November 2015 - Northeast Arc

VOLUME 24 ISSUE 5 NOVEMBER 2015
The Autism Support Center
The Spectrum
Travel and Autism
By Marijke Callahan, M.Ed., 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:
JOIN A SUPPORT
GROUP!
The anticipation of a family vacation can be exciting and overwhelming at the
same time. Getting away from the normal routine is intriguing and although the
preparation can be busy and stressful, that stress is somewhat alleviated by the
anticipation of your arrival to the destination. Traveling with your child with autism
can be a daunting thought. Transitions and unknown expectations are often difficult and anxiety producing for all. Even short trips to the grocery store or to the
doctor’s office can be a challenge. The following are some suggestions that may
be useful when planning any length of travel.
Prepare your child for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the travel destination in
advance. Social stories, video clips, or storybooks can help give your child a preview of what they might experience. Show your child photographs of the destination, the plane (or other vehicle), the hotel, etc. so that they know what to expect
before they go.
Bring favorite toys and activities as well as pre-packaged snacks, MP3 players,
DVD players and headphones with favorite DVDs, crayons and card games, as
well as a change of clothes and travel-sized toiletries that can be easily reached
for long car or plane rides. If you are driving to your destination and your child has
difficulty riding in the car, consider driving at night, after dinner, or during your
child’s regular bedtime in hopes that they will sleep for most of the journey.
If your child has sensory issues around food or textures of clothing, it may be important to pack your own food and bring the child’s favorite blanket or bedding.
Take anything that will make the experience easier but have a plan B as plans
can always change unexpectedly.
If you are staying in a hotel during an extended vacation, consider staying at a
local hotel for one night to expose your child to sleeping in an unfamiliar location
Travel tips
(continued from page 1)
and unfamiliar bed. Call ahead to your destination to inquire about any possible accommodations such as a
room on the first floor to avoid the elevator and stairs,
adjoining rooms when traveling with extended family, or
specialty passes such as those that help avoid long lines
at amusement parks.
Safety is of utmost concern when traveling anywhere. It
is important to have your child’s information handy in
case of an emergency. Make sure your child knows and
can recite their personal information. However if they
cannot, they should have some type of identification on
them
at
all
times.
Include
your
child’s
name, guardian’s name, diagnosis, phone number and
if necessary further instructions. This will be extremely
helpful if your child happens to wander off.
Once at your destination, there is usually a rush of excitement to see and do everything it has to offer but
make sure to build in some free time to relax. Travel can
be enriching and fun. It offers a break from school, therapy, homework, housework, deadlines and bedtime battles. The most important thing is to start slowly. Take
your time by traveling short distances and for small time
increments and work your way up to longer
vacations.
For more information on Northeast Arc Behavioral Health Services contact program
director, Stacey Villani, at 978-624-2340.
AUTISM OMNIBUS LAW
WORKSHOP IN LYNN
The Massachusetts Autism Law—What does it mean?
The Autism Support Center is pleased to offer a workshop for parents and professionals
focusing on the 6 major components of the Autism Omnibus Law, emphasizing practical steps and strategies to help ensure that individuals with ASD and their families can
effectively access new services and opportunities.
•
MassHealth coverage of ABA and other medically necessary treatments
•
Change eligibility criteria for The Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
•
Create tax-free saving accounts (called “Achieving a Better Life Experience” or ABLE)
•
New Autism Endorsement for special education teachers
•
Require Department of Mental Health and Department of Developmental Services to develop and implement a plan to provide services to individuals who have both a mental illness
and developmental disabilities.
•
Establish the Autism Commission as a permanent entity.
Presenter: Johanne Pino, Mass. Advocates for Children
When: Tuesday, December 1, 6 to 8 pm
Where: Centerboard, 16 City Hall Square, Lynn
RSVP: Susan Gilroy at 978-624-2302
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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 [email protected] for info.
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
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
Danvers
Northeast Arc sponsored; Target group: parents of transition age youth (14-22+)
Parent support group for Transition
October 15th @ 6:3– to 7:30 pm
6 Southside Road, Danvers.
Contact : Kathy Kelly 978-624-2341
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 617-3933824 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 978-624-2301
or [email protected]
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.
