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Community and Internet Resources


Community: Support Groups and Disability Specific Organizations

Autism


New Horizons Un-limited is not endorsing and assumes no responsibility in guaranteeing the products, services, programs or conditions as described. If you are interested in a resource listed below, call or contact the resource to verify the current situation. Evaluate the information, analyze your unique circumstances, use your best judgment and make your own decisions when using the information. Before making any change, consult your health care professional.

National
State Listings:   MD / NJ / NY / SC / VA / WI /    (Official USPS State Abbreviations)


National

Autism Allies is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. They provide grants to financially disadvantaged families, support and conduct education and informational activities to increase public awareness of autism, fund research into the causes and treatments of autism and offer employment services that connect businesses with reliable workers. To learn more, call (612) 384-4265 or e-mail info@autismallies.org.

Autism Cares provides grants of up to $1000 to help families affected by autism to cover costs associated with critical living expenses such as; housing, utilities, car repair, daycare, funeral expenses, and other essential items on a case-by-case basis. To qualify applicants must have experienced one of the following life events:
  • Natural disaster: fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, severe storm or earthquake
  • Death or critical illness in the immediate nuclear family
  • Victim of a violent crime
  • Loss of home through foreclosure, eviction or natural disaster
  • Termination of employment for the primary income-earner within previous 90 days

    Applications are available on the Autism Cares website. Applications are due on the the 20th of each month and are reviewed 5-7 days after.

    Autism Gateway is intended to provide Physicians the information they need to effectively care for patients with autism. While intended for Physicians, the information will also prove very useful to families of children with Autism. The site covers everything from early diagnosis to ongoing treatment options. The website also features video cases of children and young adults with Autism.

    Autism Clinical Trials Network (ACTN) is a collaboration of treatment and research centers dedicated to accelerating clinical trials of investigational treatments for autism and to increasing the number of biological treatments available to families and clinicians. To learn about ongoing trials visit the ACTN website.

    Autism Network International (ANI) is a self-advocacy group run by and for autistic persons. This group welcomes families, however the main focus of this group is on the issues and needs of individuals on the Autistic Spectrum. They also sponsor an annual "Autreat." For information, please visit their website.

    Autism Research Institute (ARI), a non-profit organization, was established in 1967. ARI is primarily devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating autism and other severe behavioral disorders of childhood. They provide information based on research to parents and professionals throughout the world.

    Autism Society of America via their local chapters, works to provide lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum, and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community. Their primary activities include education, advocacy at state and federal levels, active public awareness and the promotion of research. They offer an informative website that can help one better understand Autism, learn about treatment options, as well as information and resources for those living with Autism. To learn how the society can help you, visit their website or call (800) 328-8476. This is an excellent site and resource. You can download their information packages, read through book and tape lists, request membership information (local & national), and more.

    Autism Speaks is an advocacy organization dedicated to: funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Via their Family Services web section, you can search for resources by zip code, tap into their resource library to find helpful books, DVDs and software, link to other families via online communities and much more.

    Autistics. org is a website with resources by and for persons on the Autistic Spectrum. The purpose of the autistics.org project is to connect autistic people with the services they need to live whole and happy lives. The immediate goal of autistics.org is to build a global database of information and resources by and for persons on the autistic spectrum. The autistics.org project is by and for autistics, not parents of autistic children, though family members and professionals may find this website helpful.

    Autism Today is an online source for the latest resources and information on Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. This site features a resource directory, event listings, informative articles, a frequently asked questions section, and much more.

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) provides information on the diagnosis and treatment of and the latest research on Autism. Online Fact Sheets, Resource Kits, Growth Charts, and more will help parents ensure that their children are receiving the treatments and services they need to lead a productive life.

    Gray Center, The was created by Carol Gray who is the author of Social Stories. This organization provides support and information and is "dedicated to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and those who work alongside of them to provide mutual understanding." They also sponsor conferences and workshops.

    Indiana Resource Center for Autism is a great resource for information and support located at Indiana University, Indiana Resource Center for Autism. They offer a wide range of resources and publications. The Indiana Resource Center for Autism staff conduct outreach training and consultations, engage in research, and develop and disseminate information on behalf of individuals across the Autism spectrum, including Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders. Their efforts are focused on providing communities, organizations, agencies, and families with the knowledge and skills to support children and adults in typical early intervention, school, community, work, and home settings. ASPIRES (Asperger Syndrome Partners & Individuals Resources, Encouragement and Support). This is an on-line resource for spouses and family members of adults diagnosed or suspected to be on the Autistic Spectrum. Their approach is directed towards solving problems in relationships.

    Interactive Autism Network Community is an online forum that brings together people affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and researchers in an effort to improve the lives of individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Families can share their experiences and participate in interactive discussions, which ultimately results in producing shared knowledge and resources.

    National Autism Association has a mission to advocate, educate, and empower. They advocate on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own rights, raise public and professional awareness of autism spectrum disorders, and empower those in the autism community to never give up in their search to help their loved ones reach their full potential. Via their website, they offer much helpful information and a listing of resources. Via their Family First Fund, they offer direct financial assistance that can assist with treatment. They also offer computer grants. For more information, visit their website or call (877) 622-2884.

