1 in 31: Autism Spectrum Resources for Families
Current statistics show 1 in 31 children in the United States is on the autism spectrum. Boys are more than 4 times more likely than girls to be on the spectrum. The rate for ASD in boys is 4 in 100. The rate for girls is 1 in 100. (Autism Speaks)
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 31 children in the United States is on the autism spectrum. For adults on the spectrum it’s 1 in 45. Youth Services Staff has compiled a list of autism spectrum resources for families. The best place to start, if you suspect your child might be on the spectrum, is to have your child screened. The earlier your child starts therapies, the better. If your child is under age three there are three local agencies, Mentor South Bay Early Intervention,  Thom Anne Sullivan Center, and Partners in Child Development, that provide screening services. If your child is age three or older, contact the Lowell Public Schools for assistance.
Information contained on this web page does not constitute library endorsement of a treatment, agency or advocacy group. The library maintains that it is up to the parent/legal guardian to determine proper treatment for his/her child. This web page is solely a place of information for the huge array of materials related to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
If your family uses a service or has a favorite autism spectrum web site that is not listed, please let us know so we can share with others in the community. Contact Molly Hancock, Coordinator of Youth Services at mhancock@lowelllibrary.org.
Articles of Interest
Most kids on the spectrum enjoy their screen time. Here is an article from the web site, Allconnect, about Internet safety especially for Autism families.
Here’s an online article from a Speech Pathology Master’s Program website, “Tips for Speech Therapy at Home for Children with Autism.”
News
Upcoming Events in the Library
Upcoming Events and Opportunities in the Community
Lowell Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Lowell Sped PAC)
The Lowell Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Sped PAC) is an organization run by parents of children receiving special education services through the Lowell School Department. It was created to share information about special education and promote understanding between parents and the school department.
All meetings are on Thursday evenings beginning at 7:00 pm. The meetings are being held remotely, with each meeting’s link/invite being sent out a few days prior to the meeting.
Sped PAC meeting dates:
Upcoming Meetings
May 1, 2025
June 5, 2025
*Please Note: The meetings will be held on Zoom until further notice. Interested persons may contact the Sped PAC for info on how to listen or participate in the meeting.
Contact us:
Lowell Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Lowell Sped PAC)
Lowell Public Schools
Attn: Sped PAC
155 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01852
Telephone: (978) 454-1967
Like Us on Facebook: Lowell SPED PAC
Join our email list or send us questions: lowellspedpac@aol.com
Lurie Center for Autism Parent and Caregiver Workshops
The Lurie Center for Autism invites parents, guardians, and families to participate in our Parent and Caregiver Workshops. All workshops are held virtually and open to the public. Registration is Required.
Reserve your spot by contacting us at LurieCenter@partners.org or 781-860-1700.
Click here to see the schedule of workshops and for more information.
Virtual meeting links will be emailed to all confirmed registrants prior to event day.
“Especially for Me” Free Evenings and Afternoons for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum
The Discovery Museums
177 Main Street (Route 27)
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Phone: 978.264.4200
fun@discoverymuseums.org
Autism Friendly Evening
This free evening is for visitors on the autism spectrum and their families or caregivers. Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in the museum’s accessible and universally-designed museum while exploring our interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities. Any person who can benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome at this event; a medical diagnosis is not required.
The Museum will be closed to the general public during the event. Discovery Woods is closed for evening events in winter. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided.
Advance registration is required.
Upcoming Dates
Inclusive Afternoon
Play and explore in the accessible and universally designed Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this special, free afternoon for visitors who would benefit from a more sensory friendly atmosphere and a limited capacity experience. This event is inclusive: the Museum is open to the public, but no group visit are scheduled to avoid crowding. Advance registration is required.
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Registration required. Click here for registration information.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Registration required. Click here for registration information.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Registration required. Click here for registration information.
Inclusive Evening
This special free evening is for children and adults with disabilities or sensory sensitivities, including those that are deaf, blind, or autistic. Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in the museum’s accessible and universally designed Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods while exploring interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities. Any family that can benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome at this event; a medical diagnosis is not required.
The Museum will be closed to the general public during the event. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Discovery Woods is closed for evening events in winter.
ASL interpretation may be available upon request; please indicate on the registration form if you would like interpretation at the event. Advance registration is required.
Upcoming Dates
To register and for more information click here.
Morningstar Access at Boston Children’s Museum
Special Needs children and their families can visit the museum during a time when there are only a few other visitors. The number of guests is limited to 100.
To accommodate various needs, there are two different versions of Morningstar. Please select the one that works best for your family.
Morningstar Access Admission: A link to pay online will be sent a week prior to your visit.
Half price general admission ($11.00 per person)
Free for Museum members
Other discounts may apply (such as the EBT/WIC discount)
Contact:
Saki Iwamoto, Senior Educator, Child Development and Accessibility
Iwamoto@BostonChildrensMuseum.org
617-986-3697
To register and for more information, click here.
Beyond the Spectrum
Museum of Fine Arts
Avenue of the Arts
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
617-267-9300
Beyond the Spectrum is a specially designed program for children and teens on the autism spectrum and their families. Sign up for classes required as well as purchase of a ticket.
Beyond the Spectrum Kids (age 8–12)
Classes offered for 8 to 12-year-olds feature close looking and discussion about artworks led by an experienced instructor, followed by a creative art-making workshop. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Classes meet one Saturday per month.
John, Bertram A., and Ronald M. Druker Family Pavilion (Classroom 159)
Ticket Required
Beyond the Spectrum Teen Studio (age 13–18)
AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes.
Upcoming Films:
AMC Burlington Cinema 10
781-229-1931
AMC Methuen 20
978-738-8942
AMC Tyngsboro 12
978-649-4158
O’Neil Cinemas
Sensory Friendly Flix: Lowered sound levels and higher house lights
1208 Constitution Ave.
Littleton, MA
978-506-5089
Support Groups
Down Syndrome-Autism Connection Group
DS-Autism Connection (DSAC) is for parents whose children have both Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. DSAC has 30 active families who meet once monthly by online chat to discuss the issues and challenges unique to the Down Syndrome-Autism community. Experts in the field often present on various topics relating to dual diagnosis. New members are welcome. DSAC is an affiliate of the Massachusetts Down Sydrome Congress. For more information visit the Down Syndrome Autism Connection’s website or email charlotte@dsac.org or erin@dsac.org.
Special Summer Camps
Camp Starfish
According to their web page – “Our positive approach, engaging philosophy and overall experience is different. Camp Starfish provides a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio at all times to enable success, build social skills, teach coping mechanisms, and help children who have difficulty finding success in traditional settings. We are a one-of-a-kind summer camp, year-round support and advocate for children and families.” Click here for more information.
Autism in the News
From LifeLinks:
Planning for Life After Special Education: Transition Services Online Manual
The Disability Law Center in Boston has revised their manual ‘Planning for Life After Special Education’ and it is available online for FREE. They have made several significant changes, including new information on the following topics:
-Developing appropriate transition services for students with severe developmental disabilities
-Helping your student transition successfully into the adult workforce
-Knowing the various diploma options and determining which option is best for your child
The second edition of this manual also provides revised case summaries, thirteen new informational videos in English, Spanish, and ASL, and information on how to manage public benefits.
This amazing resource is available online for free. If you have a child approaching transition age, this is a must read!
Leading the Way: Autism Friendly Youth Organizations
Blogs
Autism Blogger – Online Autism Support Group