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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. https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3120/Community-Outreach
York County Emergency Communications – Heads Up Program: Register a family member with special needs, disabilities, or important medical information through the Heads Up Program so first responders are alerted to critical information before arriving at an emergency, helping them provide safer and more effective assistance. https://www.yorkcounty.gov/178/Emergency-Communications
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 FREE 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
Financial Assistance & Grant Resources
Currently Open / Opening Soon
First Hand Foundation – Pediatric Medical Grants— Applications are accepted year-round, OPENS ON THE 16th of each month.
Provides up to $5,000 toward qualifying medical services, treatments, therapies, or equipment for children age 16 and younger. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed by regional boards monthly. Apply for a UHCCF Grant
Provides iPads to eligible children with autism to support communication, learning, education, and access to helpful technology-based tools that can enhance independence and daily skills. Families can apply for assistance through ASDF’s application process. Apply for an iPad
Up to $1,000 per grant period per person for autistic individuals ages 13–30 that provide financial support for education, employment, entrepreneurship, technology, therapy services, and other resources that help individuals pursue their goals. Apply for an Autismazing Grant
Provides seasonal financial assistance to families raising children with autism through holiday gift cards that help support families with expenses during the holiday season. Eligible families are selected through an application process, with priority given to those demonstrating financial need. Apply for Holiday Gift Card
Special Education
Virginia Department of Education – Information for Families: Access Virginia-specific guidance on special education, including IEPs, parent rights, training opportunities, dispute resolution, and resources to help families navigate the special education process. https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/special-education/information-for-families
Autism Speaks – School Community Tool Kit: Find practical strategies and downloadable resources to help families, educators, and communities create inclusive, supportive school environments for students with autism. https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/school-community-tool-kit
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 (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center): Receive free training, workshops, advocacy support, and educational resources that empower Virginia families to understand their child’s educational rights and effectively participate in the special education process. https://peatc.org/
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center – Students with Disabilities: Learn how to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying involving students with disabilities through practical guidance, parent resources, student tools, and educator strategies designed to promote safe and inclusive school environments. https://www.pacer.org/bullying/info/students-with-disabilities/
StopBullying.gov – Bullying and Youth with Disabilities and Special Health Needs: Learn why children with disabilities are at increased risk for bullying and access practical guidance on prevention, legal protections, IEP and Section 504 supports, and strategies for creating safer, more inclusive school environments. https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/special-needs