Autism Society Central Virginia

10/14/2026

We have exciting news! ASCV has received a Healthy Communities Action Team grant from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth - VFHY! 💚

We’ve brought together a team of caregivers, community partners, wellness professionals, and ASCV staff who share a goal: making it easier for autistic youth and their families to explore healthy habits in ways that work for them.

Together, we’re already creating more opportunities for movement, cooking, and wellness while addressing barriers to participation. We want everyone to have the tools, encouragement, and support to discover their strengths and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Meet the team:

• Isabel Badeau: Occupational Therapist & Group Fitness Instructor
• Suzanne Burns: COO, Heart Havens & Adaptive Yoga Teacher
• Staci Carr, PhD: Assistant Professor, VCU
• Jennifer Dickerson: Occupational Therapist, Hanover County Public Schools
• Rachel Garmon-Williams: Personal Trainer & Adaptive Exercise Coach
• Jon Greene: Director of Teen & Adult Programs, ASCV & HCAT Coordinator
• William Hamilton: Personal Trainer & FitAbility Volunteer
• Lauren Hurson: Director of Programs, ASCV
• Sherry Klauer: Clinical Social Worker, Fitness Coach & Yoga Teacher
• Nyesha Nicholas: Parent, Educational Advocate & Consultant
• Michaela Richmond: Youth Programs Manager, ASCV
• Crystal Stokes: Community-Based Services & Inclusive Programming

Thank you to the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth for helping make this possible, and to our team members for sharing their time, experience, and ideas!

We have exciting things planned for 2027 and look forward to sharing what’s ahead. Stay tuned!

10/13/2026

Three years of beautiful portraits and so much heart! 💙 Thank you to Christian Rumley Photography for spending this past weekend capturing members of our ASCV community as we prepare for our gala, just over a month away.

Family portraits can sometimes feel daunting. Christian brings kindness, patience, and experience that help everyone feel at ease, giving families space to be themselves and capturing the joy along the way.

We’re so grateful for her generosity in donating her time and talent. This year, she’s also joined our gala committee, helping make the evening even more special. Thank you, Christian, for all you bring to our community!

10/12/2026

**Update: Thank you so much to everyone who has applied for our Thanksgiving Assistance round. We have reached our maximum for applications and are unable to accept new applications at this time. Applications for Winter Holiday Assistance will open November 2. If you would like assistance connecting with other local resources please reach out to us at [email protected]!**

As the holidays approach, we are looking forward to many opportunities to gather together for celebrations of gratitude and community, from Friendsgivings and holiday parties, to everything in between.

We believe every family deserves a special holiday season filled with peace, joy and time to connect with their loved ones. Our annual Holiday Giving Tree program supports our local autism community by providing financial assistance for holidays meals and gifts, easing financial burden so that our families can focus on the things that matter most 💛

We are excited to announce that applications for Thanksgiving support are now open! Learn more, view eligibility guidelines, and apply today ➡ https://ascv.org/holidaygivingtree/

10/10/2026

Our Self-Advocate Meetups are always a good time 🎉 From board game nights and outdoor adventures to exploring the world of virtual reality, this crew is ready to try anything with the support of each other!

Swipe through to see some great memories from past self-advocate meetups and get a sneak peek of where we're headed for our next meetup...

Get ready to step into the spotlight...there's still time to join us on Monday, October 19th as we check out the coolest new spot in town - Great Big Game Show!

Participants will experience the excitement of a live game show as they work together, take on entertaining challenges, and cheer one another on. It will be a fun and welcoming evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and opportunities to connect with other adults in the ASCV community.

Interested in joining us or learning more? Find more details on the registration page and don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions! Link to register ➡https://bit.ly/4rUEgHg

10/08/2026

Calling all dads, grandpas + other paternal caregivers! 🍻

Join us at WayGone Brewery on Tuesday, October 13 from 6–7 p.m.

Grab a b**r, meet some new people, catch up with familiar faces, and spend some time with others who get life in the autism community.

We’ll also have the scoop on how to join ASCV’s M4K Richmond (Mustaches 4 Kids) Stubble Squad. Grow a mustache in November, put that ’stache to work, and help create more opportunities for kids in our autism community to make connections, try new things and have fun.

Register for the Dads’ Meetup: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=5741275&stype=-114&sTG=30&sView=day&sLoc=0&date=10/13/26

View ASCV Stubble Squad's profile on M4K Richmond

10/05/2026

Enjoy an evening of play with us!

Preschoolers and their families are welcome to join us on Friday, October 9 anytime between 5:00-7:00 PM at Cogbill Park. Enjoy this fully enclosed park with tandem and saucer swings and other fun equipment! 🌈

Link in bio!

10/05/2026

10/01/2026

Are you or your family member on Virginia’s DD Waivers Waiting List?

The IFSP-Funding Program opens today, October 1, for its annual application period.

IFSP-Funding provides financial assistance to eligible individuals on Virginia’s DD Waivers Waiting List and their families to help cover the cost of certain items and services that support living in the community. If you or your family member are on the DD Waivers Waiting List, be sure to review the eligibility requirements, available funding, and application information.

Learn more and apply here:

https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/ifsp-funding?fbclid=IwY2xjawUrNDBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMVlFbGRNc0VNTUFNdTYwV1hzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeKq9VQ9LIuzXgs0zumhC8m_L30NdUuGR1_POQL6fZVRvYdW3FSBQeh5622gM_aem_wl5NDjRoxoBTZGQctUTALg

09/25/2026

An important EVV update for Virginia families:

Delegate Laura Jane Cohen has asked Governor Spanberger to delay the October 1 changes affecting live-in caregivers until January 1, giving families and the Commonwealth more time to work through outstanding concerns.

We’re grateful to the families who have continued to share what these changes could mean in their homes—and to Delegate Cohen for elevating those concerns.

If your family may be impacted, now is an important time to speak up. We encourage you to contact the Governor’s Office and share how these changes could affect the care your loved one receives.

Families need clear guidance, thoughtful implementation, and policies that reflect the realities of caregiving at home.

https://www.wvtf.org/news/2026-09-25/spanberger-asked-to-delay-start-of-home-caregiver-electronic-reporting-system