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Welcome to The Autism Advocate, ANNA’s monthly newsletter! We hope this will be a helpful source of information about upcoming events, tips for caregivers, community resources and more. We would love to hear your feedback and ideas for future editions!
ANNA Announcements
Summer at ANNA
As we approach the middle of summer, you may be thinking about how to support your child(ren) through less structured days while also preparing for the upcoming school year. If you are already receiving services with us, feel free to ask any questions you may have about navigating summer and/or back to school transitions. If you are new to ANNA and interested in learning more about what support could look like for your child, give us a call at (617) 693-5767 – we offer developmental evaluations and center-based services year-round and are here to help!
Local Events
We are happy to highlight local sensory-friendly and inclusive events across eastern Massachusetts:
🌙 Inclusive Evening at Discovery Museum | Saturday, July 18th | 5–8pm
Discovery Museum, Acton, MA
Children and adults with disabilities or sensory sensitivities are invited to enjoy a free, limited-capacity evening at Discovery Museum. Families can explore the accessible museum and Discovery Woods, try hands-on activities, and spend time in a calmer environment while the museum is closed to the general public. Dinner will be provided, including a gluten-free option, and families may request ASL interpretation in advance. A medical diagnosis is not necessary, and advance registration is required: Register here!
🌸 Sensory-Friendly Evening at New England Botanic Garden | Tuesday, July 21st | 6–8pm
New England Botanic Garden, Boylston, MA
Individuals and families who prefer a low-sensory, less crowded environment are invited to explore the gardens after hours. Visitors can enjoy art projects, scavenger hunts, sensory stations, and other hands-on activities for all ages while spending time throughout the gardens and trails. Most of the experience takes place outdoors across approximately 16 acres, and many outdoor gardens and all indoor facilities are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Admission is free, and advance registration is required: Register here!
🌅 Morningstar Access | Saturday, August 1st | 8–10am
Boston Children’s Museum, Boston, MA
Children with disabilities or medical needs and their families are invited to enjoy Boston Children’s Museum during a quieter, less crowded morning visit. This is a mask-optional event, meaning masks are recommended but not required for visitors, and museum staff will wear masks when interacting with guests. Admission is half-price for general admission and free for museum members, with other discounts potentially available (such as EBT/WIC discount). Pre-registration is required: Register here!
🎨 Sensory-Friendly Play Session | Saturday, August 1st | 2–4pm
North Shore Children’s Museum, Peabody, MA
This monthly play session is designed for children and families who benefit from a quieter, less crowded museum experience. During the two-hour session, the museum reduces admission capacity, lowers lights and sounds, and offers additional staff and volunteer support. Noise-canceling headphones and sensory boxes are available for visitors who would like to use them. Tickets are $12/person ($3/person with EBT/WIC), and advance purchase is recommended as space is limited: Learn more here!
🏛️ Eveningstar Access | Friday, August 14th | 5–7pm
Boston Children’s Museum, Boston, MA
Children with disabilities or medical needs and their families are invited to enjoy Boston Children’s Museum during a quieter, less crowded evening visit. This is a mask-optional event, meaning masks are recommended but not required for visitors, and museum staff will wear masks when interacting with guests. Admission is half-price for general admission and free for museum members, with other discounts potentially available (such as EBT/WIC discount). Pre-registration is required: Register here!
Ask ANNA
Do you have something you’d like to ask the ANNA team? Please submit your question here and we will answer it in a future newsletter!
Let’s Talk About Neurodiversity
Here at ANNA, we are committed to delivering services and supports that are neurodiversity-affirming and responsive to the needs and perspectives of the autistic community. This month, we are sharing how our clinical team is working to make caregiver coaching more neurodiversity-affirming and responsive to each family.
Neuroaffirming Caregiver Coaching
At ANNA, we have built our approach around the knowledge that children learn best when adults understand how they communicate, what helps them feel regulated, what interests them, and when they are ready to participate. We believe that caregivers deserve that same level of attention and respect when they are learning new ways to support their child, and are working to reflect this belief in our approach to caregiver coaching.
During caregiver coaching, our BCBAs will take time to understand how each person learns and processes information. Some caregivers prefer to watch a strategy first, while others may want to talk it through, read a short summary, or try it privately at home. We may offer different ways to practice, focus on one small step at a time, or adjust the plan when a caregiver arrives feeling overwhelmed or needs help with something more immediate. We also work with families to choose goals that feel meaningful to both the child and the people who care for them.
