Autism Connections Conference Will Bring Community Together During Autism Awareness Month

Director of Operations Rhonda Setkewich and Autism Case Manager Catherine Mceachern appeared recently on Mass Appeal to speak about the Autism Conference.

Autism Connections, a program of ServiceNet, will host its 34th Annual Autism Conference on Thursday, April 30, at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield

The conference will bring together autistic individuals, families, educators, clinicians, and community partners for a day of learning and shared experience, featuring 18 breakout sessions led by experts and individuals with autism exploring practical strategies, new research, and real-world insights.

In addition to the annual conference, Autism Connections provides year-round support for autistic individuals of all ages and their families through education, advocacy, and its Autism Resource Center.

“Autism Awareness Month is a wonderful opportunity to come together and raise awareness and challenge stigma, but the work doesn’t pause when April ends,” said Karen Serra, Vice President of Family Services at ServiceNet. “Autism Connections is there year-round, providing support, building understanding, and making sure people never have to navigate this journey alone.”

Autism Connections serves families and individuals in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties and the North Quabbin area.

For Catherine “Cat” McEachern, Autism Connections’ research and professional training coordinator, the mission is both professional and personal. McEachern, who is autistic and holds a master’s degree in behavioral neuroscience, brings lived experience and academic expertise to every session she leads.

“Hearing from people with lived experience is so important,” McEachern said. “Audiences need to know that this is what autism looks like for me. And they also need to know that each individual’s experience of autism will be as unique as they are.”

This year’s conference also comes as Governor Maura Healey recently signed an executive order establishing a statewide strategy to better support adults with profound autism and co-occurring intellectual and developmental disabilities, an effort that will include input from individuals with lived experience, families, and service providers.

For more information, visit https://autismconnections.servicenet.org/