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.
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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Talking To Your Child About Autism
It’s your choice when you want to tell your child about their autism.
Some parents do it straight away, while others wait until their child’s a bit older. There’s no right or wrong time.
When you tell your child, it may help to:
- do it when they’re feeling calm or relaxed
- talk to them in a place where they feel comfortable, with no distractions
- explain they do not have an illness, but they might need extra support to help them with some things
- explain they might find some things harder than other people, and some things easier
- bring them to a support group to meet other autistic children
Some children can find it hard if their brother or sister is autistic.
If you have other children, there are things you can do to help them.
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Autism And Parent Support Groups
When my son was first diagnosed with autism at age 22 months, one of the first things I desperately craved was to talk with other parents. I had so many questions.
What just happened?
What early intervention program do you recommend?
What therapies have your tried?
Why isnt this therapy covered by insurance?
How do I get my kid in this school?
Why is he flapping his hands in front of his face?
What helped?
Hes not talking. When did your child start talking?
Im sad, tired, scared and lost. Are you?
Will I always feel this way?
And who better to ask than those parents who had already experienced it? I went to a few support groups. I asked my questions. I did not get answers.
I soon discovered that it was a very individualized journey. Our path with autism was going to be as unique and complex as our son. Other parents were working on their own questions and answers but they werent mine. So I held off on attending a support group for several years.
I hunkered down and focused on the dizzying amount of work ahead for me and my family. I had to quit my job. We could not afford the therapies that were recommended. Meanwhile Im told early intervention is crucial! Start now!
Life was turned upside down. I had the same beautiful amazing son. New language. New rules. New life. Everything had changed in a matter of months.
This is when I could have used a good support group.
What does a good support group look like?
What is the potential benefit of a support group?
Autism Support Groups In Specific States
Each state boasts a variety of support groups for parents of children with autism, and you can find support groups in your state by using the resources above.Here are some options in the following states:New York
Bebos Angels Autism Support GroupMany sites gather autism support group listings for specific states. For example, the University of South Florida has a page dedicated to autism-related support groups in the state.Search for autism-specific support groups in your state, and youll find a variety of resources available. You can also use the support group search feature on Psychology Today to find local groups.
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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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Autism Society Of Indiana Northeast Office
127 Airport North Office Park Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Autism Society of Indiana has Area Support Coordinators to assist individuals and family members living with autism. Coordinators are personally affected by autism and have a solid foundation of what it is like to have and manage an autism spectrum disorder. Because every part of Indiana has different needs, the coordinators work hard to know the services provided by local disability providers, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, and state agencies. Also, check the ASI website for other programs they offer to support to families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
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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:
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.
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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
Social Meet Up Groups
- Kirkland/Bothell Fantastic Fridays and Autism Contact:/ click find a group and click Support Groups, Fridays Meets: Fridays from 6-8pm. Locations vary.
- Northwest Special Families Contact: www.northwestspecialfamilies.org Meets: Varies. King County area
- Parents of Sensational Kids in South Puget Sound Contact: Jenny Dooley www.meetup.com/Parents-of-sensational-kids-Puget-sound-support-and-play/ Meets: Varies. Olympia/Kitsap/Bremerton areas
- Seattle Autism Meet Up Contact: Find us under class schedule at Meets: Varies.
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Why Join A Support Group
You will get ideas and strategies for helping your child lay foundations for their future. By meeting other parents on your journey you will realise the feeling and worries you are experiencing are perfectly normal and to be expected.
Overall, our Support Groups work to meet emerging needs and raise awareness with local communities, businesses and politicians across Northern Ireland. This core area of work underpins Autism NIs long-standing commitment to maintaining relationships with parents, carers and professionals.
By speaking to another parent who is involved you can find out what it is like at meetings, what is expected of you and what is not.
My son was diagnosed with autism in May 2011 and atthat time … I contacted Autism NI and enquired about any local supportgroups. Since that call, it took a week to set up my own support group whichthe Family Support Officer was more than happy to help with. Since the groupstarted, I have found out so much information from other parents.
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.
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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:
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
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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 .
Parent Support Group Tips
If you decide to join a support group to know more about autism spectrum disorder, here are some tips to help make the most of it:
1. Attend meetings regularly and be active in the group. The more involved you are, the more you will get out of it.
2. Share your experiences and listen to others. Everyone in the group has something valuable to share.
3. Be respectful of other parents and their children. Remember, these are people who you are likely to be friends with long after the group ends.
4. Vent when needed, but try not to dwell on negative things. The goal of a support group is to provide support, not to make you feel worse.
5. Keep an open mind. You may not agree with everything that is said in the group, but remember that everyone is entitled to their opinion.
6. Take care of yourself. Its important to have some me time outside of the support group. This will help you stay energized and positive throughout your journey.
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Everyones Story Is Different
The experience of Autism is not one thing. It is many things. Its dreams, talents, relationships, victories, hurdles, and everything in between. The connection between those experiences is you.
You break the mold. No matter who you are, the person you are is infiniteand you are the only you there is.
How Support Groups Benefit Families Of Children With Autism
One of the best ways to meet other families that have a child with autism spectrum disorder is through a parent support group. Connecting with families of children with similar needs can offer encouragement and insight into raising a child with autism. Other parents are also often the best source for information on community resources.
In addition to support group meetings, some groups sponsor social events for parents and children, maintain a parent email list, and host educational presentations for parents.
Find an autism support group in your area
- The Autism Speaks Resource Guide is an online national database of autism providers and resources searchable by state and zip code. Use this link to search for Georgia resources.
- The Autism Speaks Autism Response Team is specially trained to connect people with autism, their families and caregivers to information, tools and resources.
What if you dont have a local autism support group?
If there isnt a group in your area, consider:
- Signing up for an upcoming caregiver workshop, where you can meet other families from our center.
- Starting your own group. Advertise at school, in therapy offices and in pediatricians offices. Some groups find free meeting space in local coffee shops or in a meeting room in a library or church hall.
- Contacting Parent To Parent of Georgia at 1-800-229-2038. Ask to be linked to another parent in your area.
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Drug Addiction Support Groups For Parents
Its 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 theres 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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Ways In Which Support Groups Aid Parents Of Autistic Children
It is important for us to support parents of children with autism in our own small ways. There are several people who want to help families and parents but are not sure how to go about it. They fear that their concern might come across as offensive, and hence, choose to stay silent.
This is where support groups can be of help for parents of autistic children. The following are some of the ways in which they can be of assistance:
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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
Autism Society Chapters And Parent Support Groups In Indiana
Marci Wheeler, MSW
Below is a listing of Autism Society chapters and additional support groups across Indiana for parents and other family members of children and adults across the autism spectrum. This information is provided to help those families trying to locate a group for support. The support groups listed may or may not provide you and your family with the specific kind of support you are seeking. Please call or email the contact person directly. In some cases, check Facebook to find out about the specific focus of the support group, and to learn about meeting places, current meeting schedule and any updates since this information was last revised. Some groups have Facebook pages, an email listserv, or blogs you can ask about when you make direct contact. Inclusion on this list does reflect an endorsement of any specific group.
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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.