Due to the ongoing pandemic we are putting a temporary pause on the PLAN program at this time. As soon as the PLAN program is accepting new matches, we will update here. For questions please email autismprogram@bmc.org.
The Parent Leadership in Autism Network (PLAN) is comprised of a diverse and multilingual group of trained parent leaders who offer peer support to caregivers who have children/adolescents of any age with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Referred matched parents are supported around various issues such as a new diagnosis, community resources, communication strategies, picky eating, school services and more. Since forming in 2013, the PLAN program has grown to over two dozen parent leaders who speak 9 languages, and represent towns from all across greater Boston. This program is free and open to anyone in the community, regardless of where they receive their medical care.
Areas of Support
PLAN Parents can provide support in areas such as:
- New diagnosis support
- Early Intervention
- Managing challenging behaviors
- Special Education Services
- Self-Care
- School Placement and IEP Support
- Accessing ABA and other therapies
- Insurance
- Community based programs
- Sibling Support
- Communication
- Accessing state benefits
Language capacity: English, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Vietnamese, Arabic, French, Tagalog, Swahili, Kikuyu
For more information or questions regarding the Parent Leadership in Autism Network, please contact us at autismprogram@bmc.org or 617-414-3842, or visit www.facebook.com/PLANAutism.
Who are our current PLAN Parents?
The PLAN Parent Leaders volunteer their time to mentor and support other parents of children with ASD who want that specific level of support. They are leaders within their communities and beyond. They are bloggers, creators of non-profits, previous heads of SPED PAC, writers, psychologists, teachers, and professionals in the medical field. They are represented in the community at SPED PAC monthly meetings, SPED PAC Resource Fair, BMC Autism Awareness Day, meetings with the Mayor, and attending TILL events. However, most critical of all their roles is being a parent of a child with an Autism diagnosis.