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Community and Internet Resources


Community: Support Groups and Disability Specific Organizations

Asperger Syndrome

See also 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

New Sign ASPEN (Asperger Syndrome Education Network) provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism), and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities with:

ASPEN is a national volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization with headquarters in New Jersey. Their fifteen Chapters meet monthly, alternating parent support meetings with speaker presentations. ASPEN offers professionals the opportunity to join at meetings where speakers are scheduled and provides Professional Development Hours to those who attend. ASPEN is registered with the NJ Department of Education (registration #1619) as a Professional Development Provider. Membership includes a newsletter and resource directory, access to their lending library. Additionally, ASPEN maintains a comprehensive website and sponsors conferences featuring some of the most prominent names in the research community.

Asperger's Disorder Homepage is an informative website for parents of children with Asperger Syndrome. This website includes helpful materials on Asperger Syndrome, information on diagnosis, and links to other helpful organizations.

New Sign ASPIRES (Asperger Syndrome Partners & Individuals Resources, Encouragement and Support) 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. ASPIRES is an e-mail subscription list for individuals with Asperger Syndrome, and those who have a parent, spouse, or child with Asperger Syndrome. They share their family and relational experiences, resources and survival tips as well as offer encouragement and hope. Through sharing, they hope to lighten one another's burdens and find positive solutions to many of the troubling challenges that characterize their relationships and bridge the communication gap that exists in everyday life. This website has resources, books, and news on Asperger Syndrome.

New Sign GRASP: The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership is an educational and advocacy organization that is serving individuals on the autism spectrum, and run BY those individuals. GRASP has many Support Group Networks in operation and offers a list from all over the country. The present focus of the organization is support and education, but they also have an interest in advocacy and monitoring of social services and professionals in the field. The basic philosophy of the GRASP organization is to maximize the positive aspects of Asperger Syndrome, and to minimize the negative aspects. They have local support groups in New York City, Long Island, Southern New England and a new group is forming to serve the Philadelphia/Southern Jersey/Delaware area.

New Sign MAAP Services for the Autism Spectrum "The Autism Source. A Global Information Source for More Advanced Individuals with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, PDD-NOS, Hyperlexia and NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorders." This national nonprofit group has been providing support to families and individuals with Asperger Syndrome and other High Functioning Autism spectrum disorders for many years. They sponsor a very large annual conference and publish a quarterly newsletter. In addition, they are now actively involved in research and national advocacy. Please visit their recently updated web site above or contact them at: MAAP Services, P.O. Box 524, Crown Point, Indiana, 46307 or phone: 1-219-662-1311.

New England States

New Sign Asperger's Association of New England (AANE's) mission is to foster awareness, respect, acceptance, and support for individuals with Asperger Syndrome and related conditions and their families. AANE is made up of individuals with Asperger Syndrome, their families, friends and professionals. They are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with AS and related conditions. They invite parents, adults with AS, teachers and professionals to call the Asperger's Information Line - 617-393-3824 - for information, support, resources and referrals. Be sure to ask about their three Family Grant Programs, funded by the generosity of the Edwin Philips Foundation, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, and an esteemed private donor. AANE has chapters in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Western Massachusetts and Vermont. Although technically a regional organization, they have become national leaders in areas such as support, education and advocacy. They sponsor many conferences and workshops. The main chapter is located in 182 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Phone: (617) 393-3824. Fax: (617) 393-3827 and email: info@aane.org.

State Listings

New Jersey

Asperger Syndrome Education Network (ASPEN) is a regionally-based non-profit organization headquartered in New Jersey, with 12 local chapters, providing families and those individuals affected with Asperger Syndrome, PDD-NOS, High Functioning Autism, and related disorders, education about the issues surrounding Asperger Syndrome and other related disorders,support in knowing that they are not alone and in helping individuals with AS achieve their maximum potential, and advocacy in areas of appropriate educational programs and placement, medical research funding and increased public awareness and understanding. They also offer a very informative website. For more information, e-mail info@AspenNJ.org.

New Sign Asperger Help Desk is a New Jersey based web site providing information, messageboard, and links to resources including local support groups for young adults and parents.

Washington

New Sign Aspergers Northwest is a Seattle area community of individuals, family members, and friends whose lives are touched by Asperger Syndrome. They have a terrific list of resources on their website and offer the Asperger Support Network Newsletter, and the Seattle Asperger Parent Support Group at Alliance for Education, 509 Olive Way, Suite 220, Seattle, WA 98101-2557, phone: (206) 343-0449 or Fax (206)343-0455. Address all inquiries about the Asperger Support Network Newsletter to seattleaspergers@yahoo.com.

International

Australia

New Sign Australian Information Centre provides the Asperger Syndrome Information Page by the parents of children with Aspergers Syndrome sharing their knowledge in the hope of assisting each other. An online support service for those involved with Asperger Syndrome in Australia from Australia, includes a Message Board, information on Local Support Groups and many other resources and links.

New Sign Asperger Syndrome Support Network, Victoria, Australia is a group of parents who have a family member diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (AS), an Autism Spectrum Disorder. They hold regular coffee mornings and evenings, information sessions and seminars on Asperger Syndrome. Many people really enjoy getting together to talk about their family member who has Asperger Syndrome in an understanding and supportive environment. For more information call, (03) 9845 2766.

France

New Sign Asperger Aide Association Nationale pour l'aide aux personnes atteintes du Syndrome d'Asperger. This Asperger association is an organization of parents and professionals to assist individuals with Asperger Syndrome and is located in France. The website is entirely in French, with an English version of the website under construction. The organization has a newsletter and one can send e-mail from the form on the website or call 06.83.50.35.74.

For more on the topic of Asperger Syndrome:

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[Updated January 31, 2007]
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