APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!

Welcome to the Autism in Connecticut Blog!

Due to the enormous growth in listings for the Autism in Connecticut Blog, we've made some changes that we hope will make this resource more helpful and easier to navigate. The blog is now broken down into THREE sections. The first section, Autism Announcements, continues to be a listing of annoucements of research projects, multi-date classes and workshops and other items of interest. The second section is a listing of support groups (both specifically for autism spectrum disorders and those that are cross disability). Rather than a separate posting of each date that the group meets on the calendar of events, this section of the blog will provide a listing for ongoing groups that meet regularly (i.e. the first Monday, the third Thursday, etc) each month. Individual meetings dates that are events or speakers will continue to be listed in addition on the calendar of events. The third section will remain the Calendar of Events with programs, workshops, legislative hearings, speakers, conferences, etc. So feel free to scroll down to the listing section that is of interest to you. Check out the links to other resources here in Connecticut. Remember, the Autism in Connecticut blog is a resource for parents and professionals to find out what is happening around the state with relevance to autism spectrum disorders and a place to post your information. Send your information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net.

Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut.
Made possible by donations from YOU, our friends.

AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Entries in Green
Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
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2007 Mini-Grant Application Cycle Open: The Autism Society of Connecticut announces that applications will be accepted for the 2007 Mini-Grant program from March 1, 2007 through June 1, 2007. Grants are available for up to $1000 per person or family for safety and security items, equipment and supplies. Go to www.autismsocietyofct.org for more information, guidelines and to download a grant application.

KIDSTEPS Family and Children's Center, Madison announces Spring Workshops including "Dress for Mess", Parent/child art exploration for ages 3-5, "Dance and Movement", parent and child for ages 4-8, "Fitness Fun", parent and child for ages 3-5, "Social Skills Group" children only for ages 7-11, and "Parenting Difficult Children" two series, one for ages 1-4 and one for ages 5-11. Call 203-318-3692 for registration and more information.

Next STEPS Parent Training Course. The CT Parent Advocacy Center, in conjunction with ARCHES and the Northeast Family Support Network will sponsor a three part training series that prepares parents of children with special needs to enable them to advocate more effectively for appropriate educational services for their children. Begins Tuesday, May 1 and contninues on May 8 and May 15. From 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Quinepaug Valley Community College, Danielson. This training will provide you with information on special education laws, planning an appropriate educational program and the parent's role in educating children with disabilities. A three part series, attendance at all three sessions is required. Registration required, seating is limited, contact CPAC at 800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org.

Preschool Social Skills Training: Ages 3-6. Ongoing morning and afternoon sessions. At Center Congregational Church, 11 Center Streret, Manchester. Offered by Autism & Behavior Consulting, Inc., Marguerite Widdoes. Data collction by session provided for targeted play and social interaction, quarterly progress reports, evidenced based intervention utilized to teach play scripts and social skills, sessions designed by a BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Call 860-331-1689, e-mail margueritewiddoes@hotmail.com for further information and registration.

Research Project: Does your son/daughter have autism or an autism spectrum disorders? Was your child diagnosed within the last two years? Would you be willing to share your experiences? Research project looking at parent's experiences throughout the process leading to diagnosis and experiences in getting services. Interviews will be held at your convenience. Contact Dr. Dumont-Mathieu at 860-545-8944 for information and to sign up.

Autism on the Seas! Announcing specialized Group Cruise Events. Go to autismontheseas.com for more information.

Sibling Support Group starting! For brothers and sisters of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorders. Will meet monthly on the third Friday from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., at Coastal Counseling Associates, LLC, 149 Durham Road, Suite 31, Madison. Contact Laura Kasparow, LCSW, Facilitator at 203-245-1956 for registration, fees and more information.

