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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

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.

Interview with Rudy Simone, Author of 22 Things a Woman Must Know: If She Loves a Man with Asperger's Syndrome

Rudy Simone author of 22 Things a Woman Must Know: If She Loves a Man with Asperger's Syndrome, talks life, love and the autism culture in this candid interview. Click Here to Read the Interview with Rudy Simone

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"

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...

5/29/09 through 7/19/09

Arts Work for Autistic Services, Inc will display
artwork created by Artists with Autism
at the Burchfield Penney Art Center
from May 29, 2009 through July 19, 2009.
A reception will be held on
Friday, July 10, 2009 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm
.

The Above Image is by Tom L.
To see an enlarged photo of his work
from the Burchfield Penny Art Exhibition Click Here

 

 

 

Sensory Friendly FilmsŪ Presents
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
on July 11th at 10:00AM

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

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.

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 >>

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 >>

Collage

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

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!
Do you shop online? Use Giveline.com to raise funds for ASI each time you make a purchase.
ASI has autism awareness items for sale at low prices!! Autism bracelets, lanyards, lapel pins, water bottles, mousepads, window cling decals and note cards. We are also selling ASI sweatshirts, polo shirts and t-shirts. Call 716-631-5777
For times not listed below you can call and schedule an appoinment to visit: 631-5777

Winter Schedule
January 2009

Friday's from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday's from 8:30 am – 12:30 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

• Click Here to Watch the 22 Things YouTube Video

"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 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.

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