Resource Spotlight: Advocacy Tool Kit
One of the most critical roles family members play in the lives of their loved ones with autism is that of an advocate. Parents, siblings and other caregivers are often the best advocates for children and adults with autism.
We want to arm you with the information and tools you need to be the strongest advocate you can be.
Our Advocacy Tool Kit provides basic information about advocacy skills and ways to apply these skills in different situations.
It includes information about advocacy at school and in the community. It also covers the importance of teaching self-advocacy skills to people with autism.
Why Are Autism Support Groups For Parents Important
Parents of children with autism tend to face unique challenges that only other parents of autistic children are capable of understanding. This is why support groups for parents of autistic children are so important. They provide a space for parents to share their experiences, offer each other advice and support, and vent about the challenges they face.
For many parents, these groups are a lifeline. They provide much-needed social interaction and allow parents to connect with others who understand what they are going through. If you are a parent of an autistic child, seek out a support group in your area. You dont have to go through this journey alone. There are people who understand and are here to help.
North York Parent Group For Chinese Speaking Families
In association with: Gifted People ServicesDescription: Parent Support Group for parents of teens and adults with a developmental disability. Includes speakers, discuss issues of concern to the group members.Location: Online through ZoomMeetings: 3rd Friday every month from 7pm to 8pmContact: Sara Zhang, , 647-978-8416
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Reach Rethinking Autistic Childrens Health
This is a parent group seeking non-traditional therapies for their children. Join their discussion to learn about their approach to get children healthy, put parents into action and help them implement what they are learning. This group is very hands-on, come and be inspired to act! Meetings are monthly and will be held mainly at Natural Grocers at 17602 Wright Street . Some months there will be fun events like boot camps for the kiddos or a fun, relaxing event for mothers. For more information contact Ashley Ward at 402-317-0391 or .
Open Support Groups For Parents/family Of Adults
Online “Open” Support Groups for Parents of Adults have new people joining from session to session and are FREE. Registration is required. The groups are facilitated by AANE staff, consultants, or volunteers who themselves are on the autism spectrum, have family members on the spectrum, or have worked extensively with the Asperger/autism community. Learn more about our facilitators here.Click on the event links below to learn more and register.
Support Group for Families with All Age Members – Meets the second Tuesday of the month. Facilitated by Dr. Kate Cody and Pat Schissel, LMSW.
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Statewide Virtual Support Groups
During COVID-19, meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Check calendar for upcoming events.
Parent/Caregiver Support Group -Grupo de apoyo para padres y cuidadores
Spanish language group for parents and caregivers. Meets the 3rd Saturday of every month.
Grand Island Area Autism Support Group
The Grand Island Area Autism Support Group meets the second Sunday of the month at Third City Christian Church located at 4100 West 13th Street. Meetings are from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Contact Andrea Beck at 402-679-1115, 308-687-6270, or for more information. Childcare is available call Bridget at 308-381-8844 to arrange.
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Parent And Caregiver Support Group
UPDATE: Postponed until further notice
In association with: Asperger Society Ontario Description: Provides a forum for learning, support, and the exchange of information for parents, family members and caregivers of children with Asperger Syndrome. No feesLocation: Toronto City Hall Committee Room #4 Meetings: Monthly last Monday of each month from 6:30 8:00 p.m.
www.parentsadvocacy.com Description: A support group for parents and caregivers to help them advocate for the programs and services their children with exceptionalities require. Information, resources and parent training is available via PAS. A new initiative is the creation of PAAT- The Parents Advocacy Association of Toronto & GTA Where Parents of Children With Special Needs Unite.Contact: Dr. Norm Forman416-429-8511 or PAAT 647-794-6679 email:
Who Needs An Autism Support Group
Support groups are vital for parents, caregivers, siblings, and other family or friends who are worried about the autistic people in their lives, who need support themselves, and who want to be a better resource for their loved ones. Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and unwell are commonly reported by caregivers of people who have any condition, especially chronic conditions. Parents and guardians of children with autism often report feeling:
- Angry
- Guilty
- Sad
Meeting people who are going through the same issues that you are can help to ease your mental and emotional struggles. It can also help you to access resources that have helped others. How do you find a support group to help you? Weve outlined some suggestions below.
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Ways To Find An Autism Support Group In Your City Or State
There are several government agencies and nonprofits that provide information on autism support groups. Some of these organizations host support groups, and some can connect you to the right type of group for your needs. Government OrganizationsHere are a few government organizations you can contact to help you find information on autism support, which includes support groups:
Nonprofits & Community OrganizationsNonprofits and community organizations provide a lot of support for children and adults with autism, along with their families. These are some of the leading nonprofit groups offering support for families of autistic individuals:
Connecting to Support Through ABA Therapy
Finding The Right Way To Support Yourself
Getting children the help they need from therapists will improve their lives significantly. When a child with autism receives the right therapy, they will feel more comfortable. They have the tools they need to communicate, learn, and navigate social interactions, and this empowers them to live independent, balanced lives. It is vital for young children to socialize with the adults in their lives, especially their parents or guardians. This means that parents must get support, through support groups, from other parents along with therapists or leaders who run the group. Finding ways to lessen the stress in your life will help you be there for your child, so you can encourage their growth and development.
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They Help Parents Cope
Another way in which support groups help parents of autistic children is by helping them cope. The journey of raising a child with autism can be a difficult one, and it is often filled with challenges.
Support groups provide a space for parents to share their experiences and offer each other advice on how to cope with these challenges.
Troubled Youth Support Groups For Parents
The teenage years can be challenging for adolescents trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in. They can also be some of the more difficult years for parents, especially if youre dealing with a troubled teen. If your child is struggling with mental or behavioral health issues, anger management challenges, an eating disorder or self-harming tendencies, getting help for them and yourself is essential.
There are support groups that provide help for parents with troubled teenagers. Online support groups for parents of troubled teens play a vital role in helping families cope with the challenges of parenting a child with behavioral or emotional problems. These groups create a space for parents to share their experiences and learn from one another. They can also offer resources and referrals to help you access available services and support.
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Have An Understanding Of Autism
Finally, support groups provide an opportunity for parents to gain a better understanding of autism. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising a child with autism, hearing from other parents can be helpful in gaining insights into different approaches.
This can help parents feel more confident in their ability to raise their children and make informed decisions about their childs care. Moreover, the people you associate yourself with as a parent have in-depth knowledge and are aware of what autism is and how children cope with it.
Aspergers Parent Support Group
This support group is for parents of children of any age with Aspergers Disorder at Williamsburg Behavioral Psychology, 3801 Union Dr., Suite 206, Lincoln . You will be able to talk with other parents and professionals about your parenting challenges and issues. You will receive helpful support, feedback and education about how to cope who is diagnosed with Aspergers Disorder. For more information call 402-489-2218, ask for Dr. Tapley or leave her a message.
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Family Support Groups For Autism
There are thousands of support groups around the world. Finding a support group in your location is now made easy with a quick Google search. Simply type autism support group followed by your city or location. Autism Empowerment provides a worldwide listing of resources
There is no one institution that manages autism support groups in the United States. However, some large groups can have several branches or chapters in different locations across the country.
Here are some examples of autism support groups:
Drug Addiction Support Groups For Parents
It’s hard to watch your child suffer from addiction. As a parent, you want to help them in any way you can, but sometimes it feels like there’s nothing you can do. It can be heartbreaking, and you may feel helpless, but you are not alone.
Parent support groups for drug addiction create space to connect with other parents in similar situations. These groups provide resources to help you, your family, and your child, as well as space to process your emotions. Whether you are in contact with your child or not, parents of drug addicts support groups can help. There are many people who understand what youre going through and can offer support.
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Chinese Speaking Family Support Group
In association with: Spirit of LifeDescription: A family network supporting Cantonese and Mandarin speaking individuals with families who have a son or daughter with a developmental disability in the Chinese community in the GTA.Location: Zoom Meeting RSVP contact to be invitedMeetings: 4th Friday of each month
Ontario Wide Virtual Support Group For Moms
In Association with: Community Living Toronto, Montage Support Services and The Relationship Group.Description: A virtual support group for Moms who have a child with an intellectual disability and/or Autism of any age to come together to share, strategize and support one another. The group is open to everyone regardless of where they reside in the province of Ontario.Location: ZOOM Meeting, link will be sent once RSVP has been received.Meetings: every Monday evening from 7:30pm-9:30pm, and every Thursday afternoon from 1:00pm-3:00pm, participants are welcome to join either meeting or both.Contact: Linda: or Tracey: for more information.
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Find A Chapter/autism Support Group
Do you want to meet other local families facing similar challenges to share experiences?Are you looking for a place where your family will feel welcomed and understood?Is raising autism awareness and understanding in your community important to you?
So many of our members tell us how happy they are to finally have somewhere to turn and how good it feels to not feel alone.
I love being part of such a supportive and accepting group of people that always have an answer, suggestion, or know where to point you to help find one.
Autism Support Groups For Parents
Parenting a child with autism requires an exceptional level of patience, compassion, and understanding. As a parent, its important to learn your childs strengths and weaknesses and how to best support them, whether advocating for them in school or learning de-escalation techniques.
