FAMILY AUTISM CENTER
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FRIENDS & FAMILIES,
This is the 21st Edition of our new Newsletter. Below you will find sections on News, Research, Workshops, Information, Activities in our Community and Outdoor Education.
NEWS, RESEARCH & WORKSHOPS
The Arc is providing links to news stories and current research as an informational resource for you. It is up to the individual to form their own opinion on a news story or research being conducted.
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House Approves Info-Technology Bill
($12m for Autism Database)
Article by State House News, 11/19/13
The bill includes a $12 million authorization to create a confidential database that would track diagnoses, treatment, services and outcomes for individuals with autism.
1599-7063 For costs associated with the planning, preparation of plans and specifications, purchase, procurement and implementation of information technology related equipment and related projects for the executive office of health and human services to establish an integrated confidential data system among all state agencies that interact with individuals with autism to track diagnosis, treatment, services and outcomes of individuals with autism...................$12,000,000
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Is Synaesthesia More Common In Autism?
Study Published on 11/20/13:
Synaesthesia involves people experiencing a 'mixing of the senses', for example, seeing colours when they hear sounds, or reporting that musical notes evoke different tastes.
Click for Molecular Autism Study
Click for Science Daily Article
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Bedroom Computers, TV May Add to Autism Sleep Issues
Study Published 11/18/13
When researchers compared boys with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to other boys, they found that all the kids with bedroom access to media slept fewer hours, but the relationship was twice as strong for the boys with autism.
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AbleRoad™ Connects People with Accessible Places.
wickedlocal.com article, 11/12/13
Waltham company that connects people with accessible places, has announced the launch of the AbleRoad website and app.
AbleRoad™ connects people with accessible businesses. AbleRoad gives people with disabilities, families, friends, caregivers and business owners an online destination to rate and review community access.
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Investigation of Neuroinflammation in Autism using MR-PET
Study Looking for Adults 18-40
Location: MGH Lurie Center
Is there a connection between autism and the brain?
For adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder:
The Massachusetts General Hospital at the Lurie Center is currently recruiting for a new research study that will use a MR-PET scanner to examine the brains of adults with autism spectrum disorders. The study will include several visits.
Participants will be compensated for their time.
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Trajectories of Life Course Development in Adolescents and Adults with Autism
Wednesday, December 4th
6:00pm
Simons Center for the Social Brain
43 Vassar Street
MIT Building 46, Room 6237
Cambridge, MA 02139
The Simons Center for the Social Brain Colloquium Series brings leading researchers in autism and related developmental disorders to MIT to present their latest research findings and discuss future projects. Colloquia are open to the community.
Click for More Info |
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SIGN UP FOR THE NEW AUTISM AWARENESS LICENSE PLATE!!
AFAM and Autism Speaks have partnered to promote an Autism Awareness Specialty License Plate in Massachusetts! A portion of the proceeds from each plate sold will benefit Autism Speaks and AFAM.
"The success of this joint license plate venture between AFAM and Autism Speaks will ensure advocacy at the Massachusetts State House for all individuals and families impacted by an autism spectrum disorder," said Michael Borr, Chairman of AFAM's Executive Committee. "The proceeds of the Autism Awareness License Plate will allow AFAM to continue to serve as the primary advocacy vehicle protecting the rights and needs of families throughout the state."
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ACTIVITIES & GROUPS IN OUR COMMUNITY!
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Shrek The Musical
Sharon High School Theatre Co.
Students/Seniors $10 Adults $15
Thursday, Nov 21: 7pm
Friday, Nov 22: 7pm
Saturday, Nov 23: 7pm Sunday, Nov 24: 2pm
The cast of Shrek has been working vigorously as opening night slowly approaches.
When a green ogre, Shrek, played by senior Drew Maidment, discovers his swamp has been 'swamped' with all sorts of fairytale creatures by the scheming Lord Farquaad, played by junior Ben Brack. Shrek sets out, with a very loud donkey, played by senior Ethan Parets, by his side, to 'persuade' Farquaad to give his swamp back. Instead, a deal is made.
Farquaad, who wants to become the King, sends Shrek to rescue Princess Fiona, played by junior Julia Getz, who is waiting for her one true love. But once they head back with Fiona, it starts to become apparent that not only does Shrek like Fiona, but Fiona is keeping something secret.
