| 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 |
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| Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House Celebrating the Expansion of the Education Program at Autistic Services, Inc. |
On Thursday, July 30, 2009, Autistic Services, Inc. (ASI) will celebrate the expansion of the Education Program, at 4444 Bryant Stratton Way, with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m.
Former State Senator Mary Lou Rath and Ms. Lisa Kowal, an ASI Parent, played instrumental roles in spearheading the success of this expansion endeavour and will be in attendance along with various state/county agencies and local political representatives.
After a brief morning ceremony, light refreshments and beverages will be provided, and tours of the building will also be available. In addition, that evening, ASI will host a general open house/reception from 5–7 p.m.
We would welcome your attendance at the ribbon cutting if your schedule permits, however the open house reception in the evening will allow you to comfortably walk through the building and see the changes we have made to accommodate the expanded program.
We look forward to seeing you there. |
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| Interview with Rudy Simone, Author of 22 Things a Woman Must Know: If She Loves a Man with Asperger's Syndrome |
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| Working With Asperger's |
While
I was researching my book 22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves a
Man With Asperger’s Syndrome (2009) I discovered a strong recurring
theme: the majority of adults with AS I spoke to had great difficulty
earning a living. Most were on unemployment, welfare or disability;
some were still living off their parents; others were surviving only
because they were married and their spouse had a good job and health
insurance. Many were self-employed, some successfully, but most in that
category were jacks-of-all-trades scraping out a living through a
variety of odd jobs. It became clear that there needed to be a
comprehensive resource book listing all the factors involved in
determining whether or not an employment experience is successful for
both parties— employer and employee—and providing strategies for
reaching that elusive goal.
Read the Complete Introduction from "Working with Asperger's"
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What Everyone Should Know
About the Autism Spectrum |
Most people will
interact with someone with Autism during their lives, whether at their
children’s schools, in the grocery store, or within the workplace.
Although Autism differs in severity, certain key factors related to
communication and interpersonal skills define this challenge. Knowing
the basic traits of Autism allows people to communicate more
effectively and build stronger relationships with children and adults
who are on the Autism Spectrum.
A Person With Autism May...
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| 5/29/09 through 7/19/09 |
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Sensory Friendly FilmsŪ Presents
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
on July 11th at 10:00AM
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AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the
Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other
disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and
accepting environment on a monthly basis. Sensory Friendly Films® will present Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs on July 11th. Visit our Autism Current Events Page for Additional Information
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2009-2010 Calendars
Featuring Artwork Created by Artists with Autism |
Add a special flair to your office space with these desk sized calendars featuring artwork created by people with Autism. This beautiful calendar set has been radically
reduced from $15.00 to $7.00 for our summer half price sale! You can enjoy the art
work the rest of this year and all of next year! Great for gifts. To buy your set call us at 631-5777 and ask for Cindy. Also click here to view more items in our Autism Store.
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| A Tribute to the King |
It's
been the topic of all radio shows all over the world – and for Neil
Sanders it's no different. After the announcement that the King of Pop,
had passed away, Neil Sanders knew that he wanted to devote this
installment of his podcast to the late Michael Jackson. Listen to our Autism Podcast >> |
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Autism Sensory Resources
You Can Find In Your Home |
A classic and a favorite. The child with Autism
will love how putty is soft, deep and conforming to the touch. Silly
Putty is known for its affordability. But why not take it a step
further and make your own? It is an excellent opportunity to involve
your child in the cooking process, and in the end they have an ideal
sensory toy that they can play with. Just buy some food coloring and
you have added another sensory element to your homemade putty. You can
also add the following objects to the silly putty to increase your
child’s sensory experience: pennies, beads, pegs and marbles.
More Autism Sensory Resources You Can Find at Home >>
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| Collage
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by Jenna Kopera
Jenna Kopera is very selective about the images she includes in her collage art, and even more deliberate about where in her compositions they are placed. Jenna is very pattern oriented and will often use facial features to create layered patterns.
As a student in Autistic Services' education program Jenna often devotes her time working on puzzles and enjoys almost any activity that involves sorting and stacking. At home when Jenna isn't indulging puzzles and playing cards she watches American Idol with her mother.
They dance to the songs.
View More Art by Artists with Autism
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For times not listed below you can call and schedule an appoinment to visit: 631-5777
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Winter Schedule
January 2009
Friday's from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday's from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
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Body Sox
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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!
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22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves a Man With Asperger's Syndrome
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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
• Click Here to Watch the 22 Things YouTube Video
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"With the Light" by Keiko Tobe.
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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
Autim. 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.
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Is This Your Child? by Doris Rapp
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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. |
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SWEET CHARLOTTES ARE HERE
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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 |
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Raise Money for Autistic Services, Inc with GoodSearch.com
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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! |
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CASE: Center for Autism Support and Education
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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 it. CASE 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 |
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