FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

All three of our offices will be closed today, Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. Our offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22nd. Click the link below to learn more about Juneteenth and why we celebrate.
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

*Posting on behalf of AngelSense - Protecting Children*

For autistic children, water safety can look different than many families, schools, and communities expect.

Even children who avoid baths or swim lessons may still be drawn to pools, ponds, lakes, canals, or other nearby water. And when a child with autism goes missing, one message can make all the difference: Search nearby water first.

In our next AngelSense Live panel, we’re bringing together voices from advocacy, policy, clinical care, and lived parent experience to talk about what real water safety planning needs to include - beyond “watch them closely” or “sign them up for swim lessons.”

You’ll hear from:
💧 Lori McIlwain of the National Autism Safety Council, on why water risk can look different for autistic children and what families and first responders need to know.
💧 Stacey Hoaglund of Disability Advocacy and Support Specialists, on access, equity, swim instruction, legislation, and why drowning prevention is also a disability-access issue.
💧 Melissa Schiefelbein, BCBA and Clinical Lead at AngelSense, on how families can build realistic safety plans around behavior patterns, communication needs, elopement risk, sensory needs, and assistive technology.

Moderated by Rick Loewenstein, this conversation will focus on practical, layered protection families, providers, educators, and policymakers can actually use.

Why Autism Changes Everything About Water Safety:
📅 Tuesday, June 23
🕛 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT
Register: https://angelsense.zoom.us/webinar/register/8217549177776/WN_fHPwrBeZS8OHarl204h8-A #/registration

Can’t attend live? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording.

*Posting on behalf of ASD Drive Ready*

Panhandle families — we’re coming back in June!

ASD Drive Ready will be back in the Panhandle for evaluations and continuing training on:
📍 Tallahassee — June 24
📍 Panama City — June 25
📍 Pensacola — June 26

If you’ve been thinking about getting started, now is a great time to schedule a driver readiness evaluation. If you’ve already completed an evaluation and are ready for more training, we’d love to see you again.

Our goal is simple: help neurodiverse learners build confidence, reduce anxiety, and develop the foundational skills they need before getting behind the wheel.

Need help getting started? Email us at [email protected]
Need a discount? Contact FSU CARD to see if you may be eligible.

Appointments are limited, so sign up now!
www.asddriveready.com

🌟 FSU CARD at FRESCO! 🌟

FSU CARD is excited to host a table at the Florida Resource Expo for Supporting Collaborative Opportunities (FRESCO) at Arnold High School in Bay County!

Held in conjunction with the Bureau of Standards & Instructional Support (BSIS) Summer Professional Learning event, this expo provides a unique opportunity for projects, agencies, and organizations to connect directly with educators from Northwest Florida in a collaborative, high-impact environment.

We’re looking forward to sharing resources, building partnerships, and supporting educators who make a difference for students and families every day.

*Posting on behalf of The Arc of The Bay / St. Andrew Bay Center*

Join us on June 17 from 6–7 PM at the Sally Stanley Community Center for a Group Parent Counseling session facilitated by The Legacy House. This is an opportunity to share experiences and connect with others. 💙

📍 Sally Stanley Community Center
1804 Carolina Ave, Lynn Haven, FL 32444

We hope to see you there!

Join us every Wednesday, June 3–Sept 30 at Governor’s Square Mall for a fun and active walk! 🚶‍♂️

Each week includes a fitness or social skills mini lesson, conversation practice, and a 30-minute walk. Bring a filled water bottle! 💧

Open to adults (18+) registered with FSU CARD.

Scan the QR code or click the link to register: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/4f04cf3e3fe84d4eb00c36221275b5b3

🌟 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. 💬💙

🚨 June 10th, 11th, and 12th have been canceled due to low attendance. 🚨

*Posting on behalf of ASD Drive Ready*

Panhandle families — we’re coming back in June!

ASD Drive Ready will be back in the Panhandle for evaluations and continuing training on:
📍 Tallahassee — June 10 and June 24
📍 Panama City — June 11 and June 25
📍 Pensacola — June 12 and June 26

If you’ve been thinking about getting started, now is a great time to schedule a driver readiness evaluation. If you’ve already completed an evaluation and are ready for more training, we’d love to see you again.

Our goal is simple: help neurodiverse learners build confidence, reduce anxiety, and develop the foundational skills they need before getting behind the wheel.

Need help getting started? Email us at [email protected]
Need a discount? Contact FSU CARD to see if you may be eligible.

Appointments are limited, so sign up now!
www.asddriveready.com

*Posting on behalf of FDLRS Miccosukee*

📢 Free Developmental Screenings (6 months–5 years)
🗓 July 23 | ⏰ 10 AM–3 PM ET
📍 Wakulla Community Center, Crawfordville
✅ Vision, hearing, motor, cognitive, behavior & communication

📲 Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/szaiUhY7Rg
❓ 850-561-6545 | [email protected]