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Autism in Connecticut

Friday, November 30, 2007

Happy Holidays! December Updates!

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. Please include contact information!

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
Include contact information

Social Skills Scholarship Program.
The Autism Society of Connecticut announces a new scholarship program for girls ages 10-18 to participate in social skills groups and programming. Girls must be between 10-18 years of age and have a diagnosis of Asperger's or High Functioning Autism/PDD. The program must take place in one of the shoreline towns. Funds are also available to support the creation of such programs. Contact ASCONN at 888-453-4975 or
asconn@sbcglobal.net for information and application materials.

The CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center announces a VIP Respite Program for children with ASD ages 5-11. held at ASRC in Wallingford every other Saturday from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Take a break and leave your child in good hands. Space is limited, must be a member of ASRC to participate, fee. Contact Pat Coppola at 203-265-7717 or Jessie at
jessica.bradshaw@yale.edu for information and registration.

Understanding Autism: A series of six workshops on Autism: A Way of Being.
A collaborative effort of LEARN, Three Rivers Community College, CT Parent Advocacy Center, Norwich Public Schools, Norwich and New London School Readiness. Nov 13: "Exploring the Autism Spectrum: Strategies and Intevention"; Jan 8: Working with Young Children on the Spectrum in Inclusive Settings"; Feb. 12: "Parents as Parents: Home/School Connections"; Mar. 11: Quality Assessment to Determine Progress for Children with ASD: How to Capture and Communicate Growth and Barriers"; Apr. 8: "Impact on Autism Spectrum Disorder: Addressing the Social and Emotional Needs of Young Children". All programs are free. You do not need to attend all 6. To register visit
http://www.learn.k12.ct.us/ or call LEARN at 860-434-4800. All programs are held from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Rose Senior Center in Norwich.

For Psychologists and Social Workers: How to Work More Effecctively With Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders.
With James Loomis, PhD. A three-part series for community and school-based psychologists and social workers who want to expand their work with individuals with ASD. Commitment to all three sessions required. Session Dates: Sat. Jan, 26, 2008; Sat. Feb, 23, 2008 and Sat. April 5, 2008. Fee. For registration materials (space is limited), contact ASRC at 203-265-7717 or http://www.ct-asrc.org/. Sponsored by ASRC.

Research Project: Arts for Healing
is currently accepting participants for a research study in conjunction with Mt. Sinai Medical School that includes children between the ages of 3 and 12 on the autism spectrum. The study involves 1/2 hour weekly therapy using the Integrated Music and Art Therapy (IMAT) model. Study participants receive a reduction in therapy fees for their participation. Located in New Canaan. For more information, contact Arts for Healing at 203-972-2982, http://www.artsforhealing.org/.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AND MONTHLY PROGRAMS
Please send all information on ongoing groups to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net
include contact information

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. While every attempt is made to keep the list up to date, group meeting dates and times may vary. Please call ahead of time to check.

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 asclanan01@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.

New Group! First Monday of the month: Greater New Milford Area Parent Support/Resource Group for parents and caregivers raising children with special health care needs. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., The United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Road, New Milford. Contact Alice Buttwell at 860-355-6025 or
alicemmbb@aol.com or Monika Nugent, 860-355-1179, monikan@sbcglobal.net. Sponsored by the CT Family Support Network - Northwest Region.

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/pizzamoms.html. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. 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.

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.

First Thursday of the month: Families United for Children's Mental Health. Support rup, share support, education, advocacy and refresments. Faith Christian Assembly, 46 Grandview Dr. Middletown. A monthly support group for families of children with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs and challenges. Sponsored by Families United, a statewide support, education and advocacy group, run by and for families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges. For more information contact Lorna at Families United at 860-537-6125 x101 or
lgrivois@familiesunited.org.

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 Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents of children on the autism spectrum. 7:00 p.m. Small group with parents of children of all ages. Sponsored by Jewish Family Services, West Hartford. Contact Steven Broyde, PhD., LCSW, Child Clinic Director, JFC for more information at 860-236-1927 x16 or
sbroyde@jfshartford.org.

Second Tuesday of the month: Helping Hands Support Group for Parents of Children with Mental Health Needs. Offering education, coping strategies, networking, support and resources. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. South United Methodist Church (Education Wing), 1226 Main St (corner Main and Hartford), Manchester. Affiliated with NAMI-CT, East of the River Community Collaborative and Route 2 Community Collaborative. Contact Karen at 860-882-7354 or Cheryl at 860-882-7353 for more information. Childcare available with prior registration.

