February Newsletter 
SIGNATURE GRANT AWARD We are very excited to announce that the Autism Alliance has received a Signature Grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. Hundreds of families and their loved ones with autism will receive social and recreational programming, translation services, and more support thanks to this grant. Thank you, Flutie Foundation, for your ongoing partnership and support!
SPOTLIGHT Parent Education Workshop 
Individualized Education Plan-Covid-19 Wednesday February 24th 6:30-7:30 p.m. Don't wait until your child's next IEP date before you start planning!! Parents are welcome to join us for an evening with Pam Kaufmann, retired and former Special Education Director of Framingham Public School for an autism education workshop. This workshop will help parents better understand their child's IEP and updates created by the pandemic. All families are welcome. Don't miss out on this FREE virtual workshop.
February Vacation Week Virtual Events Sponsored by the Our February vacation programs are created to help children with autism, their siblings and parents feel less isolated especially during school vacation week. All ages, siblings, and those that love someone with Autism are welcome to register. Tuesday February 16th 
Music Time 9:30-10:00 a.m. We are kicking off our Virtual February 2021 vacation events with our friends from Roman Music Therapy. We are excited to offer this music program and make music with you!! No registration necessary just click on the zoom link. 
Fitness with Faith 4:00-4:30 p.m. Fitness with Faith is a fun low-impact fitness class where participants select their favorite songs that are immediately added into a playlist for the group to enjoy and move to. No registration necessary just click on the zoom link. This program meets weekly throughout the month of February.
Wednesday February 17th 
NEW EXCLUSIVE Build-A-Bear Workshop 9:30-10:30 a.m. For this program we will be joining our Build-A-Bear friends virtually as we bring our bears to life with the heart ceremony, naming of our bears, as well as some fun games. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this program as we have a limited number of FREE bears. Parents/guardians are asked to complete the registration form and will be notified for times to come and pick-up their Build-A-Bear at the Autism Alliance office prior to the program date. 
NEW EXCLUSIVE Discovery Museum Workshop 3:00-3:45 p.m. This workshop is called "Force & Motion". Children and Siblings will enjoy a hands on session with the educators at the virtual trip to the Discovery Museum. This program is limited to 20 participants and those that attend will need to prepare with a small list of household items for the experiments. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For more details click on the link.
Thursday February 18th 
Southwick Zoo Club 9:30-10:00 a.m. This vacation edition of the Southwick Zoo Club at Home will give you an up close and personal look at some fun and interesting animals that live at the zoo. No registration necessary just click on the zoom link. 
Disney Trivia 4:00-4:30 p.m. Join us for Disney Trivia where we will find the answers to some classic Disney trivia questions. This program is for all ages, and especially those that are young at heart. No registration necessary just click on the zoom link.
NEW SOCIAL SKILLS Program 
Friendship with Faith Thursday Feb 11th and 25th 4:00 p.m. In this NEW class participants will share their favorite interests, explore fun topics and create a group power point together. Faith is a fourth year Psychology student at Salve Regina, and a sibling of a brother with Autism. Faith is excited to lead this new program and meet all that join. All ages are welcome.
Support Groups 
Just for Dads Wednesday February 3rd 6:30-7:30 p.m. All Dads are invited to join us on zoom for our monthly support group Facilitated by Rob Sutherland, dad of two boys on the spectrum. Drop-ins are welcome 
Grief and Support Group Thursdays February 11th and 25th 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m. This is a group for family members raising a loved one on the Spectrum. In this group, we will discuss caregiving through the lifespan and through the lens of loss and grief, and we will discover ways to take care of our emotional and physical health in the process.
SibShop Saturday February 13th
Parent Support Group Friday February 12th 12:00-1:00 p.m. All family members are invited to join us as we meet virtually to share joys and concerns of raising loved ones on the autism spectrum. 
Portuguese Support Group Monday February 22nd 6:30-8:30 p.m. Portuguese Speaking Families are invited to our monthly support group.
Glee Club Saturday February 13th 10:30-11:30 a.m. Adults 18+ are welcome to join the Autism Alliance Virtual Glee Club for individuals with autism. This program is facilitated by our favorite music teacher, Mr. William Lynch, and co-lead with Sophie McLaughlin, expressive movement therapist. The group meets monthly and is a mixture of singing and movement.
Zoom Zumba Dance Party Sunday February 21st 12:00 noon -1:00 p.m. Licensed Zumba® Fitness instructor Andria Desimone will lead a 45 minute class and ten minutes social to follow. Be sure to bring your family and friends! Advocates Fun, Friends, & Family events are open to individuals with disabilities who are 16 and older, staff who support them, their families, and friends.
Thank you to Editbar // Edit Responsibly for your generous donation to the Autism Alliance! Your support will help families and their loved ones with autism access the services and resources they need to thrive.
In case you missed one, or want to check back in, our Healthy Heroes Emails are published weekly for up-to-date community resources and information. You can find these archived on our website along with our current and past monthly newsletters. 
Camp & Summer Program Virtual Expo The Largest Camp Fair in Boston, Eastern Mass & all of New England is Virtual for 2021. You will need to register in order to participate.
COVID-19 Vaccine Social Stories 
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus that spreads easily and can make people very sick. The COVID-19 vaccine is a medicine that prevents you from getting COVID-19. Like most vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine is given by shots using a needle. These social stories can help you understand what you can expect when you get the vaccine, and after getting the vaccine.
Connect With Us
www.AutismAlliance.org | (508) 652-9900 | AutismAlliance@Advocates.org Our Contact Information 
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