Autism parent support groups are designed to provide a supportive and educational environment for parents of children with autism. Online groups meet regularly and offer various resources and services, including information about autism spectrum disorders, coping strategies, and ways to connect with other families. Ultimately, joining support groups for parents of an autistic child can play a vital role in helping your family navigate your autism journey.
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Support Programmes For Parents And Carers
EarlyBird , EarlyBird Plus , and Teen Life are support programmes for parents and carers, offering advice and guidance on strategies and approaches to working with young autistic children. The programmes work on understanding autism, building confidence to encourage interaction and communication, and understanding and supporting behaviour.
Special Needs Forum For Families
Forum for Families was started in the fall of 2013. It is their goal to educate, support, and celebrate with those who love and care for people with special needs. They meet the 2nd Sundays of the month, 3-5pm, at Countryside Community Church . This group is not faith-based, any diagnoses and age welcome. For more information contact Maria Gaebler at 402-594-5272 or .
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Downtown Family Support Group
In association with: Gifted People Services and Community Matters TorontoDescription: Parent Support Group for parents of teens and adults with developmental disability. Includes speakers, discuss issues of concern to the group members.Location: Online through Zoom, must RSVPMeetings: 2nd Saturday every month from 1pm to 4pmContact: Dianna Jiang, , 647-886-9062
Autism Society Of Nebraska Elementary Social Club
Elementary Social Club is a monthly meet up featuring both guided and free play activities which allow our children to have fun in a judgment-free environment while building friendships and life skills. Our activities are targeted for all elementary kids . Each month will feature a different theme with suitable activities, crafts and/or games to match. Volunteers are on hand to assist families but caregiver supervision is required. Siblings are always welcome, as are a friend or two if needed. We meet the third Saturday afternoon of each month from 3 pm to 4 pm in the upper level of the Autism Center of Nebraska, 90th and Q. If you have any questions, call 1-800-580-9279.
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Managing Problem Behaviours At Home
Dr. Kelsey Ruppel is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, special education teacher, and is part of FTF Behavioral Consulting.In this video, Dr. Ruppel discusses ways to help your child during the COVID-19 crisis.
ABA 101 VB Map Web-Based Training
ABA 101 is a self paced, unlimited usage, eight-hour training course with over 300 video examples and learning-enhancing exercises to ensure that the staff and parents have the skills and resources they need.
Autism Internet Modules
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder have unique strengths and challenges. Understanding the underlying characteristics of ASD and effective practices that support their needs is essential.
Touch Chat Training
Free 40 Hour RBT Training
This 40 hour training is based on the 2nd edition task list and meets the requirements outlined by the BACB for individuals seeking their RBT certification. Your certificate indicating you have completed your 40 hours of training will be sent upon completion.
Creative Children Educational Supply in Port Moody
Art supplies, science and math supplies. Pretend play, fine motor toys, blocks and manipulatives. They offers delivery or curb side pick up.
ASD and Developmental Needs Swap & Shop Metro Vancouver
A facebook group where parents and service providers buy and sell used supplies.
WiggleKids
Kinds Of Autism Support Groups
There are many kinds of support groups, and this applies to autism support groups as well. Groups can vary in purpose which is usually determined by the group leader.
- Peer-led support groups. These groups are led by parents of children with autism. They are often formed for giving and receiving advice, as well as getting emotional support.
- Education support groups. These are groups that focus on providing the latest information to its members. Some groups meet and encourage members to deliver a presentation about a certain topic regularly.
- Professionally-led support groups. These groups are usually led and funded by organizations who pursue autism as advocacy. Groups like these are often run by psychologists, social workers, or school personnel.
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Autism Society Of Nebraska Preschool Playdate
Join other Pre-K children with autism for a monthly playdate. Playdates are the third Saturday of each month from 10 am to 11 am in the upper level of the Autism Center of Nebraska, 90th and Q. Its one fun-filled hour of sensory and play activities hosted with the help of Creighton University OT students. Our children have so much fun they dont realize theyre working on critical skills. Cant wait to see you at preschool playdate! Call 1-800-580-9279 with any questions.
Safe & Secure Futures Network West
Description: Aims to empower families to develop and nurture a support circle with their family member who has a disability. Offer opportunities to share and learn from each other. A variety of topics of mutual interest are explored through guided discussions with a facilitator.Location: Online via ZoomMeetings: Third Tuesday of the month from 7:00 8:30pm but subject to change depending on availability.Contact: Alyssa Marshall, or 416-239-7161
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Danforth Parent Support Group
UPDATE: Combined with Parent Share until further notice
In association with: Woodgreen Community ServicesDescription: Get people together to talk about what their kids are doing when school ends.Location: Woodgreen Community Centre 815 Danforth Meetings: once a month from January JuneContact: Bonnie Heath, , 416-645-6000 ext. 1311