VIRGINIA RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

Students with Autism Spectrum DisorderAmanda Bryson, EDU 270

TYPICAL FAMILY NEEDS

➤ Financial Support➤ Respite Care➤ Information/

Training ➤ Medical Services➤ Therapeutic

Resources

FINANCIAL SUPPORT➤ The Autism Consortium has compiled a list of grant

opportunities available to families dealing with autism.➤ Families can apply for financial assistance through one of the

grant programs: http://www.autismconsortium.org/families/raising-a-child-with-asd/#grants

➤ Families can determine if they are eligible for autism benefits through their insurance program here: https://www.autismspeaks.org/advocacy/insurancelink/navigator

RESPITE CARE➤ McLean Bible Church—Saturday care for children age 2-25

who are living at home (Arlington, Loudoun, Montgomery, Prince William, Tyson’s Corner)

➤ https://www.mcleanbible.org/connect/breakaway➤ Park Valley Church, Haymarket—Sunday mornings and a

week-long retreat for families➤ http://www.parkvalleychurch.com/openarms

PARENT TRAINING AND INFORMATION➤ Parents need training in how to raise their child with

autism, as well as how to provide therapeutic support. Parents can browse these resources to find what they need nearby.

➤ List of parent training organizations in Virginia: https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/by-state/121/Parent%20Training/VA

➤ Family-centered services information: http://www.parentcenterhub.org/topics/family-centered-services/

MEDICAL SERVICES➤ Children with autism often need medical treatment for

a variety of associated conditions. Parents can find a medical specialist through the Autism Treatment Network: https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/resources-programs/autism-treatment-network

➤ Parents can also ask for help navigating these services by calling the Autism Response Team (ART) at 888-AUTISM 2 (288-4762).

THERAPEUTIC SERVICES➤ First, a family must educate themselves regarding the

range of available services. Then, the family must determine the type and amount of therapy they will pursue. Applied Behavior Analysis is the most popular and well-established of the available therapies.

➤ Autism Speaks provides a comprehensive list of therapeutic providers by state. Here is a list of providers in Virginia: https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/by-state/106/Applied%20Behavior%20Analysis%20%28ABA%29/va

NEEDS AND RESOURCES

➤ Families dealing with autism have many needs

➤ There are many resources available to meet these needs

➤ Families should reach out for assistance as much as possible

➤ Educators and other professionals should proactively gather and share resources with families to ensure better outcomes for students and their families