Monday, October 21, 2024

7:00pm - 8:30pm

"This 90-minute workshop will address common misconceptions, investigate Autistic identity, and explore Autistic traits, strengths, and challenges. This presentation will provide insights into your child’s neurotype, preparing you with an informed mindset for raising an Autistic child. Parents, family members, and caregivers of individuals who are potentially Autistic are also encouraged to attend."
~

*Please note that this event will be recorded. The recording will be sent out to registrants a few days after the live event and participants can watch the recording for up to 30 days.

Learn More and Register Here

Every Wednesday at 11am

Hosted by Patty Geisinger

Register Here

"Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) is committed to improving the lives of Texas children and adults with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions and other health care needs. TxP2P empowers families to be strong advocates through parent-to-parent support, resource referral, and education."

TxP2P’s main goal is to connect parents for support and information. We do this in several different ways:

Call our Office and Talk with Another Parent

The majority of our staff are parents of kids with disabilities,
chronic illnesses, and special health care needs. You can call
866-896-6001 or 512-458-8600 and talk to any of them about anything.

Ask Rosemary

As a parent of a child with a disability or special health care need, you may have many questions, but don’t know who to turn to for help, or what to do next. We encourage you to “Ask Rosemary” and you’ll receive a personal response from a TxP2P staff member or volunteer within two working days or sooner whenever possible. Read more about Ask Rosemary.

Level 3 Parent & Caregiver Virtual Support Group

October 18th @ 12pm

RSVP Here

(Please note that CFB ISD does not use levels when discussing Autism in an educational setting)

DFW Virtual Parent/Caregiver Connections Group

October 16th @ 10:30am

RSVP Here

Parent Statewide Support Meeting

October 23rd @ 10am

RSVP Here

"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."

Wednesday, October 23rd

12pm

"Tune in to learn research updates on co-occurring disordered eating and autism, including emerging findings to a higher risk for obesity.

The speaker: Francesca Solmi, PhD, is a senior epidemiologist serving as a principal research fellow at University College London, with over a decade of experience researching risk factors for adolescent psychiatric disorders. In her research, she uses extensive general population cohort study data, population registers, linked electronic health records, and epidemiological designs for causal inference in observational data. She has published scientific papers in high-impact factor journals, informing policy and scientific funding priorities."

Register 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

"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

"The Islamic Association of Collin County’s Special Needs Support Group was first founded in 2012 with the goal of providing opportunities for parents and their children to engage in an Islamic environment and to raise awareness in the community about disability issues. It has grown exponentially since then, providing not only activities and support, but education as well.

In conjunction with IACC’s Quran Education committee, we were one of the first masajid in the country to offer Quranic education (naazirah and Islamic studies) for students with special needs.

Our goal now is not just accommodation, but inclusion and integration as well. Our children with special needs participate in masjid-sponsored competitions and are a visible part of the IACC community."

Join the IACC Special Needs Support Group on Facebook

"Many families struggle to find a church that believes they are equipped to serve individuals with special needs. Unfortunately, this results in families being turned away over and over — turned away from the one place where EVERYONE should be welcomed and valued! This is why we are extremely passionate about empowering churches to embrace the fact that all churches are called to serve everyone; no one is left out of God’s plan and purpose."

Arise Special Needs Ministry provides an abundance of resources (religious and nonreligious), special events, Bible studies, and more for the local disabled community and their families!

Learn More 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

Every Monday at 12pm

Hosted by Rosalba Calleros and Martha Aguilar

Register Here

"Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) is committed to improving the lives of Texas children and adults with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions and other health care needs. TxP2P empowers families to be strong advocates through parent-to-parent support, resource referral, and education."

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

For the sixth year, the State Fair of Texas is offering Sensory Friendly Mornings at the Fair every Wednesday –

October 2, 9, and 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Providing a family-friendly environment is at the core of the State Fairs mission. Therefore, the Fair is excited to bring back Sensory Friendly Mornings for a sixth year. The Fair collaborated with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and other local organizations to devise ways to make Sensory-Friendly Mornings beneficial and fun for all who choose to attend, with the goal of creating opportunities for people to experience the Fair in a more accessible way.

