july2015 spectrum

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 [email protected] or to our mailing address Parent contributions are
encouraged. Announcements are included as space is available.
The Autism
Support Center
is celebrating
23 years of
supporting and
empowering
families in
northeastern
Massachusetts.
VOLUME 24 The Spectrum
Get-Away Contest Winners
ASC AT 978-777-9135
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Contact us:
SUSAN GILROY
CO-DIRECTOR
978-624-2302
GLORIA RICARDI CASTILLO
CO-DIRECTOR
978-624-2301
6 SOUTHSIDE ROAD, DANVERS MA 01923
JULY 2015
The Autism Support Center
PLEASE CONTACT
OR VISIT HTTP://NE-ARC.ORG/SERVICES/AUTISM-SERVICES/
ISSUE 1 WHITNEY RYAN POSADA
SENIOR COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-2305
ALLIE KEOUGH
COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-3721
STACEY CRUWYS
COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-2347
INSIDE:
DEALING WITH YOUR
ESCAPE ARTIST!!
The following essay by Jennifer Khodush was among many other great submissions to our get-away weekend contest. All the winners of the overnight stay at the
beautiful Kendall Tavern Inn are listed on the next page.
No parent ever wants
to hear the words,
"Your child has autism."
One can't be prepared
for the emotional roller
coaster ahead, the
flood of emotions, the
feelings of guilt and
sadness. The long
nights with the internet, googling every
symptom of autism, in
an attempt to convince
yourself that they must
have made a mistake.
The period of grief that
follows the diagnosis, the denial, the depression, the anger.. and then one day, acceptance.
Just like that, you've convinced yourself everything will be okay, and it will be. Along
the road, you will meet so many new people, each one vested in your child and wanting
him or her to achieve great things. You'll learn to appreciate the little things in life and
celebrate every accomplishment, because it didn't come easy. You'll be amazed at the
wonderment of your child, and think to yourself how lucky you are to be part of this journey, right here, right now.
Two years ago, our journey with autism began. My husband and I had taken our older
son Cameron to his 2 year check up with the pediatrician. We listened intently as she
went through the standard physical exam, and was pleased with how he was growing.
She then went over typical milestone behaviors at his age, and I had a nagging sense
that he wasn't meeting all of the milestones she had mentioned, in fact, he wasn't meet(Continued inside)
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
And the winners
are…...
We are pleased to announce the winners of the get-away
essay contest are:
Jennifer Khodush
Harry and Valerie Skigis
Kristin Latulippe
Sreya and James Shepard
Jay Dubois
Candice Lindsey
Florence Cenci
Nancy Lucier
Each winner will enjoy an overnight stay for two at the
Kendall Tavern Inn located in Freeport, Maine. The getaway weekends were funded through the proceeds of
ASC’s autism awareness bracelet sales.
ESSEX RIVER CRUISE
Coffee & Muffins Cruise
With ASC
Saturday, July 18, 2015
10:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Essex River Cruises
35 Dodge Street
Essex
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 [email protected] for info.
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
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 [email protected]
Danvers
ASC sponsored; Target
Group: Parents of children
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
Lynn
Family Resource
Center sponsored;
Target group: Spanish-speaking parents of children with disabilities
Contact: Aymee Lucifora 978-6242381
Newburyport
ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of children with ASD
Newburyport 5 Cents Savings Bank, State St, Newburyport; 2nd Thurs., 7 p.m. Parent facilitator: Nancy Lucier. Contact: Susan Gilroy at 978-624-2302 or [email protected]
Reading
ASC sponsored; Target: parents of children with ASD
under age 5
Reading Senior Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading;
6 Southside Road, Dan- Date: TBA
vers; 3rd Thursday, 5:30- Parent facilitator: Kim Gargano
7pm
RSVP [email protected] or call 1-781-526-9171
Contact: Allie Keough at
978-624-3721
The tour will explore the salt marsh and a
protected bay. Bring a jacket as temps on
the water may be lower than on shore. Coffee, muffins and munchkins will be served,
but feel free to bring your own snacks/water.
