Monthly Milestones | APRIL 2023

Join the Whole Autism Community at the

Milestones National Autism Conference!

We are excited to be hosting our virtual Milestones National Autism Conference from June 14-15, 2023! Conference content and CEUs will be available during the conference and on-demand through August 15.

Full conference session schedule available at www.milestonesconference.org.

2023 Keynote Speaker:

Elizabeth Bonker, BA

Non-speaking Autistic Advocate & Founder of Communication 4 All

LaChan Hannon, PhD

Director of Teacher Innovation in Urban Education

Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L

Leading Expert on Self-Regulation & Well-Being

School District Super Saver Program 

Unlimited Staff Registrations for One Special Rate!

Register your school district today to provide unlimited Milestones Conference registrations, abundant clock hours, and practical strategies for your staff. The more staff you register, the more you save!

Charting the Life Course:

New Tools for Education & Service Plans Workshop

Thursday, May 18th from 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Join this FREE virtual workshop led by Beth Thompson, Milestones Autism Resources Program Director. Learn about new tools from Charting the LifeCourse that will soon be used for developing ISPs (Individual Service Plans) with County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and in many public schools.



Take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with these new tools that caregivers can use to help with transitioning to adulthood, finding respite, and accessing the community.

For questions and to register, please contact kkrammer@milestones.org.

The Mega Health Fair

April 28 & 29 from 10:00am - 2:00pm

Parents, family members, transition-aged youth with disabilities and their siblings, professionals who support people with disabilities, and others are invited to attend. The 2023 Transition Expo will give attendees the opportunity to prepare for life after high school and to meet representatives from organizations who support youth and their families with successful transition to adulthood. Learn more.

2023 Transition Expo

Saturday, April 29 from 9:00am - 12:00pm

Parents, family members, transition-aged youth with disabilities and their siblings, professionals who support people with disabilities, and others are invited to attend. The 2023 Transition Expo will give attendees the opportunity to prepare for life after high school and to meet representatives from organizations who support youth and their families with successful transition to adulthood. Learn more.

Dia Del Niño (Children's Day) Festival

Saturday, April 29 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Join Clark-Fulton organizations for a festival celebrating Children’s Day, a popular celebration in Mexico.

Únase a las organizaciones de Clark-Fulton para un festival para el Día del Niño, una celebración popular en México. Learn More.

Stay connected and meet new friends with the

Milestones Self-Advocate Social Group

An online network for individuals ages 16+ with a formal or self-diagnosis of ASD or other disabilities.

New members welcome! To join the group or RSVP to an event below, please email socialgroup@milestones.org

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Special Event: The Super Mario Bros. Movie @ Valley View Cinemark (in-person; free tickets)

TBD - Organizer will communicate with RSVP participants to arrange date/time

The Milestones Self-Advocate Social Group is excited to present a special outing to the movies! Tickets are provided to members of the Self-Advocate Social Group at no cost (snacks not included) and one guest of their choosing (e.g. friend, family member, service provider). There are a limited number of tickets available. After dates and times are made available by the theater, the organizer will contact RSVP participants to identify a date/time that works best for our community. For additional information and to RSVP, please email Nathan Morgan at nmorgan@milestones.org.

Synopsis: With help from Princess Peach, Mario gets ready to square off against the all-powerful Bowser to stop his plans from conquering the world.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnGl01FkMMo&

Neurodivergent Professionals Networking Group (virtual event)

Tuesday, April 4th from 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Are you a neurodivergent professional? This networking and social meeting is for autistic self-advocates, those with ADHD, and other neurodiverse backgrounds who are looking to build connections and community with peers as we discuss advocating in our places of employment, navigating resources, reaching our professional goals, and much more. Membership within the Milestones Self-Advocate Social Group is required. To join this activity or to request additional information, please contact us at socialgroup@milestones.org 

Older Autistic Adults Social Group (virtual event)

Thursday, April 13th and 27th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Facilitator, Rick Bondy, received his diagnosis at age 69 and is eager to connect with others who have similar experiences. Join and meet other autistic adults to share the autism journey, discuss how to navigate common challenges, and celebrate common interests. To learn more about this program please contact Beth Thompson at beth@milestones.org. To register, please contact Christa Mullins at christa@milestones.org. For individuals 45 years and older.



