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.

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AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Looking for Families: Some parents in Fairfield County are looking to start a therapuetic program for their children after they graduate from school. If you are interested in working on this project, contact Stenore@optonline.net.

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.

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.

Sibling Support Group for Girls who have brothers or sisters on the spectrum. Bi-weekly on Saturday mornings, March thru June. For girls only between ages 11-13. Faciliated by Julie Wolf, PhD. Sponosred by ASRC. Contact ASRC at 203-248-5222 or www.ct-asrc.org for more information and registration.

Achieve Fluency announces the opening of Summer Learning Camp. Offering children with special needs ages 4-12 an opportunity to recieve individualized attention for their learning, academic and social development and also enjoy fun/physical activities in a safe, supportive setting. Special features include daily one-to-one individualized tutoring by trained clinicians, specialized fitness classes lead by certified instructors, arts and crafts, special events and more. Located at Break Thru Family Fit For Life, in Stamford. Camp will run from 9-1 from June 25 through Aug 3. Enrollment limited. Call 203-698-0247 or www.achievefluency.com.

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

Research Project: The Simons Baby-Sibs Project of Social Neuroscience in Infancy. Purpose: to examine the early development of basic social skills in infants targeting children that are developing typically as well as children who are experiencing various developmental delays and ASD's. Criteria: newborns with older siblings were diagnosed with ASD, or newborns with significant complications of pregnancy or birth or newborns without significant complications during pregnancy or birth. For complete project information visit http://info.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/babysibs. Contact Irene Zilber at 203-785-6237 or irene.zilber@yale.edu for more information.

Research Project: Early Social Cognition in Typically Developing Children and in Children with Autism and Related Disorders. Purpose: to examine the early development of basis social skills in young children. Observing how children with various developmental delays and typical development look at people and perceive speech. Criteria: 10-24 month old children with developmental delays including ASD or 10-24 month old typically developing children. For complete project information visit http://info.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/socialcognition.html. Contact Suzanne Macari at 203-764-9178 or e-mail suzanne.macari@yale.edu for more information.

Research Project: Attitudes about Autism - Behaviors, Treatments and Outcomes. Research study to find out more about what parents and teachers feel are the most important behaviors associated with autism, as well as view on treatments. Survey based research. You can complete the survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=52442488413 or send an e-mail to criccio@tamu.edu for a hard copy of the survey.

Research Project: For a graduate student writing a thesis in treatment efficacy for ASD. Questionnaire based study designed to evaluate progress based on parent reports about how their children are generalizing skills learned at school to the home environment. For more information and to participate e-mail webers1@student.wpunj.edu.

Raising Readers Parents Series. Series of parent workshops for children ages birth - eight who are differently abled. Help foster your child's successful literacy development. Six Thursday evenings, starting March 1. At KIDSTEPS - SARAH, Inc., 51 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Facilitated by Marian Roy, Family Support Coordinator, KidSteps and Lynne Malone, Director, Braford Family Resource Center and School Readiness Childcare Program. Fee. Registration required. Call Marian Roy at 203-318-3692.

CT Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education announces the 2007 version of a Parent's Guide to Special Education in Connecticut is now available. Go to www.sde.ct.gov/sed/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Parents_Guide_SE.pdf to download a copy.

Workshop for Children with Special Needs, Inc., announces therapeutic physical exericse programs for children with special needs. Individualized programs are geared twoards improving muscle strength, coordination, motor skills, aerobic fitness and overall health. Contact Karim Ibrahim, CPT, 908-447-462 or infor@thewcsn.com. Trumbull and New Haven.

New Resources from the State Department of Education: check out the new "Bureau Blogs" that appear each month at the CT State Deparment of Education website for helpul resources.

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:

Fathers with Children with Special Needs invites you to join their group. Call Carlo Lucatino at 203-687-0868 or clcatin060@comcast.net.

Rev. Audrey Scanlan of Rhythms of Grace is looking to start a new special needs church services on the third Sunday of the month in Plainville at Church of our Savior. Looking to start in April. Contact Rev. Scanlan at ascanlan01@yahoo.com.

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 203-248-5222 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@yahoo.com.

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 Kennedey, 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 http://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 203-248-5222 for more information.

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. www.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 bischon03@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@aol.com.

Last Tuesday of the month: Farmington Valley Asperger's Network. Parent support group for parents or extended family members or professionals wotkig 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 http://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 asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information. (Note - Feb meeting is Thursday, March 1.)

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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Mon. March 12, 2007: Promoting School Success for Your Child with a Disability. Crowne Plaza, Southbury. 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 http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/deps/PJ/Promoting_School_Success.pdf.

