Peer Projects - Therapy from the Heart

Moments of connection sparked through shared play 💛

We captured a sweet interaction where one peer found comfort inside a tent. Noticing this, their friend joined them in their comfortable space, sitting at the entrance and passing Paw Patrol puppets back and forth. These meaningful moments remind us that connection doesn’t always require words—it can grow through observation, understanding, and meeting someone where they feel most comfortable.

{Image Descriptions: Two children are engaged in playing inside a colorful Bluey-themed play tent. One child is crouched near the entrance, reaching toward a collection of toy race cars and small paw patrol puppets scattered on the floor of the tent. They are handing their peer more puppets to place on their fingers. Another child is lying comfortably inside, holding up their hand with some paw patrol puppets on their fingers and accepting new ones from their peer.}

At the end of May, Evelyn held a parent night at Peer Projects called “Growing up with Autism, ARFID, and Anxiety: Things I Wish My Parents Knew.” Last week Evelyn had her final poster presentation at Pingree High School in Hamilton, MA where she shared her presentation and answered questions from her school community! We want to congratulate Evelyn on her graduation! Evelyn will attend Smith College in the Fall! 💛🎓

{Image Description: The final poster presentation is taking place in the school gymnasium with polished wooden floors and blue-and-green wall banners visible in the background. In the foreground, a young child wearing a bright pink shirt and a striped skirt stands beside an adult who is crouched down at the child’s level. Together, they are looking at a large tri-fold presentation board. The presentation board is bright yellow and titled “Sensory Wall!” and “Peer Projects.” It features a colorful textured sensory panel with rainbow-colored faux fur, as well as other tactile materials such as sequins and soft yellow pom-pom-like elements. Text on the board invites viewers to “Flip Through My Presentation,” with arrows directing attention to interactive components. Several tables with laptops, water bottles, and other displays surround the sensory wall project. Other people can be seen walking and viewing projects in the background.}

🌈 June is a month of celebration, recognition, and awareness. This month we honor LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, National Caribbean American Heritage Month, National Immigrant Heritage Month, National PTSD Awareness Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, and Men’s Health Month.

Image Description: A colorful June awareness calendar graphic with a light gray background and a rainbow border design along the edges. The word “June” appears in large pink script at the top left. Text lists are centered. A rainbow-colored “Pride” graphic appears at the bottom of the image.

Transcription: June LBGTQIA+ Pride Month National Caribbean American Heritage Month National Immigrant Heritage Month National PTSD Awareness Month Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Men’s Health Month Important Dates: June 14: World Blood Donor Day June 19: Juneteenth (more to come!) June 20: World Refugee Day

ND Affirming Book of the Month for June is Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman, illustrated by Eda Kaban.🌈🏳️‍🌈

Image Description: A square graphic with a soft yellow background and layered rainbow-like arches radiating from the upper right corner. Large gray text at the top reads, “ND Affirming Book of the Month.” Centered below is the cover of the book Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman, illustrated by Eda Kaban. The cover shows two children painting the colorful title words “Pink Is for Boys” with paintbrushes and buckets of paint. In the lower left corner is a heart-shaped Pride flag featuring multiple colors, including stripes representing LGBTQIA+ identities. A colorful rainbow design curves across the bottom right corner. At the bottom of the graphic, text reads, “June 2026” and “Happy Pride Month.”

Transcription:
ND Affirming Book of the Month

Pink Is for Boys

Written by
Robb Pearlman

Illustrated by
Eda Kaban

June 2026

Happy Pride Month

Pink is for Boys

An empowering and educational picture book by a New York Times bestselling author, proving that colors are for everyone, regardless of gender.

This timely and beautiful fully illustrated book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids and their grown-ups to express themselves in every color of the rainbow.

There are space left in our Summer Enrichment Series - check it out on our website 💛💻

Image Description {a green, yellow and white blurred background with the Peer Projects logo at the top of the page. Summer Enrichment 2026 is in white bold print in the center and the website www.peerprojectstherapyfromtheheart.com is listed underneath along with the address for Peer Projects, Suite 160U, Cummings Center, Beverly, MA 01915}
Transcription [Peer Projects logo. Summer Enrichment 2026, website www.peerprojectstherapyfromtheheart.com and address for Peer Projects, Suite 160U, Cummings Center, Beverly, MA 01915]

What is Situational Mutism? 🌼

{Image Description: A soft pastel educational graphic with pale yellow vertical stripes framing the top and bottom borders. In the center, teal script text reads “Situational Mutism.” Below, smaller serif text says, “What is it? Previously referred to as ‘Selective Mutism’.” The background is a light cream color, and the Peer Projects logo appears in the bottom right corner.}

Transcription: Situational Mutism, What is it? Previously referred to as “Selective Mutism” Situational Mutism is a complex anxiety response that impacts an individual’s ability to speak in specific situations. Situational vs. Selective Medically, Situational Mutistim is still referred to as ‘Selective Mutism.’ The community prefers Situational Mutism because ‘selective’ implies choice, and Situational Mutism is NOT a choice.
How we can support
Individualized care
Provide a safe space
Offer alternative methods of communication (ie. text, AAC etc.)
Do not place shame or guilt on an individual when they are unable to access spoken communication
Be patient & kind

Happy Memorial Day from all of us at Peer Projects Therapy from The Heart 💛 Please enjoy safely and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice 🇺🇸

Image description {a black background with the American Flag draped in the top left corner. Memorial Day, Remembered and Honored is in print in the center with the services wings and stars.

Transcription [Memorial Day, Remembered and Honored]

Thinking of Summer this Memorial Day Weekend? While the weather might not be worth celebrating here in MA we have lots of programs launched in our Summer Enrichment Series - check out our website for all that is currently on offer and check back often as we will be adding more in the coming weeks 💛💻

Image Description {a green, yellow and white blurred background with the Peer Projects logo at the top of the page. Summer Enrichment 2026 is in white bold print in the center and the website www.peerprojectstherapyfromtheheart.com is listed underneath along with the address for Peer Projects, Suite 160U, Cummings Center, Beverly, MA 01915}

Transcription [Peer Projects logo. Summer Enrichment 2026, website www.peerprojectstherapyfromtheheart.com and address for Peer Projects, Suite 160U, Cummings Center, Beverly, MA 01915]