< Back SUPPORT GROUPS About Support Groups Support groups can be a valuable resource for individuals with autism and their families. Our resource library provides information on local support groups, online communities, and peer support options. SUPPORT GROUPS Any Baby Can’s Autism Services 210.227.0170 Web: https://www.anybabycansa.org/services/autism-services/ 217 Howard, SA TX 78212 Any Baby Can’s Sibling Support Group 210.227.0170 Web: https://www.anybabycansa.org/services/sibling-support/ 217 Howard, SA TX78212 Group is for children 6-14 years of age and meets on the 2nd Friday of every month from 6:30-8:30pm, September through July of every year. The group is led by a trained facilitator and volunteer and free, light meals are served. This is a time for siblings of children with special needs to socialize, play games and participate in structured discussion focusing on issues related to having a sibling with a disability. Autism Society of Central Texas 1.512.479.4199 x1 Web: www.texasautismsociety.org The Autism Society of Texas offers support groups, advocacy, educational and recreational events in support of its mission: Improving the Lives of Those Affected by Autism. Autism Speaks - Autism Response Team 1.888.288.4762 Web: https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-response-team-art E-Mail: familyservices@autismspeaks.org Autism Response Team coordinators are specially trained to connect individuals and families with information, resources and opportunities. Call or e-mail for more information on community outreach services, grants, local resources and age-related resources (diagnosis/early intervention, school-age/youth, young adults and adult services). Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas 210.736.4847 Web: www.cbcst.org 205 W. Olmos Drive, SA TX 78212 Offers support groups for children and teens, ages 3 to 24, and their families or caregivers who have lost a family member; offers seven different support groups that meet twice a month. The Center also provides training, crisis intervention, counseling peer support, and consultation services to individuals, schools, churches, and community agencies of all kinds; fee-based, one-on-one counseling also available. Epilepsy Foundation of Central& South Texas Family and Parent Support Group 210.653.5353 Web: https://efcst.org/help/support-groups/ 8601 Village Dr., Ste. 200, SA TX 78217 Provides information and referral, community education, outreach and support services, advocacy, employment services, seizure clinics, summer camps and support group meetings, free counseling services. MELD Special (Mutual Enrichment through Learning and Discovery) 210.692.0234 Web: www.mhm.org 4507 Medical Dr., SA TX 78229 MELD Special focuses on the daily challenges of raising a child and address the impact of an illness or disability on childrearing and family life. Discussions are geared to concerns faced by all parents, rather than medical information. MoCAA (Moms Connect About Autism) 210.845.3395 Web: www.mocaa.org E-Mail: mocaa2010@gmail.com MoCAA’s mission is to connect every mother raising a child with special needs and provide support by creating a social and interactive community focused on HOPE (Helping Ourselves Physically and Emotionally). All interactions are based on a philosophy of empowerment, encouragement, and compassion. No mom should go it alone. There is no membership fee. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 210.734.3349 Web: www.nami-sat.org 6800 Park Ten Blvd, Ste248-E , SATX, 78213 E-Mail: nami@nami-sat.org The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Offers support, education, advocacy, and research for people living with mental illness. San Antonio Asperger’s - Online Support Group Web: www.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/sanantonioaspergers/info This group is designed for families of the San Antonio area who have children diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome; Autism; Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) or Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). This group will share information; stories; questions; and provide individual support for each other. Texas Adults with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (TAAID) 210.262-6740 Web: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067538138668 6914 Wurzbach RD, SA TX 78240 Proactively responding to the needs of the parents of young adults with autism and intellectual disabilities requiring support; guidance; assistance; training; and personal advocacy; to promote long term services; health and happiness for their special adult. Support group for parent with adult children who have special needs. Families are encouraged to prepare and educate themselves regarding long-term care services and supports. Information is shared about social security; Medicaid; medical waivers; care providers; and other resources within local and state agencies. In person support group meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 2pm - 4pm. (Location is subject to change). The Down Syndrome Association of South Texas 210.349.4372 Web: www.dsasatx.org 1127 Patricia Dr., SA TX 78213 The mission of the DSASTX is to provide services and support for children and adults with Down Syndrome and their families in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. The DSASTX provides opportunities for families to foster friendships and mutual support through information workshops/conferences, community-based social activities and educational programs. Previous Next

< Back EDUCATION About Education Services Our education resources provide information on evidence-based interventions and educational programs designed for individuals with autism. These resources can help families find appropriate educational settings and interventions that can help individuals with autism succeed in school and beyond. HIGHER EDUCATION Northwest Vista College – Access Office 210.486.4466 Web: https://www.alamo.edu/nvc/academics/resources/access-disability-services/ CCC204, 3535 N. Ellison Dr., SA TX 78251 E-Mail: nvc-access@alamo.edu Contact: Sharon Dress, Coordinator Our Lady of the Lake University Students with Disabilities Office 210.431.4010 Web: www.ollusa.edu Sueltenfuss Library, Room 125, 411 SW 24th St., SA TX 78207 E-Mail: nomonsibais@ollusa.edu Contact: Nicole Monsibais, ADA Coordinator Disability services and tutoring Palo Alto College – Disability Support Services 210.486.3020 Web: https://www.alamo.edu/pac/admissions-aid/disability-support-services/ Palomino Center, Room 116, 1400 W. Villaret, SA TX 78224 Contact: Cindy Morgan, Coordinator –Student Success E-Mail: cgibbs3@alamo.edu Contact: Greta Rodriguez, Sr. Generalist – Student Success E-Mail: grodriguez405@alamo.edu San Antonio College – Disability Support Services 210.486.0020 Web: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/about-sac/college-offices/disability-support-services/ Moody Learning Center, Room 1 Floor, 1819 N. Main Ave., SA TX 78212 Contact: Jennifer Alvizo, Director E-Mail: jalvizo2@alamo.edu Contact: Patricia Sanchez, Advising Team Leader E-Mail: pgorentz@alamo.edu St. Mary’s University 210.436.3011 Web: https://www.stmarytx.edu/campuslife/student-services/accessibility/ One Camino Santa Maria, SA TX 78228 E-Mail: stmudsts@stmarytx.edu Welcome to St. Mary’s University’s Disability Support Services. St. Mary’s University ensures effective access to its programs, services and activities for all qualified individuals with documented disabilities. Effective access is accomplished through a variety of accommodations and services tailored to meet each individual student’s strengths and unique needs. Disability Support Services ensures access; the student supplies the success. Trinity University – Student Accessibility Services 210.999.7411 Web: https://www.trinity.edu/directory/departments-offices/student-accessibility-services Halsell Center, Ste. 201, One Trinity Place #85 , SA TX 78212 E-Mail: sas@trinity.edu University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Student Disability Services 210.458.4157 Videophone: 210.591.7318 Web: www.utsa.edu/disability One UTSA Circle, Rm. 3.01.16 Multidisciplinary Studies Building (MS), San Antonio, TX 78249 E-Mail: disability.services@utsa.edu Contact: Dr. Dianne Hengst, Director Student Disability Services or Stacy Mason, Associate Director University of the Incarnate Word – Student Disability Services 210.829.3997 Web: https://my.uiw.edu/sds/ Administration Bldg., Rm. 105, 4301 Broadway, CPO #286 , SA TX 78209 MUSIC Dreams Fulfilled Through Music 210.771.5809 Web: www.dftm.org Contact: Mary Kathryn Archuleta, Executive/Artistic Director E-Mail: dftm.alamoangels@gmail.com P.O. Box 1233, Helotes, TX 78023 Adaptive Music Therapy/Music Therapy/Performance Opportunities. For all ages. SCHOOLS (K-12) The Achievers Center for Education 210.690.7359 Web: https://www.achieverssatx.org/ University United Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala Rd., SA TX 78249 A secondary school for children 6th-12th grade who are two or more years behind grade level in any academic area; accepts students with and without disabilities and learning differences; features a low student-teacher ratio and hands-on teaching methods. Brighton Center 210.826.4492 Web: www.brightonsa.org 14207 Higgins RD., SA TX 78217 Child Development Center: 265 E. Lullwood, San Antonio, TX 78212 Throughout San Antonio and Bexar County, Brighton Center provides developmental and educational services to children of ALL abilities. With a holistic, family-centered approach, we offer enrichment and development through an inclusive early childhood education program, as well as therapy services, counseling, case management and special education support & services. Clowvazar Academy 210.690.4800 Web: www.clowvazar.com 12746 Cimarron Path #120 , SA TX 78249 The Clowvazar Academy is a year-round alternative education school for Kinder through 12th grade. Our staff works with children who are Special Ed, General Ed and Gifted-and-Talented. We take students with anxiety, high-functioning autism, dyslexia, ADHD and other similar learning differences. We have a large General Ed population. During the summer, we also offer an affordable summer school program. FEAST (Home School Support) 210.342.4674 Web: https://homeschoolfeast.com/ 7735 Mockingbird Lane, San Antonio, TX 78229 The Foundation School for Autism - San Antonio 210.402.0253 Web: https://www.foundationschool.net/ 2235 Thousand Oaks, Ste. 130, SA TX 78232 The Foundation School for Autism is a public charter school for autistic children ages 3-7 with a focus on early intervention. Tuition is FREE. Kim's Learning Solutions, LLC 979.236.5286 Web: http://kimslearningsolutions.com/contact-us/ E-Mail: bilikimcornwell@gmail.com 16007 Via Shavano, Suite 102, San Antonio, TX 78249 Learning solutions that address both the strengths and the needs of the individual Private tutoring and assessments/evaluations. One for Autism Academy 210.680.8737 Web: www.oneforautism.com 1216 W. Ave., SA TX 78201 One For Autism, Inc. was established to serve children, youth and adults of all levels of functioning while providing a comprehensive individualized program, aimed at enhancing language and communication, social, play, academic, and independent living skills. Public School Education Service Center Region 20 Education Service Center 210.370.5200 Web: www.esc20.net 1314 Hines Ave., SA TX 78208 Contact: Janet Enriquez 210.370.5381 Region 13 Education Service Center 512.919.5313 Web: www.esc13.net 5701 Springdale Rd., Austin TX 78723 Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children 210.824.0579 Web: www.sunshinecottage.org 603 E. Hildebrand, SA TX 78212 A private, non-profit, accredited school for both hearing impaired children and hearing children. Children with hearing loss are taught to listen and talk through the use of digital hearing aids or cochlear implants. The Newborn Hearing Evaluation Center is a diagnostic testing site for newborns: insurance and Medicaid accepted. The Parent Infant Program (birth to three) is available, at no cost, for parents with hearing impaired infants and toddlers. Weekly sessions, parent support groups, nurturing classes, Family and Me Outings, in-home visits and free audiological services are part of this program. Full-day classes encompass State standards with integration of technology in the curriculum, placing emphasis on developing oral-language skills. Classes have a low student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1 and begin with three-year old’s through the fifth grade, combining children with hearing loss and children with typical hearing; generous scholarships available. SCHOOL DISTRICT AUTISM PROGRAM CONTACTS Bexar County Alamo Heights ISD 705 Trafalgar, SATX 78216 210.442.3700 Director: Kris Holiday www.ahisd.net East Central ISD 6634 New Sulphur Springs Rd. SA 78263 210.648.7861 Director: Mary Eitinear & Nina Pugh www.ecisd.net Edgewood ISD 900 S. Eduardo, SA 78237 210.444.8103 Director: Jose Hinojosa www.eisd.net Harlandale ISD 12121 S E Loop 410., SA 78221 210.989.5250 Director: Della Taylor www.harlandale.net Judson ISD 8205 Palisades, SA 78233 210.945.5348 Director: Theresa Arocha-Gill www.judsonisd.org Lackland ISD 2460 Kenly Ave., Bldg. 8265,SA 78236 210.357.5042 Director: Hans Palmer www.lacklandisd.net Military ISD Co-op (Ft. Sam, Lackland, Randolph Field) 3921 Bowley, SA 78234 210.368.8771 Director: Hans Palmer https://www.fshisd.net/ North East ISD 8961 Tesoro Dr., Ste. 500, SA 78217 210.407.0185 Director: Carol Bushnell www.neisd.net Northside ISD 5651 Grissom Rd., SA 78238 (210) 397-8742 Director: Krista Garcia www.nisd.net San Antonio ISD 1702 N. Alamo St., SA 78215 210.225.2406 Director: Kristen E. Williams www.saisd.net Schertz-Cibolo- Universal City ISD 200 W. Schlather St. Cibolo, 78108 210.945.6426 Director: Kim Williams www.scuc.txed.net Somerset ISD PO Box 279, Somerset 78069 1.866.465.8828 Director: Ramiro Nava https://www.sisdk12.net/ South San ISD 5622 Ray Ellison Blvd. SA 78242 210.977.7250 Director: Julie Silva www.southsanisd.net Southside ISD 1460 Martinez-Losoya Rd., SA 78221 210.882.1600 Director: Kendal Olah www.southsideisd.org Southwest ISD 11914 Dragon Ln., SA 78252 210.622.4355 Director: Robert Robinson www.swisd.net Atascosa County Charlotte ISD (Atas- McMull Co-op) 831 Stadium Dr., Pleasanton 78064 830.569.1355 Director: Linsey Pawelek Jourdanton ISD (Atas- McMull Co-op) 831 Stadium Dr., Pleasanton 78064 830.569.1355 Director: Linsey Pawelek www.jourdantonisd.net Lytle ISD PO Box 745, Lytle 78052 830.709.5128 Director: Robby Pierce www.lytleisd.com Pleasanton ISD (Atas- McMull Co-op) 831 Stadium Dr., Pleasanton 78064 830.569.1355 Director: Keri Cooper www.pisd.us Poteet ISD (Atas- McMull Co-op) 831 Stadium Dr., Pleasanton 78064 830.569.1355 Director: Linsey Pawelek https://www.poteetisd.org/ Tilden ISD (Atas- McMull Co-op) 901 River St., Tilden 78072 1.361.274.2000 Director: Linsey Pawelek Bandera County Bandera ISD PO Box 727, Bandera 78003 830.796.6210 Director: Patricia Galm www.banderaisd.net Medina ISD One Bobcat Ln, PO Box 1470, Medina 78055 830.589.2851 Director: Sarah McCrae www.medinaisd.org Dimmitt County Carrizo Springs Consolidated ISD 300 N.7th St Carrizo Springs 78834 830.876.3503 Director: Michelle Howard www.cscisd.net Frio County Dilley ISD (Spec Ed Co-op 12) 318 Berry Ranch Rd., Pearsall 78061 830.334.8007 x1132 www.dilleyisd.net Pearsall ISD (Spec Ed Co-op 12) 318 Berry Ranch Rd., Pearsall 78061 830.334.8007 x1132 www.pearsallisd.org Kendall County Boerne ISD 123 W. Johns Rd., Boerne 78006 830.357.2098 Director: DeNette Krawczynski www.boerne-isd.net Kerr County Center Point ISD PO Box 377 Center Point 78010 830.634.2171 Director: Jeanie Zirkel www.cpisd.net Hunt ISD PO Box 259, Hunt 78024 830.238.4893 Director: Cindy Lambert www.huntisd.org Ingram ISD 510 College St., Ingram 78025 830.367.4630 Director: Dan Curran www.ingramisd.net Kerrville ISD 729 Tivy St., Kerrville 78028 830.257.2203 Director: Dan Wittle www.kerrvilleisd.net Kinney County Brackett ISD (Cluster5 Spec Ed Co-op) 308 N. Piper Ln., Uvalde 78801 PO Box 586, Brackettville 78832 830.988.2341 Fax: 830.988.2366 Director: Martha Posey www.brackettisd.net La Salle County Cotulla ISD (Spec Ed Co-op 12) 318 Berry Ranch Rd., Pearsall 78061 830.334.8001 Director: Alicia Rumfield https://www.cotullaisd.net/ Maverick County Eagle Pass ISD 587 Madison St., Eagle Pass 78852 830.758.7023 Director: Delia Gonzalez www.eaglepass.net Medina County D’Hanis ISD (Cluster 5 Spec Ed Co-op) 308 N. Piper Ln., Uvalde 78850 830.988.2341 Director: Martha Posey www.dhanisisd.net Devine ISD 1225 W. Hwy. 173, Devine 78016 830.851.0881 Director: Valerie Dykstra www.devineisd.org Hondo ISD 2608 Ave. H, Hondo 78861 830.426.5902 Director: Cynthia Gann https://www.hondoisd.net/ Medina Valley ISD 8449 FM 471 S. Castroville 78009 830.931.2243 Director: Dr. Lonna Clinch www.mvisd.com Natalia ISD PO Box 548, Natalia 78059 830.663.4416 Director: Leticia Buenrostro www.nataliaisd.net Real County Leakey ISD (Cluster 5 Spec Ed Co-op) 308 N. Piper Ln, Uvalde 78801 PO Box 2119, Lakey 78873 830.988.2341 Director: Martha Posey https://www.leakeyisd.net/ Uvalde County Knippa ISD (Cluster 5 Spec Ed Co-op) 308 N. Piper Ln, Uvalde 78801 PO Box 99, Knippa 78870 830.988.2341 Director: Martha Posey Nueces Canyon ISD PO Box 118, Barksdale 78828 Director: Martha Posey www.nccisd.net Sabina ISD (Cluster 5 Spec Ed Co-op) 308 N. Piper Ln. Uvalde 78801 PO Box 338, Sabinal 78881 830.988.2341 Director: Martha Posey https://www.sabinalisd.net/ Utopia ISD (Cluster 5 Spec Ed Co-op) PO Box 880, Utopia 78884 830.988.2341 Director: Martha Posey www.utopia.net Uvalde ISD PO Box 1909, Uvalde 78802 830.591.4928 Director: Victor Baron https://www.ucisd.net/ Wilson County Floresville ISD (Wilson Co Co-op) 908 10th St., Floresville 78114 830.393.5300 Director: Clint Askins www.fisd.us La Vernia ISD 13600 US Hwy. 87 W. La Vernia 78121 210.779.6600 Director: Brenda Oates https://www.lvisd.org/ Poth ISD (Wilson Co Co-op) PO Box 250, Poth 78147 830.484.3390 Director: Marissa Ximenez https://www.pothisd.us/ Stockdale ISD 503 S. 4th St., Stockdale, 78160 830.996.3551 Director: Lori Homeyer www.stockdaleisd.org Zavala County Crystal City ISD 805 E. Crockett St. Crystal City,78839 830.374.2367 Director: Melissa Guerrero www.crystalcityisd.org La Pryor ISD PO Box 519, La Pryor 78872 830.365.4004 Director: Rick Rodriguez www.lapryor.net SEX & RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION Planned Parenthood of San Antonio 210.736.2262 Web: www.plannedparenthood.org Offers free one-on-one information sessions for individuals with special needs. There are 5 locations in the area; some clinics based on income and family size. Accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment methods. Work with state and federal programs to help cut down costs for those who qualify. Shannon Criswell Peck - Counseling/Sex and Relationship Ed 210.826.9599 3030 Nacogdoches Rd. SA TX 78217 Practices Traditional Counseling for Families; & Individuals; Sex Therapy & Counseling; and Forensic Sexual Evaluating & Court Testimony. She’s a certified Sex Counselor who works with individuals with Autism who may live at home with parents or in a group home. Accepts most insurance plans and the office will answer any questions about insurance, fees, co-pays, etc. SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING Cindy Constanzo LLC 210.421.8048 8603 Crownhill, #25 SA TX 78209 We have years of experience in the area of assessment and special education with a special emphasis on the individuals with social communication deficits such as those with Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder and/or anxiety disorders. Cindy Constanzo’s services include an adult group; speech language communication assessment; autism assessment; parent support; and social communication therapy groups of 4th/5th grade, middle school and high school groups of 3-4 students. Please call or message to enroll or visit our website for a full listing of our services and credentials. We are glad to meet you in person or discuss by phone any questions you may have. Dr. Jodi Gonzalez Arnold 210.260.3948 14603 Huebner Rd Bldg. 6, SA TX 78230 Specializes in Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Health and accepts Medicare. Starfish Social Club 210.303.4433 Web: www.starfishsocialclub.org E-Mail: admin@starfishsocialclub.org 1117 Patricia Dr., SA TX 78213 Social groups, academic support, and summer camp for students of all ages with learning differences, including autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, Down Syndrome, developmental delays, etc. Stone Oak Therapy Services 210.798.2273 Web: www.stoneoaktherapy.com E-Mail: stoneoaktherapy@gmail.com 1020 Central Pkwy. South, SA TX 78232 Contact: Claudia Goswitz, MA, Med, CCC-SLP This training consists of small groups of 3-6 children for social training and parent networks in order to provide strategies to develop connections among children of similar profiles and establish networks or friendships. Social group training is provided by Stone Oak Therapy Services and Learning Institute. SPECIALIZED TEACHING PRODUCTS Blue Cat PIES 210.547.3015 Web: www.bluecatpies.com Email: sales@bluecatpies.com A specialized line of supplemental learning activities specifically designed for students with autism. Activities are hand-assembled by adults with disabilities. Activity books are interactive and do not require handwriting to use. Blue Cat PIES is a product developed and produced by the Any Baby Can Autism Services Program staff. Proceeds benefit families receiving free services at Any Baby Can. TUTORING & LEARNING SUPPORT Feast Bookstore 210.342.4674 Web: https://homeschoolfeast.com/ Email: staff@homeschoolfeast.com 7735 Mockingbird Lane, San Antonio, TX 78229 The FEAST Bookstore has been around for decades and has many types of home school curriculum available. Should the situation arise that the store doesn’t have an item in stock; the friendly staff are always ready to assist you to make sure you get the products you need to successfully homeschool your children. Kim's Learning Solutions, LLC 979.236.5286 Web: kimslearningsolutions.com E-Mail: bilikimcornwell@gmail.com 16007 Via Shavano, Ste. 102, San Antonio, TX 78249 Learning solutions that address both the strengths and the needs of the individual Private tutoring and assessments/evaluations. LearningRx - San Antonio Northeast: 1270 N Loop 1604 E Ste. 1302, SA TX 78232……….210.960.8296 Northwest: 6222 De Zavala Rd #203 , SA TX 78249……………...210.920.7785 Web: www.learningrx.com They are here to assist those with cognitive skills training (Brain Training). They offer these programs to all that are at least 4 years old and up to 94 years old (just must be verbal). The programs are anywhere from 12 to 40 weeks. It is all private pay and it is $90 an hour with the average being 4 1/2 hours a week. They do have payment options that vary depending on the program that is selected. TOBII Dynavox Assistive Technology 800.344.1778 Web: www.tobiidynavox.com We make touch based and eye controlled computers and solutions for special education that help individuals with motor and speech impairments lead richer and more independent lives. Previous Next

