Navigating the world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be overwhelming. A Google search of “autism resources” brings up more than 67 million hits.
So how do you know which resources will be helpful?
In honor of Light It Up Blue on April 2, a global ASD awareness campaign, I want to share a list of my recommendations of autism resources.
Hospital ASD resources
Within Akron Children’s Hospital, we have several resources designed to support families of children with ASD. You can sign up for free weekly emails with information customized to your child’s age and date of diagnosis.
For younger children, our Family Child Learning Center offers the Connections program, a free service for families of toddlers recently diagnosed with ASD. To contact Connections, call 330-633-2055.
You can also be connected to other parents of children with ASD through Akron Children’s parent mentor program.
Local and state ASD resources
Rebecca Lieb, Ph.D., ABPP
Clinical Psychologist
You can also explore local and online resources for more information about ASD or are to connect with other families.
The Autism Society of Ohio offers a workshop for newly diagnosed families, as well as social skills groups, family get-togethers and advocacy information. You can sign up for weekly emails based on local chapter activities.
The Ohio Center on Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) also has many great resources, including a free lending library. Ohio residents can have books, DVDs and other resources shipped to their homes at no charge for up to 3 weeks. You can also download Ohio’s Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders or request a printed copy at 614-410-0321.
Milestones Autism Resources is a local organization dedicated to educating and coaching families and professionals as well as connecting families with community resources. They have workshops and conferences, and their website includes a resource center that can be navigated by age range or activity category.
Autism Speaks is a national non-profit organization that offers free toolkits to help families with many different challenges, including sleep, toileting, behavior management, medication, going to the dentist, constipation, feeding, family support, school, and more.
If your child was recently diagnosed with ASD, you may download a 100 Day Kit and/or a 100 Day Kit for School Age Children. You can also browse their online resource library for the latest books, magazines, articles, software and other resources. You can stay up to date with what is going on in the ASD research world by signing up for their weekly science emails.
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