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< 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

Contact Us We welcome any questions, comments, or feedback you may have. If you have any inquiries regarding our non-profit or the services we offer, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have and to provide support in any way we can. To get in touch with us, please fill out the form below, click the let's chat button, email info@acn-sa.org or call us at (210) 435-1000. Contact: Contact First Name Last Name Email Phone Address Subject Type your message here... Submit Thanks for submitting!

Empowering families to create BIG futures. Autism Community Network is the expert autism organization of South Texas, here to provide innovative and evidence-based support focused on enhancing quality of life and self-actualization for neurodiverse children and the village supporting them. Start Now "I am proud to support the important and impactful work ACN provides our community." -Corinna Holt Richter President and Chief Administrative Officer HOLT CAT Donate About our organization. Autism Community Network is a non-profit organization identifying as an ally of the neurodiversity movement, focused on empowerment, connection, and communication between exceptional children, their loving families, and their communities. Read More We are in this together . At ACN, autism empowerment is personal. The majority of our Board of Directors, clinical and administrative staff, doctors, and leaders/advisors are parents or family members of neurodivergent individuals or are neurodiverse ourselves. We know firsthand the pathways that our caregivers face. We've traveled them too, and we are dedicated to making sure you don’t travel them alone. At Autism Community Network, we are committed to illuminating the strengths of your children, while supporting those areas in which they may struggle. We bring together familial and professional caregivers, autistic self-advocates and researchers to assure that the research-backed services we offer are cutting edge. Through autism screenings, diagnostic evaluations, child-led therapies, parent empowerment groups, and educational classes we can provide the necessary resources to better outcomes in a BIG way. We are here to walk beside you, to help you harness your own strengths, to form a circle of security around you, and to support you in learning to advocate for your child until your child can advocate for him or herself. Assessments Autism Diagnostic Pathways ACN provides strengths-based autism screenings and medical diagnostic evaluations, individually tailored to meet each unique family's needs. ACN offers both telehealth and in-person evaluations. Additionally, we provide assessments in both Spanish and English. Read More Therapy Therapeutic Offerings ACN proudly leads the nation in bringing innovative, neurodiversity-affirming approaches to familial and professional caregivers in the United States. Our agency offers holistic and parent-mediated interventions for children and families impacted by autism and developmental differences. Read More Outreach & Advocacy Neurodiversity ACN prioritizes formal partnerships and alliances with like-minded organizations supporting the autistic community. We endeavor to create harmony, relational safety a wider network of support and a broader understanding of neurodiversity. Read More Professional & Familial Caregivers Caregiver Empowerment At ACN we believe the caregiver is the expert of their child. We also believe that when a child receives a diagnosis, so too does the whole family system. We work diligently to surround the family, much like a herd, to walk alongside them on their journey. Read More Events Fundraising Events ACN is proud to host our premier fundraising event, Le Brunch des Chapeaux, every April as a fun kickoff to San Antonio's FIESTA season. We close out the year with another fundraising event, All Tee'd Up for Autism Golf Tournament in the fall. Read More Collaboration & Training Mentorship & Training Students of all ages choose ACN as a training site because of the strong reputation of our clinic staff. We are happy to host the next generation of young professionals as they discern if early childhood developmental differences is something they want to pursue. Read More Autism community Network provides Autism Diagnosis San Antonio, Autism Therapy San Antonio, PACT Therapy, ABA Therapy alternatives, and Autism Screenings in San Antonio Finding resources should be easy. At Autism Community Network, we strive to make the San Antonio community more accessible for people living with autism and those who care for them. Resources at your fingertips. Autism is a unique journey for every family. ACN’s staff has researched and curated a collection of trusted local, national, and international supports and educational offerings. These resources are meant to supplement your journey as you travel along your pathways in relationship with ACN. Resource Library Renee T, TX "Be a part of the change ACN is bringing to autistic children and their families in San Antonio and South Texas." Joseph D, TX "Through a stroke of luck we came across ACN, and the people at ACN have helped us understand our child better and the best way to support his challenges. Be it the therapists working with our child or the Coffee & Connections sessions on Friday; every interaction is a positive one." Lisa M, TX "You know, there are just so many people out there that claim they know what is best. 'Oh you should try this', or 'maybe try that.' Most of them are just random voices online. ACN was really there to work along side us and took the time to get to know our kiddo. There is no one-size-fits-all method for all this. Each child presents so differently." Get Involved - Make a lasting impact! Donate Monetary donations of any amount make our work possible and sustainable. The board and staff of ACN greatly appreciate your financial consideration and support. It is only through the generosity of our individual and community donors that we can continue the important work on behalf of the neurodiverse community. For additional information please email info@acn-sa.org . Donate Volunteer ACN welcomes enthusiastic individuals willing to support the children and caregivers we serve. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, special events, family events, quality-of-life programming, and administrative support. If you are interested in volunteering for ACN, please email info@acn-sa.org . Volunteer Powered by: Katie Benson Feb 9 1 min ACN is Hiring: Join our Amazing Team! 270 0 comments 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Kathryn Crane, OTR Jan 26 3 min Co-Regulation and How it can Help Your Child 151 0 comments 0 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2 Corey Livingston Mar 26, 2023 7 min The ACN logo story. 149 0 comments 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1

< Back LOCAL Closer Look: Autism Community Network Felipe Aguilar Feb 4, 2024 Felipe Aguilar talks with Adrienne Gaither, Director of Caregiver Empowerment and Occupational Therapist, Autism Community Network (ACN) in San Antonio. Gaither provides a historical and organizational overview of ACN. She also describes ACN’s mission as it applies to providing care to persons with Autism. Gaither gives some practical guidelines for caregivers of children with Autism and talks about the importance of early diagnosis. She describes services and resources that ACN provides to children and adults with Autism diagnosis. Learn more at ( https://www.acn-sa.org ). Listen to the interview here: https://www.klove.com/news/closer-look/hot-topx/local-closer-look-autism-community-network-san-antonio-7191 Previous Next

< 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

< Back Anna Paola Smith, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker Anna Paola Smith attended The University of Texas at Austin where she received her BA in Psychology and her Masters degree in Social Work. She has had the opportunity to work with children and families in the school, hospital, and clinical settings. Anna Paola's interests lie in family system and how the development of one child may impact the entire family unit. After living in Austin for 6 years, she relocated to San Antonio with her husband, Daniel. During her free time she enjoys creating recipes for her Paleo-based Instagram account, exploring the culinary scene in San Antonio with her family and friends, and living an active, healthy lifestyle. anna.paola@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 2010

