Autism Society Western New York

Daytime Support Group Meeting - Autism Society WNY and Fantastic Friends of WNY
2019-02-12 11:30 - 13:00 UTC | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
New Daytime Support Group for parents/caregivers of children and adults with disabilities including Autism. Hosted by Fantastic Friends of WNY and the Autism Society of WNY .
Come meet and talk, share and learn from other parents of children and adults with disabilities .
Learn more about Fantastic Friends of WNY programs which provide unique recreation opportunities for individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities.
There will also be handouts on Autism Resources in the WNY area and info on upcoming events in the WNY area. Please RSVP so we can plan ahead.
RSVP fantasticfriendswny@gmail.com
Phone: 716-608-6234.
Hope to see you there on Tuesday !

Evening Support Group Autism Society WNY and Fantastic Friends of WNY
2019-02-26 06:00 - 19:30 UTC
Fantastic Friends of WNY and the Autism Society Western New York have joined together to provide a new evening support group for parents/caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. Come network with other parents and learn more about what is available in the Western New York area.
Meeting held at the Fantastic Friends of WNY Center on French Road in Depew
RSVP fantasticfriendswny@gmail.com
Phone: 716-608-6234.

ASWNY and Fantastic Friends Evening Support Group - Speaker on Special Needs Trusts,ABLE accounts and more
2019-03-26 18:00 - 19:30 UTC
Evening Support Group
Tuesday March 26, 2019
6:00pm to 7:30 pm

Presentation by James Fox, Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Special Needs Consultant Following topics and more:

Special Needs Trusts
NYS ABLE Accounts – Disabled can grow savings without taxes . Also lessens impact on needs testing for Medicaid and SSI
Keeping my loved one in their current home when I pass

Sponsored by Autism Society WNY and
Fantastic Friends of WNY

Location: Fantastic Friends of WNY Center
1284 French Road
Depew NY

You can RSVP by calling and leaving a message at 716-608-6234 or email fantasticfriendswny@gmail.com Also, check out our Facebook pages.

Autism Society Western New York and Fantastic Friends have joined together to provide a new evening support group for parents/caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.

ASD: Sexuality and Safety Across the Lifespan - with Dr. Lori Jeanne Peloquin - Autism Society Western New York and Autism Services Inc. Workshop
2019-04-06 08:45 - 12:45 UTC | Banchetti by RIzzo, 550 North French Road, Amherst, New York
Dr. Lori Leanne Peloquin is a Clinical Psychologist who works in the Rochester area with children, teens and young adults with Anxiety, Regulatory, Sensory Processing, Developmental and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has given workshops on Sexuality and Autism, Autism and Anxiety, and How to Tell your Child about Having ASD. Her writings from The Autism-Asperger Digest magazine on the DIR/Floortime Model were chosen to be included in a book The Best of Autism Asperger Digest Magazine: Outstanding Selections From Over 4 Years of issues. She mentors other professionals in Mental Health, Occupational, Music and Speech Language Therapies. She was also recognized as Outstanding Psychologist of the Year by the Genesee Valley Psychological Association.
Please note change in location
Banchetti by Rizzo
550 North French Road
Amherst, NY
You will learn about

Importance of addressing sexuality issues long before puberty and adolescence.

Emotional and physical aspects of sexuality and relationships for individuals on the spectrum

How to talk about what is public vs. private

How to address safety and legal issues including internet dangers , pornography and dealing with law enforcement

Rights of individuals to be sexual beings

Prevalence of gender and sexual identity issues in in ASD

How to develop a sexuality curriculum for individuals with ASD

How to deal with the inappropriate public display and aggressive pursuit of person of interest

How to avoid possible abuse

More information and a link to online registration is below in white box under Website:
http://friendsofasi.org/asi-events/spring-2019-workshop/

$13 each Individual with ASD/Parent/Caregiver

$29 Professional /Student

$39 SLP /Audiologis/OT/COTA/PT/PTA with CEUs

How you can register for this workshop:

TO REGISTER ON LINE Click on Website in white box below for direct link . Also links to more information and brochure. Registration closes Thursday April 4 at NOON

TO REGISTER BY MAIL: Send registration form and check to : Autism Society WNY , 19 Limestone Drive, Suite 1, Williamsville NY 14221 (must be received by Friday April 5 )

