AANE offers multiple webinars each month. Click here to explore topics and dates (please note that times listed are in EST)

"For over 27 years, AANE’s mission and services have been shaped by the people we serve.

From the beginning, AANE has strived to be an inclusive organization. Autistic and similarly Neurodivergent adults have long been members of our staff and governance. As our community has expanded and become more diverse, we have transformed our programs and resources to meet new needs—and we’ve worked to thoughtfully update our language along the way,"

Friday, May 31st @ 4pm CST

"Discover the power of shared experiences during our Family Support Panel at TACA. Hear firsthand from real TACA families as they recount their journeys towards improving speech and communication for their loved ones with autism. Following the panel discussion, engage in a moderated Q&A session where your questions will be addressed. Join us in the TACA Connect app for an insightful and supportive gathering."

Register Here

Tuesday, May 7th: 12pm CST

Monday, May 13th (Teens & Adults): 6pm CST

Wednesday, May 14th: 3pm CST

Wednesday, May 22nd: 6pm CST

Tuesday, May 28th: 3pm CST

Wednesday, May 29th (Teens & Adults): 6pm CST

"Amazing Opportunities to Learn, Get Help and Hope!

Many of our education events allow for virtual participation, and we host monthly virtual family meetings to bring autism support to families regardless of their location.

Join us virtually as we talk about all things autism! Whether you are new to the autism journey or have been on the journey for several years, we welcome you to join the discussion! Find support and HOPE with the TACA team and learn how to troubleshoot common issues that arise throughout the journey.
Registration will close shortly before the event. A Zoom link will be available upon registration as well as emailed to you. Please check your spam folder and reach out to TeamTACA@tacanow.org for assistance if needed."

More information here

Wednesday, May 15th

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

"Our monthly gatherings offer a chance to meet other parents and caregivers in an informal, online setting to exchange information, support, share stories, and laugh."

RSVP Here

"Parents of special needs children gather for Bible study and prayer. Children and siblings have fun activities while paired with a loving servant. We meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday."

More Information Here

STEP 1: WEBINAR ON AUTISM AND COMMUNICATION INSTRUCTION

Attend a free online webinar on ways to improve the communication skills of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. Service providers may also attend this webinar.

STEP 2: INTENSIVE PARENT COACHING

Parents interested in additional training can be paired with an online coach for individual sessions to learn to teach social communication skills to their children – for free!

More Information Here

Every Wednesday at 9am CST

"Our online support group for Spanish speakers is open to parents, caregivers, and anyone who has been impacted by Autism in the state of Texas! Please confirm your attendance and we will send you the details to access our virtual meeting! Meet others and share support!

This group is moderated by Mayra Corona of Executive Director and Founder of Beautiful Minds ABA and Adriana Crostley State Director of Education and Outreach of the Autism Society of Texas."

RSVP Here

Monday, May 20th

10:00AM - 12PM CST

"The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin invites you to join a group for Spanish speaking families. Latinos Unidos por Autismo is a support group, a space for reflection and understanding where parents with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can connect with other parents to develop skills and learn about resources that can help the family. This group is for all Spanish speaking parents including parents of adults on the spectrum."

Parents from all states are welcome to join

More Information Here

Register Here

The Child Mind Institute provides articles and information on a wide variety of topics related to the Autism Spectrum. Most articles are offered in both English and Spanish.

Article topics include:

• Autism and Picky Eating
• Increasing Cooperation in Kids with Autism
• How Can We Help Kids with Transitions?
• Sensory-Friendly Party Ideas

and much more!

Explore their Website Here

Saturday, May 4th

• 12:30 PM Pre-show activities begin
• 1:00 PM Doors to the theater are opened
• 1:30 PM Show begins

Rosewood Center
5938 Skillman

Dallas, Texas 75231

"In this prequel to C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, young Digory wants nothing more than to save his ailing mother. When Digory's eccentric, bumbling magician uncle tricks him and his neighbor Polly into a world between worlds, they accidentally awaken Jadis, an evil queen who sets her sights on their own home of London. Realism and fantasy collide in this classic adventure story of good versus evil. Mythical kingdoms and deep magic await, and Narnia is born!
Recommended for ages 7 and up"

Planning on going? Click HERE to purchase tickets and download family resources to prepare (social story, tip sheet, synopsis)!

(Held the 3rd Sunday of every month)

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Crayola Experience Plano

6121 W Park Blvd Suite A100, Plano, TX 75093

"Enjoy the attraction adapted just for sensory needs.

