What is Autism?
Video produced by Aspergers from the Inside
First Steps (for newly diagnosed families)
My Child was Just Identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: Now What Do I Do? This is a FREE self-paced online course offered through VCU’s Autism Center for Excellence. This course is designed to introduce families to the characteristics, needs, and services for young children with Autism. http://www.vcuautismcenter.org/training/parents.cfm
Autism Speaks 100 Day Tool-Kit. This is a FREE resource that can be downloaded and helps to educate and guide parents/caregivers about Autism, therapy interventions, and resources available to help families and children affected by Autism. http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/100-day-kit
Safety
Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver is a program that provides local first responders with equipment and training to quickly locate and rescue individuals with cognitive disorders who are at risk for wandering, such as Autism. Through project lifesaver, a local first responder will come to your home and place a radio transmitter on your child’s wrist or ankle in the event that your child wanders away first responders can hopefully track the missing child. Project lifesaver is FREE in James City County but other localities may charge for the service. Check with your local police department for more information.
For James City County: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3120/Community-Outreach
For City of Williamsburg:https://www.williamsburgva.gov/government/department-i-z/police/services/williamsburg-project-lifesaver
James City County Police Department Initiatives: Information below can be found on the JCC Police Department Community Outreach division website at https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3120/Community-Outreach
- Autism Awareness Stickers and Magnets. Autism awareness stickers and magnets are available to County residents who live with or care for an individual with Autism. The purpose of these is to alert public safety personnel that they may need to communicate differently with someone in the residence or vehicle during an emergency situation. To obtain a magnet or sticker, please contact Officer Ben Woodhouse at 757-259-5150.
- Heads Up Program. The Heads Up Program enables James City County residents to provide information about their pre-existing conditions to the Emergency Communications Center (ECC). This information prepares responders for special conditions prior to their arrival in an emergency. https://jamescitycountyva.gov/690/Heads-Up-Program
NAA’S Big Red Safety Tool Kit. Is a FREE resource that provides not only checklist and forms to have filled out in case of emergencies but also social stories and strategies to help keep your child safe. http://nationalautismassociation.org/docs/BigRedSafetyToolkit.pdf
A Guide to Safety. Is a FREE downloadable resource provided by OAR for tips on helping keep your child safe – https://researchautism.org/resources/a-guide-to-safety/
Family Resources
Organization for Autism Research (OAR). OAR has a large FREE downloadable library of various family resources to include:
Parent’s Guide to Autism Research
A Guide for Transition into Adulthood
A Parents Guide to Assessment
A Guide for Military Families
Young Siblings Guide
Teenage Siblings Guide
Parent Sibling Guide
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC). PEATC provides FEE training for parents of children with disabilities on a wide variety of topics. WATCH PEATC videos of trainings at https://www.youtube.com/user/PEATCVirginia
Special Education
Virginia Department of Education Parent Guide. This is a FREE brochure on information about parental rights, school responsibilities and the special education process. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/parents/parents_guide.pdf
PELE Clinic. This is a Special Education Advisory Clinic housed at William & Mary Law School. The mission of the PELE clinic is to assist special-needs children and their families with eligibility or IEP meetings, discipline matters, mediation, and administrative hearings. http://law.wm.edu/academics/programs/jd/electives/clinics/specialed/index.php
Wrights Law. Wrights Law is considered to be one of the leading authorities on special education law. This website provides thousands of articles, cases and resources on special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. http://www.wrightslaw.com/
Navigating the Special Education System. A FREE downloadable pdf provided by Organization for Autism Research – https://researchautism.org/resources/navigating-the-special-education-system/
Bullying
PEATC Bullying Fact Sheets. PEATC provides an extensive FREE database of PDF’s on a wide range of topics surrounding the issue of bullying to include: how to identify bullying, how to keep record of bullying incidents, what to do if your child is the bully, and more. For more information visit- http://www.peatc.org/peatc.cgim?template=bullying_factsheets
National Autism Association (NAA) Safety & Awareness Bullying Campaign. NAA information provides information about Bullying, the types of bullying, what parents can do and provides other resources – http://www.autismsafety.org/bullying.php
Special Needs Anti-Bullying Toolkit. Provides resource and strategies for parents, students, and educators to combat bullying – http://specialneeds.thebullyproject.com