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The Spectrum
The Spectrum is a monthly electronic publication of the Autism Support
Center. This newsletter is published to inform parents and professionals
of resource information, upcoming events, and other autism-related
topics. ASC is funded primarily by the Mass. Dept. of Developmental
INFORMED. EMPOWERED. CONNECTED.
Services. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the funding source. ASC
does not endorse any product, service or theory referred to in this newsletter. Articles, resources and announcements are included for information only.
Anyone wishing to contribute information for this newsletter should send
it to asc@ne-arc.org or to our mailing address Parent contributions are
encouraged. Announcements are included as space is available.
The Autism
Support Center
is celebrating
23 years of
supporting and
empowering
families in
northeastern
Massachusetts.
VOLUME 23 ISSUE 10 April 2015
The Autism Support Center
The Spectrum
PLEASE CONTACT
ASC AT 978-777-9135
OR VISIT HTTP://NE-ARC.ORG/SERVICES/AUTISM-SERVICES/
Contact us:
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
SUSAN GILROY
CO-DIRECTOR
978-624-2302
GLORIA RICARDI CASTILLO
CO-DIRECTOR
978-624-2301
6 SOUTHSIDE ROAD, DANVERS MA 01923
WHITNEY RYAN POSADA
COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-2305
ALLIE KEOUGH
COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-3721
Our most sincere gratude to Elise Snow, Product Design Manager of Shine Jewelry
Elise was instrumental in designing and naming our Bangle of Support , and to the
lead crasperson of the project Paul Ouellee.
Check out our school
Vacation activities!
Stop by our office to buy your Circle of Support Bracelet, or call the Ausm Support
Center at 978-777-9135, the staff of ASC will be happy to mail your order.
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
We are saying goodbye to Scott Buchanan
Families love him! He was always a star at our annual Bike-Clinic; working
with volunteers and families alike. Scott has worked for the agency for 15
years in a variety of capacities, first with Residential Services where he
worked at the Middleton House and after 2 years he moved to Rodgers’ Rd
[those years he started BLINK, a photography exhibit, which eventually blossomed into ArcWorks!] Scott then decided to leave adult care and turned to
Family Services to work with the population that he had a great interest in;
Autism. At Spotlight, Scott worked closely with teens with emotional and social needs, helping them gain self-esteem and teaching them to stand on their
own two feet. A year later, he was then hired by the Autism Support Center to
work in the On Q program [which was in beta stages, just like Spotlight] and
for the past nine years he has worked as a coordinator/broker for the Autism
Waiver Program.
Over the years we have had the pleasure of meeting his family and friends
from Scotland. We were here for him when his father passed away a few years
ago, celebrated with him when he got married to Kourtney and then later for
the birth of his first child, daughter Daisy Bloom Buchanan.
Scott is family here at the Autism Support Center, we will miss him a great
deal but we know that he will be a great asset to the Department of Developmental Services at the Metro North Area Office.
Best of luck Scott!
SUPPORT GROUPS
Acton
ASC Sponsored; Target Group: Mandarin-speaking parents.
Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St (Rt. 27) Acton; bimonthly meetings TBA; Parent facilitator: Wen Li
Contact ASC 978-777-9135 or asc@ne-arc.org for info.
Danvers
ASC sponsored; Target Group: Grandparents
6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Monday, 10-11:30 am
Contact facilitator Susan Gilroy 978-624-2302 or email
sgilroy@ne-arc.org
Flowers blossoming, snow melting
It is time of the year of new beginnings
To forget our winter woes
And transition into spring clothes
Danvers
ASC/AANE sponsored; Target Group: Adults
(18+) with Asperger’s syndrome
6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3RD Thursdays,
6:45 to 8:00pm
Contact facilitator
Gail Kastorf at 617393-3824 or
Danvers
Northeast Arc sponsored; Target: Parents of youth 14-22+
Tuesday, April 7, 2015; 6-7:30 pm;6 Southside Rd. Danvers
Topic: Finding Fun Recreational and Leisure Activities for
your Son/Daughter
RSVP: Kathy Kelly 978-624-2342
kkelly@ne-arc.org
Gloria Ricardi Castillo and Susan Gilroy
Autism Support Center Co-Directors
Spring Awakening
ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of children under 5
6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Thursday, 5:30-7pm
Contact: Gloria Ricardi Castillo at 978-624-2301
gail.kastorf@aane.org
By Scott Lentine
Danvers
AANE/ASC sponsored; Adults with Asperger’s
Pizza and Game Night
6 Southside Road, Danvers, 1st Thursday, 6-8 pm
$12 for pizza, salad, dessert, beverage. Prior registration required.
Facilitator: Gail Kastorf
617-393-3824
Danvers
AANE/ASC sponsored;
Target Group: Parents of
adults with Asperger’s
6 Southside Rd, Danvers; 2nd Thursdays,
6:30 to 8pm
Facilitator: Gail Kastorf
617-393-3824
Fee: $90 for 6 sessions,
$45 for 2nd parent of
same adult
Getting ready for daylights savings and Easter
March Madness and baseball as TV features
More birthday celebrations and weddings
Roasted chicken with asparagus and coffee cake as selections
Organizing ideas for spring and summer gardening
Planting new seeds and hoping for a bright and colorful morning
Smelling the first hint of green grass
And remembering the sweet scents of the springs of the past
Minds shifting to the seashore and the tides
Remember the rhythmic motion of the sea
Feeling the calm of watching the ocean waves
And hoping that’s where I’ll be
Danvers
Lawrence
ASC sponsored; Target Group: Spanishspeaking parents of children with disabilities
Community Action Program, 112 East Haverhill
St., Lawrence; Third Friday, 9:30-11:30am
Contact facilitator Gloria Ricardi Castillo 978-624
-2301 or gcastillo@ne-arc.org
Lynn
Family Resource Center sponsored; Target group: Spanish-speaking parents of children with disabilities
Operation Bootstrap, 20 Wheeler St., Lynn; 4th Friday, 10
am
Contact: Aymee Lucifora 978-624-2381
Newburyport
ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of children with
ASD
Newburyport 5 Cents Savings Bank, State St, Newburyport; 2nd Thurs., 7 p.m. Parent facilitator: Nancy Lucier
Contact: Susan Gilroy at 978-624-2302 or sgilroy@nearc.org
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Shine Jewelry
Created by employees of Heritage Industries, Shine Jewelry artfully incorporates a variety of stones,
unique pieces that are fashionable, high-quality and reasonably priced.
- See more at: http://arcworksart.org/heritage-industries/shine-jewelry/#sthash.PIEs9faX.dpuf
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
SIBLINGS AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
SAVE
THE DATE!
By Marijke Callahan, M.Ed., BCBA, Northeast Arc
Learning that your child has ausm can be overwhelming for any parent. The diagnosis affects not only your lile one, but the rest of the
family as well, requiring adjustments to the family dynamic. The relaonship between any siblings comes with unique challenges. If you
have a child with ASD and one (or more) unaffected by the disorder, the sibling without ASD may feel le out especially since a child with
ASD can consume a lot of your me and energy. You are not only faced with doing what is best for your child with ASD, but making sure
that the needs of your other children are met as well.
Siblings are generally the most frequently available play partners. Fostering a good relaonship between siblings with and without ASD involves finding ways they can play together or
finding shared interests. Because of the nature of ausm, your child’s aempts to play with
his or her sibling with ASD may fall flat due to their sibling ignoring their bids for aenon,
their lack of play skills, or their restricted interests. Addionally, a child with ASD may struggle to bond with their siblings and feel isolated in their own right. Let your child without
ASD know that they can play a special role in helping their sibling in a variety of ways. It
does not maer what the acvity is, as long as they can do it together!
Here are just some examples:
Joining in play with their siblings favorite toys
Teaching their sibling how to play with a toy by using it appropriately and encouraging their sibling to try the same thing
Asking their sibling simple quesons and waing for an answer before play can connue
Singing favorite songs, blowing bubbles or doing puzzles
Reading or looking at books
Rolling a ball back and forth or playing catch.
Helping with homework or compleng household tasks together such as cleaning their rooms or se<ng the table
Building forts, playing with stuffed animals or trains
Watching movies or cooking acvies
Playground or other outdoor acvies
Finger painng or other hands on arts and cras projects
Older children might enjoy being the “teacher” of play and learning basic teaching strategies such as ensuring they have their sibling’s
aenon, giving simple instrucons, and praising good play
Make every day acvies into a game (e.g.: unloading the groceries or a race to see who can put their clothes into the washer
the fastest)
Siblings of a child with ASD are oen dealing with the same feelings that you as a parent do. They may struggle with feelings of confusion
and frustraon oen at an age before they have developed adequate coping skills. Your children will likely develop the longest lasng relaonship with their sibling with ASD and therefore need guidance and support from the start. The following describe some strategies to help
support your child without ASD as well as some ways to facilitate posive relaonships between your child with ASD and their siblings.
Explain the diagnosis – All children ask quesons and pick up informaon here and there. You might be surprised at how lile they actually know. They might have more quesons than answers and it is important that they have a good understanding of what ausm means for their sibling. This will help prepare them for when their peers begin to ask quesons as well.
!
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Future
Planning
Future Planning:
It’s Possible and
Necessary
Future planning is important for all families. Yet, thinking
about the future can be challenging and emotional. Last
year, The Arc launched the Center for Future Planning to
encourage and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families as they plan
for the future.
Having a plan is important especially after the parent or caregiver can no longer provide support. With an estimated
600,000 – 700,000 families in the United States where an
adult with I/DD is living with aging family members and there
is no plan for the individual’s future, the need for this resource was clear.
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning launches its new website! Visit the site today for the tools you need to begin planning for the future: futureplanning.thearc.org
TASH NEW ENGLAND
Inclusive School and Community Engagement Across the Lifespan: An Ethical Imperative
Date: May 12, 2015 – Marlborough, MA
Co-Hosted By: TASH New England
Cost: $140; scholarships available
This regional conference will elevate your commitment to inclusive practices! We will review the evidence: why is it imperative
for people with significant disabilities to be included? What happens to communities as a result? What are the evidence-based
practices that support people with significant disabilities and support needs to succeed in typical community settings throughout their lives? Topics will feature philosophy and values that guide practice; successful family and community engagement strategies; and the role of all stakeholders. Speakers are prepared to address content relevant to each stakeholder group
in every session.
Who will want to Attend? State agency leaders and senior staff – Education, DD
Council, Disability Rights, etc.
Vocational rehabilitation counselors; Educators, Education Leaders, Resource Professionals.
Parents and Family Members. Self advocates
For more information, contact Lydia Brown, Co-President
781-854-6346 lydia@autistichoya.com
SIBLINGS AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
( Continued from page 4)
Fairness – In all families there are perceived inconsistencies in fairness. From daily household tasks, to mealme requirements and
bedmes, children are aware of who gets more or less of something. When a child has ASD, the perceived unfairness at home
can seem enormous to their sibling. Explaining various therapies, providing one on one me for each child and having everyone parcipate in daily chores (no maer how small) will reassure your child without ASD that everyone is just as important
and loved.
Aenon – Children with ASD oen have very busy schedules between school, therapy appointments and in home services. Children do not always recognize that their sibling is engaging in hard work. They may feel that their sibling is ge<ng more love
and aenon. Try to give each of your children uninterrupted “parent” me as oen as possible. Choose acvies that promote conversaon, such as car me or running errands, so that you are checking in with them about what is going on in their
lives.
Reach out – If needed, provided opportunies for your child to interact with other siblings of children with ASD. Research support
groups or “Sibling Shops” in your area.
Don’t forget! Siblings should be given choices as to how they are going to help or be involved. It is important for them to have free me
to be themselves. It oen isn't easy being the sibling of someone with ASD but it can also be a very rewarding, life long relaonship!
