The Autism Program at Boston Medical Center

The Arc of Greater Brockton is holding a Summer Back to School Open House at both their Brockton and Easton facilities! 📚✏️📓

The Open House will be held on August 22nd from 4-7pm. You can pre-register for free backpacks, school supplies, and personal care survival kits!

To register, RSVP to Tracy Glynn [email protected] 📧 or call 339-837-1923 ☎️

Check out these awesome events, as listed in our August newsletter! For more information or to register, click the link in our bio and scroll down to find the “August 2024 Newsletter” ☺️❤️

TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities is a leadership and digital storytelling program for American and Japanese youth with sponsored by the US-Japan Council and the US Embassy in Tokyo, and implemer Boston in partnership with StoryCenter. 🇺🇸 🇯🇵

There are two remaining spots, and the deadline to apply is August 9th.

For more information or to access the application link, click on our bio!

Check our these wonderful events coming up at the JFK Library and Museum in Boston 🇺🇸

All events are from 5-8pm and will be free admission & sensory-friendly :)

7/31: Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers 🎤

8/7: Sensory-flexible Museum Night 🖼️

8/14: An Evening of Jazz History with Live Music 🎶

For more information and to register: click on the link jn our bio! 🔗

You can also register by calling (617) 514-1643 ☎️

The biggest bravo to our amazing Autism Program colleagues!!! ❤️

Last week, Alex, Jacqueline and Katie led at an incredible session at the 2024 New England Pediatric Hospitalist Medicine (NEPHM) annual conference on autism friendly healthcare. Way to go Alex, Jacqueline and Katie 🙌👏🙌👏

Check out these upcoming events, as featured on our June newsletter! 💌

Shoot us a DM if you would like to be added to our mailing list 😊

Signups are open for PYD’s Access to Arts programming for this summer! 🕺🎭🎶

Access to Arts (ATA) strives to remove the barriers that youth with disabilities face in accessing arts education and materials. Their programs are free of charge and open to youth ages 14-22 (including age 22).

To sign up, participants (or their guardians) must fill out the Intake Form and Consent Form (which is linked in our bio), and a staff member will follow up with them directly.

If you have any questions please contact Sadye Bobbette at [email protected]

Autism Eats is hosting a Star Wars themed dinner at the Meadowbrook Restaurant next Wednesday! 🌠

They will have their own private room, Star Wars characters, and a delicious buffet. 🍝

Reservations are required at www.AutismEats.org

This month’s newsletter features:

🌟 Upcoming Events
🌟 Picture books about autism and neurodiversity
🌟 Fiction novels for middle grade readers that have autistic main characters
🌟 + more!

Check out our newsletter by clicking the link in our bio, and scrolling down to “May 2024 Newsletter” 🔗

Send us a dm if you would like to subscribe to our newsletters! 💌

“Keep spreading JOY all around the world” - Tanner Smith, Love on The Spectrum ❤️💙💜💛💚🧡

🌟STAFF SPOTLIGHT🌟

Maddy Goskoski, MPH

Autism Resource Specialist

“I find immense joy in assisting our patients and families as they navigate resources and services, offering invaluable in-person support. Each family embarks on a unique journey following their child’s Autism diagnosis, and listening to their stories inspires me to continuously improve as an ARS.

When I am not working I enjoy traveling to new places ✈️, going to concerts 🎶, spending time with my family and friends, playing pickleball and golfing ⛳️, and exploring new restaurants in Boston 🍽️.

🌟STAFF SPOTLIGHT🌟

Liz Ferriero, B.A., CEIS

Program Lead

“I love working with my amazing colleagues and clinical staff, but more importantly engaging with our patients. I’m lucky to support our autistic patients through appointments, but even luckier that they teach me how we can be better in a healthcare setting and beyond.❤️

Outside of my BMC life, I love to cook 👩‍🍳 I like to experiment with recipes, and plate my food in a colorful and artistic way. You can always find me by the ocean, my happy place. 😌🌊

There are many specialized tracking devices designed to keep your child safe, especially if they are prone to wandering. Our tracking device guide can help to find a device that works best for you! Some snippets are shown above but you can click the link in our bio to access the full guide 📝

Sharing the news of an autism diagnosis with your child can be a daunting task. Here are some tips that may help make the process easier 💙

Get ready for summer with our brand new Summer Guide for 2024! From a wide range of camps and programs to inclusive family activities, we’ve got your summer plans covered. Let’s make this summer unforgettable! ☀️🍉⛱️🌊🩵

You can find the summer guide by clicking the link in our bio under the “Resources” tab.

🚊The MBTA recently hosted more than 20 children and their families celebrating both National Autism Acceptance Month and their first partnership with the Autism Transit Project! The Project’s goal is to empower children with autism spectrum disorder by creating public service announcements recorded by autistic children, such as highlighting tips about train safety, offering seats to other people, as well as general T rider etiquette.

