Download the November/December Newsletter
NEW info re: autism and Christmas on the Info page!!
Terrific opportunity!
Take advantage of the chance to listen to Temple Grandin, PhD and autism advocate, in Brandon on May 24! (see below)
Check out OARC's list of iPad/iPhone apps for individuals with special needs!
Calendar of Events
January 19 - Asperger 101
January 30 - Autism Portage Support Group
February 8 - ASM MB Telehealth session
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND EVEN MORE EVENTS, go to the Events page
Keep up with the news and events sponsored by Autism Society Manitoba! Download the Autism Society Manitoba September Newsletter by clicking here.
There are some great workshops listed in the Community Living Winnipeg newsletter! Download it here.
New on the website
Check out the updated list and featured books available from the Lending Library!
New article on the INFO page (finally!) and a list of some Facebook groups for those touched by autism in Manitoba
Autism Portage Support Meeting
Albert Krynski's presentation on the use of iPads and apps for indiviudals with autism and special needs has been rescheduled for Monday, January 30th, 7pm, at the Tupper Street Family Resource Centre, 20 Tupper Street North. Download the poster here.
Albert has been using iPads with his students for several months, and he will share with us how effective the iPads have been, and identify some of the apps that have been particularly helpful. 
There have been many stories in the media, singing the praises of iPads and related technology for individuals with autism. One of the latest stories was a segment on CBS's "60 Minutes", which not only featured the benefits of iPads but also explored why so many individuals with autism have difficulties producing speech. Click here to view the segment.
Terrific Opportunity for Swimming!
Wonderful program running out of St. James Centennial Pool in Winnipeg, a mere 45-minute drive from Portage. One-on-one instruction for special needs kids, provided by volunteer university students. Current session runs Sept 10 to Nov 19, and another session starts in January. The cost for the 9-week program is an unbelievable $20!!!
Instruction is tailored for each child. Whether your child is terrified of water or half-dolphin, the instructors meet your child at his/her level and encourages growth and exploration. If you have wanted your child to learn to swim, but traditional lessons didn't work out, give this a chance!
For more information about the program (or to donate to this very worthy program!) check out the website or contact the coordinator.
Fact sheets for parents
The fact sheets, "Information for Manitobans with Disabilities", are now available online.
These brochures cover a wide range of topics, including initial diagnosis, dealing with schools, and the transition to adult services.
These brochures were created with consultation from real Manitoba parents and are sure to benefit a lot of families.
To access these brochures, visit the Information for Manitoba Parents website.
The Government of Manitoba recently announced a new program to expand services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Thrive! is a 5-year program that will provide additional funds for ABA services and other important supports.
To learn more about this program, check out the Government website.
(Note: the Children's Special Services program is now called Children's disABILITY Services program.)
Autism Portage merchandise is available year-round!
At $12 to $16, T-shirts and book bags make terrific end-of-year gifts for teachers, EA's, babysitters, respite workers etc.
New colours are available! T-shirts are now available in black, dark grey, chocolate, navy, royal blue, kelly green, kiwi green and red. Shirts are made-to-order, and require 3 weeks for completion. Download an order form here.
South Central ASD Support Group
South Central ASD is now entering its second year!
You can keep up-to-date on all of their activities by visiting their blog, or by going to their brand-new website:
Congratulations to all of the group organizers for the terrific work you have done!
This is a wonderful resource for parents and caregivers in the South Central region!