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 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 Suzanne Witkowski at TEEG, 860-928-1569 or ARCHES@teegonline.org.

Second Friday of the month: Adult Asperger's Support Group. For Adults on the Spectrum. 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Meets at the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center at 101 North Industrial Road, Wallingford. Call Dave Tipping at 203-484-2937 or e-mail
NZ1J@juno.com 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: Building 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: 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 Tuesday of the month: NOTE THE NEW DATE: 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.

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 Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. (parents of children 0-12) and 7:30 p.m . - 8:30 p.m. (parents of children 13+). Family Resource Center Annex, 110 High Street, Enfield. Contact Kate Faherty at
mailto:KFaherty@enfield.org for more information. NOTE: Meeting 11/14 and 12/5 due to holidays. Contact Kate for information and location changes!

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
abddjm@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.

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 .

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
http://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
asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Last Thursday of the month: Kinship Coffee Chats. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Guilford Youth and Family Services, Guilford, CT. Are you a grandparent or other relative caregiver caring for kin children? Program open to all towns. Kinship care refers to temporary or permanent arragement in which a relative (such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle) or any non-relative adult who has a relationship or bond with a child is caring for that child in place of its parents. Kinship care includes relationships established through an informal arragement, legal custody or guardianship o rder, foster care placement or kinship adoption. Call Guilford Youth and Family Services for more information at 203-453-8047.

Additional groups in Danbury, Glastonbury, Southbury/Middlebury, Watertown, Cheshire and Wallingford. Sponsored by CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Contact Lois Rosenwald at 203-265-7717 for information, membership requirements, dates and times of meetings.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR
New Entries in Green
include contact information

Sat. Dec. 1, 2007: Inclusion for Kids with ASD: Then When's. How's and Why's". With Ruth Eren, Ed.D. and Barbara Cook, MS-SLP. 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Fairfield Woods Branch Library, 1147 Fairfield Woods Road, Fairfield. Sponsored by the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Fee. Call to get registration information at 203-264-7717 or http://www.ct-asrc.org/.

Mon. Dec. 3, 2007: How Do I Know If My Child is Making Progress? Workshop by CPAC. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Road, New Milford. Come and learn how using your child's IEP and effectively communicating will help you monitor your child's progress. Sponsored by the CT Family Support Network's Northwest Region. Registration at cpac@cpacinc.org.

Tues. Dec. 4, 2007: Clinton SEPTA: Parent Support Group meeting. A chance for parents to get together, relax and share challenges and joys of parenting a special needs child. 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton. Contact Leslie Parent for more information at 860-664-3944.

Wed. Dec. 5, 2007: Know Your Rights Under IDEA 2004: A Discussion of Failure to Progress, FAPE, and other pertinent topics. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Presented by Nora Belanger, Esq. In reading, only 16% of Norwalk special ed 4th graders performed at proficient level on the CMT's in 05-06, the 5 year average was 17%. How many students receiving special ed services in CT are "failing to progress" under IDEA 2004? What are their rights and what can you do about it? American Legion Hall, 60 County St., Norwalk (across from Norwalk High School). Co-sponsored by NorwalkSEEKS.org and CACLD. For more information see http://www.norwalkseeks.org/ or info@NorwalkSEEKS.org or call 203-846-2501.

Thurs. Dec. 6, 2007: Transition to Adulthood: A Critical Milestone. A workshop for young adults, their families and providers to help prepare special needs youth for the transition to adulthood. 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Four Points by Sheraton, Meriden, CT. Sponsored by CT Department of Public Health, The United Way of CT/2-1-1 Child Development Infoline, and in partnership with CT-Kids As Self Advocates. Small fee. Contact Robin Lewis at 860-509-8074 or Robin.Lewis@ct.gov for more information and registration materials.

Thurs. Dec. 6, 2007: Annual Holiday Celebration Meeting for the CT Family Support Network's Northeast Parent's Group. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., John Dempsey Regional Center, 376 Pomfret St., Putnam. Meeting will inclucde pizza and a scrapbooking activity. Please bring photos or a piece of your child's artwork that you'd like to embelish. RSVP to Mona at 860-928-6514 or advocatefor2@yahoo.com or Ann Tetreault at 960-640-4033 or ann.tetreault@ct.gov.

Thurs. Dec. 6, 2007: Expanding Horizons Conference on Educating Students with Disabilities in General Education Classrooms. Crowne Plaza, Cromwell. Sponsored by SERC in collaboration with the CT State Department of Education. The conference is dedicated to improving the education of students with disabilities in general education classrooms. The conference, now in its tenth year, promotes increased understanding of responsible inclusive practices, provides an opportunity for the sharing of ideas, stories of success and learning from colleagues. http://www.ctserc.org/ for more information.

Thurs. Dec. 6, 2007: PLAN - Who Will Advocate for your Child After You? 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Total Learning and Therapy Center, Trumbull. Presented by Peggy Embarado of the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of CT, Inc. The mission of PLAN is to assist families in planning for the future of their disabled family member and to provide continuity of services after the principal advocates/caregivers are unable to continue. PLAN was formed by families to reduce the life long amount of time and energy required of guardians and other family members to ensure appropriate care for their special family member. Learn about a typical plan of care that might include the monitoring of state services, arranging for transportation, arranging a vacation, and personal needs. Call 203-286-8852 or http://www.tltc.org/ to RSVP.

Thurs. Dec. 6, 2007: Family and Friends Night at Total Learning and Therapy Center. Come and learn strategies and techniques to use with your child or student at home and school. 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Total Learning and Therapy Center, Trumbull. Randy Schulman, M.D.OD, FCOVD, Stefanie Saad Seanor, OTR/L and Maybette Z Waldrom, M.S., CCC-SLP will share therapuetic ideas, techniques and materials using sensory integration principles that support age appropriate social visual processing, gross and fine motor skills, attention and coordination. Call 203-268-8852 or http://www.tltc.org/ to RSVP.

Thurs. Dec. 6, 2007: Learning Difficulties in Children with Developmental Conditions: What Parents Can Do. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. With Elena L. Grigorenko, PhD., Associate Professor of Child Studies, Pyschology and Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale University. She will share observations and provide practical advice on how to separate learning problems from motivational problemms in the domain of school achievement. Nobel Conference Room, Greenwich Hospital. Register and more information online at http://www.greenhosp.org/ or call 203-863-3627.

Mon. Dec. 10, 2007: Friendship Circle Chanukah Program at Stepping Stones Museum. 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Exclusive use of the Stepping Stones Museum, 303 West Ave. , Norwalk. Teenage volunteers will assist the children in activities at the museum. For more information contact Mrs. Malya Shmotkin at 203-329-0015 x414, or http://www.friendshipct.com/. Friendship Circle through the ongoing commitment of teenage volunteers, extends a helping hand to children with special needs and their families, involving them in a full range of social and Jewish experiences including weekly home visits, Hebrew school, outings and celebrations.

Tues. Dec. 11, 2007: Addressing the Social Skills Needs of Middle and High School Students with Autism. 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Crowne Plaza, Cromwell. With Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D, President and Chair, Scientific Council Organization for Autism Research, Arlington, VA. For grades 6-12 CEU's available. Sponsored by SERC. Fee. Registration required. Contact Karyn Champion, Educational Services Specialist at 860-632-1485 x225.

Tues. Dec. 11, 2007: Asperger's Disorder and Autism: Advances in Understanding and Interventions. A one-day seminar for educators, SLPs, psychologists, social workers, counselors, physicians, children's service providers and family members. Presented by the New England Educational Institute. Fee. With Celine Saulnier, PhD, Yale Child Study Center. CE credits. Go to http://www.neei.org/ for information and registration.

Tues. Dec. 11, 2007: CT Families for Effective Autism Treatment Parent Resource Meeting. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Rocky Hill Congregational Church, Rocky Hill. Speaker will be James Loomis, PhD from the Center for Children with Special Needs. His discussion will focus on how to create an individual toilet training program for children with ASD. For more information and registration call 860-571-3888 or http://www.ctfeat.org/.

Fri. Dec. 14, 2007: SLC Parent's Night Out. 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Speech and Language Consultants, LLC, Norwalk. Parents will be able to enjoy a night out while tyupical peers, SLC volunteers and select therapists provie a Friday night of fun and games. Space is limited. Ages 5-14. Registration required, RSVP to landra@speechandlanguageconsultants.org.

