtime
that Follows
By Bailey Strangman, M.A., BCBA, Northeast Arc Behavioral Health Services
School has been in session and daily routines have been established for families and their children. However everyone deserves some time off to relax, take trips, visit family and friends or the opportunity to just sleep in! The word vacation may
hold a different meaning for families who have a child with a disability. For these children a change in routine may increase
challenging behaviors and anxiety during the unstructured vacation time. Below is a list of suggestions to help prepare you
and your family for any upcoming break from the ordinary.
•
Plan ahead! Create a basic structure of what the vacation will entail. Whether you are planning on travelling or staying at
home, having a general idea of what each day looks like will provide some structure throughout the vacation time. This
will also allow you to add in some unexpected activities!
•
Consult with your BCBA or teacher about successful strategies for flexibility and change in routine. They may be able to
provide you with simple tips that will make vacation more relaxing for all.
•
If your child has a morning routine or an evening routine stick with it throughout vacation. This provides your child with
a familiar structure and will also ease the transition back to school.
•
Allow your child to make choices. They may not know what to do with the free time or what exactly is expected of
them. For example, giving them a choice between playing with their favorite puzzle, watching a movie or watching
YouTube videos.
•
Utilize visual schedules! Visualizing what is expected may reduce anxiety and anticipation of what may lie ahead.
These schedules may include pictures or written activities. When making the schedule of the day, include your child in
the process! This is a great way to incorporate them as well as allowing them to make choices as to what their day will
look like!
•
Calendars are a great way to visualize upcoming vacations, holidays or any other scheduled plans. As each day passes cross of the present day and count the days left until the event.
•
Social stories! Create a social story (or ask teacher and/or BCBA for one) about upcoming events, so you can discuss
what to expect and safety rules. These stories are a fun way to inform your child of what the vacation may entail and how
they will spend their time during it. These stories could be done while referencing the visual calendar.
•
Role-play and practice during the weekends if you and your family are planning any new activity during the break. Such
as, role-playing any safety concerns that may arise and including other family members into the practice. This allows all
members of the family to participate and help prepare the child for twists and turns along the way. Practice makes better!
•
Try to minimize demands that are placed on the child and increase positive reinforcement. Provide social praise, items
or activities that your child enjoys for compliance (waiting/listening/etc.), acting appropriately or being flexible during the
day.
•
Please note that these are suggestions and are not an exhaustive list of guidelines. I hope you find some of these tips
helpful. And remember enjoy your vacation! You all have worked hard and have earned some relaxation time!
You may contact Northeast Arc’s Behavioral Health Services at 978-624-2340.
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Autism Housing Pathways
Autism Housing Pathways presents
Thinking about Housing
January 6, 2016, 7-9 pm
At
Nashoba Learning Group
10 Oak Park Drive, Bedford
This free presentation is “Housing 101” for parents.
“Thinking about housing” introduces families to the range of
public funds available to pay for housing and supportive services (including for those without DDS supports). Some examples are given of how these can be combined with private
funds to create housing. Please RSVP by calling 617-8938217 or by email to AHPhousing@comcast.net.
PLANNING FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE
A FREE WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS
The Family Support Center is pleased to announce A Free Parent/Guardian Training*
“Planning for a Successful Future”
January 13th, 2016
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Northeast Arc, 6 Southside Road, Danvers
As caregivers for children with special challenges, obtaining timely information is crucial for our loved one’s success, security, and above all,
their happiness. Toward that end, topics for this evening will include: Guardianship and Alternatives, Adult Service Agencies and Supports, Special Needs Trusts and more.
This workshop will be of great benefit as your loved one travels from childhood into the adult world.
Presenters:
Attorney Annette M. Hines
Annette’s law practice includes estate planning, trust administration and elder law with special needs planning and healthcare law being an
especially personal focus. She has been recognized as a Distinguished Citizen by ARC Massachusetts and cited for public service by both the
Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives. Attorney Hines is the managing partner of the newly formed Special Needs Law
Group of Massachusetts, PC.
John F. Raycroft, SpecialCare™ Program Manager
Jack has served the needs of the special needs community for the last ten years. Currently, he leads the efforts of the Special Needs Team at
Reliant Financial Group. Through workshops and consultations he presents on the issues critical to successful special needs planning.
To register for this workshop, please contact: Aymee Lucifora: alucifora@ne-arc.org or 978-624-2381.
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IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
MFA:
Beyond the
Spectrum
Beyond The Spectrum
Artful Healing offers a specially designed program for children ages
8-12 on the Autism Spectrum, including Asperger’s Syndrome, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Upon arrival children will be
divided into groups by age and/or needs.
The Beyond the Spectrum program meets one Saturday per month
from 10:30 am-12 pm. Each class lasts an hour and a half and combines gallery exploration with an art-making activity.
Next session:
January 9, 2016, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
John, Bertram A. and Ronald M. Druker Family Pavilion (Classroom
159) Please meet the instructors in Room 159 by 10:20 am.
Class Description: Fancy Furniture
Do you think of a sofa or chair as art? Come see the fancy furniture
that fills the MFA and you will surely be convinced that a table can
be as artistic as a painting!
Instructors: TBD
For more information visit the Beyond the Spectrum page, e-mail
artfulhealing@mfa.org, or call 617-369-4027.
