Autism Supports Department

Autism Supports at The Arc of the South Shore

Funded entirely by grants and donations, The Arc established an Autism Resource Center in 2016 to fill a void in services within the South Shore autism community. Over the past decade, the Center has delivered more than 600 programs and events, with over 14,000 instances of individual and family engagement. The team offers an array of therapeutic activities, workshops, support groups, and weekend programming. The department recently accepted new state contracts and is poised for tremendous growth and increased sustainability. Today, the team also offers the DDS/DESE program for students ages 6-21 and DDS In-Home Supports for adults ages 22+. Together, these services provide comprehensive, community-based support for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

Autism Resource Center

The Autism Resource Center provides information, referrals, and community-based programming for individuals with ASD and their families. Our goal is to empower families by offering:

• Resource navigation and community connections
• Workshops, presentations, and therapeutic activities
• Support groups for caregivers and individuals
• Guidance for families with children newly diagnosed with ASD
• Assistance navigating school transitions, special education processes, and adulthood

Funded entirely by grants and donations, the Autism Resource Center serves as a vital hub for families seeking support, knowledge, and community.

DESE/DDS Program

The Arc administers the DESE/DDS program to provide wraparound services for students ages 6-21. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) have partnered to support students and prevent a more restrictive educational or out-of-home residential placement.  The program promotes skill building, long-term independence, and social integration in the participant’s home, school, and community. Individuals must be receiving special education services and be eligible for DDS services to participate. Eligibility is determined by DDS; individuals interested in the program must apply during the open interest period in the month of March annually.

Program supports include:

• In-home therapists and skills trainers
• A dedicated family navigator to assist with identifying, hiring, and coordinating staff and services
• Life-long skill development
• Opportunities to build independence, social integration, and community involvement

In-Home Supports

In-home supports offer tailored assistance within the family home to reinforce skill building, daily living abilities, and community participation. These services complement our DESE/DDS offerings and provide an additional layer of individualized support. 

Contact

For more information, please contact the Autism Resource Center at autismresourcecenter@arcsouthshore.org.

Meet Bridget! Bridget is the new Director of our Autism Supports Department. Check out her staff bio to learn more!