    (NICHCY) National Information Center for Children and Youth With Disabilities has an Autism/PDD page that includes definition, research, organizations, and education for people with autism.

    New Sign National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke includes a national listing of Autism Organizations as well many other autism related resources.

    OAR - Organization for Autism Research provides helpful information and tools to educators, parents, and professionals on a range of Autism topics. Via their Life Journey Through Autism Series they have written six guides to assist parents and educators with such topics as research, transition, and assessments.

    Rethink Autism is an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based online service that is designed to put parents in control of their child’s treatment. The service will help parents make assessments, teach basic life skills and track their child's progress. While this service is available for a fee, parents may also sign up for Free Autism Tips via e-mail, which will include: practical daily living advice, and links to autism tip videos and live webinars with autism experts.

    Spotlight On Autism developed by Scitable by Nature Education provides links to articles and resources concerning Autism. Their site is divided into several sections, including What is Autism, Treatments for Autism, Living with Autism, Facts and Figures About Autism, and Autism and Vaccines.

    TACA - Talk About Curing Autism is a not-for-profit foundation of families helping families affected by autism. Their website features an abundance of information on improving behavior, communication, socialization and learning in children with Autism. TACA can also connect you with local families affected by Autism.


    State Listings


    Maryland

    Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC) is a private, non-profit agency dedicated to serving persons disabled by Autism, so that they may remain in and fulfilled by their communities. Services include early intervention, a community school, as well as residential and vocational programs. Their website features information on Autism, legislative action alerts, the latest in news and an events calendar. For more information, call (301) 762-1650 or e-mail csaac@csaac.org.


    New Jersey

    Autism New Jersey is a non-profit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education, and consultation to New Jersey's Autism community. Parent Services provide parents and other family members with a better understanding of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders, strategies for teaching their child, and strategies for handling behavior problems in the home. Services include information and referral, family advocacy, support groups, a parent series on behavioral intervention and educational rights, home-based consultation and a variety of educational workshops. For more information, visit their website, call 1-800-4-AUTISM (800-428-8476) or e-mail information@autismnj.org.

    POAC, Inc. of New Jersey is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the lives of children and adults with autism by providing scientifically-based training to parents, teachers and other direct service providers. Free parent training sessions, which cover such topics as Managing Problem Behavior and Potty Training, Developing Language in the Natural Environment and Teaching Sign Language, among others, take place in locations throughout New Jersey in the following counties: Camden, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Passaic, Middlesex and Morris. For more information, visit their website or call (732) 888-1000.


    New York

    Golden Fund For Autism, The raises funds to help children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders access various treatments and therapies not otherwise covered by insurance. Funds can be used to access the therapies, special education and technology at the Long Island Spectrum Center, which takes a non-medicinal approach, focusing on fixing metabolic problems and enhancing nervous system functions. To learn how you can register your child for a sponsorship, visit their website.

    New Sign Spectrum Social Skills Solutions, Inc is a fee based service company that is committed to better the quality of life for individuals with social skills deficits. They offer interpersonal and social skills seminars for children ages 6-18 as well as young adults. These seminars may help those who have Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Aspergers Syndrome, ADHD, PDD, ADD, anxiety / depression, difficulty with assertion, bullying, self confidence, engaging in conversation, or lack of friends. Spectrum Social Skills Solutions Inc. does offer a free parent support group. For more information, contact Spectrum Social Skills Solutions, Inc., 38 Winthrop Place, Staten Island, New York 10314, Phone: (347) 944-5900 or send Email to: help@spectrumsocialskills.com


    South Carolina

    South Carolina Autism Society has a purpose to enable all children and adults in South Carolina who have autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to reach their maximum potential. They offer information on Autism, support groups, and various community awareness training programs. For more information, call (800) 438-4790.


    Virginia

    Commonwealth Autism Service provides a range of services to families of children with autism. They maintain a library of assessment instruments, literature, research articles, reference books, intervention materials, videotapes and related items. They also consult with families so to assist them in accessing all available resources. For more information, visit their website or call (800) 649-8481.


    Wisconsin

    Autism Society of Wisconsin opened an office in 1996. The office is open to members and the public with limited hours. ASW is looking forward to providing increased support and information to the autism community in Wisconsin. ASW sponsors an annual conference, a free quarterly newsletter, maintains a Wisconsin directory of people offering information/assistance, and provides information and referral, Wisconsin only. Currently, there are local chapters in Appleton, Chippewa Valley, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Wausau and the Two Rivers/Manitowoc areas. The Autism Society of Wisconsin office is located in downtown Appleton. The Milwaukee area chapter also maintains an office. Call or write ASW for more information on Wisconsin chapters. To contact ASW, write to 103 W. College Ave., Suite 709, Appleton, WI 54911-5744, phone: (920) 993-0ASW, (920) 993-0270, Toll-free 1-888-4-AUTISM (1-888-428-8476) Wisconsin only, information and referral) or e-mail at asw@asw4autism.org

    Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin, based in Franklin, offers information and referral, workshops, support groups, environmental modifications for adults with autism and a newsletter. They also offer a very comprehensive Resource Directory, which has been compiled by parents of children with Autism. For more information, call (414) 427-9345 or e-mail assew@assew.org.


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