Aspire Wire - February 2019
What's Happening at MGH Aspire
By Leslie O'Brien, LICSW

This month's featured article discusses the importance and benefits of supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. "Calvin's" story represents the difficult journey that many of our participants face when searching for a new job. Follow this link to read "Calvin's" story.
MGH Aspire is looking to fill summer staff positions in our Charlestown, Newton, Lexington, Boston and Westwood, Massachusetts locations. Summer is our busiest time of the year and we welcome applications from all interested and qualified candidates. Open summer positions are listed here.
MGH Aspire teen participants and their invited guests had a fabulous time at the 2nd Annual Winter Masquerade Ball on Friday, January 4th.
Fun was had by all - the photo booth was a particular hit with the crowd. Thanks to everyone who participated. We can't wait to see you all again next year. To see photos, click here.
MGH Aspire now provides customized presentations and facilitated workshops to parents, SEPAC groups, community-based groups, and parent-teacher organizations throughout New England. Presentation topics include special education, autism spectrum disorder, neurodiversity, executive functioning, social communication, and stress management. To schedule MGH Aspire at your next event, click here.
The Lurie Center for Autism is pleased to host an open discussion between MGH Aspire’s Executive Director,
Scott McLeod, an expert on the role of therapy for individuals with ASD, and his adult client with ASD. Based on their experiences together, the two will discuss the therapy process for people with high cognitive autism and the differences between therapy for ASD and traditional psychotherapy. To RSVP, call 781-860-1700.
Join us for the MGH Aspire Spring Gala on Thursday, April 4, 2019. Your support of the gala will enable us to expand our MGH Aspire Works internship program, provide financial aid to participants in need, and launch new programs. Last year’s event raised more than $2.6 million – help us keep the momentum going in 2019! For more information on how you can support MGH Aspire at the gala, click here.
The April school vacation program, based at Hale reservation in Westwood, Massachusetts, will run Tuesday 4/16 thru Friday 4/19. New and returning participants (friends and siblings included) ages 5-13 are invited to apply. Please note, this special event requires registration for the entire week.
Call 781-860-1900 to register today.
Spotlight: MGH Aspire Works
On January 22 nd Wentworth Institute of Technology hosted their annual employer appreciation breakfast. Our own Leslie O’Brien and Brett Mulder conducted a training on Neurodiversity and presented our on-going partnership with Wentworth’s Co-op and Careers program. The day began with a Workplace Neurodiversity training, followed by a panel with employer partners from Turner Construction and National Grid, and closed with a panel of Wentworth students who have participated in the MGH Aspire Works internship program at Wentworth. Over 60 employees from companies in the Greater Boston area were in attendance and excited to discuss how to best support a neurodiverse work culture.