Resource Library
The resources below are listed by disability in alphabetical order. These are for informational purposes only and are not endorsed or recommended by NSPAC. We make no explicit or implied claims of value, accuracy, quality or benefit.
If there is a resource that you would like added to this page, please email nspac1@gmail.com.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and Executive Function Skills
ADHD Essentials - Brendan Maher
Beyond Book Smart - Michael Delman
Dr. Ed Hallowell - Hallowell Centers
Speech and Language Specialties - Jessica Padula (offers Exec Function groups)
ADOPTION SUPPORT
APRAXIA
ARTHRITIS
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) and ACC
American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Augumentative & Alternative Communication (ACC) information
MassMatch Massachusetts Initiative to Maximize Assistive Technology in Consumer's Hands. Mission is to enhance independence of people with disabilities by use of assistive technology.
Center for Communication Enhancement A clinic at Boston Children's Hospital in Waltham providing evaluation, consultative, and therapeutic services to a wide range of patients who experience communication disorders.
Lit2Go Free online collection of stories and poems in audiobook format. Over 4500 files of K-12 literature with print resources and activities.
ASTHMA AND ALLERGY
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
AFAM Advocates for Autism in Massachusetts
Asperger/Autism Network - AANE
HMEA's Autism Resource Central
Autism Services - Northeast Arc
Doug Floutie Jr. Foundation for Autism Helps families get access to services, lead active lifestyles, grow towards adult independence.
The Arc of Massachusetts Advocacy of supports and services based in the community; great list of resources in the area.
The Help Group Autism, AHD and Learning Disabilities
CHILD BIRTH INJURY
CARDIAC CONDITIONS
Little Hearts of Massachusetts Parent Support Group
CEREBRAL PALSY
CROHN’S DISEASE AND COLITIS
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
DENTISTRY/ORAL HEALTH ADVICE
DEPRESSION/ANXIETY
Families for Depression Awareness
DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY
Thrive Support & Advocacy - Art Therapy, Family Support, and more
DIABETES
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
DOWN SYNDROME
Down Syndrome Program - Boston Children's Hospital
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
National Down Syndrome Society
Support for Students with Down Syndrome - College Programs, Support Services and Resources for Postsecondary Success
DYSLEXIA/SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY-Reading
Decoding Dyslexia - MA Grassroots movement driven by parents, educators and professional concerned with the limited access to research based interventions for dyslexia.
Dyslexia Help - University of Michigan
Dyslexia MA MA branch for International Dyslexia Organization
International Dyslexia Association
LD On-line - Multisensory Structured Language Programs: Content and Principles of Instruction (Info)
Learning Ally A non-profit dedicated to helping blind, visually impaired and dyslexic students succeed in education. Offers the world's largest collection of human-narrated audio textbooks and literature as well as solutions, support and community for parents, teachers and students.
Lexia Learning Using technology for learning
Wilson Language Training Evidence based, multisensory, structured reading and spelling curricula. Instructor certification can be verified by contacting Wilson Language.
Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
EARLY INTERVENTION
Early Intervention Parent Leadership Project - State of MA
EATING DISORDERS
MEDA Support Group Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association
EPILEPSY AND SEIZURE DISORDERS
Epilepsy Foundation New England
Epilepsy Center - Boston Children's Hospital
Epilepsy Program - Pediatrics at Mass General Hopsital
Epilepsy & Learning Disabilities - LDA (Learning Disability Association of America)
Exceptional Lives - Special education resource for families to gain better access to services and supports
FRAGILE X SYNDROME
National Fragile X Syndrome Foundation
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of MA
LEARNING DISABILITIES
Landmark School Outreach programs offering courses to parents and teachers about language based learning disabilities.
National Center for Learning Disabilities
The Help Group Autism, AHD and Learning Disabilities
LEGAL ADVOCACY - DISABILITY ISSUES
Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates
Federation of Children with Special Needs
Mass Legal Services - Disability Law Center
MA Protection & Advocacy - Disability Law Center Inc.
CADRE - Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education
Special Needs Advocacy Network Inc.
Wrightslaw Special Education laws, rights, services
LEUKEMIA/LYMPHOMA
LIMB DEFICIENCY
MENTAL HEALTH
National Alliance on Mental Illness - State of MA
National Alliance on Mental Ilness - Metrowest
MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE
Mitochondrial Program - Boston Children's Hospital
Mitochondrial Myopathy Information
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Muscular Dystrophy Association
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (OCF) / Greater Boston
PARENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT
Wayside Youth & Family Support Services
SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER
Step by Step Guide for SPD Parents
Understanding Sensory Processing Issues
SENSORY INTEGRATION
Occupational Therapy Associates
SERVICE PROVIDERS, COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCES
Barrett Family Wellness Center provides pediatric occupation/speech therapy to address developmental problems including autism, sensory processing, ADHD. Educational programs.
Family TIES of MA. Link to 2017 Directory of community based resources and state agencies that support families of children/youth with special needs.
Wings for Autism - Logan Airport
Museums: Discovery Museum - Especially for Me Event Series (24/year, Acton, MA)
Boston Children's Museum - Morningstar Access special visiting hours, Boston, MA
SOCIAL PRAGMATICS
Academy MetroWest - Camps and programs (Natick, MA)
Child Therapy Boston (new office in Westborough)
Diamond is the Sky - affordable resources and social opportunities to people of all ages with special needs
Peter Pan Center - social skills programs and camp (Boxborough, MA)
Thrive - local resource for recreation, respite, and other activities (Marlborough, MA)
SPINA BIFIDA
Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England
TRANSITION EDUCATION
Exceptional Lives Massachusetts
Family Guide to Transition Services in MA
TWINS, TRIPLETS, AND MORE
Metrowest Parents of Multiples
VISION IMPAIRMENT
American Foundation for the Blind
Vision Center: Less Expensive Eye Exams
Vision Center: Common Eye Conditions
If you know of any other groups that should be listed here, please email the information to nspac1@gmail.com
Parent's Guide to Special Education (joint publication by the Federation of Children with Special Needs and the MA Dept. of Education.)