Aspire Wire - APRIL 2019
What's Happening at MGH Aspire
  • MGH Aspire Adventure Camp is almost at capacity! We only have a few spots left. Download and submit your application today.
  • Our April School Vacation program is accepting applications for participants ages 5-13. Download your special events application here, or call 781-860-1900 to register.
  • MGH Aspire Works is accepting applications for the summer internship session. Download and submit your MGH Aspire Works Application here.
By Andrew Harris, MEd

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, April's featured article acknowledges the LGBTQ+ subsection of the autistic community; raising awareness and understanding about the people living at the intersection of these two identities. To read the full article, follow this link.
MGH Aspire cordially invites participants ages 16+ to join us at our Spring BBQ and Nature Hike. Participants will enjoy a traditional catered barbecue lunch (vegetarian options available) and soak in the great outdoors on a group hike at Hale Reservation in Westwood, Massachusetts. We'll have lawn games, great food and plenty of socializing. Participants are welcome to bring a peer-aged friend or sibling to enjoy this outdoor event. Returning participants, call 781-860-1900 to register. New participants, download your special event application here.
Heading off to college for the first time doesn’t just require book smarts. For many, the transition to college means taking on many things that they used to get support with on their own; imagine navigating a new schedule, new campus, new social scene and the new stresses of college academics with few supports. Our College Boot Camp program is designed to preview some of these possible challenges and provide supports and strategies to overcome them. This year, for the first time, our program includes an overnight at a dorm on Lesley University’s campus. For more information, call 781-860-1900.
April 24, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
You’ll have a unique opportunity to learn from and speak with leading autism experts from the  Lurie Center  for Autism and MGH Aspire , as well as the real experts – other parents and caregivers. With a choice of sessions to attend, each focusing on a different topic, this evening is not to be missed. Choose the session most pertinent to your interests and join the conversation! You will have the opportunity to visit several sessions throughout the evening, as well as socialize with other parents, grandparents and individuals who are living with autism. To RSVP, call 781-860-1700.
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. Returning participants, call 781-860-1900 to register. New participants, download your special event application.
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. Returning participants, call 781-860-1900 to register. New participants, download your special event application here.
Spotlight: Elise Wulff, MEd
On Saturday, March 9, Elise Wulff, MEd presented at the Federation for Children with Special Needs annual conference, Visions of Community 2019. Elise's presentation "Executive Functioning: How to SPOT it, How to SUPPORT it" was live streamed during the event. The presentation is available for viewing via the following link. - start watching at 2:18:00.
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. To read more about this study, click here.

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. To read more about this study, click here.

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 .