Welcome to the Autism in Connecticut blog!

Here you will find information on activities, programs and events around the state that might be of interest to anyone in Connecticut living with autism. You will find a calendar of events listing support groups, speakers, conferences and workshops. There will be links for programs, research studies and other activities that might be of interest to families, professionals, community members, friends or to other autism organizations. It is our belief that there is a need for one place to go where anyone can access information on what is happening around the state whether it is sponsored by our organization, by any other autism organization, or by any other disability organization or state agency. Families - this is the place to come to in order to find our what is happening. Organizations - this is the place to post your information in order to reach families around Connecticut. Professionals - this is the place to access the autism community in Connecticut. Send your information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net. Please include contact information (telephone or e-mail or webpage). Inclusion on the list does not constitute endorsement by the Autism Society of Connecticut of any therapy, program, event or activity.

Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut

AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Entries in Green

SERC's Professional Development Opportunities: Information on SERC's programs for the 2006-2007 school year are now available. They have been organized into four volumes: Early Childhood Education Initiative; Effective Instruction, Supporting Priorities of the No Child Left Behind Act; IDEA Requirements, Supporting Priorities of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Least Restrictive Environment/Inclusion Iniatiave. Call SERC at 860-632-1485 or e-mail info@serc.org for more information or to download copies.

The Governor's Early Childhood Cabinet would like to hear from you! The Early Childhood Cabinet has spent the last year putting together a framework for investing in early childhood called "Ready by 5 and Fine by 9". The Cabinet has set out to achieve three goals to help ensure that all children, regardless of where they live: reach appropriate developmental milestones from birth to age 5; begin Kindergarten with the knowledge, skills and behaviors needed for success in school; and have K-3 education experiences that extend children's birth-5 learning and ensure consistent progress in achieving reading mastery. Learn more about the Cabinet's framework, its goals, values and priorities and share your comments at local LISTENING FORUMS scheduled throughout the state. Go to www.ecforums.communityresultscenter.org for more information.

Fall Groups at Therapy Works have started: Currently scheduled are Yoga for Adults with Developmental Challenges; Sensory Motor Groups; Handwriting for Grades 1-3. Call TherapyWorks in Old Lyme at 860-434-5524.

Groton Parks and Recreation: Adaptive Programs now registering and in session. Call Ellen Cicchese at 860-536-5691.

Sibling Research Study: Looking for men and women age 18-35 who have a sibling with Autism, PDD-NOS, Developmental Delays or MR (not due to Down's). Participation requires filling out a packet of information and mailing it back. Contact Carrie Landa, M.D., PhD Candidate, Suffolk University Pyschology Department, 41 Temple Street, Boston, MA 02114 or e-mail lan07157@suffolk.edu for further information.

Prosody Study: Dr. Rhea Paul at the Yale Child Study Center is looking for children between 4-7 years old, who are on the autism spectrum but can speak in complete sentences for a study on prosody. Contact Dr. Paul at 203-785-3388, Alison Lee at 203-764-8455, e-mail allison.lee@yale.edu or go to http://info.med.yale.edu/childstdy/autism/prosody.html for more information.

Rhythms of Grace: Monthly church service for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. First Sunday of the month at Trinity Episcopal Chuch, Torrington, CT from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Call Reverend Audrey Scanlan at 860-82-6027 or e-mail acscanlan1@yahoo.com for more information.

Adaptive Recreation: The fall Adaptive Recreation program at Wallingford Parks and Recs is now open for registration. Call 203-294-2120 for more information and to sign up. Programs include basketball, motion classes, music and movement, swimming, golf and more.

September: Social Communication Groups - Stamford, CT. 8 week cycles. Mon 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Wed, 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Thurs, 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Groups will meet twice per week and will have community based lessons to support generalization. Groups will start on Sept. 25. Call 203-374-3100 for information and intake appointment. Speech and Language Consultants, LLC, Landria M. Seals, M.A., CCC-SLP Director, http://www.speechandlanguageconsultants.org/ or landria@speechandlanguageconsultants.org for more information.

