PALS -Providing Autism Links & Support

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PALS -Providing Autism Links & Support PALS is the nonprofit for UCF CARD constituents, aiding those with autism and related disabilities.

PALS exists to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Central Florida by fostering personal development, community inclusivity, and equitable opportunities through collaboration with community organizations. PALS (Providing Autism Links & Support) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving the autism community across Central Florida. Founded in 2002 by a group of passionate parents whose children were registered with the newly opened University of Central Florida Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (UCF-CARD), PALS was created to provide opportunities that go beyond the services CARD could offer. Check out our website for more infomration about us, our upcoming events, and the programs available: https://flpals.org

How were autistic traits understood long before the concept of "autism" even existed? 📜Join us at the 34th Annual Statew...
10/10/2026

How were autistic traits understood long before the concept of "autism" even existed? 📜

Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide Autism Conference for a comprehensive session with Christina Spencer, M.A.!

In Autism Before Autism: Historical Constructions of Neurodivergence (B3E), trace how cultural beliefs and medical paradigms have shaped autistic lives across centuries—from ancient interpretations to modern neurodiversity movements centered on dignity, autonomy, and acceptance.

This session will explore:
• Major historical periods and belief systems that influenced societal views on autistic traits.
• The rise of the neurodiversity movement and its impact on policy and community acceptance.
• How neurodiversity-affirming frameworks challenge deficit models to uplift autistic dignity.

📅 January 16, 2027 | ⏰ 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Register NOW for Early Bird Rates! Visit https://cardconference.info or click the link in our bio.

☀️ Park & Play Day: Time to climb, slide, and connect! 🛝Join PALS AEIOU & Family for a fun, inclusive morning at Suseda ...
10/10/2026

☀️ Park & Play Day: Time to climb, slide, and connect! 🛝

Join PALS AEIOU & Family for a fun, inclusive morning at Suseda Park in Brevard County!

This event is a wonderful opportunity for semi-structured playtime, where your little ones can play, interact, and make new friends. Our PALS Facilitators and UCF CARD ASD Specialist Jennifer Collins will be on-site to lead icebreakers and support the children as they engage with one another.

To register, scan the QR code, click the link in our bio, or visit: https://apark1017.eventbrite.com

Have you registered yet? 🎾 Get ready to hit the courts this October! Fall – Session 2 of our Adaptive Tennis Classes wit...
10/10/2026

Have you registered yet? 🎾 Get ready to hit the courts this October! Fall – Session 2 of our Adaptive Tennis Classes with Love Serving Autism at UCF is just around the corner!

In partnership with USTA Florida, these classes are designed to provide a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment for participants to build confidence, learn new skills, and stay active on the court.

🗓 When: Saturdays (10/17 - 10/24)
⏰ Ages/Time: 7-11 | 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM • 12-18 | 10:45 AM to 11:30 AM
📍 Where: University of Central Florida
12800 Gemini Blvd S, Orlando, Florida 32816

📲 Registration: Scan the QR code or visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/orlando2026/event/orlando
(The current registration link is active for Fall - Session 1, and will only update to Session 2 when Session 1 ends)

Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide Autism Conference for an insightful session with Austin Lubetkin, M.S.E.!In A Decis...
10/09/2026

Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide Autism Conference for an insightful session with Austin Lubetkin, M.S.E.!

In A Decision-Analytic Machine Learning Study for Autism Screening in Toddlers Using Python (B3D), discover how evaluating item-level responses rather than cumulative scores can improve early referrals—identifying up to 4 more children per 100 for screening.

This session will explore:
• Why item-level response patterns provide stronger predictive value than total screening scores.
• How to assess clinical utility using discrimination, calibration, and decision curves.
• Key limitations in applying machine learning to autism datasets, including bias and transportability.

📅 January 16, 2027 | ⏰ 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Register NOW for Early Bird Rates! Visit https://cardconference.info or click the link in our bio.

🚨 Last call to hit the ice with PALS and Gliding Stars! ⛸❄️Registration is closing soon for our Family Ice Skating Day t...
10/09/2026

🚨 Last call to hit the ice with PALS and Gliding Stars! ⛸❄️

Registration is closing soon for our Family Ice Skating Day this Monday. Spaces are still available, so make sure to grab your spot before sign-ups close.

Event Details:
• When: Monday, October 12, 2026 | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• Where: Orlando Ice Den (Maitland)
• Cost: $10/person (includes 45 min skate time, rental, cookies & lemonade)
• Who: Open to families with one or more registered UCF-CARD constituents (Ages 6+)

Secure your tickets today! Scan the QR code, click the link in our bio, or register at: https://fglide1012.eventbrite.com

⏰ Last Chance to Register! 🚨Enrollment for our Session B Social Enhancement Programs is closing! Classes begin in late O...
10/09/2026

⏰ Last Chance to Register! 🚨

Enrollment for our Session B Social Enhancement Programs is closing! Classes begin in late October (dates vary depending on group age), so don't miss your chance to secure a spot.

PALS Social Enhancement Programs are multi-week classes with an engaging, accessible curriculum developed specifically for ASD students. Each course is tailored to age ranges and ability levels to build targeted skills that foster greater independence.

Across each session, participants focus on:
• Social and communication skills
• Emotional regulation
• Self-advocacy & independence

Ways to enroll:
📲 Scan the QR Code on the last slide
🔗 Click the link in our bio (under October events)
🌐 Visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftamlOxJ8O6uAHe1JeS8XvHRA6lIjZuIQtvcxmJ6eRMYigYA/viewform?pli=1

🔑 Form Password: Email [email protected] or contact your ASD specialist to request it.

What if everyday home routines are the missing key to lifelong independence? 🏠Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide Autis...
10/08/2026

What if everyday home routines are the missing key to lifelong independence? 🏠

Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide Autism Conference for an empowering session with Denise Barnes, M.A.!

In Building Independence from the Inside Out: Essential Home Skills that Foster Work Readiness and Self-Determination (B3C), discover how everyday activities—from household chores to decision-making—can be intentionally used to teach essential life and employment skills. Learn evidence-based frameworks to help individuals shift from dependence to autonomy, moving from external prompting toward self-initiation and authentic self-determination.

This session will explore how to:
• Identify key home-based skills that support independence, work readiness, and self-determination.
• Apply evidence-based strategies—including task analysis, prompting hierarchies, and reinforcement—within daily routines.
• Develop sustainable home plans that foster responsibility, accountability, and autonomy.
• Support self-determination through intentional choice-making, goal-setting, and self-management.

📅 January 16, 2027 | ⏰ 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Register NOW for Early Bird Rates! Visit https://cardconference.info or click the link in our bio.

Tickets for the Creative Connections program at the Orlando Museum of Art are officially SOLD OUT! 🎉🎟️❌Thank you so much...
10/08/2026

Tickets for the Creative Connections program at the Orlando Museum of Art are officially SOLD OUT! 🎉🎟️❌

Thank you so much to everyone who grabbed their spot—we can’t wait to see you there! 🖼️✨

⚠️ Important Reminders:

Adult Supervision: All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Attendance Policy: Failure to cancel at least 24 hours in advance may restrict attendance for future OMA events.

Data educates, but personal stories give humanity to care and drive real systemic change. 📖Join us at the 34th Annual St...
10/07/2026

Data educates, but personal stories give humanity to care and drive real systemic change. 📖

Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide Autism Conference for an inspiring session with Tamika Lecheé Morales & Hugo Morales!

In Storytelling in Autism Advocacy: Turning Narrative into Impact (B3A), explore how personal narrative bridges the gap between raw data and meaningful change. Through lived experience, the journey of The Autism Hero Project, and a short impact film, discover how authentic storytelling can become a catalyst for community action, policy influence, and institutional progress.

This session will explore how to:
• Understand how personal narrative influences public perception, institutional decisions, and systemic reform.
• Utilize storytelling as both an authentic lived experience and an effective strategic advocacy tool.
• Structure and shape your own advocacy story using guided prompts and a purposeful narrative framework.

📅 January 16, 2027 | ⏰ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Register NOW for Early Bird Rates! Visit https://cardconference.info or click the link in our bio.

We are officially SOLD OUT! 🛑🙌Thank you so much to our incredible community—registration for our upcoming Sunshine Spect...
10/07/2026

We are officially SOLD OUT! 🛑🙌

Thank you so much to our incredible community—registration for our upcoming Sunshine Spectrum Support Group session at 4Roots Farm is officially full!

If you missed out this time, don’t worry! We will be hosting this event again in November. Keep a close eye on our social media pages for upcoming announcements and registration details. 📲

Address

12424 Research Pkwy, Ste 365
Orlando, FL
32826

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14078236020

Website

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