SAVE THE DATE
MARCH 11, 2021 
12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
ZOOM PROGRAM

ATTN: INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM OR OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL  
DISABILITIES, PARENTS AND DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS

This year’s Autism Summit will focus on the COVID vaccine! Help us understand your thoughts, questions or concerns by taking a two-minute survey. Your answers will be shared at the Autism Summit and will shape the conversation! Your input is appreciated!

GRANDPARENTS: WALKING
THE NARROW LINE

Thursday, February 4 | 7:00-8:30 PM | Zoom Meeting

Grandparents play a vital role in the development of their grandchildren! ASGA and facilitator, Jocelyn Eskenazi, BCaBA from The Esken Group, LLC have created a space for grandparents to build supporting relationships while discussing conflict between family members, appropriate levels of involvement, and how to be an asset to their grandchild with special-needs. There is a focus on autism, however grandparents of grandchildren of all abilities are welcome!

SOCIAL CLUB II FOR ADULTS WITH ASD

2nd and 4th Wednesday each month beginning Feb 10
7:00-8:00 PM | Zoom Meeting

Our first Social Club for Adults with ASD was a hit so by popular demand, ASGA has added a second group to our 2021 program lineup! Registrants must be 18 or older to join. They will interact with other members and discuss searching for a job, how to make new friends, relationships, hobbies, and special interests. If you are a member of the first Social Club, you do not need to register again, NEW REGISTRANTS ONLY!

TAKE A BREAK IS STAYING FOR 2021

ASGA is continuing the Take A Break program into 2021! Take A Break is a program we created in response to the needs of our community affected by COVID. The program provides three hours of respite and a $35 gift card to Giant Eagle or Walmart to help families with groceries and essential items. Families who used this service last year are welcome to reapply for 2021!

DIRECT SUPPORT
PROFESSIONAL'S TRAINING

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) play an important role in the lives of individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). Through "On The Right Side of Autism", participants will learn strategies to support and engage individuals with ASD that include both visual and behavior support and can also earn 6 CPDU’s for Adult Services, SSA and County Board Members!

 COFFEE, TEA & AUTISM 

Are you interested in meeting people who have also been impacted by autism? Join our online Facebook group or come to one of the Coffee, Tea & Autism meetings in your county!

 What parents are saying:

“I have learned so much. When our son was first diagnosed, I immediately searched to connect with others. The CTA group was a God-send…I’ve built friendships, learned about resources, and I now know that I am not alone. I still continue to attend even though it’s been 4 years since our son’s diagnosis.” 

Upcoming Meetings:                                                 

Ravenna – 10AM
Facilitator: Trina Bullard

January 26, February 23 - ZOOM

Email Wendy for link to attend online meeting.

Kent/Stow – 7PM
Facilitator: Mary Richards 

February 5, February 19 - ZOOM

Email Mary for link to attend online meeting.

Online Facebook Group - JOIN HERE

AUTISM STUDY - Study by Old Dominion to examine the measurement properties of the Quality of Life for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder scale.

PAID SURVEY - The University of Kansas is looking for parents of child with ASD to participate in a study on the relationship between the level of parenting stress on child’s communication skills. 

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE - Check out various Open House Dates for Julie Billiart Schools.

ONLINE DRAMA CLASSES - Check out the 2021 winter classes from the Center for Applied Drama and Autism.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES - The DODD has put together a list of COVID related mental health assistance.

ISPY ACTIVITY - Take a walk through the Meadow Trail at Tallmadge Meadows in Munroe Falls Metro Park off Rt 91 and see what you can find. 

About the Autism Society of Greater Akron

The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is one of more than 80 affiliates nationwide that are part of the Autism Society of America, the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots autism organization. ASGA serves Summit, Stark, Wayne, Portage, and Medina counties. ASGA works locally to achieve its mission to improve the lives of all affected by autism.

ASGA is also a proud member of the Ohio Family Network (OFN), connecting people with disabilities and their families to local information and resources within their communities. We believe OFN provides opportunities to share ideas, find solutions to common challenges and inspire and strengthen each other.