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.
Touch to Talk
By Gloria Ricardi Castillo, Co-director
ASC and Touch to Talk
Touch to Talk Goes to School’s most recent collaboration was with Salem Public Schools. Last month on Friday,
October 2, we provided a full day training at Witchcraft Heights School. Over twenty professionals and fourteen parents attended this training. Ten children at the school received an iPad, an iPad case and the TouchChat application
plus the support of teachers and speech and language pathologists at the school, and at home their parents will be
able to continue to provide and facilitate the use of the iPad to communicate. In total, parents and school
personnel received six hours of training from the Touch to Talk Goes to School program.
I am very grateful to Maureen Branconnier, Director of Autism Services, Salem Public Schools, and to her
staff; they made this partnership seamless.
We will continue our collaboration with schools to bring the technology and the tools to promote the use of iPads and
applications, to afford children the opportunity to communicate.
Maureen Branconnier & Gloria Ricardi Castillo
Randi Williams, M.S.CCC/SLP
The goal of Touch to Talk Center-based is to
help children with autism to express themselves
more fully. We do this by helping them to access
the tools, clinical expertise and technical knowhow they need to facilitate their expressive language acquisition.
Touch to Talk goes to School: Our goal is to
create collaborations with schools, train school
personnel (teachers and SLP) on AAC by using
iPad technology, applications, and operations.
Our clinician(s) will conduct trainings and will provide them with the tools (iPads, iPads protective
covers, and chargers) and remain an ongoing
support system (technical supports, phone consultation etc.) to the school’s professionals
throughout the duration of the project.
Contact Gloria Castillo at 978-624-2301 if you
are interested in participating.
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Travel tips
(continued from page 1)
AUTISM OMNIBUS LAW
WORKSHOP IN LYNN
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IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Aerobic
Boxing!
Northeast Arc Recreation presents
Aerobic Boxing Class
Ages 13+
Fee $80
TITLE Boxing Gym
329 Broadway, Saugus
Staff ratio is 8:1
Fridays @ 5:30 to 6:30
Aerobic Boxing is quickly becoming one of the top cardiovascular
workouts. This class is designed for individuals of all abilities and
experience. We will be starting from scratch and learning all the
proper techniques, form, and ways to get the best workout! Each
individual will receive free hand wraps at the first class. Individual
punching bags are included for the workout. Come and give it a
shot! Contact Adam Quinn at 978-624-2308 to sign up or for
more information.
GET IN SHAPE!
Get in shape with Northeast Arc Recreation’s new
Adaptive Fitness Workout Class!
Ages 13+
Fee $65
Location: Heritage Industries, 5 Electronics Ave, Danvers
Wednesdays 5:30 to 6:30
Staff Ratio 8:1
Looking to get in shape? We are now offering a brand new adaptive fitness class to work on strength,
flexibility, and of course, aerobic exercise! Adapted for all levels and abilities within our staffing ratio.
Contact Adam Quinn to sign up or for more information at 978-624-2308
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IT’S A FACT:
Kathy Kelly’s
Transition Tip
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
TRANSITION TIP #3
Transition planning should be student centered and the
student must be involved to whatever extent possible.
Students can learn valuable communication and selfadvocacy skills by being an active part of the planning
process. For a person to be able to self-advocate for
themselves independently, they must develop an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, as well as
the necessary supports or accommodations they will require.
* Involve the student beginning in Middle School
Parent support group for Transition
November 19th @ 6:30– to 7:30 pm
6 Southside Road, Danvers.
Discuss transition –related concerns and enjoy occasional guest speakers.
Kathy Kelly is the director of Transition Services at
Northeast Arc. She may be reached at
978-624-2342.
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, 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.
PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL THEATER TO CONFIRM
DATE, TIME & PRICES.
This is NOT an ASC program!
CTIA CONFERENCE
Current Trends in Autism Conference
A conference focused on translational research and multi-disciplinary approaches to treatment
November 13-14, Hilton Boston/Dedham (25 Allied Drive, Dedham)
The Current Trends in Autism® Conference strives to present the most upto-date, scientifically sound information in the field of autism research to
parents and professionals who care for individuals of all ages with the living
with ASD. CTIA encourages and facilitates parent-to-professional relationships through panel discussions, an ongoing vendor and information room,
and group dinners that accessorize two days of interactive autism learning.
Neurobiological and clinical research, as well as strategies for autism diagnosis and therapy, have advanced dramatically over the past several years.
Our distinguished faculty from some of the leading autism treatment centers will present what is now known, how what we know can be applied to
the education and care of those with autism, and what direction future research needs to take in order to advance our knowledge and understanding of autism disorders.
For more info and to register, go to www.ctiaconference.org
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IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Planning a Life
The Federation for Children with Special Needs &
The Arc of Greater Haverhill/Newburyport
present
Planning a Life
Making the Most Out of High School
For Students with Disabilities
If you have a child with a disability who is approaching the age of 14-22, this transition conference is an important opportunity for you.
November 13-14, 2015
8:30—4:00 pm
Whittier Rehab Hospital
125 Ward Hill Ave, Bradford
RSVP 617-236-7210
SAFE & SECURE PROJECT
FLUTIE FOUNDATION & LOJACK SAFETYNET
Stories.
The Flutie Family Safe & Secure Project is a partnership
between the Flutie Foundation & LoJack SafetyNet in an effort to help those with autism who tend to wander.
Through this partnership, the Foundation and LoJack SafetyNet will be donating a limited quantity of SafetyNet Bracelets and one-year subscriptions to the SafetyNet service covering the initial registration fee of $99 and one year of service
($438 value) to caregivers of individuals with autism in New
England with a history of wandering who could not otherwise
afford them.
To learn how to apply for a SafetyNet Bracelet and subscription through our Safe and Secure program, please
email
Lisa
Collins at
lcol-
LoJack SafetyNet enables public safety agencies to more
quickly find and rescue individuals with cognitive conditions
who are prone to wandering and becoming lost. The service
is comprised of a SafetyNet Bracelet worn by a client that
emits Radio Frequency signals, which can be tracked by local
public safety officials via their SafetyNet Search and Rescue
Receivers.
Visit LoJack SafetyNet's webpage to read SafetyNet Rescue
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IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Ask the
Advocate
Ask the Advocate!
Question: “My son is on an IEP and has some behavior problems. I am often called to pick up my son at school when he has
behavior issues. I’m not sure what to do.”
Answer: You will need to reconvene the team to discuss alternative options. School removals are not positive behavioral support and can never be used alone. When a behavior has risen to
the level of “behavior impeding learning of the student or peers,”
the IEP team will need consider positive behavioral supports as
a component of a behavior support plan. If removals have occurred more than a few times, the team needs to develop a
behavioral support plan to address the problem. In addition
to changes in environment and the teaching of new replacement
behaviors, specify in the behavior support plan how to utilize inschool services in lieu of parental removal.
Remember: A parent is required to come to school to remove a
child with behavior problems, though this removal is not referred
to by staff as a “suspension.” (A removal for behavior and a suspension for behavior both constitute removals subject to limitations. Just because the staff do not view this removal as a punishment does not exempt this removal from counting towards the
10-day limit.)
If you need an advocate, please call our Advocacy Intake Coordinator at: 1-978-762-8352
PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOES
Dear Families,
Love to dance? Good News! We have opened up our monthly Tuesday night dances to everyone ages 13 and up!
We will be holding our November dance, November24th at 6:30pm.
These Monthly dances are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month and are currently being held at the Knights
of Columbus in Lynn. The address is 177 Lynnfield St, Lynn, MA 01904.
Dances are from 6:30 - 8:30pm and are DJ'd by none other than DJ Dave! Snacks and drinks are provided. Come
dance, hang out with friends and have a GREAT time. Please provide your own transportation to and from the
dance. (Parents, guardians and rides are encouraged to stay for the dance.)
The cost of the dance is $10.00. If this cost is keeping you from attending the dance, PLEASE contact us for
potential scholarship funding. We want this to be accessible for all! 978-624-2308.
Join us for a night of dancing and fun!!
Adam Quinn M.Ed.
Director of Recreation and Leisure
Northeast Arc
Office (978)-624-2308
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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 [email protected] 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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