Autism Society Western New York

What is an Individualized Education Program for Families of Preschool Students via Zoom
2024-08-20 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Participants will:

Gain an overview of the process for developing an IEP at the preschool level.
Review the components of the preschool IEP and the information that families can share with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) regarding their child’s performance and disability related needs.

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

The Science of Making Friends for Autistic Youth: Lessons from the UCLA PEERS Program - webinar
2024-08-28 17:00 - 18:00
Learn research updates on evidence-based strategies to support adolescents and young adults develop social skills that encourage lasting friendships.
SPEAKER
Dr. Elizabeth A. Laugeson is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and is a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Laugeson is the Founder and Director of the UCLA PEERS Clinic, which is an outpatient hospital-based program providing parent-assisted social skills training for individuals from preschool to adulthood. Dr. Laugeson is also the Director for the UCLA Tarjan Center, which is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and Program Director for the Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities at UCLA. Dr. Laugeson has trained tens of thousands of mental health professionals, educators, and families worldwide, and is dedicated to developing and testing evidence-based treatments to improve social skills across the lifespan and across the globe. As one of the only empirically supported and internationally recognized social skills programs for neurodivergent youth, her program is currently used in over 150 countries and has been translated into over a dozen languages.
REGISTER HERE.

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2024-09-09 18:30 - 20:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, for this great presentation on A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD.
The purpose of this training is to introduce families to the language of service delivery systems and to define and clarify information about services and supports. Participants will gain an increased awareness and understanding of eligibility criteria and the eligibility determination process. The training includes an overview of Home and Community Based Services Waiver, and Family Support Services.
REGISTER HERE.

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2024-09-10 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Barb Hoffman, Regional Coordinator, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents on Loss,Grief and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Powerful and intense feelings are natural and common responses to parenting a child with exceptional needs. This training will provide an overview of common emotions experienced by parents and discuss how by sharing and acknowledging these emotions parents can find the inner strength needed to face and embrace their role as a parent of a child with special needs.
REGISTER HERE.

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2024-09-10 18:30 - 19:45
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools. This training will introduce you to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This training is designed to provide you with an understanding of the law, how it applies to educational programs and to students with disabilities. Children who qualify under this law receive services and/ or accommodations in the public-school system without being classified under IDEA/IDEIA and their school district’s Committee on Special Education. If you are a parent, grandparent,guardian,professional or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE.

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs via Zoom
2024-09-11 19:00 - 20:00
Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Extraordinary parenting responsibilities create extraordinary pressures on parents. At the same time, parenting a child with special needs requires energy, focus, and enthusiasm to be effective in our role. The better off we are emotionally and physically, the better off our families will be. Join us for this webinar on Preventing Parent Burnout and discover positive ways to cope with and effectively manage stress.
REGISTER HERE.

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP
2024-09-12 10:00 - 11:15
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS for this presentation on What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP.
This training will teach parents, grandparents, guardians about appropriate Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services how they allow students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from the general education curriculum and to meet Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. For every student with an IEP, federal and state regulations require that the team consider the student’s need for assistive technology devices and services.
Register here.

From Setup to Success: Classrooms for Students with Autism - webinar
2024-09-16 09:00 - 10:00
September 16, 2024 Webinar: From Setup to Success: Classrooms for Students with Autism (9:00 am – 10:00 am)
Creating an effective learning environment for students with autism requires thoughtful planning and a deep understanding of their unique needs. This presentation provides educators with practical strategies for setting up a classroom that fosters learning, comfort, and growth. We’ll explore the importance of establishing predictable routines, arranging the environment to minimize distractions and support focus, addressing sensory needs through thoughtful design, and implementing effective behavior management systems. Additionally, we’ll cover key considerations to ensure all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. Whether you’re new to teaching students with autism or looking to refine your approach, this session offers essential insights and actionable tips to create an inclusive, effective classroom.

Register Here

Certificate of Attendance
A certificate of attendance will be issued to all attendees. Attendance is usually verified within 72 hours of the event and surveys are sent to all attendees. A certificate of attendance is generated automatically upon completion of the surveys.
No CEUs will be offered for this webinar.

