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Picture yourself at Le Brunch de Chapeaux Tracee Feik, Ashley Feik-Campbell, Amy Feik Garcia, and Heather Feik de Rojas cordially invite you to the event of the season, Le Brunch des Chapeaux 2025. The co-chairs are dedicated to planning an elegant event that will surely impress. The 22nd annual luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, 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 in celebration of their 80th anniversary. All proceeds will benefit Autism Community Network in supporting autistic children and those who love them. Support Le Brunch des Chapeaux Purchase a Table Get Started Become an Underwriter Get Started Donate a Raffle Item Get Started Give to ACN Get Started 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, we kindly encourage attendees to consider ridesharing, carpooling, or walking to the venue if possible. This thoughtful choice will help minimize traffic on the nearby residential street and ensure our event remains a gracious addition to the neighborhood. Thank you for your understanding and support—we look forward to seeing you at the luncheon! Table Sponsors Sandy Saks Lori Donnell Stacy Schlagel Shannon Turner Tricia Alcocer-Cavazos Charlotte Dawson Taelor Allen Gamez Law Firm Kenda Willoughby Sarah Schimpff & Jaime Gillum Ruth Willoughby Maureen Shipp Kristen Williams Jenness Gough Coelho Gregory Hanson Wesley Pennington Courtney Balsam Karen Bonney Diane Lewis Paloma Blanca Mary Beth Mossbacker & Tiffany Mills Underwriting Presenting Sponsor Founding Sponsor Parking & Shuttle Sponsor Runway Sponsor Luncheon Sponsor Afterparty Sponsor Floral Sponsor Paper Suite Sponsor Sweet Treat Sponsor Pommes Frites Sponsor Umbrella Sponsor Afterparty Cocktail Sponsor Table Beverage Sponsor Denise Landon Picture Perfect Sponsor Welcome Reception Champagne Sponsor Little Lemon Shots Kevin Farnsworth Orthodontic Previous Events

Expertise through Experience: Amplifying Autistic Voices Panel Time Afternoon Address - 12:45 PM Presenter/Facilitator Shay-Lyn Porter, MA, LPC 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. Shay-Lyn Porter, MA, LPC Shay-Lyn Porter specializes in working with adolescents and adults with trauma histories, neurodivergence, and addictions. She enjoys helping clients work through a wide variety of challenges and sees clients individually, as couples and families, and in group settings. She is gender-affirming, LGTBQIA2S+ allied, and sex-/kink-positive. A huge nerd, Shay-Lyn loves integrating clients' interests into therapy. She views therapy as a place where clients can feel safe being themselves and can learn to love themselves while fully embodying all that makes them unique. Shay-Lyn is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, an ASD Clinical Specialist, and an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider. Shay-Lyn works primarily from a therapeutic outlook that integrates trauma-informed, ND-affirming, cognitive interventions and somatic trauma work. Her therapeutic outlook is summarized by the quote: “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.” (Mr. Rogers). She feels honored and privileged to assist clients in their mental health journey and in learning how to love who they are.. Panelists Becky Powers Jake Ramirez Michael Young DeAnne Cuellar liz moseley Speaker Disclosures: Shay-Lyn Porter received a speaking fee for this course. Becky Powers received a speaking fee for this course. Jake Ramirez received a speaking fee for this course. Michael Young received a speaking fee for this course. DeAnne Cuellar received a speaking fee for this course. liz moseley received a speaking fee for this course.

< 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

< 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

Does my child have autism? To know for sure, you should have your child screened . We do offer both screenings and diagnostics. Getting Started in 3 Easy Steps 1) Watch this video These are characteristics of children on the autism spectrum compared to children who might have developmental delays. Can you identify the differences? 2) Know the signs Our friends at Autism Navigator have created a pretty great checklist that details the signs to look out for in your child. Bring these behaviors up to your child's doctor if you notice more than one or two of them. View Checklist 3) Give this form to your child's doctor. If you are done with steps 1 and 2 and noticed several similarities in your child's behavior it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician. Below is a referral form for them to fill out so that we can schedule a screening. Download Form Our Services Get Support for Your Autism Journey at Autism Community Network Explore