Tickets required! $9 per child
LEARN TO SKI!
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities
through access and instruction to recreational sports opportunities. We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual. We serve
adults and youth with physical, development, cognitive and emotional/behavioral disabilities.
We are currently taking reservations for the 2016 winter season. We offer daily adaptive ski and ride lessons starting
in December. This can be a lesson for someone who has never participated in winter sports, or someone who is interested in
a refresher, or simply a ski buddy.
Vermont Adaptive has programs at three locations Pico Mountain, Sugarbush Resort and Bolton Valley Resort. Contact information for each program coordinator is listed below. We have list rates, but do provide a sliding scale for individuals who cannot afford to participate in programming. Please feel free to reach out to coordinators directly for more information.
We also offer Sailing, Paddling, Cycling and Climbing in the summer months, see our website for more details.
Maggie Burke, Managing Director
Vermont Adaptive Sports for EVERY Body
Phone: (802) 786-4991 ext. 30
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IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Transition Tip
TRANSITION TIP #5
Start promoting independence early.
Allow as much independence as possible and assign
•
responsibility for certain chores to help instill a positive work ethic.
Teach money management skills along with shop-
•
ping experience and banking skills.
Provide opportunities to make choices and decisions,
•
to explore and take risks, and to learn from experience of success and failure.
*Help your child become a self-advocate
FRIDAY NIGHT HAPPENINGS
HAPPENINGS
The Northeast Arc Recreation and Leisure program
has many great offerings to keep you busy! One
popular weekly activity is Friday Night Happenings.
Each week a new and fun activity is offered. These
activities range from dances, tie dye shirt night, field
day, basketball, movies, pot luck, game night, etc.
If you have an idea for a new activity, bring it to the
attention of the program staff. Come out and make
some new friends at Friday Night Happenings!
Ages: 13-35
Fee: $15/week
Location: 6 Southside Road, Danvers
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Contact the Rec Department for details 978-6242308
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IT’S A FACT:
The Autism Support Center was founded in 1991.
Expanded
Sensory friendly
movies at AMC
Join AMC Theatres and the Autism Society special sensoryfriendly showings of popular movies. The Sensory Friendly Film
program has expanded to four showings per month.
The second and fourth Tuesday and Saturday.
Family-friendly movies will continue to show Saturdays, starting
at 10am local time
We've added Tuesday showings at 7pm local time that may appeal
to others on the autism spectrum.
•
•
Local theatres:
AMC Burlington, 20 South Ave, Burlington
AMC Braintree, 12 Grandview Road, Braintree
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 autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.
PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL THEATER TO CONFIRM
DATE, TIME & PRICES.
This is NOT an ASC program!
BINGO NIGHT AT NORTHEAST ARC
Join us for
Bingo Night!
With
Our Friends from St Pius, Lynn
Sunday, January 10, 2016, 6:00-7:30pm
6 Southside Road, Danvers.
All are welcome! Prizes, Snacks, Fun!
For information call Suzanne at 978-624-2318
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IT’S A FACT:
Ask the
Advocate
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Ask the Advocate! January 2016
Question: My son is in the second grade and on an IEP. He
has some behavioral difficulties and no friends. The school he
attends is offering an afterschool program “Building with Lego.”
I’d like him to participate, but I am afraid he might get in trouble.
He would benefit from more social interactions and he loves
building with Lego.
Answer: Every student has the right to be included in any program offered by the school. First sign him up for the program and
then ask for a team meeting to discuss reasonable accommodations that will be necessary for him to access the extra-curricular
activity that is offered to all students of the school. Follow up after the activity begins to make sure the supports he is receiving
are what he needs to be included successfully.
If you need an advocate, please call our Advocacy Intake Coordinator at: 1-978-762-8352
LOLLIPOPS FOR BREAKFAST
Lollipops for Breakfast
A sensory-friendly performance!
Sunday, January 17, 11 am
Charlestown Working Theater
442 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown
40 minute show for kids 4+
You can’t just have lollipops for breakfast! But today, Sylvie decides she’s going to break that rule, even if it
means she has to make her own amazingly perfect lollipop from scratch. Come along as she and her trusty
pet bird search for missing ingredients, wrestle with giant candy machines and get lost in a magical pop-up
cookbook. The performance, told entirely without words, features multiple styles of puppetry, original music,
and a little bit of acrobatics. For tickets call 866-811-4111.
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The Autism
Support Center
is celebrating
24 years of
supporting and
empowering
families in
northeastern
Massachusetts.
The Spectrum
The Spectrum is a monthly electronic publication of the Autism Support
Center. This newsletter is published to inform parents and professionals
of resource information, upcoming events, and other autism-related
topics. ASC is funded primarily by the Mass. Dept. of Developmental
INFORMED. EMPOWERED. CONNECTED.
Services. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the funding source. ASC
does not endorse any product, service or theory referred to in this newsletter. Articles, resources and announcements are included for information only.
Anyone wishing to contribute information for this newsletter should send
it to asc@ne-arc.org or to our mailing address Parent contributions are
encouraged. Announcements are included as space is available.
PLEASE CONTACT
ASC AT 978-777-9135
OR VISIT HTTP://NE-ARC.ORG/SERVICES/AUTISM-SERVICES/
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
6 SOUTHSIDE ROAD, DANVERS MA 01923
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