Today's Best Bet

Of the many books, DVD's, magazines and other resources available in our library here at the Autism Center, one I keep coming back to is the "Autism and Asperger's Digest." 

This magazine provides informed and interesting articles on many varied topics, including raising multiple children with ASD, how to support siblings consistently, professional research summaries and dealing with anxiety as a parent.

Stop by and browse the items on our shelves any weekday from 8am to 4pm. The library is a quiet, restful place to catch up on what's happening.

Maggi Sullivan
Autism Services Manager

Saturday Morning Improv.....

Saturday, October 27th, Carol Roberts, with her assistants Sam and David, came to the main facility to work with seven individuals on "Accidental Social Skills."  Carol's program is designed to bring together people who are not comfortable in social situations and help them gain confidence through skits, theater exercises and improvisation. 

The room was full of energy, laughter and acceptance.  Comments from the participants were very positive, and their parents also enjoyed themselves when they were invited to join in!

Keep watching for updates on more events like this.

Maggi Sullivan
Autism Services Manager

Great website....

Autism Now is a national autism resource and information center sponsored by The Arc.  The link below will take you to their archived, free webinars ranging in topics from sibling support to inclusion to financial planning. 

Please visit the Autism Now website for lots of good information.

http://autismnow.org/what-we-do/webinars/webinar-schedule/

Two libraries are better than one!

The Pioneer Library System, with a membership of 42, has been working with the Autism Center to get the word out to families, educators and others about what an Autism Spectrum can mean.

The PLS has "kits" that they loan out on themes and topics, and just last week Nancy Herzig and I met to talk about what would go into the "autism kit."  She also connected us to the Foster Granparents group of Livingston/Wyoming counties, and they will be using our resources to help their volunteers learn more about autism in the classroom.

In the world of today's restricted budgets, collaboration makes sense.  It's a great pleasure to work with the professionals at PLS to improve understanding and supports for individuals with an ASD diagnosis.

Webinar News

On Thursday, November 1, the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed will be sponsoring a free webinar on Autism and Anxiety.  Please feel free to join us in training room C at 3:00.  The presentation is about  45 minutes long, with a question and answer period following.

These webinars are always full of good, helpful information and well worth the time.  Check out the training calendar for more topics being offered!

New Library Items!

The Autism Center at Ontario ARC has recently purchased two new CD's from the University of Rochester Center for Autism Research.  These are self-training CD's on Daily Visual Schedules and Social Skills Training.

The library is a great place to find books, DVD's, Newsletters and other items for all family members, and professionals as well.  Membership is free; the library is open during agency hours, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm, and by appointment.  The room offers comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a quiet place to spend a little time browsing. We hope to see you soon.

Who are you following on Twitter?

There are so many great resources nowadays available online.  Since we've started using social media to keep families and our friends in the community informed, we've linked up with quite a few organizations with similar missions.   You can always see what we are tweeting, but just wanted to bring some of these "tweeters" to your attention!

Disability Scoop, @disabilityscoop

NYSARC, Inc, @nysarcinc

Genesee Valley Parent Magazine, @gvparentmag

Fathers Support Group

On October 22, 2013, the Autism Center at Ontario ARC will be hosting an informal meeting for fathers and male caregivers of children with autism or a related diagnosis.

Come help coordinate the future of the group with special guest Kevin Schoenl from Managing Autism Together Today (MATT), an all volunteer organization in Monroe County.  Kevin is a member of our Autism Advisory Board and the father of a child on the spectrum.

Contact Ontario ARC's Training Department at 394-7500, ext. 2300 or training@ontarioarc.org

Please feel free to call me directly at (585) 919-2169 if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Dr. Naseef returns!

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Robert Naseef, psychologist and parent of an adult son who has an autism spectrum disorder, will return in April of 2013 for another presentation.  Dr. Naseef was here for the opening of the Autism Center in April of 2011, and again in 2012.

Dr. Naseef recently took part in a retreat for fathers and male caregivers of individuals on the spectrum and will discuss his experience.  In addition, he will provide tips, tools, support and suggestions for families affected by an ASD...including parents, siblings, relatives and friends.

Keep watching for further details!

Thank You RIT!

Thank you, RIT!

On Saturday, September 29^th, Sue Ackerman, Disability Services Director, and Laurie Ackles, LMSW presented to seventeen people, both parents and students, on Autism Spectrum Disorders and College…Is it Right for you?  RIT has a highly regarded “Spectrum Support Program” which partners incoming freshman with Asperger’s Syndrome, for example, with an veteran student from a related academic department. 

They gave an overview of what to look at, what questions to ask, and what to look for when considering college for someone on the Autism Spectrum.  The information was right on target and very helpful.  The audience asked some excellent questions, and everyone left feeling they had a place to start.

Thank you to RIT, to Sue and Laurie, and to Jen Danker-Stiles, who helped initiate this presentation.  (Jen is a graduate of RIT who was part of their Spectrum Support Program.)

Watch for more updates on events and presentations!

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