Search Results

< Back Legacy Giving Secure the future; leave a lasting legacy through giving. Have you ever imagined the impact you could have on the world, even beyond your lifetime? Legacy giving is a powerful way to leave behind a lasting imprint, ensuring that the causes you hold dear continue to thrive for generations to come. What is Legacy Giving? Legacy giving, also known as planned giving, is a heartfelt commitment to support a cause that resonates with you well into the future. By including Autism Community Network in your estate plans, you're building a bridge between your values and the transformative work we do. Why Choose Legacy Giving? Impactful Transformation: Your legacy gift will contribute to sustained change in areas that matter most to you. Perpetuating Your Values: It's an opportunity to uphold your beliefs and create a better world aligned with your vision. Preserving Your Memory: Your generosity will be remembered, and your legacy will inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Financial Benefits: Some legacy gifts offer tax advantages that can benefit your estate and loved ones. How Can You Get Involved? Leaving a legacy is easier than you might think. You can choose from various options, such as bequests, charitable trusts, life insurance policies, and more. It's a personal decision that reflects your values and goals. If you're ready to shape the future through legacy giving, please fill out our legacy giving interest form, and we will set you up with one of our legacy giving partners to help you on your way. Your legacy is a testament to the change you wish to see in the world, and we're honored to be a part of that journey. Let's get started

< 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 Angela Sanchez-Concha Caregiver Coordinator Angela Sanchez-Concha received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Our Lady of The Lake University (OLLU). She has worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism since 2010. Angela was born in Lima, Peru and enjoys to visiting family every opportunity possible. During her free time, she enjoys making memories with her husband and three children. angela.sanchez@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 5005

< Back STATE & FEDERAL SUPPORT About State & Federal Support State and federal support programs can be tricky to navigate. Thats why we have compiled a list of all the right places to call for options for individuals with autism and their families. Our resource library provides information on the different types of support available, including Medicaid waivers, social security benefits, and state and federal programs. STATE & FEDERAL SUPPORT Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRCs) 855.937.2372 Web: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/aging/long-term-care/aging-disability-resource-center State Agency over Medicaid Waiver Programs like CLASS, HCS, and MDCP Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities 512.437.5432 Web: www.tcdd.texas.gov E-Mail: tcdd@tcdd.texas.gov 6201 E. Oltorf, Ste. 600, Austin TX 78741 Note: TCDD does not provide any direct services Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services 800-628-5115 Web: https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/vocational-rehabilitation-services Vocational and employment services, independent living services; Early Childhood Intervention is under this department; technology and resource center. Previous Next

