Autism Connections

10/27/2025

This is the LAST WEEK for the 2025 Children’s Autism Waiver Program Open Request Period. It will be available until this Friday, Oct. 31.

The Children’s Autism Waiver Program provides one-to-one interventions to help children with autism through a service called Expanded Habilitation, Education.
Find all Waiver Program Open Interest Period information here: https://hubs.la/Q03Qg4Kb0

Be sure to open the "Family Message for Open Request Period" file first (before starting an application) in your language for complete program requirements and full information.

The "family message" describing the program and the application have been translated in the following languages: Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, traditional Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese (Brazilian and European), Nepali, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese. If there is a need for an additional language please let us know and we can work with DDS.

Please contact us at autismconnections@servicenet.org if you have more questions about the Waiver Open Enrollment Interest Period.

10/24/2025

Many autistic people/people with autism experience challenges that may not be seen—but are absolutely real. These invisible disabilities are invisible, not imaginary, and deserve understanding. 🌻
Autism Connections stands together for Invisible Disabilities Week with those who are often dismissed or ignored because of their unseen struggles. Together, we can build greater acceptance, awareness, and inclusion for all.

10/23/2025

We're visiting McCray Farms in South Hadley for a Fall Funtastic time, and you are invited! 🎃🌽🍂

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, we're offering free access to a hayride, a pumpkin picked by you, and the petting zoo for the first 50 registrants. This sensory-friendly event takes place from 4-6 p.m.

Register online: https://hubs.la/Q03PYMZW0

We will offer a space at the pavilion to sit and relax, away from the noise and activity of the farm, and will provide a “judgment-free zone” where all individuals are welcome!

McCray’s Ice Cream and hot food are available for purchase but we cannot guarantee that the facility is free of allergens.

If you aren't part of the first 50 to register, you're still welcome to attend and spend time with us at McCray Farms but all costs will be self-pay.

10/20/2025

Visit Whitney Farms and enjoy the fall season with Autism Connections! 💙🎃🌽

On Friday, Oct. 24, we're offering free wristbands to the first 50 people to register. The wristbands provide access to a hayride, pumpkin picking (one pumpkin), and unlimited visits to the giant slide, maze, balloons, and bouncer activities. Our event takes place from 2-5 p.m. Please note that this event is for children, teens, and adults with autism and their families and friends.

Register online: https://share.hsforms.com/1hccReRLRRlq0rU8VxwywLgr8sur

If you didn't get a wristband, you're still welcome to attend and spend time with us at Whitney Farms! Please note that all costs are self-pay after all of the wristbands have been given out.

10/20/2025

Family Empowerment's popular Transition Resource Fair is coming to Greenfield High School on Nov. 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.!

Register and learn more about attending the fair: https://hubs.la/Q03P8GdX0

The Transition Resource Fair is designed to support students and families as they prepare for the shift from children’s services to adult services through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). It's an opportunity for families to connect with service providers, explore available resources, view a presentation from DDS, and ask questions about the transition process.

Students ages 14-26 and/or parents and caregivers, and the professionals who work with or support individuals in this age group are encouraged to attend.

If you are interested in tabling at the fair as an exhibitor, please contact Joanne at joanne.lucey@servicenet.org.

10/17/2025

The 2025 Children’s Autism Waiver Program Open Request Period will be available October 17-31, 2025.

The Children’s Autism Waiver Program provides one-to-one interventions to help children with autism through a service called Expanded Habilitation, Education.
Find all Waiver Program Open Interest Period information here: https://hubs.la/Q03P8zJN0

Be sure to open the "Family Message for Open Request Period" file first (before starting an application) in your language for complete program requirements and full information.

The "family message" describing the program and the application have been translated in the following languages: Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, traditional Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese (Brazilian and European), Nepali, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese. If there is a need for an additional language please let us know and we can work with DDS.

Please contact us at autismconnections@servicenet.org if you have more questions about the Waiver Open Enrollment Interest Period.

10/10/2025

"We will continue to provide spaces where autistic people can lead, connect, and thrive. And we will continue to listen —because autistic experiences and perspectives are essential to this conversation."

When it comes to autism, misinformation spreads fast. Karen Serra, ServiceNet's Vice President of Family Services, lays out what families really need (and what they don’t) in this op-ed. https://hubs.la/Q03N55G-0

09/25/2025

Please make note of the deadlines for the open interest request period of the Autism Waiver Program, and contact us if you have any questions at autism connections@servicenet.org.

DDS is accepting OPEN REQUEST forms for the 2025 Children's Autism Waiver Program! Supports are for children with autism under age 10 and their families. Eligibility criteria and the form in multiple languages are available here: https://www.mass.gov/dds-childrens-autism-waiver-service-program-overview.

Applying does not guarantee eligibility or services.

09/24/2025

How is school and the IEP process going so far? If you feel the need to discuss school and IEP-related issues with a group of parents, and you would like to connect with an Education Advocate, join us at our virtual, monthly, Special Education Forum for parents tonight. More information and registration: bit.ly/SPEDforumFY26

09/22/2025

Is your child or teen (ages 5-18) interested in playing tennis? Aceing Autism has come to Amherst! Classes start September 27 on Saturdays, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

More information:
Learn more about Aceing Autism: https://aceingautism.org/history/
Contact: amherst@aceingautism.org
Website: www.aceingautism.org
Learn more about scholarships: https://aceingautism.org/scholarships/
Register: https://aceingautism.org/programs/amherst-ma/

09/05/2025

Free ice cream, cookies, childcare, and a chance to tour Whole Children and meet our amazing teachers? Yes, please.
RSVP now for the Sept 22 Ice Cream Social: www.wholechildren.org/RSVP
THIS JUST IN! If you register for classes at the event, you get $10 off!
PS: this event is for families and children ages 12 and under