Articles and resources shared in this e-blast are provided for informational purposes only. They are not written by Autism Connection of PA staff and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, or official positions of Autism Connection of PA or its Board Members. We encourage readers to use their own judgment and consult trusted professionals as needed.

‘Nothing is easy’: Lehigh Valley parents of autistic children frustrated over long wait times, denials of service

Signs Your Child Is Sensory Seeking: Practical Advice for Autism

Masking and Unmasking: What Recent Research Suggests

How Autistic Brains Process Faces Differently

Brains of teens with autism ‘tune in’ less to unfamiliar voices, Stanford Medicine-led study finds

Virtual Deep Dive into PA ABLE accounts

Feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand PA ABLE accounts? Confused about upcoming changes to the program? Want to learn more about how PA ABLE works, who can access it, and how to optimize your own account?

Then join this interactive virtual skill share!

We welcome our community partner Diana Fishlock from PA ABLE to lead us through all the nuances, the nitty-gritty, and the changes.

This event is designed for disabled adults. There will be time for a Q&A after the presentation, so please do come with any questions you may have!

ASL interpretation and closed captions will be provided. If you have access needs other than these please email info@disabledpgh.org!

Summer SMART Program

Seizure Management for People with Active Epilepsy (SMART) is a free online program for adults (18 years or older) living with epilepsy. Sessions will be held in small groups via Zoom once a week for about an hour, for 8 weeks. August 6 - September 24.

Topics covered include the relationship between epilepsy and stress, complications of epilepsy and minimizing those complications, problem solving, nutrition, physical health, the importance of social and advocacy support and much more.

Space is limited.

Questions? Contact Jordan Hinds at jhinds@eawcp.org or 412-322-5880.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, in partnership with the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy at Duquesne University, invites people ages 14 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their families and caregivers, to participate in our Sensory Nature Walk and Education Seminar Series at the Frick Environmental Center.

Each session includes:

• A guided walk along ADA-accessible Sensory Nature Trail

• A relaxed opportunity to experience nature through the senses

• A brief educational seminar for parents and caregivers about post-secondary inclusion opportunities

Dates

• July 25

• August 22

• September 26

• October 24

Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Location: Frick Environmental Center

This study, funded by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training (ASERT) Collaborative and conducted by researchers at Penn State College of Medicine, aims to explore the benefits of a psychoeducational art therapy intervention for improving coping skills in individuals with autism. This study is voluntary, and participants must meet certain eligibility criteria. Enrollment will only be guaranteed if the individual meets all the eligibility requirements. 

We are currently recruiting young adults ages 18-35 who have been diagnosed with autism and are not enrolled in high school. To participate, individuals must be able to self-report. Participants will be placed into one of three randomized groups that include an assessment-only group, a psychoeducation-only group, or a full art therapy intervention group. Participation in the study will last for about 18 weeks total. Participants will receive compensation for participation in this study. 

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are comparing the effectiveness of two therapies, the Emotion Awareness and Skills Enhancement (EASE) Program and Unified Protocol (UP). Both therapies were developed to help people manage their emotions.

We are looking for people who:

• Are age 12-25

• Have a professional autism spectrum disorder diagnosis

• Have the ability to communicate (speaking or nonspeaking) and receive therapy

• Have difficulty managing emotions

• Live in Pennsylvania

What would I do in the study?

• Attend approximately 16 therapy sessions, which can be in-person or telehealth with providers from our partnering

community mental health clinics.

• Complete surveys and interviews at four different times.

You will be compensated for completing surveys and interviews associated with the study.

Contact: Kara Duman - emotiontherapy@upmc.edu or 1-866-647-3436

The University of Pittsburgh Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) research study hopes to learn more to help support mental health and reduce suicide risk for autistic adults.

Enrolling ages 18-65 who were diagnosed with autism as a child. Participants will complete eligibility testing and questionnaires, wear chest and ankle bands to monitor physiological activity, and complete an fMRI scan. Brief assessments 6- and 12- months after enrollment. Study payment provided.

Please email pittace@upmc.edu or call 724-524-8415. http://www.reaact.pitt.edu