Topic: Virtual Family Support Group
Date: Wed., April 6, 2022
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Please join us for a wonderful opportunity to meet other caregivers, share experiences and participate in a discussion on a variety of topics surrounding life with an autistic child.
Please note: This is an adults-only event
Topic: Family Support Group
Date: Wed., May 4th, 2022
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Virtual
Please join us for a wonderful opportunity to meet other caregivers, share experiences and participate in a discussion on a variety of topics surrounding life with an autistic child.
Please note: This is an adults-only event
Topic: How to navigate the school system (Part 1 of 3)
Date: Thurs., April 28, 2022
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Virtual
Presenter: Michelle Boutron, M.S., BCBA Founder Strive Behavior Consulting Services
Part 1: Michelle will speak about how to break down and read an I.E.P., to communicate your needs and be an active participant.
Michele is a BCBA, Mom, Military spouse, previous Special Education teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has dedicated 15 years working alongside families providing unwavering support and encouraging families to be their child’s own advocate. Michelle is passionate about sharing her knowledge and providing caregivers with tangible solutions.
This FREE event is open to the public, so please share with anyone you think may benefit from this evening.
Please note: This is an adults-only event.
Topic: How to effectively communicate with my child’s teacher (Part 2 of 3)
Date: Wed., May 18, 2022
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Virtual
Presenter: Michelle Boutron, M.S., BCBA Founder Strive Behavior Consulting Services
Part 2: We will learn how to create a partnership approach between parents and teachers. Understanding the 3 C’s for effective parent-teacher partnership, communication, consistency and collaboration and how these strategies will help parents be active participants in IEP meetings.
Michele is a mom, Military spouse, previous Special Education teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has dedicated 15 years working alongside families providing unwavering support and encouraging families to be their child’s own advocate. Michelle is passionate about sharing her knowledge and providing caregivers with tangible solutions.
Please note: This is an adults-only event.
Topic: Autism legislation – How to advocate for change in our local community RIGHT NOW!
Special Guest: Teresa Champion, Founder and Board of Directors for the Virginia Autism Project
Date: Tue., April 12, 2022
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Virtual
Teresa Champion is a founder of the Virginia Autism Project. In 2011, Virginia first passed a mandate for insurance coverage for state regulated plans for ages 2-6 years old. Then in 2015 for ages 2-10 and in 2019 finally lifted that age cap so anyone of any age may access insurance coverage for speech, OT, PT and behavioral therapies. Throughout this process, VAP worked with Autism Speaks and in 2011 Virginia was the 26th state to pass a mandate of some sort. All 50 states have now passed some level of autism insurance reform. The Virginia Autism Project continues to monitor legislation that impacts the autism and disability community in the Commonwealth.
Topic: Overcoming the Dating World (Part 2 of 3)
Special Guest: Armando Bernal
Date: Wed., May 25, 2022
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Location: Virtual
Part 2: Armando Bernal was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old, was non verbal and is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and host of the podcast, A Different Path.
In part one we learned about the early years in Armando’s life. Now in part two we will focus on Armando’s transition into his teenage years and into the dating world. Dating and/or having a romantic relationship can have a lot of benefits for someone with autism including social and emotional support, understanding and giving social cues and more. At the same time there can be challenges some may face like fixations and sensory differences. Armando will dive into all of this and give some tips that helped him along his journey as well.