Valley Shore YMCA announces Girls Being Girls for girls aged 9-13 with an ASD. The program is designed as a social group that will allow the girls an opportunity to socialize with others who have similar challenges, form friendships, learn and model appropriate social behavior and discuss issues related to health and welleness and the onset of puberty in a safe and nurturing environment. Starts in April. Sponsored by the Valley Shore YMCA and Westbrook Youth and Family Services. Contact Richard Ward, Program Development Director at 860-399-9622

DMR Pilot Program. Applications still being accepted. New towns being added. Contact Kathryn Reddington, DMR Autism Coordinator at 860-418-6026 or go to www.dmr.state.ct.us/AutismPilot/index.htm for more information.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AND MONTHLY PROGRAMS
Please send all information on ongoing groups to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net.
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Can't find a group near you? Interested in starting a group? Send a posting with your inquiry to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net and include contact information. Looking for a group? Check the inquiries and see if someone near you is interested in starting a group and contact them directly. If you need help in starting a group,contact the Autism Society of Connecticut at asconn@sbcglobal.net.

Inquiries:

Ongoing Groups:

First Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at ascanlan01@yahoo.com for more information.

First Monday of the month: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. For Wilton parents only. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve pograms within the school and community. At the Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton, RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

First Monday of the month: Fairfield County Autism Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Frenchtown Elementary School, 30 Frenchtown Road, Trumbull. Sponsored by ASRC. Call Lois Rosenwald at 203-265-7717 for more information.

Every Tuesday morning: Parent Chat: A shoreline support group for families with special needs children birth - eight. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Kidsteps - SARAH, Inc., 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Children invited! Call Marian Roy, Family Support coordinator - Group Facilitator for registration information at 203-318-3682.

First Tuesday of the month: Pizza moms in Darien! 7:30 p.m. Post Corner Pizza in Darien. www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzemoms.html. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County arae. 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 who are having similar experiences. If you are interested, contact Nanette Jordan at nanette618@yhoo.com.

Every Wednesday, Parent/Child Playgroup for ages 2-4, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Kidsteps, 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Parent and child will have an opportunity to be involved in a variety of activities to increase large and small motor skills, experiment with a variety of materials and increase positive peer interactions. Parents share ideas and support activities. Facilitated by a special education teacher and counselor. Call Kidsteps at 203-318-3692 for more information.

First Thursday of the month: Families united Network - Northeast. A family support and advocacy group. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. United Services, Wauregan. Call Families United at 860-537-6125 and ask for Lorna.

First Thursday of the month: Family Support and Networking Group for Parents Raising Children who have Disabilities. Sponsored by the Southwest Family Support Network and the Family Center at St. Vincent's Special Needs Services. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at St Vincent's Special Needs Services Family Center, 95 Merritt Blvd., Trumbull. Pizza, conversation and networking. Contact Lisa Sheppard, lnshep@aol.com, 203-556-7317, SW Regional Coordinator, CT Family Support Network, or Donna Kennedy, dkennedy@stvincents.org, 203-386-2790.

Second Monday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders. 7:00 p .m. Manchester Memorial Hospital. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Carolyn Schwartz at 860-644-0524 or www.autismsocietyofct.org for more information.

Second Monday of the month: 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.

Second Tuesday of the month: 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. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.

Second Wednesday and Fourth Wednesday of the month: 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.

Second Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. For parents and caregivers of children with an ASD. Walnut Hill Commuity Church, Bethel. Sponsored by ASRC. Parent facilitator: Shannon Vanderheiden, 203-770-8669 (returns calls after 8:00 p.m.). Call Lois Rosenwald at 203-265-7717 for more information.

Second Thursday of the month: Families United Network, Thompson, A family support and advocacy group for families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Thompson Public Library. For more information, call Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net, or Suzannet Witkowski at TEEG, 860-928-1569 or ARCHES@teegonline.org.

Second Saturday and Fourth Saturday of the month: Play for All! A playgroup for children of all abilities. Special needs play group giving parents an opportunity to talk, support and encourage each other, while allowing their children time to play and socialize. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon. Children's Programming Room, Lucy Robbins Wells Library, Newington. Sponsored by the Library and Newington UNICO. Call the library at 860-665-8720 for more information.

