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Spectrum Events

Spectrum Events: Connecting, Educating, and Celebrating Diversity

Carl the Collector Screening

Anna Shaw Children's Institute 1201 Burleyson Road, Dalton, GA, United States

Join us to watch the first episode of “Carl the Collector,” meet Julia from Sesame Street, and participate in hands-on activities!

This event is perfect for children ages 4-8, but everyone is welcome! This exciting new PBS KIDS series is the first to feature central characters on the autism spectrum. It promotes diversity and friendship and celebrates each individual’s unique strengths.

¡Únete a nosotros para ver el primer episodi-ode, “Carl the Collector,” conozca a Julia de Sesame Street y participe en actividades prácticas!

Este evento es perfecto para niños de 4 a 8 años, ¡pero todos son bienvenidos! Esta nueva y emocio-nante serie de PBS KIDS es la primera que presen-ta personajes centrales en el espectro del autismo. Promueve la diversidad y la amistad y celebra las fortalezas únicas de cada individuo.

Extra Special Saturday Respite

Embry Hills UMC 3304 Henderson Mill Road, Chamblee, GA

You deserve a break today! Enjoy a few hours to run errands, lunch with a friend, or take a nap!

FOCUS offers Extra Special Saturday Respite (ESS) in the spring and fall at 2 locations. 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!!

FOCUS on Music

Embry Hills UMC 3304 Henderson Mill Road, Chamblee, GA

Eligibility:

FOCUS Kiddo must be 18+ at date of event (this event is not limited to those 29 and under)
Have a physical and/or developmental disabilities, including rare genetic syndromes, cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome.

Other Info:

This event is free for FOCUS Young Adults and FOCUS Alumni
FOCUS Families can drop off kiddos at Embry Hills UMC at 11:00 AM. Parents can stay on-site or leave to run a quick errand.
The music therapist will lead a one-hour long music session utilizing a variety of percussion instruments.
Registration is required. Space is limited, please register as soon as possible.
Questions? Email milligan@focus-ga.org

Free

Telic Empowerment Virtual Parent Group Meeting (Virtual)

Self care is a vital component of parenting that is often neglected. During this month's PEG, representatives from NCH PAD Emily Hornsby and Jamie Krasingor will be sharing about the services that NCHPAD has to offer families with youth and young adults with disabilities. They will also be teaching us about mindfulness and the importance and self care. Emily will be leading us in a mindfulness exercise!

As always attendees will receive an opportunity to win a prize! We look forward to seeing you there!

Photo with Santa

Dalton Shine Club 514 Chattanooga Ave, Dalton, GA

Join the Dalton Shrine Club Fezzettes for “Photos with Santa,” Mrs. Claus and the Grinch will be there, too! Enjoy time with Santa in a quiet and inclusive environment. Pet friendly!

High-Five Society Invites you to Gobble ’til you Wobble

144 Essex Street 144 Essex Street, Cedartown, GA

Location:144 Essex Street, Cedartown, GA 30125

Join us for an afternoon filled with delicious food, fun, and the chance to connect with a community that cares. We’ll be discussing Community Supports—how we can lean on one another and find the resources we need to thrive together. Bring your family and your child’s favorite dish to share, and get ready for an unforgettable day of friendship, fun, and togetherness! We’ll have games, arts & crafts, fun in the ball pit and gym, and meaningful conversations about the importance of building a strong support network.
What to Expect:

A wide variety of foods kids will love
Engaging games and activities for all ages
Arts & crafts to spark creativity
Thoughtful discussions on Community Supports
A warm, welcoming space for connections and gratitude

This is more than a meal—it’s a time to come together and celebrate the power of community. Bring a friend, bring a dish, and bring your heart full of gratitude!
For more information or to RSVP please contact info@highfivesociety.org or 678-675-3303

NeuroNook Sensory Space Grand Opening

406 Eagles Landing Parkway 406 Eagles Landing Pathway, Stockbridge, GA

Henry County's first inclusive sensory friendly play space! Where every child can play, grow, and explore in an environment tailored just for them.

Free

The 16th Annual Hope for Autism Gala 2024

Green Island Country Club 6501 Standing Boy Rd, Columbus, GA

Please join us for a fabulous night of fun and excitement to benefit the Autism Hope Center so we can continue to serve local individuals and families living with autism. The sixth Annual Hope for Autism Gala will be held at Green Island Country Club. The silent auction starts at 6 p.m. and includes complimentary drinks. Dinner begins at 7 p.m., followed by awards, music, and dancing

$95

Georgia Medicaid Basics and an Overview of Home and Community-Based Services

Learn about Medicaid programs and services, including how to qualify for Medicaid based on a child’s disability or chronic health condition (Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver). This course will include information on EPSDT, GAPP, SOURCE, and a brief overview of CCSP, ICWP and NOW/COMP waivers.

Recurring

Online “Open” Support Group for Partners of Autistic Individuals

This open group meets on the second Monday of the month and is for the neurotypical individual married to or in partnership with someone who is Neurodivergent.

This group may include student observers who at times may serve as Assistant Facilitators. This is AANE’s way of helping to train future facilitators who are training to be providers in the autism community. They are usually graduate students in social work, psychology, counseling or school psychology. Any assistant facilitators present are introduced at the beginning of the meeting.

$10

Online “Open” Support Group for Women (50+)

Join us monthly for an open support group that offers Autistic women, age 50+ an opportunity to come together to explore issues such as:

Receiving a diagnosis later in life
Masking and Camouflaging
Finding Support; Building and Maintaining Relationships
Challenges Post Menopause; Decline of Executive Functioning
Mid-Life Identity
Managing Stress and Coping Strategies
Self-Care

$10

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