We are
families and professionals strengthened by the experience of
Autism in our lives, dedicated to supporting individuals with ASD and their families. Our commitment to sharing knowledge,
information, and enhancing skills will enable persons with
autism to live satisfying and fulfilling lives within the
community.
These services are provided to over 1,800 families of children and adults with Autism, Aspergers Syndrome and PDD-NOS who live in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The following services and resources are
provided at no cost to: parents, family members, professionals,
and interested community members, in our service region. They are offered at a nominal fee to those outside our region.
Infomational Resources: Staff members are generally available Monday through Friday to talk to parents, family members and professionals. We will do our very best to answer your questions, and to find the information and or resources that you need.
Clinics: We offer parents and professionals the opportunity to make a PRIVATE APPOINTMENTs with one of the professionals on our staff. During the clinic you are able to discuss and receive advice about a specific need or circumstance relating to a child or an adult with ASD. Including but not limited to: IEP review, IEP planning, communication, social, sensory, behavior and education issues. These private appointments are held at seven satellite locations: Thayer Public Braintree, Attleboro Public Library, Hopewell Associates, Mattapoisett, Carver Public Library, Children Making Strides, Pocasset, The Brockton ARC and at our office in Swansea
Visual System Clinics: These special clinics
offered parents and professionals to opportunityto design a specific visual system that is individualized to the
person and their needs. A “make and take” clinic, the parent or professional helps design
and create the visual system and is trained in its use during the clinic time.
Computer Clinics & Computer Labs: The clinics
offer those who have little or noexperience with the programs and technology used to create
visual systems, training in the basic skills need to create systems of their own. The computer
labs are a designated time for parents and professionals to design visual systems of their own
using our library of software and laptop computers.
Courses and On the Road Courses: We currently offer a wide variety of that range from an introductory level course on ASD to more intermediate courses at the location of your choice or at Community Autism Resources.
Circle of Friends: COF Is a small structured forum for children with Aspergers Syndrome or Autism to interact with typically developing peers in mutually satisfying ways with the support of an adult facilitator.
The Gathering for Grandparents: A special brunch
for grandparents only, which includes a presentation by a speaker in the autism field. This event is
held every spring and fall.
Fun Friday Groups: These groups, individualized by age and ability level. They offer a wide variety of fun experiences for children through young adult, as well as the opportunity to socialize in a fun and relaxed setting.
A
Conversation With:This event is a 2-hour topic specific presentation, given by atop professional in the field. It is held 3 times a year each time in a different geographic location in our region.
Family Field Trips: Welllspring Farm, Family Hay Ride and Hot Dog Roast, Edaville Railroad, Family Movie Days and Mystic Aquarium are just a few of the field trips we have offered families.
Family Drumming: Held many times a year all throughout our region this yearly event is a “hands on” participatory experience for children and adults with autism, their family and friends. Facilitated by Bob Bloom, certified “Master Teaching Artist” participants learn many rhythms, as they play a beautiful array of drums and percussion instruments.
The Interchange:Tri-yearly newsletter, also available in E mail-format.
Special Events for Brothers and Sisters: These include THE KIDS’ CONNECTION, A
Young Writers Workshop, and a class in Scrap-booking their
special memories.
Informational Packets: Currently we have information packets on 25 specific topics
related to ASD. If the information you require is not currently
in our list we will research and compile the information that
you need.
Library: Our library consists of books audiotapes and
videotapes.
Referrals to: ABA Therapist, Advocates, Art Therapists, Aspergers Specialists
& School programs, Assistive Technology Consultants, Attorneys
(Special Education Law) and Pro Bon Attorneys, Autism Spectrum Consultants
(typically these are Ph.D's and Me. D's that specialize in issue
relating directly to having Autism) ,
Collaborative Education Programs, Communication Evaluations,
Counselors (family), DAN Protocol Practioners (MA, CN, RI, NH), Dance Therapists,
Dentists, Diagnostic Evaluation Centers,
Home Health Care/Home Therapy, Independent Living Agencies, Music Therapists, Neurologists,
Nuerofeedback practitioners, Neurophysiologists, Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder Specialists, Occupational Therapy/Sensory Integration
Evaluations & Services, Pediatricians (who are parent
friendly and open minded regarding the biomedical implication of
ASD, Pediatric Specialty Care
Clinics/Hospitals, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Recreation
Programs, Social Skills
Groups, Specialty Providers (specifically for children under 3), Support Groups, Visual Perceptual
Testing.
The
following services and resources are offered at a nominal fee:
Parent’s Retreat… Reflecting on the Journey: A
special overnight opportunity for parents to get
together, network with other families and share experiences.
The ASD Symposium: Held each March in Providence RI
Full Day Conferences with national speakers: on specific topics related to ASD, including:
Integrated Play Groups Seminar; and Visual Systems For Improving
Communication and Behavior and Gentle Teaching