Social Roleplaying: Dungeon & Dragons (virtual event)

Various dates and times – Sessions are scheduled based on member availability. Options available to fit most schedules.

Join us for socialization and roleplaying as we work together to tackle challenges big and small. Create a character and join in on the adventures. New and experienced players are welcome. For this activity, we will be utilizing text and voice messaging features on Discord and will be using the D&D Beyond companion app (available for free via web browser https://www.dndbeyond.com/).

Our Moderator Team will be leading the campaign and are happy to answer questions. Questions or to RSVP, contact us at socialgroup@milestones.org 

Social Roleplaying: Dungeon & Dragons (in-person event)

Saturday, April 15th from 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Fun 'n' Stuff - 661 Highland Rd. Macedonia, OH 44056

Join us for an afternoon of adventure as we explore the mysterious Stromwreck Isle. This is an introductory campaign that is perfect for new players on their first journey and seasoned veterans alike. For more information or to RSVP, please email socialgroup@milestones.org. 

Monthly Game Night (in-person event)

Wednesday, April 19th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: Parma-Snow Public Library, 2121 Snow Rd, Parma, OH 44134

Join us in-person for a night of fun and conversation. We’ll be playing various card and board games. Have a game you like to play? Bring it along to share with members of the group. RSVP is strongly recommended. Questions or to RSVP, email socialgroup@milestones.org

Double Rainbow LGBTQ+ Networking (virtual event)

Thursday, April 20th from 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Are you a neurodivergent member of the LGBTQ+ community? Join this virtual monthly meeting group to socialize, discuss current events, and build support and friendships. Not out? We can support you while privately attending this group. For information on how to join, please email socialgroup@milestones.org.

Click the button below for more information about the group and how to join.

Milestones is proud to be an annual partner of the

A Better Understanding of the Spectrum of Autism and Practical Interventions

Improve understanding of the medical, behavioral, social, sensory and educational issues related to ASD with University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Autism Seminar Series, presented virtually by local and national experts in the field.

UPCOMING SEMINARS:

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | 5:00 - 6:00pm

Part 1: Language and Learning Disabilities

Christine Barry, PhD

Pediatric Neuropsychologist, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

Associate Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine



Part 2: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Michelle Nin, M. A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist, UH ENT Institute, UH Parma Medical Center

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 | 5:00 - 6:00pm

Part 1: Interventions for Behavioral Issues

Kathleen Maxwell, MSN, CNS

UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

Part 2: Self-Advocacy Across the Life Span

Beth Thompson, MSSA, LSW

Program Director, Milestones Autism Resources

To register, please click the button below or call 216.998.1230

"Don't Promise Something You Can't Deliver:" Caregivers' Advice for Improving Services to Autistic Adolescents and Young Adults

In a recent study completed by researchers at Case Western Reserve University, 174 family caregivers for autistic adolescents or young adults were asked what advice they would give to service providers regarding ways to improve services for autistic youths. Read about their findings by following the button below.

Milestones was proud to be a community partner for this research.

Together we can build on Milestones' legacy and ensure support and resources for families now and into the future.

Donate today at milestones.org/donate!

Thank you to everyone who helped us

Strike It Big this year!

March's event at Spins Bowl was a special reminder of how important community and connection truly are. It was a pleasure to see so many of you who helped us raise critical funds for the Milestones free autism Helpdesk.

Mia Bridgeman and Team Te B/Rawtism

Strike it Big Chair Jon Dittrich and Family

Thank you to our 2023 Strike It Big Committee

Jon Dittrich, Chair

Grace Blatt

Carly Chester

Anne Davalla

Tabatha Devine

Fran Dittrich

Dominic Frisina

Miriam Giardina

Claudia Gomez

Ronna Kaplan

Matthew Klimas

John Marshal

Miles McDaniel

Joseline Menjivar

Dalton Perry

Taylor Rightnour

Zach Rosado

Edie Ungar Shafron

Matt Slain

Matt Soble

Michelle Stayonovich

Elizabeth Thompson

Berry Thompson

Victor Torres