< 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

Events coming up. Featured Event All Tee'd Up for Autism Golf Classic Date: November 8, 2024 Time: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM Location: Canyon Springs Golf Club 24405 Wilderness Oak San Antonio, Texas, 78258 Info: Email info@acn-sa.org for more information. Get Started About All Tee'd Up! ACN is thrilled to be hosting the 10th annual All Tee'd Up for Autism Golf Classic on Friday, November 8, 2024 at Canyon Springs Golf Club. This event is an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact in our community by raising funds and awareness for children and caregivers impacted by autism spectrum disorder. By participating as an individual player, a team of four, or even becoming a sponsor, you can be a part of something truly meaningful. Plus, All Tee'd Up is ACN's most fun event of the year! Come and shoot your shot with an air powered ball launcher, or have a loaned golf pro get your ball immediately on the green. With a raffle and prizes, breakfast and lunch, and free drinks on the links, you and your team are guaranteed a good time for a good cause. So join us on November 8. You won't regret it! More upcoming events. November 13 December 7 February 12, 2025 Friendsgiving Our favorite Fam Jam of the year! Join us as we share a meal together and give thanks for all of the wonderful things we've enjoyed throughout the year as a community. Volunteer Celebration Day Join us for our second annual volunteer day! Help us wrap gifts for families in need, decorate for the holidays, and walk away with a special gift as a token of our appreciation for all the hard work you've done for ACN as a volunteer this year. This event is invite only. If you're interested in attending, please reach out to katie@acn-sa.org . Daddy Daughter Dance Celebrate the season of love with your favorite little girl, and join ACN for our first Daddy Daughter Dance! More info to come! Let's Get Social

< Back Kathryn "Katie" Benson, MPA Program and Outreach Liaison 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 two fur babies. Katie is the proud sister to a neurodiverse adult. katie@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000

Our Valero Community Center is your next spot . The valero cc offers 986 sqft of Check Availability About the Valero Community Center Amenities Degree University Name Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education. Scheduling Degree University Name Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education. Table of Fees Degree University Name Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education. Rental options. 2 day rental I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. Book now 1 day rental I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. Book now 4 hr Rental I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. Book now Valero supports ACN you can too! As a non-profit, ACN depends on the support of companies like yours. No matter the size, your gift makes a difference. Donate

< Back TRANSPORTATION About Transportation Services Transportation can be a significant challenge for individuals with autism and their families. Our resource library provides information on transportation options, including accessible transportation services, school transportation, and public transportation resources. TRANSPORTATION Alamo Regional Transit (ART) 1.866.889.7433 AACOG - Transportation for Seniors 60+. 8700 Tesoro Dr., Ste. 700, SA TX 78217 Alamo Service Connection (Medical Transportation) 210.477.3275 For Medical or dental appointments. Medicaid or CSHCN eligibility required. Area Agencies on Aging Directory https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/contact/aaa.cfm Medicaid Routine Medical Transportation Program 877.633.8747 Web: Click Here 1100 W. 49th St, Austin, TX 78756 There are here to provide Non-Emergency rides if you call and notify them at least 2 working days in advance; but as far as 30 days out; if you are out of town at least 5 days out of town as long as you are receiving Medicaid Benefits. Their ways of transport include; bus; van; taxi; rail for in town and bus; van; rail or airline for out of town. If a child 14 years old or younger they must be accompanied by an adult; 15 - 17 can ride alone if parent fills out consent form; also teen parents may ride alone with their child; without an adult. They are also able to accommodate those with disabilities, such as wheelchair bound. For more information, you may vista their website or call into the office. Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to schedule a ride; but transportation 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM Monday - Saturday. They also have a reimbursement plan for gas; lodging and food; for more detailed information, please contact the office. Methodist Healthcare Health Bus 210.647.7433 Web: www.sahealth.com/about/community/health-bus.dot Offers free transportation to Metropolitan Methodist Hospital and any of its facilities, as well as to doctors on the medical staff at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital. Serves select zip codes; wheelchair accessible; call 48 hours in advance to reserve. Patient Air Transport Helpline 1.800.296.1217 Web: www.patienttravel.org Makes referrals and provides assistance for patients who must travel long distances for evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment, and who need financial assistance to do so. VIA Transportation Services 210.362.2140 Web: https://www.viainfo.net/viatrans-paratransit/ 800 W. Myrtle, SA TX 78212 Complimentary para-transit provided to individuals who have disabilities that prevent them from using fixed route bus service; provided during the same hours of the day, same days per week and within three- quarters of a mile of a fixed bus route. Applications must be verified by the applicant’s physician and eligibility is then determined. Well’s Waldo Wheels 210.647.7433 Web: https://sahealth.com/patients-visitors/methodist-healthcare-health-bus.dot Provides services for pregnant women who go to Methodist facilities for well-checks and to assist parents in getting their children to medical appointments; Spanish-speaking drivers are available Previous Next