JINGLE ALL THE WAY FOR AUTISM
JINGLE ALL THE WAY FOR AUTISM
PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN EVENT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH AUTISM
Enjoy ornament making, decorating the christmas tree, stuffing a stocking, & pictures with Santa.
To find in-person events in your area, first use the map below to find out which region you are in. Click on the drop-down menu for your region and click on “Find Events.” The calendar will show which events are near you!
Is there an autism-related event happening in your area? Please add it to our calendar to get the word out! You can also send us events that you would like to add to the calendar using our “Contact Us” page.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN EVENT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH AUTISM
Enjoy ornament making, decorating the christmas tree, stuffing a stocking, & pictures with Santa.
Do you enjoy crafts such as knitting, crocheting, sewing, and embroidery? AANE has created a new online group for you! The group is open to Autistic adults regardless of skill level or diagnosis. In addition to meeting online via Zoom, group members also have the option to participate in the AANE Knitting & Needlecrafts Online Discussion Forum, so that they can share tips, patterns, and positive encouragement in between meetings. (This forum is hosted on the Google Groups platform.) The group will meet every second Sunday of the month on Zoom. Each meeting will have time to work on individual projects and get feedback from group members.
Raising kids with autism takes love, patience, understanding and community.
But the challenges parents face can be overwhelming.
The sleepless nights. The communication barriers. Behavioral challenges. The constant worry about your child’s future.
We realize that more support is needed for parents of kids with autism.
That’s why we’re bringing together 25+ world-renowned experts in psychology, education, speech language pathology, and therapy…
…As well as parents who are successfully navigating the challenges of raising kids with autism…
…To bring you new, fresh, and alternative strategies to manage autism-related parenting challenges.
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.
Children diagnosed with autism often require a lot of individualized time and attention from their parents and caregivers, which may result in their sibling(s) feeling left out. Here, you’ll learn about different ways you can help foster interactions between your children as well as strategies to turn those negative interactions into positive ones.
This webinar will cover:
•Types of social interactions
•Strategies to increase positive sibling engagement
•Question & Answer
Join BLOOM Mission, Inc. for their parent/caregiver support group
December meeting dates are: Monday, December 2nd, 9th, and 16th
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Once Upon a Playhouse, 323 N Hamilton St., Dalton, 30720
For more information or to RSVP please contact Rebekah Rogers at 706-280-4516 or BloomMissionInc@gmail.com
This training series aims to help people with I/DD, their families and DSPs learn to use technology. Different topics are offered each week, beginning November 5, 2024 and concluding December 10, 2024.
Each session is held via Zoom at 10 a.m.
Come to the training to:
Meet new people
Learn new things to do for fun, work, and school
Stay in touch with friends and family
Share information about things that are important to you
Learn how to stay safe online
Session topic and date:
Remote Supports: 12/10/2024
This “closed” support group is designed for Autistic women (40-60) looking to build an ongoing connection with a small community of other women. This “closed” support group also gives women an opportunity to voice their concerns and frustrations and lets them acknowledge hard-won and unexpected victories. Common topics of discussion are:
Masking/camouflaging
Sensory sensitivities/overloads
Relationships
Self-care
Empathy
Uniting for Change continues to grow the self-advocacy network across Georgia. This is an opportunity for all self-advocates to be a part of a movement that supports people to have a life of choice.
Join us on December 10th on Zoom. All self-advocates with their allies and supporters are invited. We will start the meeting together and then break-out into Local Area Networks to continue reviewing our priorities and next steps for each Area.
Support Groups also called Share Groups are the backbone of FOCUS, the first program ever offered. Share Groups meet monthly (September to May) in several different locations around metro Atlanta so parents can meet other parents and share tips, fears, and joys. Parent volunteers facilitate the groups, keeping them positive, constructive, and uplifting.
Eligibility:
Be a parent/caregiver of a child/young adult with a physical and/or developmental disabilities, including rare genetic syndromes, cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome.
Parents will review and sign COVID-19 acknowledgements and the guidelines required by FOCUS for the Share Group Season before attending their first meeting.
If you would like to register for this share group, please email jaide@focus-ga.org
Our child development specialists are excited to bring you and your child an exciting read-aloud virtual story time!
During our interactive sessions we will read a book, sing songs, move our bodies, and connect with other children and caregivers. Each day we will read a different story that will engage children as they explore the world around them.
Registration is required. Complete the Story Time Participant Registration form to reserve your spot!
For more information, please email EveryoneRR@ccrcca.org
We look forward to engaging with you soon!
The New Options Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver (COMP) provide community-based services to support Individual with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities seeking to thrive in their home and/or community. What do you need to know about applying, accessing and supporting families in need? Join us for a comprehensive step-by-step guide to navigating the maze from application to Planning List to waiver service entry.
Contact: Amanda Brown
Email: amandab@p2pga.org
Phone: (678) 736-7314
Join Us for Part 1 of a presentation by NTACT-The Collaborative. Presention objectives:
Help to understand what Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are and how to access them.
Discuss who is eligible to receive Pre-ETS services and the difference between these services and traditional VR services.
Increase understanding of how Education and VR collaborate to arrange for and provide Pre-ETS to students with disabilities.
Join us to discover how to create DIY delicious and thoughtful edible gifts without breaking the bank!
In person or on Zoom! Thursday, December 12th at 1:00PM.
Contact us at 912-920-2414 to sign up today!
This “closed” support group is designed for women (35-50) who are Autistic. Through this “closed” support group, women (35-50) can build an ongoing connection with a small community of other women. AANE “closed” support groups for women also give women an opportunity to voice their concerns and frustrations. It also lets them acknowledge hard-won and unexpected victories. Common topics of discussion are:
Masking/camouflaging
Sensory sensitivities/overloads
Relationships
Self-care
Empathy
8 sessions. Advanced registration required.
Come join other adults age 50+ with autism or similar Neurodiverse profiles in an atmosphere of support and understanding. The group meets on the second Friday of every month.
¡Nuestros especialistas en desarrollo infantil se alegran en ofrecerle a usted y a sus hijos una emocionante lectura de cuentos virtual!
Durante nuestras sesiones interactivas leeremos libros, cantaremos canciones, moveremos nuestros cuerpos y nos conectaremos con otros niños y cuidadores. Cada día leeremos una historia diferente que involucrará a los niños mientras exploran el mundo que los rodea.
Es necesario registrarse. ¡Complete el formulario de registro de participantes de Story Time para reservar su lugar!
Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a EveryoneRR@ccrcca.org
¡Nuestros especialistas en desarrollo infantil se alegran en ofrecerle a usted y a sus hijos una emocionante lectura de cuentos virtual!
Durante nuestras sesiones interactivas leeremos libros, cantaremos canciones, moveremos nuestros cuerpos y nos conectaremos con otros niños y cuidadores. Cada día leeremos una historia diferente que involucrará a los niños mientras exploran el mundo que los rodea.
Es necesario registrarse. ¡Complete el formulario de registro de participantes de Story Time para reservar su lugar!
Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a EveryoneRR@ccrcca.org
Are you in need of some respite? Does your child need a social opportunity? Spectrum Camps and Clubs is offering a Saturday Day Camp and School Break Camps for Thanksgiving and Spring Break weeks camps which will provide a fun filled day for your child/children while maintaining a safe environment by following our strict Covid-19 infection control policies.
The activities include social activities, arts & crafts, music, outdoor play and group activities. Saturday Day Camp is for children 5 to young adult.
This Is an excellent time for parents to have some respite time for themselves.
Siblings are invited at the same fee.
Cost per 2 Saturday Sessions: $180 - Must sign up for both sessions per month
Unlock the Power of IDEA at our Virtual Training!
Discover how IDEA safeguards the rights of students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the personalized support they need through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This session will empower you with knowledge to advocate effectively for your child's unique educational needs.
What You Will Learn:
• The six essential principles of IDEA and how it protects your child's rights
Reserve your spot today and become a more confident advocate for your child's education!
Our Education and Support Specialists are seasoned facilitators, each bringing years of experience supporting parents at IEP meetings and helping them understand IDEA. They too are parents like you who are passionate about the success of students with disabilities.
To later participate in the IEP seminar, please register by following this link: bit.ly/4fvmhkn
There will be door prizes randomly given out at check-in throughout the day, complimentary cookies and milk in the Banquet Rooms from 11 AM – 3 PM (while supplies last), and model train layouts with a special scavenger hunt. Meet our Blue Crew in the museum galleries to check out fun holiday-themed science activities. PLUS, hop in line to meet Santa, The Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman and take home some fun gifts!
Stop by the Museum Store for our annual members-only holiday shopping special – an additional 10% discount on top of the regular member discount!
Special thanks to North Georgia Modurail, Peachlug-Lego Trains, Georgia Garden Railway Society Piedmont Division, and North Georgia Piedmont Club.
Adults: $20
Senior: $18
Child (3-17): $16
Child (2 & under): FREE
This open group meets one Sunday a month and is for parents, family members, and friends of Autistic individuals. Guest speakers are hosted every other month.
11 am. Children's program followed by Jesus' birthday party after worship service. See Susan Harbin
2 p.m. Children and families return to church and carpool to Brookdale for caroling. See Terri Memmo
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
This free, 5-episode virtual conversation series offers a warm and inviting opportunity to connect with other parents and families of children with differences in or challenges to their development. Through a series of conversations with parents of children with developmental differences, challenges, or disabilities, we will explore the unique as well as common experiences of loving and raising children whose developmental process and journey is delayed or atypical. We will discuss the challenges and joys of family life with children with a wide array of ways of being in the world. Over the five conversations, we will cover topics near and dear to the hearts and experiences of families as we all learn from each other about how to best support and advocate for our children, the whole family, and our communities.
All are welcome to join and engage in these powerful conversations!
Join us as P2P provides basic information about parental rights under IDEA, including confidentiality, notice, consent, surrogate parents, free and appropriate public education (FAPE), least restrictive environment (LRE), evaluations and dispute resolution methods such as mediation and due process.
This workshop will guide you through 10 essential steps to help you prepare for the financial future of your child with special needs. This session will equip you with practical tools and strategies to ensure your child’s well-being is protected for the future.
This is our open support group for Autistic people of color (18+). These spaces are peer-led and provide an opportunity for participants to explore how their multiple identities show up and address their specific needs, by sharing experiences and offering support to one another. We are running these meetings through the winter and then will determine the next steps for future programming based on interest and feedback.
Virtual
English Speaking
info@careparentnetwork.org
Support for families of kids ages 16-22+
Group meets virtually over zoom and is open to parents living in Contra Costa County
Get ready for a stellar adventure with our friends from the Georgia Council on Economic Education (GCEE)!
Join Angie Battle, program manager of the GCEE, as she shares the latest installment of the Earl & Starla children’s book series – Earl & Starla Go to Space. In this adventure, our feline friends discover the costs and benefits of space exploration on producers and consumers. Attendees will receive access to all digital lesson materials including a digital version of the featured picture book.
Members: Free
Non-members: admissions fee
Support Groups also called Share Groups are the backbone of FOCUS, the first program ever offered. Share Groups meet monthly (September to May) in several different locations around metro Atlanta so parents can meet other parents and share tips, fears, and joys. Parent volunteers facilitate the groups, keeping them positive, constructive, and uplifting.
Eligibility:
Be a parent/caregiver of a child/young adult with a physical and/or developmental disabilities, including rare genetic syndromes, cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome.
Parents will review and sign COVID-19 acknowledgements and the guidelines required by FOCUS for the Share Group Season before attending their first meeting.
If you would like to register for this share group, please email jaide@focus-ga.org
Georgians with disabilities make up a powerful constituency. Together we can have our voices heard. And we need your help to POWER THE DISABILITY VOTE!
REV UP Georgia Coalition meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday at 10am EST on Zoom. All are invited to attend. Come ready to share about grassroots voter registration and education activities in your area. REV UP will also outline strategies for voter rights education in Georgia’s rural communities.
This webinar training will provide participants with valuable insights and practical strategies for selecting and employing a caregiver for a person living with a disability. The training will cover various aspects related to the caregiver selection process and employment, including assessing the needs and preferences of the person with disabilities, identifying important qualities and skills in a caregiver, conducting effective interviews and screenings, and understanding the legal and ethical considerations. Participants will also gain knowledge on training, supervising, and providing ongoing support to caregivers.
Learning Goals:
-Understand the importance of selecting the right caregiver for a person living with a disability
-Learn how to assess the needs and preferences of the person with a disability
-Identify the key qualities and skills to look for in a caregiver
-Explore effective strategies for interviewing and screening potential caregivers
-Understand the legal and ethical considerations in employing a caregiver
-Gain knowledge on best practices for training and supervising caregivers
This “closed” support group is designed for Autistic women (40-60) looking to build an ongoing connection with a small community of other women. This “closed” support group also gives women an opportunity to voice their concerns and frustrations and lets them acknowledge hard-won and unexpected victories. Common topics of discussion are:
Masking/camouflaging
Sensory sensitivities/overloads
Relationships
Self-care
Empathy
8 sessions. Advanced registration is required.
¡Nuestros especialistas en desarrollo infantil se alegran en ofrecerle a usted y a sus hijos una emocionante lectura de cuentos virtual!
Durante nuestras sesiones interactivas leeremos libros, cantaremos canciones, moveremos nuestros cuerpos y nos conectaremos con otros niños y cuidadores. Cada día leeremos una historia diferente que involucrará a los niños mientras exploran el mundo que los rodea.
Es necesario registrarse. ¡Complete el formulario de registro de participantes de Story Time para reservar su lugar!
Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a EveryoneRR@ccrcca.org
¡Nuestros especialistas en desarrollo infantil se alegran en ofrecerle a usted y a sus hijos una emocionante lectura de cuentos virtual!
Durante nuestras sesiones interactivas leeremos libros, cantaremos canciones, moveremos nuestros cuerpos y nos conectaremos con otros niños y cuidadores. Cada día leeremos una historia diferente que involucrará a los niños mientras exploran el mundo que los rodea.
Es necesario registrarse. ¡Complete el formulario de registro de participantes de Story Time para reservar su lugar!
Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a EveryoneRR@ccrcca.org
Join your Cobb Lekotek Friends for a showing of the Polar Express at Acworth NCG Cinema. Note: The movie begins at 11:00, please arrive at 10:45 to check-in and get seated before the movie begins.
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
This series is comprised of interactive sessions with each week focusing on a new place or cultural activity, while incorporating storytelling, music, poetry writing, and/or a simple craft. Each session will include a follow-up message filled with tips, activities, and recipes for families to continue to enjoy after the virtual trip. The focus of each group is to explore a new world, experience a variety of engaging opportunities, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie and community.
Neurodiversity Is Beautiful Social Peer Group meets every Tuesday evening in person at LIFE, located at 4811 Waters Avenue in Savannah. This is not an open/drop-in group, you must register to participate.
Empowering neurodiverse adults and young adults to develop a local support network of peer support.
For more information or to register, please contact Heather at 240-328-8026.
This 8-week AANE support group is for parents and caregivers of Autistic or similarly neurodivergent teen children. This small group setting allows parents and caregivers to connect with each other and delivers a wealth of information.
Advanced registration is required.
