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

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

Caregiver Connections

We are now offering virtual support groups for families, with both a daytime and evening option. This is an informal way to connect with other caregivers for emotional support, resource sharing or whatever you need! These groups will take place on Teams and you can request the link by emailing [email protected] or calling Ashley at (617) 307-3989.

Upcoming support groups:

Monday, October 14th from 6:30-7:30pm

Thursday, October 17th from 10-11am

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!

Support Your Child’s Development

Parents and caregivers of autistic children are often working hard to learn specific strategies to use with their child and to ensure that their child has access to structured services and supports. While this can be incredibly important, incidental learning opportunities can also be a powerful way to support your child's development.

For example, during routine activities like grocery shopping, parents can help their child develop language skills by labeling items, discussing colors or counting objects. While preparing meals, caregivers might involve their child in tasks like sorting ingredients, sequencing and following directions. Incidental learning also occurs during playtime- when we join in a child’s play, we can help the child learn to share, take turns or problem-solve without formal teaching.

It can also be helpful to follow the child’s interests to maximize engagement. If a child is interested in a particular topic or activity, parents and caregivers can join in and share in the child’s joy and enthusiasm while finding ways to incorporate learning. However, remember that not everything needs to be viewed as a teaching/learning opportunity. Just joining your child in something they enjoy is so important and helps build trust, connection and regulation- all things that support their long-term ability to learn and grow!

Staff Spotlight

Dr. Yael Stern’s career has combined research on, and clinical practice with, families of young autistic children and providers serving these families. Her research focuses on understanding how characteristics of families and clinicians may be considered in the design and delivery of personalized, family-centered early interventions. In every endeavor, Yael embodies a commitment to ensuring that each child and family experiences evidence-based, meaningful intervention.

Outside of work, Yael drinks lots of coffee and smoothies and loves exploring the Boston area, doing craft projects, and relaxing with friends!

Featured Resource

We Rock the Spectrum

Founded by the parent of a child with autism, We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym is an inclusive playspace for children of all abilities to play and grow together. The gym includes specialized sensory equipment, arts and crafts space, calming rooms and more, all within a safe and supportive environment! In addition to open play, We Rock the Spectrum offers Respite & Break Time Care as well as classes, playgroups and events for children and families.

We Rock the Spectrum currently has two locations in our area: Wellesley and Westford

Recommended Reading

Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism

In this book, Dr. Barry Prizant offers a compassionate and insightful approach to understanding autism. Rather than seeing autism as a set of deficits or problems to be fixed, Dr. Prizant encourages readers to view autistic behaviors as human responses to a complex world. The book emphasizes that these behaviors are often strategies for coping with sensory overload, communication challenges or emotional stress.

Dr. Prizant advocates for supporting autistic individuals by understanding their needs and fostering an environment of respect, empathy and patience. Ultimately, the book promotes celebrating neurodiversity and viewing autism as a unique way of being human, rather than a disorder.

Caregiver Affirmation

“I trust my instincts and abilities as a caregiver.”

It’s natural to feel uncertain when navigating challenging situations with your child, but it’s important to trust your instincts and abilities. You know your child better than anyone, and your unique insights into their strengths and needs are incredibly valuable! While advice from professionals can be helpful, never underestimate the wisdom that comes from your lived experience with your child.

In difficult moments, like when your child is overwhelmed or struggling to communicate, trusting yourself to stay calm and present can make a big difference. You may instinctively know what might comfort or redirect them, and that intuitive response is often just as effective as any prescribed strategy. Your relationship with your child is built on love and connection, which gives you a deep understanding of what feels right for them.

At the same time, remember that it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers! What matters most is your willingness to adapt, learn and keep showing up for your child with patience and compassion. Trusting yourself helps you make confident decisions, even in times of uncertainty, and this confidence can provide a sense of security for your child. You’re more capable than you realize, and your instincts are a powerful tool in helping your child thrive!

How can we improve? Please share any feedback about our services, this newsletter or anything else you’d like us to know!