October 2020
The Autism Division of the Department of Developmental Services Autism Waiver Service Program Open Interest Period October 17th - 31st, 2020 The opportunity to apply for this waiver through an open request period will be held from October 17-31, 2020.The Autism Division of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) runs an Autism Waiver Program that provides one-to-one interventions to help children with autism who exhibit severe behavior, social and communication problems through a service called Expanded Habilitation, Education (intensive in-home services and supports). This service occurs in the child’s home or other natural settings under the supervision of trained clinical staff and is available for a total of three years. The Autism Waiver Program also provides related support services such as community integration activities and respite. At the conclusion of the three years of intensive services, a child may access supplemental services that meet the child’s needs and help with the transition out of the intensive Autism Waiver Program until the child’s 9th birthday. Click on the link to locate the application form. 
Autism Alliance TOP 5K Fundraisers 
It is with great joy that we share our Flutie 5K fundraising total of $7,000. These funds were raised from TEAM AUTISM ALLIANCE. Our Top fundraiser was Billy Paquette, and Billy was also the 3rd top fundraiser for the entire 5K!! When we asked Bill's parents Bill and Kathy Paquette how this experience has been for them, they said: "We are so impressed that Billy completed the Flutie Virtual 5K. Life has come full circle for our family. For over 20 years we have been and continue to be the recipient of support from the Autism Alliance and Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation. It is heartwarming that now Billy is able to give back to very same places that have lifted him up." Justin Daigle was also a top fundraiser and this was not only his first 5K it was his first time fundraising. His parents Allison and Michael Daigle would like to thank all the amazing friends and family that supported Justin and the Autism Alliance. "We are so proud of Justin and his hard work in completing the 5K and raising money to help others" "It was a dream come true and another milestone for him" Katie McKillop rounded out the top fundraising category. Katie's mom Pam McKillop said: "It was important to do this walk and raise money for the Alliance with my daughter Katie. This was the organization that was our autism lifeline when she was growing up. I am proud to work for the Alliance, and grateful to friends and family who supported us now and throughout Katie’s life. Lastly, the Autism Alliance would like to thank the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for giving us this opportunity to raise funds directly for the Autism Alliance.
October Southwick Zoo Club Wednesday October 28th 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. This special edition will feature creepy crawly creatures including: spiders, cockroaches, snakes, and centipedes. This program is open to all ages. Home and school classrooms that support students with autism are welcome and invited to join.
Trunk or Treat - Family Night Friday October 30th 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wear your costumes and come drive by for a socially distanced, sensory friendly Trick or Treating event. This will be a drive- through experience. You will stay in your cars and drive up to our "houses" (the trunks of our cars), and we will hand out candy and treats and goodies for all of our Autism Alliance friends. Registration is Required, as we want to make this a fun, safe event for all.
Fitness with Faith Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. October 6th,13th, 20th and 27th. Back by popular demand, we have our low impact weekly fitness class for ALL AGES. Faith is back to college and will be leading this class from her apartment at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. She is looking forward to seeing everyone again and having fun. Participants can choose the cool music and fun moves. This class will have you feeling good in no time. ALL AGES welcome.
Support Groups 
Friday October 9, 2020 12:00-1:00 p.m. Family members meet virtually to share joys and concerns of raising children on the autism spectrum. 
Friday October 23, 2020 11:00-11:30 a.m. Adults 18+ (with an Asperger's profile), are welcome to join us on Zoom for our monthly support group meeting.
Monday October 26, 2020 6:30-8:30 p.m. Portuguese Speaking Families are invited to our monthly support group.
Saturday, October 3rd, 2020
NEW Grief and Loss Group Series and Parent Workshop 
Thursday October 15, 2020 12 noon - 1:00 p.m We welcome Jennifer Wiles, MA LMHC, BC-DMT. Director Of Children's Services at Beth Israel Lahey Health at Home for our Grief and Loss Group for Families with a Loved One on the Autism Spectrum This is a group for family members raising a loved one on the Spectrum. Caregiving can be an all-consuming process and we don’t always take the time to reflect on our own experiences and emotions as we care for others. 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. Offered on Zoom. Please register at below link. Facilitated by Jennifer Wiles, LMHC, BC-DMT, Beth Israel Lahey Health at Home. Open to all at no cost through a generous grant from The New York Life Foundation. 
Monday October 19, 2020 12:30-1:30 p.m. We have teamed up with Pam Kaufmann for Covid Solutions. A sixty- minute question and answer virtual workshop designed to help parents learn tips for effective communication with their school, and strengthen relationships with their 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's 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.
Grant Funding 
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
Additional Supports for your Loved One 
Connect With Us
www.AutismAlliance.org | (508) 652-9900 | AutismAlliance@Advocates.org Our Contact Information 
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