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CNY ASA Update
February 2017
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"one piece at a time" Autism Awareness Walk
Saturday, April 29, 2017 10:00am
Long Branch Park, Liverpool
Save the date! CNY ASA will be hosting the 12th annual "one piece at a time" Autism Awareness Walk on Saturday, April 29, at 10am, during Autism Awareness Month. Mark your calendars to join us in a show of support, and stay tuned for forthcoming details!
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Four Seasons Snow Tubing
Sunday, February 19, 2017 10:00am-12:00noon
Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center, 8012 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville
The CNY Autism Society is hosting a fun morning of tubing at Four Seasons on Sunday, February 19 from 10am - 12noon. Tubing tickets are offered at a discounted rate of $10 (almost 50% off the regular price) or a family maximum rate of $40! Food and beverages are available for purchase, and the upstairs loft will be available to relax, socialize and/or enjoy a snack of popcorn. Register in advance at [email protected] as space is limited. Please include your name and number of participants when registering. Hope to see you there!
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Snowmobile Rides for Children with Special Needs
Saturday, February 11, 2017, 10:00am - 1:00 pm
Town of Clay Town Hall, 4401 State Route 31, Clay, NY 13041
The Town of Clay Recreation Office, in conjunction with Rob Bick, Town Assessor, is hosting the 8th annual Snowmobile Ride for children with special needs aged 3-18. It is an opportunity for special needs children to ride with experienced riders.
This is a
FREE event. Advance registration required to ensure snowmobiles and treats for participants. Contact the Town of Clay Recreation Office at 652-3800 x139 to register. Groups are welcome! Bring helmets if you have them; there will be a few helmets available there.
Also, please call the Town if you have a two-person snowmobile or ability to tow a sleigh and can volunteer your time.
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Aceing Autism
March 4 - April 6, 2017 3:00-4:00pm
Drumlins Tennis Club, 800 Nottingham Rd., Syracuse 13224
Aceing autism started a local program here last month. Its mission is to connect children with autism through unique tennis programs, and to develop and advance proven methods to positively impact the children, families, and communities it serves.
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My Way Matinee of "A Dog's Purpose"
Saturday, February 11, 2017 10:30am
Regal Destiny
Destiny USA, Syracuse
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Sensory-friendly screening of "The Iron Giant"
Saturday, February 18, 12noon
Hamilton Movie Theater, 7 Lebanon Street, Hamilton, NY 13346
Click here for more information. |
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Therapeutic Karate Program
Saturday mornings
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Wonder Works Sensory Night
1st Tuesday of every month, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Wonder Works, Destiny USA, Syracuse
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Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese
1st Sunday of every month, 9-11am
all NY locations (locally at 3023 Erie Blvd., Syracuse 13224)
In partnership with CARD (Centers for Autism and Related Disorders), Chuck E. Cheese is offering Sensitive Sundays at ALL of its New York locations to benefit families with children with autism and other special needs from 9-11am, before the restaurant opens to the general public. Learn more about this
here.
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FAMILY CONNECTIONS: MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS
A Special Series for Parents and Family Members Hosted by Cortland City School District
All parents and family members can and should have meaningful participation in their children's education, especially when the child receives special education supports and services. Effectively communicating and collaborating with the school team is essential to improved outcomes for students with disabilities. Cortland City School District is pleased to host this six-part Family Engagement Series present by SUPAC-Syracuse University Parent Assistance Center. Each session will provide strategies and information to build upon the next in helping families to navigate and participate in the Special Education Process for their children!
3/8/17 Session 5 Transition Planning in the IEP
4/5/17 Session 6 Understanding Diploma and Credential Options for Students with
Disabilities
For a detailed description of each session, please visit the Events Calendar @ www.supac.org
When: 6:30 to 8:30 pm each session
Where: Cortland City School District, Kaufman Center, 1 Valley View Dr., Cortland NY 13045
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If you want to schedule a training in your area, contact SUPAC via phone at 443- 4336 or toll free at 877-824-9555, via email at [email protected], or complete an online request at http://supac.org/training/schedule-training-supac/.
**DATES, LOCATIONS, AND/OR TOPICS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ANY UPDATED INFORMATION.**
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Social Skills Training Group Program
early February
Huntington Hall, Room 432, Syracuse University
The Department of Psychology at Syracuse University is offering a 10 week Social Skills program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
who experience social difficulties. If your child does not have a diagnosis but you think they
would be appropriate for a social skills group, please contact Heather Potts at hepotts
@syr.edu
. In the attached flyer,
you will find some helpful information explaining the purpose of the group, as well as an outline of specific skills being taught each week.
