August Newsletter
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THE AUTISM ALLIANCE is participating in the 22nd Annual Flutie 5K and we want you to join us! You can help us raise funds for the Autism Alliance by joining our team or making a donation. Did you know that all the following programs are sponsored by the Flutie Foundation? Sensory Friendly Movies, Vacation Programs, Family Events, Holiday Parties, Southwick Afterschool Zoo Club, New England Aquarium at Home, Fitness with Faith, etc. With your support, we can bring YOU more of these FREE programs in 2022! Please consider joining our Autism Alliance Team or making a donation to one of our team members by scrolling down once you click the link. Thank you!! Sunday, September 12 Belkin Family Lookout Farm, Natick, MA
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE September 12-21, 2021 Flutie 5k Your Way, Location: ANYWHERE!!
Calling all parents of teens.....Don't miss out on these...FREE Summer Webinars ![]() Tuesday, August 3, 2021 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM “Transition Assessment: What, When and How” Presented by: Kelley Challen, Ed.M., CAS, Director of Transition Services; NESCA Assistant Director Monday, August 16, 2021 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ET "I Can't Think When I'm Stressed!" Understanding the Relationship between Anxiety and Executive Function, and How to Help Presented by: Angela Currie, Ph.D., Pediatric Neuropsychologist, NESCA
Aspire Summer Webinars Thursday, August 12th Tuesday, August 17th
Advocates NEW Intercultural Family Support Center Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP Presented in Portuguese on September 8th and in Spanish on September 9th
![]() We are pleased to share our upcoming fall events. Some of our programs will return in person and others will be held virtually. We will continue to be here for you, strive for the highest quality, timely responses to inquires, and support programming for the entire family. NEW Fall Family Events ![]() Family Apple Picking Weekend We will have two back to back days of New England's BEST Apple Picking at Honey Pot Farm. On Saturday September 18th we will host a a party for our Little Folks ages 3-5. Each child guest will receive a 1/4 peck apple picking bag, cider donut, a cup of cider, and a small pumpkin. Our party will include private hayride, fun sensory play time in the moon-bounce, and visit with the animals. On September 19th we will host a party for our Getting older kids ages 6-12. Each guest will receive a 1/2 peck apple picking bag, caramel apple, a cup of cider, and small pumpkin. Party includes private hayride and moon-bounce. Registration opens September 1. Space is limited
Recreation Programs ![]() Glee Club The Autism Alliance is back with one of our most popular programs, our Virtual Glee Club for individuals 18+ with autism. Glee club is facilitated by our favorite music teacher, Mr. William Lynch, and co-lead by Sophie McLaughlin, expressive movement therapist. The group meets monthly. The program is a mixture of singing songs, and movement. Registration is free. Click on the link for time and dates.
![]() Autism Alliance EXCLUSIVE NEW Virtual After School Club featuring the Southwick Zoo All are welcome to join us for our very FIRST Autism Alliance Afterschool Club. We will send you the link for the program and be ready to learn some really fun facts about the animals that live at the Southwick Zoo. For more details click on the link below.
Fall Support Groups ![]() You are NOT alone. The emotional support derived from support group participation can help reduce stress, which can have a positive impact on health. Further, people may greatly benefit from the information sharing that takes place in a support group. All our welcome to attend our virtual support groups. If you have any questions please just let us know, we are happy to help you find the best support for you and your loved ones. Click on the program for zoom link.
4 Types of Autism Alliance Support Groups Peer-Led Autism Support Groups: These autism support groups are led by parents who have children with autism. Many parents with children who have autism form these groups to give and receive advice and get emotional support from other parents who have children with autism. Just for Dad’s Support Group Educational Autism Support Groups: Educational autism support groups provide the latest autism information, including new techniques, methods, and other useful information. Portuguese Speaking Support Group Professionally led Autism Support Groups: Professionally led autism support groups are often led and funded by organizations that are run by psychologists, school personnel, and social workers. Autism Alliance Grief Group and Sibshop Family Autism Support Groups: Family support groups for autism are ones that focus on the diagnosis of autism, and the steps families take after receiving a diagnosis, and the daily challenges of having a loved one with autism. These support groups often provide information for autism resources and other forms of support. Parent Support Group
Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Social and Respite programming for Fall 2021 NOW OPEN TO APPLY ![]() The Autism Alliance of MetroWest, in partnership with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), is happy to announce social and respite programming for Fall 2021. In order to participate in these free programs, you must meet this criteria: 1. Geography: Live in the MetroWest region of Massachusetts, as defined by DDS. 2. Eligibility: Be deemed eligible for DDS services under the Division of Autism. This is an application process that once completed, can take many months to process. Please contact one of our Autism Specialists if you have any questions about filling out this DDS application or require assistance, or if you are unsure about your child's eligibility status. ![]() Teen Digital Music ages 12-16 This FREE program will meet VIRTUALLY starting in September 2021 through December 2021. We will assess the program in 2022 to see if we will begin meeting again in-person or remain virtual. Participants will create their own music and collaborate on group projects using digital music applications such as Sound Slice, Incredibox and Soundtrap/Garageband. Music based experiences will include but not be limited to songwriting, improvisation and song sharing. This group will be facilitated by Tony Varga, who holds a doctorate in music education and is also a board certified music therapist. Group will meet on zoom 2x a month on Thursdays from 6:15pm -7:00pm. Click on the link to apply. ![]() Free to Be Me Group Respite: ages 5-11 This program runs from September 2021 through June 2022, with monthly sessions for children ages 5-11 with autism. The program is in Hudson on Saturday evenings. The respite is provided in small groups or with one-to-one support by special education teachers and specialists, with support from Autism Alliance staff. Sessions are limited to 10 children. Click on link to apply.
![]() In case you missed one, or want to check back in, our Healthy Heroes Emails are published weekly for up-to-date resources and information. You can find these archived on our website along with our current and past monthly newsletters.
Connect With Us
www.AutismAlliance.org | (508) 652-9900 | AutismAlliance@Advocates.org |