Autism: Connecticut Friends of Autistic People

Saturday and Sunday May 19 & 20, from 6 :30 Am to noon FAP president/ founder Brita Darany will be interviewed ion Cablevision of CT News 12 TV every hour on the half hour on the documentary screening of the film listed below . There willbe another showing at 11 PM both on Saturday .

You opinion about the program will be appreciated by email to Brita Darany at bridaranyi@aol.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2007
CONTACT: Brita Darany, President
PHONE: 203-661-8510

FAP & Library to Screen Documentary on Young Man with Autism:
Reception with producer and bother

FAP (Friends of Autistic People) and Greenwich Library are pleased to announce that Today’s Man, a film produced by Lizzie Gottlieb searching to understand autism of her brother, Nicky, will be aired in the Greenwich Library Cole Auditorium on Sunday, May 20th at 2pm. While admission is FREE, pre-registration is required to ensure availability of a space. Nicky’s parents, former New Yorker magazine editor Robert Gottlieb and actress Maria Tucci, also appear in the film The film is both a personal family drama and a deep exploration of a fascinating, perplexing, and at times overwhelming disorder

Today’s Man presents a sister’s search to understand her brother’s mysterious inner life. It tells the story of Nicky Gottlieb, a child of extraordinary talents and odd behavior, who has grown into a young man who does not quite fit into the world. At the age of 21, Nicky was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, a high functioning form of autism on the autism spectrum.

Today’s Man follows Nicky as he struggles to leave the safety of his family home, in order to find a job and a place in the world. Nicky’s parents, former New Yorker magazine editor Robert Gottlieb and actress Maria Tucci, also appear in the film The film is both a personal family drama and a deep exploration of a fascinating, perplexing, and at times overwhelming disorder.

Peabody award winner Judith Helfand said of Today’s Man: “A wonderful, funny, fabulously entertaining film, that without ever being didactic, leads the viewer to love Nicky, value his life, thank him for pointing out so much of what we all want and need…as well as what is not there to nurture those who are perfectly imperfect. I can’t say enough great things about this film!”

Film goers are in for a special treat on May 20th with a reception following the film with Nicky Gottlieb and the protagonist in the film, Nicky Gottlieb.

FAP (Friends of Autistic People) is a not-for-profit organization composed of parents and professionals dedicated to raising awareness of services needed for ALL grown children with autism. It is working on developing a Farm Living & Learning Academy village to provide residential and day services for young adults with classic autism in Fairfield County where young people with Asperger’s can also find employment.

Again, admission is FREE, but free will offerings or donations are always welcome to help defray costs and support education programs offered by Friends of Autistic People. Registration is required. Send reservation and/or donations in advance to Friends of Autistic People, 974 North Street , Greenwich , CT 06831 or call 203-661-8510.

logo FAP PARENT GROUP SCHEDULE Feb to June 2007
We meet the fourth Monday of the month, 7 PM to 9PM
Christ Church Greenwich, Parish House, 250 E. Putnam Avenue., Greenwich CT
Refreshments, Programs are Free, Donations very welcomed.

Directions: I-95, Exit 4 Cos Cob, going North take left, going South take right, go 1/4 mile to Putnam Ave; at light turn left, go 1/2 mile. Christ Church is #250 on left. Parking lot between Temple and Church .Walk along front of church to small Gothic Connector w/ circular drive (no prkg), enter bldg.., follow "FAP - AUTISM MEETING" sign on left. For more information call Brita Darany 203-661-8510

Monday, April 30th, 2007: Employment Options: Helping Your Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders become Self Sufficient with Laura DiGalbo

. Transitioning to Adulthood . Job Choice . On the job support

Mrs. DiGalbo M.Ed, CRC, LPC is a consultant for Autism Spectrum Disorders & Transition for the Bureau of RehabilitationSvces.and has worked in the field w persons w disabilities for 32 years

SAVE-THE-DATE! May 20th, 2 pm, Greenwich Library,

Today's Man will have its Greenwich FILM DEBUT at the Cole Auditorium.

This documentary about a young man with Aspergers has played to enthusiastic audiences and rave reviews throughout the New York Metropolitan area. Directed and produced by Lizzie Gottlieb, it tells the story of her brother Nicky's struggle to fit into a world that he does not quite understand. Co-sponsored by FAP and the Greenwich Library .203.661.8510

Cheese & Wine RECEPTION WITH PRODUCER & HER BROTHER to follow.

Monday, May 21st, 2007: (3rd Monday!) Postsecondary Education Options for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities . with Margaret Kardos

In keeping with the philosophy of inclusion, interest in and demand for individuals with development disabilities to continue their education at the postsecondary level has steadily increased. This presentation will provide an overview of options available for individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with intellectual disability, to continue their education at the postsecondary level.

Margaret Kardos, MS, OTR/L, ATP . "Muncie" is an educational consultant who works throughout Connecticut, specializing in students with significant

disabilities including autism, intellectual disabilities and multiple disabilities. Her areas of expertise include assistive technology and transition planning.