Who
: The social skills group will be run by graduate student Heather Potts, under the supervision of Dr. Antshel. If parents are interested in enrolling their children, they can contact Heather Potts at hepotts
@syr.edu or call 315-443-3595
.
What
: The group is primarily for children between the ages of 7 and 12 who experience difficulties in social situations; children with low verbal abilities or are unable to follow directions would not be appropriate for this group.
Where
: The group will meet in Huntington Hall in room 432 on the Syracuse University campus.
When
: Group will meet once a week from 5-6PM for 10 weeks. Parents are encouraged to bring their child every week! We have yet to decide a starting date for the group but it will likely begin on February 8.
Why
: This group serves two purposes; to improve social skills for children and also to provide a support group for their parents.
The fee for each session is $10 and there is no penalty for missed sessions. If there are any questions contact Heather Potts at [email protected].
Click here for additional information.
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Exceptional Family Resources
Winter Advocacy and FET Workshops
EFR, 1820 Lemoyne Ave., Syracuse NY 13208
February 9 and March 2, 2017 12 noon-2pm (bring your lunch, beverages provided)
All of our workshops are open to the public -MSC's will receive a 2-hour certificate.
(OPWDD Family Education & Training credit is available for parents, send me your MSC's contact information)
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February 9 "Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans"
Presented by Kara Georgi, Starbridge
Students and teachers need strategies to minimize behaviors that interfere with learning and to maximize learning opportunites. This workshop will explore the nature of a child's behavior, what types of supports and services might be needed, and when a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) should be requested. We will shares tools and strategies to support student success.
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March 2 "How to Involve and Engage Students in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process"
Presented by Kristine O'Brien, SUPAC
Student participation in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning process improves both in-school and post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. When parents, school staff, and those participating in the IEP planning process prepare students effectively to participate in their IEP meetings, the students learn self-advocacy skills and take an active role in their own IEP development. During this training, parents will engage in strength-based activities as well as take home many great tools to involve their child in the IEP process.
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Institute on Communication and Inclusion Workshop
The Institute on Communication and Inclusion (ICI) is holding a two-day introductory workshop for individuals interested in learning how to support someone who types to communicate. This is a learn-by-doing workshop, packed with role-playing and simulations. Participants work with ICI trainers, augmentative communication users, and experienced facilitators in building facilitator skills. This workshop is designed to appeal to administrators, teachers, therapists, teaching assistants, adult care providers, and family members. The fee to participate is $125. This Spring Introducory Workshop will be held on April 3 and 4
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Skill building Saturdays are designed to give typers and their teams of facilitators concentrated time
to practice working on their skills, and to develop a plan for continuing practice. Whether you are just getting started or refining skills of open-ended communication, this workshop will support development and interaction so that the communicator can build a fluent rhythm, work on independent pointing, understand least-to-most strategy for fading support, and develop signals for initiation. Facilitators will also fine-tune their support and learn how to build fluency, promote the communicator in their interactions, and problem-solve moments of breakdown. The registration is $50 for 1 typer and their team. Spring 2017 dates are February 25, March 25, and April 29.
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One Saturday per month we hold our Saturday series at a local library. Typers and their facilitators gather together for friendship, learning, and communication practice. Gluten-free snacks and bottled water are provided. Spring 2017 Saturday series dates are February 11, March 11, April 8 and May 6.
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Focus on Practice sessions will be held one Monday night per month for facilitator-typer teams, specifically designed for school personnel, agency staff or families. The sessions will focus on developing specific skills for typers such as message passing, developing an independent yes/no, or maintaining rhythm and focus. These sessions will be comprised of 3 to 4 experienced typers and their skilled facilitators and a nominal fee will be charged for each 2-hour session.
Spring 2017 Focus on Practice dates are February 20, March 20, Arpil 17 and May 8.
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The ICI holds Open Hours in our Practice Rooms for individuals to develop their typing skills. Our two practice rooms have upgraded seating and new technology for individuals who use supported typing to practice with their facilitators. ICI training staff will be on hand to provide support and offer suggestions to the typer/facilitator teams. These sessions can be used for working towards independence, typing with an experienced facilitator, or starting to work with someone new. These sessions are free of charge. Please email [email protected] or [email protected] to make an appointment.