< Back Capital Campaign Building tomorrow together, your donation is our foundation. Autism Community Network officially moved to 535 Bandera on July 24, 2023. We are extremely grateful to the initial capital campaign partners for believing in our mission and partnering with ACN to lead the San Antonio and South Texas in strength-based, neurodiversity affirming care for the youngest members of our community. Our capital campaign remains ongoing, and we extend an invitation to future partners to become an integral part of our transformative capital campaign. This is not a simple call for funding, rather an opportunity to be a change agent in the care of children showing developmental delay or have a diagnosis of autism. Partnering with ACN to help manifest our vision of becoming a nationally recognized center of excellence for the assessment and treatment of children with autism will: Decrease critical wait times for the most vulnerable facet of our population Create a truly sensory friendly, welcoming environment for all visitors Provide space for play areas and community gatherings to include: an outdoor playground and sensory garden, indoor/outdoor space for Camp AUsome!, a state of the art, multipurpose community center adjacent to the main building, and an expansive parking lot for outdoor food/school drives and holiday events Expand upon current services with additional therapy rooms, kitchens to support ACN's new Feeding Empowerment Program, and larger gyms for therapy and group activities Partnering with ACN in this way will allow children on the spectrum to be absolute contributors to our society. Our children will push the envelope of what humanity is capable of with a team of professional and familial caregivers walking beside them. Let's get started

< Back RESPITE SERVICES About Respite Services Sometimes you need a break, we totally get it! Respite services provide short-term relief for families and caregivers of individuals with autism. Our resource library provides information on respite care options, including in-home and out-of-home services. PARENT’S NIGHT OUT / DAY RESPITE Artful Start Web: www.artfulstart.org E-Mail: artfulstart@gmail.com Artful Start organizes art programs for children with special needs throughout the community. Programs are run by trained volunteers with an adaptable curriculum to allow all participants to reach their maximum potential. Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) —Teen and Adult Day Adventure 210.671.8112 Web: www.campcamp.org E-Mail: michelle.elble@campcamp.org Physical Address: 2525 Ladd St., Bldg. 3850, Lackland Air Force Base, TX 78236 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 27086, SA TX 78227 A supervised social program for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities, ages 14-40 (with no aggressive behavior); scheduled for one Saturday per month. Activities include dinner, movies, sporting events, concerts, and dances; teens may bring a date. Respite Club membership required. Mission Road Ministries - Mom’s Morning Out 210.334.2437 Web: missionroadministries.org/programs/children/moms-morning-out E-Mail: lbutler@mrmsat.org 8706 Mission Rd, SA TX 78214 Mission Road Ministries offers Mom’s Morning Out *each month. The program allows parents with children with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) some much deserved free time - even “me” time. This fun and important program is available to families living in San Antonio & Bexar County caring for a child with IDD. Tuition cost is $40/ child for 4 hours of care and must be between the ages of 6 thru 17. The program is from 9 AM - 1 PM. Program runs 1 Saturday per month and dates are on the website. Respite Care of San Antonio 210.737.1212 Web: www.respitecaresa.org 605 Belknap Pl., SA TX 78212 Families may bring their children (6 wks. To 17 yrs.) with special needs and medical complex conditions. Monday - Friday from 7:30am –6pm; non-disabled siblings (up to the age of 12) welcome. San Antonio Busy Bodies 210.545.2840 Web: https://www.sabusybodies.org/programs.html E-Mail: info@sabusybodies.org 11985 Starcrest Dr, SA TX 78247 Busy bodies is a learning center providing services for children including the development of fine and gross motor skills; balance; ocular motor control; attention span; self-esteem; and social skills. To qualify for the program; the child must attend an initial assessment for $200; in which the doctors determine what kind of treatment the child requires. The following therapy sessions are $35/hour. Busy bodies accepts some commercial insurance; but mainly private pay. Special Reach Inc 210.784.7478 Web: https://www.specialreach.com/ 6851 Citizens Pkwy suite #220 , San Antonio TX 78229 Party night is a Special Reach’s unique twist on Parent’s night out. It’s a great opportunity to develop social skills and meet other children aged 6-18. Additional summer program locations are available as well as new programs such as San Antonio Adventure Program. RESPITE CARE Mission Road Ministries - Respite Care 210.334.2437 Web: https://missionroadministries.org/lets-talk 8706 Mission RD, SA TX 78214 Children with Intellectual Disabilities have lived on the campus of Mission Road for nearly 65 years. We know what it takes to care for children who require individualized attention and constant supervision. At Mission Road we can provide your child with a weekend of fun and activity; while giving you the rest and relief you deserve. Your child will spend the weekend in one of our 5 cottages; interacting and playing with other children; all under the watchful eye of trained residential care professionals. A gymnasium; basketball court; sensory room; playground and Open Air Pavilion provide the backdrop for stimulating activities. A menu of meals and snacks carefully designed by our licensed dietitian are served family style. Our on- campus Health Care clinic dispenses any medications your child may need during their stay. Maxim Healthcare Services 210.341.3800 Web: https://www.maximhealthcare.com/ E-Mail: SanAntonioTX@maxhealth.com 7550 IH 10 West, Ste. 1001, SA TX 78229 Contact Person: Angela Barker, Business Development Manager Provides Private Duty Nursing, Companion services, respite care; Insurances accepted: Traditional Medicaid, Superior Medicaid, AmeriGroup, Molina, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Health Care, TriCare, Humana Military, Cigna, Care Centrix and most other insurances. Please, feel free to call the office should you need help with a funding source. Ramiro P. Estrada Respite Station - Children’s Hospital of San Antonio....210.704.3497 519 W. Houston, SA TX 78207 A respite program for families of children with developmental disabilities and multiple medical conditions; the program is available to children from birth to 18 years of age who require skilled car and medical support services. Respite Care of San Antonio 210.737.1212 Web: www.respitecaresa.org Davidson Respite House (DRH), 605 Belknap Place, SA TX 78212 Emergency/crisis facility dedicated to caring for children with special needs and complex medical conditions. Children may be placed at the DRH by their families so that they may attend to a crisis. Children are placed by the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services as a result of abuse or neglect; cares for children ages 0 to 17 years of age. The shelter is open 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. Previous Next