Click Here for the fair's Sensory-Friendly Guide

Sunday, October 20th

11am

Casa Mañana

3101 W Lancaster Ave

Fort Worth, TX 76107

"The following adjustments are made during Sensory Friendly performances:

The performances are open to the public, however, it is important to note that traditional theatre rules will be relaxed. Audience members can talk, react and make noises as needed throughout the performance. If audience members need a break from the performance, they are encouraged to freely leave and return as needed.

Adjustments to the production will include the removal of all flashing and strobe lights. House lights will remain partially on throughout the performance and sound levels will be lowered.

A sensory space will be provided throughout the performance for individuals who desire a controlled and predictable environment where they have the opportunity to relax away from the show.

Advanced planning documents including a pre-visit story, plot summary, sensory map are available to help prepare families for their visit."

Purchase Tickets Here

Saturday, Oct. 12

1:30pm

Baker Theater

5938 Skillman St.

Dallas, Texas 75231

"DCT wants to make sure families have no barriers that would prevent them from at least sampling these great opportunities created especially for them! Tickets are $5 per person.

​​​To purchase tickets, please call the DCT Box Office at 214.740.0051. Seating for the sensory-friendly performance will be general admission. If someone in your group needs wheelchair-accessible seating, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance so that we can ensure your time here at DCT is organized and well spent.

Important Times to Note for Sensory-friendly Performances

12:30 PM Pre-show activities begin

1:00 PM Doors to the theater are opened

1:30 PM Show begins

Family Resources
DCT creates a parent tipsheet, a social story, and a synopsis for each of our sensory performances so that our families have as much information as possible in advance of coming to the show. These are available to download on each performance page."

Click Here for More Info

Saturday, Oct 12

Saturday Oct 26

Showtimes vary based on theater location

"AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month."

Purchase Tickets Here

Saturday, Oct. 12

10am - 11:30am

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

3501 Camp Bowie Blvd.,

"Sensory Explorations is a free event for families with children of all ages who are on the autism spectrum. Families will have time to explore artworks in the galleries and get creative during a hands-on, art-making experience!

Read about the Carter's Sensory Explorations program in Carter ARTicles!"

Learn More Here

Register Here

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:

• 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

October Theme: Monster Mash! Favorite Costume

Friday, Oct 25th

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

October Classes: Every Thursday 10/03-10/31

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, Oct 9th

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."

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

Fall Adaptive Dance classes at Crosby Recreation Dance Studio in Carrollton, TX:

Mondays 4:45-5:45 -Youth; 5:45-6:45-Teens/Young adults

beginning Sept 9- Oct 21 (no class October 14) &
Oct 28- Dec 16 (no class November 18)
Classes with Ms. Katrina with modified choreography and social skills-building activities.

⭐ NEW! ⭐

Virtual Adaptive Dance Class

Every Saturday @ 10am

Email to register: jasminesbeat@gmail.com

Saturday, Oct 19th

4pm - 6pm

4307 Alpha Road

Farmer's Branch, TX

"Boo Bash is our most popular community event, welcoming attendees of all ages and abilities. Our mission is to provide a safe and inclusive trick-or-treating experience, and we remain committed to supporting the disability community and beyond. With trunk-or-treating, a bounce house, the Boo Bus, a resource fair, and more, there's something for everyone!"

Learn More Here

Sunday, Oct 27th

3pm - 5pm

Irving Bible Church

2435 Kinwest Pkwy

Irving, TX 75063

"As usual, there are TONS of fall festivals and Halloween events this month. And for the first time ever, Arise is joining in! We'll be doing an Indoor Trunk or Treat (trunk is a bit of a misnomer... there will be no cars inside the building) at IBC on October 27th from 3:00-5:00. We hope your family will put on your costumes and join us!"

Saturday, Oct 26th

4pm - 7pm

Harold Bacchus Community Park

13995 Main St.

Frisco, TX

"Resource Fair, Games, Prizes, Music, Bounce House, Hourly Costume Contest, Trick or Treat Street, and More! This event is specifically for individuals with special needs."

Learn More Here