Upcoming events

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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- VIRTUAL

  • Start
    Saturday, January 02, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    Saturday, December 04, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  

  *Social Club will meet virtually until further notice. 

  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.

   Register to get the link emailed to you.

  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- VIRTUAL

  • Start
    Saturday, January 02, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    Saturday, December 04, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  
  *THRIVE will meet virtually until further notice. 

  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. 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 group for adults- VIRTUAL

  • Start
    Thursday, January 14, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • End
    Thursday, December 09, 2021
  •  
    (CST)
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  
  

  *CONNECT will meet virtually until further notice. 

  CONNECT is a monthly group for independent adults (18+) with autism who are seeking a safe social outlet. Under the supervision of a trained professional, participants with have the opportunity to interact with peers in order to fine tune their communication skills and build the self-confidence needed to develop successful relationships in various aspects of daily living. The group will begin by meeting on location; once participants feel comfortable, meetings may be held in various locations in the community (e.g., grocery store, mall, bowling alley). Be sure to join the Facebook group after registering so that you stay up to date on whether the meeting will be at the Autism TN office or offsite! 

  Objectives

  For participants:

  ·    To practice greetings others and doing so until it is a routine behavior

  ·    To develop self-confidence by learning more about ASD and how it can be used as a strength

  ·    To practice initiating, maintaining and ending conversations

  ·    To practice social skills in a variety of settings with familiar and unfamiliar individuals

  
  

  For community:

  Individuals with autism have many positive attributes that contribute to society. However, without the self-confidence and skills needed to successfully and comfortably interact with others, these attributes often go unnoticed. As CONNECT participants practice appropriately interacting with others and gain the courage necessary to venture into the community, we all gain greater access to neurodiversity.

  Adult Programs do not require membership
  

  Show details
• 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 29th -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

  Show details
• 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, June 26, 2021
  •  
    (CDT)
  • Schedule
    8 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
    19
  • Registered
    11 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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• The Spectrum Experience and Maximizing Communication

  • When
    Thursday, April 15, 2021
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (CDT)
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    70

  Register

  Event Description: 

  The Spectrum Experience and Maximizing communication will provide parents, teachers, and caregivers with tools they can use to help their child acquire a meaningful way to communicate. 
  
  

  Presented by:

  
  

  Becky Brown, M.S., CCC/SLP,  has enjoyed practicing at The Speech, Language & Learning Center since 2006.  Originally from a small town in northwest Tennessee, she received her M.S. from Murray State University in 2004.  In that same year she and her husband, Cory, moved to Middle Tennessee.  They have two daughters, a Labrador retriever, and a cat that keep them on their toes!  Becky has worked in a variety of settings which include skilled nursing facilities, hospital, school system, home health, early intervention, and private practice.  She is licensed by the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). She was promoted to Co-Director of the Speech, Language and Learning Center in 2015. In 2016 and 2019, and was presented the award for Continuing Education by the Continuing Education Board in recognition of continued professional study. She is also a member of the Tennessee Association of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (TASSLP) and was elected as the TAASLP Member-at-Large Executive Council for 2018-2020. Her responsibilities included representing member concerns to the Executive Council and chairing the Committee on Awards and Honors. She loves being a Speech Language Pathologist and is thankful that she is able to work with children and their families in order to improve their feeding and communication skills.

  Areas of expertise include SOS Approach™ (Sequential Oral Sensory) To Feeding: Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders®,  Autism Spectrum Disorders, Apraxia, Oral-Motor and Speech Disorders, Picture Exchange Communication System™ (PECS), Orofacial Myology, VitalStim™ therapy for dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), AAC-LAMP® Training, Interactive Metronome®.

  Workshop Goal(s): 

  Participants will receive practical ideas for ways to increase communication both with and without assistive technology supports. (Think printables, websites, apps, tips and tricks for families to try at home.)

  Click here for frequently asked questions!

  Show details
• AutismTN Birthday Bash at Adventure Science Center

  • When
    Saturday, April 17, 2021
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Adventure Science Center
  • Spaces left
    14
  • Registered
    72 registrants

  Autism Tennessee is very excited to announce our annual Family Fun Event in partnership with the Adventure Science Center! In honor of Autism Awareness Month, they are opening the doors of the Science Center just for families who have a family member with autism (closed to the public for the first hour), and will be adjusting the lights and sounds for our more sensory sensitive friends. This event is for all ages. 

  Date: Saturday, April 17th, 2021

  Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am.

