Autism Resource Center

Autism Resource Center

The Autism Resource Center provides information, referrals, and community-based programming for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. We do this by developing and building upon existing community collaborations, workshops, presentations, support groups, and therapeutic activities. Relying solely on grants and donations, this family-focused program supports individuals with ASD as well as parents whose children are newly diagnosed, transitioning into or out of the special education system, or navigating adulthood. We’re here for you.

All events and activities are posted on our event calendar. 

Janine Birmingham, Lucy Silva, and Diane Wilcox of the Autism Resource Center

We offer the following services:

Individualized Information and Referral Services: The cornerstone of our Center is the caring, personalized, and supportive relationships that we develop with families. Our team of knowledgeable, experienced staff are here for you during all of the ups, downs, and in-betweens of life. We offer personalized, intensive information and referral services for individuals and their families, including one-on-one client meetings both on Zoom and in-person. These services are customized to families' needs and include connections to and support with community resources, entitlement benefits, Early Intervention transition meetings, peer mentorship opportunities, and so much more. For more information, please email AutismResourceCenter@ArcSouthShore.org.

Family Support Groups: We offer monthly support groups for parents and caretakers of individuals with ASD. The group is designed to help families better understand and cope with the many complex issues that arise by building a supportive network and sharing resources. Groups are facilitated by an experienced professional/ASD parent and host speakers and subject matter experts. We also offer semi-annual special events that focus on wellness and self-care.

Community Dances: We offer dances for individuals ages 18+ to provide social and recreational opportunities in a safe and supported environment. Attendees enjoy an evening of dancing to popular music provided by a DJ along with refreshments. Dances are a great opportunity for self-expression, meeting new people, and building relationships. 

We invite you to join us as a FY25 sponsor of our Community Dances. You can promote your business while supporting The Arc’s mission to empower our neighbors with disabilities. We offer four dances a year. Sponsorships include recognition on our event webpage, signage at all dances, social media exposure, logo in our newsletter that reaches 5,000 families, and more. 

There are two levels:
Refreshment Sponsor: $250
Entertainment Sponsor: $500
 

Thank you to our current dance sponsors for their generous support! 

Sensory Friendly Movies: We offer quarterly sensory-friendly movies at local theaters. The ambiance is lighter, the movie volume is lower, and the pressure to be still and quiet is off for these fun, sensory-friendly experience for individuals of all ages. 

Educational Workshops: We offer a broad range of educational workshops and informational sessions, including our signature Autism Journey Series. These sessions empower families with information and help them network with community resources. Led by experts in their field, parents and caretakers have opportunities to explore topics such as financial planning, guardianship, transition training, DDS eligibility, social security, and more.

Exploring Disney Animation: This is an exciting opportunity for young adults to be part of an interactive social group where we explore the themes, lessons, and animation behind selected Disney movies. This group is ideal for young adults with ASD or those who could benefit from social skills coaching in a fun, supportive setting. Members should be able to participate in a 1:6 ratio. Those needing additional support are welcome to bring a support aide. Classes are held monthly on Sundays from 3-5pm at 20 Pond Park Road in Hingham. Please note, there is a fee per class. 

Sensational Story Time Yoga: We partner with The Little Bee Yoga Company to offer classes at local libraries that includes story time, a take-home sensory book kit, and an interactive yoga class based upon the theme of the book. Each month a new book is featured, and staff are available to assist participants and provide support. This family focused, inclusive activity is fun and therapeutic and offers opportunities for children and their family members to share an experience that uniquely fosters literacy and physical, emotional, and social wellness. 

Are you interested in bringing the Sensational Story Time Yoga program to your community? Click here to learn about our new online training program. Click here to purchase the program today.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Program: We collaborate with DESE and DDS for DDS-eligible students aged 9-22 who are at risk of a future residential placement. We provide wraparound services that include in-home supports such as therapists and skills trainers, a service navigator to identify and hire staff, life-long skills development, and opportunities to practice skill building, independence, and social integration in their home and community. 

Contact: For more information, please contact Janine Birmingham at 781-335-3023 or JBirmingham@ArcSouthShore.org.