

This Month in Family Support!
April Newsletter

Spring has Sprung!
Happy Autism Acceptance Month!
Studies show that Autism Acceptance-
Enhanced Self-Esteem in Autistic Individuals
Improves Mental Health of Autistic Individuals
Creates community
Promotes Inclusive Practices
Increases Advocacy Efforts
Promotes the idea that differences should be accepted and valued
This Autism Acceptance Month, we celebrate the unique perspectives and diverse talents that individuals with autism bring to our community, enriching our collective experience. We recognize that the Autistic experience is different than the neurotypical experience, not inferior. By embracing and understanding these differences, we foster a more inclusive and vibrant world for everyone.
ā Three Ways to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month
Listen to Autistic Voices: "Nothing About Us Without Us." This Autism Acceptance Month, we recognize Autistic individuals as experts on Autism! Take time to watch Autistic youtubers, follow Autistic content creators, read books by Autistic authors, and watch shows with Autistic representation.
- Here are some resources to get you started!
** Please note that content, books, or television shows may not reflect the views of CFB ISD and may not be appropriate for all audiences.
Further Educate Yourself and Others: Take time to reflect on your beliefs about Autism. Have questions? Reach out to your CFB Family Support Specialist Team at ihpt@cfbisd.edu or attend one of our family support events and we'll be happy to provide you with answers and resources! See a social media post about Autism that resonates with you? Share it with your friends and family! Use this month to have conversations with friends, families, and others in your community about Autism. Go outside your comfort zone (safely)!
Support Autistic Creators/Businesses/Organizations: Supporting Autistic creators and businesses this month not only empowers the community but also celebrates the unique talents and perspectives that these entrepreneurs bring to the marketplace. Purchasing products from Autistic creators and businesses supports a future where the business world is more inclusive to all!
- Here are some resources to get you started!
- Is there a specific product you're looking for? Search "Autistic Made ____" (example: Autistic Made Candles, Autistic Made Jewelry, etc.)
- Article: 12 Businesses Owned and Run By People on the Autism Spectrum You Can Support by Alison Chan
- Article: What We Can Learn From Autistic Entrepreneurs by Jessica Penot
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) Website
Happy Eid-al-Fitr!
Happy Eid al-Fitr to all families who celebrate! We wish you a celebration filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments. May this special time bring you endless blessings, happiness, and a spirit of togetherness that lasts throughout the year.
Happy Passover!
As Passover approaches, we extend our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating this time of reflection and freedom. May your Pesach be filled with peace, joy, and cherished moments with loved ones.
April/May Upcoming Events
April 16th: Autism 101
April 20th: PK - 5th Playdate
Aptil 25th: Mealtime at Home
Local and Online Support Groups
Association for Autism & Neurodiversity: Parent Webinars
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, AANEās 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 needsāand weāve worked to thoughtfully update our language along the way,"
TACA: Coffee Talks
Virtual (Zoom):
Thursday, April 18th: 12pm CST
Thursday, April 18th: 9pm CST
In-Person:
Friday, April 26th: 10am - 11am CST
La Madeleine
4201 S Cooper St, Suite 731
Arlington, TX 76015
"Youāre invited to join us with your questions and concerns, or just to listen and gain insights. In a friendly, roundtable discussion, weāll tackle the topics that matter most to you and gather valuable advice from other parents who have walked similar paths."
TACA: Virtual Support Groups
Tuesday, April 16th: 12pm CST
Tuesday, April 23rd: 12pm CST
Tuesday, April 30th: 12pm 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."
DFW Virtual Parent/Caregiver Connections Group
Wednesday, April 17th
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."
"Support: Special Needs Families and Caregivers" at Bent Tree Bible Church
"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."
Texas A&M "Coach to Communicate" Program
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 ā for free!
Spanish Autism Resources
Grupo de Apoyo para Padres y Cuidadores
April 17th: 9am - 10am
"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."
Latinos Unidos por Autismo
Monday, April 15th
10:00AM - 12PM
"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
Child Mind Institute: Articles and Resources
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!
Sensory Friendly Events & Activities
Casa MaƱana: Mary Poppins Sensory Friendly Performance
Saturday, April 28th
11am
Casa MaƱana
3101 W Lancaster Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76107
"The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again."
Crayola Experience: Sensory Friendly Hours
(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."
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Alamo for All
Every Tuesday before 2pm
"Welcome to Alamo for All - a movie program for young families and guests with special needs. All shows starting before 2 pm on Tuesdays follow Alamo for All rules, with more shows on the weekends. Schedule may vary during holidays. At sensory-friendly Alamo for All shows,
Lights are turned up and sound is turned down
All ages are welcome (including infants)
Talking and noise is allowed and guests can move around
Latecomers are admitted
Adaptive technology is welcome (but no other electronics, please)"
Adapted Events & Activities
April 20th
11am - 2pm
Josey Ranch Sports Complex Field #6
1440 Keller Springs Road
Carrollton, TX 75006
"Come for a fun-filled day as the City spotlights special needs programming on Carrolltonās Adaptive Field #6 at Josey Ranch Sports Complex. There will be plenty of activities including giant games. Participants wonāt leave hungry either. This free event includes lunch in addition to all the fun! Registration required."
Plano Parks & Rec: Adapted Dance Club
March Theme: 80's Dance
Friday, April 26th
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)."
Carrollton Parks & Rec: Adaptive Archery
April Classes: Every Thursday 03/04 - 04/25
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
Carrollton Parks & Rec: Jasmine's Beat Adaptive Dance
Spring Classes: Every Monday 03/18 - 04/29
Youth Class: 4:45PM - 5:45PM
Teens/Young Adults: 5:45PM - 6:45PM
"Jasmine's Beat aims to empower people of all abilities to embrace the power of dance and healthy movement while having fun."
This is an amazing class, affordable, and one of our very own amazing Adaptive PE coaches in CFBISD is one of the instructors!
Resident: $100 / Non-Resident: $110
Family Game Night: ESports
Wednesday, April 24th
5pm - 6:30pm
"Join us for a game night for families and friends of all ages and abilities. The state-of-the-art Esports Center at Crosby Recreation Center will be open for free play. Board games and crafts will also be available. Registration is required."
Carrollton Adaptive Rec: Ping Pong
April Classes: Every Tuesday from 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Rosemeade Rec Center
1330 E Rosemeade Pkwy
Carrollton, TX 75007
"Adaptive ping-pong is offered for athletes of all abilities including those with physical and intellectual disabilities. Students will learn and develop the skills to play the sport of ping-pong including grip, stance, basic forehand, and backhand strokes. Serves, footwork, and game tactics will also be emphasized. Participation in adaptive ping-pong can help improve fine and gross motor skills, muscle development, range of motion, balance, and social skills while in a fun, safe, and supportive environment."
ACE Paint Party
Saturday, April 27th
2pm - 4pm
Woodcreek Church
3400 E Renner Rd
Richardson, TX, 75082
"Join us for the ACE Paint Party in Richardson on April 27th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Woodcreek Church gym! Experience canvas painting, face painting, and snow cones, followed by a dance party! Tickets are $17 per person with special needs who are ages 16+."
Summer Camps
Ability Connection (Irving, TX)
"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. Donāt miss this opportunity to keep your childās skills fresh over the summer at Ability Connectionās excellent summer camps."
Summer 2024 Schedule
Dates:
June 3 ā June 28 (Session 1)*
July 1 ā July 26 (Session 2)**
*No session on Wednesday, June 19!
**No session on Thursday, July 4th!
Times:8:00 a.m. ā 4:00 p.m.
Location:Ability Connection
7880 Bent Branch Drive, Suite 150
Irving, TX 75063
More information here
It's a Sensory World Summer Camps (Farmers Branch, TX)
"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
I Belong's: Music & Drama Summer Camp (North Dallas, TX)
"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!"
Camp Summit (Argyle,TX)
"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 CAMP (Center Point,TX)
"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 Fire (Fort Worth,TX)
"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."
Recursos del campamento CFB
š”TIP: Check out your city's Parks & Recreation department for adapted summer activities!
Tip of the Month: Talking to Your Child and Siblings About Autism
"Telling children they are autistic as early as possible has several benefits.
Research shows teenagers talk about themselves in a more positive way when their parents have had open conversations with them about being autistic, compared to those who did not. When this conversation is had earlier, autistic people have better quality of life and wellbeing in adulthood.
By understanding themselves at an earlier age, autistic people can feel empowered, advocate for themselves, and potentially gain access to supports and services earlier. An open discussion around diagnosis also provides an earlier opportunity to āfind a communityā. Some autistic people say they feel understood and accepted when they connect with other autistic people. This can increase positive identity and self-esteem."
Article: How to Talk to Your Child About Their Autism Diagnosis
Video: Celebrating Autistic Voices : Listen to what Autistic individuals (children and adults!) have to say about Autism and learning about their diagnosis.
Want to discuss this topic with a professional? Email your CFB Family Support Team at ihpt@cfbisd.edu or call 972-968-5827.
"This book is about what it means to be a part of the autistic community. Autistic people wrote this book. Some autistic people are just learning about their autism. We wanted to welcome them and give them a lot of important information all in one place.
This book talks about what autism is and how it affects our lives. It talks about our history, our community, and our rights. We wrote this book in plain language so that more people can understand it.
We wrote this book for autistic people, but anyone can read it. If you are not autistic, this book can help you support autistic people you know. If you are wondering whether you might be autistic, this book can help you learn more. If you are autistic, think you might be autistic, or if you want to better understand autistic people, this book is for you."
CFB Recreational Resources
More Resources:
- UpParent- Parent to Parent Recommendations: https://www.upparent.com/lists/activities-for-children-with-special-needs-near-dallas-fort-worth
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): https://autisticadvocacy.org/
- DFW ASD: http://www.dfwasd.com/
- Carrollton "Leisure Connections":https://www.cityofcarrollton.com/departments/departments-g-p/parks-recreation/programs-events/leisure-connections
- Farmers Branch Parks & Rec: https://www.farmersbranchtx.gov/207/Parks-Recreation
- Irving Parks & Rec Schedule: https://www.cityofirving.org/983/Class-Schedules
Contact Us!
Your CFB Family Support Specialists are here to help!
Email: ihpt@cfbisd.edu
Location: Marie Huie Special Education Center, Pearl Street, Carrollton, TX, USA
Phone: 972-968-5827
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/658989338982483
Website: https://www.cfbisd.edu/departments/special-services/instructional-programs-services/family-support