By working this way with caregivers, we aim to model the same respect and flexibility that we want adults to offer their child. We encourage caregivers to follow the child’s lead, honor communication in all forms, notice signs of comfort or distress, and make room for rest and regulation. During coaching sessions, we will offer caregivers that same degree of choice and flexibility.
A note that professionals in ABA often use the term “parent training.” At ANNA, you may also hear us say “caregiver coaching” in an effort to be inclusive of all of the adults who care for a child and to describe the collaborative way we want to work with families. Caregivers bring deep knowledge of their child, and our clinicians bring strategies and support. Together, we can find approaches that fit each family’s unique needs and priorities.
Support Your Child’s Development
Responding to ‘No’ During Everyday Routines
Young children communicate “no,” “not now,” and “I’m done” in many ways. Some children use words, while others might turn away, push something aside, move their body, become upset, or stop participating. When you notice this, pause to consider whether the activity or tasks really needs to happen in that moment. If not, honoring your child’s “no” shows them that their communication matters and that you respect their boundaries and preferences.
At the same time, sometimes we really need to complete tasks – particularly those related to health or safety – even when a child does not want to participate. A young child may refuse to brush their teeth, get into a car seat, take medication, or have their diaper changed. Remember that you can acknowledge their communication while still following through. You might say, “I hear that you don’t want to brush your teeth. We still need to do it, and I will help you.”
Sometimes it can be helpful to offer the child some control within the activity. This can look like choosing between two toothbrushes, deciding who goes first, picking where to sit, or holding a favorite item during the activity. You can also use fewer words, take it one step at a time, explain what you are doing, and complete only what is absolutely needed.
Over time, try getting to the bottom of what may be making the routine difficult. For example, a child who resists toothbrushing may dislike the taste of the particular toothpaste. By understanding the underlying reason, you may be able to make the experience more manageable. Your child will learn that adults will listen to them, offer choices, and respect their feelings, even when limits need to be set and tasks still need to be completed.
Community Advisory Board Spotlight
Meet Dr. Julie Bolduc DeFilippo, ANNA Community Advisory Board member!
Dr. Julie Bolduc DeFilippo is a licensed social worker, researcher, and mom to two kiddos with disabilities. She works as a school social worker in Lynn, MA, and provides outpatient therapy through her private practice, supporting children, individuals, and caregivers with complex neuro-psycho-social profiles, including Autism-PDA, ADHD-RSD, AuDHD, OCD, trauma, and similar presentations.
An advocate for disability rights and special education, Julie joined the ANNA Board to foster community-driven collaboration and explore how strength-based, affirming approaches like NDBI can positively impact autistic individuals and their families.
Visit www.jmbd-consulting.com to learn more about Julie and her work!
Featured Resource
Autism Insurance Resource Center
The Autism Insurance Resource Center provides information, technical assistance and trainings related to insurance coverage and eligibility, with a particular focus on autism and behavioral health. Their team can support both families and professionals with things like applying for secondary MassHealth coverage (known as CommonHealth), understanding and applying for Premium Assistance, MassHealth renewals and finding providers who accept MassHealth. They offer family-friendly fact sheets in Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese and English on a number of topics related to autism and insurance.
Visit their website at massairc.org to view fact sheets, learn about upcoming trainings, watch recordings of their previous presentations and request technical assistance. You can also follow them on Facebook, where they post frequent Q&A’s called “Ask the Insurance Guru.”
Recommended Reading
This Beach Is Loud!, written by Samantha Cotterill
“Going to the beach is exciting. But it can also be busy. And loud. Sand can feel hot or itchy or sticky…and it gets everywhere! In “This Beach Is Loud!, a sensitive boy gets overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, and sensations at the beach. Luckily, this kiddo’s dad has a trick up his sleeve to help his son face these unexpected obstacles.
Combining accessible storytelling and playful design, This Beach Is Loud! gently offers practical advice for coping with new experiences to children on the autism spectrum and/or with sensory sensitivities.”
Caregiver Affirmation
“I can have a hard day and still be a good caregiver.”
Caring for a young child who requires a lot of support can be joyful, meaningful, exhausting, and overwhelming – often all within the same day. While loving your child deeply, you still may sometimes wish that life felt easier. It’s natural to be proud of how far your family has come and also feel worn down by all that you carry every day.
When you have a particularly difficult day, this does not erase the patience, advocacy, problem-solving, and love you consistently bring to your child’s life. Your best may look different from one day to the next, and this doesn’t change the fact that you are still the steady, caring person your child knows and trusts. You’re doing great!
We’d love to hear about your experiences with ANNA! Leaving a Google review is a great way to help other families learn about our services. If you have a moment, you can share your thoughts by clicking this button. Thank you for being part of our community!
