Family Services Programs at ASRC Continue!

Family Services Programs at ASRC continue! The snow may keep a’coming, but we’ve still have many programs and opportunities for you to learn more about autism spectrum disorders, interventions, the special education system and much more! Many programs are free, but seating is limited, so please RSVP NOW via e-mail or 203-265-7717.

Parent Speaker Series - MONDAY, February 23, 2015 - “Extended School Year Services - what to do about summer vacation?”A dynamic presentation by a dynamic duo! Attorney Jennifer Laviano and Special Education Advocate Julie Swanson will discuss the ins and outs of extended school year services - what the law requires, how to successfuly advocate for appropriate programming and methods for improving the “one size fits all” programming. At our offices in Wallingford from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Free, but seating is limited, RSVP via e-mail or 203-265-7717.

Autism and Adolescence: The Dual Diagnosis, Tuesday, Feb 24, 2015 5:30 - 7:30 pmAre you living with a teenager with ASD? Unfortunately, ASD is not proof against adolescence, and the intersection of autism and teen ager can be tricky to navigate. Come learn a little bit more about these crazy years. Sponsored by Chapel Haven, 1040 Whalley Ave, New Haven. Program features a tour of Chapel Haven’s facilities for young adults with ASD and presentation by Sara Reed, Director, Advocacy and Family Services at ASRC. We’ll even feed you! Free, but RSVP required, register here.

Parent Advocacy Boot Camp - Transition OMG! comes to Fairfield County! Starting Saturday, March 14 and running on Sat, March 28, Sat. April 25 and Sat. May 9 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm this four session Saturday workshop series gives you the basics about issues relating to transition for teens with ASD. We’ll cover your IEP and transition issues related to school, legal and financial issues including guardianship, conservatorship, the adult service system and special needs trusts. We will then turn our thoughts to independence and ways to promote increasing independence in even the balkiest of ASD teens. Our final workshop is an interactive one. We will break out into small groups, facilitated by ASRC transition coodinators and we will apply what we’ve learned to help create individualized “to do” lists for each participant. Here’s what particpants are saying about these Boot Camps:”This class turned my light bulb on to prepare my son for his future.” “Necessary workshop to lay out a core mapping system tool to assist in the transition process.” Hosted by Giant Steps, Barberry Road, Southport. FREE, but seating is limited. Download a registration form, call 203-265-7717 or e-mail.

A CAN’T MISS EVENT! Registration Now Open! 25th Annual Northeast Regional Conference on Autism. Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2015 at SCSU, New Haven. Keynote speakers include Peter Vermuellen, Ph.D., author of “Autism as Context Blindess”; Michelle Garcia Winner, MA., CCC-SLP founder of Social Thinking® and our 2015 Speaker from the Spectrum Dena Gassner, MSW. Conference features workshops on wide variety of topics presented by some of Connecticut’s best autism resources. And, of course, our Autism Bookstore! All information, workshop session, and online registration available on our website. Last year our conference was SOLD OUT. Register early to get your workshop preferences!As always, feel free to contact us if you have questions, concerns, need to find resources or guidance. We’re here for you!

ASRC – Autism Services & Resources Connecticut 888.453.4975 / 203.265.7717 also www.autismconnecticut.org info@autismconnecticut.org