If you have a loved one who has just been identified as being on the Autism Spectrum, you might be feeling intense emotions like sadness, fear, loneliness, grief, or disbelief. You might be feeling relief to have some answers as to what has been going on at home. You might be wondering about the future and whether your loved one will go to college, find meaningful employment, live independently, get married, find their passion. No matter what you are feeling, we want you to know you are not alone. You know your loved one best and, as time goes by, you will learn more about autism and how it impacts your loved one, yourself, and your family. You will better understand their brain, their behavior, their learning style and be better equipped to help them learn and grow.
You will learn that there are many people who can help you – you have heard the saying, “It takes a village,” right? Many families have gone through or are going through a similar journey. There are professionals who have dedicated their lives to supporting individuals with autism. And the Autism Society Central Virginia exists to support you and your family throughout your autism journey. This page has been created to offer some resources as you begin to navigate the world of autism.
ASCV NEWLY IDENTIFIED/DIAGNOSED WORKSHOP: If you have a loved one who has just been identified as being on the Autism Spectrum, this workshop was been created to offer some resources as you begin to navigate the world of autism. Join us as our Program & Outreach Director shares some important resources and things to consider, and then five local families share their advice, lessons learned, and words of encouragement!
ADDITIONAL ASCV RESOURCES:
- Annual ASCV Memberships – To learn more and join today, visit our Membership Page.
- Caregivers of Young Children Support Group – This group is for caregivers of children in preschool and elementary school. It meets virtually one Wednesday per month from 6-7pm. For more information and to find out when our next meeting is, visit our ASCV Program and Event Calendar.
- Caregivers of Teens & Adults Support Group – This group is for caregivers of autistic teens and adults. It meets virtually one Monday per month from 6-7pm. For more information and to find out when our next meeting is, visit our ASCV Program and Event Calendar.
- Grandparents Group – This group is for Grandparents of autistic youth, teens, and adults. It meets virtually one Wednesday per month from 4-5pm. For more information and to find out when our next meeting is, visit our ASCV Program and Event Calendar.
- Information & Referral – Our Information & Referral service provides one-on-one guidance to caregivers, individuals with autism, and professionals on a variety of topics (typically by phone and email) to connect them with the best possible local, state, and national resources.
INFORMATION ABOUT AUTISM:
- ASCV – Autism Fact Sheet for Younger Children
- ASCV – Autism Fact Sheet for Teenagers
- CDC Website – Autism Information Center
- VCU-ACE – Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Self-Paced Online Course
- Sesame Street – Autism Webinar and Resources You Can Use
BOOKS ABOUT AUTISM:
- Preschool and Elementary School Book Recommendations
- Middle/High School Book Recommendations
- Books for Autistic Adults, Caregivers, and Professionals
- Not An Autism Mom’s “100ish Books on Autism and Neurodiversity”
PARENTING/CAREGIVER RESOURCES:
- Autism Moon
- AWNN – Information & Resources for Parents & Caregivers of Newly Diagnosed Autistic Girls
- VCU-ACE – The Parent Playbook: Self-Paced Online Course
- VCU- ACE – Autism and Early Childhood Series
- The Color of Autism Foundation
- Autism in Black
EARLY INTERVENTION SUPPORT & SERVICES:
The ASCV recognizes the importance of early intervention and support for young children across the autism spectrum. Because each child has different needs and abilities, the ASCV supports an individualized approach that addresses the core characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (e.g., communication, social, sensory, academic difficulties) and matches the family’s preferences and needs. The ASCV encourages applied research to identify the interventions and approaches that are most effective for all children with autism spectrum disorder. We also encourage the use of these practices for each child with autism spectrum disorder, regardless of geographic location. The links below can connect you to the local services and resources in your area.
- Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (Ages 0 to 2)
- VDOE Office of Early Childhood (Birth to 5)
- Virginia Association of Community Services Boards
- Factsheet for Virginia’s Parents Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers from PEATC
Special Education Resources: