May Institute

In years past, many members of our community have supported a May Institute runner in the Falmouth Road Race - helping raise critical funds for the children, adolescents, and adults we serve.

This year, even if your runner is not participating, the impact you make is just as important.

For more than 70 years, May Institute has supported autistic individuals and individuals with neurobehavioral disorders through education, therapy, residential care, and community-based services. That work is only possible because of generosity like yours.

You can continue that tradition by supporting Team May in this year’s Falmouth Road Race.

💙 Donate here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112177/the-2026-asics-falmouth-road-race/fundraising-organization/84317

Your gift helps create opportunities that are truly life-changing for the individuals and families we serve.

Thank you for standing with May Institute.

A few thoughtful words can make a lasting difference.

For autistic children developing communication skills, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities building independence, and anyone working hard toward a goal, meaningful praise can be a powerful source of motivation and confidence.

In this article, May Institute Clinical Director Andrew Nuzzolilli, Ph.D., BCBA, LABA, shares practical, evidence-based ways to make praise more effective—from being specific and timely to recognizing small but meaningful steps forward.

When we intentionally notice progress, effort, and growth, we help build confidence, communication, and independence.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4uSBzXJ

Expert Columns: Notice the Good: How Praise Supports Growth at Every Age and Across Ability By Andrew Nuzzolilli, Ph.D., BCBA, LABA Think of moments when a loved one said something that made you feel understood, a coworker acknowledged your hard work, or a friend thanked you for your help. Thoughtful, well-timed expressions of gratitude and kind words from another person can have a positiv...

☀️ It’s Summer Intern Week here at May! 🎉

Today, we proudly welcomed 27 summer interns across 5 locations as they begin their journey with May Institute.

Pictured here are the 19 interns who attended orientation today at our Randolph program alongside recruiter Jessie Delorey, kicking off what promises to be an exciting and meaningful summer experience.

Throughout the summer, our interns will gain valuable hands-on experience in educational and classroom settings, working alongside dedicated professionals while supporting students and learning more about the impact of special education and human services. From developing practical skills to building meaningful connections, we’re proud to help shape the next generation of educators and human service professionals.

Our 2026 Summer Interns include:
• 12 interns at May School – Randolph
• 6 interns at the Norwood School
• 4 interns at the Wilmington School
• 2 interns at the West Springfield School
• 3 interns at the Mansfield program

We are thrilled to welcome each of you to the May community and look forward to seeing the impact you’ll make this summer. Here’s to a season of learning, growth, collaboration, and making a difference! 💙

The full photo album from our 2026 Gala, An Evening of Nurturing Growth, Empowering Potential, is now live on Flickr! 📸✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us on May 7 for such a meaningful evening of celebration, connection, and community. Together, we honored the journeys, achievements, and possibilities made possible through compassionate care and unwavering support for autistic individuals and those with developmental disabilities.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and partners whose generosity helped make this special night possible. 💙

View the full gala photo album here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCTxQg
See our sponsors and support the mission here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/KXw/

There’s still time to make a gift and help ensure individuals and families continue receiving the exceptional support they deserve—today and for years to come.

Thank you for being part of our community and helping us nurture growth and empower potential.

2026 Gala: An Evening of Nurturing Growth, Empowering Potential Explore this photo album by May Institute on Flickr!

This week, May Institute staff are presenting research and clinical expertise at the 2026 Association for Behavior Analysis International Conference in San Francisco.

Many of the topics being discussed reflect challenges families, caregivers, educators, and clinicians experience every day, including:
• healthy eating & food selectivity
• transportation safety
• classroom supports
• interdisciplinary care
• community interactions & safety

We’re proud to contribute practical, evidence-based work focused on improving quality of life for autistic individuals and their families.

We want to thank you for following along and being such an important part of our community. It has truly been a privilege to help share the stories of the individuals we serve, celebrate our aMAYzing staff, and build meaningful connections with all of you along the way.
Thank you for your support, compassion, and encouragement through both the challenges and the triumphs. We’re grateful you’ve been part of the journey — and we look forward to the next chapter ahead.

Big thanks to the Corporate Social Committee for putting together a great fundraiser and ice cream truck day for us during May's Staff Appreciation Month!

To grab some ice cream from Lolly Jolly Waffle Bar, staff were asked to donate a pet product or gift, and thanks to everyone’s generosity, they collected a box full of donations for a local animal shelter.

Between the ice cream, co****le games, and friendly competition, it turned into a really fun spring afternoon for a great cause. (okay, the threat of rain was unfortunate but we are tough New Englanders and weather does not deter us!)

Thirty years ago, Charles "Chuck" Brandstater’s world changed when his son Parker was diagnosed with autism at age four. What followed was uncertainty, fear, and a steep learning curve for their family.

However, everything changed when Parker enrolled at one of our May schools.

“May was the key turning point,” Chuck shares. “He thrived there, and it became the foundation for everything that followed.”

Parker developed critical communication, behavioral, and academic skills that helped shape his future. Today, Parker demonstrates strong social and communication skills, with minimal behavioral challenges.

Though Parker transitioned out of May’s services years ago, Chuck remains a dedicated supporter and donor. “I have absolutely no hesitation about continuing to support May Institute,” he says. “May’s reach should continue to spread far and wide.”

Above all, Chuck says May gave his son “an excellent education — and happy memories to prove it.”

The Impact of May: Charles Shares His Family’s Story. Former May parent Charles discusses the impact May Institute has had on his autistic son and their family over the years. His son attended one of our May sch...

"One year of service means more than time — it represents commitment, growth, and impact. In just twelve months, our team members build meaningful relationships, support the individuals we serve, and contribute to a culture of compassion and excellence. This milestone reflects dedication to our mission and the difference one person can make every day.” —Deanna Neal, Service Manager

Please come to our Flickr album to see all the fun below.

Happy One Year Anniversary! It has been an amazing year for our May Adult Living & Learning Services at 35 Pacella Park in Randolph! Please join us in celebrating the staff and all the adults who have joined this Day Habilitation program.