MGH Aspire | 1 Maguire Road | Lexington, MA 02421Tel 781.860.1900 | Fax 781.860.1920mghaspire@partners.org | www.mghaspire.org

Helping children, teens, and adults with high cognitive autism spectrum disorder,

or a related profile, achieve success.

“In the Explorations program, I’ve learned how to be independent, ordering food on my own and other important skills. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities to travel around Boston and learn skills for life at those places. Honestly, I’m happy to be here and enjoy all the nice company of teens and staff. Explorations has helped me to progress into an adult and in a way that is fun too.” Teen Program Participant

“I absolutely LOVED the Aspire Masquerade Ball! It was OUTSTANDING and the most fun that I have had in a long time! It was so organized, and I really loved how there was both a lounge room and a relax/decompress room. Many thanks to you and Aspire for hosting such an amazing event. It was a truly incredible experience that I cannot even put into words!” Teen Special Event Participant

“Aspire is the perfect balance of social and executive functioning skills and good ole fashioned summer camp fun! These kids get the extra nudge at transition times, the extra space they may need to calm down, the extra reminders, the extra supervision, the extra patience and understanding with all the same activities as neurotypical peers.” Summer Camp Program Parent

“I consistently felt like Aspire was the best program I’ve seen so far that balances celebration with intervention.” Summer Camp Staff

PROGRAM LOCATIONS

Lexington | Newton | Charlestown | WestwoodNot all programs are offered at every location. Please check MGH Aspire’s website for details.

OUR PARTICIPANTS

Our participants have high cognitive autism spectrum disorder, or a related profile. Many have challenges with stress management, anxiety, social communication, impulse control, attention, organization, or demonstrate sensory differences. Typical diagnoses include Asperger’s syndrome, high functioning autism, PDD-NOS, and non-verbal learning disabilities; however, not all participants have a formal diagnosis. MGH Aspire strives to serve all participants regardless of their economic background.

MGH ASPIRE HELPS PARTICIPANTS TO:

• Develop self-awareness and an understanding of their strengths and challenges

• Improve social competence

• Enhance the management of stress by using relaxation techniques and other effective practices

FOR CHILDREN: LEARNING TO PLAY AND PLAYING TO LEARN

In a safe and caring environment, children at MGH Aspire develop and practice essential skills needed to make friends, succeed in playdates, and participate in typical social settings. All activities are designed to engage children in fun and purposeful

group play while supporting growth and development in self-awareness, social communication, and stress management.

Programs include: Seasonal Groups, Parent Coaching, Special Events, Summer Camp, School Vacation Programs

At MGH Aspire our high-quality programs help

children, teens, and adults develop positive social

communication skills so that they can succeed at home,

school, work, or in community settings. Our focus is on

teaching and implementing our “3S” model —to improve

every individual’s self-awareness, social competence,

and management of stress and anxiety.

Each developmental stage brings new excitement as

well as new opportunities for growth. At MGH Aspire,

our participants learn fundamental ways to navigate

the social world empowering them to create happy

and meaningful social connections and develop

independence. From childhood through adulthood we’re

here for you and your family every step of the way.

FOR ADULTS: SUPPORTING SUCCESSFUL INDEPENDENCE

MGH Aspire’s adult programs are designed to meet our participants’ needs for meaningful work opportunities, succeeding in college, developing relationships, and accessing resources for community living.

Programs include: Outings, Cooking Groups, Relationships and Women’s Groups, Transitions Program, College Boot Camp

MGH ASPIRE WORKS: SUPPORTING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE

MGH Aspire Works focuses on individuals transitioning into the workplace and workforce mentoring for both employees and employers to achieve success.

Participant services include: Career Counseling, Alumni Community, Internship Program

Employer services include: Workshops, Workforce Development, Consultation, and Coaching

FOR PROFESSIONALS: IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS AND CLIENTS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

MGH Aspire’s experienced and seasoned professionals provide consultation to professional staff regarding individual students and clients, classroom and program design, and transition planning by implementing our “3S” model: self-awareness, stress management, and social competency.

Services include: Consultation Services, Professional Development, Workshops, Training

FOR TEENS: MAKING POSITIVE CONNECTIONS AND TRANSITIONS

MGH Aspire helps teens to celebrate their strengths while enhancing their capacity to be social and develop healthy independent living skills.

Programs include: Seasonal Groups, Special Events, Summer Groups

Children and teen seasonal group topics align with participant interests and may change annually.

MGH Aspire takes pride in its careful placement of participants into groups with peers who are well matched

for each other. Criteria include: age, interests, communication style, and level of self-awareness.