Sunday, March 22, 2009

NYU/Silver School of Social Work Conference

Clinical Approaches for Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum as They Transition

June 4, 2009 9:00am - 4:00pm

Kimmel Center for Student Life, 60 Washington Square South
NYU Silver School of Social Work

overview

The conference is a continuation of conference that we have convened related to disability across the life spectrum. This is the first in a seriesthat will focus on specific categories of disability. The autism spectrum has been identified on numerous occasions as a topic that is of great interest and relevance to social workers, mental health and other professionals, educators, and parents.
Less understood, often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, individuals on the autism spectrum face significant life challenges that impact them, their family, school, community, social interactions and the work place. Strategies for growth and successful outcomes will be highlighted.

This conference will focus on the spectrum and differential diagnosis, evidence based practices, transition points and how to plan for them and navigate through them, the role of the social worker and other professionals in the transition process, the team and how to build and sustain an effective interdisciplinary team with family and consumer partnerships. Through lectures by professionals, parents, consumers, educators and counselors, participants will be provided with current knowledge, skill building, and resources.

This conference is of value to social workers (agency based, case managers, private practice), rehabilitation counselors, educators, school counselors, advocates, occupational therapists speech therapists, and related professionals.

content summary

Introduction to the Field will address current thinking, an examination of the spectrum and what it means, evidence based practice, transition points, the role of the social worker in transitions, the team and how it works, and family and consumer partnerships. Leader: Lynda Geller, PhD

Consumer Presentation will consist of a personal narrative discussing developmental experiences from a non-speaking child to a college professor, what the journey has been, who has been involved, lessons learned, experiences, trials, tribulations, and successes. Leader: Steve Shore, EdD

Panel Presentation will explore the challenges faced in transitioning from preschool to school, through adolescence and into adulthood, navigating personal, familial, school and work systems. Facilitator: Patricia Schissel, LMSW

Techniques of Practice in the Context of Social Work
Facilitator: C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW

Workshops will provide information about the experiences of individuals on the spectrum and the skills and techniques that are effective in maximizing care.

Individual work as well as group work and treatment teams and collaborations will be emphasized..

8:45 - 9:15 am Registration Coffee, light fare

9:15 - 9:20 am Welcome Address Eileen Wolkstein, Ph.D.

9:20 - 10:15 am Introduction to the Field Lynda Geller, PhD

10:15 - 11:00 am Consumer Presentation Steve Shore, EdD

11:15 - 12:30 am Panel Presentation Facilitator: Patricia Schissel, LMSW

Parental Perspectives:
C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW and Veronica Acosta

Social Work Perspectives:
Lisa Bell, LMSW; Erica Levy, LMSW; Harry Nussbaum, LMSW

12:00 - 1:45 pm Lunch (on your own)

1:45 - 2:15 pm Techniques of Practice in the Context of Social Work: C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW

2:30 - 4:00 pm WORKSHOPS

From Assessment to Delivering Services: Skills, Techniques, and Resources

Each participant to choose one workshop:

a. Applications of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Leader: Valerie Gaus, PhD

b. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 3-10 Leader: Donna Mizrachi, LMSW and Patricia Mahalko, MS

c. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 10-18 Leader: Ellen McHugh and Lisa Bell, LMSW

d. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 19 and Above Leader: Harry Nussbaum, LMSW; Patricia Schissel, LMSW; Rachel Pollack, JD and Halley Ceglia, LMSW

e. Developing Social Skills: Leader: Lynda Geller, PhD and Rhea Hopper, MS

$90 for the day (incl. breakfast & materials) Silver School of Social Work

25% discount for Silver School of Social Work Alumni, Field Instructors, and agency groups of 3 or more.

7 CEUs will be awarded for the day.

Name:
Email:
Mailing Address:
Phone :
Degree earned:
Title: Agency:
NYU SSSW alumni Year of graduation:
Make check payable to: NYU Social Work

Mail or fax this form to:

New York University
Silver School of Social Work
1 Washington Square North, Room 205
New York, NY 10003
Attention: Priany Hadiatmodjo, Training Manager
Fax: 212.995.4172

Co-Sponsored by:

Federation Employment and Guidance Services (FEGS) and Young Adult
Institute (YAI), Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA)

UJA Autism Symposium

UJA-Federation Autism SymposiumPromoting Inclusion: Best Practices for Education, Vocation, and Socialization Across the Age Continuum

Details and registration http://www.ujafedny.org/autismsymposium09

A symposium for agency executives, program directors, school administrators, and parents.

Organized in Collaboration With The Hilibrand Foundation

Program
Breakfast and Registration (8:30 – 9:00 a.m.)
Welcome and Introductions (9:00 – 9:15 a.m.)

Keynote, Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D., President and Chair of Scientific Council at the Organization for Autism Research (9:15 –10:15 a.m.)

Today, families and learners with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are beginning to redefine the outcomes of the transition process beyond employment to include such measures of quality of life as personal satisfaction, choice, control, and happiness. This presentation will provide an overview and practical suggestions for supporting adults with an ASD label to lives of competence and quality. Particular attention will be paid to understanding social challenges that can limit individual opportunities, positive behavior support, and personal independence across multiple environments.

Q&A With Keynote (10:15 – 10:45 a.m.)

Break (10:45 – 11:00 a.m.)

Panel: Promoting Independence: Best Practices to Achieve Success in the Workforce, Institutions of higher education, and Independent Living (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon)

This panel will address multiple strategies to promote a successful transition toward vocation, higher education, and independent living for young adults spanning the autism spectrum. The panelists will discuss the range of skills necessary to obtain employment, higher education, and live independently, as well as the additional roles of job coaches, professional advocates, and parents in assisting with the transition process and offering ongoing support. Panelists will further provide insight as to best supporting host agencies to ensure a mutually successful experience for both the employee and employer.
Panel will feature:

* Michael Storz, M.B.A., Director of Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Transition Program and Executive Vice President of Chapel Haven, Inc.
* James Rein, President of B&R Resources, Inc
* New York State Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals With Disabilities (VESID)
o Debbie Gross, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at VESID
o Paola Nappo, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at VESID


Q&A With Panelists (12:00 noon – 12:30 p.m.)
Lunch (12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)

Afternoon Lecture: No More Meltdowns: Positive behavioral supports to manage and prevent challenging behaviors.: Jed Baker (1:15 – 2:00 p.m.)

Students on the autism spectrum often present with difficulty regulating their feelings and interacting socially. This presentation will describe how to handle meltdowns and design effective behavior plans to prevent these moments and reduce frustration and anxiety.

Q&A With Jed Baker (2:00 – 2:30 p.m.)

Break (2:30 – 2:45 p.m.)

Afternoon Breakout Session (2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.)
Title: Social Skills across the age continuum
Presenter: Jed Baker, Ph.D., Director of the Social Skills Training Project
Description: This breakout session will address social skills and positive behavioral supports for students with Autism, Aspergers and other Social-Communication Problems. We will review strategies to motivate students to learn, ways to teach social skills, how to generalize skills into the natural setting and increase acceptance and tolerance from peers.

Title: Social Groups with LST – Language/Sensory/Technology
Presenter: Phoebe Tucker, Speech/Language Pathologist, Augmentative/Alternative Communication Specialist, and Director of the Montano Assistive Technology Center — A Division of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Southern Connecticut
Description: Learn the role of the three senses and how they effect communication outcomes. Preview software and voice-output devices that solidify concepts. Discover a pioneer intervention — virtual reality — as it relates to social interaction. Learn strategies for intervention that include the nuances of communication, critical for an older person’s success with peers and prospective employers. Win Point for Technology prizes based on your interaction during presentation

Title: Best Practices for Inclusion in the School Environment: A Case Study of an Elementary School
Presenters: Julie Cohen, Ph.D., Private Practice With Children and Families in Stamford, Connecticut, and Former School Psychologist at Parkway School Greenwich, Connecticut; and Sandra Mond, Ph.D., Educational Consultant
Description: This presentation will offer the discussion of an effective inclusion model in a school community, including techniques to support classroom and special-education teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, special needs and typical students, as well as other members of the school community, such as cafeteria workers, custodians, and bus drivers. Some of these practices are modifications in programming and curriculum, parent support groups and workshops, sibling groups, a "circle of friends," and inclusive social-skills groups. Both positive and negative experiences will be explored, and presenters will welcome input and questions.

