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Welcome Jodi Glass
Executive Director
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A Family Affair
Every year, Jodi's family works on creating the ASMV scarecrow for Mill Creek Park’s display in Fellows Riverside Gardens. Her husband, Dan, always steps up with his creativity and brings the ideas to life.
This year, they went a little abstract and built a sunflower masquerading as a scarecrow. Dan hand-painted every petal. The colors reflect the many colors in our organization’s logo, and the sunflower concept is meant to encourage those in the autism community should stand tall, grow, and be proud.
Check it out at Fellows Riverside Gardens along the Gardens Trail Loop. The scarecrows are also featured during the annual Pumpkin Walk on October 12, 2025.
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For many, particularly parents, the Autism ribbon is a totem of Autism awareness and acceptance. Many Autistic adults, however, find it insulting and advocate for other symbols, including a multi-colored infinity sign. The Autism Society has not used the ribbon logo for many years due to this controversy.
Symbols, while helpful, can be controversial. This month, the Autism Society of Ohio featured an article by Autism Advocate Thomas McKean to provide context and history surrounding the Autism ribbon. Diagnosed with autism in 1979, McKean was the
co-creator of the Autism puzzle piece.
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Trunk or Treat
Join us on October 18!
| | Join us at the 7th Annual Fall Festival Resource Fair and Trunk or Treat. All are welcome to attend this FREE sensory-friendly event! The Autism Awareness Training and Acceptance Program has partnered with us to provide the community with a fun-filled day of fall festivities for those with Autism, special needs, and disabilities. In addition to the trunk or treat, we will have adaptable games and activities, fundraiser basket raffles, a "favorite trunk" competition, and more! Be sure to stop by the ASMV table on event day! | |
New Exclusive Webinar
Planning a More Secure Future for Your Child with Special Needs
Many families raising a child with special needs worry about one enduring question: “What will happen when I’m no longer here or if I need care myself?” The future can feel overwhelming when navigating financial systems, legal tools, and government programs that were not built with your child’s unique needs in mind. Join us for a session on October 15 designed to demystify the planning process and offer families a framework to build a sturdy, secure, coordinated strategy.
Participants will learn how to integrate three essential elements of a successful plan:
- financial strategies to build sustainable resources with protection, savings, and growth
- estate planning tools like Wills, ABLE, and Special Needs Trusts to ensure long-term care and asset protection, and
- the intelligent coordination of government benefits to supplement private planning.
Hosted by: Michael Ringel, CPA, RICP®, CExP™, ChSNC, Chartered Special Needs Consultant, Strategies for Wealth
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We are excited to announce our 12th Annual Holiday Mini Grants Program. The program is once again funded by our friends of the Mike Hull Memorial Fund. Items requested can include — devices for communication needs, recreational or fitness items, items to help students with educational needs, items to help with social or emotional needs of individuals, and other needs specific to an individual's needs due to their Autism.
Open to children, teens and adults with autism living in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties. Parents or Guardians can fill out a request through November 5.
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Caregiver Morning Support Group
Thursday, October 16
This Support Group is open to moms, dads, grandparents, and others who are directly involved in caring for an individual with autism. It's a welcoming space to share ideas and experiences, talk about the challenges and joys of the autism journey, or simply connect with other caregivers who understand.
Teen and Adult Social Connections Group
Saturday, October 18
Our social connections group provides opportunities for teens and young adults to socialize, form friendships, and address general issues of interest to them - all in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. The mission is for individuals who have minimal support needs to create lasting friendships within and beyond our group.
Want to see everything happening this October and beyond?
Visit our full Events Calendar for details, registration, and more opportunities to get involved.
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Available Leagues/Classes:
The Hubbard Youth Coalition has a variety of classes available to children and adults with special needs. Learn more HERE.
Limitless Dance has Drums Alive and many other private and group classes. Learn more HERE.
The Performing Arts Center has a Dance Abilities class on Tuesday evenings. Learn more HERE.
Special Olympics programs are currently available for teens and adults. Fall programs and leagues have been announced. Contact Kathryn Toth at 330-717-6673 or sportsunlimited@thecarouselcenter.com
Adaptive Bowling League: Cortland Lanes Pin Pal League is open to individuals with autism and all special needs. Call 330-637-2961 or stop by to learn more.
Ignite Pediatric Therapy: Learn more about the Working on Words Interactive Story Time HERE.
SIBS Program: The Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities continues its program for the siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities. For more info, contact Kim Jeswald at 330-799-3193 or kimberlee.jeswald@mahoningcountyoh.org
Sensory Friendly Sundays: Inclusive monthly art classes for all ages at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown.
Sensory Friendly Story Time: For children ages 3-10 with autism or sensory processing disorders. Siblings welcome. Times vary per location. Contact your local library for times or learn more HERE.
| | State and National Advocacy | | As of September 2025, the Autism Society of America has appointed Joe Joyce as its new CEO. Joyce previously served on the ASA board, as well as the boards for the Autism Science Foundation and the National Down Syndrome Society. He also brings extensive leadership experience from both the nonprofit and business sectors. | | Let’s work together to protect the services that make a difference in our lives. | | | | |
