March 2021 Newsletter

We'd love for you to join us this Thursday at the annual Blue Valley VIRTUAL Special Needs Fair! We will be one of many organizations, providers, therapists, etc. who will be available to connect with families!

Our 4th Annual 5K/1K Fun Run registration is live! Sign up here for in-person or virtual registration!

T(w)een Social Group

This month the group will join together to play Minecraft! Make sure you can play on your laptop with Zoom or on another device while Zooming. Parents are invited! Sign up on Eventbrite here for the Zoom link and password.This a social group for tweens and teens with autism, ages 11-16, who are able to participate in social nights with some supervision. This group will meet monthly, and currently only virtually.

A.W.A.R.E. Activities

Pets Night	Nelson-Atkin's Art Class
We are so excited to continue our A.W.A.R.E. (Adults With Autism Recreational Events) social group virtually. Share what you love about your pet(s) and invite your pet(s) to the meeting! Bring your dog, cat, bird, or pet rock! All types of pets are welcome. If you don't have a pet, come and enjoy viewing other pets! Please register here on Eventbrite for the Zoom link and password! A.W.A.R.E. is a social group for adults with autism (ages 18+) who are able to participate in group settings without supervision. This group meets monthly, and currently only through a virtual setting.	The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in partnership with the Autism Society-The Heartland invites you to join us for virtual art classes. Registration is required. Want to attend? Sign up by emailing duffymp@umkc.edu. We have limited room for these classes, so get your RSVP in early to reserve your spot! The Zoom link for each class will be emailed to you on the morning of the class.

Join us March 10 or March 18 for either of our TWO virtual Support Group Meetings! These will be held through Zoom. Please find more information by clicking the date you want to attend!

Autism Society - The Heartland continues our Saturday Seminar series with this month's VIRTUAL workshop Transition Planning Beyond the IEP Table with Jennifer Hulme! Follow this link to register and for more information!

COVID-19 Relief Fund still available!

Autism Society - The Heartland's COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide direct financial assistance to individuals and families for groceries, essential household supplies, activities, and/or caregiver self-care opportunities with a paid, active 2020 or 2021 ASH membership. Please visit our website here for more information and apply here.

University of Kansas Research Opportunity

Suma Suswaram is recruiting parents, guardians, and adult caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for a study that examines the relationship between caregivers’ stress and child communication skills. To participate, the parents must be the primary caregiver of children between the age of 4-10 years, with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of ASD, speak less than 30 functional words. If you or anyone you know might be interested in participating, please contact suswaram_suma@ku.edu.

Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (KCART) Research Opportunity

The BRAIN Lab team is seeking individuals 8-35 years old for our studies of brain and behavioral development in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD and individuals without ASD may participate. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently conducting remote assessments only. If you are interested in participating in our studies*, follow the link above and click on ENROLL IN A STUDY.

*For more information about study participation, or to learn about the safety procedures being implemented by our research team, contacting us at (785) 864-4461 or brainlab@ku.edu.

March 2021

Due to continued CoVid-19 concerns in KS and MO, Autism Society - The Heartland has made the decision to cancel, reschedule, or move to a virtual format for our previously scheduled in-person events. We will continue to explore options to provide additional virtual options and supports. Our physical office at the KU Edwards Campus will remain closed throughout the entire month of March as well.