UPMC Center for Autism & Developmental Disorders - Merck Clinic

02/01/2024

Join us for an exhilarating snow tubing day at Boyce Park, tailored specifically for individuals with autism! Save the date: February 21, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, and prepare for an adventure like no other. Don't procrastinate, the deadline to sign up is February 11, 2024.

For $20, you can be part of this extraordinary experience, where everyone is embraced and supported. Gear up and brace yourself for an exciting ride down the slopes in a safe and inclusive setting. Don't let this opportunity slip away – we look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP Here --->https://bandtogetherpgh.org/event/autism-friendly-snow-tubing-trip-to-boyce-park/

01/26/2024

Join us in person on Monday, February 5 at 6:00 for a presentation on Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) by the Speech Pathologists of Interact Therapy. After presenting, the Trees Network AT lab will be open to explore and interact with some of the AT and AAC devices. To give us an idea of how many people plan to attend this FREE event, we asking to either email Vicki at donne@rmu.edu or Deanna at hiltzd@rmu.edu or by completing the registration form https://forms.gle/yV8756mfRPFsj3mZ9
Hope to see you in two weeks!

01/22/2024

Our friends at In Toto Community Resource Center offer free opportunities to connect in person and online.

Learn more by visiting the Inclusive Autism Program on the InToto website: https://www.intotocommunity.org/programs/inclusive-autism-program

01/18/2024

01/04/2024

Finding Support After Diagnosis
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
12:00 p.m. EST

Join Autism Speaks to explore strategies to support your child after their diagnosis and help them reach their full potential. You'll hear from parent training specialists and the Autism Response Team to discuss key resources to consider in the coming months and years at this free webinar:

This event is open to parents, caregivers, service providers and all autism allies.

Registration is required. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with details from Zoom.

Register here: http://tinyurl.com/34jep8ds

12/29/2023

Check out this article about "How to Dance in Ohio," a Broadway musical starring 7 autistic actors!

The musical is an adaptation of a Peabody award-winning HBO documentary — it follows seven young people at a group counseling center in Columbus as they get ready for a big dance.

12/18/2023

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities is seeking artwork by disabled artists for its 2024 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Campaign. The theme for 2024 is “A World of Opportunities”. If you would like to submit artwork, please email rrolon-muniz@nacdd.org - Deadline for Submission: Wed, January 10, 2024. (Artists with selected work will be paid for their art.)

11/30/2023

Time to get your ticket aboard the Polar Express! This popular community event is back again on December 2, 2023 with showings of the classic movie at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the historic Strand Theater in downtown Zelienople. Join for a private viewing of the movie and a visit from Santa, as well as concessions and a door prize. Great holiday fun!

Admission is free, but RSVPs are required. Please bring a gift or gift card for a child in need as your admission.

For more information or to register, contact head elf Cheryl at cmartin@gladerun.org or 724-452-4453, ext. 1277.

11/30/2023

Our friends at The Lindsay Theater Cultural Center will host a sensory friendly screening of The Grinch, a feature-length animation based on Dr. Seuss’s beloved holiday classic, at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 16.

More information and tickets here: https://thelindsaytheater.org/event/sensory-friendly-screening-of-the-grinch/

11/10/2023

Santa Cares events allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy Santa Magic photo experiences in an inclusive environment that improves comfort, enjoyment and participation among children with sensory sensitivities. 🎅🎄🎁

Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks are thrilled to host Santa Cares events on Sunday, December 3, 2023! Click the link to find a location near you and book your free visit:

https://santacares.whereissanta.com/

11/10/2023

📰 BREAKING NEWS: Shapiro Administration Directs Insurers to Meet Obligations for Autism Coverage Under Mental Health Parity Laws, Removing Barriers to Care and Expanding Access to Services for Pennsylvanians.

“With today’s announcement, we are removing unnecessary barriers to care for over 55,000 Pennsylvanians with autism, and helping them secure the treatment they need to live happy, productive lives..." - Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania

Click here to read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/47sKXVU

11/06/2023

Join us for practical insights and tools, empowering you to guide your student toward a successful post-high school journey.

November 9th from 6:30 pm - 8 pm.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.achieva.info/events/whats-your-students-post-high-school-plan

11/01/2023

On Friday, November 3rd from 6-9pm, Carnegie Science Center (on the North Shore) will be hosting an adults-only 18+ Sensory Sensitive Night ~ TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition!

This relaxed-format evening ‘Behind the Science’ will include live demonstrations; hands-on activities; and access to some of our most popular exhibits, including The Miniature Railroad and Village; Mars: The Next Giant Leap!; and the brand new traveling exhibit TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition!

Lights & sound throughout the museum will be adjusted to create a low stimulus environment; our Quiet Room will be open, and Sensory Backpacks are available upon request. Snacks, cocktails, and mocktails will be available for purchase in the RiverView Café.

Tickets are a flat $12 all-inclusive price, and can be purchased on the Science Center website at: https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/events/sensory-sensitive-18-plus-night/ - or they can be purchased as walk-up the night of the event, or by reaching out to our Call Center at (412) 237-3400.

10/27/2023

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is hosting Boo!, the sensory friendly Halloween celebration. It’s a great event designed specifically for kids and families with autism and other sensory sensitivities, featuring fun activities and trick or treating throughout the museum.
Families can RSVP directly for free tickets at this link: https://shop.pittsburghkids.org/e-commerce/ItemShow.aspx?Dep=mslGLa9A4j0=&Cat=sRpcKcZmPsY=&It=5mTpAhOwKublb+jqyIaEzA==

10/17/2023

Unwrap your chocolate adventure with attractions modified for sensory sensitivities, retail and food discounts, visits with Susquehanna Service Dogs, and more! 🍫 All the details: http://spr.ly/6185uT44L

10/13/2023

Navigating airports 🛫 can be overwhelming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces create challenges, often compounded by a lack of understanding among airport and airline staff.

Our Wings for All program gives families and aviation professionals the confidence to take to the skies with ease by providing an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols.

Explore upcoming nationwide events: https://pulse.ly/cn7l8ygkca

10/09/2023

In collaboration with the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, Let's Move Pittsburgh is hosting a Sensory Friendly Hour at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens on Monday Oct. 16th. People with sensory concerns and their families are welcome to join a self-guided tour of the conservatory, including engaging sensory-friendly Discovery Station activities along the way.

To ensure a peaceful walk through the Conservatory, lights and sounds will be minimized. Participants will receive a social story via email detailing the experience prior to arrival. Please park in the center island and enter through the Welcome Center.

Registration is $2 per person ages 2 and up; children under 2 may attend free of charge. Registrations are available for 5:30 p.m. or 5:45 p.m. arrival times on Mon., Oct. 16

Registration link in comments below!

10/05/2023

👂 Did you hear? Registration is now open for the 16th Annual Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC)!

This virtual conference will provide professionals working directly with children and/or adults with autism, with tools, strategies, and resources to help provide the most effective support. REGISTER HERE: https://www.myodp.org/course/view.php?id=2213 -0

Admission is $10.00 for professionals and allows access to all conference sessions over all three days. Admission is cost-free for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.