School Age
Are you looking for help with your child's school program? Tearing your hair out over an IEP?
Autism Connections has an educational advocate on staff who specializes in educational programs for people with autism.
Family Empowerment offers workshops on educational advocacy for parents. We can also point you to supports in the schools. Eligible Hampshire County families may be able to get stipend money to cover an educational advocate.
Looking for afterschool fun? Got a ham in the house?
Whole Children offers one-hour weekly classes for all ages and abilities. Programs include performing arts, movement-based classes, social skills, Pokemon, martial arts and much more.
Autism Connections runs recreation programs in the community as well as family activities.
Do you need a break?
Contact Family Empowerment to find out what respite services are available to you and your family. Hampshire County families may be able to get stipend money to cover respite.
Do you need guidance and support no matter where you are on this journey?
If your child has autism, Autism Connections is your source for all the most current and reliable information.
Family Empowerment is the go-to spot for Hampshire County families looking for information, resources, and services for their family member with an intellectual disability.
Looking for an Autism Specialist to support your child?
Autism Connections is the autism expert in western Massachusetts. Autism Specialists with expertise in resources, behavioral and communication issues, teaching strategies, and community inclusion help families identify priorities, plan supports, and address skill development and behavior issues.
Would you like information, referrals, and resources?
Both Family Empowerment and Autism Connections offer trainings and workshops on topics across the lifespan.
Are you seeking social opportunities and networking, parents and kids?
For those with autism, Autism Connections offers a wealth of social groups, sensory-friendly activities, and parent networking groups.
Family Empowerment offers family support groups as well as family-friendly gatherings.
Whole Children holds regular dances and game nights for kids of all abilities.
Are you interested in life skills, sexuality education, and self-advocacy?
Whole Selves has an innovative sexuality curriculum that includes social skills of relationships. Every class at Whole Children includes social skills training and weekends include social skills lunches.
Would advocacy support be helpful to you?
Family Empowerment runs a series of workshops throughout the year to help parents be the best advocate for their child.
Learn About Other Lifecycle Phases
Give Friendship
Dances, social skills classes, Café Night, and social groups, to name a few. These are some of the ways that people with developmental disabilities come together, along with their families, to have fun, learn, and grow in friendship.
Your gift will support the ongoing provision of classes, groups, and social events that create opportunities for connection and community for people with disabilities and their families.