< Back Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's support of autism acceptance reached global audience Tom Orsborn Apr 20, 2024 Spurs fan Martin Krøger, although 5,300 miles away in Denmark, had the sense coach Gregg Popovich's comments after a recent game in support of autism acceptance were made for his benefit. "If I could ever thank that man in person, this would be at the top of my list of things to thank him for," Krøger, a 50-year-old IT consultant, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Krøger was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, when he was 48. "Forget the wins and the titles, that's just a game," Krøger wrote after hearing the NBA's all-time winningest coach's message of inclusion. "Seeing people for who they are and using your platform for doing good works, that's what really matters in the end." After wearing Nike custom Air Force 1 sneakers sporting a colorful infinity symbol with the words "Inclusion" and "To The Max" during a home game against Philadelphia on April 7 as part of the NBA's efforts to promote Autism Acceptance Month, Popovich spoke about the need to value those living on the autism spectrum. "We're just trying to bring some awareness to autism," he said. "I didn't even realize it was that prolific. I guess it's one out of every 37 children is diagnosed with autism, and that's a lot more than I think I knew. But it's a malady I think is misunderstood in some ways. It's like it's a 'bad thing' or that person is the 'other'. Now, that person is just different and really deserves our attention, our support and a realization they have other advantages, or advantages is the wrong word, but other traits that make them special. "So giving them love and support is really important and hopefully people will understand they need to be included. They can't be put aside as 'others'. They need to be included and supported." Autism advocates applauded the empathy and support shown by Popovich, 75. "It’s absolutely wonderful," said Tiffany Fresher, CEO of the Autism Community Network, a San Antonio nonprofit that works to "maximize the potential of children with autism by providing early diagnosis for those with limited access and educating and empowering the community to support them," according to its website. Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a condition that ranges from mild to serious and is typically marked by social awkwardness, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors and other problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, autism affects one in every 36 children and one in 45 adults in the United States. Popovich and other NBA coaches embraced Autism Acceptance Month in response to an effort by Utah Jazz assistant coach Scott Morrison and his wife Susanne to raise awareness after their son Max was diagnosed with autism in 2022. "Before the season started, we just knew we wanted to do something to try and help or contribute," Morrison told USA Today. "And we had the idea to just maybe tap into the handful of coaches I knew just to see who would be interested in wearing the shoes as a way to highlight autism." Gregg Popovich and other coaches across the league wore custom Nike Air Force 1 shoes for a pair of games as part of an NBA-wide initiative to raise awareness for autism. The sneakers were signed by the coaches and auctioned off to raise funds for the To The Max Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the Morrisons to support autistic individuals and their families. Dr. Melissa D. Svoboda, director of the autism program at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, said it was "amazing" to hear Popovich draw attention to autism. But she said his comments also reinforced her belief the public still needs more education about autism. "When I first started my training, I told people I was going to work with autistic children, and they were like, 'Artistic? Like they draw?' " Svoboda said. "Nobody knew what autistic meant. Thank goodness, fast forward, fifteen, twenty years later and now it is so much more common, but you still have people like coach Popovich saying, 'Oh, I didn’t know it was this common.' "It’s so common that there is this real big movement toward neurodiversity, which is really what he is getting at, that maybe (autism) is a spectrum of normal, especially with some of these higher functioning individuals. Some people may call them quirky, but they have a place here. There are some amazing things they do that other people don’t have as a skill set. And it really is about inclusion and support to make sure everybody, no matter ability or disability, finds a placed and a meaning in what they want to do." The Autism Community Network works toward fulfilling that goal by helping families gain a better understanding of autism. "When somebody in the family has autism, everyone is dealing with autism in their family," Fresher said. "We are trying to teach them their child’s strengths and how to communicate with their child and how to reduce stress in their family...to help the family better communicate with the child, so the child’s stress is reduced as well." Svoboda is hopeful that during Autism Acceptance Month people "on the more severe end of the spectrum who require a lot of support" aren't forgotten. "A lot of this neurodiversity movement is centered on people at the higher end of the spectrum, but I think we have to make sure we are including everybody on every part of the spectrum," she said. Krøger, the Danish Spurs fan who praised Popovich's comments on X, was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), along with Asperger's syndrome. Asperger's syndrome is a condition on the autism spectrum with generally higher functioning. People with the condition may be socially awkward and have an all-absorbing interest in specific topics, according to the website for the Nationwide Children's Hospital. "It was a life-changing experience, suddenly realizing I could now let go of all of the guilt and anger I'd carried around with me since childhood," Krøger wrote to the Express-News in a direct message on X about his diagnosis. "I came to accept that while I was in fact different from most of the people around me, that did not mean there was something wrong with me. I was simply that: different." Krøger wote that being "very open" about his diagnosis with family, friends and colleagues has been a freeing experience. "People deserved to know how much hard work goes into just living with someone like me or into living with children with the same difficulties," he wrote. " It's been very heartening to see the reactions my wife and I have gotten from people we know. Still, I'm able to mask my neurodivergence somewhat when I'm out in the world and so I still get to hear how people talk about 'everyone wants a diagnosis for their kid these days' and questioning the validity of the difficulties facing us. "That's why Pop's comments moved me. Being the son of a no-nonsense coach in that same gruff but caring mold, it's probably no surprise I already hold him in high regard. It just means so incredibly much to people like me that a man of his stature takes the opportunity to educate folks on something as simple but meaningful as remembering to include us, even though we're a bit different. "His reminder that we need love and support really hit home for me, knowing that while I'm fortunate in that regard, I know too many who weren't as lucky as me." To see the article on the San Antonio Express News website visit https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/popovich-s-support-autism-acceptance-reached-19396018.php . Previous Next

< Back Adrienne Gaither, OTR, CSIPT, C/NDT Director of Caregiver Empowerment & Occupational Therapist Adrienne Gaither has been a pediatric occupational therapist for over 25 years. She received her degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and began her pediatric therapy career, eventually gaining experience in every setting available for the provision of children’s occupational therapy services. Adrienne has had the opportunity to serve as a member of ACN’s team since 2009. She holds specialty pediatric certification in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and has completed advanced training in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) for children as well as in the Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.) feeding approach. Locally, Adrienne had the privilege of serving on the planning team for the development of Morgan’s Wonderland; in particular, contributing recommendations for the Sensory Village portion of the park. In addition to her work with ACN, Adrienne is a part-time Program Director and Sensory Consultant with Kinetic Kids, Inc., a local non-profit agency providing sports and recreation activities for children and teenagers with special needs. When she is not working, Adrienne enjoys life with her husband, 2 children, and 2 dogs, running, singing, and traveling. adrienne@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000

< Back Alma Patricia del Angel, MD Chief Medical Officer & Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician Dr. A Patricia Del Angel graduated from medical school at the Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas. She did her pediatric residency training at Lincoln Hospital and Mental Health Center/New York Medical College, where she also served as chief resident. In addition, she completed a fellowship in child development-behavioral pediatrics at King Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, and received her specialist certification in infant mental health from the Early Childhood Center at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. Dr. Del Angel has most recently served as a pediatrician at People’s Clinic in Austin and as a developmental-behavioral specialist in the pediatric residency program at UTMB Austin. Previously, Dr. Del Angel was the clinical director of the Southwest Area Children’s Hub in Los Angeles for thirteen years. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Del Angel is the proud aunt to two neurodivergent children. ap.delangel@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000

< Back FUNDING & MEDICAID WAIVERS About Waiver Services Our funding and Medicaid waiver resources provide information on funding and support programs available to individuals with autism and their families. These resources can help families access financial support for necessary services and supports. FUNDING & MEDICAID WAIVERS AACOG, Alamo Local Authority for IDD 210.832.5020 Web: https://www.aacog.com/IDDServices 8700 Tesoro Dr., Ste. 160, 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 Bluebonnet Trails Community Services 844.309.6385 Web: https://bbtrails.org/autism/ 1009 North Georgetown St., Round Rock, Texas 78664 A family-centered approach to teaching individuals’ skills necessary to succeed in the home, school and community (Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, Lee, Travis, and Williamson counties). Camino Real Community Services 210.357.0300 Web: www.caminorealcs.org P.O. Box 725, Lytle, TX 78052 Early Childhood Intervention Services, Mental Health Services, Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services. Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) 877.438.5658 Web: Click Here Provides home- and community-based services such as respite care, nursing services, adaptive aids/supplies, home modifications and other related services; long interest lists. Disability Benefits Assistance 210.732.6078 814 West Euclid Ave, SA TX 78212 This program offers assistance and information for people with disabilities who are applying for benefits. Hill Country MHDD Centers 830.792.3300 Web: http://www.hillcountry.org 819 Water Street, Ste. 300, Kerrville, Texas 78028 Providing mental health, individual developmental disability, and substance abuse, services throughout the greater Texas Hill Country (Bandera, Blanco, Comal, Edwards, Gillespie, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Llano, Mason, Medina, Menard, Real, Schleicher, Sutton, Uvalde, and Val Verde counties) Home and Community Based Services (HCS) 210.832.5020 8700 Tesoro Dr., Ste. 160, SA TX 78217 Intake application: Click Here About: Click here HCS is a Medicaid waiver program that supplies services and supports to Texans with an intellectual disability (ID) or a related condition so that they can live in the community. HCS services are intended to supplement rather than replace services received from other programs, such as Texas Health Steps, or from natural supports, including families, neighbors or community organizations. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) 1.800.772.1213 Web: http://ssa.gov/ Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federally run benefits program that provides aid to people who are unable to achieve gainful employment due to a permanent disabling condition. SSDI is financed by the Social Security tax. Therefore, any person that qualifies as disabled according to the definition provided by Social Security Administration (SSA); and who has paid Social Security taxes long enough to achieve sufficient work credits; can qualify for SSDI. Social Security Disability Insurance; also known as SSDI or SSD; provides income to individuals no longer able to work because of a physically or psychologically restrictive disability. SSDI is funded by payroll taxes and does not depend on the recipient’s income level; as it is based solely on work history and the degree of disability. Supplemental Security Income; or SSI; offers monetary assistance to low-income individuals who are at least age 65; blind; and/ or disabled. SSI pays cash benefits to supplement the cost of food; clothing; and shelter. Provides Medicaid coverage and monthly cash assistance to eligible individuals; eligibility is based on citizenship status, financial status and disability. TX Dept. Of Aging & Disability Services-Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) 1.877.438.5658 Web: Click Here The program provides services to support families caring for children and young adults who are medically dependent and assist with the transition of children in nursing homes. Services include: Adaptive aids; adjunct supports; minor home modifications; financial management services; respite services; transition assistance services and more. To qualify, applicants must have a child with a disability less than 21 years of age; be a U.S. Citizen or an alien with approved status who lives in Texas; be low income and eligible for Medicaid; must meet the medical necessity determination for nursing home care and cannot be currently enrolled in another waiver program. Call to get on the interest list. Previous Next