Autism Safety Expo 2025

PRESS RELEASE: THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania Presents Inaugural Safety Expo in Concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity


Monroeville, PA: Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, in concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity in Philadelphia, is proud to announce its first-ever Autism Safety Expo; a comprehensive two-day event devoted to promoting safety in the home and the community for people of all ages and stages on the autism spectrum and their families.

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania’s Safety Expo is important because it brings together critical resources that help ensure the well-being of autistic people in nearly every aspect of life, from their homes to schools to public spaces. Many families and self-advocates struggle to navigate complex systems when it comes to legal rights, medical needs, emergency preparedness, and physical and social safety. This Expo offers a rare opportunity to access all of that information in one place, with trusted experts who understand the unique challenges faced by the autism community. By creating a safe, inclusive space for learning and connection, the event empowers individuals and families to proactively build safer, more supportive environments.

Dates & Location

  • Friday, October 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #4
    • 4370 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146

Expo Highlights and Resources

This “one-stop-shop” experience invites families, caregivers, autistic people, professionals, and community members to access vital safety solutions covering:

  • Legal Safety:  Guardianship, special education law, rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and access to legal aid organizations.
  • Medical Safety:  Including sensory-friendly best practices, medical ID tools, emergency-preparedness plans, and how to navigate healthcare settings comfortably 
  • Community and Social Safety: Safe travel, publicspace accessibility, social-skills training, and resources on self-advocacy and community inclusion.
  • Technology and Adaptive Tools: Exhibitors showcasing assistive tech, safety-alert devices, home-monitoring systems, and calming sensory aids.
  • First Responders Engagement: In person discussions with fire, police, and EMS personnel to build understanding of autism-friendly response protocols.
  • Caregiving & Family Support: Peer support groups, respite resources, and guidance from social-service agencies.

Why Safety Matters

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania surveyed autistic people, families, and caregivers about their greatest concerns. Safety is the utmost priority for people of all ages living in both rural and urban areas, and with different levels of need. In response, the Autism Connection is organizing this event to connect people with critical resources. 

Concerns about safety include wandering, self-harm, medication management, interactions with first responders

Safety is multidimensional: legal, medical, social, and environmental. By bringing together experts from each domain, the Autism Safety Expo offers resources to autistic people and families to proactively build environments, knowledge, and community systems that support neurodiverse safety.


Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities are Available

Show your concern and care for the autism community by supporting this critical safety event. In return you will benefit from positive public relations, increase your brand awareness and visibility, and enjoy exhibit space and networking benefits.

Sponsor Information

Event Table Registration


Join Us!
This free and open event promises valuable tools, insights, and connections to enrich safety and well-being. For more information or to register as an exhibitor or sponsor:

Contact:
Autism Connection of PA
Email:
development@autismofpa.org


About Autism Connection of PA
Since 1996, Autism Connection of PA has served as a trusted resource for families and professionals across the state, offering support groups, educational workshops and webinars, advocacy, and information on art, justice, school, and lifelong planning.

About Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity
A division of Jefferson Health, the Center champions neurodiverse-aware design and clinical practices, highlighted by its sensory-inclusive Honickman Center in Philadelphia’s city center.


The official registration and financial information of Autism Connection of PA may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Autistic Language Processing: What Words Mean Versus What People Mean

Autism Connection of PA hosts the Late Diagnosis of Autism virtual support group the second Wednesday of every month, and topics cover everything from masking to finding out how to get an adult autism evaluation. On December 11th 2024, the group explored Autism and Communication.

