1 in 54: Autism Spectrum Resources for Families
NEWS! The U.S. Center for Disease Control has released its most recent statistics for autism rates. The new statistics show 1 in 54 children in the United States is on the autism spectrum. The rate is 4.3 times higher among boys than girls. The rate for ASD in boys is 1 in 34. The rate for girls is 1 in 145. (2016)
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 54 children in the United States is on the autism spectrum. Youth Services Staff has compiled a list of autism spectrum resources for families. The best place to start, if you suspect your child might be on the spectrum, is to have your child screened. The earlier your child starts therapies, the better. If your child is under age three there are two local agencies, Mentor South Bay Early Intervention and Thom Anne Sullivan Center, that provide screening services. If your child is age three or older, contact the Lowell Public Schools for assistance.
Information contained on this web page does not constitute library endorsement of a treatment, agency or advocacy group. The library maintains that it is up to the parent/legal guardian to determine proper treatment for his/her child. This web page is solely a place of information for the huge array of materials related to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
If your family uses a service or has a favorite autism spectrum web site that is not listed, please let us know so we can share with others in the community. Contact Molly Hancock, Coordinator of Youth Services at mhancock@lowelllibrary.org.
Articles of Interest
Most kids on the spectrum enjoy their screen time. Here is an article from the web site, Allconnect, about Internet safety especially for Autism families.
Here’s an online article from a Speech Pathology Master’s Program website, “Tips for Speech Therapy at Home for Children with Autism.”
News
Upcoming Events in the Library
Upcoming Events and Opportunities in the Community
Lowell Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Lowell Sped PAC)
The Lowell Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Sped PAC) is an organization run by parents of children receiving special education services through the Lowell School Department. It was created to share information about special education and promote understanding between parents and the school department.
All meetings are on Thursday evenings beginning at 7:00 pm. The meetings are being held remotely, with each meeting’s link/invite being sent out a few days prior to the meeting.
Sped PAC meeting dates 2023 – 2024
September 21
October 5
November 2
December 7
January 4
February 1
March 7
April 4
May 2
June 6
*Please Note: The meetings will be held on Zoom until further notice. Interested persons may contact the Sped PAC for info on how to listen or participate in the meeting.
Contact us:
Lowell Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Lowell Sped PAC)
Lowell Public Schools
Attn: Sped PAC
155 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01852
Telephone: (978) 454-1967
Like Us on Facebook: Lowell SPED PAC
Join our email list or send us questions: lowellspedpac@aol.com
Parenting While Rising to Child Developmental Challenges
This free, five-episode virtual conversation series offers a warm and inviting opportunity to connect with other parents and families of children with differences in or challenges to their development. Through a series of conversations with parents of children with developmental differences, challenges, or disabilities, we will explore the unique as well as common experiences of loving and raising children whose developmental process and journey is delayed or atypical.
The series will run on five Mondays from September 25, through December 18, 2023, from 3 to 4 PM ET / 12 to 1 PM PT. All episodes are one hour with live Spanish translation and closed captioning available.
Episode Information
Episode 1: Health Care for Children Who Are Differently Abled
Monday, September 25, 2023, 3–4 PM ET / 12–1 PM PT
Episode 2: My Whole Child
Monday, October 23, 2023, 3–4 PM ET / 12–1 PM PT
Episode 3: What You Always Wanted to Know about the Special Olympics and Didn’t Know to Ask
Monday, November 6, 2023, 3–4 PM ET / 12–1 PM PT
Episode 4: Hope versus Denial
Monday, December 4, 2023, 3–4 PM ET / 12–1 PM PT
Episode 5: Disability, Culture, and Equity
Monday, December 18, 2023, 3–4 PM ET / 12–1 PM PT
This series is brought to you by the Brazelton Touchpoints Center at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Click here to learn more and to register.
Autism Insurance Resource Center
Lunch and Learn: Webinar Series Via ZOOM
Lurie Center for Autism Parent and Caregiver Workshops
The Lurie Center for Autism invites parents, guardians, and families to participate in our Parent and Caregiver Workshops. All workshops are held virtually and open to the public.
Registration is Required.
Reserve your spot by contacting us at LurieCenter@partners.org or 781-860-1700.
Virtual meeting links will be emailed to all confirmed registrants prior to event day.
