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.

Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut.

Autism Announcements

New Entries in Green

The Pentagon needs help from military families with autistic children to create a new segment of its Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) program. Tricare officials are looking for suggestions on thwat kind of education, training and supervisory requirements caregivers should have. e-mail the Tricare Management Activity at ChildrenWithAutism@tma.osd.mil. For more information to to www.marinetimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-2396091.php.

New Resources from State Department of Education: check out the new "Bureau Blogs" that appear each month at the CT State Department of Education website for helpful resources. www.state.ct.us/sde/deps/special/index.htm and click on "Bureau Blogs".

Health Care Survey of Adults with Disabilities in Connecticut. UCONN Center on Disabilities is currently recruiting participants for a new research project to learn about the ways adults living in Connecticut get the health care they need. The Center will be conducting telephone interviews with adults with disabilities, asking if they receive the health care they need, if they face barriers to care, and if they ever delay getting health care. If you are over 18 and would like to participate call Dave toll-free at 860-623-1315 x1595. The survey should take 15-20 minutes.

Groton Parks and Recreation announces winter programs for persons with special needs. Call Eileen Cicchese at 860-536-5691 for more information.

Research Study: If you are a mother of a preschooler with autism and either 2nd generation Chinese, Korean or Japanese - American (i.e. born in the United States with immigrant parents or immigrated before age 14) or Anglo-American, you are eligible to receive a $15 Target gift card for your participation as well as entered into a drawing for a $200 Spa Finder gift card. Survey exlpores the maternal beliefs and involvment practices of mothers with preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders. If you are interested, contact Jamie Cho at jamie118@berkeley.edu or 510-594-1065.

Parent Leadership Training: Beginning in January, 2007, the CT Commission on Children with be offering their Parent Leadership Training in Danbury. There are different trainings, (1) a 10-week course on parent leadership, understanding personal history and its impact on perception; (2) a 10-week study of politics, policy and media with a Community Project component. There will be a retreat on January 13 for each group to develop group cohesion and define mission. All programs are free. A full copy of the brochue is available at www. danburychildrenfirst.org or call 203-797-8088 or e-mail pattik@danburychildrenfirst.org.

Research Project: A survey examining knowledge and attitudes relating to Asperger's and Autism. The questions were generated from comments and suggestions made by adults with Autism and Asperer's. The survey can be found at http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=vmve9sgoh89brwx228138. Looking for responses from people with autism, as well as parents, siblings, caregivers, relatives, acquaintances, friends, co-workers, stsudents, teachers, and professionals. Jeffrey Rudski, PhD., Associate Professor of Pyschology, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA. rudski@muhlenberg.edu.

National Inclusive Schools Week - December 4-8, 2006. During this week, Connecticut will be joining with states, schools and classrooms throughout the nation to celebrate the 6th annual National Inclusive Schools Week. The theme is Charting an Inclusive Journey Through School, Work and Life: Successful Transition Planning for All Students. There will be many events planned during this week including the SERC Expanding Horizon's 9th Annual Conference on Educating Students with Disablities in General Education Classrooms (see post under Dec. 7, 2006). http://www.ctserc.org/ for more information.

Jan. 2007 - April, 2007: Three Part Workshop Series for Psychologists and Social Workers "How to Work More Effectively With Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders". Presented by James Loomis, PhD. Session Dates: Jan 20, 2007, Feb, 10, 2007, April 14, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. To be held at High Roads Student Learning Center, Wallingford. Sponsored by the Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Commitment to all three session required. For more information and registration please contact ASRC at 203-248-5222. Do not call High Roads.

Research Project: Does your Son/Daughter Have Autism or an ASD? Was your child diagnosed within the last two years? Would you like to share your experiences? Research project about your experiences throughout the process that led to the diganosis and your experience getting the services you need. Interviews will be held at convenient community locations. If you are interested, call and leave your name and contact number with Dr. Dumont -Mathieu at 860-545-8944.

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.

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.