Behavioral Health Services is located at 6 Southside Road, Danvers. Their phone number is 978-762-8352
RECRUITING FOR LEND PROGRAM
Recruiting for UMMS/Shriver LEND Graduate Program, 2015-2016
Fellows are needed for this academic year (2015-2016) of the graduate program
“Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities” (LEND)
It is conducted at the University of Massachusetts Medical School's Shriver Center
in Charlestown. It is a 9-month leadership program in the field of developmental disabilities. It prepares professionals, persons with disabilities, and family members to
influence policy and clinical practice on behalf of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.
A $12,000 stipend is available for qualified applicants. It pays the entire cost of the
certificate program. Alternatively, the stipend can be applied toward a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from Suffolk University, which significantly reduces the tuition.
If anyone is interested, please reply to this post, or send an email message to
Carol.Imposimato@umassmed.edu
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRANSITION SERVICES?
KATHY KELLY, DIRECTOR OF TRANSITION SERVICES
The Parent Support Group for Transition
Open to parents of students age 14-22+
WHEN: Tuesday April 7, 2015
WHERE: 6 Southside Rd. Danvers, MA
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Topic: Finding Fun Recreational and Leisure
Activities for your Son/Daughter
RSVP: Kathy Kelly 978-624-2342
kkelly@ne-arc.org
ASK THE ADVOCATE
BY NANCY LUCIER
NORTHEAST ARC ADVOCACY DEPARTMENT
Question:“My18yearoldsonwithadisability;doeshehavetoregisterforSelective
Service?”
Answer:Yes
DisabledmenwholiveathomemustregisterwithSelectiveServiceiftheycanreasonablyleavetheirhomesandmoveaboutindependently.Afriendorrelativemayhelpa
disabledman#illouttheregistrationformifhecan’tdoithimself.
MenwithdisabilitiesthatwoulddisqualifythemfrommilitaryservicestillmustregisterwithSelectiveService.SelectiveServicedoesnotpresentlyhaveauthoritytoclassifymen,soevenmenwithobvioushandicapsmustregisternow,andifneeded,classi#icationswouldbedeterminedlater.
(AlmostallmaleU.S.citizens,andmaleimmigrants,whoare18through25,arerequiredtoregisterwithSelectiveService.It’simportanttoknowthateventhoughheis
registered,amanwillnotautomaticallybeinductedintothemilitary.Inacrisisrequiringadraft,menwouldbecalled
insequencedeterminedbyrandomlotterynumberandyearofbirth.Then,theywouldbeexaminedformental,physicalandmoral#itnessbythemilitarybeforebeingdeferredorexemptedfrommilitaryserviceorinductedintothe
ArmedForces.)
Ifyouneedanadvocate,pleasecallourAdvocacyIntakeCoordinatorat:1-978-762-8352
IT’S A FACT:
Northeast Arc is the fourth largest Arc in the country.
Sensory friendly
movies at AMC
theatres
Join AMC Theatres and the Autism Society special showings of
the following movies. Movies will be shown at 10 a.m. local time in
participating theatres nationwide.
All shows are at 10:00 am local time. Dates and films are subject to change.
Saturday, April 18, 2015 - UNDERDOGS
Saturday, May 30, 2015 - TOMORROWLAND
Saturday, June 27, 2015 - INSIDE OUT
Saturday, July 18, 2015 - MINIONS
Local theatres:
AMC Burlington, 20 South Ave, Burlington
AMC Braintree, 12 Grandview Road, Braintree
AMC Framingham 15, 22 Flutie Pass, Framingham,
Mass. 17014
AMC Tyngsboro 12, 440 Middlesex Road Tyngsboro, Mass. 01879
AMC Loews Methuen 20, 90 Pleasant Valley St. Methuen, Mass.
01844
AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to
bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.
PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL THEATER TO CONFIRM
DATE, TIME & PRICES.
This is NOT an ASC program!
What is New at the Recreaon Department?
WELCOME KEITH!
Adam Quinn, Director of Recreation and Leisure, is pleased to announce the addition of
Keith Burkinshaw in the new, full-time role of Community Activity Coordinator. As such, Keith include all facets of recreation program marketing, community outreach,
assistance in program development and assistance in staff
management. Keith has a degree in Sports Management, and
before joining Northeast Arc was responsible for planning
community events for Walt Disney Company’s Activation
Team out of Waltham. Please join us in welcoming Keith to
the Northeast Arc team.
ADULT YOGA! The Northeast Arc has partnered
with Treetop Yoga Studio from Gloucester to offer
an adaptive adult yoga class on Tuesday evenings! This class will be offered for any individual
ages 22 and up. Be sure to wear comfortable
clothing and bring something to drink! Instructed
by Treetop Studio Manager, Kayla Lemieux!
WHERE? 6 Southside Rd. Danvers MA 01923
WHEN? Tuesday nights from 6:00-7:00pm
PRICE? $100.00 for an 8 week session
AGE? 22+ years
To sign up for programs, please contact Recreation@ne-arc.org or call (978) 6242308
CCAP Student Turns Passion into Employment
By: Dylan Girard
Climbing over snowbanks while leading two dogs full of energy out to the play yard may seem like a challenging task for
some. For CCAP Student Lizzy Leverone however, it is just
another joyful day at work. Since last August, Leverone, a
Marblehead native, has been a student in the College and Career Access Project (CCAP), a one-year vocationally focused
noncredit program for students with intellectual, developmental
and learning disabilities. The program is jointly administered
by the partnership between the Northeast Arc and North Shore
Community College. As part of CCAP, students have the option of choosing from two fields of study, Basic Canine and
Feline Care or Horticulture.
For Leverone, the choice was easy. “I love animals and getting
to learn about them and working with them has been so great,”
she said. CCAP students take three noncredit college classes
specific to their chosen field of study each semester. The classes are taught by NSCC faculty and other field professionals.
CCAP also connects students to the workplace through eight
hours a week of structured internships which include on-site
support for the student.
Nancy DeFazio, owner of Dingo’s Dogsitting in Beverly, has
hosted Leverone as an intern since the program began. “Lizzy
has been an absolutely pleasure to have as an intern,” said
DeFazio. “She is conscientious, upbeat, punctual, and also a
very hard worker that takes initiative, which is key for me.”
Day-to-day job responsibilities for Leverone range from walking, brushing, feeding, and playing with dogs to cleaning up
after them and being conscious of their behavior to avoid incidents.
Leverone’s classroom learning has been an essential part of teaching her the skills to put into practice at her internship. Classes CCAP students have taken include: Canine Breeds and Behavior, Intro to Grooming, Canine
Training, and Ethical Issues in Animal Care. “Lizzy has been such a pleasure to have in class,” said instructor Lisa
Kane, who is the owner of Wags Doggie Daycare in Wenham, MA. “She is a very passionate student who is always asking great questions and eager to learn as much as she can.”
Although CCAP will conclude this May, Leverone will be staying busy. Her passion for animals and the hard
work she has put in at her internship led to an easy decision for Dingo’s Dogsitting owner Nancy DeFazio to hire
Leverone upon completion of CCAP. “Lizzy takes the job seriously and seems to implicitly realize the importance
of caring for the animals in a way that keeps them safe and healthy,” said DeFazio. “I'm excited to be able to offer
her a paid position when the internship is over. “
CCAP admits 8-12 students per vocational pathway each year and is currently accepting applicants for fall 2015.
Students must be 18-26 years old with a documented intellectual, developmental, or learning disability. Admissions criteria and applications are located on the NSCC website at: www.northshore.edu/CCAP. Employers interested in providing internships for CCAP participants can contact Dylan Girard from the Northeast Arc at
978.624.3062.