The Late Diagnosis of Autism Support Group Meeting was held online with an option to leave cameras off, and/or use the chat feature instead of speaking. The topics people brought up during this meeting included:

  • Communication difficulties
  • Difficulties with small talk
  • Offending people inadvertently
  • Positive aspects of communication differences
  • Ask questions to cope when they feel overwhelmed
  • To end conversation “thank” them
  • Sent boundaries by setting time limit
  • Texting communication differences lack of body language
  • Using AI to help with tone in emails
  • To help with conversation exhaustion, run to the bathroom and have concealed fidget items

Social communication has been a concern for, well, my entire experience interacting with people, before and after I knew I was autistic. Interactions with peers in elementary school were baffling, and I often was at a loss when it came to words and meaning. This differs from understanding written communication, and it primarily settles on literal meaning versus social meaning: the difference between what words literally mean and what people mean when they use words, along with the complexity of reading body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, not to mention the unspoken rules of social discourse that I can’t help but break because they are situational and ever-changing. There are a lot of things going on and I tend to focus on one thing at a time, like many autistic people do.

Balancing between the complex rules of grammar and the even more complex rules of social interaction is very taxing on the brain. During social exchanges, we “read” expressions, gestures, tone, and try to put everything in context. The challenge is that I tend to focus on one thing at a time, and I miss out on important details.

For example, if someone says, “I didn’t expect to see you here,” I know what the words mean, but I don’t know what the meaning of the sentence is. This is because it can mean a number of different things, and if I don’t catch the facial expression or tone, I circle back through all of the possible interpretations, and then I miss whatever follows in the exchange. This can make me a poor conversationalist because my mind tendrils out into thoughts that can’t be controlled, and are set into motion by words. 

When I’m trying to make sense of what a person means, my gut instinct is to rephrase their spoken words aloud to help things make the most sense, which can come off as constantly correcting people, and is usually off-putting. So while I am always striving for best understanding, and I think I am improving the interaction, I may actually be misunderstood in the process.

Person: “He convinced me to vote.”

Me making sense of the statement: “He persuaded you to vote,” seems like correcting, but it’s interpreting. 

Decoding: It’s Just Like Riding a Bicycle

Some of us have to work hard to decode what people actually mean, which takes a lot of time and energy. It’s like how riding a bike comes naturally to many, but for others, it is a lot of work to think about coordinating: push left foot down, then right foot, keep eyes on the horizon, don’t look down, grip the handle bars but not too hard, don’t let the wheel shake or wobble, keep balance but lean to one side while twisting the handle bars and pedaling at the same time to make a turn. Whew! This is how hard interpreting language can be for autistic people who often do things best, one thing at a time.

Man falling off a bicycle

Yes. It is just like riding a bicycle.

When I was a child, I had a stutter, and my speech therapist suggested, “Don’t think about what you are trying to say, think about the words you are using.” I have a clear understanding that there is a language of thought and a language of words, and they don’t always gel. If you’ve ever said, “How should I put it?” you may be able to relate. It – the idea that is in the language of thought – has not been formed into words yet. It just hangs there, and you may not find the words to communicate it at all. For me, words, dictionaries, thesauruses, and etymology have become areas of intense focus, and it’s magnificently complicated. 

The following may appear to be nit-picking about correctness and grammar. I don’t mean to be prescriptive as a general rule, or imply everyone should use standard written English in conversation. To me, it is more important to consider how words create social meaning, than to dictate how they should be used based on grammatical rules that date back to the 1500s, and honestly seem arbitrary (for example, Sir Thomas Smith’s De Recta et Emendata Linguae Anglicae Scriptione [1568] that bases English grammar on Latin, and yes, it’s written in Latin).

(Dictionaries are either traditionally prescriptive and or descriptive, and they’re at odds. The first descriptive dictionary that I’m aware of is Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged (1961). My favorite is Bryan Garner’s A Dictionary of Modern American Usage (1998). This type of information is probably why people may navigate away from me at parties – I’m a bit of a word nerd, so I’ll stop here with the dictionary usage wars.)

Literal Meaning and Social Meaning Confusion

A social exchange that can interfere with interpreting meaning may go as follows:

Person: “I’m nauseous.”

Me: “You’re not nauseous. I assure you. I feel fine and everyone else seems perfectly okay.”

