Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp

By Bela Gouveia, LMHC & Keri Anthony, LICSW
April 26, 2010

As the school year reaches its mid-way point, the time to start anticipating activities to keep your child busy during summer break quickly approaches.  Summer break can often be an exciting time for students, but they can often become stressed and over-stimulated by not knowing what to expect and the changes in their daily routines.  Parent’s often need to worry about planning a packed, highly structured schedule to help their child stay entertained and regulated for the break; this can be a difficult task.  In addition, many parents cannot take time off of work.  Enrolling your child in a summer camp program is a way to keep your child social and active during the break while maintaining a highly structured routine for him/her.  Here are some things to consider in order to help your child have a smooth transition to camp:

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Services for Adults with Autism in Massachusetts: Addressing a Critical Need

By Frank Gagliardi, Ed.D, Executive Director
April 16, 2010

A recent report released by Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM), a statewide grassroots advocacy organization, spotlighted the growing need for supports for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  The report, entitled Awash in Autism – Why We Must Begin to Address the Critical Need for Services for Adults with Autism in Massachusetts, reviews services currently available in Massachusetts for adults with ASD.  The report, utilizing data developed from a recent survey conducted by AFAM, also highlights the needs of individuals aged 14 and over who require, or will require in the future, specialized day, employment and residential programs upon reaching age 22.  The report recommends establishment of a task force to develop a broad understanding of the current and future needs of adults with autism in Massachusetts in order to foster development of adequate policies and services.  To view the AFAM report, visit AFAM’s website, www.afamaction.org, or click here.

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Finding Respite and After-School Services for Your Child

By Keri Anthony, LICSW
April 15, 2010

The topic of afterschool and in-home respite care services is one that has been brought up frequently in the last few weeks by parents and school staff alike.  It seems that many families are struggling to find a suitable program for their child’s after-school care that focuses on children with special needs or ASD.  Once a child reaches adolescence, the probability of finding a program seems to decrease even more.   

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