Mon. March 12, 2007: First We Learn to Read: Then We Read to Learn. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. A presentation by Kristen Viesselman, Director, Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. Discussion of literacy skills for school success. In this workshop she will examine three sensory-cognitive functions that affect oral language comprehension and written language: concept imagery, phonemic awareness and symbol imagery. Students with reading, spelling and/or comprehension difficulties may exhibit weaknesses in any or all of the above areas. At the ShopRite Supermarket Meeting Room, Connecticut Ave., Norwalk. Sponsored by NorwalkSEEKS. RSVP to RSVPMar12@NorwalkSEEKS.org. http://www.norwalkseeks.org/ for more information.

Tues. March 13, 2007: Know Your Child - What Do Tests Say? CACLD's Let's Talk Series. At CACLD offices, 25 Van Zant St., Norwalk. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon. With Rena Schine, Ph.D, School Psychologist/Advocate. Contact CACLD at 203-838-5010 or e-mail cacld@optonline.net.

Tues. March 13, 2007: "Unstrange Minds: Remapping the World of Autism". Is there an autism "epidemic" or have we just learned to see autism better? Book reading, signing and discussion with Roy Richard Grinker, Professor of Anthropology and autism parent. 7:00 p.m. New Canaan Public Library. Co-sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut and the New Canaan Public Library. Free. Call 203-594-5003 to register.

Wed. March 14, 2007: CANCELLED 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. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Spring Glen Church, 20 Glen Parkway, Hamden. Free, but registration required. call 888-453-4975 or 203-248-5222.

Sat. March 17, 2007: Play at Home - Helping Kids with ASD Have Fun (ages 3-10). 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Spring Glen United Church of Christ, Hamden. Sponsored by ASRC. With Meghan McCoullough, Play and Communication Specialist and Academic Coordinator at Giant Steps, Southport. Ms. McCullough will help families understand the importance of play, the barriers to play for kids with ASD, how to choose and modify age-appropriate games for success and how to structure play dates and activities to gain companions. Fee. To register call ASRC at 203-248-5222.

Sat. March 17, 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. March 17, 2007: Fulfilling Your Child's Sensory Integration Needs. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. The Center for Speech and Learning, 801 Edgewood Ave., New Haven. With Alida Engel, CCC-CLP. $35 for parent and child. Call 203-297-3224 for more information. www.speech-therapy-products.com.

Sat. March 17, 2007: Motor Planning with Origami. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The Center for Speech and Learning, 801 Edgewood Ave., New Haven. With Alida Engel, CCC-CLP. $35 for parent and child. Call 203-297-3224 for more information. www.speech-therapy-products.com.

Mon. March 19, 2007: Making the PPT Process More Effective for Your Child. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Courtyard Marriott, Norwich. Sponsored by the Promoting School Success Series. For registration and questions call Holly King at 860-32-1485x242. For the full brochure go to: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/deps/PJ/Promoting_School_Success.pdf

Mon. March 19, 2007: Emergency Preparedness. What does the state do to keep children safe in a disaster? What should parents do and how to be prepared. With Cindy Stromandinoli, Yale Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Christ Church, Greenwich, Parish Hall, 250 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Sponsored by Friends of Autistic People. Call Brita Darany for more information at 203-661-8510.

Tues. March 20, 2007: Know the Law - What Do Federal and State Laws Mandate? CACLD's Let's Talk Series. At CACLD offices, 25 Van Zant St., Norwalk. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon. With Rena Schine, School Psychologist/Advocate. Call CALCD at 203-838-5010 or e-mail cacld@optonline.net.

Wed. March 21, 2007: Are Auditory and Sensory Processing Difficult For Your Child? 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. A presentation by Sally Brocket, M.S., Director, IDEA Training Center. Difficulties in processing auditory messages and sensory experiences can result in behavioralm social and emotional challenges. Parents concerned about difficulties with speech/language development, attention and learning or sensory processing are invited to learn more about these problems and steps to improve these skills. IDEA Training Center, 20 Washington Ave, North Haven. Free. Call to register at 203-234-7401.

Thurs. March 22, 2007: Promoting School Success for Your Child with a Disability. Marriott, Rocky Hill. 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 http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/deps/PJ/Promoting_School_Success.pdf.

Thurs. March 22, 2007: CT Family Support Network - Northwest Region: Positive Behavioral Interventions, What Parents Need to Know. Workshop presented by Jane Hampton, CT Parent Advocacy Center. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at Waterburt WARC, 1929 East Main Street, Waterbury. Pre-registration required, call Alice Buttwell at 860-350-6025 or alicemmbb@aol.com.

Sat. March 24, 2007: Autism Resource and Recreation Expo. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Education Connection, 355 Goshen Road, Litchfield, CT. Sponsored by Education Connections. For more information or to participate, contact Vina McDermott at 860-567-0863x220 or mcdermott@educationconnection.org.

Sat. March 24, 2007: What All Parents Should Know If Their Child is Arrested. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Trackside Teen Center of Wilton, 15 Station Road, Wilton. Presented by Philip J. Cohn, Esq. an attorney with the firm of Cohn & Associates, LLC, who focuses his practice on special education law and juvenile/teen matters and Mark Sherman, Esq. a high-profile criminal defense attorney with the firm of Sherman, Richichi & Hickey, LLC. This seminar will address your child's basic rights if he/she is arrested as well as the interplay between criminal offenses and special education matters, such as school expulsion proceedings and school related behavior programs. www.mychildsrights.com/seminars.htm for updates. Reservations suggested, please call Philip J. Cohn, Esq at 203-984-5513 or e-mail philip@mychildsrights.com.

Tues. Mar. 27, 2007: Understanding the new IDEA regulations, including LRE. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. With Terry DeFrances, CT State Department of Education. Sponsored by We Belong - Inclusion in Fairfield County. Westport Library, Arnold Berhard Plaza, 20 Jesup Rd, Westport. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at (203) 554-4462 or evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net.

Tues. Mar. 27, 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. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. HARC, 900 Asylum Ave, Hartford. Free, but registration required. call 888-453-4975 or 203-248-5222.

Tues. March 27, 2007: Positive Behavioral Supports: Setting Limits to Improve Behavior. With Linda Grimm, Director, Benhaven Learning Network. 7:00 p.m. IDEA Training Center, 20 Washington Ave., North Haven. Free, but registration is required, call 203-734-7401. Sponsored by the South Central Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut.

Tues. March 27, 2007: CT FEAT Parent Resource Meeting featuring two videos: "Teaching Verbal Behavior: Getting Started" and "An Introduction to PECS". 6:15 p.m. Meeting Room at UCONN Waterbury. Room 113. Please call CT FEAT at 860-571-3888 for more information, directions. Parents and family members only.

Wed. Mar. 28, 2007: Successful High School Inclusion. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Kathleen Whitbread, PhD, Assistant Professor and Associate Director, UCONN Center on Disabilities. This seminar is designed to help parents and professionals design educational programs that enable students with disabilities to be successfully educated in their neighborhood high schools. The session will inclue resources and hands-on activities to enable participants to practice techniques and strategies for providing access to the general education curriculum for students of all abilities. Fee. Norwalk Inn and Conference Center, 99 East Ave., Norwalk. Co-sponsored by SPED*NET New Canaan, STAR, Lighting the Way and The CT Down Syndrome Congress in cooperation with the New Canaan Public Schools. CEU's available. For more information and registration contact Anne Eason at eason55@aol.com or www.spednet.org/HS_Inclusion.htm.

Wed. Mar. 28, 2007: If Your Child with Special Needs Wants to go to College . . . There's a College for Everyone. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Panel presentation on transitioning students from high school to college. Coleytown Middle School Cafeteria, 225 North Ave., Westport. Sponsored by Westport SEPTA. Reservations suggested, call Janis Fox at 203-222-8485 or e-mail info@westportsepta.org.

Wed. March 28, 2007: Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behaviors in Children with Autism. With Dr. Jim Loomis. Sponsored by FAVAN. Farmington Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville. Contact Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097. No meeting on March 27.

Thurs. March 29, 2007: Know the School - How Can I Be Sure the School is Meeting My Child's Needs? CACLD's Let's Talk Series. At CACLD offices, 25 Van Zant St., Norwalk. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. With Rena Schine, School Psychologist/Advocate. Call CACLD at 203-838-5010 or email cacld@optonline.net.

Thurs. March 29, 2007: Independent Educational Evaluations: Getting Testy about Testing. With Steve C.
Imber, PhD, Professor of Special Education, RI College. What is an IEE? What kinds of evaluations can be done as part of an IEE? Why have an IEE? What are the laws about IEE's? What are the rights of parents and districts with regards to IEE's. Information on these questions and more. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. St Joseph School. North Grosvernordale. Sponsored by ARCHES, TEEG's Special Education Support Group with support from CT Behavioral Health Partnership, Families United For Children's Mental Health, CT Family Support Network - Northeast Region and CT Family Support Network - Southeast Region. Call Suzanne Witkowski at 860-923-3458 or e-mail ARCHES@teegonline.org.

Fri. Mar. 30, 2007: How Our Children Learn Best: Successfully Modifying Curricula for Students with Special Needs. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. With Lynne Guilmette, M.Ed. behavioral consultant and clinical supervisor of Behavioral Development and Educational Services, Trumbull. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd, Wilton. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. Contact Eve Kessler at 203-761-0680.

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 peckc@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 203-248-5222.

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 bethkatten@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.

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 http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/deps/PJ/Promoting_School_Success.pdf

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.

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 evagreenwald@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 for more information and to register.

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 ARCHES@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.

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: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/deps/PJ/Promoting_School_Success.pdf

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. www.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.

Mon. 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 http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/deps/PJ/Promoting_School_Success.pdf.

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. Savin Rock Conference Center, West Haven, 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 http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/deps/PJ/Promoting_School_Success.pdf.