Autism Connections Wins Healthcare Hero Award

From left, Cat McEachern, Vivian Wood, and Rhonda Setkewich, three of the team leaders at Autism Connections.

Autism Connections has been named a 2026 Healthcare Hero by BusinessWest and Healthcare News, recognizing its outstanding work supporting autistic people and their families throughout Western Massachusetts.

A program of ServiceNet, Autism Connections provides information, education, advocacy, support, and opportunities for connection throughout every stage of life. The program offers more than 120 events each year — from support and self-advocacy groups to workshops, recreational activities, and community education — and its annual Autism Connections Conference brings together more than 400 attendees and 50 exhibitors from across the region.

“This recognition is so well deserved,” said Karen Serra, ServiceNet’s vice president of family services. “The Autism Connections team brings tremendous knowledge, creativity, and compassion to their work, but what impresses me most is the way they listen to autistic people and families and continually shape their work around what our community tells us it needs. They have created a place where people can find not only resources and support, but connection, belonging, and possibilities. I am thrilled to see their work recognized in this way.”

To learn more about Autism Connections, please email [email protected] or call 413-585-8010.