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THE EIGHTH OF APRIL TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX Picture yourself at Le Brunch des Chapeaux Ashley Yarborough, Allegra Hawkins, and Alice Adair cordially invite you to the event of the season, Le Brunch des Chapeaux 2026. The co-chairs are dedicated to planning an elegant event that will surely impress. The 23rd annual luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, at 11 o'clock in the morning on the lawn of The Argyle. This year's event will feature a stunning fashion show by Julian Gold. All proceeds will benefit Autism Community Network in supporting autistic children and those who love them. Fabulous hats encouraged! Support Le Brunch de Chapeaux Purchase a Table Read More Purchase Raffle Tickets Read More Become an Underwriter Read More Other Day Of Opportunities Read More Follow us on Social Media Click the links below to join the fun. About the Cause: Autism Community Network Autism Community Network (ACN) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission 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. ACN envisions a world where autistic individuals are celebrated for their unique contributions. They are dedicated to creating a strengths-focused community that embraces neurodiversity and supports big futures for autistic children and their caregivers. A Note About Parking To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, please DO NOT park on the street near The Argyle. This request is made in accordance with The Argyle's "Good Neighbor Policy." Street parking is strictly prohibited. If you park on Patterson, The Argyle will not allow you on the premises. There will be valet parking available for about 1/3 of our guests, and additional accommodations made for the remainder. Follow us on social media for more information. Thank you for your understanding and support—we look forward to seeing you at the luncheon! Table Sponsors Festival de Cannes $25,000 Sandy Saks Prix d'interprétation féminine $10,000 Lissette Fullmer, Kayla Skelton, & Angie Cox Charlotte Dawson Lori Donnell Marie Mays Julian Gold Prix de la mise en scéne $7,500 Lauren Gamez Alice Adair & Allegra Hawkins Burkley Fitzsimmons & Fay Walker Meyer Ashley Yarborough Injury & Pain Specialists of SA Prix du scénario $5,500 Lauren Gamez Heather Feik de Rojas Taelor Allen Minx and Onyx Cindy Dawson Linda Dullnig Liza Cole Lorien Whyte Palme d'Or du court métrage $3,500 Courtney Balsam Bellas Supporting Autism Hannah Beever Karen Bonney Christine Floro Valerie Fuller Karen Grace Karla Guerra Spencer Hardy Jena Mardell Kimberly Overby Libby Sandoval Sarah Schimpff & Jamie Gillum Randy Rogers Family Foundation Meg Stoffer Haydee Thurber Kenda Willoughby Ruth Willoughby Jamie Kimball Maurine "Mo" Shipp Drs. Hanson & Dillegas Mary Beth Mosbacker Jennifer Delgado Paloma Blanca Texas Partners Bank Katherine Trimble Diane Lewis & Kristen Palme Las Aguilas Micheon Cahill Manny Nsien Underwriting Presenting Sponsor Available Founding Sponsor Available Luncheon Sponsor Available Floral Sponsor Available Paper Suite Sponsor Corinna Holt Richter Afterparty Sponsor Available Valet Sponsor Available Sweet Treat Sponsor Available Umbrella Sponsor Available Pommes Frittes Sponsor Available Runway Sponsor Stacy Schlagel Picture Perfect Sponsor Available Table Beverage Sponsor Claire Cavender McNab & Paige Shafer Welcome Reception Sponsor Available Trolley Sponsor Northpark Lexus at Dominion Afterparty Cocktail Sponsor Rick and Suzanne Cavender Le Tapis Rouge ( The Red Carpet) Available Please email Cortney John, Chief Development Officer to secure your sponsorship today: Cortney@acn-sa.org In Kind Donations The Argyle Venue Illusions Rentals Event Decor Little Lemon Shots Photo Booths Gordon Food Service Food Service Items Julian Gold Runway Show and Paddle Raise Gifts Sheer Celebrations Event Items Paddles Up anarte gallery - ana montoya julian gold katie kime parkhurst med spa st. bernard Susiecakes Top Topper Prize Carroll Dorsey Walker Raffle Donations ab astris vineyards adair concepts aladdin rugs alamo plants & pedals alla campagna the argyle letty barolia bodybyems carol hicks bolton antiques charlotte & vincent dawson chris madrid's christine a. moore millner cultus artem dos carolinas dos kiwis studio functional nutrition feather, fluff & flings host committee j mclaughlin julian gold kelly wade jewelers kevin farnsworth orthodontics lomi skin caroline matthews mccombs enterprises medi.ci megan catalani wellness the money family mrs. Alice origins spa ursula pari parkhurst luxe medical spa pastel soft play Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine pontotoc vineyard pvolve alamo heights rfsa dermatology san antonio polo club sidestreet hospitality spoil me kids spa st. bernard the texas cavaliers the argyle tobin center for the performing arts trinity flowers zbiotics Previous Events

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: Understanding Executive Functioning and How to Support It Katie Benson Jan 21 6 min read Cultivating Comfort and Community Through Presence This Holiday Season Katie Benson Dec 4, 2025 5 min read 🎃Navigating Halloween with Neurodiversity in Mind 🎃 Katie Benson Oct 23, 2025 2 min read

Plenary Address: Supporting Individual Differences While Promoting Relationships through DIR®/Floortime Time 1:40 - 2:40 PM Presenter/Facilitator Rosemary White, OTR/L Back to Course List < Back About the Clinical Intensive Day Rosemary White, OTR/L presents a deeply practical and relationship-centered session on supporting the unique sensory, motor, and regulatory profiles of autistic children and adults—while nurturing authentic connection and belonging. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and her expertise in DIR®/Floortime, Rosemary explores how challenges in praxis (motor planning) and regulation can compromise an individual's capacity to engage, connect, and feel safe in relationships. Rather than viewing these differences as barriers, she reframes them as essential information that guides how we meet each person where they are. Through compelling case presentations, Rosemary elucidates: How praxis challenges affect initiation, sequencing, and spontaneous engagement—and what this means for relationship-building The role of regulation in supporting or disrupting connection, and how co-regulation creates a foundation for growth DIR®/Floortime strategies that honor individual differences while promoting reciprocal, joyful interaction Practical approaches for clinicians, educators, and families to follow the child's lead while scaffolding developmental capacities How to recognize and respond to subtle cues that signal readiness, overwhelm, or the need for support Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for the interplay between motor, sensory, and relational development—and concrete strategies for fostering authentic connection that respects each individual's unique nervous system and communication style. Objectives Participants will explain the neurological relationship between dysregulation and disrupted connections. Participants will explain at least three strategies of DIR®/Floortime. Participants will integrate strategies recognizing and responding to regulatory cues into their own clinical or educational practice. Rosemary White, OTR/L is from Australia and has been an Occupational Therapist since 1972. Rosemary received her Neurodevelopmental Therapy training in London with the Bobaths, her Sensory Integrative Therapy training in Los Angeles with Dr. A Jean Ayres and her training in DIR®/Floortime with Stanley Greenspan, MD and Serena Wieder, PhD and the Faculty of ICDL. Rosemary is the owner of a private practice and specializes in working with children presenting with challenges relating and communicating such as autism, sensory processing/integration differences and motor planning and regulatory/attention differences. Rosemary owns and operates Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy Services in Seattle, Washington. Rosemary’s practice emphasizes understanding the impact of the child’s sensory processing and postural control on their capacity to relate, communicate and learn. In addition to her clinical work, Rosemary is very active in teaching and consulting throughout the United States, and internationally including Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa, Trinidad, Barbados, Taiwan, Brazil, Ukraine and Australia. You can reach her at office@pedptot.com if you are interested in having her consult or lecture for your group. Show More

Educator Track: AM Breakout Session: Brains, Behavior, and Belonging Time 10:00-11:15 AM Presenter/Facilitator Rebecca Engle, MEd Back to Course List < Back About the Clinical Intensive Day What if behavior isn't something to control...but something to understand? Join Rebecca Engle for a powerful session exploring how nervous system science reshapes the way we think about behavior, connection, and learning. This session challenges compliance-based models and replaces them with something deeper. Student don't need better behavior management systems. They need environments that understand their brains. Objectives Participants will analyze how nervous system functioning influences behavior, connection, and learning in educational and caregiving environments. Participants will evaluate the limitations of compliance-based behavior management models and compare them to neurobiologically informed approaches. Participants will design supportive environments and strategies that align with students’ nervous system needs to foster regulation, engagement, and a sense of belonging. Rebecca Engle is a special education teacher a with a masters degree from Texas Tech University with a deep commitment to ending seclusion and restraint in schools. Making history in Texas politics at 19, she has been a passionate advocate for student rights and inclusive educational policies. As an award-winning children’s book author and neurodivergent public speaker, Rebecca amplifies the voices of marginalized learners and promotes trauma informed, compassionate approaches. Through her teaching, writing, and advocacy, she strives to create safe, supportive environments where every student can thrive without fear.

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!

Expertise by Experience: Amplifying Autistic Voices Panel Time Lunch & Learn - 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Presenter/Facilitator TBD Back to Course List < Back About the Clinical Intensive Day In this powerful and deeply personal panel, autistic adults share firsthand accounts of how sensory processing differences and motor praxis challenges shape their daily lives, relationships, and sense of self. Panelists offer authentic insight into experiences often misunderstood or overlooked—such as navigating overwhelming sensory environments, the internal effort behind seemingly "simple" motor tasks, and the gap between what their bodies do and what they intend. This session is designed for a diverse audience—families seeking to better understand their loved ones, clinicians looking to ground their practice in lived experience, educators hoping to create more supportive learning environments, fellow autistic adults finding solidarity and shared language, and community leaders and funders who want to ensure their decisions are informed by those most impacted. Panelists will discuss: How sensory sensitivities and differences affect communication, regulation, and participation The often-invisible challenges of motor planning (praxis) and how they influence daily functioning What support looks like when it honors autonomy rather than demanding compliance Moments of misunderstanding—and what helped bridge the gap What families, professionals, and systems can do differently to create belonging and access Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for the diversity within the autistic community, practical insights for more respectful engagement, and a renewed commitment to centering autistic voices in all spaces that affect their lives. Objectives Participants will describe relevant ethical issues related to providing neurodiversity-affirming autism supports in homes, schools, therapy clinics and workplaces.

Coming Soon! The Le Brunch des Chapeaux website is being updated regulary. Please check back soon for new content. Back to Homepage

< Back Patricia "Patty" Vela, MA Chief Development & Outreach Officer Patricia "Patty" Vela holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Southwestern University and a Masters degree in School Psychology from Trinity University. After 14 years of practicing as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology for NISD, Ms. Vela entered her second career, non-profit development and fundraising. Prior to ACN, Ms. Vela worked for a large non-profit in San Antonio. However, she always missed working alongside children with disabilities and their caregivers which made her excited when this opportunity became available. She joined the ACN team in March, 2017. Ms. Vela is a daughter, mother, friend, bibliophile, frustrated artist, lover of music, and enjoys Gilmore Girls and HGTV a little too much! She has also developed a passion for retaionally-based or conscious parenting as she has spent more time at ACN and can often be found down internet rabbit holes of leaders in this field. Patty is a proud aunt to 2 neurodivergent children. pattyv@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 5002

The blog. All Posts Search Feb 9 1 min ACN is Hiring: Join our Amazing Team! Autism Community Network is looking for a confident, mature, smart individual for our very fast paced insurance and billing position. We... 261 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Jan 26 3 min Co-Regulation and How it can Help Your Child The holidays are over and you’re trying to get your family back into a routine, but your child has been struggling these last few weeks.... 147 views 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2 Mar 26, 2023 7 min The ACN logo story. How the elephants became our mascots. The elephant is a remarkable animal that is often associated with strength, intelligence, and a... 146 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1