Student Spotlight: Chris Pope -- From the ER to Successful Student

Chris Pope was diagnosed with autism as a child and needed a school where teachers understood how to help him with communications, social skills and behavioral struggles. After a traumatic experience in public school where he was so unsafe that he ended up in the emergency room, Chris came to Connections.

According to his mom Laura Pope, “Connections didn’t just change his life; they changed our entire family dynamic. You don’t get this level of understanding and all-encompassing compassion at other schools.”

Read his story to see how he has grown into a student who can self-regulate, communicate, and connect with fellow students and family. More.

Connections Partners With the Special Olympics

We're excited to announce our new partnership with the Special Olympics Florida! This key partnership gives us another opportunity to promote inclusion for all and to introduce our students to the world of sports, which can be an excellent avenue for improving motor, social and cognitive skills. 

As part of this program, the Special Olympics provides sports equipment and a six-week curriculum for specific age groups -- Pre-K, elementary and middle/high school. We've already kicked off the learning!

Stay tuned to learn about a culminating event at the end of this program to show what our kids have learned!

Join Us for Build Across America Day!

Connections is partnering with the National Association of Home Builders and the Gold Coast Builders Association to celebrate Build Across America Day! We'll host a special session at Connections on Saturday, Oct. 29, 1-4 p.m. where students will learn about careers in construction directly from local builders and engage in hands-on projects designed to cultivate curiosity and creativity!

This nationwide program is being held at multiple sites across the country on the same day. The event was inspired by the book titled "The House That She Built" that shows the growing roles that women play in the construction industry.

If you'd like to join us, please save your spot here. 

Tickets Now Available for This Year's Gala!

Our best-ever Gala is in the works, and you can now order tickets and select seating! The 2023 Connections Gala promises to be an incredible night as we celebrate the impact we're making together for students with autism and our entire community.

Enjoy delicious food, music, dancing, an exciting silent auction and special time with other impact makers. You won't want to miss this! Learn more.