Autism in Connecticut

Late Fall 2010

2010-10-06T14:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the Autism in Connecticut blog

Our intention is to be a listing of EVERYTHING happening in Connecticut that might be of interest to families living with autism. Whether it is a support group, speaker event, summer camp program, social skills class, informational conference, if it is happening in Connecticut, we want to see it listed here! Please note - our policy is not to include fundraisers for specific organizations that do not also have a therapeutic or educational purpose.

Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net. Please include a contact name, number or e-mail.

We try to post in a timely manner, but would appreciate your sending the information early!

Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut.
Made possible by donations from YOU, our friends.

AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net. Please include contact information.

Help Roses for Autism! Roses is in the running for a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project. You can help by voting. You can vote once a day EVERY DAY through the month of October. Go to www.refresheverything.com/rosesforautism to register and vote. You can even do it on your cell phone. Text 103448 to 73774. Learn more about this program that employs adults with autism right here in Connecticut, growing and selling roses at www.rosesforautism.com. Tell your friends.

The CT State Department of Education has issued a notice of additional hearing dates and an extension of the deadline for comments on the Proposed Revisions to the Special Education Regulations. Two additional hearing dates are scheduled: Tues, Nov. 9, 2010, 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Conference Room 3 at CES, 40 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull and Wed. Nov. 17, 2010 from 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at the State Office Building, 165 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Written comments will be accepted until December 1, 2010 and should be submitted to Theresa DeFrancis, Bureau of Special Education, PO Box 2219, Hartford, CT 06145. Go to www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/FinalnoticeforCLJ,pdf and www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Testimony.pdf for more information on the proposed changes and to read other comments.

Family and Children's Center, Sarah, Inc, KIDSTEPS has time available to form a social skills group on Wednesday afternoons. Lead by Dr. Elizabeth Hart, Clinical Child/Pediatric Pscyhologist. Originally scheduled from 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. for children 6-8 years old and 4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. for children 9-11 years old. $200 for 8 sessions. Times may change dependent upon needs. Contact Kathy Fadel, Family Services Coordinator, Family and Children's Center, Sarah, Inc, KIDSTEPS at 203-218-3692 x 2. Program meets in Madison.

St Joseph's College announces a series of lectures on Autism Spectrum Disorders. They run from 6:30 p.m. - 8;30 p.m., generally on Monday evenings. Check their website at www.sjc.edu/autism and click on the link for ASD Lecture Series for more information and to register.

Rocky Hill Parks and Recreation Inclusive Music Therapy Groups. Saturdays, Oct 23 - Nov. 20, 2010. For ages 2 through teens. Community Center Room 4. Taught by Maura Hennessy, MT-BC, Connecticut Music Therapy Services, LLC. Class size is limited, register early. Contact Rocky Hill Parks and Recreation, Emily Pelligrino at 860-558-0802.

Superkids is coming to the shoreline. Opening in Guilford starting Oct 4. Sachem Knoll Professional Center, 47 Clapboard Hill Road, Guilford (off I-95 exit 59). For more information contact Anne at 866-944-958 or info@superkidsct.com. www.superkidsct.com

KidSteps Family and Children's Center has fall and winter programs. Making strides to support, educate and advocate for differently-abled children, their families and friends. Including social skills programs, practical parenting, bedtime and mealtime workshops. Contact Kidsteps at 203-318-3692 x2 or kidsteps-fcc@sarah-inc.org. www.sarah-inc.org.

ASRC presents a Northern CT Teen & Young Adult Social Group. Saturdays from Oct 9 through Dec. 18, 2010. 10 sessions for $10. Various activities depending upon interests and needs of participants. For more information contact Carol Barans at 860-965-2053 or bb58@comcast.net. Made possible by a grant from the Northern CT Community Collaborative.

Transitioning Into Adulthood. A group for young men and women diagnosed with Aspergers/PDD NOS which will address: transition from high school to college and beyond; how to navigate into adulthood; how to maintain friendships with those who have moved on and to develop new ones; how to find jobs, the interview and retaining jobs. Meets Fridays, Sept 24, Oct. 8 and 22 and Nov. 5 and 19, Dec. 3 and 17. 7:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Old Lyme Counseling, LLC, 4 Davis Road West, Suite 6, Old Lyme. Contact Jonathan Dean, LMFT 860-539-0629 email jondean13@yahoo.com.

The CT State Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education has a resource available to help parents find consultants to help them with issues relating to special education. There are specific consultants who are assigned to each school district. Check out the list at http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Updates/BulletinNovDec2009.pdf click on the list "LEA Assignments for Consultants" or call the main number at 860-713-6910 and be directed to the consultant for that district.

Questions about the new insurance law? Check out FAQ's here. Particular problems with Anthem Bc/BS? Contact Maureen Smith, Director, Consumer Relations, Office of the Healthcare Advocate at 860-297-3956 or maureen.smith@ct.gov.

Project Lifesaver is up and running in Greenwich. Contact the Greenwich Police Department for more information.

Social Skills Groups - Designed for Children with Asperger's, PDD-NOS or HFA. Group focuses on developing social skills, anger management, communication skills, friendship building skills, transitions and dealing with bullying. Grades 7-10. On Fridays at Old Lyme Counseling, LLC, 4 Davis Road West, Suite 6, Old Lyme. Contact at 860-539-0629.

Music Therapy and Adaptive Dance/Creative Movement Classes - this fall in South Windsor and Southbury. Sessions for ages 3-6, 7-11 and 12-18. Contact Maggie Carchrie, M.D., MT-BC at maggie@mermaid-productions.com or the South Windsor Recreation Department at 860-648-6355 or Southbury Parks and Recs at 203-262-0633.

New ABA Therapy and Consultation Services in Guilford. ABC Interventions, LLC. Courtney Rinaldi, M.A., BCABA had opened a new practice for ABA therapy for families and schools. Credentialed with many insurance companies. more information at www.abc-interventions.com. 203-779-9074.

Kennedy Center, Children's Services, Autism Project in Trumbull has social activity groups and parent groups for families living with autism. Contact Emma Genster for more information at 203-332-4535 x 223 or egenster@kennnedyctr.org.

Stratford YMCA has workshops for children with special needs including therapeutic weight training programs. Contact Karim Ibrahim at 908-205-3452 or info@thewcsn.org.

Synergy Center in Waterford is putting together fall and winter groups for social skills and siblings of kids with ASD. Go to www.connectwithsynergy.com for more information.

New home and school behavioral consulting practice in Hartford County. Program Builders Consulting, LLC, is dedicated to providing professional behavioral services to families throughout CT. Services include recreational training, life skills training, homework tutoring, discrete trial training/teaching, community training, parent training and school consultation. Contact them at 860-543-9943 or email jchasse@programbuilders.org. www.programbuilders.org.

Piano Lessons for Children with Autism. Fun, effective, flexible curriculum offers uncluttered page layouts, elements broken down into smallest components while nurturing creativity through play by ear and chords. Melodies learned by patterns, combined with simple convenient chords to allow for free expression and rapid learning. Caregiver/Parent must attend lessons. Contact Ronald Hawkins, M.M. at 203-530-3600, www.ronaldhawkins.com.

Creative Interventions, LLC announces expansion of services to the Southeast! Services to include: Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Intervention Planning, caregiver consultation and training, individual academic, daily living and social skills program development and implementation, direct 1:1 teaching, social skills groups, comprehensive standardized and curriculum assessments, OT and ST evaluation, consultation and direct services and services and support for families. Contact Creative Interventions at 860-413-9538, krista@creativeinterventions.net. More information at www.creativeinterventions.net.

New behavioral and educational consultants practice in Fairfield County. Little Big Steps, LLC is dedicated to providing professional behavioral services to families throughout Fairfield County. Services include Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Intervention Plans, Evaluations and Assessments, ABA Services, Parent Training. Contact them at 203-870-6326 or visit www.littlebigstepsny.com or e-mail info@littlebigstepsny.com.

Link to DDS webpage that provides regional contact information for individuals who do not have case managers but who can still access services and supports. http://www.ct.gov/dds/cwp/view.asp?A=2042&Q=448898.

The American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children with Disabilities Autism Subcommittee strives to provide current information for pediatricians and families on autism. "Sound Advice on Autism" is a series of interviews aiming to answer common questions about autism. Visit at www.aap.org/audio/autism.

Research Projects:

Giant Steps wants to hear from parents about services and supports that make a difference in the life of your child or young adult with ASD. Please participate in a brief survey being conducted by the Institute for Human Centered Design for Giant Steps/The American Institute for Neuro-Integrative Development (AIND). Go to http://ihcdstudio.limequery.com/32648/lang-en. For questions and more information e-mail research@HumancenteredDesign.org.

Genetic Study of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Weill Cornell Medical College is enrolling families with children older than 12 months of age with unknown types of intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders to participate in a study to identify the factors that are associated with these conditions. The study involves about 3 -5 hours of time. The study will include a detailed clinical evaluation including neuropsychological testing, completion of a questionnaire, and blood drawing. Families can be seen either in NY or Hackensack, NJ. Voucher available for parking and a gift certificate for participation. For more information about egligibility please contact Ms. Vivian Ojeda at 646-962-8318 or vio2003@med.cornell.edu.

Research Study on early signs of autism. Do you have a child with autism and are you pregnant or have a newborn less than 4 months old? Study will follow pregnant women and their newborns after birth looking at whole infant development in infants at risk for autism. Includes 6 infant follow up visits to LADDERS clinic for examination. Conducted by Martha Herbert, MdPhD, TRANSCEND Research Program and Margaret Bauman, M.D. LADDERS Program. Contact mghsiblings@partners.org or call 781-860-1760.

Yale Child Study Center is currently recruiting subjects for a multi-site, NIMH funded, randomized trial to examine the efficacy of Parent Training in reducing irritability and non-compliant behavior in young children with PDD. Eligible children are between the ages of 3-7 and have a diagnosis of Autism, PDD-NOS or Asperger's Disorder. Contact Kathtryn Bradbury for more information at kathryn.bradbury@yale.edu or 203-785-5805.

Boston University Research Project to develop an efficient and comprehensive assessment of adaptive behaviors of children and youth with ASD ages 3-21. Adaptive behavior is the performance of everyday activities that held children and youth be active members in their family, school and community. These include self care (bathing and dressing), getting around, taking care of personal belongings, making friends, communicating needs and feelings and managing health and wellness. Looking for parents of children diagnosed with ASD aged 3-21. Questionnaires and an online survey. For more information contact asdcat@bu.edu or www.bu.edu/kidsincontext.

The Infant Brain Imaging Study at the Center for Autism Research of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is looking for participants. Conducting research focusing on how the brain develops differently in children with autism. Looking for families who have a child with an ASD and an infant sibling 12 months old or younger. More information contact Julie Mesaric or Stephanie Colantonio, Research Assistants, Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia at 866-570-6524 or autism@email.chop.edu. www.research.cholp.edu/car.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AND MONTHLY PROGRAMS

Please send all information on ongoing groups to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net. Please include contact information.

Can't find a group near you? Interested in starting a group? Send a posting with your inquiry to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net and include contact information.

Looking for a group? Check the inquiries and see if someone near you is interested in starting a group and contact them directly.

If you need help in starting a group, contact the Autism Society of Connecticut at asconn@sbcglobal.net.

While every attempt is made to keep the list up to date, group meeting dates and times may vary. Please call ahead of time to check.

Inquiries:

New Group forming in Lower Fairfield County (Stamford area). Contact Teresa Ginsberg at gogators2@mac.com.

Ongoing Groups:

First Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at ascanlan01@yahoo.com for more information.

First Tuesday of the month: Pizza moms in Darien! 7:30 p.m. Post Corner Pizza in Darien. http://sites.google.com/site/pizzamomssite/home. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. We get together informally and have pizza, salad and beer in Darien. Everyone is welcome. This is a place where moms can talk with other moms who are having similar experiences. If you are interested, contact Nanette Jordan at nanette618@gmail.com.

First Tuesday of the month: Sibling Support Group for ages 10-13. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Group focuses on the intense feelings that a sibling may experience when they have a brother or sister with special needs. At Jewish Family Services, Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford. Contact Janice Rothstein at JRothstein@jfshartford.org for more information and registration.

First Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. 7:00 p.m. Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford. Sponsored by the Stratford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Pam Jannetty at alinadrk823@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Every Wednesday: Parent Chat Group. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Kidsteps, 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Childcare provided. Call Kidsteps at 203-318-3692 for more information or email Marian Roy at mroy@sarah-inc.org.

First Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fairfield Woods Middle School, Fairfield, Sponsored by The Pilot House and facilitated by Laurel Carey, Psychologist. Call The Pilot House at 203-610-3877 for more information or e-mail Doreen Caruso at dcaruso@thepilothouse.org.

First Wednesday of the month: Autism Family Support Group: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Johnson Community Center Upper Level, 201 Noble St., West Haven. Sponsored by the West Haven Interagency Network for Children (WHINC). Please contact Janet Booth at boothjeb@yahoo.com or Randy Brown at 203-937-3760 for information and to reserve space for child care.

First Wednesday of the month: Southeast Region - CT Family Support Network Parent Support Group for parents of children with a disability and/or special health care needs. 6:00 p.m. Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, New London. Contact April Dipollina at 860-271-4371 or adipollina@lmhosp.org for more information and locations.

First Thursday of the month: Northeast Region - CT Family Support Network Support group for parents of children with a disability and/or special health care needs. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., John Dempsey Regional Center (DDS Satellite), Putnam. Contact Mona Tremblay at 860-928-6514 or monatremblay@sbcglobal.net for more information.

First Thursday of the month: Newtown Parent's Support Group. For parents of children with an ASD diagnosis. Sponsored by Newtown Youth and Family Services. 7:00 p.m., 17 Church Hill, Newtown. Call 203-364-1163.

First Friday of the month: Chat and Chew: Sibling Edition. For kids 13-25 who have a sibling with a mental health issue. 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., F.A.C.T. Center, 154 Hempstead St. New London. Contact Raeanna Smolenski for more information at alkalinaholic18@aol.com or 860-303-6855.

Second Monday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders. 7:00 p .m. Manchester Memorial Hospital. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Jean Bajorek at 860-645-1940 or Bajorek2@cox.net.

Second Tuesday of the month: Northeast Region - CT Family Support Network Support Group for Parents of Children with disabilities and/or special health care needs. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m., Generations Healthcare, Willimantic. On site spanish translations available. Contact Mona Tremblay at 860-928-6514 or monatremblay@sbcglobal.net for information and locations.

Second Tuesday of the month: South Central Region - CT Family Support Network Support Group for Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs. Middletown. Please contact Tesha Imperati at 203-710-3041 or teshaimp@comcast.net for information on locations and times.

Second Tuesday of the month: Northwest Region - CT Family Support Network Support Group for Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Central Park, Waterbury. Contact Alice Buttwell at 860-350-6025 or AliceMMBB@aol.com for more information and directions.

Second Thursday of the month: Southeast Region - CT Family Support Network Support Group for Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs. 7:00 p.m. L&M Hospital Satellite, Old Saybrook. Contact April Dipollina at 860-271-4371 or adipollina@lmhosp.org for more information and locations.

Second Wednesday of the month: Chat and Chew - a conversation about stress, advocacy and support for parents of chidlren with special needs. Families and Communities Together Resource Center, 154 Hempstead St., New London. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Contact Rachel Smolenski, Family Involvement Coordinator at 860-443-0044 or rsmolenski@familiesunited.org.

Second Thursday of the month: Parent Support Group. 6:30 p.m. Northwest Community College, Winsted. Sponsored by LACASA. Contact Sharon Cable at cablehome@aol.com or 203-693-9128.

Second Friday of the month: Adult Asperger's Support Group. For Adults on the Spectrum. 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Meets at the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center at 101 North Industrial Road, Wallingford. Call Dave Tipping at 203-484-2937 or e-mail NZ1J@juno.com for more information.

Second Saturday and Fourth Saturday of the month: Play for All! A playgroup for children of all abilities. Special needs play group giving parents an opportunity to talk, support and encourage each other, while allowing their children time to play and socialize. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon. Children's Programming Room, Lucy Robbins Wells Library, Newington. Sponsored by the Library and Newington UNICO. Call the library at 860... for more information.

Third Monday of the month: Parent Support Group - Bloomfield. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at 1st Congregational Church, Bloomfield. Contact Sheila Harris at 860.... Sponsored by AFCAMP (African American Caribbean American Parents) and PEETA (Parent Empowerment Through Education Training and Advocacy).

Third Monday of the month. Parent Support Group (Spanish) - 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 at the Institute for Hispanic Families, 45 Wadsworth Street, Hartford. Sponsored by PAP. Contact afcamp@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Third Monday of the month: Care for the Caregiver Support Group - Southwest Region CT Family Support Network. 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Bridgeport Hospital, Education Conference Room, lower level, Bridgeport. Contact Lisa Sheppard at 203-556-7317 or lnshep@aol.com for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Groton Public Library. Contact Danielle Greene at dkg64@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Southwest Region - CT Family Support Network support group for Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs. 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport. Contact Lisa Sheppard at 203-556-7317 or lnshep@aol.com.

Third Tuesday or Third Thursday of the month: Parent Support group for parents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. Meeting dates: Th. 9/23, Tues 10/19, Th. 11/18, Tues, 12/14. Th. 1/13, Tues. 2/15, Th. 3/17, Tues. 4/12, Th. 5/19, Tues. 6/21. Th. 7/28. Unitarian Universalist Society, Boston Post Rd., Madison. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call 888-453-4975 or asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Third Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Enfield Child Development Center, 110 High St., Enfield. Contact Kate Faherty at KFaherty@enfield.org for more information. Contact Kate for information and location changes!

Third Wednesday of the month: Birth to Three Parent Support Group - Southwest Region, CT Family Support Network. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Abilis, Cos Cob. Contact Lisa Sheppard at 203-556-7317 or lnshep@aol.com for more information and directions.

Third Thursday of the month: Sibling Support Group for ages 7-10. 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Group focuses on the intense feelings a sibling may have when they have a brother or sister with special needs. Jewish Family Services, Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford. contact Janice Rothstein at JRothstein@jfshartford.org for more information and registration.

Third Thursday of the month: Autism A Walk Through Faith support group. 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., 3455 Madison Ave., Bridgeport. A faith based organization with the community at heart. Contact Tomeekha Gee at tgee125@yahoo.com.

Third Friday of the month: Parent Support Group - Hartford. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Contact Sheila Harris at 860-297-4358 or afcamp@sbcglobal.net Sponsored by AFCAMP (African American Caribbean American Parents) and PETEA (Parent Empowerment Through Education Training and Advocacy).

Third Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Church of Our Saviour, Plainville on third Sunday. Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington on 1st Sunday. From 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at ascanlan01@yahoo.com for more information.

Fourth Monday of the month: Northwest Region - CT Family Support Network Support group for Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., ARC, Waterbury. Contact Alice Buttwell at 860-350-6025 or aliceMMBB@aol.com for more information and directions.

Fourth Friday of the month: Parent Support Group, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., 1st Congregational Church, 10 Wintonbury Ave, Bloomfield. Contact Sheila Harris at 860-297-4358 or JP Vincent Family Resource Center at 860-286-2640 x 112. Sponsored by AFCAMP.

Last Monday of the month: Friends of Autistic People. Presentations, informal conversation, refreshments. Christ Church Parish House, 250 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Contact Brita Daranyi at 203-661-8510 or fap.autismct@gmail.com.

Last Tuesday of the month: Autism Parents Club. A group of parents (dad's too!) of children on the autism spectrum. Open to parents from all over CT. 7:30 p.m. at Blue Luna Restaurant, 1 Danbury Rd, Wilton. For more information, contact Patti Sylvia at 203-761-0248 or http://sites.google.com/site/autismparentsclubct.

Last Tuesday of the month: Farmington Valley Asperger's Network. Parent support group for parents or extended family members or professionals working with a child with an ASD. Discussions and networking meetings. Lending Library. Farmington Senior/Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave, Unionville. FAVAN. Call Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097, e-mail leemcf@sbcglobal.net or www.favan.org.

Last Tuesday of the month: Northeast Region - CT Family Support Network - Support Group for Parents of Children with Asperger's/PDD-NOS. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 -p.m. various locations in Danielson. Contact Mona Tremblay at 860-928-6514 or monatremblay@sbcglobal.net for information and locations.

Last Thursday of the month: SECASA (Southeatern CT Autism Spectrum Association, Inc.) Support Group for parents and professionals working with children with an ASD. Preston Library, Preston, CT. 6-30-8:00pm. Call the library at 860-886-1010 for more information.

Additional groups in Trumbull, Woodbridge, Wallingford, Wethersfield, Glastonbury for parents of children on the spectrum. Two groups for adults 18 and over with ASD meet in Wallingford. Group for wives of men with ASD in Wallingford. Sibling support group in Wallingford. Sponsored by CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Contact Lois Rosenwald at 203-265-7717 or lois.asrc@sbcglobal.net for information, dates and times of meetings.

New Canaan area parents contact Judi Anders at judianders@sbcglobal.net for meeting dates, times and locations.

New Milford area parents contact Alice Buttwell - Northwest Regional Coordinator CT Family Support Network for a group that meets ever other month in conjunction with the New Milford Youth Agency. Generally in the evening.

Many towns have organized SEPTA's (Special Education PTA's) that hold informational meetings about special education in general and specific disabilities as well. Most have monthly meetings. Check out the listing to see if there is one near you at www.ctpta.org/member\ship/septa. Check out the event listings for specific programs as well.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net

Mon. Oct. 25, 2010: Managing Escalating Behavior: A Course for Parents. 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., DDS South Region - New Haven Office, 370 James St., New Haven. Presented by PMT Associates in association with the DDS. Course topics include: prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, verbal diffusion, personal safety, escorts and physical assists. No fee but registration is required. Contact John Tierney, DDS Central Office at 860-418-6137 or john.tierney@ct.gov.

Tues. Oct. 26, 2010: Managing Escalating Behavior: A Course for Parents. 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 61 Woodland Street - Hartford. Presented by PMT Associates in association with the DDS. Course topics include: prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, verbal diffusion, personal safety, escorts and physical assists. No fee but registration is required. Contact John Tierney, DDS Central Office at 860-418-6137 or john.tierney@ct.gov.

Tues. Oct. 26, 2010: Guilford PTA presents a program by SuperKids. 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Guilford Police Station Community Room. Social Thinking/Social Skills and their function in academics, future independence and family life. By Barbara Cooper, Founder and Director, SuperKids. Contact SuperKids at 866-944-9558 info@superkidsct.org or www.superkidsct.com.