WALK IN REGISTRATION: Add $10 to above costs

See you on April 6

Autism Society WNY and Fantastic Friends WNY Support Group: Finding Effective Solutions to Compensate for Sensory Processing Deficits
2019-04-16 10:30 - 12:00 UTC | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Deb Kroetsch, an adult with HF Autism will present on Finding Solutions to Compensate for Sensory Processing Deficits. Deb has developed a number of adaptations to cope with the confusing world around her. Learn more about the low tech but extensive changes she has made to her apartment and her life so that she can function in the overwhelming world individuals with autism live in. Deb is a fascinating person to talk with and can help us all understand a little more about about the challenges our children face.
Pick up the following books and informational lists/flyers :

Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism by Chantal Scicile Kira
Sesame Street booklet on the character Julia with Autism
Some Helpful Resources in WNY – 9 page list developed by 4 local moms
Flyers on local events in the WNY area

Fantastic Friends location in Depew – see address below
RSVP fantasticfriendswny@gmail.com
Phone: 716-608-6234.
Hope to see you Tuesday !
Kathy, Debbie and Jeanne

Autism Society WNY and Fantastic Friends WNY Support Group - Maximizing Services through Insurance and other Funding. 6:30pm - 8pm
2019-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Evening Support Group
Funding Options for Services
Tuesday April 30, 2019
6:30pm to 8:00 pm

Presentation by
Autism Learning Partners
Kathryn Janiicke, BCBA
Kelsey Wolak, BCBA

How to access funding options (including insurance) for both children and adults

1:1 in home services
Social Skills Groups
School programs
Community Services
Clinic Services

Sponsored by Autism Society WNY and
Fantastic Friends of WNY

Location: Fantastic Friends of WNY Center
1284 French Road
Depew NY

You can RSVP by calling and leaving a message at 716-608-6234 or email fantasticfriendswny@gmail.com Also, check out our Facebook pages.

Autism Society Western New York and Fantastic Friends have joined together to provide a new evening support group for parents/caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Autism Society WNY and Fantastic Friends of WNY Evening Support Group 6:30pm -8:00pm. Accessible Academics - Providing Academic, Social-Emotional, Life Skills and Job Supports for College & Post Secondary Training
2019-05-28 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Accessible Academics – Providing Academic, Social-Emotional, Life Skills and Job Supports for College and Post Secondary Training inc. BOCES.

Learn more about the supports this non-profit provides
Including Academic Supports, Life Skills Supports, Job Skill Supports and Social- Emotional Supports
How School Supports your child is used to change post secondary
Supports can be funded with Self Directed Services (OPWDD qualified) or Private Pay

Also: Pick up the following books and informational lists/flyers :

Some Helpful Resources in WNY – 9 page list developed by 4 local moms
Flyers on local events in the WNY area
Information on Fantastic Friends Programs

Fantastic Friends location in Depew – see address below
RSVP fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com
Phone: 716-608-6234. Leave a message
Hope to see you Tuesday !
Kathy, Debbie and Jeanne

Special Needs Planning/ Life Care Planning Tuesday September 10 6:30 pm - 8pm Support Group
2019-09-10 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
One of the most important issues on every parent/caregiver’s mind is what will happen to my loved one when I am gone or can no longer care for them.
A representative from Mass Mutual will be discussing developing a Life Care Plan to help ensure the type of care and quality of life for your loved one with special needs for today and tomorow. This is an important evening . Bring your questions. Learn more about how to articulate your vision for your child.

Learn more about:

What is a Life Care Plan

Stages in Life Care Planning process

Steps needed to create a Life Care Plan for your loved one

Available tools and resources to help develop your personal agenda for your child.
How to identify needs that will always be present
Comprehensive steps needed to accomplish your plan

Autism Society WNY and Fantastic Friends of WNY Tuesday Evening Support Group
Tuesday September 10, 2019
6:30 pm – 8:00pm
Fantastic Friends of WNY Center
1284 French Road
Depew, NY
Light Refreshments will be served.
RSVP fantasticfriendswny@gmail.com
Phone: 716-608-6234.
Questions: 716-633-2275
Hope to see you Tuesday September 10 !
Kathy, Debbie and Jeanne

