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23 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com for volunteers to get involved. Guitar players, a chorus group and art teachers regularly visit the day facilities. The Arc always welcomes volunteers who will share their interests and their time. ARC AUTISM RESOURCE CENTER In 2014, The Arc created the Autism Resource Center, which provides tools, information, referrals and workshops that empower people to advocate for family members who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a place that parents can call to get questions answered, and it also offers support groups, workshops, respite programs and social events. Autism Program Coordinators Janine Birmingham and Diane Wilcox run the Autism Resource Center with exceptional expertise and empathy. Both Janine and Diane have children with autism and are committed to providing parents with support— both logistical and emotional. When their children were young, networks such as the Autism Resource Center didn't exist. "We had to figure it out as we went along," says Wilcox. "I look back and think, I probably missed some things. I don't want parents to feel like that; I want to give them all the resources they need." The Autism Resource Center puts parents in touch with dentists, educators, mental health therapists, doctors, instructors, babysitters, other parents and more. "Whatever the question is, we want to get them the answer," says Birmingham. It is an indispensable network for families who seek support for their children, as well as for themselves. The parent education workshops include the Journey of Autism; IEPs and the School System; and Challenging Behaviors. The Autism Resource Center provides childcare at its support groups, which is hugely helpful. The Center's social events and groups are a fun and welcome haven for families who may feel isolated and struggle to feel comfortable in public. "These events give families a chance to go out and enjoy each other as a family," says Wilcox. The social dances at the Cohasset Lightkeepers House for ages 18 and older are a huge hit. At SENSational Storytime at the Paul Pratt Memorial Library, Little Bee Yoga instructors and the participants make books come to life with yoga poses. The Disney Club at the Hanover Y has a huge following: in the spirit of the documentary, Life, Animated, those with ASD meet to discuss Disney movies. "They understand the emotions of the characters, whereas in real-life they might not, and then they carry the ideas into real life situations. They make sense of their world with Disney as the guide," says Birmingham. "It's fascinating, and so rewarding." The Center also collaborates with Sing Explore Create, an arts- based therapy center in Rockland. "We're always looking to collaborate with other organizations," says Cook-Ivan. The Autism Resource Center does not get any funding from the state; it relies on grants and donations to keep its vitally important