Why might I, as a literally-minded person, say that? She’s saying she feels sick, and I’m misinterpreting that as her saying she worries she is making others feel sick. I figure that I am doing the person a kindness in assuring her that she is indeed not nauseous since no one appears to be sick in her presence since nauseous literally means “causing nausea or disgust.” Over time, the meaning has changed to “feeling nauseated” in a social context, and in descriptivist dictionary entries.

When it comes to social language – how spoken words are actually used – in this type of exchange, I will most likely be wrong. She may wonder why I would suggest that I know exactly how she feels, and why on earth would I mention that others don’t feel sick?


“Language Nerd Masking © Autism Connection of PA, 2024 is camouflaging knowledge of correct language by trying to blend in by allowing the rules to be bent.” With enough practice, you can even break the rules yourself!


There’s an exhaustive list of words that take up my brain energy and require a lot of effort for me to decode in conversations, because they no longer hold their literal meaning. Two examples:

Impact – is a noun currently used as a verb – maybe because affect doesn’t have as much punch. You wouldn’t say “I was impacted by the car” because it simply doesn’t make sense. Wisdom teeth are impacted. But you would say, “This event impacted my life.” In my mind, I have to rephrase the sentence as “This event made an impact on my life” for it to make sense to me. Also, I have no idea whether the impact was positive or negative. This all takes time for me to process, and if the conversation is moving forward, I miss a beat, or I may get completely lost. 

Myriad – is like numerous but it’s now being used as a noun “a myriad of reasons” that strikes me as odd as someone saying “a numerous of reasons” but it’s how people use the word, and usage prevails.

These and myriad other examples impact my social interactions because I have to  take extra time to figure out what people mean – and that extra time takes my attention away from other words exchanged while I am sorting this all out. The conversation moves forward, and I’m a step behind and can’t catch up.

Words Drive Meaning, Meaning Drives Relationships

Consider the back-and-forth dynamic in conversations, and think about a time when you have asked a “yes or no” question. Did the person simply say “Yes” or “No” leaving something awkward hanging in the air? They may be aware of the awkwardness, but may not be aware of the social rule requiring further information. 

When you’re in the presence of an autistic person, remember that the onus is always on them to sort through meaning. Exchanges that come naturally to non-autistic people take a considerable amount of energy for an autistic person to process, interpret, and respond. And it’s exhausting.

The writer David Foster Wallace explores struggling with peer social interactions as a child in Consider the Lobster and Other Essays. He excelled in standard written English, but he was “actually deficient in Language Arts…[had] only one dialect…[could not] alter his vocabulary, usage, or grammar, [could not] use slang or vulgarity; and it’s these abilities that are really required for ‘peer rapport,’ which is just a fancy academic term for being accepted by the second-most-important Group in the little kid’s life.”

Many of us continue to struggle to feel accepted by the “Group,” as adults.  Taking all of this into account, revisit the bulleted list from the Late Diagnosis of Autism Support Group meeting. What would you add to the list for yourself?



Empowering Connections: Sophie’s Potluck, A Special Journey

In this uplifting interview with Amy Hart, the driving force behind Sophie’s Potluck, we delve into the story of Sophie, a vibrant 14-year-old on the autism spectrum. Amy shares the inspiration behind starting Sophie’s Potluck and the unique experiences they offer to the  community. From the adorable blue peacock logo to the diverse array of activities, this initiative aims to create a supportive and inclusive space for families. Discover how Sophie’s Potluck is fostering connections and providing opportunities for growth.

Tell us a little about Sophie.

My daughter Sophie is 14 years old and an 8th grader in the Pittsburgh Area. Sophie is on the autism spectrum and and can’t always communicate her needs.
Sophie's bow

Sophie’s signature bow

What drove you to start Sophie’s Potluck?

