Parent Trainings and Workshops

At Spectrum Services we believe that parents must be partners in their child’s educational program. For this reason we offer Parent Support and Parent Workshops free for any parent of a child with a developmental disability. Funding is provided through grants from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.

Upcoming Parent Workshops and Trainings

Understanding Behavior, How Can We Help?
Wed. 3/6  12:30 – 2:00 – Remote Only: Click Here
Thurs. 3/7   6:30 – 8:00 – In-Person Kingston or Remote: Click Here

How do we address and support our children with behaviors that either interfere with learning new skills or challenging behaviors we want to reduce? We will address key components of behavior including understanding the function of the behavior, selecting and teaching the replacement behavior, setting up the child and the environment for success, and considering how we should respond when behaviors do occur. Presented by Leah Siuta, MPS- Family Service Dept. Head.

Using Visual Supports to Enhance: Learning at Home
Wed. 3/13   12:30 – 2:00 – Remote Only: Click Here
Wed. 3/13   6:30 – 8:00 – In-Person Kingston or Remote: Click Here

Visual support expands a child’s ability to interact with their surroundings and provide structure. They can give children a sense of autonomy and allow them to make choices and express their needs. Visuals can be used as a tool to assist children with communication and therefore will support improved behavior. Visual supports and schedules can also help children comprehend daily routines, better understand directions, and have input in their activities. Objects, photos, pictures, and symbols can all be used to help a child choose between a variety of activities or daily routines. resented by: Janine Sprague M.S. Ed., Special Educator.

Parent’s Discussion Group – Sibling Discussion Group
Wed. 3/20  6:30 – 8:00 In-person Kingston or Remote: Click Here    

Our parent discussion group offers caregivers the chance to share parenting experiences, educational and management strategies, community resources, upcoming conferences and new research. We can also offer support to one another in an informal and comfortable setting. Our special sibling discussion group is for brothers and sisters ages 5-12 and includes various fun activities designed to help children learn many new ways of playing and interacting with their sibling in a fun manner. Facilitated by Leah Siuta.

Recorded Workshops and Meetings

These workshops have been recorded, and are here for you to watch, review, and learn more about your child on the spectrum.

Avoiding Power Struggles
Presented by Michelle Moony

Workshops for Parents and Primary Caregivers

These forums provide information and skill training on pertinent topics related to Autism. The groups are led by professional staff or by guest speakers. Topics may include such things as social skill and play development, intensive behavioral supports, researched based educational practices, therapeutic techniques, communication development, sensory integration strategies, and more. Topics will change based upon the interests and needs of the families. The workshops are generally free of charge to families of children with developmental disabilities, and an RSVP is needed.

Our Experts Train Staff and Parents Via Online Behavior Management Course

For the first six months of remote learning, our Clinical Team had been providing a course of study for our staff via online PowerPoint trainings. Knowing how important this information can be to our parents and families (many of whom are well-versed in ASD theories and best practices), we’re opening these trainings up so parents can continue their education as well.

These trainings are produced by Leah Siuta and Tiffany Francese-Sears, with narration from one of our Clinical Staff embedded in the PowerPoint. We will be providing these using an online version, so you do not have to have PowerPoint installed on your PC or laptop to view them. Click Here for the Behavioral Management Course.

The Parent’s Support/Discussion Group

This group offers an opportunity for parents to discuss issues related to their child’s unique disability facilitated by a clinically trained group leader. Topics are determined through group consensus and may include such things as behavior management, dealing with family stressors, medical and alternative therapeutic interventions, educational strategies, therapeutic interventions, community involvement, social supports, etc. We also discuss community resources, current research and literature.

The Sibling Group

The Sibling Group is offered during the same time as the Parent’s Group (see above), and is offered to the brothers and sisters of children with ASD who are between the ages of 6 and 14. This is an opportunity for the siblings to interact with other siblings who may be experiencing similar feelings and concerns. The group includes various fun activities (games, cooking, discussion, art, etc.) and is designed to help children learn many new ways of playing and interacting with their sibling in a fun and supportive manner.

Unless otherwise noted, groups are free of charge for families of a child with a developmental disability