Meet Franklin’s new Director of Special Education, Elizabeth Fitzmaurice, the SEPAC officers, the YMCA Integration Coordinator, Jaime Estrella, and vote for the new Vice President and Treasurer of SEPAC

Families with a special needs child are well aware of the extra services, advocacy, and support that their child requires.  However, other siblings in the family are also in need of extra support as they attempt to understand and cope with their sibling’s disability.  This workshop, presented by Linda Helmig Bram, PhD, offers parents suggestions for helping siblings manage the additional challenges they face.  The good news is that there are many things families can do to foster positive relationships between siblings and enhance the growth and development of the non-affected sibling(s).  Participants are welcome to bring examples/questions for group discussion.  Older siblings are invited to attend as well and share their experiences and insight.

2nd Annual Evening of Comedy - hosted by Paul "Fitzy" Fitzgerald!  Fitzy will be hosting this evening of comedy featuring local comics including John Porch and Rhode Island's Comic of the Year, Brian Beaudoin!

  For more information, or to buy tickets please visit: www.neautismbenefits.com

Milford, MA

Diagnoses such as “depression”, “bipolar disorder”, and “anxiety” are becoming increasingly common among children and teenagers.  These disorders can manifest in very different ways, across different individuals and across different ages and stages of development.  They can also be accompanied by difficulties that affect other domains of functioning, including social problems and learning issues.  Therapist Meghan Welsh, MS, from the Integrated Center for Child Development, will discuss psychiatric disorders diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, ways in which they manifest, and how to treat them and support those who experience them.

Happy Holidays Everyone

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is a tool to measure progress in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks or general curriculum.  This workshop will help parents understand how their children with disabilities can participate in a meaningful way in MCAS.  Robin Foley, from MASSPAC at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, will discuss accommodations and alternate assessments available so that students can demonstrate what they have learned.

Executive functioning includes a child’s ability to regulate his or her attention, emotions, and behavior, as well as her ability to plan and organize tasks.  Executive control difficulties are the hallmark feature of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder but are also often experienced by children with learning and developmental disabilities and can undermine a child’s academic performance and social success.  Neuropsychologist, Jessica Benetti-McQuoid, PhD, from the Integrated Center for Child Development, will provide an overview of this collaborative process and how it can help your child.

There are unique aspects of estate planning and probate proceedings concerning individuals with disabilities.  Attorney Tasha Buzzell will discuss the basics of legal planning, including guardianships, wills and special needs trusts.

7:00 pm

This last meeting with be a session where everyone can trade ideas on the best and the most fun places to take your children during the summer.