A group of educators, clinicians, parents, young adults, and other community members has planned two free programs in the days leading up to Old Saybrook High School’s (OSHS) production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Both aim to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders.

The first, Autism Mythbusters—Hear Our Voices, will be an informal panel discussion led by young adults at The Nest Coffee Shop, 162A Main Street, Deep River. The program will take place on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The second, Autism Awareness, will take place at OSHS the evening before the play opens, Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The Nest, which was founded by Jane Moen and opened earlier this year, provides jobs for young adults with disabilities and seeks to create an environment that is comfortable for those on the autism spectrum. It is largely funded through a foundation, A Little Compassion, started by Moen and her husband, Luther.

One of the afternoon program’s organizers is OSHS alumna Jillian Noyes, who is herself on the autism spectrum. Noyes earned a B.A. in film studies from Connecticut College and is “saving up so I can make my way to a film hub like New York or Los Angeles,” she said.

“In a way, getting involved with Curious Incident was like a family reunion,” Noyes wrote in an email. “Many of the professionals we’ve been collaborating with were active participants in shaping my journey through the Old Saybrook school system.

“Working alongside them as an equal and offering contributions of my own, in order to help promote acceptance for a whole new generation of kids—it’s surreal and humbling to think about,” she said.

“Jillian has been very much a part of the Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services community as far as helping out in many ways,” said OSHS School Psychologist Gretchen Holthauser.

“She’s been an activist for individuals on the autism spectrum as well as those with mental health” issues,” Holthauser continued. “She is very educated and has real-life experience that really informs that activism beautifully. She’s a powerhouse at 21.”

The Nov. 6 presentation, Autism Awareness, will by moderated by Holthauser and include autism specialist Dr. Roger Jou from the Yale University Child Study Center; Steven Hernandez, executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, and Seniors; Robin Fox, founder of SocialEyes Together, a program for those with autism, ADHD, and communication disorders; and Alex Klein, LCSW, and Janel Lynch, LCSW, co-founders of Shoreline Psychotherapy & Behavioral Health. Also participating will be Moen, people on the spectrum, parents, and other providers.

The program is described as an “open dialogue in a supportive and collaborative environment.” Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP and may also send questions for the panel to gholthausen@oldsaybrookschools.org or call 860-395-3175 x 4509.