Thanks for visiting the resources page. Listed here are national resources, as well as resources from my current home of Western North Carolina I know it looks a little random to have resources from North Carolina and then ‘the rest of the country’, but that’s what I’ve got so far. If you would like to add resources from your area, please contact me, and I will check them out, and list them.
1. The Autism Society of America If you are a stakeholder in the autism community, you should surely know about this site.
2. Autism Network International (this will soon be listed under ‘international resources’) Autism Network International is an autistic-run self-help and advocacy organization for autistic people.
3. The Autism National Commitee This is an autism advocacy organization dedicated to “Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism” through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches.
4. Do2Learn This website is a great resource for parents. It has free visuals, songs/videos about safety, and facial expression practice games. If you get overwhelmed with the homepage, go to the site map.
1. The Autism Society of North Carolina My previous employer, and a phenomenal organization. This non-profit agency is a statewide service provider that offers really good quality one-on-one staff for people with autism, free parent advocacy services, free parent support classes, summer camp, and adult vocational assistance.
2. Division TEACCH
Established in the early 1970s by Eric Schopler and colleagues, the TEACCH program has worked with thousands of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. TEACCH provides clinical services such as diagnostic evaluations, parent training and parent support groups, social play and recreation groups, individual counseling for higher-functioning clients, and supported employment. In addition, TEACCH conducts training nationally and internationally and provides consultation for teachers, residential care providers, and other professionals from a variety of disciplines.
3. The Olson Huff Center Autism Program
The Olson Huff center is wonderful! First of all, they have the most autism-friendly waiting room I have ever been to. It has a moving train in it! Their also have on-site therapy services including speech, physical, occupational, and music, plus low-intensity developmental therapy in communication and sensory processing. Other sevices include supportive family counseling,
expert management of medications, strong relationships with community pediatricians and family practice physicians. As I mentioned, they have an award-winning new outpatient facility with spaces specifically designed to delight children, reassure families, and meet the needs of children with developmental delays and medical problems.
4. Western North Carolina Behavioral Education, Services and Treatment WNC BEST offers Applied Behavior Analysis for young children with Autism. They are a great agency, that truly appreciates the character and personality of their clients with autism. They are patient, use visual support, and are willing to collaborate with others.
5. Family Support Networks of North Carolina This statewide network of affiliated local Family Support Network programs are housed in local or regional hospitals, regional Children’s Developmental Services Agencies (CDSAs), local Arcs, and local Smart Start Partnerships. They offer parent workshops, parent-to-parent matchups, support groups, and a variety of other stuff. Find a local chapter, and get in the network!
6. F.I.R.S.T: F.I.R.S.T. (stands for Families’ Information Resources Support & Technology) is a community benefit organization dedicated to providing information, education, support and advocacy to persons with disabilities, their family and the community. They offer: Free family/individual training related to educational issues and rights under IDEA and section 504 and accessing state and federal supports for persons with disabilities, staff available to attend school and team meetings – including Spanish speakers, advanced training for parents to become better advocates, training for educators and agency staff related to educational issues, inclusion of preschoolers and students with disabilities and community supports, and resource materials related to specific disabilities, inclusion, special education law and transitions. Check them out!
If you would like to be listed as an Autism Resource, please send me your information. Thanks!