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News and Events updated February 2, 2009

Recent News Articles, Press Releases, and Research:

Memorandum from NYS Education Department encouraging all school districts to take "timely actions to implement response to intervention programs in its schools." Read the memo here. Let your school district professionals know that you are aware of this new initiative.

Autism Speaks - Find out about current research studies and what it means for people with Autism. 2007 Mentor Based Fellowships Information.

Response to Intervention (RTI) Sparks Interest, Questions Read the article here from Education Week (January 18,2008).

The gene, called contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2), likely plays a key role in the development of autism. New Genetic Link To Autism Discovered By Studying Speech article in Science Daily (January 11, 2008).

Newly released Autism research information: Rare genetic glitch hikes risk of autism Associated Press, January 9, 2008 Results from the Autism Consortium confirms: Duplication or deletion of a segment of Chromosome 16 is found more often in people with Autism. However, some individuals showed the defect but did not have Autism.

MJV Consulting LLC Opens an Office in Islip A community based disability awareness resource and advocacy center at Islip Village Plaza, 560 Main Street, Sutie #2F, Islip, N.Y. 11751. Click here for Ribbon cutting information and to learn more about this wonderful beginning.

Navigating Life With Humor and Bewiderment By FELICIA R. LEE (January 8, 2008) The New York Times Read this article. Nicky Gottlieb, the subject of this article and “Today’s Man,” a documentary that will be aired in New York on PBS T.V. Friday, January 11 at 10 pm and again Saturday January 12 at 2 am. Nicky Gottlieb was a child of extraordinary talents and odd behavior. At age 21, he was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a high functioning form of autism. TODAY'S MAN follows Nicky over the course of six years as he struggles to leave the safety of his family's home and find his own place in the world.

Universities Boost Special Needs Resources By TRACY KERSHAW-STALEY (December 21, 2007) Dayton Business Journal Number of students with disabilities on the rise. What are colleges doing to meet the needs of their students?

Schools Accused of Pushing Mainstreaming to Cut Costs By JOHN HECHINGER (December 14, 2007; Page A1) Wall Street Journal Read the story here.

Autistics can thrive by knowing themselves Self-awareness allows more autonomy By ROGER COLLIER (November 03, 2007) The Ottawa Citizen Stephen Shore's message at Autism Through the Lifespan, a two-day conference. Note: Stephen Shore is a charter member of the Unlocking Autism Board of Directors as well as serving on many other autism advocacy boards across the nation. Stephen travels around the world sharing his personal experiences and helping parents of those with autism as well as those with autism themselves.

Not Autistic or Hyperactive. Just Seeing Double at Times (Sept. 11, 2007 The New York Times). Convergence Insufficiency diagnosis: the patient sees double because the eyes cannot work together at close range. A must read article.

Click here to view YouTube song/video Open Your Eyes by Sean Delaney.

EVENTS:

February and May Island Therapies Hands-On Sensory Strategies for Home and School Workshops. Click here for ALL the details and registration form. These workshops provide parents and professionals practical strategies to help children with sensory difficulties.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009: 7:30 pm Rockville Centre's SEPTA is hosting: Preparing Your Child for College, Work and Independent Living, presented by Karin Falcone & Suzanne Valls of The Long Island Advocacy Center. Click here for more information about this extremely IMPORTANT and FREE Workshop.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008: 9:30am-12:30pm Kim Gardinier and Layna Maher from the NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities will be explaining the NYS Regulations' mandated Level 1 Career Assessment and your role in the process and transition options. click here for information about this FREE workshop being hosted by Long Island Parent Technical Assistance Center.

Special Needs Soccer Sign Up - Meeting Place - Massapequa, Fairfield Elementary School: October 28th - December 16th, children with special needs can play and make new friends. All for free! Click here for the details and contact information. Get out and have some fun.

Thursday, October 23, 2008: 7-9pm Long Island Parent Technical Assistance Center is hosting a comprehensive workshop on Transition Planning For Adult Services: presented by Brian McIlvain; Eastern Suffolk BOCES and Regina Brandow Esq.; Berger and Brandow, LLP. For more details and registration information click here.

