April Newsletter Join us for Kendra Gives Back: Autism Alliance We are happy to partner with Kendra Scott for Kendra Gives Back: Autism Alliance Shop and Support! Use code GIVEBACK-BPDUF on kendrascott.com from 3/31-4/2 and 20% of your purchase will benefit Autism Alliance! From Thursday, March 31st - Sunday, April 3rd, enter code GIVEBACK-BPDUF in the coupon code box at checkout on kendrascott.com, or mention autism in-store at Kendra Scott Dedham Legacy Place, and 20% of your purchase will benefit Autism Alliance. Let's celebrate World Autism Day in style and raise funds for a worthwhile cause! This is a prime opportunity to treat yourself or a loved one to some new sparkle while supporting our mission: to provide families with information, education and support; plan programs and events that will aid those families; while increasing public awareness regarding autism. 
Exclusive Children's Book Author The Autism Alliance is pleased to welcome Author Andrea Sproul and Editor Daniel J. Sproul of the new children's book 
Meet Author Andrea Sproul and Editor Daniel J. Sproul of the new book Soy un Superheroe Autista / I am an Autistic Superhero. Wednesday April 13th 6:30 p.m.
This virtual zoom session will include A reading from the book; overview how authoring the book came about; key aspects of the book; and discussion and questions Free Book raffle for all attendees (teachers that attend, your name will be added to the raffle 2x) Andrea Sproul is a Special Education Interpreter in Spanish/English in the preschool setting. In addition, Andrea takes part in helping Speech Pathologists with child therapies. Andrea also has a university education background in business. In addition, she enjoys reading, writing, and helping others in her spare time. Andrea was born in Ecuador and currently lives in the United States with her family. Daniel Sproul is currently a doctoral candidate in Strategic Leadership. He has a bachelor's degree in Homeland Security and a master's in Cybersecurity. Daniel has over twenty years of experience in business, leadership, writing, and information technology & security. Daniel also enjoys writing, editing, and furthering his growth & development for himself and others. All our welcome to this free event sponsored by the Linda M. Olsen Library April Vacation Recreation Programs Sponsored by 
Autism Alliance Exclusive: New England Aquarium at Home Giant Ocean Tank Encounter Tuesday April 19th | 4:00 p.m.
Explore what it takes to care for the Aquarium’s largest exhibit! Go behind-the-scenes with an aquarist to meet the Caribbean species who live in this 200,000-gallon habitat, and the diving and other equipment we use to maintain it. We’ll also share what you can do to conserve delicate reef ecosystems around the world! Program is free and all ages are welcome including siblings. 
Trombetta's Indoor Miniature Golf 655 Farm Rd. Marlborough Wednesday April 20th | 9am-10am
Autism Alliance Exclusive: New England Aquarium at Home Penguin Encounter Thursday April 21st | 11:00 a.m.
Learn what it takes to care for a colony of over 70 penguins! Our penguin experts will share some remarkable facts about penguins and the excellent care they receive, and how you can take action to protect these incredible animals. Program is free and all ages are welcome including siblings. Exclusive SPECIAL EVENING EVENT* Virtual Concert with Lindsay Munroe Back by popular demand! Don't miss out on this virtual event which includes a "meet and greet" with Lindsay 
Autism Alliance Exclusive Virtual Concert Event with Lindsay Munroe Thursday April 21st 6:00 p.m.
Join us for a virtual concert with Lindsay Munroe including an exclusive post concert "meet and greet" where attendees can talk to Lindsay, share their favorite song and ask her questions. Lindsay is an award-winning children’s musician signed to Raffi’s label Troubadour Music. With a lovely and engaging voice, Lindsay’s music uplifts and delights kids, parents, and educators. As a mother of three autistic children, she writes music for neurodiverse kids and their families and for the teachers who embrace inclusion in their classrooms. Her positive songs will also appeal to those working to promote self-regulation and kindness. Lindsay believes that music is a wonderful, unique tool in teaching social emotional learning. Guest Speaker* Cathy Boyle, Autism Housing Pathways 
Applying for Housing Tuesday April 19th 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
In this FREE virtual workshop, Cathy Boyle from Autism Housing Pathways, will introduce families to the range of public funds available to pay for housing and supportive services (including for those without DDS supports). Some examples are given of how these can be combined with private funds to create housing. No registration necessary. Advocates Intercultural Family Support Center Clinics Advocates Intercultural Family Support Center RAFT: What you need to know Every Third Wednesday April 20th, 2022, |5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Please note that RAFT: What you need to know can be offered to individuals in Spanish and Portuguese, please contact aifsc@advocates.org to schedule or if you need assistance registering. Advocates Intercultural Family Support Center IEP Clinic Every Third Tuesday of the Month April 26th, 2022 | 6:00 p.m.
Come join the Advocates Intercultural Family Support Center for their monthly IEP clinic. Discussions will be around navigating IEP meetings and information will be provided about parental rights. Please note that IEP clinics can be offered to individuals in Spanish and Portuguese, please contact aifsc@advocates.org to schedule or if you need assistance registering. Adult Recreation Programs* 
Glee Club Saturday April 9th 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Virtual Glee Club is one of our most popular programs. Glee club is facilitated by music teacher, Mr. William Lynch, and co-lead by Sophie McLaughlin, expressive movement therapist. The group meets monthly and is for ages 18+. The program is a mixture of singing songs, and dance. Click on the link register. 
Zoom Zumba Saturday April 9th 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Licensed Zumba® Fitness instructor, Andria DeSimone will lead an hour-long Zumba class. Advocates Fun, Friends, & Family events are open to individuals with disabilities who are 16 and older, staff who support them, their families, and friends. We welcome members of the Advocates community, as well as those interested in learning more about us. Autism Alliance MONTHLY Support Groups* Support Program for SIBLINGS Sibshop Support Group Saturday April 9th 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Our Autism Alliance Sibshop is a program for typically developing brothers and sisters, ages 7-12, who have a sibling with autism. It is a relaxed environment that gives the siblings a place to meet other sibs (usually for the first time); Have fun; Talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs with others who “get it”; Play some great games; Explore how other brother and sisters handle sticky situations sometimes faced by brothers and sisters; Laugh; Learn about the services their brothers and sister receive; Have some more fun!
AUTISM ADVOCACY DAY "Restoring Services, Expanding Access." 
AFAM's 17th Annual Autism Advocacy Day - Live Broadcast Tuesday, April 5th from 10-11 am
Join us in advocacy and celebration as we honor Representative Sean Garballey as AFAM's 2022 Legislator of the Year! We look forward to hearing from Massachusetts legislators, autism self-advocates, and families as we come together to discuss the current state of affairs and highlight priority legislative proposals that would restore and increase access to services, education, and training. Sensory Friendly Events HMEA’s Autism Resource Central Annual Autism Superhero 5K! Saturday, April 23, 2022 Polar Park, Worcester
The Autism Superhero 5k is back in-person and better than ever at the brand-new Polar Park in Worcester! Join us for a competitive 5k run or leisurely stroll, exciting family activities, community networking, and a fun-filled day of autism acceptance. 
The Springfield Thunderbirds Annual Sensory Friendly Game Sunday April 3rd, 2022, | 2:05pm Hosted by CHD
The game presentation will feature decreased simulation including decreased microphone/music volume, no strobing lights, consistent lighting throughout game, cool-down areas, and no goal horn/noise meters. We also have handicap accessible seating available. Click HERE to order discounted tickets. 
Sensory Friendly Afternoon Tuesday, April 5th 2022 1:30pm to 4:30pm Free with pre-registration Registration Required: Register Now Come explore the accessible Discovery Museum, Discovery Woods, and our giant treehouse! Sensory-Friendly Afternoons are all about inclusion. During these events, the Museum is open to the general public, but group visits and birthday parties are not scheduled, to avoid crowding and support access to exhibits. 
Autism-Friendly Evening Saturday, April 30th 2022 Registration Required: Register Now Join us for this special evening event for families with members on the autism spectrum. Play, explore, experiment, and imagine together, while we are closed to the general public and headcount is limited. ASL interpretation may be available upon request. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. 
SAVE THE DATE* 
We are happy to announce Autism Alliance Sunset at Southwick's Zoo, A Sensory- Friendly Experience is back this year, so be sure to save the date. Tickets go on sale in May. Healthy Happenings Emails 
In case you missed one, or want to check back in, our Healthy Heroes is now Healthy Happenings emails which are published weekly for up-to-date Autism Alliance programming and community resources designed to keep you connected and supported. You can find these archived on our website along with our current and past monthly newsletters. Free Respite Care Provider Training 
*** New for 2022! ***
Rewarding Work is pleased to offer Free Respite Care Provider Training to job applicants during 2022, as part of a national respite grant. The training course has been developed by leading experts on respite care and is currently being “piloted” in eleven states, including two Rewarding Work states - Kansas and Massachusetts. *Please submit requests for accommodations, including ASL interpreters, at least Connect With Us
www.AutismAlliance.org | (508) 652-9900 | AutismAlliance@Advocates.org Our Contact Information 
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