Recently, David Fogle, a seven year old on the autism spectrum, tragically perished as a result of a house fire. His family is in desperate need during this difficult time. They are currently without housing as a result of the fire and in need of clothing, furniture and other household items.

https://www.kcci.com/article/7-year-old-oskaloosa-boy-dies-after-house-fire-his-mother-suffered-burns-trying-to-save-him/26369685?fbclid=IwAR3WtFjzxaXlLWCfXOGsSX_SOapz77TwOFuGxF0rp9LOUebbEqzxAK7Ug2M

The community is encouraged to help this family in their time of need by purchasing a sticker in David’s name through The Mahaska County Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T). Stickers will be $5 and 100% of the proceeds go to the family. More information here. C.E.R.T. can be reached via Facebook as well. 

Those interested in helping the family can also purchase items for the family through Amazon.

More information here –

The First Annual Iowa City Autism Fun Walk!

Iowa City Autism Community distributing ‘Care Kits’ to high-need elementary schools

Correction – These are called “Calm Kits”

Here it is – the Spring Break Line-up! Yes, there are two events on Thursday. PLEASE see link to Google Form for Iowa Gym-nest sign-up – we are limiting this event to 25 participants (parents/guardians do not count towards this limit). IF YOU sign up and then realize you cannot attend, PLEASE contact Dina Bishara at iowadina@yahoo.com know so we can make those spots available for another family.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5iK6wqyKJUqd7h8muOS0rIdLeJsuxs6J_VXsoK_Bv5v09rw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0SxqJXAiYwJbkb2Pb0N7HJ4yF-f8PqmXO775VXbJts_LFotL1obft_kCk

There will be mats available for the autism friendly yoga class at the North Liberty Community library, but please bring your own mat if you are able to bring one. Contact Jessie Witherell at jessiewitherell@hotmail.com if you need additional accommodations or have questions.

*** Due to the inclement weather during the original event, the date for SPARK For Autism at AirFX has now been moved to March 4th ***

New to SPARK? Join us on March 4th to jump-start autism research! You can RSVP at: http://bit.ly/SPARK-AirFX

*Families are NOT obligated to participate on-site.
**Questions, comments, concerns? Please reach out! (319) 335 – 8882 or SPARK-study@uiowa.edu

The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Autism Center, in partnership with the Iowa City Autism Community and the Autism Society of Iowa, will present the Autism Center Conference 2019: Safety and Developmental Disabilities on March 8th, 10am-3pm, at the University of Iowa Center for Development and Disabilities (CDD).

Individuals on the autism spectrum and those with other developmental disabilities are at increased risk injuries and death from safety hazards.

This conference will provide attendees with information about risk factors, crisis management and practical tools and resources to help improve outcomes for this population.

Presenters include Officer Ashten Hayes of the Iowa City Police Department, Firefighter Matt Farrey of the Iowa City Fire Department, University of Iowa Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Kelly Vinquist, and Kirk Kuiken, Supervisory Transportation Security Officer for the TSA.

Registration is required and includes refreshments, lunch, and materials. To register and for more information, please call the University of Iowa Center for Conferences at 319-335-4141, email conferences@uiowa.edu, or visit the website: https://centerforconferences.uiowa.edu/conferences

The Iowa City Autism Community along with the University of Iowa Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, are excited to announce a weekly soccer camp specifically for the Iowa City Autism Community! The camp will be held for 1st – 6th graders on Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 6:30 PM. We have space reserved at the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation center on their professional turf fields! Please see the attached flier for details, and if interested sign up by filling out the google form (hyperlink below).

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8AFWs2jGNB3rbqlArlTWH6cgmupuybHW3Bb93z78g_YlCRg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Rowing is an easily adaptable sport for persons with physical and intellectual disabilities. Modifications to equipment, instruction, and the rowing stroke can be made as needed. Because the rowing stroke can be segmented into the legs, trunk, and arms, adaptive rowers may row all three parts of the stroke, trunk and arms only, or arms only depending on their physical capabilities and comfort level. The repetitive nature of the rowing stroke also makes rowing well-suited for people with intellectual disabilities.

Rowers with vision loss, hearing impairment, paraplegia, quadriplegia, amputations, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome, autism, and other disabilities are able to enjoy the sport. The coach and rower will work together to develop the best modification(s) for each individual. Common adaptations are wide, stable two-person boats with sliding seats, single-person boats with stabilizing pontoons, fixed seats for boats and rowing machines, lap belts, chest straps, and handle grips.

Practices are scheduled on an individual basis and held year-round (outdoors/indoors depending on the weather). Adaptive Rowing is open to participants age 14 and up. Please contact the Rowing Coordinator for more information at danelle-stipes@uiowa.edu or 319-384-1292.

https://recserv.uiowa.edu/programs/rowing/adaptive-rowing?fbclid=IwAR1JEAd5BpgatzAAjY6rrzlcyHjkcEIyTfL3HAYZQA-EKJIOn_NAiQRXytM

Find the latest Autism Society of Iowa newsletter here –