Finding Cooper's Voice | Welcome to the Secret World of Autism

The Shoreline Center presents Kate Swenson Lecture, Grand Haven, Michigan
2023-11-02 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | The Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd., Spring Lake, 49456
The Shoreline Center presents Kate Swenson Lecture
Kate Swenson will share her story and present for 60 minutes followed by book signings and meet & greet time.
Learn more about Kate by visiting her Facebook page Finding Cooper’s Voice.
The Trillium Event Center
17246 Van Wagoner Rd.
Spring Lake, MI 49456
Thursday, November 2, 2023
at 7:00 pm
Purchase tickets through the TSC

Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group
2023-11-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Central Park Valley Creek A Room, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury, MN, 55125, United States
Please join us at the next Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group with Kate Swenson from Finding Coopers Voice.

Date: Tuesday November 14, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. CST
Woodbury, MN
You MUST register for this event: https://goo.gl/maps/Btw9Pr6cr1oskbLh9
ADULTS ONLY. All parents and caretakers welcome.
You must register by Saturday 11/11/23 with who is attending. There is a limit of 35 slots available.
Any questions please reach out to Theresa Duffy at theduffy1028@gmail.com
Tentative Date of 3rd week of January for next meeting!

A Night with Kate, Adrian, and Carrie
2023-12-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Daniel’s Music Foundation, 1595 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York, 10029
Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice, Adrian Wood of Tales of an Educated Debutante, and Carrie Cariello of What Color is Monday are coming to New York City!
There are 70 tickets available to join Kate, Adrian, and Carrie for a 30 minute presentation at Daniel’s Music Foundation at 7:30 pm immediately followed by a meet and greet and book signing. The book signing and meet and greet will start at 8 pm. Attending the book signing is free but please grab a free ticket so we know how many folks to expect.
NOTE: If you buy a ticket for the presentation, you do NOT need to get a ticket for the following book signing. You are included.
Kate and Carrie will both have copies of their books, Forever Boy: A Mother’s Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy and Half My Sky: Autism, Marriage, and the Messiness That Is Building a Family available for sale and will accept cash or card. Grab a photo too!
Register HERE: A Night with Kate, Adrian, and Carrie Tickets, Mon, Dec 11, 2023 at 7:30 PM | Eventbrite

Join me in Grand Portage, MN
2024-01-18 17:30 - 20:00 | Grand Portage Community Center, 73 Upper Rd, Grand Portage, MN, 55605
Join parent and advocate Kate Swenson as she reflects on her family’s journey through an autism diagnosis, early intervention, and transition to school services, and the emotional toll these processes can take on a family. In this presentation she will discuss the transformation she made as not only a parent, but as a person, and the support that parents need from professionals, family members, and those within their community to help their family adjust to this new chapter of life.

5:30 pm: Community Dinner
6:15 pm: Presentation by Kate followed by a book signing and meet and greet.
Register with Lynn at lsheils@grandportage.com or 218-475-2234

Coop's Troop Book Club with Carrie Cariello
2024-01-31 19:30 - 21:00 | Wisconsin
Join Kate and members of her supporter group for Book Club Discussion #1 of 2024. We will be discussing Carrie Cariello’s Half My Sky. Carrie will be joining us as well to answer questions.

Every month we choose a different book to read and discuss virtually. This is one of my favorite groups! Zero pressure. Just read, join us via zoom, and discuss.

Carrie’s book: https://a.co/d/huUQqMb

This event is for members of Kate’s supporter group. Anyone can join! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/becomesuppo…/findingcoopersvoice/

Family Voices of North Dakota - Presentation
2024-02-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Galdstone Inn, 111 2nd ST NE, Jamestown, North Dakota
Free Family Engagement Event!

Join us for a Family Event Meet and Greet with Kate Swenson/Finding Coopers Voice. She writes about the joys and challenges of having a child diagnosed with autism.

Kate Swenson, founder of Finding Cooper’s Voice, launched her website in November of 2014 in secret from her living room. She knew something was different about her son. She searched for a safe space, both online and in person, and couldn’t find one. So, she created one. Her writing speaks to the secret world of autism, the day-to-day wins and struggles and the joy that comes from it.

Register Here: Free Family Engagement Event (constantcontact.com)

North Dakota Special Education Conference 2024
2024-02-02 09:00 - 15:00 | Galdstone Inn, 111 2nd ST NE, Jamestown, North Dakota
Join me for a keynote presentation at the North Dakota Special Education Conference 2024.

ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY: https://forms.gle/oy5iYSCJ6ciM1j1NA

Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 ~ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM “ND Hot Legal Topics” Meredith L. Vukelic, Lawyer
Location: Jamestown Middle School – Thompson Room

Thursday, February 1st, 2024 ~ 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
“Trending Special Education Topics” Karen Haase, Lawyer Gladstone Inn

Friday, February 2nd, 2024 ~ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Keynote Speaker: Kate Swenson – Finding Cooper’s Voice
Mini Sessions: School Discipline, Policy, and Procedures;
Round Table Discussions; Assistive Technology and Behavior Strategies

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
GLADSTONE INN
JAMESTOWN, ND 58401
Reservations: 701-252-0700
Reserved for $96.30/night
“NDCEC” Conference
Sponsored by: ND Depart of Public Instruction – Office of Specially Designed Services, ND Council of Administrators in Special Education, ND Council for Exceptional Children and James River Special Education Cooperative

Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group (Woodbury, MN)
2024-02-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Central Park Valley Creek A Room, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury, MN, 55125, United States
Please join us at the next Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group with Kate Swenson from Finding Coopers Voice. Our topic of discussion will be Consumer- Directed Community Supports (CDCS) Waivers.

Guest Speaker: Stacey Vogele, Esq.
CDCS certified Support Planner

Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) is a flexible service option that allows individuals and families to design a service plan that meets their needs by allowing choice in who to hire, as well as the ability to purchase approved goods and services.

Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/…/30E0E4FA4AC22ABFB6…

Date: Wednesday 2/21/24
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. CST

Location: Central Park
Valley Creek A Room
8595 Central Park Place
Woodbury, MN 55125

ADULTS ONLY. All parents and caretakers welcome.
You must register by Saturday 2/17/24 with who is attending. There is a limit of 40 slots available.
Any questions please reach out to Theresa Duffy
Next meeting will be in April 2024.

Rising Moms Caregiving Retreat - Lake Geneva, WI
2024-03-02 - 2024-03-03 | Lake Geneva, WI, Lake Geneva, WI
I am so excited to announce that I will be the keynote speaker at Rising Moms Caregiving Retreat in Lake Geneva, WI on March 2 and 3rd.

Are you a caregiver looking for a break? Join us for a rejuvenating retreat designed to help you recharge, connect with others, and improve your caregiving skills.

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, relaxing activities, and connect with other moms who share similar journeys.
Sign up for our retreat today and give yourself the break you deserve!

Event Details

Your retreat experience includes the following…
Saturday, March 2nd- 10:30 am- 11:30 Retreat Check-in
Welcome Lunch and Reception
-Resources Fair
-Keynote speaker – bestselling author of Finding Cooper’s Voice and inspirational speaker Kate Swenson, including a meet and greet and book signing opportunity.
-Two large group self-care workshops with resources and supplies included.
-Saturday Evening 3- course dinner
-Sunday morning breakout sessions
-Sunday Brunch
-Swag Bag and much more
Sunday, March 3rd, 3:30 pm- Retreat Closing

Keynote Presentation with St. Mary’s County Public Schools Partners for Success in Maryland
2024-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Forrest Career & Tech Center, 24005 Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown, Maryland
Join parent and advocate Kate Swenson as she reflects on her family’s journey through an autism diagnosis, early intervention, and transition to school services, and the emotional toll these processes can take on a family. In this presentation she will discuss the transformation she made as not only a parent, but as a person, and the support that parents need from professionals, family members, and those within their community to help their family adjust to this new chapter of life.

Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Forrest Career & Tech Center
Dohrman Room B
24005 Point Lookout Rd Leonardtown, MD 20650

This event is free, but registration is required.
To Register, email Robyn Roberts at partnersforsuccess@smcps.org

Forever Parents, An Autism Support Group (Woodbury, MN)
2024-04-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Wild Boar Bar & Grill, 950 Helena Ave N, Oakdale, Minnesota
Please join us at the next Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group with Kate Swenson from Finding Coopers Voice. Our topic of discussion will marriage and family.

Guest Speaker: We will have a marriage and family therapist leading us in discussion.

Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/…/30E0E4FA4AC22ABFB6…

Date: Thursday, April 18th, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. CST

NEW LOCATION for APRIL 2024 Meeting!!!
Wild Boar Bar & Grill
950 Helena Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Wild Boar Bar and Grill – Oakdale – Oakdale, MN

Support Group will be held in the meeting room.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site

ADULTS ONLY. All parents and caretakers welcome. This would be a great night to find a babysitter.

Please register by Friday 4/12/24 with who is attending. There is a limit of 40 slots available.

Any questions please reach out to Theresa Duffy at theduffy1028@gmail.com

June’s Meeting: Tuesday June 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. for Happy Hour at Union 32 in Eagan.

ConnectStrong Conference; Charlotte, North Carolina
2024-04-27 08:00 - 17:00 | UNC Marriott Conference Center / Charlotte, NC, Charlotte, NC, United States
Join Autism Strong Foundation for a full-day event that will be unlike other autism conferences. ConnectStrong is geared to help families navigate the world of autism with more knowledge, support, and resources while making strong connections to build a community of people who truly understand.

Your ticket includes entry plus:

Information for the entire ASD spectrum, all ages, and NC/SC-specific information
Experts, Professionals, and Parent Speakers
Resource Providers, Bookstore and Merchandise
Usage of our Interactive Conference App, Whova
Meals, drinks, and discounted parking
Recorded access to all sessions post-event

Register here: Event Website (whova.com)
Enjoy Opening and Closing KEYNOTE Sessions with Authors:
Dr. Barry Prizant and Kate Swenson
Additional Breakout Session Topics to include:

Just Diagnosed, Now What?
Medicare/Medicaid
Private Insurance
IEP 101
Special Education Rights
Guardianship
North Carolina State Resources
South Carolina State Resources
Puberty and Autism
Navigating the Diagnosis
What is ABA and Red Flags
Special Planning
and MORE!

Finding Joy in the Secret World of Autism - Ashland WI
2024-05-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Ashland, WI, Ashland, WI
**Please note this date has been changed to Friday, May 24th.
ASHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT INVITES YOU TO AN EVENING WITH THE BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF FOREVER BOY, FEATURED ON THE TODAY SHOW, CREATOR OF “FINDING COOPER’S VOICE” AND SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT/ADVOCATE, KATE SWENSON.
KATE WILL CANDIDLY SHARE HER FAMILY’S JOURNEY NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF SPECIAL NEEDS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION. SHE WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH, INSPIRE, AND EMPOWER YOU. IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS TOUCHED BY THE WORLD OF SPECIAL NEEDS THEN THIS MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU.
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024
6:00 PM
ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
“THIS EVENT IS FREE”

