Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, UF Gainesville

04/09/2026

Únase a este evento virtual de un día que contará con especialistas en autismo hispanohablantes.
La traducción al inglés estará disponible por Zoom.

Viernes, 22 de mayo de 2026
8:45AM – 3:45PM
En línea
Detalles del Día de HISPA en español:
https://card.ufl.edu/2026/03/31/hispa-day-2026-sp/

Join us for this one-day virtual event featuring Spanish-speaking autism specialists.
English translation will be available through zoom.

Friday, May 22, 2026
8:45AM – 3:45PM
Online
HISPA Day Details in English:
https://card.ufl.edu/2026/04/01/hispa-day-2026-en/

04/06/2026

Please join us online this afternoon!

Understanding Dyslexia and Dysgraphia in Autism

Monday, April, 6, 2026
4:00 – 5:30PM
Online

Children with Autism often have additional learning differences such as Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. Unfortunately, these “D’s” are frequently overlooked because the focus stays on the Autism diagnosis. This can leave students without the full support they need to succeed. In this session, Jess Arce, America’s Dyslexia Expert, will share insights from both her personal journey as a parent of children with Autism and Dyslexia and her professional experience working with families and educators nationwide. Jess has spent years helping students unlock their potential, guiding parents in advocacy, and training educators to recognize and support learning differences. Together, we will explore how Autism, Dyslexia, and Dysgraphia can co-occur and why these overlaps are often overlooked. Parents and educators will learn to spot the red flags of Dyslexia and Dysgraphia in Autistic learners—signs that are often hidden behind Autism traits. We will also examine the impact of missed diagnoses on academic progress, self-esteem, and mental health, with practical steps for advocacy and support. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions and real-life challenges for Jess to address during the discussion.

Details and link to registration:
https://card.ufl.edu/2026/01/17/understanding-dyslexia-and-dysgraphia-in-autism/

04/01/2026

Please join us online at 4:30PM for this free presentation!

Assistive Technology 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Supports Children with Autism

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
4:30 – 5:30PM
Online

This parent and professional-friendly training introduces participants to Assistive Technology (AT) and the many ways it supports communication, learning, behavior, and independence for individuals with autism. AT helps individuals with autism overcome barriers that may limit their ability to communicate, participate in learning, or engage meaningfully in daily routines. Participants will also learn how Assistive Technology differs from Educational Technology (EdTech) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The session will explain key requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including the federal mandates regarding the consideration of the need for assistive technology for all students receiving special education services.

Details and link to registration:
https://card.ufl.edu/2026/01/18/assistive-technology-101

04/01/2026

While April is Autism Acceptance Month, supporting the autism community is part of our work every day at UF CARD. We are here to support individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who work with them by offering consultation, training, and trusted, evidence-based resources.

If our posts are useful to you, please share them! Helping spread the word is a simple way to connect more people to our free services.

https://card.ufl.edu/about-card/services

03/31/2026

Please join us online tonight for this free presentation!

Battling Burnout: Addressing Caregiver Compassion Fatigue

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
6:30 – 8:00PM
Online

Join us to learn why those who care for individuals with disabilities have higher rates of burnout and compassion fatigue. The session will focus on how to identify your stress levels, prevent burnout, and rebound after burnout. Strategies will include: combatting perfectionism and comparison, making connections to avoid loneliness, and using acts of service, forgiveness, and gratitude to manage your mental health.

Details and link to registration:
https://card.ufl.edu/2026/01/19/battling-burnout-addressing-caregiver-compassion-fatigue

03/30/2026

Sharing for researchers at the University of Central Florida...

Feasibility of an AI-Augmented Telehealth Protocol for Early Autism Detection: A Pilot Study of Parent Narratives.

Researchers at the University of Central Florida are conducting a research study about how caregivers describe early developmental concerns.

You may be eligible if:
You are a caregiver age 18 or older
Your child is 24 to 48 months old (2 to 4 years)
Your child is flagged for developmental concerns or is on a waitlist for an autism evaluation
English is the primary language spoken at home
You have reliable internet and video access (for an online interview)

If you choose to participate, you will complete a brief online eligibility screening questionnaire and electronic consent form, and then take part in one 25 to 30 minute interview conducted securely via Zoom. Total time is about 45 minutes.

The Zoom interview will be audio and video recorded for accurate transcription.

There is no direct benefit expected. Your participation is voluntary. Choosing to participate or not participate will not affect your child’s waitlist status or access to clinical services in any way. This study does not provide a medical diagnosis or clinical advice.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the study team to receive the secure link to the screening survey and electronic consent form.

