Workshops & Events

Community Resources offers Training, Educational Workshops, and Conferences for teachers, professionals, families, and friends that address topics such as:

• the basics of autism
• teaching and communication strategies
• the special education law
• sensory, sleep, diet and personal care issues
  

March 2010

The Hidden Curriculum
Date & time:   Tuesday, March 9; 6:30 - 8:30 pm; RSVP by Friday, March 5.
Speakers:   Jason Litto and Jeanne Troxell Munson
Location:   Nessacus Middle School;  Dalton, MA
This topic introduces you to the importance of the “hidden curriculum”–the unwritten social rules and expectations of behavior that we all know but were never taught–and how a lack of these skills impacts individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Individuals who have ASD do not come equipped with the same ability to understand the hidden curriculum. As a result, they break many social and behavioral rules without intent or even knowledge that they are doing so. This, coupled with their difficulty in generalizing information from one situation to another, leads them to making the same mistakes over and over again at a tremendous social cost.  This workshop includes strategies and techniques to help children and adults understand social cues and unstated expectations, guidelines for what to do (or what not to do) in specific social situations, and practical tips.
For more information or to register, please contact Megan Sherman at (413) 443-4780 x 15, shermanm@theassn.org
(A collaboration of Community Resources, Central Berkshire Regional School District - SPED PAC, Pittsfield Public School District--SPED PAC, Berkshire County ARC, United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County, and the Department of Developmental Services Berkshire Area Office)

Asperger’s 101
Date & time: Saturday, March 20; 10:00 am to 12:00 pm; RSVP by Tuesday, March 16.
Speaker:  Jason Litto
Location:  SCAN 360; 11 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield, MA
This workshop is intended to introduce families and caretakers to Asperger’s Syndrome.  Characteristics and strategies to help individuals are discussed, as well as some of the social difficulties that people with Asperger’s experience.  The workshop will also provide an opportunity to meet other parents of children and young adults with Asperger’s.  We encourage friends, family members, and support persons to attend this valuable workshop.
For more information or to register, please contact Community Resources at (413) 529-2428.

April 2010

20th Annual Conference
Date & time: Tuesday, April 6; 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Speakers:  Brenda Smith Myles;    Valerie Paradiz        
Location:    The Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House; Holyoke, MA

Springfield Falcons--Autism Awareness Day
Date & time:  Sunday, April 11; Game starts at 3:00 PM
Tickets only $10.00 with proceeds to benefit Community Resources for People with Autism

Autism Awareness Day
Date & time: Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Location: The Statehouse; Boston, MA

May 2010

Insight Into Autism Spectrum Disorders
Date & time: Thursday, May 6; 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm; RSVP by Monday, May 3.
Speaker:  Jason Litto
Location:  Holyoke Community College--Kittredge Center 203 (303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA)
An interactive workshop designed to introduce families and caretakers to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  Characteristics and strategies to help individuals are discussed, as well as some of the social and cognitive difficulties that people with autism experience.  The workshop will also provide an opportunity to meet other parents of children and young adults with an ASD.  We encourage friends, family members, and support persons to attend this valuable workshop.
For more information or to register, please contact Community Resources at (413) 529-2428.

Berkshire Dinner Dance
Date & time: Saturday, May 8; Cocktails at 6:00 p.m., Dinner served at 7:00 p.m.
Location:  Crowne Plaza; Pittsfield, MA
For more information, please contact Megan Sherman at (413) 443-4780 x 15, shermanm@theassn.org

Asperger’s 101
Date & time: Thursday, May 20; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm;  RSVP by Monday, May 17.
Speaker:    Jason Litto
Location:   BCARC Social Development Center-65 Depot St. Dalton, MA
This workshop is intended to introduce families and caretakers to Asperger’s Syndrome.  Characteristics and strategies to help individuals are discussed, as well as some of the social difficulties that people with Asperger’s experience.  The workshop will also provide an opportunity to meet other parents of children and young adults with Asperger’s.  We encourage friends, family members, and support persons to attend this valuable workshop.
For more information or to register, please contact Megan Sherman at (413) 443-4780 x 15, shermanm@theassn.org
(A collaboration of Community Resources, Central Berkshire Regional School District - SPED PAC, Pittsfield Public School District--SPED PAC, Berkshire County ARC, United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County, and the Department of Developmental Services Berkshire Area Office)

Upcoming Summer Events

Hole in One for Autism
Date & time: To Be Announced
Location:  Tekoa Country Club; 459 Russell Rd., Westfield, MA
For more information, call Rick Greenaway at (413) 537-8802

Teaching Children with Autism & Related Disorders in Inclusive Settings

Instructor:

Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D.

Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, 2009 (note:  Saturday session is completely filled)

For more information, click here.

Training Opportunity for School Districts