October: Next Steps: Support and Training for Educators and Parents. Free training series that prepares parents of children with special needs to enable them to advocate more effectively for appropriate educational services for their children. Sponsored by CPAC (CT Parent Advocacy Center). Three Tuesdays in October, starting Oct. 3 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Waterbury ARC, 1929 East Main Street, Waterbury. Free but registration is required. Call CPAC at 800-445-2722 or e-mail cpac@cpacinc.org.

Medical Home Support Centers: The Medical Home Support Centers are programs serving families in their regions caring for children and youth with special health care needs. They also work with pediatricians and other health care providers who care for children with special health care needs. Serices offered include care coordation, respite planning and funding (limited) and extended service funds authorization. Any child with a special need (medical, behavioral or educational) or at risk of developing s special need from birth -21 years is eligible. Medical Home Support Centers are funded through a grant from the Department of Public Health and must prove need in order to continue funding. Please call your local support center to see if they may be able to help you and your family.

Office of the Child Advocate - The office of the Child Advocate which oversees the protection and care of all children and advocates for their well-being has embarked on a new initiative to provide new ways of thinking about how to better support children with disabilities and their families. As part of their effort they are seeking input from parents and family members. What changes would you like to see in your community to provide your child with more opportunities. Specific topics of interst may include recreation, family supports and medical access. All responses are confidential. Send comments to OCA at elysa.gordon@po.state.ct.us.

DMR Pilot Program Now Accepting Applications: Many of you have been following the progress of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Pilot Prorgram. The DMR has established a small pilot program for adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorders and do not have mental retardation and are not receiving services from the DMR. Information can be found at the DMR website at www.dmr.state.ct.us/AutismPilot/index.htm. Applicants for the pilot program must live in certain areas and meet certain requirements, all of which are listed at the DMR website. You can also call Kathryn Reddington, DMR Autism Coordinator at 860-418-6026 with any questions.

Research Study Seeks Participants: Dr. Jared M. Skowron from Natural Health Associates in Hamden is looking for children to participate in a study of a new vitamin-mineral-amino acid supplement designed to increase neuron action potentials and improve symptoms. Children must be 7 or younger. Free. Call Dr. Jared M. Skowron at 203-230-2200 for more information.

Come, Follow Me - an interactive program of dog training for children with special needs. Located in Wallingford. Call Soul Friends, contact Kate Nicoll, at 203-679-0849 or www.soul-friends.org.

Need help with your health insurance? CT Family to Family Health Information Project provides direct assistance from trained health information specialists on matters relating to health insurance. They can assist on all forms of health insurance both public and private and benefits from Social Security, Title V as well as HUSKY, Medicaid, birth to three and other family supports. Contact Susan Zimmerman at 866-630-6055 or e-mail szimmerman@favor-ct.org.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR
New Entries in Green
e-mail information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net

Tues. Oct. 3, 2006: Pizza Moms tonight in Darien! Post Corner Pizza in Darien. If you are interested in coming please email Nanette Jordan at: nanette618@yahoo.com. Pizza Moms is a group of moms with special needs children in the Fairfield County Area. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm. We get together informally and have pizza, salad and beer in Darien. Everyone is welcome. This is a place where moms can talk with other moms.

Tues. Oct 3, 2006: Educating Students with Behavioral/Mental Health Needs in the Least Restrictive Environment. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Lolli Ross, Youth Director for Greenwich ARC. Sponsored by We Belong - Inclusion in Fairfield County. At the Westport LIbrary, Arnold Bernhard Plaza, 20 Jessup Road, Westport. Call Eva Greenwald at 203-554-4462 or evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Tues. Oct 3, 2006: Taj Tuesdays -YWCA STEPS of Darien invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in Darien Public Schools to the Coromandel Restaurant, Goodwives Shopping Plaza, 45 Old Kings Highway, Darien. Discussion regarding negotiating the special education maze. RSVP the YWCA at 203-656-2535 or e-mail ywcastepsdarien@optonline.net.

Tues. Oct 3, 2006: Fairfield County Autism Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Frenchtown Elementary School, 30 Frenchtown Road, Trumbull, CT. Sponsored by the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Call Lois Rosenwald at 203-248-5222 for more information.

Tues. Oct 3, 2006: Men's Night Out! - Sponsored by FAVAN (Farmington Valley Asperger's Network). 7:00 p.m. at J. Timothy's restaurant in Plainville. Great wings. RSVP to Shawn McFadden at 860-589-0097.

Tues. Oct 3, 2006: "Face Perception in Autism: Links to Neuroimaging and a Novel Computer Based Intervention Program" a lecture by Bob Schultz, Associate Professor of Pyschology, Yale University. 7:30 p.m., Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills, NY. Sponsored by Autism Speaks. e-mail vzygmont@autismspeaks.org or call 203-522-8980 to reserve a seat or for more information.

Thurs. Oct 5, 2006: Ozreinu: Torah and Support for parents of special needs children. 7:30 p.m., The Emnuel Synagogue Library, West Hartford. RSVP to Judith T. Fox at 860-233-2774 or judyefox@emanuelsynagogue.org.

Thurs. Oct 5, 2006: IEP and Inclusion Strategies for Parents and Teachers. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the John Dempsey Regional Center, Putnam, CT. Speakers wll be Anne Eason, Esq and Kathy Whitbread. Sponsored by the Family Support Network Northeast Parent Group. For more information or to register contact Mona Tremblay at 860-928-6514 or e-mail: monatremblay@sbcglobal.net or Ann Tetreault at 860-630-4033 or ann.tetreault@po.state.ct.us.

Mon. Oct 9, 2006: Dad's Night Out! 7:30 p.m. Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at Bella Nonna, 371 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich. Contact Michael Beloff at mbeloff@optonline.net for information.

Tues. Oct 10, 2006: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT). For Wilton Parents Only! 7:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve programming. Meetings will be held at The Greens at Canondale. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

Wed. Oct 11, 2006: Parent Tips for a Smooth Transition. Parent panel on transitions. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Coleytown Middle School cafeteria, 225 North Ave, Westport. Sponsored by Westport SEPTA. For reservations or more information call Janis Fox at 203-222-8485 or e-mail info@westportsepta.org.

Wed. Oct 11, 2006: Parent Support Group for chidren diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., At Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.

Thurs. Oct 12, 2006: Parent Support Group, 6:30 p.m. Founders Hall Conference Room (2nd Fl), Park Place East, Winsted, CT. Parent Support Group for family members and caregivers of children with autism and related disbilities. All interested parties are welcome to attend. Sponsored by Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC) and Litchfield County Autism Spectrum Association (LACASA). Call Sharon Cable, Parent at 860-693-9128 or Robert Beck, PhD, NCCC at 860-738-6386 for more information.

Fri. Oct 13, 2006: Breakfast with Dana Buchman, author of "Special Education: One Family's Journey Through the Maze of Special Education". 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Stamford Marriott, Stamford, CT. Sponsored by Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. Tickets $40. For more information call Jane Ross at 203-226-6831 or e-mail JRossSMARTKIDS@aol.com.

Fri. Oct 13, 2006: LDA Annual Conference: Every Child is a Reader: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Marriott Courtyard, Cromwell, CT. Keynote speaker is Louise Spear-Swirling, PhD. Fee required. For more information or to register contact LDA at: 860-560-1711 or visit them online at: http://www.ldact.org/.

Sat. Oct. 14, 2006: Jonathan Mooney Presentation: Hill Regional High School, New Haven, CT. Jonathan Mooney is a dyslexic writer and activist who did not learn to read until he was 12. He is a graduate of Brown University and holds a honors degree in English Literature. He is co founder of Project Eye-to-Eye a mentoring program for disabled students. For more information contact CPAC at 800-445-2722 or e-mail cpac@cpacinc.org.

Sat. Oct 14. 2006: Save the Date - First Annual Special Needs Symposium. The Lyceum, Terryville, CT. Sponsored by the Terryville Public Library, Knights of Columbus and Plymouth SEPTA.

Sat. Oct 14, 2006: Behavior 101: Tools for parents struggling with difficult children. Free workshop presented by the Milford Collaborative. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Harborside Middle School Cafeteria, 175 High Street, Milford. Space limited, call to register: Jennifer (203-876-2189), Amanda & Hilary (203-877-6549 x505 or 506). Snacks, lunch and childcare provided.

Mon. Oct. 16, 2006: Parent Support Group: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m at Manchester Memorial Hospital for parents and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum. All are welcome. Sponsored by the East of the River Region, Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Carolyn Schwartz at 860-644-0524 for more information.

