Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, UF Gainesville

02/28/2026

“The Lost Girls”: Shining a Light on Females with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Friday, April 17, 2026
4:00 – 5:30PM
Online

Despite growing awareness, thousands of girls and women with autism remain undiagnosed due to longstanding research biases that have historically focused on male presentations. This diagnostic gap has significant implications for mental health: nearly 80% of autistic females have at least one co-occurring mental health condition, and 20% experience psychiatric hospitalization by age 25. This presentation will explore the unique characteristics of the female autism phenotype, offer strategies for more accurate identification, and highlight best practices for providing effective, compassionate support to autistic girls and women.

Details and link to registration:
https://card.ufl.edu/2026/01/16/the-lost-girls-shining-a-light-on-females-with-autism-spectrum-disorder

02/27/2026

Read our latest eNews!
https://card.ufl.edu/newsletter/uf-card-enews-february-2026/

Included in this issue:
- Stomp the Swamp for Autism 2026

- Navigating Divorce and ASD

- Systematic Instructional Strategies to Promote Access to the General Curriculum for Students with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

- Battling Burnout: Addressing Caregiver Compassion Fatigue

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

-Understanding Dyslexia and Dysgraphia in Autism

- “The Lost Girls”: Shining a Light on Females with Autism Spectrum Disorder

- Strategies That Work

& More

Want to get our eNews sent directly to your inbox?
https://card.ufl.edu/formscontact/subscribe-to-enews/

02/27/2026

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/

02/26/2026

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

02/26/2026

Join us online this afternoon for the second session on Social 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/

02/19/2026

Sharing for UCF Psychology...

Autistic Adults Needed!
Only takes 5-10 minutes!
I am doing a thesis on the mental health of autistic adults. If that is something that interests you, your participation in this quick survey would very appreciated!
Survey Link:
https://qualtricsxm4z84vx297.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Mw4BsnIulVzBDE
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Dr. Raymonde Neal, Psychology Lecturer, Department of Psychology, by email at Raymonde.neal@ucf.edu or (407) 823-5861.
IRB ID: STUDY00008649

02/17/2026

Please join us online this evening!

Helping Individuals with Autism Understand Death and Grieving

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
6:00 – 7:30PM
Online

The session will deal with explaining the concept of death to your child with Autism. The concept of death can be a scary topic for most parents. Most don’t envision ever having to deal with such a topic with their child with Autism. However, every 16 minutes, someone in this country commits su***de. It is estimated that approximately 33,000 people die from su***de each year. This also doesn’t account for family members or friends at school that may die from various illnesses, accidents, or various tragedies. It is likely that your child will encounter the concept of death during their childhood and will need assistance understanding it better.

Details and link to registration:
https://card.ufl.edu/2026/01/22/helping-individuals-with-autism-understand-death-and-grieving/

02/17/2026

MEGA SHOUTOUT TIME!
Stomp the Swamp 2026 x ABA Centers of Florida

We are honored to extend our deepest appreciation to ABA Centers of Florida for their outstanding generosity and sponsorship for Stomp the Swamp 2026. Their support reflects a meaningful commitment to advancing autism awareness, strengthening community resources, and empowering individuals and families across Florida. We couldn’t do this without you!
www.abacentersfl.com

02/16/2026

Sharing for the UF Department of Psychiatry...

Evaluating Accessible Services for Individuals with Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions - IRB #202500706

The University of Florida Department of Psychiatry is conducting a research study that will allow you to share your experience accessing services in Alachua County.

