May 2005 Newsletter

Upcoming Meetings

The meetings in May 31 and June 28 will both be Open Discussion meetings for parents and other family members.  We hope to see you there!

Summer Picnic – Save the Date!

We will hold the summer picnic on Sunday July 24 at Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury. It will be a casual get together for the entire family. We’ll have more details as the date approaches.

Additions to the FAVAN Library

We purchased quite a few books to add to the library this month. We’ve tried to cover a broad range of topics with these additions. We are still waiting for delivery of some of the books but all of those that arrive in time will be available for members to borrow at the May meeting.  Here's the list of the new books:

General books on Autism Spectrum Disorders

• The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome: Advice, Support, Insight, and Inspiration
• A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive
• Asperger Syndrome and Your Child : A Parent's Guide
• Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Social Skill and Beahavior Management

• Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns A Work in Progress: Behavior Management Strategies & A Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism
• Navigating the Social World: A Curriculum for Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and Related Disorders

Special Educcation

• Wrightslaw: Special Education Law
• The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child

Biographies

• Aquamarine Blue 5: Personal Stories of College Students With Autism
• Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence

Fiction and Children’s Books

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
• Of Mice and Aliens: An Asperger Adventure
• Blue Bottle Mystery : An Asperger's Adventure

We also have several copies of the DVD that includes all of the NBC programming on Autism that aired in February.

Current Books in the Library

We’ve gone through the current library to identify the most relevant and the most borrowed books. Carrying the entire library to meetings has become difficult. We found some items that may have been overlooked. There are several books on learning disabilities and about a dozen state and federal publications related to special education including transition planning. There are also several books on behavior issues as well as some on treatment and other general ASD topics. If there is a particular book listed on the web site that you’d like, let us know before the meeting so we can be sure to bring it.

Upcoming Events

Dr. Steve Gutstein will be presenting his two day RDI Workshop in Boston on July 7-8. Additional information can be found on the RDI Website at http://www.connectionscenter.com/workshops/assessment.asp.

Focus Alternative Leaning Center in Canton will be holding a Fun Fest on June 4 at Fireman’s Field on Canton Spring Road. Details at: http://www.focus-alternative.org/What's%20happening...htm.