HMEA's Autism Resource Central

A Program of HMEA Inc.

Calendar Register for an Event Blog
Menu
  • What We Offer
      • We offer a variety of programs and services to all families in Central Massachusetts. Click through our list and see which programs may be best for you.
      • Family Fun Activities
      • Workshops, Clinics, and Conferences
      • Support Groups
      • Calendar
      • Adults with ASD Only Services & Supports
      • MA Autism Waiver Program
      • Online Community
      • Newsletter
      • Community Outreach
      • Library
    • Close
  • About Us
      • The Autism Resource Center was conceived in 1996 by a group of parents to serve primarily as an information and referral service for children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.
      • About the Center
      • Mission Statement
      • Staff
      • Our Advisory Board
      • HMEA
    • Close
  • Get Involved
      • There are many ways you can become involved with the Center, whether you’re a member or someone interested in supporting our mission and our families.
      • Serve on a Committee
        • Advisory Board
        • 5K & Walk Committee
        • Golf Committee
      • Become a Member
      • Volunteer or Intern
      • Donate Goods or Services
      • Research Studies
      • Partner Programs
      • Annual Guiding Stars Awards
    • Close
  • Donate
      • Our mission is to raise the funds we need to provide the family activities, outreach programs, support programs, and the staff needed to maintain the quality services that make us so successful.
      • Annual Appeal
      • 5K Run & Walk
      • Golf
      • Wild About Wine
      • Children’s Holiday Party
      • Make a Gift
      • Other Ways to Donate
      • Fundraising
      • New Balance Falmouth Road Race
    • Close
  • Contact
      • Directions
      • Register for an Activity
    • Close
  • Resources
      • The Autism Resource Center does not endorse any treatments, programs or products. Resources are provided for information purposes only.
      • About Autism
        • DSM-V Criteria
        • Support Centers
        • Autism Info for Kids
      • Resources
        • Hippotherapy
        • YMCA & Gyms
        • Martial Arts
        • Summer Camps
        • Recreational Resources
        • Resources for Safety
        • Holiday Resources
        • Living Skills
        • Guardianship
        • Transition to Adult Resources
        • Legislative Advocacy
      • Special Education Resources
      • Asperger Syndrome
      • Area Health Services
      • Tools for Organization
      • Treatments for Autism and Resources
      • Special Education Massachusetts Specific Laws and Advisories
      • Nonprofit Agencies
      • Grants and Possible Financial Assistance and Scholarships
      • Providers in Central MA
      • There’s an App for That
    • Close
  • Blog
      • Prom Night
      • Parents are the Change Agents – Thank you MFOFC
      • No One is Leaving
      • Music, Autism, and Inclusion
      • MCAS-Alt Truth or Dare
      • Life on the Spectrum
      • It Takes a Village
      • Finding Your Path, Finding Yourself
    • Close

Prom Night

May 4, 2017 by Sue Loring

By Jaya Pandey

Driving back from High school parking lot was very difficult. Last Friday was junior year prom and Anand decided to go. It was kind of last minute decision and I dropped him at school to go to the venue by the bus. School has provided bus for students who didn’t want to drive that far.

This has been going on for few days as we were debating whether he should go or not. I thought he wasn’t ready but soon we realize how important it was for him. I don’t even know at that point he knew what to expect. We also had no idea as Ajey went to different school and his prom was too small and very close-knit compare to Franklin High.

I cannot thank Anand’s teachers enough to accommodate the last-minute request and Anand was all ready to go. It was a half day and he was home sooner. Night before we tried on pant and button-down shirt. Anand has always been jeans and T shirt kid so this was a big step for him. Suit and Tie was an absolute “no” right then and there. I just couldn’t convince and we agreed that pant and shirt with formal shoe is right dress code for him.

It broke my heart to see under-dressed Anand but more than that it was hard to see anxious and worried Anand. Where other kids were happy, talking to each other and taking pictures my son was least interested in regular prom prep. I met his teacher, asked if he could take a picture for me during prom and left the parking lot. Before leaving home, he agreed to get ONE picture. Later in the night I got another picture from the teacher and here it is. The reminder how far we have come and how not so easy road it is for any of us. I am happy that he had the experience and at the same time I am sad that how hard it was for him to come to that point. I cannot forget how helpful his teachers were in arranging all that and making is possible. So unlike other families we don’t have hundreds of prom pictures or Facebook updates or smiling kids all over but one step at a time.. we have a memory and an experience and a reminder.. How far we have come.

Read more from Jaya at her Blog “A New Beginning” 

Filed Under: Community, Home Page Items, Inclusion, Independence, Progress, Uncategorized

Connect with Us


HMEA's Autism Resource Central
712 Plantation Street
Worcester, MA 01605
autism@hmea.org
Phone (508) 835-4278 | Fax (508)835-3723

Recent Posts

  • Be Prepared
  • No One is Leaving
  • Advocacy in April and Everyday
  • Finding Your Path, Finding Yourself
  • MCAS-Alt Truth or Dare

Quick Links

  • About Autism
  • Register for an Activity
  • Calendar
  • Resource Connection -Quarterly Newsletter
  • Resource Connection – News for Adults
  • HMEA, Inc.

© 2019 · HMEAs Autism Resource Central