Correspondent photo / Susan Wojnar Organizing and overseeing Hello Summer were Kathleen Caputo, volunteer; Jodi Glass, executive director of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley; Julie Santha, ASMV board member; and Robin Suzelis, ASMV information and referral director.

Laughter, games, playground activities and meaningful connections filled the air at Austintown Township Park on Wednesday evening as families gathered for the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley’s “Hello to Summer Family Fun Night.”

Hosted at Stacey Pavilion, the event welcomed approximately 40 to 50 families from across the region for an evening designed specifically to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for autistic individuals and their loved ones.

According to Executive Director Jodi Glass, the event was created in response to a common concern shared by many families.

“One of the things we hear most often from families is that they are looking for opportunities to connect with others who understand their journey and a place to just be understood,” Glass said. “We also know that summer break can be tough for autistic individuals and their families when trying to find supportive events to attend.”

The evening featured board games, snacks, playground activities and access to the park’s splash pad. More importantly, organizers hoped the gathering would foster friendships and create a sense of community among families who often face unique challenges.

“We know that social isolation can be a challenge for many autism families,” Glass said. “Creating opportunities for connection is incredibly important.”

The Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley has been serving local families since 1989, providing family outings, social events, support programs, educational opportunities and advocacy services throughout Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

Today, the organization serves approximately 4,000 individuals and family members annually. Glass estimates that between 7,000 and 10,000 individuals in the Mahoning Valley are on the autism spectrum, making the need for services greater than ever.

“The need has grown significantly,” she said. “More families are seeking information, support and opportunities for connection than ever before. Families are looking not only for resources but also for community, advocacy and guidance throughout every stage of life.”

Throughout the year, the organization offers more than 50 programs and events, including parent support groups; social programs for tweens, teens and young adults; family outings; educational workshops; Camp F.R.I.E.N.D.; mini-grant programs; family portrait days; and seasonal events such as Special Bunny and Special Santa.

The organization also provides an information and referral helpline and serves as a voice for advocacy and public policy issues affecting autism families throughout the region.

Glass explained that autism-friendly events differ from traditional community gatherings because they are intentionally designed to be flexible, supportive and understanding of the diverse needs of autistic individuals.

“An event can be inclusive, but is it truly supportive?” she asked. “Many autism families worry about whether the supports their loved one may need will be available if challenges arise.”

She noted that autism-specific needs vary greatly from person to person, making it essential to create environments where families feel welcomed and supported without fear of judgment.

Families attending the Summer Fun Night were free to participate at their own pace without pressure to join every activity. Organizers selected a spacious venue that allows for movement and flexibility while providing a variety of activities rather than a rigid schedule.

“Our goal is to reduce stress and create an environment where everyone feels welcome,” Glass said.

The Stacey Pavilion has become a familiar gathering place for many Autism Society events over the years, including the organization’s Holiday Mini Grant Party. Glass expressed appreciation for Austintown Township Park and its staff for helping create a welcoming setting.

“Austintown Park is great to work with, and we appreciate their partnership,” she said.

For many families, the greatest benefit of these events is not the activities themselves but the opportunity to connect with others who understand their experiences.

“The answer is almost always connection and acceptance,” Glass said when asked what families value most. “Parents can have conversations with other parents, children can interact in a welcoming environment, and everyone feels less alone.”

While awareness of autism has increased over the years, Glass believes there is still much for the public to understand.

“Autism is a lifelong neurological difference, and every autistic individual is unique,” she said. “There is no single autism story, experience or outcome.”

She encourages community members to focus not on limitations but on the strengths, talents and contributions autistic individuals bring to society.

“Too often, people focus on what autistic individuals cannot do rather than recognizing the many talents, perspectives and contributions they bring to our communities,” Glass said.

She also emphasized that autism affects entire families. Parents, siblings, grandparents and caregivers often spend years navigating service systems, advocating for support and creating opportunities for their loved ones.

One of the organization’s central goals is helping communities move beyond awareness and even beyond inclusion toward what Glass describes as true belonging.

“Being present is not the same as being accepted,” she said. “Families are looking for reassurance that their loved one will not only be included, but also understood, accommodated, and embraced for who they are.”

According to Glass, belonging means creating communities where autistic individuals can participate without fear of judgment and where differences in communication, sensory experiences or social interactions are respected and supported.

“When communities move beyond awareness and even beyond inclusion to true acceptance and belonging, everyone benefits,” she said. “Our goal is to help create a Mahoning Valley where autistic individuals and their families are not just invited to participate, but genuinely feel that they belong.”