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Safety extends beyond physical security. It also encompasses legal, financial, emotional well-being, medical help, and belonging.
The upcoming Autism Safety Expo 2025 will connect the autism community to critical products and services while serving as a key fundraiser for our mission to be a lifeline of support. Autism Connection of PA invites your corporation or organization to join us in our commitment to safety for autistic people of all ages and stages. Show your support as a sponsor or vendor, and share what you have to offer!
Sponsor
Event Table
Email development@autismofpa.org for more information!
| | 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. | |
Is it Sensory or Is it Behavior Two-Day Conference
Austill's Educational Therapy Services
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This workshop is for OTs, PTs, SLPs, behavior specialists, psychologists, physicians, educators, and parents. Join experts Carolyn Murray-Slutsky and Betty Paris as they explore the connection between sensory processing, communication, behavior, and mental health.
Learn practical strategies through case studies, videos, and guided tools to better understand challenging behaviors and create effective, strength-based intervention plans.
1.2 CEUs, 12 Contact Hours - AOTA Approved Provider - PT Credits Pending - Early Bird Discount until 8/15
*Early Bird Discount*
$350 for Austill's and AOT Therapists
$395 for Community
(10% Discount for AOTA Members)
Registration after August 15th
$375 for Austill's and AOT Therapists
$425 for Community
(10% Discount for AOTA Members)
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Caring for Loved Ones with Profound Autism: Virtual Information and Sharing for Parents and Caregivers
Wednesday September 10th at 6:30pm
On Zoom
Join Autism Connection of Pennsylvania for a free virtual, interactive workshop for parents and caregivers of children, teens, and adults with profound autism. This session offers a space to share experiences, ask questions, and access practical information. We’ll talk about day-to-day challenges, long-term planning, and ways to support people who are deeply affected by autism. Whether you're just beginning your journey or have years of experience, you're welcome to connect and learn with others who understand.
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Estate Planning for Family Members with Disabilities - Upcoming In Person Event with Achieva Family Trust and Sechler Law Office
August 20, 2025 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Sechler Law Office
500 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086
Free in-person, mini-conference designed to empower individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers with essential knowledge about government benefits, estate planning, and trust services.
Topics covered by staff from Sechler Law Offices and Achieva Family Trust include:
*Navigating Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and employment while receiving benefits
*Estate planning strategies to protect loved ones with disabilities.
*An overview of Achieva Family Trust services including Trust Administration, Residual Grant Program and Government Benefits Counseling Program.
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Pittsburgh Youth Chorus offers a neurodiverse choir, Cantate. Cantate focuses on singing and experiencing music in a welcoming choral community with musical instruction specifically geared to meet the abilities of students with physical, social, emotional, and/or intellectual challenges. Students will have a sensory-friendly environment that allows for varying strategies to experience the joy of singing!
Registration is open through October 1, 2025. Only 10 spots are available in each section. The first rehearsal will be on September 16th.
Contact info@pittsburghyouthchorus.org with questions
| | Autism Safety Expo Call for Vendors | | |
Autism Connection of Pennsylvania is proud to host the 2025 Autism Safety Expo in concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, Philadelphia. This two-day event brings together families, caregivers, professionals, and community members for essential safety education and access to vital resources for people with autism and co-occurring conditions.
Friday, October 17th, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #4
4370 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146
We invite vendors to exhibit at this important event for a $500 fee per table. Your presence will give attendees access to valuable safety tools, services, products, and information that support well-being in home and community environments.
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The Birds of a Feather Preschool Readiness Playgroup uses a learn-through-play, standards-aligned approach in order to help children gain the skills needed to thrive in their future preschool environment.
- Open to all children 2-4 years old with a caregiver.
- If your child is receiving early intervention services, please feel welcome to have their session at Birds of a Feather. Your therapist is always welcome to join.
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Interested in advertising your event, program, research study or employment opportunities here?
| | EMOTION AWARENESS AND SKILLS ENHANCEMENT + UNIFIED PROTOCOL (EASE+UP) | | |
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
| | University of Pittsburgh ACE Study | | |
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
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UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR AUTISM RESEARCH
EDI-fNIRS- functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
The Center of Excellence for Autism Research at the University of Pittsburgh is conducting a research study to measure emotion regulation. We are enrolling parents or guardians and children ages 4-8 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Parents will complete a small battery of assessments and children will take part in computer games where they wear a cap on their head to measure brain activity. The appointment takes approximately 2-3 hours. We offer payment for participating.
If you would like more information, please email to autismrecruiter@upmc.edu
or phone toll free 1-866-647-3436. http://www.REAACT.pitt.edu
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Autism Connection of PA disclaims and does not endorse or support any individual or entity included in this publication, makes no representations, warranties, guarantees or promises on behalf of or for those listed, and assumes no liability nor responsibility for any service or product provided or advertised. We strongly recommend that readers of this e-blast and related publications such as newsletters, exercise their own best judgment when making the decision to use the services, products, interventions or advice from any entity listed herein.
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