Support for Families

Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F)
Website: mchatscreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/M-CHAT-R_F_Rev_Aug2018.pdf

Partnerships

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit information resource dedicated to helping people locate assistance programs to help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs.
Website: www.needymeds.org

Autism Movement Therapy, Inc.

A body/brain movement & music program for individuals with autism and related differences! Autism Movement Therapy, Inc is a nonprofit organization, focused on serving the autism & special needs community through providing a structured movement & music program as well as providing advocacy and community outreach to create understanding and bring dignity to the spectrum community across the globe.
Website: autismmovementtherapy.org

Autism Works Now!

Their sole mission is employment for individuals with autism and related differences; and their vision is to have small businesses owned & operated by and staffed with individuals on the spectrum within 5 years!
Website: autismworksnow.org

The Mighty

We’re thrilled to bring Autism Care Today’s resources in front of The Mighty’s wide-reaching readership. The Mighty is a story-based health community focused on improving the lives of people facing disease, disorder, mental illness and disability. More than half of Americans are facing serious health conditions or medical issues. They want more than information. They want to be inspired. The Mighty publishes real stories about real people facing real challenges. We’re dedicated to helping people with autism in their lives. With this partnership, we’ll be able to help even more people. We encourage you to submit a story to The Mighty and make your voice heard.

SKILLS

Autism Care Today is proud to offer Skills® scholarships for parents and caregivers. Skills® is an innovative web-based toolkit providing everything parents and caregivers need to effectively design and manage a comprehensive, individualized treatment program for children with autism and related disorders. To apply for a Skills® grant, please complete and submit a grant application via the Autism Care Today Grant Program. Grants will be distributed quarterly via our Autism Care Today grant program. To learn more about Skills®, visit www.skillsforautism.com.

Buzz Parent

Eddie Guardado Foundation

Halo Dance for Autism

Suggested Articles from Parents

Safety in the home
www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/how-the-autism-society-can-help/safe-and-sound/safety-in-the-home
Most parents and caregivers view safety as a significant concern regarding their children in the home environment. Modifications such as placing gates in stairwells and doorways, covering electrical outlets and using childproof locks on cabinets are among the things many parents do to ensure safety.

How to create a backyard sanctuary for kids with disabilities
www.homeadvisor.com/r/disability-friendly-backyard-for-kids
Children of all abilities and needs should have room to play and explore their world. In fact, play is so important for a child’s development that the United Nations declared play is a human right for children. Making your home a place where a child with special needs can be active takes more than a look around. You’ll want to brainstorm ways the outside can be an inclusive sanctuary for children of all abilities, too.

Creating a home atmosphere of solitude to help cope with adult autism
www.redfin.com/blog/creating-a-home-atmosphere-to-help-cope-with-adult-autism
When you’re on the autism spectrum, the qualities that make up a soothing home atmosphere require a lot more consideration. As those diagnosed in childhood grow into adults, they may discover that the specific daily challenges they run into are changing, but the need to have a tranquil living space remains ever-important.

When my son with autism melts down, here’s what I do
www.healthline.com/health/autism/what-to-do-autism-meltdown
Health and wellness touch each of us differently. This is one person’s story. I sat in the child psychologist’s office telling her about my six-year-old son who has autism. This was our first meeting to see if we would be a good fit to work together toward an evaluation and formal diagnosis, so my son wasn’t present. My partner and I told her about our choice of home-schooling and how we’ve never used punishment as a form of discipline. As the meeting continued, her brows became hawklike.

Autism and Dental Care
www.emergencydentistsusa.com/autism-and-dental-care
Going to the dentist can be a cause for anxiety for most of us, but it’s a very different feeling for those with autism. Patients with autism often have difficulty staying still and allowing the dentist to do what’s needed, which is why a loved one should always be present. Everyone needs a hand to hold sometimes, especially those who fear the dentist, and it’s no different with patients with autism.

Sleep Guide For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
happysleepyhead.com/sleep-guide-for-children-with-autism-spectrum-disorder
While Autism Spectrum Disorder in kids creates many challenges, both personal and social, it can also affect one’s sleep. In fact, sleep issues are the most common for autism patients, children and adults alike. Now, understanding the issue can actually help us find a solution. So, let’s take a closer look at the autism-related sleep struggles in children and the possible ways to deal with those issues. We are going to see what specific actions need to be done to help with the sleep challenges one may experience, what possible treatments are there, and how to understand autism and sleep-related symptoms overall.

