Autism Connections

01/25/2026

As a precautionary measure, our centers will be closed on Monday, 1/26, due to the storm. However, our resources will continue to be available. For further information and contact links, please consult our program website.

01/23/2026

With this upcoming winter storm, 413Cares's warming center list is a great resource for everyone to be aware of!

This weekend's winter storm may bring over a foot of snow. ❄️

Our friends at 413Cares put together a helpful list of warming and cooling centers all across western Massachusetts. You can easily find a location near you through their website. https://hubs.la/Q0405B980

Winter storms can be unpredictable, this resource can help you, your family, and community members keep safe now and in the future.

01/23/2026

Ticket sales are now open for our 34th annual Autism Conference in Springfield, MA on April 30! Don't wait--grab your early bird discounted tickets: https://hubs.la/Q0404z2_0

This conference is for you if you are a social worker, agency professional, educator, medical professional, therapist, family, friend, or caregiver of an autistic individual, or are autistic yourself. The day-long conference features a keynote address, a variety of 18 breakout topics in three sessions, and an exhibitor showcase to collect resources and find supports. All tickets include breakfast, a snack break, and lunch. Once again, we'll also have a quiet sensory room to decompress and recharge.

Professional credits (PDPs, ABA credits and, pending approval, CEUs) are available for professionals working in the autism field.

01/13/2026

Autism Connections is hosting a webinar with Massachusetts Advocates for Children on Special Education Law for parents.

📆When? Wednesday, January 14, 6-8 PM
ZOOM

The webinar will include current trends, key legal standards and important evaluation rights that protect and empower families. It will also focus on both education law and effective strategies, helping you advocate for the full range of instruction, services and supports children with autism need to thrive.

Register HERE. https://hubs.la/Q03-z1f60
View the FLYER for full information: https://hubs.la/Q03-y_-y0

12/29/2025

SAVE THE DATE

Join ServiceNet's Autism Connections for the 34th Annual Autism Conference on April 30, 2026!
✅ Registration opens in January
✅ Choose from 18 dynamic breakout sessions
✅ Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel

Would you like updates on attending, exhibiting, or sponsoring? Sign up below to receive all the details directly!
https://autismconnections.servicenet.org/conference

12/12/2025

We're starting our first Dungeons & Dragons event!🐉

Starting this Sunday, Vivian Wood is hosting games for adults 18+ with Autism. Sign up early if you are interested, as each session is limited to six players.

📆When: Every 2nd Sunday of the month (Starting December 14) at 4:45-8 p.m.
📍Where: Lily Library, Florence

Contact Vivian at vwood@servicenet.org for more information and to register.

View the flyer for a full description of the event: https://hubs.la/Q03X_DPs0

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.