Autism Society Western New York

Bring a Friend, Make a Friend:A Social Group for Children with Autism
2016-02-06 09:30 - 23:00 UTC | We Rock the Spectrum, 6950 Erie Road, Derby, NY, 14047, United States
Pacific Child & Family Associates
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: We Rock the Spectrum
Address: 6950 Erie Road
Derby, NY 14047
Cost: Free
This social skills group* will be held the first Saturday of every month for 2016 from 9:30 AM-11:00AM.
Making friends can be hard for children with autism. Pacific Child & Family Associates know how important it is for your child to practice their emerging social skills. That is why they are partnering with We Rock the Spectrum for this new opportunity.
This is a social play group designed for children ages 16 and under with autism. Pacific Child & Family Associates team of staff will be there to facilitate play and ensure a fun morning is had by all!
Please join us and bring a friend.
Please follow the link below to register the number of children in attendance.
*Note, this is not a drop off event. Parents and caregivers are expected to stay and are welcome to socialize.
RSVP is required. See link below.
Links : Bring a Friend, Make a Friend Registration

MAXout Program
2016-02-01 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14208, United States
Institute for Autism Research @ Canisius College
Time: Canisius College
Location: Canisius College
Address: 2001 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14208
Cost: Free
The Institute for Autism Research at Canisius College is recruiting high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to participate in a clinical trial evaluating an outpatient social development program.
Eligibility:
Male and female children ages 7 -12 years, diagnosed with ASD
Cognitive and language skills near the average range, or in the average range or above.
Contact ASAP to be assigned to part of the February or August Program.
For further information: www.canisius.edu/iar
If interested, please contact (716) 888-2800 or iar@canisius.edu
Downloads : MAXout Program Flyer
Links : Institute for Autism Research (IAR)

MSC Informational Workshop
2016-01-27 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Autism Services, Inc. Resource Center, 97 Main Street, Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
Presented by Aubrey Sedor, MSC Supervisor

This workshop will address the following issues:
Eligibility * Transition * Front Door Process * Future Planning * Employment * Self Advocacy * Independent Living

Please RSVP with Sara Spaulding at sspaulding@autism-services-inc.org or 716-992-0131.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)
2016-01-19 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Wayne A. Secord Therapeutic Preschool, 6395 Old Niagara Road, Lockport, NY, 14094, United States
Presented by Parent Network of WNY, the Early Childhood Direction Center, and New Directions Youth & Family Services

Every child receiving Special Education services has an Individualized Education Program (IEP). What is it and who writes it? What does individualized mean? In this workshop participants will learn about IEP components and receive tips and tools to become more involved in the planning process.

Childcare offered – please reserve by January 11, 2016. Please state age of child. No infants.
To register for this workshop, call or go online today (716) 332-4170 or 1-866-277-4762 toll free www.parentnetworkwny.org

Caring for the Caregiver: Nutrition for the Brain & Body to Make it Happen: Sleep, Food & Supplements
2016-01-13 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Webinar
Autism Research Institute Online Education
This talk covers the importance of self-care for adult caregivers, and focuses on reasonable dietary and lifestyle choices and appropriate basic nutritional supplementation. We will talk briefly about all of the current dietary trends, what to believe, what is based in evidence and research, and how to make choices for yourself and your family amid all the noise. This talk will review the key components to success with the above strategies by focusing on two major components that wear us down – poor sleep habits and poor nutrition. It will review sleep hygiene and natural sleep support options, healthy dietary intake for all, and nutritional supplements to consider for acute support when needed.

Navigating Adult Services
2016-01-07 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Frontier Education Center, 5120 Orchard Avenue, Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
Presented by Parent Network of WNY and Frontier SEPTA

Young adults with disabilities will soon be transitioning into the adult systems for continued guidance and support in achieving their goals. The world of eligibility can be overwhelming and confusing. Participants will gain knowledge of the different adult systems that their child may want to access as they work toward their personal goals. Understanding the systems from the eligibility process to the services will help determine where you should start the process.

Building faces Lakeshore Road (Rte 5) in Hamburg, but the entrance to parking lot is on the side behind the building.
Call to reserve your spot today!
716-332-4170 phone
1-866-277-4762 toll free
www.parentnetworkwny.org

Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
2016-01-07 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Presented by Parent Network of WNY and Buffalo Public Schools

Does a child’s behavior create problems in the classroom? What can be done? Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) are part of the special education process which looks at specific student behaviors and what the child is trying to communicate. Participants will learn about the FBA process, behavior plans and goals that can be built into a child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

To register for this workshop, call or go online today (716) 332-4170 or 1-866-277-4762 toll free www.parentnetworkwny.org

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
2016-01-07 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Presented by Parent Network of WNY and the Western New York Institute

This OPWDD-approved curriculum provides an introduction to the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver, which is the primary funding mechanism for supporting the Individualized Service Environment (ISE) for persons with developmental disabilities. This workshop includes an overview of the ISE, a history and overview of the waiver, waiver services and the Service Coordinator’s responsibilities regarding he waiver.

Call to reserve your spot today! Parent Network: 716-332-4170 phone; 1-866-277-4762 toll free.
www.parentnetworkwny.org

Self-Injurious Behavior with Dr. Lauren Moscowicz
2016-01-06 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Webinar
Autism Research Institute Online Education
Join Dr. Lauren Moscowicz as she shares strategies for developing individualized intervention for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders who are also experiencing anxiety.
Lauren Moskowitz, Ph.D., comes to St. John’s University as an Assistant Professor of Psychology. She received her B.S. from Cornell University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Stony Brook University. She completed her internship at NYU Child Study Center and Bellevue Hospital and her postdoctoral fellowship at NYU Child Study Center. Her research focuses on behavioral assessment and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities (DD) in naturalistic contexts, intervention for parents of children with ASD and DD, and cognitive-behavioral therapy with children and adolescents.

SENSORY FRIENDLY FILM
2015-12-26 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | AMC Maple Ridge 8, 4276 Maple Rd, Ste C , Amherst, NY, 14226, United States
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Sensory Friendly Films are now showing four times per month.
Showings are the second and fourth Tuesday and Saturday of each month, Saturday’s at 10 a.m. & Tuesday’s showings at 7pm.
Click on link below to view full listing of upcoming shows on Saturday’s and Tuesday’s.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. You are able to bring your own snacks for special diets. The “Silence is Golden” policy is not enforces. The kids are free to move around and make noise as long as it is safe for everyone. It is a great way to enjoy a movie for anyone, not just people with ASD.

For tickets to this unique experience, please visit the theater’s box office the day of the event.

Sensory Friendly Film Tuesday
2015-12-22 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | AMC Maple Ridge 8, 4276 Maple Rd, Ste C , Amherst, NY, 14226, United States
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

*AMC has added Tuesday showings at 7pm local time that may appeal to others on the autism spectrum.
Click on link below to view full listing of upcoming shows on Saturday’s and Tuesday’s.
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. You are able to bring your own snacks for special diets. The “Silence is Golden” policy is not enforces. The kids are free to move around and make noise as long as it is safe for everyone. It is a great way to enjoy a movie for anyone, not just people with ASD.

For tickets to this unique experience, please visit the theater’s box office the day of the event.

Mubu's Family Holiday Event
2015-12-12 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Museum of disABILITy History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14226, United States
Museum of disABILITY History Presents

Join in on this family-friendly event!
Book Readings * A visit from Santa * Holiday Crafts* Face Painting * RefreshmentsMubu the Morph is the main character of a fun-filled book series about individuality, and lessons about self-confidence and character development. The books are suitable for choldren, grades K-3.

To register or for more information, call 716-629-3626.
museumofdisability.org * facebook.com/museumof disability

Sensory Friendly Film Saturday
2015-12-12 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | AMC Maple Ridge 8, 4276 Maple Rd, Ste C , Amherst, NY, 14226, United States
The Good Dinosaur

Sensory Friendly Films are now showing four times per month.
Showings are the second and fourth Tuesday and Saturday of each month, Saturday’s at 10 a.m. & Tuesday’s showings at 7pm.
Click on link below to view full listing of upcoming shows on Saturday’s and Tuesday’s.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. You are able to bring your own snacks for special diets. The “Silence is Golden” policy is not enforces. The kids are free to move around and make noise as long as it is safe for everyone. It is a great way to enjoy a movie for anyone, not just people with ASD.

