Late Fall 2010

Welcome to the Autism in Connecticut blog

Our intention is to be a listing of EVERYTHING happening in Connecticut that might be of interest to families living with autism. Whether it is a support group, speaker event, summer camp program, social skills class, informational conference, if it is happening in Connecticut, we want to see it listed here! Please note - our policy is not to include fundraisers for specific organizations that do not also have a therapeutic or educational purpose.

Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net. Please include a contact name, number or e-mail.

We try to post in a timely manner, but would appreciate your sending the information early!

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

AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net. Please include contact information.

Help Roses for Autism! Roses is in the running for a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project. You can help by voting. You can vote once a day EVERY DAY through the month of October. Go to www.refresheverything.com/rosesforautism to register and vote. You can even do it on your cell phone. Text 103448 to 73774. Learn more about this program that employs adults with autism right here in Connecticut, growing and selling roses at www.rosesforautism.com. Tell your friends.

The CT State Department of Education has issued a notice of additional hearing dates and an extension of the deadline for comments on the Proposed Revisions to the Special Education Regulations. Two additional hearing dates are scheduled: Tues, Nov. 9, 2010, 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Conference Room 3 at CES, 40 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull and Wed. Nov. 17, 2010 from 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at the State Office Building, 165 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Written comments will be accepted until December 1, 2010 and should be submitted to Theresa DeFrancis, Bureau of Special Education, PO Box 2219, Hartford, CT 06145. Go to www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/FinalnoticeforCLJ,pdf and www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Testimony.pdf for more information on the proposed changes and to read other comments.

Family and Children's Center, Sarah, Inc, KIDSTEPS has time available to form a social skills group on Wednesday afternoons. Lead by Dr. Elizabeth Hart, Clinical Child/Pediatric Pscyhologist. Originally scheduled from 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. for children 6-8 years old and 4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. for children 9-11 years old. $200 for 8 sessions. Times may change dependent upon needs. Contact Kathy Fadel, Family Services Coordinator, Family and Children's Center, Sarah, Inc, KIDSTEPS at 203-218-3692 x 2. Program meets in Madison.

St Joseph's College announces a series of lectures on Autism Spectrum Disorders. They run from 6:30 p.m. - 8;30 p.m., generally on Monday evenings. Check their website at www.sjc.edu/autism and click on the link for ASD Lecture Series for more information and to register.

Rocky Hill Parks and Recreation Inclusive Music Therapy Groups. Saturdays, Oct 23 - Nov. 20, 2010. For ages 2 through teens. Community Center Room 4. Taught by Maura Hennessy, MT-BC, Connecticut Music Therapy Services, LLC. Class size is limited, register early. Contact Rocky Hill Parks and Recreation, Emily Pelligrino at 860-558-0802.

Superkids is coming to the shoreline. Opening in Guilford starting Oct 4. Sachem Knoll Professional Center, 47 Clapboard Hill Road, Guilford (off I-95 exit 59). For more information contact Anne at 866-944-958 or info@superkidsct.com. www.superkidsct.com

KidSteps Family and Children's Center has fall and winter programs. Making strides to support, educate and advocate for differently-abled children, their families and friends. Including social skills programs, practical parenting, bedtime and mealtime workshops. Contact Kidsteps at 203-318-3692 x2 or kidsteps-fcc@sarah-inc.org. www.sarah-inc.org.

ASRC presents a Northern CT Teen & Young Adult Social Group. Saturdays from Oct 9 through Dec. 18, 2010. 10 sessions for $10. Various activities depending upon interests and needs of participants. For more information contact Carol Barans at 860-965-2053 or bb58@comcast.net. Made possible by a grant from the Northern CT Community Collaborative.

Transitioning Into Adulthood. A group for young men and women diagnosed with Aspergers/PDD NOS which will address: transition from high school to college and beyond; how to navigate into adulthood; how to maintain friendships with those who have moved on and to develop new ones; how to find jobs, the interview and retaining jobs. Meets Fridays, Sept 24, Oct. 8 and 22 and Nov. 5 and 19, Dec. 3 and 17. 7:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Old Lyme Counseling, LLC, 4 Davis Road West, Suite 6, Old Lyme. Contact Jonathan Dean, LMFT 860-539-0629 email jondean13@yahoo.com.

