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The Resource Connection
Weekly Update
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My goodness here it is February already. I guess the good news is that Punxsutawney Phil did NOT see his shadow thus predicting an early spring. I'll take it! I'm feeling "springy" since wee are hard at work on the Spring Newsletter, and I am actively fundraising for the 2016 5k Run & Walk. I'm excited that my sisters, all of whom live a fair distance from me, have all agreed to come this year to the walk. They have supported my efforts now by donating for 17 years but have never actually attended the event. There is great excitement among my extended family, one sister has already researched and volunteered to coordinate " Lumsden Clan " t-shirts for the day, my daughter agreed to host a family gathering at her house after the walk and several nieces & nephews have indicated they will be present that day.
While my son Ed was the first diagnosed with autism in 1988, autism is a family affair for our clan. My younger sister has two children affected, both are doing well as adults, we've a few grandchildren who've also been diagnosed and it is gratifying to me to see that with intensive early intervention they too look as if they are on the road to overcoming the more challenging aspects of autism. It makes my last 25 years of advocacy and working towards better supports and treatments for autism worthy. I am not the first, nor certainly not the last to take on this quest and it takes a village to make a difference.
When autism hits home we often see families mobilize first to address their child's needs but some then turn to advocacy for system change. Many of us banded together more than 17 years ago to create an autism awareness day at the State House. From that humble beginning AFAM was born and since then we have had success in changing insurance laws so treatments are available for our families. State Senator Barbara L'Italien has been a major player in changing the landscape for families with autism in Massachusetts, as a Representative, then as the Chair of the Autism Commission in 2010, and now as a Senator. Bob and Suzanne Wright had autism hit home and Autism Speaks was born.
This week in Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella and his daughter Stephanie Madrigal, launched an exciting initiative to make Leominster an "Autism Friendly " city. Included in the evening was Leominster Firefighter and Dad, Lance Mason, who has been training Police, Firefighters and first responders for many years after being connected with ALEC coordinator Bill Cannata through our center.
No one can do everything, but we each can do something.
As spring approaches, think how can you make a difference? It may be something small like responding to a question on our Facebook page sharing your own experience with someone who is feeling lost and overwhelmed at the moment. It may be volunteering to be part of the 5 K Run & Walk, or creating a team and participating. It may be the start of something BIG like the effort in Leominster. We all have something to give, come, be part of the village.
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2016 5K Run/Walk for Autism Awareness
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HMEA is seeking a qualified candidate for a new position being added at our Autism Center which serves Central Massachusetts.
This position will be serving the adult population of individuals with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual impairment and their families.
Primary duties will include assessment, consultation, development of community based activities, supports, and trainings . Will work collaboratively with DMH, DDS and other family support organizations to develop trainings and resources.
Must have reliable transportation.
LICSW/Bachelors Degree preferred, bilingual capacity a plus. Minimum of two years experience in the mental health/autism field.
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PARENT NIGHT OUT HOSTED BY THE DAD'S GROUP
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| The Official Trailer 2015 for "Autistic Like Me: A Father's Perspective" |
HMEA's Autism Resource Central Dad's Group is proud to present a private screening of "Autistic Like Me, a Fathers Perspective" on Monday, February 22nd, 2016 at the Elm Draught House Cinema in Millbury, Ma.
Join us as we screen the documentary "
Autistic Like Me: A Father's Perspective." This film examines the journey of 5 fathers from various walks of life whose children have been diagnosed with a condition on the autism spectrum. It is imperative that fathers are engaged in their children's lives to provide balance in their development. This is especially true for children with special needs where primary caretakers are predominantly women. Men of all cultures have a very difficult time addressing the more vulnerable feelings that come with this discovery and are prone to depression and withdrawal. Through the powerful stories of fathers living with autistic children, the film hopes to benefit children and strengthen families and communities by showing what is possible with knowledge, early detection, awareness and support.
Exclusive for our families Charles Jones, the film's Director/Actor, will be on hand for a Q&A session after the film and to discuss his particular experience as a father and journey to making the film.
The Dad's Group is proud to offer this Parent Night Out event and help bring parents and couples raising children on the spectrum some insight on the perspectives of fathers. Only $2.00 per ticket! Space is limited, so register now!
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CENTER EVENTS
Please Register for all activities and groups thanks !
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Support Groups
FEBRUARY
February 3, 2016
Support Group for Parents of More Able Kids on the Spectrum
7-9 PM
February 8, 2016
Parents & Tots Support Group 4:30 -5:30 PM
February 10, 2016
Support Group for Parents of Kids More Challenged by Autism
Overview of Qigong Massage Fran Bruen OTR/L , ABT(AOBTA) 7-9 PM
February 13, 2016
Sibshop for Siblings 7 -18
Celebrating Chinese New Year
Autism Resource Central
10 AM-2 PM
Fee: $10.00/per child $15 family cap
February 18, 2016
Grupo de Apoyo
11 Sycamore Ave
Worcester MA 10 AM
February 24, 2016
February 22, 2016
Dad's Group
Elm Draught House
Millbury
6 PM
February 24, 2016
Parents of Teens Support Group
Teen Social Group runs concurrently
7-9 PM
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FEBRUARY
Family Fun
VACATION FAMILY FUN
February 15, 2016
Friends & Family Movie
West Boylston Cinema
10 AM Fee $2.00/pp
THE GOOD DINOSAUR
February 16, 2016
BOUNCE AROUND @ Jump & Play
486 Chestnut St, Gardner 10 AM
Fee :$2.00/pp
@ Jump Nation
810 BostonTurnpike Rd
Shrewsbury MA 10 AM
Fee $2.00/pp
@ Zoinks
7 Pioneer Dr, North Oxford,
10:15 AM Fee: $2.00/pp
February 17, 2016
Rollerskating Roll On America
90 Duval Rd Lancaster
10:30 AM Fee: $2.00 pp
February 19, 2016
Holy Cross Hockey Game
Hart Recreation Center
Holy Cross
7:05 PM Fee: $2:00/pp
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REGISTRATION OPEN!
Don't miss out, camp is filling up fast!
Camp Havvago is a "try it" camp with a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio designed especially for youth and teens ages 7-17 on the Autism Spectrum. Campers are invited to "have a go" at experiencing the fun and excitement of overnight camp within a structured, safe, nurturing environment designed to set youth on the Spectrum up for success. Campers enjoy all the fun of camp - swimming, boating, crafts, nature exploration, campfires, cabin life, and more - all while building their social skills, independence, and self-confidence. The camp is 5 days and 4 nights long, and operates at Camp Starfish in Rindge NH in conjunction with the
Autism Resource Central.
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CLINICS
IEP, ADL & VISUAL CLINICS
To book all clinics please call Donmarie Smith at (508) 298-1609 .
ADL and Visuals Clinics are by appointment
ADL Clinics are booked only upon request.
For Visual Clinics, parents may drop by the Center at any time during regular business hours to access the Boardmaker Program and material to create visuals. Printing and laminating are provided without charge. After a brief tutorial on how the Boardmaker software works, most parents can create their own visuals.
1 Hour IEP Clinics with Elaine Rabbitt
Meet with an Advocate to discuss your child's IEP, concerns and needs and how best to advocate for changes with your school.
Dates available for consultation are as follows:
February 4, 2016
Leominster Public Library
9, 10 & 11 AM, 12:15, 1:15 PM
February 11, 2016
Seven Hills Family Support Center Sturbridge MA
9, 10 & 11 AM, 12:15, 1:15 PM
February 25, 2016
Autism Resource Central
9, 10 & 11 AM, 12:15, 1:15 PM
Sensory Clinics with Mary Loughlin MS OTR/L at Autism Resource Central
Clinic will provide consultation to families in the area of Sensory Processing Dysfunction. Child and Parent will meet with Mary for four (4) 1 hour sessions across 4 weeks . A Sensory Profile Assessment will be done which will identify any sensory specific needs the child may or may not have. Parents will be provided with resources including websites, DIY sensory equipment, sensory play and activities. At conclusion of the sessions parents will be given an individual " sensory diet" for their child.
Dates : Feb 10, 17,24 and March 2nd snow date March 9th
Times : 3PM 4PM 5 PM
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Introduction to the Qigong Sensory Massage for Autism Parent Training Program
Qigong Sensory Massage for autism is a research evidence-based treatment for children with autism. Developed by Louisa Silva, MD, L. Ac., it is a specialized massage based on Traditional Chinese Medicine that normalizes the sense of touch which in turn helps other sensory systems start working together in an efficient manner. As a result, the child is calmer and better able to focus, becomes more aware of themselves and others enhancing their social interactions and developmental skills.
In this session, we will review a variety of visual aids combined with live demonstration and discussion with a certified qigong sensory massage therapist. Participants will become more familiar with the technique, purpose and rationale for using this powerful treatment program with their child.
Audience:
Parents of children with autism or sensory processing challenges.
When
: Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Time:
7:00 - 9:00 pm.
Where
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HMEA's Autism Resource Central
71 Sterling Street
West Boylston, MA 01583
508.298.1605
For more information about this event, please contact:
Fran Bruen, OTR/L, LMT (ABT), Certified Qigong Sensory Massage Therapist @ 774-239-8689 or
[email protected]
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Pre-registration is required due to limited seating.
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As part of our mission we try to keep you informed of relevant meetings, hearings, recreational opportunities in our community.
Check out the Bulletin Board this week for information about activities in the community
The Bulletin Board is a place to have events that would be of interest to the families of HMEA's Autism Resource Central posted. Sped Pac meetings with speakers, recreational opportunities, classes and more.
To have an event considered for posting please send information to
[email protected].
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Have a great week.
Susan Loring
HMEA's Autism Resource Central
508-835-4278
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