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Spectrum Events: Connecting, Educating, and Celebrating Diversity

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Today

Building a Brain: Human Fetal Neural Connectomics

Virtual

While we possess rather detailed understanding of select micro- and macroscopic processes of normal human brain development, we know far less about how brain changes relate to behavioral changes over the course of life from the prenatal period to early adulthood. This lack of understanding is especially pronounced in the very early years of human life, when change is most rapid and vulnerability heightened. The primary objective of my research is to characterize fundamental properties of human brain macroscale neural system development and examine how early experiences, beginning in utero, influence lifelong learning and neurological health. We are testing models in which early psychosocial stress and concomitant chemical exposure influence development of neural systems, particularly those that support the establishment of cognitive control and regulatory processes in childhood. Rigorous evaluation of emergent self-regulatory processes and their neurological and biobehavioral bases has potential to inform educational strategies and lead to biologically-informed behavioral interventions for those with enhanced risk.

$25

Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Adults

Virtual

Description
This 8-week support group is for Autistic adults (18+) who are post k-12. Through this 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
Work/jobs
Intersectionality
Dates
February 24
March 3
March 10
March 17
March 24
March 31
April 7
April 14

$100
Recurring

Touchpoints Training for Mental Health Clinicians and Developmental Services Providers (JAN 2025)

Virtual

The Touchpoints Approach can be integrated into mental health clinical therapeutic theory and practice, as well as into developmental evaluation and therapeutic services. This training applies Touchpoints to help providers nurture strengths-based collaborative partnerships with families especially when families are affected by children’s special needs.

Brazelton Touchpoints has proven to improve provider and parent knowledge of child development, reduce parental stress, and enhance collaborative family-provider partnerships in service of healthier family-child relationships. Touchpoints implements a deep understanding of children’s behavior as a primary family engagement and treatment strategy by anticipating known periods of increased stress in family functioning that are associated with developmental processes. Touchpoints employs developmental-relational care to effectively manage behavioral, emotional, or relational concerns that might arise about a child.

In this training, participants practice strengths-based strategies to nurture collaborative partnerships with families in service of emotional well-being and parental competence. They also gain knowledge of theory and practice in delivering culturally-humble, relationship-based, developmentally-informed psychotherapeutic services. While Brazelton Touchpoints is a preventive model of care, this adaptation for mental health and developmental clinicians incorporates its theory and practice into intervention and treatment, taking into account effects of trauma and healing upon development and family functioning. Touchpoints is designed to complement existing psychotherapeutic skills to enhance diverse clinical orientations and techniques. These may include infant and early childhood mental health dyadic and family systems, child-parent psychotherapy, interpersonal and psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, parent guidance, and developmental play therapy.

Course format: This course consists 28 training hours including six monthly one-hour virtual reflective practice sessions. Each of the five modules takes about five hours to complete, and includes a live, interactive Zoom session, assignments for independent practice, and online discussion. Attendance is required at all live sessions. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate. This course is approved for 20.25 Continuing Education Credits for physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists. Learn more.

Session Dates and Times: Live sessions are on Mondays, 12-4 pm ET / 9 am – 1 pm PT

01/27/2025
02/03/2025
02/10/2025
02/24/2025
03/03/2025
03/10/2025
The live sessions will be followed by six monthly Reflective Practice calls; the schedule will be set prior to the end of the main training.

What you will learn:

Strategies for building partnerships with parents that promote family strengths and emphasize preventive emotional health as well as therapeutic healing
Techniques for integrating strengths-based attitudes and relationship-based practices into therapeutic care for individuals and families
Strategies for strengthening parent-child relationships as a key influence on a child’s development and emotional functioning
How to understand the processes of child development that create stress and conflict within families and how these offer opportunities for deepened relationship and healing
Treatment techniques to address the impact of trauma and adversity within and upon the developmental process
A framework to understand why children’s behavior can sometimes be challenging and confusing
Techniques for talking with families about child development concerns
How to actively listen to families and collaboratively solve problems related to child development or a child-family relationship
Number of participants:

Minimum of 10

Maximum of 20

$895
Recurring

Multi-Session Peer Resource Group for Autistic Leaders

Virtual

Description
Welcome to AANE’s transformative peer resource group, facilitated by Nicola Brown and Kelly Urban. Specifically curated for Autistic and similarly Neurodivergent leaders aged 25 and above, this 5-session series embarks on an adventure of self-discovery. We will explore inclusive leadership frameworks, mental health and self-care strategies, and delve into the intricate ways culture and emotions shape your leadership experience. Our sessions are crafted to provide a supportive space where participants can engage in insightful discussions, share experiences, and collectively foster personal and professional growth.

Dates
March 3
March 10
March 17
March 24
March 31

$100

AANE YouTube Livestream – Infinity & Beyond! for the AANE Community

Virtual

AANE’s YouTube Livestream – Infinity and Beyond!

Join Liv (she/they) and Ryan Walsh as they interact with viewers on a new topic each month. Bring your opinions, your questions, and an open mind.

Subscribe to AANE’s YouTube channel for a notification when we get started! https://www.youtube.com/@AANEforAutism

Support Group – Employment for Adults

Virtual

Description
This support group is for Autistic adults (18+) who are post k-12. Through this support group, members can connect with a variety of participants on the topic of employment. Whether you’re currently working, looking for a job or recuperating from burn out, this group is a chance to receive support, share what works for you and learn from each other, on all things related to employment.

$10

Discussion/Support Group for Adults over 50

Virtual

Description
(formerly Watertown, MA) Are you an Autistic or Neurodivergent adult, over age 50? This group is a place for those over 50, to discuss a previously agreed to topic and share the unique concerns and issues that come with later awareness, in an atmosphere of support and understanding.

The social hour meets from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET and the support group meets from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET.

Recurring

Multi-Session Small Group Employment Coaching for Experienced Workers

Virtual

If you are experienced in your career and are looking for a new job, career, promotion or just ways to make your current job work better for you, this is a coaching course that could be helpful. This practical coaching course will cover all aspects of job hunting/maintaining by building your knowledge weekly, helping you identify action steps and supporting you to work through any worries or issues you face, with the help of a workbook. We’ll cover conflict, difficult conversations and feedback too.

You will be provided with guidance, training, accountability and inspiration over the 8 weeks to help you feel more confident, leaving you with a personalized roadmap for getting what you want in your working life.

$150

Workshop – Finding Balance: Using Spatial Awareness for Self-Regulation for Adults

Virtual

Description
The vestibular system is a sensory system in the inner ear that helps with spatial awareness and detects head movement and position. It works with the brain to coordinate eye movements, posture, and balance. This workshop will talk about what the vestibular sensory system is and how you can use this system to promote self regulation. This session will include education, group discussion, and personal applications.

$25
Recurring

Virtual Playgroup

Virtual

Get ready for a fun Virtual Playgroup experience!

During each session our early childhood experts will plan activities that encourage adult-child interactions throughout the session and beyond. All activities and experiences are based on topics that will prepare children for success in school and life.

Children and their caregivers will engage with other participants while singing songs, reading stories, and participating in interactive activities. Walk away with tools and resources to help create quality early childhood experiences in your home!

Click here to reserve your virtual spot!

For more information, please email RREveryone@ccrcca.org.

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