The Weekly Update #4

Last day to order....the store closes today (10/20).

Students in Ms. Heather's class participating in hands on learning.

Students in Ms. Kelly's class worked on their turn taking skills during a board game with peers. They used their AAC devices to request the turns. Students also working on increasing independence by going to the lunch area to grab class lunches and assisting Ms. Kim in cleaning the classroom.

Students in Ms. Stephanie's class hard at work during art class with Ms. Mary, working on the letter of the week "E", and activities related to the story "Go Away Big Green Monster". Students also enjoyed spending time at the sensory and play tables.

Students in Ms. Karen's class.....fall fun, work activities and art class.

Students in Ms. Jenna's class working on turn taking skills during a math bingo game.

Students completing their hands on learning activities and follow up activities to the story "Go Away Big Green Monster".

Students in Mr. Kevin's class and Ms. Alisha's class worked together to carve a pumpkin.

Follow up art activity to the story "Go Away Big Green Monster".

Students in Ms. Allison's class stretching out for gym class and working on their yoga poses.

NEW GROUP OFFERING for parents and caregivers...

Our new virtual “Ask a Behaviorist” Group will be offered monthly, on the second Tuesday of the month from 9:00am-10:00am. First group kicks off October 8th.

These small-group sessions are designed to allow families to bring questions about challenging behaviors, skill development, programming, ABA, etc., to an experienced behavioral consultant/BCBA. Your questions will guide the discussion and participants will be encouraged to give each other feedback. Sessions are open to parents/caregivers of children of all ages.

Registration is required: Call 781 860-1700 or email luriecenter@mgb.org to register.

It’s that time of year again! DDS is gearing up for the Autism Waiver Program Open Interest Request Period. The 2024 Autism Waiver Program Open Request Period will be held from October 18, 2024 – November 1, 2024. Please find attached the Open Interest Request letter to families and application in both English and Spanish for the Children's Autism Waiver. There is also a link below to the DDS website dedicated to the Children's Autism Waiver. The documents are translated into multiple other languages on the DDS website.

Program Information:

The Autism Division of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) runs the Children’s Autism Waiver Program that provides one-to-one interventions to help children with autism who exhibit severe behavior, social and communication problems through a service called Expanded Habilitation, Education (intensive inhome services and supports). This service occurs in the child’s home or other natural settings under the supervision of trained clinical staff and is available for a total of three years. The program also provides related support services such as community integration activities, family training, and respite. At the conclusion of the three years of intensive services, a child may access supplemental services that meet the child’s needs and help with the transition out of the intensive portion of the Children’s Autism Waiver Program until the child’s 10th birthday.

Eligibility: the following requirements are necessary for participation in this waiver program:

1. The child must have a confirmed diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder, subject to verification by the Department of Developmental Services.

2. The child has not yet reached his/her 10th birthday. Children birth through age 9 may participate.

3. The child is a resident of Massachusetts.

4. The child meets the level of care required for services in an Intermediate Care Facility for persons with an Intellectual Disability (ICF/ID) as assessed by DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES.

5. The family chooses to have the child receive services in the home and community.

6. The child must be able to be safely served in the community.

7. The child must have a legally responsible representative able to direct the services and supports of the program.

8. The child must be found by the MassHealth agency to be eligible for MassHealth Standard coverage, based on family income. For families who have not yet applied for MassHealth, this must be done at the time of the filing of the Children’s Autism Waiver Program Open Request Form.

See below for the direct link on the DDS website.....

We have our very own Adie school lunch totes for sale. Please reach out to your child's classroom teacher to purchase a tote.

Cost: $10