Autism Program

The Autism Program assists and empowers individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and related disabilities through direct patient care and support, provider education, and community-based outreach. This unique Program fills a critical gap in existing community and hospital-based resources for families of children with autism because few programs are available in Boston for families with limited English proficiency. BMC’s clinical program serves a unique patient population, working mainly with undeserved, urban families of children with autism. BMC has shown outstanding initiative in addressing the pressing needs of the families of low-income children with autism. The BMC staff understands the socioeconomic stressors that are unique to this underserved population and works hard to meet the growing needs for focused care and services.

Within the program, the Resource Library compiles a comprehensive list of resources that will educate, inform, and support providers and families in navigating an autism diagnosis and encourage positive development and functioning. Many of these resources can be accessed by computer. They include a parent information packet, a Transition to Adulthood Manual, visual supports, social stories, and safety information.

It can be very difficult for parents of children with autism to navigate the overlapping and often confusing intersections of education, healthcare and therapeutic interventions for autism, and resources such as the Autism Clinic are a great help. The staff there is enthusiastic, forward thinking, and kind. The benefits of their intervention are very critical and very tangible.

Our Mission

Boston Medical Center's Autism Resource Program assists and empowers those affected by autism spectrum disorders through direct patient support, provider education and community based trainings in a culturally competent manner by offering high quality and comprehensive care to all, regardless of status or ability to pay.

Parent Leadership in Autism Network (PLAN)

The Parent Leadership in Autism Network (PLAN), gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to join other empowered individuals who wish to use their unique expertise to support other parents in their community. This volunteer-based group strengthens and empowers families through one-to-one matching, group supervision, and capacity building through community connections. It gives parents an opportunity to learn leadership skills share their experiences and insight with others who have truly walked in their shoes.

If you are interested in learning more about the PLAN program, or to nominate yourself or a friend as a PLAN parent leader, please contact Liz Ferriero at Elizabeth.Ferriero@bmc.org or 617-414-3698.

Teens Engaged As Mentors

Teens Engaged as Mentors is an exciting initiative that was launched in the fall of 2015. The program pairs teens with and without autism spectrum disorder in a co-mentoring relationship, mentoring a younger child on an IEP. The program fosters confidence and leadership skills, as well as promoting autonomy and encouraging a value of inclusion. TEAM meets monthly for "hangouts" in the form of either community service, or social activities. This past year, TEAM participated in lots of different hangouts including trail cleanup at the Mass Audubon Society, bowling at Boston Bowl, and attending the Autism Awareness Day Red Sox game at Fenway Park!

WE ARE NOW RECRUITING FOR YEAR 2 (Sept. 2016-June 2017)

Mentors must be between the ages of 14-22 (with or without a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Mentees must be between the ages of 8-13, and must currently be on an individualized education plan

ALL participants must be able to commit to a monthly two-hour hangout.

All activities will be t-accessible
All activities will be FREE of cost to participants
Parent participation is NOT required

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the TEAM program, please contact autismprogram @bmc.org.

Background

The diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder presents a uniquely complex set of challenges for families and the clinicians responsible for their care. There is no identified single cause, no known cure, nor any one prescribed treatment that can predict optimal outcomes for all children. Families affected by ASD confront a variety of barriers toward getting needed services for their children. This includes systemic barriers, such as obtaining diagnostic appointments and securing treatment in a resource-limited economy. Many families seen at BMC are low-income, immigrant families who have the additional challenge of facing cultural, linguistic, educational, or other social barriers. To address this challenge, The Autism Resource Program assists and empowers those affected by ASDs through direct patient support, provider education and community based trainings in a culturally competent manner by offering high quality and comprehensive care to all, regardless of status or ability to pay.

For more information visit our website at: http://www.bmcautismprogram.com/.

The 2016 Summer Guide is here!

Back by popular demand is our updated 2016 Summer Guide! This comprehensive guide for families is packed with helpful information, tips and resources to support summer planning! Included is a listing of unique camps across greater Boston, fun family activities to do within the city, sensory friendly, and social skills building games to play at home, and more!

Contact Us

Call: 617-414-3666 or 617-414-3691
Email: Shari.King@bmc.org or Lauren.Bartolotti@bmc.org

Boston Medical Center
Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
The BMC Autism Program
Vose Hall 412
72 East Concord Street
Boston, MA 02118

To make an appointment with the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Program or for more information, please call 617-414-4841.

http://www.bmcautismprogram.com/