Family, Educators, and Support Groups

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 various countries. However, some large groups can have several “branches” or “chapters” in different locations across the country.

Kinds of autism support groups

There are many kinds of support groups, and this applies to autism support groups as well. Groups can vary in purpose which is usually determined by the group leader.


1.Peer-led support groups. These groups are led by parents of children with autism. They are often formed for giving and receiving advice, as well as getting emotional support.


2.Education support groups. These are groups that focus on providing the latest information to its members. Some groups meet and encourage members to deliver a presentation about a certain topic regularly.


3.Professionally-led support groups. These groups are usually led and funded by organizations who pursue autism as advocacy. Groups like these are often run by psychologists, social workers, or school personnel.

4.Family support groups for autism

CareClinic makes caring for a child with autism a lot easier as it offers a daily diary where you can input notes about your child’s medication, health issues, and more. Aside from regular monitoring, CareClinic also lets you set goals for your child’s activity, mood, and health. This function conveniently lets you track your progress over time. Your CareClinic data can also be shared with a team of specialists you’re in regular contact with, like speech therapists, psychologists, doctors, and more.

Download CareClinic on iOS or Android


MyLife Meditation: 

Mindfulness — Invites You to Take a Break With Breathing Exercises

MyLife Meditation: Mindfulness app taught me practical breathing techniques I use in my daily life. Through calm guided practice, you’ll be asked to practice staying in the current moment to calm heightened emotions. So while your children are enjoying their screen time, you can take 3 minutes to just breathe. That way, you may find yourself more ready to tackle the rest of the day.

Download MyLife Meditation: Mindfulness on iOS or Android

ASDetect

ASDetect guides parents through the assessment questions using specially produced videos. There are videos of both autistic and non-autistic children. 

ASDetect is a free app that empowers parents to assess their young children for early signs of autism.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.edu.latrobe.asdetect

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/asdetect/id1058669141?ls=1&mt=8

Qustodio Parental Control App 

Lets You Control How Your Children Use Technology

Qustodio gives you full control over what apps your child can use, the time of the day they can be on their devices, and for how long. Though you have to download the app on all of your child’s devices, only you will be able to access the dashboard with your login details. Qustodio also records your child’s activity and sends you regular reports through emails.

Download Qustodio Parental Control App on iOS or Android

Autism Parenting Magazine 

 Provides Specialist Advice and SupportAutism Parenting Magazine is one of the most popular subscription-based magazine apps that offers educational articles and parent support. I found that Autism Parenting Magazine is much more than a virtual newspaper — it’s a welcoming community to support your journey. It’s a great choice for keeping up with the latest research on autism or seeking professional help, and you can also chat with like-minded people facing the same obstacles. The app is filled with parents sharing their real-life struggles as well as adults on the spectrum keeping you inspired with their stories of hope.

Download Autism Parenting Magazine on iOS or Android

Birdhouse for Autism


One of the most recommended apps for parents who have children with autism, this app offers several ways to track a child's daily struggles and progress Created for caregivers to help them keep track of daily living tasks, health, and behaviors, Birdhouse for Autism is an incredibly invaluable tool. Thousands of parents from all over the world use the app to stay organized and prepared to address the needs of their children with autism. Birdhouse for Autism maintains events and activities on one simple timeline. Parents and caregivers are able to easily organize and track things like:

Behavior notes

Nutrition

Medical, health, and doctor information

Therapies

Schedules

Interventions

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=smartgr.bird.house&hl=en_IN&gl=US

Rama has also started a support group for parents called ‘LIFESMART Families’, a WhatsApp group that keeps buzzing with conversations about the subject. D. Rama came to India to seek help for her son through Bharatanatyam; now, she is helping other parents who face similar challenges

D. Rama, an academician, came to India primarily to help her autistic son find therapy through Bharatanatyam.

Seeking help for her child has helped her reach out to other parents facing similar challenges.

To join the group, write to rama.dasaratha@gmail.com 

ASD App

This app is solely for research purposes and not for commercial use. The app contains Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tests to enable parents, care givers, and academic researchers access them. These tests are not diagnostic tools rather they are behavioral tests that just pinpoint to autistic traits. The app can be freely downloaded and distributed but cannot be used for financial gain. 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.asd.asdquiz&hl=en_US&gl=US

6 Types of Materials and Resources for Autism Parents and Educators

These content helps provide free tutoring to children in academic and financial need.

1) Free Social Stories

Social stories are a research-based method used to help children prepare for real-life events. They can help ease anxiety or set expectations for behavior in a certain situation. Here are four social stories on the following topics: behavior in school, behavior in a restaurant, preparing for a doctor’s appointment, and accepting the word no.

2) Helpful Articles:

How to Use (Visual) Schedules to Improve Children’s Behavior

15 Behavior Strategies for Children with Autism

12 Ways Schools Can Support Children with Autism

A Highly Effective Strategy to Teach Academic Concepts to Students with Autism

3) Sample Visual Schedules Click here for the PDF version, which you can print out for your use.   For another visual schedule idea check out Sample After-School Visual Schedule for Kids with Sensory Needs or Impulsive/Hyperactive Behaviors   See How to Use (Visual) Schedules to Improve Children’s Behavior for information on the use of Visual Schedules. 

4)  3 Recommended IPAD/I Phone Apps:


1.Choiceworks – The Choiceworks app was created to help children complete daily routines (morning, day, & night), understand & control their feelings and improve their waiting skills.

2 . First/Then Visual Schedule App – The First/Then Visual Schedule App can be utilized to demonstrate what will happen first/next  (e.g., first take a bath/then put on pajamas) or to relay what a child can earn for complying with an expectation (e.g., first clean up your dishes/then watch tv). This is helpful to release uncertainty for what is coming up and to relay expectations. With the First/Then Visual Schedule App you can also create visual schedules just like you can  with  the Choiceworks app

3 . ChoiceBoard-Creator -With the ChoiceBoard-Creator you can offer your child/student choices of what they want for lunch, snack, an activity, etc. The pictures are customizable 


5) First/Then Template

Just like the example above of the first/then visual app, you can make your own first/then board. For example, if you want your child to get dressed first and then play a video game for 15 minutes, you can go to Google Images, type in the name of the pictures you are looking for, cut them out, and put them on your template, or take your own pictures of your child doing the activities and print them out. Below is a free template that you can print out for your use, along with sample pictures that I got right from Google Images.


6) Visual Timers

Visual timers are a great way to help a child see how much time is left before they will switch from one thing to another (e.g., in five minutes we will turn off the computer and get ready for bed, you have three minutes left before it is time to leave for school). Some children do better with transitions when they have time to mentally prepare for the change. Using a visual timer can give a child a sense of time if a traditional clock or number timer is difficult for them to understand. Here are some examples of visual timers:

Special Learning House

AUTISM LEARNING RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS.FREE AUTISM RESOURCES FOR TEACHING SELF-HELPS SKILLS TO AUTISTIC LEARNERS

This step by step infographic will help you teach your child to effectively FREE SIGN LANGUAGE TOOLS FOR AUTISM FAMILIES

FREE AUTISM RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SET UP A HOME PROGRAM

Have you been thinking of starting a home program for your child with special needs? Get started by creating the perfect space to help your child learn

https://www.speciallearninghouse.com/free-autism-resources/

https://speciallearninghouse.lpages.co/membership-free-trial/

Indispensable Websites for Parents of Children with Autism

According to the latest statistics, 1 in 88 children are on the autistic spectrum, including 1 in 54 boys. It’s a disorder that’s still not entirely understood, and even within the community of parents of children with autism and educators who work with them, there are still disagreements about what therapies and treatments work best.

