Child and Teen Services

You are not alone. AANE Child and Teen Services staff members are parents, too. We know how hard it can be to figure out which course of action will work best for your child and family. We know what it is like to have questions, feel over-whelmed and isolated, and second guess each decision you make.

The good news is that you don't have to do this alone! We understand, and we are always glad to talk to you. AANE staff—and the AANE parent community—can help you feel empowered and connected. At AANE, you can learn how Asperger Syndrome (or a related autism spectrum diagnosis) affects your child, and what you can do to help your family life function more smoothly.

AANE offers many options for learning, community-building, and problem-solving. Choose the combination of services that works for you. Whatever paths you choose, you will encounter a community of parents facing challenges similar to yours. Together, you will learn practical information in an atmosphere of respect, mutual support, and understanding. (You will find additional information about each service below, or by clicking on the links.)

Asperger Syndrome Information Line
Call or email AANE Child and Teen Services staff whenever you are looking for referrals, have questions or concerns, or just need support to raise and educate your child with Asperger's, High-functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, or Nonverbal Learning Disorder. Call 617-393-3824 or email .

Parent Topic Nights
These are free events facilitated by AANE staff for AANE members. We present information and lead discussions about the issues that keep you up at night. Topic nights include time for you to meet, talk to, and network with other parents.

Workshops
AANE staff and trainers offer in-depth, practical workshops designed around parents' top concerns, from preventing meltdowns to handling homework to IEPs. (See the chart below.)

Ask the Expert Series
Professionals in the field share their expertise and answer questions on a variety of special topics.

Consultations
When you need extra support or professional expertise to think through a problem and develop an action plan, call 617-393-3824 to schedule an individualized consultation. An AANE staff member will provide customized information and guidance in order to help you feel more confident in your ability to plan and advocate for what your child needs at school, at home, and out in the community.

Online Support Groups
These are free for current members. Connect and communicate with other AANE parents 24/7/365 online—no babysitter or snow-tires required! AANE offers moderated discussion/support groups for parents of children or teens.

Transition GPS
To help families prepare their teens and young adults for college, employment, and adult independence, we offer:

  • Transition Workshops, Conferences, and Panel Presentations.
  • Transition Consultations for Parents of Teens. To discuss your son's or daughter's individual needs in more detail, please make an appointment with an AANE staff member for a 90-minute consultation in person, by phone, or via Skype. Call 617-393-3824 for more information or to schedule a consultation.
  • LifeMAP for Teens: AANE's Life Management Assistance Program provides individualized, 1:1 coaching to help your teen develop fundamental employment, education and life skills. (Launching January 2013.)

Workshops

Get started with these workshops, whether you have a young child, a pre-teen, or a high-schooler:

  • Understanding Asperger Syndrome: Interventions and Strategies for Parents
  • Fewer Meltdowns! Practical Strategies for Fostering Positive Behavior in Children and Pre-Teens with Asperger Syndrome
  • Understanding the Asperger Syndrome IEP Process

Also useful for all parents:

  • Writing Measurable IEP Goals
  • Homework and Writing
Especially for Parents of Elementary School Children Especially for Parents of Middle School Pre-Teens Especially for Parents of High School Teens
  Welcome to the Teens Years  
Helping Your Child Make Friends From Play Dates to Hanging Out From Play Dates to Hanging Out
Positive Behavior Supports: ABA and Beyond Transition Planning Law and Strategies Transition Planning Law and Strategies
Bike Riding 101 for Parents Essential Techniques for Fostering Teens' Independence Essential Techniques for Fostering Teens' Independence
    Preparing for College
    Perspectives on College Life

For more information and to register, see our list of Upcoming Events.

Consultations

AANE is a respected and valued source for practical strategies that parents can use to address the daily dilemmas their families face. Sometimes you can get the information, support, or referrals you need just from a phone call, but sometimes your situation and concerns may require a longer conversation—in person, by phone, or by Skype.

Perhaps you are very new to Asperger Syndrome. Perhaps you've received conflicting information about why your child or teen struggles, and what you should do about it. Or perhaps you just feel overwhelmed by feelings or overloaded with information.

Whatever the scenario, an individualized consultation with an AANE staff member may give you a clearer sense of where to start. We can answer your questions and develop a roadmap to help you navigate challenging situations.

Many parents set up 1:1 consultations to strategize how to address their concerns. Examples of topics parents consult about include:

  • IEP and School Issues
  • Homework and Writing
  • Executive Functioning (planning, organizing, time management, etc…)
  • Behavior (Emotional Regulation)
  • Anxiety and Stress
  • Friendships and Relationships
  • Building Flexibility
  • Communicating with my Child (and other family members)
  • Siblings
  • Parenting

One hour consultation fee: $125.

To schedule a consultation with an AANE staff member, call 617-393-3824, or email . (A family experiencing financial hardship may request a scholarship.)

Additional information on AANE member benefits can be found here.