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.

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AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS
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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.

Interactive Autism Network launched. The Kennedy Krieger Institute recently launched the first national online autism registry. The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) is desgined to promoste autism research by linking researchers and families. Anyone impacted by an Autism Spectrum Disorder can join IAN's online community to stay informed about autism research, provide feedback, share information and become part of an important National research effort. For more information to to www.ianproject.org.

CT-KASA is an organization for youth, run by youth. We help kids with disabilities, their siblings and peers, learn how to be self advocates through information and support. Anyone between the ages of 13 and 24 is welcome. For more information go to www.ctkasa.org or call 860-297-4316

KIDSTEPS Family and Children's Center, Madison announces Spring/SummerWorkshops including "Fitness Fun" parent and child ages 3-5; "Parent/Child Playgroup" for ages 18 months - 3 years; "Mom's Night Out" for mothers of children who are "differently abled" Call 203-318-3692 for registration and more information.

Summer Groups at Therapy Works: Social Skills Groups, Handwriting Groups, Yoga. Old Lyme, 19 Halls Road, Suite 201. For more information call Shelley at 860-434-5524.

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.

Puzzled Sibs: a support group for brothers and sisters of siblings with autism. Meet monthly to discuss feelings, know we are not alone and have a good time. Open to ages 6-12. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the South Windsor Community Center, 150 Nevers Road, South Windsor (across from South Windsor High School). Meeting dates are as follows: Thurs, May 31, June 28, July 26, Aug 30, Sept 27, Oct 25, Nov 29 and Dec. 27. Contact Information: Melissa Dumont at 860-214-2903 or puzzled_sibs@cox.net.

St Joseph's College announces a summer class: Special Education 590: Nature and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders. May 22 - June 28. Tues and Thurs evenings 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Call 860-231-5225 or e-mail registrar@sjc..edu for more information.

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.

Research Project: Looking for Families Coping with Autism. Do you have a child with autism aged 6-12? Study being conducted looking at how families with a school aged child with autism cope. Survey will be sent in the mail. $10 payment after survey is returnerd. Particular interest in recruiting families who will provide ethnic, racial, economic and religious diversity to the study. Affiliated with the Clinical Graduate Program of the Psychology Department at UMASS, Boston. For more information or to participate, contact Meg Manning at margaret.manning001@umb.edu or call 617-287-6318.

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.netand 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.

Many groups do not meet over the summer months. Please call ahead of time to check on summer dates.

Inquiries:

New Group forming! First meeting Monday, May 21, 2007 at the Glastonbury Stop & Shop from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. For families from Glastonbury, Manchester, East Hartford, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield and Cromwell. Call Jennifer at 860-657-2155 for more information. Sponsored by the ASRC.

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 Tuesday of the month: Autism Support Group. Enfield. New Group! 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Pearl Street Library Community Room. Call Kate Flaherty at 860-253-5144 or Jessica Houle at 860-272-0148 for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Manchester IEPs. A group of parents who meet monthly to discuss the ways to help and support our children to get the services they need to become successful in school and in life. For more information contact manchesterieps@cox.net.

Third Wednesday of the month: Pizza Moms, Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. 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 Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Church of Our Saviour, Plainville. From 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlan at ascanlan01@yahoo.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 United 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 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net.

Last Wednesday of the month: New London Autism Parent Support Group. 6:30 p.m. at the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School Library, New London. For more information call Kathryn at 860-444-3199 or Reginia at 860-271-3649.

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.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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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. Sponsored 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 http://www.norwalkseeks.org/.

Mon. May 14 - Wed. May 16, 2007: A PATH and Community Building Workshop. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. all days. Manchester Super 8 Motel & Conference Center, 20 Taylor St., Manchester, Sponsored by MARC, Inc of Manchester. In this hands on course, participants will practice PATH, Solution Circles, the Stone Game, patterns for mapping networks of relationships and graphic recording - some of the most valued organizational and person-centered planning tools in use today. Call Kevin Zingler at MARC at 860-46-5718 or kzingler@marcct.org for more information and registration materials.