Using Nutrition to Improve Language, Learning & Mood in ASD: What every parent & therapist should know. Saturday Morning October 5, 2019 . Speaker: Kelly Dorfman, Licensed Clinical Nutritionist
2019-10-05 08:45 - 12:45 UTC | Classics V Banquet and Conference Center, 2425 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, NY, 14228, United States
Kelly Dorman, M.S., LND is a licensed clinical nutritionist with a masters degree in nutrition/biology and over 30 years experience. She specializes in targeted nutrition therapy to address complex medical problems in children . As a professional member of the Autism Think Tank New Jersey, she collaborates with a panel of physicians to help families address issues unique in AUTISM in individuals of ALL AGES that have baffled their regular providers. She lectures internationally and has been featured on numerous television programs and in periodicals.
Cost: $14 each for individual with ASD, parent or family member
$39 each for Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist, OT, COTA, PT, PTA with CEU
$29 each Other Professional (No CEU)
CLICK ON WEBSITE link below for copy of BROCHURE and ON LINE registration details . Mail in registration also available.
Practical workshop will explore:

Why those on the spectrum are picky eaters and what to do about it
How to close the gap between what someone can or will eat, and nutrients needed tfor optimal development and mood
How special diets work and how to know if they are right for your child/family
Unique challenges of our modern day food supply
Therapeutic nutrients that promote speech and motor planning skills
Specific nutrients that support the motor planning of learning and executive function
How diet affects mood and nutritional strategies to stabilize affect and behavior
How nutritional intervention can address constipation, low muscle tone and tiredness
Why nutrition intervention at any age can improve function and quality of life.

CONFERENCE by Autism Society Western New York and Autism Services
Co-sponsored by the Speech Language Hearing Association of WNY and
Associated Physical and Occupational Therapists PLLC
Scholarships based on financial need tor Individuals with ASD and parents.

Special Needs Planning/ Life Care Plan - Tuesday daytime 10:00am to 11:30am Support Group.
2019-10-08 10:00 - 11:30 UTC
One of the most important issues on every parent/caregiver’s mind is what will happen to my loved one when I am gone or can no longer care for them.
A representative from Mass Mutual will be discussing developing a Life Care Plan to help ensure the type of care and quality of life for your loved one with special needs for today and tomorow. This is an important evening . Bring your questions. Learn more about how to articulate your vision for your child.

Learn more about:

What is a Life Care Plan

Stages in Life Care Planning process

Steps needed to create a Life Care Plan for your loved one

Available tools and resources to help develop your personal agenda for your child.
How to identify needs that will always be present
Comprehensive steps needed to accomplish your plan

Autism Society WNY and Fantastic Friends of WNY Tuesday Daytime Support Group
Tuesday October 8, 2019
10am – 11:30am
Fantastic Friends of WNY Center
1284 French Road
Depew, NY
Light Refreshments will be served.
RSVP fantasticfriendswny@gmail.com
Phone: 716-608-6234.
Questions: 716-633-2275
Hope to see you Tuesday September 10 !
Kathy, Debbie and Jeanne

Anxiety in Autism: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dr. Lori Jeanne Peloquin is unable to present the April 4 workshop. As a result, we made the decision to cancel the workshop. All paid registrations will be issued a full refund .
2020-04-04 08:45 - 12:45 (America/New_York) | Classics V Banquet and Conference Center, 2425 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, NY, 14228, United States
Anxiety in Autism Workshop. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dr. Lori Jeanne Peloquin is unable to present the Anxiety in Autism Workshop on Saturday April 4. As a result, we made the decision to cancel the workshop.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. All paid registrations will be issued a full refund
Those who are already registered on line will be refunded through PayPal.
Those who registered by mail will receive their checks returned by US Postal Service.
Hope to see you in the fall at our October 17,2020 workshop. Thank you for your continued support and interest in our workshops.

Putting the Pieces Together: A Biomedical Approach to ASD - Virtual Workshop
2021-04-17 08:45 - 12:45 (America/New_York)
The Autism Society WNY will hold their spring workshop “Putting the Pieces Together: A Biomedical Approach to ASD” presented by Dr. James Adams using a virtual platform instead of an in-person event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtual Workshop | Saturday, April 17, 2021 | 8:45 am – 12:45 pm
Dr. James Adams is Director of the Autism/ Asperger’s Research Program at Arizona State University (ASU). Working in conjunction with physicians, nutritionists, biochemists, and others, his research is focused on the causes and treatment of autism across the lifespan. Dr. Adams believes the addition of research-based biomedical therapy to treat individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can improve the effectiveness of ongoing educational, therapeutic, and behavioral interventions. Dr. Adams will give an update on his groundbreaking research since he last presented in Buffalo in 2016.
This workshop will focus on:

General treatments for autism
Seizures– medications, supplements, and diet
Nutritional and dietary supports
Microbiota Treatment Update
Prevention of ASD
Benefits and adverse effects of psychiatric medications on those with ASD

It is applicable to individuals with ASD, parents/caregivers, SLPs, OTs/COTAs, PTs/PTAs, teachers, administrators, mental health professionals, and any other professionals/paraprofessionals working with those with ASD. This presentation will discuss individuals with ASD across the lifespan.
At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

List three treatment strategies for ASD.
List two treatment strategies for seizure disorders for those with ASD.
List three strategies to prevent ASD.
List three improvements in language, behavioral, and coping skills demonstrated as a result of the diet and nutrition study.

Online registration is required. Please note that there will be no mail-in registration for this event. Online registration and payment through PayPal will be available until April 14, 2021. Materials (i.e. registration links, handouts, etc.) will be e-mailed to attendees prior to the workshop.
PLEASE NOTE: No refunds will be given after April 7, 2021.

Parent/Family/Individual Cost: $10 CEUs N/A
Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist Cost: $30 .35 ASHA CEUs
OT or COTA Cost: $30 3.0 NYS Continuing Competency Hours for OTs/OTAs. Please note that these hours may be used towards completing AOTA continuing competency requirements, but are not offered through an AOTA approved provider.
PT or PTA Cost: $30 .3 NYS PT Board Continuing Education Hours
Other Professional/Paraprofessional or Student Cost: $20 No CEUs Awarded

All SLP/OT/PT attendees obtaining continuing education credits will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Parents, other professionals and students will receive a Certificate of Attendance (NOT conferring CEUs) if requested prior to the event.
Online registration is now available at https://autism-services-inc.org/resources/semi-annual-workshops/. Please note that as this is a virtual event there will be no mail-in registration. The deadline to register is April 14, 2021. No refunds after 4/7/21.

Supporting Students with Co-Occurring Mental Health and ASD - a virtual workshop
2023-04-22 08:30 - 12:45 (America/New_York)
The Autism Society Western New York and Autism Services, Inc. will host Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D as she presents “Supporting Students with Co-Occurring Mental Health and ASD”, a virtual workshop, on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Individuals on the autism spectrum are at an increased risk of co-occurring mental health conditions and even suicide. Both parents and teachers can play a role in supporting these children and adolescents. This presentation will focus on the following:

Potential mental health conditions and the warning signs of suicide,
Supports needed in classroom and home situations,
The impact of mental health conditions on behavior and how to assess,
Behavioral, educational, and other strategies that are the most beneficial,
The role and impact of trauma,
Classroom factors that can minimize trauma and maximize education,
Strategies for supporting emotional regulation for both parent/child and staff/students, and
Potential community supports.

This workshop is geared towards individuals with ASD, parents and professionals. At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Identify classroom factors that can minimize trauma in students and maximize education.
List and describe a range of educational strategies.
List the signs for suicide and potential suicide ideation.
Discuss the role of emotional regulation for both staff and students.

PRICING AND CEUs
Parent/Individual with ASD $10.00 per person CEUs n/a
Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists $30.00 per person
.35 ASHA CEUs *ASHA CEUs are only awarded to ASHA members who are eligible and have paid the CE registry fee.
OTs and COTAs $30.00 per person
3.0 NYS Continuing Competency Hours for OTs/OTAs * Please note that these hours may be used towards completing AOTA continuing competency requirements, but are not offered through an AOTA approved provider.
PTs and PTAs $30.00 per person
.3 NYS Approved PT Board Continuing Education Hours Other
Professionals/ Paraprofessionals/Students $20.00 per person
No CEUs awarded.
BCBAs $30.00 per person.
3.5 Type ll BCBA Credits
Please note that all webinar materials (i.e. registration links, handouts, continuing education credit forms/survey links, etc.) will be e-mailed to attendees approximately 1-2 days prior to the workshop. If you have a PayPal account, the e-mail associated with that account will be used for all correspondence including Zoom links and all webinar materials. This is a live event and will be broadcast in Eastern Standard Time.
Individuals with ASD and Parent/Caregiver Scholarships based on financial need are available. Call 716-633-2275 to apply.
REGISTRATION
Please note that as this is a virtual event there will be no mail-in registration. The deadline to register is April 19, 2023. No refunds after April 12, 2023.

Excelling with Autism: Techniques to Ensure Success at Home, School, and Work presented by Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D. - virtual workshop
2023-10-14 08:45 - 12:45 (America/New_York)
Autism Society Western New York & Autism Services, Inc.’s Autism Center for Learning invite you to attend: Excelling with Autism: Techniques to Ensure Success at Home, School, and Work presented by Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D.
Co-Sponsored by The Speech-Language-Hearing Association of WNY and Associated Physical and Occupational Therapists, PLLC
Virtual Workshop Saturday, October 14, 2023
8:45 am – 12:45 pm EST
Teach a skill from start to finish! Promote independent learning in autistic individuals! Maximize learning across environments and across the lifespan! How do we help autistic children and adults reach their potential? This session provides instructional strategies that match the unique learning style and neurology of autistic people, promotes generalization across environments, and supports independence.
In addition, attendees will be introduced to a framework, the Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS) that can be easily used to ensure that (a) necessary skills are taught and (b) supports are provided in a meaningful way when they are needed. CAPS, which is designed to be used at home, school, postsecondary education, and on the job, makes it possible for parents, all professionals working with the individual and the individual, themselves, to understand what skills and supports are needed for success.
This workshop is geared towards individuals with ASD, parents, and professionals.

Brenda Smith Myles Ph.D., formerly a professor at the University of Kansas, is the recipient of several awards, including the Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Professional Award, the Princeton Fellowship Award, and the The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome (GRASP) Divine Neurotypical Award, and American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Champion. She has made over 3000 presentations all over the world and written more than 300 articles and books on ASD. Further, in the latest survey conducted by the University of Texas, she was acknowledged as the second most productive applied researcher in ASD in the world.

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Describe evidence-based strategies, including executive functioning skills, that lead to success.
2. Discuss a framework that allows for interventions and supports to be used effectively throughout the day.
3. Describe the methods to support generalization of skills to promote independence and lifelong learning.

Workshop Schedule
8:30-8:45: Registration/Login
8:45-9:00: Introduction
9:00-9:45: How Autistic People Learn and Process Information
9:45-10:30: Evidence Based Strategies That Support the Autistic Learning Style
10:30-10:45: Morning Break
10:45-12:15: Evidence Based Strategies That Support the Autistic Learning Style; Developing a Plan to Ensure that Each Autistic Individual Get the Supports they Need in Home, School, Work, and Community; The Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS)
12:15-12:45: Q and A

Download the workshop brochure here.

Please note that this is a live webinar, and will be broadcast in Eastern Standard Time.
We are pleased to announce that we will be offering ASHA CEU credit through the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Western New York (SHAWNY), and New York State Education Department Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy State Board Approved Continuing Competency Hours for OTs/COTAs/PTs/PTAs through Associated Physical and Occupational Therapists, PLLC (APOT). Both SHAWNY and APOT are co-sponsors of this workshop. The cost and CEU credit information are listed below:

Registration Type
Price
CEUs

Parent/ Family/ Individual w/ASD
$10
n/a

Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist*
$30
.35 ASHA CEUs included**

*SLPs, please click “return to merchant” after your purchase to be directed back to our site to provide your ASHA number.
**ASHA CEUs are only awarded to ASHA members who are eligible and have paid the CE Registry fee.

OT or COTA
$30
3.0 NYS Continuing Competency Hours for OTs/OTAs***

***Please note that these hours may be used towards completing AOTA continuing competency requirements, but are not offered through an AOTA approved provider.

PT or PTA
$30
.3 NYS PT Board Continuing Education Hours

Other Professional/Paraprofessional or Student
$20
No CEUs Awarded

Register here.
Online registration is open until October 11, 2023. No refunds will be processed after October 4, 2023.

Please note that all webinar materials (i.e. registration links, handouts, continuing education credit forms/survey links, etc.) will be e-mailed to attendees approximately 1-2 days prior to the workshop. If you have a PayPal account, the e-mail associated with that account will be used for all correspondence including Zoom links and all webinar materials. This is a live event and will be broadcast in Eastern Standard Time.
A limited number of scholarships for individuals with ASD/parents/caregivers are available based on financial need. Call 716-633-2275 to apply.
