Disability Scoop

The Scoop:

Autism Moms Have Stress Similar To Combat Soldiers
These moms cope with chronic stress, frequent fatigue and work interruptions, research finds.

Health Care Reform And People With Disabilities
Health care reform cleared the House, but hurdles remain. What the changes could mean for you.

Latest Headlines:

Down Syndrome Terminations May Be Double Reported Rate
Many British doctors call the terminations “social” abortions rather than specifying that a Down syndrome diagnosis is behind the decision.

Stem Cells Show Promise In Treating Cerebral Palsy
At 9-months, cerebral palsy left Chloe Levine unable to crawl. Three years later she functions much like any other child thanks to an infusion of her own stem cells.

Magic Could Be Trick To Pinpointing Autism
The key to identifying kids with and without autism may be in magic, a group of neurologists suspects.

Handwriting A Struggle For Kids With Autism
Children with autism often have more trouble with handwriting than their non-autistic peers, new research indicates.

ARE YOU A PARENT OR CAREGIVER OF A CHILD WITH MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES?

THE SUPPORT NETWORK for FAMILIES of WESTERN MA

can help. Our family support specialists are parents that have children with special mental health needs. We have walked in your shoes. We offer support groups, assistance with problem solving, negotiation and mediation skills, advocacy assistance, information and referral. We also have an extensive lending library.


Holyoke support groups are held at the

Western Mass Training Consortium,

at the Support Network for families of W MA

187 High Street, Ste. 306

Holyoke

Next group: Jan. 16th


Meetings are currently scheduled for the 3rd Friday of the month 12:30-1:30. Refreshments provided. Please RSVP to Jan Lamberg at (413) 536-2401 ext. 3002 or 1-800-894-2401 ext. 3002

Mom's Fighting Autism

“Siblings of Children with Disabilities- Understanding Their Special Needs”

• As the award-winning director of the Sibling Support Project of The Arc of the United States, speaker, author, and creator of the Sibshop model, Don Meyer has presented on issues facing families of children with special needs all over the world.
• Don was a founder of the SEFAM (Supporting Extended Family Members) program at the University of Washington, which pioneered services for fathers, siblings, and grandparents of children with special needs.
• His Sibshop model provides peer support and information to young brothers and sisters of children with significant health concerns and intellectual disabilities.
Please join us on November 20, 2009
at the Holyoke Holiday Inn and Conference Center
245 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke, MA 01040

8:30 am: Registration (beverages provided)
9:00-9:15 Opening remarks by Doug McCallum, Dept. of Developmental Services, Director of Family Support Central/West Regional Office
9:15-12:00 Brothers and Sisters of People with Disabilities: Unique Concerns, Unique Opportunities
12:00-1:00 Lunch (deli buffet provided)
1:00-3:00 Panel of Adult Siblings of People with Disabilities

Registration information and directions are located on back. For more information, contact the Family Support Division at 413-586-8196.

This conference is made possible through the generosity of Westfield Bank,
and with the support of the following professional partners:
Department of Developmental Services, Franklin/Hampshire Area Office; Behavioral Health Network; Casa Latina, Inc.; Community Resources for People with Autism; Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western Massachusetts; Springfield Jewish Community Center Special Needs Department; Thom Springfield Infant Toddler Services; Unified Sports Program; The United Arc; and Whole Children, Inc.

New Location for SPED PAC meetings

Please be advised that our meeting are now being held on the second Monday of each month at Donahue School in the cafeteria at 6pm.

Join us!