11 minute read
Special Needs Support Groups in Indiana
BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD — PUBLISHING ASSISTANT AND LOCAL EVENTS
APAC
6876 Maywood Cir, Avon, IN 46123
317-837-0205 cmmhappycamper@aol.com https://www.autismconnect.com/
Our goal is to help the millions of parents whose children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to build a better life for their children. We want to empower them by providing them easy access to a community of parents, professionals, resources, and treatment options. Armed with this knowledge, parents can make effective choices that propel their children in the right direction.
Asperger/Autism Support Group of Goshen
Goshen, Indiana
Contact cguth@autismgoshen.org or (574) 534-2718
Asperger Autism Group of Goshen is a support group for parents of children, teens, and young adults on the autism spectrum. It was started in August 2006. “We aim to support families by sharing practical information and resources, along with our insights, struggles, laughter, and tears."
Autism Community Connection
2455 Fairview Pl Box 2, Greenwood, IN 46142
(317) 676-4222
The Autism Community Connection serves individuals with autism and their families in and around the Johnson County area by connecting them with community resources, social events, and enriching programs to help navigate their autism journey.
Autism Evansville
US Post Office at 1310 N. Green River Rd., Evansville, IN
(812) 202-6087
director@autismevansville.org http://www.autismevansville.org/
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in southwest Indiana serving local individuals and families affected by an autism spectrum disorder.
Autism Resource Center of Kokomo
612 E Blvd, Kokomo, IN 46902
765.455.4213
ARCK is a local, volunteer-run, 100% non-profit organization founded by parents of children with autism. Our goal is to bring the autism community together for support and education.
Autism Society of Kentuckiana
P.O. Box 21895, Louisville, KY 40221-0895
Rebecca Thompson
502-263-5708
Monthly support meetings, second Saturday of each month, 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 noon. Contact Rebecca Thompson to be added to listserv for meeting announcements.
Autism Society of North Central Indiana
P.O. Box 1537, La Porte, IN 46352
The mission of the ASNCI is to support, educate, and empower those struggling with autism and their families. We will support those with autism through support groups and any or all resources available in our community. We will raise public and professional awareness of autism spectrum disorders. We will empower those in the autism community to never give up in their search to help their loved ones reach their full potential. We will solicit and receive funds to accomplish this mission.
Autism Spectrum Coalition
P.O. Box 524. Crown Point, IN 46308
219-789-9874
info@aspergersyndrome.org https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057726667332
Provides a single resource for families and the many professionals who deal with the challenges of Asperger syndrome, autism, and PDD/NOS.
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
c/o Sonya Ansari Center for Autism at Logan
2505 E Jefferson Blvd
South Bend, IN 46615
Contact: Leanne Suarez, 574-289-4831, leanne@logancenter.org
Website: http://ansaricenterforautism.org – See more at: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=546#sthash.GoNSUtKq.dpuf
Autism Support Group for Parents
Tracy Briggs
tracy.biggs@franciscanalliance.org
Autism Support Group Greene/Sullivan
Krisi Crabb
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1464297173898557/
An opportunity to meet and share stories, successes, and resources with others on this journey in our area. Sign up for email alerts, newsletters, and updates at the following link: http://eepurl.com/bNIDiD
Autism Support Group Huntington
123 West Hill Street, Wabash, IN, 46992
(800) 609-8449 Ext 909
This site is set up to provide a place for sharing about autism events. It's also for parents to communicate with other parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc... who are in need of support.
BrightStars
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BrightStarsHendricksCty/
brightstars-owner@yahoogroups.com
BrightStars is a Hendricks County-based home school group with the purpose of providing social interactions for home-schooled children. We are a casual, informal, secular group that has weekly meetings at various parks and places in Hendricks County.
Cincinnati Special Needs Homeschooling
Cincinnati, Ohio (865) 591-1802
Amy Chamberlin
amy.chamberlain@lcc.culturalcare.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/1835887663297900/ A group for special-needs homeschooled students and their parents to participate in group events and find support.
Columbus Autism Network Support Group
columbusautismnetwork@gmail.com http://columbusautismnetwork.com/
We are a support group of parents and caregivers in Columbus, IN, and the surrounding area. Contact us for more information.
D.A.D.S. National
Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome National, or D.A.D.S. National, supports local D.A.D.S. organizations across the United States and around the world. The mission of D.A.D.S. National is to assist and support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of individuals with Down syndrome. The cornerstone of a D.A.D.S. group is the monthly meeting where members come together to share insights and experiences. Groups invite expert speakers to discuss medical, educational, financial, social, and any other issues that affect their children’s lives. And of course, they share stories and experiences that are unique to fathers of children with Down syndrome. Learn more about D.A.D.S. National at https://dadsnational.org/
DSI Black Family Village Community Group
The Black Family Village of DSI is a group of family, friends, advocates, and support specialists who have come together to support, encourage, and uplift our loved ones born with that “extra special” extra chromosome, as well as, those who care for them. Learn more at https://dsindiana.org/black-family-village-of-dsi/
DSI Cass Area Down Syndrome (C.A.D.S) Community Group
This group was designed to bring families closer together as a community of parents that are raising children with Down syndrome in Cass County and the surrounding areas. Learn more at https://dsindiana.org/c-a-d-s/
DSI Cuenta Conmigo Community Group
Cuenta Conmigo es un grupo de apoyo a padres de niños con síndrome de Down en Español. Cuenta Conmigo es un grupo de apoyo a padres de niños con síndrome de Down en Español. Los temas varían mes con mes. Los temas varían mes con mes. https://dsindiana.org/cuentaconmigo/
DSI DADS
Down Syndrome Indiana currently hosts the monthly D.A.D.S.® meetings in Indianapolis. DSI D.A.D.S.® monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM. Contact Chaz Druetzler at dads@dsindiana.org for more information. Any dad – or grandfather, uncle, brother, teacher, physician – who cares for someone who has Down syndrome, is invited. Visit https://dsindiana.org/dads-php/ for more information.
DSI Delaware County / Muncie Community Group
Down Syndrome Indiana Delaware County / Muncie is a local parent support group for families who have a loved one with Down syndrome. Learn more at https://dsindiana.org/dsi-delaware-county-muncie/
DSI East Central Community Group
DSI East Central serves families of individuals with Down syndrome who reside in Hancock, Henry, Madison, Rush and Shelby Counties. Learn more at https://dsindiana.org/dsi-east-central/
DSI Lafayette Community Group
DSI Lafayette provides information and support for families touched by Down syndrome. Local outreach includes, but is not limited to, new parent packets, personal family contacts, family support group meetings and events. Visit https://dsindiana.org/lafayette/ for more information and ways to get involved!
DSI Self Advocates Community Group
The DSI Self Advocate Community Group meet each month at a different location around the Indianapolis area. The group enjoys fun activities such as bowling, dancing, pool parties, and so much more! Learn more at https://dsindiana.org/self-advocates-php/
DSI Southside Community Group
DSI Southside serves families of individuals with Down syndrome who reside on the southside of Indianapolis and in Johnson and surrounding counties. Learn more at https://dsindiana.org/dsi-southside/
DSI Teens Community Group
The DSI Teen Group is a for individuals with Down syndrome between the ages of 13 – 18. Meeting locations and activities vary monthly. Email garner@dsindiana.org for more information or visit https://dsindiana.org/dsi-teen/
DSI Terre Haute Community Group
DSI Terre Haute is a playgroup/support group for families with a child or family member with Down syndrome in Terre Haute, Indiana. We believe that, together, our children can form lasting friendships, and we as parents and grandparents can talk with others who truly understand how each other feels. Visit https://dsindiana.org/terre-haute/
DSI Westside Playgroup Community Group
The Westside parent group is a fun, family oriented group that meets every other month. Meeting locations and activities vary. If you live in Hendricks County or the west side of Indianapolis, or just want to hang out on the west side, visit https://dsindiana.org/westside-parent-group/
Easter Seals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Bonnie Fisher
317-466-1000 x2488
bfisher@eastersealscrossroads.org
https://www.eastersealscrossroads.org/our-programs/learn/autism-family-resource-center/
Group for parents or caregivers of a child with autism to meet other parents and caregivers at Parent Support Group meetings held every 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Autism Family Resource Center.
EMPOWER ENCOURAGE ENJOY THE AUTISM SPECTRUM
C/O Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana
4919 Coldwater Road
Ft Wayne, IN 46825
Contact: Susan Crowell, 260-637-4409, eeeautismspectrum@yahoo.com
Contact: Sue Christman, 260-469-2784, schristm@esarc.org
Families of Autism Coming Together (F.A.C.T.S)
Laura Tucker
ljtucker12@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/FACTS17/ F.A.C.T.S is a peer-to-peer parent support group set up in 2017 by parents of children and young adults with a diagnosis of autism living in the Mid-Ulster, Northern Ireland, area. Our goal is to improve facilities for autistic people so that they can live in a safe and positive environment with independent living skills and the opportunities to lead the life that they choose.
FUSE
1133 W Main St, Ste E, Greenfield, IN
(317) 462-9064
FUSE empowers families and individuals with disabilities and mental health needs by providing information, training, support, and encouragement. Please visit our website to learn more about our services.
Huntington Autism Support Group
(800) 609-8449
Our Mission: To improve the lives of all people affected by autism in Indiana.
ICAN Indiana Canine Assistant Network
5100 Charles Court, Suite 100, Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: (317) 250-6450; Fax: (317) 731-7361 ican@icandog.org
ICAN trains and places assistance dogs with individuals with disabilities and provides foundational life skills to inmates through their experience as trainers. ICAN is the only ACCREDITED service dog training program based in Indiana.
Indiana ABA Parents
Kristine Lewis
kristinend@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/
IndianaABAParents/about
The Indiana ABA Parents Facebook group is for parents and guardians of children who need intensive behavioral (ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy for autism or other developmental disorders.
INDIANA BIOMEDICAL KIDS
Contact: Maria Janik, 219-972-9543, amajanik1@comcast.net
Contact: Lisa Fox, 219-947-0229, lisa_fox@comcast.net
Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianaBiomedicalKids/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/indianabiomedkids/
Indy Parents Special Needs Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/949016611791391/
This page was started to help parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities find support and resources in the Indianapolis area. Parents only, please! If you are a provider, there is a closed group called Indy Providers Special Needs Community.
Kokomo Parents of Children with Autism
belovedjoy79@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/277198992464549
A safe place for encouragement, help, and advice on anything related to autism from parents who have children on the spectrum. No judgment or condemnation.
MALS—MAKING AUTISM LESS SCARY
Allen Co. Public Library – New Haven Branch
648 Green St
New Haven, IN 46774
Contact: Julie Dennis, 260-388-2818, malsplace2007@gmail.com
Website: http://malsplace2007.webs.com/
A monthly support group for everyone touched by autism, also has online support forum
Moms Night Out
Mom’s Night Out is a program designed especially for moms, grandmas, aunts and loved ones of individuals with Down syndrome. The program meets at alternating restaurants to allow participants respite time, face to face interaction, networking opportunities and an evening out that they may not otherwise be able to afford.
Visit https://dsindiana.org/moms-night-out/ for more information!
Morgan County Autism Foundation
56 N Main St, Martinsville, IN 46151
(765) 813-0003
kaharmon22@gmail.com https://cfmconline.org/donors/funds-2/morgan-county-autism-foundation-fund-1281/
Not-for-profit organization in Morgan County, IN, for the purpose of raising autism awareness in our community and providing training to individuals, teachers, and other professionals; and to purchase needed educational technology so that individuals with autism can succeed to the best of their abilities.
My Autism Ally: Sibshops (ages 7 - senior in HS)
Contact: Sarah Savage, 260-456-4534 ext. 218, ssavage@esarc.org
Website: myautismally.org/support-groups
My Autism Ally: Spectrum Sisters (females ages 18+)
Contact: info@myautismally.org
Website: myautismally.org/support-groups
National Association For Down Syndrome (NADS)
1460 Renaissance Drive, Suite #102, Park Ridge, IL 60068
630-325-9112 (phone) 847-376-8908 (fax) info@nads.org
Parent Support
Resource Referrals
Public Awareness
Self-Advocate Program
More Than Down Syndrome Retreats
Conferences & Seminars
Public Speakers for Schools, Medical Professionals, and Community Organizations
Neurodiversity Club
Westfield, Indiana
Join us in-person on Wednesday night from 6:30-7:30 pm! We welcome all parents, caregivers, community supports, and friends. Come for the journey and stay for the joy...Neurodiversity Club Westfield sponsored by Carter's Play Place and Autism Society of Indiana!
Northside Indianapolis Autism Support Group
Jane Grimes
jane@appliedbehaviorcenter.org
Reach-In Special Needs Family
1858 E 8th St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
812-786-8402
ourreachin@yahoo.com https://myreachin.com/
This group welcomes parents of children with ANY/ALL disabilities. Currently, online group meetings are held every Thursday evening 6:30-8 pm by invite to Zoom. If you wish to join, contact Tracy Brown at 812-736-9276 to join the Facebook group. In the future, face-to-face meetings are planned. Contact Tracy Brown with questions and/or check website often for updates.
Special Parents-Special Kids
Lafayette, IN
(765) 543-7252
specialparentsspecialkids@yahoo.com
To provide events and services to kids with special needs and their families.
SOS Kids
(812) 631-3654(Dara) (812) 482-9536 (Dana)
SOS Kids Parent Network connects parents of children or adults with special needs who live in SW Indiana so that we can share information and experiences...and learn from each other!
The Autism Community in Action (TACA)
2222 Martin Street, Suite 140, Irvine, CA 92612
(855) 726-7810
Mission: TACA provides education, support, and hope to families living with autism.
Vision: For every individual diagnosed with autism to lead an independent life.
The Hazel Center
317-813-9524
http://www.thehazelcenter.com/
A nonprofit organization providing support for children with high functioning autism and their families.
The Voice
319 Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516
Viv Blakeslee
574-294-6197 ext.5
blakesleev@adecinc.com http://www.adecinc.com
This group is support-education focused for parents of children with ANY/ALL disabilities who receive special education services
Through the Eyes of Special Kids
219 South Scatterfield Rd., Muncie, IN 46016
765-610-4674
throughtheeyesofspecialkids@gmail.com http://throughtheeyesofspecialkids.yolasite.com/
Through The Eyes of Special Kids was born to connect families with resources and support.
Turnstone Parent Support Group
3320 North Clinton Street, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, 46805
(260) 483-2100
Founded in 1943, Turnstone’s mission is to provide therapeutic, educational, wellness, and recreational programs to empower people with disabilities.
