MAGE Events
Upcoming Events
Join us in-person or online for upcoming advocacy meetings, meet-ups, conferences, and more!
AANE Workshop – Understanding & Treating ARFID in Autistic People
This presentation explores the intersection of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and autism, emphasizing identification, neurodiversity-affirming prevention, and supportive treatment strategies. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how ARFID manifests in Autistic individuals, how to distinguish it from typical picky eating, and how to implement individually tailored, collaborative, and sensory-informed care that prioritizes autonomy and well-being.
This session is designed for clinicians, caregivers, and educators who want to support Autistic individuals in building a safe and positive relationship with food by following these skills and principles: normalize and validate, sensory exploration, create a supportive and predictable feeding environment, gradual exposure, multidisciplinary care, and respect for autonomy.
Fusion Academy: Advancing Minds: Academic Options for Gifted Learners
Join us on Zoom as we discuss the power of Fusion Academy’s 1:1 educational model in providing support and academic opportunities for students hoping to get ahead, or challenge themselves academically.
We’ll discuss:
What it means to be gifted
How this impacts students
Our 1:1 Educational Model
Why it Works
1:1 Tutoring
Courses-For-Credit
With Understanding Comes Calm: Gifted & Distractable 8 Week Parent Course
In the Gifted and Distractible course, Julie Skolnick of With Understanding Comes Calm guides you through a comprehensive journey to better understand giftedness, learning differences, and effective parenting strategies. You'll explore topics like parenting styles, advocacy planning, and actionable techniques to support your child. Julie designed the course to be dynamic and engaging, blending video content, live meetings, Q&A sessions, and interactive breakout discussions to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
Social Thinking: Working with Little Ones?
Social Thinking
Working with Little Ones?
Register for this free 60-minute webinar and learn how play connects to social cognition, self-concept, self-regulation, and of course, academic success.
We’ll discuss how academic understanding rests on the foundation of social development and how play is the landscape in which we can support the development of social cognitive skill sets. Children are designed to learn in play! Learn how to be a leader in making sure PLAY is front and center when we think about the best ways to support each all students.
And as a bonus, get a sneak peak at newest member of the We Thinkers Curriculum Series, We Thinksheets! [2026 Release!]
Register Now
Double Bonus: Download a FREE mini-lesson, Following the Steps of a Chore, featured as part of a bigger lesson packet found at our TPT Store on the webinar registration page.
And as a bonus, get a sneak peak at newest member of the We Thinkers Curriculum Series, We Thinksheets! [2026 Release!]
MAGE Board Meeting
MAGE Board Zoom Call.
Email president@massgifted.org for more information.
Social Thinking: In-Person Learning Is A Thing Again!
Greater Boston Area (Norwood)
October 9 - 10, 2025
Two full days of learning, PD Options approved by DESE.
https://www.socialthinking.com/conferences/boston
.
MAGE Board Meeting
MAGE Board Zoom Call.
Email president@massgifted.org for more information.
Boston MENSA Pilgrimage RG
Pilgrimage RG
November 14-16, 2025!
MENSA members, mark your calendars for Pilgrimage! 2025
November 14th-16th at the Andover Massachusetts Doubletree Hotel.
We will have all of our usual activities like games, games tournaments, two speaker tracks, paper puzzles, raffle, adult coloring books, meals, and of course, Hospitality. All meals and snacks except Saturday dinner will be furnished by the hotel and are included in the registration fee. Saturday’s breakfast will again be a hot buffet breakfast.
Please send email to rg-chair@bostonmensa.org with any questions.
MAGE Board Meeting
MAGE Board Zoom Call.
Email president@massgifted.org for more information.
Left Behind Zoom Movie Screening & 2e Dyslexia Panel
REEL is honored to screen the movie Left Behind - an inspiring story of a group of determined moms who band together to create the first public dyslexic school in the largest school district in America, New York City.
After the screening of Left Behind - join us for a powerful panel conversation about the intersection of dyslexia and giftedness.
This panel brings together leaders in the field of learning differences:
Dr. Fernette Eide, international expert on dyslexia and co-author of The Dyslexic Advantage and The Mislabeled Child, co-creator of the forthcoming movie, The Dyslexic Advantage.
Anna Cencioso, Founder and Head of School at Touchstone Learning
Mandy Hoff, Learning Specialist at the Schwab Learning Center
Together, they’ll explore why dyslexia is often misunderstood or missed entirely in 2e (twice-exceptional) learners, how traditional identification methods fall short, and what kinds of supports truly help these students thrive. The conversation will address what effective, affirming support can look like across the K–12 journey, how to advocate for appropriate accommodations and instruction, and how a strengths-based view of dyslexia changes everything.
