March  2019
 

We are marching toward Spring and we have lots of great programming and events to tell you about! Our popular Sunday Open Gym program will wrap up this month, holding sessions three out of the five Sundays in March. Be sure to stop in on March 3rd, March 17th and/or March 24th. The gym will unfortunately be closed on both March 10th and March 31st, so please plan accordingly. All information is reflected on our website event calendar and will be posted on our Facebook page. 

This month we are also introducing our new programming for individuals 18+, with high functioning Autism/Asperger-type profile. Be sure to check out the details below. We are also rolling out our Linda M. Olsen lending library. We encourage you to take advantage of all these great, autism-specific resources.
 
We hope to see everyone at our 19th Annual Sensory-friendly Kite Day, on Saturday, April 27th. And save the date for our Sunset at Southwick Zoo event on Friday, June 7th.  As always, feel free to call or email with any questions. 
 
Your Co-Directors,
A Big Thank You
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey we sent out last month regarding autism and physcial fitness! Ten lucky respondents were chosen to receive Starbuck's gift cards. If you have any questions about the survey or the project in the works, please contact Greg Austin
New Programming
For Individuals with an Asperger's-type Profile, Ages 18+
We are pleased to introduce new programming, serving individuals with high functioning autism. Learn More.

Support Group -  Our new support group is designed to meet the needs of individuals 18+, with an Autism/Asperger profile.

Book ClubOur new Book Discussion Club is for individuals 18+, with an Asperger's profile, that enjoy reading and would like to meet others in a fun, informal environment.

Additional Community Resources : Thrive , AANE Events
Introducing...
Linda M. Olsen Library

We are proud to introduce our lending library, chock full of autism-specific resources for parents, professionals, grandparents, siblings and individuals on the spectrum. 

 

Learn More.

Upcoming Events
Sibshop Event

Saturday, March 23rd, from 1:00 - 4:00pm, in Ashland. Wise Guys Trivia will be on hand to host a fun afternoon of  Musical BINGO!  Our Sibshop events are for brothers and sisters (age 7-12) of children with autism. 
 

Teen Social Club

Calling all 10-15 year olds for our Spring Digital Music Technology club. The group meets for six, consecutive Thursdays. This program is funded by The Department of Developmental Services and therefore all participants must have completed the DDS eligibility process. Groups start March 7th!
 
Sensory-friendly Swim Hour at Longfellow Sports Club in Natick

Saturday, March 23rd, from 5:30-6:30pm. Longfellow Sports Club in Natick is partnering with The Autism Alliance to host a sensory-friendly swim hour for children, through age 10. 
 

Sunday Open Gym

The calendar for the March Sunday Open Gym is as follows: It is OPEN on March 3rd, March 17th and March 24th. The gym will be closed on March 10th and March 31st. 

Come spend some quality, family time, while promoting community skills development in a therapeutic environment. 
 
Sensory-friendly Kite Day

Saturday, April 27th, from 11:00am - 2:00pm, atop Bose Mountain in Framingham. This is a private event for families and individuals who could benefit from a sensory-friendly experience. Volunteers from Wegmans will be providing food and Ben & Jerry's will be onsite selling ice cream. Come join us for one of our favorite days of the year. 
 

Fun, Friends & Family: St. Patrick's Day Dance, Ages 16+

Friday, March 15th from 6:00 - 8:00pm in Framingham.  Come celebrate St. Patrick's Day, dancing with your friends at Advocates.
 

Section 8 Housing Application Assistance
Monday, April 8th, from 9:00am - 5:00pm, in Framingham.  The Autism Alliance, in partnership with Cathy Boyle of  Autism Housing Pathways , is pleased to be able to offer 20-minute, Section 8 Application sessions to our families and individuals with ASD. Learn More.


A Full Life Ahead: Ask the Expert - Attorney, Annette Hines

April 11th, from 6:30 - 8:30pm, in Framingham. 
Decisions regarding transition can be very difficult to make and the planning requires time and a strong support team. 

On-Going Programs
Phone Consults with Area Expert

Free phone consultations, from the privacy of your home or office, with Pam Kaufmann, former Director of Special Education for The Framingham Public Schools. Pam volunteers her time and expertise to our families, answering IEP-related questions and offering advice. Thirty-minute phone consults will take place during the day on March 12th. 

 

Learn More. 

 

Family Support Clinics

By appointment, addressing any issues or needs that your family may have relating to supporting a loved one with autism.
 
Support Groups
Just For Dads Thursday, 3/7/19 (Natick)
Parent Support Group - Wednesday, 3/13/19 (Framingham)
Portuguese Speaking Parent Support Group - Monday, 3/25/19 (Framingham)
Quick Resources
Autism Alliance | (508) 652-9900 | AutismAlliance@Advocates.org | www.AutismAlliance.org
STAY CONNECTED: