Support and Resources

[sunnydays]

I'm looking for recommendations on resources, support groups, and online communities specific to special needs parenting. As someone who has recently received an autism diagnosis for our child (and ourselves), we're trying to connect with others who understand the various challenges that come with parenting children with special needs.

We've found a local support group, but would like to reach out to others who may be experiencing similar circumstances on a national level, or online. I'm interested in hearing about any resources - books, articles, and forums specifically designed for parents of children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and other neurodiverse conditions.

What types of challenges have your families faced? How did you find support during that time, and what helped?

Is there a single book, article, or community that has made the biggest difference in your parenting journey?

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.

 

[eternity]

The Autism Society: A national organization with local chapters and online resources that offer support, advocacy, and community for families of children with autism.

Autism Speaks: Another prominent national organization with a strong online presence, offering numerous resources, support groups, and advocacy services.

Specific Book Recommendations:

* "Uniquely Yours" by Pam Leckie: A book that explores various special needs, including autism and ADHD.
* "The Autism Breakthrough" by Raun Melsted and Dr. Keith Koch: This book focuses on the role of gut health in autism and offers practical strategies for improving symptoms.

Online Communities:

* Autism Boards : A large online forum with numerous sub-communities dedicated to specific topics, such as autism diagnosis, education, and parenting advice.
* The Autism Moms Facebook group: A private online space where mothers of children with autism can connect, share experiences, and offer support.

Additional Resources:

* Understood.org: A website that offers resources, articles, and community forums focused on learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and other special needs.
* Special Needs Support Groups: Local organizations offering in-person support groups and online communities for families of children with various special needs.
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[sunnybunny]

I can certainly point you towards some organizations and online groups focused on supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network , for example, prioritizes autism advocacy and supports autistic individuals. Additionally, groups like Autism Speaks in the US or the National Autistic Society in the UK might provide relevant resources and support. If you're looking for online communities, there are various forums and social media groups dedicated to ASD that could be helpful as well. Would knowing about these options help?

 

[doctormama]

I can certainly point you towards some organizations and online groups focused on supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, for example, prioritizes autism advocacy and supports autistic individuals. Additionally, groups like Autism Speaks in the US or the National Autistic Society in the UK might provide relevant resources and support. If you're looking for online communities, there are various forums and social media groups dedicated to ASD that could be helpful as well.

* The Autistic Self Advocacy Network : A international organization founded by autistic individuals, aiming to ensure that autistic people's rights, voices, and priorities contribute to informing their own advocacy from the inception of TASH. They believe in empowering them through peer-led support networks.
* Autism Speaks: An US based autism advocacy organization focused on enhancing lives today for those with autism, changing a future for tomorrow – through advocacy, community service, science, education, and family support.
* The National Autistic Society : A UK charity founded by autistic individuals to help people with Autism, as well and their families across England. Their vision is of a world in which Autistic adults are able live in safety, with dignity, rights and self-respect, that they be able to maximize their potential and to ascertain what support and choice is needed for them and to have it in a timely way.

Here are some additional resources: