The Autism Advocate

Welcome to The Autism Advocate, ANNA’s monthly newsletter! We hope this will be a helpful source of information about upcoming events, tips for caregivers, community resources and more. We would love to hear your feedback and ideas for future editions!

ANNA Announcements

Local Events

We are excited to highlight an expanded list of local sensory-friendly and inclusive events in the MetroWest area and slightly beyond! Here are some excellent recommendations for the busy holiday season and the start of the New Year:  

⛸️ Adaptive Ice Skating in Worcester  

Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 & Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Charles J. Buffone Rink, Worcester, MA

Description: A free, inclusive program welcoming all ability levels. Equipment like ice sleds, skate walkers, or conventional skates is provided to help participants enjoy ice sports. Learn more and register here - Adaptive Ice Skating

🎨 Puffy Paint Sensory Activity in Framingham  

Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: McAuliffe Branch, Framingham Public Library

Description: A specialized library program offering a fun, safe, and simple sensory activity, perfect for early childhood development. Learn more here - Puffy Paint Activity

🎭 Sensory-Friendly Performance of A Christmas Carol  

Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Time: 4:00PM

Location: The Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA

Description: A classic performance modified with lower sound, consistent house lighting, and a supportive, judgment-free environment where patrons are welcome to move and vocalize. Learn more and purchase tickets here - A Christmas Carol

🎬 Sensory-Friendly Feature: How the Grinch Stole Christmas  

Date: Friday, December 19, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM Showtimes

Location: Autism Welcoming Center, Natick Mall

Description: A relaxed movie viewing experience for all ages and sensitivities, featuring a cozy, calm environment with no registration needed. Learn more here - How the Grinch Stole Christmas

🏛️ Sensory-Friendly Mornings at the Old State House  

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Location: Old State House, Boston, MA

Description: Special early open hours with limited attendance (max 20 guests), adjusted lighting and sound, and hands-on activities for a quiet, supportive cultural experience. Learn more and reserve your tickets here - Sensory-Friendly Mornings at the Old State House

🧱 Lego Party: All-Day Drop-In  

Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Autism Welcoming Center, Natick Mall

Description: A fun, low-pressure drop-in event for winter break, giving children the freedom to build, create, and play with Lego bricks and games at their own pace. Learn more here - Lego Party

🎈 New Year's Eve Sensory-Friendly Ball Drop  

Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Ball Drop at Noon)

Location: Autism Welcoming Center, Natick Mall

Description: A fun, low-pressure drop-in event with a sensory-friendly ball drop at noon, crafts, games, and karaoke to celebrate the New Year. Learn more here - New Year’s Eve Sensory-Friendly Ball Drop

🥳 Noon Year’s Eve Celebration: Sensory Friendly!  

Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: McAuliffe Branch, Framingham Public Library

Description: A specialized library program featuring a New Year’s countdown to noon with a balloon drop and crafts, held in a low-stimulus environment. Learn more here - Noon Year’s Eve

ANNA’s Favorite Toys

We asked our team for their favorite toys and activities that could be great holiday gifts for the people in your life! See below for some fun ideas (and always remember to supervise children with any of these items):

1. Chews from ChuBuddy are a great option to meet sensory needs in a safe way! Check out their Chew Calculator for guidance on the right chew for you.

2. Visual Timers can help support smooth transitions between activities.

3. Sensory Spinning Chair is always a big hit with our kids!

4. Punch Balloons for kids who like balloons and bouncing things - the string on these can help keep them close by.

5. Kinetic Sand is a fun alternative to Play-Doh for a new sensory experience! Many different kits and accessories are available.

6. Musical Robot for those who enjoy movement, dancing, music and lights (at a more accessible price point than most robot toys)!

7. Pop Tubes are a consistent favorite for our kids with a satisfying sound and a variety of ways to play.

8. Sensory Body Sock has a stretchy and smooth fabric that can be a great sensory option.

9. Peanut Ball is a winner for flexible seating, sensory input, building core strength, and more!

Ask ANNA

Do you have something you’d like to ask the ANNA team? Please submit your question here and we will answer it in a future newsletter!

Let’s Talk About Neurodiversity

Here at ANNA, we are committed to delivering services and supports that are neurodiversity-affirming and responsive to the needs and perspectives of the autistic community. One of the ways we stay connected to this mission is by collaborating with our Community Advisory Board.

