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Autism Community Network works with a large consortium of donors and healthcare professionals in the San Antonio community to provide quality educational, diagnostic, and therapy services for families and loved ones on the autism spectrum. Thank you to our founders. Founding Donor Kronkosky Foundation The mission of Kronkosky is to produce profound good that is tangible and measurable in Bandera, Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties in Texas. Kronkosky works on equal footing with nonprofit partners to support vulnerable populations and cultivate vibrant communities throughout the counties we serve. Founding Donor Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio is committed to honoring God and their Baptist heritage by fostering and funding health initiatives in our community. Founding Donor Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for uninsured and low-income families through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Founding Donor USAA Foundation, Inc. USAA, USAA Bank and The USAA Foundation, Inc., strive to increase positive impact by providing financial support to organizations that align with our corporate responsibility focus areas. In local communities where USAA has a significant presence of employees, we provide financial support to causes that address needs that align with our local focus areas. Founding Donor Spellman Charitable Fund of The San Antonio Area Foundation The San Antonio Area Foundation serves as your most trusted and impactful philanthropic partner to close opportunity gaps for the people in San Antonio who need it the most. Founding Donor / Capital Campaign - Platinum Valero Energy Foundation The Valero Energy Foundation -- a public charity and Valero's philanthropic arm -- funds nonprofit agencies that serve predominantly disadvantaged children and families. In 2019, the Foundation contributed appoximately $40 million in assistance in the communities where Valero has major operations. Founding Donor Gordon Hartman Family Foundation Gordon Hartman Family Foundation is dedicated to help bring about positive transformation in the lives of our friends with special needs, their families and caregivers. They strive to achieve this by investing their financial support, their time and their energy into organizations that serve individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. Founding Donor Shield-Ayres Foundation The Shield-Ayres Foundation strengthens organizations that effectively meet the basic human needs of the most vulnerable members of our community, provide access to educational opportunity and the arts, advocate for social justice, and promote land and water conservation. Founding Donor St. Luke's Lutheran Health Ministries St. Luke’s Lutheran Health Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit foundation whose philanthropic focus is funding healthcare ministries that will benefit the San Antonio regional community, including direct and indirect healthcare services (medical, dental, mental health care and protective health services); health education; preventive services; wellness initiatives; and healthcare equipment and supplies that are critical to the delivery of direct care. Founding Donor Zachry Foundation The Zachry Foundation is a private, family foundation in Bexar County, Texas, founded by H. B. Zachry and sustained by family business entities. It seeks to help people improve their lives and communities by contributing to nonprofit organizations in the fields of the arts and humanities, education, health and social services. Founding Donor Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Trust Myra died in 1943 leaving Frost National Bank as the trustee of her estate valued at $750,000 (over $10 million today) for the purposes of “a trust created for charitable purposes in perpetuity.” Today, this Trust has over $25 million in assets and annually gives over $1 million to charities and non-profit organizations. Among the many wonderful initiatives funded by Myra’s generosity are full time tutors and mentors for San Antonio’s underpriviledged youths, funding for trainers for Guide Dogs of Texas, and new state-of-the-art technology for the Mays Business School at Texas A&M. Her legacy in San Antonio lives on! You are in good company. Donate

< Back Sound and vision: How San Antonio is building inclusivity in arts and culture Nicholas Frank Dec 20, 2023 Sound and vision: How San Antonio is building inclusivity in arts and culture Anyone seeing the Classical Music Institute ’s presentation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons the morning of Nov. 1 might have thought they were at one of the ensemble’s rehearsals. The atmosphere was casual, audience members chatted, snacked and sipped from sippy cups, napped under blankets, played with phones and tablets, got up and walked the hallways of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts , fidgeted with toys, leaned in to listen to concertmaster Francisco Fullana’s comments on what to listen for in upcoming musical passages and otherwise came and went as they pleased. The public event was not a rehearsal, but the latest Valero Sensory Friendly Program performance geared toward audiences sensitive to the loud noises, bright