Workshops & Clinics
* Registration policies below
Workshops
Parent/Professional Workshops
For parents of newly diagnosed children
AUTISM 101
This six part educational series is designed for families of newly diagnosed children, but is also open to any family who would like to learn more about living with autism. Offered twice a year, please check the calendar for dates and location
An Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Center Resources,
Presented by Sue Loring RN - Director
Let’s Get Organized
This two hour workshop will give you tools to organize your child’s numerous appointments, files and more
Presented by Barbara Donati - Family Ties
What is ABA?
An Introduction to Applied Behavioral Analysis.
Presented by Board Certified Behavior analysts from HMEA
The Parent Playbook
An overview of Special Education Law
Presented by Elaine Rabbitt Advocate
Accessing Public Supports
Accessing supports offered by public agencies. Learn about various programs and agencies that can help families meet the needs of their child. This workshop is presented monthly in addition to being part of Autism 101 Presented by Kris Gregoire - Support Specialist ARCCM
Medical Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Overview of common co-morbid conditions associated with ASD
Working with your pediatrician and a look at DAN protocols and dietary interventions,
GFCF Diet and Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
Presented by Sue Loring RN
Specialists are invited many times throughout the school year to address a variety of topics. These sessions are held in the evening and are open to parents, professionals, and college students. Scheduled workshops for 2013 include:
Floortime® for Parents
The Autism Resource Center, in conjunction with the Astra Foundation will once again be offering a course on DIR® /Floortime for Parents ,starting May 16, 2013.
DIR® is an abbreviation for Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based. DIR® is a model—a framework—for thinking about a child’s complete development, from infancy into whole joyful personhood.
While DIR® can be a helpful way to think about any child’s development, it is particularly useful in working with children with developmental delays.
In this course, we’ll discuss the basic principles of DIR®, and learn about Floortime, a strategic, emotion-driven way of playing and interacting with a child that helps a child initiate and respond at higher and higher developmental levels. We’ll also discuss the importance of understanding each child’s unique sensory profile and how to incorporate this knowledge into Floortime sessions.
Participants will be provided with a copy of The Child with Special Needs , as part of their registration fee.
Due to popular demand this course will include the opportunity for parents to have 1:1 consultation with instructor Sarah Measures on three separate dates as the program progresses
The Course will take place at the Autism Resource Center on Thursdays. Course Dates are as follows:
Thursdays from 7:00 pm—9:00 pm: May 16, 23, 30th June 6, 23, 20th
Mentoring dates: will be announced and appointments will be made in Class
To register complete the form below and return with your registration fee to the Autism Resource Center .
Fee: $25.00 for Parents registered with Autism Resource Center
$50.00 for Parents from outside the Central Massachusetts area
Register here
Tea with MD's
A Series sponsored by CANDI, The Autism Resource Center and PAL And Centro Las Americas features physicians from UMass Medical Center addressing concerns of families raising children with autism spectrum disorders and other mental health disorders.
For More information click here.
Clinics
Open to families who have children who are DDS or Autism Division eligible, parents meet with a ARCCM Staff for an hour to discuss challenges they are having teaching their child with ASD activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, toileting and more, and leave with a written plan of action. Clinics take place at The Autism Resource Center or DDS Family Support Centers. By appointment Contact the resource center for appointment time.
IEP Clinics
Open to families who have children who are DDS or Autism Division eligible, parents meet with trained Special Education Advocate for an hour to review their child's IEP, to receive assistance and guidance on special education law procedures to request change in plans, and leave with a written plan of action. Clinics take place at The Autism Resource Center or DDS Family Support Centers. Check calendar for dates and locations, registration is required contact the resource center for appointment time.
Visual Clinics
Open to families who have children who are DDS or Autism Division eligible, families may book a session at anytime at The Autism Resource Center to meet with a staff member to create visual systems to improve their child's access to communication utilizing Boardmaker, Visual Essentials and other software. Materials available to create boards, and portable communication systems. Clinics also scheduled at DDS Family Support Centers across the region. By Appointment Contact the resource center for appointment time.
Swim and Safety Program
Taught by Red Cross Water Safety Instructors this 4 week course for children with autism and a parent is offered at local gym’s and pools. Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children with ASD. This program teaches children how to be drown proof, floating on their backs and taught parents how to safely rescue their child in the water should they need without having the child panic. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.
Conference Grants
Parents who are members of the Center may apply once a year for funding up to $250.00 to attend a conference on autism in the community. Parents may call 508-298-1605 to inquire if a conference is eligible for funding. Only the fee for a conference will be covered,if a conference fee is greater than $250.00 the parent will be responsible to pay the remainder.
maximum grant is $250.00 / per person attending for registration fee only; funds can not be applied to ancillary expenses or CEU’s . Limit one conference / person /year. The fee will be paid directly to the conference vendor. Applicant must secure a W-9 from vendor and submit to ARCCM 4 weeks before event for payment to be made. There is a fixed amount allocated for this program. Applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis.
Family Conference Grant Application
* Participation in activities is limited to families who are registered with the Autism Resource Center and all activities require prior registration through our registration page. Registration closes at 2 PM the last business day before an event unless otherwise specified. For many activities space is limited and registration will close when the event is fully subscribed.
Those who register for an event and fail to participate will be placed on a wait list status for six months for all activities and be allowed to participate only if there is space available. Acceptable excuses for missing an activity include illness, lack of transportation and other unforseen circumstances, but we require notification via e-mail as soon as it becomes evident that your family will be unable to attend.