< Back Nicolle Reyna, MS CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Nicolle Reyna holds a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Texas Woman's University, a BA in Psychology from the University of the Incarnate Word, and a special education teaching certificate from Region 20. Nicolle was a special education teacher for 13 years in Edgewood ISD and San Antonio ISD where she developed a passion for helping students reach their maximum potential with the mindset that ALL children can learn. Prior to ACN, Nicolle worked in Early Childhood Intervention ( ECI) for 10 years where she enjoyed meeting and working with so many wonderful children and their families. Nicolle is passionate about empowering parents and caregivers with the tools they need to help their child learn and grow since they know them best! When Nicolle is not devoting her time to her career, she can be found cheering on the Texas Tech Red Raiders (fan by marriage) and the San Antonio Spurs with her husband, daughter, and two dog children, Theo and Bentley. Nicolle is a proud mom of a 21 year old neurodivergent daughter and loves to face time across the miles with her 5 year old neurodivergent niece. nicolle@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000

< Back RESIDENTIAL SERVICES About Residential Services Our residential services resources provide information on residential options available for individuals with autism who require support with daily living skills. These resources can help families find appropriate residential options for their loved ones with autism. ADULT RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Complete Life Care – Cade’s Cove House 210.520.0774 6647 Cade’s Cove, SA TX 78238 ICF-MR/RC Council Oaks Community Options 210.646.0717 Provides ongoing evaluation; planning; 24-hour supervision; coordination; and integration for health or rehabilitative services in a protected residential setting to individuals with disabilities; please call for a full listing of available programs; fees; scheduling and eligibility. Dreams Come True Assisted Living 210.979.6420 3242 Swandale St, SA TX 78230 State funded group home for men ages 19 and above with disabilities; provides a protected residential setting; ongoing evaluation; planning; 24-hour supervision; coordination and integration for health or rehabilitative services to help men with disabilities function at their greatest ability. Please call for a full listing of available programs; fees; scheduling; eligibility and availability. Most insurance including Medicaid and Medicare accepted. Eldorado Adult Living Center 210.599.8656 Mailing Address: PO Box 33487, SA TX 78265 Physical Address: 12302 Gran Vista St, SA, TX 78233 El Dorado Adult Living Center offers assisted living for people with disabilities by offering comprehensive and individualized health care and rehabilitation services to individuals to promote their functional status and independence in San Antonio; Texas. Assists males ages 18 and up. Medicaid and private pay only. Enhanced Living Services 210.599.4449 4422 Centergate St., SA TX 78217 ICF-MR/RC, HCS Hill Country San Antonio Management, Inc 210.340.8256 Web: www.hillcountrysanantoniomanagementinc.com 3355 Cherry Ridge, Ste. 108, SA, TX 78230 Hill Country San Antonio Management Inc. is a Medicaid based program that provides services to Individuals with disabilities in the Austin, San Antonio and Corpus Christi areas. Hill Country San Antonio Management Inc. is a Home and Community Based Services (HCS) provider agency; and we also provide services to individuals enrolled in the Texas Home Living (TxHmL) program. Some services provided include nursing, physiological and physical therapy. For information about services offered; please call. Clients need to be assessed by AACOG prior to being accepted for residential services. Medicaid and Medicare are accepted insurances. Homelife & Community Services, Inc 210.736.3334 Web: https://homelifeandcommunityservices.com/ 2401 Wilson Blvd., SA TX 78228 HCS, Texas Home Living General Revenue Lifetime Living, Inc 210.651.0279 Web: http://lifetimelivinginc.com/ E-Mail: info@LifetimeLivingInc.com Central Main Office: 5425 N. Loop 1604 E., SA TX 78247 Specializing in community-based services for those with intellectual & developmental disabilities. Home & Community Based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living Services (TxHmL), Classes, & General Revenue Services (GR); Accept Traditional Medicaid thru Approved Medicaid Waiver Programs & Private Pay. Mission Road Ministries 210.924.9265 Web: www.mrmsat.org E-Mail: info@mrmsat.org 8706 Mission Rd, SA TX 78214 We provide each child with professional; 24-hour AWAKE care by trained; attentive staff allowing the child to thrive and grow into a successful and happy adult. We provide our partnering families with time and respite from the 24/7/365 care that often overwhelms families with children with special needs. Our caregivers are rested and ready to provide focused and loving for each of the children in their care. Our caregivers are not distracted like parents and foster parents are with other obligations like cooking dinner; doing laundry; driving other children to practices. They are 100% focused on the special children in their care. Furthermore; our caregivers all participate in 50+ hours of professional training each year. Our greatest strength: three 8-hour shifts of ready; rested and loving caregivers providing 24/7/365 awake care. For more info, you can call Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM. Mission Road Ministries - Campus Cottages 210.924.9265 Web: https://www.missionroadministries.org/programs/children/ 8706 Mission RD, SA TX 78214 Mission Road provides residential care for children (3 to 17 years of age) with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in five homes on our 22-acre South San Antonio campus. Mission Road cares for children from all areas of Texas. To schedule your own private campus tour please call, or you can also take a virtual tour of the campus on the website. Mosaic of South Central Texas 210.967.0566 Web: www.mosaicinfo.org 1804 NE Loop 410, SA TX 78217 Mosaic is a faith-based organization serving people with disabilities living in group residences. All services are provided in a typical community-based setting which includes individuals living as roommates in a group home setting. Individuals receive 24-hours a day to provide assistance with completing daily living skills; meal planning and preparation; budgeting; shopping and medication administration. Assistance provided include matching a person receiving services with someone who provides the assistance needed for daily living in a family-like or roommate like setting. Residential and facilitative services include: skills training and adjunctive therapies with 24-hour supervision and coordination of the individual program plan. Providence Place - Legacy Program 844.546.8697 Web: www.provplace.org E-Mail: info@yourstore.com 6487 Whitby Rd., SA TX 78240 Two residential programs for young adults with disabilities after high school. Both are 2-4 years in length and teach/practice work and independent living skills. Oasis Home is an eight bed ICF Group Home and Legacy is an apartment living program for a young person who is already independent enough to not need supervision (case management is provided). Premieant 210.525.1509 1218 Arion Pkwy., Ste. 106, SA TX 78216 HCS and Texas Home Living providers; Provides services to individuals with disabilities like group homes; foster care and transportation to doctors’ visits; serves those 18 years old or older; HCS and Texas Home Living providers. R & K Specialized Homes, Inc 210.805.0802 Web: www.RKhomes.net 1550 NE Loop 410, Ste. 206, SA TX 78209 ICF-MR/RC, HCS A for-profit provider of Medicaid and private pay programs for people with disabilities; provides Dayhab; vocational and supported employment services. The Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) is a Medicaid program that provides residential services in the community through group homes. Services include; adaptive aids; specialized therapies; behavioral supports; community supports; respite and nursing. Primary eligibility requirements include a diagnosis of disability and the individual must live at home with their family or on their own. Clients need to be assessed by AACOG prior to being accepted for residential services. Hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; tours of facilities can be arranged by calling office. Reaching Maximum Independence (RMI) - Group Homes 210.656.6674 Web: http://www.rmihomes.org 6336 Montgomery Dr., SA TX 78239 Reaching Maximum Independence; Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the San Antonio area live and work as independently as possible. --Our group homes; supported apartment programs and foster care services allow individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to choose the residential option that best meets their needs. Rescare - Residential Services and Home Health 210.979.7009 Web: http://www.rescare.com 3700 Belgium Ln, SA TX78219 ResCare Residential Services provides support to adults and children that need assistance with daily living. With almost four decades of experience in the disabilities services field; we are the country’s leading provider of services to people with disabilities. We offer a comprehensive range of services through: Community Living; Signature Services (day services/sheltered employment; respite/home care; case management; support services - physical; occupational; and speech therapy/nursing); Signature Quality and Training Programs; Rest Assured Telecare; and Supported Employment. Clients need to be assessed by AACOG prior to being accepted for residential services. Medicaid and Medicare are accepted insurances. River Gardens 830.629.4400 750 Rusk St., New Braunfels, TX 78130 ICF-MR/RC South Texas Community Living Corp 210.494.1030 Web: https://icltexas.com/ 2391 NE Loop 410, Ste. 110, SA TX 78217 ICF-ID, HCS; South Texas Community Living Corporation is an Intermediate Care Facility for individuals ages 18 and older with disabilities. We operate 6-bed group homes and an array of additional services to meet the needs of those individuals. We provide the full array of the following HCS services below: Audiology; Adaptive Aids; Behavioral support; Case coordination; Day habilitation; Dietary; Direct care in 3 and 4- bed group homes; Direct care in the natural home (Supported Home Living); Host (Foster) Care; Minor home modifications; Nursing (LVN and RN); Occupational; Physical and Speech therapy; Respite care; Social work; Specialized dental care and supported employment. Eligibility is done thru AACOG; Medicaid is accepted. Hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Southwind Fields 210-526-1567 Web: www.southwindfields.com 6851 Citizens Parkway, Ste. 224, SA TX 77829 The Southwind City Locals program is designed for men and women of a wide variety of abilities. Whether living in their own place, or at home with a caregiver, a Southwind Local Advisor will come to them. If living at home is what's best for now, we'll help build skills to reach new levels of independence towards tailor made goals. City Locals already living in the community, may stay in their current place of residence, should they choose to do so. Those moving to the area, or who would like to relocate, may reside in an affordable Southwind partnership apartment complex, maintaining their own lease agreements, while enjoying the fellowship and community of living alongside other Southwind City Locals. City Locals receive basic case management services from our City Local Advisors, who will check in several times weekly to assess health & safety of the living environment, bus training (if appropriate), assistance with assuring bills are paid on time (if applicable), and the offer of assistance for financial management, employment search and retention (if applicable), medical needs, personal care, and independent living skills training. Specialized Home Life 210.599.8656 12302 Gran Vista, SA TX 78233 POBox33487, SATX 78265 ICF/ID Group Home The Arc of San Antonio Web: www.arc-sa.org Northeast side: 13430 West. Ave., SA TX 78216.................210.490.4300 North side: 6530 Wurzbach, SA TX 78240...........................210.682.4200 Day habilitation program; Life Enrichment and recreation for, teens and adults, ages 14 or older with developmental or other cognitive delays, 1-8 ratios; M-F, six-hour program; before and after care available. We accept HCS, General Revenue, and private pay; part-time available. Teen recreation program offered only during the summer. Limited reduced slots. The Center for Health Care Services 210.434.7001 Web: www.chcsbc.org 806 S. Zarzamora St., SA TX 78207 Assists adults suffering from mental illness; provides Adult Mental Health Intake and Crisis Management. Applications are taken on a walk-in basis from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Availability is on a first come first serve basis. Bring a valid ID; proof of income; and proof of residency. Yes I Can 210.599.6668 10807 Perrin Beitel, Ste. 100, SA TX 78217 HCS; call from 8-5 CHILDREN’S RESIDENTIAL SERVICES CLASS Community Living Assistance and Support 877.438.5656 Interest list in Austin for individuals with a diagnosis of development disabilities and related conditions. Deaf/Blind Multiple Disabilities Program 877.438.5658 Interest list in Austin for those with diagnosis of deaf, blind, and a developmental disability. HCS - Home and Community Based Program 210.832.5020 Interest list in San Antonio for individuals with a diagnosis with intellectual disabilities. MDCP - Medically Dependent Children’s Program 877.438.5658 Interest list in Austin for individuals with a need for skilled nursing services up to age 21. YES - Youth Empowerment Services 210.735.2341 For children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbances to live in the community with their families. Previous Next