< Back We Should Tell Children They Are Autistic As Soon As Possible Shannon Des Roches Rosa Jun 18, 2022 Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism (TPGA): Why did you decide to do research on the “right time” for parents to tell autistic children they’re autistic? Bella Kofner : I wanted to do the research because parents may not know when is it the “right time” to tell their children that they are autistic. Parents may be struggling on how to start a conversation about how to tell their children about their autism, and when to tell. I also wanted to do the research because this reminds me of my own experiences as an autistic person. I was diagnosed at the age of three with autism, and I was first told about my autism when I was ten years old. I did not really think too much of my autism until I got older. When I got older, I reflected on my life experiences and my autism. After taking the time to reflect, I feel very comfortable with my autism to the point that I tell people about me being autistic. TPGA: Did the results of your research surprise you in any specific ways, or were the results along the lines of what you expected? (Or was it a mixture of both?) Kofner : It was a mixture of both for the results. What surprised me was that participants who learned about their autism later on in their life had more positive emotions when they first learned about their autism, which contradicts the second hypothesis about learning one’s autism at a younger age would be associated with positive emotions about autism in adulthood. One result that aligned with what I expected was that the findings supported the first hypothesis that learning one’s autism at a younger age was associated with heightened well-being and quality of life (QoL). TPGA: Why is it important for autistic kids to know that they’re autistic, according to your respondents? And in your personal opinion? Kofner : In my personal opinion, it is important for autistic kids to know that they are autistic early on because this would allow children to start developing as people while taking their time to understand who they are as a person with autism. The more that parents wait longer to tell their autistic kids about their autism, the more likely that children will have negative feelings about themselves as they get older. When children are told early on about their autism, this will lead to children gaining self-awareness and feeling confidence in themselves which can have a positive impact on their well-being and quality of life as adults. Based on the responses of participants, there are examples of why it is vital for autistic kids to know about their autism at a younger age. One participant, who first learned about their autism at the age of eight, said “I suppose it helped me better understand why I felt and acted different from everyone else.” The same participant said about their feelings about their autism now ” I am proud about my identity. As someone who also researches autism, I have a greater appreciation toward learning more about my own identity and how that differs from others.” This shows how the participants express positive emotions from when they first learned about their autism, to feelings about their autism now. TPGA: What are your primary recommendations for parents, when it comes to how and when to tell kids that they’re autistic? Kofner : When it comes to how, parents should tell their children in a comfortable and safe environment for the child to be in. Parents should tell their children by using language that the child can understand. Parents have to take into consideration the child’s developmental level and how to explain autism to their child in a way that allows the child to understand themselves. Parents should not assume that the child is going to react this way or that way, so parents have to know how to respond to the child’s reaction in ways that show that it is ok for the child to feel this reaction and know that they are there for the child to answer questions or to talk about anything. When it comes to when, it is personally up to the parents to decide about telling their children about their autism. But, parents should not delay in telling their child about their autism because the child may question who they are and what their life was like in adulthood if they do not tell their children early on. So, it is better for children to be told early on about their autism so that children can grow as individuals, and understand themselves as they go through life as autistic people. TPGA: How were your survey participants selected? Do you think the demographic profile of the participants affect the results in any ways? Kofner : Participants were recruited through social media or at universities. Participants that were interested emailed the third author and received a link to do an online survey in Qualtrics. Students that were enrolled in any institution of higher education were allowed to participate. A total of 78 autistic students were the participants in the study. The demographics did not affect the results in any way. TPGA: Most of the researchers on this study were themselves autistic. How do you think that having autistic researchers affects the direction and focus of autism research? Kofner : Having autistic researchers is very important in autism research because it is important for all voices, including autistic people , to be represented in autism research. If autism research does not incorporate autistic researchers, then people may struggle to understand autism and topics in autism research. This study was the first study that demonstrates that learning one’s autism at a younger age may have positive impacts on emotional health among autistic university students. This study is an example of how the perspectives of autistic people are vital because how can people be educated in autism and tell their children about autism if there are no autistic researchers. Over time, the knowledge of autism has grown in society and people are accepting of autism. So, it is up to us to encourage people to collaborate with people with autism in autism research. By including autistic researchers in autism research, we can bring awareness about topics in autism research and we can learn in the process on why autistic researchers play a vital role in autism research. TPGA: Did you have any self-identified autistics among your survey respondents (meaning they were never formally diagnosed, or their parents never told them but they figured it out)? If not, do you plan to do research in this area? Kofner : 14.1% of participants found out about their autism on their own. That means that they were not told by their parents about their autism and learned from other sources which include the media and autistic people. TPGA: Is this study going to lead to more research about the timing of autism diagnoses discussions between parents and autistic children, and if so, what are your goals for that research? Kofner : This study can start to address concerns that parents have reported in prior literature in terms of how to start a conversation with their child about their autism. Future research should focus on asking participants when they were diagnosed and when they learned they were autistic to examine if the timing of the diagnosis itself or potential delays between being diagnosed and learning one’s autism impact outcomes in adulthood. Previous Next

< Back Kathryn "Katie" Benson, MPA Director of Outreach and Education Kathryn “Katie” Benson has a Bachelors degree from Florida State University, and a Masters degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management from the University of Texas Arlington. She spent 14 years total in the public education setting as a special education teacher. Ms. Benson’s other work experiences include volunteer coordinating for San Antonio events, directing and over-seeing productions at a local theatre, and managing community programs at another local non-profit. She is excited to be part of the ACN team, where she can use all of her myriad experiences in one place. In her spare time, Katie enjoys trivia and board games with her family, as well as spoiling her three fur babies. Katie is the proud sister to a neurodivergent adult. katie@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000

< 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 Volunteer Volunteer today, and transform tomorrow! At Autism Community Network, we believe that change starts with dedicated individuals like you. That's why we invite you to become a vital part of our volunteer family. By volunteering your time, skills, and passion, you can contribute to our neurodiversity affirming care for children and caregivers in San Antonio and South Texas. Whether you're interested in hands-on projects, sharing your expertise, or simply lending a helping hand, there's a place for you here. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or a couple of days a month, your contribution matters and is deeply appreciated. Ready to be the change? Let's work together to make a difference that resonates far and wide. Let's get started