Third Monday of the month: Buiding Blocks Support Group. 6:00 p.m. - 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 860-434-4890x349 or Rachel at x311. Sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health and Building Blocks Social Emotional Wellness for Young Children.

Third Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Groton Public Library. Call Danielle Greene at 860-445-9765 for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Tamale Tuesday. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. SPED*NET, 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 to share strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0784 or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.

Third Wednesday of the month: Pizza Moms, Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. http://www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamomsg.htmlwww.geocities.com/nenette618/pizzamomsg.html for more information. Pizza moms is a support group for moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. 7:00 p.m. We get together informally for food, drink and networking. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Philippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471 or angelmanmom@aol.com.

Third Thursday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. Preston Public Library. 6:30 p.m. Contact Joan Bachelder at aabddjm@aol.com for more information.

Fourth Monday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents and caregivers of a child with ASD. 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 mailto:biscon03@yahoo.combischon03@yahoo.com for more information.

Last Tuesday of the month: Autism Parents Club. A group of parents (dad's too!) of children on the autism spectrum. Open to parents from all over CT. 7:30 p.m. at Francesco's Restaurant, Rte 7 in Wilton. For more information, contact Patti Sylvia at 203-761-0248 or pattisylvia.com.

Last Tuesday of the month: Farmington Valley Asperger's Network. Parent support group for parents or extended family members or professionals working with a child with an ASD. Discussions and networking meetings. Lending Library. Farmington Senior/Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave, Unionville. FAVAN. Call Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097 or www.favan.org.

Last Wednesday of the month: Families Uninted Network - Plainfield. A family support and advocacy group. For families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Holiday Inn Express, Plainfield. Exit 87 of I-395. For more information contact Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 80-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net.

Last Thursday of the month: Parent Support group for parents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Society, Boston Post Rd., Madison. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call 888-453-4975 or mailto:asconn@sbcglobal.netasconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

WELCOME TO APRIL, AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!

In addition to all the wonderful events scheduled, many parents and families will be spreading awareness throughout their communities by reading stories to classes at school, talking to community groups and spreading the word on their own. If you need some ideas or want to bring autism awareness to YOUR school or community, call ASCONN at 888-453-4975 or e-mail asconn@sbcglobal.net and we can schedule an Autism Orientation Workshop. Information on the entire range of workshops available can be found at www.autismsocietyofct.org.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR

New Entries in Green

e-mail to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net

Sunday, April 1, 2007: Come Celebrate the first day of Autism Awareness Month at the Sound Tigers! Game at 4:00 p.m. Sound Tigers vs. Albany River Rats, Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport. Sponsored by CES, ASRC and ASCONN. For more information and ticket order forms call Christine Peck at CES at 203-365-8842 or e-mail mailto:peckc@ces.k12.ct.uspeckc@ces.k12.ct.us or call Rob Kirsch, Sound Tigers at 203-334-4625 x316.

Mon. April 2, 2007: Policy Change for Persons with ASD. Come learn how to part of the solution. Sponsored by the Autism Coalition of Connecticut. With Lois Rosenwald, ASRC, Sara Reed, ASCONN and Leslie Simoes, SEIU. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Frenchtown Elementary School, 30 Frenchtown, Road, Trumbull. Free, but registration required. call 888-453-4975 or 203-265-7717.

Tues. April 3, 2007: 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12. Starts Tues. Apri 3 and continues on Tues April 10 and 24. Mile Creek School Media Center, Old Lyme. Sponsored by the Lyme Youth Services Bureau and Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools. $40 registration fee. For more information and to register call 860-434-7208 x207.

Wed. April 4, 2007: Hartford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut Meeting. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Erica Guinta, New England Walk Director, Autism Speaks will present on the reseach being funded by Autism Speaks. Parent discussion of last year's Autism Walk and planning for this year's event. HARC, 900 Asylum Ave, Hartford. Babysitting provided at a nominal fee. Contact Beth Katten at 860-236-8374 or mailto:bethkatten@yahoo.combethkatten@yahoo.com for information and registration.

Thurs. April 5, 2007: Educational Opportunities for Students with LD and AD/HD: CALCD's 24th Annual Conference for Families, Professionals and High School Students. Marriott Hotel, Trumbull. CALCD at 203-838-5010 for more information or www.cacld.org.

Thurs. April 5, 2007: Your Child and Special Education Law: Navigating the System. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., St Vincent's Special Needs Services Family Center, 95 Merritt Boulevard, Trumbull. Presented by Atty Philip J. Cohn and the firm of Cohn & Associates, LLC. RSVP to phillip@mychildsrights.com.

Sat. April 7, 2007: Promoting Fine Motor Skills In Your Toddler. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. The Center for Speech and Learning, 801 Edgewood Ave., New Haven. With Alida Engel, CCC-SLP. $35 for parent and child. Call 203-397-3224 for more information. www.speech-therapy-products.com.

Sat. April 7, 2007: Finder-Spelling Fun. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., The Center for Speech and Learning, 801 Edgewood Ave, New Haven. With Alida Engel, CCC-SLP. $35 for parent and child. Call 203-397-3224 for more information. www.speech-therapy-products.com.

Sat. April 7, 2007: Tricks For Handwriting Success. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The Center for Speech and Learning, 801 Edgewood Ave, New Haven. With Alida Engel, CCC-SLP. $35 for parent and child. Call 203-397-3224 for more information. www.speech-therapy-products.com.

Mon. April 9, 2007: Planning for the future of your child or dependent with Special Needs. 10:00 a.m. , CCMC Kids Special Kids Support Center, One Hartford Square West, Hartford. MetDESK Specialist Anthony G. Recck and Stuart J. Hawkins. Spanish language translation available. Call Laura Knapp at 800-545-8971.

Mon. April 9, 2007: PPT 101 for Parents in the CT Birth to Three System and Parents New to Special Education: Understanding the Basics for the Planning and Placement Team Meeting. Courtyard Marriott, Norwich, CT 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Promoting School Success Series. Sponsored by DMR, CT State Department of Education in collaboration with CPAC and the ARC of CT, and SERC. For questions and registration call Holly King at 860-632-1485x242. For a full listing of the Promoting School Success Series go to www.sde.ct.gov.

Mon. April 9, 2007: Promoting School Success for Your Child with a Disability. 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Savin Rock Conference Center, West Haven. Part of the Promoting Schools Success Series. For questions about registration contact Holly King at 860-632-1485 x 242.

Mon. April 9, 2007: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known About Learning Disbilitities. Presented by Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities' Jane Ross. Panel presentation. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., ShopRite Supermarkets meeting room, Connecticut Ave., Norwalk. Sponsored by NorwalkSEEKS. E-mail RSVPApril9@NorwalkSEEKS.org.

Tues. April 10, 2007: Theorizing Disability in Music, with Jonathan Strauss, PhD. 4:30 p.m. Yale University Sterling Memorial Library Lecture Hall. Reception to Follow.

Tues. April 10, 2007: B irth to Beyond Parent Support/Resource Group. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Central Park, Inside Kids' Play Gym, 74 Central Ave, Waterbury. Presentation by CPAC, "Supporting Young Children" - explore lega, practical and positive implications of including young children with special health care needs with typical peers in community settings. Co-sponsored by CT Family Support Network - Northwest and CT Lifespan Respite Coalition. Registration required, contact Alice Buttwell at alicemmbb@aol.net, 860-350-6025 or Joy Liebeskind, SJSJL@cox.net, 203-272-9058.

Wed. April 11, 2007: Press Conference and Legislative Meet and Greet. Capitol Building, Room 310, Capitol Ave, Hartford. 10:00 a.m.: Breakfast and meet/greet legislators. Let them know about your concerns around lack of services for adults with ASD. 11:0 a.m. Press Conference with Speaker of the House Jim Amann and Coach Calhoun. Lobbying afterwards for families and others. The Legislature will be in session and you can send a note in to your legislator asking them to come out and visit with you to give you an opportunity to talk to them about your concerns regarding our family members with autism The focus is on the need for adult services (HB 7280) and the need for an Autism Agency (HB 7144). Please call ASRC at 203-265-7717 for more information and parking instructions.

Wed. April 11, 2007: Planning for the future of your child or dependent with Special Needs. 6:30 p.m. North Haven Public Library, 17 Elm St, North Haven. MetDESK Specialist Anthony G. Recck and Stuart J. Hawkins. Sponsored by PATH. Call 800-399-7284 for more information.

Wed. April 11, 2007: WIRED differently ADHD Kids. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Educational workshop for parents to understand children with ADD from a strength-based perspective focusing on management strategies, compensatory skills, educational accomodatiaons and potential. For registration and more information, contact Ruthann Short, LCSW, Director of brainstorming, LLC. at 203-431-3234.

Wed. April 11, 2007: Inclusion Success Stories featuring a panel of parents, educators and administrators. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by We Belong-Inclusion in Fairfield County. At the Westport Library, Arnold Bernhard Place, 20 Jesup Road, Westport. Contact Eva Greenwald at 203-554-4462 or mailto:evagreenwald@sbcglobal.netevagreenwald@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Thurs. April 12, 2007: Judy Karasik, author of "The Ride Together: A Brother & Sister's Memoir of Autism in the Family". 7:00 p.m., Canton Public Library. Call 860-693-5800 for more information.

Thurs. April 12, 2007: Hartford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut presents Lucas Hofstatter, an adult with Asperger's Syndrome. Lucas is the Panel Presentation Team Leader of the FOCUS Alternative Learaning Center's panel and has been speaking throughout the state about what it is like to have autism/AS. He is also on the staff at FOCUS Alternative Learning Center. 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. HARC, 900 Asylum Ave, Hartford. Call Beth Katten at 860-236-8374 or e-mail bethkatten@yahoo.com for more information and to register.

Sat. April 14, 2007: Autism Awareness at the Trumbull Mall: Come join ASCONN and Discovery Toys as we bring Autism Awareness to the Westfield Shopping Mall in Trumbull. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., information, advocacy, and awareness. Call ASCONN at 88-453-4975 or e-mail asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Tues. April 17, 2007: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents. With David F. Tolin, PhD, Director, Anxiety Disorders Center, the Institute of Living. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Quniebaug, Valley Community College Auditorium, 742 Upper Maple Street, Danielson. Sponsored by ARCHES. Call Suzanne Witkowski at 860-923-3458 or mailto:ARCHES@teegonline.orgARCHES@teegonline.org for more information and registration.

Wed. April 18, 2007: ASD Unplugged: A panel comprised of youth and young adults on the Autism Spectrum from the FOCUS Alternative Learning Center telling their stories. Spend an evening with the "Creatively Wired and Socially Challenged". 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location to be announced. Sponsored by NorthStar Support Group. Call Cathy Adamczyk for more information at 860-869-6021 or 203-735-6098.

Sat. April 21, 2007: Autism Awareness at the CT Post Mall, Milford: Come join ASCONN and Discovery Toys as we bring Autism Awareness to the Westfield CT Post Mall in Milford. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., information, advocacy, and awareness. Call ASCONN at 888-453-4975 or e-mail asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Sat. April 21, 2007: Autism Awareness at the Meriden Mall. Come join ASCONN and Discovery Toys as we bring Autism Awareness to the Westfield Mall in Meriden, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., information, advocacy and awareness. Call ASCONN at 888-453-4975 or e-mail asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Tues. April 24, 2007: Making the PPT Process More Effective for Your Child. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Savin Rock Conference Center, West Haven, CT. Sponsored by the Promoting School Success Series. For registration and questions call Holly King at 860-32-1485x242. For the full brochure go to: www.sde.ct.gov.