Monday, June 25th, 2007: We Get Results with a New Learning Style

with Phoebe Tucker, Montano Assistive Technology Center

We get results!! (e.g. former non-verbal 30 yr old after 3 months initiates language, 5 yr old with 5 word vocabulary after 3 visits 26 of 48 words were initiated).Speech-Language Pathologist & Tech Specialist has a new style of learning for children-adults. 2 programs include Fast ForWord (software to develop attention, reading skills, cognition, etc.) plus 2 sensory integration rooms, e.g. participants can create scenes on a wall with their voice. www.montanocenter.org

Phoebe Tucker,SLP, AAC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist/ Augmentative Alternative Communication Specialist (technology) at Montano

Monday, June 25th, 2007: We Get Results with a New Learning Style

with Phoebe Tucker, Montano Assistive Technology Center

Phoebe Tucker,SLP, AAC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist/ Augmentative Alternative Communication Specialist (technology) at Montano

Freinds of Autistic People and Christ Church Present:
ERNESTINE BRADLEY author of THE WAY HOME
A German Childhood, An American Life

for more info, read the .pdf documents linked below

Printer Friendly PDF

rsvp
Printer Friendly PDF

inv2 Printer Friendly PDF

In the Spirit of Giving- SHOPPING BENEFIT DAYS FOR HOLIDAY DECORATING AND GIFT GIVING
McArdles Florist & Garden Center will donate15% of all purchases made on the first decorating weekend of the holiday season, Nov. 25 through 27, to FAP (Friends of Autistic People) to support its AUTISM programs and the Farm project! This will be McArdle's fourth 3-day benefit shopping event for FAP. The greenery bedecked store takes on a magical quality for the holiday shopping season and one can fill all one's needs for decorations, gifts and gourmet foods as there are so many traditional or novelty items to choose from. There will be hot mulled cider and cookies.
McArdles is located at 48 Arch St., Greenwich, 203-661-5600.

FAP is a not-for-profit organization that works to educate the public in autism and to obtain services anchored by law for kids with autism who have aged out of school at 21. FAP is also planning a FARM Living & Learning Center for young adults with autism where assisted by autism trained counselors they will be able to learn meaningful skills in a wholesome environment. At FAP all work is done by volunteers. For information please call 661-8510 or visit www.autisticadults.com.

Download the Flyer (.pdf, acrobat required)

Let's have FUN!
Sponsored by FAP : PARENTS AND FRIENDS Meeting

JENNIFER SOKIRA , Board Cert. Music Therapis t, private practice,
"Music Therapy and the Autism Spectrum"
and networking
Thursday, Sept 29, 7 pm

This presentation will provide an overview of the field of music therapy and its use with individuals who are on the autism spectrum. The use of music to encourage communication, socialization, motor, self-help and cognitive skills will be discussed as well as practical techniques that can be used to incorporate musical experiences into family and community life.

Jennifer Sokira, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist in private practice in southwestern Connecticut. She has recently founded Connecticut Music Therapy Services. She has worked with children and adults with developmental disabilities, autism, Rett Syndrome, and other neurological disorders in school, community and home settings since 2002. She received her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from Duquesne Universityâ€™s Mary Pappart School of Music and she is currently completing her Master of Music Therapy (MMT) from Temple University. ****
Pizza dinner. Donations welcome. Directions:From I-95 (North or South) Leave I-95 at Exit 4 -- Indian Field Road. From NY, turn left, from CT, turn right. Follow Indian Field Road to end traffic light (US Route 1). Turn l on Rte 1 (East Putnam Av) and continue for 6/10 of a mile; through 3 lights. Christ Church located on l, just beyond 3rd light and past Temple Sholom. Parkg lot entrance marked "Church Parking".
From MERRIT Take the North Street exit, and follow the signs to the Greenwich Business District. At first light, left onto Fairfield Rd, then an immediate right on Old Church Rd.
Follow Old Church Rd to the intersection of Route 1 (East Putnam Av) and turn right. You will see the church immediately on your left. Parking lot entrance is clearly marked "Church Parking".
Note: The Library is on the first floor of the "Parish House", which is the stone building adjacent to the church. There is a circular driveway in front of the Parish House. You can park in the circle or in the Church parking lot.

RSVP to BRITA appreciated at 203-661-8510 (Yes, FAP needs to get another phone line)

FAP (Friends of Autistic People) Parents Meeting.
Wednesday July 6th , 7 pm @ Christ Church Parish House, Library upstairs rm., 260 Putnam Ave. , Greewnich, :
Sharing, Caring , support meeting focusing on children now and in the future. One parent's adult child will go be sent to the Middle East .
Also Presentation on DMR IP Due Process. And hear about FAP's Farm project.
As almost always PIZZA dinner . for info 203-662-8510 (Brita Darany). Pls RSVP.
Directions : (203) 869-6600
From I-95 (North or South) Leave I-95 at Exit 4 -- Indian Field Road. From NY, turn left, from CT, turn right. Follow Indian Field Road to end traffic light (US Route 1). Turn l on Rte 1 (East Putnam Av) and continue for 6/10 of a mile; through 3 lights. Christ Church located on l, just beyond 3rd light and past Temple Sholom. Parkg lot entrance marked "Church Parking".
FromMERRIT Take the North Street exit, and follow the signs to the Greenwich Business District. At first light, left onto Fairfield Rd, then an immediate right on Old Church Rd.
Follow Old Church Rd to the intersection of Route 1 (East Putnam Av) and turn right. You will see the church immediately on your left. Parking lot entrance is clearly marked "Church Parking".
Note: The Library is on the first floor of the "Parish House", which is the stone building adjacent to the church. There is a circular driveway in front of the Parish House. You can park in the circle or in the Church parking lot.

FRIENDS OF AUTISTIC PEOPLE (FAP)
Invites to a PARENTS MEETING
and light dinner by Lombardi Pizza
ALICE REITZ presents about long-term planning for your child w/ special needs and about PLAN Special Needs Trusts.

Wednesday, May 18th, 7pm to 9 p.m.
Christ Church Parish House
Greenwich 260 E. Putnam Ave.
RSVP Brita Darany 203-661-8510 or bridaranyi@aol.com
Light Dinner /Refreshments provided

McArdles Florist & Garden Center generously supports FAP
Please return the favor by shopping with them@ 48ArchSt.Greenwich AUTISTIC PEOPLE PARENTS MEETING

Directions:
I95 Exit 4 Indian Field Rd/From North:
turn RT at end of ramp onto Indian Field Rd./

From South:
go LEFT./Turn LEFT at1st light onto E. Putnam Ave./Church-Parish Hall , mile on left Entrance in center of circular drive facing Red Cross; Parking on lot between Church and Synagogue.

FUSIONS SALON IN WILTON will open its doors Sunday June 5th, to hold an all-day haircutting marathon for the benefit of Friends of Autistic People (FAP). All of the day's proceeds are to help raise funds for the residential farm that FAP is planning to establish as a living and learning center for kids with autism at the threshold of adulthood. Shampoo, cut and blow dry will be $40 for adults and $30 for children. A wide variety of silent auction items have been gathered for some fun shopping. There are signed items from famous sports figure Steve Young, Hall of Famer from the San Francisco 49ers as well as dinner for 2 at the Culinary Institute at Hyde Park, and a vast array of other items as well as door prizes and goody bag gifts. Refreshments will be served throughout the day. Fusions is located in the Gateway Shopping Center on Rte. 7 in Wilton. For more information please call Debbie at 762-0343. Come help us make our dream farm come true by joining us on Sunday June 5th. Doors open at 9 a.m.

See Microsoft Word Version of Flyer
See Acrobat PDF Version

FAP-Friends of Autistic People

Directions:
I95 Exit 4 Indian Field Rd/From North:
turn RT at end of ramp onto Indian Field Rd./

Andre Watts to Perform at Temple Sholom to Benefit FAP and Their Planned Farm for the Autistic
FAP (Friends of Autistic People) in collaboration with Temple Sholom of Greenwich will present world renowned pianist Andre Watts on the Temple's stage in a recital on Sunday, October 17th at 4 p.m. The concert will benefit FAP's plans to establish a FARM for children with autism at the onset of adulthood. Honorary Chairs are Senator Joseph Lieberman, US Congresswoman Rosa deLauro and Senator William Nickerson.
The concert will be followed by a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception at the Temple (sumptuous treats courtesy Steve Herman Caterers) where ticket holders at the patron level will enjoy meeting the celebrated artist in person. They will also be entertained with a musical interlude by students from the Greenwich Japanese School. .

Andre Watts whose mother is Hungarian is one of the music world's most beloved superstars. His performances each year with the world's great orchestras and conductors and his sold-out performances at the most prestigious international festivals bring him to every corner of the globe.and international festivals bring him to every corner of the gl

Mr. Watts generously offered to help FAP to raise seed money for FAP's newest initiative, the development of the first farm in Southern Connecticut for autistic children as they mature into adults and lose their autism supports. This farm will be a place where young people with autism will be able to live, learn and work and enjoy purposeful lives in a caring and wholesome environment. It was astounding that when approached Mr. Watts immediately agreed to play for FAP even though he had just undergone brain surgery. He said "I am not just polite-- I mean it". His philanthropy is well known as he traditionally helps raise funds for Camp Hill Villages where people with disabilities live in village communities

Note, donations of funds or land grants from generous donors are being sought for the project.

Friends of Autistic People was founded in September 1997 as a not-for-profit parent education and advocacy group. Its mission is to disseminate information on autism to the public and the legislators and, through its various initiatives, to help improve the lives of our adult children with autism.

Mr. Andre Watts' benefit recital will mark the first collaboration between FAP and Temple Sholom. FAP is most grateful for Temple Sholom's interest and support.

Area merchants support the event, among them Crucitti Florists, Steven Herman Catering, AoC Fine Wines.

A benefit committee is still accepting people interested to help. For more information, please call 203-661-8510.