This year’s President’s Letter is both a reflection and a transition—honoring where we’ve been and sharing where the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (ASOC) is headed next.
Every year since 2016, I have begun the year with the ASOC President’s Letter, sharing plans and priorities for the year ahead. However, 2026 marks a very different chapter for me. I will no longer be serving as President of the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group. That role will be assumed by Robin Redden (formerly Robin Alonso), who will begin her term as ASOC President in the new year. Robin brings deep commitment, operational knowledge, and a warm collaborative leadership style that will serve ASOC well in this next chapter, and I look forward to supporting her as we move forward. I will remain actively involved during this transition, serving as ASOC Vice President and Chair of the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup.
After ten years as ASOC President, I have chosen to make room in my life for some well-deserved travel and fun with my husband of 38 years, Dennis Copelan. At the same time, I will continue the work that is closest to my heart: increasing employment opportunities in the entertainment industry through Autism In Entertainment and running the ASOC Toastmasters Gavel Club—the program that first introduced me to ASOC. I am also committed to helping ensure a smooth and successful leadership transition to my friend and colleague, Robin.
This is a time of both celebration and reflection. I invite you to join me as I take a moment to look back on highlights from the past ten years and share some exciting news for 2026. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication and support of our Board Members and Officers, Social Coordinators, interns, volunteers, generous benefactors, partners, therapists, vendors, the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup—and you. Thank you for an amazing ten years.
Ten Years of Accomplishments
At a glance, over the past decade, ASOC has:
- Built a sustainable and professional operational foundation
- Delivered thousands of educational, social, and support programs
- Maintained uninterrupted services through COVID
- Expanded employment pathways through Autism In Entertainment, Career Club, participation in the Orange County Local Partnership Agreement and more.
During these ten years, ASOC has matured into a strong, resilient organization. We now have a robust management platform, insurance coverage, a comprehensive website, sound financial reserves, an accounting firm, and an active social media presence. We were honored to receive two grants—one from the City of Irvine and another from the Department of Developmental Services—and in 2024, we were recognized with the Irvine Disability-Friendly Community Member Award.
This solid foundation has enabled us to make a meaningful difference in many lives as we advance our mission of improving the quality of life for individuals with autism through education, support, and social activities.
When COVID struck, we not only weathered the storm—we pivoted and expanded. In March 2020, we transitioned to Zoom with zero downtime and intentionally filled the gap with robust programming. Many of you may remember the cooking classes with Erica Hersh, game nights with Erin Alonso, art classes with Kerry Podue, our talent show, and a wide range of virtual support meetings for parents, teens, adults, siblings, women, and partners.
Our educational meetings became webinars, resulting in more than 100 recorded sessions that remain available for you to watch today. Many of these programs and recordings are now accessible through our website for those who would like to explore further.
We also delivered impactful workshop series, including Conquering Emotions and Conquering Behaviors with Dr. Alex Gantman, Executive Functioning with Karen Lerner, and Career Club with Zavikon’s Hilary Kokenda, Rebecca Beam, and me.
Since October 2012, our Toastmasters Gavel Club has continued to meet on Saturdays—moving from the Woodbridge Tennis Club to Irvine Ranch Water District Community Room, and eventually to Zoom. More than 50 members have participated, building confidence and communication skills. We also supported a major research project on the effectiveness of Toastmasters, funded by the Organization for Autism Research and led by Drs. Sasha Zeedyke and Yasamin Bolourian.
In partnership with Chance Theater and Karen O’Hanlon, we created and supported Spectrum Speak Up, an outstanding theater program for teens with autism that has been offered since 2018.
We also established the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup, received a grant from the Department of Developmental Services, and hosted a major conference in April 2024. This initiative now includes over 2,000 stakeholders, dozens of webinars, and has helped create more than 100 employment opportunities.
NEW ASOC Website.
Robin and I began meeting in August 2025 to plan for 2026. I am delighted to announce the launch of a new ASOC website designed to better support and guide you:
I am delighted to announce the launch of a new ASOC website designed to better support and guide you:
- The new homepage offers an inviting, at-a-glance view of available activities and programs.
- Make a Plan pages bring to life the annual Creating Your Best Life webinar I host every November, guiding members through envisioning their future, identifying obstacles, setting priorities, and developing a plan. Each focus area includes detailed overviews, curated organizations, and recorded webinars.
- Explore Resources pages provide a searchable library of organizations and webinars to fuel your journey with knowledge.
- Get Involved pages help you find the right activity at the right time. (Events, Support Groups, Social Activities, Educational Meetings, Autism In Entertainment, Toastmasters Gavel Club, Volunteer)
I encourage you to explore the website not just today, but often. Be sure to bookmark it for easy access.
Providing Continuing Support
This is not goodbye. You will continue to see me at monthly virtual support meetings, Gavel Club sessions, and in my roles on the board and behind the scenes, helping ensure a smooth leadership transition. I will continue to lead the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup, increasing employment for ND individuals in the Entertainment Industry.
Thank you for trusting me with this role for the past ten years. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
I wish you all a wonderful 2026 and a life filled with health, purpose, friendship, and joy.
Warmest regards,
Judi Uttal
President
Autism Society Orange County