Autistic National Society

A variety of support and information groups exist to help families that are living with autism. Physicians, psychiatrists, educators, and parents who join these groups describe the tremendous benefits of belonging to an organization that advances the cause of autism research, as well as providing a support group for families, friends, and teachers of autistic children.

Founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, the Autism Society of America is the premier national autistic support/advocacy group in the United States. It is the oldest and largest "grassroots" organization in the autistic community. The Autism Society of America is dedicated to increasing public awareness of autism and the issues faced by families living with autism; the society's mission is to provide information, education, support, and advocacy for autistic programs and services.

The National Autism Association is an American support group designed to educate and empower families living with autism. They work to educate society about autism, its heredity factors, and environmental factors. Those involved in the autistic community are encouraged to assist their loved ones reach their full potential and raise money for autism research.

The National Autistic Society is an organization in the United Kingdom that works with individuals and government bodies to promote the rights and interests of individuals diagnosed with autism, as well raising the awareness of those living with and affected by autistic individuals. The Society provides local advice and support for families affected by autism; care and education for children and adults with autism; employment training for adults with Asperger's syndrome; training for parents and professionals; reliable information and publications, and routinely lobbies and campaigns for the funding of autistic programs and research.

In Canada, the Autism Canada Foundation is the main autism advocacy group. Their goal is to "engage, educate, empower, and unite people to find a cure for autism." The Autism Canada Foundation supports research that addresses the cause of autism, promotes public and government awareness of early diagnoses and effective treatment options, and provides caregivers with a wealth of objective information on treatments, therapy, and educational rights and opportunities.

Online support groups are a wealth of knowledge and experience. Knowing everything about autism is the first step in ensuring that your child has the most advantages possible. In addition, mental health and medical experts strongly recommend that families and caregivers of autistic children attend local support groups. Some people may find the idea wishy-washy or "corny", but the resources available to members of support groups are amazing. Parents and caregivers can share ideas and strategies for communicating with their autistic children and receive emotional support from someone who understands the process and is living through it as well. Often, people from your autism or Asperger's syndrome support group are among the only people who understand what it is like living with these children, and will never be "sick" of hearing you talk about your fears and triumphs. There is no substitute for experience, and the advice given and friendships made at support groups is often invaluable.

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How Autism Support Groups Can Help

Autism support groups are excellent for people learning how to come to terms with the condition and their families who are often struggling to know how to cope. There are several different styles of support group available, and you will need to decide, which one will suit your needs. Depending on whether you need the support yourself or for family members will often determine the style of the group needed.

There are many different areas covered in the support groups, and you have to decide if you want a group that focuses on one area, or a wide spectrum of issues. You have to appreciate that the symptoms for Autism vary a huge amount, therefore, some of what you are involved with will not be beneficial to you. However, you and your family may still be interested in participating within these groups.

Parents who have children that are autistic may be finding it hard to cope, and come to terms with the full time care that their children need. Finding support groups that can allow these parents to talk through their problems, and realize that they are not alone is incredibly beneficial. There are thousands of people learning to cope with their autistic children, and benefiting from support groups all over the world.

You may find that all of the information that you are provided with when you are diagnosed is too much to understand. Therefore, the support groups can go back over the information, and ensure that you fully understand what lies ahead for you and your family. Many parents feel frustrated by their children's behavior, and this can cause issues within the family unit. Sometimes it is far easier to talk to other people and support groups allow you to do this.

There are a large number of different support groups that will allow you to discuss and express how you feel. You need to understand that the emotions and feelings that you have are perfectly normal and many other parents have felt them before. Talking to people who have been living with autism within the family for some time can provide you with the knowledge that you will bebale to cope.

Some support groups for autism may be run by parents and care providers of autistic children; however, there are other groups, which are run by professionals. The professionals are excellent, and can give you the scientific knowledge and answers that you may need. However, groups run by people who have to deal with autism every day may have a far wider knowledge. You will be amazed at the level of strength and commitment that these people display.

Once you have found a support group that you feel you want to be part of, you need to establish where and when the meetings will be held. Some groups will charge a small fee for their services to cover the rent of the space they are using. Other groups may be free to attended, and these will often be extremely full. Whatever group you decide to join, you will be gaining knowledge that will help you all to lead normal lives.

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The Role Of An Autism Support Group

Having an autistic child or dependent adult is very draining on both caregivers and relatives. Knowing how to advocate and care for you your loved ones, while increasing general awareness, and caring for yourself are essential day to day necessities that require your immediate attention. The best resource to help you cope with an autistic child or dependent adult is an autism support group. These groups bring together professionals that are experts in the field of autism and those who interact with autism on a day to day basis. Together they use this forum to swap ideas, and encourage, and educate each other. An autism support group to be effective must play five critical roles on a day to day basis.

Partnership and Comprehensive Support

An autism support group must help bring people together and aid in the formation of partnerships to encourage interaction and growth between all involved. This support will provide a foundation upon which the groups members will grow and participate in the educational opportunities that are available and help match the needs of the autistic dependents with the needs of their families and caregivers. The support group should also provide Comprehensive support that is directed towards the objective that all autistic dependents receive a complete or traditional education designed specifically to the needs of the autistic.

Positive and Educational Support

Another major function of an autism support group is to offer positive support to the autistic child, and their caregivers by providing an atmosphere of encouragement and a safe environment to vent and express one's emotions without fear of reprisal or judgment. This positive support will help break down barriers, and allow positive accomplishments to flourish and be recognized.
All the positive support in the world will accomplish nothing without building a solid foundation for education and the support group must promote educational programs to increase the knowledge of its members and prepare them with the information needed to be able to care for and support their loved ones. As an educational resource the support group becomes tasked with the responsibility for disseminating information about the disability, its symptoms, and treatments, and to provide support for the families with autistic dependents.

Advocacy

The final and most critical function of an autism support group is their role as an advocate to protect and educate those that do not understand autism and often neglect the needs of the autistic patients as a result. An autism support group must represent the autistic community and push for the needs of the autistic community at large...

Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Autism Info Blog. Click here for more helpful information on Autism: http://www.autisminfoblog.com/autism-books-are-a-tool

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