Upcoming events from Autism Connections and Family Empowerment

October 30, 2023

We've got some exciting news for you this week. Two new groups are joining our community, and we can't wait for you to check them out! First up is the Adult Topics on the Spectrum Forum, featuring two age groups. This forum is the perfect place to connect with others. If you are a parent or family member, pass the info on to someone you think might have interest in this group.

And that's not all - we're also introducing the Charting the LifeCourse Good Life Solutions Group! This group is all about finding ways to live your best life, and we're thrilled to have it on board. So why wait? Come join our community and continue charting your own path to a Good Life today!

Be well.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Tomorrow is the last day DDS will accept applications for the Autism Waiver during the Open Interest Period, which is October 16 - October 31! See info in red box below.

The 2023 Children’s Autism Waiver Open Request Period information and application forms are available on the DDS website.  The 2023 open request period runs from October 16 through October 31, 2023. Applications will be accepted during this period only. View more information regarding the waiver, the DDS letter to families or download applications in multiple languages. If you have questions about the waiver or would like assistance filling out the application, please contact us at autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org and we will do our best to answer all your questions!



E V E N T S / G R O U P S

FORUM

Adult Topics on the Spectrum

Ages 18-25

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

(and every other week until June 2024)

Costumes welcome on Halloween!

ZOOM

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Participants: Adults who are 18-25 years old

This online Forum provides a sounding board for all adults on the Spectrum and is facilitated by Amelia Clark of Autism Connections.

Topics will be voted on each week by participants and might include: success strategies at work; major life changes; navigating relationships; diagnosis differences in the spectrum, time management; positive supports; managing sensory needs; money management; avoiding burnout; emotional needs; online safety; when is it TMI (too much information) and more! Please read the flyer before registering. Registration is required.

Solutions Group

Charting the LifeCourse GOOD LIFE Group

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

ZOOM @ NOON

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Participants: individuals and families of all abilities and all ages who would like to develop a vision for a good life using the LifeCourse tools (or those who are already in the process of planning with the tools and would like some support)

You are invited to participate in an opportunity to support and learn from one another while exploring, planning and problem solving!

Initial meetings will review the needs of the group and determine if it will be most useful to spend time focusing on a specific topic, a certain life stage, or general brainstorming. Donna Kushi, Pathlight’s Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador is the group facilitator. Please email Donna at donna.kushi@pathlightgroup.org if you have any questions. Registration is required.

Networking Group/Forum

Autism Friends and Family Forum

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

ZOOM

7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Participants: parents, caregivers, friends, and extended family in western Massachusetts who are supporting individuals 17+

The Autism Friends & Family Forum meets to support family members and friends who provide care and guidance to adults (17+) with an autism/asperger profile. Discussion topics will include helping to manage care as needed while supporting the independent life of an adult with autism. Join facilitator Linda Wynn!

FORUM

Adult Topics on the Spectrum

Ages 26+

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

(and every other week until June 2024)

ZOOM

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Participants: Adults who are 26+ years old

Please see the description for the 18-25 group above and note that each age group has its own registration site.

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections Trainings

If you would like to attend any of these future trainings, please email the program and let us know. We will ensure you receive registration links when they become available.

Autism Connections



Family Empowerment

Hampshire county

Family Empowerment

Franklin county

familyempowerment@pathlightgroup.org

autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections are programs of Pathlight.