July 2020
Dear Families and Friends,
We will continue with our remote programming for the months of July and August. We are dedicated to high quality programming and engagement with YOU! We have received many kinds words from our families and community partners. We love seeing all the children, teens, and adults engaging in programs and learning new skills. We value each and every member of our community, 
and our mission is to assist you and your loved ones with programming, resources, and helpful information. Be sure to check out all the ways you can connect with us in this newsletter and on our website Event Calendar.
Warmly,
Allison and Pam
Special Event: Southwick's Zoo 
We are happy to announce our FIRST Zoofari Drive through Evening with our "Autism Welcoming" partners at Southwick's Zoo. The Autism Alliance families will be greeted by our dedicated staff and given gluten free "goody bags" courtesy of the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation. You will enjoy a guided tour of the 200-acre zoo from the comfort and safety of your car! This 45-minute tour will take place on Monday, July 27 at 6:00 p.m., after normal hours of operation. This experience will provide you with an amazing opportunity to observe species that are more active around dusk. An audio is also available to download or stream. Drive through admission is discounted at $40 per car thanks to the generosity of Southwick's Zoo. Drive through admission must be purchased online in advance. This tour date has limited availability for the first
Time for Fitness
Back by popular demand, we have 
Weekly Virtual Southwick Zoo Club
Join us each Thursday morning for the month of July at our NEW TIME of 9:30 a.m. when our friends at the Southwick Zoo will have an Autism Alliance EXCLUSIVE up-close look at some of our favorite animals at the Zoo. ALL AGES welcome. 
Music and Movement with Sophie
If you enjoy dance, learning fun choreography and getting closer to making your own tiktok, then don't
Virtual Support Groups 
Parents of School Age Children July 9, 2020 -
Parents/Caregivers with Adult Children Living at Home July 15, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Parents who are living with their adult children at home
Parents/Caregivers with a Loved One Living Residentially July 16, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Parents with a loved one that is living residentially
The Autism Alliance and Middlesex Department of Developmental Services NEW Virtual Programming 
Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Monthly beginning July 2020 Ages 10-15
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 - 7:30 p.m. Monthly beginning July 2020 Ages 20+
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.
Saturday, July 11 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Ages 7-12 Sibshop is a place for brothers and sisters of children with Autism to meet with other siblings. It is a relaxed environment that gives the siblings a place to talk about their lives while playing games and getting to know each other. Click on the link below to register for this virtual program.
Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance
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. Don't miss out on our "Coming Together" Special Edition published on June 6. Healthy Heroes is now being published weekly.
Ways to Support Your Loved One
Adolescents with Autism needed for Paid VR Headset project
Applause (www.applause.com) is looking for parents/caregivers of kids (ages 13 y/o - 19 y/o) with autism. This particular project is for the autistic kids only, who can wear a VR headset unit during the testing process. Current testing schedule is based around the following:
(4 study sessions up to 30 min) + 1 interview session (mid-point 30min) + 1 Exit interview session (1hr) This is a high test case payout and includes training on how to use the VR device and how to participate. Participants will receive $500 for their full participation.
We will ship you the device to test in the convenience of your home. If you are interested in this unique opportunity or have a child that may be interested, please click the following link to see if you qualify and to learn more about this opportunity.
Connect With Us
www.AutismAlliance.org | (508) 652-9900 | AutismAlliance@Advocates.org Our Contact Information 
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