During the winter, I was looking for new activities that I could do with our friends. We typically paint monthly at Splat: A Make and Take Art Studio in the Pittsburgh Area, Pennsylvania. Everyone really enjoys themselves each time and my friend, John Novogurski, (who created and runs the Sophie’s Potluck webpage) and I thought it would be fun to do something more frequently. So we came up with the idea to run the website so we can notify people of our events, and let people register online.
close up of teenager painting

Getting creative

I am always looking for new opportunities for Sophie to try and then ask friends to join us. Then I started thinking of ways that we could really start to explore some venues that we wouldn’t typically think of going to. With a little brainstorming and lots of support, I began emailing different places all over the city. We hope to grow from here.

logo with a peacock snuggled next to a cooking pot

Sophie’s Potluck logo designed by April Watt Little and Cheri Foote

Your logo is an adorable blue peacock cuddled next to a cooking pot. What’s the story behind this image?

I always have a bow in Sophie’s hair to keep track of her, and she loves peacocks. It started as a little inside joke, but John came up with the name because when you host a potluck, everyone brings something to eat. So with Sophie’s Potluck, we wanted everyone to bring their best! My friends April Watt Little and Cheri Foote collaboratively took the name and created the logo for us.

What kind of activities do you offer?

We work with all kinds of venues to bring a wide array of experiences to our special needs friends. Our first “official” event was a 45 minute zoo encounter, where the educators there taught us about arctic animals, and brought a few animals (some arctic, some not) out for us to see. It was a wonderful experience for our friends! Our upcoming events include a trip to a farm, we’re building our own terrariums, and creating our own bath bombs! Many other events are in the works.
Children exploring the zoo

Sophie’s Potluck Zoo Encounter

Are there opportunities to volunteer?

Yes! With some events, we are limited to the number of people that are able to participate. However, when we have the space, we LOVE to have volunteers come and join us. 

Are there opportunities to host events? 

Absolutely!! We are open to try anything! You can contact John or me on the Sophie’s Potluck website.

Any ideas or advice for parents and caregivers with autistic loved ones?

I think that we as parents and care givers are a village that need to learn from each other. I have also found that we just need to ask and many people are interested in helping us, as a group, gain new experiences and learn about the world around them.

Sophie’s Potluck not only serves as a platform for unique and enjoyable experiences, it also stands as a testament to the strength of community and collaboration. Amy’s journey is fueled by a desire to explore new possibilities for her daughter and others. As the initiative continues to grow, offering a range of activities and welcoming volunteers and event hosts, it becomes a shining example of the power of collective support. For parents and caregivers on the autism spectrum, Sophie’s Potluck offers not just events but a village of shared experiences, proving that together, we can enrich the lives of our loved ones and learn from one another.

Giving Tuesday 2023

The Meaning Behind Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday, (#GivingTuesday) began in 2012 in response to the commercialization of the holiday season. It is a powerful reminder that the true essence of the season is about giving. This global day of generosity encourages people to contribute to charitable organizations, volunteer their time, and lend a helping hand to others.

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania: A Lifeline and Hub for Families and Adults

Autism affects millions of families worldwide. Autism Connection of PA is a non-profit dedicated to supporting autistic people and their families in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, Autism Connection has been at the forefront of the autism community, offering support, information, and advocacy.

The Impact of Giving Tuesday: Autism Connection of PA’s Key Initiatives

Resources and Support We welcome help requests in text, email, phone, and in-person.  We give information to families and adults with whom we navigate autism needs, care, and support for living, learning, working, and enjoying life. Workshops and Training School assemblies about disabilities and anti-bullying, first responder training, justice system courses and general support tips are topics we cover, aiming for the best life experience for all! Collaboration We love to do sensory-friendly, accessible event consulting for theaters, museums, libraries, parks, schools, airports, courthouses, and more! Support Groups Adults, families, caregivers enjoy safe and understanding talks where they share experiences, challenges, and successes.  Emotional support and feelings of belonging are our goals in virtual and live meetings. Advocacy Working to influence local and state systems, often on life or death issues, keeps us busy.   Justice, healthcare, education and other areas of critical reform needs are areas of focus.

Get Involved 

As Giving Tuesday approaches, Autism Connection of Pennsylvania relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and communities to continue our vital work. Donations on this special day can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by autism. Involvement doesn’t always translate into monetary donations. Sharing your experience, connecting with others, offering help, or simply spreading the word about our work can have a huge impact. 

ways you can help on giving Tuesday. Donate. Volunteer. Spread the word.

You Can Make a Difference

On Giving Tuesday, let’s rally support Autism Connection of Pennsylvania and the community we serve. By donating, volunteering, and spreading the word, we can contribute to a brighter and more inclusive future. Together, we can make a difference and embody the true spirit of the holiday season – the spirit of giving.

 



Aktion Club: Where Development has No Disability

Volunteering provides opportunities to give back to our communities, and it helps us to feel involved with those in our communities. However, how do you know which volunteer opportunities work best for you? This question can pose significant difficulty for some individuals with disabilities as organizations may not feel equipped to work with people with special needs in a volunteer capacity. However, Aktion Club creates a safe space with opportunities for service where people with disabilities make the decisions and lead the club.

Three women posing for the camera. Two are kneeling beside a woman in a wheelchair

Taking leadership roles, making decisions, building autonomy

Three Rivers Community Care has been working with the Kiwanis Club of Sheraden to start an Aktion Club for anyone who is interested. This blog post will provide some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the club and we also hope that you’ll join us for an information session about Aktion Club on August 22 at 7 pm at the 3RCC Community Center in Carnegie.

Register online here.

What is Aktion Club?

Aktion Club is a service leadership program through Kiwanis International. It is the ONLY service organization of its kind in the world. Our club will be sponsored/supported by the Kiwanis Club of Sheraden. Aktion Club provides adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in and choose service projects/volunteer projects with their peers/other group members.

Who runs Aktion Club?

Aktion Club will be supported by a member of the Kiwanis Club of Sheraden and a staff member of 3RCC. However, members will make up the leadership roles including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, etc. of the club. Members will also make all decisions regarding club projects and activities.

Do members have to have a support person attend meetings with them?

This depends on the individual, requirements of their Individual Service Plan (ISP), and their comfort level in community situations. While a site facilitator and Kiwanis representative will always be present, each member and their caregivers should consider what is best for them.

When/how often/where will meetings be held?

Meetings are held monthly and will take place at the 3RCC Community Center in Carnegie, PA. Dates and times will be determined once we have enough members for the charter and will be based completely around their availability. We hope to have our first meeting in September/October.

 

Three photos of people doing different interactive activities

Connecting with others through shared interests

What kind of service projects/volunteer projects will members participate in?

Members will decide what service projects and volunteer activities they wish to participate in. They can range from making cards for veterans at the VA hospital, to food drives, to volunteering time at the Salvation Army or cleaning up litter in our communities. The possibilities are endless and the site facilitator and Kiwanis representative will work to ensure that all members interested in participating have the opportunity.

 

Is there a cost to participate?

There is no fee unless the members decide to charge a membership dues that would be used to help cover costs for materials or for fun activities for the club such as a summer ice cream party or a holiday party in December.

 

What are the benefits of Aktion Club membership?

Aktion Club members achieve a wealth of benefits including leadership and decision making opportunities. Members run the club and vote for president, vice president, and other leadership roles among their peers. Through service projects, volunteer projects, and club meetings members gain valuable social and community interactions to help increase their feelings of confidence in the community and feelings of self worth.


We hope this answers some of your questions about Aktion Club and that you consider joining us on August 22 at 7 pm to learn even more.

If you want to join Aktion Club you can email your information to Molly. You can learn more about Aktion Club here .

–Molly Crawford

Interim Outreach Director

Three Rivers Community Care