Organizations

ELSA – Experience.Learning.Support w/Animals – Serving individuals with special challenges and at-risk youth through the benefits of human-animal bond and horse-assisted activities in the ranch setting. When you partner with ELSA, you help transform the lives of the most vulnerable among us. Since launching in 2010, ELSA has connected over 1,600 individuals and their teachers, families and coaches with rescued horses and ranch animals to build confidence, social skills, and sensory awareness.
Website: www.ELSAinc.org

Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD) – CARD was established in 1990 by Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh and is one of the largest organizations in the world providing interventions toward the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). CARD is known for its expertise in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which is an empirically proven method for treating individuals with ASD, and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General. With over 3,000 employees across the nation, CARD’s mission is to make a difference in the world by providing top quality, innovative, evidence-based and effective treatment to ensure that individuals fulfill their potential.
Website: www.centerforautism.com

Community Coaching Center (CCC) – CCC is a non profit 501(c)3, community-based, social behavior development program held after school, during school breaks, and on Saturdays for kids and teens affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. CCC provides a community-based instruction and inclusion curriculum focusing on building, transitioning and generalizing skills in a variety of natural and included environments. CCC facilitates the development of lasting relationships with peers within the program and out in the community. By providing structured and supportive exposure through out program’s daily activities and interactions, we offer opportunities to provide firsthand autism education and meaningful inclusion experiences as we proudly introduce our amazing kids to their San Diego community.
Website: www.hdp.ucsd.edu/courses/hdp-191-information/programs/social/community-coaching-center.html

Butterfly Effects provides therapy and tutoring services to individuals of all ages addressing challenges in the areas of academics, behavior, communication, daily living, social and life skills.
Website: www.butterflyeffects.com

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) was created in December 2001 – the product of the shared vision and unique life experiences of OAR’s seven founders. Led by these parents and grandparents of children and adults on the autism spectrum, OAR set out to use applied science to answer questions that parents, families, individuals with autism, teachers and caregivers confront daily.
Website: www.researchautism.org

Kit for Kids peer education resource by OAR – the animated web video addresses some of the behaviors and characteristics that may make Nick and other kids with autism seem “a little different.” The video is an especially effective tool in classrooms where students with autism are learning alongside their typically developing peers. The activity workbooks expand upon the information presented in the “What’s Up with Nick?” story and give students a chance to engage with the material they just learned in the peer education lesson.
Website: www.researchautism.org/resources/KitForKids.asp

Train 4 Autism is a foundation dedicated to bringing together a community of athletes, physically active, and socially conscious people who are committed to raising awareness and funds for research and treatment for those living with Autism and their families.
Website: train4autism.org

5-Eleven Hoops is a non-profit provider and growing basketball learning/sports-based organization, founded by former professional basketball player Stacy McAlister. 5-Eleven Hoops incorporates children from various life walks with the clinics allowing families to participate. This active play initiative was designed to help provide positive outcomes for youth and their families currently dealing with Autism and other special needs. His program was built and inspired from helping his own son learn, grow and develop during the early stages of his Autism diagnosis.
Website: www.5ElevenHoops.com

Jazz Hands For Autism is a nonprofit provider of music-based mentorship, vocational training and job placement for individuals on the autism spectrum. They provide platforms and seek avenues where musically inclined individuals on the autism spectrum can express and explore their talents.
Website: www.jazzhandsforautism.org

ACEing Autism was founded in 2008 by Dr. Shafali Jeste, and autism researcher, and Richard Spurling, a Tennis Professional. ACEing Autism serves children with autism or similar diagnosis between the ages of 5-17 by providing adaptive tennis clinics. The mission of ACEing Autism is to connect children with autism through unique tennis programs, and to develop and advance proven methods to positively impact the children, families, and communities we serve. Website: www.aceingautism.org

Social Motion
Technology has revolutionized and changed the way that we look at training and skill acquisition! Gone are the days when you have to be physically present in our center in Houston, Texas to receive our services. Social Motion, Inc. can now provide our services to anyone, anywhere via Virtual Motion–the high-tech, high-touch blended (live video) learning program. Our classes are a series of live social skills training via group video conference: students and teacher in one virtual, online classroom! Virtual Motion is appropriate for learners: who are comfortable with technology; have an accessible email; have access to phone, tablet, or computer and a WIFI connection; and have verbal and attention skill levels capable of participating in a virtual group learning environment. Schedule your intake interview today! Website: www.socialmotionskills.org

Family Support Groups

Navy Family Fleet Support Center: FFSC is the Navy’s primary agency for the delivery of an array of human services intended to enhance the stability, resiliency and self-sufficiency of military service members, reservists, retirees, and their families in support of recruitment, retention, operational readiness, and quality of life goals. Services are primarily offered as individual consultations, resource referrals, counseling sessions, and workshops. Programs and services are offered on San Diego’s three major Navy installations and through FFSC’s operations and partnerships in the community to ensure customers are afforded relevant, informative, empowering, confidential, no-cost services at locations and times convenient to them.
Website: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program.html

Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County is committed to building a community of support to improve the lives of those affected by epilepsy through education, programs and advocacy. Based in Orange County, CA but supporting others nationwide.
Website: www.esnoc.org

