• Unlocking Answers: What Every Parent Should Know About Genetic Testing

    Genetic testing can play a powerful role in helping families find answers about their child’s health. In this session, we’ll walk you through the different types of genetic tests, what they can (and can’t) tell you, and how they’re used to diagnose a wide range of conditions. We’ll also talk about how re-checking genetic data over time can lead to new insights and better outcomes. Finally, we’ll explore how ongoing efforts are making genetic testing more available and more useful for families from all backgrounds.

    Free
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Adults (23+)

    This multi-session 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. Multi-session support groups are ideal for parents and other adult family caregivers who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at single session 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 work 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?

    Dates

    February 11
    February 25
    March 11
    March 25
    April 8
    April 22
    May 6
    May 20

    $180
  • Tool Time Tuesdays: Questions Parents Can Ask Before, During and After IEP Meetings

    Questions Parents Can Ask Before, During and After IEP Meetings - Parents are valuable members of their child's IEP Team, and asking good questions can be central to effective participation! Join us to learn from Karen Laughlin, ECAC Parent Educator, and other parents about questions that work before, during, and after IEP meetings. Presented by Karen Laughlin, Parent Educator

    Free
  • Tool Time Tuesdays: Understanding Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)

    Understanding Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs): Preparing, Participating, and Following Up - This brief session will provide parents and caregivers with a clear understanding of what a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) is, when it is required, and how it protects students with disabilities during disciplinary actions. Participants will learn how to prepare for an MDR meeting, including what information to review, who to invite, and how to document connections between a child’s disability and the behavior in question. Presented by Amanda Sonnenberg, Assistant Programs Director

    Free
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of LGBTQ+ Teens & Adults (14+)

    Recurring

    This 8-session AANE support group is designed for parents and caregivers of Autistic (or similarly neurodivergent) teens (age 14+) and adults who also identify as LGBTQ+. In this small, welcoming group setting, participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, access valuable resources, and build meaningful connection with others navigating similar journeys. Each session offers a supportive space to explore the unique intersections of neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ identity, while providing guidance, insight, and a sense of community. Advanced registration is required.

    $180
  • Support Group for Parents of Transition Age Youth (18-22)

    Description

    This group is designed for parents and family members of Autistic transition-age youth (18-22). This group is limited to 15 participants for caregivers to connect with one another and share information.

    Dates

    April 9
    April 16
    April 23
    April 30
    May 7
    May 14
    May 21
    May 28

    Advanced registration is required.

    $180
  • Parents Night Out

    Cascade Hills Church 727 54th Street, Columbus, GA, United States

    The Autism Hope Center is offering a free night out for parents of children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities, along with their siblings over the age of 3 years old. Pre-registration is required.

  • Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Adults (23+)

    This multi-session support group is for parents who have an Autistic adult child 23 years of age or older. Other adult family caregivers may also register for this group. Multi-session 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 work 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?

    *Please note that these meetings will not be recorded.
    Dates

    June 8
    June 22
    July 6
    July 20
    August 10
    August 24
    September 14
    September 28

    $180
  • Parents Night Out

    The Autism Hope Center is offering a free night out for parents of children with Autism, Developmental Disabilities, and their siblings over the age of three.

  • Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Children (<12)

    This group is designed for parents and other adult family members of Autistic children under the age of 12. This group is limited to 16 participants or caregivers to connect with one another and share information.

    Dates

    July 28
    August 11
    August 25
    September 8
    September 22
    October 6
    October 20
    November 3

    $180
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Parents of Adults (23+)

    This multi-session 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. Multi-session support groups are ideal for parents and other adult family caregivers who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at single session 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 work 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?

    Dates

    July 29
    August 12
    August 26
    September 9
    September 23
    October 7
    October 21
    November 4

    $180
  • Bloom – Parent Connect

    Mt. Rachel Baptist Church 332 Haig Mill Lake Road, Dalton, GA

    As a new school year begins, we know schedules are quickly filling with different start dates, school routines, and extracurricular activities across our local districts. We are praying for each family as you settle into this new season!
    While we will be available during the first week of August, our regular weekly gatherings at Mt. Rachel Baptist Church will officially begin on August 10.
    Throughout August, we will be offering:
    * Two office hour sessions where parents and caregivers can meet with us individually for support, resources, or to pick up needed supplies.
    * One community play date, providing a welcoming space where children can enjoy time together while parents and caregivers build meaningful friendships, encourage one another, and find community with others who understand their journey.
    * Our first Parent Connect of the year, featuring a representative from SEEDS. SEEDS is a program designed to strengthen early learning classroom practices by equipping educators with evidence-based strategies that support the developmental success of all children, including those with disabilities and those who exhibit challenging behaviors.

    Free