Autism Society Western New York

How Games Can Help Teach Social Skills - webinar
2024-03-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Playing games is a key part of child development. Children with autism often have difficulty forming peer relationships, but fostering game skills may serve as a lifelong bridge to engaging with peers.
SPEAKER
Gray Atherton, PhD, has a BSc in Child Development from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s in Counselling from University of Houston, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Individual Differences from University of Houston. She has previously lectured at University of Houston and the University of Wolverhampton. Prior to entering academia, Gray was a counselor for adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions. “I am interested in understanding how people with autism spectrum condition see the social world. Specifically, I explore individual differences in social processing and how these differences often found in people with autism also exist in the general population. I also investigate anthropomorphism, or seeing the human in the non-human, and how this relates to social processing in autism. To investigate this, I am developing virtual reality techniques that allow for anthropomorphic experiences. My other research interest lies more broadly in embodied social processing. I am particularly interested in how movement can affect the way we see ourselves and our social partners, and how this can be used to understand special populations.”
REGISTER HERE.

Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide For Families And Caregivers (In-person event)
2024-03-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Olean City School – PLC Building, 402 North 7th Street, Olean, NY, 14760, United States
WHAT IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED INSTRUCTION (SDI)?

Learn how teachers use SDI to meet the needs of your child with disabilities in the classroom
Examine what SDI looks like in the IEP
Understand your value as an engaged meaningful partner in the special education process of your child

This is an IN-PERSON event.
Location: Olean City School – PLC Building, 402 North 7th Street, Olean, NY 14760 Parking is available on Reed Street side of the building.
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Parent to Parent of NYS- Upstate Parent Group: For families residing in Western New York, Central New York, Northern New York:
2024-03-20 19:00 - 20:00
Are you a parent navigating the unique journey of raising a child with special needs? Join Parent to Parent of NYS for their monthly Online Parent Group. Parent to Parent of NYS is dedicated to creating a warm and inclusive environment where parents of children and adults with special needs can connect and support each other. If you’re a parent or caregiver navigating the journey of raising a someone with special needs, we invite you to join.
Register here.

Office For People With Developmental Disabilities Open House
2024-03-21 14:00 - 18:00 | Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, 1021 Broadway St., Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Find help for your learning and physical challenges. Join Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) for an Open House.
Learn about developmental disability services. Connect with people who can help. Get support for yourself and your loved one. Gain independence.
Children’s activities available.

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP - webinar
2024-03-21 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!

CARD-Albany Annual Spring Conference - livestream March 22, 2024
2024-03-22 08:30 - 14:15
CARD – Albany Annual Spring Conference March 22, 2024
The conference consists of three livestream sessions. Registration is available for each session.
NOTE: The sessions will not be recorded, so there is no way to view the information at a later time.
SESSION ONE (KEYNOTE): 8:30am-10:00am
Beyond Inclusion: Creating Communities of Belonging for Students with Disabilities
Presenter: Erik Carter, Ph.D.
Objectives:
Following participation in this session, participants will be able to:
1. Describe key dimensions of belonging identified as important by students with disabilities and their families.
2. Tell how advancing belonging can enhance the education of students with disabilities and their learning communities.
3. List examples of practices and postures that promote the experience of belonging in schools.
1.5 contact hours available for CTLE, NYS LMHC, NASP, NYS Psychologists and NYS SW

SESSION TWO: 10:30am-11:45am
Unstuck and On Target: Improving Executive Function, On-Task and Flexible Behavior in Students from Pre-K Through High School
Presenter: Lauren Kenworthy, Ph.D.
Objectives:
Following participation in this seminar, participants will be able to:
1. Identify executive functioning weaknesses in children, distinguish among different executive functioning skills and how they relate to social skills and emotion regulation in autism.
2. Apply specific techniques to support improvement in executive functioning at home or at school.
3. Identify specific scripts or vocabulary and when to use them to increase executive function skills.
1.25 contact hours available for CTLE, NYS LMHC, NASP, NYS Psychologists and NYS SW

SESSION THREE: 1:00pm-2:15pm
Guiding Growth: Practical Strategies for Managing Challenging Behaviors and Fostering Adaptive Skills in Children with Autism
Presenter: Stephanie Fox, Ph.D.
Objectives:
Following participation in this seminar, participants will be able to:
1. Identify three common behavior challenges and place them in a functional framework (i.e., the A-B-Cs of behavior).
2. List three new strategies for managing challenging behaviors and building adaptive/prosocial skills.
3. Demonstrate how to create a tailored reinforcement plan using unique interest areas.
1.25 contact hours available for CTLE, NYS LMHC, NASP, NYS Psychologists and NYS SW

Download Flyer
Download session descriptions, objectives, financial disclosure statements, and presenter bios

Registration Information
Registration is required. Each participant must use their individual email address to register and log-in. After you register, you will automatically receive a confirmation email with your Zoom links. Do not share your Zoom links with others as they are specific to each registrant. If you share your link with others, you will not receive a certificate of attendance.
REGISTRATION LINK
Credit/Debit card payment and purchase orders are accepted on the registration form. Please make PO/check payable to:
The Research Foundation for SUNY
c/o Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
1535 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203

Registration Fees:
NYS Resident: $ 25
Out-of-State Resident: $ 40

Requests for accommodations may be sent to card@albany.edu or call 518-442-2574.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation must be made 24 hours before the start of the conference to receive a refund. Please send cancellation request to card@albany.edu.

Continuing Education Available (included in registration fee):
Each organization/entity uses their own calculation to determine the number of CEUs based on contact hours. As with all continuing education, the attendee should verify CEU requirements by their professional organization and/or state licensure board.
PLEASE NOTE: Partial credit will not be awarded. Participants must attend the entire session to receive credit. Late arrival due to difficulties you may have logging into Zoom may not be used as an excuse for partial attendance. Please attempt to log in a few minutes early to allow for any possible technical issues.
CONTINUING TEACHER AND LEADER EDUCATION: CARD Albany is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s Office of Teaching Initiatives as an approved provider of CTLE for Professional Classroom Teachers, School Leaders and Level III Teaching Assistants.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS: CARD Albany is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists. CARD maintains responsibility for the program.
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS: University at Albany, SUNY, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0194.
NEW YORK STATE SOCIAL WORKERS: Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, SW CPE, is recognized by the New York State Education Department State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed master social workers # 0292.
NEW YORK STATE PSYCHOLOGISTS: Center for Autism and Related Disabilities is recognized by the New York State Education Department State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists in NYS #PSY-0083.
PLEASE NOTE: NYSCARD- Albany is not offering ASHA CEUs for this conference. They are working to get a new cooperative agreement in place for future conferences.

Effective Communication For Professionals
2024-03-22 12:00 - 12:45
Effective Communication for Professionals
Families that are supporting students with IEPs and 504 Plans need a unique level of communication from schools and providers, which may be due to medication, behavior, or more scrutiny for academic progress.
This workshop will help providers learn about navigating those levels of communication, how to increase communication from the beginning of the school year, and continue it throughout.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult
2024-03-25 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.

Communicating with the CPSE / CSE through Letter Writing via Zoom
2024-03-26 10:00 - 11:00
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.
If you have any questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER here.

CPSE To CSE For Parents- webinar
2024-03-27 09:00 - 10:30
Guardians and family members will understand the timeline vocabulary and process for the transition from Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) to School Age Committee on Special Education (CSE).
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Statewide- Virtual Special Education Parent Chat Group
2024-03-28 18:30 - 20:00
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for their Special Education chat group. As a parent’s of children with special needs, we know firsthand how hard it is to advocate for our children in school. Sometimes we feel helpless, exhausted, and lonely and let’s face it advocating for our kids is complicated! If you’re a parent, grandparent, caregiver of a child with special needs, and struggling with special education school related issues. Come join for an opportunity to share what’s happening while engaging in great conversation, sharing your knowledge, ideas and resources with other parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. All from the comfort of your own home.
REGISTER HERE.

How To Have Difficult Conversations via Zoom
2024-04-03 19:00 - 20:00
Communication is important in all aspects of your life. We communicate with our coworkers, families, friends, other professionals, and even people we do not always get along with. Effective communication can help to foster a good relationship between you and the people in your life, which, in turn can help you achieve your goals and make life a little less stressful.
Join Parent Network staff to learn more about how to have difficult conversations to facilitate change and growth!
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Genetics 101: Genetics & Advocacy. Challenging the Myths and Considering the Benefits of Genetics Counseling
2024-04-03 19:00 - 20:30
Parent to Parent of NYS: Genetics 101: Genetics & Advocacy. Challenging the Myths and Considering the Benefits of Genetics Counseling
● Discuss with Experts in the field of Genetics, from different perspectives, and have honest conversations about Genetics; understanding it, sharing its benefits, and talking about the myths surrounding it, in order to help us as parents to make more informed decisions about the role of genetics in our children’s healthcare.
Register here.

What You Need to Know About Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) - Webinar
2024-04-04 10:00 - 11:15
Have you heard of LRE or the Least Restrictive Environment? Many parents are unaware of what is 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.
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for this new presentation and learn what the laws says about LRE.
REGISTER HERE.

Charla Con Nosotros Grupo De Apoyo via Zoom
2024-04-04 18:30 - 20:00
¿Eres padre de un niño/a que tieneuna discapacidad o sospechas quetengan una discapacidad?
DISCUCIONES YPERSPECTIVAS
OBTEN APOYO
Consigue información práctica,constructiva, y útil.
CONECTA CON OTROS
Consigue información práctica,constructiva, y útil.
Aprende mas sobre como manejar con susproblemas a través de experienciascompartidas.
EXPRESATE
Tén un espacio seguro para compartirsus experiencias y dificultades.

Primer Jueves de cada mes. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

REGISTRACIÓN
www.parentnetworkwny.org/events
Mas Información
716.332.4170 o
info@parentnetworkwny.org
Registración es necesaria para recibirel enlace de Zoom.
Flyer

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit.
2024-04-08 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.

Parent And Family Engagement Within The FBA And BIP Process via Zoom
2024-04-09 17:00 - 19:00
Parent and Family Engagement within the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Process
Families, Caregivers, and Guardians, will understand the definition of an FBA/BIP, when it is needed, and how it is conducted/developed and the role they play as part of the various teams. Participants will understand the FBA/BIP process and guidance in how the NYS Regulations and CPSE/CSE Committee are part of the process.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2024-04-09 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.

Growing with Others - Neurodivergent Social Group for high school students
2024-04-09 18:30 - 20:00 | North Tonawanda High School Library, 405 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120, NY, 14120, United States
Neurodivergent social group for high school students meets 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Community Connection – Connect with other high school students and build positive relationships.
Develop New Skills – Opportunities to develop skills such as self-awareness, social wellness, coping with stress, and more!
Feel Supported – Discuss feelings, ideas, interests, and goals in a safe and supportive environment.
FACILITATOR
Patty McCalister, LMHC is a licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years in the Human Services fields, working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If you have any questions, please contact Patty McCalister at patriciamccalisterlmhc@gmail.com or 716-345-5450.
LOCATION
North Tonawanda High School Library, 405 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Autism & Aging – Cognition and Well-being (webinar)
2024-04-10 13:00 - 14:15
Tune in to this presentation by Hilde Geurts, Ph.D. on research investigating autism, age-related cognition, and well-being.
This is a joint presentation by ARI and The World Autism Organisation.
The speaker: Hilde Geurts, Ph.D., is currently a professor in clinical neuropsychology and head of the section Brain & Cogntion at the Department of Psychology of the University of Amsterdam. Dr. Geurts studies autism and ADHD. Her starting point is the neurodiversity perspective, and she focuses on cognition (especially cognitive control/executive functioning), inter & intra individual variability, quality of life as well as interventions across the life span.
Register here.

Navigating Neurodiversity – Strategies For Success In The Classroom And Beyond (In-person event)
2024-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | ARC Erie County, 777 Maryvale Dr., Buffalo, NY, 14225, United States
This FREE workshop is presented by: The Early Childhood Inclusion Committee of DDAWNY
PRESENTERS:

Adriana Ragland , LMSW – Founder of Neurdiversity Network of WNY AND
Lori Ciesielski – Occupational Therapist at Liberty POST

TOPICS:

Embracing and Understanding Neurodiversity: General Overview

Strategies for Support and Inclusion

Neurodiversity Matters: Building Inclusive and Safe Learning Environments

REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

How To Protect My Child’s Future Through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts via Zoom
2024-04-10 18:00 - 20:00
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! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Education Records Organizer via Zoom
2024-04-10 19:00 - 20:00
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.