Caregiver Track: AM Breakout Session Listening Differently: How to Honor Your Autistic Child’s Brilliance, Autonomy, and Voice Time 10:00-11:15 AM Presenter/Facilitator Tiffany Hammond Back to Course List < Back Caregiver Track: AM Breakout Session Listening Differently: How to Honor Your Autistic Child’s Brilliance, Autonomy, and Voice In this heartfelt and empowering talk, Tiffany Hammond—autistic writer, disability advocate, and mother of two sons on the spectrum—speaks directly to caregivers and parents navigating life on the spectrum. Drawing from her lived experience parenting one speaking and one nonspeaking child, Hammond invites families to rethink what communication, success, and connection really look like. Through storytelling, honesty, and humor, she shares how moving beyond compliance-based parenting and deficit-focused systems opened new ways of understanding her children’s autonomy, needs, and brilliance. Hammond encourages caregivers to trust their instincts, honor all forms of communication, and resist narratives that center fixing rather than supporting autistic children. Parents will leave with renewed permission to slow down, listen differently, and embrace creative, relationship-centered approaches to advocacy—at home, in schools, and within medical and social systems. Above all, this talk offers solidarity: a reminder that caregivers are not alone, that the journey is rarely linear, and that joy, connection, and belonging are possible even in the messy middle. Learning Outcomes: Participants will analyze how deficit-based and compliance-focused parenting models influence perceptions of communication, success, and autonomy in autistic children. Participants will evaluate alternative, relationship-centered approaches to caregiving that honor diverse forms of communication and prioritize connection over conformity. Participants will apply strategies that support advocacy across home, school, and medical settings by fostering trust, embracing neurodiversity, and promoting individualized, strengths-based support. Tiffany Hammond — an autistic mother, writer, and advocate -- tells stories that center the messy, beautiful, hard, and deeply human parts of being neurodivergent, Black, and raising autistic children in a world that often forgets to listen. Tiffany is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and disability advocate. Her work centers the voices of autistic people and celebrates all forms of communication. She is the author of A Day with No Words and the upcoming picture book How Do You Spell Belong (2027). Tiffany is also the voice behind Fidgets and Fries, where she shares stories of advocacy, identity, and raising her two sons with autism. She has a master's degree in Developmental Psychology. Through books, essays, and public speaking, Tiffany works to challenge how the world sees disability — and how we see ourselves within it. Whether she's writing a picture book, unpacking the politics of masking, or simply sitting with the hard truths of parenting, everything she does is rooted in love, honesty, and liberation. Show More

< Back SAPD cadets learn how to respond to incidents involving people with autism Tiffany Huertas Apr 2, 2024 SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio nonprofits have teamed up to create a training program to help San Antonio police cadets better understand autism spectrum disorders. Any Baby Can of San Antonio, a local nonprofit serving families with children and youth facing serious health or developmental challenges, is part of the group behind the program. Robert Peaden, director of Autism Services at Any Baby Can San Antonio, said it teaches cadets how to respond to incidents involving people with autism. “What they look like when it comes to recognizing from level one to level three on that spectrum. And then after that, after about two hours of instruction there, we do about two hour instruction of the response phase,” he said. Peaden has a passion for helping parents navigate autism spectrum disorder. His son Logan was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was two years old. “My son was diagnosed at two years old at Triple Army Medical Center in Hawaii when I was in the United States Air Force,” Peaden said. Peaden’s love for his son brought him to the program. “I would describe my son as the nicest person you’ve ever met in your life,” Peaden said. Any Baby Can San Antonio teamed up with the nonprofit Family ADDventures to start the program last year. “My mission is to keep children with autism out of the school to prison pipeline,” said Nicole Santiago, CEO of Family ADDventures. Santiago is passionate about this training and explains the reason it started. “One of my clients was unlawfully arrested and I filed a complaint and we had a meeting and the police were open to us coming in to train,” Santiago said. San Antonio Police Department officials say every cadet class is now taking the trainings. “We talk about different sensory needs. Different communication needs. So, for example, I have communication boards I use. So sometimes if someone becomes with their anxiety, they become non-speaking, they can use the board to point to what they want to say,” Santiago said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports about 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. “Autism is a developmental disability or disorder that is diagnosed in childhood, and it affects communication chiefly, it also affects social skills, sensory processing,” Adrienne Gaither, director of caregiver empowerment at Autism Community Network said. The Autism Community Network also played a big role in the program and is involved in the training. “I think the most important strategy is to be open minded and also to take a step back when they encounter a person with autism and really think about what accommodations can be made. How they can read the communication of someone who might have a communication impairment. And also to draw on the training that we’ve providing and not to be scared of that call,” Gaither said. “The training is super helpful because it helps develop a level of competency in our new officers. These are cadets preparing to become officers serving the community, and it helps them to develop relationships and to learn how to interact with really all people from our community,” Jeremy Spencer, police officer at SAPD and instructor at the training academy said. April is National Autism Awareness Month and KSAT community is partnering with Any Baby Can to help raise awareness. Tune in for the KSAT Community “Town Hall: Understanding Autism”, hosted by Tiffany Huertas. You can watch live at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 through the KSAT+ streaming services. Also, Any Baby Can San Antonio is hosting its 20th Annual Walk for Autism on April 20, 2024 at Palo Alto College. Watch Autism Community Network's Director of Caregiver Empowerment, Adrienne Gaither, work with other community nonprofits to educate the SAPD about autism here: https://www.ksat.com/video/news/2024/04/02/sapd-cadets-learn-how-to-respond-to-incidents-involving-people-with-autism/ Previous Next

< Back Engage Gifted and 2e Learners by Embracing Their Tendencies Julie Skolnick Mar 18, 2021 I recently found an old report card. Maybe I should say ancient — it was from the second grade! It would have been funny — the clear statements of my abilities juxtaposed with my distractibility — except that the teacher focused on changing my behavior rather than igniting my intellect. This is the song often sung about gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners. Twice exceptional refers to people identified as gifted with a concurrent learning difference or disability. I know all too well the tendency for grownups to feel as though they must wait for behavior to “get under control” before they can challenge or enrich learners. I know this from the countless client individualized education plans, teacher emails, and neuropsychological reports I’ve read, as well as from conversations and consultations with hundreds of parent clients. The first-quarter comments in second grade for me were juxtaposed like this: Julie reads above grade level. Julie needs to challenge her energies and spend more time concentrating on her studies. There are