⭐️One of the children whose voices was recorded for the MBTA was Mason, one of our amazing & fantastic TEAM (Teens Engaged As Mentors) members!! 🎤“I just want to say I love trains. When I was little, I used to watch ‘Thomas & Friends,’” said Mason during his interview with the WBZ NewsRadio. Mason’s mom, Liz Gomes also shared with 7 News WHDH, “Finally, our kids’ passions are not only being seen but being heard”👏👏👏

Needless to say, we are absolutely SO thrilled and excited for this wonderful project & everyone who was involved!!! Make sure to check out links on our bio to read the full news articles & find more info❤️🧡💛💚🩵💜

🌟STAFF SPOTLIGHT🌟

Jacqueline McKendry, MS, BCBA, LABA and PhD candidate

Behavior Specialist.

“I find immense joy in being part of patients’ journeys at the hospital. From easing fears to witnessing remarkable progress, it’s fulfilling to play a role in their milestones. I love showing patients and families that the hospital isn’t scary, but rather is a place of support and empowerment. Seeing patients access care confidently and witnessing their pride in their progress is incredibly rewarding. Plus, collaborating with the incredible staff throughout the hospital adds a dynamic and enriching element to my work.

Outside of work I love spending time exploring the outdoors with my dog Walter 🐶, learning new skills, practicing yoga and mindfulness🧘‍♀️, jamming out to live music 🎶, and volunteering at the local animal shelter.”

🌟STAFF SPOTLIGHT🌟

Katie Campbell, MA
Autism Resource Specialist/Referral Coordinator – DBP

“What I love about my role is working directly with the wonderful patients and families at BMC. It is a pleasure getting to know each patient we work with and collaborating with families and colleagues to identify resources and supports to meet each family’s needs.

Outside of work, my hobbies are painting, swimming and exploring the outdoors. 🎨🏊‍♀️🌱”

Thank you for all your hard work Katie!!

If you didn’t already know, the Autism Program at BMC has a guide providing water safety tips and information on local swim classes! 🏊‍♀️

We’ve included some snippets above, but for access to the full guide please check out the link in our bio titled “Water Safety Guide” under the “Resources” tab. 📚

Just keep swimming (safely)! 🐟🐠💦

HUGE thank you to all the organizations and attendees who participated in our Virtual Resource Fair today!! 😊❤️

If you weren’t able to make, shoot us a DM if you’d like a recording! 🎥

A huge congratulations to this superstar Jaan, one of our TEAM mentors, who completed the 5K Xtra Mile race on 4/13/2024! 🏃‍♂️🌟

Jaan ran with 10,000 participants in the Boston Athletic Association’s Xtra Mile, which started at Boston Common. He finished with 29 minute and 22 second miles- way to go Jaan!! 🏆🤩

Beyond the Spectrum is a specially designed program run by MFA Boston for children and teens on the autism spectrum and their families.

In-person classes meet on select Saturdays from 10:30 am–12 pm. Each class consists of a gallery tour focusing on a few specific artworks, followed by an art-making activity in the classroom. 🎨🖌️🖼️

The next upcoming class is this Saturday for teens (age 13-18). The link to sign up is in our bio, check it out!

Join the 2024 ABLE Assembly: Arts Better the Lives of Everyone conference, hosted by the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education! 🌟 Explore inclusive arts education, hear from inspiring keynote speakers like Hannah Berube, Stephen Tonti, and Lydia X. Z. Brown, and engage in professional development opportunities.

Register now using the link in our bio for in-person or online attendance!

🌟STAFF SPOTLIGHT🌟

Alex Friedman, MPH
Program Manager, Autism Program

I love working for the Autism Program because I get to help make the doctor’s office a more comfortable and respectful place for our patients and families.

When I’m not at work, I love exploring Boston with my family! 🏙️

Thank you for all your hard work Alex!!

🌟STAFF SPOTLIGHT🌟

Shari Krauss, MA, MPH - Program Director

“My favorite thing about working for the ASD program is definitely the PEOPLE!!! ❤️

My hobby is loading up my home with as many plants as possible and trying to keep them alive. 🌱 Also gem art 💎 (see second slide)”

Thank you for all your hard work Shari!!!

Calling all families in Massachusetts! The Autism Transit Project is coming to the MBTA this April for Autism Acceptance Month! Your child could be the voice heard across the transit system.🎤✨

Email [email protected] to get involved! 🚊

Take a look at this unique event for the autism community during Autism Acceptance Month - sensory-inclusive club night at one of the top night clubs in New England - The Grand in the Boston Seaport! 🕺🪩

The music will be bumping by autistic DJ, KingCamdenTheGreat from Cape Cod.

The event will be sensory inclusive to include:

- pictures of the venue to be prepared for a new environment
- Sensory-friendly giveaways like headphones, earplugs, fidget toys, and more
- Sensory-inclusive area that is not part of the dance floor featuring seats, lower sound, brighter lights - a place to step away when you need a break
- No strobe or flashing lights on the dance floor
- Limited capacity so there will be room and space for everyone

For more information or to get tickets, click the link in our bio!