August 2020
Dear Families and Friends,
As we head into the month of August we are pleased to continue with a full variety of programs, sponsored by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. These programs are designed to engage and create fun moments for your loved ones with autism. Be sure to check out all the ways you can connect with us in this newsletter and on our website Event Calendar. We have virtual fall programs sponsored by the Department of Developmental Services, be sure to check them out.
Warmly,
Allison and Pam
Weekly Virtual Southwick Zoo Club Thursdays at 9:30am 
Fitness with Faith Wednesdays at 4pm
Back by popular demand, we have our low impact fitness class for ALL AGES. Participants can choose the cool music and fun moves. This class will have you feeling good in no time. ALL AGES welcome. 
Music & Movement with Sophie Wednesdays at 4pm
Why sing? Singing has beneficial effects on heart rates and mood, emotional states and relaxation. Apart from providing a chance to develop artistic and musical skills, it can uplift people, create more positive attitudes and promote relaxation; and singing in choirs offers a social dimension that enhances people’s lives. The Autism Alliance is introducing our Virtual Glee Club for individuals with autism, facilitated by our favorite music teacher, Mr. William Lynch, and co-lead with Sophie McLaughlin, expressive movement therapist. The group will meet monthly. The program will be a mixture of singing short songs, and movement. Click link to register for this program. Dates: Saturdays 10:30 – 11:30.a.m. September 5, October 3, November 7 and Dec 5th.
August Support Groups 
Monday August 24th 6:30-8:30 p.m. Portuguese Speaking Families are invited to our monthly support group.
Saturday, August 8th
The Autism Alliance is very happy to announce our virtual social recreation programming funded by the Department of Developmental Services. These programs span across many age groups. All participants MUST be eligible for services through DDS Middlesex West Area Office and have autism. This includes the following towns: Ashland, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlboro, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland and Westborough. If you are interested in one of our programs you can apply by completing our online form for the group you are interested in. If you have any questions please email or call us! We are looking forward to seeing you! 
Thursdays 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Bi-Monthly September 2020 Ages 11-17
This VIRTUAL program is funded through the Dept. of Developmental Services in Middlesex West. The goal of the program is for the participants to develop and build friendships while having fun creating virtual music together. 
Fridays 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. Monthly beginning September 2020 Ages 18+
This VIRTUAL program is funded through the Dept. of Developmental Services in Middlesex West. The goal of this program is to develop friendships, strengthened independence in virtual social programming, and have FUN.
Saturdays 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Monthly beginning September 2020 Ages 4-10
In our NEWEST DDS funded VIRTUAL Program, children can wear their pajamas and join Ms. Sophie, our very own Movement Therapist in this movement & music class. Children will practice body awareness and imitation skills. This program will also focus on relaxation exercises that can be used at any time during the month. Siblings and parents are welcome to join and make it a fun family activity.
NEW Guest Speaker and Parent Workshop 
Wednesday September 9th 6:30-7:30 p.m We welcome Jennifer Wiles, MA LMHC, BC-DMT. Director Of Children's Services at Beth Israel Lahey Health at Home. Jennifer will be kicking off our September Speaker series: Grieving and Autism. The pandemic has created many challenges and emotions that individuals with autism and those that love them may find difficult to understand and manage. Jennifer will speak about:
This interactive presentation will include a power point and opinion poles. 
Monday September 14th 12:30-1:30 p.m. We have teamed up with Pam Kaufmann for Virtual Solutions. A sixty- minute question and answer workshop designed to help parents learn tips for effective communication with their school, and strengthen relationships with teachers on behalf of their child/ren. The workshop will be limited to 10 participants. Attendees will need to register and are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time. This is a great way to sharpen your advocacy skills and learn practical ways to help support your son/daughter during Covid-19. Participants must have a son/daughter with Autism and live in one of the following towns: Ashland, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlboro, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland and Westborough Click the link to register.
Healthy Heroes 
In case you missed one, or want to check back in, our daily Healthy Heroes Emails are archived on our website along with our current and past monthly newsletters. Healthy Heroes is now being published weekly
Social Stories to Support Your Loved One
Connect With Us
www.AutismAlliance.org | (508) 652-9900 | AutismAlliance@Advocates.org Our Contact Information 
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