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• Autism 101 Training

  • Start
    Friday, January 01, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    Monday, November 01, 2021
  •  
    (CDT)
  • Schedule
    11 sessions

  Register

  Autism 101 Training

  This course can  be registered for and taken at your convenience. You will receive a confirmation email after you register with an access link. 

  Brief Description: Are you a parent or a member of the community who presently has little or limited knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders and a desire to learn more? Then this interactive 90 minute presentation is ideal for you!

  In April 2018, the Centers for Disease control updated the prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)  to 1 in 59. Schools, healthcare providers, early childhood centers, and our community in general are increasingly being called upon to understand and respond to the unique needs of this growing population of individuals. This session will provide participants with the latest information on Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as discuss common characteristics, stereotypes, and myths associated with ASD. This training is appropriate for parents, family members, all levels of professionals, even newcomers to the field, and will include opportunities for Q&A.

  At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Accurately define “Autism Spectrum Disorders” (ASD)

  • Identify at least five common characteristics of individuals with ASD

  • Identify at least three areas of global functioning that may be impacted by ASD

  • Name at least three myths associated with ASD

  
  

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• Social Club Game Day

  • Start
    Saturday, January 02, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    Saturday, December 04, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    2607 Winford Ave. Nashville TN

  Register

  

  Join us for fun and games. Great opportunity to practice social skills and make friends. 

  This event is appropriate for teens and adults on the autism spectrum. Parents are welcome to attend, as well.

  Following this event, THRIVE Social Skills group for teens meets from 3:00pm-5:00pm.
  Click here for more information about THRIVE. 

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• THRIVE Teen Skills

  • Start
    Saturday, January 02, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    Saturday, December 04, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    2607 Winford Ave, Nashville, TN 37211

  Register

  
  THRIVE   is a group for teens and young adults (developmental ages 14-22) with autism looking to participate in discussions and expand understanding of society's unwritten rules. This group meets in a hybrid setting, meaning you may participate virtually on Zoom or In-Person. 

  Using Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson’s innovate book, “The Science of Making Friends: Helping Socially Challenged Teens and Young Adults,” the group facilitator of THRIVE provides individuals with evidence-based tools for building friendships and relationships. The group facilitator is an adult on the autism spectrum who provides a safe environment and encourages individuals to discuss experiences with like-minded peers. 

  Please use your participant's email address to register for this event. All communication about the event, including links, will go to the registrant.

  This group meets the first Saturday of each month, after Game Day ends.
  You do not need to attend all sessions to participate. 

  

  Teen Programs do not require membership
  

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• CONNECT In-Person

  • Start
    Thursday, January 14, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    Thursday, December 09, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    2607 Winford Ave. Nashville, TN

  Register

  
  

  CONNECT In-Person is a free monthly group for independent adults (18+) with autism who are seeking a safe social outlet. 

  This group meets In-Person at On The Avenue 
  2607 Winford Ave. Nashville, TN
  the 2nd Thursday of each month. 

  This group will provide a safe environment for these individuals to connect and practice interacting with others under the supervision of a trained professional.

  Adult Programs do not require membership

  
  

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• DISCOVER adult social skills- VIRTUAL

  • Start
    Thursday, January 28, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    Thursday, December 23, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  
  *DISCOVER will meet virtually until further notice. 

  DISCOVER   is a group for adults with autism looking to participate in discussions and expand understanding of society's unwritten rules. This curriculum based social skills course designed to support adults on the autism spectrum (DSM Level 2 to Level 1).

  Each session will be approximately 90 minutes total (two topics per session). Sessions will begin at a basic skill level for the first half and then expand on that topic in more detail. The facilitators of DISCOVER provide individuals with evidence-based tools for building friendships and relationships. The facilitators for this group are a team comprised of an Speech-Language Pathologist and an adult on the autism spectrum. This group provides a safe environment and encourages individuals to discuss experiences with like-minded peers.

  Please use your participant's email address to register for this event. All communication about the event, including links, will go to the registrant.

  
  

  Course Schedule               You do not need to attend all sessions to participate. 

  • January 28th -Finding and Choosing Friends - Social memories, social spy
  • February 25th -Good Conversations  - Social Spy
  • March 25th -Starting and Entering Conversations/ Appropriate Use of Humor -Communication-Nonverbal/Verbal Language
  • April 22nd -Exiting Conversations - Flexible Thinking
  • May 27th -Handling Verbal Teasing
  • June 24th-Dealing with Arguments
  • July 29th-Handling Conflict at Work - Perspective taking
  • August 26th-Electronic Communication and Cyber Bullying
  • September 30th-Minimizing Rumor and Gossip-Social Fake
  • October 28th-Bullying
  • November 18th**-Autism Education - Self Advocacy
  • December 30th-Enjoying a Successful Get Together

  Adult Programs do not require membership

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• Basics of Behavior Training

  • Start
    Monday, February 01, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    Wednesday, December 01, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    11 sessions

  Register

  Basics of Behavior Training

  Brief Description: Schools, healthcare providers, early childhood centers, and our community in general are increasingly being called upon to understand and respond to the unique needs of our growing population of individuals impacted by ASD. This session will explore the basic principles of behavior, and will also include helpful information for incorporating optimal classroom arrangements and supports for unique learners with ASD. This easy-to-understand 90 minute session is appropriate for parents, family members, even newcomers to the field, and will include opportunities for Q&A.

  At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Define the ABC’s of behavior

  • List at least three functions of behavior

  • Define Sensory Processing Dysfunction/Disorder

  • Name at least three classroom supports that are beneficial for most students with ASD

  
  

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• SIIA Coffee / Tea Hour

  • Start
    Saturday, March 13, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    Saturday, August 28, 2021
  •  
    (CDT)
  • Schedule
    10 sessions

  We're looking forward to the Coffee/Tea Hour today and hope you'll join in on the fun! This is a time to check in with your fellow SIIA members, support each other, feel supported, and discuss upcoming events.

  Click this link to fill out the SIIA Interest Form to get registered for this event. 

  Who we are:

  We are an invitation-only, PRIVATE group  focused on supporting the unique needs of non-heterosexual/LGBTQIA+ individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders who are over the age of 18. This group has been created BY individuals with Autism specifically FOR individuals with Autism, and is moderated by individuals with Autism.

  Supporting allies who are also on the on Autism Spectrum and wish to help further the goals of the group are also welcomed here.

  What we are about:

  1. Positivity

  2. Inclusion/Diversity

  3. Safety/Protecting our Members

  4. Education/Resource-sharing

  5. Conversation/Discussion

  6. Celebration & FUN!

  What we are NOT:

  1. A dating site

  2. A place where privacy is violated

  3. A political platform

  4. A place for lewd or illegal activity

  
  

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• For Dads - Online Support Group

  • Start
    Tuesday, March 23, 2021
  •  
    (CDT)
  • End
    Tuesday, December 28, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    21 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    13
  • Registered
    17 registrants

  Register

  
  

  For Dads!

  Grab your favorite beverage and join us online for an opportunity to connect with other dads.

  Date: Every 2 weeks on Tuesday.

  Time: 7 - 8 PM

  Location: Online

  
  

  This event is open to everyone.

  Click here for frequently asked questions!

  
  

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• Virtual BINGO

  • Start
    Sunday, June 27, 2021
  •  
    (CDT)
  • End
    Sunday, December 19, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    5
  • Registered
    26 registrants

  Register

  
  

  BINGO!

  Join us for an online Family Fun Event!

  Date: Sunday, June 27, 2021

  Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

  Location: A Zoom link will be emailed to you

  This event is open to everyone.

  
  

  Click here for frequently asked questions!

  
  

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• The Spectrum Experience and IEP Basics - What You Need To Know

  • When
    Thursday, August 19, 2021
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (CDT)
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    84

  Register

  Event Description: 

  The Spectrum Experience and IEP Basics - What You Need To Know will provide parents, teachers, and caregivers with knowledge of what an IEP is, and how to write an IEP that has measurable goals, and complies with IDEA.. 
  
  

  Presented by:

  
  

  Blair Dunigan, a 2000 graduate of Western New England University School of Law, maintains a legal practice in Hendersonville, TN with a focus in the areas of mental health law and special education. Mrs. Dunigan began her law career in the Davidson County Public Defender’s Office, where she was the first appointed attorney for the Mental Health Court. Following this appointment, she worked as the appointed General Counsel to the Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute, for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities from 2001-2006. Ms. Dunigan also served as Assistant Adjunct Professor for Vanderbilt University, Department of Medicine, in the School of Psychiatry from 2002-2007. She has been a guest speaker for several organizations statewide and continues to provide legal training in the area of mental health law and special education to the community and in the educational setting. She is currently on the Board of Directors for Autism, TN, and as a defense bar representative of the Sumner County Youth Empowerment program. As an advocate and attorney in the field of special education, Mrs. Dunigan represents the family’s interest and works with families and their schools to build relationships and strengthen their specialized education plans.

  Julie Hochman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with nearly 15 years’ experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ms. Hochman earned her bachelor’s degree from New York University and her master’s degree from Vanderbilt where she also completed the Behavior Analysis Certification program. Her areas of specialization include teaching  communication to nonverbal individuals and the assessment and treatment of individuals with persistent maladaptive behavior and complex support needs, including co-occurring psychiatric disorders. In addition to her clinical work, Ms. Hochman is a knowledgeable and experienced special education advocate having assisted countless families navigate the IFSP, IEP, and 504 plan process. She has participated in both mediation and due process hearings at the State and District level. Ms. Hochman was an active participant in legislative efforts that resulted in the successful passage of autism insurance reform and behavior analyst licensure in the state of TN. Ms. Hochman also served as an inaugural member of the Autism Treatment Network Advisory Committee at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Ms. Hochman has published 6 peer reviewed journal articles and has presented her research nationally.  She is currently the Tennessee Director of Behavioral Health for Merakey, a national leader of innovative solutions and new models of care in developmental, educational, and behavioral health services.

  Workshop Goal(s): 

  At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Name the different parts of an IEP.
  2. Write appropriate present levels of performance statements.
     
  3. Develop measurable objectives and goals.
  4. Know the difference between modifications and accommodations.
  5. Know the different types of support and services that mabe available.
  6. Give 2 or more examples of appropriate measurement of progress.
  7. Name the primary, or first choice, of placement as stated in the IDEA.

  
  

  Click here for frequently asked questions!

  
  

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• CONNECT Online

  • Start
    Thursday, September 02, 2021
  •  
    (CDT)
  • End
    Thursday, December 01, 2022
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    16 sessions

  Register

  
  

  CONNECT Online is a free monthly group for independent adults (18+) with autism who are seeking a safe social outlet. 

  This group meets ONLINE
  the 1st Thursday of each month. 

  This group will provide a safe environment for these individuals to connect and practice interacting with others under the supervision of a trained professional.

  Adult Programs do not require membership

  
  

  Show details