Neurodiversity at ANNA: Community Advisory Board

When topics are being discussed, services are being designed, or feedback is being gathered, it is important to ensure that the voices of those most impacted are heard and valued. At ANNA, our approach to services and family support has been heavily informed by what we know about the real life experiences of autistic individuals and their families. In an effort to be sure we receive continuous input and feedback, we are proud to have put together a Community Advisory Board.

Our Community Advisory Board is made up of seven members who bring their insights as autistic individuals, parents/caregivers of autistic individuals, professionals working in the autism space, or (in many cases) a combination of these experiences. Together, we will work to ensure that ANNA’s current and future services are informed by, and responsive to, the lived experiences of the autistic community.

We will be featuring profiles of Community Advisory Board members in this newsletter and on social media over the next several months so that you can get to know them. As always, we highly recommend seeking out the voices of individuals with lived experience in order to learn more about autism and neurodiversity. In addition to our Community Advisory Board members, you can find a list of Autistic advocates and creators to learn from in our New Diagnosis Guidebook.

Support Your Child’s Development

This time of year can be a whirlwind of activities and expectations, which can bring a range of feelings for our families and kids. Changes in routine can be exciting but also challenging. During times like this, it can be helpful to reduce demands and give children (and ourselves!) extra grace and time to rest and regulate.

Consider keeping parts of your child’s routine consistent when possible, offering clear previews of upcoming plans, and building in short “reset” moments throughout the day. Quiet activities, movement breaks, and comfort items can make a big difference when the typical schedule is disrupted. Also try to remember that it’s okay to say no, leave early, or change plans if needed. Giving yourself permission to do what’s right for your family is an important part of supporting your child during busy seasons!

Community Advisory Board Spotlight

Andrew Arboe is an Autistic Self-Advocate and Speaker, who often speaks at events and conferences throughout the New England area and beyond. His speaking topics include special education, driving, transition to adulthood, and employment, all of which are informed by his personal experiences. Andrew also consults with organizations on blog content, research projects, and more. In addition to ANNA’s Community Advisory Board, Andrew also serves on the boards of Neurodiversity Employment Network and Disability Rights Connecticut. He graduated from Manchester Community College with an associate degree as a Disability Specialist and Charter Oak State College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys driving around Connecticut and Massachusetts to visit restaurants, coffee shops, and movie theaters. He is a big fan of iced coffee and video games. Andrew joined the Community Advisory Board “to gain more understanding of the therapy scene in my pursuit of engaging in nuanced advocacy.” His insights are invaluable as we work together to bridge perspectives and improve services and supports for autistic individuals and their families.

Please visit Andrew’s website to learn more about him and his work - Andrew Arboe!

Featured Resource

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism is based in Framingham, right in the heart of MetroWest. The Foundation’s mission is to help people and families in the autism community live life to the fullest. They work to increase awareness, fund organizations that provide direct services, and run programs that promote independent living and inclusion across the lifespan. They are also a powerful resource for financial assistance, grants for local services, and general community support.  

Learn more about their programs and available grants at their website - Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.

Please also note that applications open in February 2026 for their Joey’s Fund | Hope Fund grants, which provide financial support to cover things like recreation programs, camp tuition, computer software, safety-related products, and advocacy services. Bookmark this website to apply in February - Joey’s Fund | Hope Fund Grants.

Recommended Reading

How Do I Do This?

How Do I Do This? is a memoir by Meredith Swift where she speaks about her parenting journey with her nonspeaking autistic daughter. When her daughter Sarah was first diagnosed, she felt devastated. The fear of the unknown as to what lay ahead was overwhelming. She was forced to travel a road she had never imagined she would be on, and which was often so hard that she could barely breathe. Yet on that road she met countless wonderful people who helped and supported her and Sarah, many of whom she interviewed for this book.

Caregiver Affirmation

“I am allowed to keep things simple.”

Expectation often peaks at this time of year, which can add stress to the already challenging day-to-day of parenting and caregiving. Keeping it simple might mean fewer plans, earlier bedtimes, or sticking close to the usual routines even when everything feels busy. It might mean saying no, leaving early, or deciding to just have a quiet day at home.

If you start to feel guilty, try to remember that you are not alone and you are not doing anything wrong. You are simply rejecting expectations that weren’t built for our kids and families. Prioritizing safety, happiness, and regulation by keeping things simple is not always easy, but it can be worth it to help things feel more calm and manageable for everyone.

Thank you for being connected with us this year, and we wish you all the best for a peaceful, happy, and healthy 2026!

We’d love to hear about your experiences with ANNA! Leaving a Google review is a great way to help other families learn about our services. If you have a moment, you can share your thoughts by clicking this button. Thank you for being part of our community!