This month’s Lowcountry autism events roundup includes a rescheduled Art in the Dark, a Puberty & Sexuality Workshop, a major autism research opportunity, and more!
The events below are listed with new or one-time events first and recurring events next, so be sure to read through the end.
Project Rex Reports
Groups Begin This Week!
A big thank you to all of our Project Rex families and community members for responding so quickly to our latest Group announcements!
Our School-Age and Pre-Teen/Teen Groups start up this week (the first week of May, that is), with approximately a dozen participants in each group. This is fantastic!
Want to catch the next round of Groups in September? Sign up for our email list to stay in the loop.
MUSC SPARK Study Launches
As the MUSC article Large, innovative autism project sparks hope for better treatments reports, The Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK) has launched a nationwide genetic study with the ambitious goal of enrolling 50,000 families.
This massive undertaking will to allow scientists to better understand the genetic changes that contribute to autism.
MUSC is the South Carolina clinical partner for SPARK and will be serving the entire state. Stay tuned for a formal announcement and new Research page here on our site.
If you want more information now, feel free to call 843-876-8504 or visit the MUSC-specific section of the SPARK website.
Dr. Gwynette to Speak at Clearly Present’s Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy for Autism Consensus Meeting
Project Rex founder Dr. Frampton Gwynette will give a talk on a new clinical study of TMS and ASD as part of the nonprofit Clearly Present Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy for Autism Consensus Meeting in San Francisco from May 9-10, 2017.
Dr. Gwynette’s talk, “Dispatches from the State of the Science”, will take place on Tuesday, May 9 at 2:45pm.
Check out the TMS study page on our site to learn more about this exciting research!
Save the Date for Dr. Gwynette’s Technology and Mental Health Talk in Charleston
Our very own Dr. Frampton Gwynette will present at MUSC’s 30th Annual Update in Psychiatry conference, with a focus on Technology and Mental Health!
His talk, “Autism Spectrum Disorder: An update on Gaming, Social Media and Technology” will take place on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 11:30am.
Register for the conference so you won’t miss it!
New or One-Time Events
Apologies from Monkey Joe’s, Plus Free Jump Passes
Monkey Joe’s North Charleston management extends their apologies for the internal mix-up regarding the announced (but not hosted) autism awareness month event that we shared in last month’s roundup.
They’ve asked us to spread the word: any autism families inconvenienced by the mix-up can stop by the North Charleston location to receive a free jump pass.
(Rescheduled) Art in the Dark
Local artists, it’s time to showcase your ability! Synergy Supportive Services LLC and AccessAbility invite people with disabilities to display their talent in Visual Arts, Performance, or Craft at Art in the Dark. This year’s theme is “Breaking Through Barriers”.
Art in the Dark will be held on Thursday, May 25th, 2017 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm at AccessAbility, 7944 Dorchester Road, Charleston, SC 29418.
Why participate?
First, you’ll have a chance to win prizes; first, second, and third place awards will be provided for each category.
Next, you’ll have an opportunity to showcase and sell your work to attendees.
Finally, you’ll have a chance to meet other budding artists, enjoy music, food, and community too.
How to Register and Attend
All participating artists must register in advance to be eligible for prizes!
Email Nathan Todd (Ntodd@abilitysc.org) or Kurtis Whitehead (Kwhitehead@abilitys.org) to register.
Art in the Dark tickets are $10, and they are available for purchase at the door or online. Children and young adults receive free admission. The ticket price includes complimentary wine and snacks.
Lowcountry Puberty & Sexuality Workshop (Free!)
The South Carolina Autism Society presents a new 2 hour training on puberty and sexuality.
Date: Saturday, May 27, 2017
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Location: Charleston Main Library, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Click here to register for free now.
To navigate puberty we are asked to quickly develop new social skills and implement them correctly.
Parents will leave this training with the knowledge to start taking on all the various challenges that come along with puberty and transitioning into adulthood.
We cover basic topics such as bodily changes, privacy, and personal hygiene.
We will discuss more in depth topics such as consent, safe sex, sexuality and gender identity, intimacy, and healthy relationships.
Most importantly, we will be giving the parents the tools they need to actually have “The Talk” with their individuals with ASD.
Click here to register for free now.
Piece It Together Summer Program
The Lowcountry Autism Foundation is pleased to announce that this year’s Piece It Together Summer Program is open for registration!
This comprehensive program is designed for teens and young adults, ages 14-26 that want to promote brain health and may have high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other mild neurodevelopmental sensitivities.
The program will be 6 weeks from June 13 – July 25 from 2:00 – 3:30 at the MUSC Wellness Center. Registration deadline is June 1, so act soon!
Please view the below flyer for more information and contact Carrie Papa with any questions at 843-876-1507 or papa@musc.edu.
Ongoing Events
Special Adult Network of Dentists (via Family Connection SC)
Do you or someone you know have special healthcare needs? Are you having difficulty finding a dentist to provide dental care in your area? Contact us so that we may assist you in finding the dental care you need!
The Special Adult Network of Dentists is a project of the Medical University of South Carolina to connect adults with special needs to dental care providers in all areas of the state.
Contact: Joan McLauren, SANDs Program Coordinator at 843-876-0059, mclauren@musc.edu
Charleston Young Adult ASDs
Charleston Young Adult ASDs is a social enjoyment group for young adults (17-32 +/-) in the autism spectrum in the Charleston area. Its purpose is to give individuals the opportunity to:
- Practice different social scenarios in a safe and non-judgmental environment
- Connect with others like them (and realize they’re not alone!)
- Develop skills (through fun activities) to navigate life more smoothly
- Increase chances to make/keep friends and get/keep a job
- Share experience, strength and hope
To get involved, join the Meetup page or the private Facebook group (just click “Join Group” so an admin can approve your request).
Autism Family Network of the Lowcountry
This Facebook group was created to provide South Carolina families a chance to get together to discuss and share topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Click here to join today.
Also note that the Autism Family Network of the Lowcountry (supported by the Lowcountry Autism Foundation) also has a Parent Training and Support Group that meets monthly in Summerville on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm at Bethany Methodist Church.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Charleston Meeting
The Charleston-area NAMI meeting takes place in Moncks Corner on the first Tuesday of the month.
This month’s meeting is Tuesday, May 2 from 6 – 7:15pm at Moncks Corner Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 500 E. Main St., Moncks Corner, SC 29461.
This meeting is for both individuals in recovery and family and friends of people with mental illness. All meetings are confidential. For a full list of Charleston-area NAMI meetings, visit the NAMI Charleston Area website.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s SuperStars
SuperStars is a FREE, registration-required event in which children with special needs and their families can visit the Museum, explore, and play without the crowds and over-stimulation. The Museum is open before-hours on the second and fourth Sundays of every month from 10am-12pm for this event.
Click here to learn more and register for SuperStars.
Parent Support Group for families of children with Asperger’s, HFA, & related conditions
Location: Cherokee United Methodist Church, 2105 Cosgrove Avenue, North Charleston
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm every Tuesday
For families of children with Aspergers, HFA, Anxiety & Related Conditions
Share your concerns and tips with other parents who understand what it’s like to raise a child with special needs. Give and get support in a safe and non-judgmental place.
Free childcare is provided. Contact Tracie Hayward at thayward@familyconnectionsc.org for more info.
Follow Us on Social Media
We do our best to post local events on social media, so Like us on Facebook and follow on Twitter to stay current. And don’t forget to sign up for our email list to stay in the loop on the latest Group announcements, events, and autism-related offerings.
~ The Project Rex Team