For tickets to this unique experience, please visit the theater’s box office the day of the event.

Patient Santa
2015-12-12 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | We Rock the Spectrum, 6950 Erie Road, Derby, NY, 14047, United States
We Rock the Spectrum Buffalo Southtowns Kid’s Gym

Patient Santa Events are designed for children on the Autism Spectrum who otherwise would be unable to visit with Santa. Can’t wait in line? No problem! Families will be scheduled a time to visit Santa individually, allowing the children to play in a separate waiting area with sensory friendly activities!
A photographer will be available, however you are also welcome to bring a personal camera during this event.

To ensure a pleasant experience for all those who attend we ask all families to pre-register via email: Information@patientsanta.com
Please note registration is limited!

Non-Diploma Options
2015-12-10 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Clarence Central High School, 9625 Main Street, Clarence, NY, 14031, United States
Presented by Parent Network of WNY Workshop and Clarence Central School District

High School students now have the opportunity to earn a Career Development & Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS credential) or a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential(SACC). Both the CDOS credential and the Skills credential provide opportunities for students to learn entry level employment skills while still in high school. Learn the different requirements of the credentials and also the difference between the two different opportunities. Gain an understanding of the roles that the student, families and schools play in obtaining a credential.

Call to reserve your spot today!
716-332-4170 phone
1-866-277-4762 toll free
www.parentnetworkwny.org

SENSORY FRIENDLY FILM Tuesday @ 7 p.m.
2015-12-08 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | AMC Maple Ridge 8, 4276 Maple Rd, Ste C , Amherst, NY, 14226, United States
The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay – Part 2

*AMC has added Tuesday showings at 7pm local time that may appeal to others on the autism spectrum.
Click on link below to view full listing of upcoming shows on Saturday’s and Tuesday’s.
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. You are able to bring your own snacks for special diets. The “Silence is Golden” policy is not enforces. The kids are free to move around and make noise as long as it is safe for everyone. It is a great way to enjoy a movie for anyone, not just people with ASD.

For tickets to this unique experience, please visit the theater’s box office the day of the event.

Transition to Adulthood Online Workshop
2015-12-08 | Webinar
What happens after high school for students with disabilities? What questions should you ask and whom do you ask? When should families start thinking about and planning for adult life? In this workshop participants will understand the special education system’s responsibilities regarding all areas of living Live, Learn, Work and Play. An introduction to community based services will be provided.

Free to attend this online Webex webinar!

Parent Group: Niagara County Early Childhood Direction
2015-12-07 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Niagara Falls High School, 4455 Porter Road Rm. 113, Niagara Falls, NY, 14305, United States
Provides a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support.

RSVP to attend. Please contact Early Childhood Direction: (716) 880-3875 or email: ecdc@kaleidahealth.org

Pathways to Graduation for NYS
2015-12-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Parent Network of WNY Workshop

What does it mean to get a Regents diploma? A local diploma? A SACC? What can you do? What can you not do? How much effort does it take? Can your child to the work? This workshop explores the options, and outlines the updates to NYS regulations.

RSVP by phone, email or online:
(716) 332-4170; info@parentnetworkwny.org; www.parentnetworkwny.org

Links :
Parent Network of Western New York

Front Door & Self-Directed Services
2015-12-01 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Parent Network of WNY

In this workshop individuals, families and caregivers will learn what OPWDD funded self-directed services are and how they work. Participants develop a basic understanding of creating an initial service plan for the individual with a developmental disability, identify what their responsibilities will be and who they will be working with during the process. Key terms and functions regarding self-directed services like employer and budget authority, start-up broker, support broker and more will be discussed.

To register phone 716-332-4170, 866-277-4762 toll free, or on-line www.parentnetworkwny.org.

Links :
Parent Network Workshop Registration

Game Night: Holiday Celebration
2015-11-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Lancaster Youth Bureau, 200 Oxford Avenue, Lancaster, NY, 14086, United States
Exclusively for children with Asperger’s, PDD-NOS or on the Autism Spectrum

Looking for a fun time?? Come join us. All ages K-12th grade. Activities include: Video Games; Arts and Crafts; Board Games; and Bingo. Bring your own game to share too! Bring a friend!

Parent Participation is Necessary and Important for this program!
Need more information? Contact: Tammy,tamderk@hotmail.com or Lancaster Youth Bureau, 683-4444

Buffalo Aspies Movie Night: Star Wars & Space Balls Double Feature
2015-11-22 14:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Jewish Community Center Benderson Building, 2640 North Forest Road, Getzville, NY, 14068, United States
Join us as we prepare for the next release of the Star Wars saga this December by revisiting Star Wars & Space Balls! Participation is free, and light snacks (including gluten free) will be served (though you are also welcome to bring a sandwich or dinner). Please note that you must be an adult (18+) with Asperger’s to attend.

Please note that this event will take place at the Jewish Community Center’s Getzville Location. We will be screening the movies in Room 222 and will have signage up to help direct folks where to go.
Please RSVP to matt@bjebuffalo.org or through the Facebook event page.

Understanding Special Education
2015-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Pioneer Central High School, 12145, Yorkshire, NY, 14173, United States
Parent Network of WNY Workshop

What is special education and where do you start? Participants will learn the steps in the special education process and learn what to expect at meetings of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) (Preschool-CPSE). Families will learn to be an active part of the process and walk away with resources for the future.

RSVP by phone or online:
(716) 332-4170 phone; 1-866-277-4762 toll free; www.parentnetworkwny.org

Putting the Pieces Together for Children and Families with Dual or Multiple Diagnosis
2015-11-20 11:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Holiday Inn Amherst, 1881 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY, 14228, United States
Chapter C (WNYSPA)

Christine Hoff, WNY Independent Living and Dr. Michael Cummings, ECMC, WCHOB, and UB School of Medicine will present “Putting the Pieces Together” for Children and Families with Dual or Multiple Diagnosis.
Children with dual or multiple diagnoses and their families are facing complex issues that call for specific documentation, intervention, treatment, and parenting skills. Interventions within the community can be very difficult to secure outside of the school for multiple reasons, with families facing many barriers and challenges accessing care and treatment. Discussion will center on resources for school personnel in programming for students with multiple diagnoses, including APIC and NYSTART, as well as trauma informed care within schools, and ways to assist children and families. Attendees will learn what school psychologists need to know regarding the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and Office of Mental Health (OMH) in order to work with this unique population, as well as the changes occurring within these government agencies and how it may influence assessment, transition planning, and ACCESS-VR.

Send your name, address, phone number, district and email address along with your payment to
Aimee Lepsch
274 Donna Lea Blvd.
Williamsville, NY 14221
Makes checks payable to WNYSPA
We will be offering 2.0 official NASP Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits.

Transition to Adulthood
2015-11-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Hamburg High School, 4111 Legion Drive, Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
Parent Network of WNY Workshop

What happens after high school for students with disabilities? What questions should you ask and whom do you ask? When should families start thinking about and planning for adult life? In this workshop participants will understand the special education system’s responsibilities regarding all areas of living…”Live, Learn, Work and Play.” An introduction to community based services will be provided.

To register phone 716-332-4170, 866-277-4762 toll free, or on-line www.parentnetworkwny.org.

Links :
Parent Network Workshop Registration

Same Page Conference: Designing the Future, Strategies and Tools to Make it Work
2015-11-19 08:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Lucarelli’s Banquet Center, 1830 Abbott Road, Lackawanna, NY, 14218, United States
Keynote Speaker: JoAnn Lamphere, OPWDD Division of Person Centered Support

For MSCs, families, individuals served and the staff who support them.
AGENDA
Registration and Welcome: Kirk Maurer, Director OPWDD Regional Office
Keynote: JoAnn Lamphere, Deputy Commissioner OPWDD Division of Person Centered Supports
Alex Dimaio, Statewide T.O.U.C.H. Counselor will present Introduction of T.O.U.C.H.
The Therapeutic Outreach Uniting Community Health (T.O.U.C.H.) platform is the first ever pilot program of a New York State, statewide provider and employment database, that works directly with government agencies to identify and publicize opportunities directly to the person that will be the recipient of services and their families. For additional information about T.O.U.C.H. go to http://www.touchnys.org
LUNCH
Strategies: Approaches to help individuals identify and plan for the supports they need.

