Autism Society Western New York

Families Talking Together - In-person event
2022-11-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Parents can make a difference!
In just an hour and a half you can learn how to initiate the talk with your child. The program demonstrates how parents can influence their child’s decision to initiate sexual behaviors:

Communication
Monitoring and Supervision
Quality of the Relationship

REGISTER! FREE EVENT!

Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group
2022-11-29 19:00 - 20:00, 2022-10-25 19:00 - 20:00
Are you considering residential placement for your family member? Parent to Parent of New York State is excited to host a new Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Sharon Linne for families with children and adults of all ages who are considering placement in a residential school or a group home.
Come join us for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic.
Virtual Zoom- Registration Required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Sharon Linne – Slinne@ptopnys.org.

Families Talking Together - in-person
2022-11-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States

Parent to Parent of NYS FATHERS GROUP via Zoom
2022-11-17 19:00 - 20:30, 2022-11-03 19:00 - 20:30
Virtual Meeting: Bi-weekly on Thursdays, starting at 7 p.m.
Parent to Parent has established an informal Fathers Group to meet online via Zoom and discuss the role of dads in navigating their childrens’ special needs.
REGISTER

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2022-11-17 11:00 - 12:15
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Barb Hoffman, Regional Coordinator, 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.
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Buffalo Autism Parent Group with Kathy and Jana - (Participate in person or via Zoom)
2022-11-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14222, United States
Join us and meet other families with children with autism spectrum disorders. The purpose of this group is to share experiences, tips, and ask questions in a friendly and supportive environment. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing.
You can participate in person or via zoom!
IN PERSON: 103 Ketchum Hall, Room 211 Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222
Enter the campus from Elmwood and turn on to Rockwell. The building is right across from the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Parking lot (R2) is directly in front of building and is free.
The conference room is located on the main floor of the building, at the end furthest away from Elmwood and close to Moot Hall. Parents should enter the exterior door from the far end of the parking lot (R2) that has an accessible ramp entrance; these doors are closest to Moot Hall.
VIA ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87176301190?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 871 7630 1190 Passcode: [REDACTED]

Pet Ownership and Autism - webinar
2022-11-16 13:00 - 14:15
Tune in to hear Gray Atherton, PhD’s presentation “They ask no questions and pass no criticism: A mixed-methods study exploring pet ownership in autism,”
About the Speaker, Dr. Gray Atherton
“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.”
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Nurtured Heart Approach to Challenging Behaviors - Online Workshop
2022-11-15 18:00 - 20:00
Have you tried everything you know and don’t know where to turn?
The Nurtured Heart Approach is a powerful tool that will transform a difficult child and build you up as a family member or professional.
Participants will walk away with strategies and tools to increase success in all areas of life.
Certificate of completion available upon request
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
REGISTER
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP - webinar
2022-11-15 18:00 - 19:30
Please join nancy Marmet, Education Advocate as she presents 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 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.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2022-11-15 12:00 - 13:00
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!
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/chautauqua-county-family-caregiver-support-group-11/
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives - webinar
2022-11-14 18:30 - 20:30
Come join 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

How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting - webinar
2022-11-14 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Namita Modasra for this training 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, attend this training and there may be some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and able to 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 just interested in this topic, this training is for you!
REGISTER

Communicating with the CPSE / CSE through Letter Writing - webinar
2022-11-14 12:00 - 13:00
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Communicating with the 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 questions, contact Tina Beauparlant Phone at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Explore & More’s Au-Some Evenings - November 11, 2022
2022-11-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Explore & More’s Au-Some Evenings are free monthly events for children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorders along with family and friends. The second Friday of each month from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, children can play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. Families have access to the museum space and play zones. Featured activities include a music center, therapy dogs, art projects and gross motor activities. Explore & More will also have a social
narrative about the museum and its play zones, quiet kits, as well as calming sensory friendly spaces in the museum. Space is limited so reservations are essential. Be sure to check the website for the latest information. Email accessibility@exploreandmore.org to reserve your space.

Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child in a Residential placement
2022-11-10 19:00 - 20:00
Do you have a family member in a residential program and are struggling to make peace with this decision? Parent to Parent is excited to host a new Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Mariela Adams, for families with children and adults of all ages that have children in residential school or a group home.
Virtual Zoom- Registration Required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Valerie Colavecchio – vcolavecchio@ptopnys.org.

Statewide- Special Education Virtual Parent Chat Group via Zoom
2022-11-10 18:30 - 20:00
As a parent of a child with a disability, I know first-hand how hard it is to continue the good fight. Sometimes we feel hopeless, helpless, and at a loss for words. If you’re a parent, grandparent, caregiver of a child with special needs, you may feel isolated, alone and struggling with special education school related issues. Come join us Namita Modasra & Tina Beauparlant for an opportunity to share how your feelings, engage in some great conversation and share resources with other parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. All from the comfort of your own home.
REGISTER

Parent's Guide to Special Education (formerly Parent Member) via Zoom - Two Part Series
2022-11-10 18:00 - 20:00
FREE WORKSHOP
2 Parts: Online Training and Virtual Meeting via Zoom
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.

Part 1 – Online videos & activities
Complete at least 1 day prior to Live Zoom Session
Part 2 – Live Zoom Session
November 10th
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
CTLE Credits Available
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Understanding Your Child’s Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) / Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Process via Zoom
2022-11-09 16:30 - 18:00
Understanding Your Child’s Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) / Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Process
Gain an understanding of the regulations, the process, and the roles of the families and the school.
*Certification of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
REGISTER
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Delayed and Missed Diagnoses of Autistic Women - webinar
2022-11-09 13:00 - 14:00
Tune in to hear Hannah Belcher, PhD, Autistic researcher, speaker, and author, discuss the often late and missed diagnosis of autistic females.
About the speaker:
Dr. Hannah Belcher was diagnosed with ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ in 2012, at the age of 23. After suffering from mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and severe agoraphobia, which resulted in her dropping out of school before her GCSEs, her autism was finally identified by an Art Therapist. Since then, Hannah has spent many years conducting research on the often late and missed diagnosis of autistic females, including the use of camouflaging strategies and the mental health repercussions. She started writing the blog ‘Aspertypical’ immediately upon receiving her diagnosis. The blog posts chronicled her journey to better understand and connect with her diagnosis and other autistic people. These have since been archived but can still be viewed on Hannah’s main blog pages.
Hannah has lectured in Psychology and mental health since 2016, for both the Open University and Anglia Ruskin University. After submitting her thesis in March of this year, Hannah has gone on to work for Mind, a leading mental health charity in the UK, and is currently a researcher at King’s College London. Her book, Taking off the Mask, about how autistic people can reduce their camouflaging behaviors and improve their wellbeing, is being published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in 2022.
Hannah has been invited to give talks across the UK on her own experiences of autism and her research, including the British Science Festival (2019) and the National Autism Society’s’ ‘Women and Girls’ conference (2019). She has been interviewed both nationally and globally, featuring on the BBC and ABC, as well as in The Guardian and the New Scientist.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/gender-differences-in-diagnoses/

Education Records Organizer - webinar
2022-11-09 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Trish Washburn, Parent Advocate for this wonderful presentation.
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.

If you have any questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.

REGISTER

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2022-11-08 18:30 - 20:00
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, for 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, Family Member, or just interested in this topic, this training is for you!
REGISTER

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2022-11-08 11:00 - 13:00
Please join Nancy Marmet, Education Advocate, for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar 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 and administrators. After this webinar parents will have more knowledge about the educational laws to advocate for their child/children.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2022-11-07 18:30 - 20:00
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or do you suspect they have a disability?
Do you want to…– Feel less overwhelmed?– Feel a sense of belonging?
Get the support you need from Parent Network of WNY, Empower and other group members!Discuss topics such as Special Education, Sensory Processing Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and more!
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Transitioning from High School to the Adult World after Graduation - webinar
2022-11-07 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Parent to Parent of NYS, Regional Manager/ Education Specialist for this wonderful webinar. This training gives parents, grandparents and guardians, an understanding of high school transition.
Transition from high school to young adulthood is a critical stage for all teenagers; for students with disabilities this stage requires extra planning and goal setting. Factors to consider include post-secondary education, the development of career and vocational skills, as well as the ability to live independently. The first step in planning for a successful transition is developing the student’s transition plan. A transition plan is required for students enrolled in special education who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). We will define and describe transition planning and how it can be utilized to maximize your child’s future.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

GET AIR - BUFFALO - A Special Time Just for You
2022-11-05 08:00 - 10:00 | GET AIR, 3637 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225, United States
GET AIR -Buffalo offers a dedicated time just for jumpers with special needs on the first Saturday of every month from 8 AM to 10 AM.

Location: GET AIR – 3637 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Calmer Atmosphere

The First Saturday of the Month – 8 AM to 10 AM
Big Air – $16.99, Little Air (under 46″) – $10.99
They offer a dedicated time just for jumpers with special needs. Music is played at a lower volume and the park’s atmosphere is calmer. One parent or guardian can support jumpers on the trampoline for free. Siblings of jumpers are welcome to jump for the same price but should be more careful during this time. They have designed our trampoline parks with special needs as a primary focus, creating inclusive playgrounds where kids of all ages and abilities can come together in an environment that facilitates shared play and fun. Their goal is for Get Air Sports to be a place where kids can just be kids. They hope you’ll join Get Air! When you arrive, or call beforehand, talk to one of their team members and they will ensure proper accommodations are made to create a fun and enjoyable experience for all.Special Time Just for You is for special needs jumpers and their families.

Celebrate Raising Children Series - 7 week series
2022-11-02 18:00 - 20:00
A 7-week series where you’ll meet other parents/caregivers and learn new ways to be a positive parent/caregiver. CTLE Credits Available.
Certificate of completion available upon request.

REGISTER ONCE FOR ENTIRE SERIES!

REGISTER
FREE EVENT!
Wednesdays. November 2, 9 16, and Wednesdays, December 7 and 14 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. via Zoom
Saturday, December 17 in person at 1021 Broadway St., Buffalo, NY from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download flyer

Statewide- Special Education Parent Chat Group via Zoom
2022-10-27 18:30 - 20:00
As a parent of a child with a disability, I know first-hand how hard it is to continue the good fight. Sometimes we feel hopeless, helpless, and at a loss for words. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver of a child with special needs, you may feel isolated, alone and struggling with special education school related issues.
Come join us for an opportunity to share how your feeling, engage in some great conversation, and share resources with other parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. Come join Trish Washburn all from the comfort of your own home.
REGISTER

A Beginners Guide to Understanding the Special Education Process - webinar
2022-10-26 11:00 - 12:30
Presenter: Nancy Marmet, Education Specialist.
This workshop will describe the purpose of special education, introduction to special education process, and services available to children ages birth to 21. This training is for parents, grandparents, guardians, and professionals that are new to the special education process or have limited knowledge. The goal of the training is for attendees to learn the basics of the special education system.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER
