Congratulations to our NEW Autism Welcoming Businesses |
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| Sensory Day at the Topsfield Fair Monday October 3rd | 11am-9pm
Sensory Day is an opportunity for a more sensory sensitive experience to the Topsfield Fair for families who have family members with autism or sensory processing disorders. Vendors will have no flashing lights, music or announcements. Sound for entertainment and stages will be lowered and announcements on the grounds will be limited and turned down as well. Please click on the link for more details including sensory friendly map, social story and more.
We are pleased to announce that the Topsfield Fair is our newest Autism Welcoming certified business. In addition to the Sensory Day accommodations, the Topsfield Fair has implemented everyday accommodations for you and your family to enjoy during the Fair season. A special thanks to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism for funding the training and materials for this event.
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| NEWLY certified Autism Welcoming Business The Hopkinton Center for the Arts
Serving individuals of all ages, cultures, and artistic abilities across the MetroWest region, the HCA develops artistic skills, offers outstanding performances and art exhibitions, and enables visitors to experience art in all forms. Among our innovative current programs: Visual arts instruction for children with autism and adults with Alzheimer's and developmental disabilities. As newly certified autism welcoming business the Hopkinton Center for the Arts has made the commitment to providing inclusive and impactful accommodations to individuals with autism and their families.
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Family Halloween Spooktacular October 30, 2022 - 11:30am to 2:30pm Dave & Busters
1235 Worcester Street Suite 3201 |Natick, MA 01760
This year the Autism Alliance is teaming up with Advocates Intercultural Family Support Center for our first annual Halloween Spooktacular at Dave & Busters. We will host this exclusive family event where kids can come dressed in their Halloween costumes, have unlimited video game play and enjoy a fun lunch. This event will have a limited number of slots available. We will let you know if you have successfully registered and received a slot. Please apply below. |
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After School Club ~ Fall Session Every Tuesday through November 8th 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Each week we will learn about some fantastic zoo critters and follow up with brainstorming and voting on what we would include in our own perfect zoo. Of course, this will include animals, but can branch into other interests as well? What type of souvenirs would our dream zoo sell? What would the snacks at the food stand look like? Would zookeepers drive leopard print trucks and wear zebra print uniforms? Endless possibilities for all of us to use our imaginations and connect through our common interest in animals.
Once registered, we will send you the link for the program. All ages, levels, and siblings are invited to participate. We would like to thank the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for sponsoring this program. |
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Autism Alliance October Guest Speaker
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Understanding Executive Function and the Impact of Self-regulation on Learning Tuesday October 25th, 2022 6:30pm-7:30pm
Autism Alliance welcomes Dr. Miranda Milana, Pediatric Neuropsychologist as our monthly guest speaker. Dr. Milana will speak about how Executive functioning skills play an instrumental role in one’s ability to attend to, make sense of, and organize information. She will take a deeper dive into what executive functioning entails, how it can impact learning, and strategies for mitigating these challenges for your child/ student. A zoom link will be sent before the presentation date. Please register below
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DDS Autism Waiver Service Program Open Interest Period 2022 |
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The opportunity to apply for this waiver is through the open request period which will be held from October 14 - October 31, 2022 |
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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.
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DDS 101 What You Need to Know |
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Advocates Intercultural Family Support Center October Training Opportunities |
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AIFSC is hosting a Zoom Family Training by UMass Chan Medical School Commonwealth Medicine - Work Without Limits team October 11th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm October 18th | 11:00am - 1:00pm |
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Overview of Social Security Work Incentives for Families & Persons Served.
This 2-hour training highlights the main barriers to employment for Social Security disability beneficiaries. Participants are educated on existing work incentives, reporting requirements, beneficiary rights, and employment support programs that help them realize work is possible. Community resources are shared so that individuals know where and how to obtain the appropriate support to make informed decisions about employment and benefits. This training addresses the concerns of persons served and family members.
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| Disability Benefits and Transitional Age Youth
This 2-hour training provides information related to the significant benefit changes that young adults with disabilities need to understand as they approach adulthood, including the mandatory SSI Age-18 redetermination process, how adult benefits differ from childhood-related benefits under both Social Security programs (SSI and SSDI), and how changes to public health insurance can occur. There is a particular emphasis on young-adult-related programs and work incentives. |
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Parent Brain Chat NEW Lunchtime Q & A |
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Autism Alliance Brain Chat featuring Coach Allison Marean Dates: October 25th, November 29th, December 20th 12:00 PM
Our virtual, monthly Brain Chat is for parents and caregivers who want more strategies and an opportunity to ask specific questions to expert Coach Allison H. Marean, M.Ed., CLY. from Successfully Social New England. This is a virtual community call that meets once a month for an hour is FREE and sponsored by the Autism Alliance. It is an opportunity to ask questions, be a part of our community and/or just listen and learn from others. After you sign up, a few days before the group you will receive the Zoom link.
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| Autism Alliance support groups are for families who have children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our groups are a safe and relaxed space for parent and caregivers to feel more confident and less isolated. Click below for Zoom links. |
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SibShop Program Starting NEW for the FALL |
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October 29, 2022 2:00pm - 4:00pm Jam Time at the Natick Mall 1245 Worcester Street Natick, MA 01760
We are back in person!!!! We are kicking off our new Sibshop year at Jam Time at the Natick Mall! Please register below for this fun event. Our Sibshop is for brothers and sisters (age 7-12) of children with autism. This is an opportunity for boys and girls to meet one another, to talk about the joys and challenges of having a sibling with autism, and to have fun. |
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PROGRAM SHARING: Special Art for Kids |
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| Special Art for Kids Virtual | Tuesdays 5:45pm-6:45pm Art can help kids improve their learning processes, hand eye coordination, and communication skills. This weekly online high-school student led virtual art program is for young artists. Projects have included: drawn cartoons, Mother’s day cards, origami cranes, birds, and more. Classes are Tuesday nights from 5:45 to 6:45 PM EST. All you need is colored pencils and markers; any colors are fine. Siblings are welcome. |
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Advocates 6th Annual Gala |
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| Advocates 6th Annual Gala: Champions November 10, 2022 | 5:30-10:00 pm
We're back! Our annual fundraising Gala is returning to historic Fenway Park! Leave your laptop at home and join us behind home plate for an evening of fun as we celebrate all the champions in our community. Learn more and get a ticket: www.Advocates.org/Champions |
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Sensory Friendly Community Events |
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| Sensory-Friendly Boo in the Barnyard at Weir River Farm! Saturday October 29, 2022 2:00-3:00PM & 3:00-4:00PM
This program offers a dedicated hour with a reduced number of guests and quieter sensory-friendly environment. Any family that would benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome.
It’s Halloween at Weir River Farm! Wear your costume and meet Nutmeg the pony, Ruby the llama, Poppy the goat, and Dixie the potbellied pig, as well as our sheep and herd of black and white belted Galloway cattle. Take part in a festive scavenger hunt, create a seasonal craft, and enjoy a sweet treat. Take some time to read an autumn-themed StoryWalk™ along the grassy “chute” on your way to the barnyard. After your visit to the Barnyard, hike the woodland trails surrounding Weir River Farm to explore and experience all the beauty of Weir River Farm in the fall! Registration is required
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| Morningstar Access at Boston Children’s Museum
All Masks On! All staff and visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear masks with no exceptions. Families with any types of needs must be able to follow this strict mask rule in order to maximize health safety for children with medical needs. Saturday, November 5, 2022, 8:00-10:00am Saturday, December 3, 2022, 8:00-10:00am Mask Optional Masks are recommended but not required for visitors. The Museum staff will wear masks when interacting with visitors. Saturday, October 1, 2022, 8:00-10:00am Friday, November 18, 2022, 5:30-7:30pm – Evening Edition!
Registration is required and available on the Museum’s website. |
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Autism-Friendly Evenings Saturday, October 22, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Registration required: Register Now
Come join in all the fun and explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this special evening event for families with members on the autism spectrum. Your family can play, explore, experiment, and imagine together, while we are closed to the general public and headcount is limited. ASL interpretation may be available upon request.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Advance registration is required. These Especially for Me events are offered in collaboration with Autism Alliance of MetroWest. |
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Wings for Autism Date: November 5, 2022 Where: Boston Logan Airport, Terminal E Time: 9:00 am A free event!
Travel is stressful in general but can be particularly stressful for families who have a child with special needs. Come take a "test run." Gain the familiarity and confidence necessary to take future trips. Your child will experience …Entering the airport; The check-in process and checking bags; Security screening; Boarding the plane; Preparing for take-off; Exiting the plane.
Registration Required | |
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Healthy Happenings Emails |
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In case you missed one, or want to check back in, our Healthy Heroes is now Healthy Happenings emails which are published weekly for up-to-date Autism Alliance programming and community resources designed to keep you connected and supported. You can find these archived on our website along with our current and past monthly newsletters. |
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*Please submit requests for accommodations, including ASL interpreters, at least
2 weeks prior to the event date to AutismAlliance@Advocates.org or (508) 652-9900 |
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www.AutismAlliance.org | (508) 652-9900 | AutismAlliance@Advocates.org
1881 Worcester Road, Suite 100A, Framingham, MA 01701 |
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