Autism Society Tidewater Virginia

Want to enjoy the opportunity to visit the Virginia Zoo in a less overwhelming environment? 🙉 Join us on Sunday, November 3 from 9:30am - 12:30pm when the Zoo will be hosting a Sensory Friendly Morning with stress-free activities for your Zoo visit like adapted programs and a reduced number of visitors. 🩵 Advanced reservations are required for this event and tickets can be purchased on the @virginiazoo’s website here: https://lnkd.in/eCYgahHC This event is specifically designed for those with sensory needs in mind. We ask that those without needs for these accommodations visit the Zoo when the event has ended at 12:30pm.

Applications are open for our Annual Maci's Ride Scholarship Raffle. This raffle is a part of our partnership with Maci's Ride, a local non-profit that hosts an annual event to benefit the local Autism community with scholarships and respite care opportunities. Please contact our chapter operations manager, Whitney King, at Whitney.King@TidewaaterASA.org or call our office at 757-461-4474 if you have any questions. Please go to www.tidewaterasa.org to register.

In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, the Autism Society put together a Facebook live discussion to increase support and awareness for the Autism community. https://lnkd.in/e4tWcEec  

At the age of 4 Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Doctors and specialists told Anthony’s parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never graduate from college, would never have a shot at being an athlete, and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life. Despite bullies, adversity and numerous personal challenges Anthony worked hard and never gave up. Not only did he earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University in Sociology, he is also the first Division One college basketball player in NCAA history with an Autism Diagnosis. Learn more about Anthony’s story here: https://lnkd.in/ehDE7ahy 

People with Autism might experience differences related to identifying, understanding, and regulating emotions because of the way their brains and bodies work. This can affect how they understand and react to their own body signals, affecting emotional regulation. Supporting emotional regulation is critical to meaningful inclusion and quality of life for Autistic people. Interested in learning more? Enroll in our Foundations of Autism online course package to learn more about Autism at your own pace. https://bit.ly/3M4j1yZ training.autismsociety.org

Please join us in wishing our board president a very happy birthday! 🎂🎉

Applications are open for our Annual Maci's Ride Scholarship Raffle. This raffle is a part of our partnership with Maci's Ride, a local non-profit that hosts an annual event to benefit the local Autism community with scholarships and respite care opportunities. Please contact our chapter operations manager, Whitney King, at Whitney.King@TidewaaterASA.org or call our office at 757-461-4474 if you have any questions. Please go to www.tidewaterasa.org to register.

Election Day is coming up! The Autism Society of America has released a comprehensive Election Resource page and Voting Guide designed to support Autistic individuals through every step of the voting process. https://lnkd.in/exFmm8Uh and https://lnkd.in/eDMHjgqC

Water safety checklist (English and Spanish) https://lnkd.in/engicD-X https://lnkd.in/ewTWvxBM

Come see us at The Tidewater Autism Summit Hosted by the Virginia Autism Foundation. Free event for families and vendors with free toys, food, parking, and the largest gathering of Autism providers in the Mid Atlantic under one roof on one day! Co-hosts Autism Society Tidewater Virginia, FACT Families of Autism Coming Together, Title Sponsor Plan Bee Academy. Info at mark@virginiaautismfoundation.com melanie@virginiaautismfoundation.com.