A man with a love for games and a passion to support autism holds an annual Arcade Bash for Autism at the Electric Rainbow Arcade inside the Western Mall. The first 100 people in attendance receive $5 in free tokens, and there will be other giveaways as well!
The date of this event varies. Check Facebook or a local news outlet for the most up-to-date information.
Autism Behavioral Consulting (ABC) Social Thinking Groups
Autism Behavioral Consulting Social Thinking™ groups will focus on teaching the foundational principles of social thinking for individuals who are experiencing social skills deficits in grades K-12 as well as adults.
Autism Service Dogs of America
Our service dogs provide physical safety and an emotional anchor for children with autism. With their child tethered to a service dog, families are able to engage in activities as simple as going to the park or going out to eat as a family. When out in the community, a service dog increases safety and helps families feel secure. The service dog’s calming presence can minimize and often eliminate emotional outbursts, enabling the child to more fully participate in community and family activities. In many cases, the service dog accompanies the child to school, helping with transitions between activities and locations. Having a service dog helps increase opportunities for the child to develop social and language skills with others.
This program utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a research-based, established method of teaching people with autism. This method is effective for teaching children, adolescents, and adults of all abilities.
Children’s Museum of South Dakota- Sensory Friendly Play Time
Join us for a low-sensory playtime that offers a calm, less crowded opportunity for exploration in our Museum's exhibits. We invite all families with children experiencing disabilities to this private playtime.
This event includes the following adaptations:
eSPECIALly 4 You Child Care is very similar to private respite services which include in-home evening care in a handicap accessible home. Services are available 2 times each month and are specifically intended for children with disabilities and their siblings. The goal of this service is to provide top-of-the-line, quality care for children with special needs so parents can have a care-free, relaxing night to spend time with one another.
HorsePower is a nonprofit in Sioux Falls, South Dakota that uses the influence of horses as a healing therapy to help individuals with different physical and mental disabilities. We believe, and have witnessed, that horses have the power to change lives. Through three forms of therapy we help individuals conquer different physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
Whether your child is developing typically or has special needs, Lifescape offers swimming lessons to help her stay safe and have fun in the water. Lessons are available both individually and in small group settings.
The LifeScape Center for the Arts is a specialty program which allows access to the creative arts for children and adults. The program provides both visual and performing arts opportunities which are modified to the individual needs of each artist.
In the summer, our day “camps” provide skill-building fun in areas such as speech and language, social skills, sensory processing, handwriting, and more.
Lighting the Way Autism Conference and Walk
The focus of the Lighting the Way Autism Walk is to raise awareness and connect families with each other and local resources.
Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Here4Youth After-School and Summer Program
Here4Youth offers before and afterschool care, a summer program, care on out-of-school days and respite night care two weekend evenings a month. With a 1:5 staff to student ratio, Here4Youth (LSS) is able to meet the needs of students ages 3 to 21 that may not be successful in other settings.
Sanford Wellness Adaptive Aquatics
Sanford Wellness Adaptive Aquatics offers 30 and 60 minute private or small group lessons as part of a personal fitness program created for each individual student.
SD Department of Human Services Respite Care
Respite Care gives families a break from caring for a child or adult with disabilities. Providers, chosen by the family, care for children or adults with special needs while families take a class, go to a movie or go on a vacation. Families can do anything they enjoy during respite sessions. These breaks allow families time to tend to the needs of their other family members, spouses and themselves.
Social Skills Group at LifeScape
This 10-week group helps children build social skills to feel more comfortable in group activities, learn to make friends, manage anger, and become more self-aware. Led by a clinical psychologist and speech-language pathologist.
We envision a world where girls and women with disabilities have equal opportunities to reach their fullest potential. Miss Amazing provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment.
South Dakota Parent Connection Events
Parent Connection works diligently to address growing concerns around special health care needs for children. We offer training to families and professionals.
The Mission of Special Olympics South Dakota and the Sioux Falls Fireworks is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children (8 years and older) and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
A fitness center and program for individuals with autism and other related disorders age 8 to adult.
USD Sanford School of Medicine Center for Disabilities Symposium
The Center for Disabilities annual symposium brings together people who are active in the field of disabilities in a welcoming environment that encourages education, the sharing of ideas, rejuvenation and inspiration. The symposium fosters energy and creativity among service providers, educators, employers, persons with disabilities, families and government agencies. It promotes leadership and workforce development for individuals with disabilities and the people who serve them.