Autism Society Western New York

Effective Coping Strategies for Sensory Differences and Executive Function - webinar
2024-01-31 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Tune in to for this presentation by Drs. Greg Wallace and Goldie McQuaid as they share their research on strategies autistic adults develop to compensate for non-social challenges they experience, including sensory sensitivities and executive function differences.
SPEAKERS
Greg Wallace, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at The George Washington University. His research focuses on neuropsychological and structural brain development in autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan and their impacts on real-world outcomes. He is also particularly interested in eating-related behaviors and their cognitive and neural correlates in typical and atypical (e.g., autism spectrum disorder) development. Dr. Wallace has published extensively and presented his work widely on these and related topics.
Goldie McQuaid, Ph.D., is research faculty in the George Mason University Department of Psychology. Before joining the JackLab, she received her Ph.D. in Theoretical Linguistics from Georgetown University, followed by post-doctoral training in developmental neuroimaging at Georgetown University Medical Center and the Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute at George Washington University. She is a 2020-2022 Fellow in the Society for Neuroscience Neuroscience Scholars Program. Her research focuses on sex, gender, and the transition to adulthood in autism, with a particular focus on how alexithymia and camouflage impact well-being in autistic adults. Currently, she holds a National Institutes of Health K01 award that will allow her to conduct research related to emotion processing, gender identity, and risk for anxiety and depression in autistic adults.
REGISTER HERE.

Special Education 101: A Parent Member via Zoom (A two-part training.)
2024-01-31 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.

CTLE Credits Available
Part 1: Online videos & activities. Complete at least 1 day prior to
Part 2: Virtual Session. Wednesday, January 31st from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT.
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Education Records Organizer - webinar
2024-01-31 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.

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION - English
2024-02-01 09:00 - 11:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance.
Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Register here.
If you need assistance, please contact Kelli Smith at 845-695-7344 or Kelli.L.Smith@opwdd.ny.gov.
All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Upcoming Front Door Information Sessions can be found on the OPWDD website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Registration for a session is required. Once you have found the date and time that works best for you, please click the link to register for the session.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.

Diploma And Credential Options For Students With Disabilities via Zoom
2024-02-02 09:00 - 12:00
What does it mean to get a Regent’s diploma? A Local? A CDOS or Skills Credential? What can you do? What can you not do? How much effort does it take? Can your child do the work? This session explores the options and outlines and any updates to NYS regulations.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Specially Designed Instruction (SDI): A Guide For Families And Caregivers via Zoom
2024-02-05 17:00 - 18:00
Participants will:

Understand the concepts of SDI
Be able to examine what SDI might look like in the classroom and in the home

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

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION - ENGLISH
2024-02-06 10:00 - 12:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Register here.
If you need assistance, please contact Richard Labonte at 585-241-5842 or Richard.S.Labonte@opwdd.ny.gov.
All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Upcoming Front Door Information Sessions can be found on the OPWDD website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Registration for a session is required. Once you have found the date and time that works best for you, please click the link to register for the session.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives
2024-02-06 18:00 - 20:00
Come join Michele Juda, Ex. Director Parent to Parent of NYS, Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist as we explore: Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives.
Let’s face it nothing keeps parents up at night more than thinking about who will care for our child/children when we are no longer able to care for them. This workshop will increase the knowledge of families of individuals with disabilities about the options besides legal guardianship for adults with disabilities. If your adult child does not need full guardianship, there are other options that we will explore in this presentation. We will also discuss guardianship and the legal requirements.
Register here.

Navigating Adult Services: Learn About ACCES-VR, OPWDD, And Others via Zoom
2024-02-07 12:00 - 12:45
The Amherst School District Family Support Center and Parent Network are partnering to provide families with three informative lunch and learn sessions about transition!
Do you have a child that is entering high school, or you just want to learn about services out there for special education students? Does your child have an IEP or a 504 Plan?
Professionals are also welcome to learn more.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Gender and Autism - webinar
2024-02-07 13:00 - 14:00
Learn about emerging research suggesting that a lack of understanding and recognition of the female autistic phenotype, and a predisposition to associate males with autistic traits, could lead to structural inequalities that hinder the identification of autistic females.
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.

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
2024-02-07 18:00 - 19:30 | John F Kennedy High School, 305 Cayuga Creek Rd., Cheektowaga, NY, 14227, United States
Participants will learn:

The criteria for NYSAA eligibility
The type of assessments used to measure a NYSAA student’s performance and how often
How a NYSAA determination affects graduation options and plans for life after high school

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
This is an in-person event.
Location: John F Kennedy High School, 305 Cayuga Creek Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Siblings across the lifespan presented by Lindsay Hyland via Zoom
2024-02-07 19:00 - 20:00
How does having a brother or sister with special needs affect their siblings? This workshop is designed to help parents understand what it is like to be a sibling of a person with a disability. Lindsay Hyland is the NY State Representative for the Sibling Leadership Network and a sister to a person with a disability. Intended for parents and caregivers, families will gain insight and strategies for supporting siblings.
REGISTER HERE.

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More - The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children's Museum
2024-02-09 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!

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2024-02-13 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.

