Family Connections

Spring Newsletter: Autism Acceptance Month & Family Resources

Welcome to the Spring Newsletter! This edition is dedicated to supporting our families, especially those with Autistic and neurodiverse students, by focusing on connection, education, and acceptance.

Inside, you will find:

  • Upcoming AISD family events and workshops, including our Austin iSD Empower Hour series.
  • Practical tips from the team to help with sensory play, routines, and mindful regulation at home.
  • A guide to community events and sensory-friendly outings celebrating Autism Acceptance Month, including the Texas Autism Walk and resources from local organizations.
 

Important Updates & Information

Summer Camp Guide 2026 is Ready!  

Each year, Austin ISD works with local school districts to curate a comprehensive list of summer programs and camps specifically designed for special education students and their families. Whether you are looking for therapeutic programs, inclusive recreational camps, or specialized skill-building workshops, the updated guide is now available. You can download the guide in English and Spanish. Greenleaf will also be holding suimmer camps, click here for that information. 

 
Family Events

Sessions are in English. To request interpretation in Spanish or any other language (including ASL), you must register 24 hours in advance. Please RSVP using this link: tinyurl.com/33u78ec7

📅 Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Empower Hour: Behavior Basics - Is it Behavior, Social Emotional or Sensory?

Presented by Michelle Atanu of Avilo Pediatrics 

This workshop will help participants learn how to add structured sensory input as an instructional technique to help counter challenging behavior and sensory concerns in the home, classroom and community setting. Child caregivers, teachers and parents will leave the workshop with general knowledge of the sensory system, the mind/body and apply it to transform a child’s challenging behaviors.

RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/33u78ec7  

🕛 12 PM  | Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions 

 

📅 Tuesday, April 7, 2026 Empower Hour on the Road: The "Second Shift" Practical Tools for Home and Community

Presented by Bree Rolfe & Janette Ramirez

Your workday doesn’t end when the school bus arrives. This session will help you build a toolkit of strategies to help support your child at home and connect you with essential community resources. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies to support your child’s independence and bridge the gap between school and home.

🕛 7:45 AM  | Perez Elementary School 7500 S Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78744

 

📅 Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Empower Hour: Empowering Twice-Exceptional Learners in AISD

Presented by Blake Haygood

Do you have a child who may be gifted (GT) with a learning difference? Being "Twice-Exceptional" (2E) means your child has strong intellectual or creative needs along with other learning needs. We invite you to join us for a conversation about the 2E experience in Austin ISD. We’ll share how our departments work together to recognize these students, value their perspectives, and provide the right support for success.

RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/33u78ec7  

🕛 12 PM & 6 PM | Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions 

 

📅 Saturday, April 11, 2026 Learning without Tears Family Workshop - In Person Event!

Presented by Deb Green 

Join us for a hands-on Learning Without Tears workshop designed to help parents support their student's handwriting and literacy skills. Expert trainers will share stress-free techniques for home practice, and the first 25 families to RSVP will receive a free handwriting kit!

RSVP: http://bit.ly/4qQvh8c  

🕛10 AM - 12 PM  | Carver Branch Library 1161 Angelina St. Austin, TX 78702

📅 Wednesday April 15, 2026  Empower Hour: Trauma & The Sensory Brain Part One

Presented by the Center for Child Protection 

This presentation will explore how early trauma can impact children’s development, emotional regulation, and behavior, while providing actionable strategies to help caregivers create trauma-responsive environments that support the unique needs of every child.

RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/33u78ec7  

🕛 12 PM & 6 PM | Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions 

 

📅 Saturday April 18, 2026 The Transition Team presents Special Education Long Term Planning

Presented by Advanced Planning Group

Learn how to secure your child’s future through coordinated legal and financial planning. This session covers Special Needs Trusts, ABLE accounts, and government benefits (SSI/Medicaid) to ensure lifelong care and quality of life without risking benefit eligibility. This event is open to all families and caregivers of students who receive special education services. RSVP: http://bit.ly/4bnKdVv

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Austin High School 1715 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78703

 

📅 Wednesday April 22, 2026  Empower Hour: Trauma & The Sensory Brain Part Two

Presented by the Center for Child Protection 

This is the second part of the training from the week before. We will continue to explore how early trauma can impact children’s development, emotional regulation, and behavior, while providing actionable strategies to help caregivers create trauma-responsive environments that support the unique needs of every child. 

RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/33u78ec7  

🕛 12 PM & 6 PM | Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions 

 

📅 Wednesday April 29, 2026  Empower Hour: Empowering Students in the ARD Process

Presented by Courtney Gregori & Judith LeBlanc

Join the Special Education Transition Team for a session dedicated to fostering self-determination through active student participation in ARD meetings. We will discuss practical strategies for students to transition from attendees to leaders, beginning with introducing committee members and progressing to providing direct input on their own goals and accommodations. By encouraging students to take ownership of their IEP, we empower them to develop the essential self-advocacy skills necessary for post-secondary success.

RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/33u78ec7   

🕛 12 PM & 6 PM | Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions 

Celebrating Acceptance & Awareness:

While United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd, in Austin ISD, we celebrate both Acceptance and Awareness all month long. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions, and it is important to remember that autism looks different for everyone. Individuals with autism may experience challenges with communication, changes in routine, and social interaction. As the Centers for Disease Control notes, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today, and each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges.

Resources and Connection:

Whether you are looking for support, advocacy tools, or sensory-friendly outings, there are many organizations and resources ready to connect with you. Families can access valuable tools and guidance through:

Texas SPED Support and Texas Project First, which offer a wide range of professional development, instructional strategies, and evidence-based practices. Resources in Spanish are also available.

The SpedTex website, including the Texas Autism Supplement.

Practical Tips from the Special Education Team
 

💙 Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month: Tips for Families

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we’ve gathered some practical strategies and sensory-friendly ideas to support your child’s development and daily comfort. These small adjustments in routines, environment and communication can make a big difference in helping children feel secure, regulated, and understood.

🎨 Sensory Play & Exploration

Engaging the senses is a powerful way to support fine motor skills and emotional regulation.

  • Customizable Sensory Bins: Start with a simple base such as rice, beans, or a water table. Add figures or toys to keep it interesting, and swap out "extras" periodically to keep the activity fresh.
  • The "Rip & Shred" Box: Fill a box with scrap paper. Letting your child rip paper with their hands is not only a great fine motor workout but can also be incredibly calming and regulating.
  • Shaving Cream Doodles: Spray shaving cream on a flat surface for a messy, fragrant, and fun sensory experience. It’s an excellent "canvas" for practicing letters, numbers, or shapes.

🕒 Building Predictable Routines

Consistent routines can reduce anxiety by helping children with what to expect next.

  • Visual Schedules: Use pictures or simple words to map out daily routines. To encourage independence and choice, allow your child to choose the order of activities within a scheduled block (e.g., "At the park, do you want the slide or the swings first?").
  • The "Two-Minute" Warning: Unexpected transitions can be difficult. Always provide a warning before changing activities, such as: "In two minutes, we will brush our teeth."
  • Use "First-Then" Language: This simple structure helps clarify expectations and motivation:. For example: “First brush your teeth, then you may read a book.”

🧘 Mindful Regulation & Support

Understanding how your child experiences and processes the world can help guide supportive  responses.

  • Honor Processing Time: After asking a question or giving a direction, pause for several seconds before speaking. Many children benefit from extra time to process verbal language and organize their response.
  • Monitor Sensory Input: Environments with loud sounds, bright lights or crowded spaces can sometimes feel overwhelming.
  • Offer Regulation Breaks: If your child begins to feel overwhelmed, a brief break can help them reset. Options may include taking a short walk, spending time in a quiet space, or using a preferred sensory tool.

Every child is unique, and strategies that work for one child may look different for another. The goal is to create supportive environments for your child to feel safe, valued and understood.

 
Community Resources

Join the The 18th Annual Texas Autism Walk

This is a flagship event for the Austin/Central Texas autism community. It is a fantastic opportunity for families to come together, enjoy a resource fair, and participate in a community walk.

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Walk begins at 10:30 AM)

Location: Lakeline Park, Cedar Park (just northwest of Austin)

Details: The event includes an awards ceremony, entertainment, and a resource fair. Participation is open for in-person attendance or virtual support. Register here! 

Enjoy Sensory-Friendly Outings

April is a great time to visit local venues designed with sensory regulation in mind:

Play & Movement: Explore inclusive play at the Play for All Abilities Park, which features a dedicated "Retreat Pod" for sensory breaks. You can also visit sensory gyms like We Rock the Spectrum and Little Land Play Gym.

Movie Nights: Take advantage of sensory-friendly film programs where lights are dimmed and sound is lowered. Check out AMC Theatres (2nd and 4th Saturday of every month) or the Alamo Drafthouse "Alamo for All" screenings.

If you are looking for a stress-free outing, mark your calendars for the next sensory-friendly movie night hosted by Superior HealthPlan. Each month, they partner with local theaters to provide a family-friendly film at no cost, specifically for families affected by autism and sensory processing disorders. These showings take place in a dedicated auditorium environment that features brightened light levels, reduced sound volume, and plenty of space for movement and guest interaction. Please note that no advance registration is required, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis for families of children with special needs.

The next event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14th, at 5:30 p.m. at Galaxy Theatres Austin, located at 6700 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX 78752. You can learn more about the program and find additional resources through the Superior HealthPlan website. We hope you and your family can enjoy this wonderful, inclusive opportunity together!

Special Education Family Advisory Council logo

The Special Education Family and Community (SEFAC) Advisory Committee is a dedicated group of parents, caregivers, educators, and community members working together to strengthen special education in Austin ISD. SEFAC provides valuable input and feedback to help shape policies, improve services, and ensure that family voices are heard at every level.

We encourage all families to get involved—whether by attending meetings, submitting a public comment, or simply staying informed. Your experiences and insights help us build a stronger, more inclusive community for all students. Click here to learn more about the committee or here to submit a Public Comment. To apply for membership on an AISD Advisory Committee, please complete and submit the standard application form: English / Spanish.

We also invite families to share their ideas for what the committee should focus on this school year. If you have suggestions for topics or agenda items, please share them using our public comment form.

🧩 Thank You for Being a Vital Part of Our Team
 We’re proud to partner with you to support your student's success in Austin ISD Special Education.

🗣️ Questions or Feedback?
 Email our Family Learning & Engagement Specialist bree.rolfe@austinisd.org

📚 Need Resources?
 Visit our Special Education website for tools, supports, and info.

📲 Stay Connected
 ✔ Download the Austin ISD App  and follow the Special Education Department
✔ Follow us on Instagram: @aisdspecialeducation

💙 Together, we build strong connections—one student, one family at a time.