Meet our Speaker, Donna Thiele, Psy.D., LBA, BCBA-D
Dr. Thiele is a highly accomplished psychologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) with licensure as a behavior analyst. Her extensive training includes specializations in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She has a strong focus on treating individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, and challenging behaviors, as well as supporting families, parents, and caregivers affected by disabilities and behavioral challenges. Dr. Thiele also has expertise in working with adults with developmental disabilities
Dr. Thiele earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University, specializing in developmental disabilities. She completed her internship and subsequent training at the May Institute in Massachusetts, where she provided in-home ABA services and consulted with schools and families to support children with autism, behavioral challenges, and special needs.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Thiele has consulted with children, families, and school systems across Long Island and now operates a full-time private practice in Holbrook, New York. She is known for her “user-friendly” approach to therapy, effectively bridging research with practical, accessible strategies for children, families, and adults.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Thiele is an adjunct professor of ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis at St. Joseph’s University and is actively involved in professional organizations related to behavior analysis, developmental disabilities, and psychology. She is also a dedicated mother of two, an active community member, and a passionate advocate for animal rescue organizations.

Getting Started with the Residential Process: Tips, Tricks, and Information via Zoom
2024-09-16 13:00 - 14:15
Where Do I Begin?
The process of pursuing residential placement can be overwhelming. This presentation will help you organize your needs, preferences, and documents to help you navigate the process.
REGISTER HERE.

Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult
2024-09-16 18:00 - 19:30
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for this NEW Presentation on Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult. Have you dreamed of going on a vacation with your child or adult with special needs? Does your child express a desire to go visit grandparents or a friend? Does he/she want to go on a field trip? Are theme parks or cruises a wish? Does the thought of even planning a trip make you nervous? Whether it’s a day trip or a long vacation, get tips and tricks for planning and implementing a trip with your family member with special needs. Learn how a trip can benefit all of your family members.
Register here.

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit.
2024-09-17 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-03 18:30 - 19:30
This presentation provides an overview of the parent’s perspective when planning for a child’s developmental evaluation. This webinar will not be looking at specific tests or types of evaluations. Instead, we want to share some tips and potential suggestions that we have learned based on our own personal experiences when our children were evaluated. We hope that this provides you with information and ideas when planning for your own child’s evaluation.
REGISTER HERE.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) What You Need to Know - webinar
2024-09-17 18:30 - 19:45
Come join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, for this wonderful presentation and learn what the laws says about LRE. Have you heard of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)? Many parents are unaware of what it means. (LRE) stands for Least Restrictive Environment and is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It refers to the placement that your child is in. Least restrictive environment is an important part of your child’s IEP.
REGISTER HERE.

ADHD: Strategies for Success and IEP Development via Zoom
2024-09-17 19:00 - 20:00
ADHD: Strategies for Success and IEP Development
ADHD might seem like an overwhelming diagnosis to receive, and you are worried how this will impact your loved one. Maybe your child received the diagnosis and you’re starting to see the effects in school.
Either way, this workshop will discuss the characteristics of ADHD, possible gender-based differences, while giving tips and tools to help identify strategies that can be included in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding How to Read an IEP - webinar
2024-09-18 11:00 - 13:00
Please join Tina Beuparlant,Regional Manager, Education Specialist for this training on Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read your child’s IEP. Does your child have an IEP (Individualized Education Program)? We’ll walk through the different sections of the IEP and discuss how to advocate for supports to make sure the IEP reflects your child’s abilities and needs. Because states and local school systems may include additional information, forms differ from state to state and may vary between school systems within a state. The IEP, Individualized Education Program, is a written document that’s developed for each public-school child who is eligible for special education. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed at least once a year. This training will teach you how to read the IEP so you can understand what should and can be in the IEP. If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member or guardian then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE.

Social Media and Neurodiversity webinar
2024-09-18 13:00 - 14:15
Learn research updates on evidence-based strategies to support adolescents and young adults develop social skills that encourage lasting friendships.
The speaker:
Xinru Page, PhD, directs the Social Technology and Privacy Lab at Brigham Young University, where she and her students conduct research on human computer interaction. Dr. Page in interested in the unintended negative consequences when young autistic adults interact on social media.
Register here.

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide
2024-09-19 18:30 - 19:45
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents this wonderful webinar: Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide Let’s explore what the IEP team needs to consider, supplemental aids, services and program modifications for all students with disabilities. A key question for the IEP team is to consider whether the student with a disability does or does not require one-to-one support to make meaningful progress toward annual goals in the IEP in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
REGISTER HERE.

Education Records Organizer via Zoom
2024-09-24 11:00 - 12:00
This workshop is where parents, guardians and advocates of children who receive 504, CPSE and CSE special education services take their educational records and organize them into a record-keeping binder. This workshop will assist in being more organized in planning a child’s education, and in the CPSE/CSE process.
REGISTER HERE.

