The Spectrum
The Spectrum is a monthly electronic publication of the Autism Support
Center. This newsletter is published to inform parents and professionals
of resource information, upcoming events, and other autism-related
topics. ASC is funded primarily by the Mass. Dept. of Developmental
INFORMED. EMPOWERED. CONNECTED.
Services. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the funding source. ASC
does not endorse any product, service or theory referred to in this newsletter. Articles, resources and announcements are included for information only.
Anyone wishing to contribute information for this newsletter should send
it to asc@ne-arc.org or to our mailing address Parent contributions are
encouraged. Announcements are included as space is available.
The Autism
Support Center
is celebrating
23 years of
supporting and
empowering
families in
northeastern
Massachusetts.
VOLUME 23 The Autism Support Center
The Spectrum
PLEASE CONTACT
Autism Through My Lens
ASC AT 978-777-9135
OR VISIT HTTP://NE-ARC.ORG/SERVICES/AUTISM-SERVICES/
Contact us:
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
SUSAN GILROY
CO-DIRECTOR
978-624-2302
GLORIA RICARDI CASTILLO
CO-DIRECTOR
978-624-2301
6 SOUTHSIDE ROAD, DANVERS MA 01923
ISSUE 12 JUNE 2015
WHITNEY RYAN POSADA
SENIOR COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-2305
ALLIE KEOUGH
COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-3721
STACEY CRUWYS
COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-2347
The film “Autism through My Lens” was shown recently at the Bright Family Screening room to an enthusiastic crowd of 129 people. The film is a collaboration between
Emerson College and the Spotlight Program of the Northeast Arc, which provides
social skills training for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and
other social communication deficits. The screening of this film marked the conclusion of
a year-long project following several teens enrolled in the program as they used improv
and theater techniques to explore how they relate to their diagnosis, difficult social experiences, and self-advocacy. Students from Visual Media Arts and Communication
Sciences Disorders collaborated to work with the teens at Spotlight in weekly sessions
and create an hour-long documentary that had the audience enthralled, culminating in a
standing ovation and repeated rounds of applause as the teens came forward to answer
questions from the audience and articulate their very positive impressions of the film
and the year-long project. The project was funded by a grant from the Emerson Consumer Awareness Project, awarded to Ruth Grossman in Communication Sciences and
Disorders and director of the FACE Lab, which explores issues of social communication
in children with autism spectrum disorder.
After the screen, the cast and
crew got together for a group
shot (left). They are (back row,
L-R): Yuval Shapira, VMA,
editor/director, Jarryd Alfaro,
VMA, videographer, Jason,
Adam, Nick, Brendan. Front
row, L-R: Ryan, Carrie Breaux,
Director of the Spotlight Program, Nikola, Ali Forman, CSD,
support counselor, Carla Castillo, Spotlight instructor, Kevin
Pasternak, CSD, support counselor, Ruth B Grossman, CSD,
Director of the FACE Lab,
Sharane Connell, Spotlight
instructor (crouched in front).
IT’S A FACT:
SIBSHOPS
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Sibshops Sibling Support Group
for youth ages 12-15
Fridays
6:30—8:00
June 26, 2015—Movie Night: The DUFF—6 Southside Rd,
Danvers
July 31, 2015—Pizza and Videogame Night—6
Southside Rd, Danvers
August 28, 2015—Ice Cream Social—6
Southside Rd, Danvers
Cost: $15 per event
Come To One To One or Come To Them All!
Space is limited! To register, please contact
Virginia Flister 978-624-2380 or Vfllister@nearc.org
Group Topics Include:
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Getting to know the group
Sharing and relating to one another
Learning about your sibling’s strengths and challenges
Coping with stress and strong emotions
Responding to questions about your sibling
MEET THE NEWEST
MEMBER OF OUR TEAM!
