2012 Support Groups
The Autism Project currently offers support groups for parents and caregivers of children with ASD, grandparents, as well as a father-specific group.
Families who receive a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for their child are faced with a confusing and sometimes frightening future that feels isolating and overwhelming. Their need for support and training is essential during the very early stages of receiving this diagnosis to help them better understand and respond to the complex nature of ASD. This project has been developed to help families:
- have on-going guidance from a knowledgeable mentor
- develop a network of supportive individuals who have similar experiences
- be connected to appropriate resources
- receive training in using best practices in their home and communities.
Through this initiative, The Autism Project will address the support and training that families need and desire.
Family Connections:
Parent/Caregiver Support Group
The Autism Project offers monthly support groups for parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum disorders at our Johnston office, as well as in South County.
The primary purpose of the group is to help caregivers network with each other to reduce their isolation and expand supports for parenting children. The group is facilitated by a trained parent consultant and new members are welcome to join us at any time!
Northern RI/Johnson Support Group
The Johnston group will meet the first Wednesday of every month from 6-7:30PM at the Autism Project (1516 Atwood Avenue) in Johnston, RI. For additional information please contact Susan Baylis at susan@theautismproject.org or 401-785-2666, ext. 1021.
Johnston location:
1516 Atwood Ave.
Johnston, RI
South County Support Group
The South County group will meet the second Wednesday of every month from 6-7:30 PM in the Narragansett Pier Middle School library. For more information please contact Susan Baylis at susan@theautismproject.org or 401-785-2666, ext. 1021.
Narragansett location:
Narragansett Pier Middle School library
235 South Pier Road
Narragansett, RI
Family Connections:
ASD Dads Support Group
Autism Spectrum Disorder has had devastating effects upon families. Recent rates of diagnosis have attempted to bring to the forefront the increasing problem that faces children and families dealing with such disorders. In an effort to address some of these issues, The Autism Project hosts a father support group (“ASDads”) for fathers who have children on the spectrum.
This group will meet the 2nd Monday of every month from 7:00-8:30PM at the Autism Project (1516 Atwood Ave) in Johnston, RI. The focus of the support group will be to identify areas of concerns that are particular to fathers who have children who are diagnosed with Autism. Some issues that are of concern are:
- Education of ASD children (IEP etc)
- Financial Planning (special needs trusts, college, SSI, SSDI etc)
- Emotional strains on relationships and families
- Identifying services and resources for fathers
The group will be run and guided by the membership, and new members are always welcome! There will be an attempt to schedule guest speakers and a formatted presentation whenever possible. For more info, please contact Susan Baylis at susan@theautismproject.org or 401-785-2666, ext. 1021.
Family Connections:
Grandparents Support Group
The Autism Project offers a support group for grandparents of children with Autism or Asperger Syndrome. Our unique program educates grandparents on the characteristics of the disorder and how their grandchildren perceive and relate to the world around them. It also teaches participants how to assist their children and families to raise and interact with their grandkids.
Our Grandparents Support Group will meet the second Monday of every month from 9:30AM-11:30AM at the Autism Project, 1516 Atwood Ave, Johnston, RI 02919.
ICARE Aquidneck Island Support Group
ICARE (Island Community Autism Resource Exchange) also offers a support group for parents and children on the autism spectrum
Website
Children's Neurodevelopment Center Support Group for Families and Caregivers of Children with Special Healthcare Needs
The group meets FIRST Monday of the month 10:00 am to 11:30 am in the CNDC Conference Room, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 401-444-9089 or contact Roberta Zimmerly at rzimmerly@lifespan.org
2012 Meeting Calendar
