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< Back NUTRITION PROGRAMS About Nutrition Services Our nutrition program resources provide information on nutrition programs and resources available to individuals with autism and their families. These resources can help families find support for food chaining, special dietary needs, and access to healthy food options. NUTRITION PROGRAMS Center for Complementary Medicine 210.733.0990 Web: www.complemed.net 1931 NW Military Hwy, Ste. 203, SA TX 78213 Services include clinical nutrition, homeopathy, vitamin and mineral supplements, essential fatty acids and special diets including gluten free, casein free, yeast-free and allergen-free. Previous Next

Expertise through Experience: Amplifying Autistic Voices Panel Time Afternoon Address - 2:15 PM Presenter/Facilitator TBD Back to Course List < Back About the Course The current shift in autism research, diagnostics, and support is leaning towards a strengths-based, neuro-affirmative approach. However, it's crucial for neurotypical professionals and caregivers to seek guidance from autistic individuals themselves, who are the true experts in this field. To address this, a panel discussion will feature the firsthand experiences of 5 autistic adults, moderated by an autistic therapist. The panel will delve into both the positive and challenging aspects of living with autism, from childhood to the present. The discussion aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced due to developmental differences as well as the personal strengths autism has brought to their lives. The panelists will share insights on helpful and necessary supports, providing valuable perspectives for those involved in the care and education of autistic children. The overarching goal of this panel is to encourage efforts towards improving the quality of life for autistic individuals and amplifying the voices of the neurodiverse community. Objectives Participants will describe relevant ethical issues related to providing neurodiversity-affirming autism supports in homes, schools, therapy clinics and workplaces. TBD We are currently searching for a neurodivergent moderator with experience hosting and moderating complex panels. Panelists Austin Freeman Becca Engle Becky Powers liz moseley (more possible) Speaker Disclosures: Autsin Freeman is a member of the Autism Community Network Experts Board and received a speaking fee for this course. Becca Engle is a member of the Autism Community Network Experts Board and received a speaking fee for this course. Becky Powers is a member of the Autism Community Network Experts Board and received a speaking fee for this course. liz moseley is a member of the Autism Community Network Experts Board and received a speaking fee for this course.

Autism Community Network empowers families and caregivers to create Big Futures for their autistic loved ones. Located in the heart of San Antonio, Autism Community Network is a nonprofit that offers autism screenings, autism diagnostics, and PACT autism therapy, among many other family-focused autism programs. 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: 🎃Navigating Halloween with Neurodiversity in Mind 🎃 Katie Benson Oct 23 2 min read The Intent of the PACT Approach Carrie Alvarado, PhD, OTR Sep 29 4 min read SCHOOL YEAR 25-26: Starting Strong and Staying Strong Katie Benson Aug 20 3 min read

< 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

< Back Adrienne Gaither, OTR, CSIPT, C/NDT Chief Programs Officer & 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 is a Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy Accredited Practitioner, supporting families impacted by autism through dyadic coaching and a part of ACN’s interdisciplinary diagnostic team that uses a strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach to address the unique presentation of the child and family. Adrienne also holds specialty pediatric certification in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and has completed advanced training in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) for children. 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 Cathy Kersey Accounting Manager Catherine “Cathy” Kersey comes to Autism Community Network with over 18 years of experience in accounting. She moved to San Antonio in 2023 from Lubbock, TX where she worked as an Executive Finance and Account Manager for 13 years for a finance company. She comes to San Antonio with her husband and two dogs and is excited to explore San Antonio’s culture and restaurants. When not working, she loves to travel with her husband and experiencing new adventures. She is an avid animal lover and has been known to pick up a few strays here and there. She is also passionate about rescuing dogs and helping them find their forever homes. cathy@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 5009