This 8-week gender inclusive women’s support group is for Autistic women (50+). Through this support group, members can build an ongoing connection with a small community.
AANE support groups give members an opportunity to celebrate successes and support each other through difficulties. Common topics of discussion are:
Masking/camouflaging
Sensory sensitivities/overloads
Relationships
Self-care
Disclosure
Employment
Intersectionality
Join your Lekotek friends for a fun outing to GetAir Trampoline Park on behalf of the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism!
This series is comprised of interactive sessions with each week focusing on a new place or cultural activity, while incorporating storytelling, music, poetry writing, and/or a simple craft. Each session will include a follow-up message filled with tips, activities, and recipes for families to continue to enjoy after the virtual trip. The focus of each group is to explore a new world, experience a variety of engaging opportunities, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie and community.
Neurodiversity Is Beautiful Social Peer Group meets every Tuesday evening in person at LIFE, located at 4811 Waters Avenue in Savannah. This is not an open/drop-in group, you must register to participate.
Empowering neurodiverse adults and young adults to develop a local support network of peer support.
For more information or to register, please contact Heather at 240-328-8026.
We are thrilled to announce that tickets for our highly anticipated Unmasking of Mental Health Awareness Masquerade Ball are now on sale! Join us for an unforgettable evening as we kick off our foundation's commitment to mental health awareness in 2025.
Early Bird Tickets:
• Tables of 8: $1300
• Single Admission: $175 per ticket
This event promises to be a night of elegance, inspiration, and advocacy as we come together to shed light on mental health challenges and empower our community to embrace wellness and support.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something truly meaningful.
Evenings
In Person
English Speaking
First Wednesday of the month
info@careparentnetwork.org
Todos los padres, abuelos, guardianes, y otros miembros de la familia de niños con necesidades especiales están invitados a tomar parte en un grupo de apoyo para padres, dirigido por los padres.
Anna Shaw Childrenʼs Institute se apega a las guías de seguridad y recomendaciones de distanciamiento social de la CDC.
Georgians with disabilities make up a powerful constituency. Together we can have our voices heard. And we need your help to POWER THE DISABILITY VOTE!
REV UP Georgia Coalition meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday at 10am EST on Zoom. All are invited to attend. Come ready to share about grassroots voter registration and education activities in your area. REV UP will also outline strategies for voter rights education in Georgia’s rural communities.
Support Groups also called Share Groups are the backbone of FOCUS, the first program ever offered. Share Groups meet monthly (September to May) in several different locations around metro Atlanta so parents can meet other parents and share tips, fears, and joys. Parent volunteers facilitate the groups, keeping them positive, constructive, and uplifting.
Eligibility:
Be a parent/caregiver of a child/young adult with a physical and/or developmental disabilities, including rare genetic syndromes, cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome.
Parents will review and sign COVID-19 acknowledgements and the guidelines required by FOCUS for the Share Group Season before attending their first meeting.
If you would like to register for this share group, please email jaide@focus-ga.org
Make the holidays last longer. Find your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and Join us for a post-holiday, holiday party! The teens will play board games, make crafts, and sing festive karaoke songs.
When: Saturday, January 4th, 11AM-1PM
Where: Embry Hill United Methodist church | 3304 Henderson Mill Rd, Atlanta
Eligibility:
Have physical and/or developmental disabilities, including Rare Genetic Syndromes, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Down Syndrome.
FOCUS Kid must be between ages 13 and 29
Willing to stay safe with a group and function in a 1:8 caregiver-to-participant ratio.
Stay with the group in a public place, with gentle reminders.
Not need medical care that requires a nurse.
Not need help toileting during 2 hours event.
What to expect:
There are always plenty of fun holiday board games, crafts, and holiday-themed karaoke
Wear an ugly Christmas sweater
Pizza and drinks will be available.
Registration is required in Family Portal to attend!
Questions? Email Peter@focus-ga.org
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