Now is the time to register and access the full Milestones conference on-demand through
August 15th. Continue to EARN CEUs while watching On-Demand sessions!
Join the 1,400 autism professionals, family members and autistic individuals who have already registered to gain practical strategies for work, school, home and out in your community today!
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Find the perfect sessions for you.
View this year's session lineup here, complete with objectives, speaker bios and CEU information.
Need-based scholarships are available.
Learn more about scholarships here.
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Milestones Free Autism Helpdesk
Need a specific resource? Want to learn more about our services? Contact the Milestones free Helpdesk today.
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Milestones Community Calendar
Visit our community calendar to connect with local event organizers to learn about events and supports in your area.
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2022 Conference Highlights:
-80 sessions from professionals, family members and self-advocates
-CEUs offered in 12 disciplines
-Keynotes, presentations and panels showcasing autistic individuals
-Virtual Expo Hall with amazing exhibitors and sponsors
-Art Show featuring 65 talented autistic artists
-PLUS NEW SUMMER FEATURE-
Milestones 20th Anniversary Bonus Track!
Featuring 20 of our most popular sessions
from last year's conference!
(Please note: No CEUs are available for these 2021 sessions.)
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Congratulations to the 2022
Milestones Achievement Award Recipients
#Actually Autistic Award, Ben Breaux, Fairfax, VA
Autism Research Award, Allysa Ware, MSW, Waldorf, MD
Family Tribute Award, Patricia Parker, Cleveland, OH
Professional Excellence Award, Irene B. Jones, Cleveland, OH
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Sound of Ideas Segment on NPR
Views on autism have changed in 22 years since first surveying
for the condition
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started surveying for Autism in the year 2000. Over the course of those 2 decades - the rates of autism diagnoses have jumped from 1 in 150 persons during that first year of surveying - to 1 in 44, in the most recent set of data. Hear how as a community we are addressing the massive increase in need.
Featured Guests:
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Maria Davis Pierre, Founder and CEO, Autism in Black and Featured Speaker, 2022 Milestones National Autism Conference
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Carly Millis Jalowiec, Education Assistant, Milestones Autism Resources
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Nathan Morgan, Program Manager: Early Intervention and Autistic Supports, Milestones Autism Resources
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Charlotte Kennerly, Mother to an autistic child, Intervention Specialist at Cleveland Metropolitan School District
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Ilana Hoffer Skoff, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Milestones Autism Resources
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Laurie Cramer, Executive Director, Autism Society of Greater Akron
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Beth Thompson, Program Director, Milestones Autism Resources
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Fox 8 News
Meet an adult with autism you won't soon forget
Carly Millis Jalowiec was diagnosed with autism at the age of 30 and has since become an incredible self-advocate. Carly is part of a growing trend of adults seeking out an autism diagnosis and connecting with Milestones Autism Resources for help. Hear Carly, Education Assistant, Milestones Autism Resources and Ilana Hoffer Skoff, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Milestones Autism Resources discuss her story and Milestones in this segment.
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Telemundo Interview
Organización local ofrece recursos para hispanos con autismo en español
En el área de Cleveland existe una organización que busca apoyar a las personas con autismo y sus seres queridos, y ahora tienen un equipo de ayuda en español. Steven Hernandez visitó el centro y nos tiene más informacion.
Our feature on Telemundo highlights specific resources we offer for the Spanish speaking autism community. See Telemundo in conversation with Michelle Mejia, Milestones Spanish Helpdesk Support.
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WKYC Channel 3
Normalizing Neurodiversity: How self-advocates are speaking out and breaking the stigma
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To improve opportunities for our neurodiverse community, they must first have a seat at the table. Featuring 2022 Milestones National Autism Conference Keynote Speaker Eric Garcia and Grace Blatt, Good Life Ambassador with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. |
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Channel 5
Northeast Ohio-based non-profit help families navigate autism nationwide
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A feature on how Milestones was started, our growing national reach and a spotlight on the Gedeon family. |
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Congratulations to Milestones Staff for Special Awards |
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Milestones Autism Resources Program Director Beth Thompson, MSSA, LSW, has been awarded Hiram College’s Service to Humanity Award, recognizing an unsung hero who has dedicated a lifetime to the betterment of the community through volunteerism, community service, or philanthropy. We know the incredible difference Beth makes to the autism community every day, supporting autistic individuals, families and professionals. She has over a decade of experience working with autistic young adults, guiding families and individuals toward greater independence. Beth has trained and mentored countless professionals - police officers, first responders, health systems, schools, cultural organizations, and the next generation of medical professionals, doctors and social workers.
