Family Events
Our Family Events are designed for the entire family living with an autistic member to experience community with other similar families. These events may include information and resource sharing, promotion of health and wellness, and opportunities to practice social communication skills.
All ages welcome
Annual Events with UCF-CARD
Large-scale community celebrations throughout the year
Spring Resource Fair
A fun free family resource day including community safety vehicles, activities, story times, and so much more!
Autism Awareness Family Extravaganza
A spring picnic with food, entertainment, bounce houses, prizes and resources.
Art & Autism Exhibition
Celebrating the artistic talents and creative expression of individuals on the spectrum.
Safety Day
A unique event featuring hands-on safety related activities and demonstrations.
Holiday Event Series
Sensory-friendly seasonal celebrations to enjoy the holidays in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Social Outings
Stand-alone events arranged by age group and ability level
Our Social Outings are supported by PALS facilitators to encourage positive social interactions. The goal of these opportunities is to provide a socially accepting and supportive environment to practice social skills, communication, and emotional regulation while developing friends through a shared activity.
AEIO&U
Ages 2–7
Autism Early Intervention Opportunities and You
U13
Ages 8–13
Under 13
TeenTime
Ages 13–17
Teen Time
ASPIRE
Ages 18+
Autism Spectrum Pursuing Interests, Recreation & Entertainment
AEIO&U
— Autism Early Intervention Opportunities and You (Ages 2–7)
For young children with ASD and their parents to enjoy community-based fun with support from PALS facilitators. The focus is on increasing communication and social skills through opportunities to be in proximity to peers with support for communication, turn-taking, sharing space, and fun.
U13
— Under 13 (Ages 8–13)
U-13 events are community-based, facilitated outings in authentic environments offered throughout the Central Florida region. These events are activity based (e.g., laser tag, pottery painting or mini-golf), or gatherings in an arranged location to enjoy a common interest (e.g., Lego, board games or Pokemon Go). We also offer virtual gatherings for those families who find travel difficult.
Program Criteria
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 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
TeenTime
— Teen Time (Ages 13–17)
Teen Time outings are designed for adolescents (ages 13–17) to practice social, communication, and self-advocacy skills in a community social setting. These events are an excellent opportunity for teens to make lasting friendships and be provided with social skill feedback by trained PALS Facilitators.
Program Criteria
Teens must be able to stay with the group in a 1:10 adult-to-teen ratio
Refrain from aggression and bullying
Have a communication system
Independently toilet
Parents must be available by cell phone during outings
ASPIRE
— Autism Spectrum Pursuing Interests, Recreation & Entertainment (Ages 18+)
ASPIRE (Autism Spectrum Pursuing Interest, Recreation and Entertainment) — an acronym invented by our adults — was developed in response to the request from adults for community-based gatherings. The purpose of ASPIRE is to foster development and sustainment of friendships by connecting with others who may have similar interests. There is also an ASPIRE 40+ group.
Program Criteria
Must be over 18 years old and have graduated high school
Able to function independently in public (no parents or caregivers)
Handle own funds/cards for purchases they may make
Desire to socialize with others
Be psychologically stable (no Baker Acts for aggression or self-harm for at least 3 months)
Refrain from physical and verbal aggression
Able to participate without parent supervision/participation
Individuals who have companion care may attend with their companion, but should socialize with the group — any companions would pay full price for anything required for the outing
This group is only for adults with ASD — NOT families or parents
Parents/guardians must be available by cell for emergencies
Volunteer with Us
Help support our social events and make a difference in the autism community.
Join Our Next Event
Check our events calendar to find upcoming social events and outings in your area.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving the autism community across Central Florida since 2002. EIN: 01-0717788
Counties Served
- Brevard County
- Lake County
- Orange County
- Osceola County
- Seminole County
- Sumter County
- Volusia County
Contact
- info@pals-ucfcard.org
- (407) 823-6020
- PO Box 781458
Orlando, FL 32878-1458 - Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Support Our Mission
Your tax-deductible donation helps provide vital programs for individuals with autism and their families across Central Florida.
PALS partners with UCF Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (UCF-CARD) to provide comprehensive support for individuals with autism.
PALS charitable organization registration number is CH19560. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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