Wed. Oct. 27, 2010: Implementing Responsible Inclusion for Middle and High School Students. 7:15 p.m., Whiting Lane School, West Hartford. Sponsored by the West Hartford SEPTA and open to the public. Presentation by Sheila Blachman, PhD, Inclusion Facilitator, Newtown Bd of Ed and teacher at the graduate school of education, St Joseph's College. contact Carrie Berman at cberman01@snet.net.

Thurs. Oct. 28, 2010: Special Needs Planning. 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., UCP of Eastern CT, 42 Norwich Road, Quaker Hill. Presented by MetLife. The workshop will educate families on the importance of planning for the future of their child or dependent with special needs and will cover topics like protecting government benefits eligibility, guardianship and conservatorship and funding options. The workshop is designed as a roundtable and there will be ample time for questions. Contact Shannon Farr at UCP at 860-443-3800 x11 or sfarr@ucpect.org.

Thurs. Oct. 28 and Fri. Oct 29, 2010: Social Thinking Workshop. Sponsored by CREC and featuring Dr. Pamela Crooke from Michelle Garcia Winner's Social Thinking Center. More information at www.crec.org/ss/divisionunits/ipm/index.php.

Sat. Oct. 30, 2010: Tools for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Norwich Free Academy, Bradlaw Building, Broadway St. Norwich. Presented by New England Assistive Technology and Resource Center (NEAT) and sponsored by Southeastern CT Autism Spectrum Association. Learn about the latest in assistive and handheld technology to support communication and social skills. Free, but registration is required, contact Joan Bachelder at 860-376-3471, bachelder@att.net or Lisa Allyn at 860-886-2001 allynls@att.net.

Mon. Nov. 1, 2010: TAAP - Treadmill for Students with Autism and Apraxia Protocol. 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., LEARN Central Office, Room 112. Hosted by LEARN. Workshop by Debra Widmer-Reyes, MSPT, Pediatric Physical Therapist. TAAP is training to facilitate visual-gross motor development, improve posture, visual field access, and visual skills of attention, tracking and imitation. Registration through LEARN at www.LEARN.k12.ct.us or call 860-434-4800. www.TAAP-Project.com for more information.

Wed. Nov 3, 2010: "Autism 101 Orientation Workshop for Parents" 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., New London Youth Affairs, 120 Broad Street, New London. For parents who have newly diagnosed children or who are interested in learning more about autism. What is autism? How is it diagnosed? Common characteristics and behaviors. Strategies, interventions and support. Presented by ASCONN. Sponsored by New London Youth Affairs, seating limited, register at 860-447-0459.

Sat. Nov. 6, 2010: Autism Resource Fair. 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m., UCONN Stamford, One University Place, Stamford. Exhibitors to include schools, advocacy organizations, private programs, therapists, diagnosticians, public and private agencies. Large bookstore. Co-Sponsored by ASCONN and CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Free. For more information and for exhibitor registration, www.asconn.org, www.ct-asrc.org or contact Sara Reed (ASCONN) at 888-435-4975, asconn@sbcglobal.net or Lois Rosenwald (ASRC) at 203-265-7717.

Sat. Nov. 6, 2010: Sensory Friendly Films presents: "Megamind" at the AMC Movie Theaters in Danbury and Plainville. 10:00 a.m., contact the theaters for more information.

Tues. Nov 9, 2010: Additional hearing date on the proposed revisions to the CT Special Education Regulations. 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Conference Room 3 at CES, 40 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull Written comments will be accepted until December 1, 2010 and should be submitted to Theresa DeFrancis, Bureau of Special Education, PO Box 2219, Hartford, CT 06145. Go to www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/FinalnoticeforCLJ,pdf and www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Testimony.pdf for more information on the proposed changes and to read other comments.

Wed. Nov 17, 2010: Additional hearing date on the proposed revisions to the CT Special Education Regulations. 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at the State Office Building, 165 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Written comments will be accepted until December 1, 2010 and should be submitted to Theresa DeFrancis, Bureau of Special Education, PO Box 2219, Hartford, CT 06145. Go to www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/FinalnoticeforCLJ,pdf and www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Testimony.pdf for more information on the proposed changes and to read other comments.

Thurs. Nov. 18, 2010: Supporting Relationships for Infants and Young Children in the Child Welfare System: the Why and How of Home-Visiting. CT Association for Infant Mental Health fall conference. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Woodwinds, 29 Schoolhouse Road, Branford. For more information www.ct-aimh,com

Fri. Nov. 19, 2010: Sibshop. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Breakthru Fitness, 48 Union St., Stamford. Sponsored by Breakthru Fitness and Abilis. Fee. Sibshops is a social/recreational program for siblings of kids with special needs ages 6-13. During sibshops we find creative ways to reduce the stress in our lives and talk informally about what it is like to be a sibling. Register by calling or emailing Monica at 203-324-1880 x336 or smyth@abilis.us.

Mon, Nov. 22, 2010: "Bullying in the Classroom . . . and the Chat Room" 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Legislative Office Building, Hartford. Sponsored by the CT COmmission on Children. Join this important children's policy forum looking at the issue of bullying and cyberbullying and what students, parents, schools and policymakers need to do about it. With special guest, Kevin Jennings, Director, US Department of Education office of Safe & Drug Free Schools. Free but registration is required, go to www.cga.ct.gov/coc for more information and registration.

Tues. Nov. 30, 2010: "Transition From School to Adult Life" 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Thompson Public Library, 934 Riverside Drive, Rte 12, North Grosvenordale. Presented by CPAC and organized with the help of Susanne Witkowski. Parents, students and educators will better understand transition planning and how they can become more active participants in the process. Participants will gain knowledge of the legal requirements of IDEA, the availability of adult service agencies, and options for what lies ahead after high school. Registration required, contact CPAC at 800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org.

Fri. Dec. 10, 2010: Sibshop. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Breakthru Fitness, 48 Union St., Stamford. Sponsored by Breakthru Fitness and Abilis. Fee. Sibshops is a social/recreational program for siblings of kids with special needs ages 6-13. During sibshops we find creative ways to reduce the stress in our lives and talk informally about what it is like to be a sibling. Register by calling or emailing Monica at 203-324-1880 x336 or smyth@abilis.us.

Welcome to the Autism in Connecticut Blog!

2009-06-11T17:01:00.007-04:00

Due to the enormous growth in listings for the Autism in Connecticut Blog, we've made some changes that we hope will make this resource more helpful and easier to navigate. The blog is now broken down into THREE sections. The first section, Autism Announcements, continues to be a listing of announcements of research projects, multi-date classes and workshops and other items of interest. The second section is a listing of support groups (both specifically for autism spectrum disorders and those that are cross disability). Rather than a separate posting of each date that the group meets on the calendar of events, this section of the blog will provide a listing for ongoing groups that meet regularly (i.e. the first Monday, the third Thursday, etc) each month. Individual meetings dates that are events or speakers will continue to be listed in addition on the calendar of events. The third section will remain the Calendar of Events with programs, workshops, legislative hearings, speakers, conferences, etc. So feel free to scroll down to the listing section that is of interest to you. Check out the links to other resources here in Connecticut. Remember, the Autism in Connecticut blog is a resource for parents and professionals to find out what is happening around the state with relevance to autism spectrum disorders and a place to post your information. Send your information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net. Please include contact information!

Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut.
Made possible by donations from YOU, our friends.

AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS New Entries in Green
Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
Include contact information

Counseling for parents of ASD and special needs children. Licensed clinical psychologist Pamela Deiter-Sands, Ph.D., is herself a parent of five, including spectrum kids and kids with other special needs. Therapy focuses on parents' needs, working on stress management, communication, grief, and making positive changes. Adult and Adolescent Psychological Services, 78 Eastern Boulevard, Suite 4, Glastonbury. Contact Pam at 860-633-7882. Insurance Accepted.

Chapel Haven Abilis, opening in Fall 2009, will serve young adults age 18 to 24 who are on the Autism Spectrum or have a related disorder. Please contact Dr. Susan Izeman for admission and other information at chapelhaven@abilis.us or (203) 629-1880 ext. 304.

Special program at UCONN focuses on teaching individuals in CT to work with families with
children with autism. Interested in parents' ideas regarding
programs that might help their family deal with difficulties in
sibling relationships. Dr. Mary Beth Brudel-principal investigator on this project.
860-983-0858 and my email is hmillerot@yahoo.com

The Developmental Disabilities Clinic at the Yale Child Study Center is working on recruiting young children with ASD for a research project on social engagement They are a clinic, so any children who come in as a part of the research project receive a full evaluation, diagnosis, and recommendations for services. Here is a link to their website and some additional information. http://childstudycenter.yale.edu/autism/socialengagement.html

This spring, the University Of Connecticut will begin holding social skills groups for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The groups will consist of four children with ASD who will spend 90 minutes each week with two graduate student therapists specializing in ASD, who will be closely supervised by a licensed clinician with expertise in ASD. Groups will be offered throughout the year for various age groups.

Short Survery; no more than 20 minutes on feeding problems and gastrointestinal problems. Participation appreciated. https://fs19.formsite.com/vbadalyan/form977322282/secure_index.html

Potty Training: Contact Ashley Hickey at ashley.f.hickey@gmail.com for extensive week-long potty training in your home.

Having trouble paying your fuel bills? Check to see if you qualify for fuel aid here. If you have a family member with a disability you may qualify for "non shut off" meaning that the utility cannot shut off your power or gas during the winter season. Check with your local utility about flagging your account for non shut off and what is required to obtain this status.

Ski Sundown announces The Stride Program - adaptive skiing! More information at www.skisundown.com/adpative or www.stride.org.

Common Ground Center presents Camp Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Families with Kids on the Autism Spectrum. June 25-28, 2009 at the Common Gound Center, Starksboro, VT. More information e-mail info@cgcvt.org or go to www.cgcvt.org.

Final IDEA Regulations took effect on Dec. 31, 2008. These final regulations clarify and strengthen previously published regulations in the areas of parental consent for continued special education and related services; non-attorney representation in due process hearings; State monitoring; techinical assistance and enforcement and allocation of funds. The regulations also incorporate a statutory requirement relating to positive efforts to employ and advance in employment, individuals with disabilties. Go to www.disabilityinfo.gov for more information.

Kidspace: Adaptive Play and Recreation now open. 435 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT. Contact Karen Peck, Certified Therapeutic Recreations Specialist, Owner and Program Director at Karen@kidspaceadaptiveplay.com, www.KidspaceAdaptivePlay.com.

Need help with figuring out your finances? The CT Pro Bono Network is offering a free half hour session with a Certified Financial Planner to help you start to find answers to your financial questions. Contact the FPA CT ProBono Network at 860-721-PLAN. Income restrictions apply.

The Connecticut Tech Act's AT Loan Program is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS. More information about AT loans at www.CTtechact.com/loan or contact Therese Nadeau, AT Loan Program Manager at therese.nadeau@ct.gov or 860-42....

Statewide Parent Leadership Training Available. Agents of Transformation: Community Mobilization for the Well-Being of Children, Youth and Families. Become an advocate to help your child and family and help the children of our state. For more information contact Lorna or Sherry at Families United at 860... or email@familiesunited.org.

High School Transition Planning and Services: Presentations Available. Sponsored by SERC. Contact Karen Stigliano, Consultant at SERC, at 860... x317 or Stigliano@ctserc.org.

ASRC announces a new service to help you design and implement Effective Secondary Education and Transition Plans. Workshops, Consultation Services, Professional Development. Contact ASRC at 203... or www.ct-asrc.org.

Scholarship available for CT high school seniors with disabilities. Available for any student, family or organization who might have a high school senior with a disability who is looking for funding to attend either a 2 or 4 year degree granting college program or a vocational/technical program that is not necessarily being offered at a college. more information and application, contact Doralis Hernaiz at 860... 0r e-mail at doralis.hernaiz@ct.gov.

BOOM! Social Skills Groups at Greenwich Education and Prep. Focusing on the needs of the individual child, using reasearch based practices including ABA to increase appropriate social skills and play skills. For more information contact Greenwich Education and Prep at 203... or e-mail info@greenwichedprep.com.

Summer Camps! For children aged 7-21 with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Chaplin, CT. Camp Eden is sponsored by Eden Family of Services. For more information visit www.camp-eden.org or contact the Camp Director, Todd Garmer at 609... x33.

Summer Camps! New summer camp during August in Waterford for girls 11-15 with Asperger's Syndrome. Contact Linda Chamrad at 860... or 860-91... or e-mail lchamrad@snet.net.

KIDSTEPS Winter Classes now forming! Program highlights include: Baby Sign, Girls Night Out, Group Guitar, Handwriting Skills, Music Together, Parent Chat, Parents and Play Partners, Social Skills Groups and other parent workshops. Contact KIDSTEPS, Marion Roy at 203... or mroy@sarah-inc.org for more information.

The Kennedy Center Autism Project announces Winter/Spring programs including social activity groups for different age/developmental levels and a parents gathering. The social activity groups are designed for children 3-21 whose social, communication and behavioral skills require direction and support, but do not require intensive behavioral intervention. These small groups provide opportunities for children to learn social skills through age appropriate activities and are facilitated by staff with volunteer support. groups for students include in-house programs that encourage inclusion and independence. Contact the Autism Project at 203.... Programs held in Trumbull.

Teen Driving. Easter Seals has a program to help determine if your Asperger's teen is ready to learn to drive. contact the Easter Seals Mobility Center in Meriden at 203....

New Resource for After School Programs: The Connecticut After School Network offers training and professional development for school staff and program directors in working with students with disabilities in after school settings. Go to www.ctafterschoolnetwork.org or call 203... for more information.

ASRC Advocacy Training Series: Starts Feb.4 and runs through April 15. Will be held at ASRC in Wallingford on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fee. Register by Jan. 12. Contact ASRC at 203... or www.ct-asrc.org.

Social Skills Groups in Waterford. Run by Jonathan Dean, LMFT, Connections Counseling and Wellness Center, 163 Boston Post Road, Waterford. Contact Jonathan at 860... x 107 or jondean13@yahoo.com.

Martial Arts. Master Alain German runs a Martial Arts School in Montville with programs for children on the spectrum. Contact him at 860... or germankarate@att.net.

New resource for off-site and clinic based occupational, speech and language therapy services. Advanced Therapy Solutions, 465 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Insurance Accepted. Call 860-7221-9903 or advancetherapysol@att.net, www.advancetherapysolutionsct.com.

Yale Child Study Center announces the opening of the Yale Academic Skills Clinic to work with children from pre-k through college age who are experiencing or are at risk for academic difficulties. Including children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, speech and language difficulties. Evaluation and psychoeducational reporting. Contact Cheri Stahl, clinical coordinator at 203... to find out more about the program including the cost and fees.

Social Skills Scholarship Program. The Autism Society of Connecticut announces a new scholarship program for girls ages 10-18 to participate in social skills groups and programming. Girls must be between 10-18 years of age and have a diagnosis of Asperger's or High Functioning Autism/PDD. The program must take place in one of the shoreline towns. Funds are also available to support the creation of such programs. Contact ASCONN at 888... or asconn@sbcglobal.net for information and application materials.

Bilingual Autism Resource Guide now available! Directory of the best web resource available in Spanish with site descriptions in both English and Spanish. www.asdatoz.com.

GRASP en Espanol! The majority of the GRASP (Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership) is now available in Spanish! www.grasp.org/spanish.

Research Projects:
Dr. Deborah Fein at UCONN is conducting the first NIH-funded study to document recovery from autism. The study is looking for children who have lost their diagnosis of an ASD (or who may lose it in the future). Also looking for children who currently have an ASD diganosis between the ages of 8-17 who are able to read at a third grade level. Looking to learn more about factors that may predict outcomes in order to better inform treatment possibilities. Study involves two home visits (or at the lab in Storrs), where the child is given a battery of tests on language, memory, executive functioning, reasoning, etc. $100 stipend for your participation and receipt of a neuropsychological report on the test findings. Parent interviews also required. Additional MRI study also involved for additional stipend if you are interested. Contact Molly Helt at mollyhelt@aol.com or 860-45....

Yale Child Study Center: Study of Speech Treatment for Preschool Children with ASD Who Do Not Talk Yet. Purpose is to contrast two different treatment programs, one that uses very structured discrete trial methods and one that is more naturalistic to find the characteristics of individual chilren that show us which program will work better for each. Random assignment to the program. 12 week program, plus parent training. Child must have an ASD diagnosis, be between 2-6 years of age, using fewer than 10 spontaneous words and be able to come to Yale 3 times a week for 12 weeks. For more information and to sign up contact Elizabeth Schoen, M.S. CCC-SLP at 203... or elizabeth.schoen@yale.edu or Moira Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP, 203-76... or moira.lewis@yale.edu.

Study on the relationship of parenting stress and parent's health. This study looks at how parenting stree and relationships with a spouse affect the health of parents of children with ASD. To participate you will complete 4 questionnaires online. For more information contact Norah Johnson, RN, MSN, CPNP, PhD(c) at hjohnson@chw.org or 414... or visit the website at www.mommyruns.com and click ont the link to the survey website.

Study regarding early intervention. Are you the parent of a child who received early intervention or a professional in this field within the last 15 years? Early intervention inclucdes assessment/evaluation, intervention and/or service coordination for children at risk or with developmental delays or disabilities. To learn more or to take the survey go to www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=eI1yuKYxFNtYCoRWt502uw_3d_3d.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AND MONTHLY PROGRAMS Please send all information on ongoing groups to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
include contact information

Can't find a group near you? Interested in starting a group? Send a posting with your inquiry to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net and include contact information.

Looking for a group? Check the inquiries and see if someone near you is interested in starting a group and contact them directly.

If you need help in starting a group,contact the Autism Society of Connecticut at asconn@sbcglobal.net.

While every attempt is made to keep the list up to date, group meeting dates and times may vary. Please call ahead of time to check.

Inquiries:
Support group forming for wives of husbands with Asperger's Syndrome. Contact Lois Rosenwald at ASRC at 203-... or lois.asrc@sbcglobl.net

New group forming for teen aged girls and adult women on the autism spectrum. Contact nzlj@juno.com for more information.

Saturdays: Asperger's Hiking Group. Noon Chatfield Hollow State Park. Contact: Contact Kevin at CalvinD1102@yahoo.com or Susan (Kevin’s mom) at 860-399-2411.

Ongoing Groups: First Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at asclanan01@yahoo.com for more information.

First Monday of the month: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. For Wilton parents only. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve pograms within the school and community. At the Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton, RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

First Monday of the month: Greater New Milford Area Parent Support/Resource Group for parents and caregivers raising children with special health care needs. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., The United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Road, New Milford. Contact Alice Buttwell at 860... or alicemmbb@aol.com or Monika Nugent, 860-35..., monikan@sbcglobal.net. Sponsored by the CT Family Support Network - Northwest Region.

Second Monday of the Month:Parent Support Group. 7p.m. Manchester Memorial Hospital Conference Room A351 Merline Rd. Vernon, CT 06066 Free for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.(860) 645-1940

Every Tuesday morning: Parent Chat: A shoreline support group for families with special needs children birth - eight. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Kidsteps - SARAH, Inc., 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Children invited! Call Marian Roy, Family Support coordinator - Group Facilitator for registration information at 203....

First Tuesday of the month: Pizza moms in Darien! 7:30 p.m. Post Corner Pizza in Darien. www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamoms.html. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. We get together informally and have pizza, salad and beer in Darien. Everyone is welcome. This is a place where moms can talk with other moms who are having similar experiences. If you are interested, contact Nanette Jordan at nanette618@yahoo.com.

Every Wednesday: Parent/Child Playgroup for ages 2-4, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Kidsteps, 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Parent and child will have an opportunity to be involved in a variety of activities to increase large and small motor skills, experiment with a variety of materials and increase positive peer interactions. Parents share ideas and support activities. Facilitated by a special education teacher and counselor. Call Kidsteps at 203... for more information.

First Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fairfield Woods Middle School, Fairfield, Sponsored by The Pilot House and facilitated by Laurel Carey, Psychologist. Call The Pilot House at 203... for more information.

First Thursday of the month: Families united Network - Northeast. A family support and advocacy group. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. United Services, Wauregan. Call Families United at 860... and ask for Lorna.

First Thursday of the month: Families United for Children's Mental Health. The Community Health Center's Family Wellness Center, 635 Main St., Middletown. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. A monthly support group for families of children with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs and challenges. Sponsored by Families United, a statewide support, education and advocacy group, run by and for families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges. Contact Chris at Families United at 860....

First Thursday of the month: CT Family Support Network, Northeast Parent's Group. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., John Dempsey Regional Center, 376 Pomfret St, Putnam. Light refreshments, no childcare. Meetings include family support, resource materials and handouts, trainings to assist families, and our target audience is all families with children having any disability; birth through the lifespan. New families always welcome. Contact Mona Tremblay at 860... or advocatefor2@yahoo.com or Ann Tetreault at 860... or Ann.Tetreault@ct.gov.

Second Monday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders. 7:00 p .m. Manchester Memorial Hospital. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Jean Bajorek at 860... or Bajorek2@cox.net or www.asconn.org for more information.

Second Monday of the month: Parent Support Group. West Haven City Hall. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For parents of special needs children. More information call Karen Muro at 203... or e-mail KarenMMuro@aol.com.

Second Tuesday of the month: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT). For Wilton parents only. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve the programs within the schools and community. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

Second Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents of children on the autism spectrum. 7:00 p.m. Small group with parents of children of all ages. Sponsored by Jewish Family Services, West Hartford. Contact Steven Broyde, PhD., LCSW, Child Clinic Director, JFC for more information at 860... x16 or sbroyde@jfshartford.org.

Second Tuesday of the month: Helping Hands Support Group for Parents of Children with Mental Health Needs. Offering education, coping strategies, networking, support and resources. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. South United Methodist Church (Education Wing), 1226 Main St (corner Main and Hartford), Manchester. Affiliated with NAMI-CT, East of the River Community Collaborative and Route 2 Community Collaborative. Contact Karen at 860... or Cheryl at 860... for more information. Childcare available with prior registration.

Second Tuesday of the month: NOTE THE NEW DATE: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. 7:00 p.m. Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford. Sponsored by the Stratford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Kim Wardlow at bischon03@yahoo.com for more information.

Second Wednesday and Fourth Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group for children diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Westbrook Youth and Family Services. 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860... for more information.

