Sponsored by the Federation for Children with Special Needs
Saturday, 3/4/17
7:30am-5:00pm
Seaport World Trade Center, Boston
This conference will feature more than 40 sessions including topics on Early Childhood, Transition to Adulthood, Special Education, Health, Autism, Parent Leadership, Mental Health and more. Register here or learn more about the workshops offered.
Presented by Open Door Theater
Saturday, 2/11/17
12:00pm
R.J. Grey Junior High School’s Dragonfly Theater
16 Charter Road, Acton, MA
Tickets are $10 each: MKTix.com
Contact: Sensory-Friendly Show Coordinator
With the assistance of a generous grant from the Astra Foundation, Open Door Theater is excited to follow in the footsteps of autism-friendly broadway performances as we offer a unique live theater performance of Seussical which has been specially adapted to serve the needs of audience members on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities.
The noon sensory-friendly performance on February 11th will not be open to the general public. Tickets for this performance are exclusively available to individuals with sensory sensitivities or autism spectrum disorders and their supervising family members, caregivers or friends. This is the only sensory-friendly performance available, so don’t delay if you’re interested in attending. Some subsidized tickets are available to families for whom the cost of the tickets presents a financial hardship. Complete details about the sensory-friendly show are available here.
Presented by DS Challenge Success
Thursday, 1/26/16
7:00pm
DSHS Mudge Auditorium
9 Junction Street, Dover
RSVP: http://whoozin.com/Q4E-QDT-TX74
How do everyday challenges become formative assets for our kids? What experiences and factors help keep our kids healthy – even in the midst of change? How can we, as adults, foster resilience? Dr. Robert Brooks has lectured nationally and internationally to parents on topics of resilience, motivation, school climate and family relationships. His talks are filled with practical, realistic suggestions, and he is renowned for the warmth and humor he uses to bring his insights & anecdotes to life. A faculty member of Harvard Medical School who has also served as the Director of the Department of Psychology at McLean Hospital, Dr. Brooks offers practical tips for parents of children in grades K-12. RSVP here.
Presented by the Dover-Sherborn Middle School Drama
Saturday, 12/10/16
1:00pm
Mudge Auditorium
9 Junction Street, Dover
Tickets: www.ticketstage.com, Dover Market & Sherborn Walgreens
At the Saturday matinee there will be a calming corner with bean bags, sensory toys and a quiet environment. Volunteers will be available to provide support as needed. Please contact Judith Ursitti at Autism Speaks with any questions or to obtain a pre-performance social story.
Caroline Miller, Editorial Director
Rachel Ehmke, Senior Editor
Child Mind Institute
Helping Kids Who Struggle with Executive Functions
Learning specialists have devised ways to bolster the organizational skills that don’t come naturally to a child with poor executive functioning. They teach a mix of specific strategies and alternative learning styles that complement or enhance a child’s particular abilities. Here are some tools they teach kids – and parents – to help them tackle school work, as well as other responsibilities that take organization and follow-through. Read more.
How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Kids in School
And what parents and teachers can do to help them
There is no medication to treat sensory processing issues, but there are therapies, as well as practical changes you can make at school and home to help your child feel and do better. Read more.
How Anxiety Leads to Disruptive Behavior
“Anxiety is one of those diagnoses that is a great masquerader,” explains Dr. Laura Prager, director of the Child Psychiatry Emergency Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. “It can look like a lot of things. Particularly with kids who may not have words to express their feelings, or because no one is listening to them, they might manifest their anxiety with behavioral dysregulation.” Read more.
By Brittany Wadbrook
Beyond Booksmart
The creators of Habitica created an app that links your to-do list and habits with the draw of earning gold coins, buying armament, and defeating monsters. At its core, Habitica has three main ways you can organize things: Habits, Dailies and To-Dos. Read more.
Hosted by The Research Institute for Learning & Development
Thursday, 11/17/16
6:00-9:30pm
Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, MA
Be inspired: “How ADHD Became My Strength”
Daniel Koh was appointed Chief of Staff to Mayor Marty Walsh, City of Boston, in January, 2014. Hear Dan’s story on how the challenges of ADHD helped to shape his life both academically and professionally. This is an important opportunity for students, parents, teachers, and others to gain greater insight into the essential role that mentors play in the support of struggling learners. Register here.
Sponsored by Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
Sunday, 10/9/16
12:00pm Registration & Pre-Walk Festivities
1:30pm Walk Begins (Optional 1.5 or 3 miles around the Lake)
Lake Quannapowitt
Wakefield, MA
The Buddy Walk & Family Festival is MDSC’s signature walk during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Over 4,000 individuals with Down Syndrome, families, and friends gather at the quaint Wakefield Town Common to promote acceptance and inclusion and to celebrate the Down Syndrome community. Celebrities, news anchors, and local heroes help leverage awareness efforts by promoting the Buddy Walk and making live appearances. Learn more & register here.
Saturday, 10/22/16
10:00am-3:00pm
Charles River School
6 Old Meadow Road
Dover, MA
Games for all ages, pony rides, face painting and delicious food. A great way to celebrate fall. Come early for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the CRS Wetlands at 9:15am. Cider and donuts served! Purchase tickets here.