Community-Based Programming

The Autism Supports department offers weekend and school vacation programs, social and recreational opportunities, and caregiver support events.

All events and activities are posted on our event calendar. 

They include:

Caregiver Support Groups: We offer monthly support groups for parents and caretakers of individuals with autism. 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 and host speakers and subject matter experts. We also offer an annual retreat that focused 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. 

Click here to fill out our Dance Registration Form.

We invite you to join us as a sponsor of our Community Dances. You can promote your business while supporting The Arc’s mission to empower our neighbors with disabilities. We offer three 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! 

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 autism 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. 

Family Activities: Throughout the year, we host family-friendly events that bring our community together to have fun and build meaningful connections. From ice cream socials to Autism Acceptance Month celebrations and other special gatherings, these opportunities create welcoming spaces for individuals and families to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

School Vacation Programs: Our School Vacation Programming offers free, structured, and developmentally appropriate activities for children and young adults with autism during school breaks. Participants engage in enriching experiences that support social, emotional, and daily living skill development through activities such as art, music, and group-based learning. These sessions create meaningful opportunities to build friendships, strengthen confidence, and foster a sense of belonging within the community. They also provide valuable respite and support for families. 

Sensational Story Time Yoga: We 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.

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.