lights, large crowds and extended sitting times typical of conventional performances. The keys to the series are inclusion and accessibility, said Kimberly Stephenson, the Tobin Center’s director of education. “It’s just a very open and welcoming environment,” Stephenson said. “We are wanting to expose everyone to the beauty and the power of the arts.” For anyone Sensory-friendly events are primarily designed to accommodate those with autism spectrum disorder who might have difficulties adjusting behaviors to social situations or communicating their needs effectively. Valero series accommodations include limiting the audience to half the standard size, keeping house lights on throughout the performance — which is limited to a one-hour duration — and encouraging patrons to talk or vocalize and move around freely. Noise levels are kept consistent so as not to startle or overwhelm with sound. For the Classical Music Institute sensory-friendly performance, Fullana frequently turned to the audience and spoke about the music they were about to hear, saying they should listen for birdsong-like passages played by the violin section and imagine a festive garden party signaled by Vivaldi’s famous melody. Jacqueline Ha brought her 2-year-old son Tiago to the performance in part because “he has a very keen ear for music.” The Tobin Center welcomes anyone to these free public events, and Ha and her partner recognize that though Tiago has not been diagnosed as on the autism spectrum, he has a short attention span and displays sensitivity to bustling crowds and loud sounds. The Four Seasons concert was the second Tobin Center sensory-friendly event they’ve attended, and Ha said they appreciate the accommodating environment. “Just the fact that we have exposure to performances at the Tobin is something that we’re really grateful for, as far as learning what parameters are conducive to him as a little being exploring himself,” she said. An invisible disability Other arts and culture organizations in San Antonio have offered sensory-friendly accommodations and specially designed events with similar modifications, in the name of inclusivity for audiences of all abilities. The San Antonio Zoo held a sensory-friendly version of its annual holiday Zoo Lights extravaganza on Nov. 20. What is normally billed as “miles of dazzling lights, festive music, and whimsical displays” was dialed down, tailored for those with sensory sensitivities. Music volume was muted by 80%, laser strobe lights were removed, other bright lights were dimmed and more sensory-friendly implement bags were made available. As with other institutions, the bags are available for free during visits at the information desk. Alex Rodriguez, the Zoo’s manager of diversity, equity and inclusion, described sensory sensitivity as “an invisible disability” that is more common than generally realized. She said thatwhen sensitivities beyond the autism spectrum are taken into account, including military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, individuals with dementia and even neurotypical adults who can become overwhelmed in overstimulating environments, “every community you are in, every family or social dynamic that you’re in, chances are somebody in that group has this [condition]” in one form or another. Everyone means everyone The Valero series at the Tobin defines its mission as “equitable services for the creative arts to promote justice, inclusion, and empowerment for all.” In a similar spirit, The Public Theater of San Antonio took Tiny Tim literally when the character intones “God Bless us, everyone” at the end of the Charles Dickens holiday classic A Christmas Carol . The theater company’s version of the play that ran Dec. 1-17 integrated deaf and hard-of-hearing actors, with a script adapted to shift between moments of speaking and moments communicated only through American Sign Language (ASL). The reworked script by Tim Hedgepeth and Anthony Ciaravino features a Scrooge, played by hearing actor John O’Neill, who learned sign language as a youth in love with a deaf woman and is moved to draw on his past to communicate with Tiny Tim, played by deaf actor Josiah Sammy Esqueda. The staging of the play aims to be as inclusive as possible and might help lend insight to hearing audiences into how deaf people communicate. “This production includes spoken word, moments of ASL, and supertitles,” said producing artistic director Jimmy Moore. “So we are communicating at any one point in two to three different ways.” The Public Theater has provided ASL nights since December 2015, said Robert Cardoza, founder of the Stage Hands sign language services company and assistant director of the production. But staging a play with a fully integrated deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing cast is new, Moore said. Deaf actors, such as Missy Smith in the dual roles of Belle and Mrs. Fred, react to light cues rather than sound cues and interpret between sign language words and spoken words, which in some cases differ slightly. For example, she’ll sign “I finally accept you” while speaking “I at long last embrace you.” Moore said the play is just the beginning of such inclusive performances. “It is a really great first step for the Public to learn what it means to be more accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in San Antonio.” Growing awareness While a 2016 Kronkosky Charitable Foundation report found San Antonio to be “an exceptional hub for autism services,” with a wide range of professionals who provide autism care, the report concluded that demand for services far outstrips supply. But Patty Vela, chief development and outreach officer of the nonprofit Autism Community Network , said accommodations such as sensory-friendly events are on the rise. Experts at the nonprofit including occupational therapist Adrienne Gaither have helped such local organizations as Morgan’s Wonderland and Methodist Hospital establish programs to welcome individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The Tobin Center’s sensory-friendly performances date back to the very start of its programming, Stephenson said, shaped in part by the help of the Autism Theater Initiative in New York and Kulture City, a nationwide organization that provides sensory-inclusive certification to venues interested in accommodating people with sensory needs. The DoSeum children’s museum researched Kulture City initiatives for its new Beyond Limits program, said program educator Shauna Brookins. Sensory-friendly Beyond Limits events take place after regular hours to limit crowds, with lighting dimmed and sound volumes lowered. Brookins plans four such events per year, with the next taking place Wednesday evening with a Winter Wonderland theme. The museum also provides sensory-friendly accommodations every day, Brookins said, with sensory backpacks that include headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys and a museum map that locates quiet zones including the Calm Corner, an enclosed, sound-dampened retreat room. Both Brookins and Vela encouraged parents to observe their children to detect areas of sensitivity, whether they shy away from loud sounds or avoid particular stimuli, or, as Ha said of her son, may simply need to get up frequently to walk around and burn off excess energy. “We’re first-time parents, we’re trying to learn how to meet him with where he’s at,” Ha said. And Rodriguez said she’s heartened by the growing awareness that many, if not most people, have some form of sensory sensitivity and that institutions are responding. She has auditory sensory sensitivities and visual impairments that make her sensitive to light, she said, and sometimes needs to walk away from stimuli to recuperate. “So for someone like me … coming into spaces like the [sensory-friendly] Zoo Lights [display] where the lights weren’t so overwhelming for me, it was much easier for me to enjoy that environment,” Rodriguez said. The next Tobin Center sensory-friendly performance is Pilobolus Is a Fungus , March 19 at noon. See the whole article with pictures here . Previous Next

< Back Wishlist Empowering families, one gift at a time. Explore our wish list! The spirit of giving is alive, and you have the power to brighten someone's day in the most meaningful way. We invite you to join us in making a difference by selecting a gift from our carefully curated Amazon Wish List. Every item on this list holds the potential to bring joy and comfort to the lives of those we serve at Autism Community Network. From educational tools that spark curiosity to sensory items that soothe, your thoughtful gesture can create a positive impact that lasts far beyond the moment. How to contribute: Visit our Amazon Wish List Choose an item that resonates with you. Complete your purchase, and it will be sent directly to us. Experience the joy of knowing you've made a positive difference! Your gift, no matter how small, has the potential to make a big impact. Let's get started

Caregiver Empowerment. At Autism Community Network, we know the best way to connect with others in the autism community is through fun and play! We offer a variety of programs designed for the whole family. Our Caregiver Empowerment Program aims to fortify the entire caregiver system with kindred relationships and critical knowledge to improve the overall wellness of your family. 02 SibShops SibShops are fun and energetic events that celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of autistic children. Participants will meet other neurotypical siblings of autistic children while having fun, laughing, and connecting on all aspects of having an autistic sibling. SibShops combine information and discussion activities with fun, high-energy games, food activities, and arts and crafts. SibShops are distinguished from general recreational programs by implementing discussion activities in each session. Discussion activities allow neurotypical siblings a safe space to share their own experiences while a facilitator actively listens and validates their feelings. Sibshops events are typically 2-4 hours long and may have 5-10 participants in each group. They are currently held once per month on the ACN campus. SibShops are designed for school-age children and seek to provide siblings with opportunities for peer support within a fun, recreational context that emphasizes a kids view. We believe that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another if given a chance. SibShops are our commitment to the well-being of the family member most likely to have the longest-lasting relationship with the autistic child. This program is generously supported by Circle Bar Foundation. 01 Camp AUsome! Camp AUsome! provides summer programming for autistic children and their siblings. From play-based camps to learning to code, our camps have it all! Click the link below for more information. Read More 03 Fam Jams ACN's Quarterly Fam Jams are sensory-friendly, neurodiversity-affirming community celebrations for the whole family. We will provide the food, music, and fun. All we need to complete the party is you and your loved ones. For information on our upcoming parties, please follow our event calendar and/or social media. Registration is required. If you or your organization is interested in volunteering at a Fam Jam, please email Katie Benson at katie@acn-sa.org. 04 Caregiver Ambassador Program Each family receiving an autism diagnosis has a different emotional experience. Some families would like a person with lived experience to take their hand as they embark on this new pathway. Our Caregiver Ambassador Program (CAP) connects families new to the autism community with seasoned caregivers. Together, both families can grow in knowledge and lean into each other along their journeys. For more information, follow the link below. Read More 05 Parent Groups Autism Community Network takes pride in offering a range of support groups tailored to the diverse needs of our community. We understand that individuals and families navigating the world of autism and neurodiversity often require different forms of support and guidance. Two of our prominent support groups are the PACT Parent Empowerment Pod (P-PEP) and the Neurture Project, each designed to provide specialized assistance to caregivers at different stages of their journeys. The PACT Parent Empowerment Pod (P-PEP) is an invaluable support group aimed at parents who have already participated in our PACT program. PACT equips parents with essential skills and knowledge to better support their child on the autism spectrum. Following their completion of PACT, parents may find themselves in need of continued support and connection with peers who have shared similar experiences. P-PEP serves as a lifeline, offering a supportive community where these parents can share insights, challenges, and triumphs, fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience. The Neurture Project is another vital support group specifically designed for caregivers of infants and toddlers, including those born during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The early years are critical for neurodiverse children, and the Neurture Project recognizes the unique needs and concerns that caregivers face during this period. Our support group provides a nurturing space where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources to navigate the uncertainties of raising neurodivergent infants and toddlers, especially in the context of a global health crisis. Both P-PEP and the Neurture Project exemplify Autism Community Network's commitment to providing tailored support that meets the evolving needs of individuals and families affected by autism and neurodiversity. We believe that through these support groups, we can empower caregivers with knowledge, camaraderie, and resilience, fostering a stronger and more inclusive community for all.

Camp AUsome! Camp AUsome! is a great opportunity for autistic children to connect with others and have fun in a safe and inclusive environment. Our week-long programs are affordable and specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the neurodiverse community. The experienced staff is equipped to handle a variety of needs, ensuring that every child has a fun and successful camp experience. We also offer camp opportunities for neurotypical siblings. Check out Camp WeGo! 02 Camp We:Code. 2026 Camp Dates June 22nd - 26th Camp We:Code is designed to inspire middle and high school students on the autism spectrum to explore the exciting world of computer science. Partnering with Youth Code Jam, we offer a five-day program focused on getting children excited about coding and the endless possibilities it offers, including future career paths. Join us for an innovative experience which will inspire, challenge, and delight your child! But wait ... there's more! We are now partnering with Youth Code Jam to offer coding opportunities to younger autistic children. Third through fifth graders are invited to join us for an hour, once a week, for a series of 26 weeks, in the Valero Community Center annex on our campus, as a part of our new collaborative After School Coding Club. After School Coding Club. This club is a safe space where any young coder can be comfortable having fun and being creative with code. Contact adrienne@acn-sa.org for more information about Club We:Code. 01 Camp We:Play 2026 Camp Dates June 8th - 12th Camp We:Play is dedicated to providing a safe and fun-filled environment for children developmental ages 5-12. Our unique sensory-based activities offer a balance of exploration play and structured activities, ensuring that your child learns while having fun. Join us at our own Valero Community Center and let your child experience a summer camp they'll never forget! Contact adrienne@ 03 Camp We:Go. 2026 Camp Dates July 20th - 24th Camp We:Go offers a special experience