August 2019: AANE-NY Newsletter
News & Updates
Letter from the New York Director

Around Town
NYS Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board 
Ride Your Bicycle and Raise Funds for AANE
Encounters at Spectrum Services
Southern Tier Asperger's Syndrome Support Group
NCSB Openings for its ASD Program for Fall 2019
Optinet Inc. Robotics Simulation and Offline Programming Course

Articles & Webinars
Autism Spectrum News Summer 2019 Issue
How Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Can Avoid Sexual Assault and Misunderstandings
Sesame Street's New Campaign To Teach Parents About Autism
Disability-Focused TV Shows Nominated For Emmys
Kids And Adults With Autism Flying Easier In Pittsburgh, With Airport's Help
Amy Schumer Shares How She Will 'Cope' if Her Son Is Autistic
A Guide to Visiting Theme Parks With a Child on the Autism Spectrum
AANE Webinar: What is Neurodiversity?

Research
Autism Science Foundation
Assessing Primary Care Providers' Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Research Studies

Media & Theater
Paterson
The Lion King: TDF Autism Friendly Performance

 Resources
AANE NY Support Groups
Neurology Matters
Aspies For Social Success
Parent to Parent
Spectrum Services
Supporting Our Youth & Adults Network
News & Updates
Dear Members and Friends,

As the summer slowly winds down, we are looking ahead to the upcoming fall events and programming. I would like to take this opportunity to share some of the progress that has been made over this very productive summer.

As two organizations become one, it is a necessary part of the process to make room for the new, innovative, and needed initiatives to better support the local community. With that being said, this will be the last "official" AANE NY Newsletter, as our community's information will be shared in the newly combined AANE Newsletter. Keep a look out for the "NY Happenings" section. Remember to like and follow both organizations on Facebook for current events and articles. We will let you know how to reach out and share any NY specific events or information you would like to see published in the upcoming newsletters.

Our Fall Support Groups have been scheduled and we are working towards expanding the in-person drop in and online offerings.

Save The Date for ROCK 'N' BOWL for Autism, November 24th from 2-5 pm at Farmingdale Lanes. We are delighted to announce that the tradition continues! More to follow...

As we continue to prioritize the strategic planning of each of the organization's offerings, please be aware we are temporarily postponing conferences and the publication of On The Spectrum as we continue to set goals for best practices and outcomes.

We hope you have taken some time to explore the AANE website at www.aane.org to learn more about the face-to-face, virtual programs, resources and services that could benefit you or a loved one. Programs specific to New York can be found here and information about our online offerings can be found here

If you have any questions or feedback about this transition or specific programming, please reach out to me using my updated contact information below.
 
And don't forget to sign up for the AANE newsletter here .

Warmly,
Pat
Patricia Schissel, LMSW
New York Director, Asperger/Autism Network
617-393-3824, ext. 74 pat.schissel@aane.org  

*Timely items below in red*
Around Town
NYS Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board - Timely
The Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board was created in November of 2016 to help provide guidance and information to NY policymakers, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD), and families seeking reliable information regarding available services and supports. Read more
The next public meeting will be held August 16, 2019 at 11:00 am in Meeting Room 5 of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY.  The meeting will also be available via live webcast at the following link here
Robotics Simulation and Offline Programming (OLP)
Optinet Inc.'s online course OPT11 “Robotic Simulation and Offline Programming” is now available for free enrollment in 2019. OLP is an exciting skill set that is in high demand in industry. Application deadline is September 15, 2019. Click on the image for more information about the course. Read more
Ride Your Bicycle and Raise Funds for AANE
Your bicycle can be physical or virtual! Funds raised in support of AANE will safeguard and expand groundbreaking services for the thousands of individuals and families living with the daily challenges of Asperger's. Read more
Encounters at Spectrum Services
This group is an ongoing, three (3) week cycle that meets on Monday evenings and aims to assist young adults in strengthening their interpersonal skills in a peer-based social environment. Intake is required. Please contact LeslieSickelsLCSW@gmail.com
Asperger Syndrome Support Group - Binghamton, NY
For individuals who are on the autism spectrum, families and friends of those affected. Saturday, August 17, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, 308 Main St, Johnson City, NY 13790. Enter from the back of the church, up the stairs. For more info, call Alexa or Ralph at 607-722-0467. Read more 
Openings for Bronx ASD Program - Fall 2019
Neighborhood Charter School: Bronx (NCSB) opening in September at 411 Wales Avenue with a kindergarten and 1st grade. NCSB will have a rich, challenging academic program cultivating the intellectual, social and emotional development of each child on the autism spectrum. Flyer here. Contact Brittany Moser at bmoser@ncsharlem.org of 646-701-7117. Read more
Articles & Webinars
Autism Spectrum News
For over 10 years, ASN has been providing a trusted source of science-based autism information, education, and quality resources in the community. Read the Summer 2019 issue here
How Individuals with NVLD and Autism Spectrum Disorder Can Avoid Sexual Assault and Misunderstandings
by Benjamin Meyer, LCSW
I often see young people with NVLD and ASD in my practice who ask, “How can I meet someone?” While this is an important question, it is equally important to ask, “How can I stay safe while dating?” Read more
Sesame Street Has a New Campaign to Help Teach Parents About Autism
by Ben Paynter I Fast Company
The new ads are part of a campaign to encourage parents to get early screenings for their children. Read more
Disability-Focused TV Shows Nominated For Emmys
by Shaun Heasley I Disability Scoop
Two television shows starring individuals with developmental disabilities are each up for multiple Emmy Awards. Read more
Kids And Adults With Autism Flying Easier In Pittsburgh
NPR: Pittsburgh International Airport recently opened a suite of "sensory rooms" inside its air-side terminal to help travelers on the autism spectrum decompress from the stress of flying. Read more
This Is How Amy Schumer Says She Will 'Cope' if Her Son Is Autistic
by Ellen Stumbo I The Mighty
Comedian Amy Schumer has answered a lot of questions about autism since sharing her husband Chris Fischer's autism diagnosis in her March Netflix special "Growing." Now, Schumer is answering premature questions about her infant and autism. Read more
A Guide to Visiting Theme Parks With a Child on the Autism Spectrum
By Jordan Allen I The Points Guy
If your child is on the autism spectrum, you have likely avoided taking some vacations - especially to crowded and frenetic places such as theme parks. You’re not alone.  Read more
AANE Webinar: What is Neurodiversity?
Answers to many questions will be covered in this exploration of neurodiversity and inclusion in the context of our current cultural and societal landscape. Thursday, August 22, 2019: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (EST). Please register by Wednesday, August 21, 2019. Read more and register

Research
Autism Science Foundation
There is so much need for data from the autism community. Participate in these research opportunities to help discover the causes of autism and find treatments that work for children, teens and adults. Read more
Assessing Primary Care Providers' Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Stony Brook University: Social Competence Treatment Lab -The purpose of this study is to advance knowledge of barriers that primary care providers face in identifying and treating youth with ASD. Eligible candidates for this study are primary care providers that see patients from birth through 21 years of age. Learn more about the study here or visit Dr. Lerner's lab here . Read more
Research Studies
AANE maintains a listing of current research for the community's information and possible participation. Researchers are invited to submit their studies.
Research studies will be removed from this page approximately two years after being posted, unless a different time frame is specified. Read more

Media & Theater
Paterson
Although the film Paterson does not mention autism, many may find the neurodiverse relationship intriguing and something inspiring to watch.
Adam Driver is a hardworking bus driver in Paterson, N.J., who follows the same routine every day. He observes the city and listens to fragments of conversations while picking up and dropping off his passengers. Read more
Disney's The Lion King 
Theatre is for everyone. This is especially true at TDF Autism Friendly Performances, now in its ninth year. The performance date of The Lion King is Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm. Click on image for ordering information. Tickets on sale here

Resources
NY Support Groups   a re for parents, family members, caregivers and individuals on the autism spectrum. There is currently no fee or pre-registration necessary. Contributions are encouraged and appreciated. Sept-Dec support group meeting sheet here V isit the events calendar at   aane.org for more information.
Neurology Matters - At The Peter M. Friedman Neurodiverse Couples Institute  you will find t raining courses for couples therapists along with support and resources for neurodiverse couples.The mission of the Institute is to increase awareness, support, and resources for neurodiverse couples in which one or both members has an Asperger/Autism spectrum profile by providing specialized training for therapists to recognize, understand, and treat this unique population. Find more information   here
Aspies For Social Success(AFSS)  is a peer-run organization providing support, social groups and cultural events for adults 18+ with an Asperger's Syndrome/ Autism Spectrum profile or difficulty with social communication. Find the groups currently available   here
Parent to Parent of New York State is a supportive network of families reducing isolation and empowering caregivers to navigate and influence service systems and make informed decisions. More info  here  
Spectrum Services in Manhattan offers specialized therapy services for clients with Asperger's, autism, anxiety, trauma, multi generational family and couples’ by over two dozen experts. Located near Penn Station at 303 Fifth Ave., Suite 1003 
Articles by the professionals   here Groups currently available   here
Supporting Our Youth & Adults Network Family education and support meetings on Long Island provide information, education, networking and resource sharing. Focus is on the transition to OPWDD supports and specifically Self-Direction. Meetings held in Syosset and Merrick. Connect with Leslie Feinberg, Organizer/Facilitator and AANE-NY Resource and Referral Specialist. L ike SOYAN on Facebook