Care for the Caregiver Retreat 2024 - South Hill, Virginia
2024-05-31 | South Hill, Virginia, South Hill, Virginia
The More Than Project, along with Finding Cooper’s Voice and Families Embracing Autism Together, is hosting their third annual Care for the Caregiver Retreat in South Hill, Virgina!
This full day event will include keynote speakers, Carrie Cariello of What Color is Monday, Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice, plus breakout sessions by Amanda DeLuca and Mandi Calhoun, on May 31st, 2024 in South Hill, Virgina.
Tickets include light breakfast, lunch, snacks, yoga and mimosa’s, two drink tickets for the afterparty, speakers + breakout sessions, vendor access, book signing/meet & greet, and more.
There will be a limited number of tickets available to attend the VIP party held the night prior on May 30th in South Hill.
This event will be focused on you, the caregiver and helping you learn, make a friend, feel seen, and more. You won’t want to miss this life changing event. We are so excited to get to know you!
Register HERE: Care for the Caregiver Retreat 2024 Tickets, Fri, May 31, 2024 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite
Additional Information:
This event is for female caregivers only and attendees must be over the age of 21. There will not be childcare available at this event.
Closest airports for air travel are Raleigh, NC or Richmond, VA – each are about an hour from venue so rental car will be necessary.
We will have hotel rooms blocked and will share more information with those who register. Rooms will range from $130-$160 a night.

"Finding Autism Acceptance and Joy" Virtual Webinar
2024-06-27 12:00 - 14:30 | Wisconsin
Join Us for an Informative Webinar “Finding Autism Acceptance and Joy” on June 27, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. CST.
What will you learn in this webinar?
Join us live as Kate Swenson, writer of the blog Finding Cooper’s Voice and author of the memoir “Forever Boy,” shares her story of parenting Cooper and finding joy in autism. Listen for the chance to ask your questions to Kate and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Mercedes Wood. During this no-cost event, you can learn more about:

Parenting a Child with Autism

Self-Care for Parents

Resources for ADOS-2, ABA Therapy, & Parental Support

This event is free but you must register here: https://hubs.ly/Q02vM-1X0

MERGE: Mobile
2024-07-19 08:30 - 15:00 | Dayspring Baptist Church, 2200 Cody Road, Mobile, Alabama, 36695
MERGE is a one-day mind-blowing experience that will encourage you, equip you, and then send you out to have the best school year ever!
MERGE: Mobile
Welcome to MERGE: Mobile! Join us for an exciting event at Dayspring Baptist Church. MERGE is designed to bring teachers, student leaders, and guests together in this unique development approach. With the emphasis of a teacher-designed conference, we hope that you will come together with us and move forward better for the next school year.
Who can attend MERGE? Anyone! The cost includes two meals, a conference shirt, door prizes, and loads of quality tutorials on how to be a more inclusive educator and leader of our differently-abled students.
Tickets are $30.00.
Register HERE: MERGE: Mobile Tickets, Fri, Jul 19, 2024 at 8:30 AM | Eventbrite

Date and time

Friday, July 19 · 8:30am – 3pm CDT

Location

Dayspring Baptist Church
2200 Cody Road Mobile, AL 36695

Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group
2024-07-20 17:30 - 20:30 | Wild Boar Bar & Grill, 950 Helena Ave N, Oakdale, Minnesota
Please join us at the next Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group with Kate Swenson from Finding Coopers Voice.
Date: Tuesday August 20th, 2024
Time: 5:30.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST
Initial food and drink need to be ordered by 6:00 p.m.
REGISTER HERE: Coops’ Troops Minnesota: Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group (signupgenius.com)
AT NEW LOCATION
Wild Boar Bar & Grill
950 Helena Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Wild Boar Bar and Grill – Oakdale – Oakdale, MN
Support Group will be held in the meeting room.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site
Group presentation and conversation will start around 6:30
ADULTS ONLY. All parents and caretakers welcome.
Please register by Friday 8/16/24 with who is attending. There is a limit of 55 slots available.
Any questions please reach out to Theresa Duffy at theduffy1028@gmail.com
October Meeting: Tuesday 10/22/24 starting at 5:30

Love the Mess Event in Oshkosh, WI (Keynote + Resource Fair)
2024-08-27 17:00 - 20:00 | Time Community Theater, 445 N Main St, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 54901
Join Love the Mess as we welcome advocate Kate Swenson as she reflects on her family’s journey through autism diagnosis, early intervention, transition to school services, and their emotional toll. She’ll discuss her transformation as a parent and person, and the support that parents need from professionals, family members, and the community. You’ll laugh, cry and find hope!

Doors open at 5 pm for this FREE event – services fair, presentation at 6, book signing & meet and greet afterward ($10 suggested donation).

Please register for this FREE event here: Autism Activist Kate Swenson (of Finding Cooper’s Voice) presentation, Live! (wellattended.com)

More Than a Caregiver Respite Retreat at Moon Beach 2024
2024-09-13 | Moon Beach, St. Germain, Wisconsin
The More Than Project and Finding Cooper’s Voice are hosting their 2nd annual More Than a Caregiver Respite Retreat at Moon Beach in St. Germain, Wisconsin with special guest, Laurie Hellman.
The camp sits on 110 acres between Eagle River and St. Germain on the shores of Moon Lake and Little Saint Germain Lake. Enjoy quiet and clear waters, mixed forests with many nature trails, an abundance of wildlife, and some of the best stargazing around!
Caregivers often feel isolated and misunderstood. This retreat offers a break from daily stress in a beautiful Wisconsin camp setting.
During the Caregivers Retreat, you can share your story, life experiences and meet others who understand what it means to support a loved one with special needs – in a safe, supportive environment where caregivers can interact and learn from one another.
This event will be focused on you, the caregiver and helping you learn, make a friend, feel seen, and more. You won’t want to miss this life changing event.
REGISTER HERE: Retreat at Moon Beach – Sept 15-17, 2024 – Finding Cooper’s Voice | Welcome to the Secret World of Autism (findingcoopersvoice.com)

Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group
2024-10-22 17:30 - 20:30 | Wild Boar Bar & Grill, 950 Helena Ave N, Oakdale, Minnesota
Please join us at the next Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group with Kate Swenson from Finding Coopers Voice.
Date: Tuesday October 22, 2024
Time: 5:30.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST
Initial food and drink need to be ordered by 6:00 p.m.
REGISTER HERE: Coops’ Troops Minnesota: Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group (signupgenius.com)
AT NEW LOCATION
Wild Boar Bar & Grill
950 Helena Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Wild Boar Bar and Grill – Oakdale – Oakdale, MN
Support Group will be held in the meeting room.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site
Group presentation and conversation will start around 6:30
ADULTS ONLY. All parents and caretakers welcome.
Please register by Friday 8/16/24 with who is attending. There is a limit of 55 slots available.
Any questions please reach out to Theresa Duffy at theduffy1028@gmail.com

Coop's Troops Trunk or Treat
2024-10-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Woodbury, MN
Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat

Coop’s Troop invites you to our special Halloween celebration designed with all abilities in mind!
Our Trunk or Treat event is an inclusive and sensory-friendly experience tailored for children with special needs and their families. Enjoy a safe, welcoming environment where every child can participate in the magic of trick-or-treating, free from the typical barriers that can make traditional events challenging.
At our Trunk or Treat, you’ll find thoughtfully decorated trunks, each offering treats and non-food goodies suitable for children with allergies and specific dietary needs. The event will feature low-sensory spaces, with no loud noises or bright lights, allowing guests to enjoy Halloween at their own pace. Beyond collecting treats, kids can engage in fun games, crafts, and activities that encourage social interaction and skill-building in a supportive atmosphere.
We welcome costumes but understand they’re not for everyone—come as you are and know there will be no awkward questions. This event is open to all family members, so bring siblings along to share in the fun! Remember, adults must be accompanied by a child, and a maximum of two adults per child is allowed.
This is a Coop’s Troop event. Please join here: https://www.facebook.com/findingcoopersvoice/subscribe/
This event will be held in Woodbury, MN.
Join us for a fantastic, inclusive Halloween celebration where every child is celebrated and welcomed. We can’t wait to see you there!

RISE Summit 2024 hosted by Puzzle Pieces in Kentucky
2024-10-25 - 2024-10-26 | Owensboro, Kentucky, Owensboro, Kentucky
Save the Date! I’m coming to Kentucky for the RISE Summit 2024 hosted by Puzzle Pieces

Date: October 25-26, 2024

Location: Owensboro, Kentucky

RISE stands for Redefining Inclusion, Support, and Empowerment, which is exactly what we hope to do at this conference.

Who is RISE for? Any parents and caregivers of loved ones with disabilities. The Summit will emphasize a comprehensive perspective on topics relevant to families raising children or adults with disabilities, transcending specific disability categories.

We are the most excited to announce our Keynote Speaker – Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice! Kate is a bestselling author and reaches more than a million followers across her platforms. She has also co-founded The More Than Project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the caregiver and special needs family units as a whole.

Stay tuned for more details!
Let’s rise together.

Self-Direction Connection Conference - Mankato, MN
2024-11-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Wisconsin
I am so excited to be speaking at the Self-Direction Connection Conference in Mankato, MN on November 1st. This conference looks so informative for families who have a member with a disability.
Focusing on self-directed services in Minnesota, the Self-direction Connection Conference is asking people with lived experience to share your knowledge with one another. In a first of its kind conference in Minnesota people will gather to discuss trends and their experience using Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG).
Meet other people using CDCS and CSG and connect with one other. Visit with old friends and make new ones.
REGISTER HERE: Self-Direction Connection Conference (harrymeyeringcenter.org)
Cost is $40. Scholarships are available. Also, people using CDCS and CSG can use their budget for trainings, speak with your Support Planner or Case Manager for assistance.
For accommodations related to disabilities please contact Harry Meyering Center at 507-387-8281 or email at info@harrymeyeringcenter.org.
This conference is a project of the National Center on Advancing Person-centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS) through their Self-direction Learning Collaborative. Collaborating organizations: Best Care, Family Voices of Minnesota, Harry Meyering Center, Nicollet County.

Special Education Conference 2024 - Wisconsin
2024-11-14 - 2024-11-15 | Wisconsin Dells
Special Education Conference 2024

Date: November 14-15, 2024
Location: Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Overview
Join hundreds of your colleagues from around the state and Midwest to learn, relax, network, and gather new ideas and resources at our 11th Annual Special Education Conference at the Kalahari.
We have some great keynote speakers scheduled including Mills Rodgers and Kate Swenson.
Mills is a national speaker on topics related to education equity of diverse populations, mental health, and personal development. He is a champion of children with special needs, with a daughter being disabled and having been a special education teacher.
Kate Swenson is a mother of a son with autism and will walk you through his journey from diagnosis, to early intervention, to transition to school services and the emotional toll these processes take on a family. Be prepared to be inspired, moved, cry and laugh.
We will start accepting proposals (reduced registration fee) now and will open registrations in March.

REGISTER HERE: Special Education Conference 2024 | Overview | EdEvents.org

Pricing

Regular Pricing

Conference

Participant
$295.00

Full Time Student
$159.00

Parent of a Student with a Disability
$179.00

Presenter
$139.00

Autism Northwest - Thunder Bay, Ontario
2024-11-20 18:30 - 21:00 | Thunder Bay, Ontario
I’m coming to Canada! I am so excited. Join me on November 20th in Thunder Bay, Ontario for my keynote presentation, Finding Joy in the Secret World of Autism.
AUTISM NORTHWEST in partnership with Lakehead Public School Board SEAC
Wednesday November 20th 2024 6:30 pm
Superior Collegiate & Vocational Institute 333 N. High Street Thunder Bay ON

8 Ways to Prepare Your Autistic Child for the Holidays - FREE WEBINAR with Kate Swenson
2024-12-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Wisconsin
Join Action Behavior Center for a Webinar with Kate Swenson, author of Forever Boy
8 Ways to Prepare Your Autistic Child for the Holidays
December 11, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CST
The holiday season can bring unique challenges to families of children with autism. While many look forward to festive gatherings and routines, these times can add stress and complexity to daily life for autism families. Join us on December 11 for a heartfelt and practical webinar with Kate Swenson, autism mom and founder of Finding Cooper’s Voice, and Mercedes Wood, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Action Behavior Centers. Together, they will share invaluable insights on ways families can make the holidays twinkle a little more.
This event is FREE but you must register: 8 Ways to Prepare Your Autistic Child for the Holidays
During this no-cost webinar, you can learn more about:

Setting realistic expectations for family traditions and adapting holiday activities for your child’s comfort.

Communicating with family members about your child’s needs and any accommodations, like quiet spaces, food preferences, or limiting physical interactions like hugs.

Using visual aids and stories that outline what to expect before an event to reduce feelings of anxiety.

How to balance holiday experiences for siblings and find ways to give them enjoyable memories alongside their autistic sibling.

This is a no-cost event, but space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group
2024-12-12 17:30 - 20:30 | Wild Boar Bar & Grill, 950 Helena Ave N, Oakdale, Minnesota
Coops’ Troops Minnesota
Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group

Please join us at the next Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group with Kate Swenson from Finding Coopers Voice.

REGISTER HERE: Coops’ Troops Minnesota: Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group

Date: Thursday December 12, 2024
Time: 5:30.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST
Initial food and drink need to be ordered by 6:00 p.m.
AT NEW LOCATION
Wild Boar Bar & Grill
950 Helena Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Wild Boar Bar and Grill – Oakdale – Oakdale, MN
Support Group will be held in the meeting room.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site
Group presentation and conversation will start around 6:15
Speaker: Marriage Therapist Jonathan Boorman
ADULTS ONLY. All parents and caretakers welcome.
Please register by Friday 12/6/24 with who is attending. There is a limit of 55 slots available.
Any questions please reach out to Theresa Duffy at theduffy1028@gmail.com
February 2025 Meeting: Date TBD starting at 5:30

Autism Social & Mental Health Conference - San Diego, California
2025-02-07 | Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Blvd, San Diego, California
SAVE THE DATE! Friday, February 7, 2025
SPIEC: Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center
8695 Spectrum Center Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123

2025 Conference Details

The Autism Society San Diego invites you to join parents, ASD individuals and professionals at the state of the art Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center in San Diego to learn about the social and mental health needs of autistic children and adults, effective treatments and where to find resources. Whether you are new to the journey or have years of experience, you will walk away from the conference with information and resources to improve the quality of life for your loved ones, your clients and for yourselves.
Gain new information, strategies, and resources to help maximize how to effectively improve their quality of life at the conference.
Speakers and Presenters Include:

Licensed Therapists

Licensed Psychologists
Counselors
Community Professionals
Service Providers

The Conference Fee Includes:

Conference Swag Bag
Access to Resource Fair
Lunch
Complimentary Coffee and Snacks
Parking
Special Book Signing Event during the lunch break with keynote speaker, Kate Swenson, Author of Forever Boy: A Mother’s Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy.

Cost:

$100 ASD Individuals
$200 General Registration

We are pleased to announce that Regional Center funding is available and more information will be available soon.
Keynote Speaker: Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson is the creator of the blog and Facebook page Finding Cooper’s Voice and author of Forever Boy: A Mother’s Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy.
She speaks regularly about autism, parenting and motherhood, and is a contributor to Today Parents, the Today show, Her View from Home and the Love What Matters blog. Her mission is to create a safe space for families of children and teens with special needs to come together and laugh, cry and support each other. She lives in Minnesota with her family of six. Her oldest son, Cooper, has severe non-verbal autism.
Read more about Kate here

Website: https://www.findingcoopersvoice.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findingcoopersvoice

Keynote Presentation - Save the Date - Woodstock, IL
2025-03-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Woodstock High School Auditorium, Woodstock, IL

Keynote Presentation - St. Cloud, MN
2025-03-27 18:00 - 20:30 | Tech High School, 4200 33rd Street South, St. Cloud, MN
Join me in St. Cloud, Minnesota at Tech High School on March 27th at 6:00 pm for my keynote presentation, Finding Joy in the Secret World of Autism.
