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Welcome to our Western New York Autism Community Website

Friends of Autistic Services Inc., is a community website for friends, families and all Western New York residents who are connected to the world of autism. We’ve recently expanded our site to include resources for parents who are looking for inexpensive yet effective ways of adapting the home environment for a child with autism. We’ve also added a community spotlight where we’ll feature members of our growing Asperger’s Group. Along with podcasts and autism related news and events, this site is an excellent resource for anyone in the Greater Buffalo Area who is seeking to become more engaged with the Autism Community in Western New York.  To know more about Autistic Services and our program services please visit our Agency Website at www.autisticservices.org

Support Group for Friends of People with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

We are pleased to announce that Autistic Services, Inc. now offers a monthly support group for people who are related to, or have a close relationship with, someone with Asperger Syndrome (AS) or “High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder” (HFASD).

As you may know, people with AS/HFASD are often very capable and talented in certain ways but also struggle to overcome social, communicative, and sensory obstacles in life. From many of the discussions we have had with people in our community, it is clear that parents, siblings, spouses, and friends of people with AS/HFASD would benefit from regular discussion and support.

To Learn More About this Group Please Click Here

Autistic Services, Inc. Returns to ArtSpace for 2010

August 2010 brings Autistic Services, Inc. back to ArtSpace Residence and Gallery, with an opening reception performance by No Words Spoken.

August 6th – 28th
Opening Reception: Friday Aug. 6th, 6-9 pm
No Words Spoken performing at 6:30 pm

THE NEIL SANDERS SHOW...

On Thursday July 22nd, Rick Azar, Tom Jolls and Irv Weinstein all made portrait appearances at the Historical Society exhibition. But as far as any appearances from "Melrose Place Babes", well, that was all in Neil's imagination. So when you listen to this episode of the Neil's Sanders Show and you hear reports of guest celebrity appearances, don't believe it. Everything else is legit. So tune in for a Neil Sanders recap of ASI's debut exhibition at the Buffalo Historical Society.  Listen to our Autism Podcast >>

Another Great Performance

Our Sesame Street performance was a huge success! Audience attendance continues to grow. Thank you to everyone who attended. Click here view photos of the performance.

"Bert" T-Shirts for the Summer

The art work was done by one of our ASI artists! Children’s sizes are available in 6-8 & 8-10. Adult sizes are small, medium and large. Children: $10.00 Adult: $12.00
To place an order please call us at

(716) 631-5777
or email us at veronica@autisticservices.org


 
View more items in our Autism Store

Continuing our Education

This month ASI welcomed Ruth Aspy, Ph.D., and Barry Grossman, Ph.D., co-creators of The Ziggurat Model, a comprehensive planning system for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Their revolutionary techniques provide a comprehensive, person-centered approach that appealed to Executive Director Veronica Federiconi, who was introduced to Ziggurat three years ago at an autism conference.  Read More >>

Autism and Me: A Sibling’s Story
10 kids in Western New York decided to share their story on life with a brother or sister on the Autism spectrum. Below are their stories told in their own words. We would like to thank these 10 writers for bringing another perspective of Autism Awareness to our community.

Caitlin Augustyn

Matt Malinovsky

Jack Mansour

Chelsea Meade

Stephanie Morales

Paul Neff

Damien Platt

Madelynn Stearns

Mina Stollberg

Alex Valenti





Autistic Services Gains
State Approval as a Training Facility

After a lengthy application process, the New York State Education Department has approved Autistic Services application for providing professional training in the needs of students with Autism. Recent NYS legislation requires all special education teachers who are seeking certification, and school administrators working with students in special education, to have a minimum of 3 hours of training on the needs of students with autism. The State’s approval allows for Autistic Services to provide the required training for special ed professionals.

Read the Full Press Release  >>

View our 2010 Training & Registration Form >>

Bringing Autism Into the Homes
Spring 2010 Newsletter Feature Story

The need for Autism Awareness exists not only in our communities at large, but also in our homes. As the incidence of Autism continues to rise, (going from 1 in every 150th person to 1 in every 100th), more families are faced with the challenge of finding the right home and community for their child. To help families face this challenge, and as part of our effort to expand on Autism awareness, Autistic Services has partnered with Coldwell Banker Chubb Real Estate to evaluate homes being considered by families who have a child on the Autism spectrum.
Bringing Autism Into the Homes >>

Sensory Integration In Your Home

Every body is a sensory body, so it is only natural that we buy things that meet our own sensory needs in one capacity or another. It is just a matter of taking these items that we
already own and making them useful for a person whose “sensory-self ” is more sensitive. This guide is a resource for parents who have a child with autism. As you already know,
your child has sensory needs that are beyond those of a typical person. Meeting these sensory needs can be a bit expensive when shopping from catalogs that specialize in sensory equipment. However, that does not mean that you cannot help your child engage in the sensory stimulation that his or her body may crave. There are plenty of resources you can find in your home to help build a Sensory Menu for your child with autism.

Read Our Article on Sensory Integration In Your Home >>

Donation

Support ASI by making a donation.
All contributions are tax-deductible.

Donations are processed through
PayPal’s secure ordering system.

For times not listed below you can call and schedule an appoinment to visit: 631-5777

Library Hours
Tuesday, Wednesdays & Fridays
from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. 

 

Body Sox

Body Sox: It may just be that only those in the "sensory integration therapy world" know about the awesome benefits of these lycra sensory delights. They are pretty strange looking, but very therapeutic!

The see-through lycra/spandex "body sock" is a movement, proprioceptive, tactile, and deep pressure experience like no other. Perhaps you are wondering what to do with this "odd" looking thing. Oh, that's easy... just climb in, zip it up, and watch your body make shapes you never thought possible (among other uses).

Because Body Sox are see-through (and breathable by the way), you can have the child do a variety of things with the Body Sox. Besides being FUN, Body Sox sparks creativity and imagination while providing therapeutic benefits.

Body Sox will help children with sensory processing disorders to work on "position in space" skills. They must kinesthetically feel what their bodies are doing and how they are coordinating their body movements. Watching themselves in a mirror, or creating shadows, will help them develop this proprioceptive sense, which is often dysfunctional in children with sensory integration dysfunction / sensory processing disorders .

The unique proprioceptive and tactile input children (or adults) experience with the Body Sox is unparalleled! Any child with sensory processing disorders / sensory integration dysfunction can benefit!

 

22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves a Man With Asperger's Syndrome

Although having Asperger Syndrome (AS) can make romantic relations difficult, having a fulfilling relationship with an Asperger man is certainly not impossible. This book shows how to maintain a loving relationship with an AS partner. From an unwillingness to show affection in public or even sleep in the same bed to problems holding down a job, this book looks at 22 common traits that women may discover when they are dating, living with or married to a man with Asperger's Syndrome. Written by Western New York native Rudy Simone, 22 Things a Woman Must Know if She Loves a Man with Asperger's Syndrome  explores the complications of Asperger's relationships with honesty and understanding, drawing on research and personal experience to inform and advise women with AS partners.

• Buy 22 Things A Woman Must Know if She Loves a Man with Asperger's Syndrome

"With the Light" by Keiko Tobe.

When Graphic Novelist, Keiko Tobe, heard the words "With the Light" used by a parent with Autism, she knew right away that her next book would be about a Japanese family learning that their son was on the Autism Spectrum. The result has been her most successful graphic novel series to date. "With the Light" offers a realistic, informative and warm story about a boy named Hikaru (translated as "light") who is on the Autism spectrum. Autistic Services has now added volume 1 of "With the Light" to our Lending Library. Parents will identify well with the story, while others will find a great introduction to the world of Autism. The illustrated format is ideal for siblings or anyone who enjoys the Graphic Novel medium. Call us at 631-5777 to schedule a time to visit our Lending Library and browse "With the Light" by Keiko Tobe.

Is This Your Child? by Doris Rapp

These are the major symptoms of potentially unrecognized allergies. Does your child suffer from any of the following?

• Allergic Nose Rub • Eye Circles • Red Ears • Red Cheeks • Eye Wrinkles • Aggression • Lack of Alertness • Mottled Tongue •

In this breakthrough book, Dr. Doris Rapp offers a simple yet effective approach to handling "problem" children. Is This Your Child? shows parents how to identify the common foods, chemicals, or common allergic substances that could be the culprits that cause some children or adults to feel unwell or act inappropriately. If your child is always sick, hyperactive, a slow learner, or cranky, the first question you should ask is not "What drug should be prescribed?" or "What have I done wrong as a parent?" Instead, find out the cause.

Dr. Rapp gives sensible suggestions about how these reactions to foods and environmental factors can be recognized, prevented, and treated. With this information, many affected children should feel, act, behave, and learn better. If you can detect unsuspected environmental illness in your child--or yourself--you can change your lives so you're more content, happy, and free of illness.

This helpful book is also available in Autistic Services' Lending Library. Call us at 716-631-5777 for visitation hours.

SWEET CHARLOTTES ARE HERE

These lolipops take the shape of the Autism Awareness puzzle, and are ideal for anyone who wants to satisfy their sweet tooth...while spreading the message of Autism. Sweet Charlottes made their official launch on April 28th. Find out how to get your hands on a Sweet Charlotte by contacting Molly O. Pittman at sweetcharlottes@yahoo.com

Raise Money for Autistic Services, Inc with GoodSearch.com

Raise Money For Autistic Services Every Time You Search The Internet By Using GoodSearch.com.

Just Choose Autistic Services As The Organization You Wish To Support And Each Search You Make Will Earn Money For Us!

CASE: Center for Autism Support and Education

CASE provides information, training and support for families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the professionals who work with them.  CASE will enable family support staff and community recreation providers to better serve families.  CASE will also support parents in effectively advocating for their children.

CASE provides a variety of specialized workshops to help families and professionals better understand ASD and the behaviors and characteristics that come with itCASE will always seek to offer workshop topics that are meaningful and relevant to both families and providers.

CASE has been designed to enable families to become more equal partners with professionals.  When families and professionals are equal partners, the individual with ASD will have an increased opportunity to be more successful in all areas of their life. 

CASE is comprised of the following agencies: Autistic Services, Inc., Daemen College, Early Childhood Direction Center, Parent Network or WNY and Summit Educational Resources. Through this collaboration, CASE will provide guidance and information for families, service providers and individuals with ASD from birth to adulthood.

To Learn More about CASE visit their website at www.parentnetworkwny.org

Download a Copy of the Case Brochure

This Week's Feature Artist