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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T120000
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DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
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LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T194628Z
UID:6368-1776859200-1776862800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn - Proof Positive: Science and Skills of Happiness for the Autism Community
DESCRIPTION:  \nHappiness is a universal right. Yet\, for many\, it remains an elusive concept—something often overlooked and seemingly difficult to achieve\, especially in the autism community. \nJoin Taylor Aukes and Hannah Moeller of Balance Autism as they present Proof Positive: science based resources and research rooted in positive psychology. \nProof Positive is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving the wellbeing of autistic people\, their families\, providers and communities. \n  \nClick Here to Register for FREE!\n\nPresenters:\nTaylor Aukes\nTaylor Aukes is the Adult Community Services Director at Balance Autism. He has been with Balance Autism for 7 years. Taylor has provided oversight to the Smart Living Program at Balance Autism focusing on the development of processes and policies to ensure compliance with State regulations as well as establishing a best practice for providing the highest quality of care for the individuals they serve. He also provides oversight to Balance Autism’s HCBS homes. As a member of Proof Positive’s Autism Wellbeing Alliance\, he has worked to integrate the skills of happiness and positive psychology into the Smart Living Program. \n  \n Hannah Moeller\nHannah Moeller is the ACS Community Employment Director at Balance Autism and has been with Balance Autism for four years. Hannah oversees the Supported Employment Program within Balance Autism. She works to connect with employers in our community to establish competitive and meaningful employment opportunities for the individuals we serve. She also is passionate about connecting with local school districts to support transition aged students as they graduate and exit from school into adulthood. As a member of the Proof Positive’s Autism Wellbeing Alliance\, she has worked to teach and integrate the skills and importance of happiness\, wellbeing\, and positive psychology into the Supported Employment Program. \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/lunch-and-learn-proof-positive-with-balance-autism/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20260311T190301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T184346Z
UID:6384-1775649600-1775653200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn - Every Gift Counts\, Supporting Autism Society of Iowa
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a Lunch & Learn on smart\, simple\, and meaningful ways to give to the Autism Society of Iowa. Brad Biren\, Attorney at Wilson Elser\, Tax Controversies & Wealth Preservation\, will explore practical and creative giving options for everyday donors\, from monthly gifts and tribute giving to tax-smart strategies involving IRAs\, stock\, donor-advised funds\, and legacy gifts. Designed for real people and real budgets\, this program will help attendees understand how recent tax-law changes may affect charitable giving and how to choose a giving method that fits their values\, finances\, and goals. Whether you are a longtime supporter or just beginning to think about giving\, you’ll leave with fresh ideas for making a local impact in Iowa’s autism community. \nClick Here to Register for FREE!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/lunch-and-learn-every-gift-counts-supporting-autism-society-of-iowa/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260404T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260404T150000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20260309T200737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T200737Z
UID:6356-1775311200-1775314800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Cultivating Hope Farms Easter Egg Drive-Thru
DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nWe are thrilled to once again partner with Cultivating Farms for their Drive-Thru Easter Egg Hunt! Hop into Spring with egg-citing surprises from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle. \nWhen: Saturday\, April 4th. 2:00-3:00pm. \nWhere: Raspberry Hill Bed and Breakfast Driveway\,  5500 240th St\, Ames\, Iowa 50014 \nQuestions: Contact Gina at (515) 210-5407
URL:https://autismia.com/event/cultivating-hope-farms-easter-egg-drive-thru/
LOCATION:Raspberry Hill Bed and Breakfast\, 5500 240th Street\, Ames\, IA\, 50014\, United States
CATEGORIES:Sensory Friendly Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260403T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260403T150000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20260205T210828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T192221Z
UID:6278-1775206800-1775228400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2026 Spring Virtual Conference: "From Representation to Reality: Autism and Popular Culture"
DESCRIPTION:Together with Childserve and Meadowlark Psychiatric Services\, Autism Society of Iowa is proud to host “From Representation to Reality: Autism and Popular Culture”\, a one day virtual conference. \nJoin us Friday\, April 3rd from 9:00am to 3:00pm as we hear from scholars\, caretakers\, and individuals with Autism discussing the connections\, interpretations\, and representations of neurodivergence in pop culture. \n  \n*Scholarships are available to cover registration fees. Please contact us at autismsocietyiowa@gmail.com to inquire. \n  \nClick Here to Register!\n\nConference Agenda\n*Tentative – times subject to change\n\n \n\nPresenters and Moderators:\n  \n \nChris Chan \nChris Chan is a historian\, author\, and educator from Milwaukee\, Wisconsin. He has a doctorate in American History and two master’s degrees in History and Library & Information Science. He teaches graduate courses for Southern New Hampshire University and undergraduate courses for The Chicago School. He is the author of six crime novels\, two volumes of short stories\, a volume of poems\, and five books of cultural criticism. His play Our Mothers Are Not Refrigerators\, about a self-help group for people with autism\, received a staged reading from Pink Umbrella Theater Company\, a Milwaukee group working with disabled actors and artists. He has won the Temple Grandin Prize\, his book The Autistic Sleuth won the Best Independent Book Award for TV History\, and he has also been a finalist for the Agatha\, Anthony\, and Macavity Awards\, and Long Listed for the CWA Dagger Award. \n  \n \nErin Dorsey \nErin Dorsey is from Naperville\, Illinois. She is currently a second-year graduate student studying Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Iowa. Erin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech\, Language\, and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University. She also completed minors in Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology. Erin is expected to graduate in May 2026 with a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. \n  \n  \nMegan Fear \nMegan Fear is a second-year graduate student in speech-language pathology at the University of Iowa. She is a speech-language trainee in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Iowa LEND) program\, where she has ongoing training to work with children and adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Iowa. She is expected to graduate in May 2026 with a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. \n  \nBrian Johnson \nAfter years of uncertainty\, Brian Johnson was diagnosed with autism (specifically Asperger’s Syndrome) as a sophomore in high school.  Since his diagnosis\, he has been a member of the Siouxland Autism Support Group in Sioux City\, Iowa.  In 2004\, he graduated from Lawton-Bronson High School in Lawton\, Iowa as valedictorian of his class.  In 2008\, he graduated summa cum laude from Morningside College (now Morningside University)\, earning a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications.  He currently lives in Bronson\, Iowa and works in Moville\, Iowa for a regional newspaper called The Record.   Since graduation\, Brian has presented his story to numerous groups of parents\, teachers\, paraprofessionals\, college students and others who are working with and learning about people with autism.  For the past several years\, he has also been involved in an organization at Briar Cliff University called “The Human Library.”  He is also a board member and frequent panelist for the Autism Society of Iowa. \n  \n\nTodd Kopelman \nDr. Kopelman is a psychologist in private practice at Meadowlark Psychiatric Services in Iowa City. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics\, The University of Iowa Speech and Hearing Center\, and The University of Iowa College of Education. Dr. Kopelman’s primary clinical interests are the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders in children and adults and providing behaviorally based therapy services. He is an active board member of the Autism Society of Iowa and co-teaches a graduate course on Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has coordinated three federally funded research projects on telehealth evaluation and treatment of disruptive behaviors displayed by young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. \n  \n \nMargaret Mendenhall \nMargaret Mendenhall\, PhD resides in Long Beach\, California and is a graduate of Pacifica Graduate Institute’s Mythological Studies Program. Additionally\, her current dissertation\, Healing Science Fiction: Engaging Star Trek to Explore Depth Psychology and Autism is in the review process in the Depth and Archetypal Psychology Program at the same institution. Her blog\, My Daily Soul Trek\, analyzes Star Trek episodes and films chronologically from a depth psychological perspective (https://mydailysoultrek.com/). She has also written\, performed and produced two myth based one-woman shows\, and produced and hosted the public access television series Myth Is All Around Us. She was diagnosed as autistic as a mature woman in April 2024. \n  \nRon Miles \nRon Miles is the proud father of an autistic son\, a software architect\, and a musician. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest\, Ron moved (along with his ex-wife\, son\, and then-fiancé) to Central Florida in the summer of 2003 in order to use Walt Disney World as a giant therapy session for his son. He works from a home office as a software architect. He dreams of the day when he will finally be able to have a real conversation with his son\, if only to find out what his son has really been thinking about all these years. \n  \n  \nAbby Niederhauser \nAbby Niederhauser is a self-taught pop culture artist whose vibrant work celebrates her love of ’90s cartoons and nostalgia. What began as painting favorite characters to decorate her apartment quickly grew into a prolific creative practice\, with more than 300 pieces produced and shared under the name Abby’s Rad Art. Her large-scale “Take Up Space” exhibition featured nearly 200 works displayed together\, intentionally highlighting the hyperfocus and intensity that shape her autistic experience. Through her art\, Abby not only expresses her deep special interests but also creates connection—using creativity as both education and conversation starter about neurodiversity.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2026-spring-virtual-conference-from-representation-to-reality-autism-and-popular-culture/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T203000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20260309T201808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T201808Z
UID:6362-1774549800-1774557000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Iowa Disability Film Festival: The Stimming Pool
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Iowa Disability Film Festival and their presentation of “The Stimming Pool”. Co-created by the Neurocultures Collective (Sam Chown-Ahern\, Georgia Bradburn\, Benjamin Brown\, Robin Elliott-Knowles\, Lucy Walker) and artist-filmmaker Steven Eastwood\, The Stimming Pool is an experimental and sometimes magical hybrid film whose drifting form is built around the concept of an autistic camera. \n\nFrom 4pm – 6pm on Thursday\, the public is invited to attend the Disability Community Social at fix! coffee. The social aims to encourage conversation and create a gathering space for members of the disability community. \n\nAdmission is pay what you can! \nHead to https://icfilmscene.org/film/the-stimming-pool/ for more information and to reserve your seats.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/iowa-disability-film-festival-the-stimming-pool/
LOCATION:FilmScene at the Chauncey\, 404 E. College St\, Iowa City\, IA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Sensory Friendly Movie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20260302T163758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T190736Z
UID:6321-1774440000-1774443600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn - ASI: Who Are We and What Do We Do
DESCRIPTION:  \nJoin us for a FREE virtual Lunch & Learn to discover how the Autism Society of Iowa supports individuals on the autism spectrum and their families across the state. In this engaging session\, we’ll share our mission\, core programs\, and the impact we’re making through education\, advocacy\, community events\, scholarships\, and safety initiatives. \nLearn how we connect families to trusted resources\, create inclusive opportunities for social connection\, and advocate for meaningful systems change. Whether you’re a professional\, educator\, community partner\, or family member\, this session will provide insight into who we are\, how we serve\, and ways you can get involved. \nBring your lunch and your questions. We look forward to connecting with you! \n  \nClick Here to Register for FREE!\n\nPresenters:\n  \n \nErin Enyart\, Executive Director\, Autism Society of Iowa \nErin is a busy wife to husband\, Jerrod\, and mother to two young adults with autism\, daughter\, Harper (21)\, and son\, Gibson (20). Following Harper’s autism diagnosis in 2006 and Gibson’s in 2008\, Erin became actively involved with the Autism Society of Iowa\, where she held several leadership roles\, including Secretary\, Treasurer and Associate Director\, before assuming her current role as Executive Director. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work\, providing leadership and advocacy on behalf of individuals with autism and their families across the state of Iowa. Outside of her professional responsibilities\, Erin enjoys reading\, antiquing\, and spending time with her family and dog\, Olive. \n  \nTiffany Hoffman\, Associate Director\, Autism Society of Iowa \nTiffany is the Associate Director of the Autism Society of Iowa\, where she focuses on advocacy\, education\, and meaningful support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. A former early childhood educator\, she brings both professional experience and a personal perspective to her work. Tiffany is also a parent to neurodivergent children from middle school through college\, which shapes her passion for inclusive\, practical supports across the lifespan. \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/march-virtual-lunch-and-learn-asi-who-are-we-and-what-do-we-do/
CATEGORIES:Education
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260207T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260207T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20251210T192023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T192023Z
UID:6122-1770489000-1770494400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:ASI Night with the Iowa Wolves
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Iowa Wolves Basketball For All Night is an exciting evening of inclusive family fun. For this game\, we will be providing a special sensory-friendly environment\, which includes reduced PA volume\, limited light flashing\, and lowered music levels as we strive to create an enjoyable experience for everyone who loves basketball. \nIn partnership with the Autism Society of Iowa\, we are offering a special discounted ticket rate so all families can join us for a wonderful night out. \nGet your seats now to watch some great hoops and enjoy amazing family fun. Click Here for tickets! \nGo Wolves!!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/asi-night-with-the-iowa-wolves/
LOCATION:Casey’s Center\, 233 Center St\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50309\, United States
CATEGORIES:Awareness Event,Sensory Friendly Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260127T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260127T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250127T175834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T003659Z
UID:5443-1769500800-1769515200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2026 Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day on the Hill
