Community Connection: Meet Cassie DiOrio
“All of us, no matter what our childrens’ abilities are, can show what inclusion and kindness looks like through our own actions.”
“All of us, no matter what our childrens' abilities are, can show what inclusion and kindness looks like through our own actions.”
We are so excited to welcome Cassie DiOrio to our Community Connection series! Cassie shares her experience as a mom and advocate in the autism community. We know you’re going to love learning all about her experience and recommendations!
Community Connection will share perspectives from people who are involved in inclusion work, across diverse careers and community volunteer roles, as well as through personal experiences. We hope that through reading about experiences and ideas from people in your community, you feel inspired to continue on your own journey towards building a more inclusive world.
Pleae share a little about yourself.
Hi! I'm Cassie DiOrio, a proud mom to my 5 year old son, Joey, who is Autistic. Being an advocate for my son has given me greater confidence, purpose, and has taught me the importance that we each hold as individuals. One voice can make a huge difference, if that voice is “loud” enough.
I recently became a co-facilitator of a support group for parents of young autistic children, through Northeast Arc's Autism Support Center. I'm passionate about helping others and continuing to educate myself on Autism. Northeast Arc has provided so much support in so many ways for our family, and I’m honored to be able to be connected to them.
The support group that I co-facilitate with my friend Lauren Steadman, runs every second Monday of each month from 6:30-8pm at the Center for Linking Lives in Danvers (Inside the Liberty Tree Mall).
The next meeting is June 12 (link to sign-up form) https://form.jotform.com/230824834370152
How did you learn about Inclyousion Sports and what inspired you to have your child give it a try?
I learned about Inclyousion sports through Northeast Arc. The Autism Support Center was offering a 3 month scholarship for children who wanted to try their sports program. I liked the idea of being able to play multiple sports in a more supportive environment. I had read about the coaches' backgrounds/experience and decided to sign him up!
When did you begin working with the Northeast Arc and how did you get involved with their fundraising efforts?
Joey started getting Early Intervention from Northeast Arc when he was 6 months old. He had a complex medical history which contributed to developmental delays. We had amazing therapists who came to our house every week for almost 3 years. Soon after he phased out of E.I., I had heard about their 5k for Inclusion and decided to start a team and fundraise. We had so much love and support and raised over $5000.00, two years in a row. Through their 5k for Inclusion, I connected with other people from the Northeast Arc and had more opportunities to be involved.
What are the benefits of having an organization like the Northeast Arc on your support team?
Northeast Arc has been an amazing resource for us. When Joey was in Early Intervention, they helped set us up with Ironstone Farm Equine Therapy. Irone Stone helped work on Joey's muscle tone and coordination, all while being able to ride their beautiful horses.
His service provider, Jenna, got us into Boston Children's for an evaluation, as well as helped set-up ABA services when the time came. His therapists would also come to doctor's appointments with us, and were always offering comfort and support.
Through Northeast Arc's "Arc Tank" competition, they helped fund the Water Wise Program at the Greater Beverly YMCA, which my son has been a part of for more than two years.
The Arc's Autism Support Center provided virtual parent support groups, one of which I would attend. After Joey phased out of Early Intervention, I continued to stay connected with the Autism Support Center for events and resources. They are and have been a major part of our "village."
What recommendations would you offer to parents who are looking for additional support with their child or in parenting, but they don’t know where to begin?
I would recommend parents call or message Northeast Arc's Autism Support Center. They can help provide the best next steps/options for parents, and also set-up an appointment for a parent to speak with someone at the Center in person. I would also recommend parents to get on social media and follow the Autism Support Center through Northeast Arc, as well as join online and/or in person parent support groups/autism communities. These online groups provide a space where parents can ask a wide range of questions (such as who the best providers are, to where the safest playgrounds are located, etc). They also can provide support and advice for anyone who may be needing it.
Waitlists tend to be long right now for ABA services and neuropsych evaluations, which is extremely stressful and frustrating. I would suggest that parents get their children involved in a social skills group, which can help gain social/emotional skills, as well as interaction with peers. Peer Projects Therapy from the Heart provides social groups for children 3 years old and above, as well as parent involved social groups for younger than 3 years old. Project Child is another practice that families have benefitted from. These practices also offer other services such as OT and Speech.
I also would recommend Inclyousion Sports for any parents wanting to introduce their children to a variety of sports, as well as being able to get in some social skill practice with peers.
What is one thing parents of children of all abilities could do to better support each other?
Navigating our children's emotions and behaviors can be difficult. Not only are we trying to help them, but we are also trying to work through our own internal emotions. Parents can support each other most by truly listening and being empathetic.
You may see a child or parent struggling in a tough moment. When you witness that, try to remember that what you're seeing is a snippet of someone's life, not the whole story.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
All of us, no matter what our childrens' abilities are, can show what inclusion and kindness looks like through our own actions. I teach my son to try to always include others, just as I hope others always include him. Our children are observing the way we interact with others, and we are our children's main role models every day.
A big thank you to Cassie for sharing her story! Follow the Northeast Arc Autism Support Center on Instagram and Facebook and be sure to check out Cassie’s upcoming event, happening tomorrow!
