December

Tuesday, December 2, 2025: Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom):  4:30-5:30 PM

Make dinner with Chef Mary on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 pm from the comfort of your own kitchen!

Future dates include: December 2, December 9, and December 16

Easy recipes, delicious meals. A welcoming on-line community. 

We will send out a list with the ingredients and supplies you will need approximately one week before each session.

The Zoom link and password will be sent to you via email before the session.  Look for an email from Sara.  

Register here

Friday, December 5, 2025: The Art of Friendship Social-Coping Seminar: "Cracking the Code: Helping Teens & Tweens Navigate Unstructured Social Settings by 'Minding the G.A.P.'": 12:00-1:00 PM

A FREE lunch and learn series equipping parents, educators, & professionals to help neurodiverse children connect, cope, and thrive. 

Children with Autism and ADHD often report that unstructured times like lunch, recess, transitions between activities, and waiting periods to be anxiety-provoking and socially challenging. They may feel shy or anxious and withdraw, fumble awkwardly, or behave impulsively and sometimes annoy others or get in trouble. It's HARD to engage in the neurotypical world with all its unwritten expectations, relaxed rules, and less adult supervision and guidance. The solution? Let’s reframe these gaps in structure as social opportunities to Get Attention Positively (GAP Time). We will form a plan of action with a set of behavior guidelines and use play and conversation skills to make positive social connections. 

Register here  to attend either the online webinar on the Google Meet platform OR in-person meeting in Center City, Philadelphia, at 1420 Walnut St. Ste. 1301, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

Monday, December 8, 2025: Families CCAN: Using the LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve:  5:30-6:00 PM

Using The LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve – Part 1

Join the PA Family Network in this interactive 2-part workshop to… 

• Identify service/supports so your loved one can live an Everyday Life 

• Learn to use the LifeCourse framework and tools to plan for your future! 

Register here – https://zoom.us/meeting/register/IuE6OH0CSEuwuqC-cczVWA

Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom):  4:30-5:30 PM

Make dinner with Chef Mary on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 pm from the comfort of your own kitchen!

Future dates include: December 9, and December 16

Easy recipes, delicious meals. A welcoming on-line community. 

We will send out a list with the ingredients and supplies you will need approximately one week before each session.

The Zoom link and password will be sent to you via email before the session.  Look for an email from Sara.  

Register here

Friday, December 12, 2025: Fridays with Friends:  6:00-7:00 PM

Location: Ambler YMCA

Audience: Special Needs Teens and Young Adults (age 15+)

Cost: $10 Members; $20 Nonmembers

Spend Friday evenings with your friends at the Y! This is an opportunity for our special needs community to socialize, meet new friends, and try new activities! We will have arts, crafts, swimming, snacks, and social time.

Future dates: January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, September 11

Contact Katie McGuigan at katie.mcguigan@philaymca.org for any questions.

Registration is required.  

Saturday, December 13, 2025: Special Needs Friendly Santa Event: 9:00-3:00 PM

Hosted by Autism Spectrum Diagnostics & Consulting

Location: 301 Farm Lane, Doylestown, PA 18901

Families are invited to have a private 10-minute session with Santa without the noises and crowds that typically occur when getting your picture taken with Santa. Bring your camera to capture your favorite picture! 

This event is free of cost. We are, however, asking for donations for Make-a-Wish Foundation of New Jersey.

If interested, please email Dr. Brittany Lyman at info@autismdiagnostics.com to schedule your appointment with Santa. You must have a pre-scheduled appointment confirmation to visit with Santa.

Sunday, December 14, 2025: Second Sunday Sensory Friendly Showing at The Water Tower: Zootopia 2: 1:00 PM

Flagship Premium Cinemas is proud to offer sensory friendly showings for children and adults with autism or other sensory processing sensitivities. These showings are designed to be a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone and are screened the Second Sunday of each month at 1PM.*

WHAT ARE SENSORY FRIENDLY SHOWINGS?

• House Lights are dimmed, but not completely off, to a level that is comfortable for most guests.

• The sound is lowered to level that are not overwhelming.

• Accommodations can be made if needed.

• Guests can talk and move freely around to express themselves while they enjoy the movie!

Click the link for more information.

Monday, December 15, 2025: Families CCAN: Using the LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve- Part 2:  5:30-6:00 PM

Using The LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve – Part 2

Join the PA Family Network in this interactive 2-part workshop to… 

• Identify service/supports so your loved one can live an Everyday Life 

• Learn to use the LifeCourse framework and tools to plan for your future! 

Register here – https://zoom.us/meeting/register/BdpzMaYmR2GufuP7CNHvDg

Tuesday, December 16, 2025: Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom):  4:30-5:30 PM

Make dinner with Chef Mary on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 pm from the comfort of your own kitchen!

Easy recipes, delicious meals. A welcoming on-line community. 

We will send out a list with the ingredients and supplies you will need approximately one week before each session.

The Zoom link and password will be sent to you via email before the session.  Look for an email from Sara.  

Register here

Tuesday, December 16, 2025: Vision for Equality: Coping with Being the “Default Caregiver” Workshop:  6:30-7:30 PM 

Your brain is always running a silent to-do list, keeping track of schedules, meal plans, doctor’s appointments, and whether your loved one has outgrown their winter coat. Sound familiar? You probably are the default caregiver. Join us as we discuss ways to reclaim the balance we need and take care of yourself in the process. This workshop will be offered twice, but you only need to register once. All those who register will receive the recording.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8a-br91eRIyiMizPvf2ZWg#/registration

Sunday, December 21, 2025: Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Department's Sensory Santa and Annual Signing Santa between 9 AM-12:00 PM

Location: 660 Garfield Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446

We will continue making Santa accessible to all on Sunday December 21st. We understand that Santa on fire trucks with lights and sirens can be overstimulating for some of our community members.

Our 7th Annual Sensory Santa will take place from 9-12. Email santa@ugfd.org to sign up for your sensory friendly 15 minute time slot.

At 1pm we will start our annual Signing Santa with Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Inc. Upper Gwynedd Police Department and Teddy the Therapy Dog from Whitemarsh Community Ambulance Association 

Monday, December 29, 2025: Vision for Equality: Sibling Good Life Group from 6:30-8:00 PM 

This group of adult siblings will have the opportunity to…  

• Guide the group’s direction and network with other siblings 

• Talk about your lived experience, hear from experts on topics relevant to sibling life, have open and informative discussions, and plan for a future that holds true potential for you and your family. 

Anyone thought of like a sibling or in a sibling-like role is welcome! 

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/23vrV4unQbCtPxPjgIkP1A#/registration