Aspire Wire - March 2019
What's Happening at MGH Aspire
  • SUMMER 2019 programs are accepting applications. Spots are filling up fast. Download and submit your application today.
  • April School Vacation Camp is now accepting applications. Download your special events application here, or call 781-860-1900 to register.
By Elise Wulff, MEd

This month's featured article discusses MGH Aspire's strategy of using Declarative Language with participants to help foster their independence and build their executive functioning skills. To learn more about this useful strategy, follow this link.
Partner With MGH Aspire Works
MGH Aspire Works is actively seeking new employer partners for our Summer internship program. We are especially interested in building new employer partnerships within the technology and IT industries. If you or your company are interested in learning more, contact mghaspire@partners.com and partner with us today. 
MGH Aspire child participants had a fabulous time during our February school vacation camp. Groups participated in cooking, building, engineering, crafting, and art activities. Fun was had by all. Thanks to everyone who participated with us. We can't wait to see you all again next year. To see photos from the week, click here .
MGH Aspire's College Boot Camp is designed to help prepare high school graduates and young adults, ages 17-21, for the transition to college. Participants have the opportunity to enhance important social, life, and executive functioning skills such as self-advocacy, time management, organizational strategies and communication. This week-long program occurs on a local college campus and culminates with an overnight experience. To learn more, call 781-860-1900.
The Lurie Center for Autism is pleased to host a presentation and open discussion with Dr. Staci Bilbo, Director of Research, Lurie Center for Autism. Microglia are cells that help guide brain development and serve as its immune system helpers by gobbling up diseased or damaged cells. Dr. Bilbo will discuss how microglia may hold the key to understanding not just typical brain development, but also the causes of autism spectrum disorder. Bring your questions to learn more about the brain and immune system connection. 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.
Special Event: Mock Interview
May 7
MGH Aspire Works is hosting a Mock Interview for past participants of our internship program. This half-day event will provide internship alumni with an optional interview prep session, the opportunity to practice their interview skills with MGH Aspire Works employer partners representing a variety of fields, and structured time for supportive feedback.
Call 781-860-1900 to learn more.
Spring Dance & Casino Night
May 17
MGH Aspire participants ages 14 through high school are invited to attend our second annual Spring Dance and Casino Night. This unique evening will include casino games, crafts, dancing, delicious food and fun. All MGH Aspire attendees are welcome to bring a guest of their choosing. To register for this special event, call us at 781-860-1900.
Research Opportunities at The Lurie Center for Autism
The Lurie Center for Autism is actively seeking participants for the following research studies. For additional information about study requirements and study procedures, please contact the Lurie Center research staff at 781-860-1711 or LurieCenterResearch@partners.org.

The aV1ation Study – Enrolling children ages 5 to 17 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This study will determine the safety of an investigational medication, and its effectiveness in improving social behavior and communication.

Parent Crisis Prevention Institute (P-CPI) Training Study – Enrolling parents of children ages 5-12 years who are seen as patients at the Lurie Center for Autism . This study will test to see if CPI Training, a verbal and physical management training for aggressive and other challenging behaviors, can help improve parental stress and quality of life.

Sidekicks  – Enrolling children ages 6 to 11 years 6 months, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This study will determine the success rate of Affinities Therapy, a therapy model using the Sidekicks mobile application for children with ASD. To read more about this study, click here .