no suggestions to fan the flames of my reading passion or engage my “energies” to develop talent or provide a challenge. The sheer lack of elaboration on my strength is fascinating to me. It felt like it was an “obviously Julie is smart” moment, “we don’t have to address that — it’s the behavior that is the problem.” What a beautiful way to encapsulate the gifted and 2e learner’s experience — where strengths are ignored or overlooked to focus on deficits and behavior. When struggles are magnified and prioritized over strengths, we plant seeds of doubt about the very thing that defines the gifted child’s essence. The following critique turns gifted characteristics on their head, as though having unique and strong opinions about topics is a bad thing. She distracts others. Can be very out-spoken and strong willed. She has the ability to do better. (sic) I actually laughed out loud at that one. Guess what, second-grade teacher? I haven’t changed! The purpose of this article is to share why it’s so important to celebrate and encourage gifted tendencies rather than squelch our gifted and 2e kids’ essence because they are difficult to harness. Can you imagine if I took my teacher’s advice and stopped pushing back or challenging ideas? I certainly would not have become a lawyer, let alone have created a business to challenge and reframe gifted and 2e parenting and education. What I do all day long is push back against systems and teach advocacy to positively reframe and lift up the 2e person’s experience. So often adults try to meld children into someone convenient for them and their adult situation. I’m certain it would have been easier for my second-grade teacher had I conformed . But I ask myself, why would a teacher — who is there to teach — ever want someone to sit and face forward? That child is not learning; that child is ingesting. Gifted and 2e kids, they don’t do that. They devour, and as they chew on ideas, they need to share, push back, and look at the information from multiple angles. This is what is known as critical thinking. This is how learning happens. Ancient rabbis perfected the art of argument. They took one book, the Torah, and they grappled with it from all angles. The more questions and pushback, the better. There is no knowing — until there is debate, critique, conversation, and even quarreling. This should be the paradigm for teaching. It’s how learning sticks. I’m sure teachers are wondering, “But how do you control a class like that?” Gifted and 2e learners are great problem-solvers. Ask them! At the beginning of class, set up the rules. Let them know how you want the class to run and ask them what needs to happen (or not happen) to keep the class under control and relevant. Ask what happens when someone departs from the rules. The same thing goes for gifted and 2e kids in the home. Rather than shutting them down, or shutting them up, lay down rules. Recognize the greatness that is their critical thinking, their questioning, their refusal to take someone at their word. Then give them perspective. Let them know how it feels when they never do anything you ask without a fight. Put it back on them and ask, “How can we make this better for both of us?” Let them solve your problem. Often teachers and parents communicate black-and-white expectations to children whom they wish were more flexible. They set up behavior plans, charts, incentives, and gimmicks to get kids to do what they want — when what gifted and 2e kids deserve is respect for their “energy” and intellect. When teachers and parents take the time to applaud gifted and 2e kids’ natural tendencies, to explain the broader viewpoint of how certain intense behaviors affect others, they gain the learner’s trust. This, in turn, opens up discussion for how to make situations better for all parties. The alternative, critiquing, expecting the worst and ignoring underlying reasons for behaviors, serves to induce anxiety, underachievement, and school- or task-refusal. As a student, because I had a high drive and motivation to please, I ended up partially adapting to my second-grade teacher’s rules. In fact, the final comments on my report card that year demonstrated that I could grin and bear it, doing meaningless and rote work. I’m happy to say, however, that I maintained my gifted gumption. Julie has made tremendous strides in completing her daily assignments. She does however need to channel her energies. Has a tendency to be very outspoken. (sic) Had she asked, I’m sure I would have described better ways to show my knowledge based on my learning. In a similar vein, a client’s 7-year-old son came home from school one day and shared that they were discussing how cars were made. They watched a movie and learned the steps of the assembly line. Throwing his hands up in frustration, this child asked, “Wouldn’t it be more interesting if the teacher asked us to think about what steps it takes to make cars, and in what order and then allowed us to share our thoughts instead of just telling us?” Just taking the time to hear the learner’s thoughts allows them to express their true self and thereby increases resilience when they have something difficult to face. Previous Next

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective Time 8:15-9:45 AM Presenter/Facilitator Elizabeth Torres, PhD Back to Course List < Back KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective Elizabeth Torres, PhD will present research from Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective , introducing a data‑driven framework that reframes autism through measurable physiological and nervous system activity. The talk highlights a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that replaces subjective descriptions with objective movement and sensory metrics to support personalized phenotyping. Torres will discuss how this perspective advances tailored interventions, enables longitudinal tracking, and empowers autistic individuals and their families. Learning Outcomes: Participants will analyze the movement sensing perspective presented by Elizabeth Torres, PhD, to explain how physiological and nervous system data can reframe autism beyond subjective descriptions. Participants will evaluate the role of interdisciplinary, data-driven approaches in developing personalized phenotyping and improving the accuracy of autism assessment. Participants will create individualized intervention strategies that incorporate objective movement and sensory metrics to support longitudinal tracking and empower autistic individuals and their families. Dr. Elizabeth B. Torres is a tenured Full Professor in the Psychology Department at Rutgers University and the former Director of the New Jersey Autism Center of Excellence (2018–2023). A pioneer in computational neuroscience, she has redefined autism research by focusing on sensory-motor and neuromotor differences rather than behavioral deficits. As Director of the Sensory-Motor Integration Lab (SMIL), she uses mobile health wearables and data algorithms to develop personalized digital biomarkers for real-time tracking of nervous system dynamics. Her work seeks to uncover the neurological basis of autism to support precision medicine and tailored therapies. Author of Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective , Dr. Torres holds multiple biomedical patents and earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from UC San Diego, followed by post-doctoral research at Caltech. Disclosure: Dr. Elizabeth B. Torres is a paid speaker at ACN 2026 Summit- Toward Neuroharmony: Welcome to the Autism Renaissance.