This discussion will help you better understand the complexity—and the potential—of dyslexic learners.
The movie will play from 6:30pm-7:45pm PST, followed by the panel discussion 7:45pm-8:30pm PST.
You can also hear the moviemakers panel about the creation of this film at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit on Sept 13 at 4:30-5:30pm.
The panel will be recorded and emailed to all RSVPs.
NEW This event will have live Spanish translation of the panel.
MAGE Membership Vote featuring Brendan Mahan on Executive Function and the 2E child
MAGE is updating its bylaws!
MAGE's bylaws were drafted in 1977 and revised 20 years ago in 2005. In the Spring of 2025, the law firm Proskauer, Rose, LLP guided MAGE leadership in drafting new bylaws to better reflect the organization as it currently runs, and update archaic requirements (like not accepting video for meetings, requiring in-person attendance, mailed paper notifications and that major decisions, including board member additions/changes be voted on by the entire membership). These new bylaws bring MAGE into compliance with how it actually conducts its business.
Earlier this summer, the board voted to approve the new version and recommend it for ratification by the membership. You can read the text of the new bylaws here (Please note that the link in the newsletter does not work).
Our current bylaws require a quorum of at least 25 members in good standing to hold an election. This is where you come in - in order to make it official we need your vote! On September 7th, from 2:00-3:30 we will hold an official MAGE membership meeting.
Our special guest speaker for the meeting will be Brendan Mahan M.Ed., M.S., host of the ADHD Essentials podcast and author of the upcoming book “Overcoming the Wall of Awful”. He will discuss how ADHD, Giftedness and Executive Function affect how your child performs in school and share tips on improving the odds of school success for the 2E student. Just in time for back to school!
Brendan will discuss:
How ADHD and giftedness create unique challenges and how to manage them
Why our children’s understanding of the content may not translate to good grades
How to help our kids perform better in school
Why asynchronous development can lead to parental frustrations
Strategies for reducing conflict over homework
During the conversation with Brendan, the ballot will remain open, allowing members to cast their votes throughout the meeting . Remember, we need a minimum of 25 members in good standing to log on to our meeting on September 7th at 2:00pm so please make an extra effort to join us (even if only to cast your vote if you can't stay for the whole session).
See you on September 7th!
Calmer Con Sensory Friendly Comics & Pop Culture Convention
Calmer Con
Sensory Friendly Comics & Pop Culture Convention September 6, 2025 10:00am-5:00pm
Meadowbrook School, 10 Farm Rd, Weston, MA 02493
FREE ADMISSION WITH REGISTRATION
About Calmer Con:
Calmer Con is specifically designed to meet the needs of those with sensory processing challenges, autism, and anxiety concerns while providing an authentic comics and pop culture convention experience.
MAGE Day: Board Game Meetup!
MAGE Game Day at the Waltham Public Library. Please join us for a morning of fun and games!
With Understanding Comes Calm: Roadmap to Regulation
Free 3-Part Mini-Series for Parents of 2e Kids
* Gain Understanding – grasp how 2e wiring shapes your child’s behavior and strengths.
* Learn Strategies – leave with easy tools that raise cooperation and calm.
Advocate Confidently – use proven language to secure the support your child needs.
* Connect with Community – feel seen and supported by parents living the same 2e journey.
Register Here! https://www.withunderstandingcomescalm.com/roadmap-to-regulation/
Susan Goodkin: Ace the Application
Bonus session: Sunday, August 24th, one-hour live Q&A for all groups 11 am PT, noon MT, 1 pm CT, 2 pm ET
I created my small and interactive online Ace the Applicationworkshop to teach students everything they need to know about creating a college application that will help them stand out and improve their admissions odds to the most selective colleges.
And it works!
Over the last few years alone, my Ace the Application participants have been accepted to colleges including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Columbia, Brown, UPenn, Cornell, Duke, Vanderbilt, Johns Hopkins, Rice, UVA, Georgetown and more!
The program also gets students working on all parts of the application now, rather than waiting to start until they're in the midst of tough senior year classes, as too many students do.
IDEAL4Gifted
. Never before has there been such an opportunity to talk to an expert in gifted education. Dr. Stewart brings over 40 years of experience to the conversation. If she doesn’t have an answer, she will let you know who does.6/24-They Might be Gifted if...
7/2-Out of Sync Development
7/9-Educational Needs
7/16-Social and Emotional Needs
7/30-DEI & Gifted
8/6-Myths, Misconceptions, and Misdiagnosis
8/13-Underachievement
8/20-Sensitivity, Intensity, & Overexcitability
Back-to-School Strategies for Executive Function Success: Teach It Today, See It Tomorrow.
Discover practical strategies to teach students how to build time awareness, plan effectively, and follow through. Join us for this new talk on August 18, 2025, featuring expert speakers Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP, and Kristen Jacobsen, MS, CCC-SLP:
Back-to-School Strategies for Executive Function Success: Teach It Today, See It Tomorrow.
Learn how to help children:
Sense the passage of time
Estimate task duration
Adjust and maintain pace
Plan ahead and follow routines
Start and stop tasks with purpose
Manage time and tasks with confidence
Livestream Information
Streaming Monday, August 18, 2025 | 9 AM Pacific
Registration for the course includes 90-day access to the recording starting August 19, 2025.
Earn up to 3 hours of CE credits for select professionals. We are an ASHA CE Approved provider.
MAGE Board Meeting
MAGE Board Zoom Call.
Email president@massgifted.org for more information.
IDEAL4Gifted
. Never before has there been such an opportunity to talk to an expert in gifted education. Dr. Stewart brings over 40 years of experience to the conversation. If she doesn’t have an answer, she will let you know who does.6/24-They Might be Gifted if...
7/2-Out of Sync Development
7/9-Educational Needs
7/16-Social and Emotional Needs
7/30-DEI & Gifted
8/6-Myths, Misconceptions, and Misdiagnosis
8/13-Underachievement
8/20-Sensitivity, Intensity, & Overexcitability
Edge on Science Summer STEM Fun for Kids (Copy)
Week-Long Summer STEM Fun for Kids
Project-Based and Guaranteed to Engage Your Child
31st Annual Pre-Prep Showcase Independent School Admissions Fair
31st Annual Pre-Prep Showcase Independent School Admissions Fair
IDEAL4Gifted
. Never before has there been such an opportunity to talk to an expert in gifted education. Dr. Stewart brings over 40 years of experience to the conversation. If she doesn’t have an answer, she will let you know who does.6/24-They Might be Gifted if...
7/2-Out of Sync Development
7/9-Educational Needs
7/16-Social and Emotional Needs
7/30-DEI & Gifted
8/6-Myths, Misconceptions, and Misdiagnosis
8/13-Underachievement
8/20-Sensitivity, Intensity, & Overexcitability
IDEAL4Gifted
Virtual OPEN HOUSEs
July 8, July 31, & August 5
IDEAL4Gifted is an online community of learning and belonging dedicated to the education of gifted and multi-exceptional students, ages 5-14. We place students in classes by readiness, not age. We understand students' asynchronous development and support their social and emotional needs. To find out more, go to www.ideal4gifted.org
Dr. MaryGrace Stewart, Founder and Executive Director of IDEAL4Gifted, will provide an overview of the program, along with input from teachers, students, and parents. To attend, please complete the form below. You will be emailed the Zoom link the day before the event.
Registration Required: https://form.jotform.com/251674107383155
Edge on Science Summer STEM Fun for Kids
Week-Long Summer STEM Fun for Kids
Project-Based and Guaranteed to Engage Your Child at Lasell College in Newton
IDEAL4Gifted
Virtual OPEN HOUSEs
July 8, July 31, & August 5
IDEAL4Gifted is an online community of learning and belonging dedicated to the education of gifted and multi-exceptional students, ages 5-14. We place students in classes by readiness, not age. We understand students' asynchronous development and support their social and emotional needs. To find out more, go to www.ideal4gifted.org
Dr. MaryGrace Stewart, Founder and Executive Director of IDEAL4Gifted, will provide an overview of the program, along with input from teachers, students, and parents. To attend, please complete the form below. You will be emailed the Zoom link the day before the event.
Registration Required: https://form.jotform.com/251674107383155
IDEAL4Gifted
. Never before has there been such an opportunity to talk to an expert in gifted education. Dr. Stewart brings over 40 years of experience to the conversation. If she doesn’t have an answer, she will let you know who does.6/24-They Might be Gifted if...
7/2-Out of Sync Development
7/9-Educational Needs
7/16-Social and Emotional Needs
7/30-DEI & Gifted
8/6-Myths, Misconceptions, and Misdiagnosis
8/13-Underachievement
8/20-Sensitivity, Intensity, & Overexcitability
IDEAL4Gifted
Free Webinar from IDEAL4Gifted
Topics:
Characteristics of Gifted and Multi-exceptional Children
What Learning Should Be for Gifted and Multi-exceptional Children
What Acceleration Should Be for Gifted and Multi-exceptional Children
What Differentiation Should Be for Gifted and Multi-exceptional Children
What Enrichment Should Be for Gifted and Multi-exceptional Children
Depth and Complexity for Gifted and Multi-exceptional Children
Experts:
Drs. Joe Renzulli, Sally Reis, Ann Shoplick, Carol Ann Tomlinson, Jan Leppien, & Sandy Kaplan
Format: Expert excerpt, Q&A with Dr. Stewart, repeat
Timing: approximately 20 minutes/topic
Registration Required: https://form.jotform.com/251674465615160
IDEAL4Gifted
. Never before has there been such an opportunity to talk to an expert in gifted education. Dr. Stewart brings over 40 years of experience to the conversation. If she doesn’t have an answer, she will let you know who does.6/24-They Might be Gifted if...
7/2-Out of Sync Development
7/9-Educational Needs
7/16-Social and Emotional Needs
7/30-DEI & Gifted
8/6-Myths, Misconceptions, and Misdiagnosis
8/13-Underachievement
8/20-Sensitivity, Intensity, & Overexcitability
Ace the Application
Over the last few years alone, my Ace the Application participants have been accepted to colleges including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Columbia, Brown, UPenn, Cornell, Duke, Vanderbilt, Johns Hopkins, Rice, UVA, Georgetown and more!
The program also gets students working on all parts of the application now, rather than waiting to start until they're in the midst of tough senior year classes, as too many students do.
MAGE Board Meeting
MAGE Board Zoom Call.
Email president@massgifted.org for more information.
IDEAL4Gifted
. Never before has there been such an opportunity to talk to an expert in gifted education. Dr. Stewart brings over 40 years of experience to the conversation. If she doesn’t have an answer, she will let you know who does.6/24-They Might be Gifted if...
7/2-Out of Sync Development
7/9-Educational Needs
7/16-Social and Emotional Needs
7/30-DEI & Gifted
8/6-Myths, Misconceptions, and Misdiagnosis
8/13-Underachievement
8/20-Sensitivity, Intensity, & Overexcitability
Discover Mary Baldwin University’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted, Virtual session: July 8 @ 7:00 pm.
Mary Baldwin University’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG) offers a unique path for girls ages 12-16 who are ready for advanced academic challenge in a supportive college setting. Join us on June 30 to tour our scenic Staunton, Virginia, campus, connect with PEG students and staff, and learn more about academics, student life, and what makes this program stand out. Families are welcome.
Prefer to attend online? Join our live virtual info session at 7 p.m. on July 8.
Register here: https://marybaldwin.tfaforms.net/217932
IDEAL4Gifted
Virtual OPEN HOUSEs
July 8, July 31, & August 5
IDEAL4Gifted is an online community of learning and belonging dedicated to the education of gifted and multi-exceptional students, ages 5-14. We place students in classes by readiness, not age. We understand students' asynchronous development and support their social and emotional needs. To find out more, go to www.ideal4gifted.org
Dr. MaryGrace Stewart, Founder and Executive Director of IDEAL4Gifted, will provide an overview of the program, along with input from teachers, students, and parents. To attend, please complete the form below. You will be emailed the Zoom link the day before the event.
Registration Required: https://form.jotform.com/251674107383155
IDEAL4Gifted
. Never before has there been such an opportunity to talk to an expert in gifted education. Dr. Stewart brings over 40 years of experience to the conversation. If she doesn’t have an answer, she will let you know who does.6/24-They Might be Gifted if...
7/2-Out of Sync Development
7/9-Educational Needs
7/16-Social and Emotional Needs
7/30-DEI & Gifted
8/6-Myths, Misconceptions, and Misdiagnosis
8/13-Underachievement
8/20-Sensitivity, Intensity, & Overexcitability
Discover Mary Baldwin University’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted In-person: Sunday, June 30, 10 a.m.
Mary Baldwin University’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG) offers a unique path for girls ages 12-16 who are ready for advanced academic challenge in a supportive college setting. Join us on June 30 to tour our scenic Staunton, Virginia, campus, connect with PEG students and staff, and learn more about academics, student life, and what makes this program stand out. Families are welcome.
Prefer to attend online? Join our live virtual info session at 7 p.m. on July 8.
Register here: https://marybaldwin.tfaforms.net/217932