If you prefer using email, contact us at help@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.

Mindfulness Helps Some Autistic Symptoms, Lowers Parental Stress

Reading IEP Goals for Nonverbal Students You’ll Love: Fostering Literacy with Adapted Books

How Community Support Improves Life for Autistic Children

Perspectives and experiences of physical activity among autistic adults in middle adulthood

Gut Bacteria and Immune Cells May Drive Autism

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

Registration:

$375 for Austill's and AOT Therapists

$425 for Community

(10% Discount for AOTA Members)

TRAIN: Autistic and intellectually disabled people are at increased risk of being victimized and experiencing trauma, however, few therapists are skilled in both supporting these communities and providing trauma-focused care. To bridge this gap, psychologists with the ASERT team created the TRAIN program—12 weeks of self-guided learning and live webinars for mental health therapists licensed in Pennsylvania who are currently working with Autistic and/or intellectually disabled adults.

Cost and CE Credits: It’s free to participate. 13.5 continuing Education (CE) credits are provided through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) upon completion of the program.

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.

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!

Autism Connection of PA is honored to join Hope for HIE Foundation - Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy for the First Annual Charity Run hosted by Kool Run Club.

"Come together October 12th to run for a cause with the Kool Run Club crew!

LOCATION- Southside Dog/Riverfront Park

ADDRESS: 1927 Sidney St Pittsburgh ,PA 15203 (Park under bridge upper or lower lot)

DISTANCE: 3 miles

ALL PACES (INCLUDING WALKERS), ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS, ALL AGES WELCOMED. So if you’re thinking you don't belong this is the safe space to start."

Read why Kool Run Club chose Hope for HIE and Autism Connection of PA, and show your support.

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

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