Monthly Milestones | JANUARY 2023

Don't miss the opportunity to submit a speaker proposal!

Share your expertise with the autism community.

Proposals due by January 15.

Start off the new year by sharing your perspectives, strategies and expertise with the autism community at the hybrid Milestones National Autism Conference and during new year-round virtual workshops! 

We are excited to be hosting a virtual conference June 14-16, 2023 and a special in-person event in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 15th. Conference content and CEUs will be available during the conference and on-demand through August 15. Speaker proposals are for virtual sessions.

SPEAKER BENEFITS:

• Complimentary all-access conference registration, including CEUs
• Valuable opportunities to network with world-class leaders in your field
• Pre-record your conference session at your convenience
• Empower hundreds with practical autism strategies and information

ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE! Writing a proposal can be daunting, but it doesn't need to be. Milestones is providing one-on-one coaching to help new and returning speakers develop a proposal. For assistance, please email Carly Millis Jalowiec at carly@milestones.org.

Milestones is Seeking 100 Behavioral Healthcare Providers of Color

According to the CDC, children of color receive an autism diagnosis at a lower rate than white children. These delays in diagnosis and services lead to a disproportionate strain on caregivers of color.

Milestones Autism Resources, in collaboration with the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County, is presenting a behavioral healthcare training workshop focused on addressing caregiver support disparities and improving outcomes for individuals in marginalized communities.

Registration required.

Milestones Education Assistant on The Autism Outreach Podcast

Our own Carly Millis Jalowiec sat down with Rose Griffin of ABA Speech to talk about her late autism diagnosis at age 30, the difference in autistic presentation in females, and the issue of masking. This is such an important topic right now as more and more girls and young women seek a diagnosis, and as providers are trying to keep up with the demand. 

Listen to the full episode here.

Come grow with us! Milestones is currently hiring for the following positions:

Information & Referral Specialist

• Coach and refer individuals, parents and professionals to appropriate resources
• Develop resources online and in the community
• Assist with trainings, workshops and the Milestones conference
• Attend resource-sharing meetings, health fairs and other community events
• Associate's Degree required or higher in Education, Healthcare or Social Work

Program Manager - Teen Adult Specialist

• Coach and refer individuals (teens and adults), parents and professionals
• Manage grants and special projects including tracking progress, developing partnerships, leading staff, contractors and volunteers.
• Compile relevant data and write reports
• Develop and provide training and workshops 
• Master’s Degree in Social Work and 5-10 years relevant work experience

To view the full job descriptions and to apply, please click the button below.

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

Older Autistic Adults Social Group (virtual event)

Thursday, January 5th and 19th 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. 

Double Rainbow Group (virtual event)

Monday, January 30th starting at 7:00pm

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.

Monthly: Magic the Gathering (in-person event)

Tuesday, January 17th from 5:00pm - 8:30pm

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

Join us in-person for a night of fun, snacks, and conversation. We’ll be playing the Magic the Gathering card game. New and experienced players are welcome. Don’t play? You’re still welcome to join us for conversation. RSVP is strongly recommended. Questions or to RSVP, email socialgroup@milestones.org

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 

Neurodivergent Professionals Networking Group (virtual event)

Tuesday, January 10th and February 7th 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 

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

Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair Tony Berni (left), who joined the board in 2016, and Steve Ansberry (right), who joined in 2013, both rotated off the board and were recognized for their dedicated and committed service over the years. Steve will continue to share his expertise by serving on the Advisory Committee.

Please join us in welcoming Milestones' newest Board Members!

Matthew Klimas

Key Private Bank 

Ali Phelps, CPA

RSM US LLP

Jamie Lewis Smith, PhD 

Pixel Leadership Group

Paul Yusko

Davis Development Group / Davis Automotive Group