U 13 events are community based outings or get-togethers geared towards elementary and middle school students with ASD, ages 8-12,  who are registered with UCF CARD. These activities may be supervised outings in authentic environments in our seven counties, like laser tag, pottery painting or mini-golf, or gatherings in an arranged location to enjoy a common interest like Lego, board games or Pokemon Go. We also offer virtual gatherings for those families who find travel difficult. We provide facilitators at no cost to the family to support positive social interactions (families pay the usual fee for the venue, if one is required, and sometimes this may include a discount arranged by PALS). The goal of these events is to provide a socially accepting and supportive environment to practice social skills, communication, and emotional regulation while developing friends through interactive games, movement activities, crafts and social time.

U-13 is appropriate for children who are toilet trained, have a communication system, and can be safe in a group with a 1:10 adult-child ratio. Parents should speak to their UCF-CARD ASD specialist to determine if U-13 is the right fit for their child.

Events are advertised in our newsletter, eventbrite, and facebook page, and require advance registration.  Parents should be available via cell phone during U-13 events, but are not required to be on-site.  Some U-13 events may include opportunities for a parent to observe or attend–please read the registration information for U-13 carefully to be sure you understand the expectations for the event.