• Lights will be dimmed
• Music will be turned off
• Quiet room available
• Crayon Factory Show available at 11 a.m. Our Factory Show is currently running as a pre-recorded video. Based on staffing, show may be live!

No additional charge, included in general admission. More information on the Facebook event page."

More information here

Saturday, May 11th

9am - 10am

Explorium Denton Children's Museum

5800 N Interstate 35 #214

Denton, TX 76207

"We invite you to explore our museum during our exclusive event for children with sensory processing differences. Children with sensory friendly needs can come visit when the museum is not as crowded and noisy. We will alter light levels and display volumes for these visiting hours. We hope to see you. Please reach out if you have any questions to info@exploriumdenton.org. Noise canceling headphones are available upon request."

Cost: $5

More Information Here

Saturday, May 25th

11AM

Texas Studio Movie Grill Locations

"Our sensory friendly Special Needs Screenings present movies with the lights up, the volume low, and moving around, talking, and even dancing in the aisles are welcome. Special Needs Screenings are shown on select Saturdays at 11:00am at all SMG locations unless noted otherwise. Tickets are available at the Box Office only as early as the Wednesday prior to these screenings. Tickets are free tor all attendees and seating is first come, first served. Parental guidance is suggested."

Purchase Tickets Here

The first hour of every Tuesday

ALL Locations

"Sensory-Friendly Event Details:

• Dimmer lighting
• Little to no music playing in the store
• A step-by-step informational guide that allows parents/guardians to plan their Workshop experience in advance (click here to download)
• All ages and siblings welcome"

We want everyone to have a fun and enjoyable visit here at the Fort Worth Zoo.

Full List of Accessibility Features

The Fort Worth Zoo has a deep well of accessibility features including:

• Sensory Bags:

  A limited number of sensory bags are available to Zoo guests. Each bag contains items that might assist in making the Zoo a friendlier experience for guests with sensory sensitivities. Sensory bags contain a weighted animal the guest can hold, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and other resources.

  The bags are available for checkout from the Guest Relations office at the front of the Zoo. There is no rental fee; we ask that all items be placed back in the bag and returned at the end of the visit. The bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis so they cannot be reserved.

• Fort Worth Zoo Social Story

• Fort Worth Zoo Accessibility Guide

• Fort Worth Zoo Accessibility Map: Includes identified quiet zones

• Fort Worth Zoo AAC Communication Board

March Theme: Crazy Hat Dance

Friday, May 31st

6:30pm - 9:30pm

Sam Johnson Recreation Center

401 W 16th St,

Plano, TX 75075

"Come have a fun night of dancing for ages 15 and up. This is a DJ led themed dance with light refreshments towards the end. The dance is held once a month from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Sam Johnson Recreation Center, 401 W 16th Street, from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. View the current Dance Club Schedule (PDF)."

More information here

May Classes: Every Thursday 05/02 - 05/30

4:45PM - 5:45PM

Crosby Rec Center

1610 E Crosby Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006

"This class will focus on range safety, proper shooting techniques,

and target practice in a fun and safe environment. Instruction is provided by a certified archery instructor who has a degree in recreation therapy and experience teaching adaptive activities. This class is intended for newcomers, but all are welcome to participate. "

Resident: $18 / Non-Resident: $20

Click Here to Register

Wednesday, May 8th

7pm - 8pm

Elm Fork Nature Preserve

2335 Sandy Lake Rd

Carrollton, TX 75006

(located within McInnish Sports Complex)

"Take part in a sunset and early evening stroll or roll at the Elm Fork Nature Preserve led by a Texas Master Naturalist. Keep a look out for captivating nocturnal animals that come to life when the sun sets, and for those who are brave enough, an encounter with some fascinating creepy crawlers may come along. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with nature before and after dark to gain a deeper appreciation for the creatures that thrive in the wilderness. Though not necessary to participate, one adult and one adult/child all-terrain wheelchairs are available to reserve. Bring a hat, bottle of water, small snack, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. For more information, email shelby.carradine@cityofcarrollton.com"

FREE

Click Here to Register

"United Through H.O.P.E., Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization started in 2012, that takes its mission of being social way outside the typical box.

United Through HOPE is located in the North Texas area, with physical locations in both Denton and Frisco. Both physical locations are in renovated homes which highlight our emphasis on a naturalistic atmosphere where real life, naturalistic opportunities can unfold.

At UTH though we recognize that being social and successfully navigating life’s various transitions does not stop or start in the classroom, it happens everywhere with lots of different people! Therefore, we have programs that foster our nonprofit’s mission to assist children and adults to gain the social skills, soft skills, play skills, life skills, job readiness skills, financial skills, and leadership skills they need to become successful at home, school, and within their careers."

Explore May Social Events HERE

Daily Open Play hours

Two Locations:

Dallas: 11722 Marsh Ln #336, Dallas, TX 75229

Plano: 1941 Preston Rd #1022, Plano, TX 75093

"We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gyms was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. As the only kids gym that offers an inclusive philosophy we have found all children can benefit from our uniquely designed sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders. However, in our experience, all children are able to benefit greatly from this equipment and by allowing children of all ability levels to play together they are able to learn a great deal from each other and become the best motivation for success on every level."

Open Play:

• A parent or guardian must be on the premises at all times
• For special needs children and adults of all ages!
• $14 per child. Siblings discounted to $12 each.
• Monthly memberships available.
• A parent or guardian must accompany the child during Open Play at all times

More Information Here

Wednesday, May 29th

11:30am - 1:30pm

Crosby Rec Center

1610 East Crosby Road

Carrollton, TX, 75006

"Enjoy amazing gaming equipment, including twenty gaming PCs, two Nintendo Switches, and virtual reality. All games will be age-appropriate with knowledgeable staff in attendance. Caregivers are welcome to attend if participant needs assistance."

Resident: $5 / Nonresident: $5.25

Register Here

"Are you looking for a unique and tailored program for your child with disabilities? Your search is over! Our Summer Camps offer children aged 10-17 with intellectual or other developmental disabilities the opportunity to explore new activities, learn new skills, and open doors to endless possibilities. Thanks to a generous grant from The Crystal Charity Ball, we can offer full or partial financial assistance to qualifying families. Our experienced and caring staff provides a safe and enjoyable experience for your child. Don’t miss this opportunity to keep your child’s skills fresh over the summer at Ability Connection’s excellent summer camps."

Summer 2024 Schedule

Times:8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location:Ability Connection
7880 Bent Branch Drive, Suite 150
Irving, TX 75063

More information here

"A one-of-a-kind camp experience that provides routine during school breaks, recreational activities and opportunities for your child to be out in the community. Our campers will be placed in low ratio groups based on an age range, developmental level, and personal interests.

We help them to maintain their skills while using our unique model to regulate the sensory system and target developmental skills that children might not focus on throughout the school year."

Summer Camp

June 3rd-7th, 2024
June 10th-14th, 2024
June 17th-21st, 2024 *4 day camp
July 8th-12th, 2024
July 15th-19th, 2024
July 22nd-26th, 2024
July 29th- August 2nd, 2024

More Information Here

"Join us June 24th - 28th as we create community for individuals with disabilities through our Music and Drama summer camp. On the last day of camp, participants will perform for family and friends. This is one camp you won't want to miss!"

More Information Here

"Camp Summit is a one-of-a-kind camp for individuals with disabilities where the emphasis is on each campers' abilities rather than their disabilities. Traditional camp activities are adapted to each individual, provided in our barrier-free facilities, and implemented by trained, caring staff. Our campers are grouped by age, providing the opportunity to make friends within peer groups while having fun and experiencing new adventures.

Camp Summit is located in Paradise, Texas, just north of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex on 460 acres of land. We are accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed as a Youth Camp in the State of Texas."

Camp Calendar

More Information Here

"Summer Camp is a series of 6-day/5-night sessions for children and adults, aged 5 to 55 years, with mild to severe disabilities (including medical, physical, intellectual, and developmental). Siblings aged 5-13 years without a disability may attend as well!

Summer Camp sessions are held at Camp CAMP in Center Point, Texas, on a beautiful 55-acre property along the Guadalupe River. CAMP modifies traditional summer camp activities to meet the unique needs of each camper. Campers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities such as canoeing, horse interactions, swimming, music, sports & recreation, arts & crafts, and outdoor cooking."

Camp Calendar

More information here

"Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro includes up to three campers per week with mild intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children with disabilities are included in cabin groups and camp activities.

Though our entire program staff is trained to support students with a mental, social, or health concerns, please keep in mind that Camp El Tesoro does not provide specialized, one-on-one care for any individual camper.

1) THE BELIEF THAT ALL KIDS CAN BELONG AND PARTICIPATE
2) THE ACT OF MAKING SURE THAT NO CHILD SITS ON THE SIDELINES."

More information here