Letter from the President

Finding Balance as a Caregiver

Spending time with nature for even a few minutes calms me, whether sitting on my back deck or enjoying a sunset like I did here on a trip to Manzanita, Oregon.

Dear OH Autism Community,


November marks National Family Caregiverā€™s Month, and as someone deeply familiar with the demands of caregiving, I have mixed feelings about this acknowledgment. While a month of recognition is thoughtful, it doesnā€™t alleviate the reality of feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or worn out. 


Caregivers often feel solely responsible for careā€”even their own. Yet, we know itā€™s essential to remember that caring for ourselves is not selfish; itā€™s necessary.


Whatā€™s your favorite self-care strategy? Let us know here on our FB page!

Iā€™ll be the first to admit that Iā€™ve coped with stress in both healthy and unhealthy ways over the years, but Iā€™ve learned to give myself grace when I fall short. Perfection isnā€™t the goalā€”sometimes, we have to ask ourselves if the situation is a ā€œglass ballā€ or a ā€œrubber ball.ā€ If itā€™s a rubber ball, it can bounce back. But if itā€™s glass, we must address it, fix it, or even let it go.


My charge to you this month is to take just a few minutes each week for yourself. Deep breathing exercises are a simple, cost-free way to relax; apps like iBreathe or videos like the Breathe Bubble can guide you. You might even get those you care for to join you. A brief walk, journaling your gratitude, calling a friend, or watching a sunset can be surprisingly restorative.


ļ»æIf you find yourself struggling to cope, please reach out. Our ASO information and referral specialist is here to listen and connect you with support. 


Wishing you moments of restorative peace this month!


Kathi Machle, President, Autism Society of Ohio


Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need someone to talk to. You can always email info@autismohio.org or call 614-495-7551. We are here to help!

ā€Š

Tips for Self-Care


+ Ask for Help: Donā€™t be afraid to accept assistance from family or friends, whether itā€™s childcare, cooking, or errands.


+ Reach Out: Talking with someone who listens can relieve stress. A friend or support group can make a big difference.


+ Take a Break: A few minutes awayā€”walking, resting, or meeting a friendā€”can recharge you for caregiving.


+ Journal Your Journey: Writing down thoughts or tracking your childā€™s progress can help with reflection and reduce stress.




Bonus


Join Autism Society of Americaā€™s Family Caregiverā€™s Month episode on Facebook Live.

for insights and tips, including a free online support network for caregivers, Extend A Touch.

FEATURED PROGRAMMING

A Night of Fun & Frights


October was packed with seasonal activities, thanks to dedicated volunteers and support from the ASO Programming Grant. 


Brown County hosted a Spooky Halloween Dance Party, where attendees delighted in costumes, music, and Halloween treats. Meanwhile, Tri-County Village held a Sensory Spooks and Smiles event where everyone could celebrate the season comfortably. These events brought Halloween spirit to life, offering memorable experiences for all who participated.


Autism Ohio established Programming Grants up to $750 to empower local initiatives such as these. These grants offer financial assistance to foster community-driven solutions in counties without direct coverage from one of our affiliate offices. 


Bring Programming to Your Area! If you want to establish a support group, organize seasonal events, or assist families in your community, please contact us at 614-495-7551 or email info@autismohio.org. Let's make a difference in the lives of individuals with Autism and their families across Ohio and their families across Ohio.

AUTISM SOCIETY NEAR ME

ā€Š

AUTISM SOCIETY CENTRAL OHIO - LUNCH WITH A LAWYER


November 28, 2024 8:30am


ASCO also hosts a monthly Lunch with a Lawyer with Logan Philipps of Philipps & Graham, LLC, providing information on a variety of Special Needs Planning topics. Each session is limited to 8 participants.

Register here

DELAWARE COUNTY'S ANNUAL TURKEY TROT


November 28, 2024 8:30am


Delaware County's annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning benefits Autism Society of Ohio. Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome.

Register here

GREATER AKRON - FALL GALA


November 9, 2024 5:30pm


Autism Society of Greater Akron's Fall Gala is November 9th.

See more information

GREATER AKRON - GET AIR AKRON


November 17, 2024


Autism Society of Greater Akron, in collaboration with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation, will sponsor free jump time for the whole family at Get Air Akron on November 17th.

Register here

RESOURCES

Gizmo Watch 3- Verizon Partnership


Autism Society of America is excited to announce our partnership with Verizon, featuring the Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure, a kid-friendly smartwatch designed to help keep your loved ones safe and foster independence. 


As many in our community know, wandering and elopement are significant concerns, with children and people with Autism being four times more likely to wander than their neurotypical peers. Verizonā€™s Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure provides an extra layer of security with features like real-time location tracking, geofencing alerts, and easy communication tools that allow loved ones to stay connected. 


You can check out the full article here, along with the testimony directly from your care givers.

ā€Š

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

ā€Š

Inspiring Action Through the Stories of Our Community


Everyone has the right to live fully ā€” and to have an organization that champions laws and policies that positively impact their lives. Thatā€™s why the Autism Society is so important in our community.


Autism Society of America is launching their new Gifts of Acceptance campaign ā€” highlighting diverse, personal, stories from the Autism community to inspire action. Gifts of Acceptance are opportunities for inclusion, supports, services, and the right to live fully. These gifts represent our work in advocacy, justice, employment, safety programming, healthcare, and more.


Please consider a gift today.



ļ»æLet's make a difference together!


Read More

ADVOCACY

ON CAPITAL HILL


Autism CARES Act


The Autism CARES Act passed the House in September. The bill still needs to pass on the Senate floor to become law. Please use our Action Alert to thank your Representative and urge your Senators to pass the bill during the Lame Duck session.


Learn More

Your voice matters in advocating for policies that support the Autism community. Stay informed and get involved!

Follow us!ļ»æ

Facebook  Instagram  X

P.O. Box 545, Worthington, Ohio 43085

Email: info@autismohio.org 614.495.7551 autismohio.org