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AUTISM SUPPORT CENTER

WHAT IS THE AUTISM SUPPORT CENTER?


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The Autism Support Center (ASC) provides services to families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and Asperger’s Disorder). Since its inception in 1991, the program has provided information and support to more than 2200 families. Funding is provided primarily by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation (DMR).

ASC is directed by a Parent Advisory and Policy Committee comprised of parents of children with ASD. It is dedicated to providing individualized support services, which enable families to live together within their home and community. We believe that empowerment through education, self-advocacy and support will benefit families, the professionals who work with them and their communities, allowing individuals with autism and related disabilities to reach their full potential.

  • Information and Referral:    ASC is often the first place a family turns to when hearing of their child’s diagnosis. After discussing the family’s concerns and needs with them, an extensive packet of information is sent out. This includes information about the autism spectrum, special education guidelines, ideas for enhancing communication, fact sheets on available services and resources,and additional information tailored to the needs of the family.

    ASC maintains a comprehensive resource list of professionals with training and experience in ASD, as well as hundreds of articles and research studies. These cover all facets of intervention, behavior, sensory issues, parent strategies, special education guidelines, ideas for enhancing communication and fact sheets on available services and resources.

  • Lending Library:    Our lending library is extensive. We have books, videotapes and audiotapes discussing a wide variety of topics including educational strategies, how to deal with difficult behaviors, communication strategies and parent and sibling issues If a parent or professional cannot come to us, we will mail the information to them.

  • Newsletter:    ASC publishes a quarterly newsletter which is packed with coping strategies, personal accounts, notices of upcoming events and information on recent developments in research. The newsletter is available to families free of charge and to professionals for a nominal fee. It can also be downloaded from our website.

  • Transitional Flexible Funding:    Within northeastern Massachusetts, we are able to provide some short term funding to help families obtain respite or other required goods or services, as annual appropriations allow.

  • Home Visits:    Home visits are intended to provide support where families need it most: in their home. At the family’s request, ASC arranges home visits in our service area to assist parents in better understanding how to help their child.

  • Support Groups:    Support groups are offered throughout our region for parents and siblings. Parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters are able to find others who understand their concerns and gain strategies for home, school and community integration.

  • Training:    ASC offers educational opportunities in a variety of formats:

    • In-Service Training to Professionals:     Education paves the way for understanding. ASC presents workshops on ASD, behavior management, teaching strategies and other issues relevant to professionals. We have presented to hospitals, schools, recreation programs, religious organizations and respite providers. We have also extended our training to teachers and paraprofessionals. Understanding and awareness combined with strategies and intervention methods are integral to inclusion.

    • Parent Workshops:    Parent concerns and questions often differ from those of professionals. They seek ideas and strategies that are applicable to home and family life. In response, ASC has created presentations that empower parents by giving them clear information they can use. Topics have included Special Education Rights, Estate Planning, and Behavior Management at Home.

    • Conferences:    Each year ASC hosts a conference featuring nationally renowned individuals working with children diagnosed with ASD.


    “We have received so much support from you that I am extremely grateful. The work you all do is so important. My children have met with continued success as a direct result of your help!”

    “I feel ASC is an excellent resource. Everyone is very professional and knowledgeable, and very kind! Having a child with “challenges” has been so difficult, yet inspiring in many ways. Knowing I could turn to ASC for advice and support, as well as for a little financial assistance, has been wonderful.”