November 2025

Chuckie & Choice-Making

As I write this, we are heading into the season of continual holidays – Halloween, Day of the Dead, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Bodhi Day, St. Nicholas Day, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, etc. My son, Kieran, celebrates them all! Holidays are one of his passions, and his enjoyment of them is infectious. Early in September, he and his provider headed to the Halloween store where he selected a Chuckie costume, as he put it “kind of an evil doll.” He has taken every opportunity to wear it, with several more planned.  

His appearance at Autism Society Central Ohio's Band Together event prompted the comment, “It never crossed my mind that I would personally experience Chuckie playing the Beatles.” But there IS photo evidence. 

Let me admit that I am a total chicken when it comes to horror movies. I could barely watch the commercials when the Chuckie movies hit the theaters. And I sincerely hope that Kieran has never actually watched one. I had to accept Kieran's choice of costume despite my feelings. Because his Autism has deprived him of a lot of other choices, I need to honor those he can safely make. I need to honor those he can safely make. This was a very hard parenting lesson to learn, and it took me many years to master it.

Part of learning to parent a child with Autism is letting go of caring about what people think.  What does it matter now that Kieran wore his pajamas under his clothes throughout the preschool years? That he wore his favorite shirt dirty because I did not have the time to wash it one night? That we purchased at least two extra copies of Good Night, Moon because I forgot to pack it when we were going out of town in order to preserve the bedtime routine?

While some may talk about these as fixations, as I look back, I think these were a way of fostering his choice-making, of listening to his messages. Of course, occasionally those choices were not ideal, but those offered the opportunity for learning. This November, I have resolved to be thankful for Kieran's freedom to make all the choices he can.  

I wish you a wonderful November. 

Kathi J. Machle, President

On Thursday, October 23, the Autism Society of Ohio was recognized as "Best Nonprofit" by the Ohio Minority Business Enterprise (MBEOhio). ASO shared the award with Help for Homelessness and Beyond Inc. Kathi Machle attended the awards ceremony at Huntington Park in Columbus. We are excited that our efforts on behalf of the Autism community in Ohio were recognized in this way!

A recent ASO grant provided residents of Brown, Adams and Highland counties with a sensory evening at Erwin's Family Farm where they enjoyed the corn maze, games and activities. The happy faces in the photos say it all. 

There is still time to share what matters most to your family and help build better supports, resources, and trainings that make a difference.

Fill out the OCALI Family Engagement Survey.

ASO grants can help bring Autism friendly programming and events to your neighborhood! For more information, visit our website.

The Autism Society relies upon the tremendous work of our local organizations to help individuals and families throughout Ohio. If you don’t see your county listed below, please contact the Autism Society of Ohio so we can connect you with support and services in your area. For more information, call 614-495-7551 or via email at info@autismohio.org

For information about events and support groups sponsored by other local Autism Society Affiliates, click HERE. The page identifies counties covered by a local affiliate and provides contact information. 

Autism Society of Central Ohio is sponsoring two online special needs planning webinars by Logan Philipps of Philipps & Graham, LLC: Guardianship & Supported Decision Making on November 4 at 7 PM and Special Needs Trusts, Benefits, and STABLE Accounts on November 11 at 7 PM.



The Delaware Turkey Trot donates all proceeds to Autism Society Central Ohio. The event includes a 5K run, a 2-mile walk, and a Little Gobbler Kid's Fun Run on Thanksgiving morning.

Autism Society of Greater Akron hosts a free monthly virtual session on education, advocacy, and action (VOICE). This month's session is held on November 17.

ASGA's premier fundraising event, the Fall Gala, will be on November 8. Tickets are now available here.

Autism Society Northwest Ohio is hosting an Autism Resources 101 session on November 18 at 6:30 PM.

Other Events

OCALICON Autism and Disabilities Conference features experts from around the globe in over 200 virtual sessions.

The Autism Support Squad of Northwest Ohio is planning a Polar Express Christmas Event on December 6th, 2025 in Delphos.

If you live in the Cincinnati area, Autism Connections provides a plethora of events and opportunities.

The Appalachian Family Center for Autism and Disability Resources and Education (AFC CADRE) offers open swim nights for those with disabilities and their families on the first, third, and fifth Fridays of each month from 5 to 7 pm at the Beacon School, 801 W. Union St. in Athens. November dates are the 7th and 21st.

Support ASO and look great doing it! Find your new favorite hat, t-shirt, and more on our website!

Third Party Fundraising

Looking for a fun and impactful way to support those with Autism in your community or throughout the state? Consider hosting a third-party fundraising event! Whether you're an individual, business, or organization, there's something for everyone to get involved in. These events raise vital funds, spread awareness, promote inclusivity, and can significantly impact families living with Autism. 



Let's make a difference together!

Examples of third-party events:

• Sip and paint
• Car washes, craft shows, or bake sales
• Casual Fridays and holiday parties
• Grand openings and store promotions
• Art shows/art auctions
• Bike-a-thon, walk-a-thon, bowl-a-thon
• Golf tournaments
• Black-tie events
• 5k races and marathons

The Autism Society is deeply concerned about the major layoffs in the Office of Special Education and the Rehabilitation Services Administration. These layoffs remove the staff who make sure that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is followed by school districts. This places our Ohio students with Autism at serious risk of losing the rights guaranteed by federal law. Let your opinion be known. For a quick way to contact your legislators, click HERE.

At the state level, House Bill 335 and House Bill 186 are aimed at changing property tax laws that would significantly reduce revenue to local school districts. Inevitably, this will lead to a reduction in available supports for special education students. For more information, click HERE.

Contact your state legislators to express your opinion of these changes.

For updates on national legislation, you can subscribe to The Capitol Connection.

ASO has continued its advocacy statewide. Please reach out to us with comments or concerns. Your voice is important. 

Follow us!

P.O. Box 545, Worthington, Ohio 43085

Email: info@autismohio.org | 614.495.7551 | autismohio.org