The Autism Spectrum Differences Institute of New England is a non-profit organization. We provide consultation and training, and collaborate in research partnerships, with schools, families, other nonprofits or public agencies, and institutions of higher learning, and community services.

Our mission statement is: Facilitating inclusive, brain-based, age- and culturally-appropriate accommodations and supports for individuals of all ages with labels reflecting Autism Spectrum Differences in their schools, jobs, families, and communities.

We also have expertise in supported independent typing.

ASDNI/NE strives to further understanding of Movement, Anxiety, Communication, and Sensory differences experienced by people with labels reflecting autism spectrum differences and to partner with individuals who have ASD labels and, where appropriate, their families, schools, employers, communities, and other service providers, consistent with our values.


autism spectrum disabilities (with our innovative MACS approach), positive behavior supports, person- and family-centered planning, and inclusive education and lifestyles.

Middle School Students with High Functioning Asperger's
or Other Developmental Delays
(Other Developmental Delays: ADD/ADHD, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder and/or other neurodevelopmental delays)

Workshop #1: Middle School “Do’s and Don’ts”

Date:October 25 Time:4:30-6:00 pm

Workshop #2: High School
November 15, 6:30-8pm
Description: This workshop series provides positive support to help students become more familiar and practice the art of Middle School “Do’s and Don’ts. To keep costs affordable, you can sign up for one workshop at a time. What makes this workshop unique is that students will experience and practice in a non-judgmental setting some of the finer points of middle school social skill development. Through role-plays, the use of music and technology, and the expressive arts, we will support and cheer on each other as we figure out what skills are necessary to have a successful middle school experience. Each 1.5 hour workshop will work to promote social skills by practicing how to recognize and interpret social cues from peers and adults, and to develop self-advocacy and appropriate assertiveness. We will have a break in between to promote socialization.
For: High functioning middle school students with Asperger’s, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, ADD/ADHD, mild Cerebral Palsy, or other neurodevelopmental disorders or delays that affect social, emotional or cognitive functioning.
*This group is not suitable for participants who have severe impairments, or that require one to one aides, or tutors.

Fee: $20 for the workshop payable by PayPal, cash or check. For PayPal, go to www.KelleyHopkinsAlvarez.com and click “Make a Payment” tab. Checks payable to: Kelley Hopkins-Alvarez, NCC. * Limited number of scholarships available, please attach a note to registration form describing needed assistance.

Registration: Download registration form www.KelleyHopkinsAlvarez.com or request one by email: kellda@charter.net . Once registered, you will be contacted for screening. Enrollment is limited; please reserve your child’s participation today. Individual Social Skills sessions are also available, as well as Parent Coaching, call for information.

Future workshops will focus on: Lowering social anxiety and increasing connections with peers, both in and out of the school setting, dealing with parents/guardians expectations, how to manage academic and behavioral challenges at school and home, what is appropriate hygiene, mindfulness and meditation through music, fun, and guided imagery.

I have a master's degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in mental retardation/developmental disabilities. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with 18 years of experience working with individuals with devlopmental disabilities in a variety of copacities (direct care, activity coordinator, outreach consultant, inpatient master's level psychologist for a dual diagnosis unit, and school beahvior analyst). I currently work at a school so my time is limited to non-school hours. I am available to consult directly to families of children or adults with special needs or to agencies serving adults.

Home-based services for all ages and levels of spectrum. Eclectic method bringing together strategies from ABA, Floortime, Son-Rise, and RDI. Workshops given to parents and professionals. Free online program through andrewvogl.blogspot.com and youtube/thevoglcenter.com
Available to travel anywhere.

Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a fully accdited, residential post-secondary program for individuals 18 years and older who have autism spectrum disorders and/or other neurological disabilities. Vista provides training in four major areas:vocational, life skills, cognitive & social and community integration. Instruction is individualized, experiential and community based. Vista helps individuals transition to adulthood and learn the skills necessary to live as independently as possible.