Monthly Milestones | MAY 2023

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!

Meet Our Keynote & Featured Speakers!

Keynote Speaker: Elizabeth Bonker, BA

Non-speaking Autistic Advocate & Founder of Communication 4 ALL

Featured Speaker:

LaChan Hannon, PhD

Director of Teacher Innovation in Urban Education

Featured Speaker:

Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L

Leading Expert on Self-Regulation & Well-Being

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, please contact cmullis@milestones.org.

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 

Neurodivergent Professionals Networking Group (virtual event)

Tuesday, May 2nd 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, May 11th and 25th 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 Mullis at christa@milestones.org. For individuals 45 years and older.



Double Rainbow LGBTQ+ Networking (virtual event)

Thursday, May 18th 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.

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, May 20th from 2:00pm - 5:00pm

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

Join us for an afternoon of adventure as we explore the mysterious Stormwreck 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, May 24th 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.



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

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!

Learn more about Milestones in our 2022 Annual Report.

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, 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.

In April, Beth Thompson, Program Director at Milestones, joined Maria Sivertson of the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio to discuss Autism Appreciation Month!

Early intervention and ongoing support help autistic children and adults reach their unique potential. It is important to find the therapy approach and therapist that are a good fit for you. Learn more about intervention therapies and supports by clicking the button below.