ASD Video
Glossary launched

On Monday, October 15, 2007, Autism Speaks and First Signs launched the ASD Video Glossary, a Web based tool containing over a hundred video clips designed to help parents and professionals learn more about the early red flags and diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

 

 

News and Events: Support Groups

Tallahassee

As a policy, CARD will not lend its name to the endorsement of any specific program, practice, or model that is offered for service to people with autism and related disabilities. This policy does not preclude the provision of referral options or individualized recommendations by CARD staff, nor does it imply that CARD staff are to refrain from sharing any knowledge or personal experiences. The sharing of information, training, and the development of recommendations are key functions of the CARD programs.

Neither the CARD nor The Florida State University has investigated the organizations which are represented on this website, and for that reason, makes no endorsements or representations related to the effectiveness of their activities.

Asperger's Syndrome Middle School Group - This is a group of teens (5th through 8th grade) with Asperger's Syndrome and their parents who plan, organize, and participate in monthly social activities together.  If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Janice Overstreet at joverstr@fsu.edu or (850) 488-3663.

Asperger's Syndrome Young Adult Group - This is a group of high school and college-aged individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and their parents who plan, organize, and participate in monthly social activities together.  If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Allison Leatzow at aleatzow@fsu.edu or (850) 488-3994.

Asperger Adult Support Group - A more-or-less formal group work series for higher-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s Syndrome. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. The location is 110 North Adams Street (Education Building of First Presbyterian Church) in Tallahassee. Advance notice of first-time arrival much appreciated. Free. Contact Jarl K. Jackson, coordinator, T* A* S* C* - the Tallahassee Autism Support Coalition for more information: (850) 412-0141 or jarlkjackson @yahoo.com or visit www.orgsites. com/fl/tallahassee_ autism _support_ coalition/index.html.

"the Gathering" ... an Asperger adult social get toether - Informal social activities, including a regular weekly "collection" of higher-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorders, such as Asperger's Syndrome.  The weekly get-togethers are held every Saturday in the "Seattle's Best" coffee shop of the Border's Bookstore on Apalachee Parkway from around 12:30 p.m. ... on.  Advance notice of first-time arrival much appreciated.  We also organize a variety of social activities for higher-functioning adults on the autism spectrum to participate in.  (Past activities have included museum visits, organized bicycle rides, and parties.)  Free.  Contact Jarl K. Jackson, coordinator, T*A*S*C* - the Tallahassee Asperger Support Coalition for more information:  (850) 412-0141 or jarlkjackson @yahoo.com; visit www.orgsites. com/fl/tallahassee_ autism _support_ coalition/index.html.

T*A*S*C* - the Tallahassee Asperger Support Coalition, an ARC Florida affiliate, welcomes new members always!  If you are a higher-functioning adult with an autism spectrum disorder, such as Asperger's Syndrome, the friend or family member of one, or just interested in supporting our efforts, you are welcome to join.  Please contact Jarl K. Jackson, coordinator, T*A*S*C* -  the Tallahassee Asperger Support Coalition for more information or to express interest in helping out:  (850) 412-0141 or jarlkjackson @yahoo.com; visit www.orgsites. com/fl/tallahassee_ autism _support_ coalition/index.html.

The Biomedical Support Group -This is a group of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders doing biomedical and dietary interventions.  If you are interested in participating in the meetings or would like additional information about the various biomedical and dietary interventions, please contact Jennifer Morgan-Byrd at (850) 536-0198 or jennimorganbyrd@yahoo.com.

Adult_Support_Group · Tallahassee Area Autism Asperger Adults - This is the on-line connection for more higher-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorders related to the Tallahassee Autism Support Coalition (T* A* S* C*) sponsored adult “Autism-Asperger” social support group in Tallahassee, Florida. It is open to all more higher-functioning adults in the Tallahassee/North Florida area (and perhaps even adjoining parts of southern Georgia) with autism spectrum disorders.
Go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Adult_Support_Group/ to join.

For Parents of Children with Autism and Other Disabilities. Bring your lunch. CMS 2390 Phillips Road. First floor conference room.  We meet on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00.  Interested persons should contact Lesley Erdmann at 487-2604.

