Spectrum Events: Connecting, Educating, and Celebrating Diversity
Find Your Region
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.
Part 1: Brainstorm and identify different ways to plan for ways to relax, feel restored, and enjoy free time.
Part 2: Debriefing session to discuss how it felt to implement concepts from last week’s topic, leisure, into your life. Come to share your experience and learn from others!
This community connections discussion session is for Autistic adults. Participate in this free online discussion to connect with other Neurodivergent adults. Online sessions are hosted on the Zoom platform and are facilitated by AANE’s Adult Services staff who have years of experience with autism and who understand the challenges that this pandemic can pose.
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.
Tag your golfing friends! Our annual golf tournament is coming up!
Due to the potential for inclement weather, the golf tournament has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, October 2nd.
In this dynamic presentation, attendees will learn social media and internet safety best practices for online interactions, including topics such as how to spot a scammer, preferred communication and tone indicators, managing digital boundaries, and more. Izzie will walk through actual social media profiles on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Hiki to enhance your web-surfing experiences. Register today to secure your spot!
Register now and watch this webinar live or later on demand.
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.
Register in advance for this meeting at the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvduGqqDosG91a04XWrpcGBzIyK7bGGGDj
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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 men can talk with like-minded people, share issues and concerns, and celebrate successes. Common topics include: disclosure, self-advocacy, and relationships.
¡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
FOCUS Adaptive Swim Team (FAST Fins) concentrates on perfecting swim strokes, improving stamina, developing team skills, building self-confidence, following verbal commands, and increasing fitness.
Join us for a series of engaging activities designed for families and individuals with disabilities or special needs. Whether you come as a family or drop off your loved ones for some well-deserved time to yourselves, we have something for everyone. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot at communitiestreasuresinc.org or contact us at 404-957-5266.
Welcome to the 17th Annual Bird Dog Breakaway. We are so glad you are here to Run the Race with us. The BDB consisted of a 5K run, a 2 mile walk, and several children’s runs, including an Adaptive Run/Walk for our CFNB kids! We are going Bigger this year with a new location..…… We are proud to announce we are joining forces with the Burke Co. Recreation Dept and the Waynesboro YMCA to bring you the largest Bird Dog Breakaway yet: New race route, bigger Kidzone and more vendor spaces!! Our race will start at the YMCA and loop around the Burke Co. schools. All proceeds from the BDB will assist with our Waynesboro Clinic Building Renovations thus allowing us to better serve our clients and their families. The Center For New Beginnings provides services to children and adolescents with special needs. Currently more than 100 children and families are served at the Center’s three locations, with disabilities ranging from general academic related problems to specific disorders such as, but not limited to, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders.
It is through participants like you that make our event a huge success each year. By helping with our biggest fundraiser, you have made a big difference in the lives of many special-needs children. One of our guiding principles is that we seek to create a “team approach” by serving as a bridge between families and service providers. Thank you for joining our team for this year’s race. For more information about us and our events please check out our website www.nbeginnings.org.
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!!
This event is free for FOCUS Young Adults and FOCUS Alumni
FOCUS Families can drop off kiddos at Alpharetta Presbyterian 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
FOCUS Adaptive Swim Team (FAST Fins) concentrates on perfecting swim strokes, improving stamina, developing team skills, building self-confidence, following verbal commands, and increasing fitness.
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.
This training will provide 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.
Part 1: Brainstorm and identify different ways to plan for ways to relax, feel restored, and enjoy free time.
Part 2: Debriefing session to discuss how it felt to implement concepts from last week’s topic, leisure, into your life. Come to share your experience and learn from others!
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.
Healthy Relationships on the Autism Spectrum (HEARTS) is a 8 session workshop for Autistic adults who would like to learn about, and talk about, healthy friendship and dating relationships. The workshop does not teach how to find new dating partners or friends. Rather, it provides education about what a healthy vs. unhealthy relationship feels like, how to notice warning signs that a relationship is becoming unhealthy, how to cope with a breakup or end of a friendship how to restart friendships with people when you have fallen out of touch, and how to stay motivated to meet new people.
This workshop will help parents learn about the purpose of paperwork, what needs to be kept and for how long, and everything they need to know about the Prior Written Notice (PWN).
Our Music Therapy will now be led by Shanice Richards from Healing Hearts Music Therapy! Based on her schedule & travel from Tallahassee, FL to serve us, sessions will be on Thursday afternoons at this time. Session times vary between 3:30 - 6:15 PM. Pre-Registration is required (Link Provided Below). Space is very limited so please only sign up if you plan to attend! Location info & your child's time will be sent via email closer to date.
This event is sponsored by FAST so there is no charge to FAST members. The charge for non-members is $10.
Check out this video below to see photos from our previous Music Therapies, led by Wimberly Giardina, MT-BC of Southwest Georgia Music Therapy. Unfortunately, she moved away but we have been making new music memories with our families with Healing Hearts Music Therapy!
This is an hour-long social group for Neurodivergent queer folks. This is a safe space to socialize, share stories with, or gather support if needed from others with similar experiences. This group hopes to provide community, comfort, and fun. The group is facilitated by a Trans person on the spectrum. No autism (or related) diagnoses are required, nor is certainty about your queer identity. This is a safe space to explore all those things.
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.
Children participating in FOCUS activities range in age from birth through 29 years old and have lifelong developmental and/or physical disabilities. Some common diagnoses include but are not limited to cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, spina bifida, degenerative illnesses, and rare genetic syndromes.
BENEFIT
Share Groups are free support groups for parents and meet monthly (September to May) in several locations around metro Atlanta so parents can meet other parents and share tips, fears, and joys. Support Groups also called Share Groups are the backbone of FOCUS, the first program ever offered. Parent volunteers facilitate the groups, keeping them positive, constructive, and uplifting.
Meets 2nd Friday of each Month at 10AM (exept school breaks)
RSVP: spicyk44@msn.com
Chick-fil-A Scenic Highway: 1559 Scenic Hwy N, Snellville
focus-ga.org/program/support-groups
¡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 us for our 3rd Annual Fall Arts & Crafts festival and enjoy good food and shop with local vendors.
Located at Murray County Developmental Center
735 W Chestnut St. in Chatsworth, GA
9 am - 3 pm
Rain Date October 26th
This open group meets on the second Saturday of the month and is for individuals (ages 15-19) who are Autistic or who suspect they are. All AANE-facilitated support groups provide information, connection, and community where participants can share similar issues and concerns and celebrate successes. Groups are designed for the teens only – parents and other family members should not attend the groups.
FOCUS Adaptive Swim Team (FAST Fins) concentrates on perfecting swim strokes, improving stamina, developing team skills, building self-confidence, following verbal commands, and increasing fitness.
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.
Join your Lekotek friends for a fun outing to GetAir Trampoline Park on behalf of the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism! Admission is Free, but Registration is required.
Learn how to use effective communication skills to develop a partnership with your child's IEP/IFSP team. Get tips for preparing for school meetings and how to be an effective member of the team.
Join us to learn practical strategies for enhancing internship programs for students with intellectual disability. We’ll cover how to support internship sites in creating a positive and inclusive environment, the importance of continuous feedback, and ways to foster student self-advocacy.
We’ll begin with a presentation from former Think College intern Rachel Adams-Duffy, who will share her personal journey from college student to professional advocate. Rachel’s story highlights how internships can open doors to career success and foster self-advocacy.
This 8-week gender inclusive support group is for LGBTQIA+ women, femmes, and nonbinary people. In 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:
Conflict with your friends and family can be challenging, emotional, and overwhelming. Come learn ways to approach difficult conversations in ways that make you and those around you feel safe and supported.
Healthy Relationships on the Autism Spectrum (HEARTS) is a 8 session workshop for Autistic adults who would like to learn about, and talk about, healthy friendship and dating relationships. The workshop does not teach how to find new dating partners or friends. Rather, it provides education about what a healthy vs. unhealthy relationship feels like, how to notice warning signs that a relationship is becoming unhealthy, how to cope with a breakup or end of a friendship how to restart friendships with people when you have fallen out of touch, and how to stay motivated to meet new people.
Join us as Art Cernosia provides his review and analysis of the implications of IDEA legal developments within the last year. Both new federal policy and judicial decisions with broad implications under the IDEA will be covered. Participant questions will be addressed throughout the webinar. This webinar will be archived on the CADRE website.
This is an hour-long support group for Autistic LGBTQIA+ adults. It is a safe space to find community, share stories with, or gather support if needed from folks of similar experiences. This group hopes to provide support and comfort. The group is facilitated by a trans person on the spectrum. No autism (or related) diagnoses are required, nor is certainty about your queer identity. This is a space to explore all those things. It is also for all post-high school adults over 18 years old.
We're bringing our Paint Your Own Pumpkin event back this year!
Join us on Thursday, October 17 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and receive one free small pumpkin to paint. We can't wait to see you!
¡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
FOCUS Adaptive Swim Team (FAST Fins) concentrates on perfecting swim strokes, improving stamina, developing team skills, building self-confidence, following verbal commands, and increasing fitness.
Each fall, FOCUS offers Octoberfest, a one-night camp experience for teens and young adults at Camp Twin Lakes, Will-A-Way. OctoberFest runs from approximately 10AM on Saturday through 3PM on Sunday. Activities include arts & crafts, rock wall, sports, and more!
