Unraveling the Intricacies of Asperger's Syndrome: June 22, July 27, August 10, 2013, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Lynnfield. With Dr. Ryan Plosker, Executive Director and Founder of New England Academy.

June 22, 2013: Session I: Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: History and Background, Understanding the spectrum of Developmental Disabilities, Case and treatment examples about the differences on the spectrum, Developmental Stages,  Case and treatment examples at each developmental level

July 27, 2013: Session II: The Core Neurological Characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome:  Cognitive and Neurological Characteristics of the Asperger's Child, Social Characteristics of the Asperger's Child, Language Characteristics of the Asperger's Child, Treatment examples, Understanding and managing the executive functioning deficits

August 10, 2013: Session III: Strategies, Planning and Success: Successful treatment strategies and approaches, Future planning, Transition planning, College and career options.

Fees apply for workshops. For more information contact nkachinski@bridgewell.org or call 339-883-2120

Did your child recently receive a New ASD Diagnosis? Here is a workshop to learn about autism spectrum disorders: June 18, 2013, 6:30-8 p.m., Lurie Center, Lexington, MA. Topics include:
• What is Autism?
• What does this diagnosis mean for my family?
• What should I do now?
• What information and support is available?
Please RSVP to luriecenter@partners.org

 The DSM-5 Changes & Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders:  June 19th, 2013, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Danvers. With Boston Children's Hospital specialists Dr. Sara Spence, Department of Neurology and Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, and member of the DSM-5 work group on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, and Dr. Nancy Sullivan, Staff Psychologist in Developmental Medicine. DSM-5 is the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This discussion will cover the upcoming DSM-5 changes, facts, information , misinformation, the new diagnostic criteria and the implications of many of the changes. Free but registration is required to sgilroy@ne-arc.org or 978-624-2302.  
 

 Medical Issues in Autism Spectrum Disorders: June 12, 2013, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton. Dr. Ann Neumeyer, a Neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Medical Director at the Lurie Center for Autism, will discuss what autism is and the medical conditions that can affect children with autism — such as sleep disorders, seizures, and gastrointestinal disease, along with methods for detecting and understanding these conditions. Free and open to the public but registration is required to www.cooley-dickinson.org/classes or 888.554.4234. This event is part of the The Cooley Dickinson/Massachusetts General Hospital Lecture Series

Learn How To Create Visual Supports & Social Stories: May 22, 2013, 6:30-8:00 pm, Spaulding Outpatient Center for Children, Lexington. Kristina Duggan, the AAC Program Coordinator at Spaulding Lexington, will give an introductory session for parents, caregivers, and teachers of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Focus will be on how to create and use visuals for schedules, social stories, and positive behavior supports. Examples will be provided, and the benefits of visual supports will be discussed. Online resources and iPad applications will also be presented. To RSVP contact 781.860.1742 luriecenter@partners.org

 May Institute Workshop - How to Effectively Access Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts: May 15th, 2013, Leominster, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Learn about insurance options for children and adults with ASD across the lifespan, updates on ARICA (the Massachusetts Autism Law), etc. Moderator will be Hanna C. Rue, Exe. Director of the National Autism Center and Vice President of Autism Services at the May Institute. Panelists will be from the Mass. Department of Developmental Services, Health Care for All, Health Law Advocates, and the Autism Insurance Resource Center. Free and open to the public. Register at www.leominsterlibrary.org or call 978-534-7522 x 114.

 Essential Techniques for Fostering Teens' Independence: May 7, 2013, 7 – 9 p.m., Watertown. School Consultant Lynne Mitchell will discuss how as teens move through middle and high school, they need to become more independent and responsible within the family, at school and out in the broader community. This class will focus on specific strategies you can begin implementing immediately, to help your teen develop into a more independent, engaged, confident, and responsible adult. Fees Apply, no walks ins. Contact 617.393.3824 or www.aane.org 
 

 Understanding Asperger Syndrome: Interventions and Strategies for Parents: May 13, 2013, 7 - 9:30 p.m. Watertown. Nancy Schwartz, Adjunct Trainer at AANE, will talk with families of newly diagnosed children or teens, describes in detail and through real-life examples some of the most common characteristics of AS. It also includes basic information about behavioral issues, parenting strategies, disclosure and school concerns. It offers "first step" help for parents as they begin their journeys as parents of wonderfully quirky, socially awkward, sometimes precocious, often challenging children with AS. Fees Apply, no walks ins. Contact 617.393.3824 or www.aane.org

 Innovations & Collaborations in Autism Research & Clinical Care at the Autism Consortium's 2012 Research Symposium. October 24, 2012, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Martin Conference Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston. Free but registration is required. The Symposium is for families, advocates, scientists, and clinicians, and will also host a Research & Resource Fair with information booths featuring local autism programs and information on enrolling in the latest research studies. Speakers are from Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, Harvard Medical School, Autism Speaks, Simons Center for the Social Brain at MIT, Boston Children's Hospital and more.
For more information visit the Autism Consortium's website or call 617.432.6961 or email autismconsortium@hms.harvard.edu

 Adult Aspergers & Related Conditions Conference: July 20th, 2013, Lasall College, Newton. The Jody Acford Spirit Conference Know Yourself: The Key to a Better Life is for adults (post high school and older) with AS/related conditions Newton. This Aspergers Association of New England’s (AANE) Annual Conference features Keynote speaker Ari Ne'eman with The Autism Spectrum in the 21st Century: Where We've Been, Where We Are and Where We're Going

Workshops include:
- Affordable Care Act & ASD
- Self Advocacy in a Marriage or Relationship
- Personal Self Advocacy
- Work/Employment
- Stress Management & Coping Skills
- And much more.
 For more information visit the AANE’s events page or 617.393.3824

 Brookline Police & Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation Community Day: June 15th, 2013, 10:00 a.m., Brookline Fire Department- Station Six 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Open House for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other related developmental disabilities and their families and/or caregivers. Meet local First Responders find out how to best prepare for emergency situations involving your loved one diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other related developmental disabilities. This event is being sponsored by The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc, and is collaborative effort between the ALEC Program of The Arc of South Norfolk, Brookline Police Department, Brookline Fire Department, Fallon Ambulance, and Till, Inc. Pre-registration is required. to Sgt. Jennifer Paster, Brookline Police Department at 617.264.-6437 or jpaster@brooklinema.gov 

 "Making Peace with Autism" Author in Hopedale: May 28th, 2013, SenseAbility Gym, Hopedale. Susan Senator, activist and mother of three boys, her oldest with severe autism, is also the author The Autism Mom's Survival Guide, Making Peace with Autism and Dirt,  and the blog susansenator.com. Susan will be informally discussing her life, your life and any questions, advice, support you might need around transitioning to adult services, hope restoration, parental empowerment, troubleshooting, and finding resources. To register to this event, please visit register The SenseAbility Gym's registration page.

 Autism Conference “Awareness, Education and Action": May 15^th, 2013, Franklin, MA. Keynote speaker is Dr. David Cochran, Assistant Medical Director for the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorder (CANDO) and researcher in the Child and Adolescent Neurodevelopment Initiative (CANDI). Workshops include:
•  Let’s Get Organized, with Barbara Donati from Family Ties and the Federation for Children with Special Needs
•  Technology for Autism Now, with Marie Duggan, Founder and President of Technology 4 Autism Now
•  Parenting the Anxious Child, with Nadine Briggs from Socially Smart Kids
•  ASD & Self-Advocacy: Experiences with Mindfulness and Yoga, with Karen Boyd from the Asperger’s Association of New England’s Speakers’ Bureau
•  Accessing Public Supports, Kristen Finne Gregoire, Autism Support Broker
•  No Sibling Left Behind, with Cynthia Haddadis of the Massachusetts Sibling Support Network
•  New Perspectives on Neuro-Developmental Disorders, Dr. Howard Goldberg, author of Disconnected Kids, will discuss Neurodevelpmental disorders, such as ASD, ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia and learning disabilities based
•  Prevention & Reduction of Challenging Behaviors, with Bill Holcomb, of the New England Center for Children
• Social Media to Access Local Disability Resources with Sharon Riddle, founder and director of the Social Media site www.spedchildmass.com
For more information contact 508-473-5700, Ext. 204 or email mschneier@kdc.org

 Boston Children’s Hospital study on ASD Children: Looking for 12-year-old children who have been diagnosed with high functioning autism spectrum disorder or Asperger’s disorder. Children should be able to sit still for 20-30 minutes at a time and cannot have a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder, neurological abnormalities, or uncorrected vision problems. Participation involves one visit the lab in the Longwood Medical Area. There will be free parking, $10 reimbursement for travel, and complimentary childcare for siblings who you may wish to bring. Children who participate will receive a cash prize. For more information, please contact Rhiannon Luyster, PhD at 857-218-5209 or rhiannon.luyster@childrens.harvard.edu .

Massachusetts General Hospital Autism Study: If you think your child ages 6 - 17 may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, Struggles to Communicate, or Acts Out and Seems Moody, they can take part in an Autism Study on Fish Oil Supplements: For more information contact Ashley at 617.503.1008
Other MGH Studies include:
- For in children between the ages of 6 and 17 with Autism Spectrum Disorder to see if a medication has any effect on anxiety symptoms. For more information call Rachel at 617.503.1061
- A medication study for Autism Spectrum adults ages 18 - 50 to address communication, making decisions and remembering things. For more information call Rachel at 617.503.1061

Autism Insurance Law (ARICA): June 5th, 2013, Whitcomb Middle School Library Time, 7:00 p.m., Marlborough. Free and open to the public. Speaker Amy Weinstock is the Director of the Autism Insurance Reform Center and has an extensive background on insurance issues related to autism. Ms. Weinstock played a key role in passing the autism insurance legislation in MA, also known as ARICA. This workshop is designed to help parents better understand the law and how it can help them better access services for their children. Register to proteau@comcast.net or morticelli@comcast.net

 Special Education Law & Autism Spectrum Disorders: March 19th, 2013, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Watertown, MA. Representatives from Massachusetts Advocates for Children will help you understand the rights and procedures that ensure that children with Autism Spectrum Disorders receive educational opportunities reflecting competency and potential. Questions to be covered include:
• What is the difference between a 504 and an IEP and which one is best for my child?
• Is my child eligible for an IEP if he/she has no academic challenges?
• What do I do if I do not agree with the findings of my school system’s evaluation of my child?
• How does a student qualify for Extended School Year Services?
• What is meant by “effective annual progress”?
• How can I use the Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Law to protect my child?
• When should I reject an IEP and what happens next?
This is a general discussion so personal stories won’t be discussed in detail. Fees apply. To register contact 617.393.3824, ext. 10, or visit the Aspergers Association of New England (AANE). 

 ACT Today! SOS Autism Grant Program: ACT Today! SOS Grant Program is for individuals and families diagnosed with autism who may be in immediate personal danger or harm, and is designed to provide immediate support based upon need and the program funds available.
ACT Today! SOS Program Application Process
• Email SOSProgram@act-today.org with Name, address & age of applicant (or call 1-877-922-8863)
• Family Income from most recent tax forms
• List the support requested, provider & cost of the support (maximum $5,000)
• Up to a 200 word description of why your request requires immediate assistance and cannot wait for the next quarterly grant cycle.
• ACT Today! SOS Program cannot fund living expenses, travel, utilities or clothing
• Income level of the applicant’s family must be below $45,000/year
• Applicant may not have received support from ACT Today! within the past 12 months of applying
For more information on the request and grant approval process, please visit
the ACT Today! SOS Program   

ACT Today! Quarterly Grants & ACT Today! Grants for Military Families: ACT Today! is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides autism grants for assessments, treatments, and life supports that may not otherwise be covered privately by school districts, county programs, insurance, and/or other grant making entities.

Application Criteria:
• The application must be completed in its entirety to be reviewed.

• Amount of grant request – Typical grants awarded range between $100 - $5,000.

• Household income – Incomes below $100,000 per year are reviewed first.

• Type of treatment requested
• Numbers of family members with ASD diagnosis
Grant application deadlines:
January 1st - 31st, 2013
April 1st – 30th, 2013
July 1st – 31st, 2013
October 1st – 31st, 2013
For more information visit
http://act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php
http://act-today.org/act-today-grant-faq.php