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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

New Sign Access 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.

New Sign 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.

New Sign 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.

Everyday Miracles is a non-profit parent led, community-based support network designed to strengthen, empower and inform families and communities about their children with autism. They provide an opportunity to talk openly with one another in a supportive environment. Via their website, they offer an on-line support group where visitors can post messages and exchange e-mails from other members. They also provide non-income based grants up to $250 to children and adults with autism twice per year. These grants can be applied towards therapeutic services and goods. For more information, visit their website or e-mail info@everydaymiracles.org.

New Sign The Gray Center is the webpage for a new nonprofit organization and foundation 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.

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.

New Sign (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.


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

New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC) is a non-profit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education, and consultation to New Jersey's Autism community. COSAC’s 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 or call 1-800-4-AUTISM (800-428-8476).

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.


Oregon

Center for the Study of Autism (CSA) is located in the Salem/Portland, Oregon area. The Center provides information about autism to parents and professionals, and conducts research on the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions. The center offers a very informative website which includes interview transcripts with professionals, life planning information, a "Sibling Center," intervention information and much more.


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.


For more on the topic of Autism:
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