A Source Of Information & Support For Families 
Affected By Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Greetings!

EVRYBODY IS AWESOME! That's the name of a new Lego Set, that celebrates inclusivity. The truth is kids are naturally inclusive, and will play with everyone, until differences are pointed out by adults. I heard about this Lego set on the news, as i was getting ready to go to work and when I got to the Center I had to look it up to see it. It's very simple, multiple colored Lego figures on a platform of colors. The idea is to spread the message that everybody is awesome, no matter what color or differences. Of course each color represents a faction within the LBGTQIA+ community A play on the song " Everything is Awesome" from the Lego Movie, the designers hope to bring a wider acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community. But those in the LGBTQIA+ community are also part of our community. Gender identity and sexuality are more varied among autistic people than in the general population, and autism is more common among people who do not identify as their assigned sex than it is in the population at large — three to six times as common. Gender fluidity, not conforming to the expected social norms for the assigned sex at birth, sets youth up for discrimination and bullying. These are OUR children. We applaud LEGO for supporting this cause. June is PRIDE Month. I think it fitting that it follows Autism Month and Children's Mental Health Month. We're all in this together. We can not demand autism acceptance if we also do not promote the acceptance of all differences! Diversity is a beautiful thing, we need not be afraid of those who are different. We need to open our hearts like small children do, and embrace everyone. Because Everyone IS awesome!

Have a great week.

Sue
SAVE THE DATE
The 2021 Golf Tournament is a GO!
We'll be back at Cyprian Keyes in September for a day of Golf that will be as enjoyable as it raises awareness and the funds needed to support our families.

Interested players may call Kris at 508-298-1606 to reserve a spot or a foursome and payment can be made when we open the registration page next month.
$135/golfer
$500/Foursome
Asics Falmouth Road Race
Once again we have charity bib numbers that we can assign to runners who want to support our Center and participate in this much desired road race. The Asics Falmouth Road Race is a prestigious race for runners and this year's race is a Hybrid race with some people racing remotely, and some participating in the race in Falmouth. Runners with charity numbers, like ours, must commit to raising $750 for the organization. Interested? Hurry The numbers are going fast! Contact Kris Cariglia at 508-2981606 today.
DDS SELF DIRECTED SERVICES

Please Join us for an interactive discussion about expanding choices and control in your life through Self Directed Supports . This is an opportunity to hear how individuals and families can design individualized Services to meet their needs through the Participant Directed Program or Agency with Choice. There are several dates and times this is being offered . To register contact jennifer.r.benoit@mass.gov
Words up to Ponder
from individuals in the Autism Community.

"Showing kindness towards those who are different and embracing our imperfections as proof of our humanness is the remedy for fear.”


– Emma Zurcher-Long