Sun. Dec. 16, 2007: Hartford Region, Autism Society of Connecticut 2nd Annual Holiday Dinner. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Dakota's, Restaurant, Route 44, Avon. Ordering off of the regular menu. No babysitting. Please RSVP to Beth Katten at bethkatten@yahoo.com or 860-236-8374.

Mon. Dec. 24 - Thurs. Dec. 27, 2007: Friendship Circle Winter Camp. At the Friendship Circle Center, 770 High Ridge Road, Stafmord. Four fun filled days of swimming, gym and exciting trips. Volunteers accompany children throughout the day's activities. For more information, contact Mrs. Malya Shmotkin at 203-329-0015 x414.

Thurs. Jan. 10, 2008: Creating a Full and Balanced Life With Your Child Who Has Special Needs. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Presented the LMFT Paula Levy. Learn how to balance your child's needs with your own as an adult, a spouse and a parent. Discussion will include achievable strategies for working toward a full life and practical tips for everyday living. At the Center for Change, LLC, 40 Cross St., Suite 240, Norwalk. For more information, contact Paula Levy at 203-761-9587.

Sat. Jan, 12, Sun Jan, 13 and Sat Feb 9 and Sun Feb. 10, 2008: Brain Gym 101 Training. Experience whole brain integration through whole body movement. Learn 26 Brain-Gym Exercises, the Edu-K Balance process and Demmison Laterality Reppaterning. Instructor: Marie Ossi, OTR/L and certified Brain Gym specialist. Must attend all four classes. Classes run 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fee. Location TBD. Please contact Tara Clancy at clancyt@verizon.net for information and registration materials.

Mon. Jan 14, 2008: Special Education After Hours Information Series: Bridgeport Public Library - North End. Speaker: Landria M. Seals. Understanding the Diagnosis: PDD, including autism, learning disabilities, auditory processing, dyslexia and more. RSVP landra@speechandlanguageconsultants.org.

Tues. Jan. 29, 2008: A Plan of Action to Accomplish Your Child's Goals, Part I. Eve Kessler, Esq. and Noreen O'Mahoney, CSW, SDA, will continue the journey through SPED*NET Wiltons' Guide to Special Services. Walking you through the PPT meeting, evaluations, eligibility, development of the IEP, writing goals and objectives, placement, related sern vices and more. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The Greens at Canondale, Wilton. RSVP to info@spednetwilton.org or 203-761-0680.

Wed. Jan. 30, 2008: Maverick Minds: A Cognitive Perspective on Understanding ADD/ADHD with Ruthann Short. Sponsored by the Westport SETPTA. Coleytown Middle School Cafeteria, 225 North Ave., Westport. 7:00 pm. - 9:00 p.m. For more information contact Janis Fox, Programming Chair at 203-222-8245 or info@westportsepta.org.

Wed. Jan. 30, 2008: Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities. Presented by Scott Bezsylko, Executive Director, Winston Preparatory School, Norwalk. Scott currently is Executive Director of Winston Prep's NYC and NOrwalk campuses while overseeing each program's leadership and staff and ensuring it delivery of "education for the individual" - a model for socially and emotioanllay informed middle and high school learning disabled students. He is also co-director of the Nonverbal/Social and Emotional Disorders Case Study Project and Center for Social Emotional Education Summer Insitute Faculty Member. At Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave. Norwalk. Co-Sponsored by Norwalk SEEKS.org and CACLD. For more information and to RSVP, contact info@norwalkseeks.org or 203-846-2501.

Thurs. Jan. 31, 2008: The 10 Essential Things That Every Parent Should Know About Effective Advocacy. With Julie Swanson, Educational Advocate. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Waveny HOuse, Waveny Park, New Canaan. Sponsored by SPED*NET New Canaan. RSVP to Denise Buckenheimer at 203-972-5871.

Sat. Feb. 9, 2008: Autism and Safety Issues - What Parents, Caregivers, Community Providers and School Personnel Need to Know. With Dennis Debbault. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Central CT State University Campus, New Britain, CT. Snow Date: Sat. May 17. Fee. For registration materials (deadline Jan. 21, 2008, contact ASRC at 203-265-7717 or http://www.ct-asrc.org/. Sponsored by ASRC, the CT ASD Pilot Program and Central CT State University.