Reservations a must! Contact ASC at 978
-777-9135 or [email protected]
Danvers
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Museum of Fine
Arts
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 $9.50 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 July 11th and will focus on Clever Disguises presented in artwork and making our very own masks. Contact Emily
Munson at [email protected] if you have any questions!
A PARENT’S EXPERIENCE...
In 2012 I was looking for support for my son David and we
found Northeast Arc.
Not knowing what Arc was about or how they could help I
made an appointment to meet with someone from the
Spotlight Program. That first meeting changed our lives.
David participated in Spotlight for 2 years and their teen
support group for a year. Additionally, I found great strength
in the weekly parent support group that Spotlight offered.
For every question they helped with a solution. Another area of concern for me was transition to adulthood. I worked
closely with Kathy Kelly (Director of Transition Services)
on transition planning and learned how David could benefit
the most from a\ robust transition plan that we developed
based on David’s vision. Next, the Day Services Division
provided a wonderful vocation assessment and supported
employment services then helped to create a summer program specifically around David’s goals.
I have learned that transition is about listening and learning
as a parent and helping your child learn about themselves
while creating vision and goals for their future. Northeast
Arc was the springboard David needed. He started Spot-
light with a chip on his shoulder not making eye contact and
giving me grief every Saturday. As time moved on he became outspoken, forgiving, and even volunteered as a Jr.
Counselor for their summer camp, which he said was one
of the best experiences he has had.
Every staff member from top to bottom at the Northeast Arc
from the Family Resource services to the finance department has been amazing. For them, It truly is about the
whole person and not the diagnoses. It’s about helping
each person with their own vision for a successful life.
David learned critical social skills, vocation skills, tolerance
and what community means and the importance of a being
part of his community. I learned I was not alone on this
journey and have tremendous support from Northeast Arc.
For information about these programs and other services for transition-aged youth, contact Kathy Kelly,
Director of Transition Services, at 978-624-2342
Contest Winner
(continued from page 1)
ing any. He was not engaging and never pointed out things of
interest. His play skills were lacking too. Sure, he had plenty of
toys, but functional play did not exist. He really enjoyed the toys
that spun, or sang or lit up. I was sure he enjoyed these the
best, because he would hum and flap his arms. We didn't realize
these as signs at the time, in fact, we found it to be cute and
amusing.
I continued to keep quiet and listen as our pediatrician explained
how all children progress at different rates, she had reassured
my worries. Being our oldest child, we had little experience with
children anyhow. We were just about ready to leave our appointment, when she asked us if we had any questions or concerns.
I hesitated before asking her, "When will Cameron start communicating with us?" Up until then, Cameron had never spoken
a word, not even a sound. He had never even looked at us, for
more than a moment. His tendency was to gaze off into the sky,
as if he were daydreaming.
A look of concern crossed her face, and she handed us a small
card, "Call this doctor tomorrow and ask to schedule a neurological assessment. I'm sure everything will be okay, boys are often
late talkers."
Two months later, my husband and I sat with Cameron in a tiny
doctor's office and heard six words that changed all of our lives
forever.
"I'm sorry, your son has autism." Just like that. Autism. The
doctor let the news sink in before proceeding. I wondered how
many times a day he delivered news just like that.
Autism. Autism.
Cameron sat quietly in the corner fixated on a toy with bright
knobs that he continued to spin, refusing to look at any of us.
Unaware to him, the tears that fell from his father's eyes. A confirmation of everything he hoped against, months of waiting to
hear the news, and now this. Autism. An uncertain future and a
number of crushed dreams.
For me, hearing that diagnosis did not make me cry. Truth is, I
had cried every day leading up to his diagnosis. Since Early Intervention sat in my home and after his assessment, looked me
in the eye and said, "I think your son has autism."
Maybe it was a mother's instinct, but I always knew in my heard
that something was not right. My husband was in total denial.
He argued with me against it. I think this is why he cried that day
in the office. He was feeling the grief I had already faced months
prior.
Cameron's diagnosis was made and the light turned green. A
green light to go.. get help.. and save our son.
Two long years later, the fight goes on each and
every day. There are uphill battles, good times
and bad. Even the simplest things are taken for
granted with a diagnosis of autism.
In the face of tragedy, everyone deals with difficult news in their
own way. For me, I'm forever haunted by the way I shut my husband out in the weeks and months following Cameron's diagnosis. Instead of coming together with him, to fight this battle together, I surrounded myself with a wall of self pity, anger, frustration and sadness. I actually blamed him for what
was going on in our family.
The truth is, I was hurting more than I could admit
and I wanted him to feel the pain as well. I was
mourning for our family, for Cameron, for our younger son Logan, just a month old when Cameron was
diagnosed.
At this time, my husband needed me the most. I saw how sad
and tired his eyes were and how weak his attempts with me, but
I was not there for him. I never held him when he hurt, I never
listened to what he had to say, I never told him how sorry I was.
I never thanked him for his love and support, his
patience with Cameron. For his patience with me.
For pushing all of us when the day seemed too difficult. For seeing all the strengths in Cameron and
pushing him to be the best he can be. I never
thanked him for believing in Cameron,
for believing in me and in us.
Not until now, have I been able to express how grateful I was for this pillar of
strength, Cameron's miracle of hope
and his number one fan. His dad, and my husband.
The journey of autism is just that, a journey. We
don't know where it will take us, but how lucky are
those who get to take this journey, because there
are wonderful things waiting for us to see, special
gifts sent to us from up above, that if we only open our eyes, we
can appreciate its beauty.
How lucky I have been that I have my husband, my best friend,
to take this journey with me.
He works tirelessly to care for our family and support our every
need, he thinks of himself last and his family first. I couldn't
think of anyone else more deserving of a night away.
I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to share our story with you
and to thank my husband for everything he has done for us, for
saving our family and our son.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Khodush
(Mom to the amazing Cameron, age 4,
and mischievous Logan, age 2)
IT’S A FACT:
African Drum
Class
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Where words end, music begins
A Special Drum Class for Special Needs
College and Career Access Project
BY DYLAN GIRARD
Ongoing classes; Thursdays 4:30 to 5:30
INSPIRE US studio, 161 Eastern Ave Unit 4, Lynn
Contact: Cindy Armano, DC, 781-864-3054
Or [email protected]
Playing the Djembe offers a unique, fun way to
interact with others and the world in a nonverbal way. It encourages social interacon within
a group and students gain confidence and pride
in themselves as sounds, rhythms and relaonships are created. With his kind, fun-loving paent personality Mamadous' classes are well received by children, adults,
the elderly and his Special Needs students. It is through his
desire to serve and the special joy that comes from giving to
his present special needs drummers, that this program has
evolved.
SAIL ON!
Charlestown, Adaptive Sailing Days, July 11th & September 12th, 2015.
Courageous Sailing, Piers Park Sailing Center, and
the Charlestown Waterfront Coalition present
Charlestown Adaptive Sailing Days. These free onehour sail on Boston Harbor are for anyone living with
any sort of disability and their family and friends. A
hoyer lift and physically adaptive boats are available
for participants who use wheelchairs.
Registration required to http://
courageoussailing.org/charlestown-adaptive-sailingday or contact 617- 242-3821 courageoussailing.org
The College and Career Access Project (CCAP)
had their completion ceremony on May 14th at the
Northeast Arc ArcWorks building in Peabody.
CCAP is a one-year vocationally focused noncredit
college program dually administered by a partnership between the Northeast Arc and North Shore
Community College.
While in CCAP, students took classes at North
Shore Community College in their field of study. In
addition, each student was placed in a community
internship that was supported by the Northeast Arc.
Students studying Horticulture interned in places
such as Green Meadows Farm, Glen Magna Farm,
and Tufts University. Students studying Basic Canine and Feline Care obtained their community inteThe program affords young people with intellectual, gration in internship sites that included Wags Doglearning, and developmental disabilities the oppor- gie Daycare, Dingo’s Dogsitting, Poochies Groomtunity to build vocational skills through both classing, and the North East Animal Shelter.
room and real world community experience. Students in CCAP chose between two fields of study: Many CCAP graduates were able to obtain paid
Basic Canine and Feline Care or Horticulture.
employment at either their internship site or a business in their related field of study.
In the first year of CCAP, ten students, five in each
field of study, received their Certificates of Comple- CCAP is currently accepting applications for the fall
tion at the ceremony. Newly appointed Commisof 2015, as well as looking for businesses willing to
sioner of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Comconsider hosting students as interns. For more inmission, Nicky Osborne was the keynote speaker, formation, please contact CCAP Program Manager
while Northeast Arc CEO Jerry McCarthy, and
Dylan Girard at [email protected].
North Shore Community College’s Vice President
Karen Hynick also spoke congratulating the graduating class.
IT’S A FACT:
Ask the
Advocate
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Ask the Advocate! July
Question: “Can I reject something in a signed Individual
Education Program (IEP)”?
Answer: Yes
You need to provide your rejection “in writing” to the
school, you can reject any part of the IEP, placement and/or
lack of services as well. The school district shall send a copy
to the Bureau of Special Education Appeals no later than five
days after receipt of the rejection.
Fathers Needed for Study
If you are the father of a child with autism, ages 5 to 12, and you co-parent this child with a female partner, we need your help for
a study. The study concerns the support needs of fathers of children with autism. The world does not know enough about you
and your needs for support! Knowledge gained from your help may positively influence better delivery of support for fathers by
aiding program planners in designing, implementing, and evaluating support opportunities. Your participation requires you to:
•
If you need an advocate, please call our Advocacy Intake
Coordinator at: 1-978-762-8352
•
do consent form and take prescreening surveys online and by phone
take an interview about your experiences (approximately 2 hours)
•
do a short member check of data, by phone
As a small appreciation of your participation, you will receive your choice of one $20
gift cards from three major retailers. It is also hoped that the interview will be a pleasant
experience, since I am an experienced licensed, independent social worker, who is a
therapist and special educator. You will also be helping me with my dissertation, the final project before I earn my doctoral degree from Boston University.
Please go online to: https://bostonu.qualtrics.com/SE/?
SID=SV_51oVrd889CKMFEh_ to take the prescreening survey and to
leave contact information for me to reach you.
Thank you so much for your help. Stephen Nadel, ABD, MEd, MSW, LICSW
[email protected] (I can email you the online link)
ADVOCACY 101 WORKSHOP
Free !
Advocacy 101 Workshops
Choose a morning or evening workshop
July 15—9 to 11 a.m.
OR
July 21—6 to 8 p.m.
At
Northeast Arc
6 Southside Road, Danvers
Registration required! Call 978-624-2380
AANE CONFERENCE ON ANXIETY
Accepting the Challenge:
Practical and Effective Strategies for Students with Anxiety
Presenter: Jessica Minahan, MEd, BCBA
Tuesday, August 4, 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m
Rhode Island College Student Union Ballroom
600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI
If you've never heard Jessica Minahan speak before, this conference is a must! Jessica has more than
17 years of experience supporting students who exhibit challenging behavior in urban public
school systems. The author of two books (The Behavior Code: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Teaching the Most Challenging Students and The Behavior Code Companion:
Strategies, Tools, and Interventions for Supporting Students with Anxiety-Related or Oppositional Behaviors) she is a very popular speaker among parents and educators of
students with AS and similar autism spectrum profiles.
Contact Karen Doran, Asperger/Autism Network, 617-393-3824 x10.
