Autism Toolkit of Georgia
Autism Toolkit of Georgia
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.
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.
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.
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
Strategies, Tools, and Resources for Maximizing Participation in IEP Meetings will dive into practical strategies and address common challenges, equipping IEP teams with tools to foster more productive and inclusive meetings. The California Department of Education will also present information on how they are supporting family participation in the IEP process by enhancing communication, streamlining assistance, and responding to concerns, through their newly formed Constituent’s Office.
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?
8 week series. Advanced registration is required.
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.
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
Join us for a helpful webinar about empowering college students with intellectual disability. It’s important for educators, family members, and advocates to support students in making their own choices and becoming more independent. Allowing students to take reasonable risks—like trying new things or facing challenges—can help them grow and fully enjoy their college experience. We will also discuss how to ensure that students with disabilities are included in all aspects of campus life. This part of the session will provide practical tips for educators and families on how to help students get more involved in campus activities. During this session, we will cover practical strategies to:
• Promote Self-Determination: Learn how to support students in solving problems and making decisions in their daily lives on campus.
• Encourage Independence: Discover ways to help students develop skills for living on their own, participating in classes, and joining social activities.
• Support Active Campus Involvement: Find out how to motivate students to join clubs, organizations, and events.
Real-Life Examples:
• Hear stories from students who took reasonable risks and became more independent as active members of their campus.
• Learn about strategies used by staff to encourage students’ independence, such as attending classes on their own, using public transportation, and managing their time between classes.
For more information, contact Sheila at sheila.johnson@umb.edu or visit ThinkCollege.Net
On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools and Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) invites you to join our next webinar, Student Religious Expression in Public Schools.
The First Amendment protects the rights of all students to participate in religious expression or choose not to do so. Understanding and being responsive to the religious accommodations requests of students is not only constitutionally required but also creates inclusive learning environments necessary for student success.
In this webinar, you will learn about the experiences of students and educators who work to support students of all religious, secular, and spiritual backgrounds in showing up in school as their full selves, and the positive impact doing so has had on their learning environments. The panel will also answer frequently asked questions about what religious freedom protections the U.S. Constitution guarantees to all students. We will conclude the webinar by addressing questions posed by the audience.
This 90-minute workshop will address common misconceptions, investigate Autistic identity, and explore Autistic traits, strengths, and challenges. This presentation will provide insights into your child’s neurotype, preparing you with an informed mindset for raising an Autistic child. Parents, family members, and caregivers of individuals who are potentially Autistic are also encouraged to attend.
*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.
The Autism Hope Center is offering a free night out for parents of children with Autism, Developmental Disabilities, and their siblings all over 3 years old.
Dates: Aug 16th, Sept 13th, Oct 11th, Nov 8th, Dec 13th
One time registration is required: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rXrRQ09iCFaJGz0T09qViEBbNoZHAJPb-QC71GHZHxg/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawEQ4OtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHftrswjyHMiLgbbp_CrM35KXhkRCXr2i1KLYkCvKzpQEbJtsvYFYO6MXSw_aem_gkYx8kxCK4gAt1i9bn7KpQ&edit_requested=true
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.
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 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 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
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.
Navigating the world of special education can feel overwhelming, especially with all the acronyms used in meetings, documents, and conversations. This parent-friendly webinar is designed to decode the most common acronyms in special education, such as IEP, FAPE, LRE, and more.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of these terms, learn how to use them effectively when advocating for their child, and access valuable resources for ongoing support. Whether you're new to special education or looking to enhance your advocacy skills, this session will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the special education system successfully.
Join us and take the first step toward becoming a more informed and effective advocate for your child's education!
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
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
This webinar will explore the critical values of kinship care within the context of child welfare, highlighting the dynamics of the triad: the child, caregiver, and birth parents. It will delve into the essential role of peer support in enhancing the kinship care experience and discuss how these practices relate to broader social justice issues. Through an interactive discussion, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of kinship care's impact on families and communities.
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.
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 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.
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