Young woman holding and carrying cute little child in shopping mall_ mother and child in shopping center_ space for text and design
Open Enrollment for the Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver
OCTOBER 16 – OCTOBER 31, 2020
Applications and information on the Autism Waiver are now available on the DDS/Autism Division website https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-autism-waiver-service-program-awp-open-interest-period-2020
Any enrollment forms submitted previously will be discarded.
Families must apply again during this open enrollment period to remain on the waitlist.
Applications MUST be postmarked or emailed between October 16th and 31st 2020
Important information on the Waiver:
  • This crucial program allows MassHealth eligible children with autism to access intensive treatments and services in their homes and communities.
  • The program is limited to children between the ages of 0-8 who are MassHealth eligible and at risk of residential placement now or at some point in the future.
  • Eligible children are chosen for Autism Waiver services on a lottery basis and once chosen, receive intensive in-home therapies, services and supports for 3 years, or until the child reaches the age of 9. After 3 years the child is eligible for less intensive step-down services until age 9. The waiver also provides related support services such as community integration activities and respite.
  • For the application go to: https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-autism-waiver-service-program-awp-open-interest-period-2020
Click this link to find your local Autism Center


 
Northeast Arc's Brand New
Center for Linking Lives
At Northeast Arc, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities become full-time participants in their communities. We discover abilities and change lives. We embrace challenges and invent new solutions.

The Center for Linking Lives is our next bold move: 26,000 square feet of prominent retail space in the heart of the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers, Mass. It is an important step in helping the individuals we serve achieve real independence and inclusion.
ASC Upcoming Virtual Events
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Autism Support Center
Dad's group
Contributed by Dan McGloin
As I sit here brainstorming what to write for this piece about the Northeast Arc Dad’s Support Group (with my daughter signing every word to the Sponge Bob Christmas theme song for the millionth time today in the background), I am reminded of why the Dad’s Support Group is such an impactful resource, especially with the added burden of these unprecedented times. Since March, many of our children have been home and for many autistic children, structure, therapy sessions, and beloved extracurricular activities have been on pause...
Next meeting will be on October 29th
From 7:00PM to 9:00PM
at Essex County Brewing Company
68 Pulaski Street, Peabody MA



Rock the Spectrum Virtual 5K
Please join us for a Virtual Fun Run/Walk/Ride!
All proceeds to benefit the Northeast Arc Autism Support Center. 

When: Saturday, November 7th or Sunday, November 8th - You Pick!
Where: Your favorite trail, road or treadmill!
Cost: $25/pp or $50.00 per family

Autism Support Center
Parent Advisory Board Members
Keri McGloin, Candace Perreault ,Katie Billingsley
Founders Rock the Spectrum Fundraiser

















October 2020

Thursdays
Special Education & COVID-19
Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Biweekly Chat Series
Every other Thursday from 8 - 8:45 PM
Next week (October 1): Increasing Engagement in Remote Instruction for Students with Disabilities During COVID-19 with Dr. Patricia McDaid, an experienced educator focused on needs of students with autism and students with intellectual disabilities
As part of our COSA response to the COVID-19 outbreak, MAC is leading biweekly virtual chats for parents to connect with each other and learn tips for advocating for your children during this pandemic.
For this week's chat, Dr. Patricia McDaid, an experienced educator focused on needs of students with autism and students with intellectual disabilities, will talk about how to increase engagement in remote instruction for student with disabilities during COVID-19. Recognizing that some students with disabilities have been unable to access remote learning and services, Dr. McDaid will provide strategies and tips for IEP Teams and parents. 
This chat will be helpful for parents of children with all types of disabilities, including autism. 
Please bring your questions. We want to hear from you!
Advance registration is required:

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ASC Virtual Support Groups
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SPOTLIGHT ON
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children, Youth and Families IMPROVING CARE. CHANGING LIVES.

Judge Baker Children's Center “Spotlight On” series, their Evidence-Based Policy Institute takes a targeted look at individual issues to offer actionable solutions.
written by: Jacqueline Shen
Editors: Matthew Pecoraro, MSW
and Christopher Bellonci, MD
A brief produced by the Evidence-Based Policy Institute

















The Autism Support Center's offices will be moving to the Center for Linking Lives!
Connect with us on Instagram!
We are officially on Instagram! Tag us in any posts from ASC events! Also, share your photos and stories from past ASC events and we will post them!
INFORMED . EMPOWERED . CONNECTED
Have you registered with us?
If you're new to the Autism Support Center, please call us at 978-777-9135 any weekday. Or email us at [email protected] We have important information for you! 

Gloria Ricardi Castillo
Northeast Arc
Director, Family Support Centers
Editor, Spectrum Newsletter