Friday, September 12, 2008, SunSet Festival 5pm-8pm @ Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay, NY. - Click here for REQUIRED Pre-Registration information The event is open to individuals with autism and their immediate family members for FREE. $10 for all other persons wishing to attend. ELIJA & AHA Association invite you to join them other local organizations, families, friends and neighbors at the waterside sunset festival, celebrating the collective efforts of our local organizations who serve the educational and intervention needs of the autism community. Some features of the event include, creating awareness to families of active and available organizations and the services they provide for families touched by autism, and an evening supporting the recreational needs of our families by providing many fun and entertaining family friendly activities, carnival games, performances, and delicious food and beverages. Reserve your spot by September 8, 2008.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 FREE Workshop: Click here for registration information and directions - Educating Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings. Funded by the Long Island Developmental Disabilities Service Office (LIDDSO) and hosted by the Franklin Square School District. Participants will be provided with an overview of the rationale for inclusive schooling, followed by a series of strategies to address curriculum modifications, in class accommodations, strategies to address challenging behavior, as well as strategies to include children with disabilities in extracurricular activities.

August Workshops: Kidz Therapy Workshop Series designed in an effort to disseminate accurate, practical and useful information for effective educational services to children with autistic spectrum disorders For topic and registration information click here.

July 2, 2008 - Youth Rock for Autism Speaks: Ryan's Hopefuls is a teen event at Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh, New York from 6:00pm to 10:00pm on July 2, 2008. Four local high school bands will be playing during the night! There is a $25 cover charge which includes a buffet dinner and unlimited soda. Moms and dads are welcome to attend as well.

April, May, une Saturday Mass for families with special needs children at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, NY. Please note change of date for June Mass is now June 21st NOT June 28th. Schedule of masses for families with children who have developmental disabilities. All are invited.

June 3, 2008 7:30-9:30pm and June 9, 2008 7:30-9:30pm: International Dyslexia Association of Long Island Workshops in June at 114 Old Country Road, Suite 244, Mineola, NY. Presenters are Dr. Donna Geffner and Scott Bezsylko, MA. You must register in advance. For topic information click here.

June 4, 2008 7-9:30pm: Strategies for Picky Eaters Workshop at Island Therapies in Deer Park, NY. This workshop will provide parents and therapists a step by step approach to address the most challenging problem feeders. Click here for an overview of the workshop and registration information.

May 28, 2008 7-9:30pm: Strategies for Sensory Integration Workshop at Island Therapies in Deer Park, NY. This workshop is for parents and therapists who want an introductory understanding of sensory processing and how it impacts on a child at home and school. Click here for registration information.

May 2008 Long Island International Dyslexia Association Branch Workshops. Topics are: Advocacy - LD and the Law; What to Look for in an Evaluation Report; and Symbol Imagery: A Critical Factor in Literacy Development. Click here for more details

May 16 and 17, 2008 10am - 3 pm rain or shine GARAGE SALE proceeds going towards special education advocacy efforts. Massapequa Park, 11762.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008 6-7:30pm: Celebrate Calm Workshop at Howell Road School, 1475 Howell Road, Valley Stream, NY. Are you looking to create a stress free home; help improve focus, attention and behavior in school; build your child's confidence; and create stress free discipline and homework time? Click here to find out more about this FREE workshop that could change your life and your child's life. This workshop is lead by best-selling author and nationally-recognized expert Kirk Martin. All are welcomed by School District 13 (Valley Stream).

April 2008 Workshops presented by the Long Island Branch of The International Dyslexia Association. You must register in advance.

MONDAY, April 28^th - PRESS CONFERENCE and HEARING - on Autism and Vaccines - Nassau County, NY at NOON. Click here for more information. Open to the public. Come show your support.

Friday, April 25^th - Mad Science Program - for ages 7-12 - hosted by The Friedberg JCC's Ezra Center in Oceanside, NY. Click here for more information.

th - paid registration due for Basketball Buds - a program designed for children ages 8-12 years old with an autistic spectrum disorder or other developmental disability. Every child gets a teen buddy. Click here for Spring session information and registration details. Intake interview required. Program presented by The Friedberg JCC's Ezra Center for People with Disabilities in Oceanside, NY.

Thursday, April 17, 2008: 7-9 pm - Evening of Resource Awareness sponsered by Parent to Parent of NYS. Meet Parent to Parent staff and then have the opportunity to meet 1:1 with agencies and organizations for "fast track" problem solving sessions. Reservations required. Click here for more details

April 10, 11, 12 - The 5th Annual Conference On Best Practices in the Education of Children with Down Syndrome at C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University 720 Northern Blvd. Brookville, New York 11548 click here for conference topics, registration,fees, and directions for this event On-site child care available.

Friday, April 11, 2008 9:30am-2:30 pm< First Public Autism Forum in Greenvale, New York. Be there and be heard. Click here to attend this FREE EVENT. Hosted by the Coalition of Health and Wellness in the Early Years. Attend this very important forum. We need to speak up for those who are not being heard. Here is your chance to express your experiences with the gaps in service and the needs of children with Autism and their families.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 6:30 pm An Evening with Dr. Edward Hallowell, an author and psychologist in the field of AD/HD. Hosted by CHADD of Suffolk County. Click here to order tickets.

Monday, March 31, 2008 Rockville Centre SEPTA Meeting: Schooling in America and Children's Learning Differences - One Developmental Pediatrician's Perspective click here to find out the time and location of Dr. David Meryash's presentation. Dr. Meryash is the Training Director for the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Schneider Children's Hospital.

Sign up NOW until March 15, 2008Special Needs Soccer - non competitive, East Meadow Soccer Club click here to find out how to join a safe, fun filled, nurturing environment where the children and their families can gather and have fun. This soccer program welcomes all surrounding communities.

Thursday, February 28, 2008 8 pm Rockville Centre SEPTA's guest speaker, Lorianne Hoenninger, MSed, ATP will be discussing: How Assistive Technology Can Benefit Students click here for more information There will be catalogs and demonstration CDs distributed to parents, and Dr. Johnson and two board members will be on hand to answer questions about RVC's Special Education Program.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7-9 pm Learning Disabilities and Family Issues led by Rick LaVoie and graciously hosted by Plainview-Old Bethpage SEPTA. Click here to learn how to reserve your seat.

January - June 2008 Workshops:CHADD - Nassau County (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Educational Forums and Support Group Information. Support Groups from 7:30-8:30pm followed by Educational Guest Speakers until 10pm. Many opportuniities for you to attend a meeting.

January - June 2008 Workshops:CHADD - Suffolk County (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Check out these monthly workshops and locations.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 7pm Transition Planning for Young Adults (hosted) at Temple Beth El. Come join this workshop that will address Transition Coordination, Person Centered Planning, Self Determination and Funding Options. Click here for Pre-Registration requirements.

Winter 2008 Workshops: Tuesdays, Jan. 8^th, Jan 15^th, Jan 29^th, Feb 5^th, Feb 12^th, Feb 26^thProvided by the International Dyslexia Association- L.I. Branch. Click here for location, time and registration information.

January 28, 2008, 7:00 pmRVC SEPTA presents: Team Approaches That Work at School, Strategies Parents Can Use at Home. Click here for meeting agenda and location information

January 8, 2008, 7:30 pm Parent Advisory Council's first meeting, organized by the Friedberg JCC. A new endeavor to create programs to benefit children and teens with special needs and their siblings within the communities of Oceanside, Baldwin, Long Beach, and Merrick. Here is your invitation to make things happen.

Tuesdays, 7:00- 9:00pm, Nov. 20^th, December 4^th, and January 15^th Parent Workshops: L& M Multi-Sensory Instruction, at 80 E. Main Street, Kings Park, NY. Click here for workshop topics and reservation information.

Take Action Now FREE TRAINING: The Long Island Developmental Disabilities Service Office has awarded Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation funds to provide training to families of children with developmental disabilities residing in Nassau and Suffolk County. Each interested family will be provided with six hours of individual training to address challenges they face within home and community settings. The training will be either provided by or overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The training can take place either in the home or at a place within the family's community. If you know of a family that could benefit immediately from this service, please forward to them our contact information. We have several openings for the month of December or can provide services to them during the new year. Thank you. Cathy Hoffman, Administrator Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation, 516-983-7008.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 7:30 pm: Come Join Seaford SEPTA: and discover Homework Strategies For Students With Special Needs. For presentation information click here.

