Upcoming events.
Private Wine Class for Caregivers
Parents and caregivers, join us for an evening to relax and unwind while exploring the many distinctive wines of Italy. Registration will open March 20, 2024. Space is limited.
2023 Annual Autism Foundation Charity Auction
More information, such as how to access the auction, will be released closer to the event.
Special Needs Summer Enrichment Camp
Fun activities that focus on building friendships, creativity, life skills, and academics!
Contact Info: nolabels32020@gmail.com
Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities
Participants will learn about self-determination skills and its relation to students determining an individualized pathway to graduation from multiple options. Credit and diploma requirements, the appeal eligibility criteria for all students, and safety-net options for students with disabilities will be reviewed. Learn how earning a Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential is beneficial in a number of ways and understand the guidelines for the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential which is awarded to students participating in the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) testing program.
Presented by: Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Positive Behavior Solutions for Families
Positive Behavior Solutions for Families is a four-session, monthly workshop series that will give parents, families and caregivers positive and effective strategies to promote children’s social and emotional development and address the challenging behavior of children ages 2-5 years old.
Four sessions, Third Tuesday of the Month, from 10am-12pm:
March 21
April 18
May 16
June 20
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Presented by: Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership
Frisco Sci-Tech Discovery Center
Registration is OPEN!!
Join us May 6th for a day of fun at the Sci-Tech Discovery Center! We will have a goody bag for those attending and lots of fun! Email contact@autism-foundation.org to register.
**This is open to families that have a child on the autism spectrum. Tickets are limited to 2 tickets per family but there will be additional tickets available to purchase.
Supporting Siblings 2023-May
Do you have a child with behavioral challenges?
Do you have other children who are impacted?
If so, caregivers and siblings are invited to join us!
Intended for siblings of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, and/or Mental Health Issues
What's it like? Over Zoom, siblings meet other children and teens who know what it's like to have a brother or sister with behavioral challenges. Siblings have a chance to talk, learn coping skills and feel better. The Zoom is facilitated by psychiatrists and trainees at UMass Chan Medical School.
What about parents & caregivers? First-time participants join a Zoom session led by our trained parent mentor. They learn about the sibling experience, the importance of supporting siblings, and strategies to support siblings. Returning participants join a different Zoom session, led by the program social worker, to address ongoing family challenges that impact siblings.
Registration is required. We meet the first Thursday night of each month at 5:30pm.
Details…
1. Is there a cost? This is a free program.
2. Who is eligible? All caregivers are eligible if the affected child has siblings of any age. Siblings are eligible if they are 6 - 18 years old and do not have significant behavioral issues of their own.
3. Can caregivers attend even if siblings do not attend? Yes, and vice versa.
4. How do I register? To ask questions or reserve your spot, call (857) 523-1145
or email emily.rubin@umassmed.edu. After signing an online consent form, you will receive an email with instructions to log into Zoom.
Parent Resource Fair + Activity Day!
We are SO excited to celebrate our Autism kids and families this month! We hope you join us for a free sensory friendly activity day and parent resource fair!! This will be a fun day with face painting, balloon artists, a bounce house, several sensory friendly activities and a resource fair with several different Autism friendly resources within our community!!
For more details and to register, please see the following link: LSAA Activity Day and Parent Resource Fair
Virtual Parent Member Training, Part 2 of 2
This four-hour parent member certification is for parents/families with children with IEPs. This training is open to anyone interested in learning about the special education process, or even as a refresher course on CPSE/CSE!
This workshop (through Zoom), will provide an overview and best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process. It will educate parents and Parent Members and assist them in developing techniques and strategies to become effective members of the IEP team in their respective roles. Parents or guardians whose child has or had an IEP in the last 5 years, will receive a certificate for submission to their school district to serve as a Parent Member at CPSE/CSE meetings.
Note: This is a four-hour training in two parts, with April sessions from 4-6pm over 2 dates, April 20 and April 27. Four hours must be completed to receive certification.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Mid-Hudson Regional Partnership Center (MHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership
Virtual Resource and Transition Fair
An Event for Parents, Educators & Advocates to Learn More About Adult Services & Transition Planning
Autism Building The Puzzle Support Group Call
Autism Building The Puzzle Support Group Call
Tuesday’s 8pm EST
Conference Call :
Dial-in number:
United States (425) 436-6351
Access code:
5710090
Virtual Parent Member Training, Part 1 of 2
This four-hour parent member certification is for parents/families with children with IEPs. This training is open to anyone interested in learning about the special education process, or even as a refresher course on CPSE/CSE!
