October 2026

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Happy fall from Connections! The students and staff are settling into a season of learning, growth, and connection and the kids are especially looking forward to our annual Trunk or Treat—a favorite tradition filled with creative costumes, laughter, and plenty of Halloween fun!

Behind the scenes, we’re putting together our Annual Report, and we can’t wait to share the progress, stories, and accomplishments your support has helped make possible, along with our plans for the future of Connections.

We’re also looking ahead to our Hearts & Hands Gala on February 27, 2027. With the theme “An Evening of Possibilities,” this special celebration will highlight the potential of our students and adults—and the opportunities we can create together.



Thank you for being part of the Connections community and for helping make every season one of possibility!

Jason Portman

Executive Director

SAVE THE DATE:

HEARTS & HANDS GALA 2027

Mark your calendar! The 2027 Connections Hearts & Hands Gala: An Evening of Possibilities, will be taking place Saturday, February 27, 2027, at 6:00 p.m. at The National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach.

The evening will bring our community together to celebrate the potential of individuals with autism and support the opportunities that help them thrive.

This year’s theme reflects a belief at the heart of Connections: every individual deserves the support, encouragement, and opportunities to explore their abilities and build a meaningful life. Together, we can help open more doors to learning, connection, and independence.

INTRODUCING HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER GROUP

Our High School students started Computer Group, introducing them to essential computer and keyboarding skills!

Through individualized computer typing programs and adaptive tools, students are working on bilateral coordination, eye-hand coordination, visual scanning and perception, motor planning, postural control, executive functioning, and a wide range of fine motor skills such as dexterity and finger isolation.

EVELYN & ARTHUR POP-UP SHOP AT CONNECTIONS

A little shopping, some fun outfits, and a chance to spoil our Connections families this evening! Thank you to our friends at Evelyn and Arthur for bringing a pop-up shop to Connections for some of our charter school and high school parents. We loved seeing our families enjoy a little time for themselves.

A special thank-you to Evelyn & Arthur volunteers Adrianne, Patti, Mary, Kelsie, and Heather for making it such a wonderful experience!

CONNECTIONS ADULT PROGRAM (CAP) PARENT MEETING

We had a great turnout at our recent CAP Parent Meeting!

Thank you to all of our CAP families who joined us. We’re so grateful for your time, your involvement, and the continued relationship between our families and the CAP team.

CURRICULUM NIGHT AT CONNECTIONS

Curriculum Night gave our families a chance to see what’s ahead this school year and spend time with the teachers and staff who make it all happen.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! We loved welcoming you into the classrooms and sharing the work your students will be doing this year!

FITNESS NIGHT AT CONNECTIONS

Our Connections High School students got moving with an evening focused on physical fitness!

Students had the chance to learn, move, and challenge themselves alongside Courtney, Carter, Arrell, and Antonio.

We love creating opportunities that encourage healthy habits, build confidence, and show our students just how strong they can be.

Our leadership team was happy to attend the 30th Annual The Taste of Martin County in support of our longtime friends and partners at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. This amazing food and beverage tasting event is also the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, helping recruit, screen, match, and support mentors who build meaningful one-to-one relationships with local youth.

Connections has worked closely with Big Brothers Big Sisters for years, and we’re grateful for the care and commitment they bring to our community. It was a pleasure to celebrate 30 years of The Big Taste and support the work they do to help young people feel supported, encouraged, and connected.

OCTOBER IS AAC AWARENESS MONTH

For many students with autism, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) helps them express their thoughts, share feelings, and connect with others.

In honor of AAC Awareness Month, our latest blog explores how these tools support participation, independence, and everyday communication—and how we can help every student be heard.

Trick-or-treating doesn't have to be tricky! We're sharing sensory-friendly Halloween tips — from practicing costumes to giving kids extra time at the candy bowl — so every child can join in on the fun.

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