My name is Stacey Cruwys and I am thrilled to be joining the Autism
Support Center team as a Broker/Coordinator. I have spent the past
nine years working with children on the Autism spectrum and their families as the Assistant Director of The Spotlight Program, a drama-based
social pragmatics program for youth with social-emotional challenges
that is also housed here at the Northeast Arc. I’m looking forward to
continuing to offer support to families navigating the waters of autism in
my current role, and I look forward to meeting the parents, caregivers
and children that look to ASC for assistance.
Prior to working with the Northeast Arc, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in
Psychology from NYU and my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. I spent five years working with adolescent girls
at the Germaine Lawrence residential facility, specifically with those
faced with substance abuse issues, as well as in the diagnostic assessment unit.
I am a wife and the mother of two small children, ages 4 months and 2 ½ years, who attend the amazing First
Steps day care right here in my office building. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, cooking, reading, and catching
up on TV and movies (when I have the chance).
The Autism Support Center has been such a wonderful resource for families for over twenty years and I am privileged to now have the opportunity to work with them directly. Here’s to an exciting new adventure!
Acton
ASC Sponsored; Target Group: Mandarin-speaking parents.
Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St (Rt. 27) Acton; bimonthly meetings TBA; Parent facilitator: Wen Li
Contact ASC 978-777-9135 or asc@ne-arc.org for info.
ASC sponsored; Target Group: Spanish-speaking parents
of children with disabilities
Community Action Program, 112 East Haverhill St., Lawrence; 2nd Friday, 9:30-11:30am
Contact facilitator Gloria Castillo 978-624-2301 or gcastillo@ne-arc.org
Danvers
Lynn
Family Resource Center sponsored; Target
group: Spanishspeaking parents of
children with disabilities
Contact: Aymee
Lucifora 978-6242381
Danvers
AANE/ASC sponsored; Adults with Asperger’s
Pizza and Game Night
6 Southside Road, Danvers, 1st Thursday, 6-8 pm
$12 for pizza, salad, dessert, beverage. Prior registration
required.
Facilitator: Gail Kastorf 617-393-3824
Danvers
AANE/ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of adults
with Asperger’s
6 Southside Rd, Danvers; 2nd Thursdays, 6:30 to 8pm
Facilitator: Gail Kastorf 617-393-3824
Fee: $90 for 6 sessions, $45 for 2nd parent of same
adult
Danvers
ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of children under 5
6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Thursday, 5:307pm
Contact: Gloria Ricardi
Castillo at 978-624-2301
Danvers
ASC/AANE sponsored;
Target Group: Adults
(18+) with Asperger’s
syndrome
6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3RD Thursdays,
6:45 to 8:00pm
Contact facilitator Gail
Kastorf at 617-393-3824
or gail.kastorf@aane.org
Lawrence
Newburyport
ASC sponsored;
Target Group: Parents of children
with ASD
Newburyport 5 Cents Savings Bank,
State St, Newburyport; 2nd Thurs., 7
p.m. Parent facilitator: Nancy Lucier
Contact: Susan Gilroy at 978-624-2302 or sgilroy@ne-arc.org
Reading
ASC sponsored; Target: parents of children with
ASD
Reading Senior Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading;
Date: TBA
Parent facilitator: Kim Gargano
RSVPl kimgargs@yahoo.com or call 1-781-526-9171
IT’S A FACT:
African Drum
Class
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Where words end, music begins
Kites at the Beach!
A Special Drum Class for Special Needs
Northeast Arc in collaboration with Kites Over New England
May 21-June 25; Thursdays 4:30 to 5:30
INSPIRE US studio, 161 Eastern Ave Unit 4, Lynn
Contact: Cindy Armano, DC, 781-864-3054
Or djembeinspiration@gmail.com
Playing the Djembe offers a unique, fun way to
interact with others and the world in a nonverbal way. It encourages social interacon within
a group and students gain confidence and pride
in themselves as sounds, rhythms and relaonships are created. With his kind, fun-loving paent personality Mamadous' classes are well received by children, adults,
the elderly and his Special Needs students. It is through his
desire to serve and the special joy that comes from giving to
his present special needs drummers, that this program has
evolved.