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Winter Skate at Patriot Place
Opens Friday, November 22nd
Winter Skate brought to you by Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare, offering day and evening public skating, is the perfect remedy to cabin fever this winter.
A fun and affordable activity for parents with children, Winter Skate is also an ideal lunch break getaway and a romantic addition to a dinner date at Patriot Place.
The 60-by-140-foot, refrigerated ice surface is designed specifically for recreational skating and the professional surface is large enough to accommodate beginners and experts alike.
On-site skate rentals, concessions and bathrooms are available and parking is free.
Call us at: (508) 203-2100
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 Especially for Me! Free Evening for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum Saturday, November 23rd 5:30-8:30pm
Pre-registration required
Come join in all the fun and explore both museums during this special free evening for families with children on the autism spectrum.
Visitors may also drop-in for a workshop with Romy Wilhelm, a practicing music therapist from Indian Hill Music.
Many studies have shown that music therapy is an effective tool for reaching this population, as it engages and fosters their capacity for flexibility, creativity, variability, and tolerance of change.
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Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade
Saturday, November 23rd
The Saturday morning Celebration festivities begin at 10:30am on the Plymouth Massachusetts historic waterfront with an opening ceremony featuring a variety of top-quality entertainment.
This is one of America's only historically accurate chronological parades, visually bringing to life America's rich heritage representing each century from the 17th through the 21st. In showing the preservation of America's history through the years, beginning with the Pilgrim era, we promote an appreciation among our citizens for our rich heritage.
The parade is ranked the second best Thanksgiving parade in the nation. It features beautifully decorated floats, nationally recognized Drum and Bugle Corps, re-enactment units from every period of American history and military marching units.
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Fanueil Hall Tree Lighting
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Free Holiday Performances
Saturday & Sunday
Nov 23-24
The daylong festivities kickoff at 12 p.m. with the arrival of Santa Claus, a performance from "A Christmas Story" and a variety of live entertainment hosted by Mix 104.1's Gregg Daniels and Fast Freddy.
There will be more than a dozen singers, dancers and performers on stage throughout the day, along with the best of Faneuil Hall Marketplace's street performers.
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A Christmas Story
Framingham AMC Movie Theatre
Sunday, Nov 24th 2:00pm
$9.50
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NOTES FROM THE GREAT OUTDOORS...
Go outside, get a dose of nature...no walls, no cars, and no screens. Unplug for a little while, its good for you!
Individuals with & without Autism can benefit from a simple walk in the woods. Its fun, easy & FREE!
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The Appalachian Mountain Club and Massachusetts General Hospital are launching a novel effort to combat child obesity by prescribing visits to a glittering pond, a colorful arboretum, or some other outdoor location.
Outdoors Rx is the most comprehensive program of its kind for prescribing nature and outdoor activity. It is the first known initiative to "fill" these prescriptions by providing free, easy ways for children and families to get started-from joining local AMC-led outdoor activities to planning their own outings with how-to and where-to advice on the new Outdoors Rx website.
Families can also track their progress and earn rewards toward fun outdoor gear and trips.
Click For Website
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FEATURED PARK OF THE WEEK:
Millennium Park
West Roxbury MA
The park used to be a landfill hill. Today it consists of six miles of handicapped-accessible walking trails, playing fields, a canoe launch on the Charles, a nature trail, and wonderful views of the Blue Hills, Newton's hills, and downtown Boston.
The park used to be a landfill hill. Today it consists of six miles of handicapped-accessible walking trails, playing fields, a canoe launch on the Charles, a nature trail, and wonderful views of the Blue Hills, Newton's hills, and downtown Boston.
Site of the Gardner Street Landfill. Dirt excavated from the Big Dig was used to cover over the top. In 2000 it opened as a park and recreation center.
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UNIVERSAL ACCESS PROGRAMS
The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Universal Access Program is dedicated to providing outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts State Parks for visitors of all abilities.
Accessibility to our State Parks is achieved through site improvements, specialized adaptive recreation equipment, and accessible recreation programs.
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If you have any questions or events you would like us to add to future newsletters, please contact:
Brian Clark, Director Family Autism Center
781-762-4001 x310
The Arc of South Norfolk
789 Clapboardtree Street
Westwood, MA 02090
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