for neurotypical siblings to come together and create lasting memories. Our 5-day sleep away camp, held in partnership with Camp Aranzazu in Rockport, Texas, is an opportunity for kids ages 7-10 and 11-16 to bond with each other while experiencing traditional camp activities and nature. Our experienced staff is dedicated to making this a special and memorable experience for every camper. How to start: Apply for Camp AUsome! Autism Community Network is begining to take applications for our summer program and we want you to get in because spaces will be limited. It all starts by filling out the following form... Enroll Cost of Camp Cancellation Policy In the event of a cancellation, ACN asks that you notify us at least a week in advance, so that we may offer the spot to another camper and return your investment. Failure to notify ACN will result in the forfeit of your fee for camp. Late Arrivals We understand that delays can happen however we ask that you notify us if your camper will be more than 10 minutes late to camp, so that, if necessary, we can adjust locations and activities accordingly to receive them. To find out more information about Camp AUsome pricing, please email Katie Benson at: katie@acn-sa.org

< Back CASE MANAGEMENT & FAMILY SERVICES About Case Management Services Our case management and family services resources provide information on support services available to individuals with autism and their families. These resources can help families navigate the often-complicated system of autism services and find the help they need. Also, inquire about our in-house autism case management resources! CASE MANAGEMENT & FAMILY SERVICES AACOG, Alamo Local Authority for IDD 210.830.5020 Web: www.aacog.com 8700 Tesoro Dr., Ste. 800, SA TX 78217 Provides Eligibility Determination (autism is a related condition), service coordination for General Revenue Services and Texas Home Living program, enrollment into the Home and Community-Based services program, In-Home Family Support Program and admissions into Intermediate Care Facilities-MR and State Schools Any Baby Can of San Antonio 210.227.0170 Web: www.anybabycansa.org 217 Howard St. San Antonio, TX 78212 Provides case management, to families who have a child aged from newborn to age of 17. Provides crisis assistance, referrals, small group counseling, individual counseling, financial assistance and parent education for children with autism. ARC of San Antonio 210.490.4300 Web: www.arc-sa.org 13430 West Ave. San Antonio, TX 78216 FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES: Provides a social service “home” for families and caregivers of individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities. Support Service Coordinators will help families connect to programs and find resources. Eligibility: all ages, no income restrictions, serving Bexar County and surrounding communities. COMMUNITY SUPPORTS CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CSCM): Provides comprehensive case management services for families who have a child/young adult(s) with special health care needs. Eligibility: Ages 3-21 years. Non- Medicaid eligible. Bexar and surrounding counties. COMMUNITY LIVING ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES (CLASS): Contact Yolanda Fuentes, Director of CLASS Case Management at yfuentes@arc-sa.org . Provides individuals with disabilities access to the resources they need to live and work as independently as possible in the community. Case Managers coordinate services including provider care, specialized therapies, adaptive aids, minor home modifications and respite care. Eligibility: Must be actively enrolled in the CLASS Medicaid Waiver Program. Center for Healthcare Services - CHCS-ECI, formerly PACES 210.261.3300 Web: www.chcsbc.org 5802 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78223 O ff ering a variety of services for parents with children under the age of 3, who are experiencing developmental delays. Services include case management, family centered services, activities in familiar settings, and more. Mo family is turned away because they cannot a ff ord to pay. Free services for children on Medicaid. Other services provided based on family size and adjusted income. Previous Next

Events coming up. Featured Event Le Brunch des Chapeaux Date: April 8, 2026 Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: The Argyle 934 Patterson Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 Info: Email info@acn-sa.org for more information. Get Started Summit 2026 - October 2nd at The Tobin Center All About ACN Summit More information about the 2026 Summit will be coming soon! More upcoming events. June 8th - 12th March 9th - 14th July 6th - 11th June 22nd - 26th July 20th - 24th Camp AUsome! WE:PLAY Join us for our first camp of the summer, WE:PLAY! This play-based camp focuses on building communication, regulation, and social skills. Camp AUsome! WE:ACT Camp WE:ACT is for autistic middle and high-school students interested in musical theater. Campers will learn and perform scenes and songs from Disney favorites! Camp AUsome! WE:CODE Camp WE:CODE is fun for the techy kids! Learn to code and build with new friends. ACN bring in local experts to teach and build all things technology! Camp AUsome! WE:GO Our only camp for neurotypical/allistic siblings. This week-long camp takes place in Copano Bay, TX along the Gulf Coast where campers spend there time learning to do all kinds of fun things! Let's Get Social

The center. 535 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228 Harvey E. Najim Campus The Harvey E. Najim Campus, generously donated by Harvey E. Najim, is dedicated to the service of the autism community. Our new center opened its doors in July 2023 and allows us to provide state-of-the-art treatments and diagnostics for individuals in need. We are also able to scale our services to better meet the needs of the growing population we serve. We are proud to announce that we will begin offering adult services in the near future. Our goal is to ensure the autism community in South Texas has a place to call home with all the support they need. What the new campus means for you. New programs & services Less diagnostic wait time. You have spoken, and we have heard you. Our new campus houses +4 new employees and 2 more observation rooms to handle multiple screenings at once. Our goal is to significantly reduce the time spent on our waiting list. More inclusivity. Our new campus allows us to offer expanded, wrap-around services for the whole family. Additionally, we can now provide more long-term support for our children as they age. Better community integration. Our generous donors at Valero have made it possible to host community events and resource fairs in our fully equipped Valero Community Center. From Camp AUsome! to our sensory-friendly holiday events, we are sparking a flame in the ever-growing autism community. Cozier environments. When you step into our building, you'll notice something special. We've designed it to feel just like home - cozy, welcoming, and peaceful. You won't find harsh fluorescent lights or noisy, echoing hallways here. Instead, we've crafted sensory-friendly spaces, not just rooms. Smarter play. We are huge proponents of learning social skills through play and child-led interactions, so we have created our space to be targeted to the autistic person and their caregivers. From the customizable projections on the climbing wall to the state-of-the-art video rePLAY system, we put play first. Relevant learning spaces. There is a world of opportunity out there, and big futures await. We have added immersive environments dedicated to teaching autistic children and their caregivers daily life skills. We look forward to seeing you in our teaching kitchen or back for Camp We:CODE. Leave your mark. ACN is providing exciting naming opportunities for our new campus. Name a wing, room, or help us pave our entryway with a dedicated brick. You can donate to ACN and support us in our effort to develop an amazing new facility. Donate today and make your mark on ACN! Customize a brick Location location location. Where we are building. Our new campus is located in the inner-west side of San Antonio, Texas. We believe that being in this area provides a centralized location to serve all of San Antonio. We're proud to serve from here and look forward to creating new relationships in the community. Please come by for a visit! Book your next event in our Valero Community Center. ACN's new campus features the amazing Valero Community Center annex space, fully renovated and equipped with a catering kitchen, restrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the outdoors. For more information contact: info@acn-sa.org

Training. The Autism Community Network is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families through support, education, and advocacy. Our Caregiver Empowerment Program offers training for familial and professional caregivers, medical residents, student clinicians, education professionals, and the wider community to ensure that everyone who interacts with autistic individuals can provide them with the best possible care. 01 Coffee and Connections. Search Check out our quarterly and register! Coffee and Connection is our weekly virtual series that brings together experts in their respective fields to share insights and best practices on popular topics related to autism. From classes such as “Self-Compassion for Caregivers” and “Whisperings of the Sleep Fairy”, our series covers a broad range of important issues to help support autistic individuals and their families. Join us virtually every Friday from 9-10 am and connect with others in the autism community while gaining valuable knowledge and support. 02 Professional Conferences. Our organization is committed to providing a diverse and enriching array of professional conferences to support caregivers and professionals in the field of autism and neurodiversity. Our flagship event, the Annual Summit, is a must-attend gathering featuring expert speakers and a comprehensive program covering a wide spectrum of topics relevant to your work. Whether you prefer virtual or in-person attendance, this event ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the autism community. For those seeking even more in-depth knowledge, Autism Community Network offers two summer intensive programs, “Neurodiversity University” and “Making ‘Sense’ of Autism.” Both programs delve deeply into the intricacies of autism and neurodiversity. The intensives equip attendees with invaluable insights and strategies to better support individuals on the spectrum. 03 Trainings on Request Search View class offerings At Autism Community Network, we understand the importance of community education and empowerment. We offer a range of training options that can be customized to meet the unique needs of your organization. Whether you require inclusive practices for your business or are seeking continuing education credits, our team can provide comprehensive group training sessions, ensuring that you and your colleagues are equipped with the necessary tools to create more inclusive environments. In addition to our diverse training offerings, we are excited to introduce "My Beautiful Brain," a specialized program designed for neurodiverse youth. This program empowers young individuals to embrace their unique qualities and understand what makes them exceptional. Through a series of engaging and interactive sessions, participants gain self-awareness and a sense of pride in their neurodiversity, fostering a positive self-image and enhancing their self-esteem. Our flexible training sessions can be tailored to your organization's specific needs and schedules, ranging from 30-minute workshops to full-day seminars. Furthermore, our Valero Community Center is available to provide an appropriate and welcoming space for your training and educational needs. We are dedicated to advancing education, awareness, and support in the field of autism and neurodiversity, and we invite you to join us in our mission. 04 Mentorships At Autism Community Network, we place a strong emphasis on mentorship as a cornerstone of professional growth and development in the field of autism and neurodiversity. Our commitment to fostering mentorship opportunities is exemplified through our participation in various programs and initiatives. One such initiative is our collaboration with UTHealth's Profectum DIR BASIC Certification Program, where we actively support and mentor doctoral-level occupational therapy students seeking to obtain certification in the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model. Our experienced mentors guide aspiring professionals through the certification process, providing invaluable insights and guidance to help them excel in their DIR practice and better serve neurodivergent individuals. In addition to the certification program, we offer mentorship opportunities through our intern and medical residents programs. These programs provide hands-on experience and mentorship for individuals at various stages of their careers, whether they are students, recent graduates, or medical residents specializing in autism-related fields. Through these initiatives, participants gain practical knowledge, refine their skills, and receive guidance from our seasoned professionals, ultimately contributing to the growth of a more knowledgeable and compassionate workforce dedicated to autism and neurodiversity. Our commitment to mentorship underscores our mission to empower individuals to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by autism and related developmental differences. We believe that by nurturing mentorship relationships and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for neurodivergent individuals and their families. How to start: Learn more about our training programs. Excited to start learning? Contact us below, and we'll be sure to find the program that fits your specific needs. Enroll Cost of Training Cancellation Policy Cancelling a training requires a 48 hour notice. Our staff are passionate about helping the community. A cancellation may offer another organization the ability to take your place, or open a spot for our staff to work one on one with a family in need. Late Arrivals The policy for late arrivals is program specific, and based on the preferences of your organization and our presenters. If you are going to be late, we ask that you alert the appropriate parties in advance. Cost of training is tailored to your specific needs. For more information, contact Katie Benson at: Katie@acn-sa.org .

< Back Tiffany Fresher Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Fresher has been with Autism Community Network since 2016. Prior to her tenure at ACN, she served as Chief Financial Officer at the Jewish Federation of San Antonio/Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Vice-President of Operations and CFO at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, and worked in public accounting at two San Antonio firms in tax and auditing. Tiffany earned a BBA in Accounting and Finance from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Tiffany, and her husband Mike, live in Fair Oaks Ranch and have five children between the two of them (kind of a Brady Bunch situation); two of whom are undergraduates at Texas Tech University and one in graduate school at the University of Connecticut. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, especially college football, enjoying her many animals, playing tennis, and spending time at the coast. She is very passionate about serving the children and families of San Antonio and South Texas. She has worked diligently to increase ACN’s reach in the community and enhance quality of life programming for children and their families. tiffany@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 5001