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Autism Support Valdosta GA

Local resource for autism support in Valdosta. Includes detailed information on local businesses that provide access to information on autism, Aspergers syndrome, children with autism, autism in adults, and support for special needs children, as well as advice and content on how to cope with autism.
Jim Dawson
(404) 556-6527
Valdosta, GA
Support Services
ABA, Ideas For Finding Therapists, ABA, Therapy Services, ABA/Discrete Trial, Behavior Assessment, Early Intervention, Training/Seminars, Verbal Behavior
Ages Supported
1-5 Grade,11-12 Grade,6-8 Grade,9-10 Grade,Kindergarten,Preschool

Data Provided By:
Jacobs Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center
(229) 794-1188
5866 Bradford Rd. N
Hahira, GA
Support Services
Hippotherapy (Horseback Riding), Therapy Providers

Data Provided By:
Magnolia Rehab.
(770) 732-9100
1790 Mulkey Road, Suite 4
Marietta, GA
Support Services
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Therapy Providers

Data Provided By:
Parents in Action of Gwinnett County
(770) 476-1485
174 Bend Creek Trail
Suwanee, GA
Support Services
Disability Advocacy

Data Provided By:
Georgia Legal Services Program
(404) 206-5175
104 Marietta Street, Suite 250
Atlanta, GA
Support Services
Legal Services

Data Provided By:
Suzanne G. Harvey, B.S.N.
(912) 560-0657
206 S. Patterson St., PO Box 5619
Valdosta, GA
Support Services
DAN! Pediatrics, Medical

Data Provided By:
Suzanne Harvey, BSN, R.N.
(229) 559-5626
4654 Clayton Dr.
Lake Park, GA
Support Services
Biomedical Intervention, DAN! Pediatrics, Other

Data Provided By:
Nicole Scott
(770) 346-5378
Alpharetta, GA
Support Services
ABA, Therapy Services, ABA/Discrete Trial, Academic Assessments, Behavorial Intervention, Early Intervention, Sensory Integration, Social Skills Training, Support / Tutoring, Verbal Behavior
Ages Supported
1-5 Grade,11-12 Grade,6-8 Grade,9-10 Grade,Kindergarten,Preschool

Data Provided By:
May Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
(706) 571-7771
7175 Moon Rd.
Columbus, GA
Support Services
ABA/Discrete Trial, Behavorial Intervention, Early Intervention, Educational Advocacy, Marriage & Family Counseling, Sensory Integration, Support Organization, Therapy Providers, Verbal Behavior
Ages Supported
Preschool,Kindergarten,1-5 Grade,6-8 Grade,9-10 Grade,11-12 Grade,Adult

Data Provided By:
The Edelson Center for Environmental and Preventive Medicine
(404) 841-0088
3833 Roswell Rd, Suite 110
Atlanta, GA
Support Services
Biomedical Intervention, Medical, Other

Data Provided By:
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Autism - Resources

Disorders - Autism
Written by National Institute of Mental Health

Resources

The following resources provide a good starting point for gaining insight, practical information, and support. Further information on autism can be found at libraries, book stores, and local chapters of the Autism Society of America.

Books for parents

Baron-Cohen, S., and Bolton, B. Autism: The Facts. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.

Harris, S., and Handelman, J. eds. Preschool Programs for Children with Autism. Austin, TX: PRO-ED, 1993.

Hart, C. A Parent's Guide to Autism, New York: Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books, 1993.

Lovaas, O. Teaching Developmentally Disabled Children: The ME Book. Austin, TX: PRO-ED, 1981.

May, J. Circles of Care and Understanding: Support Groups for Fathers of Children with Special Needs. Bethesda, MD: Association for the Care of Children's Health, 1993.

Powers, M. Children with Autism: A Parents' Guide. Rockville, MD: Woodbine House, 1989.

Sacks, O. An Anthropologist on Mars. New York: Knopf, 1995.

Advocacy Manual: A Parent's How-to Guide for Special Education Services. Pittsburgh: Learning Disabilities Association of America, 1992.

Directory for Exceptional Children: A Listing of Educational and Training Facilities. Boston: Porter Sargent Publications, 1994.

Pocket Guide to Federal Help for Individuals with Disabilities. Pueblo, CO: U. S. Government Printing Office, Consumer Information Center.

Books for children

Amenta, C. Russell is Extra Special. New York: Magination Press, 1992.

Gold, P. Please Don't Say Hello. New York: Human Sciences Press/Plenum Publications, 1986.

Katz, I., and Ritvo, E. Joey and Sam. Northridge, CA: Real Life Storybooks, 1993.

Books for teachers and other interested professionals

Aarons, M., and Gittens, T. The Handbook of Autism. A Guide for Parents and Professionals. New York: Tavistock/Routledge, 1992.

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

Groden, G., and Baron, M., eds. Autism: Strategies for Change. New York: Gardner Press, 1988.

Simmons, J. The Hidden Child. Rockville, MD: Woodbine House, 1987.

Simpson, R., and Zionts, P. Autism : Information and Resources for Parents, Families, and Professionals. Austin, TX: PRO-ED, 1992.

Smith, M. Autism and Life in the Community: Successful Interventions for Behavioral Challenges. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 1990.

Smith, M., Belcher, R., and Juhrs, P. A Guide to Successful Employment for Individuals with Autism. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 1995.

Autobiographies of people dealing with autism

Barron, J., and Barron, S. There's a Boy in Here, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1992.

Grandin, T. Thinking In Pictures and Other Reports From My Life with Autism. New York: Doubleday, 1995....

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Autism - Support groups

Disorders - Autism
Written by National Institute of Mental Health   

Support groups

Many parents find that others who face the same concerns are their strongest allies. Parents of children with autism tend to form communities of mutual caring and support. Parents gain not only encouragement and inspiration from other families' stories, but also practical advice, information on the latest research, and referrals to community services and qualified professionals. By talking with other people who have similar experiences, families dealing with autism learn they are not alone.

The Autism Society of America, listed at the close of this pamphlet, has spawned parent support groups in communities across the country. In such groups, parents share emotional support, affirmation, and suggestions for solving problems. Its newsletter, the Advocate, is filled with up-to-date medical and practical information.

Coping Strategies

The following suggestions are based on the experiences of families in dealing with autism, and on NIMH-sponsored studies of effective strategies for dealing with stress.

  • Work as a family. In times of stress, family members tend to take their frustrations out on each other when they most need mutual support. Despite the difficulties in finding child care, couples find that taking breaks without their children helps renew their bonds. The other children also need attention, and need to have a voice in expressing and solving problems.
  • Keep a sense of humor. Parents find that the ability to laugh and say, "You won't believe what our child has done now!" helps them maintain a healthy sense of perspective.
  • Notice progress. When it seems that all the help, love, and support is going nowhere, it's important to remember that over time, real progress is being made. Families are better able to maintain their hope if they celebrate the small signs of growth and change they see.
  • Take action. Many parents gain strength working with others on behalf of all children with autism. Working to win additional resources, community programs, or school services helps parents see themselves as important contributors to the well-being of others as well as their own child.
  • Plan ahead. Naturally, most parents want to know that when they die, their offspring will be safe and cared for. Having a plan in place helps relieve some of the worry. Some parents form a contract with a professional guardian, who agrees to look after the interests of the person with autism, such as observing birthdays and arranging for care.

What Hope Does Research Offer?

Research continues to reveal how the brain-the control center for thought, language, feelings, and behavior-carries out its functions. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) funds scientists at centers across the Nation who are exploring how the brain develops, transmits its signals, integrates input from the senses,...

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Autism: Suggestions for Parents

Disorders - Autism
Written by Better Health Channel of Australia   

Parenting is a difficult job, but a child with autism poses extra challenges. The following suggestions may help. See your doctor, autism professionals or autism associations for more information and advice. Remember that other parents of autistic children can be a gold-mine of tips and suggestions, so raise any issues you have at your support group.

After the diagnosis

An initial period of panic, which could include a fruitless search for the 'cure', is completely normal. This reaction settles down once the shock of the diagnosis has passed. Suggestions include:

  • You may like to consider counselling to help manage your own feelings about your child's diagnosis.
  • There are many different approaches to the management of autism. You may like to research them yourself to find the best approach for your child and family.
  • Good starting points include your doctor or pediatrician.
  • Contact an autism support group such as Autism Victoria for further information, support and guidance.
  • Other parents who have children with autism are excellent sources of information.
  • Search the Internet for information on autism management programs, but be aware that not all information on the Internet can be considered reliable. Check with your doctor or autism professionals, and be wary of any website that claims a 'cure' for autism.

Advice on choosing a management program

Suggestions include:

  • Seek advice from your doctor, autism professionals and autism organisations.
  • Only choose management programs that are based on sound, scientific principles.
  • It might be best to avoid experimental programs. Consult with your doctor or autism professionals for guidance.
  • Make sure the people offering the program are professionally qualified.
  • Make sure the program deals with all aspects of autism.
  • Find out about the time and effort involved - for example, you may not have the time or resources to devote to an intensive program because of other children or work commitments.
  • The program may be for children with particular abilities or who are a particular age, so check that it is appropriate for your child.
  • Be wary of programs that claim to work for everyone with autism - their approach may be too broad to be useful.

    • Safety in the home

    Parents are used to childproofing their homes, but children with autism may need extra precautions. However, it is important to find a balance between keeping your child secure and making sure your home is also still safe and easy to get out of in an emergency like a fire. Talk to a locksmith and other parents who face similar issues. Suggestions include: You may have to board up your windows if your child likes listening to breaking glass. In some cases, you can install foam. Use picture frames with plastic instead of glass. Some children with autism are experts at escaping the most secure homes. Talk to a lock...

    Click here to read the rest of this article from Mental Health Matters

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