Atlanta Autism Consortium

Just a reminder: autism doesn’t have a “look.” It’s not something you can see on the outside, and invisible doesn't mean imaginary.

Disability doesn’t need to be visible to be real. Autism is present in all genders, ages, nationalities, cultures- everywhere!

Join the Atlanta Autism Consortium on Tuesday August 25th for the free, virtual program "IEPs and 504 Plans: Advocating for Your Child."

This informative session is designed specifically for parents navigating educational support systems. This presentation will clarify the differences between Section 504 plans and IEPs, including eligibility criteria and available services. Parents will gain practical advocacy strategies tailored to autism-specific needs and learn how to determine the most suitable educational support plan for their child. The session will also cover parental rights throughout the evaluation and implementation processes. By attending, parents will be empowered with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their child's educational support.

This free session will be lead by Drs. Kernel Grishby and Lillie Huddleston, who will be joined by Anna Helen McKelvey, BCBA.

This virtual program is free, but advanced registration is required. For more information about this event and our speakers, and to reserve your spot, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3917849191322/WN_HKV7gr0lRJiwxUmLFrEAHw

Support the Atlanta Autism Consortium TODAY when you dine at City BBQ Decatur!

Whether you choose to dine in or order a meal to pick up, just mention that you're supporting the AAC, and the Consortium will receive 20% back from every order. Prefer to order online? Use the code GIVE when you checkout today for your order to benefit the AAC, too.

Our fall program calendar is live! Save the date for these great free events. More details to follow!

Save the Date: Support the AAC when you dine at City BBQ Decatur all day on August 12th!

Whether you choose to dine in or order a meal to pick up, just mention that you're supporting the AAC and the Consortium will receive 20% back from every order. Prefer to order online? Use the code GIVE when you checkout on August 12th for your order to benefit the AAC, too.

Person first versus identify first: which do you prefer and why?

Join our friends at High Museum of Art, Atlanta for their next Sensory-Friendly Evening on July 15th from 6pm-9pm. This is a free, after-hours event designed for adults of all ages who identify as neurodivergent or disabled, featuring special programming like sensory friendly art-making workshops, sensory friendly yoga, and access to new exhibitions.

Registration is free and can be completed at this link: https://high.org/event/sensory-friendly-evening-july-2026/

The recording of our March program, "Implementing a Statewide Telehealth Autism Diagnostic Model in Partnership with Early Intervention: Outcomes and Stakeholder Experiences," is now available on our YouTube channel.

This presentation highlighted the Early Diagnostic Response Model (EDRM), a telehealth autism assessment initiative developed in partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health and Emory University to provide timely diagnostic evaluations for young children identified as high-risk on autism screening within Babies Can’t Wait. Our guests shared research findings on program outcomes and implementation, along with panel perspectives from DPH staff, BCW providers, parents, and community psychologists regarding their experiences, strengths of the model, and ongoing challenges.

Watch the program recording here, and be sure to subscribe, too!: https://youtu.be/zI-ptNdavHo?si=fft3zZP_PGcTb0Zz

Happy birthday, America! Today our nation celebrates 250 years. No matter how you are spending today, we hope your holiday weekend is filled with lots of fun!