The CT State Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education has a resource available to help parents find consultants to help them with issues relating to special education. There are specific consultants who are assigned to each school district. Check out the list at http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Updates/BulletinNovDec2009.pdf click on the list "LEA Assignments for Consultants" or call the main number at 860-713-6910 and be directed to the consultant for that district.

Questions about the new insurance law? Check out FAQ's here. Particular problems with Anthem Bc/BS? Contact Maureen Smith, Director, Consumer Relations, Office of the Healthcare Advocate at 860-297-3956 or maureen.smith@ct.gov.

Project Lifesaver is up and running in Greenwich. Contact the Greenwich Police Department for more information.

Social Skills Groups - Designed for Children with Asperger's, PDD-NOS or HFA. Group focuses on developing social skills, anger management, communication skills, friendship building skills, transitions and dealing with bullying. Grades 7-10. On Fridays at Old Lyme Counseling, LLC, 4 Davis Road West, Suite 6, Old Lyme. Contact at 860-539-0629.

Music Therapy and Adaptive Dance/Creative Movement Classes - this fall in South Windsor and Southbury. Sessions for ages 3-6, 7-11 and 12-18. Contact Maggie Carchrie, M.D., MT-BC at maggie@mermaid-productions.com or the South Windsor Recreation Department at 860-648-6355 or Southbury Parks and Recs at 203-262-0633.

New ABA Therapy and Consultation Services in Guilford. ABC Interventions, LLC. Courtney Rinaldi, M.A., BCABA had opened a new practice for ABA therapy for families and schools. Credentialed with many insurance companies. more information at www.abc-interventions.com. 203-779-9074.

Kennedy Center, Children's Services, Autism Project in Trumbull has social activity groups and parent groups for families living with autism. Contact Emma Genster for more information at 203-332-4535 x 223 or egenster@kennnedyctr.org.

Stratford YMCA has workshops for children with special needs including therapeutic weight training programs. Contact Karim Ibrahim at 908-205-3452 or info@thewcsn.org.

Synergy Center in Waterford is putting together fall and winter groups for social skills and siblings of kids with ASD. Go to www.connectwithsynergy.com for more information.

New home and school behavioral consulting practice in Hartford County. Program Builders Consulting, LLC, is dedicated to providing professional behavioral services to families throughout CT. Services include recreational training, life skills training, homework tutoring, discrete trial training/teaching, community training, parent training and school consultation. Contact them at 860-543-9943 or email jchasse@programbuilders.org. www.programbuilders.org.

Piano Lessons for Children with Autism. Fun, effective, flexible curriculum offers uncluttered page layouts, elements broken down into smallest components while nurturing creativity through play by ear and chords. Melodies learned by patterns, combined with simple convenient chords to allow for free expression and rapid learning. Caregiver/Parent must attend lessons. Contact Ronald Hawkins, M.M. at 203-530-3600, www.ronaldhawkins.com.

Creative Interventions, LLC announces expansion of services to the Southeast! Services to include: Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Intervention Planning, caregiver consultation and training, individual academic, daily living and social skills program development and implementation, direct 1:1 teaching, social skills groups, comprehensive standardized and curriculum assessments, OT and ST evaluation, consultation and direct services and services and support for families. Contact Creative Interventions at 860-413-9538, krista@creativeinterventions.net. More information at www.creativeinterventions.net.

New behavioral and educational consultants practice in Fairfield County. Little Big Steps, LLC is dedicated to providing professional behavioral services to families throughout Fairfield County. Services include Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Intervention Plans, Evaluations and Assessments, ABA Services, Parent Training. Contact them at 203-870-6326 or visit www.littlebigstepsny.com or e-mail info@littlebigstepsny.com.

Link to DDS webpage that provides regional contact information for individuals who do not have case managers but who can still access services and supports. http://www.ct.gov/dds/cwp/view.asp?A=2042&Q=448898.

The American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children with Disabilities Autism Subcommittee strives to provide current information for pediatricians and families on autism. "Sound Advice on Autism" is a series of interviews aiming to answer common questions about autism. Visit at www.aap.org/audio/autism.

Research Projects:

Giant Steps wants to hear from parents about services and supports that make a difference in the life of your child or young adult with ASD. Please participate in a brief survey being conducted by the Institute for Human Centered Design for Giant Steps/The American Institute for Neuro-Integrative Development (AIND). Go to http://ihcdstudio.limequery.com/32648/lang-en. For questions and more information e-mail research@HumancenteredDesign.org.

Genetic Study of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Weill Cornell Medical College is enrolling families with children older than 12 months of age with unknown types of intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders to participate in a study to identify the factors that are associated with these conditions. The study involves about 3 -5 hours of time. The study will include a detailed clinical evaluation including neuropsychological testing, completion of a questionnaire, and blood drawing. Families can be seen either in NY or Hackensack, NJ. Voucher available for parking and a gift certificate for participation. For more information about egligibility please contact Ms. Vivian Ojeda at 646-962-8318 or vio2003@med.cornell.edu.

Research Study on early signs of autism. Do you have a child with autism and are you pregnant or have a newborn less than 4 months old? Study will follow pregnant women and their newborns after birth looking at whole infant development in infants at risk for autism. Includes 6 infant follow up visits to LADDERS clinic for examination. Conducted by Martha Herbert, MdPhD, TRANSCEND Research Program and Margaret Bauman, M.D. LADDERS Program. Contact mghsiblings@partners.org or call 781-860-1760.

Yale Child Study Center is currently recruiting subjects for a multi-site, NIMH funded, randomized trial to examine the efficacy of Parent Training in reducing irritability and non-compliant behavior in young children with PDD. Eligible children are between the ages of 3-7 and have a diagnosis of Autism, PDD-NOS or Asperger's Disorder. Contact Kathtryn Bradbury for more information at kathryn.bradbury@yale.edu or 203-785-5805.

Boston University Research Project to develop an efficient and comprehensive assessment of adaptive behaviors of children and youth with ASD ages 3-21. Adaptive behavior is the performance of everyday activities that held children and youth be active members in their family, school and community. These include self care (bathing and dressing), getting around, taking care of personal belongings, making friends, communicating needs and feelings and managing health and wellness. Looking for parents of children diagnosed with ASD aged 3-21. Questionnaires and an online survey. For more information contact asdcat@bu.edu or www.bu.edu/kidsincontext.

The Infant Brain Imaging Study at the Center for Autism Research of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is looking for participants. Conducting research focusing on how the brain develops differently in children with autism. Looking for families who have a child with an ASD and an infant sibling 12 months old or younger. More information contact Julie Mesaric or Stephanie Colantonio, Research Assistants, Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia at 866-570-6524 or autism@email.chop.edu. www.research.cholp.edu/car.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AND MONTHLY PROGRAMS

Please send all information on ongoing groups to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net. Please 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:

New Group forming in Lower Fairfield County (Stamford area). Contact Teresa Ginsberg at gogators2@mac.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 Tuesday of the month: Pizza moms in Darien! 7:30 p.m. Post Corner Pizza in Darien. http://sites.google.com/site/pizzamomssite/home. 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@gmail.com.

First Tuesday of the month: Sibling Support Group for ages 10-13. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Group focuses on the intense feelings that a sibling may experience when they have a brother or sister with special needs. At Jewish Family Services, Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford. Contact Janice Rothstein at JRothstein@jfshartford.org for more information and registration.

First Tuesday 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 Pam Jannetty at alinadrk823@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Every Wednesday: Parent Chat Group. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Kidsteps, 51 Boston Post Road, Unit 9, Madison. Childcare provided. Call Kidsteps at 203-318-3692 for more information or email Marian Roy at mroy@sarah-inc.org.

First Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fairfield Woods Middle School, Fairfield, Sponsored by The Pilot House and facilitated by Laurel Carey, Psychologist. Call The Pilot House at 203-610-3877 for more information or e-mail Doreen Caruso at dcaruso@thepilothouse.org.

First Wednesday of the month: Autism Family Support Group: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Johnson Community Center Upper Level, 201 Noble St., West Haven. Sponsored by the West Haven Interagency Network for Children (WHINC). Please contact Janet Booth at boothjeb@yahoo.com or Randy Brown at 203-937-3760 for information and to reserve space for child care.

First Wednesday of the month: Southeast Region - CT Family Support Network Parent Support Group for parents of children with a disability and/or special health care needs. 6:00 p.m. Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, New London. Contact April Dipollina at 860-271-4371 or adipollina@lmhosp.org for more information and locations.

First Thursday of the month: Northeast Region - CT Family Support Network Support group for parents of children with a disability and/or special health care needs. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., John Dempsey Regional Center (DDS Satellite), Putnam. Contact Mona Tremblay at 860-928-6514 or monatremblay@sbcglobal.net for more information.

First Thursday of the month: Newtown Parent's Support Group. For parents of children with an ASD diagnosis. Sponsored by Newtown Youth and Family Services. 7:00 p.m., 17 Church Hill, Newtown. Call 203-364-1163.

First Friday of the month: Chat and Chew: Sibling Edition. For kids 13-25 who have a sibling with a mental health issue. 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., F.A.C.T. Center, 154 Hempstead St. New London. Contact Raeanna Smolenski for more information at alkalinaholic18@aol.com or 860-303-6855.

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. Contact Jean Bajorek at 860-645-1940 or Bajorek2@cox.net.

Second Tuesday of the month: Northeast Region - CT Family Support Network Support Group for Parents of Children with disabilities and/or special health care needs. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m., Generations Healthcare, Willimantic. On site spanish translations available. Contact Mona Tremblay at 860-928-6514 or monatremblay@sbcglobal.net for information and locations.

Second Tuesday of the month: South Central Region - CT Family Support Network Support Group for Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs. Middletown. Please contact Tesha Imperati at 203-710-3041 or teshaimp@comcast.net for information on locations and times.

Second Tuesday of the month: Northwest Region - CT Family Support Network Support Group for Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Central Park, Waterbury. Contact Alice Buttwell at 860-350-6025 or AliceMMBB@aol.com for more information and directions.

Second Thursday of the month: Southeast Region - CT Family Support Network Support Group for Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs. 7:00 p.m. L&M Hospital Satellite, Old Saybrook. Contact April Dipollina at 860-271-4371 or adipollina@lmhosp.org for more information and locations.

Second Wednesday of the month: Chat and Chew - a conversation about stress, advocacy and support for parents of chidlren with special needs. Families and Communities Together Resource Center, 154 Hempstead St., New London. 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Contact Rachel Smolenski, Family Involvement Coordinator at 860-443-0044 or rsmolenski@familiesunited.org.

Second Thursday of the month: Parent Support Group. 6:30 p.m. Northwest Community College, Winsted. Sponsored by LACASA. Contact Sharon Cable at cablehome@aol.com or 203-693-9128.

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... for more information.

Third Monday of the month: Parent Support Group - Bloomfield. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at 1st Congregational Church, Bloomfield. Contact Sheila Harris at 860.... Sponsored by AFCAMP (African American Caribbean American Parents) and PEETA (Parent Empowerment Through Education Training and Advocacy).

Third Monday of the month. Parent Support Group (Spanish) - 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 at the Institute for Hispanic Families, 45 Wadsworth Street, Hartford. Sponsored by PAP. Contact afcamp@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Third Monday of the month: Care for the Caregiver Support Group - Southwest Region CT Family Support Network. 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Bridgeport Hospital, Education Conference Room, lower level, Bridgeport. Contact Lisa Sheppard at 203-556-7317 or lnshep@aol.com for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Parent Support Group for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Groton Public Library. Contact Danielle Greene at dkg64@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Third Tuesday of the month: Southwest Region - CT Family Support Network support group for Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs. 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport. Contact Lisa Sheppard at 203-556-7317 or lnshep@aol.com.

