Local Support for Families in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah
ABA therapy is one part of your child’s support. The rest comes from your community: other parents who understand, programs where your child can play and make friends, and organizations that help you navigate services, school, and everything in between.
Finding those resources takes time, especially after a new diagnosis. But you don’t have to do it alone.
“It’s important for families to remember they don’t have to go through it alone, and they’re probably not the only family facing that particular challenge,” says Dr. Brian Boyd, director of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at UNC Chapel Hill, on an episode of our podcast, Autism Weekly. His advice: connect with community organizations and local agencies that have experience helping families navigate the system.
We work alongside local organizations in every state we serve. Here are some of the community partners families tell us make a difference.
What kind of support to look for
Community resources usually fall into four categories.
Family support and guidance. Resource specialists, support groups, and help understanding next steps.
Recreation and inclusion. Camps, social programs, and events designed so every child can join in. For Amy Kelly, a mother of three who spoke with Autism Weekly, finding the right community program changed everything. It gave her family “a place to be accepted and be able to show up and meet other parents and not feel ostracized or judged.” Listen to the episode.
Early childhood and state services. Programs that connect families with young children to screenings, services, and funding.
Advocacy and education. Help navigating school services, individualized education programs (IEPs), and your rights as a parent. Community programs can support school goals too. If your child’s school doesn’t offer a social skills class, a local camp or weekend program may help fill that gap, and it can be written into your child’s IEP.
Most families use more than one. Start with whatever you need most right now.
Check out everything that happened last month in our WOW Factor Recap!
North Carolina
Autism Strong Foundation supports Charlotte-area families through Landon’s Hope Scholarship, which helps cover the cost of therapy, and hosts family events like the BuildStrong festival, which opens with a sensory-friendly hour. autismstrong.org
Best Buddies North Carolina creates one-to-one friendships and inclusion opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. bestbuddies.org/northcarolina
South Carolina
South Carolina Autism Society provides family support, resource guidance, and community events across the state. scautism.org
First 5 SC is the state’s one-stop portal for families with young children. It connects you to early childhood programs and services you may qualify for.
South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs is the state agency that coordinates services for people with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Tennessee
Autism Tennessee offers support groups, family resources, and community events for autistic people and their families.
Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative connects families in Sumner County with local resources and services for children with special needs.
California
Autism Society has local affiliates across California, each offering support groups, events, and help finding resources in your area. Families near our ABA therapy centers can connect with:
If your area isn’t listed, search for your nearest Autism Society affiliate. Most major regions have one.
Utah
Utah Parent Center helps families navigate special education, disability services, and the school system, with guidance from staff who are parents themselves.
Support that fits your family
Every family deserves support that reflects who they are, including their language, culture, and values. Dr. Boyd describes culturally responsive support as starting with “recognizing the strengths and assets of culturally and linguistically diverse families,” then tailoring support to what each family actually needs.
When you contact any organization, it’s reasonable to ask whether they offer services or materials in your preferred language. At ABS Kids, we provide free interpreters, bilingual staff in many areas, and Spanish-language materials about autism and ABA therapy. Learn more about language support at ABS Kids.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, hear Paraguayan American author Christopher Carazas share on Autism Weekly how finding community helped him after an adult autism diagnosis. Listen to the episode.
Find partners near you
Community partners vary from city to city. To see the organizations we work with in your area, visit your nearest ABA therapy center’s location page. Link to locations
Join ABS Kids at a local sensory-friendly event! Our teams are proud to support the communities we serve and provide inclusive environments for all. Find an event near you.
Getting started
If you have questions about ABA therapy or need help finding support in your area, we’re here to help. Call 800-434-8923 or email [email protected].
About ABS Kids: ABS Kids partners with children and families to deliver high-quality, compassionate applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy at home, in schools, and in our centers. From diagnosis to ongoing treatment, we support children with autism every step of the way. We proudly provide ABA therapy in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.
