Autism Connections

04/03/2026

Last week's dance party was amazing! 🎶🎉

So many folks joined us to enjoy a wonderful celebration with great music and dancers, tasty treats, and great company. Thank you to all our guests for joining us this year!

04/02/2026

Thank you Sunshine Village for being an Event Sponsor of our 34th Autism Conference on April 30! Support like this makes our long-standing event possible for the community, providing resources, insights, and knowledge for all stages of life. Everyone is welcome to attend the conference in Springfield, MA including autistic people/people with autism, families and friends, and professionals. Register now at https://hubs.la/Q049tMqS0

Financial support is available! If you have financial constraints and would like to purchase a discounted ticket for General admission, check the box during registration that says "Request Financial Support."
For professionals, we're offering PDPs, ABA credits, and CEUs. See more info on our website.

03/23/2026

03/13/2026

We have wonderful news for those who would love to attend the 34th Autism Conference but may find the cost of general registration a barrier. Autism Connections has been awarded a $7,500 Autism Community Impact Grant by The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. A significant portion of this funding will support a special fund to help families, caregivers and autistic self-advocates attend the event. Because of this support, we're able to offer a limited number of $50 general registration tickets. When registering, select the General ticket option and check off the “Request Financial Support” box on the form: https://hubs.la/Q046NymG0

We want this conference to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are unable to attend without a fully free ticket, please email us directly at autismconference@servicenet.org.

➡️ A few reasons to join us on April 30: Build community and empower yourself, explore 18 breakout topics, discover resources and supports, and hear from our keynote speaker Daniel Wendler, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and autistic self-advocate.

03/12/2026

Join Autism Connections for a sponsored Bowling social event exclusively for adult folks 18+ on the autism spectrum. 🎳

Enjoy two hours of unlimited bowling in a welcoming, low-pressure environment that’s all about fun and connection.

Participation is fully paid for by ServiceNet, so all you need to do is register, bring is yourself and be ready for some community action! Food and drink is available for purchase on location.

Register online: https://hubs.la/Q046wQ0C0

03/11/2026

Autism Connections' Rhonda Setkewich and Cat McEachern were both on Mass Appeal earlier today speaking with Priscilla Ress about the Autism Conference happening on April 30!

(MASS APPEAL) – The Autism Connections Conference brings together families, educators, and professionals to share resources, ideas, and support for those impacted by autism. This year’s…

03/06/2026

Date change: The Springfield session was moved to March 26 from its original March 5 date.

Interested in learned how to use Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA)? Public transportation can be a daunting task for many people. We're offering some assistance in better navigating it through two in-person sessions. Both sessions have hybrid options available

📆📍When and Where:
March 12, Autism Connections, 11 Village Hill, Northampton

March 26 at ServiceNet, 220 Brookdale Dr., Springfield

The in-person session features hands-on learning with transit maps, interactive
activities, and a guided bus ride at the end of the presentation. Attending in-person is encouraged when possible, as physical materials and face-to-face support allow us to better address individual needs.

Contact Vivian at vwood@servicenet.org for more information.

Register Here: https://hubs.la/Q045TL5W0

03/05/2026

Educators, join us for a day of learning, connection, and practical takeaways you can use right away in your work with autistic students and their families at this year’s Autism Conference on April 30 in Springfield. Educators who attend have the opportunity to earn 10 Professional Development Points (PDPs) while engaging in expert-led sessions, meaningful discussions, and inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming content.

We’d love to have you with us—both to support your professional growth and to be part of a community committed to better outcomes for autistic individuals. Food is included with registration, as well as an Exhibitor Showcase for resources and supports. Get more details and register at https://hubs.la/Q045KH6L0

Registering early is the best way to save on your ticket and secure your spot before breakout sessions start filling! If you are experiencing financial constraints and are interested in attending at a discounted price, let us know by checking the Request Financial Support box on the registration form.

03/04/2026

Ready to roll for initiative?🎲 We're hosting Dungeons & Dragons for Autistic Adults!🐉

Vivian Wood is hosting games for adults 18+ with Autism. Players must choose from pre-made characters at the beginning of the session, but not to worry, there's plenty to choose from!

Each session is limited to six players, so be sure to sign up early!

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

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

03/04/2026

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is sensory-friendly this year! This special section of the parade route is designed for individuals and families who prefer a calmer parade experience with reduced noise and sensory stimulation.

NEW for the 2026 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade — Sensory Friendly Area

The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke is proud to introduce a Sensory Friendly section along the 2026 parade route — designed to provide a quieter, lower-stimulus experience for those who prefer it.

📍 Location: Appleton Street from Elm Street through Maple Street
(Wind-down begins at Walnut Street)

What to expect in this two-block area:
• No sirens, horns, or revving engines
• No flashing or emergency lights
• String instruments only (no percussion or brass)

Sensory Friendly spaces help reduce loud noise and visual stimulation, creating a more comfortable experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

✅ No sign-up or registration required — this area is open to everyone who prefers a calmer parade experience.

🗺️ A parade map and signage will clearly mark the Sensory Friendly Area so spectators can plan ahead.

Because the parade should be welcoming for all. ☘️

Thank you for your support Miracle League of Western Ma and Magic for Maddie

More details:
https://holyokestpatricksparade.com/sensory-street

03/03/2026

Autism Connections is hosting a webinar with Alma Baumwoll, a licensed clinical social worker and teacher. Alma’s experience spans over a decade of teaching high school biology, including in a special-education setting, and several years advocating for children in state custody.

📆When? Wednesday, March 5, 5:30-7:30 PM
ZOOM

This webinar introduces neuroaffirming ideas and then moves to discuss common neuroaffirming approaches, including benefits and challenges. We conclude by practicing how to apply these ideas to a few common at-home challenges shared by participants in the survey during the registration process. Time for questions and discussion will be included.

Neuroaffirming practices are grounded in concepts of autonomy, practicality, empathy/understanding, and the humanity of every person. Creating as much neuroaffirming space in our homes as possible helps Autistic folks feel better about themselves, face challenges, regulate themselves, develop strengths, and usually reduces conflict.

Register HERE:https://hubs.la/Q045mzm70