LEND Boston

The Autism Program at Boston Medical Center is hosting its virtual conference, "AUTISM ACROSS THE LIFESPAN: Deepening Your Professional Competency".
Join for a full day of multidisciplinary insights, practical strategies, and lived expertise designed to strengthen your professional practice.

📅 Event Details:
Date & Time: August 5th, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM EST
Format: Fully Virtual
CEUs Offered: Available per session for Social Work, Nursing, and BACB ACE CE.
Key Topics: Autism-friendly practices, navigating a new diagnosis, supporting transition-age youth, and adult independence.
Special Highlight: A dedicated panel discussion on Lived Experiences with Autistic Individuals.

Secure your spot today by scanning the QR code or by clicking the link below! 👇
👉 https://form.jotform.com/251243924570051

For questions, contact [email protected].
Visit www.bmc.org/autism to learn more about the BMC Autism Program.

We are proud to introduce our very first LEND Alumni Spotlight! 🌟

This month, we are proud to spotlight two amazing individuals whose partnership exemplifies the LEND mission: Melissa Levin, MSW, LICSW, a former Boston Children’s Hospital LEND fellow, and Naomi Dogan, PhD, licensed psychologist, certified neurodiversity life coach, self-advocate, and LEND community partner.

Their connection began with the Neuro-Inclusive Oncology Care and Empowerment program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and has evolved from a clinician-client relationship into a powerful collaboration. Together, they are working to reinvent how the healthcare system views and treats neurodivergent individuals, advising providers to move away from being “autism-adjacent” to become true autism allies.

Melissa and Naomi’s collaboration is a powerful example of forging alliances between providers and those with lived experience to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities across the entire lifespan.

Read the full story to hear more from Melissa and Naomi!

📢 LEND Resource Round-Up📢

Looking for a trusted starting point to find special needs resources or emotional support right here in MassachLooking for a trusted starting point to find special needs resources or emotional support right here in Massach ? 🧩

Meet Family TIES of MA (Together In Enhancing Support).

Run by parents of children with complex medical needs and disabilities, they take the guesswork out of finding community care. Whether you are navigating a new diagnosis or trying to find inclusive summer activities, they have you covered.

What they offer:

A-Z Directory: A comprehensive guide to statewide, regional, and local MA resources.

Peer Support: True parent-to-parent matching for shared connection and guidance.

Navigation Assistance: Your link to Early Intervention and local family support networks.

No matter where you are on your family’s journey, you don't have to walk it alone. 💙

💻 Visit: https://www.massfamilyties.org/
📞 Call: 800-905-TIES