Monthly Milestones | October 2021
Next summer, we will celebrate our 20TH YEAR of the Milestones National Autism Conference. We look forward to sharing this monumental anniversary with you

JUNE 15-16, 2022

To protect the health and safety of the Milestones community, the conference will again be presented virtually.

Interested in being a 2022 speaker? The 2022 Call for Proposals opens next month! More info coming soon.

Sponsor and exhibitor package details will also be available soon at milestones.org. In the meantime, learn about our 2021 sponsors and exhibitors, keynotes and award recipients in our digital conference program below.
Milestones Free Autism Helpdesk

Need a specific resource? Want to learn more about our services? Contact the Milestones free Helpdesk today.
Milestones Community Calendar


Visit our community calendar to connect with local event organizers to check on the status of events and supports in your area.
Fun-filled October schedule for the
Milestones Self-Advocate Social Group
an online network for individuals with a formal or self-diagnosis of ASD or other disabilities.
Ages 16+

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

UPCOMING EVENTS
Creative Corner - Crafting Social Circle (virtual)
Saturday, October 9th, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Our community moderators will lead a social activity where we work on arts and crafts while socializing. Participants are welcome to knit, draw, make bracelets or work on any other craft of their choosing. During the activity, the group will discuss crafting techniques and showcase their work. This meeting will be held via Google Meets with the link sent out to members prior to the event.

Monthly: Magic the Gathering (in-person)
Thursday, October 28th from 6pm-8pm
Parma-Snow Public Library - Conference Room B
2121 Snow Rd., Parma, OH 44134
Come play with us! Join the group in-person for a night of fun, snacks and conversation. New and experienced players welcome. Don't play? Feel free to come and just hang out! The Cuyahoga County Public Library requires all visitors to wear a mask. RSVP and proof of vaccination strongly recommended.

Monthly Minecraft (virtual)
Sunday, October 17th, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Come build with us for our Monthly Minecraft Day! Each month, we meet 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) 
For this activity, you will need:
  • Minecraft for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, XboxOne, or PC (Bedrock Edition)
  • May also be compatible with some Android and Apple mobile devices, PS5, and Xbox Series systems
  • For information on how to setup Minecraft cross-system play, click here.

Social Roleplaying - Dungeons & Dragons (virtual)
Sunday, October 31st, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Hop online to chat and roleplay as the group works together to tackle challenges big and small. Create a character and join in on the adventure. New and experienced players welcome! For more information on this event, please click here.
Enjoying Halloween with Sensory Challenges
The sights, sounds and sensations of trick-or-treat night can sometimes produce strong reactions from children on the spectrum. Here are some tips from pediatric occupational therapy practitioners on how to help your child feel prepared and comfortable on Halloween.
Take on Afterschool Challenges with the Milestones Homework Tool Kit
Dealing with a child's apathy or disinterest in homework can lead to some tough evenings at the kitchen table. Parents to children on the spectrum can often encounter additional challenges, including attention deficits, tantrums or difficulties with organization.

If you are experiencing the homework blues, check out this tool kit for tips on working through those days when homework is more difficult to complete due to lack of cooperation or interest.

También disponible en español.
Join us October 14th as we honor four incredible difference makers in the
local autism community.

Guests may attend in-person or virtually. All proceeds support Milestones' vital core programs including the Milestones free autism Helpdesk.
Meet Veronica Miller, Milestones Program Manager: Supervisor of Teen/Adult Transition Services
As a program manager for Milestones, Veronica will support transition-age and adult individuals through our Helpdesk and consultation services. Before entering the world of special needs, Veronica spent many years supporting families and children in the welfare system, leading treatment teams and building meaningful relationships with clients and community providers. This experience served her well upon her transition to the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities in early 2021, where she discovered a passion for working with individuals in the disability community.
 
Veronica has a master’s in higher education administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She enjoys baking, cooking and traveling to Caribbean countries. Veronica is also an avid collector of coffee mugs, tea, and Christmas ornaments that she finds on her travels.
Remember Milestones when shopping this holiday season!

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!