Purpose:
Assess individuals’ experiences accessing local services in Alachua County, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental needs

Eligibility:
-You are an adult between 18 and 80 years of age
-You have received or attempted to receive services from the following organizations:
Arc of Alachua County
Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County
ABA Results
BASS ABA Therapy
Balance 180
Florida Autism Center
Life Transition Skills
Center for Independent Living,
CDS Family Behavioral Services
UF Reading Program

Study:
1. Reach out to any of the research team members whose contact information is provided below and a member of the research team will provide you with a link to fill out the survey through text message or email
2. Access the survey here: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CyXgnoA9fy3xLU
3. Complete a short survey that should take around 5-20 minutes online (mobile-friendly)

Risks/Compensation:
There are minimal risks to participation in this study, including risks of data breach and participant distress
There is no compensation for participation in this study

Rights:
-Completely voluntary and confidential participation
-Decision to participate will not affect your current services or prevent access to services in the future
-You may stop the survey or request researchers remove your data from the research at any time without penalty

Contact:
If you are interested in participating or have questions about the study, please reach out to a member of the research team
Dr. Takahiro Soda
(352)-294-4946
takahirosoda@ufl.edu
Dr. Ann-Marie Orlando
(352) 265-2239
aorlando@ufl.edu
Jack Lawhorne
(386)-478-6636
jacklawhorne@ufl.edu

Survey:
Access the informed consent form and the online survey here:
https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CyXgnoA9fy3xLU
This survey can be completed at any time at your convenience.

02/14/2026

Register Now for Stomp the Swamp 2026!

We’re gearing up for Stomp the Swamp for Autism 2026, and now is the perfect time to register as a fitness participant! Whether you walk or run the stadium steps or take the loop around the stadium, every step you take helps raise funds for the University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD)— North Central Florida’s First Choice for Autism Support.

Stomp the Swamp for Autism Acceptance and Awareness
Saturday, March 7, 2026
2:00pm - 4:00pm (Registration opens at 1:30pm)
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Gate 7)

Autism is the fastest-rising developmental disorder in the United States, and your donation helps UF CARD provide programs such as swimming lessons and safety resources, employment training, and social learning groups. Your participation directly supports these critical services for individuals and families in our community.

Be part of something meaningful. Move with purpose. Make a difference.
There’s still time to register - we would love to have you with us.

Register by February 16, 2026 to secure your custom limited edition t-shirt!
Can't register just yet? No worries, registration will remain open through the day of the event.

For questions or to learn more:
Email Greg Valcante at valcante@ufl.edu
Visit www.card.ufl.edu

Register: https://web.cvent.com/event/620262e4-b658-4fb3-b4cf-d03ad26a626c/summary

02/13/2026

We’re gearing up for our annual Stomp the Swamp fitness event, and are incredibly grateful for the sponsors supporting the event. Because of you, University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD) can continue expanding programs that make a meaningful difference for our constituents- from swimming lessons and safety resources, to employment training and social learning groups.

Thank you for believing in this mission, for supporting our families, and for helping us create a day that celebrates strength and community. We deeply appreciate every sponsor who has joined us so far - and we can’t wait to Stomp the Swamp together in March!

Stomp the Swamp for Autism Acceptance and Awareness
Saturday, March 7, 2026
2:00pm - 4:00pm (Registration opens at 1:30pm)
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Gate 7)

Current Sponsors
Diamond:
ABA Centers of Florida

Platinum:
The Independence Project, Inc. Gainesville, FL
Gator Domino's Pizza
Speech4Kids of Gainesville
Children's Trust of Alachua County

Gold:
ACG Therapy Center

Silver:
Scott Cameron - State Farm Agent
Positive Behavior Supports Corp.
Florida Credit Union
Celebration United Methodist Church

Great news, we are not done yet - there’s still time to become a sponsor! To sponsor this impactful day, complete our form by February 16, 2026.
https://web.cvent.com/event/620262e4-b658-4fb3-b4cf-d03ad26a626c/summary

Every step you take helps raise funds for UF CARD programs that change lives.

We are also accepting items for our silent auction - gift certificates, baskets, tickets, product samples, and more. Every donation helps strengthen UF CARD services.

For questions or to learn more:
Email Greg Valcante at valcante@ufl.edu
Visit www.card.ufl.edu