IT’S A FACT:
Northeast Arc is the fourth largest Arc in the coun-
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.
MOTHERS’ RETREAT
All shows are at 10:00 am local time. Dates and films are subject to change.
Saturday, July 18, 2015 - MINIONS
Saturday, Aug, 2015 - TBD
Saturday, Sep 26, 2015 - HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA
Saturday, Oct 17, 2015 - THE JUNGLE BOOK
Saturday, Nov 14, 2015 - THE PEANUTS MOVIE
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.
SUMMER IEP CLINICS
NORTHEAST ARC ADVOCACY DEPARTMENT
IEP Clinics
July 7th and July 21st
9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. or 12 noon
Northeast Arc
6 Southside Road, Danvers
$25 fee
IEP Clinics consist of 3 one-hour scheduled individual appointments with one of Northeast
Arc’s advocates. If you would like to sign up for a one hour mee0ng with an advocate, please
call Virginia Flister at 978-624-22380.
During a
IT’S A FACT:
SIBSHOPS
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Family Meet & Greet
Sibshops Sibling Support
Group for Youth Ages 12-15
Fridays
6:30—8:00
July 31, 2015—Pizza and Videogame Night—6
Southside Rd, Danvers
August 28, 2015—Ice Cream Social—6
Southside Rd, Danvers
Cost: $15 per event
Come To One To One or Come To Them
All!
Space is limited! To register, please contact
Virginia Flister 978-624-2380 or [email protected]
Group Topics Include:
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Getting to know the group
Sharing and relating to one another
Learning about your sibling’s strengths and challenges
Coping with stress and strong emotions
Responding to questions about your sibling
ADVOCACY BOOTCAMP
BY ADAM QUINN, DIRECTOR
It is hard to believe that it has already been six months since I stepped in as the new Recreation Director at the
Northeast Arc! In this short period of time, the department has evolved and grown so much! We have grown our staff
with a new full time Community Activity Coordinator (Keith Burkinshaw) and seven new relief staff. We have expanded on our selection of new programs being offered, re-structured existing programs and updated department policies
and staff trainings. I can honestly say that I have never had so much consistent fun in a short period of time as
I have while attending our programs and spending time with our individuals. I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to
work with such an amazing group of people.
I recognize the great importance and value of communication and input from the families we serve as we go
through programmatic changes, along with the many structural upgrades and adjustments to come. This is why we
are holding our second family meet and greet!
This meet and greet will be a time to catch up with myself, Keith Burkinshaw and Judy Bouffard. It will be
an opportunity for all of our families to come together and learn about the vision and direction of the recreation department, as well as offer up suggestions, concerns and questions you may have for us.
We would also like to use this time to brainstorm new ideas and network for venues and community partnerships for
the department. Your opinion is highly valued, and we would love to hear from you all! There have already been
many programmatic changes as a result of YOUR suggestions at the last meet and greet.
Spread the word to families, and let’s have a great turn out! Coffee and refreshments will be provided. We are looking forward to seeing everyone!!
MASS. FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR CHANGE
WHERE: Northeast Arc - 6 Southside Rd. Danvers MA
WHEN: Wednesday, July 1st @ 6:00pm
Life for your family not what you expected?
Still adjusting to your child’s needs?
Want time to rejuvenate while preparing for the future?
Need a reminder that possibilities for your child are endless?
Thanks!
Join others raising young children with developmental disabilities and chronic illnesses for an exciting training where you’ll learn how to utilize your strengths to
make you child’s world bigger and his or her future brighter.
Adam Quinn
Director of Recreation and Leisure
Northeast Arc
(978) 624-2308
[email protected]
ADVOCACY BOOTCAMP
Saturdays, 9am-12pm
Lexington
September 19, 26, October 3, 17, 24, 31
Applications can be found online and are due August 19. www.mfofc.org
Questions? Contact Sophia Johansson at [email protected]
Limited funds for respite care may be available.
PLEASE RSVP TO: [email protected]
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Where’s Your
Center?
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides funding for family support programs and services across the state
designed to provide information, assistance, and an array of supportive services to families with children and adults with disabilities who are living at home.
Family Support Centers across the state provide a local presence
and act as a hub for offering a wide range of general family support services and activities to families of children and adults who
are eligible for DDS services.
In addition, DDS funds Autism Support Centers, specialty programs serving families living with autism. A family may receive
services from both Centers.
Dealing With Your Escape Artist
CONTRIBUTED BY THE NORTHEAST ARC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TEAM
We’ve heard a lot lately about raising “free range” kids, given them plenty of unstructured time and opportunity to explore their own interests and world. For families with
children with “elopement” behavior (running away, wandering off, bolting off) the
phrase “free range” may instill panic or seem out of the question for their child. Trips to
the park, soccer practice, the walk from the house to the car, even unsupervised time
in a friend’s house could result in elopement behavior. Here are some steps that may
help:
Find your local Family Support Center below, and give them a
call! You may be surprised at the array of programs and services
they offer.
Take necessary safety precautions:
This can mean notifying the police and fire departments of your child’s needs and information, securing exit point in your home and yard, installing bells or chimes. Investing in identification bracelets, teaching your child his or her name, address, and telephone number, and considering a GPS device. When you go to a new place, talk to
people ahead of time and ask questions so you can feel more comfortable and prepared.
DDS REGION 3 FAMILY
SUPPORT CENTERS
Merrimack Valley Area
Fidelity House Human Services
Merrimack Valley Family Support Center
One Parker Street, Lawrence, MA 01843
(978) 685-9471 (x157)
Sue Lunn [email protected]; www.fidelityhhs.org
Metro North Area
The Arc of East Middlesex
The Arc of East Middlesex Family Resource Center.
26 Princess Street, Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 587-2314
Judy Santamaria [email protected]
www.theemarc.org
North Shore Area
Northeast Arc
Northeast Arc Family Resources
6 Southside Road, Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 624-2381
Aymee Lucifora [email protected] www.ne-arc.org
Central Middlesex Area
Riverside Community Care
Riverside Family Support Center
300 West Cummings Park, Suite 354, Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 801-5247
Kristen D’[email protected]
www.riversidefamilysupport.org
Lowell Area
LifeLinks, Inc.
LifeLinks Family Support Center
258 Mill Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 349-3040
Rachel Ward-Sullivan [email protected]
Amy Young [email protected] www.lifelinksinc.net
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater
Lowell
Cultural/Linguistic-Specific Family Support Center
Monorom Family Support Program
120 Cross Street, Lowell, MA 01854
(978) 454-6200 ext.1026
Brian Chen [email protected] www.cmaalowell.org
Specific Ethnic/Linguistic Group:
Cambodian families
Teach skills:
Understanding the drive behind the bolting can help us in teaching a replacement skill.
Is your child looking back and laughing, thinking running a game? Teaching the child
to request “chase” or “tag” and the appropriate places, then giving them plenty of opportunity to do so when appropriate, may help. Does your child bolt to escape an unpleasant trip or loud sound? Knowing the triggers can help you be prepared beforehand to provide a warning, gain physical proximity so you can intervene, and prompt your child to request to leave, so you can help him or her exit safety. Does your child bolt towards favorite toys? Prompting for communication before the bolt or keeping a preferred item close by so that he or she doesn’t
need to run may help. Does your child just love to run? Finding ways to channel that energy into appropriate, safe activities (sports
activities, swimming) may reduce the impulse to engage in the behavior whenever an opportunity presents.
•
•
•
Set yourself up for success:
Review Expectations: Just before moving to a space where bolting is possible, review expected behaviors and have the child
practice. Give yourself plenty of time to do this so it doesn’t feel rushed for you or the child.
Bring Back Up: Invite extra people who you can trust to help support you and your family so you have more energy to enjoy the
experience.
Be Realistic: Choose activities that you think you can be successful with. An 8-hour day at the beach with three young kids and
one adult may not be it. A picnic to a park with a fence and the babysitter may be smaller scale, but ultimately more fun.
It’s summer, and as adults we all know
the feeling of just wanting to take off,
get away, and explore new things. Planning for safety and teaching communication can help shape that impulse and
nurture healthy curiosity we can all appreciate.
Northeast Arc Behavioral Health Services Director, Stacey Villani, can be
reached at 978-624-2340.
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Touch to Talk Goes to School:
From the parents...
“We have been using the iPad with the TouchChat application with Antonio now for about six months and we
could not be happier with the progress that he
has been making. He went from being very
inconsistent to gradually using the App spontaneously with 3-4 words sentences.
He now can communicate his needs and
wants and he is working on communicating
his feelings.
We finally feel like Antonio found a precious
tool to communicate and we feel that TouchChat and the
iPad will open up lots of avenues and even verbal
speech.
My wife and I can't thank you enough for everything!”
Sincerely,
Sal & Antonella
Beverly MA
TOUCH TO TALK
The goal of Touch to Talk is to help nonverbal children with
autism and other developmental disabilities to express themselves more fully. We do this by helping them to access the
tools, clinical expertise and technical know-how they need to
facilitate their expressive language acquisition. Touch to Talk
Center-Based provides individual children at our site on
Southside Road, Danvers. Through our Touch to Talk Goes
to School, we collaborate with schools by training teachers,
parents and SLP’s on AAC by using iPad technology, apps,
and operations. We conduct a series of trainings and will provide the school and students the tools (iPads, protective covers, and chargers) and remain an ongoing support system
(technical supports, phone consultation etc.) to the school’s
professionals and parents throughout the duration of the project.
Children selected for the program will have the pre-requisite
skills to participate. Children participating in the school-based
program are identified by the school. If you have any questions please call Gloria Ricardi Castillo at 978-624- 2301.
North Shore Education Consortium
BY GLORIA RICARDI CASTILLO
ents, representing 10 children attended the training.
Four of the parents were Spanish-speaking. The
school provided an interpreter and ASC provided the
simultaneous translation equipment which allowed eveIn March 2015 I made a call to the Executive Director of ryone to go through the training at the same pace. On
the North Shore Education Consortium, Francine Ros- that day, families were able to take home a brand new
enberg. I mentioned that we were interested in working iPad mini with the TouchChat application for their chilwith the Consortium and Fran was so enthusiastic that dren. As communication takes place throughout the
she invited me to meet with the entire speech departday and in a variety of environments, participants will
ment (9 clinicians) led by Marcia Alfieri. The whole
be expected to use the iPads at home to support their
team was on board with the idea on bringing iPads to
developing communication skills with their families and
children at the school.
within the community at large. Parent support and parOn April 10th, 2015, Saltillo, the makers of TouchChat, ticipation is essential to the success of this program.
provided a full-day training. Seven staff from Beverly
We are very pleased with this new collaboration. I am
Consortium (6 SLPs and 1 teacher) attended. This was so grateful to the executive director of the NSEC, Franoffered as part of the Year 1 project with Beverly Public cine Rosenberg, Marcia Alfieri and her team (especially
Schools, but was opened up to other local profession- to Amy Meltzer, SLP, Sarah Rowe SLP and Allison
als. The timing was just right!
Dudley) for their friendly and supportive reception to
our
program. We appreciate all their help, from coordiThe Consortium identified 10 children for this project.
nating
trainings, communicating with families, securing
On May 29th, 2015, parents were invited to attend a
an
interpreter
to allow Spanish speaking families to parTouch Chat (Introduction to the Application) training
ticipate, as well as the delicious lunch and for everyand Understanding the Purpose and Power of AAC,
this training took place at the Consortium. Eleven par- thing else, thank you so much!.
Thanks to funding through the United Way Youth Innovation Grant, we have been able to work with students
in Beverly.