This workshop (through Zoom), will provide an overview and best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process. It will educate parents and Parent Members and assist them in developing techniques and strategies to become effective members of the IEP team in their respective roles. Parents or guardians whose child has or had an IEP in the last 5 years, will receive a certificate for submission to their school district to serve as a Parent Member at CPSE/CSE meetings.
Note: This is a four-hour training in two parts, with April sessions from 4-6pm over 2 dates, April 20 and April 27. Four hours must be completed to receive certification.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Mid-Hudson Regional Partnership Center (MHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership
Positive Behavior Solutions for Families
Positive Behavior Solutions for Families is a four-session, monthly workshop series that will give parents, families and caregivers positive and effective strategies to promote children’s social and emotional development and address the challenging behavior of children ages 2-5 years old.
Four sessions, Third Tuesday of the Month, from 10am-12pm:
March 21
April 18
May 16
June 20
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Presented by: Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership
Transition Planning for Families from Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten
This training will help prepare you for your child’s move from preschool special education to kindergarten. This workshop will be held via Zoom. Participants will receive a folder full of helpful resources and there will be plenty of time for questions!
Participants will:
understand the differences between Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee for Special Education (CSE),
understand the transition process from CPSE to CSE,
learn how to be an active member of the transition team,
understand the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
If you need access to the materials in Spanish, please email Christina Bueti, our bilingual educator, Cbueti@WIHD.org.
Please note this training will be offered on Feb 13, March 14, and April 17. You may register for the date that works best for your schedule.
Click Here for Zoom Registration Link
Presented by Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership
Family Forum: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics
Are you considering applying for SSI for your family member? Come to this workshop to learn some tips and tricks to the application process. When and how to apply, the eligibility requirements and how to best make the process less stressful.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Presented by: Community Support Network
FAMILY FORUM: POST-SCHOOL PLANNING FOR YOUNG ADULTS GOING TO COLLEGE
Join us for a discussion on how things will be different from high school for young adults with disabilities who plan to pursue a college degree. Participants can ask any questions they may have, including the process for accessing accommodations, the disability documentation needed, possible types of college-related services available through Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), as well as things to consider when selecting or visiting 2 & 4 year colleges and universities.
Presented by: Community Support Network
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide for Families and Caregivers about Special Education
Participants will:
• understand the concepts of SDI.
• understand that there is both federal and state regulation around SDI.
• examine what SDI might look like in the classroom and in the home.
• understand their value as engaged meaningful partners in the special education process and education of their child.
Presented by: Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
FREE Music for Autism Concert -- Balourdet Quartet
The Balourdet Quartet, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is currently in residence at the New England Conservatory’s Professional String Quartet Program. The quartet received the Grand Prize at the 2021 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, as well as prizes in international competitions including the Banff, Paolo Borciani, and Carl Nielsen competitions. They were also awarded the Gold Medal at the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the 2021 Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition.
Join us online for an exciting Balourdet Quartet Concert!
Our autism-friendly concerts are FREE and open to all families with members on the spectrum.
2:00pm Eastern | 1:00pm Central | 12:00pm Mountain | 11:00am Pacific
Please RSVP
Supporting Siblings 2023-April
Do you have a child with behavioral challenges?
Do you have other children who are impacted?
If so, caregivers and siblings are invited to join us!
Intended for siblings of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, and/or Mental Health Issues
What's it like? Over Zoom, siblings meet other children and teens who know what it's like to have a brother or sister with behavioral challenges. Siblings have a chance to talk, learn coping skills and feel better. The Zoom is facilitated by psychiatrists and trainees at UMass Chan Medical School.
What about parents & caregivers? First-time participants join a Zoom session led by our trained parent mentor. They learn about the sibling experience, the importance of supporting siblings, and strategies to support siblings. Returning participants join a different Zoom session, led by the program social worker, to address ongoing family challenges that impact siblings.
Registration is required. We meet the first Thursday night of each month at 5:30pm.
Details…
1. Is there a cost? This is a free program.
2. Who is eligible? All caregivers are eligible if the affected child has siblings of any age. Siblings are eligible if they are 6 - 18 years old and do not have significant behavioral issues of their own.
3. Can caregivers attend even if siblings do not attend? Yes, and vice versa.
4. How do I register? To ask questions or reserve your spot, call (857) 523-1145
or email emily.rubin@umassmed.edu. After signing an online consent form, you will receive an email with instructions to log into Zoom.
Supporting Siblings
Do you have a child with behavioral challenges?
Do you have other children who are impacted?
If so, caregivers and siblings are invited to join us!
Intended for siblings of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, and/or Mental Health Issues
What's it like? Over Zoom, siblings meet other children and teens who know what it's like to have a brother or sister with behavioral challenges. Siblings have a chance to talk, learn coping skills and feel better. The Zoom is facilitated by psychiatrists and trainees at UMass Chan Medical School.
What about parents & caregivers? First-time participants join a Zoom session led by our trained parent mentor. They learn about the sibling experience, the importance of supporting siblings, and strategies to support siblings. Returning participants join a different Zoom session, led by the program social worker, to address ongoing family challenges that impact siblings.
Registration is required. We meet the first Thursday night of each month at 5:30pm.
Details…
1. Is there a cost? This is a free program.
2. Who is eligible? All caregivers are eligible if the affected child has siblings of any age. Siblings are eligible if they are 6 - 18 years old and do not have significant behavioral issues of their own.
3. Can caregivers attend even if siblings do not attend? Yes, and vice versa.
4. How do I register? To ask questions or reserve your spot, call (857) 523-1145
or email emily.rubin@umassmed.edu. After signing an online consent form, you will receive an email with instructions to log into Zoom.
Family Forum: Post-School Planning for Young Adults Not Going to College Zoom
Join us for a discussion on program options and considerations for young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Participants can ask any questions they may have including the eligibility process for services through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and other state service systems, the types of programs and support services available, as well as things to consider when selecting or visiting adult community-based programs.
Presented by: Community Support Network
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Transition Linkages Fair
BACK IN PERSON An Event for Parents, Educators & Advocates to
Learn More About Adult Services & Transition Planning
FREE Music for Autism Concert- Broadway’s Thayne Jasperson
Music for Autism favorite Thayne Jasperson is an exceptionally talented and generous performer, having delighted our audiences with both in-person and virtual concerts. He has displayed his wide-ranging talents as a singer, actor, and dancer notably in the original company of Hamilton on Broadway where he originated the role of Samuel Seabury. Other Broadway credits include Matilda and Newsies. He was also part of the national tours of West Side Story and Oz.
Join us in welcoming back Music for Autism's 2023 Spotlight Artist Thayne Jasperson!
Our autism-friendly concerts are FREE and open to all families with children on the spectrum.
2:00pm Eastern | 1:00pm Central | 12:00pm Mountain | 11:00am Pacific
Please RSVP
Sensory Friendly Bunny: Stonebriar Centre
Hop into Spring with Bunny Cares! This Spring, continue or start a treasured holiday tradition with Bunny Cares events powered by Cherry Hill Programs. You and your loved ones can visit the Easter Bunny in a sensory-friendly environment near you on March 26, 2023. Click here to make your reservation today!
Sensory Friendly Bunny: Shops at Willow Bend
Hop into Spring with Bunny Cares! This Spring, continue or start a treasured holiday tradition with Bunny Cares events powered by Cherry Hill Programs. You and your loved ones can visit the Easter Bunny in a sensory-friendly environment near you on March 26, 2023. Click here to make your reservation today!
Dallas Children’s Theater Sensory Friendly Performance: Last Stop on Market Street!
The Dallas Children's Theater's next sensory-friendly performance will be "Last Stop on Market Street"! on March 25th at 1:30pm. Pre show activities start at 12:30pm. General production adaptations include leaving the house lights up a few levels higher than a standard performance and reducing the sound level. They also offer a "Quiet Room" for children who need a break and a social story to prepare for your visit (found on their website) Tickets are heavily discounted to $5 per person. To purchase tickets, please call the DCT Box Office at 214-740-0051. For more information, please visit their website. Save the date for future performance: May 6th "Charlotte's Web".
Free Virtual Parent Training: Preventing Problem Behaviors
MHS is offering a free virtual training for parents, caregivers, and professionals who are interested in learning about ways to prevent problem behaviors among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities. You do not have to be a current client at MHS in order to attend the training, but we do ask that you register on our website. This training will be held via Zoom on Saturday, March 25th from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and Saturday, April 1st from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. This training will be led by Elizabeth Klein, BCBA, LBA, M.Ed. Attendees will receive a certificate upon completion of the training. For questions regarding this training or other trainings, please contact abatherapy@mhsbehavioralservices.com or call the MHS office at 702-848-1696.