Joshua Levins
Principal Investigator, University of Central Florida
JoshLevins@ucf.edu

Ricardo Perez
Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Central Florida
RI812886@ucf.edu

IRB ID #: STUDY00008982

03/27/2026

Apply now for the Golf Clinic Spring 2026!

This golf clinic is designed for all types of golfers – beginners, novices, and experienced. Weekly group instruction will be provided by Scott Hampton, golf professional and Director of the University of Florida Golf Course. The clinic is open to UF CARD constituents 18 and older. Space is limited to 10 participants on a first-come first-served basis. Application required.
Learn more about becoming a UF CARD Constituent.

Fee: $20/session

Clinic hours:
Thursdays
4/2/2026 – 5/21/2026
10:30 – 11:30AM

Location:
Mark Bostick Golf Course
at the University of Florida
2800 SW 2nd Avenue
Gainesville, Florida 32607

For further information please contact:
Laura DeZayas
dezayasl@ufl.edu

Please visit our website for a link to the application:
https://card.ufl.edu/2026/03/26/golf-clinic-spring-2026/

03/26/2026

Sharing...

Families wanted for a University of Florida study on autism and technology

Are you a parent of an autistic child ages 3–12? You may be eligible to take part in a home-based research study.

Participants will:
- complete 4 tablet activities at home
- spend about 30 minutes on the study
- fill out a short online survey

To take part, the parent and child should be able to use a tablet, and the family should have access to a tablet at home.

The first 20 participants who register and complete the study will receive a $20 Amazon voucher.

Available: April or May 2026

To register, click this link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1BoLXSPmHunG0qG

Questions? Contact Dr. Nigel Newbutt at nigel.newbutt@coe.ufl.edu
UF IRB Protocol # ET00049643

03/26/2026

Join us online this afternoon for the second session on Teaching New Skills!

Strategies That Work Series

Join us online for a series of “duo trainings” on important topics. Each month, we will highlight a specific area of consideration for home, therapy, school, and community environments. Attend them all or choose those that apply to you!

Behavior
Thursdays, September 4 & 18, 2025
3:30 – 4:30PM

Considerations for Students with Extensive Support Needs
Thursdays, October 2 & 16, 2025
3:30 – 4:30PM

Sensory/Motor Considerations
Thursdays, November 6 & 20, 2025
3:30 – 4:30PM

Communication
Thursdays, January 8 & 22, 2026
3:30 – 4:30PM

Social Skills
Thursdays, February 12 & 26, 2026
3:30 – 4:30PM

Teaching New Skills
Thursdays, March 12 & 26, 2026
3:30 – 4:30PM

https://card.ufl.edu/2025/06/25/strategies-that-work-series/

03/26/2026

All About Project ATLAS (Autism Testing, Learning & Services) at The Melrose Center

Project ATLAS is a grant-funded community initiative dedicated to increasing access to autism-related testing, education, and support services for individuals and families in Florida.

Sponsored by Common Thread International, Inc. at The Melrose Center and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) through the Cinotti Grant Program in partnership with UF CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, UF Gainesville) and Emmanuel Project of Northeast Florida, Project ATLAS provides free autism evaluations and connects families with lifelong resources - ensuring that every child and adult has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Join us at our upcoming event to learn more about available resources, connect with community partners, participate in sensory-friendly activity stations and support autism awareness.

Autism Awareness Day Event:
April 3, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Event details and information about screenings: https://healthcarescreenings.floridahealth.gov

03/25/2026

Save the Date!
Autism & UF Conference 2026

The Autism and UF Conference will be held on July 23 & 24, 2026 at the Best Western Gateway Grand in Gainesville, Florida. Special hotel room rates will be available.

This free two-day conference consists of a series of sessions on a variety of topics related to current research and intervention in autism spectrum disorder. Many sessions will be presented by UF faculty and staff working in the field of autism spectrum disorder.

Additional details will be posted as they are available.

03/23/2026

Sharing from the Florida Department of Education...

2025-2026 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Parent* Survey

The Florida Department of Education is seeking parent and guardian input to enhance services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If your child has an individual education plan (IEP) or an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), please complete the following survey to help us improve our services. If you have more than one child with an IEP, please complete one survey for each child. The information gathered remains anonymous and will be used to inform support and resources for parents and students with IEPs. Results will be compiled at the district and school level.

https://fldoepaads.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_881xTFo6E6C6ZJI