Special Education 101: Training a Parent Member via Zoom
2024-09-24 18:00 - 19:00
Learn about the Special Education Process and the Individualized Education Program!

Gain understanding about procedures, NYS regulations, and strategies to promote a parent’s understanding and participation in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting.
This course is required to receive a Parent Member Certificate to support a parent of a child with a disability in an IEP meeting.

Instructions will be sent via email on how to access and complete the Part 1 online videos and activities.
Part 1: Online videos & activities Complete at least 1 day prior to Virtual Session
Part 2: Tuesday, September 24th @ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (VIA ZOOM)

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2024-09-24 18:30 - 20:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, for this in-depth presentation on Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities. This training will take you through the NYS Special Education Regulations step by step. Parents will learn the role they play on the CSE, learn the chain of command regarding the CSE, learn how to request information regarding your child’s IEP and gain an understanding how to communicate with your child’s teachers & administrators. After this webinar parents will have more knowledge about the educational laws to advocate for their child/children.
REGISTER HERE.

What is a NY ABLE Account? via Zoom
2024-09-24 19:00 - 20:00
The NY ABLE Program is a tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities and their families to save for their current or long term needs while maintaining their ability to benefit from federal benefits programs such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid. Our program offers multiple investment options including a checking account and debit card option allowing individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and have quick and easy access to their own money.
Presenter: Jenna McClosky, Outreach Coordinator, NY ABLE and 529 College Savings Program, Office of the State Comptroller

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Well-being Wins: Integrating Positive Psychology into the Autism Community
2024-09-25 13:00 - 14:15
Well-being wins: Supporting Positive Psychiatry in the Autism Community
About the Speaker:
Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, is Executive Director of Proof Positive: Autism Wellbeing Alliance. She holds a Ph.D. and Master of Public Health from the University of Hawaii. Her research focuses on the delivery of evidence-based interventions in community-based settings and healthcare access for people with disabilities. Patricia worked on the design and transformation of a statewide system of support for children with autism for the state of Hawaii, and she also served in leadership roles for NEXT for AUTISM and as the National Director of Autism Services for Easterseals. Additionally, Patricia has held advisory roles for a number of professional associations and advocacy groups, including the Organization for Autism Research’s Scientific Council, the Executive Committee for the Friends of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts and the Autism Society Panel of Professional Advisors. Patricia has advised and provided expert testimony at Congressional Hearings. She is also a frequent contributor in the media, raising awareness of early identification and developmental milestones and deepening the public’s understanding of disability equity, inclusion and access.
REGISTER HERE.

How to Prepare for a Successful CPSE/CSE Meeting - webinar
2024-09-26 09:30 - 10:45
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/Education Specialist, as she presents this wonderful presentation on How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting. This training is to help parents, who approach IEP meetings with fear and dread. If this is, you attended this training then we have some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and participate as a full member of the team that plans your child’s special education program. If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member, or guardian then this training is for you!
Register here.

Parent and Family Engagement within the FBA and BIP Process via Zoom
2024-09-26 11:00 - 12:30
Parent and Family Engagement within the FBA and BIP Process
Participants will:

Gain an overview and learn more about the role of parents, families, guardians, and caregivers to support students throughout the FBA/BIP process.
Engaging families in the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP), and Progress Monitoring (PM) Process will build their capacity for engaging within the FBA/BIP process and EOs.

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Emerging Findings: Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome webinar
2024-10-02 13:00 - 14:15
Research Updates: Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)

Tune in to learn research updates on Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Regulation. This is a follow-up to our June 12, 2024 webinar featuring Dr. Jennifer Frankovich, Ayan Mondal, Ph.D. and Noor A. Hussein, PhD.

The speakers:
Jennifer Frankovich:

Dr. Frankovich is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy, Immunology Rheumatology (AIR) at Stanford University/Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital (LPCH). Her clinical expertise is in systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases that co-occur with psychiatric symptoms. She completed her training in pediatrics, pediatric rheumatology, and clinical epidemiology at Stanford University/LPCH. She directs the Stanford Immune-Behavioral Health Program (2012- present) where she and her psychiatry/psychology collaborators have created a longitudinal clinical database and biorepository of patient and healthy control biospecimens. In addition to generating clinical data to better understand immune-behavioral health conditions, she is collaborating with basic science labs who aim to understand the immunological underpinnings of post-infectious neuropsychiatric conditions including PANS and related conditions.

