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Spectrum Events

Spectrum Events: Connecting, Educating, and Celebrating Diversity

Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Transition Age Youth (18-22)

Virtual

This closed group is designed for parents and family members of Autistic transition-age youth (18-22). This group is limited to 15 participants for caregivers to connect with one another and share information.

Dates
January 7
January 14
January 21
January 28
February 4
February 11
February 18
February 25

$180
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Gender Diverse Adults & Teens (14+)

Virtual

This multi-session support group is designed for parents/family members of Autistic adults and teens with who are transgender or who are exploring or questioning their gender identity.

Gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation or preference. Gender identity is one’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither–how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. Autistic individuals may be more likely to identify with a gender/s that is different than the sex assigned at birth. The intersection of these two identities is common, but not often talked about in the same space. When an adult child questions their gender identity parents are often initially overwhelmed by questions and concerns, and more questions may surface as their child continues on their journey. This is not a therapeutic support group.

The group offers a combination of facilitated peer support and information for parents who are starting or continuing on this journey with their child. “Closed” support groups for parents have the same members (12) for a set number of sessions (8). These groups are ideal for parents who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at open support group meetings. Other adult family members, such as siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, or even close family friends can also join these groups. These closed support groups also let parents give voice to their concerns and frustrations and celebrate their victories. “Closed” support groups offer facilitated peer support for parents who are facing these and other challenges.

Dates
January 15
January 29
February 12
February 26
March 12
March 26
April 9
April 23

$180
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of High School Teens

Virtual

This closed group is designed for parents and family members of Autistic high school teens. This group is limited to 15 participants for caregivers to connect with one another and share information.

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

$180
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Adults (30+)

Virtual

This “closed” support group is for parents who have an Autistic adult child 30+ years of age. Other adult family caregivers may also register for this group. “Closed” support groups are ideal for parents and other adult family caregivers who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at open support group meetings.

AANE support groups provide an opportunity for parents and family caregivers to voice their concerns and frustrations and celebrate hard-won and unexpected victories. Although each group will focus on different themes and questions, here are some of the most common ones:

Now that your child is an adult, how do you support and/or parent without power?
How do you keep the lines of communication open?
How can you help the Autistic adult find and sustain work and live independently?
How do you motivate them to expand their social network?
What types of services have other families used and what were the results?
How have other members tapped into health, income, housing, and other benefits?
Dates
January 2
January 16
January 30
February 6
February 20
March 6
March 20
April 3

$180
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 Transition Age Youth (18-22)

Virtual

This closed group is designed for parents and family members of Autistic transition-age youth (18-22). This group is limited to 15 participants for caregivers to connect with one another and share information.

Dates
January 7
January 14
January 21
January 28
February 4
February 11
February 18
February 25

$180
Recurring

Virtual Playgroup

Virtual

Get ready for a fun Virtual Playgroup experience!

During each session our early childhood experts will plan activities that encourage adult-child interactions throughout the session and beyond. All activities and experiences are based on topics that will prepare children for success in school and life.

Children and their caregivers will engage with other participants while singing songs, reading stories, and participating in interactive activities. Walk away with tools and resources to help create quality early childhood experiences in your home!

Click here to reserve your virtual spot!

For more information, please email RREveryone@ccrcca.org.

Recurring

Online “Closed” Support Group for Parents of Adults (23+)

This “closed” support group is for parents who have an Autistic adult child 23+ years of age. Other adult family caregivers may also register for this group. “Closed” support groups are ideal for parents and other adult family caregivers who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at open support group meetings.

AANE support groups provide an opportunity for parents and family caregivers to voice their concerns and frustrations and celebrate hard-won and unexpected victories. Although each group will focus on different themes and questions, here are some of the most common ones:

Now that your child is an adult, how do you support and/or parent without power?
How do you keep the lines of communication open?
How can you help the Autistic adult find and sustain employment and live independently?
How do you motivate them to expand their social network?
What types of services have other families used and what were the results?
How have other members tapped into health, income, housing, and other benefits?

8 week series. Advanced registration is required.

$180

Developing the IEP to Meet Your Child’s Needs

Virtual

Join us as we discuss special education and the IEP meeting process, including how parents can partner and actively participate in the development of their child’s individualized education program. Learn the requirements of the IEP, how to include high expectations and how your child’s present levels of education performance drive the goals and services provided by the school.

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.

Story Time [Virtual]

Virtual

Get ready for an exciting read-aloud virtual story time!

During our interactive session we will read a book, sing songs, move our bodies, and connect with other children and caregivers. Each day we will read a different story that will engage children as they explore the world around them.

Registration is required. Complete the Story Time Participant Registration form to reserve your spot!

This event occurs weekly and is open to families, child care providers, and family, friend and neighbor caregivers.

For more information, please email EveryoneRR@ccrcca.org

We look forward to engaging with you soon!

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