< 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

Frequently asked questions. General Services Autism Clinic How is ACN connected to the neurodiversity movement? ACN identifies as an ally of the neurodiversity movement, promoting empowerment, connection, and communication within the autism community. Our staff engages in regular training regarding implementation of neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based practices, and many of us have lived experience of having a loved one on the spectrum. Who leads ACN and provides its services? ACN is led by professionals and a dedicated board, many of whom are parents or family members of neurodivergent individuals, ensuring first-hand understanding of caregivers' challenges. How can I get involved with ACN? You can get involved with ACN by attending events, participating in programs, volunteering, or making a donation to support our mission. How can families benefit from ACN's services? At ACN, we empower the family & caregivers to be the best providers they can be. We help guide you and help you show up for your autistic loved one. Families can also benefit from ACN's services by gaining access to early diagnosis, therapies, resources, support groups, and empowerment programs. Is ACN's assistance available in Spanish? (hablamos español?) Yes, ACN provides assessments, therapies, and resources in both Spanish and English to meet the diverse needs of families. Sí, ACN brinda evaluaciones, terapias y recursos tanto en español como en inglés para satisfacer las diversas necesidades de las familias. How can I support ACN's mission? Tell your friends about us and the work we are doing. You can also support ACN's mission by making donations to help us continue providing high-quality services and resources to the autism community. How can I become a volunteer for ACN? Just reach out! Send us an e-mail to info@acn-sa.org. We've got great things coming up and can always use your help! Does ACN collaborate with other organizations? Yes, quite a few actually! ACN prioritizes forming partnerships and alliances with like-minded organizations to create a broader network of support for the autistic community. Reach out if you think we might be a good match for you. How does ACN contribute to the San Antonio community? ACN strives to make the San Antonio community more accessible and supportive for individuals with autism and their caregivers. Our new inner west side campus is here to serve, and we welcome everyone to take part in raising the bar for autism care and inclusivity in South Texas. How does ACN promote autism awareness and acceptance? ACN's programs, services, and events all work towards raising awareness and promoting acceptance of autism within the community. We encourage aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers, and first responders, everyone to join our herd and create a circle of protection around the autistic individuals that make our world so special. How can I stay informed about ACN's events and programs? You can stay informed about ACN's events and programs by attending Coffee and Connections sessions, signing up for the blog, subscribing to our emails, following us on social media, or checking out our events page. What is the difference between Pre-K and ECSE? ECSE stands for Early Childhood Special Education. It is a program for children 3-6 years old that have received an educational evaluation and qualify for special education services to help transition into the school setting. Pre-K is typically provided to children 3-4 years old. Program admission is based on a variety of factors. If you are interested in your child attending either of these programs, you should speak to your local school district. Does my child have to be toilet-trained to go to school? No. When a child with developmental differences qualifies through educational testing for a classroom called Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), they do not need to be toilet-trained to attend. In fact, goals related to your child’s education will be made specifically for them based on this educational testing, and often, toilet-training is one of those goals. This means that the school staff will partner with you to help get your child toilet trained as part of their individual education plan (IEP). Please note that the ECSE classroom is different than a Pre-K 3 or Pre-K 4 classroom because it falls under the special education umbrella, and children must qualify for the program through individualized educational evaluation. My child has a school diagnosis, do they need a medical diagnosis as well? Your child will benefit from having both a school diagnosis, which is called educational eligibility, and a confirmed medical diagnosis of autism. Educational eligibility will assure that your child is given the correct variety and intensity of educationally-focused therapies and supports, while a medical diagnosis helps your child gain further access to clinical supports that might be recommended. It is important to note that children do not have to wait for a medical diagnosis of autism to gain access to therapy, as even a determination of developmental or speech-language delay might open the doors for your child to begin intervention as early as possible. How do I know if my child has been medically diagnosed? At Autism Community Network, you will receive direct feedback from the doctor and other members of the diagnostic team at the end of your visit. During this conversation, your child’s unique profile will be discussed at length, along with recommendations for support, and you will have ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have. When you receive the full report, this diagnosis will be stated in the document, and you will have the opportunity to schedule a follow-up session with our LCSW to review results and any further questions you may have. Still can't find what you're looking for? Write us a short message and well get back to you right away! First Name Last Name Email Write a message Thanks for submitting! Submit