
Family Support
Contact form at the bottom of this page.
Parents of a child with autism must have a good support system.
Our Family Support services help them build one.
Every parent wonders what life holds for their child –– what joys and what challenges? They want the best possible life for their child. They want their child to achieve their hopes and dreams.
That doesn't change when a child is diagnosed with autism.
Navigating the autism world can be complex and overwhelming. We provide comprehensive, accessible, family-centered support for people with new autism diagnoses and for people who need ongoing support through two programs: our Autism Care Team (ACT) program and our Family Navigation.
Our free programs help parents help their children live their best lives.
Autism Care Team (ACT)
ACT Program services are covered by Medicaid and through a grant from the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health.
The ACT program requires a referral from a licensed provider. That can be your pediatrician, a clinical psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker, nurse practitioner or others.
Working in collaboration with families, our ACT Family Support Providers will:
- Meet regularly in-person or through video chat.
- Help develop a plan which includes needed services and supports for things like early intervention, therapies, specialty care, and respite care.
- Help make informed decisions about services.
- Make connections to parent education programs.
- Coordinate care among providers and agencies.
- Offer follow-up services according to need.
Family Navigation
Have a specific question or challenge navigating the system') Our Family Navigators, who have years of experience, will answer questions and provide information when you need it!
Just a few of the ways we work with families:
- Navigating and understanding services and therapies
- Help with accessing state programs and support, such as Respite, Medicaid, and other state programs
- Assistance with educational questions and support in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings
- General information about autism and support within the community.
Important Resources
Free Workshops and Support Groups
We provide educational workshops and informal support groups both online and in person. Check our calendar to see what's scheduled and to register.
Online Support Group Through Slack App
Connect with other autism parents across the state in our of our Slack groups.