  Adults - $15 (Members)/$17 (Non-members)

  Children (Age 2-12) - $11

   Planetarium Show "Destination Mars" @10:00 AM - Is an additional $9/person
  [there is a 50 person limit to allow for social distancing.]

  Families will have exclusive use of the Science Center for a one hour period including a quiet room. The doors will open to the public after the first hour. During the event we will celebrate  birthdays, because we believe that everyone deserves to celebrate and be celebrated! Often kids with autism don't get invited to birthday parties and few, if any, children come to theirs.  Autism Tennessee is committed to enriching the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and that includes the birthday party experience!  This event is for all ages., adults have birthdays too! 

  We will aim to host treats and sing  "Happy Birthday" at 9:15 so don't miss it!  (Not required if the  singing is a trigger for your family- we get it!)

  Families who choose to, can stay as long as they want during regular open hours at no extra charge or use their wristband to leave and return later in the day.

  Tickets must be purchased online for this event.

  
  

  Thank you to our Food and Beverage Sponsor: 
  
  

  Want to help us plan this? Check out our Amazon Wishlist!

  Show details
• Virtual BINGO

  • When
    Sunday, April 18, 2021
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CDT)
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    14
  • Registered
    16 registrants

  Register

  
  

  BINGO!

  Join us for an online Family Fun Event!

  Date: Sunday, April 18, 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!

  
  

  Show details
• Spectrum Chats: Flexible Thinking and Perspective Taking

  • When
    Thursday, April 29, 2021
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (CDT)
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    89

  Register

  
  

  Spectrum Chats: Flexible Thinking and Perspective Taking 

  
  

  Having good social skills is important to being successful at work and in life. But what are good social skills? And how does a person get them? Individuals with autism often have difficulty with theory of mind (i.e., perspective-taking) to varying degrees. This contributes to miscommunication or misunderstandings with others.  Luckily, for many people, good social skills can be learned, and it starts with perspective-taking. Learning how to use perspective-taking in order to adapt to people and situations allows us to be more flexible in our thinking, to be better heard and understood, and to have a higher chance of getting our needs met. In this presentation, participants will learn what perspective taking is, the steps to doing it, and how to apply it to situations they may encounter. Resources will also be provided for those who want to learn more. 

  
  

  Moderator: Toni Nguyen, is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Tennessee.  Over the past five years, she has specialized in working with adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). She enjoys working with this population to determine their personal strengths and challenges in order to develop functional goals and accommodations to improve cognitive-communication abilities, increase independence, and implement individualized strategies/tools to facilitate success in the community and the workplace.

  
  

  Workshop Goals:
  

  At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  i) Define perspective-taking

  ii) Understand the steps of perspective-taking

  iii) Consider how others perceive and respond to their behavior

  iv).  Apply flexible thinking to the people and situations around them (i.e., the workplace, casual lunches, etc.) in order to navigate behaviors for better social outcomes

  
  

  If you have situations that have occurred that you would like the presenter to use as an example of using perspective-taking, send an email describing the situation to outreach@autismtn.org. 
  

  
  Click here for frequently asked questions!

  Show details
• Jam with Jelly - Online Food Craft Event

  • When
    Sunday, May 16, 2021
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CDT)
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    20

  Registration is closed

  
  

  
  

  Jam With Jelly - Online Food Craft Event

  
  

  When: Sunday May 16, 2021

  Time:  4:30 - 6:00 PM

  Where: Online, via Zoom

  Cost: Members: FREE!

  Non-members: $5

  
  

  Autism Tennessee’s Social Events are monthly outings for a variety of interests within the autism community.

  
  

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• MOVE Inclusive Dance -Online Class

  • When
    Wednesday, June 09, 2021
  •  
    4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (CDT)
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    10

  
  

  MOVE INCULSIVE DANCE

  When: Wednesday, June 9, 2021

  Time:  4:30 - 5:30 PM

  Where: Online, via Zoom

  Cost: Members: FREE!

  Non-members: $5

   MOVE Inclusive Dance is a dance studio designed for individuals of all ability levels. Our in-person and virtual programs create opportunities for our students to learn important life skills through the power of movement and music.

  Lauren Beasley is the Founder + Executive Director of MOVE Inclusive Dance. She has successfully grown her organization from a summer camp with 13 students to a substantial year-round program serving individuals across the US. She has garnered support from iFundWomen and The Red Backpack Global Giving Fund in support of Female Entrepreneurship, as well as being an organization featured by New York media foundation BuzzFeed.

  Registration is required to get the Zoom link. The supply list will be sent in the confirmation email. 

  This class is for individuals with autism of all ages and their families.

  Click here for frequently asked questions!

  Show details