Announcing ASRC's Fall 2015 Parent Education Programs!

Knowledge is Power!
Announcing ASRC’s Fall 2015 Parent Education Programs!
Now that the kids are back at school with new notebooks and sharp pencils, it’s time to think about what YOU might need to spend some time learning this fall. At ASRC we have a number of different programs and workshops scheduled to help you understand the diagnosis of autism, the special education system, interventions, issues around transition from high school to the “real” world and just plain networking and support. Check out our listings on our website at www.autismconnecticut.org, e-mail us or call 203-265-7717 for more information. We’re here to help!

Parent Advocacy Boot Camps return in Willington and New Haven
Our very popular Parent Boot Camp - Transition OMG! is coming to New Haven! In partnership with Gateway Community College, our Boot Camp will start on Saturday, September 26 and continue on Saturday, Oct 3, Saturday Oct 31 and Saturday December 5 at Gateway in lovely downtown New Haven. Sessions include information on the IEP and transition issues, legal and financial aspects, supporting and motivating for independent living, secondary education and employment. Our final workshop is a unique interactive session where participants will work in small groups with a facilitator to create individualized to-do lists to get started! More information and registration.

Are you new to the diagnosis of autism?
Feeling like you need more information about autism and the special education system? Join us in Willington on Saturday, Oct 17, Sat. Oct 24, Sat Nov 14 and Sat Jan 16, 2016 as the SUCCESS SEPTO hosts a Parent Boot Camp at the Willington Public Library. Sessions run from 10-1 and include an introduction to special education, the IEP and the Planning and Placement Team process (including what to do when you disagree!), our popular page by page review of the IEP document and two sessions devoted to issues in transition from working with your district to prepare your student for the next phase of life through the legal and financial questions and concerns that families face. More information and registration.

Flagship 10-week Advocacy Training Program: Navigating Life on the Spectrum
Whether you are new to the world of autism and special education, transitioning to elementary school, middle school or high school (or beyond!) or just need a refresher for your new stage of life, our flagship 10-week Parent Advocacy Training Program will provide you with all the information you need about autism, special education, transition, IEPs, PPTs, dispute resolution, working with the PPT, negotiating and the legal and financial aspects of raising a child with autism and special needs. Starting on Wed. Sept 30 and running for 10 Wed mornings from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm at our offices in Wallingford. A great learning opportunity and a great way to meet some other parents! ASRC has provided this training for many years, and parents tell us it is the best! More information and registration.
Our wide ranging

Parent Speaker Series revs up for the fall as well:
Starting on Monday evening, Sept. 28 with an amazing presentation on “Sexuality in Youth and Adults with Disabilities” with katie Hanley from the Oak Hill Center for Relationship and Sexuality Education. The program runs from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at our offices. Don’t be shy! Come and learn from a knowledgeable, funny presenter who will tell you what you need to know to help teach your son or daughter critical skills in judgement and safety when it comes to relationships. Free, but seating is limited, so call 203-265-7717, or e-mail us to register. More information here.

Follow this up the next week, on Monday, Oct 5 with “Talking about Speech and Language”
presented by Meredith Bandish, founder Communication Foundations, LLC. Ever wondered what the difference between speech and language is? Are you confused by receptive language, expressive language, pragmatic skills? What exactly IS speech therapy and what skills are required to have functional communication? Come learn how we teach these fundamental skills and why they are so important. Free, but seating is limited, so call 203-265-7717, or e-mail us to register. More information here.

Just feel the need for some support or to meet some other parents who are living YOUR life? Check out our Support Group listings on our website.

As always, we are here to help. We are just a phone call or e-mail away. We’d love to hear from you!