Holistic Development Center RI

04/28/2026

Community, kindness, inclusion, and just looking out for your neighbors is “all the rave” with Dave..

04/24/2026

The weekend is coming, a few deep breaths Pocket Breath Coach and you can call this week a wrap! Holistic health means its ok not to "do" and be "on" 7 days a week, 18 hours a day. A few deep breaths and some planned R&R are yours today, take care of you!

04/22/2026

Local students means local talent, will we see some of these graduates on our staff page soon?

04/17/2026

The "6-second rule"

If you want to improve your communications with autistic individuals. PAUSE.

After asking a question - PAUSE for 6 seconds

After giving an instruction - PAUSE for 6 seconds

This wait time allows for slower auditory processing, reduces anxiety, and prevents overwhelm, giving them space to understand, process, and respond without pressure.

Give a single prompt: Ask once and then WAIT

Count silently: Mentally count to six to ensure you are waiting long enough.

Repeat if necessary: If no response occurs, repeat the prompt using the same words and a calm tone.

Use Visuals: If needed, complement verbal requests with visual aids for better understanding.

Be Patient: Avoid rushing to fill the silence, which can cause the processing timer to "reset" and increase anxiety.

04/15/2026

There are a number of great resources available for families that are navigating life with a diagnosis of ASD. We like Organization for Autism Research for the evidence based, practical tools and guides to help along the way. Check out their library of resources and consider making a donation to continue their research and programs.
https://researchautism.org/families/guidebook-series/?utm_source=OARacle+Newsletter+Subscribers&utm_campaign=d45de29bf4-Libby_Feb26_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e866d5f5ae-465148291

04/13/2026

Good Healthy Monday morning everyone, instead of getting geared up fpr the week, maybe we take a moment to slow it down...try some tai chi or simple breathing exercises to start your week off balanced and calm. You got this!

Want a slower way to move this week?

Tai Chi is an ancient practice with slow, graceful movements that help you stretch, breathe, and find balance. It can help calm you physically and emotionally, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

This Monday, move slower and reduce stress with Tai Chi. https://healthymonday.com/stress-management/tai-chi-perfect-way-reduce-stress-monday

04/10/2026

South County is well known for many of its fantastic dining options, Autism Speaks
and Chefs on the Spectrum have teamed up to train and hire workers in fine dining establishments in Manhattan. We have clients that need opportunities to work. If you are a business in search of your next apprentice in a restaurant or other business, we may have the right fit. DM us or call our office today!.

Culinary jobs have the potential to be a perfect fit, and a new effort is afoot to help autistic workers land them.

04/09/2026

An inspirational "3 pointer" at the Unified Basketball game left both sides cheering! This is how sports and the Special Olympics teams bring people together to bring out everyone's best! Way to go!

04/08/2026

At HDC, we understand how important community is to overall health and well being. Having a disability can sometimes feel isolating. When your community engages with you, the results can be incredibly powerful and rewarding for both sides. These kids and their teachers in NH learned sign language to be able to communicate with their fellow classmate. A little compassion, understanding, and love can go a long way. Watch this clip from CBS Evening News for a feel good start to your day!

04/06/2026

As April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, we would like to share one of the beautifully written testimonials we are humbled to have received from a client. It's one of the many reasons we love what we do!

"I’ve been working with the Holistic Development Center for almost 5 years now. Before starting the program, I was finishing up a transition program, living at home with my parents, had never touched a stove due to my anxiety, and had never held a job. Since starting with HDC, I have drastically improved upon my social and independent living skills. Within the first couple of years, I overcame my anxiety to obtain my driver’s license, as well as began learning how to cook and do laundry. Additionally, I began working for the first time and have been doing so for three years. Two years ago, I had the opportunity to move into an apartment and live independently for the first time with a roommate. Because of HDC’s help, I am now working approximately 30 hours a week and volunteering at Narragansett Library. I am living independently and have learned how to cook. I take care of responsibilities like my car and apartment, and saving money for the future. I am proud of my successes and thankful for HDC helping me."

--Chase M

PS - We are Hiring, so visit our website to be part of a great team!

04/03/2026

☀️ Looking for a Rewarding Part-Time Role This Summer
(and Beyond)? ☀️

Holistic Development Center is hiring Part-Time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)! These are year-round positions that we are looking to fill just in time for the summer and training starts soon!

If you want to work in the beautiful South County, RI community and make a daily impact in the lives of people with disabilities, this is the job for you! We are a holistic, goal-oriented center focused on supporting our clients' well-being in all areas of life.

💵 Pay: $20 - $22/hour to start

How You’ll Make an Impact:
🤝 Build friendships and social connections
🍳 Support independent living skills like cooking and daily routines
🚗 Provide transportation to fun community programs and appointments
💼 Assist with job skills and health/wellness support

Requirements:
✔️ Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle
✔️ Background check required
(Educators and those with experience supporting neurodiverse clients are highly encouraged to apply!)

Build connections, share your skills, and become a Direct Support Professional.

📍 Location: 231 Old Tower Hill Rd, Ste 203, Wakefield RI 02879
📲 Interested? Visit www.hdcri.com, call 401-782-1206, or send us a DM to apply!

04/02/2026

Honoring the beautiful people we serve today and every day.

World Autism Awareness Day🧩💙💕

Celebrating acceptance, honoring Neuro diversity, and creating a world where everyone feels understood, included, and supported.🙏🫂 💙