Wed. April 25, 2007: Psychotherapeutic Resources for Families with Special Needs. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. At Coleytown Middle School Cafeteria, 255 North Ave, Westport. Speakers include Michael Cohn, CT licensed special education psychologist and Judy Grossman, family psychologist specializing in special needs. Westport SEPTA. Call Janis Fox at 203-222-8485 or info@westportsepta.org.

Thurs. April 26, 2007: Planning for the future of your child or dependent with Special Needs. 6:30 p.m. CCMC Kids Special Kids Support Center, One Hartford Square West, Hartford. MetDESK Specialist Anthony G. Recck and Stuart J. Hawkins. Spanish language translation available. Call Laura Knapp at 800-545-8971.

Fri. April 27, 2007: Mock IEP. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Drama unfolds in this interactive event, as we re-enact an IEP meeting for a student with special needs. Facilitated by Anne Eason, Esq. Co-Sponsored by SPED*NET New Canaan. At The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton. RSVP Eve Kessler at 203-761-0680.

Sat. April 28, 2007: 17th Annual Statewide Conference on Autism: "You're Going to Love These Kids!" with Dr. Paula Kluth and Dr. Lianne Holliday-Willey. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Full day conference includes exhibits, vendors and bookstore. CEU's available. CT Convention Center, Hartford, CT. Presented by ASCONN. http://www.autismsocietyofct.orgwww.autismsocietyofct.org for registration and information or call 888-453-4975.

Sat. April 28, 2007: Sensory Problems, and Solutions that Parents Can Provide. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Spring Glen United Church of Christ, Hamden. With Tara Glennon, Director, Center for Pediatric Therapy, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, Quinnipiac University. Sponsored by the CT ASRC. 203-265-7717.

Mon. April 30, 2007: Employment Options: Helping Your Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders become Self-Sufficient. With Laura DiGalbo from the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Christ Church Greenwich Parish House, 250 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich. Sponsored by FAP. Call Brita Daranyi at 203-661-8510.

Thurs. May 3, 2007: PPT 101 for Parents in the CT Birth to Three System and Parents New to Special Education: Understanding the Basics for the Planning and Placement Team Meeting. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Savin Rock Conference Center, West Haven. Part of the Promoting School Success Series. Contact Holly King at 860-632-1485 x 242 for registration information.

Fri. May 4, 2007: Brain Gym & Sensory Integration: Complementary Strategies. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd, Wilton. Maris, Ossi, O.T. will introduce participants to Brain Gym activities and explore how they aid balance, motor planning, auditory attention, mid-line challanges, self-regulation, concentration and focus. Presented by SPED*NET Wilton. RSVP to Eve at 203-761-0680.

Fri. May 4, 2007: Visions From the Heart. A juried exhibition that will showcase and two and/or three dimensional work completed in the last 5 years by artists with disabilities. Deadeline for entry is May 4. A private patron pre-opening gallery reception will be held on June 20 at City Lights Gallery, Bridgeport, general opening June 21 (show runs through July 21. For more information, contact Lois Gerety at the Kennnedy Center at 203-332-4535 x240 or www.thekennedycenterinc.org, www.BarnumFestival.com, www.visions-from-the-heart.com or www.citylightsgallery.org.

Wed. May 9, 2007: IDEA 2004 Regulations and Implications. Connecticut Grant Hotel, Waterbury. Alexa Posny (invited), Director, Office of Special Education Programs, US Dept of Ed., Jeanne M. Kincaid, J.D. and various topical workshops. Sponsored by the Klebenoff Institute of Special Education and the Unversity of Connecticut A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service., www.uconnucedd.org for more information and registration.

Wed. May 9, 2007: Promoting School Success for Your Child with a Disability. Savin Rock Conference Center, West Haven, CT. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Promoting School Success Series. Sponosred by DMR, CT State Department of Education in collaboration with CPAC and the ARC of CT and SERC. For questions and registration call Holly King at 860-632-1485x242. For a full listing of the Promoting School Success Series go to www.sde.ct.gov.

Fri. May 11, 2007: The Scoop: Transitioning Between Schools in Wilton. What do you and your child need to know? 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, The Greens at Cannondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton. Sponosred by Sped*Net, Wilton. RSVP Eve Kessler at 203-761-0680

Mon. May 14, 2007: Come learn about Assistive Technology with Shelley Lacey-Castelot from Innovative Solutions, an assistive technology company. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., ShopRite Supermarket meeting room, Connecticut Ave, Norwalk. Sponsored by Norwalk SEEKS. RSVP to RSVPMay14@NorwalkSEEKS.org. For more information www.NorwalkSEEKS.org.

Wed. May 16, 2007: WIRED Differently ADHD Kids. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., An educational workshop for parents to understand children with ADD/ADHD from a strength-based perspective focusing on management strategies, compensatory skills, educational accomodations and children's potential. To register or for more information, caontact Ruthann Short, MSW., LCSW, Director of brainstorming, LLC, 383 Main St., Ridgefield, 203-431-3234.

Wed. May 16, 2007: Navigating the Diet Maze: Which One is Right for Your Child? 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m., YWCA, 49 Old Kings Highway, Darien. Children with special needs may benefit from dietary interventions but parents are faced with an array of choics among various specialized diets. Vicki Kobliner, M.S., R.D., CD-N, a registered dieticiean, will explain the theories behind the various diets and provide information about implementing them and clues to help determine which, if any, diet is best for your child. Spsonored by STEPS of Darien. Please RSVP to the YWCA at 203-656-2535 or e-mail ywcastpsdarien@optonline.net.

Wed. May 16, 2007: Mock IEP: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Dolan Middle School Auditorium, 51 Toms Road, Stamford. Drama unfolds through this interactive event, as an IEP is re-enacted. Sponosred by SCOPES. RSVP via e-mail to Jeanne at jbpeloso@optonline.net or Ida at iml3@sbcglobal.net.

Sat. May 19, 2007: Foundations and Innovcations 2: Effective Strategies for the Education of Children with Autism and Related Disorders. 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., UCONN, Waterbury Campus, Waterbury. Sponsored by CT FEAT. Speakers include Andy Bondy, PhD., Katherine Dyer, PhD., CCC-SLP, BCBA, Deborah Fein, PhD and Mary Beth Bruder, PhD. Topics include: "Are We There Yet? Building the Road from Scientifically Based Research to Effective Educational Policies for Children with Autism", "Research and the Recovery Phenomenon", "Assessment and Remediation of Speech Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders" and "How to Help Children and Adults with Atism talk About Their Emotions". Panel discussion with Q&A. $75 for professionals, $60 for parents. Contact CT FEAT at 860--571-3888 or www.ctfeat.org.

Sun. May 20, 2007: Today's Man. Film Debut. Documentary about a young man with Asperger's Syndrome. Directed and produced by Lizzie Gotlieb, the film tells the story of her brother Nicky's struggle to fit into a world he does not quite understand. Co-sponsored by FAP and the Greenwich Library. 2:00 p.m. Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library. Call 203-661-8510 for more information. Reception after the film.

Mon. May 21, 2007: Postsecondary Education Options for Indviduals with Developmental Disabilities. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Christ Church, Greenwich. Margaret Kardos, an educational consultant will present an overview of the options available for indviduals with developmental disabilities to continue their education at the post secondary level. Call Brita Darany at 203-661-8510 for more information.

Wed. May 30, 2007: Social Skills and Your Special Needs Child. A presentation by Lynn Guilmette. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Coleytown Middle School Cafeteria, 225 North Ave., Westport. Sponsored by the Westport SEPTA. RSVP to Janis Fox at 203-222-8485 or e-mail info@westportsepta.org.