Behavioral Support Partnership

04/03/2026

Let’s celebrate our Spotlight Nominee: Rachel Cozma

Rachel graduated from California State University of Fullerton with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She originally planned to pursue a career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, but during her undergraduate internship, she spent several months working in an ABA clinic. She quickly discovered a passion for the field and grew a strong desire to know more about it. That is when Rachel decided to pursue a Direct Interventionist position here at BSP! Her ongoing experiences inspired her to pursue Applied Behavior Analysis as a long term career

Her long term goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and continue helping clients and their families grow together and reach meaningful goals. She is currently preparing to apply to Master’s programs in ABA to continue her education and professional growth.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys going to the beach with friends, thrifting with an iced coffee in hand, and hiking to scenic viewpoints whenever she can.

03/12/2026

🌟 March Autism-Friendly & Inclusive Events in Orange County 🌟

📅 March 8 & March 22 – Neurodivergent Family Night
📍 Pretend City Children’s Museum – Irvine
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
A special evening where families with neurodivergent children can explore the museum in a calmer environment with sensory-friendly accommodations.
🔗 https://www.pretendcity.org

📅 March 15 – Sensory Friendly Morning
📍 Discovery Cube Orange County – Santa Ana
⏰ 8:00–10:00 AM
Early access to the museum with reduced crowds, lowered sound levels, and visual supports for sensory-sensitive guests.
🔗 https://www.discoverycube.org/orange-county/events/oc-sensory-friendly-mornings

📅 March 8 & March 22 – Sensory Friendly Film Program
📍 AMC Orange 30 – Orange
Select Saturday mornings feature movies where the lights stay on, sound is lowered, and guests are free to move around.
🔗 https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films

📅 March 19 – Saint Joseph’s Day Celebration (Accessible Community Event)
📍 Mission San Juan Capistrano
A community cultural event with music and performances that can be enjoyed by families looking for outdoor experiences.
🔗 https://www.missionsjc.com

📅 March 21 – Swallows Day Parade & Mercado
📍 Downtown San Juan Capistrano
A large community festival and parade with family-friendly activities and open outdoor space.
🔗 https://www.swallowsparade.com (Orange County)

📅 Throughout March – Sensory Friendly Bowling
📍 Select bowling alleys across Orange County
Special needs bowling leagues provide structured recreational opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. (Parent Resource Center)

Know about another autism-friendly event happening in Orange County this month?
Drop it in the comments so we can share it with the community!

03/06/2026

Checkout our Spotlight Nominee of the month:

Lauren Smith is a mom of three, and a psychology graduate from CSUF. While raising her boys, she completed her degree and discovered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which became the start of her career supporting children and families. She loves helping kids build confidence, develop social skills, and celebrate every bit of progress. Volunteering in schools and traveling abroad have deepened her appreciation for diverse family experiences. Lauren is continuing her journey in psychology with plans to pursue a master’s degree, always inspired by the children and families she supports.

02/27/2026

Workshops and events from RCOC:

02/17/2026

Local event:

02/12/2026

Checkout our spotlight nominee of the month:

Leyna Nguyen earned her psychology degree from California State University, Fullerton. During her time there, her academic and research experiences shaped her interest in culturally informed mental health care. She worked on a research team studying intergenerational trauma in Southeast Asian Americans. This experience deepened her understanding of how culture and family systems influence behavior and communication. She also interned at a summer camp. There, she implemented activities that taught middle and high school students' emotional regulation and coping strategies. After completing the camp, she sought similar opportunities and discovered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA aligned with her interest, providing client-centered care. As it actively involves families to support their children’s communication and emotional regulation skills. Through ABA, she developed skills in empathetic and client-centered care. Leyna plans to apply these skills when working with future clients as she pursues a graduate degree in clinical psychology.

02/05/2026

🎉 OC Autism & Developmental Disabilities Events – February 2026 🌈
Looking for community, support, workshops, and fun for folks with autism & developmental disabilities this month in Orange County? Check out these events happening near you! 👇

📅 Feb 7 – Sports Party at Boomers Irvine
Get active and have fun at a sports-themed party for families with children, teens, or adults on the autism spectrum! 🏀⚽️ Hosted by the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group. 

🤝 Feb 11 – Transition Planning Workshop (6:00–7:30pm)
Zoom workshop on pathways to a diploma & planning for the future — great for caregivers, teens, and families navigating school-to-adult transitions. 

📘 Feb 12 – OC Ask the Experts (12:00–1:00pm)
Ask questions & get insights from professionals on family support services and developmental disability resources in OC. 

🍵 Feb 25 & Feb 27 – CHOC Autism Moms Connect
Support group meetups for moms of children with autism — a warm space to share experiences, build community, & connect with others. 

☕ Feb 15 – OCASG Gathering at Chase Coffee Roasters
Monthly low-pressure meetup for teens & adults to socialize, relax, and enjoy time together. 

🧠 All February – Regional Center of Orange County Workshops & Learning
Various workshops including bus riding skills, planning tools, committee info, and more to support individuals & families affected by developmental disabilities. 

💻 Weekly Support & Social Groups (various dates)
The Orange County Asperger’s Support Group has ongoing social activities, group games, and community outings throughout February (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons, group meetups). 

🌎 International Awareness:
February 24 is International SCN2A Awareness Day, observed worldwide to raise awareness for conditions tied to autism & developmental challenges. 

01/27/2026

Checkout our Spotlight Nominee:

Vi Phan graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she majored in Education and Social Transformation and Applied Developmental Psychology. Before joining Behavioral Support Partnership’s community, Vi worked as an AVID college tutor for the Garden Grove Unified School District, supporting first-generation students with academic skill-building, organization, and postsecondary readiness. She also served as a student intern at the UCLA Lab School, where she collaborated with educators to support students’ learning and development in inclusive classroom settings. During her undergraduate studies, she was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis through the course Autism: Mind, Brain, and Education, which strengthened her interest in supporting neurodiverse learners. Vi finds great fulfillment in her work in ABA, especially building meaningful connections with her clients and supporting their growth through individualized-based interventions. Her passion for working with students stems from her hands-on experiences addressing children’s academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Vi plans to pursue graduate studies in School Psychology and is committed to promoting meaningful growth and compassionate, client-centered care for children and families.

01/08/2026

📅 January 2026 — OC Events Supporting Autism, Development & Neurodiversity

🟧 January 9 — Way to Play Day
📍 Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine
🕙 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
A family-friendly event with free developmental screenings and play opportunities for young children.
🔗 https://www.pretendcity.org/event

🟧 January 10 — Vision Day & STEM Up to the Challenge
📍 Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine
🕚 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sensory activities and hands-on challenges designed for kids — great for sensory exploration and engagement.
🔗 https://www.pretendcity.org/event

🟧 January 13 — Neurodivergent Family Night
📍 Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine
🕔 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
A free, sensory-friendly evening where neurodiverse children and their families can enjoy the museum together in a welcoming, supportive environment. 
🔗 https://www.pretendcity.org/event

🟧 January 14–17 — 27th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities
📍 The Westin Long Beach
Held annually, this professional conference offers workshops, research presentations, and discussions focused on autism, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities. 
🔗 https://daddcec.com/events/27th-international-conference-autism-intellectual-disability-developmental-disabilities

🟧 January 22 — Neurodivergent Family Night
📍 Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine
🕔 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Another sensory-inclusive family night — perfect for connection and play in a calm, supportive setting.
🔗 https://www.pretendcity.org/event

🟧 January 23 — Food as Medicine with Rady Children’s Health
📍 Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine
🕚 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Interactive activity focused on seasonal, nourishing foods for kids and families.
🔗 https://www.pretendcity.org/event

12/22/2025

Made some snow dough for social skills

-Baking soda+Conditioner

Great for tactile and olfactory sensory

12/04/2025

🌟 Support & Community Events for Autism in Orange County 🌟

✅ Autism Speaks Orange County Empower Walk & 5K Run — unite for inclusion and support!
📅 Date: November 1, 2025
📍 Location: Oak Canyon Park, Silverado (5305 Santiago Canyon Rd)
🔗 https://www.autismspeaks.org/events/2025-orange-county-empower-walk-5k-run 

✅ Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) – Autism Moms Connect — a welcoming support group for moms of children with autism.
📅 Next meeting: December 19, 2025, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM (also regularly scheduled)
📍 Thompson Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center, 170 S. Main St., Orange, CA 92868
🔗 https://choc.org/programs-services/autism-neurodevelopmental/events-calendar/ 

✅ OC Autism Foundation – 16th Annual Breakfast With Santa & Resource Fair — a full-inclusion holiday event for families with autism & other disabilities. Free tickets (limited) — early registration recommended.
🔗 https://www.ocautismfoundation.org/ 

✅ Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) — ongoing social, educational, and support programs for individuals with autism / high-functioning autism, teens and adults, including social-skills groups, “friends & fun” activities, and creative/arts-based workshops.
🔗 https://ocaspergers.org/ 

⸻

📣 Let’s build community, spread awareness & support each other. If you know of more inclusive events in OC, share below 👇

11/08/2025

📣 November Activity Round-Up for Autism & Developmental Disability Inclusive Events in Orange County
Brought to you by BSP Social Skills Program

Looking for community events and inclusive activities this November in Orange County? Here are some great options for individuals with autism, developmental differences and their families/caregivers. All listed are welcoming of neurodiversity, and we encourage you to check each organization’s website for registration details, accommodations, updates or schedule changes.

🔹 Down Syndrome Association of Orange County (DSAOC) – “Buddy Walk” Sunday Nov 2 at Oak Canyon Private Park. Families of individuals with Down syndrome can join for a walk, connection and community. Website: https://www.dsaoc.org/ 
🔹 YMCA of Orange County – New Horizons Program (ages 18+) – Provides social outings, skill-building activities and community integration for adults with developmental disabilities. November calendar available. Location: Tustin, CA. Website: https://ymcaoc.org/new-horizons/ 
🔹 Discovery Cube Orange County – Sensory Friendly Mornings (third Sunday of each month from 8 am-10 am) at 2500 N Main St., Santa Ana. Quiet hours, reduced sensory load, one free aide admission. Website: https://www.discoverycube.org/sensory-friendly-mornings/ 
🔹 Pretend City Children’s Museum – Neurodivergent/Autism-Friendly Family Nights (2nd Tuesday & 4th Thursday after regular hours) in Irvine. Website: https://www.pretendcity.org/neurodivergent-family-night-2/ 
🔹 The Arc Los Angeles & Orange Counties – While their “Swing for Abilities” golf tournament is Nov 7, they also provide ongoing programs for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities across OC. Website: https://www.thearclaoc.org/ 

👍 Tip: We (BSP) recommend letting your participant bring any sensory supports they use (headphones, fidget, comfort item), arriving early to acclimate, and checking ahead for any registration or accommodation requirements.

🗓 Let’s stay connected, build community, and explore inclusive opportunities together!

The Arc Los Angeles and Orange Counties advocates and provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in all aspects of the community through programs and services. The Arc LAOC promotes the principles of...