Presentation Descriptions

Autism 101

Autism 101 provides a foundational understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including common characteristics, communication styles, and sensory differences. Participants will gain practical strategies for creating supportive, inclusive environments and learn how to promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism.

Target Audience

This presentation is ideal for parents and caregivers, educators, community members, employers, faith leaders, and professionals who want a foundational understanding of autism. It is especially helpful for individuals who are new to autism or who interact with autistic individuals in schools, workplaces, or community settings and want practical strategies to create more inclusive and supportive environments.

First Responders

The Autism Society of Indiana presents an informative and practical training designed specifically for first responders who interact with individuals on the autism spectrum. This session provides essential knowledge to help police, fire, EMS, and other emergency personnel recognize the characteristics of autism, communicate effectively, and respond safely and compassionately in high-stress situations.

Participants will learn how sensory needs, communication differences, and behavioral responses may impact an emergency interaction, as well as strategies to build trust, reduce escalation, and support positive outcomes. The presentation includes real-world scenarios, de-escalation techniques, and guidance on collaborating with families and caregivers.

By increasing understanding and awareness, this training equips first responders with the tools they need to enhance community safety, strengthen relationships, and ensure individuals with autism are treated with dignity and respect.

Target Audience

This training is specifically designed for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, school resource officers, and other emergency and public safety professionals. It is also appropriate for command staff, training officers, and community safety leaders seeking to improve emergency response, reduce escalation, and strengthen relationships with autistic individuals, families, and the broader disability community.

Preparing for Adulthood on the Spectrum

This presentation guides families and caregivers through key steps in planning for adulthood for individuals on the autism spectrum. Topics include understanding financial planning tools, exploring supported decision-making and guardianship options, navigating government benefits, and identifying long-term support resources. Attendees will gain practical knowledge to make informed, person-centered decisions that promote safety, independence, and a secure future.

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for parents, caregivers, and family members of adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum, as well as autistic self-advocates who want to better understand adulthood planning. It is particularly beneficial for those navigating transitions related to independence, decision-making, financial planning, and long-term supports, including families preparing for life after high school.

Emergency Preparedness on the Spectrum

This presentation helps families of individuals on the autism spectrum build confidence and readiness for emergency situations. Participants will learn practical strategies to create personalized emergency plans, support sensory and communication needs during crises, and work proactively with local first responders. We will cover tools such as social stories, visual supports, communication cards, and safety profiles, along with tips for preventing wandering, organizing essential information, and practicing emergency scenarios at home. Families will leave with actionable steps and resources to help keep their loved ones safe, supported, and understood in any emergency.

Target Audience

This session is designed for families and caregivers of children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum who want to improve safety and preparedness for emergencies. It is especially relevant for families concerned about wandering/elopement, communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, or interacting with first responders. Professionals who support autistic individuals may also benefit.

Day at the Statehouse

In February, join the Autism Society of Indiana for A Day at the Statehouse, a special advocacy event bringing together autistic individuals, families, community partners, and policymakers. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about current legislative issues impacting the autism community, hear from state leaders, and share their lived experiences to help shape meaningful policy change. This event is designed to empower attendees with tools for effective advocacy, build stronger connections with lawmakers, and elevate the voices of Hoosiers affected by autism. All are welcome as we work together to promote understanding, inclusion, and positive change across Indiana.

Target Audience

This event is intended for autistic individuals, family members, self-advocates, service providers, educators, and community partners who want to engage in disability advocacy. It is ideal for both first-time advocates and experienced advocates who want to learn about current legislative issues, connect with policymakers, and use their lived experiences to influence policy and protect services for Hoosiers affected by autism.

Preparing for Summer Break with Children on the Autism Spectrum

This presentation offers practical guidance to help families navigate the transition into summer with confidence and success. We will explore strategies for creating predictable routines, planning sensory-friendly activities, and supporting communication needs during schedule changes. Participants will learn how to use visual calendars, social stories, and structured choices to reduce anxiety and promote independence. The session will also highlight options for camps, community programs, safety planning, and ways to maintain important skills during the break. Families will leave with tools and resources to make summer enjoyable, engaging, and less stressful for children on the autism spectrum.

Target Audience

This presentation is designed for parents, caregivers, and family members of school-aged children on the autism spectrum. It is especially helpful for families seeking strategies to manage changes in routine, reduce anxiety, and plan meaningful activities during summer break while supporting communication, independence, and safety.

Back-to-School Success: Preparing Students on the Autism Spectrum for a Smooth Transition

This presentation provides families and caregivers with practical tools to support children on the autism spectrum as they transition back to school. Participants will learn strategies for easing anxiety, rebuilding routines, and preparing for new teachers, classrooms, and expectations. The session will cover the use of visual schedules, social stories, communication plans, sensory supports, and collaboration with school staff. We will also discuss how to review IEP or 504 needs, organize back-to-school information, and create predictable morning and after-school routines. Families will leave with actionable steps to help their child feel confident, understood, and ready for a successful school year.

Target Audience

This session is intended for parents and caregivers of children and youth on the autism spectrum who are preparing for the return to school. It is particularly beneficial for families navigating new classrooms, new teachers, IEP or 504 planning, or increased anxiety around transitions. Professionals supporting families may also find this session useful.

Internet Safety

This presentation explores the unique online safety challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum and provides practical strategies to promote safe, positive digital engagement. Individuals with autism may be more vulnerable online due to differences in social communication, literal thinking, and difficulty recognizing unsafe situations or intentions.

Participants will learn about common online risks such as cyberbullying, scams, inappropriate content, oversharing, and online exploitation. The session offers concrete tools for teaching internet safety, including clear rules and boundaries, visual supports, social stories, and role-playing real-life scenarios. Strategies for supporting digital literacy, self-advocacy, and safe decision-making are emphasized.

Designed for families, caregivers, educators, and professionals, this presentation empowers participants to support individuals with autism in building healthy online habits while maintaining safety, independence, and confidence in digital spaces.

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for families and caregivers of autistic children and adults, particularly those with concerns related to elopement, water attraction, or limited safety awareness. It is especially relevant ahead of summer and for families living near pools, lakes, or other bodies of water, as well as professionals supporting safety planning.

Water Safety

This presentation addresses the critical importance of water safety for individuals on the autism spectrum. Children and adults with autism are at an increased risk around water due to factors such as elopement, sensory seeking, and difficulty recognizing danger. Participants will learn why water safety is especially important for the autism community and gain practical, proactive strategies to reduce risk.

Topics include understanding water-related risks, preventing elopement, using visual supports and social stories, teaching water rules, and creating layered safety plans at home and in the community. The session also explores how sensory needs and communication differences can impact behavior around water and how caregivers, educators, and first responders can respond effectively in emergency situations.

This presentation is ideal for families, caregivers, educators, and first responders who want to improve safety, preparedness, and confidence around water for individuals with autism.

Target Audience

Financial Preparedness Series: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

Financial planning can feel overwhelming—especially for individuals and families affected by autism. This four-part Financial Preparedness Series, held every January, is designed to build confidence, reduce stress, and provide practical tools for managing money now and planning for the future.

Each session focuses on a key area of financial readiness and is led by knowledgeable professionals who understand the unique needs of the autism community. Participants will gain clear, actionable information and have the opportunity to ask questions in a supportive environment.

Series topics include:

Banking Basics: Understanding checking and savings accounts, budgeting, and building financial independence
Special Needs Trusts: Protecting benefits while planning for long-term care and financial security
ABLE Accounts: Using ABLE accounts to save and spend while maintaining eligibility for public benefits
Financial Planning: Creating a personalized plan that aligns with individual goals, supports, and life stages

This series is ideal for autistic individuals, parents, caregivers, and family members who want to proactively plan for financial stability and independence. Whether you are just getting started or refining an existing plan, this annual January series offers trusted guidance to help you prepare with confidence.

Target Audience

This four-part series is designed for autistic individuals, parents, caregivers, and family members who want to proactively plan for financial stability while protecting public benefits. It is ideal for families at any stage—from those just beginning financial planning to those refining long-term plans for adulthood, independence, and future caregiving needs.

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