Behavioral Support Partnership

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...

10/24/2025

10/24/2025

This holiday season, Pretend City Children’s Museum invites your family to celebrate warmth, wonder, and festive traditions! From twinkling lights to cheerful music, joy fills every corner for you to explore together. 💫

11/2 Celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous American communities through hands-on activities, performance and storytelling with Jacque Nunez.

12/1 Kick off the holiday season with our enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City! Join us as we welcome winter with festive cheer, cookies, and hot cocoa—served alongside a special visit from Santa! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to create cherished memories with family and friends as we celebrate the magic of the holidays in the city!
🕖11 am ONLY

12/17 Celebrate the magic of Las Posadas with us at Pretend City! Las Posadas is a special celebration that takes place in Mexico and other Latin American countries during the days leading up to Christmas.
🕖11 am & 2:30 pm

12/20 Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1. Each day focuses on one of the seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. 🖤💚❤️
🕖11 am & 2:30 pm

12/21 Join us for a day filled with laughter, joy, and the warmth of the holiday season. Let’s make this Winter Solstice/Christmas Celebration a memorable one for you and your family!
🕖11 am & 2:30 pm

12/22 Stories & Cookies with Mrs. Claus!
🕖11 am & 2:30 pm

12/31 It’s Midnight Somewhere 5..4..3..2..1.. HAPPY NOON YEAR! Join us for our annual New Year’s Celebration in the middle of the day!
🕖Pretend City is open 10 am -3 pm ONLY

These and more holiday events are sure to sell out, so don’t wait! Book your tickets online now and make this holiday season unforgettable for your little ones. 🤩

10/16/2025

🎃👻 Get ready for a spooktacular night in Costa Mesa! 👻🎃

Join us for the 3rd Annual Haunted Halloween Trunk or Treat — hosted by the Costa Mesa Goat Hill Lions Club and the Costa Mesa Women’s Club!

🗓 Date: October 25th
🕓 Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Costa Mesa Women’s Club
610 W 18th St, Costa Mesa

Bring your friends, family, and costumes for an evening full of laughs, candy, tricks, and treats! 🎃🍬
Don’t miss this fun community event — perfect for all ages!