Wed. Oct. 18, 2006: Pizza Moms Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Avenue. Check http://www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamomsg.html for more info. Pizza Moms is a support group for moms with special needs children in the Fairfield County Area. We meet the third Wednesday evening of every month at 7:00 pm. We get together informally for food, drink, and networking. Everyone is welcome. If you are interested in coming please contact Phillippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471, or angelmanmom@aol.com.

Wed. Oct 18, 2006: Transition Resource Expo, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., CES Trumbull, CT. Sponsored by CES. Call 203-365-8813 for more information.

Wed. Oct 18, 2006: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT). For Wilton Parents Only! 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve programing. Meetings will be held at The Greens at Canondale. RSCP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

Wed. Oct. 18, 2006: Silent Suffering: The Long Term Effects of Bullying on Children. Including cyberbullying. 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Presenter: David Weitzman, M.Ed., L.C.S.W., educational pyschologist and psychotherapist. At Total Learning and Therapy Center, 5893 Main Street, Trumbull, CT. Call 203-268-8852 for information and reservations.

Thurs. Oct 19, 2006: Support Group Meeting, co-sponsored by FAVAN (Farmington Valley Asperger's Network) and the Northwest Connecticut Support Group. At FOCUS Alternative Learning Center in Canton. Guest speaker: Donna Swanson, Director, FOCUS. RSVP to Lee McFadden at leemcf@sbcglobal.net.

Fri. Oct. 20, 2006: Donna Geffner, PhD speaks on Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, at the Greens at Cannondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. Call 203-761-1191 for more information.

Mon. Oct 23, 2006: Support Group Meeting, 7:00 p.m. At the Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford. Featured Speaker from the Kennedy Center in Trumbull discussing their Autism Project. Sponsored by the Stratford Region - Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Kim Wardlow at 203-416-2647.

Mon. Oct 23, 2006: Wired Differently ADHD Kids. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. An educational workshop for parents and teachers. Ruthann Short, MSW, LCSW, Director of Brainstorming, LLC, Ridgefield, CT. Held at Waveny House, Waveny Park, New Canaan, CT. Sponsored by SPED*NET New Canaan. RSVP to Beth Lurie at 203-966-2982 or e-mail lurie@optonline.net.

Mon, Oct. 23, 2006: Review of Procedural Safeguard Rights: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sponsored by the East Hartford SEPTA and CPAC. Registration required. For more information or to register call Kate Richardson at 860-569-9192.

Tues. Oct 24, 2006: Tamale Tuesdays. SPED*NET New Canaan invites all parents and guardians of students receiving special education services in the New Canaan Public Schools to Tequila Mockingbird restaurant on 6 Forest Street, New Canaan. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sharing strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0794 or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.

Tues. Oct 24, 2006: Autism Parents Club: 7:30 p.m., Francesco's Restaurant, Rte 7, Wilton. A group of parents (dad's too!) of children on the spectrum. If you are part of the "club" you will laugh and cry with other parents who can related to your situation. Meets last Tues of the month. For more information contact Patti Sylvia at 203-761-0248 or pattisylvia@aol.com.

Wed. Oct 25, 2006: Mock IEP. Sponsored by the Westport SEPTA. Come witness a Nightmare IEP and then a Dream IEP. Tips for a successful IEP meeting will be discussed. Participants will become empowered with knoweldge to serve as more effective advocates. Key areas of IDEA 2004 will be highlighted. All parents and interested professionals are welcome. Presenters include Anne Eason, Esq. and Dr. Kathleen Whitbread. For more information and to reserve a seat, call Janis Fox, SEPTA Programming Chair, at 203-222-8485 or e-mail Westport SETPA at westportspeta@yahoo.com.

Wed. Oct 25, 2006: Parent Support Group for chidren diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., At Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.

Wed. Oct 25, 2006: Putting the Pieces Together: Understanding Sensory Integration 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., First Congregational Church, Derby, CT. Speaker will be Becky Simon. Sponsored by NORTH STAR. For more information contact Cathy Adamczyk at cathya@ntplx.net.

Thurs. Oct. 26, 2006: "Using Prevision Teaching to Improve Reading Comprehension for Children with Autism" - a presentation by Achieve Fluency at private tutoring and consulting group. 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at HARC, 900 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT. Sponsored by the Hartford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Beth Katten at 860-236-8374 or http://www.autismsocietyofct.org/ for more information.

Thurs. Oct 26, 2006: Parent Support Group, 7:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call ASCONN at 888-453-4975 or email asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Thurs. Oct 26, 2006: The Spectrum Unplugged! 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., New Britain City Hall. Come join the panel of young adults with ASD from the Focus Alternative Learning Center in Canton as they talk about their life on the spectrum. Walk a day in their shoes, find out what works and what doesn't, learn the importance of relationships, learn to respond rather than react. Call FOCUS at 860-693-9908 for more information.

Thurs. Oct 26, 2006: Effective Communication. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Preston Public Library, Preston. Improved communication between parents and professionals to help our kids. Sponsored by SECASA. Workshop presented by CPAC. For more information or to registere call Joan Bachelder at: 860-376-3471.

Thurs. Oct 26, 2006: Preparing for the Planning and Placement Team Meeting: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Aministrative Offices, Bridgeport Public Schools, Bridgeport, CT. Workshop presented by CPAC. Sponsored by the Bridgeport Public Schools. English and Spanish. For more information contact Iris DeLopez at 203-332-2731.

Fri. Oct 27, 2006: Navigating the Diet Maze: Which One is Right for Your Child? Vicki Kobliner, M.S., R.D., CD-N, a registered dietician will explain the theories behind various diets and provide information about implementation and clues to help determine which diet, if any, may help your special needs child. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. RSVP Eve Kessler at 203-761-1191.

Sat. Oct. 28, 2006: - People First of CT state conference, Clarion Inn, Bristol 8:00 am – 4:00 pm – Cost: $25. “People First of CT is a statewide self-advocacy organization that believes that all people should be treated as equals and be respected for what they can do. We advocate for ourselves and educate people about self-advocacy and People First of CT. We stand behind closing institutions and encourage people with disabilities to live more independent lives.

Sat. Oct. 28, 2006: Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficits Through the Lifespan, 36th Annual CACLD Conference at the Stamford Marriott Hotel, Stamford, CT. Call CACLD at 203-838-5010 for more information or check http://www.cacld.org/.

Fri. Nov. 3, 2006: Bioenergetic Therapies: A New Revolution in Healing. Mary Coyle, D.I. Hom, will discuss German based low potentcy homeopathic detoxification and drainage programs as a means of restoring balance for children with special needs. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. RSVP to Eve Kessler at 203-761-1191.

Mon. Nov. 6, 2006: Fairfield County Autism Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Frenchtown Elementary School, Frenchtown Road, Trumbull, CT. Sponsored by the ASRC. Call Lois Rosenwald at 203-248-5222 for more information.

Tues. Nov. 7, 2006: Pizza Moms tonight in Darien! Post Corner Pizza in Darien. If you are interested in coming please email Nanette Jordan at: nanette618@yahoo.com. Pizza Moms is a group of moms with special needs children in the Fairfield County Area. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm. We get together informally and have pizza, salad and beer in Darien. Everyone is welcome. This is a place where moms can talk with other moms.

Wed. Nov. 8, 2006: Developing Positive Relationships Between Parents and Schools. Sponsored by the Fairfield SEPTA. 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Jennings Elementary School, Fairfield. This workshop will discuss the ways that schools can faciliate and encourage active parental involvement as well as the ways families can support student learning by working with their child's schools. Presented by CPAC. For more information call CPAC at 800-445-2722 or e-mail capc@cpacinc.org.

Wed. Nov. 8, 2006: Parent Support Group for chidren diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., At Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.

Wed. Nov. 9, 2006: Dr. Jared Skowron of Natural Health Associates - a presentation on "Awakening Autism" a new vitamin-mineral-amino acid supplement currently being studied and used in treatment at Natural Health Associates. 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at HARC, 900 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT. Sponsored by the Hartford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Beth Katten at 860-236-8374 or http://www.autismsocietyofct.org/ for more information.

Thurs. Nov. 9, 2006: The Spectrum Unplugged! 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Temple Beth Sholom, Hamden. join the panel of young adults with ASD from the Focus Alternative Learning Center in Canton as they discuss their life on the spectrum. Walk a day in their shoes, find out what works and what doesn't, learn the importance of relationships, learn to respond rather than react. Sponsored by ASRC. Free, but space is limited. Call 203-248-5222 to reserve a seat.

Thurs. Nov. 9, 2006: Developing the Individualized Education Program (IEP). 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Administrative Offices, Bridgeport Public Schools. Workshop presented by CPAC. Sponsored by the Bridgeport Public Schools. English and Spanish. For more information contact Iris DeLopez at 203-332-2731.

Fri. Nov. 10, 2006: Identifying and Decreasing Toxic Overload. A talk by Jayne Baker, R.N., clinical assistant in the practice of Dr. Sidney Baker. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., the Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. RSVP Eve Kessler at 203-761-1191.

Mon. Nov. 13, 2006: Parent Support Group, 7:00 p.m., Manchester Memorial Hospital, Manchester, CT. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Carolyn Schwartz at 860-644-0524 or http://www.autismsocietyofct.org/ for more information.

Mon. Nov. 13, 2006: Dad's Night Out! 7:30 p.m. Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at Bella Nonna, 371 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich. Contact Michael Beloff at mbeloff@optonline.net for information.

Wed. Nov. 15, 2006: Pizza Moms Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Avenue. Check http://www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamomsg.html for more info. Pizza Moms is a support group for moms with special needs children in the Fairfield County Area. We meet the third Wednesday evening of every month at 7:00 pm. We get together informally for food, drink, and networking. Everyone is welcome. If you are interested in coming please contact Phillippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471, or mailto:nangelmanmom@aol.com.

Thurs. Nov. 16, 2006: Dr. Jared Skowron of Natural Health Associates - a presentation on "Awakening Autism" a new vitamin-mineral-amino acid supplement cuurrently being studied and used in treatment at Natural Health Associates. 7:30 p.m., at IDEA Training Center Conference Room, 20 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT. Sponsored by the South Central Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Sally Brockett at 203-234-7401 to reserve a seat.

Thurs. Nov. 16, 2006: Effective Reading Instruction. Understanding the basics, plus the latest information on research based programs. Presentation by Evelyn Russo, PhD. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Norwalk Inn and Conference Center, 99 East Ave., Norwalk. $30 pre registration/$40 at the door. Sponsored by Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, SPED*NET New Canaan and in ccoperation with the New Canaan Public Schools, Department of Special Education. CEU's available. More information call Jane Ross at 203-226-6831 or e-mail JRossSMARTKIDS@aol.com.

Thurs. Nov 16 - Fri. Nov. 17, 2006: "Going Beyond Expectations Conference" - 2nd annual conference sponsored by the CT Center for Child Development. Keynote speakers include Dr. Gina Green on "Science and Critical Thinking About Autism Treatments: Now More Than Ever" and Dr. Bridget Taylor on "Improving the Social Behavior of Children with Autism: A Focus on Acquisition and Motivation". Breakout sessions. At the Courtyard by Marriott, 780 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT. Contact mfitzsimmons@iepinc.org or telephone 203-882-8810 for more information, costs and registration materials.

Sat. Nov 18 - Sun. Nov 19, 2006: Get a HANDLE on Neurodevelopmental Differences: 12 hour two day long course in the HANDLE method, a non-drug treatment alternative for people of all ages, and for a wide range of issues. 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Yale University, Osborn Memorial Laboratory, 165 Prospect Street, New Haven. To register and for more information call the HANDLE Institute at 206-204-6000 or e-mail frontdesk@handle.org. Local contact: Maria Moreno at 203-640-0924.

Mon. Nov. 20, 2006: Alternatives to Extended School Year (ESY): Reading, Writing and Other Skills. A talk by Joan Jalbert, Speech Pathologist, Saxe Middle School, New Canaan. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Westport Public Library, Arnold Bernhard Plaza, 20 Jessup Road, Westport. Sponsored by We Belong - Inclusion in Fairfield County. RSVP and for more information call Eva Greenwald at 203-554-4462 or e-mail evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net.

Tues. Nov. 21, 2006: Tamale Tuesdays. SPED*NET New Canaan invites all parents and guardians of students receiving special education services in the New Canaan Public Schools to Tequila Mockingbird restaurant on 6 Forest Street, New Canaan. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sharing strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0794 or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.

Wed. Nov. 22, 2006: Parent Support Group for chidren diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., At Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.

Mon. Nov. 27, 2006: Parent Support Group, 7:00 p.m. at Sterling House Community Center, Stratford, CT. Sponsored by the Stratford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Kim Wardlow at 203-416-2647 or http://www.autismsocietyofct.org/ for more information.

Thurs. Nov. 30, 2006: Parent Support Group, 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, CT. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call ASCONN at 888-453-4975 or e-mail asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Fri. Dec 1, 2006: Enhancing Social Skills for Children with Special Needs: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton. Lori Coda, M.S., Sp.Ed. Behavior Therapist, Neurofeedback practitioner, Certified Listening Therapist will provide tips and techniques for parents and caregivers to improve joint attention, cooperative play and socializtion. IN addition, the role of neurofeedback or EEG biofeedback will be discussed. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. RSVP Eve Kessler at 203-761-0680.

Fri. Dec, 1, 2006: Autism and Law Enforcement: Recognition, Response and Risk Management. Training for police officers, other police department employees or associated community employees. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and repeated from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Police Officer Standards and Training Counsel's Field Services Training Division, in cooperation with the Department of Mental Retardation and the ASRC. Information, contact George I. Miller at gi.miller@po.state.us or 203-427-2626.

Sat. Dec. 2, 2006: Autism and Safety Issues - What Parents and Caregivers Should Know. With Dennis Debbault. Frenchtown Elementary School, Frenchtown Road, Trumbull. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by the ASRC and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Pilot Project. Fee required. Register by November 24. Call the ASRC at 203-248-5222 for more information and registration materials.

Mon. Dec. 4, 2006: Fairfield County Autism Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Frenchtown Elementary School, Frenchtown Road, Trumbull, CT. Sponsored by the ASRC. Call Lois Rosenwald at 203-248-5222 for more information.

Tues. Dec. 5, 2006: Taj Tuesdays -YWCA STEPS of Darien invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in Darien Public Schools to the Coromandel Restaurant, Goodwives Shopping Plaza, 45 Old Kings Highway, Darien. Discussion regarding negotiating the special education maze. RSVP the YWCA at 203-656-2535 or e-mail ywcastepsdarien@optonline.net.

Tues. Dec 5, 2006: Tamale Tuesdays. SPED*NET New Canaan invites all parents and guardians of students receiving special education services in the New Canaan Public Schools to Tequila Mockingbird restaurant on 6 Forest Street, New Canaan. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sharing strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0794 or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.

Thurs. Dec. 7, 2006: 9th Annual Expanding Horizons Conference. At the Crowne Plaza, Cromwell, CT. Annual Conference on Educating Students with Disabilities in General Education Classrooms. For more information http://www.ctserc.org/.

Thurs. Dec. 7, 2006: Effective Communication: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Administrative Offices, Bridgeport Public Schools. Workshop presented by CPAC. Sponsored by the Bridgeport Public Schools. English and Spanish. Call Iris DeLopez at 203-332-2731 for more information.

Fri. Dec 8, 2006: "Progress (and Challenges) in Autism" a talk by Fred Volkmar, Director, Yale Child Study Center. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., William L. Harkness Hall, Room 116, Yale University. Part of the Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy Social Policy Lecture Series, Fall 2006. See www.yale.edu/bushcenter for more information. Free.

Mon. Dec. 11, 2006: Logical Inclusion: Effectively Combining the School's Curriculum and Your Child's IEP. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at the Westport Library, Westport. Speaker will be Janie Dymant, MA/MS and Dr. John Burke, of the Hope Center. Sponsored by We Belong - Inclusion in Fairfield County. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at 203-554-4462 or evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net.

Wed. Dec. 13, 2006: Dad's Night Out! 7:30 p.m. Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at Bella Nonna, 371 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich. Contact Michael Beloff at nbeloff@optonline.net for information.

Wed. Dec. 13, 2006: Parent Support Group for chidren diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., At Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.