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

ANNA Trunk or Treat - Thank you!

We loved seeing so many families at our first Trunk or Treat last week, and are so appreciative of our volunteers who made everything go smoothly! Thank you for helping make the event so successful - we look forward to doing it again next year!

Local Events

We are excited to start highlighting local sensory-friendly and otherwise inclusive events in the community! Here are some recommendations for November:

Sensory Sunday at the APEX Center in Marlborough

Visit the APEX Center on Sunday, November 2^nd from 10-11am, and the first Sunday of every month, to enjoy the attractions and activities with smaller crowds and reduced lighting and sounds. No registration is required, learn more here: APEX Cares.

Wings for Autism at Logan Airport in Boston

The Charles River Center will host Wings for Autism – a free program specifically designed to support families of children with autism – on Saturday, November 8^th at Logan Airport. By getting comfortable with the airport and flight experience (without actually leaving the airport), families can gain the familiarity and confidence they need to take future trips. 

During this free, half-day event, children and their caregivers are able to familiarize themselves with the airport and travel procedures including: entering the airport, checking in, security screening, boarding the plane, preparing for takeoff, and exiting the plane. Practicing these steps helps establish a travel routine, which can be incredibly important for autistic children who rely on repetition and structure. Register here: Wings for Autism.

Sensory Storytime at the Waltham Public Library

On Saturday, November 8^th from 10-10:45am, the Waltham Public Library will offer sensory-friendly songs, stories, and playtime in this accessible storytime! This storytime is designed for any children who benefit from small groups with more support. Free Registration is required: Sensory Storytime. You can help your child prepare for this Storytime by reading this Sensory Storytime Social Story

Sensory/Family-Friendly Performance of The Nutcracker at Regis College in Weston

Commonwealth Ballet will present a sensory/family-friendly performance of The Nutcracker on Friday, November 28^th at 1pm at the Eleanor Welch Casey Theater at Regis College. The performance will be shortened (mostly Act I) and will be suitable for children of all ages. The Autism Alliance has created a social story to help children prepare for the event: The Nutcracker Social Story. Learn more and purchase reduced price tickets here: Commonwealth Ballet Nutcracker.

Sensory Swim Hour at JCC Greater Boston in Newton 

Every Saturday from 3-4pm, all ages are invited to a weekly program that provides a supportive, low-sensory environment for individuals with autism and other sensory needs to enjoy our indoor pool. This free program, offered in partnership with Autism Welcoming, prioritizes comfort, safety, and relaxation for participants and their families.

Enjoy the water at your own pace with access to sensory-friendly pool toys, including therapy noodles, fidgets, kickboards, and water-resistant headphones. Learn more and register here: Sensory Swim Hour.

Morningstar Access at the Boston Children’s Museum 

The Boston Children’s Museum will host their next Morningstar Access Program on Saturday, November 1^st from 8-10am. This is designed to be a low-crowd experience for children with disabilities or medical needs. Attendance is limited to 100 guests. Register here: Morningstar Access Program Registration.

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 we know this means moving beyond broad concepts into the real, everyday experiences of children and families. This month, as navigating the world feels particularly challenging for our community, we wanted to highlight the important concept of neurodivergent joy.

Celebrating Neurodivergent Joy

In our society and day to day life, conversations about autism and neurodiversity often focus on challenges, interventions, or needs. But it is so important to also celebrate the joy – and there is so much joy to be found!

Neurodivergent joy shows up in things like the enthusiasm of sharing a special interest, the comfort of a familiar routine, the pride in finding community, or the relief of being truly seen and accepted. As caregivers, validating the ways our children find joy, and joining them in their excitement, is a simple way that we can help them feel safe, accepted, and free to be themselves.

We spend so much time supporting, problem-solving, and planning for what’s hard, that it’s easy to forget to notice what’s good. Leaning into joy doesn’t mean that there aren’t hard days, but it does remind us that those challenges aren’t the whole story.

Support Your Child’s Development

A cornerstone of our approach at ANNA is following the child’s lead, and this is also a great thing to try at home! While you may be spending a lot of time teaching, prompting, or redirecting – and we acknowledge the importance of those things – a lot of meaningful connection and learning can happen when we take a step back and let a child lead the way.

You can follow your child’s lead by joining in with what captures their attention, even if it doesn’t seem “typical” or goal-oriented. Notice what makes them light up, echo their excitement, and show them that what matters to them also matters to you. This builds trust, supports communication development, and brings a sense of joy to learning.

Consider spending a few minutes each day just observing what your child is drawn to, and join in their activity without trying to change what they’re doing. Let them show you how they play, and see where it takes you both!

Staff Spotlight

Elizabeth works closely with families to guide them through the intake process and supports them in whatever way she can along the journey. 

As a mom of two children with autism, Elizabeth understands how isolating the experience can feel – and that’s what drives her passion for helping others. She's proud to be part of ANNA, where the neurodiversity-affirming approach focuses on building up a child's existing strengths instead of trying to change who they are. 

Outside of work, Elizabeth loves diving into a good comic book and spending quality time with her kids – whether it’s playing video games with her oldest or imaginative Barbie adventures with her youngest. She’s also deeply involved in her community: serving on the executive board of the PTO, leading a Girl Scout troop, and co-leading an elementary school Rainbow Club that supports LGBTQ+ youth.

Featured Resource

Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Events

This website, created by a parent who spent years navigating the maze of supports for their autistic son, serves as a central hub for inclusive local events, workshops, and activities. It is full of all sorts of events and programs focused on autism and disability in Massachusetts. You can also submit events for addition to the site to help other families. Check it out here – Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Events!

Recommended Reading

A Different Sort of Normal

A Different Sort of Normal by Abigail Balfe is a warm and witty memoir about growing up autistic in a world that often expects everyone to fit the same mold. The author shares her experiences of childhood confusion, sensory overwhelm, and the joy of discovering her true identity later in life. Alongside her personal journey, she provides clear, accessible information about autism that helps readers better understand and appreciate neurodiversity. It’s a book that emphasizes the important reminder that there’s no single way to be “normal.”

Caregiver Affirmation

“You’re doing great in a world that should do better.”

In a time when national conversations about autism are focused on finding a “cause” or cutting essential supports, many caregivers are feeling unseen and discouraged. But please know that your daily acts of love, advocacy, and understanding are what truly move the world forward for your child, and for society at large. The system may be falling far short, but you are not. You are raising and supporting your child in a world that still has so much to learn, and you’re doing it with persistence and hope. Remember that you are not alone in wanting better for your child, and that when caregivers speak up together our voices can have a real impact.

Reaching out to your representatives can make a real difference in protecting the programs and supports our children depend on. If that feels intimidating or you’re not sure where to start, you don’t have to do it alone. Please feel free to contact us for help with sample emails, call scripts, or simply a conversation about how to get involved in advocacy in a way that feels right for you. Let’s make sure the people shaping policy hear from the families those policies impact every day.

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!