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.

Indoor Activities for Complex Needs

Autistic and Non-Autistic Faces May ‘Speak Different Languages’

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Cerebral Folate Deficiency, Autism, and the Role of Leucovorin

Alzheimer’s disease and autism; and more

Caring for Loved Ones with Profound Autism/Complex Needs

Tuesday, February 10th at 6:30pm on Zoom

This meeting is a safe space for parents and caregivers to share experiences, support each other and find resources.

Leading Education & Awareness on Research in Neurodivergence

LEARN is a monthly seminar hosted by the ACLD Tillotson School and REAACT Autism Research Program. The series takes place over 4 months, sharing the latest research on neurodevelopmental disabilities from professionals in the field. The seminar series covers topics that are important to researchers, teachers/educators, psychologists, parents, as well as neurodiverse individuals and their advocates.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026   6:30-7:45pm

Title: Promoting Sleep for Health for Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals and Their Families

Speaker: Amy Hartman, PhD, OTR/L

Late Diagnosis of Autism Support Group

Topic: Relationships and connections, including pets

Wednesday, February 4th at 6:30pm on Zoom

The Late Diagnosis of Autism Support Group Meets every first and third Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm Virtual support group for people diagnosed with autism later in life. This meeting is open to people who believe they are autistic and don't know where to turn.

Run, Walk, Roll - Sign up by clicking Start Here

Volunteer for the Champions Mile Autism Connection of PA Cheer Station:

Email tammi@autismofpa.org

Attention young adults with autism!

We’re looking for participants for a 6-week art therapy study designed to help improve coping skills.

Participants will be randomized into one of three groups for the length of the study. Participants will either be placed in an assessment only group, a psychoeducation only group, or a full art therapy intervention group.

If you’re between the ages of 18-25, not currently enrolled in high school, and have been diagnosed with autism, we invite you to participate! Participation is voluntary.

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