Parent Support and Information
Autism Society of America
Autism Speaks
Child Mind Institute
- Family Resource Center
- Autism Learn the basics of autism, how to get a diagnosis, common therapies, medication and more.
Operation Autism – A Resource Guide for Military Families
National Autism Center at May Institute – AUTISM – A CLOSER LOOK
Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times - AFIRM - All children and young adults require support from caregivers during times of stress and uncertainty, such as those we are facing now with the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Coping with the unknown and navigating school closures, abrupt changes in routines, loss of connections with teachers and friends, and fear around contracting the virus- are burdens for all, and caregivers play an important role in helping children and young adults understand the changes and process their related feelings. Individuals with autism may need additional support to process the news and adapt to the many changes. This population may face additional challenges related to comprehension, communication, difficulty understanding abstract language, an insistence on sameness, and a greater likelihood of anxiety and depression—all of which may be exacerbated during this stressful period.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Autism Training Resources
Autism Spectrum Disorders Resources for Practitioners and Parents
National Autism Center at May Institute - EARLY SIGNS OF AUTISM
West Virginia Birth to Three ABA Brochure
WVBTT Family Guide to ABA
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Visual Supports and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Evidence-based Practices
The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder
Early Start Denver Model | ESDM Training Program | Autism Intervention
The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations
Early Childhood Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports
Picture Exchange Communication System
Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
AFIRM – Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules
Learning and Educational Resources
West Virginia University – Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Autism Resources in West Virginia - WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CEDWVU) - This directory contains information on autism services and resources available to West Virginia residents.
- Circle of Parents Support Group - Circle of Parents support groups provide friendly, supportive environments led by parents and other caregivers. It is a place where anyone in a parenting role can openly discuss the successes and challenges of raising children with special health care needs and/or disabilities. It is a place to share support.
Marshall University – WV Autism Training Center
- WV Autism Training Center - Services are available to families of West Virginians with autism spectrum disorder as well as their educators and others significant in their lives.
- Marshall University Speech and Hearing Clinic
- Marshall University Feeding Clinic
- The WV Guide to Accessing Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
On-Demand Courses for Families and Practitioners
WV Birth to Three On-Demand Autism Courses
- Early Signs of Autism
- Evidence Based Practices and Alternative Treatments for Infants and Toddlers with Autism
Dr. Mary Barbera, BCBA Learning Courses Online - $$
Dr. Mary Barbera, BCBA Free Workshops
Autism Internet Modules: ASD Strategies in Action –
Autism Navigator – Online Courses for Professionals and Families
AFIRM – Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules
Help is in Your Hands – ESDM Project Learning Modules
Safety Resources
National Autism Association “Big Red Safety Box” - The National Autism Association’s Big Red Safety Box® is a free-of-charge safety toolkit for autism families in need of wandering-prevention tools.
Keep Kids with Autism Safe from Wandering: Tips from the AAP
15 Home Safety Tips for Children with Autism
Autism & Safety
Safety tips for community activities
Financial Resources
Autism Speaks – Financial Resources
Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP) - Children with Disabilities Community Services Program is an option for families of children starting at birth. CDCSP is a Medicaid program and provides families of accepted children with a Medicaid card. Families can apply based on the child’s level of need. For families in WV Birth to Three, please contact your local Service Coordinator.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Waiver - West Virginia’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Waiver Program is a 1915c Medicaid Waiver approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for eligible West Virginia residents with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. As a Home-and-Community Based Services (HCBS) program, the I/DD Waiver offers services in members’ homes and communities, as opposed to an institutional setting.
The program is operated by the West Virginia Department of Human Services’ Bureau for Medical Services (BMS), who contracts with Acentra Health as the Utilization Management Contractor, or UMC.
Social Security Administration – Benefits for Children with Disabilities
Special Needs Resources
WVABLE-A STABLE Account is an investment account available to eligible individuals with disabilities. STABLE Accounts are made possible by the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (“ABLE”) Act. STABLE Accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs, like Medicaid or SSI.
WV Health Insurance Premium Payment - The West Virginia Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program is a state-funded program for qualifying Medicaid recipients and their families who have access to health insurance that is either self-funded, available through a job, or COBRA.
Additional Resources
Achieving True Self - Achieving True Self is passionately cultivating and inspiring growth through the delivery of evidence-based treatment to assist individuals, families, organizations and their surrounding communities to achieve their self-defined goals. Through a supportive organizational culture focused on developing and retaining team members, we are determined to change the world by instilling hope and helping each person whose life we touch achieve their truest self.
Mountaineer Autism Project (MAP) | Facebook
West Virginia Association for Positive Behavior Support Network | Facebook
Sesame Street Workshop - Sesame Street and Autism: Resources You Can Use – All children experience the world differently, and those differences are even greater for autistic children. As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism (or as someone who knows a person with autism), your understanding and support can help ease daily challenges…while celebrating the uniqueness of all children. Registration is free for families and providers.
Autism Strengths - Because autism doesn’t just come with challenges to overcome; once you dig deeper, an amazing and intriguing world will be revealed!
10 Engaging Play Activities for Kids with Autism – Circle Care Services