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our 16th annual Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day on the Hill! \nRally in the rotunda\, hear personal stories\, receive advocacy training\, browse our resource partners\, and meet your legislators. \n8:00 – Registration Begins\n9:00 – Rally\n10:30 a.m. – Photo on the steps\n10:45 a.m. – Advocacy Training and Meeting with Your Legislator \n*Register by Friday\, January 9th to receive your FREE t-shirt. Any registrations received after the 9th will not be guaranteed a shirt. \nResource Partners Include: \nAxis Therapy Centers\nBalance Autism\nCaravel Autism Health\nChildServe\nCircle City ABA\nEmergent Learning\nGreat Day ABA\nIABA\nIowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP)\nMidwest Autism and Therapy Center\nNew View Autism Clinic\nRetrieving Freedom Service Dogs\nStride Autism Center\nUI REACH \nClick Here To Register For FREE!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2026-autism-advocacy-and-acceptance-day-on-the-hill/
LOCATION:Iowa State Capitol\, 1007 E Grand Ave.\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50319\, United States
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Awareness Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T210000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250707T144914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T191836Z
UID:5878-1761328800-1761339600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2025 ASI Live and Silent Benefit Auction
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Autism Society of Iowa is holding its 37th Annual Silent and Live Auction to raise money for those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders in the state of Iowa. This annual event includes many wonderful items up for bid including tickets to local events\, autographed sports items\, handmade quilts and gift baskets as well as a 50/50 raffle. \n$20 per person or reserve a table of 10 for $200! \nThe silent auction preview will begin at 6pm with the live auction beginning at 7pm. \n  \nClick Here to Reserve Your Seat today!\n  \n\n*Discounted hotel rates available through October 2nd by Clicking Here.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2025-asi-live-and-silent-benefit-auction/
LOCATION:Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel\, 1800 50th St\, West Des Moines\, 50266 \, United States
CATEGORIES:Fundraiser
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T151500
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250528T203243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T215125Z
UID:5813-1761294600-1761318900@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2025 Autism Society of Iowa Fall Education Conference
DESCRIPTION:  \nRegister now for the 2025 Autism Society of Iowa Fall Conference featuring keynote speaker\, Dr. Kerry Magro\, Ed.D.!\n  \nClick Here to Register!\n_________________________________________________________________________\n  \nCheck out our amazing lineup of speakers and panels below! Check-in begins at 8:00 AM. \n  \n \n_________________________________________________________________________\nSpeaker Information:\nDr. Kerry Magro \nDr. Kerry Magro Ed.D. was nonspeaking till 2.5\, diagnosed with autism at 4 and didn’t speak in complete sentences until 7 years old. Today as an adult he is an award-winning autistic professional speaker\, best-selling author and autism consultant to Netflix’s Emmy-Award Winning Series ‘Love on the Spectrum U.S’and the HBO series Mrs. Fletcher. His work also includes being hired as a writer for the PBS Kids new series ‘Carl the Collector’ featuring the TV Network’s first-ever autistic main character. \nHe started professional speaking 14 years ago via the National Speakers Association after he fell in love with theater as a child to help with his social and communication skills. Today he has spoken at over 1400 events during that time include 2 TEDxTalks and a ‘Talks at Google’ presentation. In addition\, Kerry is CEO & President of KFM Making A Difference\, a nonprofit organization that hosts inclusion events and has provided 150 scholarships for autistic students for college and counting since 2011. He’s provided 27 small business grants for small businesses that hire people with disabilities and has played Santa Claus for autistic and special needs children for the past decade to give them an opportunity to meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. \nIn his spare time\, he hosts a Facebook Page called Kerry’s Autism Journey that now has 314\,000 Facebook followers where he does on-camera interviews highlighting people impacted by a diagnosis to help break down barriers in our community. His videos he’s produced have been watched over 35 Million times.  \n Kerry’s best-selling books Defining Autism From The Heart\, and Autism and Falling in Love\, I Will Light It Up Blue and his latest\, Autistics on Autism\, Supporting Your Autism Journey and Santa Goes The Extra Mile for Children with Disabilities have reached Amazon Best-Seller Lists for Special Needs Parenting. His latest book ‘’ was released on April 2\, 2024 for World Autism Awareness Day! \nFor his efforts in the community he’s been featured on NBC’s Today Show\, CBS News\, FOX5\, Upworthy along with additional outlets. He frequently speaks in-person and virtually to companies on Neurodiversity in the Workplace including JP Morgan Chase\, TD Bank\, and S&P Global. \n\nSue Askeland \nSusan Askeland graduated from the University of Nebraska with a master’s degree in speech language pathology. She worked for Northwest AEA in Sioux City as a speech language pathologist and a member of the autism resource team for 37 years. In 2013 she moved to eastern Iowa where she worked as an autism consultant for Grant Wood AEA until her retirement in 2017. \nSusan continues to be actively involved in the autism community . She is a board member of the Autism Society of Iowa and past board member of the Corridor Autism Resource Expo (CARE) and the Awesome Autism Awareness and Acceptance Art Project. Susan also facilitates several support groups that currently meet on Zoom. \n\nTaylor Aukes \nTaylor Aukes is the Adult Community Services Director at Balance Autism. He has been with Balance Autism for 7 years. Taylor has provided oversight to the Smart Living Program at Balance Autism focusing on the development of processes and policies to ensure compliance with State regulations as well as establishing a best practice for providing the highest quality of care for the individuals they serve. As a member of Proof Positive’s Autism Wellbeing Alliance\, He has worked to integrate the skills of happiness and positive psychology into the Smart Living Program. \n\nSuzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller\, MD\, FACOG\, ABOIM  \nSuzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller is an OB-Gyn and integrative medicine physician and is the mother of two children including a twenty-five-year-old son with autism. She divides her time between Iowa and Arizona seeing patients through MercyOne Waterloo OB-Gyn and HonorHealth Integrative Medicine in Scottsdale\, AZ. She is a past president and former longtime board member of the Autism Society of Iowa. Suzanne is the award-winning author of The Outdoor  Adventurer’s Guide to Forest Bathing\, published in 2019 and  A Friend Like John\, Understanding Autism\, published in 2011. \n\nJessica Crawford\, BCBA\, LBA \nJessica Crawford has been in the autism field for the past 15 years and has spent her career working to apply the science of behavior analysis to support and enhance the lives of individuals with autism. Since obtaining her masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University\, Jessica’s focus has been working in home\, community\, and clinical settings providing services and guiding the application of behavioral analysis across the lifespan. Finding new and innovative ways to teach and enhance the lives of individuals with autism while making services more accessible is a primary passion of hers. \n\nLorna Garcia\, Sergeant\, Des Moines Police Department \nSergeant Lorna Garcia has been a law enforcement officer in the Des Moines Police Department since 2000.  She has a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University\, with majors in Psychology and Sociology.  Her current assignment is focused on mental health and crisis response\, partnering with the Broadlawns Mobile Crisis Response Team and the Crisis Advocacy Response Effort.  Her previous duties include patrol officer and as a detective in the crimes against persons section.  She has also served as a member of the Metro STAR Crisis Negotiation Team since 2007 and currently serves as the Team Leader.  Additionally\, she is the lead instructor for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and de-escalation training for DMPD officers.    \n\nKristin Hansen\, M.A\, BCBA\, LBA \nKristin Hanson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)\, Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)\, and the Founder\, CEO\, Owner\, and Clinical Director of Axis Therapy Centers. With over 15 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)\, her clinical expertise is rooted in the early detection and intervention of autism spectrum disorder. In addition to her clinical and executive work\, Kristin serves on several statewide and national committees. She is a Board Member and Events Committee Co-Chair for the Autism Society of Iowa\, a member of the Autism Expert Panel for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program\, and Co-Chair of the State Advocacy Group for Iowa under the Council of Autism Providers. \nKristin is committed to lifelong learning and personal growth\, continually engaging in advanced leadership training\, mentorship\, and self-development. Outside of her professional life\, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children\, reading\, listening to podcasts\, attending concerts\, and golfing. \n\nErika Hertel\, MA\,  \nErika Hertel is the program manager for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) at Child Health Specialty Clinics\, with University of Iowa Health Care. She received her BS in Psychology and MA in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa. She is a certified Family Development Specialist through the National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice and Family Peer Support Specialist through the Iowa Board of Certification. Erika has experience working with children ages 0-21 and their families in a range of programs focused on prevention\, family education and support\, treatment\, and connection to services. She is an ex-officio member of the Iowa Autism Council\, serves on the Autism Society of Iowa Board of Directors\, and leads the RAP Expert Panel. She is the parent of three young adults\, one of whom has autism. \n\nKim Johnson & Taylor Johnson Daniels \nKim Johnson and Taylor Johnson Daniels are highly experienced certified Water Safety Instructors with a combined background of over 50 years in teaching and lifesaving. Both hold certifications in Advanced Lifesaving\, CPR\, and are trained PADI Rescue Divers. Together they bring an unmatched depth of knowledge\, professionalism\, and passion to the field of aquatic education and safety. \nThroughout their careers\, Kim and Taylor have taught thousands of students\, from beginners taking their first strokes to advanced swimmers training for competition Their teaching philosophy emphasizes not only swimming proficiency\, but also the importance of safety\, confidence\, and respect for the water. They believe that strong swimming skills and lifesaving knowledge can be life-changing—and even life-saving—for people of all ages. \nAbove all\, Kim and Taylor are passionate about creating safe\, positive\, and empowering experiences in the water—building a legacy of confident swimmers and a safer community for generations to come. \n\nDr. Todd Kopelman\, PH.D.\, BCBA \nTodd Kopelman is a licensed psychologist and a board-certified behavior analyst. He evaluates children\, adolescents\, and adults for questions about autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental conditions and provides individual therapy for children and adults as well as parent coaching at Meadowlark Psychiatry. \nBefore joining Meadowlark\, Dr. Kopelman was a Professor in the University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics Department of Psychiatry. He co-directed the hospital’s Autism Center as well as the Day Treatment Program at The Center for Disabilities and Development. He has worked collaboratively with schools across Iowa to support students with behavioral challenges\, served as Project Coordinator for three federally funded grants investigating the use of telehealth and young children with Autism\, and has co-written several journal articles and book chapters. \nDr. Kopelman is an active board member of the Autism Society of Iowa\, including serving as its President\, and he has helped organize conferences on several topics related to Autism. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry where he continues to teach and mentor graduate students\, medical students and psychiatry residents and conducts interdisciplinary autism evaluations. \n\nKerry Lust \nKerry Lust and her husband Adam are the proud parents of three children\, Carter (19)\, Brandon (17)\, and Jaina (14).  Their journey with autism began when their son Brandon\, was diagnosed at age 4.  Kerry is passionate about advocating for autism awareness\, acceptance\, and support. She currently serves as a board member for the Autism Society of Iowa.  Kerry is a high school social studies teacher and an adjunct psychology instructor at DMACC. \n  \n\nAnne Spaine \nAnn Spaine is a licensed mental health therapist who has worked as a mental health/behavioral health team lead at ChildServe in Johnston since 2021. She loves working with individuals of all ages and has over 12 years of experience as a practicing therapist. Ann has specialized training and practice in trauma-informed modalities\, including Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy\, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing\, Child-Parent Psychotherapy\, and attachment-based interventions. Outside of work\, she enjoys time with family\, reading\, swimming\, running & travel. \n\n\nAbby TeKippe\, M.A. CCC-SLP \nAbby TeKippe graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She worked at Grant Wood AEA for 2 years within their Autism Programs. After moving back home to Des Moines\, she began working for ChildServe Johnston. Abby works within the outpatient therapy setting and is one of the therapists on the Autism team who support kids within the Autism Day Program. She has a passion for supporting individuals to communicate not only to meet basic needs\, but to share opinions\, ask questions\, build connections\, and advocate for themselves. Outside of work\, she enjoys spending time with her three children and reading. \n\n\nEmily Wake\, OTR/L \nEmily Wake graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She worked at an outpatient therapy center in Indianapolis for 2 years before moving to Des Moines. She began working at ChildServe – Johnston in 2019\, providing occupational therapy services in a traditional outpatient setting as well as with children in ChildServe’s ABA and Autism Day Programs. Emily is passionate about supporting sensory regulation and integration and helping create safe and supportive environments where kids can thrive. Outside of work\, she enjoys reading\, playing board games\, and spending time with family and friends. \n_________________________________________________________________________\nTHANK YOU to our 2025 Conference Sponsors!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2025-fall-conference/
LOCATION:Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel\, 1800 50th St\, West Des Moines\, 50266 \, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251019T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251019T170000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250828T182808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T202348Z
UID:5978-1760889600-1760893200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2025 Fall Drive-Thru Event
DESCRIPTION:  \nJoin us on October 19th for a Drive-Thru Fall Event in the Valley Community Center Parking Lot in West Des Moines. Designed for those with Autism and other special needs to enjoy from the safety of their vehicles! FREE entry to drive thru! \nHelp us plan and make sure every one receives a goody bag by registering for FREE here: Drive-Thru Registration
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2025-fall-drive-thru-event/
LOCATION:Valley Community Center\, 4444 Fuller Road\, West Des Moines\, IA\, 50265\, United States
CATEGORIES:Sensory Friendly Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250920T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250920T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250904T195613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250904T195815Z
UID:6007-1758364200-1758369600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Sensory Friendly Movie at FilmScene Iowa City
