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

Why can a child master skills in therapy yet still struggle in a busy classroom? 🤔Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide A...
11/04/2026

Why can a child master skills in therapy yet still struggle in a busy classroom? 🤔

Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide Autism Conference for an insightful session with Alexandra Kay, M.Ed., BCBA, and Kathryn Elmen, M.Ed., BCBA!

In What Does “School Readiness” Really Mean? Bridging the Gap Between Clinics and Classrooms (F1E), discover how to bridge the disconnect between clinic-based programming and school-based expectations. We will explore common barriers such as staff-to-student ratios, instructional pacing, classroom structure, and how to align clinical goals with actual classroom environments.

This session will explore how to:
• Define school readiness operationally and identify the core component behaviors necessary for successful classroom participation.
• Evaluate common behavior analytic school readiness goals and identify missing or underemphasized skills that hinder generalization.
• Develop contextually appropriate skill acquisition goals to support a successful transition from clinical intervention to school-based instruction.

📅 January 15, 2027 | ⏰ 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

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

🥋 Adaptive Judo Classes in Orange County! 🥋Don't miss our first November class, this Saturday!Parents are welcome and en...
11/03/2026

🥋 Adaptive Judo Classes in Orange County! 🥋

Don't miss our first November class, this Saturday!

Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate! 🙌
✨ FREE TRIALS are available to get started!

To Register: Scan the QR code, click the link in our bio, or visit: https://judo11.eventbrite.com

🦃 We are officially SOLD OUT!Thank you so much to everyone who registered—we are thrilled by the amazing response for ou...
11/03/2026

🦃 We are officially SOLD OUT!

Thank you so much to everyone who registered—we are thrilled by the amazing response for our PALS ASPIRE (18+) Friendsgiving Game Night! 🎲

📍 We can't wait to see you at our NEW LOCATION: UCF Downtown Campus (528 W Livingston St, Orlando, FL 32801).

For those attending, we look forward to seeing what delicious treats you bring to our holiday spread! As a quick reminder to help keep everyone safe, please notify a PALS staff member if your item contains any major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, or sesame).

Stay tuned to our page for more upcoming events!

When we reframe challenging behavior as communication, we can shift our focus from managing reactions to supporting regu...
11/03/2026

When we reframe challenging behavior as communication, we can shift our focus from managing reactions to supporting regulation. 🧠✨

Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide Autism Conference for an empowering session with Catherine Richart, M.Ed. (parent), and Christy Dove, M.Ed.!

In From Dysregulation to Ready to Learn: the importance of Regulation in the Classroom (F1C), educators are equipped with practical strategies and tools to support neurodiverse learners. Explore the underlying sensory, emotional, and environmental causes of dysregulation and gain hands-on experience with visual supports, regulation strategies, and structured routines.

This session will explore how to:
• Describe how dysregulation impacts behavior, engagement, and learning in neurodiverse students.
• Recognize key indicators and triggers of dysregulation within the classroom setting.
• Apply practical, evidence-based behavior strategies to support students in returning to a ready-to-learn state.
• Utilize tools such as visual supports, sensory strategies, and structured routines to promote regulation.
• Interpret student behavior as communication and select appropriate, supportive responses.
• Identify ways to create inclusive, predictable classroom environments that meet diverse needs.
• Commit to at least one actionable strategy to implement in their own educational setting.

📅 January 15, 2027 | ⏰ 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

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

🗓️ Have you registered yet?Join PALS  ASPIRE members (ages 18+) for an evening of food, connection, and friendly trivia ...
11/02/2026

🗓️ Have you registered yet?

Join PALS ASPIRE members (ages 18+) for an evening of food, connection, and friendly trivia competition at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Clermont. Whether you're aiming to be the trivia champion or just want to hang out and grab a burger and fries, it’s going to be a fun night! 🧠

🎟️ Registration: Scan the QR code, click the link in our bio, or visit https://abeef119.eventbrite.com to lock in your spot!

Remember to bring enough money to cover your own food, drinks, and tip. 💸
Take a look at the restaurant menu before you go: https://www.beefobradys.com/menus

🎨✨ Join PALS and friends for a fun-filled day at the Cocoa Beach Art Show!Bring the whole family out to enjoy incredible...
11/02/2026

🎨✨ Join PALS and friends for a fun-filled day at the Cocoa Beach Art Show!

Bring the whole family out to enjoy incredible local artwork, live music, face painting, hands-on crafts, and so much more.

🎟 Registration: Scan the QR code on the flyer, tap the link in our bio, or visit https://fcbart1129.eventbrite.com to register.

Exclusion and discrimination in schools aren't just frustrating—they have a profound, long-term impact on a child's ment...
11/01/2026

Exclusion and discrimination in schools aren't just frustrating—they have a profound, long-term impact on a child's mental health, self-esteem, and sense of belonging.

Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide Autism Conference for a powerful joint presentation by self-advocate Evan Barnwell and parent, educator, and foreign-trained attorney Viviana Barnwell, LLM!

In Autism Discrimination: Civil Rights Matter and Mental Health Issue. What to Do! (F1B), Evan shares the real-life impact of exclusion through personal experience, while Viviana brings her expertise in education, disability rights, and policy. Together, they examine systemic barriers and the critical need for inclusive, supportive learning environments.

This session will explore how to:
• Identify and recognize the many ways discrimination and exclusion appear in school environments, including subtle, systemic, and normalized practices.
• Examine the connection between school-based discrimination, student belonging, and long-term impacts on mental health, self-esteem, and academic engagement.
• Develop practical strategies and action steps to prevent discrimination and foster inclusive communities.
• Explore advocacy tools, legal protections, and available remedies for families who experience disability-based discrimination.

📅 January 15, 2027 | ⏰ 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

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

11/01/2026

Join PALS and friends for a fun evening of holiday festivities at the Central Florida Zoo ()!

We have an exciting itinerary of activities planned in addition to offering a discounted ticket price subsidized by PALS. This Facilitator supported adventure will offer an opportunity for families of kids, teens, and adults with autism to connect with one another participating in curated activities specially created by the PALS Team!

Activities to Expect: Scavenger Hunt, Photo Ops, and a PALS Giveaway! (More details coming)

To register, click the link in our bio, or visit https://falfest121.eventbrite.com

Trust isn't just a nice-to-have in special education—it is the fundamental prerequisite for academic and emotional prosp...
10/31/2026

Trust isn't just a nice-to-have in special education—it is the fundamental prerequisite for academic and emotional prosperity. 💡

Join us at the 34th Annual Statewide Autism Conference for an insightful session with Dr. Christopher Abildgaard!

In Building Trust in Our Autistic Students: From Research to Practice (F1A), Dr. Abildgaard explores how establishing robust trust is essential for academic progress, emotional development, and intrinsic motivation. Learn how educator empathy and reliable support can mitigate anxiety, encourage active engagement, and translate empirical research into practical classroom and clinical applications.

This session will explore how to:
• Examine ASD through a neurodiversity lens and understand its impact on learning and mental health needs.
• Identify research-based strategies for building trust with ASD students.
• Develop practical classroom applications to support neurodiverse learners.
• Assess strategy effectiveness and adapt instruction and mental health interventions accordingly.

📅 January 15, 2027 | ⏰ 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

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

🎃 Wishing You a Spooktacular Halloween! 🦇Whether you are out trick-or-treating or enjoying some sweet treats at home, we...
10/31/2026

🎃 Wishing You a Spooktacular Halloween! 🦇

Whether you are out trick-or-treating or enjoying some sweet treats at home, we hope your day is safe, magical, and filled with all your favorite things.

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

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