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Kari Dunn Buron: Ain't Just Misbehavin': Social Understanding and Emotional Regulation
Friday, March 3, 2017, 9:00am-4:00pm
Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center, Oswego
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Finding Your Way! Transition Conference
Monday, March 13, 2017
Onondaga Community College, Syracuse
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Maximizing Potential for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Research to Support Everyday Practice
Friday, March 24, 2017
Niagara Falls, NY
For details and to view workshop brochure, click here.
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West Genesee SEPTSA Resource Fair
March 29, 2017 6-8pm
West Genesee High School Library
WG SEPTSA is sponsoring a Resource Fair to bring persons and organizations that provide supports and services to families who have children with disabilities - together. This is a regional event for families with children ages 5-21 years looking for opportunities for summer recreation, family support, training and services in the West Genesee CSD and surrounding communities.
The evening will also have a bake sale sponsored by the WG SEPTSA and fun activities for students.
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CNY ASA SUMMER 2017 CAMP OPPORTUNITIES
East Area YMCA and North Area YMCA
Dates TBD (6-week program)
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MORE SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES
Dates TBD
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iCan Ride Bike Camp
Bishop Ludden High School Syracuse
July 17 - July 21, 2017
During the week of July 17 - July 21, iCan Shine's iCan Bike program will be in Syracuse to teach
individuals with disabilities how to ride a conventional bicycle and become a lifelong
independent rider! Success in learning to ride a bicycle is a major accomplishment,
and learning to ride builds confidence and an improved self-image.
iCan Bike uses a fleet of adapted bicycles, a specialized adapted progam and a
trained staff to teach individuals with disabilities how to ride a bike. Riders attend the
same 75-minute session each day for five consecutive days (M-F) whereby they are
physically assisted and encouraged by volunteer "spotters."
Over the course of the five day camp, the adapted bike is adjusted to gradually
introduce more instability to in an effort to challenge riders at their own individual
iCan Shine is a nonprofit organization that teaches individuals with disabilities to r ide a
conventional two- wheel bicycle through its iCan Bike program.
Rider Requirements (limited spots available):
Must be at least 8 years old by start of camp and have a disability
Must be able to walk without an assistive device and sidestep to both sides
Must be able to attend the same 75-minute session each day of the 5-day
camp
Must be under 220 lbs. and have a minimum inseam measurement of 20"
(measure from floor with sneakers on)
Volunteer Requirements:
Ideally, able to attend 90 minutes at the same time each of the 5 days of
camp (15 minutes of training/daily debriefing); however, we are in need
of many volunteers and will use people based on their availability, even if
they are only available for a day or two
At least 16 years old (unless accompanied by an adult)
Able to provide physical, emotional and motivational support to assigned rider
Able and willing to get some exercise (light jogging/running) for a great
cause!
Registration opens in May, and forms will be available on our website and Facebook
page. Those interested in registering for this great program as a volunteer should email
For more info go to: www.icanshine.org.
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Parent Volunteers Needed!
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CHANGES IN ALLOWABLE TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS ON THE GRADES 3-8 NEW YORK STATE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS ASSESSMENTS
A new memorandum from NYSED contains updates to New York State Education Department (NYSED) procedures on the permissibility of the testing accommodation "tests read" for students with disabilities on the Grades 3-8 New York State English Language Arts Assessments (Grades 3-8 ELA Assessments). This memorandum replaces guidance previously issued by NYSED on testing accommodations for students with disabilities. This information is posted at
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/timely.htm.
If you have any questions concerning this memorandum or any other subject concerning accommodations, please feel free to contact SUPAC directly by phone at 315-443-4336, 877-824-9555 (toll free), or [email protected] via email.
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Drive Focus App
Drive Focus is a new app, designed to supplement traditional driver education with training tailored to the needs of individuals with autism. Drive Focus teaches users to recognize, prioritize, and respond to critical information on the roadway at the pace of real traffic. Users get to interact with videos of actual drivers filmed in diverse locations. Drives range from quiet neighborhoods to major cities. If a drive is initially difficult, it can be slowed down and then gradually increased back to driving speed.
Drive Focus is available in two versions for the iPad, Drive Focus for individual users, and Drive Focus Educator for schools and organizations. Learn more about Drive Focus at www.DriveFit.org.
