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Autism Awareness Month Continues As we wrap up April, National Autism Awareness Month, I found myself reflecting on this year’s message. We changed it last minute given the pandemic, wanting to be with those we serve not only by responding to the needs that resulted from the crisis, but also by providing encouragement as we entered into quarantine and the closing of our support systems. We anticipated a month that would require Herculean efforts to meet the many challenges we were facing and so #AutismStrong emerged. So while April was understandably about COVID-19, it was also a time that I’m proud ASGA brought awareness to our community of the impact of this crisis on people living with autism, in addition to providing virtual programming for those we serve. We highlighted how routines imploded for those who need routine, regression became the fear for parents who have prioritized early intervention, and our concerns for adults living with autism who may experience loss of employment and our worries about living in congregate settings. These worries will continue beyond April, and so will ASGA’s “Bite Size” webinars, Take a Break on ASGA funding, Operation Cheer, and virtual support groups. We will be #AutismStrong together as we continue to be the local organization providing resources, advocacy, and support to individuals with autism and their families…throughout the year! Thank you,
Laurie Cramer and Team! SOCIAL CLUBS for Teens & Adults with ASD We have received GREAT feedback with interest in a social club designed strictly to individuals with autism, their needs and their interests! Are you an individual that does NOT want to be on camera in a zoom meeting? That's OK! This social club is still for YOU! Simply turn your camera off. You can still enjoy, participate and just have fun! Take a minute or two and complete the following survey: Online Social Club for Adults with ASD If you are interested in joining the group when it is established, please send us an EMAIL and we will add you to the distribution list. BITESIZE DISCUSSION #4: Handling Stressors During the Stay-at-Home Order It’s common to feel stressed or anxious during this time. It may be especially hard for people who already manage feelings of anxiety or emotional distress. Recognizing how you’re feeling can help you care for yourself, manage your stress and cope with difficult situations. Even when you don’t have full control of a situation, there are things you can do. Leslie Powlette Stoyer, JD, Co-Executive Director at NAMI Summit County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will discuss how to stay informed, take action, maintain healthy social connections and find resources for support. REGISTER HERE View Bite #3: Watch last week's Bite Size, "The Wonderful World of Waivers" and other webinars HERE... YOU ARE WORTH IT – Build your Resilience! As we enter week 7 and hear the buzz about "re-opening Ohio," we may experience additional anxiety, fatigue and fear of the unknown. ASGA wants to make sure you know WE care about YOU! NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH CONTEST WINNERS Thank you for all of the great art work submitted for Autism Awareness Month! This was really hard so ASGA staff decided that we needed to have MORE than one winner! Congratualtions Dimitri, Liliana, Andrew and Addison! Way to go artists! We are #AutismStrong and #InThisTogetherOhio! REMEMBER TO: Join ASGA’s Coffee, Tea and Autism closed Facebook support group! We have over 90 group members and great tips and tricks to help us all survive the quarantine life! Take a Break on ASGA has helped over 130 families in the last 6 weeks in all 5 of our counties (Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne)! If you need respite or food/supplies support, please let us know! Create a card or color a picture for Operation Cheer to send words of encouragement to adults with disabilities who can’t leave their homes! Over 75 cards have been delivered to four group homes! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on ASGA’s activities! Step Into Autism is ON and VIRTUAL!
Join all of us between Saturday, June 13th through Saturday, June 27 and walk a mile as we support individuals and families affected by autism! Yes! ASGA is continuing its annual signature fundraiser, Step Into Autism, only in a VIRTUAL way! Walk on your time, at your desired location! So, register today!
We know these are tough times! But ASGA and an estimated 20,000 individuals and families impacted by autism here in our community, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties need your help TODAY!
#GivingTuesdayNOW! Global Day of Giving! Please join us this upcoming week to show both generosity and community support by helping us reach our fundraising goal of $2,500! ASGA’s Board of Directors will MATCH that amount for a total of $5,000! Every little bit makes a difference! Dollars raised will fund Take A Break on ASGA, providing families respite and food support. Over 130 families have benefited from this program!
What's Going on in the Community? Check out the latest guidance messages and resources from DODD: Program Updates and Planning Tool Kits for Families. Wearing a Mask: Social Story for encouraging kids to wear them in the upcoming weeks! Thank you, State Support Team Region 8! ASGA’s mission is as critical as ever, and even more so, as we face unprecedented challenges in unprecedented times. If you can help us continue to deliver essential support, services, and advocacy, please consider a donation to ASGA.
With the current Stay Home order by Gov. DeWine, many people are ordering from Amazon. You can help ASGA at the same time by logging in to Amazon Smile and choosing Autism Society Greater Akron as your charity. It’s the same products, but ASGA receives a percentage back for your order. Please consider supporting ASGA!
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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.
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