Parent And Family Engagement Within The FBA And BIP Process via Zoom
2024-02-15 17:00 - 19:00
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 also understand how the FBA/BIP process is part of the Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) /Committee for Special Education (CSE) process, as well as the guidance regarding the New York State (NYS) Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, Part 200.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Child Parent Psychotherapy Information Session via Zoom
2024-02-15 17:30 - 18:30
Oishei Children’s Hospital is proud to announce Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), an evidence-based therapy for children from birth to age 5 that aims to strengthen the bond between children and their caregivers in the face of trauma and attachment challenges. What makes CPP unique is its emphasis on using the relationship between child and caregiver to help process trauma, improve attachment, and reset a child’s developmental trajectory. We look forward to sharing more about this treatment approach and information about how to refer children and their caregivers.
Presenters: Dr. Joshua Russell is a child and adolescent psychiatrist affiliated with UB. He practices in the outpatient setting and has developed a special interest in the intersection of the child welfare and mental health systems. Lianna Zullich, LMSW is the clinic intake coordinator as well as a CPP therapist.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit.
2024-02-15 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
2024-02-20 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.

The Low-Hanging Fruit: Exploring Monogenic Syndromes with Elevated Rates of Autism - webinar
2024-02-21 13:00 - 14:00
Learn research updates on how genes associated with autism are functioning in the brain and how changes in these genes are linked to characteristics of autism and other conditions.
SPEAKER
Dr. Daniel Vogt, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the College of Human Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics and Human Development. Dr. Vogt’s lab is investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying autism. The lab is particularly interested in understanding how genes implicated in autism are functioning in the brain and how mutations in these genes lead to symptoms of autism and related conditions. One hypothesis is that some characteristics of autism are caused by an imbalance in neuronal excitation and inhibition. To this end, Dr. Vogt’s lab is focusing on understanding how inhibitory neurons develop and function. In addition, the lab seeks to understand how mutations discovered in autism genes alter their function.
Dr. Vogt’s research has elucidated how key developmental genes influence inhibitory neuron development. In particular, his research was important in uncovering how the gene, Lhx6, a transcription factor required for inhibitory neuron development, controls the cell fate of inhibitory neurons derived from the median ganglionic eminence (MGE) (Neuron, 2014). Dr. Vogt also developed an in vivo approach to assess the impact that human mutations discovered in autism patients have on gene function. This approach was tested with the autism candidate gene, PTEN, and demonstrated that mutations in PTEN resulted in defects in inhibitory neuron development (Cell Reports. 2015). The lab’s goal is to continue to screen mutations in genes implicated in autism to uncover both common and unique symptoms that are caused by genes. Finally, the lab seeks to combine the knowledge gained from the screening of mutations and the knowledge from studying individual genes to uncover new insights into inhibitory neuron development.
REGISTER HERE.

Developing An Effective Student Exit Summary via Zoom
2024-02-22 09:00 - 12:00
Families will:

Analyze the importance of students’ self-determination skills in making the Student Exit Summary a meaningful and relevant document.
Learn the federal and state requirements for the Student Exit Summary.
Recognize and identify the required components of the Student Exit Summary.
Identify a process for the development and issuance of the Student Exit Summary that is student-centered.

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

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2024-02-26 11:00 - 12:30
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.

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP - webinar
2024-02-28 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/ Education Specialist, 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.

How To Foster And Support Self-Determination In All Students via Zoom
2024-03-04 17:00 - 19:00
Participants will:

Recognize and identify the definition of self-determination and the elements that comprise self-determination
Access and utilize materials and resources to aid in the promotion of self-determination throughout the transition planning process

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

Positive Solutions for Families: The Pyramid Model Parent Training (A 6-week series) - via Zoom
2024-03-05 18:00 - 20:00
A 6-week series where you’ll meet other parents/caregivers and learn new ways to be a positive parent/caregiver.

Identify the importance of building positive relationships with children.
Link building relationships, using positive comments/encouragement, and play to children’s behavior.

When: Tuesday, January 30th, Tuesday, February 6th, Tuesday, February 13th, Tuesday, February 20th, Tuesday, February 27th, and Tuesday, March 5th
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Test Accommodations For Students With Disabilities - Webinar
2024-03-06 09:00 - 12:00
Participants will learn:

The purpose of test accommodations
The define the types of test accommodations
Understand their role in supporting a student with their test accommodations
Recognize that instructional accommodations used in the classroom should be aligned with the testing accommodations provided during assessment.

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

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs via Zoom
2024-03-06 09:30 - 10:30
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.

Education Records Organizer via Zoom
2024-03-06 11:00 - 12:00

Live, Learn, Work And Play: What To Do After Graduation! - Webinar
2024-03-06 12:00 - 12:45

The Gut, Autism, and Mental Health - webinar
2024-03-06 13:00 - 14:00
Learn about the relationship between the gut-brain axis, mental health, and autism.
SPEAKER
Calliope Holingue, MPH, PhD is a research faculty member at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Kennedy Krieger Institute. A psychiatric epidemiologist by training, she also has a joint academic appointment as an assistant professor from the Department of Mental Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
REGISTER HERE.

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2024-03-07 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.