Understanding Your Child’s New Autism Diagnosis and Next Steps
Monthly: 2nd Tuesday (January – December)
12 PM – 1 PM
FREE
Receiving a new diagnosis can be a life changing experience for caregivers. This interactive workshop is geared toward caregivers of young children. It provides support and general education about autism spectrum disorder, the treatments available, and community services available to families.
To see a list of additional services, trainings, and workshops that require a fee, click here.
“Especially for Me” Free Evenings and Afternoons for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum
The Discovery Museums
177 Main Street (Route 27)
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Phone: 978.264.4200
fun@discoverymuseums.org
Sensory Friendly Museum Afternoons
Tuesdays
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
October 3
November 7
December 5
Autism Friendly Evenings
Saturdays
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
October 21
December 16
To register and for more information click here.
*The Especially for Me program is offered in collaboration with Autism Alliance of MetroWest.
Morningstar Access at Boston Children’s Museum
Special Needs children and their families can visit the museum during a time when there are only a few other visitors. The number of guests is limited to 100.
To accommodate different needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are two different versions of Morningstar. Please select the one that works best for your family.
Mask Optional – Masks are recommended but not required for visitors. The Museum staff will wear masks when interacting with visitors.
Saturday, October 7, 2023
8 AM – 10 AM
Saturday, November 4, 2023
8 AM – 10 AM
Friday, November 17, 2023
5 PM – 7 PM
All Masks On! All staff and visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear masks with no exceptions. Families with any types of needs must be able to follow this strict mask rule in order to maximize health safety for children with medical needs.
Saturday, December 2, 2023
8 AM – 10 AM
Half price general admission ($11.00 per person)
Free for Museum members
Other discounts may apply (such as the EBT/WIC discount)
For more information or to register click here.
Contact:
Saki Iwamoto, Health and Wellness Educator
Iwamoto@BostonChildrensMuseum.org
617-986-3697
Beyond the Spectrum
Museum of Fine Arts
Avenue of the Arts
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
617-267-9300
Beyond the Spectrum is a specially designed program for children and teens on the autism spectrum and their families.
Beyond the Spectrum Kids (age 8–12)
Classes offered for 8 to 12-year-olds feature close looking and discussion about artworks led by an experienced instructor, followed by a creative art-making workshop. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Classes meet one Saturday per month.
John, Bertram A., and Ronald M. Druker Family Pavilion (Classroom 159)
Ticket Required
Beyond the Spectrum Kids
Saturday, October 7, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Class Description: Ancient Egypt!
In this session, we will explore the amazing collection of Ancient Egyptian art at the MFA. We will learn about Ancient Egyptian religion, culture, and history as we examine the artworks and artifacts in the collection.
After our exploration, we will head to the studio to create our own artwork with our names or favorite words in hieroglyphs. This hands-on experience will allow us to channel our inner artists and express ourselves in new and exciting ways.
By participating in this session, we will not only gain a deeper understanding of Ancient Egyptian art and culture but also unlock our own creative potential. So come join us on this exciting journey into the world of Ancient Egypt and hieroglyphs!
Beyond the Spectrum Kids
Saturday, November 4, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Class Description: Self Love
In this session, we will explore part of the MFA’s contemporary exhibit Tender Loving Care. The artworks in this exhibit reflect on different ways love and care show up in our lives.
After our gallery visit, we will head to the studio to create our own zines about something important to us. You can create a zine about your special interest, a special person or pet in your life, or any topic you love and care for.
By participating in this session, we will be able to express ourselves and our interests in a proud and creative way. So come join us for this exploration of love and care!
Beyond the Spectrum Kids
Saturday, December 2, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Class Description: Creating with Clay!
In this session, we will explore a variety of clay artworks in the MFA’s collection, from rustic earthenware to shiny porcelain. We will learn about traditional clay techniques and styles from around the world and across history.
After exploring the galleries, we will return to the studio to make our own air-dry clay creations. This project will allow us to experiment with new materials and techniques while we express ourselves in a 3D way!
By participating in this session, we will learn about the rich history of ceramic art and explore our own creative abilities. So come join us for an exciting session of creating with clay!
Beyond the Spectrum Teen Studio (age 13–18)
Classes offered for 13 to 18-year-olds focus on specific art topics and incorporate discussion, critical inquiry, and art making. Students will look at and discuss MFA artworks, and then work independently on a project with guidance from an experienced instructor. Caregivers and parents are welcome to attend and participate. Classes meet one Saturday per month.