Second Thursday of the month: Families United Network, Thompson, A family support and advocacy group for families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Thompson Public Library. For more information, call Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net, or Suzanne Witkowski at TEEG, 860... or ARCHES@teegonline.org.

Second Friday of the month: Adult Asperger's Support Group. For Adults on the Spectrum. 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Meets at the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center at 101 North Industrial Road, Wallingford. Call Dave Tipping at 203-484-2937 or e-mail NZ1J@juno.com for more information.

Second Saturday and Fourth Saturday of the month: Play for All! A playgroup for children of all abilities. Special needs play group giving parents an opportunity to talk, support and encourage each other, while allowing their children time to play and socialize. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon. Children's Programming Room, Lucy Robbins Wells Library, Newington. Sponsored by the Library and Newington UNICO. Call the library at 860... for more information.

Third Monday of the month: Building Blocks Support Group. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m . Multi-Purpose Room, Colchester Elementary School. A support group for parents or caregivers of children with social or emotional challenges aged birth - five. For more information contact: Dana at 860-434-4890x349 or Rachel at x311. Sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health and Building Blocks Social Emotional Wellness for Young Children.

Third Monday of the month: Parent Support Group - Bloomfield. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at 1st Congregational Church, Bloomfield. Contact Sheila Harris at 860.... Sponsored by AFCAMP (African American Caribbean American Parents) and PEETA (Parent Empowerment Through Education Training and Advocacy).

Third Tuesday of the month from February 3rd to June 23. The Nurturing Parenting Network, Generations Family Health Center and the North Windham Family Resource Center is offering parenting support group

Third Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Groton Public Library. Call Danielle Greene at 860... for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Tamale Tuesday. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. SPED*NET, Special Education Network of New Canaan, Ltd., invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in the New Canaan Public Schools to the Tequila Mockingbird restaurant on 6 Forest St., New Canaan. Please join us to share strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-80... or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.

Third Tuesday of the month: Manchester IEPs. A group of parents who meet monthly to discuss the ways to help and support our children to get the services they need to become successful in school and in life. For more information contact manchesterieps@cox.net.

Third Wednesday of the month: Pizza Moms, Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. www.geocities.com/nenette618/pizzamomsg.html for more information. Pizza moms is a support group for moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. 7:00 p.m. We get together informally for food, drink and networking. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Philippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471 or angelmanmom@aol.com.

Third Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Alcorn Family Resource Center Annex, 110 High Street, Enfield. Contact Kate Faherty at KFaherty@enfield.org or 860... for more information. Contact Kate for information and location changes!

Third Friday of the month: Parent Support Group - Hartford. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Contact Sheila Harris at 860.... Sponsored by AFCAMP (African American Caribbean American Parents) and PEETA (Parent Empowerment Through Education Training and Advocacy).

First Sunday of the month, Third Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Church of Our Saviour, Plainville on third Sunday. Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington on 1st Sunday. From 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at ascanlan01@yahoo.com for more information.

Last Monday of the month: Friends of Autistic People. Presentations, informal conversation, refreshments. Christ Church Parish House, 250 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Contact Brita Daranyi at 203... or bdiranyi@aol.com.

Second Tuesday of the month: Southbury-Middlebury SEPTA meetings 7pm starting 9/15. Future meetings include “Self-Help Advocacy Strategies for Parents of Children with Disabilities” by Special Education Attorney Ann E. Rose at the October 20 meeting, and “Shut Up About Your…Perfect Kid! A Movement of Imperfection” by sisters and authors Gina Gallagher and Patricia Konjoian on Tuesday, November 10. visit www.region15septa.org or contact jacquelinemc@charter.net or tonjahunt@sbcglobal.net.

Last Tuesday of the month: Autism Parents Club. A group of parents (dad's too!) of children on the autism spectrum. Open to parents from all over CT. 7:30 p.m. at Francesco's Restaurant, Rte 7 in Wilton. For more information, contact Patti Sylvia at 203-....

Last Tuesday of the month: Farmington Valley Asperger's Network. Parent support group for parents or extended family members or professionals working with a child with an ASD. Discussions and networking meetings. Lending Library. Farmington Senior/Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave, Unionville. FAVAN. Call Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097 or www.favan.org.

Last Wednesday of the month: Families United Network - Plainfield. A family support and advocacy group. For families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Plainfield Town Hall, 8 Community Ave., Plainfield. For more information contact Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net.

Last Wednesday of the month: New London Autism Parent Support Group. 6:30 p.m. at the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School Library, New London. For more information call Kathryn at 860... or Reginia at 860....

Second Thursday of the month: Old Saybrook-Parent's support group. 7:00pm. To connect FAMILIES and AGENCIES with INFORMATION and SUPPORTS have refreshments, share frustrations, solutions and leave feeling just a little stronger. L&M Hospital Rehab Building, 633 Middlesex Turnpike. E-mail April Dipollina adipollina@lmhosp.org or call 860-388-5881 or 860-271-4371.

Last Thursday of the month: Family Support and Networking Group for Parents Raising Children who have Disabilities. Sponsored by the Southwest Family Support Network and the Family Center at St. Vincent's Special Needs Services. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at St Vincent's Special Needs Services Family Center, 95 Merritt Blvd., Trumbull. Pizza, conversation and networking. Contact Lisa Sheppard, lnshep@aol.com, 203-556-7317, SW Regional Coordinator, CT Family Support Network, or Donna Kennedy, dkennedy@stvincents.org, 203-386-2790.

Third Thursday or Third Tuesday of the month (9/17, 10/20, 11/19, 12/15, 1/21, 2/23, 3/18, 4/20, 5/20, 6/22): Parent Support group for parents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Society, 297 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call 888-453-4975 or asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Last Thursday of the month: Kinship Coffee Chats. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Guilford Youth and Family Services, Guilford, CT. Are you a grandparent or other relative caregiver caring for kin children? Program open to all towns. Kinship care refers to temporary or permanent arrangement in which a relative (such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle) or any non-relative adult who has a relationship or bond with a child is caring for that child in place of its parents. Kinship care includes relationships established through an informal arrangement, legal custody or guardianship o rder, foster care placement or kinship adoption. Call Guilford Youth and Family Services for more information at 203-453-8047.

Last Thursday of the month: SECASA (Southeatern CT Autism Spectrum Association, Inc.) Support Group for parents and professionals working with children with an ASD. Preston Library, Preston, CT. 6-30-8:00pm. Call the library at 860-886-1010 for more information.

Last Thursday of the month: Puzzled Sibs - a support group for brothers and sisters of siblings with autism. Discuss feelings, know we are not alone and have a good time. Open to ages 6-13. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. South Windsor Community Center, 150 Nevers Road, South Windsor (across from South Windsor High School). Contact Melissa Dumont at 860... or puzzled_sibs@cox.net.

Additional groups in Danbury, Glastonbury, Southbury/Middlebury, Watertown, Cheshire and Wallingford. Sponsored by CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Contact Lois Rosenwald at 203... for information, membership requirements, dates and times of meetings.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDER

Wednesday September 16, 2009: Planning for the Future of Your Child or Dependent with Special Needs- 6:30 pm Lighthouse Voc-Ed Center, 744 Long Hill Road, Groton, CT

Wednesday September 23, 2009: Planning for the Future of Your Child or Dependent with Special Needs- 10:00 am The ARC of Quinebaug Valley, 687 Cook Hill Road, Danielson, CT

Wednesday September 23, 2009: Planning for the Future of Your Child or Dependent with Special Needs- 7:00 pm First Congretional Church of Derby, 137 Derby Avenue, Derby, CT Tuesdays, Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20. 27, Nov. 10: Music and Me (6 mos.-4 yrs. old) 3:30-4:15pm $120 for 6 sessions SARAH in auction- 51 Boston Post Rd. Unit 1, Madison spirited, relaxed and playful music and movement program for parents and children Contact: Marian Roy 203-318-3692 mroy@sarah-inc.org

September 30 Milford SEPTA parent support group 7:00-9:00 Margaret Egan Center in Milford. http://www.septanetwork.org/events.html

October 4, 2009 9:00am The Children’s Museum will open early on October 4 for families with children on the Autism Spectrum. Free to members, otherwise $12. Call 860.231.2830 x44 or e-mail Events@TheChildrensMuseumCT.org

October 24-November 21, 2009: Music Therapy Session. Rocky Hill Community Center 76 Old Main St, Rocky Hill. Rocky Hill residents: $80. Non-residents: $90
2-4 years old:8:15-9:15
Teenagers: 9:30-10:30
8-12 years old: 11:00-12:00
5-7 years old: 12:30-1:30

November 5-8, 2009: Sensory Integration for those with Developmental, Learning Disorders, Autism spectrum Disorders and Dyspraxia. Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT. Contact: Judy Ross Administrative Assistant Education Resources, Inc. jross@educationresourcesinc.com Voice: 508-359-6533

Welcome to the Autism in Connecticut Blog!

2009-03-04T19:47:00.061-05:00

Short Survery; no more than 20 minutes on feeding problems and gastrointestinal problems. Participation appreciated. https://fs19.formsite.com/vbadalyan/form977322282/secure_index.html

Potty Training: Contact Ashley Hickey at ashley.f.hickey@gmail.com for extensive week-long potty training in your home.

Having trouble paying your fuel bills? Check to see if you qualify for fuel aid here. If you have a family member with a disability you may qualify for "non shut off" meaning that the utility cannot shut off your power or gas during the winter season. Check with your local utility about flagging your account for non shut off and what is required to obtain this status.

Ski Sundown announces The Stride Program - adaptive skiing! More information at www.skisundown.com/adpative or www.stride.org.

Common Ground Center presents Camp Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Families with Kids on the Autism Spectrum. June 25-28, 2009 at the Common Gound Center, Starksboro, VT. More information e-mail info@cgcvt.org or go to www.cgcvt.org.

Final IDEA Regulations took effect on Dec. 31, 2008. These final regulations clarify and strengthen previously published regulations in the areas of parental consent for continued special education and related services; non-attorney representation in due process hearings; State monitoring; techinical assistance and enforcement and allocation of funds. The regulations also incorporate a statutory requirement relating to positive efforts to employ and advance in employment, individuals with disabilties. Go to www.disabilityinfo.gov for more information.

Kidspace: Adaptive Play and Recreation now open. 435 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT. Contact Karen Peck, Certified Therapeutic Recreations Specialist, Owner and Program Director at Karen@kidspaceadaptiveplay.com, www.KidspaceAdaptivePlay.com.

Need help with figuring out your finances? The CT Pro Bono Network is offering a free half hour session with a Certified Financial Planner to help you start to find answers to your financial questions. Contact the FPA CT ProBono Network at 860-721-PLAN. Income restrictions apply.

The Connecticut Tech Act's AT Loan Program is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS. More information about AT loans at www.CTtechact.com/loan or contact Therese Nadeau, AT Loan Program Manager at therese.nadeau@ct.gov or 860-42....

Statewide Parent Leadership Training Available. Agents of Transformation: Community Mobilization for the Well-Being of Children, Youth and Families. Become an advocate to help your child and family and help the children of our state. For more information contact Lorna or Sherry at Families United at 860-343-7330 or email@familiesunited.org.

High School Transition Planning and Services: Presentations Available. Sponsored by SERC. Contact Karen Stigliano, Consultant at SERC, at 860-632-1485 x317 or Stigliano@ctserc.org.

ASRC announces a new service to help you design and implement Effective Secondary Education and Transition Plans. Workshops, Consultation Services, Professional Development. Contact ASRC at 203... or www.ct-asrc.org.

Scholarship available for CT high school seniors with disabilities. Available for any student, family or organization who might have a high school senior with a disability who is looking for funding to attend either a 2 or 4 year degree granting college program or a vocational/technical program that is not necessarily being offered at a college. more information and application, contact Doralis Hernaiz at 860... 0r e-mail at doralis.hernaiz@ct.gov.

BOOM! Social Skills Groups at Greenwich Education and Prep. Focusing on the needs of the individual child, using reasearch based practices including ABA to increase appropriate social skills and play skills. For more information contact Greenwich Education and Prep at 203... or e-mail info@greenwichedprep.com.

Summer Camps! For children aged 7-21 with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Chaplin, CT. Camp Eden is sponsored by Eden Family of Services. For more information visit www.camp-eden.org or contact the Camp Director, Todd Garmer at 609-426-8656 x33.

Summer Camps! New summer camp during August in Waterford for girls 11-15 with Asperger's Syndrome. Contact Linda Chamrad at 860-536-2787 or 860-91... or e-mail lchamrad@snet.net.

KIDSTEPS Winter Classes now forming! Program highlights include: Baby Sign, Girls Night Out, Group Guitar, Handwriting Skills, Music Together, Parent Chat, Parents and Play Partners, Social Skills Groups and other parent workshops. Contact KIDSTEPS, Marion Roy at 203-218-3692 or mroy@sarah-inc.org for more information.

The Kennedy Center Autism Project announces Winter/Spring programs including social activity groups for different age/developmental levels and a parents gathering. The social activity groups are designed for children 3-21 whose social, communication and behavioral skills require direction and support, but do not require intensive behavioral intervention. These small groups provide opportunities for children to learn social skills through age appropriate activities and are facilitated by staff with volunteer support. groups for students include in-house programs that encourage inclusion and independence. Contact the Autism Project at 203-332-4535. Programs held in Trumbull.

Teen Driving. Easter Seals has a program to help determine if your Asperger's teen is ready to learn to drive. contact the Easter Seals Mobility Center in Meriden at 203-630-2208.

New Resource for After School Programs: The Connecticut After School Network offers training and professional development for school staff and program directors in working with students with disabilities in after school settings. Go to www.ctafterschoolnetwork.org or call 203... for more information.

ASRC Advocacy Training Series: Starts Feb.4 and runs through April 15. Will be held at ASRC in Wallingford on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fee. Register by Jan. 12. Contact ASRC at 203... or www.ct-asrc.org.

Social Skills Groups in Waterford. Run by Jonathan Dean, LMFT, Connections Counseling and Wellness Center, 163 Boston Post Road, Waterford. Contact Jonathan at 860... x 107 or jondean13@yahoo.com.

Martial Arts. Master Alain German runs a Martial Arts School in Montville with programs for children on the spectrum. Contact him at 860-848-7827 or germankarate@att.net.

New resource for off-site and clinic based occupational, speech and language therapy services. Advanced Therapy Solutions, 465 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Insurance Accepted. Call 860-7221-9903 or advancetherapysol@att.net, www.advancetherapysolutionsct.com.

Yale Child Study Center announces the opening of the Yale Academic Skills Clinic to work with children from pre-k through college age who are experiencing or are at risk for academic difficulties. Including children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, speech and language difficulties. Evaluation and psychoeducational reporting. Contact Cheri Stahl, clinical coordinator at 203-785-4239 to find out more about the program including the cost and fees.

Social Skills Scholarship Program. The Autism Society of Connecticut announces a new scholarship program for girls ages 10-18 to participate in social skills groups and programming. Girls must be between 10-18 years of age and have a diagnosis of Asperger's or High Functioning Autism/PDD. The program must take place in one of the shoreline towns. Funds are also available to support the creation of such programs. Contact ASCONN at 888... or asconn@sbcglobal.net for information and application materials.

Bilingual Autism Resource Guide now available! Directory of the best web resource available in Spanish with site descriptions in both English and Spanish. www.asdatoz.com.

GRASP en Espanol! The majority of the GRASP (Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership) is now available in Spanish! www.grasp.org/spanish.

Research Projects:
Dr. Deborah Fein at UCONN is conducting the first NIH-funded study to document recovery from autism. The study is looking for children who have lost their diagnosis of an ASD (or who may lose it in the future). Also looking for children who currently have an ASD diganosis between the ages of 8-17 who are able to read at a third grade level. Looking to learn more about factors that may predict outcomes in order to better inform treatment possibilities. Study involves two home visits (or at the lab in Storrs), where the child is given a battery of tests on language, memory, executive functioning, reasoning, etc. $100 stipend for your participation and receipt of a neuropsychological report on the test findings. Parent interviews also required. Additional MRI study also involved for additional stipend if you are interested. Contact Molly Helt at mollyhelt@aol.com or 860-45....

Yale Child Study Center: Study of Speech Treatment for Preschool Children with ASD Who Do Not Talk Yet. Purpose is to contrast two different treatment programs, one that uses very structured discrete trial methods and one that is more naturalistic to find the characteristics of individual chilren that show us which program will work better for each. Random assignment to the program. 12 week program, plus parent training. Child must have an ASD diagnosis, be between 2-6 years of age, using fewer than 10 spontaneous words and be able to come to Yale 3 times a week for 12 weeks. For more information and to sign up contact Elizabeth Schoen, M.S. CCC-SLP at 203-737-1267 or elizabeth.schoen@yale.edu or Moira Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP, 203-76... or moira.lewis@yale.edu.

Study on the relationship of parenting stress and parent's health. This study looks at how parenting stree and relationships with a spouse affect the health of parents of children with ASD. To participate you will complete 4 questionnaires online. For more information contact Norah Johnson, RN, MSN, CPNP, PhD(c) at hjohnson@chw.org or 414-337-7718 or visit the website at www.mommyruns.com and click ont the link to the survey website.

Study regarding early intervention. Are you the parent of a child who received early intervention or a professional in this field within the last 15 years? Early intervention inclucdes assessment/evaluation, intervention and/or service coordination for children at risk or with developmental delays or disabilities. To learn more or to take the survey go to www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=eI1yuKYxFNtYCoRWt502uw_3d_3d.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AND MONTHLY PROGRAMS Please send all information on ongoing groups to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
include contact information

Can't find a group near you? Interested in starting a group? Send a posting with your inquiry to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net and include contact information.

Looking for a group? Check the inquiries and see if someone near you is interested in starting a group and contact them directly.

If you need help in starting a group,contact the Autism Society of Connecticut at asconn@sbcglobal.net.

While every attempt is made to keep the list up to date, group meeting dates and times may vary. Please call ahead of time to check.

Inquiries:
Support group forming for wives of husbands with Asperger's Syndrome. Contact Lois Rosenwald at ASRC at 203-... or lois.asrc@sbcglobl.net

New group forming for teen aged girls and adult women on the autism spectrum. Contact nzlj@juno.com for more information.

Saturdays: Asperger's Hiking Group. Noon Chatfield Hollow State Park. Contact: Contact Kevin at CalvinD1102@yahoo.com or Susan (Kevin’s mom) at 860-399-2411.

Ongoing Groups: First Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at asclanan01@yahoo.com for more information.

First Monday of the month: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. For Wilton parents only. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve pograms within the school and community. At the Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton, RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

First Monday of the month: Greater New Milford Area Parent Support/Resource Group for parents and caregivers raising children with special health care needs. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., The United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Road, New Milford. Contact Alice Buttwell at 860... or alicemmbb@aol.com or Monika Nugent, 860-35..., monikan@sbcglobal.net. Sponsored by the CT Family Support Network - Northwest Region.

Second Monday of the Month:Parent Support Group. 7p.m. Manchester Memorial Hospital Conference Room A351 Merline Rd. Vernon, CT 06066 Free for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.(860) 645-1940

Every Tuesday morning: Parent Chat: A shoreline support group for families with special needs children birth - eight. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Kidsteps - SARAH, Inc., 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Children invited! Call Marian Roy, Family Support coordinator - Group Facilitator for registration information at 203-318-3682.

First Tuesday of the month: Pizza moms in Darien! 7:30 p.m. Post Corner Pizza in Darien. www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamoms.html. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. We get together informally and have pizza, salad and beer in Darien. Everyone is welcome. This is a place where moms can talk with other moms who are having similar experiences. If you are interested, contact Nanette Jordan at nanette618@yahoo.com.

Every Wednesday: Parent/Child Playgroup for ages 2-4, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Kidsteps, 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Parent and child will have an opportunity to be involved in a variety of activities to increase large and small motor skills, experiment with a variety of materials and increase positive peer interactions. Parents share ideas and support activities. Facilitated by a special education teacher and counselor. Call Kidsteps at 203-318-3692 for more information.

First Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fairfield Woods Middle School, Fairfield, Sponsored by The Pilot House and facilitated by Laurel Carey, Psychologist. Call The Pilot House at 203-610-3877 for more information.

First Thursday of the month: Families united Network - Northeast. A family support and advocacy group. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. United Services, Wauregan. Call Families United at 860... and ask for Lorna.

First Thursday of the month: Families United for Children's Mental Health. The Community Health Center's Family Wellness Center, 635 Main St., Middletown. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. A monthly support group for families of children with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs and challenges. Sponsored by Families United, a statewide support, education and advocacy group, run by and for families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges. Contact Chris at Families United at 860....

First Thursday of the month: CT Family Support Network, Northeast Parent's Group. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., John Dempsey Regional Center, 376 Pomfret St, Putnam. Light refreshments, no childcare. Meetings include family support, resource materials and handouts, trainings to assist families, and our target audience is all families with children having any disability; birth through the lifespan. New families always welcome. Contact Mona Tremblay at 860-928-6514 or advocatefor2@yahoo.com or Ann Tetreault at 860-630-4033 or Ann.Tetreault@ct.gov.

Second Monday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders. 7:00 p .m. Manchester Memorial Hospital. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Jean Bajorek at 860-645-1940 or Bajorek2@cox.net or www.asconn.org for more information.

Second Monday of the month: Parent Support Group. West Haven City Hall. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For parents of special needs children. More information call Karen Muro at 203-937-3565 or e-mail KarenMMuro@aol.com.

Second Tuesday of the month: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT). For Wilton parents only. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve the programs within the schools and community. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

Second Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents of children on the autism spectrum. 7:00 p.m. Small group with parents of children of all ages. Sponsored by Jewish Family Services, West Hartford. Contact Steven Broyde, PhD., LCSW, Child Clinic Director, JFC for more information at 860... x16 or sbroyde@jfshartford.org.

Second Tuesday of the month: Helping Hands Support Group for Parents of Children with Mental Health Needs. Offering education, coping strategies, networking, support and resources. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. South United Methodist Church (Education Wing), 1226 Main St (corner Main and Hartford), Manchester. Affiliated with NAMI-CT, East of the River Community Collaborative and Route 2 Community Collaborative. Contact Karen at 860-882-7354 or Cheryl at 860-882-7353 for more information. Childcare available with prior registration.

Second Tuesday of the month: NOTE THE NEW DATE: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. 7:00 p.m. Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford. Sponsored by the Stratford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Kim Wardlow at bischon03@yahoo.com for more information.

Second Wednesday and Fourth Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group for children diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Westbrook Youth and Family Services. 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.

Second Thursday of the month: Families United Network, Thompson, A family support and advocacy group for families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Thompson Public Library. For more information, call Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net, or Suzanne Witkowski at TEEG, 860... or ARCHES@teegonline.org.

Second Friday of the month: Adult Asperger's Support Group. For Adults on the Spectrum. 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Meets at the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center at 101 North Industrial Road, Wallingford. Call Dave Tipping at 203-484-2937 or e-mail NZ1J@juno.com for more information.

Second Saturday and Fourth Saturday of the month: Play for All! A playgroup for children of all abilities. Special needs play group giving parents an opportunity to talk, support and encourage each other, while allowing their children time to play and socialize. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon. Children's Programming Room, Lucy Robbins Wells Library, Newington. Sponsored by the Library and Newington UNICO. Call the library at 860... for more information.

Third Monday of the month: Building Blocks Support Group. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m . Multi-Purpose Room, Colchester Elementary School. A support group for parents or caregivers of children with social or emotional challenges aged birth - five. For more information contact: Dana at 860-434-4890x349 or Rachel at x311. Sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health and Building Blocks Social Emotional Wellness for Young Children.

Third Monday of the month: Parent Support Group - Bloomfield. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at 1st Congregational Church, Bloomfield. Contact Sheila Harris at 860.... Sponsored by AFCAMP (African American Caribbean American Parents) and PEETA (Parent Empowerment Through Education Training and Advocacy).

Third Tuesday of the month from February 3rd to June 23. The Nurturing Parenting Network, Generations Family Health Center and the North Windham Family Resource Center is offering parenting support group

Third Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Groton Public Library. Call Danielle Greene at 860... for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Tamale Tuesday. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. SPED*NET, Special Education Network of New Canaan, Ltd., invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in the New Canaan Public Schools to the Tequila Mockingbird restaurant on 6 Forest St., New Canaan. Please join us to share strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-80... or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.

Third Tuesday of the month: Manchester IEPs. A group of parents who meet monthly to discuss the ways to help and support our children to get the services they need to become successful in school and in life. For more information contact manchesterieps@cox.net.

Third Wednesday of the month: Pizza Moms, Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. www.geocities.com/nenette618/pizzamomsg.html for more information. Pizza moms is a support group for moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. 7:00 p.m. We get together informally for food, drink and networking. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Philippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471 or angelmanmom@aol.com.

Third Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Alcorn Family Resource Center Annex, 110 High Street, Enfield. Contact Kate Faherty at KFaherty@enfield.org or 860... for more information. Contact Kate for information and location changes!

Third Friday of the month: Parent Support Group - Hartford. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Contact Sheila Harris at 860.... Sponsored by AFCAMP (African American Caribbean American Parents) and PEETA (Parent Empowerment Through Education Training and Advocacy).

First Sunday of the month, Third Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Church of Our Saviour, Plainville on third Sunday. Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington on 1st Sunday. From 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at ascanlan01@yahoo.com for more information.

Last Monday of the month: Friends of Autistic People. Presentations, informal conversation, refreshments. Christ Church Parish House, 250 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Contact Brita Daranyi at 203... or bdiranyi@aol.com.

Last Tuesday of the month: Autism Parents Club. A group of parents (dad's too!) of children on the autism spectrum. Open to parents from all over CT. 7:30 p.m. at Francesco's Restaurant, Rte 7 in Wilton. For more information, contact Patti Sylvia at 203-....

Last Tuesday of the month: Farmington Valley Asperger's Network. Parent support group for parents or extended family members or professionals working with a child with an ASD. Discussions and networking meetings. Lending Library. Farmington Senior/Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave, Unionville. FAVAN. Call Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097 or www.favan.org.

Last Wednesday of the month: Families United Network - Plainfield. A family support and advocacy group. For families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Plainfield Town Hall, 8 Community Ave., Plainfield. For more information contact Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net.

Last Wednesday of the month: New London Autism Parent Support Group. 6:30 p.m. at the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School Library, New London. For more information call Kathryn at 860... or Reginia at 860....

Second Thursday of the month: Old Saybrook-Parent's support group. 7:00pm. To connect FAMILIES and AGENCIES with INFORMATION and SUPPORTS have refreshments, share frustrations, solutions and leave feeling just a little stronger. L&M Hospital Rehab Building, 633 Middlesex Turnpike. E-mail April Dipollina adipollina@lmhosp.org or call 860-388-5881 or 860-271-4371.

Last Thursday of the month: Family Support and Networking Group for Parents Raising Children who have Disabilities. Sponsored by the Southwest Family Support Network and the Family Center at St. Vincent's Special Needs Services. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at St Vincent's Special Needs Services Family Center, 95 Merritt Blvd., Trumbull. Pizza, conversation and networking. Contact Lisa Sheppard, lnshep@aol.com, 203-556-7317, SW Regional Coordinator, CT Family Support Network, or Donna Kennedy, dkennedy@stvincents.org, 203-386-2790.

Last Thursday of the month: Parent Support group for parents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Society, Boston Post Rd., Madison. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call 888-453-4975 or asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Last Thursday of the month: Kinship Coffee Chats. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Guilford Youth and Family Services, Guilford, CT. Are you a grandparent or other relative caregiver caring for kin children? Program open to all towns. Kinship care refers to temporary or permanent arrangement in which a relative (such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle) or any non-relative adult who has a relationship or bond with a child is caring for that child in place of its parents. Kinship care includes relationships established through an informal arrangement, legal custody or guardianship o rder, foster care placement or kinship adoption. Call Guilford Youth and Family Services for more information at 203-453-8047.

Last Thursday of the month: SECASA (Southeatern CT Autism Spectrum Association, Inc.) Support Group for parents and professionals working with children with an ASD. Preston Library, Preston, CT. 6-30-8:00pm. Call the library at 860-886-1010 for more information.

Last Thursday of the month: Puzzled Sibs - a support group for brothers and sisters of siblings with autism. Discuss feelings, know we are not alone and have a good time. Open to ages 6-13. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. South Windsor Community Center, 150 Nevers Road, South Windsor (across from South Windsor High School). Contact Melissa Dumont at 860... or puzzled_sibs@cox.net.

Additional groups in Danbury, Glastonbury, Southbury/Middlebury, Watertown, Cheshire and Wallingford. Sponsored by CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Contact Lois Rosenwald at 203... for information, membership requirements, dates and times of meetings.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDLDA

Monday June 15, 2009: How to Use Positive Behavior Support Plans: An Overview for Caregivers and Case Managers 10a.m.-12a.m. UConn Health Center 263 Farmington Avenue Farminton, CT

July 7-August 13: Creative Interventions LLC groups for children on the Autism Spectrum.
• Sensory Integration/Motor Group - 24 sessions/ $960
• Social Skills and Language Development

July 9 and 10: Future Horizons' Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders Crowne Plaza Cromwell. 100 Berlin Road "The Complete Guide to Autism/Asperger's Syndrome" with Dr. Tony Attwood "The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism & Asperger's" with Dr. Temple Grandin "No More Meltdowns: Managing Behavior in the Home and Classroom" with Dr. Jed Baker "The Out-Of-Sync-Child" with Carol Kranowitz
860-635-2000

August 3-6, 2009: Autism Summer Institute St. Joseph's College 9a.m.-3p.m. provides parents, educators and professionals with introduction to autism spectrum disorders and education/intervention strategies contact John Molteni at 860.231.5699 or jmolteni@sjc.edu

August 3-7, 2009: Special Needs Bike Program Hall High School Gymnasium 975 North Main Street, West Hartford. 5 sessions. Session 1= 8:00-9:15 Session 2 = 9:30-10:45 Session 3 = 11:00-12:15 Session 4 = 1:15-2:30 Session 5 = 2:45-4:00. Ages 8-18. Sponsored by Kiwanis Club of West Hartford and West Hartford Humans and Leisure Services. www.losethetrainingwheels.org

August 22-29, 2009: Get Your Feet Wet... at Ramapo for Children one week summer camp for children with learning, emotional and behavioral challenges. call (84... or e-mail mkunin@ramapoforchildren.org

November 5-8, 2009: Sensory Integration for those with Developmental, Learning Disorders, Autism spectrum Disorders and Dyspraxia. Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT. Contact: Judy Ross Administrative Assistant Education Resources, Inc. jross@educationresourcesinc.com
Voice: 508-359-6533

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T10:24:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Autism in Connecticut Blog!

AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Entries in Green
Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
Include contact information

Having trouble paying your fuel bills? Check to see if you qualify for fuel aid here. If you have a family member with a disability you may qualify for "non shut off" meaning that the utility cannot shut off your power or gas during the winter season. Check with your local utility about flagging your account for non shut off and what is required to obtain this status.

Ski Sundown announces The Stride Program - adaptive skiing! More information at www.skisundown.com/adpative or www.stride.org.

Recreational Ice Skating! Sponsored by Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department and Choate Rosemary Hall. Jan, 11, and 25, Feb 1 and 15. 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Jan 18, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Skates not necessary. Free! Rink is located on the Choate campus. Contact Kathy Rad at 203-294-2120 for more information.

Common Ground Center presents Camp Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Families with Kids on the Autism Spectrum. June 25-28, 2009 at the Common Gound Center, Starksboro, VT. More information e-mail info@cgcvt.org or go to www.cgcvt.org.

Final IDEA Regulations took effect on Dec. 31, 2008. These final regulations clarify and strengthen previously published regulations in the areas of parental consent for continued special education and related services; non-attorney representation in due process hearings; State monitoring; techinical assistance and enforcement and allocation of funds. The regulations also incorporate a statutory requirement relating to positive efforts to employ and advance in employment, individuals with disabilties. Go to www.disabilityinfo.gov for more information.

Kidspace: Adaptive Play and Recreation now open. 435 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT. Contact Karen Peck, Certified Therapeutic Recreations Specialist, Owner and Program Director at 860-432-9923 or Karen@kidspaceadaptiveplay.com, www.KidspaceAdaptivePlay.com.

Need help with figuring out your finances? The CT Pro Bono Network is offering a free half hour session with a Certified Financial Planner to help you start to find answers to your financial questions. Contact the FPA CT ProBono Network at 860-721-PLAN or 1-800-490-4237. Income restrictions apply.

The Connecticut Tech Act's AT Loan Program is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS. More information about AT loans at www.CTtechact.com/loan or contact Therese Nadeau, AT Loan Program Manager at therese.nadeau@ct.gov or 860-424-5619.

Statewide Parent Leadership Training Available. Agents of Transformation: Community Mobilization for the Well-Being of Children, Youth and Families. Become an advocate to help your child and family and help the children of our state. For more information contact Lorna or Sherry at Families United at 860-343-7330 or email@familiesunited.org.

High School Transition Planning and Services: Presentations Available. Sponsored by SERC. Contact Karen Stigliano, Consultant at SERC, at 860-632-1485 x317 or Stigliano@ctserc.org.

ASRC announces a new service to help you design and implement Effective Secondary Education and Transition Plans. Workshops, Consultation Services, Professional Development. Contact ASRC at 203-264-7717 or www.ct-asrc.org.

Scholarship available for CT high school seniors with disabilities. Available for any student, family or organization who might have a high school senior with a disability who is looking for funding to attend either a 2 or 4 year degree granting college program or a vocational/technical program that is not necessarily being offered at a college. more information and application, contact Doralis Hernaiz at 860-418-6043 0r e-mail at doralis.hernaiz@ct.gov.

BOOM! Social Skills Groups at Greenwich Education and Prep. Focusing on the needs of the individual child, using reasearch based practices including ABA to increase appropriate social skills and play skills. For more information contact Greenwich Education and Prep at 203-661-1609 or e-mail info@greenwichprep.com.

Summer Camps! For children aged 7-21 with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Chaplin, CT. Camp Eden is sponsored by Eden Family of Services. For more information visit www.camp-eden.org or contact the Camp Director, Todd Garmer at 609-426-8656 x33.

Summer Camps! New summer camp during August in Waterford for girls 11-15 with Asperger's Syndrome. Contact Linda Chamrad at 860-536-2787 or 860-912-4122 or e-mail lchamrad@snet.net.

KIDSTEPS Winter Classes now forming! Program highlights include: Baby Sign, Girls Night Out, Group Guitar, Handwriting Skills, Music Together, Parent Chat, Parents and Play Partners, Social Skills Groups and other parent workshops. Contact KIDSTEPS, Marion Roy at 203-218-3692 or mroy@sarah-inc.org for more information.

The Kennedy Center Autism Project announces Winter/Spring programs including social activity groups for different age/developmental levels and a parents gathering. The social activity groups are designed for children 3-21 whose social, communication and behavioral skills require direction and support, but do not require intensive behavioral intervention. These small groups provide opportunities for children to learn social skills through age appropriate activities and are facilitated by staff with volunteer support. groups for students include in-house programs that encourage inclusion and independence. Contact the Autism Project at 203-332-4535. Programs held in Trumbull.

Teen Driving. Easter Seals has a program to help determine if your Asperger's teen is ready to learn to drive. contact the Easter Seals Mobility Center in Meriden at 203-630-2208.

New Resource for After School Programs: The Connecticut After School Network offers training and professional development for school staff and program directors in working with students with disabilities in after school settings. Go to www.ctafterschoolnetwork.org or call 203-483-9757 for more information.

ASRC Advocacy Training Series: Starts Feb.4 and runs through April 15. Will be held at ASRC in Wallingford on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fee. Register by Jan. 12. Contact ASRC at 203-265-7717 or www.ct-asrc.org.

Social Skills Groups in Waterford. Run by Jonathan Dean, LMFT, Connections Counseling and Wellness Center, 163 Boston Post Road, Waterford. Contact Jonathan at 860-444-8774 x 107 or jondean13@yahoo.com.

Martial Arts. Master Alain German runs a Martial Arts School in Montville with programs for children on the spectrum. Contact him at 860-848-7827 or germankarate@att.net.

New resource for off-site and clinic based occupational, speech and language therapy services. Advanced Therapy Solutions, 465 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Insurance Accepted. Call 860-7221-9903 or advancetherapysol@att.net, www.advancetherapysolutionsct.com.

Yale Child Study Center announces the opening of the Yale Academic Skills Clinic to work with children from pre-k through college age who are experiencing or are at risk for academic difficulties. Including children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, speech and language difficulties. Evaluation and psychoeducational reporting. Contact Cheri Stahl, clinical coordinator at 203-785-4239 to find out more about the program including the cost and fees.

Social Skills Scholarship Program. The Autism Society of Connecticut announces a new scholarship program for girls ages 10-18 to participate in social skills groups and programming. Girls must be between 10-18 years of age and have a diagnosis of Asperger's or High Functioning Autism/PDD. The program must take place in one of the shoreline towns. Funds are also available to support the creation of such programs. Contact ASCONN at 888-453-4975 or asconn@sbcglobal.net for information and application materials.

Bilingual Autism Resource Guide now available! Directory of the best web resource available in Spanish with site descriptions in both English and Spanish. www.asdatoz.com.

GRASP en Espanol! The majority of the GRASP (Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership) is now available in Spanish! www.grasp.org/spanish.

Research Projects:

Dr. Deborah Fein at UCONN is conducting the first NIH-funded study to document recovery from autism. The study is looking for children who have lost their diagnosis of an ASD (or who may lose it in the future). Also looking for children who currently have an ASD diganosis between the ages of 8-17 who are able to read at a third grade level. Looking to learn more about factors that may predict outcomes in order to better inform treatment possibilities. Study involves two home visits (or at the lab in Storrs), where the child is given a battery of tests on language, memory, executive functioning, reasoning, etc. $100 stipend for your participation and receipt of a neuropsychological report on the test findings. Parent interviews also required. Additional MRI study also involved for additional stipend if you are interested. Contact Molly Helt at mollyhelt@aol.com or 860-456-2077.

Yale Child Study Center: Study of Speech Treatment for Preschool Children with ASD Who Do Not Talk Yet. Purpose is to contrast two different treatment programs, one that uses very structured discrete trial methods and one that is more naturalistic to find the characteristics of individual chilren that show us which program will work better for each. Random assignment to the program. 12 week program, plus parent training. Child must have an ASD diagnosis, be between 2-6 years of age, using fewer than 10 spontaneous words and be able to come to Yale 3 times a week for 12 weeks. For more information and to sign up contact Elizabeth Schoen, M.S. CCC-SLP at 203-737-1267 or elizabeth.schoen@yale.edu or Moira Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP, 203-764-7490 or moira.lewis@yale.edu.

Study on the relationship of parenting stress and parent's health. This study looks at how parenting stree and relationships with a spouse affect the health of parents of children with ASD. To participate you will complete 4 questionnaires online. For more information contact Norah Johnson, RN, MSN, CPNP, PhD(c) at hjohnson@chw.org or 414-337-7718 or visit the website at www.mommyruns.com and click ont the link to the survey website.

Study regarding early intervention. Are you the parent of a child who received early intervention or a professional in this field within the last 15 years? Early intervention inclucdes assessment/evaluation, intervention and/or service coordination for children at risk or with developmental delays or disabilities. To learn more or to take the survey go to www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=eI1yuKYxFNtYCoRWt502uw_3d_3d.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AND MONTHLY PROGRAMS

Please send all information on ongoing groups to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
include contact information

Inquiries:

Support group forming for wives of husbands with Asperger's Syndrome. Contact Lois Rosenwald at ASRC at 203-265-7717 or lois.asrc@sbcglobl.net

New group forming for teen aged girls and adult women on the autism spectrum. Contact nzlj@juno.com for more information.

Ongoing Groups:

First Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at asclanan01@yahoo.com for more information.

First Monday of the month: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. For Wilton parents only. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve pograms within the school and community. At the Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton, RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

New Group! First Monday of the month: Greater New Milford Area Parent Support/Resource Group for parents and caregivers raising children with special health care needs. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., The United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Road, New Milford. Contact Alice Buttwell at 860-355-6025 or alicemmbb@aol.com or Monika Nugent, 860-355-1179, monikan@sbcglobal.net. Sponsored by the CT Family Support Network - Northwest Region.

Every Tuesday morning: Parent Chat: A shoreline support group for families with special needs children birth - eight. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Kidsteps - SARAH, Inc., 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Children invited! Call Marian Roy, Family Support coordinator - Group Facilitator for registration information at 203-318-3682.

First Tuesday of the month: Pizza moms in Darien! 7:30 p.m. Post Corner Pizza in Darien. www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamoms.html. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. We get together informally and have pizza, salad and beer in Darien. Everyone is welcome. This is a place where moms can talk with other moms who are having similar experiences. If you are interested, contact Nanette Jordan at nanette618@yahoo.com.

Every Wednesday, Parent/Child Playgroup for ages 2-4, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Kidsteps, 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Parent and child will have an opportunity to be involved in a variety of activities to increase large and small motor skills, experiment with a variety of materials and increase positive peer interactions. Parents share ideas and support activities. Facilitated by a special education teacher and counselor. Call Kidsteps at 203-318-3692 for more information.

First Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fairfield Woods Middle School, Fairfield, Sponsored by The Pilot House and facilitated by Laurel Carey, Psychologist. Call The Pilot House at 203-610-3877 for more information.

First Thursday of the month: Families united Network - Northeast. A family support and advocacy group. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. United Services, Wauregan. Call Families United at 860-537-6125 and ask for Lorna.

First Thursday of the month: Families United for Children's Mental Health. The Community Health Center's Family Wellness Center, 635 Main St., Middletown. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. A monthly support group for families of children with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs and challenges. Sponsored by Families United, a statewide support, education and advocacy group, run by and for families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges. Contact Chris at Families United at 860-537-6125.

Second Tuesday of the month: NOTE THE NEW DATE: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. 7:00 p.m. Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford. Sponsored by the Stratford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Kim Wardlow at bischon03@yahoo.com for more information.

Second Wednesday and Fourth Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group for children diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Westbrook Youth and Family Services. 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.

Second Thursday of the month: Families United Network, Thompson, A family support and advocacy group for families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Thompson Public Library. For more information, call Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net, or Suzanne Witkowski at TEEG, 860-928-1569 or ARCHES@teegonline.org.

Second Friday of the month: Adult Asperger's Support Group. For Adults on the Spectrum. 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Meets at the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center at 101 North Industrial Road, Wallingford. Call Dave Tipping at 203-484-2937 or e-mail NZ1J@juno.com for more information.

Second Saturday and Fourth Saturday of the month: Play for All! A playgroup for children of all abilities. Special needs play group giving parents an opportunity to talk, support and encourage each other, while allowing their children time to play and socialize. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon. Children's Programming Room, Lucy Robbins Wells Library, Newington. Sponsored by the Library and Newington UNICO. Call the library at 860-665-8720 for more information.

Third Monday of the month: Building Blocks Support Group. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m . Multi-Purpose Room, Colchester Elementary School. A support group for parents or caregivers of children with social or emotional challenges aged birth - five. For more information contact: Dana at 860-434-4890x349 or Rachel at x311. Sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health and Building Blocks Social Emotional Wellness for Young Children.

Third Monday of the month: Parent Support Group - Bloomfield. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at 1st Congregational Church, Bloomfield. Contact Sheila Harris at 860-297-4358. Sponsored by AFCAMP (African American Caribbean American Parents) and PEETA (Parent Empowerment Through Education Training and Advocacy).

Third Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Groton Public Library. Call Danielle Greene at 860-445-9765 for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Tamale Tuesday. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. SPED*NET, Special Education Network of New Canaan, Ltd., invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in the New Canaan Public Schools to the Tequila Mockingbird restaurant on 6 Forest St., New Canaan. Please join us to share strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0784 or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.

Third Tuesday of the month: Manchester IEPs. A group of parents who meet monthly to discuss the ways to help and support our children to get the services they need to become successful in school and in life. For more information contact manchesterieps@cox.net.

Third Wednesday of the month: Pizza Moms, Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. www.geocities.com/nenette618/pizzamomsg.html for more information. Pizza moms is a support group for moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. 7:00 p.m. We get together informally for food, drink and networking. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Philippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471 or angelmanmom@aol.com.

Third Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Alcorn Family Resource Center Annex, 110 High Street, Enfield. Contact Kate Faherty at KFaherty@enfield.org or 860-253-5144 for more information. Contact Kate for information and location changes!

Third Thursday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. Preston Public Library. 6:30 p.m. Contact Joan Bachelder at abddjm@aol.com for more information.

Third Friday of the month: Parent Support Group - Hartford. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Contact Sheila Harris at 860-297-4358. Sponsored by AFCAMP (African American Caribbean American Parents) and PEETA (Parent Empowerment Through Education Training and Advocacy).

Fourth Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Church of Our Saviour, Plainville. From 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at ascanlan01@yahoo.com for more information.

Last Monday of the month: Friends of Autistic People. Presentations, informal conversation, refreshments. Christ Church Parish House, 250 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Contact Brita Daranyi at 203-661-8510 or bdiranyi@aol.com.

Last Tuesday of the month: Autism Parents Club. A group of parents (dad's too!) of children on the autism spectrum. Open to parents from all over CT. 7:30 p.m. at Francesco's Restaurant, Rte 7 in Wilton. For more information, contact Patti Sylvia at 203-761-0248.

Last Tuesday of the month: Farmington Valley Asperger's Network. Parent support group for parents or extended family members or professionals working with a child with an ASD. Discussions and networking meetings. Lending Library. Farmington Senior/Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave, Unionville. FAVAN. Call Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097 or www.favan.org.

Last Wednesday of the month: Families United Network - Plainfield. A family support and advocacy group. For families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Plainfield Town Hall, 8 Community Ave., Plainfield. For more information contact Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net.

Last Wednesday of the month: New London Autism Parent Support Group. 6:30 p.m. at the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School Library, New London. For more information call Kathryn at 860-444-3199 or Reginia at 860-271-3649.

Last Thursday of the month: Family Support and Networking Group for Parents Raising Children who have Disabilities. Sponsored by the Southwest Family Support Network and the Family Center at St. Vincent's Special Needs Services. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at St Vincent's Special Needs Services Family Center, 95 Merritt Blvd., Trumbull. Pizza, conversation and networking. Contact Lisa Sheppard, lnshep@aol.com, 203-556-7317, SW Regional Coordinator, CT Family Support Network, or Donna Kennedy, dkennedy@stvincents.org, 203-386-2790.

Last Thursday of the month: Parent Support group for parents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Society, Boston Post Rd., Madison. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call 888-453-4975 or asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Last Thursday of the month: Kinship Coffee Chats. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Guilford Youth and Family Services, Guilford, CT. Are you a grandparent or other relative caregiver caring for kin children? Program open to all towns. Kinship care refers to temporary or permanent arrangement in which a relative (such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle) or any non-relative adult who has a relationship or bond with a child is caring for that child in place of its parents. Kinship care includes relationships established through an informal arrangement, legal custody or guardianship o rder, foster care placement or kinship adoption. Call Guilford Youth and Family Services for more information at 203-453-8047.

Last Thursday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents of children with an ASD. Preston Library, Preston, CT. Call the library at 860-886-1010 for times and more information.

Last Thursday of the month: Puzzled Sibs - a support group for brothers and sisters of siblings with autism. Discuss feelings, know we are not alone and have a good time. Open to ages 6-13. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. South Windsor Community Center, 150 Nevers Road, South Windsor (across from South Windsor High School). Contact Melissa Dumont at 860-214-2903 or puzzled_sibs@cox.net.

Additional groups in Danbury, Glastonbury, Southbury/Middlebury, Watertown, Cheshire and Wallingford. Sponsored by CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Contact Lois Rosenwald at 203-265-7717 for information, membership requirements, dates and times of meetings.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR
New Entries in Green
E-mail to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
include contact information

Sat. Jan. 3, 2009: Sensory Friendly Movies at the Gallery Cinemas, 396 old Hartford Rd, Colchester presents "The Tale of Desperaux" at 10:30 a.m. Movies will be shown in a comfortable environment with sound turned down slightly and lights turned up. No commercials or previews! Movement during the show is permitted. You may bring your own snacks. Please RSVP to Colleen Poliner at colleenpoliner24@hotmail.com.

Tues. Jan. 6, 2009: Temple Grandin speaks on her new book, "Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals". 7:00 p.m., Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Westport. Free.

Wed. Jan. 7, 2009: Temple Grandin speaks on her new book, "Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals". 7:30 p.m., New Canaan Public Library, New Canaan.

Sat. Jan. 10, 2008: Auditory Training Seminar. 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Christ Church Episcopol Parish Hall, Roxbury, CT. With Annabel Stehli and her daughter Georgianna Thomas. More information at www.georgianainstitute.org.

Wed. Jan. 14, 2009 (snow date: Thurs. Jan. 22, 2009): "Bullying and Social Discrmination: Proactive Approaches for Home and School". With Julie Swanson, Educational Advocate. 7:30 p.m. IDEA Training Center, 20 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT. Sponsored by the South Central Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Free, but seating is limited, contact Sally Brockett at 203-234-7401 0r sally@ideatrainingcenter.com.

Wed. Jan. 14, 2009: Strategies and Accomodations for Learning and/or Attention Difficulties. Presented by CPAC. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Norwalk City Hall, 3rd Fl, Room 333, 125 East Ave., Norwalk. Participants will become familiar with strategies, ideas and tools that can help children with learning diabilities or attention deficit disorders succeed at home and in the regular education classroom. Participants will learn how to contribute to the development of IEP's and how modifications and accomodations can support a child in the general education curriculum. Spsonored by NorwalkSEEKS and CT Association of Children and Adults with LD. Free and open to the public. More information at info@norwalkseeks.org or 203-846-2501.

Wed. Jan. 14, 2009 Learning Disabilities Association of Connecticut Inc. (LDA) Annual Conference –“IDEA and NCLB: What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You” - (Snow date Jan. 15) –- 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, Holiday Inn Hotel, 3580 East Main Street, Waterbury. Wayne Steedman, attorney from Wrightslaw www.wrightslaw.com will speak on IDEA and NCLB. The program includes: the interrelationships between IDEA 2004 and No Child Left Behind, and how to use these laws to get better special education services for children with disabilities. A limited number of scholarships for parents are available. Please contact the LDA for details. www.ldact.org, 999 Asylum Avenue, #504, Hartford, CT 06105 or call 860-560-1711.

Thurs, Jan. 15, 2009: Round-Table on Special Education: Myths and Realities. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ridgefield Community Center, Lounsbury House, 316 Main St. Ridgefield. Speakers are special education attorneys Anne Eason and Nora Belanger. Sponsored by Maverick Minds, LLC and SPED-NOR of Ridgefield. RSVP to Ruthann Short at Shortstp557@aol.com or Sheryl Knapp at sknapp44@sbcglobal.net.

Wed. Jan. 21, 2009: Help! My Child is Struggling in School. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., North Haven Public Library, 17 Elm St., North Haven. Presented by CT Parent Advocacy Center. The training will explore regular education strategies used to support children having academic or behavioral difficulty. Participants will gain an understanding of Response to Intervention (RTI) an approach to supporting all children in school. The session will conclude with a review of the special educationr referral process. Free, but registration is required, contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org.

Tues. Jan. 27, 2009: Train the Trainer: Learn How to Become Your Child's Social Skills Coach. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton. Presented by Jannetta Bolander, MLFT. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. RSVP to Pam at 203-563-9994 or rsvp@spednetwilton.org.

Wed. Jan. 28, 2009: State Advisory Council on Special Education. 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., SERC, Middletown. The council holds monthly meetings that are open to the public and they welcome your attendance. SAC meetings provide an opportunity for the public to help the Council identify the unmet needs of children with special education needs, which are then reported to the General Assembly, State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education. For more information www.ctsac.org.

Wed. Jan. 28, 2009: The Importance of Identifying and Developing Areas of Strength for All Students. Speakers are: Dr. Lesley Hart and Dr. Tina M. Newman of the Yale Academic Skills Clinic. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., First Congregational Church, 137 Derby Ave., Derby. Sponsored by NorthStar. Contact Cathy Adamczyk at cathya@ntplx.net for information, directions and to RSVP.

Thurs. Jan. 29, 2009: Using Everyday Technology to Help a Student Succeed at School and Homework. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Waveny House, Waveny Park, New Canaan. Speaker is Shelley Lacey-Castelot, ATACP, MS, founder and director of Literacy Solutions and reading and language arts consultant. Sponsored by SPED*NET New Canaan. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0794.

Mon. Feb. 9, 2009: "Survivor Trusts" Presentation by MetLife. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Manchester Memorial Hospital, Manchester, CT. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. for more information and directions, contact Jean Bajorek at 860-645-1940 or bajorek2@cox.net.

Thurs. Feb. 12, 2009: "What Does a Good Neuropsychological Exam Look Like?" With Dr. Cristina Ciocca. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Sponsored by the Hartford Region of the Autism SOciety of Connecticut. For more information and directions, contact Melissa Dumont at Mdumont312@cox.net.

Wed. Feb. 18, 2009: State Advisory Council on Special Education. 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Charter Oak College, New Britain. The council holds monthly meetings that are open to the public and they welcome your attendance. SAC meetings provide an opportunity for the public to help the Council identify the unmet needs of children with special education needs, which are then reported to the General Assembly, State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education. For more information www.ctsac.org.

Mon. March 9, 2009: "Is Special Education Meeting Your Child's Needs?". With Beth Reel. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Manchester Memorial Hospital, Manchester, CT. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. for more information and directions, contact Jean Bajorek at 860-645-1940 or bajorek2@cox.net.

Tues. March 10, 2009: Autism 101: Autism Orientation Workshop for Parents and Community Members. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford. Sponsored by the Stratford Region, Autism Society of CT. Free, but seating is limited, RSVP and more information to Kim Wardlow, bischon03@yahoo.com, or 888-453-4975.

Wed. Mar. 18, 2009: State Advisory Council on Special Education. 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., SERC, Middletown. The council holds monthly meetings that are open to the public and they welcome your attendance. SAC meetings provide an opportunity for the public to help the Council identify the unmet needs of children with special education needs, which are then reported to the General Assembly, State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education. For more information www.ctsac.org.

Wed. March 18, 2009: A Parent's Guide to Bullying. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Norwalk City Hall, 3rd fl, Room 333, 125 East Ave., Norwalk. Presented by Connecticut Appleseed. The speaker will discuss what the definition of bullying is and what a parent and school can do. Co-sponsored by NorwalkSEEKS and CT Association of Children and Adults with LD. Information at info@norwalkSEEKS.org or 203-846-2501.

Thurs. March 19, 2009: Panel Presentation: Autism Legislation in Hartford 2009. With panelists from ASCONN, ASRC, CT FEAT, Autism Speaks and others. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Sponsored by the Hartford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. For more information and directions contact Melissa Dumont at MDumont312@cox.net.

Wed. March 25, 2009: Neuropsychologist Dr. Michael Cohen speaks on Ethical Considerations in Assessing Students with Disabilities. 10:00 a.m - 12:oo noon. Waveny House, Waveny Park, New Canaan. Sponsored by SPED*NET New Canaan. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0794.

It's Autumn in Connecticut

2008-10-01T13:11:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Autism in Connecticut Blog!

AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Entries in Green
Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
Include contact information

Your Voice Matters. This is your chance to have input on what types of training teachers and districts needs in order to better serve our kids. Under Special Act 08-5 passed last year, a study group has been convened to solicit information and make a proposal to the legislature about teacher training around autism spectrum disorders. As part of the effort, there will be a series of "facilitated discussions" held around the state where parents, teachers, administrators, persons on the spectrum and other interested parties can make their voices heard and express their opinions. Can't get to one of these sessions? There will also be an on-line survey during the month of October. So, come on out to a meeting, ask your child's teachers to come too. For more information contact Jacqueline Kelleher at CSDE 860-713-6918, jacqueline.kelleher@ct.gov or Karyn Champion at SERC 860-63-1485 x225, champion@ctserc.org. Dates and locations:

October 2, 6:00 p. m. - 8:30 p.m.
EASTCONN, 376 Hartford Turnpike (Rte 6), Hampton, CT

October 9, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
CREC, 111 Charter Oak Ave, Hartford (concurrent session in Spanish)

October 16, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
CES, 25 Oakview Drive, Trumbull

October 23, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Educational Connections, 355 Goshen Rd, Litchfield

October 29, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Rensselaer at Hartford, 275 Windsor St, Hartford

On-line Survey now available: If you can't make one of the above meetings, or still have more to say, there is an online survey with the purpose of soliciting information from school personnel, colleges, universities, service providers, friends, families and concerned citizens in order to identify statewide issues and potential solutions with regard to training needs for those involved in the education of individuals with ASD. All members of the public are invited to provide opinions and perspective through the online survey from Oct 1 through Oct 23, 2008 at www.ctserc.org/sa085. You can also download a hard copy of the survey at www.ctserc.org/specialact08-5/SpecialAct085_survey.pdf. Encourage your friends, you kid's teachers and therapists, administrators and anyone you know who is interested in this issue to respond. Questions about the act or the survey items to Jacqueline Kelleher at 860-713-6918 or jacqueline.kelleher@ct.gov. If you need special accomodations or modifications to respond to the survey, contact Kate Weingartner at 860-632-1485 or weingartner@ctserc.org. Technical issues to John Mercier at 860-632-1485 or mercier@ctserc.org.

Sibling Support Group for Girls: CT-ASRC is starting a sibling support group for girls who have a brother or sister on the spectrum. Faciliated by Julie Wolf, PhD, the age range of the group will be determined by expression of interest. To be held bi-weekly on Saturday mornings from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at ASRC in Wallingford. Contact ASRC for information at 203-265-7717 or www.ct-asrc.org.

Needs Assessment Survey: Creative Living Community of CT (CLCC) is gathering information on the housing needs for adults with ASD in CT. The project will quantify the numbers of adults with ASD in CT, describe their current living situtations, determine the numbers at risk for homelessness or indigency, identify the major factors preventing adults with ASD from finding and getting affordable and adequate housing. To participate in this survey go to www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=N2RhW_2fHKay6vwIK8Qaw9gg_3d_3d. For more information as well as surveys in spanish contact Maryanna Cevan, Project Coordinator at 860-521-6221 or mkc2618@yahoo.com.

Groton Parks and Recreation offers adaptive programs including sign language, cooking for fun, public transit 101, yoga, social groups, theatre and much more. Contact Eileen Cicchese, CTRS, Groton Parks and Recreation, at 860-536-5691.

Having trouble paying your fuel bills? Check to see if you qualify for fuel aid here. If you have a family member with a disability you may qualify for "non shut off" meaning that the utility cannot shut off your power or gas during the winter season. Check with your local utility about flagging your account for non shut off and what is required to obtain this status.

New social skills program in South Windsor. Run by Jamie Kleinman, PhD, the group is for children diagnosed with an ASD, between the ages of 8-18 who can function independently in a small group setting. Contact Dr. Kleinman at 860-288-4317, e-mail info@jamiekleinman.com or www.jamiekleinman.com.

Parenting Workshops in Killingly: Hosted by Killingly Family Resources: include "Happy Bedtimes for Health Kids" Oct 8; "Healthy Young Children: Nutrition and Fitness" Oct 15, all at 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Goodyear Early Childhood Center, 22 Williamsville Road, Rogers, CT. Contact Cara Blackington at 860-779-6772 or e-mail cblackington@killinglyschools.org.

New Resource for After School Programs: The Connecticut After School Network offers training and professional development for school staff and program directors in working with students with disabilities in after school settings. Go to www.ctafterschoolnetwork.org or call 203-483-9757 for more information.

Elementary Social Activity Group for students aged 10-12 whose social, communication and behavioral skills require direction and support, but not intensive behavior intervention. The group provides opportunities to lean social skills through age appropriate activities facilitated by staff and volunteers. In-house and community settings. Provided by The Kennedy Center Autism Project. First and Third Thursdays beginning Oct. 2 through Dec. 18. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Project Triumph, 30 Lindemann Dr., Trumbull. Fee. To register and for more information contact Emma Genster at 203-332-4535 x 223 or egenster@kennedyctr.org.

PreSchool Pals for preschool children with and without autism. Children will learn social skills through play and have opportunities to develop relationships with typical peers. Parents are welcome to stay and also network, but are not required to! Provided by The Kennedy Center Autism Project. Every Friday, starting Oct. 3 through Oct. 31. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., The Kennedy Center Play Room, 2440 Reservoir Ave, Trumbull. Fee. Contact Emma Genster at 203-332-4535 x223 for more information and to register.

Southern CT Storm Special Hockey. Giving children aged 5 and up with disabilities who are physically able a chance to play ice hockey. Practices and games managed by experienced adult volunteer coaches and local youth hockey players as assistants. Season runs from Sept through March each Sunday at Wonderland Ice Rink, Bridgeport. For more information contact them at 203-966-9851 or dmcquilkin@specialhockey.org or www.ctstormhockey.org.

KIDSTEPS Family and Children's Center has new programs for the fall and winter, including Girls Night Out/A Circle of Friends. Located at KidSteps Family and Children's Center, 51 Boston Post Road, Madison. Contact Marion Roy at 203-318-3682, e-mail mroy@sarah-inc.org. or www.sarah-inc.org.

ASRC Advocacy Training Series: Starts Feb.4 and runs through April 15. Will be held at ASRC in Wallingford on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fee. Register by Jan. 12. Contact ASRC at 203-265-7717 or www.ct-asrc.org.

What You Need to Know About Special Education: seminars provided by the Learning Disabilities Association designed to help you learn what you need to know in order to better advocate for your child. Classes held in Hartford. 12 Friday sessions from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Call 860-560-1711.

Becoming an Effective Advocate. A series of workshops for parents and community based agency professionals seeking to develop or improve their advocacy skills. Presented by CACLD, CT Association for Children and Adults with LD. At CACLD, Conference Room 8C, First Floor, 25 Van Zant St., Norwakl. Registration and more information at 203-838-5010 e-mail CACLD@optonline.net.

New groups at Therapy Works in Old Lyme including "mommy and me", "terrific toddlers sensory motor group" and a parent/family stress group. Contact Shelley at 860-434-5524. All classes held at TherapyWorks, 19 Halls Rd., Suite 204, Old Lyme.

Social Skills Groups in Waterford. Run by Jonathan Dean, LMFT, Connections Counseling and Wellness Center, 163 Boston Post Road, Waterford. Contact Jonathan at 860-444-8774 x 107 or jondean13@yahoo.com.

Martial Arts. Master Alain German runs a Martial Arts School in Montville with programs for children on the spectrum. Contact him at 860-848-7827 or germankarate@att.net.

New resource for off-site and clinic based occupational, speech and language therapy services. Advanced Therapy Solutions, 465 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Insurance Accepted. Call 860-7221-9903 or advancetherapysol@att.net, www.advancetherapysolutionsct.com.

Yale Child Study Center announces the opening of the Yale Academic Skills Clinic to work with children from pre-k through college age who are experiencing or are at risk for academic difficulties. Including children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, speech and language difficulties. Evaluation and psychoeducational reporting. Contact Cheri Stahl, clinical coordinator at 203-785-4239 to find out more about the program including the cost and fees.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AND MONTHLY PROGRAMS

Please send all information on ongoing groups to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
include contact information

Inquiries:

Support group forming for wives of husbands with Asperger's Syndrome. Contact Lois Rosenwald at ASRC at 203-265-7717 or lois.asrc@sbcglobl.net

New group forming for teen aged girls and adult women on the autism spectrum. Contact nzlj@juno.com for more information.

Last Thursday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents of children with an ASD. Preston Library, Preston, CT. Call the library at 860-886-1010 for times and more information.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR
New Entries in Green
E-mail to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
include contact information

Thurs. Oct. 2, 2008: ASD Unplugged: Spend an Evening with the Creatively Wired and Socially Challenged. 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Manchester Memorial Hospital Auditorium, Haynes St., Manchester. Sponsored by East of the River region, Autism Society of CT. Donation suggested. Contact Jean Bajorek for more information at 860-645-1940 or Bajorek2@cox.net.

Thurs. Oct. 2, 2008: Health Financing Resources for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs. A one day training workshop. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., presented by the CT Family to Family Health Information Network. Topics include: Medicaid, waivers, Title V, Social Security and Rehab Services, insurance. Meriden Comfort Inn & Suites., 900 East Main St., Meriden. For registration and more information contact Joy Liebeskind, Project Coordinator, FAVOR, at 860-563-2323.

Thurs. Oct. 2, 2008: Strategies and Accomodations for Learning and/or Attention Difficulties. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Workshop presented by the CT Parent Advocacy Center at the John Dempsey Center, 376 Pomfret St., Putnam. Participants will become familiar with strategies, ideas and tools that can help children with learning disabilities or attention disorders succeed at home and in the regular education classroom. Learn how to contribute to the development of the IEP and how modifications and accomodations can support a childn in the general education curriculum. Sponsored by the CT Family Support Network - Northeast. For information and RSVP, contact Mona Tremblay, Regional Coordinator, CT Family Support Network - Northeast at 860-928-6514 or monatremblay@sbcglobal.net or Ann Tetreault, Educational Liaison, Department of Developmental Services at 860-630-4033 or ann.tetreault@ct.gov.

Fri. Oct. 3, 2008: Practical Strategies for Supporting People with Labels of Autism in Inclusive Schcools and Communities. Part One (Part Two to be held on Fri. Oct 10). 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 555 Corporate Drive, Windsor. Presented by Autism Spectrum Differences Institute of New England, Inc. Learn about best practices across a variety of dimensions including movement, anxiety, communication and sensory suports and accomodations. For more information and registration materials, contact ASDI at 860-257-9911 or asdi-ne@comcast.net and www.autismdifferences.org.

Sat. Oct. 4, 2008: We Belong: Inclusion in Fairfield County presents Kathy Whitbread from St. Joseph's College speakiing on "Curriculum Modifications". 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Co-sponsored with the CT Down Syndrome Congress. Westport Library, Westport. RSVP and more information to Eva Greenwald at evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net.

Mon. Oct. 6, 2008: Parent to Parent Luncheon. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Players Club, Newfield Ave, Stamford. Sponsored by SCOPES (Stamford Coalition of Parents of Exceptional Children). More information and RSVP, email Ida Lupinacci at iml3@sbcglobal.net or Jeanne Peloso at jbpeloso@optonline.net.

Wed. Oct. 8, 2008: "Empowering Parents for the Road Ahead". 10:00 a.m. - 12:oo p.m., what parents should know about their basic rights in special education presented by Atty. Lawrence Berliner, principal Klebenoff & Alfano, P.C. Fairfield Public Library, Boston Post Road, Fairfield. Sponsored by The Pilot House, contact Doreen Caruso at dcaruso@thepilothouse.org or 203-610-3877 for more information and registration.