Talk about Curing Autism (TACA) provides the information and connection to improve the quality of life of people with autism in their families and builds the autism community by connecting people with each other and the professionals who can help them.
Website: www.tacanow.org

Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) is a non-profit organization of parents and professionals, which offers a network of support where families can meet each other and discuss issues surrounding autism and treatment options.
Website: www.feat.org

Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is a family resource center to help children with special needs receive the resources, love, hope, respect, health care, education, and other services they need to reach their full potential by providing them with strong families, dedicated professionals, and responsive systems to serve them.
Website: www.php.com

Autism Society (ASA) is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact.
Phone: 1-800-3AUTISM (1-800-328-8476)
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Website: www.autism-society.org

Foundations/Research Institutions

Interacting with Autism: A USC-RAND Partnership
The prevalence of autism in the United States has increased 600 percent over the past several decades. Early intervention services can assist individuals diagnosed with autism, but families often need to learn more about appropriate options, navigate approaches to treatment with health care providers and educators, and make informed choices. To help facilitate such choices and information gathering, the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts (cinema.usc.edu) partnered with RAND’s Southern California Evidence-Based Practice Center (EPC) to produce a video-based website about autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Interacting with Autism presents the most current, evidence-based information on autism in an emotionally compelling and accessible form. The more than 30 videos on the website were all carefully reviewed by the EPC and leading autism researchers and medical doctors in the field. They were also tested in focus groups of doctors, educators, and parents of newly diagnosed children with autism.
Website: www.rand.org/health/projects

The Autism Research Institute (ARI) is devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating autism and other severe behavioral disorders of childhood.
Website: www.AutismResearchInstitute.com

Funding

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and support to children and adults with developmental disabilities. These disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions.
Website: www.dds.ca.gov

Applying for Social Security Disability with Autism: Social Security Disability benefits may be able to offset some of the financial burden caused by the condition. If you or someone you know is living with autism, you may be wondering how the condition affects an individual’s eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits.
Website: www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/social-security-disabling-conditions/autism

Autism Grants in the United States: Autism is an expensive condition all around. The following are various grants available for families and individuals residing in the United States. Clicking on the name of the grant-giving organization will take you to the designated website.
Website: www.autismsupportnetwork.com/resources/autism-grants-united-states

The iTaalk Autism Foundation
The iTaalk Autism Foundation has educated over 1000 families, service providers and caretakers on the beneficial uses of interactive technology with children with Autism and varying other special needs.
Website: www.itaalk.org
Other funding sources: www.itaalk.org/resources/fundingsources.html

Tuesday’s Treasures
Tuesday’s Treasures is a weekly blog that features a different non-profit offering grants and/or funding to families/individuals. We will provide current information on the grant, details for qualification, deadlines, and also tips from the organization itself.
Website: www.itaalk.org/resources/tuesdaystreasures.php

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Search a Variety of Available Scholarships
Amount: varies
Application Deadline: varies
Award Date: varies
NeedyMeds is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit information resource dedicated to helping people locate assistance programs to help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs. This is a list of available national and regional scholarships for families impacted by autism. Programs are listed in alphabetical order by national first then alphabetical by area.
www.needymeds.org/scholarships.taf

The United Health Care Children’s Fund
Amount: $5,000
Application Deadline: n/a
Award Date: n/a
UHCCF’s mission is to help fill the gap between what medical services/items a child needs and what their commercial health benefit plan will pay for. UHCCF grants provide financial help/assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan.
https://www.uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/

Varghese Summersett PLLC Annual Scholarships
Amount: $500
Application Deadline: April 1, 2019
Award Date: April 15, 2019
Each year, our firm gives back to the community in ways that are especially close to our hearts. We are particularly passionate about supporting education, with a focus on law students who are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice and youth with special needs.

We offer several annual scholarships, including criminal justice scholarships to law school students and special needs scholarships to youth under age 15.

Two of our firm’s top criminal defense attorneys, Christy Jack and Letty Martinez, have children with special needs and they are passionate advocates for youth with disabilities. The special needs scholarships can be used offset the cost of camp, tutoring, classes, secondary education, post-secondary education or tools to help the students learn and flourish.
www.versustexas.com/scholarships

National Autism Association Give a Voice Program
Amount: iPad with software
Application Deadline: n/a
Award Date: n/a
The intent of NAA’s Give A Voice program is to provide communication devices to individuals with autism who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, and whose communication challenges put them at increased risk of injury or harm. We have very limited funding for this program. Every application is carefully reviewed and all information submitted is verified by NAA staff. This program is intended for families who are in dire need of financial assistance and are otherwise unable to attain a communication device.
nationalautismassociation.org/family-support/programs/naas-give-a-voice-program