Academy MetroWest

01/30/2026

Over the past few months, I've been thinking more carefully about how autism is diagnosed - and how these definitions affect children and families in real life.

I wrote a piece about this process and about why specificity still matters.

Maybe at one point the definition of autism was too narrow but in 2026, it feels like it's losing its ability to discriminate between who has autism and who doesn't have autism.

01/30/2026

Over the past few months, I’ve been thinking more carefully about how autism is diagnosed and how those definitions affect kids and families in real life.

I wrote a piece reflecting on recent changes, what I’m seeing clinically, and why diagnostic specificity still matters.

01/26/2026

Given that there's another round of snow forecast to fall around the evening commute, Academy MetroWest is canceling classes for today, Monday, January 26th. Stay safe everyone.

01/06/2026

We're hosting a free workshop featuring a neuropsychologist talking about why you might not need his services. Click the link below for details and registration information.

12/22/2025

Ben Kessel was a former Academy MetroWest client who died tragically in a rock climbing accident 5 years ago. I've been proud to serve on the selection committee for the scholarship fund that his mom set up in his memory. The Ben Kessel Memorial Scholarship Fund supports STEM majors with a strong connection to nature and the environment. Please consider supporting this very worthy cause this holiday season.

The Ben Kessel Memorial Fund has been created in Ben's honor by his family and friends.

10/20/2025

If you're the father of a child, adolescent, or adult with autism, consider registering for an open support group run by our director, Bruce Sabian. The group is sponsored by Association for Autism and Neurodiversity and usually meets on the last Wednesday evening of the month from 7:00 to 8:30pm. Information and registration at:

Fathers’ Group is a place where fathers can share their experiences, support one another, and build their toolbox to parent more confidently.

10/06/2025

This year's model! I give you - the '25/'26 Academy MetroWest clinical staff. From left: Tim Couto, Adam Hurley, Bruce Sabian, Jordan Galloway, Charlotte Curnin, Piraveenaa Vijayakumar, Stew Pruslin.

09/16/2025

Hannah is a former Academy MetroWest counselor. She and Voice Colors Yoga are wonderful!

09/15/2025

There's still time to register for our first parent workshop of the year, which is taking place this Wednesday evening from 7:15 to 8:45pm. It's free and will feature Dr. Laura Grenier and Dr. Laura Austin from Concord Comprehensive Neuropsychological Associates, discussing ways in which parents can help their kids manage their executive function skills. See the link for more information or to register. Hope to see you there!

Join us for a practical session on helping your school-age kids succeed at home by boosting their executive functioning skills!

09/04/2025

In partnership with Academy MetroWest, CCNS’s Dr. Lauren Grenier and Dr. Laura Austin, licensed psychologists and pediatric neuropsychologists, will provide an overview of executive functioning: clarifying what it is (and what it isn’t), outlining the core domains involved, and describing how EF challenges often present in the home environment. Executive functioning (EF) refers to a set of cognitive processes that support goal-directed behavior, including organization, planning, emotional regulation, and time management. For many school-aged students, challenges in these areas can lead to difficulties both in the classroom and at home. Tickets through Eventbrite link, seating capacity is 50.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-executive-functioning-at-home-a-guide-for-school-age-parents-tickets-1549601171819?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/25/2025

We're coming to the end of LARP week here at Creative Adventures. Like every other year we've done it, I can't count the number of times I've said "Hmmm... I've never seen that before!"

07/11/2025

Week 1 of Creative Adventures 2025 is in the books. A splendid time was had by all!