For the past four years, the Parent Leadership in Autism Network (PLAN) program at Boston Medical Center (BMC) has assisted and guided numbers of parents and caregivers of children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. This peer-to-peer mentorship program provides opportunities to discuss experiences, share resources, and give support to those in the urban and suburban communities.
The Parent Leaders volunteer their time to help others who have a child with ASD, who wish to have peer support in the following areas:
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New diagnosis support
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Early Intervention
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Managing challenging behaviors
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Special Education Services
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Self-Care
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School Placement and IEP Support
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Accessing ABA and other therapies
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Insurance
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Community based programs
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Sibling Support
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Communication
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Accessing state benefits
There are now over 25 Parent Leaders who offer support in 8 languages (English, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cape Verdean Creole, French, Arabic, and Tagalog [Filipino]), and its Parent Leaders come from many parts of the Greater Boston Area.
*This program is free and open to anyone in the community regardless of where they receive their medical care.
For more information or questions regarding the Parent Leadership in Autism Network, please contact Liz Ferriero at Elizabeth.ferriero@bmc.org or 617-414-3698, or visit www.facebook.com/PLANAutism. To refer yourself or someone else to receive support from a PLAN parent, please click here for the referral form.
Visit their site to learn more about the current Parent Leaders, more about the organization, and how you can get involved!