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Milestones Co-Founder Mia Buchwald Gelles and Lois Davis |
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Milestones is honored to be the recipient of the inaugural Lois and Larry Davis Award at the 10th anniversary celebration of livespecial.com, a project of the National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland. This award is given to an organization that has had a large impact on the special needs community. Thank you to LiveSpecial for this tremendous honor!
We would also like to congratulate 9-year-old Dominic Lopez, son of Milestones Helpdesk Coordinator Estee Ezinski, for his recognition as a 2022 Champion! Dominic has spent the last three years speaking with medical students and participating in police officer trainings to share what is helpful when interacting with autistic individuals. He is the youngest speaker to have participated in the Milestones National Autism Conference.
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Milestones Self-Advocate Social Group July Schedule
An online network for individuals with a formal or self-diagnosis of ASD or other disabilities. Ages 16+
UPCOMING EVENTS
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New! Introduction to Dating Workshop
Tuesday, July 26th from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Speaker: Maisie Hanley (they/them), Teen Program Coordinator, Nicole Gerami LLC
Interested in dating? Maisie Hanley will be speaking about how to overcome common struggles faced in the dating world. They'll talk about how to meet people, topics to talk about on a date, and more! This session is aimed at self-advocates, but is open to all who are interested. For more information or to RSVP for this event, please contact socialgroup@milestones.org. (RSVPs are required.)
Nicole Gerami LLC provides numerous opportunities for individuals to build friendships and work on social communication skills in a fun engaging environment through the FIT (Friendship in Teams) programming. In each of their programs, caring staff members help participants develop valuable tools to connect with peers and form friendships.
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In the last year, Nicole Gerami LLC has started a new series of programming for teens and young adults to socialize with peers and learn valuable skills that help in adulthood. For more information about services offered, such as teen/young adult classes about dating, adulting, and more, and social nights, please contact Maisie Hanley at mhanley@nicolegerami.com.
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The Double Rainbow Group: Building LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent Social Connections
Monday, July 25th from 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Are you a neurodivergent member of the LGBTQ+ community? The Milestones Self-Advocate Social Group has heard your feedback and have established a monthly meeting group for us to socialize, discuss current events, and build support and friendships. Membership in the Milestones Self-Advocate Social Group is required. To join this activity or to request additional information, please contact socialgroup@milestones.org.
Neurodivergent Professionals Networking Group
Tuesday, August 2nd from 7:00pm-8:00pm
Are you an autistic, ADHD, or other neurodivergent professional who is looking to build connections, community, and networking opportunities with peers? Attendees of this initial meeting will discuss what they are looking for in a professional networking group and help shape the group as we move toward establishing regular meetings in the future. Membership in the Milestones Self-Advocate Social Group is required. To join this activity or to request additional information, please contact socialgroup@milestones.org.
Monthly Minecraft (virtual event)
Sunday, July 24th from 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Come build with us for our Monthly Minecraft Day! Each month we will be meeting to play Minecraft together as a group and to chat in Discord.
For this activity you should have: Minecraft for the Nintendo Switch, PS4/PS5, XboxOne, Xbox Series S/X, mobile devices, or PC (Bedrock Edition)
*Individuals without a copy of the game can still participate in this social activity via Discord Voice Chat, but may miss out on certain aspects of the social experience.
Social Roleplaying – Dungeon & Dragons (virtual event)
Various dates and times – Sessions are scheduled based on member availability. Options available to fit most schedules.
Join us for socialization and roleplaying as we work together to tackle challenges big and small. Create a character and join in on the adventures. New and experienced players are welcome.
For this activity, we will be utilizing text and voice messaging features on Discord and will be using the D&D Beyond companion app (available on mobile and via web browser https://www.dndbeyond.com). Our Moderator Team will be leading the campaign and are happy to answer questions.
Click the button below for more information about the group and how to join.
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Save the Date!
Milestones Autism Resources Annual Benefit
Honoring Ilana Hoffer Skoff and Mia Buchwald Gelles
October 27, 2022
Driftwood Caterers, Landerhaven
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Celebrating 20 Years
Supporting the Community!
Honoring the past, embracing the present, and envisioning the future.
Make sure to mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss
this special, fun evening!
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