Fri. Oct. 10, 2008: Practical Strategies for Supporting People with Labels of Autism in Inclusive Schools and Communities. Part Two (Must attend Part One on Oct 3 to participate in part two). 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 555 Corporate Drive, Windsor. Presented by Autism Spectrum Differences Institute of New England, Inc. Participants will be able to analyze individual behaviors in terms of movement, anxiety, communication and sensory differences and develop appropriate social supports, visuals and other positive behavioral approaches. For more information and registration materials, contact ASDI at 860-257-9911 or asdi-ne@comcast.net and www.autismdifferences.org.

Tues. Oct. 14, 2008: Getting the Right Program Using the IEP Process. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford. Speakers are special education attorneys Anne Eason and Nora Belanger with special ed advocate Gerri Fleming. Sponsored by SCOPES (Stamford Coalition of Parents of Exceptional Children). More information and RSVP, Ida Lupinacci at iml3@sbcglobal.net or Jeanne Peloso at jbpeloso@optonline.net.

Wed. Oct. 15, 2008: Meet the Trumbull Special Education Administrative Team. 7:00 p.m., Long Hill Administration Building, 6254 Main St., Trumbull. Sponsored by Trumbull Parents of Students with Learning Differences and the Trumbull Public Schools. Come meet the director of special education as well as the team. Contact Jennifer Brennan at jjb14@sbcglobal.net.

Wed. Oct. 15, 2008: Open House at FOCUS Alternative Learning Center, 126 Dowd St, Canton. Information at www.focusalternative.org.

Wed. Oct. 15, 2008: Greater Hartford Region - Autism Society of Connecticut presents Chris Tracy, mentor and respite care provider and Cammie McGovern, founder of an after school program for children with special needs. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., HARC, 900 Asylum Ave, Hartford. Chris Tracy has worked for the past 7 years as a personal mentor for children with disabilities helping with academics, life skils at home and in the community, activities and exercise as well as providing basic companionship and positive role modeling. Cammie McGovern is the author of Eye Contact, a mystery about a nine-year old boy with autism who is the only witness to the murder of his classmates. She has also written about life with autism. She is the founder of Whole Children, a resource center that runs after school classes and programs for children with special needs. Please RSVP to Melissa Dumont at MDumont312@cox.net or 860-214-2903.

Thurs. Oct. 16, 2008: Resource Fair. 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Clarion Inn & Suites (formerly Best Western), East Windsor. Sponsored by Allied Rehabilitation Centers, Enfield. More information at 860-741-3701 x 200.

Thurs. Oct. 16, 2008: The Hows, Whys and Whens of Inclusion. With Ruth Eren, Ed.D., Professor, Southern CT State University and expert in ASD and Barbara Cook, MS-SLP, speech language pathologist and consultant focusing on program development for children with ASD. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd, Wilton. Sponsored by SPED*NET, Wilton. RSVP to Pam at 203-563-9994.

Mon. Oct. 20, 2008: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports: What Parents Need to Know. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., West Haven City Hall, Meeting Room A. Workshop presented by the CT Parent Advocacy Center. Families will be introduced to a new way of thinking about their child's behaviors and about the need to advocate for behavioral supports. Provides an overview of functional behavioral assessments and positive behavior interventions. Sponsored by the West Haven Local System of Care, Parent Support Group for Parents of Special Needs Children. Free. For more information and to RSVP, contact CPAC at 800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org.

Tues. Oct. 21, 2008: IEP Goals 101: A Guide to Monitoring Student Learning. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Community Room, Guilford Police Station, 400 Church St (Route 77), Guilford. Workshop presented by the CT Parent Advocacy Center. Learn how to identify and use key information to incorporate into the present level of academic and functional performance areas of the IEP. Learn now to create measureable goals and objectives. Sponsored by the Guilford PTA Special Education Committee. Free. For information or to RSVP contact CPAC at 800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org.

Wed. Oct. 22, 2008: Nora Belanger, Special Education Attorney - Interactive Round Table Discussion. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Variety of topics including School-Performed Evaluations, Independent Educational Evaluations, Least Restrictive Environment, Positive Behavior Strategies and the like. Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave, Norwalk., 3rd Floor, Room 333. Co-sponsored by NorwalkSEEKS and Connecticut Association of Children and Adults with LD (CACLD). More information at info@norwalkSEEKS.org or 203-846-2501.

Thurs. Oct. 23, 2008: "How to Use Positive Behavior Support Plans: An Overview for Caregivers and Casemanagers" 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Keeney Center, 200 Main St., Wethersfield. For family caregivers, case managers and direct support staff. Presented by Joan Beasley, PhD. Training is designed to provide a basic knowledge of positive behavior support plans in order to follow then, use them effectively, assess their accuracy and assist in behavior plan development as part of a support team. Sponsored by DDS. Call 860-418-6050 for more information and registration materials.

Thurs. Oct. 23, 2008: ASD Unplugged: Come Spend an Evening with the Creatively Wired and Socially Challenged. Meet the panel of experts from the FOCUS Alternative Learning Center as they discuss their lives with ASD, what works and what doesn't. 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., First Congregational Church, 137 Derby Ave., Ansonia. Presented by NorthStar. Information contact Cathy Adamcyk at cathya@ntplx.net.

Fri. Oct 24 and Sat. Oct. 25, 2008: Signing on the Spectrum: Meeting the Needs of Deaf Children with Autism. Two-day program providing educators, therapists, professionals, families and others with valuable information regarding the education, care and support of deaf children with autism. Presented by The Learning Center for the Deaf, MA. More information, conference agenda and registration at www.regonline.com/tlc. In the Natick/Framingham, MA area (20 miles west of Boston).

Sat., Oct. 25, 2008: Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficits Throughout the Lifespan. CACLD (CT Association of Children and Adults with LD) Annual Conference. Keynote speaker, Larry Silver, M.D., author of "The Misunderstood Child' and clinical professsor of psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical Center. Workshops, exhibits, bookstore. More information and registration materials at www.CACLD.org.

Sat. Oct. 25, 2008: Special Education - What is it? Understanding Special Education (USE). 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. At Ability Beyond Disability, 4 Berkshire Drive, Bethel. One-day seminar sponsored by WeCAHR. Contact Linda Rietschel at WeCAHR for registration information at 203-792-3540.

Tues. Oct. 28, 2008: Demystifying the College Selection Process for Students with LD. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., with Marcia Rubinstein, MA, CEP, Educationl Advisor and parents panelists. Westport Public Library, Arhold Bernhard Plaza, Westport. Register for these free workshops at info@SmartKidswithLD.org or 203-226-6831.

Tues. Oct. 28, 2008: Understanding Challenging Behavior in Young Children. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Workshop presented by the CT Parent Advocacy Center. Workshop will help participants change the way they view and react to their child's challenging behavior. Learn what behavior is communication, how to use positive behavior supports to encourage the development of new communication skills and practical tips for success. Sponsored by the Westbrook Early Learning Links. Free. Childcare available. Q&A afterwards. For more information and to RSVP caontact Mary Jo Noonan, Project Coordinator at 860-399-3417.

Wed. Oct. 29, 2008: We Belong: Inclusion in Fairfield County presents Dr. Michael Weiss (Giant Steps) on "Social Skills and Making Friendships". 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Co-Sponsored with the Westport SEPTA. Coleytown Middle School, North Ave., Westport. RSVP and more information to Eva Grenwald at evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net.

Thurs. Oct. 30, 2008: The Use of Positive Behavior Supports Within the Community. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Waveny House, Waveny Park, New Canaan. With Todd Kellogg, LMFT who specializes in providing structural family and behavior therapy to resolve challenging behaviors in children both at home and in school, to build a partnerships between home and school, to increase parenting skills and work on relationship issues within families that have members with special needs. Sponsored by SPED*NET, New Canaan. For information and registration and to RSVP, call Judi Anders at 203-801-0794. More information on Todd Kellogg at www.positivefamilybehavior.com.

Wed. Nov. 5, 2008: Maverick Minds: A Cognitive Perspective on Understanding ADD/ADHD Kids: An Educational program from a Cognitive Perspective to Understand Children with ADD/ADHD, Executive Function and Self-Regulation. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., The Ridgefield Community Center, 316 Main St., Ridgefield. Presented by Ruthann Short, MSW, LCSW. Co-Sponsored by SPED*NOR Ridgefield. Contact Sheryl Knapp at SKnapp@LiteracyAdvocates.com or Ruthann Short at maverickmindsllc@aol.com.

Wed. Nov. 12, 2008: Neuro-Psychological Evalutions. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave., Norwalk, Room 101. With Scott Bezsylko, Executive Director, Winston Prep Schools, NYC and Norwalk. Discussion and explanation of a neuro-psychological evaluation and its implications regarding your child's learning profile, IEP educational plan and setting/placement. Co-sponsored by NorwalkSEEKS and Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. Free. Information at info@norwalkSEEKS.org or 203-846-2501.

Thurs. Nov. 13, 2008: "Thinking Beyond One Day at a Time" - making a difference for your child's future. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Fairfield Public Library, Boston Post Road, Fairfield. Presented by Stephen A. Ehrens, CPA and Financial Advisor and Atty. Greta Solomon, Principal, Cohen & Wolf, P.C. Sponsored by The Pilot House. Contact Doreen Caruso at dcaruso@thepilothouse.org or 203-610-3877 for more information and registration.

Fri. Nov. 14, 2008: Using AAC for People with ASD-related Communication Challenges, Part One (Part Two will be held on Fri, Nov. 21). 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 555 Corporate Drive, Windsor. Presented by Autism Spectrum Differences Institute of New England, Inc. Participants will identify skills needed to introduce a range of AAC methods, includin typing, to achieve independence for people with ASD labels and communication challenges, and will recognize the opportunities and limitations of AAAC as an adjunct to oral language. For more information and registration materials, contact ASDI at 860-257-9911 or asdi-ne@comcast.net and www.autismdifferences.org.

Sat. Nov. 15, 2008: Life After High School - A Day to Explore Transition. 8:15 a.m. Central CT State University Institute of Technology & Business Development Conference Center, 185 Main St., New Britain. Keynote speaker: Stephen Shore. Workshops and presentations on "How to Achieve Independence in our ASD Children and Adults", "Higher Education", and "School to Work". Bookstore. CEU's available. Sponsored by CT Autism Resource Center, Inc., The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Central CT State University and the Department of Developmental Services, Division of Autism Spectrum Services. For more information and registration materials, contact ASRC at 203-265-7717 or www.ct-asrc.org.

Mon. Nov. 17, 2008: Accountability after the PPT: How to Achieve IEP Compliance. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. With Jennifer Laviano, Esq., special education attorney. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd, Wilton. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. RSVP and more information call Pam at 203-563-9994.

Tues. Nov. 18, 2008: Effective Reading Instruction. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. With Sheryl Knapp, Literacy Consultant. At Temple Shalom, 300 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Register for this free workshop at SmartKidsWithLD.org or call 203-22-6831.

Fri. Nov. 21 2008: Using AAC for People with ASD-related Communication Challenges, Part Two (Attendance at Part One on Fri. Nov 14 prerequisite to attening part two). 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 555 Corporate Drive, Windsor. Presented by Autism Spectrum Differences Institute of New England, Inc. Participants will develop beginning competencies to introduce high and low tech devices with maximum probability of the communicator achieving independence. For more information and registration materials, contact ASDI at 860-257-9911 or asdi-ne@comcast.net and www.autismdifferences.org.

Sat. Nov. 22, 2008: "It's Hard to Be Your Friend" with Rick Lavoie. The Pilot House in Fairfield presents Rick Lavoie speaking about the relationship between learning disabilities and social incompetence. 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Fairfield Ludlow High Auditorium, 785 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. Register by Nov. 14. Contact Doreen Caruso at 203-610-3877 or dcaruso@thepilothouse.org for registration and more information.

Mon. Dec. 1, 2008 (snow date: Mon. Dec. 8): Biomedical Updates: What's New on the Horizon in Alternative Interventions. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. With Dr. Nancy O'Hara a specialist in treating children with disabilities including ASD. Dicussion of therapies and the research behind them, including neurofeedback, detoxification, neuroinflammation, oxytocin and immunoglobin therapy. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd., Wilton. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. RSVP to Pam at 203-563-9994.

Summer Autism Events

2008-06-01T15:51:00.011-04:00

Welcome to the Autism in Connecticut Blog!

AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Entries in Green
Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
Include contact information

Social Skills Scholarship Program. The Autism Society of Connecticut announces a new scholarship program for girls ages 10-18 to participate in social skills groups and programming. Girls must be between 10-18 years of age and have a diagnosis of Asperger's or High Functioning Autism/PDD. The program must take place in one of the shoreline towns. Funds are also available to support the creation of such programs. Contact ASCONN at 888-453-4975 or asconn@sbcglobal.net for information and application materials.

Central Connecticut State University announces summer course offerings for graduate credit or CEU's. Autism Spectrum Disorders: Perspectives Along the Spectrum (August 4 & 5), Positive Behavior Techniques (August 12 & 13), Collaboration, Advocacy and the IEP (August 20 & 21). All programs are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more information and registration forms call CCSC at 860-832-2256 or www.ccsu.edu.

Bilingual Autism Resource Guide now available! Directory of the best web resource available in Spanish with site descriptions in both English and Spanish. www.asdatoz.com.

Creative Interventions, LLC announces summer skills social groups starting Sat. June 14. Call Christine Levine at 860-413-9538 to find out ages, times and to sign up.

Special Education Teacher (6th year pre-K) looking to provide extra support in the home with behavior modifications, communication systems, ABA programs and picture schedules. Contact Caitlin Wingardner, M.S., 203-376-8648.

Summer Camp in VT. June 20-23, 2008, Camp Kaleidoscope, hosted by Common Ground Center in Starksboro, VT presents a summer camp style retreat for families with children on the autism spectrum. Located on 700 acres in Northern Vermont. Food and lodging, cabins and tenting available. Sliding scale fee. Aides are welcome. Between breakfast and lunch adults and children are given the chance to pursue programs devoted to their own interests. Kidville will have activities that are more interesting to children on the spectrum and their siblings. Call 800-430-2667 and check out www.massfamiliesties.org.

Camp Akeela - a new overnight summer camp for boys and girls who are looking for a traditional camp experience with added support in the area of social skill development. Located in Strafford, VT, Akeela offers two 3 week sessions and a 1-week 'introductory' Mini-Camp. More information at www.campakeela.com or e-mail info@campakeela.com, 866-680-4744.

Behavioral Management has a day camp for children with emotional and/or behavioral challenges. June 23 through August 29. Before and after care available. Information about the camp at 860-663-0401.

Sexuality Education Video by Dr. Peter Gerhardt. www.talkautism.com/components/video/video.aspx?v=6.

Social Skills Groups for Children with ASD or Difficulties in Relating. June 21 - August 30. at Greenwich Education and Prep Offices, 64 Main Street, New Canaan. For ages 4-9 Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; for 10-15 year olds Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The program focuses on helping children and adolescents develop greater awareness and understanding of perspectives different from their own as a means for improving conversation skills, developing relationships with peers, and dealing with emotions and behaviors. Children with work with an art therapist and a music therapist to facilitate expression of emotions. Groups will be organized by age and needs as to language, cognition and social awareness. Provided by Sound Foundation. Contact Stacy Lore at 203-594-1857 or stacylore@yahoo.com.

Daycare in Killingworth. Pansy Patch Daycare, 256 North Parker Hill Road, Killingworth. Local, convenient childcare that is safe, flexible, loving and understanding in a warm and relaxing environment. Care provided by a mom of a child with Autism and Sensory Integration Disorder. Infant - 12 years. Contact pansypatchdaycare@comcast. net or www.pansypatchdaycare.com.

Haircuts at Home! Geraldine McKeon provides Haircuts at Home for children with special needs. She will travel anywhere in Connecticut! Call 203-901-2216 or check her out at www.haircutathome.com.

Yoga Class for Teens. One for girls and one for boys. Class will allow teens to socialize, improve self-awareness and self-regulation through yoga. Contact Teddi Barenholtz, PT, MS, E-RYT, RDI Certified Consultant at 203-354-1311 or email yogabilitation@aol.com.

The Friendship Circle is an organization that serves the Jewish community in Fairfield County. Friendship Circle, through the ongoing commitment of teenage volunteers, extends a helping hand to children with special needs and their families, involvig them in a full range of social and Jewish experiences including weekly home visits. Contact Mrs. Malya Shmotkin at 203-329-0015 x 414 or www.FrienshipCT.com for more information.

Child Care Available. Contact Jillian Turgeon at turgeonj@sacredheart.edu. Somers and Windsor areas. Weekends through May. Daily May through August. Student. contact for more information.

Social Skills Group Forming: At Creative Interventions, LLC, 11 Winter Village Road, Granby. Call Christine Levine at 860-413-9538. Seeking high-functioning children on the Autism Spectrum in the following age groups: 3-4; 5-6; 7-10: middle school and high school.

Want to be published? Research psychologist has been approached by a publisher to consider writing a book about parenting teenagers with Asperger's. Aim is to offer support to other parents and offer professionals a chance to see inside "real life". Book will take the form of an anthology consisting of six or more case histories written by parents in their own style. Looking for parents with one or more children with Asperger's who are willing to write honestly about their struggles. If interested contact Anna Gleave at annagleave@hotmail.com.

The Connecticut Tech Act Project in partnership with Southern CT State University's Center for Adaptive Technology has a new program: Computer Assistive Technology Loan Program. The goal of this program is to help CT School Systems have access to loans of laptop computers with adaptive software for students with disabilities. Loans can run as long as 6 weeks and can be used for evaluations; temporary replacement; trial software before purchase. For more information and specific software availability contact the CT Tech Act Program at 860-424-4881 or the Center for Adaptive Technology at 203-392-5799. CTtechact.com or cat.southernct.edu.

Speech and Language Consultants, LLC, Center for Communication, Behavior, Sensory Development, Literacy and Technology announces new programs in speech and language, social skills, summer camp. Go to www.speechandlanguageconsultants.org. Bridgeport and Norwalk locations.

Research Projects:

Looking for parents of children under the age of 10 with a diagnosis of autism. Parents will be invited to share their perspective on the diagnostic process while having a child diaganosed with autism. This study is looking at the earliest signs of autism seen by parents in the hopes of allowing for earlier diagnosis and thus, earlier intervention opportunitites. Participation will involve a one hour interview and follow up questions, if necessary. Contact Rhiannon Ducey at 860-877-9716 or Rhiannon_e@hotmail.com or more information.

Examining friendships for children with Asperger's Disorder. Recruiting children between the ages of 8-12 with a diagnosis of AS. The children will be asked to fill out a questionnaire to see how they view friendships. For more information go to www.geocities.com/angelayeung.

Looking for families interested in helping researchers understand the genetic causes of ASD. Sponsored by the Simons Foundation, Yale Child Study Center is one of 11 clinical centers around the US recruiting families. Looking for families with one child aged 5 or older with ASD or suspected ASD; one or more children aged 4 or older without ASD and both biological parents must be willing to participate. Interviews, questionnaire and blood draws will be required. Contact Monika Lau, at 203-785-3488 or monika.lau@yale.edu for more information.

Vanderbilt University is recruiting parents for an online study on the positive experiences of parenting a child with a developmental disability. The study is being conducted by Teresa Ulman, M.S., as a dissertation project under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Dykens, PhD. Parent must be over 18 years of age and have a child between the ages of 8-25 with a diagnosis of one (only one) of the following: Angelmann Syndrome, autism or PDD-NOS, Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome or Williams Syndrome. We know parenting a child with a disability is hard. But many people find that the experience has led to personal growth in unexpected ways. Benefits of the study include an opportunity to reflect upon the positive pyschological growth that you may have experienced following the birth of your child with a disability. The survey will take approximately 45-60 minutes and consists of a series of questions. At the end of the study you wil have the opportunity to write your thoughts in an unstructured format. For further information, contact Teresa.ulman@vanderbilt.edu or 615-414-9665. Link to the survey at kc.vanderbilt.edu/parentsurvey.

Yale Child Study Center announces a study of speech treatment for preschool children with autism spectrum disorders who do not speak yet. Purpose of the study is to contrast two different treatment programs - one that uses very structured discrete trial methods and one that is more naturalistic and to try to determine characteristics of individual children that show us which program will work better for each individual child. Treatment will be assigned randomly. Treatments will be delivered for 12 weeks with three 45 min sessions per week by a specially trained speech pathologist. Parent training as well. To qualify the child must have a diagnosis of ASD, be between 2-6 years of age, use fewer than 10 spontaneous words and be able to attend sessions at Yale Child Study Center. Contact Elizabeth Schoen, M.S., CCC-SLP at 203-737-1267 or elizabeth.schoen@yale.edu or Moira Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP, at 203-764-7490 or moira.lewis@yale.edu.

Online Research Survey to give your opinion on the causes of autism and the information sources and treatments you prefer. Conducted by Melanie L. Mack of the Western Washington University with the aim of improving communication between service providers, researchers and parents in a way that will enable children with ASDs to get safe and effective support that meets the needs of the families. Contact Melanie at mackm2@cc.wwu.edu. Survey available at www.acadweb.wwu.edu/psych/autismsurvey.htm.

Research project designed to look at stress and coping in African American parents raising a child with autism. Participation will require filling out a research packet (about 30 minutes to complete). Stipend available. Conducted by Nakia Taylor at DePaul University's Master's Entry Program in Nursing. Contact Nakia at nakialynise@yahoo.com or 773-715-8778.

Haskins Laboratories Child Language Studies is running a language study on language development in children with autism spectrum disorders. Looking for families interested in participating in a study of speech and language development. Sponsored by the NIH. Recruiting children from ages 5-14. Contact Julie Irwin at Julia.irwin@haskins.yale.edu or www.haskins.yale.edu/infant/asd.pdf or contact Dr. Irwin at 203-86-6063x311.

Yale Sibling Project for Children with brothers and sisters on the autism spectrum. A 10-session sibling support group, at no cost to families. Parents and children will be asked to complete some interviews and questionnaires before and after the group. For typically developing children and adolescents (age 6-17) who have a sibling on the autism spectrum. At the Yale Child Study Center. Groups for various ages are ongoing. Interested families may be placed on a waitlist until a group for their child's age becomes available. Contact Dr. Julie Wolf at 203-785-5337 or email julie.wolf@yale.edu.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AND MONTHLY PROGRAMS

Please send all information on ongoing groups to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
include contact information

It's summertime and many groups do not meet over the summer, please call the contact listed to check on summer meetings and activities.

Inquiries:

Support group forming for wives of husbands with Asperger's Syndrome. Contact Lois Rosenwald at ASRC at 203-265-7717 or lois.asrc@sbcglobl.net

New group forming for teen aged girls and adult women on the autism spectrum. Contact nzlj@juno.com for more information.

First Thursday of the month: CT Family Support Network, Northeast Parent's Group. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., John Dempsey Regional Center, 376 Pomfret St, Putnam. Light refreshments, no childcare. Meetings include family support, resource materials and handouts, trainings to assist families, and our target audience is all families with children having any disability; birth through the lifespan. New families always welcome. Contact Mona Tremblay at 860-928-6514 or advocatefor2@yahoo.com or Ann Tetreault at 860-630-4033 or Ann.Tetreault@ct.gov.

Second Monday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders. 7:00 p .m. Manchester Memorial Hospital. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Carolyn Schwartz at 860-644-0524 or www.asconn.org for more information.

Second Monday of the month: Parent Support Group. West Haven City Hall. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For parents of special needs children. More information call Karen Muro at 203-937-3565 or e-mail KarenMMuro@aol.com.

Second Tuesday of the month: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT). For Wilton parents only. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve the programs within the schools and community. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

Second Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents of children on the autism spectrum. 7:00 p.m. Small group with parents of children of all ages. Sponsored by Jewish Family Services, West Hartford. Contact Steven Broyde, PhD., LCSW, Child Clinic Director, JFC for more information at 860-236-1927 x16 or sbroyde@jfshartford.org.

Second Tuesday of the month: Helping Hands Support Group for Parents of Children with Mental Health Needs. Offering education, coping strategies, networking, support and resources. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. South United Methodist Church (Education Wing), 1226 Main St (corner Main and Hartford), Manchester. Affiliated with NAMI-CT, East of the River Community Collaborative and Route 2 Community Collaborative. Contact Karen at 860-882-7354 or Cheryl at 860-882-7353 for more information. Childcare available with prior registration.

Second Wednesday and Fourth Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group for children diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Westbrook Youth and Family Services. 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.

Second Thursday of the month: Families United Network, Thompson, A family support and advocacy group for families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Thompson Public Library. For more information, call Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net, or Suzanne Witkowski at TEEG, 860-928-1569 or ARCHES@teegonline.org.

Second Friday of the month: Adult Asperger's Support Group. For Adults on the Spectrum. 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Meets at the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center at 101 North Industrial Road, Wallingford. Call Dave Tipping at 203-484-2937 or e-mail NZ1J@juno.com for more information.

Second Saturday and Fourth Saturday of the month: Play for All! A playgroup for children of all abilities. Special needs play group giving parents an opportunity to talk, support and encourage each other, while allowing their children time to play and socialize. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon. Children's Programming Room, Lucy Robbins Wells Library, Newington. Sponsored by the Library and Newington UNICO. Call the library at 860-665-8720 for more information.

Third Monday of the month: Building Blocks Support Group. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m . Multi-Purpose Room, Colchester Elementary School. A support group for parents or caregivers of children with social or emotional challenges aged birth - five. For more information contact: Dana at 860-434-4890x349 or Rachel at x311. Sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health and Building Blocks Social Emotional Wellness for Young Children.

Third Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Groton Public Library. Call Danielle Greene at 860-445-9765 for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Tamale Tuesday. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. SPED*NET, Special Education Network of New Canaan, Ltd., invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in the New Canaan Public Schools to the Tequila Mockingbird restaurant on 6 Forest St., New Canaan. Please join us to share strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0784 or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.

Third Tuesday of the month: Manchester IEPs. A group of parents who meet monthly to discuss the ways to help and support our children to get the services they need to become successful in school and in life. For more information contact manchesterieps@cox.net.

Third Tuesday of the month: NOTE THE NEW DATE: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. 7:00 p.m. Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford. Sponsored by the Stratford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Kim Wardlow at bischon03@yahoo.com for more information.

Third Wednesday of the month: Pizza Moms, Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. www.geocities.com/nenette618/pizzamomsg.html for more information. Pizza moms is a support group for moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. 7:00 p.m. We get together informally for food, drink and networking. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Philippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471 or angelmanmom@aol.com.

Third Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. (parents of children 0-12) and 7:30 p.m . - 8:30 p.m. (parents of children 13+). Family Resource Center Annex, 110 High Street, Enfield. Contact Kate Faherty at KFaherty@enfield.org for more information. Contact Kate for information and location changes!

Third Thursday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. Preston Public Library. 6:30 p.m. Contact Joan Bachelder at abddjm@aol.com for more information.

Last Thursday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents of children with an ASD. Preston Library, Preston, CT. Call the library at 860-886-1010 for times and more information.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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Mon., June 2, 2008: Giant Steps Annual Conference. "Translating Autism Spectrum Disorders: Bench to Bedside and Beyond". 7:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Fairfield University Regina A Quick Center, Fairfield. Fee. For more information and registration call 203-254-3491 or www.giantstepsct.org.

Mon, June 2 - Wed. June 4, 2008: "Introduction to Verbal Behavior: Teaching Communication Skills to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities." 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Ramada Inn, Stratford. With Dr. Vincent Carbone, BCBA. Sponsored by Speech & Language Consultants. For more information contact Landria Seals, Clinic Director at 203-374-3100 or www.speechandlanguageconsultants.org.

Tues, June 3, 2008: "Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports: What Parents Need to Know". 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by CPAC and sponsored by the Special Education Committee of the Guilford PTA. Open to the public. Families will be introduced to a new way of thinking about their child's challenging behaviors and about the need to advocate for behavioral supports. It introduces and provides an overview of the concepts of functional behavioral assessment and positive behavior interventions. For more information and registration, contact Jennifer Ryan at 203-988-5496 or e-mail jpryann33@comcast.net.

Wed. June 4, 2008: "Creating Social Opportunities for Individuals with ASD". 7:30 p.m., IDEA Training Center, 20 Washington Ave, North Haven. Dr. Jim Loomis will speak about the importance of social skills and the key skills on which to focus. Difficulties with generalization and maintenance will be addressed. Sponsored by the South Central Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Free, but seating is limited, contact Sally Brockett at 203-234-7401.

Wed. June 4, 2008: Help Me Grow Community Networking Breakfast - discussion of Autism Resources in the State with Mona Tremblay, CT Family Support Network Northeast Regional Coordinator and Sara Reed, Executive Director, Autism Society of Connecticut. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Killingly Public Library, 25 Wescott Road, Killingly. Register by calling Luz Rivera at 860-418-8770 or e-mail Luz.M.Rivera@ct.gov.

Wed. June 4, 2008: "Easy as 123 . . . Mastering New Motor Skills". 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., CCMC's Farmington specialty center at 399 Farmington Ave, Farmington. with Paula Dorschied, OTR/L, Joshua Goodman, OTR/L and Nicole Napolitano, OTR. Discussion about children who have difficultiy learning new social skills, and learn strategies to help your child achieve success in attempting new tasks and completing difficult activities. RSVP and more information call 860-545-8600.

Thurs. June 5, 2008: "The Medical Home Program: Children and Youth will Special Healthcare Needs". 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., John Dempsey Regional Center, 376 Pomfret St., Putnam. Sponsored by the CT Family Support Network. Learn about the services that are available within the Medical Home Program and how to access them. Some services include: care coordination, respite funding and coverage for durable medical equipment. Free and open to the public. For more information and registration, contact Mona Tremblay at monatremblay@sbcglobal.net or 860-928-6514.

Thurs. June 5, 2008: "IEP Goals 101" 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.. New Britain Library Community Room. Presented by CPAC. The training will teach about how to identify key information to incorporate into the present levels of academic and functional peformance and how to use present levels to create measureable goals and objectives. Free. To register call 860-739-3089 or 800-445-2722 or e-mail cpac@cpacinc.org.

Thurs. June 5, 2008: Winston Prep Open House. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Winston Prep, a private school for students with learning disabilities, grades 6-12 hosts an open house. RSVP to Monika Shah at 203-229-0465 x 642 or mshah@winstonprep.edu.

Thurs. June 5, 2008: "To Speak or Not to Speak" 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., CCMC's Glastonbury specialty center, 310 Western Blvd, Glastonbury. With Jennifer Twachtmann-Reilly, MS, CCC-SLP. This presentation provides a framework for determining when to work directly on speech production and when to work on other areas of communication and social behaviors that are prerequisite to the development of verbal language. Specific strategies for fostering speech production will also be offered. Free. RSVP and more information call 860-545-8600.

Fri. June 6, 2008: Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Current Issues in Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment. 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., The Children's Center of Hamden. ASD often present clinicians, educators, families and other human service professionals with diagnostic and behavioral challenges. The current rise in the frequency of these disorders demonstrates a need for well informed assessment and treatment. Presented by Celine Saulnier, PhD of the Yale Child Study Center. The seminar will detail clinical interventions based on the latest research and findings. www.childrenscenterhamden.org.

Fri. June 6, 2008: "The Medical Home Initiative for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs" 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., The Hospital For Special Care, South 1 Conference Center, 2150 Corbin Ave., New Britain. Medical Home is a model for health care delivery that ensures that families and children receive accessible, continuous, coordinated, comprehensive, family-centered and culturally competent services. The focus of the presentation is to educate and inform parents, school staff, community workers and healthcare providers about the services that are available under this program and how to access them. Free and open to the public. Please register by contacting Laura Knapp at lauraknappseven@sbcglobal.net or 888-410-1068.

Sat. June 7, 2008: FOCUS Festival for Autism. 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. FOCUS, Canton Stprings Rd, Canton. Fun, Dunk Tank, Bounce House, Free Games and Activities, food and drinks, pony rides. More information at www.focusalternative.org or call 860-693-8831.

Sat. June 7, 2008: PATH (Parents Available To Help) presents a Day of Family Fun. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., East Haven Town Green. Lots to see and do. Carnival games, bounce houses, stuff-a-bear, face painting, Meet B.B. the Bluefish mascot, Peabody Museum's "hands on" table. Plenty for everyone to do.

Tues. June 10, 2008: Parent Resource Support Group for Parents Raising Children From Birth to Three and Beyond with Developmental Delays and Special Care Needs presents "Summer Fun Activities to do with your Child with Special Care Needs". 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Central Park - Indoor Kids' Play Place, 74 Central Ave (side entrance of Salvation Army), Waterbury. Meet other parents and kids, information, networking and socializing. Co-sponsored by CT Family Support Network-Northwest Region & CT Lifespan Respite Coalition. Contact Alice Buttwell at 860-350-6025, 203-709-3850 or alicemmbb@aol.com or Joy Liebeskind at 203-772-9058 or SJSJL@cox.net.

Wed. June 11, 2008: "Addressing Your Child's Sensory Needs" 9:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Hope Center for Autism and Related Disorders, 19 Ludlowe Road, Suite 202, Westport. Part of a workshop series presented by the Hope Center. Fee. Limited enrollment. To register or for more information call 203-227-3383.

Wed. June 11, 2008: Greater Danbury Child and Family Network/LICC meeting presents "Strengthening Marriage and Family Relationships When You Have a Child with Special Needs" with Marriage and Family Therapist Paula Levy. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room, 83 West St., Danbury. RSVP to Caroline LeFleur at 203-797-8088, www.danburychildrenfirst.org.

Thurs. June 12, 2008: "Pencil Points" 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., CCMC's Glastonbury specialty center at 310 Western Blvd, Glastonbury. With Diane Archambault, OTR and Sandra Rodregue, MS, OTR. Discussion about why children have difficulty with handwriting and learn strategies to improve your child's handwriting skills. RSVP and more information call 860-545-8600.

Fri. June 13, 2008: AfterSchool Partnerships for Success Conference. Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford. Register online at www.eastconn.org, e-mail conferenceoffice@eastconn.org or call 860-455-0707.

Sat. June 14, 2008 and Sat. June 21, 2008: Lighting the Way presents Families as Partners Training workshop. Topics include family/school collaboration, understanding the challenges of IDEA, appropriate evaluations, FAPE, LRE, providing related services across educational settings, inclusion, curriculum modifications, effective advocacy and more. Free. Participants must attend both Saturday sessions. Space is limited, register by contacting Ginger Spiers at vgingers@aol.com or call 203-846-1064.

Wed. June 18, 2008: "Beyond the Bed-Time Story: Components of Effective Sleep Programs" 9:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Hope Center for Autism and Related Disorders, 19 Ludlowe Road, Suite 202, Westport. Part of a workshop series presented by the Hope Center. Fee. Limited enrollment. To register or for more information call 203-227-3383.

Thurs. June 19, 2008: "How to Use Positive Behavior Support Plans: An Overview for Caregivers and Case Managers". 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. NEAT Marketplace, 120 Holcomb St, Hartford. For family caregivers, case managers and direct support staff. Presented by Joan Beasley, PhD. Positive Behavior support planning is important. It offers providers the opportunity to work together in collaboration with the use f a common language and consistent methods to support individuals. The participant will learn the essential aspects of an effective positive behavior support strategy, how data is used to assess progress and improve planning, to incorporate skills and strengths along with support needs in the planning process, how the "positive" is incorporated. For registration and more information contact Julie Bouchard, CT DDS, at 860-418-6050 or julie.bouchard@ct.gov.

Wed. June 25, 2008: "Designing Individual Education Programs" 9:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Hope Center for Autism and Related Disorders, 19 Ludlowe Road, Suite 202, Westport. Part of a workshop series presented by the Hope Center. Fee. Limited enrollment. To register or for more information call 203-227-3383.

Fri. July 25, 2008: "How to Use Positive Behavior Support Plans: An Overview for Caregivers and Case Managers". 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Keeney Center, 200 Main St., Wethersfield. For family caregivers, case managers and direct support staff. Presented by Joan Beasley, PhD. Positive Behavior support planning is important. It offers providers the opportunity to work together in collaboration with the use f a common language and consistent methods to support individuals. The participant will learn the essential aspects of an effective positive behavior support strategy, how data is used to assess progress and improve planning, to incorporate skills and strengths along with support needs in the planning process, how the "positive" is incorporated. For registration and more information contact Julie Bouchard, CT DDS, at 860-418-6050 or julie.bouchard@ct.gov.

April is Autism Awareness Month! - We start early!

2008-04-01T11:53:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the Autism in Connecticut Blog!

AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Entries in Green
Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
Include contact information

Haircuts at Home! Geraldine McKeon provides Haircuts at Home for children with special needs. She will travel anywhere in Connecticut! Call 203-901-2216 or check her out at www.haircutathome.com.

Autism Happens Foundation, Inc., is currently accepting applications for two $500 grants. To qualify you mist be a resident of Enfield, CT and have primary custody and care of an autistic person. Applications and more information available at www.autismhappens.org. Deadline is March 31.

Research Study: Looking for parents of children under the age of 10 with a diagnosis of autism. Parents will be invited to share their perspective on the diagnostic process while having a child diaganosed with autism. This study is looking at the earliest signs of autism seen by parents in the hopes of allowing for earlier diagnosis and thus, earlier intervention opportunitites. Participation will involve a one hour interview and follow up questions, if necessary. Contact Rhiannon Ducey at 860-877-9716 or Rhiannon_e@hotmail.com or more information.

The Friendship Circle is an organization that serves the Jewish community in Fairfield County. Friendship Circle, through the ongoing commitment of teenage volunteers, extends a helping hand to children with special needs and their families, involvig them in a full range of social and Jewish experiences including weekly home visits. Contact Mrs. Malya Shmotkin at 203-329-0015 x 414 or www.FrienshipCT.com for more information.

The Autism Society of Connecticut is now accepting applications for the 2008 Mini-Grant Program. Providing direct financial assistance to families to purchase safety and security items. Information and applications available at www.asconn.org.

Child Care Available. Contact Jillian Turgeon at turgeonj@sacredheart.edu. Somers and Windsor areas. Weekends through May. Daily May through August. Student. contact for more information.

Social Skills Group Forming: At Creative Interventions, LLC, 11 Winter Village Road, Granby. Call Christine Levine at 860-413-9538. Seeking high-functioning children on the Autism Spectrum in the following age groups: 3-4; 5-6; 7-10: middle school and high school.

The Connecticut Tech Act Project in partnership with Southern CT State University's Center for Adaptive Technology has a new program: Computer Assistive Technology Loan Program. The goal of this program is to help CT School Systems have access to loans of laptop computers with adaptive software for students with disabilities. Loans can run as long as 6 weeks and can be used for evaluations; temporary replacement; trial software before purchase. For more information and specific software availability contact the CT Tech Act Program at 860-424-4881 or the Center for Adaptive Technology at 203-392-5799. CTtechact.com or cat.southernct.edu.

Research Study: Examining friendships for children with Asperger's Disorder. Recruiting children between the ages of 8-12 with a diagnosis of AS. The children will be asked to fill out a questionnaire to see how they view friendships. For more information go to www.geocities.com/angelayeung.

Research Study: Looking for families interested in helping researchers understand the genetic causes of ASD. Sponsored by the Simons Foundation, Yale Child Study Center is one of 11 clinical centers around the US recruiting families. Looking for families with one child aged 5 or older with ASD or suspected ASD; one or more children aged 4 or older without ASD and both biological parents must be willing to participate. Interviews, questionnaire and blood draws will be required. Contact Monika Lau, at 203-785-3488 or monika.lau@yale.edu for more information.

Speech and Language Consultants, LLC, Center for Communication, Behavior, Sensory Development, Literacy and Technology announces new programs in speech and language, social skills, summer camp. Go to www.speechandlanguageconsultants.org. Bridgeport and Norwalk locations.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AND MONTHLY PROGRAMS

Please send all information on ongoing groups to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
include contact information

Can't find a group near you? Interested in starting a group? Send a posting with your inquiry to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net and include contact information.

Looking for a group? Check the inquiries and see if someone near you is interested in starting a group and contact them directly.

If you need help in starting a group,contact the Autism Society of Connecticut at asconn@sbcglobal.net.

While every attempt is made to keep the list up to date, group meeting dates and times may vary. Please call ahead of time to check.

Inquiries:

Ongoing Groups:

First Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at asclanan01@yahoo.com for more information.

First Monday of the month: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. For Wilton parents only. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve pograms within the school and community. At the Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton, RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

New Group! First Monday of the month: Greater New Milford Area Parent Support/Resource Group for parents and caregivers raising children with special health care needs. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., The United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Road, New Milford. Contact Alice Buttwell at 860-355-6025 or alicemmbb@aol.com or Monika Nugent, 860-355-1179, monikan@sbcglobal.net. Sponsored by the CT Family Support Network - Northwest Region.

Every Tuesday morning: Parent Chat: A shoreline support group for families with special needs children birth - eight. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Kidsteps - SARAH, Inc., 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Children invited! Call Marian Roy, Family Support coordinator - Group Facilitator for registration information at 203-318-3682.

First Tuesday of the month: Pizza moms in Darien! 7:30 p.m. Post Corner Pizza in Darien. www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamoms.html. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. We get together informally and have pizza, salad and beer in Darien. Everyone is welcome. This is a place where moms can talk with other moms who are having similar experiences. If you are interested, contact Nanette Jordan at nanette618@yahoo.com.

Every Wednesday, Parent/Child Playgroup for ages 2-4, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Kidsteps, 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Parent and child will have an opportunity to be involved in a variety of activities to increase large and small motor skills, experiment with a variety of materials and increase positive peer interactions. Parents share ideas and support activities. Facilitated by a special education teacher and counselor. Call Kidsteps at 203-318-3692 for more information.

First Thursday of the month: Families united Network - Northeast. A family support and advocacy group. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. United Services, Wauregan. Call Families United at 860-537-6125 and ask for Lorna.

First Thursday of the month: Families United for Children's Mental Health. Support rup, share support, education, advocacy and refresments. Faith Christian Assembly, 46 Grandview Dr. Middletown. A monthly support group for families of children with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs and challenges. Sponsored by Families United, a statewide support, education and advocacy group, run by and for families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges. For more information contact Lorna at Families United at 860-537-6125 x101 or lgrivois@familiesunited.org.

Second Monday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders. 7:00 p .m. Manchester Memorial Hospital. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Carolyn Schwartz at 860-644-0524 or www.asconn.org for more information.

Second Monday of the month: Parent Support Group. West Haven City Hall. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For parents of special needs children. More information call Karen Muro at 203-937-3565 or e-mail KarenMMuro@aol.com.

Second Tuesday of the month: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT). For Wilton parents only. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve the programs within the schools and community. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

Second Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents of children on the autism spectrum. 7:00 p.m. Small group with parents of children of all ages. Sponsored by Jewish Family Services, West Hartford. Contact Steven Broyde, PhD., LCSW, Child Clinic Director, JFC for more information at 860-236-1927 x16 or sbroyde@jfshartford.org.

Second Tuesday of the month: Helping Hands Support Group for Parents of Children with Mental Health Needs. Offering education, coping strategies, networking, support and resources. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. South United Methodist Church (Education Wing), 1226 Main St (corner Main and Hartford), Manchester. Affiliated with NAMI-CT, East of the River Community Collaborative and Route 2 Community Collaborative. Contact Karen at 860-882-7354 or Cheryl at 860-882-7353 for more information. Childcare available with prior registration.

Second Wednesday and Fourth Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group for children diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Westbrook Youth and Family Services. 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.

Second Thursday of the month: Families United Network, Thompson, A family support and advocacy group for families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Thompson Public Library. For more information, call Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net, or Suzanne Witkowski at TEEG, 860-928-1569 or ARCHES@teegonline.org.

Second Friday of the month: Adult Asperger's Support Group. For Adults on the Spectrum. 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Meets at the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center at 101 North Industrial Road, Wallingford. Call Dave Tipping at 203-484-2937 or e-mail NZ1J@juno.com for more information.

Second Saturday and Fourth Saturday of the month: Play for All! A playgroup for children of all abilities. Special needs play group giving parents an opportunity to talk, support and encourage each other, while allowing their children time to play and socialize. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon. Children's Programming Room, Lucy Robbins Wells Library, Newington. Sponsored by the Library and Newington UNICO. Call the library at 860-665-8720 for more information.

Third Monday of the month: Building Blocks Support Group. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m . Multi-Purpose Room, Colchester Elementary School. A support group for parents or caregivers of children with social or emotional challenges aged birth - five. For more information contact: Dana at 860-434-4890x349 or Rachel at x311. Sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health and Building Blocks Social Emotional Wellness for Young Children.

Third Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Groton Public Library. Call Danielle Greene at 860-445-9765 for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Tamale Tuesday. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. SPED*NET, Special Education Network of New Canaan, Ltd., invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in the New Canaan Public Schools to the Tequila Mockingbird restaurant on 6 Forest St., New Canaan. Please join us to share strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0784 or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.

Third Tuesday of the month: Manchester IEPs. A group of parents who meet monthly to discuss the ways to help and support our children to get the services they need to become successful in school and in life. For more information contact manchesterieps@cox.net.

Third Tuesday of the month: NOTE THE NEW DATE: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. 7:00 p.m. Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford. Sponsored by the Stratford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Kim Wardlow at bischon03@yahoo.com for more information.

Third Wednesday of the month: Pizza Moms, Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. www.geocities.com/nenette618/pizzamomsg.html for more information. Pizza moms is a support group for moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. 7:00 p.m. We get together informally for food, drink and networking. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Philippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471 or angelmanmom@aol.com.

Third Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. (parents of children 0-12) and 7:30 p.m . - 8:30 p.m. (parents of children 13+). Family Resource Center Annex, 110 High Street, Enfield. Contact Kate Faherty at KFaherty@enfield.org for more information. Contact Kate for information and location changes!

Third Thursday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. Preston Public Library. 6:30 p.m. Contact Joan Bachelder at abddjm@aol.com for more information.

Last Thursday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents of children with an ASD. Preston Library, Preston, CT. Call the library at 860-886-1010 for times and more information.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR
New Entries in Green
E-mail to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
include contact information

Sat. Mar. 22, 2008: Sexuality Training for Young and Older Adults on the Spectrum. With Lisa Mitchell of the Cody Center, NY. 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, at ASRC, 101 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford. Sponsored by ASRC and the DDS- Division of Autism Spectrum Services. Fee. For more information and registration call ASRC at 203-265-7717 or www.ct-asrc.org/.

Mon. Mar. 24, 2008: CT Family Support Network - Northwest Parent Support Group presents Elizabeth C. Brown, Director of Government Relations, CT Commission on Children. Providing an updates on bills related to children with special health care needs, the role of the CT Commission on Children and her work. 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Waterbury WARC, 1929 East Main St., Waterbury. For more information contact Alice Buttwell at alicemmbb@aol.com or 860=350-6025.

Tues. Mar. 25, 2008: Autism Research at UCONN: Early Detection and Risk in Siblings. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. With Dr. Marianne Barton, Associate Clinical Professor, Psychology Department, UCONN. Sponsored by the Hartford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Free. Child care available. Seating is limited, please contact Beth Katten at 860-236-8374 or bethkatten@yahoo.com.

Tues. Mar. 25, 2008: Controversies Around Antidepressent Use in Children and Adolescents. 5:00 p.m . - 8:00 p.m. Greenwich Hospital. With Dr. Andres Martin, director of the Children's Psychiatric Inpatient Services at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Starting with an overview of the debate about the black box warning on antidepressents, he will move on to an interactive discussion of how parents and families can constructively approach the safe and comprehensive treatment of their children when psychiatric medications are indicated. For more information contact Debbie Hilibrand, Chair, Executive Council, Yale Child Study Center at ticklesly@aol.com.

Tues. Mar. 25, 2008: FAVAN presents "The Spectrum Unplugged", a panel of young people who are first hand experts on ASD and related disorders. They will talk about their experiences and how ASD impacted their lives at home, school and in the community. 7:00 p.m. Farmington Community Center. For more information go to www.favan.org or call Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097.

Tues. Mar. 25, 2008: Connections Between Brothers and Sisters of Individuals with Disabilities: Strategies to Support Reslience. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Birch Grove Media Center, South Windsor. With Judy Itzkowitz, Educational Consultant. The nature of this important relationship between siblings when a brother or sister has a disability will be the focus of this interactive presentation. Siblings' common concerns, needs and experiences will be highlighted with an emphasis on the benefits and gifts that siblings report arising from this relationship. Strategies to facilitate and strengthen this relationship will be explored. Sponsored by the South Windsor SEPTA.

Wed. Mar. 26, 2008: Teaching Your Child Social Skills with Lynn Guilmette. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Coleytown Middle School Cafeteria, 255 North Ave., Westport. Sponsored by the Westport SEPTA. Ms. Guilmette is a Behavioral Educational Consultant specializing in the Autism Spectrum and has worked with children on the spectrum for over 25 years. She is Co-Director of Clinical Services for Behavioral Development and Educational Services in Norwalk. Her modifications and strategies are innovative and exciting and a must for anyone working with ASD children and teens. Free. For more information contact Janis Fox, Programming Chair at 203-222-8485 or e-mail info@westsportsepta.org.

Wed. Mar. 26, 2008: Superkids! Learn about the social skills programs and trainings available through Superkids. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., First Congregational Church of Derby, 137 Derby Ave., Derby. Sponsored by NorthStar. Contact Cathy Adamczyk at 860-869-6021 for more information and to register.

Thurs. Mar. 27, 2008: Person Centered Planning. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Waveny House, Waveny Park, New Canaan. Sponsored by SPED*NET New Canaan. Speakers are Linda Spenard, Vice Principal at Saxe Middle School and Kathleen Hoefer, reading teacher at Saxe. Person centered planning is a planning process that focuses on realizing the visions of individuals with disabilities and their families through collaborative partnerships among the individual, family members, friends, professionals and community members. There are many different ways to conduct person centered planning. These include MAPS, Circle of Friends and PATH. Please RSVP too Victoria Munoz at 203-972-1163. More information at www.spednet.org.

Thurs. Mar. 27, 2008: Thoughtful Response to Agitation, Escalation and Meltdowns in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Greenwich Library Cole Auditorium, Greenwich, CT. With Rebecca Klaw, M.S., M.Ed. Since 1988 Ms. Klaw has worked as a consultant, trainer and advocate for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This lecture describes a way of understanding individuals with ASDs and using that understanding to guide both proactive and if necessary, reactive responses to escalating agitation. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to 914-934-5138 or e-mail westchesterfairfield@autismspeaks.org.

Thurs. Mar. 27, 2008: New Parent Group! Sponsored by Pilot House, support group led by Laurel Carey, a developmental psychologist. Laurel teaches medical students and family practice residents with particular emphasis in the recognition and management of behavioral problems in children and adolescence. She has lead parent support groups for years. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fairfield Woods Middle School Cafeterial, Fairfield. Contact info@pilothouse.org or Doreen Caruso at 203-610-3877 for more information.

Thurs. Mar. 27, 2008: Promoting School Success in Spanish! Session I: Understanding Special Education. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Access Agency, 1315 Main St., Willimantic. Learn about referral to and eligibility for special education, understanding the IEP and PPT process, a parent's role in the process. Sponsored by DDS, the CT State Department of Education, the CT Parent Advocacy Center, SERC and the ARC of CT. Call 860-632-1485 x256 for registration information.

Sat. March 29, 2008: Parent University Graduate School of Parentology featuring Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen St., Newtown. Parent University provides a unique opportunity for parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers and other caregivers to spend an enjoyable and informative meeting becoming educated and empowered nurturers of children of all ages and stages of development. This informal workshop will provide helpful insight into the most pressing issues that affect child rearing in today's society. Current research indicates that parental involvement and developing close connections with our children are powerful protective factors when raising them in this world. Free. Child care. For more information www.newtownparentconnection.org.

Sun. March 30, 2008: Autism Awareness at the Sound Tigers! 4:00 p.m., Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport. Join us for Autism Awareness as the Sound Tigers take on the Hartford Wolf Pack for an exciting ice hockey game. Download a ticket form from www.asconn.org or call the Sound Tigers at 203-334-4625 x316.

Mon. Mar. 31, 2008: Families as Partners Training - Understanding Special Education 101. Mar. 31, April 2, April 7, and April 9. 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. ARC Youth Division, 132 East Putnam Ave., Cos Cob. Sponsored by ARC and supported by A.J. Pappanikou Center for Developmental Disablities and SPED*NET New Canaan. Funded by the State of CT, Children's Trust Fund. This workshop will cater to birth to five families and the professionals that support them. Topics include family/school collaboration, understanding the changes in the reauthorized special education law, appropriate evaluations, providing special education and services across general education settings, curriculum modifications, effective advocacy, people first language, person-centered planning and how to write useful and legally correct IEP's. Free. CEU's available. Must attend all four sessions. Contact Luis Velazquez, Director of ARC Family Resources at velazquez@arcgreenwich.org or 203-629-1880 x 328.

Tues. April 1, 2008: Promoting School Success in Spanish! Session I: Understanding Special Education. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., New Britain Public Library Community Room, 20 High Street, New Britain. Learn about referral to and eligibility for special education, understanding the IEP and PPT process, a parent's role in the process. Sponsored by DDS, the CT State Department of Education, the CT Parent Advocacy Center, SERC and the ARC of CT. Call 860-632-1485 x256 for registration information.

Tues. April 1, 2008: Woodbury/Bethlehem SEPTA presents: Ruth Eren, Ed.D. and Barbara Cook, CCC, MS, SLP "Tips for Participating in Your Child's Planning and Placements Team (PPT) Meeting. 7:00 p.m., Nonnewaug High School Auditorium, 5 Minortown Rd, Woodbury. What is a PPT and what are some effective strategies and skills that can promote your participation? Q&A. For more information contact Diane Stockwell at 203-263-3335 or septa@ctreg14.org.

Wed. April 2, 2008: Autism Awareness at the Capitol. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Room 310, State Capitol Building, Hartford. Parking available in the Legislative Office Building (LOB) parking garage. Join families, legislators and advocacy groups as we spread autism awareness to our legislators at the Capitol. Breakfast and press conference. Information on autism legislation. Call your legislator and tell them to meet you at this breakfast. Contact information available at www.asconn.org (go to "advocacy" page). We need to let our legislators know how many people are affected by ASD's and what our families need in the way of services and supports. For more information call 888-453-4975.

Wed. April 2, 2008: What to do when you disagree? 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, Montauk Ave, New London. Sponsored by the CT Family Support Network - Southeast. A presentation by the CT Parent Advocacy Center. Focus of the training is on positive communication and the contiuum of conflict resolution options. Participants will learn several strategies for promoting positive communication within a team and will identify ways to resolve special education disputes including mediation, due process and complaints. Free. For more information or to register contact April Dipollina at 860-444-6607 or dipollina@sbcglobal.net.

Thurs. April 3, 2008: Autism Orientation Workshop for Parents and Professionals. 7:00 p.m. CCMC Satellite Office, 310 Western Boulevard, Glastonbury, CT. Presented by ASCONN. Free, but seating is limited, please call 888-453-4975 or e-mail asconn@sbcglobal.net.

Thurs. April 3, 2008: Strategies for Parents of Children with ADD. Presented by Paula Levy, M.A. LMFT. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Learn strategies for helping your child with ADD. Discussion of practical and sensible ways to help your child better manage behavior and to strengthen self-esteem. Free. The Center for Change, LLC, 40 Cross Street, Suite 240, Norwalk. For more information contact Paula Levy at 203-761-9587.

Thurs. April 3, 2008: Silent Suffering: The Long Term Effects of Bullying on Children and Their Families. 7:00 p.m. Hosted by the Christian Heritage School, Trumbull. Presented by David Weitzman, M.Ed., LCSW. Free. Contact Total Learning and Therapy Center at 203-268-8852 to reserve your spot.

Thurs. April 3, 2008: Promoting School Success in Spanish! Session II: How to Include My Child with Special Needs in the Classroom and School. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Access Agency, 1315 Main Street, Willimantic, CT. Learn about: dealing with your fears as a parent; supplementary aides and services; settlement agreement: how special education law protects your family; strategies for effective communication; steps to take when you disagree. Sponsored by DDS, the CT State Department of Education, the CT Parent Advocacy Center, SERC and the ARC of CT. Call 860-632-1485 x256 for registration information.

Fri. April 4, 2008: It's So Much Work to be Your Friend: Helping the Child with Learning Disabilities Find Social Success. 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. With Rick Lavoie. Western CT State University, Westside Campus Center, Danbury. Sponsored by Education Connections. For more information and registration contact Education Connections at 860-567-0863.

Sat. April 5, 2008: Autism Awareness Day at the Trumbull Mall! Joins us from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. as we bring autism awareness to the Trumbull Mall. Information, face painting, discovery toys, special "Orientation for Peer Groups" presentation. Sponsored by ASCONN in cooperation with the Westfield Malls. Call 888-453-4975 0r e-mail asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information. www.asconn.org.

Sat. April 5, 2008: Autism Awareness Day at Barnes and Noble, Manchester. Story Hour starts at 10:30 a.m. We'll be reading children's books about autism. At 1:00 author, Susan Kelley Delaine, a CT native, will be available to sign her book, "Balancing the Bowl", a food allergy cookbook inspired by her son who has severe food allergies and autism. Information and neworking. Presented by ASCONN and B&N. Barnes & Noble at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills, 270 Buckland Hills Drive, Manchester. Call ASCONN at 888-453-4975 or B&N at 860-648-1008 with further questions.

Sun. April 6, 2008: Autism Awareness Day at Barnes and Noble, Stamford. Story hour at 1:30. We'll be reading children's books about autism. Special presentation of ASCONN's unique "Orientation for Peer Groups". Barnes and Noble, Stamford Town Center, Stamford.

Mon. April 7, Tues, April 8 and Wed. April 9, 2008. Kathie Snow is Coming to CT. Co-sponsored by STAR, Lighting the Way and SPED*NET New Canaan. Supported by the CT Down Sydrome Congress and New Canaan Public Schools. Mon. Apr 7. Evening at Saxe Middle School, 468 South St., New Canaan. $10. Disability is Natural and Other Revolutionary Common Sense. Kathie's "signature" presentation - new attitudes and perceptions, gifts and abilities. 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Tues. April 8 and Wed. April 9: full day at Chatham Manor, 493 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk. Choose one day only. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Disability is Natural and Other Revolutionary Common Sense; Best Hopes, Worst Fears; This workshop is for general and special education teachers, administrators, therapists, related service providers, families and direct service providers that work with individuals with developmental disabilities. For more information and registration materials go to www.spednet.org/conferences.htm or www.disabilityisnatural.com.

Tues. April 8, 2008: Promoting School Success in Spanish! Session II: How to Include My Child with Special Needs in the Classroom and School. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., New Britain Public Library Community Room, 20 High Street, New Britain. Learn about: dealing with your fears as a parent; supplementary aides and services; settlement agreement: how special education law protects your family; strategies for effective communication; steps to take when you disagree. Sponsored by DDS, the CT State Department of Education, the CT Parent Advocacy Center, SERC and the ARC of CT. Call 860-632-1485 x256 for registration information.

Wed. April 9, 2008: Educational Options for Students with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficits. 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. A conference for families, professionals and high school students with LD/ADD/ADHD. Keynote: Arlyn Roffman, PhD., Professor of Special Ed., Lesley Unversity. She is the founding director of the Threshold Program. Author of "Guiding Teens with Learning Disabilities: Navigating the Transition from High School to Adulthood and Meeting the Challenge of Learning Disabilities in Adulthood". Sponsored by CACLD. For more information go to www.CALCD.org.

Thurs. April 10, 2008: An evening with John Elder Robison. Author of "Look Me In the Eye: My Life with Asperger's Syndrome". 6:30 p.m. Moran Middle School, 141 Hope Hill Road, Wallingford, CT. Sponsored by High Roads Student Learning Center and ASCONN. Free, but seating is limited, please register by e-mail at crevill@highroadschool.com.

Sat. April 12, 2008: Autism Awareness Day at the Milford Mall! Joins us from 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. as we bring autism awareness to the Milford Mall. Information, face painting, discovery toys, special "Orientation for Peer Groups" presentation. Sponsored by ASCONN in cooperation with the Westfield Malls. Call 888-453-4975 0r e-mail asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information. www.asconn.org.

Sat. April 12, 2008: Medical Homes. Presented by Tesha Imperiati, CT Family Support Network and Christina Jackson and Diane Britz of Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis. 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Dixwell-Yale Community Learning Center, 101 Ashmun Street, New Haven. For more information, contact Tesha at teshaimp@comcast.net.

Fri. April 18, 2008: The Road to Secondary Education: What Parents Need to Know to Prepare Students with Asperger's Syndrome, Autism and Related Conditions. 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Harkness Auditorium, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT. Sponsored by the Yale University School of Medicine and the Yale Child Study Center. Speakers include Ami Klin, PhD., Jane Thierfeld-Brown, PhD, Fred Volkmar, Ph.D., Lois Rosenwald of CT ASRC. Fee. For information and registration materials go to www.autism.fm or e-mail Tammy.Babitz@yale.edu .

Sat. April 19, 2008: Autism Awareness at Barnes & Noble, North Haven. 12:00 noon. Story Reading, information and networking. Barnes & Noble, Universal Drive, North Haven, CT

Sat. April 19, 2008: Innovative Strategies to Support Children and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Classroom. 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center, 101 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford. For School personnel and families. With Lynne Guilmette, M.Ed. CEU's available. Limited space available for more information contact CT-ASRC at 203-265-7717.

Sat. April 19, 2008: Autism Awareness Day at the Meriden Mall! Joins us from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. as we bring autism awareness to the Meriden Mall. Information, face painting, discovery toys, special "Orientation for Peer Groups" presentation. Sponsored by ASCONN in cooperation with the Westfield Malls. Call 888-453-4975 0r e-mail asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information. www.asconn.org.

Wed. April 23, 2008: Maverick Minds: A Cognitive Perspective on Understanding ADD/ADHD Kids. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The Ridgefield Community Center, Ridgefield. An education program from a cognitive perspective to understand children with ADD/ADHD, executive function and self-regulation. It takes knowledge of the process to obtain an appropriate educational/treatment program for ADD/ADHD kids. It will address educational/behavioral management strategies to improve academic/behavioral performance. Advanced registration is suggested. Contact RuthAnn Short, MSW, LCSW, Director of brainstorming, LLC., 383 Main St., Ridgefield. Telephone 203-431-3234.

Sat. April 26, 2008: 18th Annual Statewide Conference on Autism: Behavior Management from Toddler to Adulthood. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Hartford Marriott Downtown, Hartford. Presented by the Autism Society of Connecticut. Speakers include: Dr. Jim Ball; Keri Dunn Buron, author of "The Incredible 5-Point Scale" and our "Speakers from the Spectrum" include Ruth Elaine Hane, B.S., ASA Board Member, Valerie Paradiz, PhD and her son, Elijah Wapner who you may have seen on MTV's 'True Life'. The focus of their panel presentation will be "The Dual Diagnosis: Autism and Adolescence". Full day conference, exhibitors, bookstore. CEU's available. Registration materials and more information available at www.asconn.org.

Sat. April 26 and Sat. May 10, 2008: Families as Partners Training - Understanding Special Education. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. UCONN Stamford Campus, Washington Blvd and West Broad Street, Stamford. SPANISH and english. Child care available. Pre-registration required. CEU's available. For more information (english) contact Jeanne B. Peloso, SCOPES President at jbpeloso@optonline.net or Jaime Michaels at Jmichaels@ci.stamford.ct.us. For more information (spanish), contact Maria Engborg, Greenwich ARC at engborgm@optonline.net or Adriana Ospina at adrianaopsina@optonline.net.

Mon. April 28, 2008: PECS Basic Training 2-Day Workshop. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. both days. This intense two day training is designed to teach participants to approriately implement the Picture Exchange Communication System. Register and more information at www.pecs.com.

Mon. April 28, 2008: Surviving Autism: Navigating the System. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Greenwich Hospital. With Karen Bailey, MSW, clinical social worker at Yale Child Study Center and director of the Center's Social work program. She will discuss treatment and educational planning for young children with autism spectrum disorders. She will review and integrate diagnostic features, educational guidelines, special educational law and advocacy skills. For more information and to RSVP contact Debbie Hilibrand, Chair, Executive Council, Yale Child Study Center at ticklesly@aol.com.

Tues. April 29. 2008: FAVAN presents Kristen Powers on the sensory diet. Kristen will be speaking about what a sensory diet is and how it can be incorporated into a child's daytime routine. 7:00 p.m. Farmington Community Center. For more information, go to www.favan.org or call Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097.

Tues. April 29, 2008: "Embracing Autism: Sometimes it's easy. Sometime's it's not!".
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Jewish Family Services, 333 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford, CT. Authors and parents of children with autism, Kim Stagliano and Cammie McGovern will read from the book "Embracing Autism". Free, but seating is limited, contact Beth Katten at 860-236-8374 or bethkatten@yahoo.com.

Wed. April 30, 2008: The CT Association for Infant Mental Health Fifth Annual Meeting and Workshop: Taking Care of Children's Sensory Needs: The Role of Sensory Integration in Infant Mental Health. 8:15 a.m. - 12:00 noon, The Lyceum, 227 Lawrence Street, Hartford. Information and registration materials available at www.ct-aihm.org.

Thursday, May 1, 2008: 16th Annual Conference on Serving Youth and Adults with Learning Disabilities. Marriot Hotel, Farmington, CT. Hosted by CREC. This conference will bring together a wide representation of experts and professionals, along with family and friends of individuals with disabilities to discuss current strategies and knowledge on the broad spectrum of learning disabilities. CEU's available. Go to www.crec.org for more information.

Thurs. May 1, 2008: Strategies for Collaboration with your Child's Team. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The Greens at Canondale, Wilton. With Eve Kessler, Esq. and Noreen O'Mahoney, CSW., SDA. Completing the journey through SPED*NET Wilton's Web Guide to Special Serivices, in a workshop environment, by sharing tips for parents that focus on getting started in the special education process, having your child evaluated, preparing for the PPT meeting, navigating the PPT meeting, following up and discussing strategies. Please RSVP to info@spednedwilton.org or 203-761-0680.

Thurs. May 15, 2008: Into the Light: Children with Disabilities and the Legal System. Presented by Nora J. Baladerian, PhD. 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Four Points by Sheraton, 275 Research Parkway, Meriden. Presented by the Governor's Task Force on Justice for Abused Children. Children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to abuse. This seminar will increase understanding of children with developmental disabilities; heighten awareness of the vulnerability of the population; identify the specific needs of children with disabilities; help ensure equal access to investigative services; teach how to assist children with developmental disabilities and their caregivers through the legal system; examine how some behaviors on the part of children with disabilities may lead to their involvement with the juvenile justice system. For more information contact the Office of the Child Advocate at 860-566-2251.