Autism Advocacy Workshop & Silent Arts Auction

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. - April 19, 2014 - PRLog -- The Friendship Network for Children, Inc, announces a free autism advocacy workshop and silent arts auction event on Saturday April 26th at Parish Hall, 40 Church St, Northborough, MA from 1:00-3:30pm. The nonprofit organization provides counseling, social accessibility therapy groups and advocacy for children and teens with autism. The Friendship Network’s very own advocacy group – The Student-to-Student Autism Connection (SAC)– will present an impactful “Aware and Share” workshop that aims to increase autism acceptance while deepening compassion of participants through heartfelt performances. Nancy Swanberg, founder and executive director of the Friendship Network will also read excerpts from her up-coming book: The Connection Formula: How to Help Autistic Children be Happy and Make Friends.

April is Autism Awareness Month and The Friendship Network along with the advocacy group members wants to share their unique point of view through this exciting event. The SAC was created five years ago with the guidance of long time Worcester County resident and founder of the Friendship Network, Nancy Swanberg. The group includes both “neurotypical” and Autistic high school students from the local community. By increasing authentic connections between people on the Autism Spectrum and “neurotypical” people they hope to decrease bullying and mistreatment of people with Autism and Asperger’s. “Socializing can be hard and scary for people on the Autism Spectrum. It is import to understand the nuances of social choreography,” says Swanberg. “We believe it is critical for communities to increase their tolerance and understanding of how to “Autism-ize” their thinking” says the Friendship Network’s Autism clinician Kim Welch, who will also be presenting. The workshop will include practical strategies for increasing social and emotional success for children and teens on the Autism spectrum and will provide interactive experiences to expand opportunities for understanding.

During intermission there will be a silent arts auction that will include artwork from local and nationally recognized artists, a Bose radio dock, gift certificates, jewelry and more. The silent auction will also include a Sports basket with Boston sports team memorabilia and 4 tickets to a Worcester Bravehearts baseball game. The Worcester Bravehearts generously included in their donation an opportunity for the winner to throw the first pitch at a game of the winner’s choice!

For more information visit the Friendship Network’s website www.networkforchildren.org.