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Autism Acceptance Month
April has widely been known as “Autism Awareness Month” in the United States as a way to empower autistic individuals and their families. Wellington supports the efforts of local and national organizations in their mission to increase awareness about autism signs, symptoms, and opportunities through information, events, resources, and community partnerships with businesses and organizations dedicated to building inclusive experiences.
Links to Resouces and Information
100 Days Kit, Autism Speaksexternal icon
This kit provides information to help families get through the first steps of an autism diagnosis.
A Parent’s Guide to Evidence-Based Practice and Autismpdf iconexternal icon
This manual from the National Autism Center aims to assist parents as they make difficult decisions about how best to help their children with autism spectrum disorders reach their full potential.
Autism Source, Autism Society of America (ASA)external icon
ASA’s Autism Source is a database of resources in local communities. It includes contact information for ASA chapters and other local supports.
Autism NOWexternal icon
Autism Now is an initiative of The Arc and The Administration on Developmental Disabilities. This national autism resource and information center is a central point of resources and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, and other key stakeholders.
Autism Wandering Awareness Alerts Response Education (AWAARE)external icon
Working to prevent wandering incidents and deaths within the autism community.
Department of Educationexternal icon
The Department of Education (ED) has resources to assist with the educational needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. The ED’s Special Education Technical Assistance and Dissemination Networkexternal icon links to a variety of websites and online resources that focus on special education issues, such as policy, technology, curriculum, and parent trainings. In addition, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Servicesexternal icon (OSERS) within the ED has resources for parents and individuals, school districts, and states in the areas of special education, vocational rehabilitation, and research.
Life Journey Through Autism Series, Organization for Autism Research (OAR)external icon
OAR has published five Life Journey guidebooks and The Best of The OARacle to date. You can read their descriptions, preview each online, or download copies at no cost. Most are available in Spanish.
- A Parent’s Guide to Assessment
This guide helps parents understand the assessment process and learn how to use assessment results to improve their child’s services. - A Parent’s Guide to Research
- This guide helps parents find, understand, and evaluate autism research studies.
- A Guide for Transition to Adulthood
This guide provides an overview of the transition from school to adulthood.
Mental Health Services Locator, National Mental Health Information Centerexternal icon
The Mental Health Services Locator helps families and professionals find information about mental health services and resources by state and/or region. The National Mental Health Information Center is part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Operation Autism for Military Familiesexternal icon
Operation Autism is a web-based resource specifically designed and created to support military families that have children with autism. It is from the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.
School Accreditation, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)external icon
NAEYC provides accreditation for schools that meet certain standards, as well as resources, tools, and information for families and childcare providers.
State Programs, National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilitiesexternal icon (NICHCY)
Locate organizations and agencies within each state that address disability-related issues. NICHCY has compiled a resource directory by stateexternal icon that lists key programs for children with developmental disabilities and their families. The lists include state agencies serving children and youth with disabilities, state chapters of disability organizations and parent groups, and parent training and information projects.