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.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR

New Entries in green

e-mail to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net

Mon. Dec 4, 2006: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT) for Wilton Parents Only! Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve programs within the schools and community. Meet at The Greens at Canondale. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com. 10:00 a.m. - 12:oo p.m.

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.

Tues. Dec. 5, 2006: Pizza Moms tonight in Darien! Post Corner Pizza in Darien. check http://www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamoms.html. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs inthe Fairfield County area. We meet the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. For more informaton email Nanette Jordan at nanette618@yahoo.com.

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.

Thurs. Dec, 7, 2006: Families United Network Northeast - A family support and advocacy group. First Thursday of every month. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., United Services, Wauregan, call Families United at 860-537-6125 and ask for Lorna.

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.

Sat. Dec. 9, 2006: CT FEAT Holiday Fair for families of children with autism and related special needs. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. River Street School, 601 River St reet, Windsor, CT. Interactive life music program, chidren's activity centers, educational toys, computer and other media stations, CT FEAT Autism Resource Library, Refreshments. Free, sponsored by CT FEAT, LACASA and River Street Schools. www.ctfeat.org for more information and directions.

Dec. 9, 2006: Parenting Workshop offered by Behavioral Management's Neil A. Quatrano, MSW & Jeanne Ayotte, LMFT, co-authors of the "Tool Box Approach". This provides caregivers with new "tools", parenting skills and behavior modification utilizing a postive proactive strength-based approach. At CASP, 59 Quinnipiac Ave., North Haven. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $25 per family. Call 860-669-2195 to register and for more information.

Sat. Dec. 9, 2006: Beginning the Journey - What Families Should Know About Life with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Speaker: Stacy Hultgren. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 pm. Spring Glen United Church of Christ, Hamden, CT. Sponsored by the Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Call 203-248-5222 or www.ct-asrc.0rg.

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.

Mon. Dec. 11, 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.

Mon. Dec. 11, 2006: Parent Support Group. West Haven City Hall 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For parents of special needs children . More information call Karen Muro at 203-937-3565 or e-mail KarenMMuro@aol.com.

Mon. Dec, 11, 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.

Tues. Dec. 12, 2006: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT) for Wilton Parents Only! Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve programs within the schools and community. Meet at The Greens at Canondale. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com. 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

Wed. Dec. 13, 2006: Public Hearing for Parents, Students, Advocates and Others interested in Restraint, Seclusion and Use of "Time Out" Rooms in Public Schools. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Legislative Office Building, Room 1-A., Hartford. Hosted by the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities.

Wed. Dec. 13, 2006: Orange SEPTA invites you to hear Kim Downy speak on RDI (relationship development intervention). Kim will discuss how an effective intervention program balances short-term compensations, identifies co-occuring conditions, and addresses long-term remediation: which is the focus of RDI. 7:00 p.m. Case Memorial Library, Orange, CT.

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.

Wed. Dec, 13, 2006: Dyslexia Information Workshop. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Thompson Public Library Meeting Room. Learn the classic warning signs and what you can do to help your child succeed at home and in school. Co-sponsored by ARCHES - TEEG's Special Education Support Group and Thompson's Discovery for Birth-to-Eight Success grant with support from CT Behavioral Health Partnership, CT Family Support Network - Northeast Region, Families United for Children's Mental Health and CT Family Support Network - Southeast Region. RSVP to Suzanne Witkowski at ARCHES@teegonline.org or call 860-923-3458.

Fri. Dec. 15, 2006: Asperger's Disorder and Autism: An Update on Understanding and Interventions. Ami Klin, PhD. Presented by New England Educational Institute. 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Registration Fee. Omni Hotel, New Haven. For more information: http://www.neei.org/ or call Carolyn at 413-499-1489x1.

Sun. Dec. 17, 2006: NorthStar Holiday Party! Call Cathy Adamczyk for details 860-869-6021; 203-735-6098.

Mon. Dec. 18, 2006: Building Blocks Support Group. 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Multi-Purpose Room, Colchester Elementary School. A support group for parents or caregivers of children with social or emotional challenges aged birth - five. For more information contact: Dana at 860-434-4890 X349 or Rachel at x311. Sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health and Building Blocks: Social Emotional Wellness for Young Children.

Tues. Dec. 19, 2006: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p .m. Groton Public Library. Call Danielle Greene at 860-445-9765 for more information.

Wed. Dec. 20, 2006: Pizza Moms Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. Check http://www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamoms.html for more information. Pizza moms is a support group for moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. Meets the third Wed evening of the month at7:00 p.m. Contact Phillippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471 or angelmanmom@aol.com for more information.

Thurs. Dec. 21, 2006: Parent Support Group. 7:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Society, Boston Post Road, Madison. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call 888-453-4975 for more information.

Thurs. Dec. 28, 2006: Parent Support Group. 6:30 p.m Preston Public Library. For more information contact Joan Bachelder at aabddbjmb@aol.com.

Tues. Jan. 2, 2007: Pizza Moms tonight in Darien! Post Corner Pizza in Darien. Check http://www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamoms.html. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. We meet the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. We get together informally and have pizza, salad and beer in Darien. Everyone is welcome. Contact Nanette Jordan at nanette618@yahoo.com for more information.

Thurs. Jan. 4, 2007: Families United Network Northeast - A family support and advocacy group. First Thursday of every month. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., United Services, Wauregan, call Families United at 860-537-6125 and ask for Lorna.

Sat. Jan. 6, 2007: Kids Dance! A dance for kids of all abilities. Age 9-17 years old. At St John's Lutheran Church, Newfield Ave, Stamford. Participants must have a guardian or chaperone with them. Call Nanette Jordan at 203-354-2943 or e-mail nanette618@yahoo.com for more information and RSVP. http://www.kidsdance.50megs.com/.

Sat. Jan. 6, Sat. Jan. 27 and Sat. Feb. 3, 2007: Special Education and Autism Spectrum Disorders - Learning to Advocate Effectively. Speaker: Stacy Hultgren. A three part workshop, you must attend all three. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Spring Glen United Church of Christ, Hamden, CT. Sponsored by the Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Call 203-248-5222 or www.ct-asrc.org for information and registration.

Jan. 8, 2007: 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. Jan. 8, 2007: Parent Support Group. West Haven City Hall 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For parents of special needs children . More information call Karen Muro at 203-937-3565 or e-mail KarenMMuro@aol.com.

Mon. Jan. 8, 2007: 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, Jan. 9, 2007: 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 the programs within the schools and community. At the Greens at Canondale. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

Wed. Jan. 10, 2007: 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.

Sat. Jan. 13, 2007: Mozart and the Whale: Film Screening and Cocktail Reception. With special guest Jerry Newport, whose real life is dramatized in the film. Charter Oak Cultural Center, 21 Charter Oak Ave., Hartford. Cocktail Reception 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Ticketed event. Film screening and book signing, 8:00 p.m. Registration is required, www.autismsocietyofct.org or call 888-453-4975 for information and registration materials. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut and the Charter Oak Cultural Center.

Sat. Jan. 13, 2007: Book Reading and Signing. Jerry Newport will be reading from his book "Mozart and the Whale: An Asperger's Love Story". Question and Answers. 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, Boston Post Road, Madison. Call RJ Julia at 203-245-3959 to register. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut.

Mon. Jan 15, 2007: Building Blocks Support Group. 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Multi-Purpose Room, Colchester Elementary School. A support group for parents or caregivers of children with social or emotional challenges aged birth - five. For more information contact: Dana at 860-434-4890 X349 or Rachel at x311. Sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health and Building Blocks: Social Emotional Wellness for Young Children.

Tues. Jan. 16, 2007: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Groton Public Library. Call Danielle Greene at 860-445-9765 for more information.

Tues. Jan. 16, 2007: Andrew Vogl, owner of PDD, LLC in Ivoryton will speak on control and anxiety affect autism spectrum disorders. 7:00 p..m. - 9:00 p.m. at HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Babysitting provided at cost. Sponsored by the Hartford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Beth Katten at bethkatten@yahoo.com for more information.

Wed. Jan. 17, 2006: Pizza Moms Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. Check http://www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamomsg.html for more information. A support group for moms who have children with speical needs in the Fairfield County area. We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. We get together informally for food, drink and networking. Everyone welcome. Please contact Philippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471 or angelmanmom@aol.com.

Sat. Jan. 20, 2007: NorthStar Family Day Event! Save the date, more details to follow.

Sat. Jan. 20, 2007, Sat. Feb, 10, 2007, Sat. Mar. 24, 2007: Behavioral Control at Home and in the Neighborhood. A three-part workshop, you must attend all three parts. Presented by Linda Grimm and the staff of Benhaven. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Spring Glen United Church of Christ, Hamden. Sponsored by the Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Call 203-248-5222 for more information and registration or www.ct-asrc.org.

Mon. Jan. 22, 2007: The Core Deficits of Autism. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. A presentation by Dr. Nancy Schwartz discussing some of the hallmarks of the disoder including the inability to dynamically appraise a situation, develop episodic memories, share experiences and produce flexible, creative solutions to problems. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton. Sponsored by Sped*Net Wilton. RSVP to Eve Kessler at 203-761-0680.

Mon. Jan. 22, 2007: Parent Support Group featuring a speaker on Family Dynamics. 7:00 p .m. Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford. Sponsored by the Stratford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Kim Wardlow at bischon03@yahoo.com for more information.

Tues. Jan. 23, 2007: Tamale Tuesday. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Special Education Network of New Canaan, Ltd, invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in the New Canaan public schools to the Tequila Mockingbird Restaurant on 6 Forest St, New Canaan. Please join us for discussing ideas and developing strategies for special education and 504 issues. RSVP Judi Anders at 203-801-0794 or email at judianders@sbcglobal.net.

Wed. Jan. 24, 2007: Parent Support Group for children 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. Jan. 24, 2007: "Achieve Fluency in Academic and Communication Skills with Precision Teaching" a talk by Christine Cukar-Capizzi, BCaBA and Danusia Pawska, BCaBA, fromo Achieve Fluency Learning Center. 7:30 p.m. IDEA Training Center, 20 Washington Ave. North Haven. Sponsored by the South Central Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Sally Brockett at 203-234-7401 to reserve a seat.

Thurs. Jan. 25, 2007: Parent Support Group. 6:30 p.m. Preston Public Library. Contact Joan Bachelder at aabddbjmb@aol.com for more information.

Thurs. Jan. 25, 2007: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Society, Boston Post Road, Madison, CT. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call 888-453-4975 for more information.

Mon. Jan, 29, 2007: Processing Broad Band Communication: The complexity of how we communicate is embodied in Broad Band communication. To successful communicate, we must process multiple levels of incoming inormation simultaneously, a skill that is dificult for someon with an ASD. Dr. Schwartz will explain the need for specifically teaching how to process broad band communitcation. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd. Wilton. Sponsored by Sped*Net Wilton. RSVP to Eve Kessler at 203-761-0680.

Tues. Jan, 30, 2007: Autism Parents Club: A group of parents (Dad's too!) of children on the autism spectrum. Open to parents from all over CT. Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Francesco's Restaurant, Route 7, Wilton. No need to RSVP. For more information contact Patti Sylvia at 203-761-0248 or pattisylvia@aol.com.

Wed. Jan. 31, 2007: What Every Parent Should Know About Their Child's Basic Rights in Special Education. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Coleytown Middle School cafeterial, 255 North Ave., Westport. Attorney Lawrence Berliner, with the firm of Klebenoff & Alfano will speak. Sponsored by Westport SEPTA. Reservations suggested. http://www.westportsepta.org/.