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Camp Kaleidoscope
Celebrating families with kids on the autism spectrum:
June 27 - 30, 2015
What do catching frogs, campfires, and wishing on stars have
to do with autism? Traditionally not much. However, at
Camp Kaleidoscope amazing and unexpected things have
happened. Camp Kaleidoscope is a summer camp style retreat for families experiencing the autism spectrum.
Worldwide, when people talk about what really matters to
them, it's family. Having a kid with autism doesn’t change
this priority, but it can make family time challenging and less
relaxing. Children with autism and their families need a
unique type of situation to feel physically and emotionally
safe to rejuvenate and play together.
http://www.cgcvt.org/programs/campkaleidoscope.shtml
THE HOLLAND PROJECT OFFERS
NEW PROGRAMS FOR SPRING
The mission of the Holland Project is to bring the healing benefits of animals and nature to individuals with disabilities through creative programs. The vision of The Holland Project is to offer creative opportunities for special
needs teens and young adults that utilize nature, art and agriculture and the special bond with animals. The Holland Project offers programs at their farm in Merrimac where all feel welcome, accepted and participate in meaningful work. We are committed to offer programs and seminars that extend out to families, caregivers and the
community.
To find out more about The Holland Project contact Eileen Mitchell, info@thehollandproject.org
Phone: 978-764-8611
Library Additions
BY STEPHANIE GAMMONS, NORTHEAST ARC
MASSACHUSETTS ADVOCATES for CHILDREN
MASSACHUSETTS ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN
YOUNG ADULT LEADERS FELLOWSHIP
YOUNG ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES OR/AND ASD
Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is extending the deadline for the
Young Adult Leaders Fellowship application to April 20, 2015.
MAC invites young adults 18-26 with Intellectual Disability or/and ASD to apply for a state-of-the-art Young Adult Leaders Fellowship that offers an opportunity to learn the professional skills needed to advocate on behalf of other youth with disabilities. The Fellowship is a partnership between Massachusetts Advocates for Children and the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston. The Young Adult Leaders
Fellowship involves a one year part-time advocacy training under the direction of the Autism Center advocate and senior attorney. This is a
half-time time fellowship, and a small stipend is provided.
The Young Adult Leaders Fellowship will include working with and learning from MAC staff as they conduct MAC’s three core advocacy
and training activities, including advocacy for individual students, legislative and policy advocacy, and training for parents and professionals.
In addition to office tasks, the Fellowship will also include active participation in a range of advocacy and training activities with close direction
and leadership (for example testifying at the State House, co-presenting at trainings, attending IEP meetings). If the Fellow is able to use
Word, Excel and other office computer programs or is willing to learn computer applications and programs that is helpful. The Fellow will also
be expected to work on the MAC database and on other office duties in addition to attending educational IEP Team meetings, policy meetings
at the State House, and trainings for parents and professionals.
It is expected that after a period of job shadowing in each advocacy and training activity area, and with additional training from MAC staff, the
Fellow will participate in meetings bringing their unique viewpoint as consumers of special education services and supports.
The Fellowship will provide:
Training and work experience at MAC for one year under the supervision of a MAC attorney and MAC’s Autism Center advocate.
Peer mentoring with MAC law school student interns
Learning and performing key office tasks
Participation in meetings with schools, legislators and parent groups to bring their unique viewpoint as self-advocates.
Training in the expectations for working in an office. Experience and training with computers, office equipment, office procedures and
office social skills.
The Fellowship will begin in June or July of 2015
For questions and/or to send information contact Catherine Mayes, Mass Advocates for Children
617-357-8431 x241, cmayes@massadvocates.org
MAC staff will select the Fellow from applications submitted. Preference will be given to a young adult with intellectual disability or/and ASD
who possesses some knowledge, experience, and/or awareness of advocacy and special education process and who shows an interest in
working collaboratively with coworkers in shared office space. MAC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse, welcoming and safe workplace.
Please send the application to the attention of Catherine Mayes, Massachusetts Advocates for Children, 25 Kingston Street, 2nd Floor, Boston
MA 02111 by April 20, 2015