Autism Connections
April 4-10 | Issue 54
Programs this Week
Tuesday, April 5
9:30-11 a.m. ET
An online support group for parents/caregivers of children and adults who are significantly impacted by autism to share experiences as parents, advocates, cheerleaders, teachers, detectives, and so much more.
Tuesday, April 5
7-8:30 p.m. ET
An online support group for caregivers and family members who have a loved one with autism.
Mércoles, 6 de abril
6-7:30 p.m. ET
Un grupo de apoyo en línea en español, para cuidadores y familiares que tienen un ser querido con autismo. Primera y tercera semana de cada mes.
Thursday, April 7
1:30-3 p.m. ET
An online support group for women with autism and chronic physical health concerns. LGBTQ+ friendly.
Friday, April 8
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET
An online support group for professionals
in the developmental disability field.
Friday, April 8
5:30-7 p.m. ET
An online social program for teens 13-17 with autism to make friends, play games, hangout and have fun.
Friday, April 8
7:30-9 p.m. ET
An online social program for adults with autism to talk, play a variety of games,
have fun and lots of laughs!
Saturday, April 9
9 - 10 a.m. ET
An online autism program for children 3-12 to explore creativity, socialization and FUN!
Saturday, April 9
7:30-9 p.m. ET
An online social program for adults with autism to test your knowledge, hang out with friends, and have FUN!
Sunday, April 10
6:30-8 p.m. ET
An online support group for adults with autism to share successes and concerns, give and receive support, and be a part of a community that understands.
Introducing Our 2021 Impact Report 
Did you know we celebrated our 50th year in 2021? Check out our 2021 Impact Report for information about what we offered in programs and services last year, and find out more about our history and our new logo we debuted. Click the button below to view.
April is Autism Acceptance Month
Each April has typically been known as Autism Awareness Month, but many organizations, including ASGC, are moving to call the month Autism Acceptance Month. This is to recognize that while awareness can be beneficial, our ultimate goal for children and adults with autism, and their families, is to be accepted and celebrated in the communities where they live and work.

In Greater Cincinnati, it is estimated that 40,000 people are living with autism. Today, one in 44 children are diagnosed with autism. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability, and the need for support and services continues throughout a person’s lifetime. Learn how you can help us continue to support local programming and services in the Greater Cincinnati region, and beyond, by clicking the button below.
Update to Kids Exploring Fun Programming
Starting this Saturday, April 9, we’ll be moving to a twice-a-month format for Kids Exploring Fun. We are excited to introduce our kids social group, which will be held during our normal Kids Exploring Fun time once a month. People on the autism spectrum often have challenges with communications and social skills, and can struggle to start or carry a conversation. In this group we will try to help build confidence to make friends and interact with each other socially.
We will still hold a second session each month with crafts, games, activities and more, partnering with organizations like Big Blue Canopy, ABC Pediatric Therapy, Ensemble Theatre and more to facilitate the programs. For the latest each month, be sure to bookmark our website! Click the link below to learn more.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Severe* Autism Parent & Caregiver Support Group 
Join other parents/caregivers of children and adults who are significantly impacted by autism to share experiences as parents, advocates, cheerleaders, teachers, detectives, and so much more during our support group tomorrow, Tuesday, April 5, from 9:30 – 11 a.m. ET on Zoom.

*Severe. Profound. Significantly Impacted. These are just some of the terms used to describe people with autism who require the most intensive supports. We realize there is no consensus on how to best describe this segment of the spectrum because it is a complex issue involving multiple factors. The intention of this group is to help parents & caregivers have a space to talk through the challenges and successes of caring for someone with autism.
COMMUNITY CORNER
RAAC 2022 Spring Safety Series:
Safety Through Empowerment & Technology!
Join the Regional Autism Advisory Council of Southwest Ohio live or on demand for important sessions focused on growing proactive strategies to keep people with disabilities safe. All sessions are free, virtual, and will be recorded.

Visit https://2022springsafetyseries.eventbrite.com for more information about the upcoming sessions and to register.
Ohio Parent to Parent (P2P) Statewide
Mentoring & Support Program
Are you interested in providing support to other families who have a loved one with a disability or special healthcare need? Apply to become an Ohio P2P Support Parent. Ohio P2P is a statewide parent support program that matches parents, siblings, self-advocates, foster parents, grandparents, etc. who have a family member, of any age, with a disability or special healthcare need, with an experienced, trained, volunteer support parent. Training is comprised of two one-hour zoom sessions and a set of 5 online modules to complete on your own during the weeks in between.
 
Upcoming training dates: Thursday, April 7th and Thursday, April 28th 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Thursday, May 5th and Thursday, May 26th 6:30-7:30 p.m.
 
Apply at: https://www.ucucedd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ and submit to Marion Cosgrove Rauch at marioncosgroverauch@cchmc.org. Questions? Visit www.ohiof2f.org/ohiop2p. 
West Clermont Local Schools District-Wide Survey for the Future 
West Clermont Local Schools just launched a district-wide survey to better understand what parents and community want to see from the district. Your participation will assist West Clermont in making critical future decisions. The survey is open to parents, employees/staff, community members or partners of the West Clermont School District. To participate in the 15-minute survey, go to https://bit.ly/3Lk2Qej. You will watch a series of brief videos and provide your responses. While it is possible to participate in this interactive survey on your smartphone, it is best viewed on a desktop, laptop or tablet using Google Chrome. 
DISCLAIMER: Autism Society Greater Cincinnati provides this information to the community as a resource. For more information on the above resource or training, please reach out directly to the contact listed. Inclusion of any professional or organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval.
Autism Society Greater Cincinnati

513-561-2300