Third Tuesday or Third Thursday of the month: Parent Support group for parents and caregivers of children with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. Meeting dates: Th. 9/23, Tues 10/19, Th. 11/18, Tues, 12/14. Th. 1/13, Tues. 2/15, Th. 3/17, Tues. 4/12, Th. 5/19, Tues. 6/21. Th. 7/28. 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.

Third Wednesday of the month: Parent Support Group. 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Enfield Child Development Center, 110 High St., Enfield. Contact Kate Faherty at KFaherty@enfield.org for more information. Contact Kate for information and location changes!

Third Wednesday of the month: Birth to Three Parent Support Group - Southwest Region, CT Family Support Network. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Abilis, Cos Cob. Contact Lisa Sheppard at 203-556-7317 or lnshep@aol.com for more information and directions.

Third Thursday of the month: Sibling Support Group for ages 7-10. 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Group focuses on the intense feelings a sibling may have when they have a brother or sister with special needs. Jewish Family Services, Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford. contact Janice Rothstein at JRothstein@jfshartford.org for more information and registration.

Third Thursday of the month: Autism A Walk Through Faith support group. 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., 3455 Madison Ave., Bridgeport. A faith based organization with the community at heart. Contact Tomeekha Gee at tgee125@yahoo.com.

Third Friday of the month: Parent Support Group - Hartford. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Contact Sheila Harris at 860-297-4358 or afcamp@sbcglobal.net Sponsored by AFCAMP (African American Caribbean American Parents) and PETEA (Parent Empowerment Through Education Training and Advocacy).

Third Sunday of the month: Rhythms of Grace: monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. Church of Our Saviour, Plainville on third Sunday. Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington on 1st Sunday. 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: Northwest Region - CT Family Support Network Support group for Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., ARC, Waterbury. Contact Alice Buttwell at 860-350-6025 or aliceMMBB@aol.com for more information and directions.

Fourth Friday of the month: Parent Support Group, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., 1st Congregational Church, 10 Wintonbury Ave, Bloomfield. Contact Sheila Harris at 860-297-4358 or JP Vincent Family Resource Center at 860-286-2640 x 112. Sponsored by AFCAMP.

Last Monday of the month: Friends of Autistic People. Presentations, informal conversation, refreshments. Christ Church Parish House, 250 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Contact Brita Daranyi at 203-661-8510 or fap.autismct@gmail.com.

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 Blue Luna Restaurant, 1 Danbury Rd, Wilton. For more information, contact Patti Sylvia at 203-761-0248 or http://sites.google.com/site/autismparentsclubct.

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, e-mail leemcf@sbcglobal.net or www.favan.org.

Last Tuesday of the month: Northeast Region - CT Family Support Network - Support Group for Parents of Children with Asperger's/PDD-NOS. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 -p.m. various locations in Danielson. Contact Mona Tremblay at 860-928-6514 or monatremblay@sbcglobal.net for information and locations.

Last Thursday of the month: SECASA (Southeatern CT Autism Spectrum Association, Inc.) Support Group for parents and professionals working with children with an ASD. Preston Library, Preston, CT. 6-30-8:00pm. Call the library at 860-886-1010 for more information.

Additional groups in Trumbull, Woodbridge, Wallingford, Wethersfield, Glastonbury for parents of children on the spectrum. Two groups for adults 18 and over with ASD meet in Wallingford. Group for wives of men with ASD in Wallingford. Sibling support group in Wallingford. Sponsored by CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Contact Lois Rosenwald at 203-265-7717 or lois.asrc@sbcglobal.net for information, dates and times of meetings.

