WHAT IS PALS
PALS is an acronym for Providing Autism Links & Supports. It is a 501c3 organization that serves Central Florida; therefore donations are tax deductible according to Florida law. The mission of PALS is to create opportunities for individuals in Central Florida, who are registered with the UCF Center for Autism by providing state-of-the-art inclusive programs to optimize positive outcomes as they learn, play, work and live in Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Sumter, Lake, Volusia and Seminole counties.
PALS VISION
The vision of PALS is become the leading non-profit grassroots organization in Central Florida by providing evidence-based supports, services and programs for individuals with ASD to become included members of the community as they learn, play and work in Central Florida, and by piloting innovative programs and empowering their parents, family members. professionals, and siblings through educational interventions.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Training for Early Diagnosis of Autism
In collaboration with the CARD conference, PALS provided training in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), the “gold-standard” diagnostic tool for assessing children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Over the past nine years, 900 Florida professionals attended this training, enhancing the number of trained evaluators across the PALS region as well as the rest of the state.
Statewide CARD Conference
PALS organizes and supports the statewide annual conference for the Centers for Autism & Related Disabilities each January in Florida.
Summer Autism Institute
In conjunction with UCF CARD and local School Districts, PALS collaborates to provide Autism training for new and returning educators.
COMMUNITY SOCIAL PROGRAMS
PALS offers programs to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families who are registered with UCF CARD. Below is a list and description of each program we offer. Please note that some programs are closed and individuals must be invited or recommended in order to participate. There are specific qualifications that must be met for certain programs, and interviews or screenings may be required to become a participant. PALS reserves the right to ask individuals to leave a program if they do not fit criteria or are not appropriate for the group.
ASPIRE
This group is a fun way to make friends and connect with others who may have similar interests! All ASPIRE participants must be registered with UCF CARD and be 18 years or older. Participants can attend events in any county. ASPIRE has a private Facebook group page, private website (this is a password protected site for registration for events)
*Participation requires an Asperger’s or PDD-NOS diagnosis, Graduated high school, Over 18 years old, Independent functioning in public, Able to safely participate in group, Desire to socialize with others while attending, Psychologically sound (no Baker Acts for aggression or self harm for at least 3 months), and able to participate without parent supervision/participation. Please note this group is only for adults with AS, NOT families or parents
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AWARES
Adults With Autism Requiring Extra Support (AWARES) is for adults with autism, who are registered with UCF CARD, and require additional support in the community.
AWARES is a 16 week program that meets every other week, for a total of 8 sessions per semester. Locations and activities vary. This program requires a caregiver/guardian, to participate with UCF CARD constituents, to attend the activities (supports are there for support only and do not participate in activity if one. ie.bowling,painting, etc). This program is for individuals registered with UCF CARD 18+ years of age. Each event is supported by facilitators.
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COMMUNITY COLLORATION PROGRAMS
Providing Autism Links & Support, works closely with the Central Florida community to provide natural programs for individuals registered with UCF CARD to participate with extra support from PALS facilitators.
PALS is always seeking to expand these programs to offer a variety of options for UCF CARD constituents. If you offer a specific program and would like to collaborate with PALS please contact us at pals.florida@gmail.com or call our office at 407.823.6020.
SOCCER
A weekly 1 hour session instructed by professional coaches in conjunction with PALS. The class focuses on developing basic soccer skills and socializing in a safe, fun, pressure free environment.
This is a 7 week program that is run through XL Soccer for individuals with PDD-NOS or Aspergers, registered with UCF CARD, ages 8-18.
Participants should not require 1 to 1 support, be registered with UCF CARD, and be able to follow instructions given by the coaches.
Currently this program is funded by the RIPITT Foundation for all participants.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
PALS offers numerous family events in the community that facilitate communication between families as well as networking opportunities. Children and adults across the spectrum who are registered with CARD are welcome to attend with their families. Events will usually include picnics/potlucks, bowling, pottery, or other events where families can get together with support from PALS and UCF CARD and do things in the community that they might otherwise be unable to do. Registration with UCF CARD will serve as confirmation of ASD diagnosis for purposes of taking advantage of PALS offerings.
SPRING
PICNIC
Join UCF CARD families and individuals of all ages across the spectrum for some old fashion fun pot luck picnics. PALS supplies the burgers, dogs, buns and fun. Families bring the rest.
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SPRING INTO SUMMER
Looking for summer opportunities for your child with ASD. Join PALS, starting 2021 and the Orlando Science Center for a Resource Fair with a twist of fun for the whole family and discover exciting summer adventures.
THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS
Providing Autism Links & Support contracts with outside specialists to provide certified trainings for families registered with UCF CARD at extremely low to no cost. Ask your UCF CARD Autism Disorder Specialist if any programs being offered may be beneficial to you and your family.
PEERS
The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is world-renowned for providing evidence-based social skills treatment to preschoolers, adolescents, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and other socio-emotional problems.
First developed at UCLA by PEERS® Clinic director, Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, the program has expanded to locations across the United States, has been translated into over a dozen languages, and is used in over 80 countries across the globe.
PEERS® is a 12-16 week program. Parent/caregiver participation is required. Individuals must attend all sessions.
Ask your UCF CARD Autism Disorder Specialist for more details.
