Join us for a webinar series designed for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Learn from expert guest speakers as they share practical tools, strategies, and insights on a variety of important topics. All webinars are offered through Zoom.
Registration is required.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
6:00-7:30pm
New Year, New You: Optimizing Your Child’s Adjustment to a New School Year
Kick off the school year with confidence! This practical session offers caregivers actionable strategies to support their child’s transition back to school. Learn how to build effective routines, reset sleep schedules, navigate IEP meetings, and prepare for common challenges, including unpredictable weekends and last-minute routine changes. Designed for families of children on the autism spectrum, this interactive session will help you create a smoother, more successful start to the year.
Following participation in the seminar, participants will be able to:
• establish and implement effective morning, evening, and sleep routines to support a smooth transition into the school year
• prepare for and engage more effectively in IEP meetings and school communication to advocate to their child's needs
• identify and apply strategies to manage unstructured time, such as weekends and unexpected schedule changes, to reduce stress and promote consistency.
Presenter Bio:
Stephanie Fox, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in a community outpatient practice in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. She provides individual and family therapy, as well as diagnostic evaluations, for clients across the lifespan. Dr. Fox earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University at Albany, SUNY. She previously held positions at the UPMC Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders (CADD) and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) at UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Fox’s clinical interests include early identification of autism and other developmental differences, complex differential diagnosis, and family-centered care.
Thursday, October 16, 2025
6:00-7:30pm
Safeguarding Youth with Autism from Cyberbullying: Practical Strategies for Families and Caregivers
This session will provide families and caregivers with practical, research-based strategies to help protect youth with autism from the risks of cyberbullying. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, support social and communication skill development, and foster positive relationships at home, in school, and online. Emphasis will be placed on tools that families can use immediately to build resilience, promote digital safety, and strengthen supportive connections for their children.
Following participation in the seminar, participants will be able to:
1. Identify common risk factors and warning signs of cyberbullying among youth with autism.
2. Apply practical strategies to strengthen social and communication skills that reduce vulnerability to online victimization.
3. Implement family- and school-based approaches for monitoring, responding to, and preventing cyberbullying incidents.
Presenter Bio:
Chad A. Rose, Ph.D., is a Professor at the University of South Carolina and a leading researcher on bullying prevention and the social experiences of students with disabilities, including youth with emotional and behavioral disorders and autism. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and previously directed the Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab at the University of Missouri. A former special education teacher, Dr. Rose now works nationally and internationally to provide families, schools, and communities with practical, research-based strategies that promote safety, resilience, and positive relationships.
Thursday, November 13, 2025
6:00-7:30pm
Neuropsychological Issues Affecting Students with Autism in Daily Life
This seminar will explore how neuropsychological factors influence the daily functioning of students with autism at home, in school, and in the community. We will discuss common challenges in executive functioning, attention, memory, communication, and social-emotional skills, and provide practical, evidence-based strategies that families can use to support their child’s success across settings.
Following participation in the seminar, participants will be able to:
1. Identify common neuropsychological domains affected in autism and how they influence daily functioning
2. Recognize signs of executive functioning, attention, memory, and communication difficulties in home, school, and community settings
3. Apply practical strategies to support skill development and independence in children with autism
Presenter Bio:
Paula Zuffante, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist with a subspecialty in pediatric neuropsychology. She earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a neuropsychology specialization from the University of Florida and completed advanced training at Brown University and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Dr. Zuffante is the founder of Children’s Neuropsychological Services, PLLC, where she evaluates and supports children and adolescents with neurological and developmental conditions. She also provides training, consultation, and supervision, and serves on committees for the New York State Association of Neuropsychology and the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
6:00-7:30pm
Supporting Emotional Regulation in Neurodiverse Children: Considerations & Strategies for Setting Children Up for Success
Holidays, while joyful, can also be stressful. For neurodiverse individuals the change in their routine, anticipation, uncertainty, and many other factors, can lead to heightened emotionality (positive or negative) that may lead to “big” emotions. This presentation will focus on these challenges and highlight proactive strategies to both minimize distress and further support the development of emotional regulation skills.
Following participation in the seminar, participants will be able to:
1. Identify proactive strategies to reduce instances of dysregulation.
2. Identify strategies to implement as early warning signs emerge.
3. Identify strategies to increase the acquisition and generalization of emotional regulation skills.
Presenter Bio:
David L. Meichenbaum, Ph.D. is a NYS licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of developmental and mental health disorders. For the past 20+ years, Dr Meichenbaum has served as both the Clinical Director of the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic and the Director of Community Consulting and Clinical Services at The Summit Center in Amherst, NY. Dr. Meichenbaum is a highly sought after consultant and presenter, offering practical cognitive and behavioral strategies that target social, emotional, adaptive, and behavioral development for neurodiverse children.
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD Albany) offers this seminar at no cost to participants living in New York State through a grant from the New York State Education Department. The funding is administered by The Research Foundation for SUNY. The out-of-state resident registration fee is $5.
PAST EVENTS
Supporting Your Adolescent with Autism
A three-part series offered at no cost to families with autistic children.
Below please find the registration links to the recordings of our sessions.
Areas discussed include:
* Unique needs of autistic adolescents experiencing puberty
* Considerations and support needs with regard to communication and social relationships
* Fostering organizational and time-management skills as well as independence in all areas of adaptive functioning
PART ONE
Part One Recording Registration Link
Handouts:
PART TWO
Part Two Recording Registration Link
Handouts:
PART THREE
Part Three Recording Registration Link