For parents, finding ways to help with everything from diagnosis to coping is vital. Here’s a list of 15 great resources  that parents of children with autism should be aware of

Autism on the Seas

Parents of special-needs children know how difficult it can be to plan a vacation. This site is dedicated to helping parents of children with autism map out their getaways, whether they’re cruises or camping trips.

https://autismontheseas.com/

Autism Support Groups

It is very important for families dealing with autism to have an outlet, such as other parents who are going through the same thing. This site connects them to groups both online and in their area that can offer that type of support.

https://nationalautismassociation.org/family-support/find-a-support-group/

Think Safety

Think Safety, a project led by the Organization for Autism Research! This website is a place where members of the autism community can interact with other parents, family members, friends, educators, and law enforcement officials to build a sense of community and knowledge-sharing centered on the individuals with autism in their lives. 

https://www.thinkautismsafety.org/

Forum For Autism

Forum for Autism (FFA), set up formally in 2002, is a parent support group which caters to the needs of families touched by Autism Spectrum Disorder. The primary aim of setting up FFA was to create awareness about Autism and to empower parents. Over the last two decades, along with the primary goals, FFA has widened its horizons to work towards protecting the rights of the person with Autism and their families, self advocacy and providing financial assistance to un-affording families.  

https://www.forumforautism.org/

Autism Speak

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.

Autism Speak 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.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-support-family-help

Baby Centre

Autism Support Group For Parents

This group is a support group for parents having Autistic/ ADHD/ASD child .Group members can share their experiences and learn from others with therapies , diet, medical treatments given to their child.

Join this group .See group details

https://www.babycenter.in/g25036424/autism-support-group-for-parents-

SOPAN

SOPAN is an NGO which provides education and therapeutic intervention to children with autism and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to empower persons with autism and developmental disabilites and their families. SOPAN (Society of Parents of Children with Autistic Disorders) is a registered NGO working for autism and related developmental disabilities. 

http://sopan.org/

ASHA

Parent TrainingWe believe in empowering the parents to work with their child at home for overall development. We provide monthly workshops, training courses and question and answer sessions. 

https://www.ashaforautism.com/programs-page

AutismNOW

AutismNOW should be the first place you look for the latest news, research and information on autism.

https://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fautismnow.org%2F&sa=D

Autism Child Development Centre

Family Counseling

Caring for Caregivers

Autism is a condition which affects every family member of the person on the autism spectrum disorder. Often a diagnosis of Autism is associated with a strong emotional reaction from the parents and family members.

Family Counseling: Family counseling session could prove to be very helpful as it helps the entire family to understand the needs of a special child and cope with the changes in lifestyle. https://www.autismcdc.com/family-counseling

Dads 4 Special Kids

This is a group for fathers of special-needs children, who can share their stories with others who understand the challenges they’re facing.

http://d4sk.org/

Umeed

Online Resources for parents ,Teachers and caretakers, Educators.

https://ummeed.org/resource-library/

OAR

Autism is a life-changing event. It opens a phase of life that raises many often-difficult questions. As time passes, questions continue to rise and often seem to outnumber the answers. The good news is there are answers in the form of proven intervention methods. Through informed action and the use of appropriate treatments and interventions, you can continue to enhance your child’s quality of life today and across their lifetime. 

https://researchautism.org/how-we-help/families/

National Autistic Society

There volunteer-led branches and online community offer peer support. You can also use our Autism Services Directory and online advice and guidance to find the answers you are looking for. And our dedicated casework and specialist helpline services can support you with specific challenges. Find out more below. 