New Canaan area parents contact Judi Anders at judianders@sbcglobal.net for meeting dates, times and locations.

New Milford area parents contact Alice Buttwell - Northwest Regional Coordinator CT Family Support Network for a group that meets ever other month in conjunction with the New Milford Youth Agency. Generally in the evening.

Many towns have organized SEPTA's (Special Education PTA's) that hold informational meetings about special education in general and specific disabilities as well. Most have monthly meetings. Check out the listing to see if there is one near you at www.ctpta.org/member\ship/septa. Check out the event listings for specific programs as well.

AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Please send all information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net

Mon. Oct. 25, 2010: Managing Escalating Behavior: A Course for Parents. 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., DDS South Region - New Haven Office, 370 James St., New Haven. Presented by PMT Associates in association with the DDS. Course topics include: prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, verbal diffusion, personal safety, escorts and physical assists. No fee but registration is required. Contact John Tierney, DDS Central Office at 860-418-6137 or john.tierney@ct.gov.

Tues. Oct. 26, 2010: Managing Escalating Behavior: A Course for Parents. 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 61 Woodland Street - Hartford. Presented by PMT Associates in association with the DDS. Course topics include: prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, verbal diffusion, personal safety, escorts and physical assists. No fee but registration is required. Contact John Tierney, DDS Central Office at 860-418-6137 or john.tierney@ct.gov.

Tues. Oct. 26, 2010: Guilford PTA presents a program by SuperKids. 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Guilford Police Station Community Room. Social Thinking/Social Skills and their function in academics, future independence and family life. By Barbara Cooper, Founder and Director, SuperKids. Contact SuperKids at 866-944-9558 info@superkidsct.org or www.superkidsct.com.

Wed. Oct. 27, 2010: Implementing Responsible Inclusion for Middle and High School Students. 7:15 p.m., Whiting Lane School, West Hartford. Sponsored by the West Hartford SEPTA and open to the public. Presentation by Sheila Blachman, PhD, Inclusion Facilitator, Newtown Bd of Ed and teacher at the graduate school of education, St Joseph's College. contact Carrie Berman at cberman01@snet.net.

Thurs. Oct. 28, 2010: Special Needs Planning. 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., UCP of Eastern CT, 42 Norwich Road, Quaker Hill. Presented by MetLife. The workshop will educate families on the importance of planning for the future of their child or dependent with special needs and will cover topics like protecting government benefits eligibility, guardianship and conservatorship and funding options. The workshop is designed as a roundtable and there will be ample time for questions. Contact Shannon Farr at UCP at 860-443-3800 x11 or sfarr@ucpect.org.

Thurs. Oct. 28 and Fri. Oct 29, 2010: Social Thinking Workshop. Sponsored by CREC and featuring Dr. Pamela Crooke from Michelle Garcia Winner's Social Thinking Center. More information at www.crec.org/ss/divisionunits/ipm/index.php.

Sat. Oct. 30, 2010: Tools for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Norwich Free Academy, Bradlaw Building, Broadway St. Norwich. Presented by New England Assistive Technology and Resource Center (NEAT) and sponsored by Southeastern CT Autism Spectrum Association. Learn about the latest in assistive and handheld technology to support communication and social skills. Free, but registration is required, contact Joan Bachelder at 860-376-3471, bachelder@att.net or Lisa Allyn at 860-886-2001 allynls@att.net.

Mon. Nov. 1, 2010: TAAP - Treadmill for Students with Autism and Apraxia Protocol. 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., LEARN Central Office, Room 112. Hosted by LEARN. Workshop by Debra Widmer-Reyes, MSPT, Pediatric Physical Therapist. TAAP is training to facilitate visual-gross motor development, improve posture, visual field access, and visual skills of attention, tracking and imitation. Registration through LEARN at www.LEARN.k12.ct.us or call 860-434-4800. www.TAAP-Project.com for more information.

Wed. Nov 3, 2010: "Autism 101 Orientation Workshop for Parents" 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., New London Youth Affairs, 120 Broad Street, New London. For parents who have newly diagnosed children or who are interested in learning more about autism. What is autism? How is it diagnosed? Common characteristics and behaviors. Strategies, interventions and support. Presented by ASCONN. Sponsored by New London Youth Affairs, seating limited, register at 860-447-0459.

Sat. Nov. 6, 2010: Autism Resource Fair. 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m., UCONN Stamford, One University Place, Stamford. Exhibitors to include schools, advocacy organizations, private programs, therapists, diagnosticians, public and private agencies. Large bookstore. Co-Sponsored by ASCONN and CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. Free. For more information and for exhibitor registration, www.asconn.org, www.ct-asrc.org or contact Sara Reed (ASCONN) at 888-435-4975, asconn@sbcglobal.net or Lois Rosenwald (ASRC) at 203-265-7717.

Sat. Nov. 6, 2010: Sensory Friendly Films presents: "Megamind" at the AMC Movie Theaters in Danbury and Plainville. 10:00 a.m., contact the theaters for more information.

Tues. Nov 9, 2010: Additional hearing date on the proposed revisions to the CT Special Education Regulations. 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Conference Room 3 at CES, 40 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull Written comments will be accepted until December 1, 2010 and should be submitted to Theresa DeFrancis, Bureau of Special Education, PO Box 2219, Hartford, CT 06145. Go to www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/FinalnoticeforCLJ,pdf and www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Testimony.pdf for more information on the proposed changes and to read other comments.

Wed. Nov 17, 2010: Additional hearing date on the proposed revisions to the CT Special Education Regulations. 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at the State Office Building, 165 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Written comments will be accepted until December 1, 2010 and should be submitted to Theresa DeFrancis, Bureau of Special Education, PO Box 2219, Hartford, CT 06145. Go to www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/FinalnoticeforCLJ,pdf and www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Testimony.pdf for more information on the proposed changes and to read other comments.

Thurs. Nov. 18, 2010: Supporting Relationships for Infants and Young Children in the Child Welfare System: the Why and How of Home-Visiting. CT Association for Infant Mental Health fall conference. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Woodwinds, 29 Schoolhouse Road, Branford. For more information www.ct-aimh,com

Fri. Nov. 19, 2010: Sibshop. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Breakthru Fitness, 48 Union St., Stamford. Sponsored by Breakthru Fitness and Abilis. Fee. Sibshops is a social/recreational program for siblings of kids with special needs ages 6-13. During sibshops we find creative ways to reduce the stress in our lives and talk informally about what it is like to be a sibling. Register by calling or emailing Monica at 203-324-1880 x336 or smyth@abilis.us.

Mon, Nov. 22, 2010: "Bullying in the Classroom . . . and the Chat Room" 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Legislative Office Building, Hartford. Sponsored by the CT COmmission on Children. Join this important children's policy forum looking at the issue of bullying and cyberbullying and what students, parents, schools and policymakers need to do about it. With special guest, Kevin Jennings, Director, US Department of Education office of Safe & Drug Free Schools. Free but registration is required, go to www.cga.ct.gov/coc for more information and registration.

Tues. Nov. 30, 2010: "Transition From School to Adult Life" 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Thompson Public Library, 934 Riverside Drive, Rte 12, North Grosvenordale. Presented by CPAC and organized with the help of Susanne Witkowski. Parents, students and educators will better understand transition planning and how they can become more active participants in the process. Participants will gain knowledge of the legal requirements of IDEA, the availability of adult service agencies, and options for what lies ahead after high school. Registration required, contact CPAC at 800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org.

Fri. Dec. 10, 2010: Sibshop. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Breakthru Fitness, 48 Union St., Stamford. Sponsored by Breakthru Fitness and Abilis. Fee. Sibshops is a social/recreational program for siblings of kids with special needs ages 6-13. During sibshops we find creative ways to reduce the stress in our lives and talk informally about what it is like to be a sibling. Register by calling or emailing Monica at 203-324-1880 x336 or smyth@abilis.us.