HANd: an innovative hub that provides community-wide education, connects families and individuals to services and resources, and advocates for acceptance and understanding of autism and neurodiversity
2020-2021 Educational Series -- registration required
Click on the Register Now button to register for one or all of the sessions!
Open for Registration:
Session 3: "Talking with your Kids: Developmental Disability and Sexuality."
Idea: At their own pace, participants watch four training modules developed for parents of kids with developmental disabilities. Participants will join optional moderated discussions following modules 1 and 2 then modules 3 and 4.
The month-long educational series will address:
- Sexuality as a normal part of development
- Messages we give and receive around sexuality
- Sexuality-related issues people with developmental disabilities face
- How to support your child in their sexual development
- The barriers we face in communicating about sexuality
- Effective ways to answer questions and respond to behaviors
Timeframe: February - March
Moderated discussion dates: March 2 and March 23, 6:30-7:30om
Session 5: Special Topic -- Nutrition -- "No If's, And's, or Gut's about it: GI Health and Picky Eating Strategies for Your Child on the Spectrum."
· Did you know that GI health can influence Autism Spectrum Disorder?
· Do you need more information on picky eating strategies for children with ASD?
· Have you ever wondered how the senses such as vision, taste, and smell can affect mealtime behavior?
Idea: Participants attend an online lecture presented by Nutrition Students and Faculty. Following the lecture, participants will be given the opportunity to ask questions and get great advice immediately!
Online discussion: April 13, 6:30-7:30
Completed Sessions:
Session 1: “Problem Behaviors and How to Help” (Completed)
Idea: Participants watch training webinars at their own pace and then join an online discussion with local experts. Participants will be given an opportunity to ask questions and receive great advice!
This session has been completed! Please use this link to access the materials and discussion questions that were reviewed as part of the moderated discussions.
Session 2: “Right Here Right Now: A Self-care Deep Dive” (Completed)
Idea: Families submit questions they want to get answered about self-care. Our presenter, Rosie Molinary (author and advocate), will create a presentation about self-care and will incorporate all the questions submitted.
Self-care questions have been submitted by particpants in this session. Please enjoy this presentation by Rosie Molinary. Stay tuned for follow-up discussions!
Session 4: Book Club “Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's” (Completed)
Idea: Participants read the NY Times Bestseller “Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's,” by John Elder Robison. After reading at their own pace, participants will join a lively online discussion about how our lives are enhanced through our experiences with ASD. The first 25 participants to sign up will receive a free copy of the book! 
Timeframe: January/February
Registration deadline: February 1
Online discussion: February 22, 4:00-5:00
For more information contact Mary Sheryl Horine horinems@appstate.edu