Introduction to Autism

Introduction to Autism
Wednesday, August 21
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Learn the basics about autism, and get some take-home tips, from people who understand and have worked in this field for 20+ years.
We will explain the details about autism and how brain differences help shape personality, likes, dislikes, fears, eating, sleeping, the senses, and communication. Please come and ask your questions, meet others with similar concerns and learn what to do at home and in the community!
This is a free online workshop, but registration is required. Register Here!

Introduction to Autism Virtual Workshop

Introduction to Autism
Wednesday, June 26
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Getting any new diagnosis comes with the need to understand it. Learn the basics about autism, and get some take-home tips, from people who understand and have worked in this field for 20+ years.
We will explain the details about autism and how brain differences help shape personality, likes, dislikes, fears, eating, sleeping, the senses, and communication. Please come and ask your questions, meet others with similar concerns and learn what to do at home and in the community!
This is a free workshop, but pre-registration is required.

Child Health Association of Sewickley Grant: Spelling

We are glad to share that Autism Connection of Pennsylvania has been granted the opportunity to further our mission of being a lifeline and hub for families and adults in the autism community. With heartfelt gratitude, we announce that we have been awarded a grant of $10,000 by the Child Health Association of Sewickley.

We believe in leaving no member of our community behind. Our organization is disability-led, with a passionate team that includes three autistic board members, and 33% of our staff is autistic. We serve people and families from infancy through older adulthood, with a goal that
everyone receives the support, information, and advocacy they deserve. 

This grant is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. With these funds, we will embark on a project aimed at supporting people who are nonspeaking or minimally verbal, hoping to help them communicate their needs and wants—often for the first time.

Child Health Association of Sewickley Logo

Here’s a glimpse of what this project entails.

Project Goals

  • Link families who have had success with spelling to access academic, social, and healthcare needs
  • Engage families in dialogue with newcomers for whom traditional speech and language services are not sufficient
  • Emphasize the concept of presuming understanding on the part of nonspeaking autistic young people and promote literacy from a young age
  • Educate caregivers about autism brain differences that affect spoken communication
  • Encourage families to explore new communication methods with support from experienced practitioners

Measurement of Success:

  • Number of new families introduced to spelling for accessing various needs
  • Number of families using spelling with some success
  • Engagement of professionals in training sessions
  • Distribution of spelling boards at no cost
  • Involvement of families, teachers, and therapists in implementing spelling

This project aligns with our core values of inclusivity, accessibility, and support. We are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of nonspeaking autistic people and their families, ensuring that communication barriers do not hinder their access to healthcare, education, and social engagement. Together, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive world for people with autism who need access to communication.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. 


Understanding The Connection Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy

April is a time when we come together to recognize the diverse experiences of people living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families, and we encourage the momentum to continue throughout the year. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. As we delve into the intricacies of autism, it’s essential to understand its relationship with other conditions, such as cerebral palsy.

The Intersection of Autism and Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, posture, and muscle coordination. While CP primarily impacts motor function, it can also co-occur with other developmental conditions, including autism. Research suggests that approximately 6% to 15% of individuals with CP also have a diagnosis of autism, highlighting the overlapping nature of these conditions.

The co-occurrence of autism and cerebral palsy presents unique challenges for each person and their families. Understanding the relationship between these conditions is crucial for providing comprehensive care and support. While the exact mechanisms underlying their co-occurrence are not fully understood, a couple factors may contribute to their association:

Common Risk Factors – Both autism and cerebral palsy have shared risk factors, including genetic predisposition, prenatal complications, and environmental influences.

Neurological DifferencesResearch suggests that disruptions in brain development may contribute to the development of both conditions. Structural and functional abnormalities in the brain can manifest as diverse symptoms associated with autism and cerebral palsy.

Navigating Dual Diagnoses

Receiving dual diagnoses of autism and cerebral palsy can be overwhelming for individuals and their families. It’s essential to access comprehensive support services and resources to address the unique needs associated with each condition. Here are some steps to navigate this journey:

  • Seek Multidisciplinary Care — Collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, neurologists, developmental specialists, and therapists, to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
  • Access Early Intervention Services — Early intervention is critical for optimizing outcomes for children with autism and cerebral palsy. Explore early intervention programs that offer therapeutic interventions, educational support, and family-centered services.
  • Connect with Support Networks — Joining support groups and connecting with other families facing similar challenges can provide invaluable emotional support, practical advice, and shared experiences. Organizations like Autism Connection of PA offer resources and community networks.

