Welcome to the Franklin SEPAC!
MAY 15 PRESENTATION:
Franklin SEPAC invites you to join us on Wendesday, May 15, 2013 for Autism Spectrum Disorders: The changing landscape of diagnosis and intervention
The evaluation and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders has seen dramatic changes over the past 20 years, with enormous growth in the prevalence in recent years. While we have learned a great deal about the need for early diagnosis and early intervention, there is still great controversy and complexity with regard to proper diagnosis and treatment. This month (May, 2013), the American Psychiatric Association will be releasing the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (the DSM-V). While there are a variety of changes and updates in the DSM-V, the most notable is a major shift in the way we diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, and PDD. We will be discussing these changes in detail and exploring what it may mean in terms of evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 7:00pm in the 3rd floor training room of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. The workshop is free and open to the public.
About Us:
The mission of the Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to promote a network for parents of children with disabilities and provide a forum to share information and discuss matters of relative interest and concern regarding our children. This group provides regular forums for Pupil Personnel Services and parents to share information and discuss pertinent issues; develops, maintains and shares tools and a resource guide; and raises awareness of children with special needs.
We host monthly workshops educating parents on special-needs topics. We run monthly parent support groups and periodic events for children. Franklin SEPAC also contributes an annual donation to Franklin's Special Education programs. We are a 501(c)(3) volunteer-run organization and rely on donations to help alleviate the costs of the above-mentioned programs.
Your participation will provide a unique opportunity to meet school officials and other parents, stay informed on policy and legislative changes, ask questions and discuss concerns, and learn something new. Your input into potential speaker topics, and other SEPAC initiatives of particular interest is also welcomed.
We are a member of the Massachusetts Association of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (MassPAC).
