Aspire Wire - MAY 2019
[email protected]  | 781.860.1900 |  www.mghaspire.org
What's Happening at MGH Aspire
  • MGH Aspire teen and adult summer programs are accepting applications. Spots are filling up! Download and submit your application today.
  • In honor of Autism Awareness Month, experts and clinicians from the Lurie Center for Autism created an educational video series entitled, "Let's Raise Awareness..." To watch these videos, click here.
By Jennifer O'Rourke, MA

For MGH Aspire participants, experiencing the ending of a seasonal group or program can be difficult. It means they will no longer have the same structured coming-together, routines or relationships in their schedule. As a result, we handle program termination at MGH Aspire very thoughtfully, as a teaching and therapeutic process. To read more on our termination strategies and best practices, follow this link.
At MGH Aspire Works, we work closely with our employer partners and regularly consult with them to better support their neurodiverse employees and interns. Employers often ask for information, guidance, and language to address challenging issues that arise. The following article gives examples of five of the most frequently asked questions. To read our answers, click here.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by managing your child’s challenging behaviors at home? Are you unsure of where to go for help? Join the Lurie Center for Autism for an open discussion with Senior Behavioral Consultant, Nicole Simon, EdM, LABA, BCBA, on how to help the home environment feel less stressful. We will discuss the current Lurie Center research project that is providing the first ever verbal and physical management CPI training to parents, as well as other supports and resources that are available.
Call 781-860-1700 to reserve your spot today.
MGH Aspire participants ages 14 through high school are invited to attend our second annual Spring Dance and Casino Night. This unique evening will include casino games, crafts, dancing, delicious food and fun. All MGH Aspire attendees are welcome to bring a peer-aged guest of their choosing. Returning participants, call 781-860-1900 to register. New participants, download your special event application.
MGH Aspire cordially invites participants ages 16+ to join us at our Spring BBQ and Nature Hike. Participants will enjoy a traditional catered barbecue lunch (vegetarian options available) and soak in the great outdoors on a group hike at Hale Reservation in Westwood, Massachusetts. We'll have lawn games, great food and plenty of socializing. Participants are welcome to bring a peer-aged friend or sibling to enjoy this outdoor event. Returning participants, call 781-860-1900 to register. New participants, download your special event application here.
Heading off to college for the first time doesn’t just require book smarts. For many, the transition to college means taking on many things that they used to get support with on their own; imagine navigating a new schedule, new campus, new social scene and the new stresses of college academics with few supports. Our College Boot Camp program is designed to preview some of these possible challenges and provide supports and strategies to overcome them. This year, for the first time, our program includes an overnight at a dorm on Lesley University’s campus. For more information, call 781-860-1900.
MGH Aspire child participants had a fabulous time at Hale Reservation during April school vacation camp. Groups participated in cooking, building, crafting, art and outdoor activities. Fun was had by all!  Thanks to everyone who joined us. We can't wait to see you all again next spring.  To view photos from the week,   click here.
On Thursday, April 4, MGH Aspire held their annual fundraising Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston. The evening was a huge success, raising funds to enable MGH Aspire to expand its internship program, provide financial aid to participants in need, and launch new programs that support children, teens and adults. Many thanks to our sponsors and donors - We could not succeed without your support. To see pictures from this fun event, follow this link.
The Lurie Center for Autism is actively seeking participants for the following research studies. For additional information about study requirements and study procedures, please contact the Lurie Center research staff at 781-860-1711 or [email protected] .

The aV1ation Study – Enrolling children ages 5 to 17 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This study will determine the safety of an investigational medication, and its effectiveness in improving social behavior and communication. To read more about this study, click here.

Parent Crisis Prevention Institute (P-CPI) Training Study – Enrolling parents of children ages 5-12 years who are seen as patients at the Lurie Center for Autism. This study will test to see if CPI Training, a verbal and physical management training for aggressive and other challenging behaviors, can help improve parental stress and quality of life. To read more about this study, click here.

Sidekicks  – Enrolling children ages 6 to 11 years 6 months, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This study will determine the success rate of Affinities Therapy, a therapy model using the Sidekicks mobile application for children with ASD. To read more about this study, click here .