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SIMS Exploration Lab
Adapted Physical Education Community Programs
Physical Education Department at SUNY Cortland
The purpose of the SIMS (Sensory Integration and Motor Sensory) Lab is to provide cross-disciplinary Sensory Integration Training (SIT) and research opportunities to faculty, community members, and students in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Communication Disorders and Sciences, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Therapeutic Recreation, and related areas, to address the needs of children with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD). The SIMS Lab strategies are based on Sensory Integration Theory which is used to explain the relationships between the sensory system of the body, the brain's ability to process that information, and behavior. The Lab has an array of sensory equipment for children. Open sensory time can be scheduled by appointment by contacting Dr. Timothy Davis at T[email protected] or Ms. Alexis Abdo at [email protected].
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Social Skills Group for Adolescent Girls
Saturdays at 1:00 p.m.
The White House Offices, 7030 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville 13066
Topics: friendship skills, managing social anxiety, and tools for understanding the changing social landscape related to puberty
Ages: 11 and up
Contact Amy Beale, LCSW-R (315)569-2210
Please contact Amy at the above number if you would be interested in a similar group for adolescent boys.
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Embrace the Difference Jewelry
If you are looking for a special gift with meaning or a unique piece of jewelry, consider choosing a piece from Embrace the Difference - Jewelry and Giftware. This stunning collection is a beautiful way to show acceptance and kindness while making a contribution to CNY Autism Society. Embrace the Difference was started by Robyn Zimmer, mother of a son with developmental differences. Robyn is well aware of the challenges faced each day by people with chronic illness, physical, emotional, and developmental differences. Each purchase of a piece of her line of jewelry
results in anywhere from $10 to $100 donated back to CNY Autism Society. Embrace the Difference jewelry and giftware can be purchased at ReedsJenss locations or can be ordered online at www.reedsjewelers.com. CNY Autism Society is an official beneficiary of Embrace the Difference, and each purchase is accompanied by a donation card. Please go to www.embracethedifference.org and redeem your donation card to benefit CNY Autism Society. There is a local Reeds Jewelers at 3500 Erie Boulevard in Dewitt.
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CNY Autism Society logo wear sales
The CNY Autism Society now has short-sleeve tees, long-sleeve tees, sweatshirts, polo shirts, and sweatpants with our logo for sale. To view the full selection and prices, click here. Inquiries/questions should be directed to Lisa Banac at [email protected] and reference CNY Autism Society in the subject line.
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Research Study Opportunities
1.
Attention parents of children with an ASD or Developmental Delay diagnosis:
Upstate Medical Hospital is in need of participants ages 2-6 for a study on a saliva diagnostic test for Autism Spectrum Disorder
2. Researchers at Syracuse University's Care Lab are looking for children with ASD and typically-developing children between the ages of 6-30 to participate in a study about how brains develop differently in typical children and those with ASD, particularly regarding how they process and put together information that they see, hear, and touch. Participants must be able to go to the Psychology Research Building on the Syracuse University Campus a few times, where they will complete tests measuring their thinking and language abilities, along with parents completing questionnaires (typically, 2-3 hours, including breaks). In another session, participants will complete computer-based tests, in which they will wear an electrode cap, with sensors measuring brain activity (typically, 2-3 hours, including breaks). The cap is safe, painless, and non-invasive. The testing can typically be completed in five visits but, based on individual pacing and possible need for follow-up testing, additional visits may be necessary. Child participants will be paid $10/hour for their participation, and they will be contributing to science!
To learn more, or get involved in this study, contact Dr. Natalie Russo at (315) 443-2024 or email the Care Lab at [email protected].
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3.
Syracuse University Login Study
A group of Syracuse University researchers are recruiting adults with cognitive disabilities, including those with developmental disabilities such as autism and specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia to better understand their difficulties in using current login systems. The researchers will visit their home or other environment (e.g. public library) where the participants regularly use computers and the Internet.
The visit will take about 1 hour in which the researchers will observe how participants use computers and the Internet, and login to various services, attempting to uncover any difficulties that the participants experience. The researchers will also ask the participants to fill out two surveys and conduct an interview to better understand their needs.
Participants who complete the study will receive up to $30. If you're interested in participating in this study, please fill out the recruitment survey at http://goo.gl/1hWZkN.