Title: Social-Skills Instruction for Transition-Age Youth With ASDs
Presenter: Daniel Baker, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Pediatrics in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Description: Social-skills problems are a significant barrier for many people with ASDs. This interactive breakout session will lead attendees through a process for understanding why social-skills problems are likely and then provide a “menu” of common-sense, easy ways to improve social skills. This presentation will focus on transition-age youth.

Conclusion and Evaluations (3:45 – 4:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

March 22: Adaptive Technology Fair at the JCC, 76th & Amsterdam

Adaptive Technology Fair: Pre K-5

Innovative ‘assistive technologies’ (AT) can dramatically change the way challenged students of all abilities become successful learners during the critical years from preschool to elementary school. Experts in the field will address educators, therapists and parents on current research in the use of AT for literacy, communication, improving attention, cognitive development and physical access to educational materials. On exhibit will be a range of effective technologies available with opportunities for ‘hands-on’ demonstrations. Co-sponsored with CogniTech CafĂ© and Pace University Thinkfinity Initiative.

Sun, Mar 22, 3:30-6:30pm
Free HSRATT00W9

To register call 646.505.5708 or visit jccmanhattan.org

Please call Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460, for additional information.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Protect Services for People With Developmental Disabilities

The Governor’s budget proposals will greatly damage critical services for people with developmental disabilities:

No trend (cost of living increase) for OMRDD services. For the first time in 15 years, there is no trend for OMRDD services! The trend provides a salary increase for the hardworking and underpaid direct support staff who keep our children safe and help them gain new skills. The trend is critical in helping to stem the turnover of our valued direct support staff! It’s downright heartless to deprive direct support staff in voluntary agencies of a trend, while staff who do exactly the same work for the state will get a trend as part of their contract!

Cuts to day habilitation services. Day habilitation services provide education and life skills experiences to 10,000 adults every day, through small-group community activities. The Governor is proposing a huge cut to these services, amounting to a total annual loss of $28 million—a huge 4%! In addition, he is asking for a regional flat fee for all day habilitation programs, so that, for example, a program serving people with complex medical needs who require intensive staffing would receive the same fee as a program serving people who require a much lower staffing ratio. Day habilitation programs cannot absorb these two cuts without (a) rejecting individuals with more severe disabilities; (b) cutting staff, thereby endangering individuals’ safety; or (c) shortening program hours, thus jeopardizing the jobs of the many parents who will have to stay home to care for their children!

Moratorium on residential development. Residential projects currently in progress have been delayed, cancelled, or put on indefinite hold because the proposed budget provides only minimal funding for residential development. The Governor’s budget breaks New York State’s commitment, guaranteed in law, to provide residential services for families who are too old or infirm to continue caring for their adult disabled children at home. Parents are frightened about their children’s future!

Federal stimulus money should be used to preserve essential services for people with developmental disabilities:

The federal stimulus bill will send billions of dollars in federal money to New York State, including $11 billion for Medicaid funding for human services. This money can help to restore the cuts and provide vital increases. But only if we speak up! We face tremendous competition from other groups for the available federal funds. We must make our voices heard!
Call or e-mail the Governor and key legislators today. Visit your own local legislators in their home offices. Keep calling and writing. E-mail and calls should be continuous. Get family and friends to call, too. Volume is critical.

Use the following message, use the website below, or use your own message:

We urge you to use federal stimulus money to support services for people with developmental disabilities:

Don’t penalize our dedicated and underpaid direct support staff. Restore the trend for OMRDD services!
Don’t devastate day habilitation services for adults with developmental disabilities. Restore the 4% cut and reject the regional fees for day habilitation services!
Uphold New York’s commitment to families unable to continue caring for their adult children at home. Provide sufficient resources for residential development for families in need!

Contact 5 State Legislators:

You can easily contact all 5 at this website: Go to www.nysacra.org , click on Resources, click on Action Center, scroll down to Action Alert – Protect Services for People with Developmental Disabilities, click on Take Action, and follow the simple instructions.

To call or send your own e-mail:


Governor David Paterson: 518-474-8390 or http://161.11.121.121/govemail

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver: 518-455-3791 or 212-312-1420 or Speaker@assembly.state.ny.us

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith: 518-455-2701 or 718-528-4290 or Masmith@senate.state.ny.us

To find your own state Assemblymember: 518-455-4100 or www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem

To find your own state Senator: 518-455-2800 or www.senate.state.ny.us; click on Senators

Friday, February 06, 2009

Reach for the Stars Benefit

Laughing

Matters

A Cocktails, Dinner* and Comedy Revue

To Benefit

THE REACH FOR THE STARS LEARNING CENTER

FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

April 1st 2009- 6:30 PM

MANHATTANPENTHOUSE

80 5th AveNew York, NY10011

Featuring

Ophira Eisenberg (Comedy Central)

Mark Anthony Ramirez (Comic Remix)

Bill & Betty Holland (Punch 59)

Susannah Perlman (Last Comic Standing)

Dave Konig (HBO/Showtime)

To Purchase Tickets Go To

www.jjoproductions.com

Or call 347 284-6087

*Kosher Catering and Supervision by

Zami Catering 707 Avenue U Brooklyn, NY 11223

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Rethink Autism: FREE ABA for Tri-State Children

At this point, this organization is recruiting families to test their service model and develop training and demonstration materials for the program. Hence, they are offering ABA services free of charge to area families with children aged 4 - 12. This is an intriguing model and possibly worth trying out if you have lost ABA services in the transition to preschool or kindergarden. -- LD




Our Mission
The mission of Rethink Autism is empowering parents, caregivers and schools with access to effective and affordable treatment delivery options for the growing population affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Our Focus
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 150 new born children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is widely recognized as the leading intervention methodology and has been endorsed by a number of federal and state agencies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the New York State Department of Health, and the U.S. Surgeon General.

Our Services
While the effectiveness of ABA is widely recognized, the controlled availability of credentialed providers and high cost of this intervention, as much as $70,000 to $100,000 per year for the prescribed 25-40 hours/week of therapy, limit its potential benefit for the growing population affected by ASD. The absence of insurance coverage and limited public support services amplify this challenge for typical families caring for an affected child.

Rethink Autism is creating a unique online service providing caregivers with training for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based interventions, tools for evaluating an individual child’s needs, a comprehensive video-based curriculum with hundreds of exercises, tracking systems for measuring a child’s progress, information on ASD and a 24-hour support system wherever the caregiver is located. Using structured video training segments featuring ABA principles and techniques, parents and caregivers will be instructed on how to teach their children academic, social, emotional, language and play skills. Online support for subscribers will be provided through a combination of curriculum planning tools, reporting functions and 24/7 online customer service and the Company plans to develop its services in both English and Spanish.

Rethink Autism will donate a share of the Company’s profits to support autism awareness and research. In addition, the company will develop a subscription assistance program for qualified low-income families. Rethink Autism also believes over time that its real-time collection of user data can be appropriately shared with the autism research community to significantly aid in the understanding of ASD at the grassroots level.

For more information, contact:
info@rethinkautism.com or (646) 257-2919, x202
Rethink Autism Inc.
19 W. 21st St., Ste. 403
New York, NY 10010

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Brooklyn DD Council Annual Legislative Brunch

The Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council cordially invites you to its Annual Legislative Brunch to discuss with local representatives

The Future of Services, Supports and Funding for Brooklyn Residents with Developmental Disabilities and their Caregivers

Friday, March 6, 2009, 9:30 to Noon
at Gargiulo's Restaurant
2911 West 15th Street, Coney Island, NY 11224

Cost: $25 per person (Families and consumers can contact their service provider regarding fee subsidies)

For registration information, please contact:
Ms. Joyce Levin
HeartShare Human Services
12 MetroTech Center 29th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 422-3268
Joyce.levin at heartshare.org
Please RSVP by February 20, 2009

Support at the JCC: Parents of Adults, Adult Siblings, Grandparents, Parents, and Parents of Teens, Whew!

Support Group for Parents of Adult Children with Learning Disabilities and Other Developmental Delays

This group will provide an opportunity for parents of adult children to come together, in a small group format, to share resources, problem solve, gain support and build community. Parents of young adults face issues and concerns related to the independent activities of daily life and the future goals of their children. These concerns, as well as others, will be addressed with experienced support group facilitators, Dr. Wendy Kamaiko-Solano, a psychotherapist with a private practice on the UWS and Hannah Cohen, life coach working with young adults and families.

For additional information & intake please contact Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460

11 Mondays: Feb 2 & 16, Mar 2,16 & 30, Apr 27, May 11, Jun 8 & 22, July 6 & 20
5:45-7:15pm FSASPT01W9
7:30-9:00pm FSASPT02W9
$330/$350



Adult Sibling Support Group

This group provides support for adult siblings who grew up in families where a brother or sister had special needs. In a small group format, the personal experiences of the participants will be shared as a way to better understand and cope with some of the life-long issues they face as siblings. Emotional support, insight, strategies and community will be facilitated.
Facilitated by Hannah Cohen, life skills coach working with young adults and families.

6 Wednesdays: Feb 11, Mar 18, Apr 22, May 13, Jun 17, Jul 15
7:30-9pm
$15/$20 (per meeting) HSRSIB00W9
Pre-registration is required

Please call Hannah Cohen for information at 646-505-4460


Grandparent Support Group

A support group is designed to help grandparents deal constructively with the challenges that face their families when a grandchild has special needs. Share with other grandparents the range of feelings and stressors that make up this unexpected journey.
Facilitated by Hannah Cohen, life skills coach working with young adults and families.

6 Wednesdays: Feb 25, Mar 25, Apr 29, May 20, Jun 24, Jul 22
7:30-9pm
$15/$20 (per meeting) HSRGSG00W9

To register call 646.505.5708, or visit www.jccmanhattan.org/specialneeds
Pre-registration is required.
For additional information, please call Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460



Groups for Parents of Children with Developmental Challenges

This group provides support for parents of children who have been identified with developmental challenges. The combined expertise of the facilitators and the parents’ personal experience provides resources, networking, strategies, therapy options, emotional support and community. Facilitated by Dr. Wendy Kamaiko-Solano, psychotherapist with a private practice on the UWS and Hannah Cohen, life skills coach working with young adults and families.

13 Mondays: Feb 9 & 23, Mar 9 & 23, Apr 6 & 20, May 4 & 18, Jun 1, 15 & 29, Jul 13 & 27
Section 1: noon-1:30pm $325/$390 HSRDEV01W9
Section 2: 5:45-7:15pm $325/$390 HSRDEV02W9
Section 3: 7:30-9pm $325/$390 HSRDEV03W9

11 Tuesdays: Feb 10 &24, Mar 10 & 24, Apr 28, May 12 & 26, Jun 9 &23, Jul 7 & 21
Section 4: 5:45-7:15pm $275/$330 HSRDEV04W9
Section 5: 7:30-9pm $275/$330 HSRDEV05W9

11 Tuesdays: Feb 3, Mar 3, 17 &31, Apr 7, May 19, Jun 2, 16 & 30, Jul 14 & 28
Section 6: 5:45-7:15pm $275/$330 HSRDEV06W9

Prior to registration, please call Hannah Cohen at 646-505-4460

Registration for groups is ongoing and a prorated fee will be offered to those who begin anytime after the scheduled start date.

Limited scholarships available.

Grandparent, Father and Sibling Support Groups are also offered.



Support Group for Parents of Teens with Developmental Disabilities & LD

New challenges arise for parents whose children have reached their teen (12-18) years. This group will provide an opportunity to address these challenges, hear from other parents, exchange resources, network and build community with the help of experienced support group facilitators. Facilitators: Dr. Wendy Kamaiko-Solano, a psychotherapist with a private practice on the UWS and Hannah Cohen, life coach working with young adults and families.

For additional information please contact Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460

Limited scholarships are available.

11 Tuesdays: : Feb 3, Mar 3, 17 &31, Apr 21, May 19, Jun 2, 16 & 30, Jul 14 & 28
7:30-9pm
$275/$330 HSRTEE00W9

The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan
The Samuel Priest Rose Building
334 Amsterdam Ave. @ 76th St.
New York, NY 10023

A beneficiary of UJA-Federation.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Manhattan DD Council Legislative Breakfast: SAVE the DATE

THE MANHATTAN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL INVITES YOU TO ITS 20TH ANNUAL

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

on
FRIDAY, MARCH 13TH, 2008

at
BARNES & NOBLE UNION SQUARE
33 EAST 17TH STREET

8:00-10:00 a.m.

For information, please call 212-677-4650

This annual event is a great place to get up to date on the legislative business affecting individuals with disabilities and the agencies that provide services for them throughout New York City. City and state legislators attend, and the OMRDD Commissioner often provides a summary of the budget outlook for that agency, along with a counterpart from NYC Department of Health on Early Intervention. Some issues that concern the segregated special education programs are also covered.

This is a time efficient and affordable way to put some faces with the names of people you see in advocacy e-mails you might get from our listserv.

With modest city and severe state budget cuts projected, this is a really good way to get informed, and see if you may want to put a trip to Albany on your spring calendar.

Story Pirates in Brooklyn Heights in Formation

Mom of developmentally delayed 8-year-old son in Brooklyn Heights is forming an inclusion Story Pirates class.

For more info about Story Pirates www.storypirates.org and or
http://www.youtube.com/user/StoryPirates

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE CLASS: MLEVINE@PACKER.EDU

CLASS WILL MEET SATURDAYS AT GRACE CHURCH
12 WEEK SESSION $420

ASA and AMC Movies bring us Sensory-Friendly Movies

Sensory-Friendly Showing of:

Hotel for Dogs
Saturday, January 31st
10:00a.m.

AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society of America have teamed up to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis.

With Sensory-Friendly Films, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down.

WHERE:
AMC 34th Street 14
312 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-244-8846

AMC Kips Bay 15
570 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-447-0638

AMC Bay Plaza 13
2210 Bartow Avenue
Bronx, NY 10475
718-320-1659

Tickets are $6, and available at the theater box office the day of the event.

Sign up for ASA Manhattan chapter news by mailing rosslovell@gmail.com

Friday, January 09, 2009

Study Recruitment for "Simplex" Families

At my house, we are enrolled in the AGRE Genetic Study, which uses samples from multiply affected families to focus the population sample. The Simons Foundation has now funded a genetic study that is enrolling "simplex" families, where there is one spectrum and one or more typical children.

While I can't say that AGRE has provided us with work product that changed my boys' lives, they've been accommodating at every turn (even sending the phlebotomist to our house once!), and provided reports on what they measured.

I know we all have overburdened family lives, and many have at best mixed views of the utility of genetic study, but I that, like AGRE, this is a smart study design and worth encouraging your participation. Their recruitment letter follows. --LD



Dear Parents,

The Simons Simplex Collection is following in the tradition set by AGRE in setting up a biobank of phenotype and biological samples of families with exactly one child with ASD and at least one child with typical development to be available to interested scientists around the world.

We are looking for families interested in helping researchers understand the genetic causes of ASD. Sponsored by the Simons Foundation, Columbia University is one of 11 clinical centers around the U.S. and Canada that are recruiting families to participate. The Simons Foundation provides support to researchers studying ASD. For additional information about the Simons Foundation, see: www.simonsfoundation.org and http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05349/622925.stm

For this study, we are recruiting families who have:
- One child aged four or older with an ASD or a suspected ASD diagnosis,
- (Preferably) one or more child(ren) age three or older without ASD, and
- Both biological parents also willing to participate.