John, Bertram A., and Ronald M. Druker Family Pavilion (Classroom 159)
Ticket Required
Beyond the Spectrum Teens
Saturday, October 21, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Class Description: Ancient Egypt
In this session, we will explore the amazing collection of Ancient Egyptian art at the MFA. We will learn about Ancient Egyptian religion, culture, and history as we examine the artworks and artifacts in the collection.
After our exploration, we will head to the studio to create our own artwork with our names or favorite words in hieroglyphs. This hands-on experience will allow us to channel our inner artists and express ourselves in new and exciting ways.
By participating in this session, we will not only gain a deeper understanding of Ancient Egyptian art and culture but also unlock our own creative potential. So come join us on this exciting journey into the world of Ancient Egypt and hieroglyphs!
Beyond the Spectrum Teens
Saturday, November 18, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Class Description: Self Love!
In this session, we will explore part of the MFA’s contemporary exhibit Tender Loving Care. The artworks in this exhibit reflect on different ways love and care show up in our lives.
After our gallery visit, we will head to the studio to create our own zines about something important to us. You can create a zine about your special interest, a special person or pet in your life, or any topic you love and care for.
By participating in this session, we will be able to express ourselves and our interests in a proud and creative way. So come join us for this exploration of love and care!
Beyond the Spectrum Teens
Saturday, December 16, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Class Description: Creating with Clay!
In this session, we will explore a variety of clay artworks in the MFA’s collection, from rustic earthenware to shiny porcelain. We will learn about traditional clay techniques and styles from around the world and across history.
After exploring the galleries, we will return to the studio to make our own air-dry clay creations. This project will allow us to experiment with new materials and techniques while we express ourselves in a 3D way!
By participating in this session, we will learn about the rich history of ceramic art and explore our own creative abilities. So come join us for an exciting session of creating with clay!
Price
Members: $9.00
Nonmembers: $11.00
Fee for each class:
Members: 9.00
Nonmembers: 11.00
For more information or to register and purchase a ticket, click here.
AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes.
Upcoming Films:
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
Saturday, September 23
A Haunting in Venice
Wednesday, September 27
Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes.
AMC Burlington Cinema 10
781-229-1931
AMC Methuen 20
978-738-8942
AMC Tyngsboro 12
978-649-4158
O’Neil Cinemas
Sensory Friendly Flix: Lowered sound levels and higher house lights
1208 Constitution Ave.
Littleton, MA
978-506-5089
A great program for families affected by Autism or other disabilities. See a movie on the big screen with NO loud noises and higher house lights for better visibility. Fun, friendly environment. Select films and showtimes.
Films are on Saturdays at 10 AM but contact the cinema to confirm as dates and times may change.
Support Groups
Down Syndrome-Autism Connection Group
DS-Autism Connection (DSAC) is for parents whose children have both Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. DSAC has 30 active families who meet once monthly by online chat to discuss the issues and challenges unique to the Down Syndrome-Autism community. Experts in the field often present on various topics relating to dual diagnosis. New members are welcome. DSAC is an affiliate of the Massachusetts Down Sydrome Congress. For more information visit the Down Syndrome Autism Connection’s website or email charlotte@dsac.org or erin@dsac.org.
Special Summer Camps
Camp Starfish
According to their web page – “Our positive approach, engaging philosophy and overall experience is different. Camp Starfish provides a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio at all times to enable success, build social skills, teach coping mechanisms, and help children who have difficulty finding success in traditional settings. We are a one-of-a-kind summer camp, year-round support and advocate for children and families.” Click here for more information.
Autism in the News
From LifeLinks:
Planning for Life After Special Education: Transition Services Online Manual
The Disability Law Center in Boston has revised their manual ‘Planning for Life After Special Education’ and it is available online for FREE. They have made several significant changes, including new information on the following topics:
-Developing appropriate transition services for students with severe developmental disabilities
-Helping your student transition successfully into the adult workforce
-Knowing the various diploma options and determining which option is best for your child
The second edition of this manual also provides revised case summaries, thirteen new informational videos in English, Spanish, and ASL, and information on how to manage public benefits.
This amazing resource is available online for free. If you have a child approaching transition age, this is a must read!
Leading the Way: Autism Friendly Youth Organizations
Blogs
Autism Blogger – Online Autism Support Group
Accepting Asperger’s Syndrome – This is a crash course to accepting your Asperger’s!
Parents of Special Needs Kids Meet Ups: This is an online resource of groups and meetings in the Boston area. Link: http://spclneedsparents.meetup.com/cities/us/ma/chelmsford.