Framingham Special Education Parent Advisory Council

09/25/2026

Autism Support Centers provide a wide range of resources, programs, and support for autistic individuals and their families across Massachusetts.

Join Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) to learn more about what Autism Support Centers offer, how families can access services and connect with their local center, and the opportunities available to get involved in advocacy and community engagement.

We'll also explore how these local resources can help families connect with broader efforts to advance meaningful change for the autism community.

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

09/25/2026

Sunday 9/27 Dunning playground meetup cancelled due to the storm.

Join us Sunday 10/18 at Barbieri!

09/23/2026

🚨💙 New Free Training for Parents & Caregivers! 💙🚨

Wandering and elopement can be serious safety concerns for autistic individuals. The Dobetter Collective and CARD-USF are offering a FREE, neurodiversity-affirming online training module designed to help parents and caregivers better understand and support wandering and elopement safety.

📚 Wandering and Elopement for Parents: Understanding and Supporting Wandering and Elopement Safely

Presented by Megan DeLeon Miller, PhD, BCBA-D

Participants will learn:
✅ How to identify patterns and warning signs of elopement
✅ Strategies for creating supportive safety plans
✅ Environmental supports that can increase safety
✅ Ways to collaborate with support teams and advocate for safety measures
✅ Additional resources for families and caregivers

🔗 Learn more and register:
https://dobettercollective.com/elopement-series/

Together, we can promote safety while respecting and supporting neurodivergent individuals and their unique needs.

💙

09/23/2026

The Lurie Center for Autism invites parents and caregivers to learn what to expect when a young child is evaluated for autism. Gillian Erhabor, PhD, and Susan Kessler, LICSW, will provide an overview of the Lurie Center’s Early Diagnostic Clinic, including the telehealth evaluation process, when an additional in-person assessment may be recommended, and how clinicians determine whether a child meets criteria for autism. We’ll also discuss what happens after an autism diagnosis and how families can begin navigating recommended services, supports, and next steps.

Register online: 4259957a-7f39-42c5-bcca-0aed67517dfc@720edb1f-5c4e-4043-8141-214a63a7ead5?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4259957a-7f39-42c5-bcca-0aed67517dfc@720edb1f-5c4e-4043-8141-214a63a7ead5?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog

09/21/2026

Framingham SEPAC Playground Meetups

THIS SUNDAY — COME JOIN US!

Sunday, September 27 | 1:00–2:30 PM
📍 Dunning Elementary School Playground

Come play, connect, and meet other Framingham families! Children can play and make connections while parents and caregivers have a chance to meet and connect with one another.

All Framingham families are welcome! No registration needed — just come by!

Save the date for our next meetup:
Sunday, October 18 | 1:00–2:30 PM
Barbieri Elementary School Playground

09/18/2026

Planning for the transition to adult services?

Join us in October for "Transition from Student to Adult Services: Crossing the Bridge", a workshop for parents and caregivers of adolescents 13+ with autism, intellectual disability, and/or related developmental disabilities. Learn about important timelines, key steps, and resources to help you prepare for the transition to adult services in Massachusetts.

Registration is required. Learn more and register today!
https://forms.office.com/r/XuJkEdtW89

09/14/2026

Conference in Framingham

Transition Journeys 2026 offers more than 20 workshops covering different experiences, challenges, strategies, and possibilities.

Whether you're thinking about:

🎓 Education
🏠 Housing & independent living
🤝 Community participation
🗣️ Self-advocacy
❤️ Relationships & quality of life
🧭 Navigating adult services and supports
💼 Employment
..there's something here for you.

And right now, registration is just $95.

🔥 Flash sale ends September 22.

https://thearcofmass.org/conference

09/13/2026

Love is for everyone. 💕

Our Autism Community Impact Grant partners at UMass Chan Medical School have launched a matchmaking and dating coach program built for the autism and disability community.

People with any disability can apply and may be matched with a coach to support them on their dating journey.

Their next event is October 3rd. Don't wait, apply today!

🔗 https://umassmed.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0GLjyB3FhxEcYES

09/12/2026

We have a jam-packed month full of webinars here at The Arc of Massachusetts.

From DDS town halls, to Turning 22, to voting rights, to the Blue Envelope, there's something for everyone in our September webinars.

Learn more and register at https://thearcofmass.org/webinars