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Spectrum Events

Spectrum Events: Connecting, Educating, and Celebrating Diversity

Recurring

Online “Closed” Support Group for Parents of Transition Age Youth

This 8-week AANE support group is for parents and caregivers of Autistic or similarly neurodivergent young adult children ages 18-22. This small group setting allows parents and caregivers to connect with each other, share experiences, celebrations and delivers a wealth of information.

Advanced registration is required. Financial assistance available.

$180
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Adults (30+)

Virtual

This “closed” support group is for parents who have an Autistic adult child 30+ years of age. Other adult family caregivers may also register for this group. “Closed” support groups are ideal for parents and other adult family caregivers who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at open support group meetings.

AANE support groups provide an opportunity for parents and family caregivers to voice their concerns and frustrations and celebrate hard-won and unexpected victories. Although each group will focus on different themes and questions, here are some of the most common ones:

Now that your child is an adult, how do you support and/or parent without power?
How do you keep the lines of communication open?
How can you help the Autistic adult find and sustain work and live independently?
How do you motivate them to expand their social network?
What types of services have other families used and what were the results?
How have other members tapped into health, income, housing, and other benefits?
Dates
January 2
January 16
January 30
February 6
February 20
March 6
March 20
April 3

$180
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Autistic Parents

Virtual

This is a Support Group for autistic adults who are parents. As an autistic individual, parenting brings with it a multitude of unique experiences and challenges. That’s why we’re here! Together we can share lived experiences and offer support to one another so we can grow and succeed in parenthood. Parents of all genders are welcome, whether your child is arriving soon, a toddler, in high school, or an adult themselves. This group is open to parents of all genders.

Dates
January 9
January 16
January 23
January 30
February 6
February 13
February 20
February 27

$100
Recurring

Multi-Session Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Interest Group for Adults

Virtual

This interest group is intended for post-high school adults who fulfill the player pre-requisites outlined below:

Participants need to have played Dungeons and Dragons before either at AANE or elsewhere.
They must also be familiar with character creation, general rules of D&D Edition 5, cooperation within a team, and following campaign rules and storyline.
Each participant is expected to attend all 8 meetings in order to help his/her team advance as far as possible in the campaign.
This interest series will be using a campaign selected by the Dungeon Masters. Participants must agree to follow the rules of the campaign at all times.
Because this is an interactive/collaborative game. Participants need to be able to participate fully in each game session.
Please note that this is a two-step process (application and registration). If you are interested in this group, please submit the application above.

$100

Employment Workshop – How to Job Search Online for Adults

Virtual

Do you want to find a job but have no idea where to start? There are plenty of online resources that can help. Come learn about those resources and hear tips including commonly used job search sites, how to build a LinkedIn profile and considerations for your social media presence.

*Please note that this event will be recorded. The recording will be sent out to registrants a few days after the live event and participants can watch the recording for up to 30 days.

$25
Recurring

Sensory Friendly Mornings

Tellus Science Museum 100 Tellus Dr, Carterville, GA

These exclusive mornings include:

Designated “Quiet Spaces” located at the back of the theatre
Sound reduction where possible, like turning off hand dryers throughout the museum and delaying loud tasks, i.e. vacuuming or mowing
Specialized equipment that can be checked out from the front desk (limited quantities available):
Weighted lap pads
Wheelchairs
Sunglasses for overstimulating lights
Noise reduction earmuffs for overstimulating sounds
Name tags with contact information for children (provided upon request)
Waterproof aprons and gloves are available in the gem panning and fossil dig area
Additional directional signage will be throughout the museum
Strollers are allowed throughout the museum
A “Quiet Space” is available during any visit to the museum. This room has been designed to provide a soothing environment. Please ask a staff member or a security guard for access.

Free

Cobb Happy Tails & Music

Lekotek of Georgia Kennesaw 1925 Vaughn Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA

Join us at 10:00 am for a leisurely Saturday morning of fun with the best dogs, cats and sometimes even surprise animals! All animals are especially gentle and love to be loved! Some even do tricks! Then stay for some musical fun with your Lekotek friends beginning at 10:45 am. We'll sing, dance and have loads of wacky fun! Cost: Happy Tails is Free! $10 donation per family is requested for Music, but not required. Please Register (online registration will be available at the beginning of the month prior to the event)

Extra Special Saturday Respite

Embry Hills UMC 3304 Henderson Mill Road, Chamblee, GA

A nurse is at each location to manage G-tube feedings, seizures, and other medical care. Caregivers at each location are knowledgeable and experienced in caring for children with special needs. Ratio of caregiver to child is 1:4, but community volunteers are often on hand to help and play. It’s a wonderful time for the children to enjoy free play, music, and extra attention from FOCUS caregivers and volunteers. Oh, and the parents enjoy the break!!

Eligibility
Have a physical and/or developmental disability, including rare genetic syndromes, cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome.
Be age 1-12 at the date of respite.
Willing to stay with a group and function in a 1:4 caregiver to child ratio.
Have no recent instances of elopement or wandering away.

Table Talk Jr

City Cafe and Bakery 215 GLYNN ST S, Fayetteville, GA, United States

Get ready to meet and mingle with like-minded young teens (ages 12-17) on the spectrum. A great opportunity to be social and make new friends as you move from table to table to get to know new people. Table Talk is $25 and includes a meal and a drink. Space is limited, please sign-up now at www.SpectrumAutism.org. Brought to you by Life With the Spectrum with Gina Kavali on YouTube and Spectrum Autism Support Group.

$25

Table Talk

City Cafe and Bakery 215 GLYNN ST S, Fayetteville, GA, United States

Get ready to meet and mingle with like-minded young adults on the spectrum. A great opportunity to be social, make new friends, or possibly find love as you move from table to table to get to know new people. Table Talk includes a meal and a drink. Space is limited, please sign-up now at www.Spectrum Autism.org. Brought to you by Life With the Spectrum with Gina Kavali on YouTube and Spectrum Autism Support Group.

Recurring

Online “Closed” Support Group for Adults

A closed support group has the same group members (up to 12) for a set number of sessions (8). Closed support groups are ideal for adults who are looking for deeper connections and more extensive peer support from group members. For the best support group experience, closed group members should plan on attending all 8 meetings in the series. This group offers a safe environment where Autistic adults can talk with like-minded people, share issues and concerns, and celebrate successes. Common topics include: disclosure, self-advocacy, and relationships.
Dates

December 1
December 15
January 5
January 19
February 2
February 16
March 2
March 16

$100

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