Puzzlethon™ returns on Saturday, March 5, 2011 celebrating FIVE years of puzzling fun and fundraising! Each year, our Puzzlethon™ continues to grow and we anticipate upwards of TWELVE locations for 2011!!!!!. Updated information on locations and how you can get involved will be posted after September 1 so check back then. In the meantime, get out your puzzles and plan some off season summer practice time. Interested in getting more involved as a volunteer? Contact our Puzzlethon™ chairperson, Melissa Dumont at MDumont312@cox.net or call 888-453-4975.

2010 ASCONN Mini-Grant Program. The ASCONN 2010 Mini-Grant “Help Now” program is closed for this year. All applications were due by June 4. Awards will be made by September 1, 2010. Grant recipients will be notified by mail if they have been awarded a grant. Information on the 2011 ASCONN “Help Now” program will be available in February, 2011.

Newsflash! As of January 1, 2010, ASCONN will no longer have separate membership dues. You do not have to be a member of our organization to participate in any of our programs, events, groups or activities. Add your name to our e-mail newsletter to make sure you get information on our activities and programs. Consider making a donation to support our work!

Sensory Friendly Movies: ASCONN, ASA and AMC Entertainment® have teamed up to bring families
affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. With Sensory Friendly Films, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down. The two AMC theatres in CT are located in Plainville and Danbury. Sign up for our e-mail list in the column to the left to receive monthly information. Read more here.

Donations: We’d like to that everyone who supports us and invite you to read about the energetic and thoughtful ideas and events that support ASCONN. Read about these ingenious ideas (and maybe get inspired yourself!) All of the programs, services, events and activities of ASCONN are funded by donations. All funds stay right here in Connecticut helping our families. Learn more about how you can help us serve our Connecticut autism community.

Give a Teacher a Pat on the Back: Families - are you looking for a way to say "thanks" to a teacher, therapist, respite care provider, family member or staff person? Check out ASCONN's new "Pat on the Back" program.

New Resources: Looking for a good read? Looking for a particular book about autism? Look no further than the Connecticut State Library System. Read more here or find a particular book here.
Volunteers: ASCONN could not provide services, programs and supports without the dedicated help of volunteers. If you have some time and the inclination we’d love to hear from you. Check out our Volunteering  page for more information or e-mail us your ideas.

AutismSource™ a 24/7 searchable database and instant resource listing is up and running. Read about AutismSource or search AutismSource™ now!

Orientation Programs: Orientation Programs. New to the diagnosis? Need to learn more about autism? Want to train your teachers, staff, after school program, peer group or faith community? Schedule an Autism Orientation Workshop Training program. More info

Save the Date! Saturday, April 30, 2011 for the 21st Annual ASCONN Statewide Conference on Autism. Featuring Dr. Paula Kluth, “Toward More Inclusive Classrooms” and our “Speaker from the Spectrum” Dr. Stephen Shore. Dr. Kluth is a consultant, teacher, author, advocate and scholar who works to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging experiences for all learners. Dr. Kluth received a standing ovation and excellent reviews when she spoke at our conference in 2007 and we have brought her back for an encore presentation. Don’t miss one of the most engaging presenters around. Dr. Stephen Shore was viewed as “too sick” to be treated and recommended for institutionalization when he was first diagnosed. Now a university professor, Dr. Shore teachers courses on special education and autism as well as presenting nationally on adult issues pertaining to education, relationships, employment, advocacy and disclosure. At the Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford. Registration and sponsorship information.

The Autism Spectrum Resource Fair is coming to Fairfield County! ASCONN and the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center are pleased to sponsor a Resource Fair for the Autism Community to be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the University of Connecticut, Stamford Campus, One University Place, Stamford from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. Free admission! Exhibitors to include: family advocacy groups, alternative therapies, camps, community providers, consultants, financial resources, recreation programs, schools, social skills resources, state agencies. Our large ASCONN Autism Bookstore will be there! Resources for all along the spectrum and all ages. For information on exhibiting, contact us at asconn@sbcglobal.net or 888-453-4975.

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