Our Community
* Registration policies below
Family Fun Days
The Center offers a variety of monthly Family Fun Activities to give families an opportunity to meet with others and enjoy leisure activities in a supportive environment. Swim parties, bowling parties, holiday parties, visits to zoos and museums are some of the activities we have sponsored in the past. Activities are offered at a reduced cost. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.
Family Fun for Teens & Young Adults
The center offers families with teens with autism and teen siblings activities once a month to give them an opportunity to socialize, and enjoy community outings in a supportive environment. Movies, bowling, sport events and dinner dances are among the activities the group has enjoyed. Teens who participate have input into the activities planned. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.
Vacation Family Fun Days
During school vacations in December, February and April the Center offers events to help fill the unstructured days that vacations create. These activities are open to children with ASD and siblings accompanied by a parent. Events are located in the communities across the region and are offered at a nominal cost. Some activities have limited enrollment due to safety concerns. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.
Family Fun Days at Camp
These weeklong programs are designed to fill a void in programs that often exists in late June & August. Parents accompany their child with autism, along with siblings. This is a family day camp setting that offers swimming, fishing, canoeing, crafts, games, daily entertainment etc. A Midweek evening cookout allows working Parents to join in the fun. There is plenty of time for parent networking. Camp is offered to families at a reduced cost. Checkthe Spring calendar for dates, registration is required.
Camp Havvago
In collaboration with Camp Starfish the Autism Resource Center offers a short residential camp experience in July at Camp Starfish in Rindge NH.
Each Camper is assigned a 1:1 aide to assist in participating in a full range of camp activities including swimming, boating, games, sports, sing-a-long, campfires, meals served family style, ( dietary modifications available) and more. Watch the Spring Newsletter for details .
Sensory Gyms, Yoga, NIA, Dance and Music Groups
These groups allow parent and child pairs to enjoy sensory activities in a with consultation and guidance by an licensed occupational therapist.( Sensory gyms) Yoga instructors, NIA instructors and dance instructors. Music groups are run by Board Certified Music Therapists and meet for an hour. Groups meet for 6 week sessions. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.
CLINICS
IEP Clinics
Open to families who have children who are DDS or Autism Division eligible, parents meet with trained Special Education Advocate for an hour to review their child's IEP, to receive assistance and guidance on special education law procedures to request change in plans, and leave with a written plan of action. Clinics take place at The Autism Resource Center or DDS Family Support Centers Check calendar for dates and locations, registration is required contact the resource center for appointment time.
Visual Clinics
Open to families who have children who are DDS or Autism Division eligible, families may book a session at anytime at The Autism Resource Center to meet with a staff member to create visual systems to improve their child's access to communication utilizing Boardmaker, Visual Essentials and other software. Materials available to create boards, and portable communication systems. Clinics also scheduled at DDS Family Support Centers across the region. Check calendar for dates and locations, registration is required contact the resource center for appointment time.
Activities of Daily Living Clinics
Open to families who have children who are DDS or Autism Division eligible, parents meet with a COTA for an hour to discuss challenges they are having teaching their child with ASD activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, toileting and more, and leave with a written plan of action. Clinics take place at The Autism Resource Center or DDS Family Support Centers Check calendar for dates and locations, registration is required contact the resource center for appointment time.
Swim and Safety Program
Taught by Red Cross Water Safety Instructors this 4 week course for children with autism and a parent is offered at local gym’s and pools. Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children with ASD. This program teaches children how to be drown proof, floating on their backs and taught parents how to safely rescue their child in the water should they need without having the child panic. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.
Mother’s Retreat
Held in early June the Mother’s Retreat is an opportunity for Mothers to spend an afternoon and evening with others who share the same concerns and stressors. An afternoon workshop on stress reduction is followed by Dinner and evening activities as you like it, offerings include craft projects, movie and snacks or lounge by the pool or hot tub, or dancing and socializing at the pub. Double occupancy accommodations and brunch in the morning before heading home, recharged and refreshed. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.
* Participation in activities is limited to families who are registered with the Autism Resource Center and all activities require prior registration through our registration page. Registration closes at 2 PM the last business day before an event unless otherwise specified. For many activities space is limited and registration will close when the event is fully subscribed.
Those who register for an event and fail to participate will be placed on a wait list status for six months for all activities and be allowed to participate only if there is space available. Acceptable excuses for missing an activity include illness, lack of transportation and other unforseen circumstances, but we require notification via e-mail as soon as it becomes evident that your family will be unable to attend.
