November 2013 Newsletter

November 2013 Newsletter

Staff

The Hidden Curriculum workshop introduces the importance of the “hidden curriculum”–the unwritten social rules and expectations of behavior that we all know but were never taught–and how a lack of these skills impacts individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Community Resources will be doing a Hidden Curriculum workshop at no cost, Wednesday Nov. 6th from 6 - 8pm at the Kittredge Center room KC 303 at Holyoke Community College (303 Homestead Ave.) The workshop will be run by Jason Litto, autism specialist and family support manager at Community Resources.

Many individuals on the autism spectrum struggle to understand these unstated social rules. As a result, they break many social and behavioral rules without intent or knowledge that they are doing so. This, coupled with their difficulty in generalizing information from one situation to another, leads them to making the same mistakes over and over again at a tremendous social cost.

This workshop focuses on strategies and techniques that can be used to help enhance the social competency skills of children and adults so that they better understand social cues and unstated expectations, guidelines for what to do (or what not to do) in specific social situations. Friends, family members, and support persons are encouraged to attend. This workshop is free.

the Hidden Curriculum November 6th in HolyokeJaN DooDy (Ext. 111)

Director

Nikki bassette (Ext. 120)Autism Support Broker

JeN ChaNey (Ext. 123)Autism Specialist

Pamela CouChoN (Ext. 124)Autism Support Broker

JessiCa DoCkeNDorff (Ext. 110)Office Coordinator

Carla Doyle-floreNCe (Ext. 119)Autism Support Broker

NaNCy farNsworth (Ext. 113)Educational Advocate

JasoN litto (Ext. 121)Family Support Manager

maggie mCDoNalD (Ext. 115)Resource Center Coordinator

lyNN myers (Ext. 114)Autism Specialist

Pam Powell (413.443.4780 Ext. 19)Admin. Asst. Berkshires

soPhia riCe (Ext. 116)Projects Manager

gaby saNtiago (Ext. 112)Bilingual Autism Specialist

Easthampton Office: 413.529.2428Berkshire Office: 413.443.4780

Holiday Party info on Page 3

iNsiDe this issue

• Holiday Party Dec. 6th

• Halloween Wrap-up

• Yoga in the Berkshires

• Valley Gives Coming Up

• Movie in the Berks

• Advocacy at State House

• Workshops & Trainings

• Events Calendar

RSVP required for attendance, please call Maggie McDonald 413.529.2428 ext. 115 or [email protected]

Community Resources for People with autism | November 2013 Newsletter

2013 CRPA FAMILY HALLOWEEN PARTY FUN!It was a spooook-tacular evening in Eastworks on Friday, October 11th! 60 of our favorite ghouls came out in their seasonal finery for an early celebration of All Hallow’s Eve. The kids were lead in fun Halloween-themed games, sensory activities, and through the annual Haunted Passageway by our own Jason Litto

and Nikki Bassette. Sprites and goblins decorated pumpkins with Dowager (Director) Jan Doody, feasted on pizzas served by Gaby Santiago, Pam Couchon, and Maggie McDonald, and decorated cupcakes with teeth, brains, and *GASP* worms, before parading their costumes for all. We all had a blast setting up and hosting this frightful yet fun family activity. Thanks to everyone that made it out and we can’t wait to see you next year!

Movie and Meet & Greet in North Adams, UCP

Join us for a viewing of the movie “The Child King” at the North Adams Movieplex. A meet-and-greet reception with actor Peter Johnson, a Stockbridge resident who played the lead role of Jeremy, will be held at UCP’s North Adams office, located at 535 Curran Highway, on Nov. 9th at 10am, following the film. “The Child King” is a family-

themed holiday movie that chronicles the story of an older brother (Jeremy) determined to prove the existence of Santa Claus to his younger brother (Jarret), resulting in a memorable road trip full of adventure and personal discovery. For more information about the film, or to pre-order the DVD and pick it up the day of the event, contact Ctaci Jones. There is no cost to attend the movie, and there is a $5 suggested donation for the meet-and-greet reception. To register for the event and meet-and-greet reception, call Ctaci at 413-664-9345, ext. 20. LIMITED SEATING PLEASE RSVP!

Yoga in the BerkshiresClasses start Saturday Nov. 19th at 11am. This session will run for 8 weeks at UCP of the Berkshires at 208 West Street in Pittsfield, MA. Classes will be 45 minutes long and run by Paula Boyaijan-Beaudin, yoga instructor. Registration is required. $40.00 per person. This class is for children and adults (parents are welcome to attend the class also) Registration and fees must be submitted prior to the start of class. Only 20 spots are available, so register soon by sending or dropping of a check made payable to Community Resources for People with Autism. Please call Pam Powell in the Berkshire Office at 413.443.4780 ext. 19 or by emailing [email protected] to register or if you have any questions.

A pirate and her headless companion enjoying the festivities at Eastworks

Jan (The Dowager) and Gaby (Scooby Doo) having fun all dressed for the party!

www.communityresourcesforautism.org | 413.526.2428

Save The DateOur Annual Holiday Party will be here before

you know it, so be sure to mark your December calendar now!

Friday, December 6th6:00 - 8:00 PM

Eastworks Building Event Space116 Pleasant St.

(1st floor, next to Riff’s Joint)

Pot luck dinner, if your last name begins: A-L, please bring a savory dish to share!

M-Z, please bring a dessert to share!

Santa will be here for kids to visit with!

You must RSVP to Maggie McDonald at 413.529.2428 x115 or by

emailing her at [email protected]


“Seeing with a Different Eye”:Art by adults with Aspergers Syndrome

The AANE Artist’s Collaborative in conjunction with Watertown Open Studios invites you to join us for a pre-holiday art show featuring the work of adult artists with Asperger Syndrome and related autism spectrumprofiles. Come meet the artists! 100% of sales go to the artists. In 2007, the Asperger Association of New England (AANE) presented its first art show to showcase the vast talents of artists with Asperger Syndrome and related autism spectrum profiles. In 2011, the artists joined together in a Collaborative to share artistic, technical, and business knowledge in a supportive environment appreciative of unique styles and perspectives. The Collaborative endeavors to support artists in the AANE community by enabling them to showcase and sell their work on a regular basis throughout the year.

Sat & Sun, Nov. 16th & 17th, 2013 from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 51 Watertown St. Ste. 206 Watertown, MA 02472For more information contact: Tonya White 617.393.3824 ext. 44 or [email protected]

Piece by AANE Artst Collaborative member, Tom Jenks

Walk for Autism Speaks!On September 28th, Community Resources for People with Autism participated in the annual “Walk for Autism Speaks” event in Westfield. This year the event raised over $94,000 for Autism Speaks. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder. Community Resources director, Jan Doody was on hand at the event, as were autism support brokers, Nikki Bassette, Pamela Couchon and Carla Doyle-Florence (pictured above with her son, Gavin, left). Thank you everyone who came and walked or lended your support in other ways, continued efforts in the field of autism research, adovacacy, awareness and support are vital to Community Resources and the families we serve!

For more information on how to participate next year visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org or call 888.627.6227


DRIVING AUTISMAWARENESS

PlEASE hElP US

REAch oUR GoAl

of 3,000

SIGNATURES!

PlEASE SIGN UP ToDAY!

To learn more or to get involved with the campaign, please email [email protected]

www.autismspeaks.com | www.afamaction.org

Advocacy at the State House Nov. 6thOn Wednesday, November 6th at 1:00 there will be an opportunity to provide testimony at the State House in Boston regarding the recommendations for the Autism Commission report. This commission was created in 2010 with the mission “to investigate and study current support and services, identify gaps and make recommendations for strategies that will support the development of appropriate, collaborative and timely supports and services across the lifespan of individuals on the [autism] spectrum.” Community Resources is trying to get volunteers, specifically family members of individuals with autism to testify in order to show the importance of these provisions for individuals with autism and how they continue to impact the families we serve. These vignettes describe how lives have been impactedby autism, (both positively and negatively), concerns, frustrations, hopes and aspirations and will greatly impact the continuation of legislation that directly impacts the lives individuals on the spectrum. Written testimony is also appreciated. Click here to read the full commission report.If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Jan Doody by calling 413.529.2428 ext. 111 or emailing her at [email protected]

Bon-Ton Community DaysCommunity Days is a fun, rewarding event for Community Resources to increase visibility in the community and raise funds. Coupon booklets can be purchased online or directly from Community Resources for us to reach our goal of 100 booklets sold. Each $5 coupon booklet contains over $500 worth of coupons for Bon-Ton. With 100% of booklet sales benefiting Community Resources, shopping has never been so rewarding! Purchase your booklet online today by following this link www.communitydayevent.com/orglookup.php and clicking on Community Resources for People with Autism. If you have any questions or to purchase in person, call Sophia Awad Rice at 413-529-2428 x116


CommuNity resourCes November 2013

1 2

3 4 5Effective Comm. & the IEP

Whole Children at the ICC41 Russell St., Hadley

6:30 - 8:30 PM

6The Hidden Curriculum

Kittredge Center at HCC303 Homesteadt ave Holyoke

6:00 - 8:00 PM

7 8 9Camphill Village Talk

Hartsbrook School193 Bay Rd. Hadley, Ma

11:00 aM - 5:00 PM

10 11 12Spanish Support Group/Grupo de Apoyo Español

Sc@n 360Springfield, MA

11:00 aM - 1:00 PM

13Support Group for Parents of

Adults with Asperger’s Communication Therapy Assc.

15 Brewster Ct.Northampton Ma

7:00 - 9:00 PM

14 15Bon-Ton Community Days

Bon-Ton 443 East Main St.

Westfield, MA10:00 aM - 10:00 PM

Use coupons for Bonus Buys

16Bon-Ton Community Days

Self-Propelling CommunicatorJones Library

43 amity St. amherst, Ma 1:00 - 3:00 PM

17“Seeing with a Different Eye”

AANE Office52 Watertown St. Ste. 206

Watertown, Ma11:00 aM - 5:00 PM

18 19Community Pint Night

Northampton Brewery11 Brewster Ct. Northampton

all Evening

20Pittsfield Family

Support GroupUnited Cerebral Palsy

208 West StreetPittsfield, MA

5:30 - 7:00 PM

21Southern Berkshire County

Family Support GroupBerkshire Community College-South

343 Main StreetGreat Barrington, Ma

6:00 - 7:00 PM

22 23Self-Propelling CommunicatorForbes Library Community Room

20 West St.Northampton, Ma

1:00 - 3:00 PM

24 25 26Community Pint Night


all Evening

27 28 29 30

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday


CommuNity resourCes November 2013

1 2

3 4 5Effective Comm. & the IEP

Whole Children at the ICC41 Russell St., Hadley

6:30 - 8:30 PM

6The Hidden Curriculum

Kittredge Center at HCC303 Homesteadt ave Holyoke

6:00 - 8:00 PM

7 8 9Camphill Village Talk

Hartsbrook School193 Bay Rd. Hadley, Ma

11:00 aM - 5:00 PM

10 11 12Spanish Support Group/Grupo de Apoyo Español

Sc@n 360Springfield, MA

11:00 aM - 1:00 PM

13Support Group for Parents of

Adults with Asperger’s Communication Therapy Assc.

15 Brewster Ct.Northampton Ma

7:00 - 9:00 PM

14 15Bon-Ton Community Days

Bon-Ton 443 East Main St.

Westfield, MA10:00 aM - 10:00 PM

Use coupons for Bonus Buys

16Bon-Ton Community Days

Self-Propelling CommunicatorJones Library

43 amity St. amherst, Ma 1:00 - 3:00 PM

17“Seeing with a Different Eye”

AANE Office52 Watertown St. Ste. 206

Watertown, Ma11:00 aM - 5:00 PM

18 19Community Pint Night


all Evening

20Pittsfield Family

Support GroupUnited Cerebral Palsy

208 West StreetPittsfield, MA

5:30 - 7:00 PM

21Southern Berkshire County

Family Support GroupBerkshire Community College-South

343 Main StreetGreat Barrington, Ma

6:00 - 7:00 PM

22 23Self-Propelling CommunicatorForbes Library Community Room

20 West St.Northampton, Ma

1:00 - 3:00 PM

24 25 26Community Pint Night


all Evening

27 28 29 30

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday


The Hidden CurriculumThis workshop focuses on strategies and techniques that can be used to help enhance the socialcompetency skills of children and adults so that they better understand social cues and unstatedexpectations, guidelines for what to do (or what not to do) in specific social situations. Friends, familymembers and support persons are encouraged to attend.

Wednesday, Nov. 6th6:00 - 8:00 PMKittredge Center (Room KC 302), 303 Homestead Ave, Holyoke, MA

Please RSVP by Thurs, Oct. 31st to 413.529.2428 ext. 115 or [email protected]

Effective Communication & the I.E.P.This workshop offers communication skill-building and conflict resolution for parents in their roles as IEP team members. A presenter from the Federation for Children with Special Needs will conduct this workshop. Federation workshops are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, Nov. 5th6:00 - 8:00 PMThe Inclusive Community Center, 41 Russell St. Hadley, MA 01035

Please RSVP to Donna Kushi at 413.585.8010 ext. 104 or [email protected]

Your Child, Your Student: Parent Advocacy for F.A.P.E. Free Appropriate Public Education within your schools and your communities. Presented by The Center for Public Representation attorneys, Debra Dorfman and Robert Fleishner. Parents, caregivers, parent supporters, and community collaterals engaged in their child’s access to quality edication and self-advocacy skills are encouraged to attend this event. Bring your written concerns and questions. There is no cost for this event, snacks and beverages will be provided.

Wednesday, Nov. 6th10:00 Am - 12:00 PMProvidence Hospital, Gound floor conference room, 1233 Main St. (Rt. 5) Holyoke, MA

Please RSVP to Jan Lamberg, Family Support Specialist, at 413.536.2401 ext. 3002

WORkSHOPS AND TRAININGS


A talk with Richard Neal from Camphill Village in Copake, NYCamphill Village is a community of people, some with special needs, who live and work together caring for each other and the Earth. Is there a place for a Camphill community in the Pioneer Valley? Come find out why Camphill is a successful model, how it differs from other residential models, and how to start a Camphill in the Pioneer Valley. Please come with your questions. This event is sponsored by Homestead Community Farm (www.homesteadcommunityfarm.org)

Saturday, Nov. 9th11:00 AM - 12:30 PMHartsbrook School, 193 Bay Rd, Hadley, MA

Please RSVP or direct questions to [email protected]

WORkSHOPS AND TRAININGS

Couples Group of Western Mass for Neuroexceptional CouplesThe Asperger’s Association of New England (AANE) and Community Resources for People with Autism are pleased to offer a six-session support group for neuroexceptional couples (where one or both partners have Asperger’s Syndrome or a related profile). $300 per couple.

Six Wednesday sessions, meeting bi-weekly. Start date TBD.7:00 - 8:30 PMCommunity Resources for People with Autism116 Pleasant St. Ste 366, Easthampton, MA 01027 (2 of the sessions will be help in Noho)

For information or to register contact Trish Huff at 413.219.3464 or [email protected]

Things to look forward to...• CRPAHolidayParty, Fri. December 6th, 2013, Location: Eastworks Building Event Room (First floor)

• ValleyGives Fundraiser, Thurs. December 12th, 2013

• SteppingOutforAutism, Sat. February 8th, 2014

• InsightIntoAutism, Tues. March 11th, 2014, 5:30 - 8:30 PM, BCARC Social Dev. Center, Dalton

• CommunityResourcesAnnualConference, Tues. April 8th, 2014

• TheHiddenCurriculum, Wed. April 30th, 2014, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Whole Children, Hadley

For more information and events, visit our website www.communityresourcesforautism.org


Grupo de Apoyo en Español/Spanish Support Group Martes, 12 de Noviembre/Tuesday, November 12th11:00 AM - 1:00 PMSc@n 36011 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA

Por favor responda a Gaby Santiago 413.529.2428 ext. 112 o [email protected]

Pittsfield Family Support Group Wednesday, Nov. 20th5:30 - 7:00 PMUnited Cerebral Palsy208 West Street, Pittsfield, MA

Registration is required, RSVP to Pam Powell at 413.443.4780 ext/ 19 or [email protected]

Southern Berkshire County Family Support Group Thursday, Nov. 21st6:00 PM - 7:00 PMBerkshire Community College-South Campus (in the library)343 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA

Questions or if you need childcare during the meeting, please contact: Rebecca Kay at 413.274.6031

Support Group for Parents of Adults with AspergersThursday, November 14th7:00 - 9:00 PMCommunication Therapy Associates15 Brewster Ct., Northampton, MA 01060

Questions about this group? Call Abby Jaffe, CCC-SLP 413.596.1945 or email [email protected]

Western Mass Adult Discussion GroupFor adults (25+) with Asperger’s Syndrome. Meets twice a month in the Northampton-area

To join this group, please contact Trish at [email protected] for group intake prior to group attendance.

Western Mass Discussion & Support Group for Women with AS/ASDMeets quarterly in Northampton, MA

To join this group, please contact Trish at [email protected] for group intake prior to group attendance.

SUPPORT GROUPS


It’s almost that OTHER time of year again!

12 · 12 · 13www.valleygivesday.org

November 2013 Newsletter

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