Family participation in this study involves the completion of interviews, questionnaires, and a blood draw. Families are also asked for permission to donate a portion of their blood samples to the Simons Simplex Collection. The Simons Simplex Collection obtains, stores, and distributes DNA to researchers who are studying the genetics of ASD. Through performing genetic analyses, we hope to discover information that will help us better understand and treat this disorder.

Each family member will receive $50 upon completion of the protocol. We will also provide each family with a brief written report describing the results of the assessment.

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. We look forward to working with you in the near future.

Regards,

Cassandra D’Accordo
Recruitment Coordinator
________________________________________
Name of Study: “Genetics of Developmental Differences” and “Molecular and Family Genetics of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (Simons Simplex Collection)”

Location: New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032

Eligibility Criteria: One child age 4 or older with ASD or a suspected ASD diagnosis, and both biological parents willing to participate

Principal Investigator: Bradley Peterson, MD

Contact Information:
Research Coordination (phone: 212-543-6705, e-mail: autismresearch@childpsych.columbia.edu)
Cassandra D’Accordo, Recruitment Coordinator (212-543-0153, daccordc@childpsych.columbia.edu)

Monday, January 05, 2009

AHRC New York City's Family Education Series

How to Access Appropriate Educational Services for Your Child with Autism
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
6pm-8pm
AHRC Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Phone: 212/780-2713 Fax: 212/780-2353


Upcoming 2009 Sessions
The following is a list of Family Education Sessions for 2009. Please contact Donna Gifford at 212/780-2713 or Jennifer Amendola at 212/895-3446 if you are interested in attending.

January 2009
Topic: Overview OMRDD/Waiver Services:
How do I know what services I am entitled to?
Location: AHRC Middle/High School
1201 66th Street, Brooklyn NY 11219
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm

February 2009
Topic: Advocacy 101, Ask the Advocate
Location: Institute for Basic Research (IBR), Seminar Room, 1st Floor, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm

February 2009
Topic: Overview OMRDD/Waiver Services:
How do I know what services I am entitled to?
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm

March 2009
Topic: Turning 5: Transitioning from Preschool
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2009
Time: 10am-12pm

March 2009
Topic: Your Child’s IEP:
What Every Parent Needs to Know
Location: AHRC’s Bronx Day Hab
1500 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Time: 10am-12pm

April 2009
Topic: Guardianship and Future Care Planning:
Providing for your child’s future today
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Time: 10am-12pm

April 2009
Topic: Overview of Medicaid and Social Security Benefits: Do you understand your benefit options?
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm

May 2009
Topic: Guardianship and Future Care Planning:
Providing for your child’s future today
Location: AHRC’s Dean O’Hare
113 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm

June 2009
Topic: Overview of Medicaid and Social Security Benefits: Do you understand your benefit options?
Location: AHRC’s Weinberg Adult Day Center
32-03 39th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm

June 2009
Topic: Respite Services: Do You Need A Break?
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Wednesday, June 24 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Stand Ups Give BAC; a Benefit for the Brooklyn Autism Center- Tuesday, February 3rd

Carolines on Broadway, 1626 Broadway between 49th and 50th Sts. (212)757-4100. Subway N,R ,W to 49th St. 1 to 50th St. Doors open at 7 pm. Show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. Tickets- $150 premium seats or $100 general admission per person tax deductible donation includes 2 drinks! You won't want to miss the finest standup comics in New York City when they come together for one night only to support the Brooklyn Autism Center. Scheduled to appear*- David Cross (Mr. Show, Arrested Development), Zach Galifianakis (as seen on Letterman, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel, Comedy Central) , Janeane Garafalo (24, The Larry Sanders Show), Demetri Martin (The Daily Show), John Oliver (The Daily Show), Paul F. Tompkins (Best Week Ever), Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (Late Night with Conan O'Brien) and other surprise guests. Advance tickets can be reserved at www.BrooklynAutismCenter.org via paypal or in cash or check at the door. Hurry! This show will definitely sell out fast.

* final lineup is subject to change