ASCV Programming
The ASCV offers a wide range of programs for individuals with autism of all ages, as well as for family members, caregivers, and professionals, that include regular social and recreational programming; support groups; educational workshops; member events; and scholarship opportunities. You will find more detailed information below about each of our programs.
To register, click the program graphic or click below to visit our Program & Events Calendar.
The ASCV hosts a variety of social and recreational programs for individuals with autism of all ages and their family members. Our programs offer engaging, interactive opportunities for movement, education, and social connection. Programs include Elementary Social Group, Teen Social Groups, Adult Social Group, Lego & Game Club, and additional programming co-hosted with our Community Partners.
Our Elementary Social Group for youth with autism meets monthly, providing a dynamic opportunity to develop and practice social, communication, and interpersonal skills while also promoting positive peer connections.
*for ASCV members
Our Teen Social Groups for middle- and high-schoolers with autism meet every month, providing engaging opportunities to develop and practice social, communication, and interpersonal skills while also promoting new friendships and positive peer connections.
*for ASCV members
Our Adult Social Group for autistic adults meets every month, promoting belonging and acceptance, fostering new relationships, and encouraging positive social interactions.
This inclusive program is a fantastic opportunity for youth in grades K-8 to join Bricks 4 Kidz for a fun, hands-on brick building experience that includes motorized models, 3-D brick builds, mosaics, creative free build exploration, and more!
New in 2020, our summer camp sessions offer interactive group games, hands on projects, movement exploration, STEAM demonstrations, and opportunities to practice social, life, and pre-vocational skills.
Our bowling program is back! ASCV members of all ages are invited to bowl with us at King Pin Lanes. This is a great opportunity for participants to socialize in a fun and supportive setting. Volunteers and staff are on-site to assist participants as they bowl within their age groups.
Member Events
Our ASCV Member Events offer individuals and families opportunities to connect with each other and have fun in inclusive, engaging, and supportive environments. Our member events are scheduled throughout the year and are free of charge to ASCV members. Our annual Member Events include a Flying Squirrels game, an outing to the Pumpkin Patch, a Trunk or Treat, our Holiday Party, and more!
Annual Member Events like our Winter Pool Party, Flying Squirrels Game, Pumpkin Patch visit, Trunk or Treat, and Holiday Party offer individuals and families opportunities to connect with each other and have fun in inclusive and supportive environments.
Support
Our support groups meet regularly, providing caregivers, family members, and siblings with support, encouragement, and a sense of community. Our groups are tailored to the age of the loved one with autism or the age of the sibling to create a community of peers and allow family members to connect with others to share information and resources.
Our Caregivers of Young Children Support Group meets monthly, offering support, encouragement, and a sense of community for those caring for children with autism in preschool and elementary school.
Our Caregivers of Teens & Adults Support Group meets monthly, offering support, encouragement, and a sense of community for those caring for youth with autism in middle and/or high school.
Our monthly Guys Group for Dads and other paternal caregivers, co-hosted by two ASCV Dads, is a great opportunity to meet other caregivers, ask questions, share resources, and just take a break with a group of guys who understand the world of autism.
Grandparents have a unique role in the lives of their grandchild(ren) with autism. Our Grandparents Group meets monthly and provides a great opportunity to ask questions, share resources, and connect with other grandparents.
Our monthly group for Autistic women offers support, education, and connection through interactive and engaging activities, discussion topics, and guest speakers.
Our monthly Respite Nights offer an evening of interactive games and activities for individuals with autism and their siblings, ages 5 and up (adults included!), to give caregivers some time to take care of themselves!
Our Sibshop program is a great opportunity for kids ages 7-13 who have a sibling with a disability to obtain peer support and connect with other siblings through dynamic and interactive activities.
Our monthly Ladies Night Out for Moms and other maternal caregivers, co-hosted by two ASCV Moms, is a great opportunity to meet other caregivers, ask questions, share resources, and just have fun!
Our Information & Referral service provides one-on-one guidance to caregivers, individuals with autism, and professionals on a variety of topics (typically by phone and email) to connect them with the best possible local, state, and national resources. Call us at 804.257.0192 or email us at [email protected].
Our comprehensive Online Resource Directory provides information to connect individuals and families with local providers and resources to best meet their individual needs. The list is updated regularly and supplemented with additional resources in our weekly e-blasts.
Educational
The ASCV hosts educational opportunities for individuals with autism, caregivers, family members, and professionals on critical autism-related topics. In addition to our monthly workshops, the ASCV added our Speaker Series in 2020, featuring informative presentations from renowned experts and self-advocates. Autism Friendly Communities provides tailored training and guidance to local businesses to create an autism-friendly environment.
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of high quality, comprehensive educational opportunities for individuals, families, caregivers and professionals. Our workshops are free and open to the public.
Through this community training program, the ASCV works collaboratively with local businesses and organizations to develop a customized plan to best support individuals with autism and their families in our community.
The ASCV collaborates with local and state agencies and organizations, as well as serves on work groups and councils, to advocate for services, supports, and legislation to improve the lives of people with autism and their families. We also host an annual Autism Advocacy Day at the VA General Assembly.
Scholarships
Inclusivity is a core value of the ASCV and we remain dedicated to reducing income barriers. The ASCV offers Membership and Program Scholarships, covering the cost of our annual membership fees and registration fees for fee-based programming; Social & Recreational Scholarships, providing assistance for community-based opportunities; Educational Enrichment Scholarships, offsetting the costs of workshops and conferences related to Autism; and Transportation Scholarships, offering financial assistance to adults with Autism to use towards transportation to and from ASCV adult programs and events. Our Holiday Giving Tree program provides financial assistance with stipends for gifts or meals to help brighten the holiday season.
Our Membership Scholarships offer individuals with autism and/or their families who are experiencing financial difficulties, and/or for whom membership fees would place a financial burden, to join the ASCV.
Our Social and Recreational Scholarships support individuals with autism in participating in social and recreational activities in our local community.
Our Educational Enrichment Scholarship Program supports individuals with autism, caregivers, and family members in participating in programs that allow them to gain valuable information, resources, and experiences related to autism.
New in 2020, our Holiday Giving Tree Program offers financial assistance for holiday gifts and meals to local individuals with autism and families in need.
Our brand new ASCV Transportation Scholarships offer financial assistance to adults with Autism to use towards transportation to and from ASCV adult programs and events.
Do you have a question, feedback, or a suggestion for future programming? Please reach out to [email protected].
Social & Recreational