EI To CPSE Transition For Parents via Zoom
2024-04-11 14:00 - 16:00
In this training families and caregivers will learn about the role of the Early Intervention Program, Committee on Preschool Special Education and the important role of parents in the transition process.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2024-04-11 18:30 - 20:00
Receive Support – Connect with Others – Express Yourself
Free Support for parents, family members and caregivers of children with special needs
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

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Parent to Parent of NYS-Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child or adult in a Residential placement
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:00
For families with children and adults of all ages that currently have children in residential school or a group home. Come join us for an hour of support and conversation.
Register here.

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More - The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children's Museum
2024-04-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Once a month, Au-Some Evenings give children with autism and sensory processing needs, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. In addition to a fun night of play with access to the museum space and exhibits, we have special programming for families! The evening features themed Art Studio projects, sensory exploration in our Tinkering Tank, therapy animals from the SPCA and student volunteers from SUNY Buffalo State’s Exceptional Education program. Parent outreach materials including links for social stories, child development resources and play tips are always available. We even provide small giveaways or snacks in the lobby, at the end of the night to help with the transition of leaving the museum. We look forward to having you join us!
To register for the next Au-Some Evening please complete the form, here!

Special thanks to the Exceptional Education department from SUNY Buffalo State for providing volunteers who help support children and families develop language skills, promote social interactions, and facilitate learning through play. Au-Some Evenings was created in 2012 and presented in partnership with: Kathy Doody, Professor in Exceptional Education, and Jana Mertz, The Arc Erie County.

Click here to download our Au-Some Evening flyer!

Questions? Email accessibility@exploreandmore.org.
SPACE IS LIMITED!

Power2Relate (Formerly Nurtured Heart Approach) Four Week Series
2024-04-15 17:30 - 20:00 | Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place, Clarence, NY, 14031, United States
Power2Relate – Building Upon The Nurtured Heart Approach

Are you feeling powerless in relating to and managing your children’s behavior?
Do you want to feel more connection to your loved ones?
Are your experiencing a sense of Thriving in Life?

This course will help answer these questions!
POWER2RELATE is a dynamic practice that unleashes your natural ability to be and feel connected. By bringing together rational emotional, positive psychology and behavioral evidence-based practices, our goal is to support you to thrive and empower yourself, your family, and others. Language is the vehicle of change. Thus, we build upon the Nurtured Heart Approach, which is a language-based approach that helps you regain power and rebuild the love you want in your home.
You will begin to learn and discover:

How to integrate 6 sources of Power, providing a life-long shift in how you relate to the challenges you face.
The Behavioral Key to why your current parenting methods are not producing the results you wish.
The emotional foundations which may be keeping you from experiencing the connections and success you desire.

This approach is valid for all ages and types of relationships. It is effective for behaviorally and emotionally challenged children (ADHD, ODD, ASD, Attachment, etc.) as well as typically developing children. You will leave this series with clear techniques and strategies to face the emotional & behavioral challenges that brought you in.
WHEN
Monday, April 15 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday, April 22 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 13 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 20 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE
Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place, Clarence, NY 14031
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! 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
2024-04-17 11:00 - 12:30
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!

Autism and Sleep – Research Updates (webinar)
2024-04-17 13:00 - 14:00
Learn research updates on co-occurring sleep disturbances and autism.
SPEAKER
Dara S. Manoach, PhD, Paul B. and Sandra M. Edgerley MGH Research Scholar 2019-2024 is a Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She is a neuropsychologist who received her Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University. She completed a clinical psychology internship at McLean Hospital and a fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at the Behavioral Neurology Unit of Beth Israel Hospital. She is in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and is a Faculty Associate at the Lurie Center for Autism. She is based at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging where she directs the Sleep, Cognition, and Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) Lab.
REGISTER HERE.
