Autism Connection of Pennsylvania

02/26/2026

Tonight! Online safety from our friends PEAL Center

Today is the day! Are you a young person who is looking to take back your power on Social Media platforms? Join us for a webinar on this evening from 6:00-7:00 p.m. about how to use your time online wisely.

Our team of Youth Empowerment Specialists will be able to answer any questions you have about scams, self-confidence, and how to be an upstander online.

Register Here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5206358

02/25/2026

02/24/2026

Tuesday, March 10th
6:30pm on Zoom
Caring for Loved Ones with Complex Needs/Profound Autism
Topic: Creating an Advocacy Network

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nny0daF1Tya_du4HKH4wEQ

02/24/2026

02/23/2026

Registration is Open for the 13th Annual Disability & Mental Health Summit:
Thursday, May 7th at the CCAC Allegheny Campus
Free event

Originally launched by retired Representative Dan Miller, the Summit was created to bring resources and experts out of their offices and into one easy-to-access space where people can connect face-to-face, solve problems, and build better futures.

The 2026 Summit will be hosted by Rep. Jessica Benham and Rep. Emily Kinkead, with support from the Allegheny County Delegation.

✨ A larger resource fair
✨ More free information sessions
✨ Expanded school partnerships to support transition-aged young adults
✨ The return of the South Hills Futures Fair
✨ A powerful bipartisan, bicameral legislative panel
✨ A showcase celebrating talented disabled musicians

For 13 years, this Summit has educated legislators, informed families, provided continuing education credits for professionals, and most importantly, it has empowered self-advocates and allies.

See Comments for registration link.

02/23/2026

3️⃣ days til our February episode of drops!

Don't forget to check your favorite podcast platforms this Thursday to listen to our conversation with emergency physician, Dr. Arvind Venkat. 🩺

02/21/2026

Disabled Philadelphians looking to make change in our city: This is your reminder that the next Rev Up Philly meeting is coming up this Wednesday February 18th! The meeting is virtual on Zoom from 3 PM -4:30 PM.

The Rev Up Philly Coalition is a group of proud Philadelphians who are working towards disability justice. If you're interested in joining the coalition, you can find the google form on our website - find it on the event page for the meeting.



Id... A light blue background with a photo of a Rev Up banner on a wall above a table in the old Disability Pride PA space. On the wall around the banner is other Rev Up posters and signs, as well as some on the table. Next to the photograph are the logos for Disability Pride PA and Rev Up Coalition.

02/19/2026

Some people learn language in “chunks” instead of one word at a time. This is called Gestalt language processing (GLP). It is not a disorder or a diagnosis. It’s simply a different way of learning language.

Scripting and echolalia (like repeating movie lines) are not meaningless. These phrases often carry emotional meaning and are important steps toward communication. The goal isn’t to stop the scripts. It’s to understand them and help shape them into flexible, meaningful speech.

02/18/2026

Tonight, Wednesday, February 18th at 6:30pm on Zoom
Late Diagnosis of Autism Support Group

Topic: People's experiences with getting formally diagnosed or why they self-diagnose.

Link to join the Zoom meeting in captions.

02/17/2026

🪩 Teen Sensory Friendly Silent Disco 🎧

We’re excited to share that the Teen Sensory Friendly Silent Disco is back at the The Andy Warhol Museum
on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 6–8 PM!

This event is planned to support teens with autism and sensory sensitivities so everyone can feel comfortable and have fun.

🎟 Free tickets are required.
📧 Questions or accessibility requests? Email accessibility@warhol.org

02/16/2026

This week, our podcast will feature emergency services physician, Dr. Arvind Venkat. To accompany the episode, check out our for support personnel to help autistic individuals navigate health services: https://cstu.io/c19f75

02/14/2026

Darian Johnson’s latest painting of Downtown Pittsburgh