Autism Center
Autism Center Resources
Understanding the Referral and Treatment Process
Classes
TIES (Training, Information, Empowerment, Support)
TIES is a parent education program designed for parents of children who have recently been diagnosed with autism. Parents meet weekly in small groups. Each session focuses on a different topic related to autism. The goals are to provide information and support to increase parents’ ability to be effective advocates for their child.
PACE (Parental Acceptance, Self-Care and Self-Efficacy)
PACE is a small-group parent education/support series led by parents/providers. Each class includes teaching, reflection and sharing.
Autism: First Steps
Autism: First Steps is an introductory program for parents and caregivers of children who have recently been diagnosed with autism.
Autism 101
Autism 101 is a free 90-minute lecture that is offered quarterly and is designed to provide information and support to parents and families of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Autism 200 series
Autism 200 is a series of classes for parents and caregivers that covers various topics related to autism.
Support Groups
Just US (Unconditional Support)
Just US is a Yahoo group email parent support group for people who cannot come to local support groups due to distance or other reasons. To join Just US, email Lynn Vigo.
Sibshops
Sibshops provide peer support and education for brothers and sisters of children with special health or developmental needs, including autism. For siblings age 6 to 9 and 10 to 13. These are lively events that include fun activities, games, special guests, discussion and information sharing. Sibshops sessions for different age groups are typically offered every other month throughout the school year on Saturdays. For more information or to register, visit our Sibshops page.
Recommended Reading
Useful Links
Autism Guidebook for Washington State
This guide was developed as a result of recommendations from the governor-appointed Autism Task Force (ATF), comprised of parents and professionals. It covers a broad range of topics useful for parents, teachers and other professionals.
Autism Society of Washington
Autism Society of Washington promotes lifelong access to appropriate treatment and interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. ASW also advances opportunities for individuals to be fully integrated and participating members of their communities by providing support to families and promoting advocacy, public awareness, education, and dissemination of current research related to autism. The website includes a regularly-updated state-wide events and training calendar for Washington State.
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to increasing autism awareness. It also funds research into causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. Autism Speaks publishes the “First 100 Days” guide for families in English and Spanish.
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
DDD is part of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Any person who has a developmental disability that starts before the age of 18 and is expected to continue indefinitely may be eligible for DDD services. Eligibility is not based on a family’s income. The site includes the application and instructions to fill it out.
Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT of WA)
FEAT is a parent-founded organization offering programs, support and resources. Its purpose is to help children reach their full potential. FEAT publishes a comprehensive resource guide (PDF) that is downloadable from their website.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a program that covers medical care to individuals who have low income. It is funded by a federal-state partnership.
Regional Support Network
Washington State is divided into 13 Regional Support Networks (RSNs). All mental health services for people covered by medicaid are provided via RSNs through a network of contracted mental health providers.
Social Security Administration Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a federal income supplement program designed to help people with disabilities and the elderly who have little or no income. It is available when a family meets eligibility guidelines and the child meets SSI disability guidelines.
The Arc of Washington
The Arc of Washington State offers services and programs for people with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, epilepsy and related neurological disorders. There are many local chapters of The Arc. Autism King is a large, King County–focused parent listserv that is part of the Parent to Parent program of the Arc.
Therapy Services for Autism (PDF)
This flyer describes the different kinds of therapy available in Seattle Children's Autism Center for children with autism.
Support the Autism Center