Participants will learn strategies for managing the spectrum of behaviors observed in children with autism. This 6-part series is appropriate for both educators and caregivers. It is expected that participants will attend each session to receive the most benefit.

These four social learning sessions will focus on common social challenges for children ages 8 to 12 years of age. Each session will all be hosted via Zoom from 4 to 5pm. Children can attend one or all four. Session dates and topics: Thursday, February 4 – Session #1 – Using and understanding body language Thursday, February 11 – Session #2 – Differentiating between fact and fiction Thursday, February 18 – Session #3 – Acknowledging and recovering from mistakes Thursday, February 25 – Session #4 – Game Night

This free program is designed to increase knowledge of nutrition and health education for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Participants should expect to learn about different nutritional skills like balancing a diet, identifying food groups, identifying power foods, and counting calories, carbs, fats, and proteins. Also, learn fun ways to exercise and reach personal fitness goals. No equipment is needed. 

These four social learning sessions will focus on common social challenges for teens ages 13 to 17 years of age. Each session will all be hosted via Zoom from 4 to 5pm. Children can attend one or all four. Session dates and topics: Thursday, March 4 – Session #1 – Making and maintaining friendships Thursday, March 11 – Session #2 – Initiating/terminating conversations Thursday, March 18 – Session #3 – Perspective taking Thursday, March 25 – Session #4 – Acknowledging and recovering from mistakes

Learning outcomes:
1. Participants will learn the stages of communication, a developmental
perspective and guide to language intervention with our children with ASD.
2. Strategies for families to promote language development in our nonverbal and young children with ASD.

The purpose of these meetings is for parents to have some time to relax, talk, and share about our children and experiences. Please come join us! Please contact Margie Garlin if you are interested in attending. Weekly ONLINE meetings on alternating Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings

As school-age children, especially those with ASD, struggle to cope with increasing social and academic demands, they often experience difficulties managing their emotions and making good decisions. Individuals with ASD often have co-occurring mental health diagnoses, included depression and anxiety. Individuals with ASD between the ages of 13-18 have higher rates of anxiety than any other age group, and the rates of depression and suicide for teens with autism are 28 times higher than that of the general population. Participants will learn how mental health challenges impact the social, emotional, and cognitive abilities of individuals with autism. They will also learn how to identify and implement tools and strategies to address specific mental health needs.

MyFriends provides positive, welcoming social opportunities for adults with ASD where they can meet and make friends.To join MyFriends you must: Be a UF-CARD constituent; Be 18 years or older; and contact Ann-Marie Orlando. Weekly ONLINE meetings on Mondays at 12PM

Join us ONLINE via Zoom for our monthly support group where we will talk about how to manage daily life. Parents are also welcome to join in. Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month at 5PM.

Join us ONLINE via Zoom to: Learn about CARD’s purpose and how our staff may help you on your journey to better understanding autism and related disabilities through education and support; Receive information and tools to help you get started on your next steps; and Meet other families to build and strengthen your support network. Orientation is usually held on the second Friday of the month at 10:30AM.

Please join us ONLINE for a Housing Discussion of community needs and help us plan for further residential support explorations. Moving out of the family home is one of the biggest milestones in a person’s life. For those with autism and related disabilities, this can be a long and effortful process. Determining the type of physical home as well as necessary support services can be complicated, leaving some families unsure of where to start, while others may have started the process and await a feasible plan to move forward. We hope that these meetings will assist you and your family in planning for this important event and help you gain a better understanding of the housing and residential supports available, including learning a great deal from each other to make a safe, healthy, and happy home.