For Parents of School Age Children with any Disabilities.  Bring your lunch.  Children's Medical Services, 2390 Phillips Road.  First floor conference room.  We meet on the second Thursday of each month from 11:30 to 12:30.  Contact Chris Heron at 487-7683 for more information.

Autism Support Group in Calhoun County - This group meets the 1st Friday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Those interested in attending should contact Kelly Todd (850) 674-9131.

RDI Networking Meetings - For more information, please contact Sophie wacongne@ocean.fsu.edu. This group meets monthly to study the principles and discuss the  implementation of the Relationship Development Intervention program  (http://www.rdiconnect.com). Meetings are now taking place on Mondays at 7:00 p.m .at Progressive  Pediatric Therapy Services, 1915 Welby Way, Suite 5, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Contact Sophie Wacongne-Speer using wacongne@ocean.fsu.edu or (850) 445-4451 for specific dates.

Panama City

Bay County Autism Support Group - This group was initiated to provide an avenue for parents, professionals, and anyone interested in autism to share and obtain both information and support. This group meets 4 - 5 times a year. Communication is mostly by newsletter. To receive the newsletter, please send an email request to marthaclaussen@bellsouth.net. For more information about the support group, please contact Mike Barbour at (850) 819-7090 or email mbarbour@pc.fsu.edu.

Parent Support for the Challenging Child with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Aspergers, ADHD, ADD, OCD, PDD, Depression or Anxiety - This group meets every Wednesday at Niceville’s First United Methodist Church, Room 803, which is upstairs in the Chandler building.  Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. and usually last until 7:30 or 8:00 p.m.  Different topics are discussed each week, some of the few include: behavioral strategies, biomedical treatment, caregiver support, and physician networking.  Childcare is available.  Please contact Lisa Ausley at (850) 678-7100 or email lausley@valp.net for more information regarding this group.

Emerald Coast Autism Society in Okaloosa County - We are an established chapter under the ASA serving mostly Okaloosa and Walton counties, however we do have some members from the Navarre area. Our group has recently undergone a transformation of leadership and we are very excited about the upcoming changes that will take place! Also, we are changing our meetings to be bi-monthly and will try to have a guest speaker or event planned at each meeting. We are also working on a newsletter that will be sent to our members during the months that we do not have meetings to tell of upcoming events and general information and insight related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Change is in the air, and we are hoping to drum up new excitement and interest in our Parent Support Group!  For more information please contact Kristen Mioduszewski at (850) 243-1926 or email ecautism@cox.net.

Pensacola

The Autism Society of the Panhandle is a nonprofit, tax-exempt association of parents, professionals and other concerned community members dedicated to the education and welfare of children and adults with autism and related disabilities. Please call Susan Byram at 450-0656 for complete information or to volunteer your services.

ASP Evening Meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month at ARC Gateway, 10th and Fairfield, Pensacola at 6:30 p.m. Caregivers provided if reserved. To confirm information on meeting times, topics or sitters, e-mail autismpensacola@bellsouth.net  or call 450-0656.

ASP Pace Chat is held at 9:00 a.m. on the2nd Monday of the month. Village Inn Hwy. 90 in Pace.

ASP Pensacola Chat is held at 9:00 a.m. on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Village Inn at Cordova Mall 9th Ave.

ASP Grandparents Support Group (GASP) meets the 3rd Friday of each month at ARC Gateway Administrative Building 3932 N. 10th Ave. Pensacola at 9:30 a.m. Call for details 450-0656.

Biomedical Interventions Group (BIG)  is an informal discussion and support group for caregivers implementing or interested in the biomedical approach to address the nutritional status, gastrointestinal health, immune competence and related behavioral issues of children with ASD and/or ADD/ADHD, as developed by the Autism Research Institute. This local group meets primarily on-line at http://aspbiomedgroup.blogspot.com/.  Log on to share ideas and information.

Exceptional Voices is a resource group open to parents and professionals. The focus of this group in our community is to decrease the unnecessary isolation while increasing resources and communication avenues for parents with family members with special needs. Let your Exceptional Voice be heard. For information please contact Aretha Hudnall (850) 582-5127 Parent/ meeting planner Exceptional_voices@cox.net  or Shirley Sims (850) 881-5113 Outreach Manager.