Parent Support Groups
Question: "What is the first word spoken by the parent after learning of their child's diagnosis with autism?"
Answer: "Help!"
If you were a fiercely independent parent before the diagnosis of your child with autism, that most likely changed somewhat after the diagnosis. Autism is a disorder that causes us to seek out help. Unfortunately, those we typically seek out first (doctors, professionals) are often little help. Therefore, we all become experts ourselves and/or seek out the true "experts" on autism: other parents of children with autism. One of your best resources for information and help in dealing with autism will be local parent support groups. The links below will take you to lists of parent support groups for parents and loved ones of those who have autism:
BBB Online Autism Support Network - BBB is located in Toronto, Canada but thankfully they speak in the language of love for those with autism that we all speak. This is a great resource - lot's of common-sense ideas for parents and kids.
Down Syndrome & Autism Parent Support Group - Glenn Vatter's snail mail parent support group for parents of children dually-diagnosed with autism and Down Syndrome.
ANDI Parent Support Group - A support group for parent's implementing the Glute-Free, Casein-Free diet.
Autism Association (Singapore) Parent Support Groups - Information and links to parent support groups in Singapore.
Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support - The O.A.S.I.S. web site lists international, national, and on-line support groups for parents and individuals with Asperger Syndrome and autism.
Believe - A parent-led autism support group in Aiken, SC.
Parent to Parent of Georgia - Augusta Area Support Group.
AreaAutismAwareness - Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding, Georgia on-line autism support group.
Disclaimer: The Autism Home Page does not necessarily endorse any of the information obtained at the links on this page. This information is provided for educational purposes only.