< Back Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy Improved Long-Term Child Outcomes Catherine Aldred Mar 27, 2023 Despite Autism being an enduring condition affecting 2% of people globally, evidenced intervention to improve the developmental impairments is limited. Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) is currently the only scientifically evidenced early social communication intervention to demonstrate long-term improved child social communication outcomes into middle childhood. The PACT intervention has shown long-term improvement of autism core symptoms within randomised clinical trials (RCTs). PACT relatively low-intensity approach is referenced in UK national guidance for the new autism care pathway from pre- to post-diagnosis and education support. The evidence base Within the NICE recommendations for intervention and support for autistic development in early childhood, only two interventions met the evidential criteria set by NICE for inclusion.PACT was one of these (the other was JASPER). These two therapies were described as “social communication interventions” and their evidence was the basis for the NICE recommendation to services to consider social communication intervention for autism intervention. Both these therapies work with parents or teachers, and have evidence to improve autistic children’s social engagement, adaptation, communication, and in the case of PACT, autism symptoms. No other therapies were considered to have evidence of effectiveness. Recent independent reviews (e.g. Sandbank et al 2020) have reached similar conclusions. These findings should therefore guide evidenced commissioning of services in autism. How does Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy work? Parents or caregivers are guided through the six steps of PACT by a certified professional using video feedback techniques delivered in 12 alienate week sessions for six months and monthly maintenance sessions for a further six months. Caregivers send a video of a 10-minute interaction or play with their child to the therapist before each video feedback session. PACT builds on existing skills by sharing and analysing the best video clips identifying new strategies and techniques, summarised in an individual written programme for 30-minute daily practice between sessions. How is PACT different from other interventions? PACT has some unique distinguishing differences from other parent-mediated interventions. Firstly, it is the only intervention to use effective video- feedback methods with parents and caregivers and to use them within a modern developmental science-based model to optimise the social communication environment for the neurodivergent child. Secondly, PACT is the only intervention that has shown long-term sustained effectiveness in high-quality clinical trials in improving child autism outcomes for six years after the end of intervention. The Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy Trial An RCT of PACT delivered pre-school demonstrated significant endpoint effects to reduce symptom severity on ADOS Calibrated Severity Score (CSS) and ADOS-2 total algorithm score (Pickles et al. 2016; Carruthers et al. 2021). At follow-up, six years after the endpoint, treatment effects on child symptoms, adaptive outcomes, and child initiations with a parent were significantly sustained (Pickles et al. 2016). Furthermore, a mechanism study of the long-term impact identifies the ‘active processes’ by which interventions achieve their effects and provides insights into causal processes in development. PACT Trial Methods: Of 152 children randomised to receive PACT or treatment as usual between 2-5 years of age, 121 (79.6%) were followed 5-6 years after the endpoint at a mean age of 10.5 years. Assessors, blind to the intervention group, measured Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale Combined Severity Score (ADOS CSS) for child symptoms and Teacher Vineland (TVABS) for adaptive behaviour in school. PACT Trial Results: The treatment effect on child dyadic initiation with the caregiver (Dyadic Communication Measure for Autism, DCMA) was sustained through the follow-up period. Increased child initiation at the treatment midpoint mediated the majority (73%) of the treatment effect on follow-up ADOS CSS. A combination of midpoint child initiations and the direct effect of treatment also mediated the near- significant effect on follow-up TVABS. PACT Implementation The scalability of early evidence-based intervention is a global health priority. A not-for-profit social enterprise IMPACT CIC (Interaction Methods for Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy), established in 2017, disseminates PACT through a cascading ‘train the trainer’ model and implementation trials. Implementation trials test the feasibility, cultural acceptability and equal easy access to PACT in different contexts, including middle and low- economic settings. PACT video feedback methods are ideally adapted to online videoconference implementation. Pilot testing of online PACT has proved acceptable, feasible and accessible to families; further large-scale trials are in progress. Conclusions: Early social communication intervention can improve child social engagement with long-term generalised outcome effects on developmental. One thousand professionals have received PACT training, cascading PACT in twenty-six countries with six international implementation trials. Implications for autism services PACT is universally acceptable and feasible for implementation in different countries and cultures, enhancing autism care pathways from early identification and pre-diagnostic to post-diagnostic and education support. PACT training is available for professionals with appropriate training and qualifications and a minimum of two years of experience in autism. Please visit the website www.pacttraining.co.uk for more information on PACT training. 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