Noor A. Hussein, PhD is a pharmacology scientist.
“My experience as a researcher has taught me to seek out new perspectives for exploration and discovery. As a dedicated biological and pharmacological researcher with over 7 years of experience with models of diseases such as cancer both in vitro and in vivo. During my masters and Ph.D. studies, I mastered lots of molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, western blot, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry. I utilized my skills to design experiments finding solutions to common problems in the biomedical field, especially cancer experimental and molecular therapeutics.”
Ayan Mondal, Ph.D. is a third-year post-doctoral research fellow in Prof Elizabeth Mellins’ laboratory at Dept of pediatrics, Stanford University. “I completed my graduation from University of Calcutta, India, in 2017. I have conducted 1.5 years of research on molecular medicine following graduation and joined as a post-doctoral researcher at the Arnold School of Public health, University of South Carolina, in the year 2019. During the training, I studied neuroimmune signaling mechanisms in the gut-liver-brain axes in mouse models of metabolic disorders and military-deployment-associated disorders. My studies elucidated the mechanism of neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction mediated by specific proteins that are elevated in blood during these disease conditions. In my post-doctoral research with Prof Mellins, I am studying changes in BBB function in PANS. I am focusing on elucidating the mechanisms of action of novel modulators of BBB that are relevant to homeostatic maintenance of the BBB and other novel modulators that increase BBB permeability during flares of PANS. My proposed experimental strategies include transcriptomic and proteomic approaches in cell types of the CNS neurovascular unit.”

Register here.

Caregiver Strategies for Building Infant Social Interaction webinar
2024-10-09 13:00 - 14:15
Caregiver Strategies for Building Infant Social Interaction

Tune in to hear Dr. Laurie Vismara discuss Infant Start, the Downward Extension of the Early Start Denver Model.

The speaker:
Laurie A. Vismara, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is a therapist and researcher in early autism intervention. She has spent the last 20 years contributing to the science and program development of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), named by Time magazine as one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs for early autism intervention. Over a dozen studies have found the ESDM to be effective and with gains maintained for infants and toddlers with or at risk of autism who have a wide range of learning styles and abilities. Dr. Vismara uses telehealth platforms and travels throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries to help publicly funded intervention programs and families develop the ESDM in their communities. Her coauthored book, An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using Everyday Activities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate, and Learn, covers practical strategies and tips to help families use the ESDM at home. Her second book, Coaching Parents of Young Children with Autism, helps early intervention providers coach and empower families in the ESDM.

Register here.

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP - webinar
2024-10-09 18:00 - 20:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Namita Modasra, Education Advocate for this training on Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read your child’s IEP.
Does your child have an IEP (Individualized Education Program)? We’ll walk through the different sections of the IEP, and discuss how to advocate for supports to make sure the IEP reflects your child’s abilities and needs. Because states and local school systems may include additional information, forms differ from state to state and may vary between school systems within a state. The IEP, Individualized Education Program, is a written document that’s developed for each public-school child who is eligible for special education. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed at least once a year. This training will teach you how to read the IEP so you can understand what should and can be in the IEP. If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member or guardian then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE!

How to Protect My Child's Future Through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts via Zoom
2024-10-09 18:00 - 20:00
How to Protect My Child’s Future Through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts
Planning for the future is especially important when you have a child with a disability.
This workshop provides parents or caregivers with an overview of things to think about: guardianship, wills, and trusts. The workshop will help you to understand your options as you begin to think about plans for your special needs child.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2024-10-10 09:30 - 11:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Tina Beauparlant for this in-depth presentation on Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities. This training will take you through the NYS Special Education Regulations step by step. Parents will learn the role they play on the CSE, learn the chain of command regarding the CSE, learn how to request information regarding your child’s IEP and gain an understanding how to communicate with your child’s teachers & administrators. After this webinar parents will have more knowledge about the educational laws to advocate for their child/children.
REGISTER HERE!

Communicating with the CPSE / CSE through Letter Writing via Zoom
2024-10-16 18:30 - 19:45
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Communicating with the CPSE/CSE through Letter Writing. Letter writing can be a very effective method of communication and advocacy for parents of children with disabilities. This training assists parents, guardians, grandparents how to clearly and effectively express concerns, ideas or suggestions to the professionals involved in their child’s special education program.
Registration required. Register here.
