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Spectrum Events

Spectrum Events: Connecting, Educating, and Celebrating Diversity

Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Women (18+)

Virtual

This bi-weekly “closed” support group is designed for autistic and similarly neurodivergent adult women (18+) who are looking to build an ongoing connection with other women. The group is primarily a space to learn about and discuss neurodivergence, and to explore related topics chosen by the group. Topics may include:

Masking/camouflaging
Sensory Sensitivities and Sensory Overload
Relationships
Self Care
Empathy
The group is structured to encourage everyone to share and participate in the discussion, with respect for all members prioritized.

$100

Information Session – LifeMAP Adult Coaching Program

Virtual

Description
The Information Session – LifeMAP Adult Coaching Program will provide an overview of the LifeMAP Coaching program, the coaching process, and the steps to apply. Time will be provided to ask the staff questions. Registration is required and space is limited.

Webinar: A Place of My Own: An Introduction to Living Options

Virtual

It's overwhelming to consider future living options!

In this webinar we will:

Review the many existing options for living in the community with support.

Think about creative solutions for the right option for your loved one!

PLAN & AANE Webinar – Introduction to Government Benefits and Special Needs Trusts

Virtual

Description
Presented by Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. (PLAN), this webinar gives attendees an opportunity to learn about government benefits and special needs trusts, and how those resources can help in planning for the future. Specifically, attendees will understand how funds in a special needs trust are administered with individual benefits in mind to avoid negatively affecting their eligibility for means-tested benefits while supporting quality of life. The presentation will review state-specific benefits for residents of MA and RI, but attendees from any US state are welcome to join.
Attendees will:
Gain a deeper understanding of key government benefits and special needs trusts
Learn how a special needs trust can supplement, not supplant public benefits
Understand the responsibilities of a professional trustee
Learn how PLAN offers social services support through its knowledgeable, experienced licensed social workers who serve as the primary liaison for beneficiaries and their families
PLAN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers special needs trusts to people of any age with any disability, helping to preserve their assets, protect their access to public benefits, and to live well. PLAN is AANE’s exclusive special needs trust partner.
Free consultation at PLAN: https://calendly.com/tiana-moore
Meet the Speaker
Ellen Harnen, LICSW, CBIS, Service Coordinator Manager, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with adults with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. Ellen has worked extensively as a case manager providing services to adults living with neurological injuries and/or illness. Ellen earned a Master of Social Work degree from Simmons College in Boston. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.
Attendee Notice: By signing up for this webinar, you agree to have your name and email address shared with PLAN of MA & RI.

Recurring

Multi-Session Creative Writers’ Group for Adults

Virtual

Want to flex your creative muscles and share and discuss writing? The Online Creative Writers’ Group is an online 7 session workshop where participants will have an opportunity to share writing and offer feedback. We welcome writers of all creative genres—from short stories to poetry, screenplays, fan fiction, and more. This workshop is not an instructional class but rather a chance to connect and network with other writers. Whether you are working on a new piece or want to revisit an old one, here is your test audience. One session will feature talks by two published authors, including graphic novelists, playwrights, children’s book writers and more, all of whom have a connection to Autism. Hope you can join us!

Dates
January 15
January 22
January 29
February 5
February 12
February 19
February 26

$100
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Women (35-50)

Virtual

This multi-session support group is designed for Autistic women (35-50). Through this support group, women (35-50) can build an ongoing connection with a small community of other women. AANE “closed” support groups for women also give women an opportunity to voice their concerns and frustrations. It also lets them acknowledge hard-won and unexpected victories. Common topics of discussion are:

Masking/camouflaging
Sensory sensitivities/overloads
Relationships
Self-care
Empathy
Dates
January 22
January 29
February 5
February 12
February 19
February 26
March 5
March 12
Masking/camouflaging
Sensory sensitivities/overloads
Relationships
Self-care
Empathy

$100
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Adults

Virtual

A closed support group has the same group members (up to 12) for a set number of sessions (8). Closed support groups are ideal for adults who are looking for deeper connections and more extensive peer support from group members. For the best support group experience, closed group members should plan on attending all 8 meetings in the series. This group offers a safe environment where Autistic men can talk with like-minded people, share issues and concerns, and celebrate successes. Common topics include: disclosure, self-advocacy, and relationships.

Dates
January 9
January 16
January 23
January 30
February 6
February 13
February 20
February 27

$100
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Adults

Virtual

A closed support group has the same group members (up to 12) for a set number of sessions (8). Closed support groups are ideal for adults who are looking for deeper connections and more extensive peer support from group members. For the best support group experience, closed group members should plan on attending all 8 meetings in the series. This group offers a safe environment where adults on the spectrum can talk with like-minded people, share issues and concerns, and celebrate successes. Common topics include: disclosure, self-advocacy, and relationships

Dates
January 30
February 6
February 13
February 20
February 27
March 6
March 13
March 20

$100

Using Emerging Technologies to Improve Supported Employment Service Delivery to Rural Youth and Adults with IDD

Virtual

This webinar explores the unique challenges of delivering supported and customized employment services in rural areas for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Participants will discover how emerging technologies like generative AI, virtual job coaching, and robotics can enhance service delivery and skill-building. Additionally, the session will highlight innovative tools such as virtual reality and telehealth to support employment success and skill acquisition in rural communities.

Support Group for LGBTQIA+ Adults

Virtual

Description
This is an hour-long support group for Autistic LGBTQIA+ adults. It is a safe space to find community, share stories with, or gather support if needed from folks of similar experiences. This group hopes to provide support and comfort. The group is facilitated by a trans person on the spectrum. No autism (or related) diagnoses are required, nor is certainty about your queer identity. This is a space to explore all those things. It is also for all post-high school adults over 18 years old.

$10
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Autistic Parents

Virtual

This is a Support Group for autistic adults who are parents. As an autistic individual, parenting brings with it a multitude of unique experiences and challenges. That’s why we’re here! Together we can share lived experiences and offer support to one another so we can grow and succeed in parenthood. Parents of all genders are welcome, whether your child is arriving soon, a toddler, in high school, or an adult themselves. This group is open to parents of all genders.

Dates
January 9
January 16
January 23
January 30
February 6
February 13
February 20
February 27

$100
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Adults (18-35)

Virtual

This 8-week AANE support group is for parents and caregivers of Autistic or similarly neurodivergent young adult children ages 18-35. This small group setting allows parents and caregivers to connect with each other, share experiences, celebrations and delivers a wealth of information.

$180

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