Austism Services and Resources January Newsletter

Parent Speaker Series - “A Parent’s Guide to Testing”
Learn about the information testing can provide for best outcomes!
Kelly Powell, PhD from the Yale Child Study Center will demystify the use and role that testing plays in determining learning styles, behavioral challenges, language issues and more. Learn what is available and the tremendous insights they provide for best outcomes! Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, 6-8pm at the ASRC Wallingford office.
RSVP for this free presentation; limited seating.
Don’t miss the next Parent Speaker presentation! “Extended School Year Services - What to Do About Summer Vacation!” RSVP now for February 23, 2015; 6-8pm at the ASRC Wallingford office.

ASRC Social/Activities Groups for 2015
Winter session registration - last call!!
An incredible assortment of socially-oriented activities! Laser tag, ice skating, Zumba, tea parties, bowling, rock climbing, movies and more!! Tweens, teens, and adult sessions planned for several areas around Connecticut. Register now for the new offerings.

NEW!! Special Presentations Hosted by Chapel Haven
Raising a Tween or Teen on the Spectrum? These are for YOU!
“Building Independence in Tweens & Teens with ASD”, on Tues Feb 3; and, a second presentation, “Autism & Adolescence: the Dual Diagnosis”, on Tues Feb 24. Both presentations by Sara Reed, ASRC Director of Advocacy & Family Services. Each event includes a light supper and a chance to tour the Chapel Haven facilities at 1040 Whalley Ave, New Haven. Presentations from 5:30-7:30pm; registration is required for both these free events. Register for the Feb 3 event here. Register for the Feb 24 event here.

Central CT Parent Networking Group
Adaptive Approach to Fitness - ASD Fitness Center
Executive Director of ASD Fitness Center Christina Keating will share her perspective on helping those with ASD keep physically fit. Mon., Jan. 26th; 6-7:30pm at the ASRC Wallingford office. RSVP for this free presentation; limited seating.

East of the River Parent Networking Group
Special Presentation by Adrianna Zambrzycka, LCSW, BCBA
Always a topic of tremendous interest! Adrianna Zambrzycka, a Senior Behavior Analyst for School Based Consultative Services at CCSN, will discuss Application of Behavioral Strategies in the Home Environment. Feb. 12 at the Center for Special Needs, Glastonbury, 6:30-8:30pm. RSVP for this free presentation; limited seating.

NEW!! ASRC Housing Initiative Presentation
“Planning, Funding & Preparing for Living Independently with ASD“
This three-part conversation will guide parents and caretakers through the process of evaluating options for those on the autism spectrum. Presentations will include participation from Laura Reed, Director of the Livecta Division of Light House Vocational Services, ASRC Housing Consultant Renee DePastino, and a panel of experienced parents sharing their perspective on independent living for their adult children. All presentations are 6-8:00pm at the Rocky Hill Parks and Recreation; first session is Mon, Feb 23. You must RSVP for this free series; limited seating. More information here.

REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK!!
2015 Northeast Regional Conference on Autism - March 20 & 21
Registration opens next week to see keynotes Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP, founder of Social Thinking®; Dr. Peter Vermeulen, author of “Autism as Context Blindness”; and Dena Gassner, MSW, our 2015 “Speaker from the Spectrum”. Don’t miss our 25th year!!

Spring Boot Camp Registration - Coming Soon for Southport!
“Transition – OMG!”
Our most popular training series focuses on autism, adolescence, and what you need to know about transition. “Must know” information for parents with tweens and teens!
Registration opening soon!

Create Your Own Autism Awareness Contest
This is your chance to use your creativity! Make a video, write a book, create your own awareness campaign! Sponsored by CT Autism Action Coalition for CT youth ages 12-18. Winner announced at Autism Awareness Day at the Capitol in Hartford in April 2015!Complete rules and information here!

You Can Bring Autism Puzzlethon™ to Your Local Area
Looking for a fun way to support ASRC while creating social opportunities for your community? Our innovative program, Autism Puzzlethon™is great for schools, civic organizations, youth groups, or ANYONE! Great activity for high school Community Service Projects. Full organizational packet available! Contact us for more details to schedule an event in your area!

Need Housing Help?
The ASRC web site now offers some helpful tools for dealing with housing issues. Questions can also be directed to our ASRC Housing Consultant, Renee DePastino, or by calling ASRC during office hours - 203.265.7717.

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