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April is Autism Awareness Month

Upcoming Events for Autism Awareness Month 2010:

Click here for a complete list of events.

Art Show

Submission:
Saturday, March 27, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm,
Monday, March 29 and Tuesday, March 30, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Barber National Institute North Complex Lobby

Entries for the Barber National Institute’s third annual Community Art Show will be accepted March 27 from 9am-noon and March 29 and March 30 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the North Complex entrance of the Institute, off of East Bay Drive. Categories for children and adults, including amateur and professional artists; submissions may include watercolor, pen and ink, sculpture, collage, photography, or mixed media. The Art Show, "Celebrating the Possibilities," will be held on April 16, 18, and 19. For more information, or for an entry form, please call (814) 878-5903 or click here for Entry form.

Third Annual Art Show:
Friday, April 16 at 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, April 18 at 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Monday, April 19 at 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Come share in the artistic creativity and talents of individuals whose lives have been touched by disabilities, as well as the works of amateur and professional artists from the community. Visitors can vote on a "People’s Choice" award in the children and adults categories. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (814) 878-5903 or to read more...

"Kick Off to Autism Awareness Month" at the Millcreek Mall

Saturday, March 27, 2010
At the Millcreek Mall 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Activities for Children & Families)
Free activities for children including craft projects, face painting, and visits with Clifford The Big Red Dog. A "Kids On The Block" Puppet Show will be held at 1:00 p.m. to help youngsters better understand the challenges faced by children with disabilities. Professionals from the Barber Institute will be available to answer questions and provide information about autism as well as offer information about preschool and child care. Located in the center concourse near the Easter Bunny. Click here for flyer

FSS Recreation Fair

Saturday, March 27, 2010
10:00 am - Noon
Family Support Services at the Barber National Institute invites you to the 4th annual Recreation Fair at the Barber National Institute's gymnasium. Come check out upcoming summer recreational events and activities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Enjoy entertaining demonstrations, clowns, and even door prizes! Representatives from camps, dance and music studios, and social activities will be present to speak and answer any questions.

Erie Bayhawks Game

Sunday, March 28, 2010
2:00 pm at the Tullio Arena.
Team up with the Barber National Institute as we host  Autism Day  with the Erie Bayhawks. Come cheer on our local basketball team while helping to raise funds for Autism Awareness. Purchase reduced tickets for just $7.00, half off the regular price! A portion of all proceeds benefit the Barber National Institute. Support a great cause and enjoy a game that is sure to be a slam dunk! To purchase your discounted tickets, please call (814)878-4170.

Grandparent Support Group

Thursday, April 8, 2010
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Barber National Institute (enter from East Bay Drive).
For grandparents or caretakers of children with autism; speaker Cindy Priester, Education Coordinator from the Barber National Institute, will discuss "What is the Best Classroom Setting for My Grandchild?" More information at 878-5961 or click here to read more.

Open Swim at the Barber National Institute

Saturday, April 17, 2010
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
Families of children with autism are invited to an afternoon of free swimming. To register and for more information, please call (814) 480-6831 or click here.

Dr. Joseph Barber "How Can Parents of Special Needs Children Find Order in Chaos"

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Barber National Institute Forum.
This free presentation by Dr. Joseph Barber MD, a noted pediatric neurologist, is open to the public at the Barber National Institute Forum. To register and for more information, please call (814) 480-6831 or click here.

NWPA-ASA Support Group Meeting

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 7:00 pm, Barber National Institute.
Come share in this opportunity as families discuss challenges that they are experiencing, share solutions that they have come up with, and support other parents and families living with ASD. Click here to read more.

Eric Chessen "Fitness: The Newest Intervention for Children and Adults with Autism"

Friday, April 23, 2010
9:00 am - Noon (Morning Session)
Noon - 2:00pm (Optional Lunch and School Fitness Program)
Join Eric Chessen, MS, YCS, founder of Autism Fitness, as he discusses the importance of physical activity for individuals with Autism. Chessen began as a fitness trainer, received his Masters in General Psychology, and is certified in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). His methods help improve balance, compliance, coordination, and help reduce self-stimulating behaviors. His interactive presentation includes exercises and tips to help those with Autism to live a healthier, more active life. This is a must-see program for all educators, physical and occupational therapists, fitness professionals, and parents. An optional lunch and afternoon session will be held immediately following. "School-Based Fitness—How to be successful" will feature faculty and therapists from the Barber National Institute. Program is free, however, registration is required. Click here to register.

Northwestern Pennsylvania Walk for Autism

Saturday, April 24, 2010
10:00 am The Barber National Institute is a supporting sponsor of the 9th Annual Walk for Autism held at Presque Isle State Park. Join the over 1,000 participants on the two-mile scenic walk. A lunch of hotdogs, chips and drinks is included. There will be inflatable bouncers (weather permitting), face painting, and a themed-basket auction. Recreation events sponsored by the Autism Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.nwpa-asa.org/.

M. Eileen McNamara, MD, "Medications: What They Can and Cannot Do For Your Child or Adult with Autism"

Thursday, April 29, 2010
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Barber National Institute Forum.
This free presentation will feature Dr. M. Eileen McNamara, psychiatrist and neurologist, offering the most current information about medication for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Please register for this event by clicking here.

Guelcher Film Series: Adam

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
2:15 pm and 7:15 pm, Mary D'Angelo Performing Art Center at Mercyhurt College.
Mercyhurst College and the Barber National Institute will co-sponsor "Adam", a 2009 comedy/drama that follows the relationship between a young man with Asperger Syndrome and the woman of his dreams.
The film premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and won the Alfred P. Sloan award. The 7:15 performance will be followed by a panel discussion that includes M. Eileen McNamara, medical director of the Adult Autism Connection at the Barber National Institute, Janet Pawlowski, MA, from Kaleidoscope and Dr. Joseph McAllister from the Watson Institute.
• Ticket prices: Adults - $5; Mercyhurst students - free, all other students and seniors - $4.

Sponsored by the Erie County Planning Committee for Autism Awareness

Child Psychiatry in Erie County, a Panel Discussion

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Barber National Institute Forum (enter from East Bay Drive)
This free presentation features a panel of area psychiatrists discussing current issues including medication, hospitalization, and clinical support for individuals with Autism. Please register online at www.iu5.org.

"Students with Asperger Syndrome in Higher Education"

Thursday, April 8, 2010 and Friday, April 9
7:15 pm, Mercyhurst College.
Dr. Jane Thierfield Brown, author of Students with Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for College Personnel, will be speaking at the Hirt Auditorium on Mercyhurst College’s campus. Dr. Thierfield Brown has been in the disability services field for over 25 years and received her Ed.D. from Teacher’s College at Columbia University. Currently, she is the Director of Student Services at the University of Connecticut School of Law. Dr. Thierfield Brown has spoken nationally on Asperger Syndrome and is a recognized expert on the subject. This event is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, e-mail lkaveney2@mercyhurst.edu.

"Asperger Students: A Guide for High School Special Educators and Agency Personnel"

Friday, April 9, 2010 and Friday, April 9
9:00 am - 10:15 am
At this follow up to her presentation on April 8, Dr. Jane Thierfield Brown will consult with agency members and area Special Education administrators on methods and approaches to best serve the needs of students with Asperger Syndrome. Please e-mail lkaveney2@mercyhurst.edu for reservations and more information.

Dr. Jane Thierfield Brown "What Parents of Students with AS Need to Know about College" 10:30 am - 11:30 am.
At her final presentation, Dr. Thierfield Brown will consult with parents of students with Asperger Syndrome. Please e-mail lkaveney2@mercyhurst.edu. for reservations and more information.

Understanding IEPs

Monday, April 19, 2010
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit.
Cindy Duch, Director of Parent Advising at the PEAL Center of Erie County, will discuss demystifying the IEP. This presentation is free and open to the public. Register online at www.iu5.org.

IEP Process and Transition

Monday, April 19, 2010
from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
by PEAL Center, NorthWest Tri-County Intermediate Unit.

Social Stories

Wednesday, April 21, 2010
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Learn more about developing social stories for children on the spectrum. This free presentation is at Mercyhurst College. Please register online at www.iu5.org.