Tues. May 15, 2007: Medication-Free Alternatives for ADHD. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. CES sponsors this workshop at CES Middletown Office. Presented by Dr. Robert F. Reynolds, Clinical Director, CED. Free but registration is required. Call 860-343-0227 or e-mail semiaras@ct-ed.com.

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.

Wed. May 16, 2007: IEP Goals 101: A Guide for Student Learning. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 -p.m. At the New London Adult Education, Shaw's Cove Three, New London. This training will teach participants how to identify and use key information to incorporate into the present levels of academic and functional performance. Participants will also learn how to create measureable goals and objectives. Presented by CPAC. For more information or to register call CPAC at 800-445-2722 or e-mail cpac@cpacinc.org.

Wed. May 16, 2007: Transition Information Fair: For parents and young adults 14-21 with disabilities. 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Weaver High Schoool, 415 Granby. Sponsored by AFCAMP. Call 860-297-4358/548-9959 for more information.

Thurs. May 17, 2007: Parenting Difficult Children: What can we do to improve our Child's Behavior?. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 3-part series continues on May 24 and May 31. At Seniors In Action, Madison. Presented by Kid Steps. Three session parent workshops focusing on helping parents identify difficult behaviors, learn techniques that will effectively change behavior and develop a plan to continue reinforcing acceptable behaviors. For parents of children 5-11. Fee. For more information or to regsiter call KidSteps at 203-318-3692.

Sat. May 19, 2007: Foundations and Innovations 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.

Sat. May 19, 2007: East Lyme Family Play Dates: Get Creative! 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. At East Lyme Community Center, East Lyme. Dress comfortably and get ready to explore with an artistic eye. Nina Viscardi, ATR-BC show us how to improve family and friendly relationships using art therapy. No talent necessary! Fee. For more information and to register call Janis Tangney at 860-739-2400 or e-mail j_tangney@sbcglobal.net.

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.

Sun, May 20, 2007: Autism Orientation for Faith Based Communities, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Trinity Baptist Church, 630 State Street, New Haven. Come learn about autism spectrum disorders and how faith communities can help include families and persons living with ASD in spiritual living. Interfaith. Open to the public, registration required. RSVP 888-453-4975. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut.

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.

Tues. May 22, 2007: Students With Disabilities in Higher Education. New Canaan Public Schools Special Education Department presents an informational session for New Canaan parents and students about transitioning. Featuring Jane Thiefeld Brown, Ed.D., Director of Student Services at UCONN School of Law. At New Canaan High Schoool. Register by e-mail at nora.daly@newcanaan.k12.ct.us.

Wed. May 23, 2007: Help Me Grow Community Breakfast. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. At Family Service of Greater Waterbury. Speaker: Stephanie James of the Probate Court discussing services available through the Probate Court system. For more information, e-mail Laura.Baird@ct.gov.

Wed. May 23, 2007: Navigating the Diet Maze: Which One is Right For Your Child? 9:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m. At YWCA, 49 Old Kings Highway, Darien. Children with special needs may benefit from dietary interventions, but parents are faced with an array of choices. Vicki Kobliner, M.S., R.D., CD-N, a registered dieticiann will explain the theories behind various diets and provide information about implementing them and clues to help determine which, if any, may be beneficial for your child. Sponsored by STEPS of Darien. Contact them at YWCASTEPSDarien@optonline.net or 203-655-2535x27.

Thurs. May 24, 2007: Parenting Workshop Offered by Behavioral Management's Neil A. Quatrano, MSW and Jeanne B Ayotte, LMFT, Co-authors of the "Tool Box Appoach". 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Thompson Public Library, Thompson. RSVP to Suzanne Witkowski ARCHES Coordinator at TEEG, 80-923-3458 or ARCHES@teegonline.org.

Thurs. May 24, 2007: IEP and Inclusion Strategies for Parents and Teachers. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Italian American Club, 40 Hamre Lane, Branford. Presenters: Anne Eason, Esq and Kathy Whitbread, PhD. Learn how to be prepared for your IEP; learn how to form effective partnerships with schools., understand the importance of ensuring access to the general education curriculum; learn how to effectively handle disagreements. Advance registration prefered. Sponsored by the South Central Region of the CT Family Support Network. Call Tesha Imperati at 203-234-3983 mailbox #2 or teshaimp@comcast.net for more information and to register.

Fri. May 25, 2007: Student's With Asperger's Syndrome in Higher Education. 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. At CES, Trumbull. Featuring Jane Thierfield Brown, Ed.D, Director of Student Services at UCONN School of Law. For more information contact Courntey Sharpe at 860-632-1485 x 245.

Tues. May 29, 2007: Putting the Pieces Together: Understanding Sensory Integration. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Waterbury WARC, 1929 East Main St., Waterbury. Developed and presented by Rebecca Simon, MS OTR/L For information, registration and directions contact Alice Buttell at alicemmbb@aol.com or 860-350-6025. Presented by the CT Family Support Network, Nothwest Region.

Tues. May 29, 2007 and Wed. May 30, 2007: Understanding Special Education: Families as Partners. 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Noble Community Center, 201 Noble St., West Haven. Sponsored by AFCAMP and PEETA. Free, but registration is required, call AFCAMP at 800-842-7303 or PEETA at 203-86-2515.

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.

Wed. May 30, 2007: Navigating the Diet Maze: Understanding Why Dietary Intervention May Improve the Health of Your Child. 7:30 p.m. IDEA Training Center, 20 Washington Ave., North Haven. Vicki Kobliner, Reistered Dietician will discuss the current status of dietary intervensions for individuals with special needs and how nutrition impacts on health and behavior. Free but registration is required, call Sally Brockett at 203-234-7401. Sponsored by the South Central Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut.

Thurs. May 31, 2007: Asperger's and Sexuality. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. At the CT Community Providers Association, Rocky Hill, CT. Presented by the Education and Training Department of Planned Parenthood of CT. Participants will identify the features of Asperger's Syndrome and review the latest information on the diagnosis. Discuss how features of AS impact sexuality and sexual development. Review the importance of providing sexuality education to individuals with AS. Discuss causes and factors that can influence common inappropriate sexual behaviors and examine strategies to address them. Fee. For information and registration, call the CT Community Providers Association at 860-257-7909.

Thurs. May 31, 2007: Stress Free Mealtime. 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. At RJ Julia Booksellers, Boston Post Rd. Madison. Join Monica Belyea who will present ideas and strategies for helping your child succeed at mealtimes without a hassle. Issues relating to children who are differently abled will be addressed. For more information and to register call Marian Roy at 203-318-3692.

Fri. June 1, 2007: Person-Centered Futures Planning for Students with Special Needs. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. At the Greenw at Canondale, 425 Danbury Road, Wilton. What is your vision for your child? Kathy Whitbread, PhD and Donna Franchini will explain person centered planning and transition tools and demonstrate how to create a PATH (planning alternative tomorrows with hope) for your child's future. Sponsored by Sped*Net Wilton. RSVP to Eve at 203-761-0680.

Fri. June 1, 2007: A Self Advocacy Employment Event for DMR Consumers and their Families. 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Sheraton Four Points Hotel, Meriden. This event has been developed primarily for individuals with ID who want to enhance their self advocacy skills to get better jobs and lead more fulfilling lives. Family members, providers and others who want to assist people with disabilities to have satisfying lives should attend. For additional information and registration materials contact Robin Wood at 203-806-8770or robin.wood@po.state.ct.us. Sponsored by DMR Self Advocate Coordinators, the DMR Self Determination Directors and by the members of People First of CT.

Sun. June 10, 2007: Autism Orientation for Faith Based Communities, 2:00 p.m. - 3.30 p.m., Christ Church Greenwich, 254 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich. Come learn about autism spectrum disorders and how faith communities can help include families and persons living with ASD in spiritual living. Interfaith. Open to the public, registration required. RSVP 888-453-4975. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut.

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Christ Church Greenwich, 250 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich. With Phoebe Tucker, Montano Assistive Technology Center. Sponsored by FAP. Call Brita Darany for more information and registration at 203-661-8510.