Monday, November 19, 2007 at 7:00 pm: Come Join Rockville Centre SEPTA: ADHD Medications: What's New, What Works, What's Best! Presented by Andrew Adesman, MD Chief, Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, Schneider Children's Hospital. For presentation information click here.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 7:45 pm: Massapequa SEPTA General/Executive Meeting.Speakers: Rob Stevens, the co-founder of the Spark Developmental Center and a parent who has successfully addressed his own son’s PDD diagnosis, will discuss the theoretical causes of attention, learning and behavior issues, specifically addressing medical model theories, environmental insult theory, the impact of sensory integration issues, and the importance of proper diet and nutrition. Avi Roth, the co-founder of the Spark Developmental Center , who is working on his doctorate at Columbia University , will speak about the Spark Development methodology, cognitive development, sensory integration,the impact of nutrition, and other alternatives. Meeting place: McKenna School located on Roosevelt Avenue and Spruce Street, Massapequa Park. Go to the Senior Center. Hot coffee and friendly people await your arrival.

Thursday, November 8, 2007, Baldwin SEPTA is hosting ADHD expo featuring Dr. Stephen Aletkin, PHD, at Meadow School, 880 Jackson St. Baldwin NY 7:00 pm. Open to all.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007 7:30 PM, at The Vincent Smith School: Meet the author/book signing of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome by Dr. Valerie Gaus. For more information please read this flyer.

Monday, October 29, 2007 7:30 p.m. 5 Towns JCC at Temple Israel in Lawrence, NY, is hosting a free screening of Autism Every Day a documentary film produced by Autism Speaks. Click here to get more information and/or to preregister.

Thursday, October 25, 2007 7-9 pm, Farmingdale SEPTA showing of How Difficult Can This Be?, F.A.T. City, a Rick LaVoie video. This video allows the viewer to walk in the shoes of a person with a disability. This is a wonderful opportunity to get a better understanding and perspective of the effects a disability has on the individual and may even provide a chance for you to reflect on the impact your actions have on your student, child, grandchild. Click here for more information. See if you can get atleast one teacher/therapist/administrator from your school to attend.

Monday and Tuesday, October 22 & 23, 2007 from 8 AM - 3 PM, AHA's Seventeenth Annual Educational Profile of School Age Children with High Functioning Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and other Pervasive Development Disorders at Eastern Suffolk BOCES, 15 Andrea Road, Holbrook, NY. For more information go to AHANY.org

Friday October 12, 2007, Brett DiNovi & Associates, L.L.C. in conjunction with the Camden County Educational Services Commission: 225 White Horse Avenue, Clementon, New Jersey 08021 Functional Behavior Assessment & Practical Interventions for Students with Autism Workshop for school psychologists, social workers, child study team members, teachers, parents, and clinicians. This workshop focuses on empirically validated methods of behavioral intervention in school settings. Applied behavior analysis interventions are often difficult to implement in real school settings. This workshop provides practical and specific examples of how to intervene with severe behavior problems, rather than conceptual strategies that are only effective in very controlled settings. This workshop is FREE and is entirely supported by funding made available through the Governor’s Initiative on Autism. Camden County Educational Services Commission is a recipient of this grant. To enroll go to FBA Workshop Registration and Information.

Thursday, October 11, 2007 - Baldwin SEPTA is hosting F.A.T. City Workshop - understanding learning disabilites at the Brookside School, Stanton Avenue, Baldwin NY 7:00pm. Open to all.

August 9, 2007, 10am - 12:30pm at Nassau Community College, One Education Drive, Garden City, Cluster B Classroom 218. The NYS Force on Preschool Education invites you to participate in a forum on Preschool Special Education in New York. Now is your chance to be heard, express your needs, and share your thoughts on how to improve the current system. Space is limited to 120 people. To secure a spot, RSVP to : Maryellen.goebel@hhsnassaucountyny.us Topics of discussion will include transition from Early Intervention into preschool special education and school age programs, options for the setting in which services are delivered, and funding issues and their impact on the availability and delivery of services. For directions to Nassau Community College click here. The NYS Force was established in law earlier this year (2007) and includes representatives of Counties (who pay for services), School Districts (who play a role in making decisions about services) and providers of Special Education services, as well as representatives of State agencies involved in providing funding and/or oversight of services. It will make recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, and State Board of Regents in November for consideration in State budget-making and education policy direction.

Summer 2007 Eden II/Genesis Workshops Utilizing scientifically validated treatment procedures, Eden II Programs has been a leader in the effective intervention and education of individuals with autism over the past 30 years. In an effort to disseminate sound information about autism spectrum disorders and provide training and support, Eden II Programs/The Genesis School will offer the following summer workshops .

July 23, 2007, Free Kick-off breakfast for Autism United HOPE Walk '07. Autism United: A coalition of Long Island advocacy groups and service providers working together to provide local services and research. Autism United's vision is to build community strength and practical assistance so that a caring and united community can protect the interests of all individuals affected by ASD throughout their lifespan. For breakfast info click here.

June/July Information from Autism Society of America (ASA) - Information on such topics as Advocacy Update/Recent Court decisions, ASA Conference, Autism News- Autism Job Placement and Rollerblading for Autism fundraising event. Click here to read more.

Rescheduled to June 20, 2007, 7pm Special Needs Planning Seminar - The workshop lecture usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour, and then our specialists answers questions for another 1/2 hour or so. The workshop is free, all we ask is that you invite your families to RSVP by 5/18/07 longislandp2p@yahoo.com The topics discussed will include: Protecting future government benefits; Ways that a Special Needs Trust can provide a lifetime of care; Choice of a Guardian; Wills and Letters of Intent; and Appropriate funding vehicles for the trust. Location:Goodman Financial Group - MetLife,300 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY 11788 (Use the entrance on the EAST side of the building). Please RSVP by 5/18/07 to: Jim Wallace, Financial Services Representative, (631) 582-6544 extension 5084, email - jawallace@metlife.com

Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 7p.m.,Grandparent Support Group - Facilitated by Dr. Wendy Kamaiko-Solano and Hannah Kaplan-Cohen, and JCC Special Needs Parent Support Groups - Discuss with other grandparents the range of feelings and stressors that make up the unexpected journey of a special needs grandchild. This is an opportunity to rethink, explore and find sources of support for yourselves.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 8 PM CHADD of Suffolk County Sponsors - Raising Your Child's Social IQ: What it is and Why it Matters - Presented by Joseph S. Volpe, PhD. Click here for more information

Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 7p.m., Orton-Gillingham and other reading approaches - A Long Island Parent Technical Assistance Center presentation: Speaker, Lynn Burke, M.S. an educational consultant with over 30 years of experience. Come to this free presentation to learn what a multi-sensory research based reading program is; Find out why so many children are struggling to learn how to read; and more.

End Health Insurance Discrimination THE BILL HAS BEEN PASSED. IT TAKES EFFECT IN JANUARY 2007. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR LETTERS OF SUPPORT TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES. WE DID IT!
Tell your Representatives to sponsor A699 and S784. Isn't it time that insurance companies stop denying medical care and therapy for our special needs kids? By telling your representatives that you support and want them to support these bills, we can beat the huge lobbying efforts of insurance companies from denying our children the services they need.

School Year 2006-2007, 7pm at Saltzman East Memorial School, Farmingdale New York - Farmingdale SEPTA's Calendar of Events/Guest Speakers: Check out this calendar to see what hot topics are schedule for this school year. Guest Speakers include Christina Cacioppo - educational consultant, Dr. James Snyder -Psychiatrist, Bonnie Jan - Psychiatric Social Worker, Janice Smestad - founder of Empathy Associates, LTD., and a movie night (with popcorn) featuring FAT CITY by Rick Lavoie.

Three Village Septa Contact Information and Listing of Events for February, March, and April 2007- Three Village Event Information and Guest Speakers: All are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 7:30pm - Vincent Smith School Community Lecture Series: "Special Education: Empowering Families for Successful Transition Planning." For more information click here. Admission is FREE.

Saturday, April 14, 2007, 7:30pm - Vincent Smith School- Open House"For more information click here. Find out about one Long Island’s premier private schools that addresses the needs of the reluctant learner and learning disabled student.

Friday, April 13, 2007,Children's Conference at the Smithtown Sheraton The Mental Health Association in Suffolk County, Inc., South Oaks Hospital & the Suffolk County Division of Community Mental Hygiene Co-sponsor Jane Bluestein, Ph.D. - Dr. Bluestein is a dynamic and entertaining speaker and has appeared on CNN, NPR and the Oprah Winfrey Show. Learn simple and effective strategies to: Avoid Power Struggles; Defuse Conflict; Engage kids who have "given up"; Improve parent involvement and support; and Build Student responsibility, commitment and self-management. For more information contact the MHA at 631-226-3900.

Saturday, March 24, 20072007 Annual Conference "Survival Saturday" at McKenna School in Massapequa Park, N.Y. Sponsored by Massapequa SEPTA and The Long Island Branch of The International Dyslexia Association. Click here for all the conference information. Special Keynote Speaker: Jonathan Mooney “Learning Outside the Lines: Empowering Students Who Learn Differently.”

Wednesday,March 21, 2007 at 7:00pm A Meeting To Discuss A Long Island Residential School Is your child (with diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome, High Functioning Autism or PDD-NOS) in an out-of-state residential placement? Is he/she between 12-21 years old? If an approved and excellent residential program on Long Island existed, would you consider bringing him/her back to Long Island? The development of a Long Island Residential School, designed to bring out-of-state placed students on the Autism Spectrum back to New York is underway. Express your interest, discuss this possibility & share ideas on what is important for YOUR child's educational experience. Parental involvement in program development is welcomed and appreciated. Meeting held at AHRC-Brookville Campus, 189 Wheatley Road, Old Westbury, NY 11545 Please RSVP: 516-802-8603.

Friday, March 16, 2007, 7pm-9pm - Three Village SEPTA presents: “Let Us Help You Aim High” Long Island Advocacy Center, for the legal rights of students and individuals with disabilities. Speaker: Marlene Rosenson. Location: Emma Clark Memorial Library, held in the community room 120 Main St., Setauket, NY 11733 #631-941-4080. Just in time for preparing for our child's Annual Review Meeting.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007, 7:30pm - Vincent Smith School Community Lecture Series: "Parents Beware: Bullies, Hazers, Victims and Bystanders - Every child is at risk." For more information click here. Admission is FREE.

March 6, 2007, 5:15-6:15 for eight weeks - Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders announces a new therapy group for high-functioning young adults with HFA/Asperger's Disorder/PDD-NOS ages 18-22. Group sessions will focus on developing strategies for: anxiety and stress,self-esteem and self-concept, depression, social skills and interpersonal relationships, education and job choices, and developing independence. Interested families can call Shana Nichols, Ph.D., Psychologist at 516-802-8600 for more information and to set up a brief screening session. Groups will be held on Tuesday evenings and will run for 8 weeks.

March 5, 2007, 7pm-9pm DAN (Defeat Autism Now) Support Group, Dr. Michael Elice and Susan Watson, CPNP. - Location: 77 Froehlich Farm Blvd., Woodbury, NY RSVP #516-921-3456 (for support group).

November 8, 2006 7pm at Nyack High School - Nyack SEPTA is proud to sponsor Coping with a Child on the Autism Spectrum: Techniques Every Parent and Professional Should Know . Karen Siff Exkorn is a resident of Rockland County and author of The Autism Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping and Healing From a Mother Whose Child Recovered (ReganBooks/HarperCollins 2005). Karen will discuss: Tips for coping emotionally with the diagnosis; How to support and reinforce your childs treatment so that it fits into your lifestyle; How to help friends and family members understand autism; Strategies for everyday life; and her family's journey from diagnosis to recovery. This is a tremendous opportunity for both parents and professionals to meet and talk to a parent who has been in the trenches and understands how living with this disorder affects you and your loved ones.

The Autism Sourcebook has been featured on Good Morning America and in national and international media. After her sons recovery from autism, Karen made it her mission to reach out as a consultant to other families living with autism. With a B.A. from Brown University and an M.A. from New York University, she is a frequent lecturer at universities and autism organizations internationally. She and her husband recently established the Siff Exkorn Family Foundation, which provides funding for research and treatment of autism. Karen donates a percentage of the proceeds from The Autism Sourcebook to autism organizations around the world.

