Looking for a tax-savvy way to support the autism community? Thanks to the Spanos Group of Raymond James, you can now donate appreciated stock to Autism Connection of Pennsylvania.



•  Maximize your charitable deduction
•  Avoid capital gains taxes
•  Rebalance your portfolio
•  Preserve your cash flow
• Potentially receive a tax deduction (consult your tax advisor)

Turn your investments into meaningful support for autistic people of all ages and stages and their families. 

If you'd like more information about stock donations, email development@autismofpa.org.

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.

Supporting autistic patients in health care

Markosek bill to allow communication impairment designation on driver’s license

‘Too Much Going On’: Autistic Adults Overwhelmed by Nonverbal Social Cues

No Link Found Between Aluminum in Vaccines and Autism, ADHD

Online coding of the Brief Observation of Social Communication Change (BOSCC) to capture treatment response in minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder

Access to Resources for People with Physical Disabilities

Thursday, August 7, 2025

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Come learn about the resources available for people with physical disabilities. This free webinar will review the enrollment process through the statewide Maximus system and the role of the Supports Coordination agency, such as Service Coordination Unlimited, and access to Medicaid Waivers, ACT 150 and Community Health Choices services.

You will also learn about what you can expect from a service provider, and your right to request services and/or appeal a decision of the provider.

Lastly, there will be a discussion on the diverse services offered by CLASS, including in-home services, services for individuals with TBI, assistive technology (TechOwl) and home adaptation evaluations, etc.

Presenters: Erin Lydon-Kline, MS, Program Compliance Manager for Service Coordination Unlimited(SCU) CU’s UPMC Community Health Choices Department.

Cait Barton, Director of the Office of Developmental Program(ODP) at Service Coordination Unlimited (SCU).

Monica Albert Still, RN, BSN. Physical Medicine and Rehab Physicians Department, Adult Spina Bifida Clinic

Rebecca MacTaggart, Community Engagement Specialist, CLASS

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 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.

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.

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

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