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance

Marcus Autism Center

Marcus Autism Center is committed to supporting families through every step of their autism journey

understand that caring for a child with autismspectrum 

disorder (ASD) may present 

challenges for families. They

 help you as you navigate this journey.We offer families a variety of support services and resources online, at our center and through community partnerships. 


https://www.marcus.org/autis


m-resources/autism-support-

MyAutismTeam

MyAutismTeam is a social network for parents of kids with autism.

https://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myautismteam.com%2F&sa=D

Bloom and Grow

Being a caregiver can be a rewarding, but also often a difficult and humbling task. This site shares products, strategies and tips for how to help your loved one and cope with the great demands that are put upon you each day.

http://www.bloomandgrow.com/

Autism Blogs Directory

This site offers a comprehensive list of blogs that are written by and for families dealing with autism.

https://autismblogsdirectory.blogspot.com/

AFA provides varied Family Support Services like family counseling, weekend respite support, and holiday camps that are run during the summer vacations. Action For Autism’s Parent Child Training Programme (PCTP) runs three times a year. Each session spans a period of approximately nine to twelve weeks. 

http://www.autism-india.org/family-support-empowerment.php

Twinkle

Parents Hub - Helping you teach confidently

https://www.twinkl.co.in/resources/parents

Autism Coaching

Specialized support for parents & families At Autism Coaching, our experience (and many years of research) has taught us that parents and families are actually the key to their child’s lasting progress and development. Autism Coaching’s approach is incredibly simple and straightforward - we use simple tools and strategies to bring out the very best in children and parents.

Autism Coaching maximizes your ability to help your child develop through everyday interactions

https://www.autismcoaching.org/

ICDL

ICDL know that when a parent is searching the web and reading our website, there are probably more questions and emotions that are present than any web page could ever address.  We know that most parents are reading our website because they are looking for answers to help their child.  There may be an autism diagnosis that has been given or a parent may have been told that their child has a "special need."  It can be a very difficult, complicated, confusing, and draining process as a parent to seek out answers and resources 

https://www.icdl.com/parents?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5oiMBhDtARIsAJi0qk3HX-hm-hvWBE2Q2FesCHzgJu6jRX04mstG5T-3oB_xDU8JsgwryJEaAtwOEALw_wcB

The Colour Of Autism Foundation

A Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization committed to educating and assisting families with Autistic children.

Autism affects children of every race, ethnic group and socioeconomic status. African-American children are frequently confronted with late diagnosis or misdiagnosis. African American Autism Support is vital to the development of underserved children.

https://thecolorofautism.org/about-us/

Care.com

Care.com is a great place to find a caregiver.

https://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcare.com%2F&sa=D

WHO

WHO’s training for caregivers of children with autism goes online In the lead-up to World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, WHO is releasing an online version of its training programme for caregivers of children with developmental delays or disabilities, including autism. The programme, which has already been piloted in face-to-face format in more than 30 countries, such as Brazil, India, Italy and Kenya, teaches parents and other caregivers day-to-day skills that help boost the well-being and development of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. 

https://www.who.int/news/item/31-03-2022-who-s-training-for-caregivers-of-children-with-autism-goes-online


Autism…Learn

This site allows people, including children, with autism to complete online activities geared toward helping them develop vital skills.

https://tv.learnautism.com/

ICDL

ICDL know that when a parent is searching the web and reading our website, there are probably more questions and emotions that are present than any web page could ever address.  We know that most parents are reading our website because they are looking for answers to help their child.  There may be an autism diagnosis that has been given or a parent may have been told that their child has a "special need."  It can be a very difficult, complicated, confusing, and draining process as a parent to seek out answers and resources 

https://www.icdl.com/parents?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5oiMBhDtARIsAJi0qk3HX-hm-hvWBE2Q2FesCHzgJu6jRX04mstG5T-3oB_xDU8JsgwryJEaAtwOEALw_wcB

The Colour Of Autism Foundation

A Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization committed to educating and assisting families with Autistic children.

Autism affects children of every race, ethnic group and socioeconomic status. African-American children are frequently confronted with late diagnosis or misdiagnosis. African American Autism Support is vital to the development of underserved children.

https://thecolorofautism.org/about-us/

Autism Parenting Magazine

Autism Support Groups for Parents, Families & Children —The Ultimate Guide

People on the spectrum and their families benefit greatly from autism support groups. Being in a support group for autism can help a person with autism or his/her caregiver:

Share strategies in dealing with certain situations

Seek expert advice

Vent frustrations safely (no judgments)

autism support groups “can really fill a gap for parents who might not know anyone with a child who is on the autism spectrum.” 


https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-support-groups-for-parents-families-children/

Autism For Action

AFA provides varied Family Support Services like family counseling, weekend respite support, and holiday camps that are run during the summer vacations. ction For Autism’s Parent Child Training Programme (PCTP) runs three times a year. Each session spans a period of approximately nine to twelve weeks. 

http://www.autism-india.org/family-support-empowerment.php

https://autismparentingsummit.com/

JOIN US FOR THE AUTISM PARENTING SUMMIT

Learn how to help your child THRIVE!

From the comfort of your home, navigate the challenges of the autism spectrum and learn how you can give your child the best start in life from our panel of experts.WHY ATTEND THE AUTISM PARENTING SUMMIT? Are You Still Undecided? Here’s A Taste Of Some Of The Topics Our Experts Will Be Speaking About.

Behavior Solutions

Speech & Communication

Social Skills

Sensory Solutions

Transitioning to Adulthood

Picky Eating

Executive Function & Motor Skills

Education

Dealing with Transitions

Mental Health & Anxiety

Self-care for Parent

Free Webinar for Careers Advisors

Supporting autistic students during the transition into employment

Seassion 1 https://youtu.be/imTXG4S9NdM

Session  2https://youtu.be/M7Bg_ufeegQ

Session 3

https://youtu.be/qfS8OAjLBMM

https://www.amaze.org.au/2022/05/free-webinar-autism-and-employment/

Caring for the Caregiver: Pyschotherapy for Families of Children with Special Needs

https://youtu.be/9bI5UyjJAv0

Autism Spectrum Disorder - A Training for VR Counselors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVJeGunrrWghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVJeGunrrWg

Transition Aged Youth Webinar Series

Employment for adults having ASD

https://youtu.be/uVJeGunrrWg

FREE WEBINARS For Parents and Caregivers 

Links are given below


Join  in the E-TEAM virtual classroom for online learning webinars covering a variety of topics on autism spectrum disorder. 

SIGN ME UP!

E-TEAM  Digital Resource Library

Previously recorded webinars are added to the library. Locate your topic in one of the categories below, click on the link provided and you will automatically enter the E-TEAM virtual classroom.


Adults

Adult Services – Employer Resources

Assessments

Autism Innovations & Global Impact Conference:

The State of the Science  (Recorded on April  28 and 29, 2017 )

Behavior Strategies

Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Communication & Assistive Technology

Education

Family Support/Support Systems

Launch the webinar: Preparing for Your Child’s Future

Christa Herman, Esq. and Julia Lembcke, Certified Financial Planner Launch the webinar:  Cognitive Behavior Therapy – Applications for Families Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Pat LeClair, BA. CYW, RP and Chantal Paterson, CYW Launch the webinar: Service Dogs for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Danielle Hyson and Michelle Murray, Autism Support Dog Program Instructors Launch the webinar: Caring for the Caregivers: The CARES Initiative

Dr. Shivajan Sivapalan and Kiruthiha Vimalakanthan, MA Launch the webinar: Fathers of children with autism:  The impact of a support group on father’s stress, depression, coping and marital satisfaction 

Families

100 Days Kit, Autism Speaks

external icon

This kit provides information to help families get through the first steps of an autism diagnosis.

A Parent’s Guide to Evidence-Based Practice and Autism

pdf icon

external icon

This manual from the National Autism Center aims to assist parents as they make difficult decisions about how best to help their children with autism spectrum disorders reach their full potential.

Autism Source, Autism Society of America (ASA)

external icon

ASA’s Autism Source is a database of resources in local communities. It includes contact information for ASA chapters and other local supports.

Autism NOW

external icon

Autism Now is an initiative of The Arc and The Administration on Developmental Disabilities. This national autism resource and information center is a central point of resources and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, and other key stakeholders.

Autism Wandering Awareness Alerts Response Education (AWAARE)

external icon

Working to prevent wandering incidents and deaths within the autism community.

Department of Education

external icon

The Department of Education (ED) has resources to assist with the educational needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. The ED’s Special Education Technical Assistance and Dissemination Network

external icon

 links to a variety of websites and online resources that focus on special education issues, such as policy, technology, curriculum, and parent trainings. In addition, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

external icon

 (OSERS) within the ED has resources for parents and individuals, school districts, and states in the areas of special education, vocational rehabilitation, and research.

Life Journey Through Autism Series, Organization for Autism Research (OAR)

external icon

OAR has published five Life Journey guidebooks and The Best of The OARacle to date. You can read their descriptions, preview each online, or download copies at no cost. Most are available in Spanish.


Mitra for Life

Mitra for Life is a non-profit organization supported by a growing team of volunteers, passionate about making a difference in the autism and special needs community. We are committed to improving the quality of life of children and young adults with intellectual and neurodevelopmental challenges. We help build and nurture social relationships in their lives that make them happier, independent and more confident.

Mission / Goals


For more details check Mitra for Life in NGO in India page.

Programs & Events

Families with Autism Helping Families with Autism 

The Autism Community In Action (TACA)2222 Martin Street, Suite 140Irvine, CA 92612
+1 855 726-7810+1 949 640-4401

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) began with 10 families in a living room in 2000. In 2022, we serve well over 83,000 families around the United States. From a grassroots beginning in Southern California, TACA expanded nationwide and now has a physical presence via our Chapters and provide a virtual offering for all families facing an autism diagnosis.

- Lisa Ackerman, Founder

14-16 Oct, 2022, California

Learn the latest in research, treatment options, and therapy for individuals with autism.

The Autism Community in Actions (TACA)

Mission Statement

TACA provides education, support and hope to families living with autism.

Vision Statement

For every individual diagnosed with autism to lead an independent life.

Values

A: Authentic: We are honest, transparent and hold ourselves to the highest level of integrity.

C: Caring: We care deeply about families living with autism.

T: Tough: We help families overcome challenges and take action.

I: Informed: We believe knowledge is power and value families’ abilities to make informed decisions.

O: Optimistic: We believe the future is not set and tomorrow is going to be better than today.

N: Never: We will never give up!

Programs and Services

TACA has been providing services since 2000 and all of the programs and services are provided at little or no cost to families.

TACA Connect delivers education and support to families affected by autism. TACA has been helping families navigate an autism diagnosis for over 20 years. TACA Connect features monthly educational programs and webinars, regular parent support panels, and on-demand content and presentations on a range of autism topics that will help families to act for their children. 

Android (5.0), iOS

It left me suicidally depressed: Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu on his son's autism

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu said, "Autism destroyed our lives and left me suicidally depressed," after his soon-to-be ex-wife alleged that he abandoned her and their 24-year-old special needs son in 2020. "My personal life, in contrast to my business life, has been a long tragedy," Vembu wrote. He also revealed that he took some of his son's treatments for autism.

Our marriage collapsed under stress of our son's autism: Zoho CEO after wife's allegations

After Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu's soon-to-be ex-wife Pramila accused him of abandoning her and their special needs son, he said that their "marriage collapsed" under the stress of their son's autism. "I felt...he would be better off in rural India...She felt I was giving up," he tweeted. Vembu filed papers for divorce from Pramila in August 2021, as per Forbes.

Zoho CEO's wife accuses him of abandoning her & their autistic son, he responds

Zoho's billionaire CEO Sridhar Vembu responded after his wife Pramila Srinivasan accused him of abandoning her and their autistic son. Calling it a "vicious personal attack", Vembu tweeted, "It is complete fiction to say I financially abandoned Pramila and my son." He added, "My US salary for...last 3 years has been with her, and I gave our house to her."