Monthly Milestones | AUGUST 2021
An Interview with Keynote Alix Generous
Milestones was honored to present two women on the spectrum as our 2021 conference keynotes this summer. On June 17th, mental health champion and TED Talk sensation Alix Generous joined us to share her valuable perspective in three virtual sessions focused on diving deeper into common challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum and how to effectively support one another in these challenges.

On our blog, Alix shares more of her story and some helpful advice for individuals and their families.

Want to see Alix's conference sessions? You can still register to hear Alix and access our full 2021 lineup. Learn more or register here.
Milestones is hiring a Program Manager to play an integral role in providing Helpdesk and consultative services to our clients, with a focus on the transition-age/adult population. Be part of a mission-driven organization while supporting outcomes toward independence at home, school and in the community.

Master's degree in social work, counseling, education psychology, mental health or equivalent, and at least 5 years of relevant work experience required.
Interested? Click below to learn more!
Stay connected and meet new friends this summer with the
Milestones Self-Advocate Social Group,
an online network for individuals with a formal or self-diagnosis of ASD or other disabilities.
Ages 16+

UPCOMING EVENTS
People First Summer Picnic - (IN-PERSON EVENT!)
Friday, August 20th, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Brookside Metro Park: 3900 John Nagy Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44144
Join us for a summer picnic in collaboration with People First of The Arc of Greater Cleveland. This event is free and open to the disability community. More details here. RSVP and proof of vaccination status or mask required. To RSVP email Nathan Morgan at nmorgan@milestones.org

Monthly: Magic the Gathering (IN-PERSON EVENT!)
Friday, August 24th, 4:45pm-6:15pm
Milestones Autism Resources: 4853 Galaxy Parkway, Suite A
Warrensville Heights, OH 44126
New and experienced players welcome. One lucky attendee will win a pre-constructed Magic the Gathering deck! More details here. RSVP and proof of vaccination status or mask required. To RSVP, please email Nathan Morgan at nmorgan@milestones.org.

Monthly Minecraft (virtual event)
Sunday, August 29th, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Come build with us for our Monthly Minecraft Day! Each month we will be meeting to play Minecraft together as a group and to chat in Discord. (Individuals without a copy of the game can still participate in this social activity via Discord Voice Chat, but may miss out on certain aspects of the social experience) 

How do I join the group?
Contact Nathan at nmorgan@milestones.org and complete a brief admission form to receive your personalized link to be accepted into the group.
Are you ready for the school year?

Our program staff is here to assist you in creating a plan to discuss your challenges, reach your goals, and connect you with the appropriate evidence-based resources to make sure you have the tools you need to succeed this school year.

Get started by calling 216.464.7600 ext. 200 or by completing a Helpdesk form today.
FIRST LOOK: New Tool Kit from Milestones on Adult Diagnosis
There has been a significant increase in adults seeking an autism diagnosis in the last few years. Milestones' new tool kit dives into the many factors for this increase, what a formal assessment for adults entails, and offers some helpful resources for those who think they may be on the spectrum.
Hiram College honors Milestones Program Director Beth Thompson, MSSA, LSW, Class of '04, with Service to Humanity Award

Hiram's Service to Humanity Award, formerly known as the Alumni Lifelong Leadership Award, recognizes the "unsung hero” who has dedicated a lifetime to the betterment of the community through volunteerism, community service, or philanthropy.
The team here at Milestones can attest to Beth's incredible dedication to serving others. Her passion for working with young adults with developmental disabilities and guiding families and individuals toward greater independence has improved the lives of many, enhanced local programs, and has raised the bar for those in her field. A fierce mentor and advocate, Beth is always seeking new solutions to bridge the gaps that exist for local families and serves as an inspiring example of what it looks like to truly care about one's community.

Congratulations Beth!
Play a part in keeping local autism resources accessible in Northeast Ohio.
Together we can bridge divides and improve the lives of individuals with autism in our community.

Help individuals with ASD reach their unique potential through vital services such as:
• The Milestones Free Autism Helpdesk
• Virtual Family Education Workshops
• The Milestones National Autism Conference
• Social Connections and Resources for Self-Advocates
• The Diversity Taskforce to Address Disparities in Communities of Color
• Medical Resident Autism Education
• Frequently Updated Essential COVID Resources
You make our work possible!
See the impact of our generous donors by viewing the 2020 Annual Report below.
More details coming very soon!

Milestones Autism Resources is excited to be hosting an in-person benefit this fall!
Join us for a fun, laid back evening as we come together to support the local autism community.

We look forward to seeing supporters like you after many months of being apart, and will be working to ensure that comfortable, COVID-friendly accommodations are available to everyone in attendance.

SAVE THE DATE:
October 14, 2021, Driftwood Caterers at Landerhaven
Remember Milestones when shopping on Amazon!

Visit smile.amazon.com and select Milestones Autism Resources as your charitable organization. The Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to Milestones. It costs you nothing extra to give!