December 2015 - Northeast Arc

VOLUME 24 ISSUE 6 DECEMBER 2015
The Autism Support Center
The Spectrum
The Holidays Are Here!
By Kate Dalcour, MS, BCBA
Northeast Arc Behavioral Health Services
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:
VACATION WEEK FUN!
The holidays are an exciting and happy time of year, but they can also bring some added stress and
worry. Children often have longer breaks from school, there may be added travel and change in
routines, and overall, more stimulation with extra people, music, holiday activities and the normal
hustle and bustle to get everything done in time. With all of these changes and activities, there may
be an increase in challenging behavior exhibited by your child. Here is a list of some strategies that
may help you and your child better cope during this time of year.
•
Use visual supports – this may be a monthly calendar showing the planned activities and events
for the month, or the days the child will be in school vs on vacation, travel plans, or even the
arrival of relatives. Also creating daily schedules so the child knows what to expect in their day.
Some children respond better to picture schedules representing the activities of the day, and
some respond well to written schedules of activities. Keep in mind, when planning activities for
the day, try to vary the tasks so that there are preferred activities for the child mixed into the day
to the extent possible. And if possible, try to limit the amount of activities that need to be done in
one day.
•
If an unexpected change occurs during the day, remind your child what they can do to cope with
the change in routine or expectation (ex. Ask for a break, take deep breaths, listen to music,
play on an ipad, read a book, etc…)
•
Give transition warnings when preparing to leave one activity and begin another. Timers, countdowns, and transition warnings can help the child know what to expect. Also, use transitional
objects that the child can hold or play with when transitioning to or from the various community
locations for comfort. (For example, if they have a favorite toy or music).
•
Use reinforcement! Know what motivates your child, and use it to reinforce them when they
show appropriate behavior such as transitioning without engaging in maladaptive behaviors,
being flexible, greeting family members politely, asking for breaks, etc… Reinforcement can
vary from social praise and high five’s, to prizes, or special snacks and treats. The power of
reinforcement can go a long way!
•
Use first/then language or visuals to keep the expectations simple. First we are going to the
mall, then we will get lunch. The more language we use, the more confusing it can be for our
children.
•
Make sure your child can tolerate the various sensations of the different activities or locations.
Sometimes children don’t like loud noises so going to a crowded mall to see Santa where there
are lots of people and loud music and noises can be over-stimulating. Warning your child of
what to expect as well as what they can do if they encounter the unpleasant stimuli can be helpful (for example, “If it’s too loud, I can tell Mom that I want to leave,” In order to escape instead
of engaging in other behaviors.)
•
When going into the community, go with additional family or friends so there are extra adults
and helping hands.
Holiday tips
•
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•
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(continued from page 1)
Talk to all of your children about being helpers for your child with
special needs and what they can do to help while in the community. Review safety rules with them and what they need to do in
an emergency. You can also give them jobs (and maybe even
incentives for doing those jobs) when in the community.
Bring fun and reinforcing toys with you to help entertain your child
while you are in the community or at holiday events and activities
(books, crayons and paper, ipad, preferred toys, etc…). Also,
pack some snacks for everyone.
When spending long amounts of time at home, try to have structured activities ready for your child (ex. Playing a turn taking
game, playing with play doh, doing arts and crafts activities,
etc…) to limit the downtime that may lead to an increase in maladaptive behaviors.
If you are going to see a lot of not-so-familiar people, show the
child pictures of them and talk about them prior to their arrival to
help prepare them.
Create a social story to review with your child that discusses what
to expect. These are especially helpful if you are traveling for the
holidays to let the child know the sequence of events and what to
do. Review the social story daily in the weeks leading up to the
travel. The social story should review the schedule of events,
•
•
what to expect, what they can do, what reinforcement is in place
for appropriate behaviors, and why they shouldn’t engage in certain behaviors. Be sure to keep the social story positive, and
keep the language and pictures simple.
If your child receives home services, ask their home provider if
you can schedule additional hours to help keep additional structure in their day.
And last but not least, pick your battles. Know what may be more
challenging for your child and what you can do with
them comfortably. The holidays are a time everyone
should be able to enjoy.
This list of suggestions is by no means exhaustive, but
we hope you are able to use some of these strategies to
make your holidays more enjoyable and festive for everyone.
Happy Holidays from the staff at Behavioral Health Services!
For more information on Northeast Arc Behavioral Health Services contact program director, Stacey Villani, at 978-624-2340.
GENDER IDENTITY OVERVIEW AND
PANEL DISCUSSION
Northeast Arc's Diversity Taskforce
proudly announces
Diversity Awareness Event:
Gender Identity Overview & Panel Discussion
In an ongoing effort to ensure that our workplace and organizational culture are welcoming and responsive
to all – including employees and those we serve – we have invited guests to lead us through “Gender
Identity 101” to give us context, and a better understanding of gender identity. Then, we will have the opportunity to hear from panelists of varying gender identities who will share their personal stories.
Join us on Tuesday, December 8th from 2 until 4 pm
Conference Rooms A & B
Center for Developmental Excellence, 6 Southside Road, Danvers.
Please RSVP to llarson@ne-arc.org if you plan to attend.
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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
Community Action
Program, 112 East
Haverhill St., Lawrence; 2nd Friday,
9:30-11:30am
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, 5:30-7pm
Contact: Jackie Murphy at 978-624-3721
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IT’S A FACT:
Northeast Arc is the fourth largest Arc in the country.
Special Holiday Event
We have a limited number of tickets to the autism-friendly performance of The Urban
Nutcracker on Saturday, December 19 at 11:00AM at John Hancock Hall! Contact
ASC at 978-777-9135 to reserve your tickets ASAP—they will go quickly.
The show will be tailored to be sensory-friendly in order for maximum audience comfort that will feature house lights
at half capacity, sounds lower in volume/intensity, volunteers to provide support, and a quiet area. And the audience
will be encouraged to dance, sing and shout! Also, this year’s Urban Nutcracker features never before seen sets and
costumes in celebration of its 15th Anniversary.
“The highlight of the 2014 Urban Nutcracker run was the Autism-Friendly show
we produced,” said Tony Williams, Artistic
Director. “We created this show to encourage even more accessibility to the arts,
and it was very touching to see such an
energetic and appreciative audience, and I
am greatly looking forward to it this year.
I’d like to thank all the wonderful Autism
advocacy groups out there for the tireless
work they do.”
Williams re-imagined the classic holiday
tale to become a Boston inner-city story
with a neon-buzz that blends the rhythms
of Duke Ellington with the classical notes
of Tchaikovsky. Annually 150 professional
and amateur dancers take to the stage to
showcase a broad diversity of dance forms
celebrating multicultural Boston. The story
follows the magical journey of Clarice and
Omar through classical ballet, tap, hip hop,
jazz, folklorico, flamenco and more.
The Urban Nutcracker Autism-Friendly performance takes place on Saturday, December 19 at 11AM at John Hancock Hall,
180 Berkeley Street in Boston’s Back Bay.
Tickets are also available on http://
urbannutcracker.com
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Autism Eats
Autism Eats
at
Andolini’s Restaurant
(we have our own room)
19 Essex Street, Andover
Reserve your tickets early!!
on
December 7th from 6 to 8:30pm
Autism Eats provides autism-friendly non-judgmental environments for family dining, socializing and connecting with
others who share similar joys and challenges.
Visit www.AutismEats.org for more information and to purchase tickets for your family dinner buffet.
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”
Wednesday, December 9th, 2015
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 @ MFA
Artful Healing offers a specially designed program at the Museum of Fine Arts 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. Tickets
are $9.00 per child (includes materials and Museum admission).
One adult is admitted free with each purchased child ticket and also
receives a discount on parking in Museum facilities. Additional
adults $25.
To enroll your child in any of the Beyond the Spectrum classes, please go to the website listed below and click the class date in
the box on the right of the screen. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and are only available online. Tickets for the current week’s
class will only be available for sale until 1 pm on Wednesday. Although members receive free admission, a ticket is required for each
child participating in the Beyond The Spectrum program.
http://www.mfa.org/programs/community-programs/beyond-thespectrum
The next class is December 5th and will focus on stained
glass. Learn about this colorful decorative art that has been around
since the middle ages. Make a “stained glass” panel that can reflect
the light in a window of your own. Contact Emily Munson at
emunson@mfa.org if you have any questions!
FIRST AID CLASS
Anyone Can Learn First Aid...and Everyone Should!
Come Learn First Aid, Hands-Only CPR and Injury Prevention!
For Individuals with disabilities ages 14-22
Saturday, December 12, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Centerboard, 16 City Hall Sq., Lynn
Join us for a hands-on class to learn first aid and CPR. We will focus on recognizing an emergency and
practicing how to respond. We will also learn to treat and prevent 8 common injuries such as burns,
cuts, choking, and broken bones. Our goal is to help participants to feel confident to respond if they or
someone else is injured or has an emergency at home, work or in the community. They could save a
life! All participants will take home a small first aid kit.
Class instructor, Patti MacPhee, owner of Take Care, is a certified CPR/First Aid Instructor. The curriculum has been adapted to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Fee: $20. Call Aymee Lucifora at 978-624-2381 by December 4th. Class limited to 10 participants.
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IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Transition Tip
TRANSITION TIP #4
Exploring employment while in high school is important for all
students. Whether a job provides financial support, personal
fulfillment, social opportunities, or some combination of these,
it is a very important component of adult life. Students should
begin early in high school to explore career opportunities, develop pre-employment skills, identify training needs and strategies to address deficits, and most important, explore a variety
of employment opportunities in the community.
*Research demonstrates that students who work while in high
school have more successful post-secondary outcomes.
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.
Sensory friendly
movies at AMC
theatres
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.
All shows are at 10:00 am local time. Dates and films are subject to change.
Saturday, Dec 5, 2015 - THE GOOD DINOSAUR
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!
CARING SANTA
Caring Santa at your local mall
AbilityPath.org is joining forces with Simon Malls to offer families
with special-needs an opportunity for their loved ones to enjoy
some holiday tradition. They have collaborated to create an environment with less potential triggers with events held during private
mall hours so as to provide a calmer sensory-friendly environment.
There will be no lines, no crowds, no music – just calm fun for special families. Please check their website for available times left.
December 6th locations in Massachusetts
* Auburn, Braintree, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Hyannis, Marlborough, North Attleboro, Saugus, Peabody, Burlington
To book your visit: http://www.simon.com/caring-santa-2015
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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!
Question: “My daughter is on an IEP with a primary disability of ADHD,
she also has a diagnosis of high functioning autism. Does the IEP team
have to consider her needs regarding ASD even though it is not her
primary diagnosis?”
Answer: Yes, whenever an evaluation indicates a disability on the autism spectrum, the IEP team shall consider and shall specifically address:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The verbal and nonverbal communication needs of the child
The need to develop social interaction skills and proficiencies
The needs resulting from the child's unusual responses to sensory
experiences
The needs resulting from resistance to environmental change or
change in daily routines
The needs resulting from engagement in repetitive activities and
stereotyped movements
The need for any positive behavioral interventions, strategies, and
supports to address any behavioral difficulties resulting from autism
spectrum disorder.
And other needs resulting from the child's disability that impact progress
in the general curriculum, including social and emotional development
Autism Spectrum Disorder should be identified on the IEP whether or
not it is considered the primary disability.
If you need an advocate, please call our Advocacy Intake Coordinator
at: 1-978-762-8352
SATURDAY FUNDAY—DECEMBER 5
BINGO, CRAFT PROJECT, AND AN UN-BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Saturday, December 5th
1-2:30 pm
Northeast Arc
6 Southside Road, Danvers
Prizes, craft and birthday cake provided by our new friends from
Temple Anshe Emeth Memorial in New Brunswick, New Jersey
For more info contact Suzanne Ryan at 978-624-2318 or sryan@ne-arc.org
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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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