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania thanks Jennifer LaRocco, Editor & Coordinator at Cerebral Palsy Guidance, for sharing her expertise through this insightful guest blog post. Jennifer’s contribution sheds light on the intricate relationship between autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy. As we commemorate April’s focus on autism, let’s keep the momentum going throughout the year. Thank you, Jennifer, for your dedication to raising awareness and fostering understanding in our community.

Please visit Jennifer’s page on the Cerebral Palsy Guidance website to learn more.



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.

Showing Love through Multiple Connections

Love Is in the Air is more than just a one (American) hit wonder by John Paul Young. It’s also a sentiment spurred by the made-up holiday of Valentine’s Day. I’d like to take advantage of this sometimes over-commercialized day to seize the opportunity to show love for people in the autism community. And as you are reading this, that means you are part of the crowd we love!
  • Are you a past or present board member, founder, paid professional, community partner, or a generous volunteer who has supported the autism community via Autism Connection? 
  • Could you be one of the seasoned folks who knew us as the original “ABOARD” – or Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders – who got this “party” started? 
  • Are you one of our supportive friends at ACHIEVA, a foundation giver, an individual donor, someone from the corporate world who has decided to sponsor us, or a phenomenal community group who has fundraised for us? 
  • Could you be a researcher friend, a compassionate judge, or a public servant we call on at all hours with questions or emergency situations needing attention? 
  • Are you a family member or autistic friend who chooses us for support, or who works as our colleague?  Or a marathon runner, or a personal friend or family member who supports our work?
Most likely you fall into many categories.  Any “yes” answers means we love YOU!

Love Takes Many Forms

Is using an emotional word like love appropriate in a professional setting?  I believe it is in the sense of agape, defined on dictionary.com here:

“agape

Original Greek: ἀγάπη (agápē)

Agape is often defined as unconditional, sacrificial love. Agape is the kind of love that is felt by a person willing to do anything for another, including sacrificing themselves, without expecting anything in return. Philosophically, agape has also been defined as the selfless love that a person feels for strangers and humanity as a whole.”


What Brings Our Thoughts to Love

Here’s why I’m thinking so hard about this now. Today we received our third request to cite a blog post – this one from Community Circles Restorative Justice Society (CCRJS) based in Ladysmith, British Columbia. Another was a request from Assets High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Cerebral Palsy Guidance in Syracuse, New York reached out to collaborate on bringing awareness of dual diagnosis of autism and cerebral palsy for a campaign in March (stay tuned).

This made me consider how we got here. And the logic chain goes like this: Tammi wrote the blog post cited today, found on our website that is funded by givers, the optimization of which was prioritized by our Strategic Plan originally written 12 years ago by board members (some of whom are family members or autistic people), shared by our community partners and friends online, maximizing our visibility so people in British Columbia could find, read, and use our words to benefit others we will never meet. Phew!  It was not hard to make that list because I often reflect on our roots and the huge crowd that has the autism community’s “back”, and it is all true.

Love is in The Air

I’m going to close this because I really need to hit “stop” on John Paul Young who’s been playing on repeat as I write this, permanently etching these lyrics into my brain for the foreseeable future.  

In the spirit of “sharing is caring”, here’s your earworm for today, with apologies to literal and visual thinkers for using that term. It’s okay if this is stuck in your head too  –  Here are those words for you to ponder.

Love Is In The AirEverywhere I look around (I look around…)Love Is In The AirEvery sight and every sound (and every sound…)
And I don’t know if I’m being foolishDon’t know if I’m being wiseBut it’s something that I must believe inAnd it’s there when I look in your eyes (your eyes…)
Love Is In The AirIn the whisper of the trees (whisper of the trees…)Love Is In The AirIn the thunder of the sea (thunder of the sea…)
And I don’t know if I’m just dreamingDon’t know if I feel saneBut it’s something that I must believe inAnd it’s there when you call out my name (call out my name…)
Love Is In The AirLove Is In The AirOh oh oh
Love Is In The AirIn the rising of the sun (of the sun…)Love Is In The AirWhen the day is nearly done (is nearly done…)
And I don’t know if you’re an illusionDon’t know if I see it trueBut you’re something that I must believe inAnd you’re there when I reach out for you (reach out for you…)
Love Is In The AirEverywhere I look around (I look around…)Love Is In The AirEvery sight and every sound (and every sound…)
And I don’t know if I’m being foolishDon’t know if I’m being wiseBut it’s something that I must believe inAnd it’s there when I look in your eyes (in your eyes…)
Love Is In The AirLove Is In The AirOh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh oh

 

Love Is In The AirLove Is In The AirLove Is In The AirLove Is In The AirOh Love Is In The AirOh Love Is In The Air