Autism Society Western New York

Mindfulness Course - Virtual Three Week Class
2021-04-22 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Mindfulness Course
Taught by Kaylin McCarthy of Mindful Tradition
Virtual 4PM – 5PM on Thursdays April 22, 29th and May 6th
This FREE course is designed for elementary-aged (grades 1-6) children of all abilities and their caregivers. They will share tools for de escalation during times of stress and strategies for how to help avoid similar situations in the future. Each class will include exercises with instruction, the opportunity to practice exercises, space for questions and answers, and digital handouts.

Week 1: Creating safe environments with a focus on breath work and taking space.
Week 2: Learning to identify stressors and finding a mindful meditation practice.
Week 3: Setting up for success: practicing proactive tools to use before entering stressful situations.

Register Here: https://redcap.urmc.rochester.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=CL7AF4MLJN

CCM Yoga Connection
2021-04-22 18:00 - 18:30 | GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo, 326 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14223, United States
Collaborative Community Mission is teaming up with GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo for some Yoga Fun!
April 22nd from 6:00pm to 6:30pm.
**COVID-19 regulations are in place at GiGi’s Playhouse. Masks are required **
Suggested donation $5.
Register: https://www.collaborativecommunitymission.org/events-1/ccm-yoga-connection-1

Nutrition Classes via Zoom! Cooking, shopping, making, eating! All are welcome!
2021-04-22 18:00 - 18:40
Free Nutrition Classes starting next week via Zoom from Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Learn how to shop, cook and eat healthy food. Both daytime and evening classes are offered.
Cooking, shopping, making, eating! SNAP-Ed is pleased to offer free virtual workshops on Zoom!
Link is right here for the flyer: http://bit.ly/MyPlateFreeZoom or email me for the original PDF if needed
Join us on Zoom for 3 weekly sessions– choose your day/time! Classes run approximately 40 minutes. If you have a class at that time that might want to take part, feel free!
Session 2: Thursday April 22 @ 6 pm
Session 3: Tuesday April 27 @ 12 noon or Thursday April 29 @ 6 pm
Learn to: • make healthy choices • eat healthy on a budget • cook new recipes
Contact: Sarah Martin skm99@cornell.edu to get the Zoom links if the PDF does not work for you!
All welcome!

Nutrition Classes via Zoom! Cooking, shopping, making, eating! All are welcome!
2021-04-27 12:00 - 12:40
Free Nutrition Classes starting next week via Zoom from Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Learn how to shop, cook and eat healthy food. Both daytime and evening classes are offered.
Cooking, shopping, making, eating! SNAP-Ed is pleased to offer free virtual workshops on Zoom!
Link is right here for the flyer: http://bit.ly/MyPlateFreeZoom or email me for the original PDF if needed
Join us on Zoom for 3 weekly sessions– choose your day/time! Classes run approximately 40 minutes. If you have a class at that time that might want to take part, feel free!
Session 3: Tuesday April 27 @ 12 noon or Thursday April 29 @ 6 pm
Learn to: • make healthy choices • eat healthy on a budget • cook new recipes
Contact: Sarah Martin skm99@cornell.edu to get the Zoom links if the PDF does not work for you!
All welcome!

Bullying & Promoting Well-Being for Students with Disabilities - Via Zoom
2021-04-27 18:00 - 19:30
In this workshop, parents, caregivers, or educators of children with disabilities learn to recognize the signs of a bullying situation and how to talk to a child. Learn about the supports and services that can be built into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to promote social growth and well-being.
Target Audience: Parents/Caregivers of School-Aged Children and Professionals
Presentation & Discussion with Kristi Moscato, Parent Network of WNY & Stacie Dziwulski, Mental Health Advocates of WNY
* CTLE Credits Available *
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/bullying-promoting-well-being-for-students-with-disabilities/
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716-332-4170

What are Effective Advocacy Skills- webinar
2021-04-28 17:00 - 18:15
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on What are Effective Advocacy Skills. Not everyone starts out by being a good advocate. Many parents, guardians and grandparents have faced challenges in getting their child’s education needs met. Parents, guardians, grandparents, must learn the skills they need to become good advocates for their children. Participants will learn that communicating effectively with teachers and other school personnel is one of the best ways to ensure that your child’s school is creating a good learning environment for your child, and to ensure that your child’s school is providing your child with the services or programs that he or she needs to succeed in school.
If you have questions, please contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6021988212469386766

Nutrition Classes via Zoom! Cooking, shopping, making, eating! All are welcome!
2021-04-29 18:00 - 18:40
Free Nutrition Classes starting next week via Zoom from Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Learn how to shop, cook and eat healthy food. Both daytime and evening classes are offered.
Cooking, shopping, making, eating! SNAP-Ed is pleased to offer free virtual workshops on Zoom!
Link is right here for the flyer: http://bit.ly/MyPlateFreeZoom or email me for the original PDF if needed
Join us on Zoom for 3 weekly sessions– choose your day/time! Classes run approximately 40 minutes. If you have a class at that time that might want to take part, feel free!
Session 3: Thursday April 29 @ 6 pm
Learn to: • make healthy choices • eat healthy on a budget • cook new recipes
Contact: Sarah Martin skm99@cornell.edu to get the Zoom links if the PDF does not work for you!
All welcome!

Mindfulness Stress Reduction 2021 Series via Zoom
2021-04-29 19:00 - 19:45
GOT STRESS? We Can Help!
This ongoing series is an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and youth with disabilities across New York State to meet virtually and learn how mindfulness can help with change and planning for the future. Join us to learn strategies and techniques to reduce stress and for a chance to connect with other youth and their families. Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to whatever is happening in our lives, both inside and out.
Mindfulness Stress Reduction Series sessions every 2 weeks from 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
April 29
May 13, 27
June 10, 24
July 8, 22
August 5, 19
September 2, 16, 30
Register once and use the same link for every session!
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/mindfulness-stress-reduction-series/

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD Albany) Professional Development and Parent Seminars - Live Stream
2021-04-30 09:00 - 14:15
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD Albany) are offering three live stream seminars that are directed towards school professionals, community professionals, and parents, who live or work with individuals on the autism spectrum. These sessions will not be recorded.
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD Albany) offers these seminars AT NO COST to participants living in New York State through a grant from the New York State Education Department. The funding is administered by The Research Foundation for SUNY.
Registration is required to attend. Please choose the sessions you would like to attend when you fill out your registration entry.
Seminar I—9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. What Does “Quality Education Programming” Mean for Children Diagnosed with Autism?
This presentation is a primer regarding autism programming for success! We will discuss characteristics of autism and how these necessitate modification/enhancement in assessment, curriculum, and instruction. A summary of current research regarding practices designed to support and enhance instruction for students with autism will be included. Key variables related to creating quality programming will be discussed.
Seminar II—11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Increasing Engagement and Motivation in Students with ASD
Students with ASD and other disabilities are often exposed to academics and homework assignments that are challenging or simply uninteresting to the students. Active participating in academics is important and students are expected to engage in and practice these fundamental skills both within and outside of the classroom. This presentation will focus on what factors influence motivation, different strategies that support motivation as well as how Executive Functions play a role in motivating students with ASD.
Seminar III—1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. Encouraging Independence with Emotion Regulation in Students with ASD
Learners with ASD across the age range from preschool to high school can benefit from self-management interventions. The use of self-management interventions is not limited to a particular skill domain. This presentation will focus on how the deficits in ASD affect individuals’ ability to maintain emotional regulation and multiple evidence-based interventions that can support individuals’ attempts to regulate their emotions and maintain prosocial behavior.
Registration information: http://www.albany.edu/autism/pdps.php
CARD Albany is an approved provider for the following continuing education credits:
School Psychologists (NASP), Social Workers (LMSW & LCSW), and Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), and Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE). General certificates of attendance will be provided for all participants.
Each part is eligible for 1.25 contact hours. There is a $ 5.00 processing fee per session for each CEU selected. Please visit CARD Albany website for more information about CEU offerings. CEUs can be selected during registration and payment can be submitted online with a credit card.

CCM Music Connection with Miss Sara
2021-04-30 17:30 - 18:00 | Bidwell Park, 78 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY, 14222, United States
Miss Sara is a board-certified music therapist and performing musician in Buffalo, NY. She currently provides music therapy and music instruction with a variety of organizations throughout Western New York, including Baker Victory Services, the Community Music School of Buffalo, Liberty POST, Buffalo Niagara Music Therapy Services, and her own private studio. She is also a faculty member at Villa Maria College. Sara loves singing, dancing, and Disney music. She will spend the evening with you and your family singing and dancing!
April 30, 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Bidwell Park, 78 Bidwell Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14222
Suggested donation $5.
Register: https://www.collaborativecommunitymission.org/events-1/music-with-miss-sara-rogers-in-person

Northtowns Family/Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2021-05-03 19:00 - 20:30
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or suspect they have a disability?
Do you want to
~ feel less overwhelmed?
~ feel a sensed of belonging?
Get the support you need from Parent Network of WNY, Empower and other group members!
NO JUDGEMENTS – NO FEES – ALL ARE WELCOME
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170
www.parentnetworkwny.org/events
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99541728957?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 995 4172 8957
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Upcoming Meeting Dates: May 17, June 7, and June 21
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Webinar: A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2021-05-04 10:00 - 11:30
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar 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.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 516-381-4350 with any questions.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5622269557409354764

Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2021-05-04 17:30 - 19:30
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or 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 & other group members!
First Tuesday of the Month
5:30 pm to 7 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96127043675?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 961 2704 3675, Passcode: [REDACTED]

Parent Member Training - 2 Parts: Online Training and Virtual Meeting via Zoom
2021-05-04 18:00 - 19:30
Become a Parent Member to Support Families at Committee on Special Education (CSE) Meetings
In this training, you will learn about the role of the Parent Member and the NYS Regulations that structure the Committee on Special Education Process.
Once you register for the May 4th event you will receive instructions via email on how to access the online videos and activities!
CTLE Credits Available
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/parent-member-training-2/

Neurodiversity in Education and Employment - Webinar
2021-05-05 13:00 - 14:00
Learn strategies developed at the Stanford Neurodiversity Project for raising awareness of neurodiversity through education, service, research and advocacy.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/neurodiversity-education-employment/

Charla con Nosotros!
2021-05-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-05-19 19:00 - 20:00
¡Únase a nosotros para obtener respuestas a sus preguntas e inquietudes!
RESPONDEREMOS SUS PREGUNTAS SOBRE…
Transiciones
Educación Especial y Discapacidades
Manejo de tiempo en el Hogar
Trabajo Escolar
Comportamiento
Tecnología
Recursos en Buffalo
¡Y cualquier otro tema que quieras discutir!
Unirse a la Zoom reunión
https://zoom.us/j/95683049386?pwd=[REDACTED]
Reunión ID: 956 8304 9386 Contraseña: [REDACTED]

Toilet Training and Other Difficult Topics via Zoom
2021-05-06 18:00 - 19:00
Buffalo SEPAC and Comprehensive Behavioral Supports (CBS) Presents: Toilet Training and Other Difficult Topics featuring Tobey Lass, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA-NY via Zoom webinar on May 6, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
CBS is looking forward to servicing families in the Buffalo area.
Sign up for SEPAC Parent Workshop 5/6/2021 (google.com)

CHQ Family/Caregiver Support Group of Children with Special Needs
2021-05-06 18:30 - 19:30
Want to feel less overwhelmed? Want to feel a sense of belonging? This is the place for you.
No Judgements! No Fee! Every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month from 6:30-7:30PM.
Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82679660440?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 826 7966 0440
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+19292056099,, 82679660440#,,1#,028188# US (New York)
If you have any questions contact us at (716) 332-4170 or info@parentnetworkwny.org or join the group on Facebook for future dates, helpful hints and links: CHQ Support Group for Parents/Caregivers of Children with Special Needs

Buffalo Parent and Caregiver Chat Session
2021-05-06 19:00 - 20:00
BUFFALO FAMILIES!
We are here to answer your questions and concerns on a wide range of topics including

Transitions
Meltdowns
Time Management
Technology Needs
Guidance to Resources in Buffalo

Any other topics, general questions or concerns!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98967722694
Meeting ID: 989 6772 2694

Having The Talk: Sexual Behavior, Reproduction and Youth with Disabilities via Zoom
2021-05-11 18:00 - 20:00
Would you like to have a more comfortable conversation about sexuality and sexual identity with your family member with a disability?/
Do you want to learn what words to use so that you can “have the talk” or answer questions about how their bodies are changing?
Learn the value of early and ongoing discussions and appropriate social behavior at home and in the community.
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/having-the-talk-sexual-behavior-reproduction-and-youth-with-disabilities-2/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170
CTLE Credits Available

Webinar: Living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
2021-05-12 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Dianne O’Connor, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents the webinar Living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Children prenatally exposed to alcohol become adults with FASD. Understanding that the permanent brain damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure may be the reasons individuals with FASD fail in school, treatment, in the workforce, and with relationships, can help us to form strategies that may work and help the individual have a successful, happy life.
This webinar will give a brief overview of FASD, identify some of the challenges of raising an individual with FASD over the lifespan and look at strategies that could be useful when living or working with them.
Contact Tina Beauparlant with questions at 518-381-4350.
Webinar registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/236813225960998157

CCM Sensory Connection
2021-05-13 18:15 - 18:45 | Memorial Park Hamburg, NY, Lake and Union St., Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
May 13, 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM
Memorial Park, Lake St, Hamburg, NY 14075, USA

Join Ms. Caity, for 30-minutes of sensory FUN! Learn all about FROGS and recreating their habitat by making a sensory bin!
Limited spots available! $10 per child to cover costs of materials.

REGISTER: https://www.collaborativecommunitymission.org/events-1/ccm-sensory-connection

Mindfulness Stress Reduction 2021 Series via Zoom
2021-05-13 19:00 - 19:45
GOT STRESS? We Can Help!
This ongoing series is an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and youth with disabilities across New York State to meet virtually and learn how mindfulness can help with change and planning for the future. Join us to learn strategies and techniques to reduce stress and for a chance to connect with other youth and their families. Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to whatever is happening in our lives, both inside and out.
Mindfulness Stress Reduction Series sessions every 2 weeks from 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
May 13, 27
June 10, 24
July 8, 22
August 5, 19
September 2, 16, 30
Register once and use the same link for every session!
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/mindfulness-stress-reduction-series/

Residential Placement Online Discussion Group via Zoom
2021-05-13 19:00 - 20:00
Are you considering a residential school or program for your son/daughter and just don’t know how you will ever be able to make this decision? Do you feel guilty for even thinking about it? 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 are considering a residential placement for their loved one. Come join us for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic. The group will meet monthly.
You must register in advance to attend. Online Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsce-rpj4rEtUP8H1L-Y8_CZAtLhOJ1vXx
Questions? Contact: Valerie Colavecchio vcolavecchio@ptopnys.org

Rise with CCM Annual Fundraiser
2021-05-15 11:30 - 13:00 | Rise Fitness Studio, 97 Main St., Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
May 15, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Rise Fitness Studio, 97 Main St, Hamburg, NY 14075, USA

Join The Collaborative Community Mission (CCM) and Rise Fitness Studio for an outdoor mini-bootcamp for children ages 4-10!
** Only one family ticket in the amount of a $20 donation is needed per family. Please list the Childs name and age when registering for this event **

REGISTER: https://www.collaborativecommunitymission.org/events-1/rise-with-ccm-annual-fundraiser

Northtowns Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2021-05-17 19:00 - 20:30
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or suspect they have a disability?
Do you want to
~ feel less overwhelmed?
~ feel a sensed of belonging?
Get the support you need from Parent Network of WNY, Empower and other group members!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99541728957?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 995 4172 8957
Passcode: [REDACTED]
NO JUDGEMENTS – NO FEES – ALL ARE WELCOME
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2021-05-18 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Program Manager / Education Specialist for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar 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.
Contact Maryalice Fegeley at 716-427-5140 with any questions.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7621601710198411532

Research Updates on Maternal Autoantibodies and ASD - Webinar
2021-05-19 13:00 - 14:00
Tune in to hear Judy Van de Water, Ph.D. describe recent research using machine learning to identify several patterns of maternal autoantibodies highly associated with the diagnosis and severity of autism.

Free certificates of participation are available upon successful completion of a brief knowledge quiz after the webinar. The quiz will be added to this page once the event has concluded.

About the speaker:

Dr. Van de Water joined the faculty in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California, Davis in 1999. In 2000, she also joined the faculty of the newly formed UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute when she began her research on the immunobiology of autism. Dr. Van de Water’s laboratory pursues research programs pertaining to autoimmune and clinical immune-based disorders including the biological aspects of autism spectrum disorders. The application of Dr. Van de Water’s immunopathology background has been instrumental in the dissection of the immune anomalies noted in some individuals with autism, and in the differentiation of various autism behavioral phenotypes at a biological level. Most notable of these is the investigation of the maternal immune system as it relates to autism spectrum disorders, with particular emphasis on the presence of highly specific maternal autoantibodies to fetal brain proteins. Dr. Van de Water’s seminal work in this area has led to a highly specific biomarker of autism risk as well as three patents leading to the commercialization of this technology. Dr. Van de Water is currently the Director of the NIEHS funded Center for Children’s Environmental Health at UC Davis, investigating potential environmental risk factors contributing to the incidence and severity of childhood autism.

Register: https://www.autism.org/maternal-antibodies-asd/

Buffalo Group for Parents/Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders via Zoom
2021-05-19 18:30 - 19:30
Practicing social distancing but still need to talk?
Do you want to
~ feel less overwhelmed?
~ feel a sense of belonging?
Get the support you need from Kathy Doody, Jana Mertz & other group members!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97311273663?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 973 1127 3663
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Upcoming meetings on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
June 16
July 14
August 18
September 15
October 13
November 17
December 15