MUSIC CLASSES
The Real School of Music is pleased to announce the launch of our new program: Reach for Real, Adaptive Music
Programs! Our group music and theatre classes are for those with developmental, physical, and intellectual disabilities. The goal of Reach 4 Real is to enhance the life experiences of those with Special Needs through music enrichment. We offer affordable onsite and offsite classes for ages elementary through adult, which we pair with live performance opportunities. Through innovative experimental learning, students develop creative ways to (a) express
their feelings, (b) develop social relationships, and (c) improve communication skills. Students learn individually,
but in a group setting, through the creation of original pieces from the pop, rock, or musical theatre genre. They will
write, rehearse, and choreograph the numbers, culminating in an exciting live performance for friends, family, and
the general public. All Reach for Real programs are customizable to fit your needs. Please let us know how we can
best serve you.
Pilot Class Schedule: Every Thursday starting July 9 through August 6; 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Elementary - Jr. High; 5:45 PM 6:45 PM High School - Adult. All Pilot Classes held at 3 Dundee Park Drive, Andover, MA. 01840
Cost: $25.00 per class, $125.00 for all five weeks. Be one of the first 20 students to enroll and receive $25/class pilot class pricing for all future Reach for Real programs! For more information:
(888) 881-REAL X1277 kelly.surette@therealschoolofmusic.com
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
IT’S A FACT:
Ask the
Advocate
Question: “My daughter is on an IEP and I think
she could benefit from an Assistive Technology
Assessment, can the school refuse my request?”
THE HEALTH U. RESEARCH
STUDY
Parents, are you looking for a way for your adolescent with intellectual disabilities to:
Eat Healthier Foods?
♦ Become more physically active?
♦ Lose weight?
Answer: Yes
The school district can refuse but must provide you with the reason for that action in writing.
♦
Learn more about Health U.!
If you need an advocate, please call our Advocacy
Intake Coordinator at: 1-978-762-8352
Northeast Arc and the E.K.Shriver Center invite you to a 1 hour informational workshop about Health
U. which will include a sampling of activities. Join us and see if the Health U. Research Study is right
for your family!
When: Saturday, June 6 at 11am
Where: Northeast Arc, 6 Southside Road, Danvers
RSVP: Kathy Kelly 978-762-3980 by June 5th.
AUTISM EATS
LAWRENCE MOTHERS’ LUNCHEON
Autism Eats
At
Polcari’s Restaurant
309 Montvale Ave, Woburn
Private Room
Kids Eat Free!!
June 9, 6:00 to 8:30 pm
Autism Eats provides autism-friendly non-judgmental environments
for family dining, socializing and connecting with others who share
similar joys and challenges.
Visit www.AutismEats.org for more information and to purchase
tickets for your family dinner buffet.
Gloria Ricardi Castillo joined some of
the members of the Lawrence Spanishspeaking support group for a recent
Mothers’ Day Luncheon.
IT’S A FACT:
Northeast Arc is the fourth largest Arc in the coun-
Sensory friendly
movies at AMC
theatres
Join AMC Theatres and the Autism Society special showings of
the following movies. Movies will be shown at 10 a.m. local time in
participating theatres nationwide.
Saturday, June 27, 2015 - INSIDE OUT
Saturday, July 18, 2015 - MINIONS
Local theatres:
AMC Burlington, 20 South Ave, Burlington
AMC Braintree, 12 Grandview Road, Braintree
AMC Framingham 15, 22 Flutie Pass, Framingham,
Mass. 17014
AMC Tyngsboro 12, 440 Middlesex Road Tyngsboro,
Mass. 01879
AMC Loews Methuen 20, 90 Pleasant Valley St. Methuen, Mass.
01844
AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to
bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.
PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL THEATER TO CONFIRM
DATE, TIME & PRICES.
This is NOT an ASC program!
AUGUST VACATION WEEK
SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM 978-624-2335
The Spotlight Program is offering social skills
programs for the week of August 17 to 21.
On Cue: For kids 6-9, a therapeuc play-based
friendship skills group will be held 9am to
12noon. Tuion is $400.
Social Scenes: for youth 9-22, atherapeuc
drama-based social pragmacs groups will be
held 9am to 2pm. Tuion is $650.
For more informaon or to register, call Chris
Curn at 978-624-2335.
MOTHERS’ RETREAT
All shows are at 10:00 am local time. Dates and films are subject to change.
During a
IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Autism Insurance
Update
The Autism Insurance Resource Center has developed a tool to help you determine if your health insurance provides coverage autism-related treatment.
This tool helps determine if a person's current insurance is subject to the Massachusetts Autism Insurance Law (aka ARICA). ARICA
requires insurance to cover medically necessary treatment for autism, including but
not limited to, Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA) therapy. This tool, as well as their
technical assistance and other resources,
are available at no charge to the user. Go to http://
amicovered.disabilityinfo.org/
The Autism Insurance Resource Center is a resource for consumers, providers, clinicians, employers, and educators on issues related to medical insurance for autism treatment. You may call 800642-0249 or email info@disabilityinfo.org
AANE CONFERENCE FOR
ADULTS
Asperger/Autism Network presents
The Jody Acford Spirit Conference 2015
Managing an Anxious Mind
Co-sponsored by the Northeastern University Disability Resource Center
June 13, 2015; Fee: $50
Northeastern University, Egan Research Center
360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA
The Jody Acford Spirit Conference 2015 -- Managing an Anxious Mind -- is AANE's ninth
annual conference designed for adults (post-high school and older) with AS and related
autism spectrum profiles. This year our conference is being co-sponsored by the Northeastern University Disability Resource Center. The conference combines a diverse program of workshops with networking and social connection. We look forward to seeing you
there! Contact: Karen Doran, Asperger/Autism Network karen.doran@aane.org or
617-393-3824 x10
Rec & Leisure Programs
BY ADAM QUINN, DIRECTOR
Zumba Dance Exercise Class
Ages: 14+
Fee: $65
Location: Northeast Arc Center for Excellence, Danvers MA
Time: Tuesdays 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join us as we take the "work" out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity ADAPTIVE
moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance
fitness party. Once the Latin and World rhythms take
over, you'll see why Zumba Fitness classes are often
called exercise in disguise. Super effective and really
fun!
Golf Class For All Skill Levels!
Ages: 13+
Fee: $90.00 / 8 weeks (Includes clubs, Basket of
balls, mini golf)
Location: Paradise Family Golf, Middleton MA
Time: Tuesday's 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Have you always wanted to learn how to play golf??
This is the perfect class to do so! We will be meeting
at "Paradise Family Golf Center" to learn proper
swing techniques, putting, driving and chipping. Mini
golf games are included and don't forget money for
ICE CREAM! Don't miss this!
Adult Yoga
Ages: 18 + years
Fee: $65.00
Location: Northeast Arc Center for Excellence, Danvers MA
Time: Wednesday's 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Join Kayla Lemieux, yoga teacher and manager of
Treetop Yoga Studio, for this fun, challenging, all levels yoga class. Students will learn basic yoga
postures to increase overall health and wellness. We
will also explore how breathing and meditation techniques can be used both on and off the yoga mat to
calm our minds and release tension. Students will be
encouraged to challenge themselves while staying
safe in their bodies and maintaining a lighthearted,
playful approach.
Sports and Games Class
Ages: 13+ years
Fee: $65.00
Location: Please contact 978-624-2308 for more info
Time: Please contact 978-624-2308 for more info
Let's play some games! We will be going through a
whole variety of fun games and different sports each
week. We will be able to play outdoors and on basketball courts throughout the session, so get ready to
put your game face on!
To sign up for these programs or for information
on the array of other offerings, please contact Recreation@ne-arc.org or call (978) 6242308 Adam Quinn, Director of Recreation and
Leisure, Northeast Arc, (978) 624-2308
AQuinn@ne-arc.org