If you are selected, you will be contacted via email with detailed information on the study. Contact Dr. Yang Wang for more information about the study at [email protected] or 315-443-3744.
4. Families are needed for a Research Study on Child Behavior. The Clinical Research Unit at Upstate Medical University is looking for families that have one or more children between the ages of 6-12, who are either developing typically or with mental health concerns. You and your children will be asked to fill out a few questionnaires about your thoughts and habits and to play a few computer games in their study location at the Clinical Research Unit at Upstate Medical University. You will also be asked to provide a DNA sample to be used for the genetic analyses. The entire visit will take about 3 hours. All families will receive $50 per person for a 3 hour visit!
5. "Experiences of Autism and the Family Unit"
A research study being conducted by Robert Curriden, a graduate student in the Mental Health Program at SUNY Oswego, is looking for families to participate and give greater voice to their experiences of autism. This study seeks to help mental health professionals better meet the unique needs of individuals on the spectrum and their families. Parents, caregivers, and other adult members of families supporting an ASD diagnosis will be asked to complete an online questionnaire, followed by a short structured interview, either in person or by telephone, to clarify, follow-up on survey responses, and offer participants opportunity to add any other information not covered within the survey.
6. The 3C Institute, with funding from the U.S. Department of Education, is developing a web-based interactive program designed to help students with HF-ASD build the necessary skills for a successful transition to postsecondary education (e.g., community college, technical programs, college).
The Postsecondary Resilience Education Program (PREP) is designed to help high school students learn about the transition to college across social, academic, and practical domains; learn specific strategies for coping with the transition to college life; and practice applying those strategies via participation in interactive simulated exercises, including game-based animated scenes, branching role plays, and visualization tools.
Students with HF-ASD and their parents can participate in the pilot research of this program by telling us about
existing services that provide support for students with HF-ASD as they transition out of high school. Everything in this study can be done online. For their participation, all participants (students, parents, and teachers) will receive between $70 and $150 in Amazon gift codes and access to PREP.
A flyer can be accessed here.
7. The Arizona State University Autism/Asperger's Research Program is recruiting participants for a survey to evaluate the effectiveness of various autism treatments, including medications, nutiritional supplements, diets, therapies, and education. A flyer can be accessed here.
8. My name is Karissa Collins. I am a member of Clemson University's Autism Research Laboratory run by Dr. Jennifer Bisson. My team and I are in the process of investigating socially acceptable object use, and our current study focuses on how individuals of various backgrounds differ in their ability to perceive object affordances. Because we are interested in including a wide variety of demographics, we were hoping that we may post an invitation to take our survey on your page. The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and the only qualifications for participation are being 18 years of age or older, and having English as a first language. All participants are entered in a giveaway for a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Noise Cancelling Headphones. We appreciate your time and hope that you will consider allowing us to invite members of your group to participate.
For any questions or additional information please contact Dr. Jennifer Bisson at [email protected]
Below is the link to our survey
https://clemsonhealth.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9SMLA97wc27AuVf.
9. As both a doctoral student with ASD and a fellow ASA affiliate board member, I am writing to ask for your assistance in helping me recruit participants for my IRB-approved dissertation study involving the investigation of the relationship between parental factors and the successful employment of adults, age 26 or older, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The survey is brief, anonymous, and easy to complete, however the participants must be the parent of an adult with ASD, 26 years or older. This data is crucial for us to gain a better understanding of how parents and professionals can support adults with ASD to achieve better employment outcomes.
Below is the invitation to participate along with the link to the study, please distribute to your professional network, families, friends, students, and anyone else you work with with who may be eligible for the study. I have also attached a PDF copy of the invitation letter for you to print or send at your convenience.
Thank You for Your Support of this Study and the Achievement of Better Outcomes for Adults with ASD,
James Williams, MRC, CRC
Doctoral Candidate, Lamar University
Board Member, Autism Society of Texas
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CNY ASA News
Year Round Giving
Please remember CNY ASA as you plan your charitable giving. The Autism Society of America is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and CNY ASA is an associate member Chapter in good standing. Your donations are greatly appreciated and will help our local Chapter continue to make a positive impact in our community. Donations can be sent to: CNY ASA, 4465 E. Genesee St, PMB 252, DeWitt, NY 13214-2242.
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If you have an event that you would like listed in our "Items of Interest" or "Speakers, Workshops and Conferences" sections, please send an e- mail, including all the pertinent information, to: [email protected]
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