This month’s Lowcountry autism events roundup includes Summer Hangouts, major autism research opportunities, free beach yoga for autism parents, 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

Announcing Upcoming Group Offerings

We will be running the following Groups starting in August and September; exact dates to be announced soon:

If you know you want to join in on these Groups, now is the perfect time to schedule your required intake meeting. Just call (843) 792-0037 and request a Project Rex Assessment.

Want to stay in the loop about Groups and other events? Sign up for our email list.

Summer Hangouts Start Thursday, June 8th

Autism ADHD Services Charleston SC

You’re invited to weekly FREE Hangouts starting Thursday, June 8, 2017.

Hangouts happen weekly on Thursdays from 4:00pm-5:30pm up to and including Thursday, August 10, 2017.

Hangouts will be held at MUSC IOP 5 South, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425.

Hangouts are a place where participants can come in and socialize, as well as play games and complete fun activities along with their peers.

Ages 11+ are welcome to join us for this open-house style event. (Parents can come and socialize in the parent room next door too.) We have several members of our staff present, and no food is provided.

If you plan to attend please RSVP via the form below, or by clicking here. (That said, if you have trouble with an RSVP any reason, just come to the party anyway!)

Want to help spread the word? Click here for a hi-res, print-ready Hangouts flyer.

MUSC SPARK Study Launches

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. Visit our SPARK Autism page for more details or join SPARK Today!

 

New or One-Time Events

Piece It Together Summer Program

The Lowcountry Autism Foundation’s Piece It Together Summer Program registration closes today, June 1! To register, contact Carrie Papa at 843-876-1507 or papa@musc.edu.

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 runs 6 weeks from June 13 – July 25 from 2:00 – 3:30 at the MUSC Wellness Center.

Free Beach Yoga for Autism Parents and Caregivers

Folly Beach Island Yoga invites Autism parents and caregivers to join them on the sand for a free beach yoga class Thursdays at 6 p.m. during the month of June on Folly Beach, SC.

Class is open level. No experience with yoga is necessary– bring cold water and an oversized beach towel or yoga mat if you prefer.

To register, please message Folly Beach Island Yoga on their website or Facebook page, or call 843-513-3004 for more information.

Free Golf and Life Skills Program with The First Tee of Greater Charleston

Via The Lowcountry Autism Foundation’s website listing:

For the third year in a row, The First Tee of Greater Charleston is pleased to offer a session of complimentary programming to young people (ages 7-18) who are participants of their partnering agencies: Lowcountry Autism Foundation, Special Olympics, and Family Connection.

Location: Patriots Point Golf Club (1 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant)

Dates and times: Monday, June 12-July 24 (no class July 3) 11:30-12:30

Cost: Free!

What to expect: This six-week session will be an activity-based introduction to the game of golf as well as The First Tee’s Nine Core Values (including responsibility, respect, and sportsmanship). The First Tee will provide access to developmentally appropriate equipment for each participant to use. Participants should wear comfortable clothes (tee shirts and shorts – no jeans), sneakers, and bring a water bottle with them. Parents are invited to stay with their child for the entirety of the class, if they wish.

Return forms to the Program Director Meghan Taylor no later than Wednesday, June 8th. Forms will be accepted in a first-come, first-served basis, and the class will be capped at 8 participants. For questions, please email Meghan at Meghan@thefirstteegreatercharleston.org.

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 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.

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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