April is Autism Awareness Month! In honor of that, there are several great events going on in our community. Since it can be hard to keep up, I’ve created a timeline below for families to reference during this fun-filled month.
April 2: Light it Up Blue Day! This is World Autism Awareness Day, organized by Autism Speaks. And make sure to stop and see the bicentennial tower and Mercyhurst University’s Old Main Tower. Both will be lit in blue in commemoration.
April 10 – 13: The Guelcher Art Show. This free event at the Barber National Institute will begin on April 10 from 10:00 – 8:00. A wine and cheese reception is open to the community that evening from 5:00 – 8:00. The event will continue on April 11th, from 12:00-3:00, and April 12th, from 12:00- 3:00, with a Youth Artist Award Ceremony from 1:00-6:00 in conclusion. Enjoy more than 400 works of art created by adult professional, amateur, and youth artists in our region.
April 9: Spouses on the Spectrum. 6:00 – 7:30. Janet Pawlowski, Licensed Psychologist, will host a discussion with spouses/partners of adults with ASD regarding advantages and obstacles as well as information needed to improve your relationship. KaleidAScope will hold this event in their office at 4934 Peach Street. Reservations are appreciated, please call 824-4515.
April 10: ESO “Oldies but Goodies” Dance. 7:00 – 9:00. Created for young adults ages 18-35 with developmental disabilities as a chance to expand sociability opportunities. Hosted by Mercyhurst University and held at St. Peter and Paul’s Social Center at 3415 Wallace Street. No reservation required, a $3.00 donation is requested. For questions, call Joyce Krahe McDonnell at 878-5905.
April 11: “Spread the Word to End the Word” Dance. 7:00 – 9:00. Hosted by the Gannon University Occupational Therapy Honor Program and Society – Pi Theta Epsilon. A RSVP is required, email Schnur002@knights.gannon.edu.
April 12: Roller Skating Night. 5:00 – 7:00. Hosted by the NWPA chapter of Autism Society. An evening of roller skating in a sensory-friendly environment with lights left on, strobe lights turned off, and music turned down. Free and open to families and individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder. A RSVP is required by April 8, visit http://www.nwpa-asa.org for more details.
April 13 – 19: The Pieces for Hope Autism Campaign at Panera Bread. Puzzle piece shortbread cookies will be for sale at all four Erie locations. 100% of the cookie proceeds benefit the NWPA Autism Society.
April 15: “Raise the Roof for Autism: My hike to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.” 7:00 PM. Brad McGarry, the Director of the Autism/Asperger Initiative at Mercyhurst University, will present in the Taylor Little Theatre at Mercyhurst. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
April 23: Adult Social Group. 5:30 – 8:00. This evening offers adults with autism, ages 18 and older, a chance to meet new people, plan activities, and the opportunity for a weekly social engagement. This free, open-to-the-public event is held by KaleidAScope in their office at 4934 Peach Street. Reservations are appreciated, please call 824-4515.
April 23: Autism Awareness Event. 6:00 – 8:00. This is a parent/professional forum featuring parents of children with autism, clinicians, educators & healthcare professionals. Join the discussion as the Achievement Center talks about practical approaches to treatment, the latest interventions, challenges, and tips for success. Including breakout sessions by Janet Pawlowski, Bob Gulick, and Dr. Karen Morahan. The event will be held at 4950 West 23rd Street. Free admission and childcare. Please RSVP to Bob Gulick, 814-459-0519 or email BobGulick@Achievementctr.org, no later than April 9th.
April 24: ESO Beach Party Dance. 7:00 – 9:00. Created for young adults ages 18-35 with developmental disabilities as a chance to expand sociability opportunities. Hosted by Edinboro University in their Crawford Center. No reservation required, a $3.00 donation is requested. For questions, call Joyce Krahe McDonnell at 878-5905.
April 25: 14th Annual Walk for Autism. Walk begins at 11:00 AM. Presque Isle. This is an annual fundraising walk that raises money for the Autism Society NWPA. Sign up to walk here: http://nwpa-asa.org/events/walk-information/.
April 30: Ask the Experts. Noon – 1:00. This is an open Q & A Session at Barber National Institute, hosted by the ELBS Parent Group. A panel of experts will be available to answer questions on topics such as Special Education, Technology, Behavior Management, and Communication and Sensory Issues. Admission is free and open to the public; refreshments provided. RSVP required at laurenglass@barberinstitute.org or 878-5903.
If there are any other events I’ve missed, please be sure to share in the comments below. And don’t forget to download and print your free copy of the events calendar below!
All About Autism 