FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

04/16/2026

💙 April is Autism Awareness Month

Click the link below to watch Episode 201 of Leon County Today featuring Sheriff Walt McNeil and Catherine Zenko of FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD).

In this episode, they discuss the importance of raising awareness and promoting acceptance for autism in our community.

▶️ Watch here:
https://youtu.be/id4rJrMDwJo

04/16/2026

☀️ Making the BEST of Your Summer ☀️

Parents, join FSU Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) for a helpful Zoom session focused on creating and using supports to make summer more successful.

FSU CARD consultants will share practical strategies, resources, and guidance to help your family feel prepared and confident this summer. 💙

📅 Tuesday, May 12
⏰ 12:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM CT
📍 Zoom Video Conference
🎤 Presenters: A. Burch, D. Merrix & L. Fleck

🔗 Register here: https://fsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/x1tWlyGgQMGpOvHVk9Xesg

04/16/2026

Join FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities & Leon County Sheriff's Office this Saturday, 4/18/26 from 11: 00 AM - 2 PM at the North Florida Fairgrounds. We hope to see you there!

04/15/2026

🌟 Young adults with autism (18–28): Join us to build social skills, practice real life interactions, and connect with peers! Open to those registered with FSU CARD. 💬💙

04/15/2026

🔔 Call for Presenters – CARD Statewide Conference 2027 🔔

The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) is now accepting presentation proposals for the 34th Annual CARD Statewide Conference!

🗓 January 15–17, 2027
📍 Orlando, Florida

We invite researchers, practitioners, self-advocates, educators, families, and professionals to share innovative practices, research, and perspectives that advance supports for autistic individuals and related disabilities across the lifespan.

👉 Submit your proposal today:
🌐 https://cardconference.info
📧 Questions? Contact ucfcard@ucf.edu

04/13/2026

📚 Looking to learn more about autism through real-life examples and current research?

Autism Navigator Masterclasses offer free, interactive learning opportunities for families, professionals, students, and anyone interested in understanding autism—especially early signs, social communication, and how to support learning in everyday activities. 💙

These masterclasses feature expert guidance and video examples that help bridge the gap between research and real-life practice. Join a supportive community of learners and grow your understanding—one meaningful moment at a time.

👉 Learn more and register: https://autismnavigator.com/masterclasses/

04/11/2026

🚨 Autism & Emergency Situations: Awareness Can Save Lives

When first responders encounter an autistic individual, understanding autism-related communication, sensory, and behavioral differences is critical. In high-stress situations, autistic individuals may not respond to commands, avoid eye contact, repeat words, or react strongly to lights, sounds, or touch—responses that can easily be misunderstood.

Our colleagues at UCF CARD - Center for Autism and Related Disabilities provide important guidance to help first responders recognize these differences and respond in ways that promote safety, de-escalation, and positive outcomes for everyone involved.

👉 Learn more about autism and first responder interactions: https://ucf-card.org/first-responders/

04/10/2026

*Posting on behalf of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, UF Gainesville*

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/

04/10/2026

*Posting on behalf of the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System*

💙 Autism Acceptance Month Resource Fair 💙

Join us for the 5th annual resource fair connecting the neurodiverse community with local programs and supports across the Big Bend.

📅 Sat., April 18, 2026 | 1–3 PM ET
📍 Leon County Main Library, 200 W Park Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301

04/08/2026

FSU CARD was honored to attend the Open House for Advanced Sacred Hope Academy (ASHA) in Okaloosa County!

CARD Consultant, Tish Melton, had the opportunity to connect with community partners and learn more about this incredible non-profit private school serving students with autism and other neurological differences.

Pictured is Julie Webb, Founder of ASHA, who is both a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Julie is passionate about continuing to be a strong advocate for students and families in need of support and services.

We’re grateful for dedicated community leaders like Julie who are expanding opportunities and resources for individuals and families across our region. 💙

04/08/2026

*Posting on behalf of Friends Like Me *

💙 Friends Like Me Autism Community Event 💙

Created by Bridget, inspired by her son Rod, this event is all about inclusion, love, and community. Every child deserves to feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated 💙

Join us for a FREE family-friendly event with fire trucks 🚒, painting 🎨, sports, games, and fun for ALL kids on the spectrum and beyond. Everyone is welcome!

✨ We are also accepting sponsors who would love to support this amazing cause.
📞 Please register in advance so we can prepare for everyone:
Call 850-524-8758

Let’s come together and create a space where every child belongs 💙

04/07/2026

*Posting on behalf of ASD Drive Ready*

Free is a very good price.

FSU CARD has made an incredibly generous offer for families in the Panhandle region: registered FSU CARD clients can receive a free driver readiness evaluation when scheduled for April 15–17.
To use this offer, you must get the coupon code from FSU CARD. Please contact FSU CARD at autism@med.fsu.edu to request the code.

Not registered with FSU CARD yet? Now is a great time to get started. You can learn more and begin the registration process here: https://fsucard.com/services/becoming-a-client/

To learn more about our program or sign up for an evaluation, visit:
www.asddriveready.com

Appointments are limited to those dates, so don’t wait.

Beneficial driving simulation for neurodiverse learners, including those with ASD, ADHD, and severe anxiety.