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Check out what’s happening in July! Free kids & teens social groups, help us provide funds for adult scholarships through the Hunter Hinze Fund, support & rec groups for autistic adults, support groups for caregivers, Zumba for Autism, and Respite & Support Services Brown Bag Learning Event!
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Do you want your design to be on the front of our Texas Autism Bike Ride & Fun Run t-shirts? Create a design and submit your completed entry by July 31, 2020 to be considered! The design will be printed on over 500 t-shirts to be worn at the event by cyclists, runners, and volunteers! Complete the forms below, then submit to the Autism Society of Texas at 300 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Suite 205, Austin, TX 78752 or by email to kate@texasautismsociety.org.
Download the t-shirt contest forms here!
Who Can Submit? The contest is open to all members of the Texas community who have autism or a connection to autism. There are no age restrictions. One entry per person.
Contest Deadline: All entries must be received by mail or email no later than July 31, 2020.
Questions? Please contact Kate Ferguson at kate@texasautismsociety.org
How to Submit? Email completed entries to kate@texasautismsociety.org OR mail to Autism Society of Texas, 300 E. Highland Mall Blvd, Suite 205, Austin, TX 78752.
Art Format: All artistic design formats are welcome; however, keep in mind that the design will need to be transferred by the t-shirt printer to an electronic format. Pen, pencil, crayon and paint, along with digital designs are the most popular. You may use color, but the final design will be limited to 2 colors.
Design Ideas: All ideas are welcome! 2020 is the 12th Annual Texas Autism Bike Ride & Fun Run and the event focuses on cycling and running, while hosting a resource fair and fun activities for all ages to come together in support of those affected by autism. All proceeds are used to fund programs, promote education and acceptance, and provide access to resources for families and adults living with autism in Texas.
For more information about the contest or the event, please visit www.texasautismsociety.org.
Check out our 2019 winner and her design on last year’s t-shirts!
The following links, resources, and activities are mentioned in the video, “Self-Care during COVID-19 for Autistic Adults” presented by Spectrum Services & Autism Society of Texas Board Member, Sal Silinonte.
Groups:
First, to help beat social isolation and get involved, our groups for autistic adults are on our website calendar here. For groups that meet regularly, check the AST website calendar for upcoming dates and times, as well as how to join. The following meetings are currently running for autistic adults and are a good way to get involved with others: AST Adult Social Skills & Support Group-monthly, AST Online Recreation Group-monthly, AST Waco Autistic/Aspie Adult Group-weekly while virtual, AST Adult D & D Online Group (or check Meetup if not posted on the AST calendar). We will resume in-person meetings when it is safe to do so. Please check the AST web calendar to see if the event is virtual or in-person.
AST Ask An Autistic Adult:
Have a question? Need help or advice? Send an email and our Autistic Adult Advisory Panel will respond! https://tinyurl.com/AskAAAP
Autism Society of Texas’ COVID-19 Toolkit:
https://www.texasautismsociety.org/covid-19-tool-kit/
Autism Society of Texas Adult Meetup Group:
https://www.meetup.com/Austin-Adults-With-Disabilities-Social-Group/
Autism Society of Texas Information & Referrals:
Free support, guidance, and connection to resources, therapists, etc.
Email us at support@texasautismsociety.org or call (512) 479-4199, Ext. 6.
Check out our May newsletter! Read updates on how you can watch the AutFest at Home films, virtual support groups, and our Self-Care for Autistic Adults event on 5/12! Check out our calendar too!
Read the May newsletter.
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One of Autism Society of Texas’ (AST) biggest long term supporters is Ann Hart. From facilitating AST’s monthly Austin Parent & Caregiver Support Group to taking on the role of Board President, Ann is thoroughly woven into the fabric of the Autism Society of Texas.
The Hart Family ( Dave, Ann, John, Michael, and Elizabeth) is a 2020 Star Sponsor of AutFest Texas, AST’s annual film festival that showcases films by autistic filmmakers as well as films that grapple with issues facing the Autism Community. We sat down to ask Ann a couple of quick questions about her continued support of AST.
Q: Why do you support AutFest TX?
A: We love movies, TV, and the Autism Society of Texas! What we’ve seen over the past few film festivals is that movies can show people who don’t live with autism what life with autism is like in an accessible, compelling way. And for those of us who do live with autism, watching movies together can be an affirming community experience.
Q: What was your favorite AutFest film from past years?
A: “Swim Team”
Q: As you know our virtual film fest, AutFest At Home, is fast approaching on April 30th. What does your AutFest At Home setup look like?
A: Three of us (Dave, Ann, and Elizabeth) will watch at home on the TV. Dave will figure out how to connect everything so that we can watch on a bigger screen and Elizabeth will bake a yummy dessert for the occasion. We’ll dress VERY casually for at-home viewing but will plan to dress up for the Reel Deal in the fall.
Q: Why is the Autism Society of Texas (AST) important to you personally and to the community?
A: We have met our best autism friends through the Autism Society and, in fact, John, our 34-year-old with autism, has made his best friends through our AST network as well.
Q: Last question! What is one thing you want people to know about AST?
A: AST can’t solve all your problems but it can provide you with reliable information and ongoing support.
AutFest At Home is one week away, starting April 30th at 7 pm.
To check out this years line up, purchase your ticket (just $10 a household), or sponsor AutFest TX 2020, click here!
Check out everything that’s happening! Online support groups, corona virus information for families and autistic adults, save the date for our Bike Ride & Fun Run & AutFest at Home on 4/30!
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Check out Spark Learning’s slideshow on
coping strategies during COVID-19
Spark Learning Power Point Presentation COVID-19
Check out other resources from Spark Learning:
Cool Down Cards
Coronavirus Social Story
First-Then Visual
Online Resources
Online School Social Story
Washing Hands Social Story
Washing Hands Task Analysis
Wearing Masks Social Story
Others Wearing Face Masks Social Story