A day at Atlanta venues is a typical outing for a typical family. But a family with a child with disabilities might never consider such an outing; their child may not be able to spend the entire day to justify the cost of the tickets or they may shy away because of the stares of strangers. Families can check in anytime between 9-11AM & walk throughout the gardens at their own pace.
FOCUS Adaptive Swim Team (FAST Fins) concentrates on perfecting swim strokes, improving stamina, developing team skills, building self-confidence, following verbal commands, and increasing fitness.
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.
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.
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
A presentation and discussion for Autistic adults to come and explore their understanding of autism through a neurological lens. We will discuss common misconceptions, the Autistic identity, and common Autistic traits, strengths, and challenges. This presentation is given by an Autistic adult and a Neurodivergent ally. You might enjoy this presentation and discussion if you are newly diagnosed, considering whether you may be autistic, or if you have only explored autism through a deficit lens in the past.
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:
This “closed” support group is for parents who have an Autistic adult child 23+ 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 employment 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?
This 8-week gender inclusive support group is for LGBTQIA+ women, femmes, and nonbinary people. In 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:
Come to socialize, and play games! This event is open to anyone and is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and welcome many new AANE members!
Healthy Relationships on the Autism Spectrum (HEARTS) is a 8 session workshop for Autistic adults who would like to learn about, and talk about, healthy friendship and dating relationships. The workshop does not teach how to find new dating partners or friends. Rather, it provides education about what a healthy vs. unhealthy relationship feels like, how to notice warning signs that a relationship is becoming unhealthy, how to cope with a breakup or end of a friendship how to restart friendships with people when you have fallen out of touch, and how to stay motivated to meet new people.
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:
This workshop will teach parents how to effectively collaborate with their child’s IEP team. Participants will learn how to have productive discussions at IEP meetings and engage in their child’s educational planning.
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:
The 9th Annual Autism Conference is intended for parents/caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, young adults on the autism spectrum, self-advocates, and other interested individuals.
Mark your calendars NOW! The 5th annual MBSC Trunk or Treat will be held Friday, October 25th at 10:00 a.m. in our parking lot. We have had a few individuals and organizations already asking for the date so they could get it on their calendar and we are excited! It grows each year! SO FUN! If you or your business or organization would like to be a part of this fun morning, please comment below or call us at 336-7977. You can also email our Director, Ginna Waters, at gwaters@mbsc65.com. THANK YOU! We cannot wait!
¡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
Come join us for a morning of fun on October 26. We are also collecting donations of toiletries, water, diapers, wipes, dry goods, etc. to distribute to victims of Hurricane Helene. If you would like to participate or donate please give us a call.
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.
This is a new intimacy support group designed for Autistic men in relationships to discuss physical intimacy in a safe, non-judgmental space. Through open dialogue, discussions will include demystifying what a partner might be looking for in a sexual relationship and strategies to grow intimacy. Group members will be free to ask questions and speak candidly about a range of issues, including performance anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and the impact of media culture on sexual intimacy.
This group is designed for parents and other adult family members of young Autistic children under the age of 12. This group is limited to 16 participants or caregivers to connect with one another and share information. 8 sessions.
This 8-week gender inclusive support group is for LGBTQIA+ women, femmes, and nonbinary people. In 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:
Join us for a haunted house adventure! The building will be transformed into a spooky haunted house with each room having a different theme. Outside in the parking lot there will be vendors, food, and sign up for our costume contest!
There is a small fee to join the costume contest with major prizes.
Costume contest is open to all ages! ADULTS TOO! See less
Sometimes, taking care of yourself can be the hardest task of the day. Come learn ways to take care of yourself even when life gets busy and overwhelming.
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:
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:
¡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
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.
Join us for a series of engaging activities designed for families and individuals with disabilities or special needs. Whether you come as a family or drop off your loved ones for some well-deserved time to yourselves, we have something for everyone. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot at communitiestreasuresinc.org or contact us at 404-957-5266.
The evening will begin with an exciting Art Prize Auction at 5:00 PM, showcasing unique works from talented local artists, followed by a delicious dinner at 6:00 PM. It promises to be an elegant and inspiring night of community engagement, bringing together supporters, advocates, and families affected by autism.
With tickets priced at just $30, this is an affordable way to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a night of fine dining, art, and philanthropy. In addition to the auction and dinner, there will be vendors offering a variety of products and services, and vendor spaces are available for $50 each. This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to connect with attendees and contribute to an important cause.
All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting A.W.E.mazing Enrichment Center's ongoing efforts to provide valuable resources and programs for individuals with autism in the community. By attending, you’ll be part of a movement to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with autism.