August 2019 Newsletter

August School Vacation Programs

sponsored by The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

Join us for our biggest school vacation week yet...six different programs! These events are free to families, but you must be registered in order to attend. Confirmation emails will be sent to all registered families. If a confirmation email is not received your name will be added to a wait list. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Due to our office summer schedules, confirmation emails will be sent after August 5th.

1. Tuesday, August 20th: Playtown Express, Southborough

Register Here

2. Wednesday, August 21st: Putts & More, Holliston

Register Here

3. Thursday, August 22nd: Brush & Easel, Sudbury

Group 1 for ages 6-12: Register Here

Group 2 for ages 13-19: Register Here

4. Friday, August 23rd: Boston Ability Center, Natick

Group 1, ages 10 and under - Register Here

Group 2, ages 11 - 19 - Register Here

Thank you to The Flutie Foundation for funding these programs for our families!

SibShop Event

Saturday, September 14th, Pinz

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. We are kicking off our new SibShop year with a bowling party at Pinz! 

Learn More. 

Free To Be Me Respite Program

Energy Fitness & Gymnastics, Natick

Free To Be Me is a monthly group respite program for children ages 5-11, diagnosed on the autism spectrum. It is facilitated by experienced teachers, focusing on social skills and sensory activities.

This program is funded by the Department of Developmental Services. All participants MUST be eligible for services through DDS Middlesex West Framingham.

Learn More.

Teen Digital Music Program

A six-week program for children ages 10-15, diagnosed on the autism spectrum that have a high interest in digital music and would like to explore social skill development. This program is funded by the Department of Developmental Services, therefore all participants MUST be eligible for services through DDS Middlesex West Framingham.

Learn More.

Glee Club, Ages 18+

An eight-week program for Adults 18+ diagnosed on The Autism Spectrum. Glee Club is more than just singing; it promotes communication, social skills, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills. 

Learn More. 

Autism Welcoming Initiative News

Wegmans in Natick is the first grocery store to complete our Autism Welcoming training! Visit their customer service desk on the first floor and ask to borrow the sensory-friendly toolkit. This kit is customized for the grocery shopping experience. 

We encourage you to support all our local businesses that have taken the steps to receive our Autism Welcoming Seal of Approval. Stop by and show your thanks!

Learn more. 

Upcoming Events

Burtons Grill & Bar in Shrewsbury

Tuesday, August 6, 2019, 193 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA

Burtons will host a monthly Autism Welcoming Dining Event on the first Tuesday of every month, from 3:00 - 6:30pm. Please stop in and check out all the wonderful accommodations they have in place. 

Burtons Website.

New England Aquarium Sensory-Inclusive Event

Sunday, September 8, 2019, 8:00 am, 1 Central Wharf, Boston

Enjoy a quieter experience with all your favorite marine animals. Designed specifically for those with special sensory processing needs, this event will use soft lighting, limit the use of microphones, and implement other modifications to ensure a comfortable environment for all participants.

Sensory bags, which include fidget items, noise-canceling headphones, and other resources will be available to borrow. 

Purchase Tickets. 

Autism Awareness Beach Towels

Wrap an autism awareness beach towel around a loved one! Features red, yellow, blue, and aqua puzzle pieces. The plush towel is 100% cotton and 33" x 60". Great quality! All proceeds benefit The Autism Alliance. 

Learn More.