Established as a volunteer organization, Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia has relied solely on people with autism,
families and professionals who volunteer thousands of hours to help us achieve our mission
of serving those affected by autism. In 2007, we hired our first part-time, staff member,
Ms. Angel Barnhill. She serves as our Resource Director. In January 2010, we hired Jennifer Dilday
as our second part-time staff member, who serves as our Information & Referral Specialist.
Our monthly meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month at the Endependence Center
Building located at 6300 East Virginia Beach Boulevard in Norfolk from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Visitors are welcome to attend. National membership is recommended but not required.
Childcare is available at all meetings by contacting our office at 757-461-4474 three business
days prior to the meeting.
Special Interest Groups
In addition to our monthly meetings, TASA has established Special Interest Groups. Coffee and Chat
is facilitated by our Parent Partner and Board Member Theresa Zano-McMillan. Theresa is the parent
of three children including a daughter on the autism spectrum and has extensive training in Virginia
Medicaid Waiver Services. This friendly and casual monthly chat group for parents meets at Paneras/
Pembroke Location at 6:00 p.m. each month, on the Thursday following the TASA meeting.
Workshops
In October 2007 TASA initiated Project ACT (Autism Community Training) in an effort to provide
educators, administrators and child care professionals, as well as parents and others, training,
in accordance with international best practices. Our goal is to enable parents, professionals
and para-professionals to support children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder to live
productive, satisfying lives within their families and communities. Former Project ACT speakers
have included Patrick McGreevy, Ph.D, BCBA, Tamara S. Kasper, MS/CCC-SLP, BCBA, Rick
Kubina, Ph.D, BCBA, and Mark Sundberg, Ph.D, BCBA.
Family Outings/Events
TASA has recognized the importance and need for families to gather with others experiencing
life with the challenges and joys of caring for a loved one with autism. To ease the stress and
encourage parents to bring their families out for an "autism friendly" activity; the chapter
sponsors outings including, but not limited to the following: Annual Holiday Event, Toys R Us
Private Holiday Shopping experience, Movie Outings, Annual Autism Awareness 5k Run/Walk,
Surfers Healing Camp and 5k Run/Walk etc. These activities are held at no charge to include
families who may not otherwise be able to participate.
Autism Literature
TASA is part of a network of over 200 chapters throughout the U.S. In addition to the many duties as a local chapter, the responsibility to educate the community, educators, and families new to the "autism diagnosis" is an ongoing mission. The National Chapter has developed a variety of valuable literature to ensure current and appropriate information is available. In order to obtain access to this literature each local chapter must contribute to the cost of these materials incurred at the National level. In addition, TASA generates its own literature to further educate the community about autism.
Community Awareness Projects
April has been designated "National Autism Awareness Month". In an effort to promote autism awareness within the Tidewater Community, TASA has promoted awareness through presentations provided throughout the year to area civic groups, organizations, agencies, and schools (including higher education), billboards, TASA’s Annual Golf Tournament, and Holiday Food Store Autism Awareness ribbon cards. TASA also encourages staff and students at local public and private schools to participate in school awareness projects. These projects include staff luncheons, Autism Awareness bulletin boards, as well as other fun activities and fundraisers to educate and raise awareness amongst peers and fellow educators.
Newsletter/Online Meet-up Group
Our monthly newsletter, Altruism is distributed to over 700 plus parents, educators, and medical professionals throughout the surrounding Tidewater area free of charge. Subscribers are kept up to date with the latest in national and local bio-medical, advocacy news, events, and activities. In 2007 TASA developed an online meet up group for updates on meetings, events, and to network with other families and professionals navigating the world of autism. To register visit http://meetup.com/tidewater-autism.
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