English:

Join Vinfen’s Family Support Services (FSS) on the 3rd Monday of each month for a NEW virtual support group for parents of any age with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This group is open to Vinfen and non-Vinfen families, so spread the word! The group will be facilitated by Support Staff Yahaira Lopez, a former Special Education Specialist, founder of Autism Sprinter and the parent of children with special needs.

No commitment required, drop-in and join anytime!

For questions or to get the Zoom login information, contact Yahaira Lopez for more info at lopezy@vinfen.org

Spanish:

Únase a los Servicios de apoyo familiar (FSS) de Vinfen el segundo jueves de cada mes para un NUEVO grupo de apoyo virtual para padres de cualquier edad con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo. Este grupo está abierto a familias Vinfen y no Vinfen, ¡así que corre la voz! El grupo será moderado por Yahaira Lopez , Personal de Apoyo, ex especialista en educación especial y madre de niños con necesidades especiales.

No se requiere compromiso, ¡venga y únase en cualquier momento!

Si tiene preguntas o para obtener la información de inicio de sesión de Zoom, comuníquese con Yahaira Lopez para obtener más información en lopezy@vinfen.org

Enlace: https://form.jotform.com/autismsprinter/vinfen-apoyo-familiar

Medford Family Network (MFN) is a no cost parenting education and family support organization.
ASD Monthly Zoom Support Group meeting on fourth Wednesday of month 7:00-8:00pm

Receive emotional and concrete support
Receive and share valuable information and resources
Discuss solutions to common challenges associated with raising children with ASD
Help plan for more activities and social engagements for our children
Meet others and share experiences and coping strategies for these challenging times

This support group is sponsored by Northeast Arc Autism Support Center and hosted by Aha Connections. Join us to share the joys and challenges of raising a child with ASD. This is a great way to network and share information about services and supports in local communities. Parents will also learn what services and supports are available at Northeast Arc for the whole family. Call or email to learn specific meeting details and to register.

AANE fosters awareness, respect, acceptance, and support for individuals with the Asperger profile and related conditions and their families. We support a variety of groups that are coordinated for various audiences, including but not limited to Adults, Grandparents, Parents of Elementary and Middle School Students, Parent of Teens, and Parents of Young Adults. Call, email, or check our website for group and activity details. Supports are also available to Spanish-speaking individuals and families.

Autism Alliance hosts a variety of monthly family support group and family activities. Just for Dads groups, fitness groups, music, Multi-lingual groups and more. Please call or visit the website for more information.

Autism Connections hosts an array of support groups including parent, sibling, young adult, adult connections/support, social skills, parent to parent connections as well as social, sensory and recreational activities and more. Please call for more information or check the newsletter for a full listing of support groups across WMA

Meetings are organized through Kennedy Donovan Center. Please send email for meeting dates, times, and location or call.

Rocío Rosales, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA coordinates an Autism Support Group for parents of young children (up to age 6) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in partnership with NFI’s Family Resource Center in Lowell The support group has two components:
1) a socialization group for children with ASD to encourage the development of language, play, and social skills run by UMass Lowell students under the supervision of Rocío Rosales, Ph.D., BCBA-D; and
2) a support group for caregivers that provides an opportunity for parents and other family members to connect with others facing a similar experience. There is no charge to attend this group. To learn specific meeting details visit the website or reach out to contacts.

Braintree Autism Network for our Daughters and Sons (BANDS) meets monthly. The meetings are open to all parents or guardians of children who live in Braintree and have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or live elsewhere but attend school in Braintree and have an ASD. There is no cost or obligation and membership is confidential.

This group is for teens and young adults who live in Berkshire County and are on the autism spectrum.
The group meets regularly for conversation and community-based activities every other Friday evening throughout the community. Please call for group schedule and outing details.

The informational parent support group meets monthly on Thursday evenings at Ohrenberger Community Center, 175 West Boundary Road, West Roxbury. Please call for meeting and site details and to confirm.

Building Autistic Community, Inc. is a peer-run organization and offers support groups for individuals on the Autism spectrum, as well as separate support groups for families and spouses/partners. They also offer an Individual Success Plan, which runs 12 p.m. -4 p.m. Monday through Friday, offers training for social skills, discussion groups on topics, and pre-vocational training. Please call for more information.

Parent Group
For parents of children/youth with high functioning autism (Asperger’s). Come share your experience, learn about resources, and hear from experts in the field. Childcare is available. This is a parent led support group, Saturdays 10:00am-11: 30 am, Bridge Family Resource Center,101 University Dr, Suite A3, Amherst, MA, Group meets on Saturdays. Childcare available, refreshments served. Please call with questions.

Social Communication Disorder
The Asperger’s Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder: Support Group for Parents Whose Adult Children (18+) have Asperger’s Syndrome, Social Communication Disorder, or are on the higher end of the Autism Spectrum. We meet quarterly on varying dates at Abby Jaffe’s office, Communication Therapy Associates, 2 Bay Road in Hadley. There is no charge for the group. If you are interested, please email to have your name added to our email list. You will then receive an email invitation 2-4 weeks before we meet and an RSVP will be required to attend.

CAR provides outreach and support to families living with Autism in Southeastern Mass. They also offer children’s and family activities, parent workshops, a lending library, and educational consultation. Call or visit the website for more information.

This organization sponsors child and family activities and Family Support Groups. Additionally – Social Skills Group for youth, Advocacy Services, Mentorship, Economic & Educational Consulting Services, Mental Health Care Advocacy Services, Medical Directory, Parent Leadership Training, Public Awareness, Resource Library. Groups gather at the Hyde Park Community Center1179 River Street, Hyde Park, MA 02136. Call to confirm dates and times.

The Autism Resource Center, West Boylston: Offers many programs, including Support Groups, sensory programs, integration activities, social skills groups, IEP, ADL, and visual clinics as well as swim and safety program. Visit our site or call for more information.

This group is designed for parents and caregivers of family members on the autism spectrum to meet and talk with others that are on the same journey in a positive and confidential environment. Group will meet on the 2nd Friday of each month from 9:30-11:30 at the Pioneer Valley Church of Christ, 85 Montcalm St. Chicopee MA. For more information or to RSVP.

Developmental Disabilities
Northeast Arc offers information & support for people with autism. Supports parent/professional network, parent support groups, Spanish-speaking support groups, and Sibshops. Call for additional information on our activities or verify scheduled workshops (time and location). Northeast Arc offers many specialized support groups throughout the month. Read our online newsletter. Check the website or call for info on training and meetings available each month.

TACA (Talking About Curing Autism) offers Coffee Talks, parent mentoring and hosts meetings and family events. Please visit the website for more information.