Learn more about our autism programs and resources, including behavioral supports for hospital visits, our family support team, lecture series, and e-newsletter.
Autism Spectrum Center Family Support Team
Our family support team can help you to find therapies and supports services for your child. Our team includes patient and family educators, social workers, and Child Life specialists. Contact the center or your provider for more information.
My Hospital Story
These visual, child-friendly stories prepare all children, including those with autism, for their visit or procedure. These stories have simple descriptions and photos of different places your child may visit in the hospital. They show what the rooms look like, the people they might meet, and what might happen. Check out our My Hospital Stories at myhospitalstory.org or Child Life services.
Email newsletter
We invite you to sign up for our informational emails about autism. These emails offer advice and tips on caring for a child with autism, and also offer links to useful information and upcoming events. Sign up. [Español]
Behavioral Support Plan
Children with autism may need additional support during their visit, especially if medical visits make them anxious, upset, or aggressive. That’s why we offer the ability to create a Precautions B Plan, a behavioral plan that helps make appointments as easy and comfortable as possible for children with autism. The plan lets us know things that might upset your child — like bright lights, certain sounds, or being touched — and lists some options that might help, such as having a toy available.
If you feel your child would benefit from behavioral support and a Precautions B Plan, please speak with your health care provider or call the Autism Spectrum Center at 617-355-7493.
General patient and family resources
Boston Children’s has general patient resources to support your family before, during and after your visit. Our resources include interpreters, social workers, Child Life specialists, and the Hale Family Center for Families.
Autism Lecture Series
These presentations given by our expert faculty and guests cover a wide variety of topics on autism that are important to our families. These lectures take place several times over the year, and you can attend in person or online. Most presentations are recorded, so you can watch them at any time.
Presentations are usually held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Folkman Auditorium at Boston Children’s main campus (300 Longwood Avenue, Boston). The auditorium is in the Enders Building, to the right of the main hospital building.
Free parking is available at the main parking garage across the street from the hospital. You will get a parking voucher at the event.
Have an idea for a lecture? Contact the Autism Spectrum Center.
Understanding the Diagnostic Evaluation for ASD
Carolyn Bridgemohan, MD and Rachel Schmitt, PhD
April 26, 2017
Gastrointestinal Problems and Restrictive Eating: Strategies for Your Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sonia Arora Ballal, MD, Elana Bern, MD, MPH and Nancy Sullivan, PhD
July 28, 2016
Strategies for Managing Behaviors Across Settings
Kaizad Munshi, MD, MPH, Nancy Sullivan, PhD, Sally Nelson, RN, MEd, NEA-BC and Kristin Diezel, MS, CCLS
April 6, 2016
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Who, What, and Why?
Paul Hammerness, MD and Peter Davis, MD
July 15, 2015
Autism Spectrum Disorder Resource Panel Presentation
April 13, 2015
Technology for Teaching Language and Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Howard C. Shane, PhD
December 3, 2014
Autism Spectrum Disorder in the new DSM 5: How big is the change?
Sarah Spence, MD, PhD
April 9, 2014
Individualized Education Program (IEP): Your basic rights
Patricia Schram, MD and Catherine Petty, MA, Med, LMHC
March 5, 2014
Sleep Disorders and Epilepsy in Children with ASD
Sarah Spence, MD, PhD and Ronald Becker, MD
April 24, 2013
Anxiety in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Therapeutic & Psychopharmacological Interventions
Eugene D’Angelo, PhD, Katherine Driscoll, PhD and Kerim Munir, MD, MPH, DSc
February 26, 2013
Treatment of Toileting and Feeding Challenges for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Nancy Sullivan, PhD and Kim Dunn, PNP
December 5, 2012
Aligning the Characteristics of Autism with the Features of Mobile Devices
Howard Shane, PhD
October 10, 2012
Additional resources
Learn more about family education and support, transitioning to adulthood, and New England and nationally based resources.