September 20, 2006 NATIONAL AD/HD AWARENESS DAY - Stay tuned for further details

September 17, 2006 LONG ISLAND FESTIVAL AND WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH – This Bi-County event, dedicated to "Stamping out the Stigma" of mental illness covering Suffolk and Nassau. It is a day to celebrate, collaborate and network. In addition a parade through the village of Huntington, the day will include free t-shirts, lively music and entertainment, a special area dedicated to children including a moon-bounce and face painting, the Art Corner - a place to show, sell and buy the work of artists diagnosed with mental illness, and vendors displaying their mental health services throughout Long Island to network and attract consumers and employees. This is a free event open to everyone, consumers of mental health services, providers and the larger community. The Long Island Festival & Walk for Mental Health will take place: Sunday, September 17th, 2006 at Heckscher Park, Huntington Village, New York. CHADD of Nassau County will gather rain or shine at Gerard Street (Opposite the post office) at 12 Noon and walk 3/4 of a mile down 25A to the Park.

September 16, 2006 FAMILY HEALTH & SAFETY EXPO – This free event, sponsored by Senator Kemp Hannon, will be held at Island Trees Middle School, Wantagh Avenue, Levittown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Your visit will be fun and informative. There will be educational exhibits by local organizations as well as entertainment and refreshments for the kids. For further information call the Senator’s Community Office at (516) 739-1700.

September 10, 2006 SPECIAL DAY FOR SPECIAL KIDS – The Gersh Academy presents a day of activities for children ages 5-16 with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, & other neurobiological disorders and their families. Activities include: Chess, Jeopardy, Harry Potter, Lego City, Trampolines, Puppets, Playgrounds, Miniature golf, Sports, Water slides, Paddle boats, Swimming & more! Trained instructors, including Special Olympics staff, will conduct activities and certified lifeguards will be working at the pools and pond, however, parents must supervise their children throughout the event. In addition, stroll the Boardwalk of Resources where experts will be on hand to answer questions. There will be representatives from Service Organizations, Individual Practitioners, Publishers, and Toy & Game Manufacturers.

Location: West Hills Day Camp: Huntington , NY 11743
Date: September 10, 2006
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tickets $20 each and include all activities and lunch. Check www.gershacademy.org for Registration information.
* All proceeds go to the NYU Child Study Center *

Saturday, July 29, 2006: Autism Awareness Day Event at the Long Island Game Farm Tickets are $16
Come join the fun. Buy your tickets in advance and 50% of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go to Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, the Moriches Rotary Health Camp for special needs children. Rain date Sunday, July 30, 2006. Call Bill Dalton of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck at (631) 878-1070 to purchase tickets. Hope to see you there.

May 15, 2006 Times Magazine Article: Inside the Autistic Mind
This insightful article begins with "The road to Hannah's mind opened a few days before her 13th birthday." A must read article for all who are interested in new brain research and the opportunity to learn about autism from people who have autism.

Tuesday, May 23, 7:30 pm: Sibling Issues. What to do? Speaker: Juliet Williams, Ph.D.
How to make sure that everyone gets the attention they need. Strategies for managing the emotional upheaval that is present in all families. Understanding the "it's not fair problem" and explaining the reason for "different sets of rules for sibling with special needs". How to include siblings in future planning for their brother or sister. Advocacy on behalf of their brother or sister. Planning for socially successful situations for the entire family. AHA Education Series. Please RSVP. Call Deanna 631-692-8281 or email Deanna Location: Melville Law Centre, MetLife, rear of building 225 Old Country Rd., Melville

May 11, 2006, 7-9 pm: Making Education Work for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Role of the Autism Consultant. Presenter: David Makowski, Ph.D., Cody Center -
Autism Spectrum Disorders are neurologically based developmental disorders that significantly impact a child's communication abilities, social relationships and adaptive behavior. Students with ASD's often have unique learning styles and social needs. Their strengths and abilities may be overlooked and underutilized. With appropriate supports, many of these students can be successfully included in mainstream classrooms, and make the most of educational opportunities. This workshop will describe the role of an autism consultant in helping schools develop effective learning environments for students on the Autism Spectrum. Call the Cody Center at (631) 632-3127 or email shirley.woodward@stonybrook.edu at least one week in advance to insure admission. (suggested donation $10).

Saturday & Sunday, May 6 and 7, 2006 The 2006 Sprout Film Festival - featuring 18 independent shorts, features, animations and documentaries related to the field of developmental disabilities, will take place at the NYU Cantor Film Center in New York City. The lineup will be presented in 7 distinct programs. The cost of each program is $8 general and $6 for students, seniors and people with disabilities. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit the Sprout web site or phone the Sprout office at 888-222-9575.