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n  \nWe are so excited to be partnering with FilmScene in Iowa City to bring more Sensory-Friendly movie options to Iowa families! \n\n\n\n\nJoin us 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲\, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟎:𝟑𝟎 𝐀𝐌 at FilmScene at the Chauncey in Iowa City for a showing of Black Beauty and enjoy dimmed lights\, lowered sounds\, and limited seating to allow room to move around. \n\n\n\n\n\nClick Here to reserve your FREE tickets! 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/sensory-friendly-movie-at-filmscene-iowa-city/
LOCATION:FilmScene at the Chauncey\, 404 E. College St\, Iowa City\, IA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Sensory Friendly Movie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250803T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250803T210000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250716T164856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250716T164856Z
UID:5921-1754247600-1754254800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Siouxland Sensory Friendly Swim
DESCRIPTION:  \nJoin us Sunday\, August 3rd from 7:00-9:00 PM for this sensory friendly swimming event brought to you by the Siouxland Autism Support Group! \n$2 per person or $10 for the whole family! \nEach participant must be accompanied by a family member/caregiver. \n  \nClick Here to Register!\n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/siouxland-sensory-friendly-swim/
LOCATION:Riverside Pool\, 1301 Riverside Blvd\, Sioux City\, IA\, 51106\, United States
CATEGORIES:Outdoor/Recreation,SPLASH/Swim
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250703T190500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250703T213000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250618T004109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250619T175605Z
UID:5818-1751569500-1751578200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Siouxland Baseball Night Out
DESCRIPTION:Join the Siouxland Autism Support Group for a night out with the Sioux City Explorers! Thursday\, July 3rd at 7:05 PM. Fireworks will follow the game! \nOnly $2 per ticket. Families are encouraged to attend. Must RSVP by noon\, June 27th. Tickets will be ready for pick up Monday\, June 30th. \nClick Here for Tickets!\nQuestions? Email Jan at Jturbesplc@gmail.com
URL:https://autismia.com/event/siouxland-baseball-night-out/
LOCATION:Explorers Baseball Club\, 3400 Line Drive\, Sioux City\, IA\, 51106\, United States
CATEGORIES:Outdoor/Recreation
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T160000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250527T201114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T201605Z
UID:5796-1751198400-1751212800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2025 Sensory Friendly Day at the Ballpark
DESCRIPTION:The Iowa Cubs are proud to partner with presenting sponsors Autism Society of Iowa and\nChildServe to host the second annual Sensory Friendly Game at the ballpark on Sunday\, June 29. \nThe home game will begin at 1:08 p.m. versus the Columbus Clippers. \nThe 2025 Sensory Friendly Game will provide an environment designed for children\, teens and\nadults with autism or sensory processing disorders in mind\, so families who have a member with\nspecial healthcare needs can visit\, play and enjoy the game. Special programming and activities\nare planned with modifications\, including the mitigation of sounds and motions as much as\npossible\, designated educational areas\, directional signage and trained volunteers throughout the\nstadium. \nCalming rooms will be available and staffed by ChildServe therapists to provide a safe space for\nthose who may need a break from stimulus at the ballpark. Engaging activities will also be\navailable for those who need to release energy to regulate their bodies\, including the opportunity\nto run the bases after the game. \nPlease join us on Sunday\, June 29! \n  \nClick Here to Purchase Tickets!\n\nClick Here for Social Story
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2025-sensory-friendly-day-at-the-ballpark/
LOCATION:Iowa Cubs Stadium\, Principal Park\, 1 Line Drive\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50309
CATEGORIES:Sensory Friendly Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250430T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250430T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250214T234052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T141516Z
UID:5617-1746014400-1746018000@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 30 Lunch & Learn - Social Skills Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:  \nApril 2025 Lunch & Learn Series\n“Social Skills Opportunities”\nPresented by: Stephanie Robinson (ARNP)\, Jan Turbes\, Christine Weiland (MOT\, OTR/L)\, and Audrey Wood (M.A.\, CCC-SLP)\nClick Here to Register!\n\nObjectives:\n\nAt the conclusion of the presentation\, participants will be able to identify\n\n\n What groups are offered at ChildServe\n\n\n Who will benefit from groups at ChildServe\n\n\nWhat skills groups will be targeted at ChildServe\n\n\n  \nPresenters: \n\nStephanie Robinson\, ARNP received her BA from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Elementary and Special education and her masters degrees from Morningside University. Stephanie has been an educator for 35 years. The first 15 were in the public school system teaching student in K-12+. For the last 20 years\, Stephanie worked at Northwest Area Education Agency (NWAEA) as a special education consultant with a focus in autism and challenging behavior. Stephanie works part-time for the Pier Center in the area of social skills. \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \nJan Turbes was an Autism and Challenging Behavior Specialist within the tri-state area with immense experience in the areas of assessment and treatment of challenging behavior. Jan works part-time with the Pier Center to support a variety of needs for our clients including challenging behavior and social skills. With over a decade of experience in the fields of behavior analysis and autism\, Jan remains one of our biggest advocates for the advancement and continued training of our staff. In addition\, Jan was one of the original board members for the Pier Center for Autism. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nChristine Weiland\, MOT\, OTR/L\, is an Occupational Therapist at ChildServe. Christine has 15 years of experience and is involved with the Autism Day Program\, Feeding program\, and the Life Skills program.  She has experience working with clients in an individual and group setting focusing on ADLs\, IADLs\, sensory regulation\, work\, leisure\, and social skills.  Christine is the Lead Therapist for the Life Skills Program\, where she has been instrumental in the development and education of the Life Skills program over the last ten years at ChildServe. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAudrey Wood\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP is a Speech Language Pathologist at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD). She received her BA and MA at the University of Iowa and is an Iowa Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ILEND) program graduate. She has extensive experience working with children and adults with a variety of communication needs including Autism\, speech and language disorders\, and augmentative and alternative communication. She is a PEERS® Certified provider and Girls Night Out (GNO©) certified provider and has led several PEERS social skills groups for adolescents and young adults\, in addition to frequently providing individualized therapy supporting social communication development.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-30-lunch-learn-social-skills/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250427T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250427T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250326T184514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T185035Z
UID:5713-1745755200-1745762400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Barefoot Autism Challenge Sensory Friendly Adventure
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/barefoot-autism-challenge-sensory-friendly-adventure/
LOCATION:Jester Park\, 11407 NW Jester Park Drive\, Granger\, IA\, 50109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Awareness Event,Outdoor/Recreation,Sensory Friendly Event,Walk/Run
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250423T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250423T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250214T231354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T195106Z
UID:5604-1745409600-1745413200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 23 Lunch & Learn - What Happens After You Receive an Autism Diagnosis?
DESCRIPTION:  \n\nApril 2025 Lunch & Learn Series\n“What Happens After You Receive a Diagnosis of Autism?”\n                     Presented by: Susan Askeland\, Jenny Brodell (M.A.\, CCC-SLP)\, Erika Hertel\,                  and Todd Kopelman (Ph.D.\, BCBA)\nClick Here to Register!\n  \nPresenters: \n \nSusan Askeland graduated from the University of Nebraska with a master’s degree in speech language pathology. She worked for Northwest AEA in Sioux City\, Iowa as a Speech Language Pathologist and a member of the Autism Resource Team for 37 years. In 2013 she moved to Eastern Iowa where she worked as an autism consultant for Grant Wood AEA until her retirement in 2017. \nSue continues to be actively involved in the autism community. She is a board member of the Autism Society of Iowa and past board member of the Corridor Autism Resource Expo (CARE) and the Awesome Autism Awareness and Acceptance Art Project. Sue also facilitates several support groups that currently meet on Zoom. \n  \n \nJenny Brodell\, M.A.\, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She also holds an appointment at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where she participates in interdisciplinary Autism diagnostic evaluations. Jenny has extensive experience working with families and individuals in the area of Autism and pediatrics. \n  \n  \n  \n \nErika Hertel\, MA\, is the program manager for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) at Child Health Specialty Clinics\, with University of Iowa Health Care. She received her BS in Psychology and MA in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa. She is a certified Family Development Specialist through the National Resource Center for Family Centered\nPractice and Family Peer Support Specialist through the Iowa Board of Certification. Erika has experience working with children ages 0-21 and their families in a range of programs focused on prevention\, family education and support\, treatment\, and connection to services. She is an ex-officio member of the Iowa Autism Council\, serves on the Autism Society of Iowa Board of Directors\, and leads the RAP Expert Panel. She is the parent of three young adults\, one of whom has autism. \n  \n\nTodd Kopelman\, Ph.D.\, BCBA is a licensed psychologist and a board-certified behavior analyst. He evaluates children\, adolescents\, and adults for questions about autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental conditions and provides individual therapy for children and adults as well as parent coaching at Meadowlark Psychiatry. \n\nBefore joining Meadowlark\, Dr. Kopelman was a Professor in the University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics Department of Psychiatry. He co-directed the hospital’s Autism Center as well as the Day Treatment Program at The Center for Disabilities and Development. He has worked collaboratively with schools across Iowa to support students with behavioral challenges\, served as Project Coordinator for three federally funded grants investigating the use of telehealth and young children with Autism\, and has co-written several journal articles and book chapters. \nDr. Kopelman is an active board member of the Autism Society of Iowa\, including serving as its President\, and he has helped organize conferences on several topics related to Autism. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry where he continues to teach and mentor graduate students\, medical students and psychiatry residents and conducts interdisciplinary autism evaluations.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-23-lunch-learn-what-happens-after-you-receive-an-autism-diagnosis/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250416T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250416T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250214T223802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T234528Z
UID:5589-1744804800-1744808400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 16 Lunch & Learn - Smiles for All: Effective Oral Care for Individuals with Special Health Care Needs
DESCRIPTION:  \nApril 2025 Lunch & Learn Series\n   “Smiles for All: Effective Oral Care for Individuals with Special Health Care Needs”\nPresented by: Leonardo Marchini\, DDS\, MSD\, Ph.D\nClick Here to Register!\n  \nObjectives:  \nAfter the presentation\, learners should be able to: \n• Describe behavioral challenges and effective communication techniques for oral\ncare in individuals with special health care needs (SHCN). \n• List practical strategies like task breakdown\, rescuing\, distraction\, bridging\, hand-\nover-hand\, and chaining for better oral health care. \n• Explain how to create a positive and supportive environment for oral health care\nby being compassionate. \n  \nPresenter: \n \nDr. Marchini (DDS\, MSD\, PhD) is a Professor and the Chair of the Department of\nPreventive and Community Dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. His research focuses on factors affecting geriatric oral diseases\, conditions and dental treatments\, patients’ satisfaction with dental care\, and the best ways to teach dentistry. He has received 20 external grants\, published seven textbooks\, 20 book chapters\, and 200+ peer-reviewed articles\, resulting in 1\,790 citations and a h-index of 25 (Scopus). He is an Editorial Board member for the Special Care in Dentistry Journal\, Journal of Prosthodontics\, and Brazilian Dental Science Journal\, and the Immediate Past-President of the Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA). \n  \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-16-lunch-learn-smiles-for-all-effective-oral-care-for-individuals-with-special-health-care-needs/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250409T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250409T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250214T221531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T233902Z
UID:5579-1744200000-1744203600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 9 Lunch & Learn - EXPLORE: Experiential Exploration of Postsecondary Learning Options\, Resources\, and Employment
DESCRIPTION:  \n  \nApril 2025 Lunch & Learn Series\n“EXPLORE: Experiential Exploration of Postsecondary Learning Options\,\nResources\, and Employment”\nPresented by: Katie Abrams\, PhD. Transition Coordinator at UI REACH\nClick Here to Register!\n  \nObjectives: \nEXPLORE post-high school options like employment\, trades training\, community college\, and university enrollment. While enrolled\, students develop an action plan based on their post-graduation interests. EXPLORE is a collaboration between Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) and the University of Iowa REACH Program. \n  \nPresenter: \n \nKatie Abrams is the Transition Coordinator at UI REACH located in Iowa City\, on the University of Iowa campus. She obtained her PhD in special education from Washington State University where she was the director of an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program for individuals with Intellectual Disability. Katie’s passions include emerging technology in special education and transition services for students with disabilities. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-9-lunch-learn-explore-experiential-exploration-of-postsecondary-learning-options-resources-and-employment/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250402T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250402T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250214T203757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T204845Z
UID:5564-1743595200-1743598800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:April 2 Lunch & Learn - Toilet Training: Tips\, Tricks\, & Evidence Based Implementation
DESCRIPTION:  \nApril 2025 Lunch & Learn Series\n“Toilet Training: Tips\, Tricks\, and Evidence-Based Implementation”\nPresented by: Samantha Cermak\, Suzanne Richards\, and Maggie Barsetti\nClick Here to Register!\nObjectives: \n\nList the pre-requisite skills to evaluate prior to implementing toilet training.\nRecall toilet training implementation strategies to increase success.\nIdentify evidence-based practices within toilet training research.\nUnderstand some specific intervention techniques offered at ChildServe through the Bowel and Bladder Program.\n\n  \nPresenters: \nMaggie Barsetti \nMaggie Barsetti graduated from Creighton University’s occupational therapy program in 2018\, and she has worked at ChildServe as an occupational therapist since then. She works primarily with children in ChildServe’s Autism Day Program and ABA program. Maggie also works to help coordinate all group for children\, teens\, and adults who receive therapies at ChildServe. Maggie is certified in the Project ImPACT coaching curriculum and enjoys using this training to work with young children and their families to work on goals related to play and communication. \n  \nSamantha Cermak \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\nSuzanne K. Richards\, PhD is a child and adolescent psychologist at Childserve in Johnston\, Iowa\, specializing in the assessment of autism and intervention with individuals with complex medical\, psychological\, social\, and behavioral conditions related to autism. She graduated from The University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 2007 and has extensive clinical experience providing mental health therapy services and assessments in a wide range of settings. In her clinical practice\, she is passionate about children with learning nd social skill challenges. Suzanne has been involved in clinical education and research on multiple topics including trauma\, behavioral challenges\, medical correlates to behavior\, and social skills. Suzanne has served many children\, adolescents\, and their families with behavioral and family systems concerns\, in addition to major mental illnesses and neurodevelopmental disorders. She also consults with and advises schools\, treatment\, and training programs concerning appropriate interventions. Dr. Richards is skilled in developing and evaluating treatment and is dedicated to training students to serve future generations of children.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/april-2-lunch-learn-toilet-training-tips-tricks-evidence-based-implementation/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250325T181500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250325T190000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250211T011603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T011603Z
UID:5526-1742926500-1742929200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:UI REACH Program & EXPLORE Program Informational Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Register today to learn more about the EXPLORE and UI REACH programs!\n~Presented by Michael Petkewec- Program Specialist\, Recruitment\nCome and EXPLORE post-high school options like employment\, trades training\, community college\, and university enrollment. Students of all ability levels (ages 14-21) can join this journey toward self-advocacy and self-determination. While enrolled\, students develop an action plan based on their post-graduation interests. EXPLORE is a collaboration between Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) and the University of Iowa REACH Program \nUI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) is nested in the UI College of Education and is a comprehensive transition program for college-age students with intellectual\, cognitive\, and learning disabilities. UI REACH offers an integrated college experience in a caring and structured environment. Academics\, career and transition\, social growth\, and campus life are areas of focus. UI REACH is a four-year program with early graduation options. \nClick Here to Register!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/ui-reach-program-explore-program-informational-webinar/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250323T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250323T170000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20241220T180746Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241220T180746Z
UID:5314-1742742000-1742749200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Autism Advocacy Day at the Iowa Wild
DESCRIPTION:Join us Sunday\, March 23\, at 3:00 PM for an Autism Advocacy Day at the Iowa Wild! For each $20 ticket sold\, $5 will go directly to Autism Society of Iowa and TravelingWiki Foundation to continue our work for the Autism Community! \nSensory Spaces will be available: Click Here for More Info \nCheck out this social narrative about attending a Wild game: I Am Going to an Iowa Wild Game \nTo purchase tickets\, Click Here!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/autism-advocacy-day-at-the-iowa-wild/
LOCATION:Wells Fargo Arena\, 833 5th Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50309\, United States
CATEGORIES:Awareness Event,Fundraiser
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250307T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250307T153000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250129T194523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250129T194523Z
UID:5488-1741338000-1741361400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2025 Spring Virtual Conference: "Turning Setbacks Into Stepping Stones for Those with Autism"
DESCRIPTION:Autism Society of Iowa (ASI)\, ChildServe\, and Meadowlark Psychiatric Services are hosting a 1- day virtual conference from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday\, March 7\, 2025\, entitled\, Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones for Those with Autism. CEU’s available. \nRegister today by clicking here!\n \n  \nAgenda\n9:00 a.m. – Announcements \n9:05 a.m. – Thriving in Independence: Strategies and Resources for Young Adults with Autism and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions – Presented by Sally M. Rieck\, LISW\, Judy Warth\, BBA\, CESP\, and Tiffany Reaves \nObjectives: \n\n\n\nDescribe the unique challenges experienced by young adults with autism and co-occurring mental health conditions.\nIdentify barriers to achieving independence and self-sufficiency with daily living skills.\nHighlight community\, regional\, and state resources that promote independent living and self-reliance.\nDiscuss strategies and interventions to educate and foster self-advocacy in all environments.\n\n\n\n10:30 a.m. – Break \n10:45 a.m. – Guardianship\, Conservatorship\, and Special Needs Trusts – Presented by Attorney Judy Johnson \n12:00 p.m. – Lunch \n12:45 p.m. – Panel of Adults with Autism – Lived Strategies and Resources for Employment\, Social Outings\, Hobbies and Activities in the Community – Facilitated by Susan Askeland \n1:45 p.m. – Break \n2:00 p.m. – Supporting Independence and Quality of Life for Autistic Youth as They Transition Out of High School – Presented by Benjamin Yerys\, PhD \nObjectives: \n\n\n\nKnow how autistic adults describe their view of how daily living skills supports their independence and quality of life;\nIdentify mental health conditions or symptoms that associate with daily living skills from childhood through adulthood;\nEmerging treatments to promote daily living skills and independence for transition-aged autistic youth.\n\n\n\n  \nSpeaker Information:\nBenjamin Yerys\, PhD \nDr. Yerys is a licensed psychologist. He directs the Advancing Transition and Learning for Adult Success (ATLAS) Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia\, and he is director of the PASSAGE program\, which focuses on transition to adulthood for autistic youth. Dr. Yerys’ research highlights the complex interplay between cognitive functions\, mental health\, and patient-centered outcomes for autistic youth and youth with other neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr. Yerys’ current projects with transition-aged youth include partnerships with self-advocates and caregivers. His overall goal is to improve clinical assessments and targeted interventions to address areas of life that are most important to autistic people and people with other neurodevelopmental conditions. \n  \nJudy Johnson\, JD \nJudy graduated with honors from Drake University Law School in 2006. Judy has a general law practice that includes assisting clients with a variety of legal issues. In the area of family law she works with clients on issues such as: property division\, alimony\, child custody\, visitation\, and child support. Judy also helps families with wills\, trusts\, guardianships\, conservatorships\, and general estate planning. \nJudy’s practice extends into mediation of family law and probate matters. She is a certified family law and probate mediator through the Polk County District Court Mediation Program. \n​Judy has worked on family law cases at the appellate level. Her appellate work includes composing briefs and presenting oral arguments to the Iowa Court of Appeals. \n​Judy prides herself on her compassionate approach to the law and a willingness to provide the attention to detail that is needed in all legal matters. She will provide zealous representation while making sure the client fully understands the process. She invites you to contact her should you have any questions or concerns that relate to her area of practice. \n​Judy is an active member of the Polk County Bar Association. Judy serves on the Polk County Bar Association’s Family Law Committee and strives to stay informed of all developments in family law. She is an active member of the Polk County Bar Probate Section and a member of the Des Moines Area Estate Planners group. \n  \nSally M. Rieck\, LISW\, Social Work Specialist I \nAbout me: I had no idea how passionate I was about advocating for people with different abilities until I started working at the Center for Disabilities and Development in 2018. This is by far the most rewarding place I’ve worked at Iowa Healthcare since starting my career here almost 13 years ago. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult\, and I truly feel that reflecting on my past and present struggles and embracing my own neurodiversity helps me to connect with patients and families in a unique and valuable way. \nIn my life outside of work\, I love spending time with my family\, which includes my husband\, our nearly 10-year-old daughter who is an aspiring Olympic gymnast and crazy cat lady in training\, and of course our two cats-Smokey and Freckles. My other favorite things include laughing\, gardening\, and spray painting old plant pots. \nRole at CDD/Transition to Adult Healthcare: As a clinical social worker at the CDD\, my primary role is to educate families of children and young adults with disabilities about resources and services specific to their needs\, and to assist them in applying for things like waivers and Medicaid. Providing emotional support as parents cope with new (and sometimes previous) diagnoses of autism and intellectual disability is also a huge part of this role. As the social worker for the Transition to Adulthood Clinic\, my role is very similar\, with the focus being on ensuring patients and their teens/young adults are connected with all the right resources to foster independence and success after high school. We address waivers and other types of funding for services\, SSI\, and substitute decision making such as guardianship or less restrictive alternatives. \n  \nJudy Warth\, BBA\, CESP\, Program Manager \nAbout me: I am insatiably curious about everything except knitting. I love the adventure of helping people have the lives they want and deserve to have. My motto is that if it is not fun\, don’t do it! My work revolves around values\, employment\, self-advocacy (health-care\, employment and sexual)\, transition to adulthood\, leadership and community inclusion. I support\, train and work for people with disabilities in schools\, families\, businesses\, community rehabilitation programs and clinics. I also love animals\, kayaking and communing with God and Nature. \nRoles within the UCEDD/CDD: My work is diverse including job coaching and job development\, teaching classes for job coaches and job developers through Iowa APSE\, serving as LEND core-faculty for self-advocates and community trainees\, working with youth and teams within the Iowa City Community School District to transition from school to work\, supporting the MFP team on employment related issues and staffing the CDD Transition to Adulthood Clinic.
URL:https://autismia.com/event/spring-conference-2025/
CATEGORIES:College,Education,Employment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250301T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250301T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20250213T175559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T175559Z
UID:5534-1740852000-1740859200@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Siouxland Sensory-Friendly Swimming Event
DESCRIPTION:  \nJoin us Saturday\, March 1st\, from 6:00-8:00 PM for this sensory friendly swimming event brought to you by the Siouxland Autism Support Group! \n$3 per person or $10 for the whole family! \nEach participant must be accompanied by a family member/caregiver. \nClick Here to Register!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/siouxland-sensory-friendly-swimming-event/
LOCATION:Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA | Siouxland Y\, 601 Riverview Dr\, South Sioux City\, NE\, 68776\, United States
CATEGORIES:Sensory Friendly Event,SPLASH/Swim
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250222T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250222T170000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20241219T202421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241219T202451Z
UID:5303-1740236400-1740243600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Sensory-Friendly Valentine's Dance
DESCRIPTION:Join us Saturday\, February 22 for a sensory-friendly Valentine’s Dance with a live DJ\, refreshments\, and photo ops! Lights will be turned up\, sounds turned down\, and sensory spaces available. \n$10 per participant OR $40 per family (families of 4 or more). All participants must be accompanied by a family member or caretaker. \nClick Here to register!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/sensory-friendly-valentines-dance-2/
LOCATION:Prairie Ridge Church- Ankeny\, 825 NW 36th St\, Ankeny\, IA\, 50023\, United States
CATEGORIES:Sensory Friendly Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250125T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250125T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20241213T192106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T150736Z
UID:5294-1737799200-1737806400@autismia.com
SUMMARY:Sensory-Friendly Showing- Frozen
DESCRIPTION:Click here to register!\nJoin us for a FREE sensory-friendly showing of ‘Frozen’! Thanks to the generous support of the BWA Foundation\, each attendee will also receive a free small popcorn and medium drink!
URL:https://autismia.com/event/sensory-friendly-showing-frozen/
LOCATION:The Varsity Cinema\, 1207 25th Street\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50311\, United States
CATEGORIES:Sensory Friendly Movie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250116T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250116T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20240703T163419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T171328Z
UID:5046-1737014400-1737028800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2025 Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day on the Hill
DESCRIPTION:Click Here to register!\n\nJoin us for the 15th Annual Autism Advocacy & Acceptance “Day on the Hill” event at the Iowa State Capitol on Thursday\, January 16\, 2025\, on the First Floor West Wing.\n\n\n8:00 a.m. – Registration Begins\n9:00 a.m. – Rally\n10:30 a.m. – Photo on the steps\n10:45 a.m. – Advocacy Training and Meeting with Your Legislator\n12:00 p.m. (approximate) – Proclamation Signing with Governor Kim Reynolds in Room 109 (space permitting)\n  \n  \nThis event is hosted by the Autism Society of Iowa with the following partners:
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2025-autism-advocacy-and-acceptance-day-on-the-hill/
LOCATION:Iowa State Capitol\, 1007 E Grand Ave.\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50319\, United States
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Awareness Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241214T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241214T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20241003T153012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T184917Z
UID:5207-1734170400-1734177600@autismia.com
SUMMARY:POSTPONED! Sensory Friendly Showing of Frozen
DESCRIPTION:Due to projected inclement winter weather\, the sensory-friendly showing of “Frozen” scheduled for Saturday\, December 14\, has been postponed. \nThe showing will now be held on Saturday\, January 25\, at 10:00 a.m. at The Varsity Cinema. \n 
URL:https://autismia.com/event/sensory-friendly-showing-of-frozen/
LOCATION:The Varsity Cinema\, 1207 25th Street\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50311\, United States
CATEGORIES:Sensory Friendly Movie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241101T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241101T210000
DTSTAMP:20260429T124137
CREATED:20240703T163709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241010T222119Z
UID:5050-1730484000-1730494800@autismia.com
SUMMARY:2024 Autism Society of Iowa Benefit Auction
DESCRIPTION:To register for the 2024 ASI Benefit Auction\, click here. \nThe Autism Society of Iowa is holding its 36th Annual Silent and Live Auction to raise money for those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders in the state of Iowa. This annual event includes many wonderful items up for bid including tickets to local events\, autographed sports items\, handmade quilts and gift baskets.\nThe silent auction preview will begin at 6pm with the live auction beginning at 7pm. \n \n\n\n\n[table id=1 /]
URL:https://autismia.com/event/2024-autism-society-of-iowa-benefit-auction/
LOCATION:Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel\, 1800 50th St\, West Des Moines\, 50266 \, United States
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR