August 21, 2015

CONNECT WITH US!

Choose "ABOARD's Autism Connection of PA" 

to have 0.5% of your purchase donated

RIver

Contact Jennifer Salamon at [email protected]
for more information about advertising in this 
weekly e-blast


Check out our new website
BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
 
The back to school season can be hectic, but what about children who are on the spectrum? For children who have autism, adjusting to the daily school grind can be especially difficult. But there are things you can do to make this transition easier.
 


DISCOUNTED KENNYWOOD TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!

Please contact Jennifer at 
412-449-0165

Kennywood $25.00

**Sandcastle has sold out**

Upcoming Events:

The Outdoor Classroom 
FREE Family Day 
Boyce Mayview Park in Upper St. Clair, PA

Saturday, September 12, 2015
Anytime between 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Learn How To Row and Paddle
FREE with Three Rivers Rowing Association 
Millvale, PA 15209 

Saturday, September 19, 2015 
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 


 
Charity registration is open!  Looking for runners and walkers for the following events:

Saturday, April 30, 2016


 

5k

 Kids of Steel 1 Mile

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Full Marathon
Half Marathon
Marathon Relay

For more information, check out our Fundraising Page  or email Jennifer at [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR 
YOUTUBE CHANNEL 
AND WATCH OUR NEW VIDEOS 
"HOW TO TAKE A BATH/SHOWER" 
 


 

Evolve Coaching Is Accepting College Coaching Students for Fall Semester

 

Evolve Coaching provides unique and individualized coaching support to adults in the areas of organization and communication. Amazing individuals come to us seeking success in the following areas: Academics & Organization, Nonverbal Communication, Executive Functioning, Self-Advocacy, Friendship Building and Maintenance, and Employment and Career Pursuits.

College coaching sessions take place on your Pittsburgh area campus. Video chat is available for those outside of the Pittsburgh area.


For more information please contact: 

Heather Conroy,  [email protected]

www.evolve-coaching.org 

 

Yes, You Can Dance! Special Needs Ballroom Program

 

Classes specially designed for adults and teens (16+) with cognitive disabilities. Students are paired with Dance Mentors to learn all steps from the Waltz to the Merengue! 

 

Classes meet every Sunday, September 6-October 25 (no classes 9/13 and 10/11) from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Cost is $30 for the six-week session.  Two Locations:


North Hills
DancExplosion Arts Center
5505 Babcock Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

South Hills
Steel City Ballroom
702 Washington Road
Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228

To learn more and register, call Joanna at 412-999-3998 or register online HERE

 

TRAILS: Accessing Independence In Leisure and Social Skills

 

A grant-funded program provides social skills in a natural setting with horseback riding, sensory trails horticulture, archery, music and pre-employment skill building with a 1:1 ratio.  Supported through the recreational therapy program at Slippery Rock University.

 

Every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., beginning September 17, 2015


For more information please contact: 

Elizabeth Kemeny, [email protected]

 

Celebrate Gluten-Free Living

 

Learn about living a gluten-free lifestyle at this free event. Sample gluten-free foods and drinks, talk to local doctors, including celiac and digestive disorder specialists. 

 

Wednesday, September 10, 2015, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m

 

Wexford Health & Wellness Pavilion 

12311 Perry Highway

Wexford, PA 15090

 

To register call 412-359-FREE (3733)

 

Cognitive Skills Enhancement Program (CSEP)

CSEP focuses on preparing individuals with cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, stroke and traumatic brain injury for vocational training and placement. Students work to improve skills in self-knowledge, communication, self-advocacy, problem solving and organization, and the effective use of accommodations and assistive technology.  CSEP is a one-term, stand-alone program. A customer does not have to attend a vocational training program at HGAC in order to participate in CSEP. OVR customers can be referred for CSEP and return home for vocational training or placement. Program components include cognitive enhancement, assistive technology, social cognition, night support, vocational cognition, vocational planning and mentorship in the community.

For more information please contact: 
Stacie Andrews, Director of Student Life, 814-254-0577
Disability Voting Video

Rooted in Rights has developed a landing page with resources for voters with disabilities, as well as additional state-specific information for voters in Pennsylvania.  Learn more about your voting rights HERE

Update & Reminder: Pennsylvania's Budget

Pennsylvania does not yet have a final budget for the current fiscal year that started on July 1.  The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) supports a final state budget that provides full funding for people with disabilities to have appropriate home and community-based services, to receive a free appropriate public education, and to get jobs in the community.

DRN recommends that you continue to reach out to your Senator and Representative about the importance of funding for disability-related services.  Find your local information HERE

AUTISM IN THE NEWS

IS AUTISM MEDICAL?



HOW MINECRAFT IS HELPING KIDS WITH AUTISM



RESEARCH DEVELOPMENTS


AUTISM MAY ARISE FROM BRAIN'S RESPONSE TO EARLY DISTURBANCES


RESEARCHERS DEVELOP SCREENING TEST FOR RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM IN TODDLERS

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED
PERSPECTIVES PROGRAM
  • Ages 16-45 with ASD
  • Must be able to come to the University of Pittsburgh on a weekly basis for 18 months
Contact: 
1-866-647-3436

PITTSBURGH EARLY AUTISM STUDY

  • Infants up to age 3 months with older sibling (both ASD and typically developing)
  • Pregnant women may also inquire
  • Visits take place in the home

Contact: Krista Pugliesi

[email protected]

412-624-9355

 

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER PERSONALITY PROFILE 

  • Males ages 13-19 with Asperger's diagnosis
  • 60 minutes with Carlow College
Contact:  Jennifer Pfeuffer 

SUPPORTING TRANSITION EDUCATION IN AUTISM SURVEY
 

  • Research study to assess knowledge base and needs for supporting transition of care in youth with autism
  • Must be a family member or caregiver of a child, adolescent or young adult with autism

To complete this survey and contribute to the growing field of transitional care in autism, please go to:  

https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8HAZ9Qy3pzxkbXf   

Contact Anuja Jindal  

[email protected]

ADDITIONAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS

CLASS Kids/Vocational Ventures
Are you a parent or guardian in Allegheny County? Does your teen want to earn valuable skills and cash? Would you like your child age 3-13 to be included in an activity that best suits their interests? 
FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Char :
412-683-7100 ext. 2245 or

Young Adult Social Group

This program is a specialized support system for young adults from 18 to 25 years of age with a primary diagnosis of autism. It has been designed to facilitate and develop peer relationships and socialization skills. The group is held on Thursdays from 4:00 to 7:00pm at 425 Main St., Youngstown, PA 15696. For more information contact Helen Tautkus-Berry at (724) 446-7282 or [email protected].

South Hills Grandparents Group

Interested grandparents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder meet, share experiences, support each other and collectively share the love of their grandchildren.

Join us the 1st Wednesday of every month from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  at the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building, 710 Washington Road, Room 107D

Facilitator: Marilyn Hoyson, PhD

Three New AERI Adult Social Groups

All groups are open and free to any adult, visitors and new members always welcome.

Butler
Social events or skills development occur in the community monthly, March-December.

Contact for times and locations:
Sarah Langley
814-558-0791
Ebensburg
Meet in the community on the last Friday of the month, March-December, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Contact for meeting locations:
Lydia Aney
412-992-7929
State College
Each session includes a structured discussion of challenges and needs for those with autism, followed by an interactive activity.  Second Tuesday of the month, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at:

FBR-AERI Office and Clinic
270 Walker Drive, Suite 102 W
State College, PA


Washington County Support Group

Mini-Series on Developing Strong IEP's and Work with School Teams, Beginning with the End in Mind

Part 1: Developing a Strong IEP
Wednesday, September 30th
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Part 2: Working Effectively With Your School Team
Wednesday, October 21st
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Part 3: Your Parental Rights

Wednesday, November 18th
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

St. David's Episcopal Church, 905 E. McMurray Road, Venetia, PA 15367

Registration is required HERE
FBR Washington Parent Support & Children's Play Group

Support for parents, strengthening the lives of their children and families.

Join us the 3rd Tuesday of every month (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or 
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at FBR Washington, Milcraft Building 90, West Chestnut Street, Suite 110LL, Washington, PA 15301.

Please RSVP by the Friday before each group by calling the FBR Team at 724-229-0311
Autism Urban Connections
Parent Support Group services Parents/Caregivers raising children with ASD and related disorders

Jamie Upshaw, Facilitator

412-853-0115

[email protected]


Greater Hazelwood Family Center

5006 Second Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15207

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Monthly: 4th Thursday

711 Penn Avenue, Floor 2

Wilkinsburg, PA 15221

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Monthly: 3rd Wednesday

 

Awesome Autism Support Group

Support group for families with autism, ADHD, sensory processing and epilepsy in the Greenville/Hermitage Area

Join us every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Hillside Presbyterian Church, 2 North Street, Greenville, PA 16125.  Child care and snack available.

Group Leader: Julia Cassidy
Phone: 724-718-3951
AWES Parent Support Group

Open to anyone whose life is affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Join us on the first and third Thursday of every month 5:00pm - 7:00pm for conversation, support, and resources. Meetings will be held at our South Office at 3117 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

*Free service with childcare provided.
*RSVP Required

Please contact Julia Ofrichter at [email protected]  or call 412-706-2597 

PAUSE for Autism

Autism family support group for Bradford County 

Join us every 4th Sunday of the month from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the YMCA, 9 College Avenue, Towanda, PA 18848.

Group Leader Name: Courtney Barnum

Phone: 607-761-8072

Email: [email protected]

 

EmployAble Opportunities

EmployAble
provides career counseling and guidance to professionally-oriented young adults with post-secondary education who have mental health challenges and/or autism. 
*Currently interviewing interested candidates!

EmployAble
promotes inclusiveness in the work-place and is designed to work with regional employers to help them understand the value of a diverse workforce and make appropriate accommodations. *Currently seeking employers/business owners looking to receive on-site training and consultation regarding the benefits of hiring individuals who happen to have mental health challenges or autism.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Aprilynn Artz, LPC:

412-904-5942 / [email protected] 

 

and visit http://www.careerdevelopmentcenter.org/for-job-seekers/employable.aspx

Thank you to our sponsors who allow us to provide this e-blast to our families for free! 

Autism Connection of PA does not endorse any products or services.