UF Health Center for Autism and Related Disabilities - Jacksonville

01/14/2026

🎉 Get With The Plan! Understanding IEP & 504 Plans 🧠📘

Parents — feeling overwhelmed by special education jargon, meetings, or decisions that shape your child’s future? 💔 You don’t have to walk this path alone! Join our FREE online training on 📅 February 18th, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM to gain clarity, confidence, and real understanding of IEPs and 504 Plans. 📚✨

This session will help you:
💡 Understand the key differences between IEP (Individualized Education Program) and 504 Plans
🧩 Learn how these plans support your child’s unique learning needs
🤝 Build confidence to advocate for the support your child deserves

👉 Whether you’re just starting your journey or need a refresher, this workshop will equip you with tools and insight to navigate the school system with heart and hope. 💪❤️

📍 Online • 📅 February 18, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
🔗 Register: https://ow.ly/7asi50XSIuI

📧 Contact: Rachelle Tolliver by emailing her at rtolliver@fau.edu
You’re not alone — your child’s future matters, and you have the power to make it brighter. 💖

01/14/2026

🌟 When words feel hard, visuals speak from the heart. 🌟

Join us for “Using Visual Supports” — a powerful Zoom training designed to help children and learners feel understood, supported, and confident 💙

📅 February 18
⏰ 12:00 – 1:00 PM
💻 Live on Zoom

✨ Learn how visual supports can:
🧩 Reduce frustration
💬 Strengthen communication
🌈 Create calmer, more predictable days

👉 Save your spot today: https://ow.ly/17Rv50XTAq2

Because every child deserves tools that help them shine 🌟

💙📊

01/14/2026

This article is for parents navigating how to talk about their child's autism diagnosis with siblings and family, protect their child’s dignity, and set loving boundaries along the way.

Read the article in this month's OARacle Newsletter! https://f.mtr.cool/ufvfekeqbr

01/14/2026

01/14/2026

RHYTHM ON THE SPECTRUM

This group offers young adults with autism within the age range of 16 to 22 years old, a supportive, creative space to explore self-expression, communication, and collaboration through music. Participants will engage in a variety of musical modalities including instrumental and vocal recreation, songwriting, lyric interpretation, improvisation, and guided discussions on song content and meaning. With music as the foundation, participants will strengthen their ability to connect with others, process emotions, and build a greater sense of identity—all while having fun and making meaningful noise together.

Upcoming Dates:
January 20, 2026
January 27, 2026
February 3, 2026

Time: 5:00PM to 6:00 PM.

This group is offered at no cost.

For more information please contact jeannie.potthast@jax.ufl.edu.

01/13/2026

**RETRO DINER**

Happy New Year!! We're excited to start the new year in CLAY COUNTY @ The 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Orange Park.

_WHO: CARD Constituents + Parents/Caregivers

_WHAT: We are excited to announce that Retro Diner – a support group for adults on the autism spectrum. The focus of Retro Diner remains on building social skills and fostering independence. Participants will be fully responsible for ordering, requesting, paying, and socializing for themselves. Parents or transportation providers must be present and remain on-site during Retro Diner unless the adult participant is responsible for their own transportation. Parents can use this time to connect with other parents and enjoy themselves while the group is in session.

_WHERE: The 4 Rivers Smokehouse Orange Park, 220 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073

_WHEN: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 5–7 PM.

REGISTER online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/retro-diner-the-4-rivers-smokehouse-in-orange-park-tickets-1980031407240?

If you have any further questions, please contact Bernardo Cuadra at Bernardo.Cuadra@jax.ufl.edu.
We look forward to seeing you at 4 Rivers Smokehouse on January 14th from 5–7 PM!

01/13/2026

SPRING FLING 2026

March 26, 2026 * 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Location: 6271 St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32217.

You and your family are invited to the UF Health Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Center for an evening of fun and games at our annual Spring Fling event!

Hunt for eggs. Play in the Game Rooms and win prizes. Enjoy crafts, face painting, and other activities. Bring a camera and have your picture taken with a hopping good special guest.

All of this is available at no cost to the family.

To register for the event go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uf-health-spring-fling-2026-tickets-1980381216529?aff=oddtdtcreator

Download a digital version of the Spring Fling flyer at:https://med.jax.ufl.edu/calendar/attachments/8622/20252026springfling.pdf

For additional information about this event please contact TerryLee2@jax.ufl.edu or call 904.633.0760.

01/09/2026

Join us for the 33rd Annual Autism & Related Disabilities Conference in Orlando, Florida!

📅 Dates: January 16–18, 2026
🌐 Learn more: www.cardconference.info
📲 Scan the QR code for quick access to details!

01/07/2026

Coming to Orlando, January 10th! It’s free! Help UCF CARD while rocking out to some tunes from some very talented musicians on the spectrum including our own local hero MBS! It’s great to support ASD while also having fun, enjoying some snacks and being in a welcoming group of others on the spectrum. If you say you are with UCF CARD and we are one of the top 3 groups, CARD will receive a donation from the Flutie Foundation, which we can use to support special events for our families!

Link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/starsofthespectrumorlando2026/event/starsofthespectrumorlando/

01/07/2026

Need help understanding your IEP? We can help! Join us on January 29th on Zoom at 6pm.

To register, scan the QR code or go to iep26.eventbrite.com

01/07/2026

Check out this free, 6-part monthly webinar series from our colleagues at Autism Navigator. This series is for regular education and special education teachers, district-level personnel, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, early interventionists, psychologists, behavior specialists, social workers, paraprofessionals, college students, and anyone else interested in learning about students with autism. Participants will learn about an evidence-based framework to prioritize goals using a lens of active engagement and a layer cake of teaching strategies to promote learning and positive behavior.

Scan the QR code to learn more and register or click here: https://autismnavigator.com/masterclass-autism-navigator-for-classroom-success-in-prek-through-2nd-grade/

01/05/2026

✨ Save the Date! ✨
Join us in Orlando, FL on Friday, January 16, 2026 (1:00 PM – 7:00 PM) for the HISPA Conference.

This inspiring event brings together voices, stories, and leaders to celebrate culture, share knowledge, and strengthen our community. Don’t miss this chance to connect, grow, and be part of something meaningful. 💫

📍 Orlando, FL
🗓 Friday, Jan 16, 2026 | ⏰ 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM