BRATTLEBORO-Families and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Windham County have a new resource in SYNC (Supporting Your Neurodiverse Child) - a community-driven initiative hosted by The Root Social Justice Center in collaboration with Early Education Services, Early Childhood Special Education of the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union (WSESU), and the Springfield Area Parent Child Center.
SYNC provides connection, education, and much-needed emotional support to families who too often feel isolated while navigating the complexities of raising a child who is or is suspected to be on the autism spectrum.
The organization was co-founded by Adriana Negrón, a mother and program director of BTN (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Thriving Network) at The Root Social Justice Center, who says she launched the program after experiencing firsthand the emotional and systemic barriers of accessing support for her son Mateo.
According to the news release, a needs assessment of local families revealed that 77.3% struggle with emotional support, and many face limited access to essential services due to cost, location, or systemic barriers. SYNC was designed to directly address these gaps by creating a community of care and advocacy that honors the uniqueness of every child and the lived experiences of caregivers with offerings that include:
• Peer-to-Peer Support Sessions: Monthly gatherings for caregivers to support one another in a confidential, affirming environment. These sessions are guided by trained professionals familiar with the nuances of ASD caregiving.
• Educational Workshops: Expert-led sessions on topics such as sensory needs, emotional regulation, and legal rights. The next workshop, scheduled for May 22, will focus on "Potty Training and Basic Life Skills," providing caregivers with practical tools to support their children's development.
• Specialized Childcare Program: While caregivers attend sessions, children engage in sensory-friendly play, arts and crafts, and quiet zones under the supervision of experienced providers who understand neurodiverse needs.
Families and caregivers can register for SYNC at tinyurl.com/SYNCVT. To learn more, contact [email protected].
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.