Registration deadline is November 9, 2015.
Online registration: www.wnytraininginstitute.org
For questions and information: Nancy Doyle, lmd@parentnetworkwny.org
A limited number of scholarships are available for individuals served and family members. If you are interested in a scholarship, please call Peg at 716-332-4170.

Links :
Same Page Conference Registration

Parent Group For Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
2015-11-18 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Aspire Building, 7 Community Drive, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225, United States
This group provides a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support.

R.S.V.P. to Attend: Please call (716) 878-7600 or e-mail: jmertz@kaleidahealth.org
Moderated by Kathy Ralabate Doody, PhD-parent of child with autism, Instructor, Exceptional Education at Buffalo State
Jana Mertz, MBA-Program Coordinator, the Children’s Guild Foundation, autism Spectrum Disorder Center and Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
Light refreshments will be served.

Immunological Issues in ASD with J. VandeWater, PhD
2015-11-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Autism Research Institute Online Education

Dr. Van de Water is a well-known immunologist whose primary interests for the past 20 years include autoimmunity, immunopathology, and molecular and cell biology. Dr. Van de Water’s laboratory research programs include the identification of the various mechanisms associated with autoimmune and other immune-mediated disorders. This includes the biological aspects of autism spectrum disorders including immune dysfunction and autoantibody production. In addition, her current work involves the identification of maternal antibodies to fetal brain proteins found in some mothers of children with autism. Moreover, Dr. Van de Water was the Core Director of the Molecular and Cell Biology Core for the NIEHS Center for Children’s Environmental Health, entitled “Environmental Factors in the Etiology of Autism”, investigating potential environmental risk factors contributing to the incidence and severity of childhood autism. This project has been renewed and Dr. Van de Water is now the P.I. of Project 2, the Immunological Susceptibility in Autism.

Links :
Autism Research Institute Registration

Going to Kindergarten for Children with Special Needs (CPSE to CSE)
2015-11-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Parent Network of WNY Workshop

Going to Kindergarten is an exciting time for every child and family. In this workshop we will discuss the differences between preschool special education and school age special education. We will answer your questions and help you prepare for this transition.

To register: Call (716) 332-4170 or go online: www.parentnetworkwny.org

Links :
Parent Network Workshop Registration

Professional Development and Parent Seminars Buffalo
2015-11-17 08:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Adams Mark Buffalo, 120 Church Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) Conference
You must register and print out your own handouts.

Seminar I: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Checked Out and Disengaged? Research-based Practices for Increasing Attention and Motivation in Students with ASD
Evidence suggests that many individuals with ASD have differences in attention and motivation which impact classroom engagement success. This seminar will discuss evidence-based interventions to support students’ increased and sustained attention to academic material, as well as strategies to enhance motivation in students with ASD. Participants will learn components of antecedent and reinforcement-based strategies that can be implemented in classroom settings.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. On Your Own
Seminar II: 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Learning Better Ways to Cope: Teaching Students with ASD to Recognize and Manage Their Emotions
Individuasl with ASD often struggle with regulating their emotions and coping with the demands of the school environment. This seminar wil provide an overview of theories as to why students become overwhelmed, as well as discussion of evidence-based approaches to increase students’ abilities to recognize and communicate their emotional experiences. Participants will learn practical strategies to teach coping skills to students with ASD.

These seminars are offered AT NO COST to participants living in New York State through a grant from the new York State Education Department. Refreshments will not be provided. Participants may attend both seminars or choose to attend only one of the seminars. Seating is limited. Due to space limitations, preregistration is REQUIRED for this event.
To register, visit http://www.albany.edu/autism/pdps.php and submit the online form or print it out and fax it to (518)442-4834. Registration will not be taken by phone.
Handouts will not be provided at the training, but are available on the CARD Albany website: http://www.albany.edu/autism/handouts_pdps.php. It is highly recommended that attendees print handouts and bring them to the seminars.

Links :
CARD Albany Fall 2015 conference registration

CARD Albany Fall 2015 conference handouts
