Spectrum Life Solutions
Creating a Path for Life
Local Resources
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The Arc of Northern Virginia: https://thearcofnova.org, is a local chapter of the largest non-profit organization supporting thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and their families. Their service area includes the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church; and Arlington and Fairfax Counties. They are a small, grassroots, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a local volunteer board of directors and they receive some funding for the direct services provided, but are largely supported by membership dues and donations.
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Commonwealth Autism: https://cahumanservices.org. CA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which states their mission is to impact capacity-development in human service systems through strategic public-private resource pairing, leadership, and collaboration. Ca offers an Autism directory of services, a virtual learning institute , continuing education and professional development and assistance with information and resources.
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Center for Autism and Spectrum Disorders: https://childrensnational.org/.../center-for-autism-spectrum-disorders. The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children’s National Health System provides a number of programs and services that provide assistance in the care and treatment a child’s needs.
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Paragon Autism Services: www. paragonautismservices.com.Paragon Autism Services provides ABA therapy to children diagnosed with autism, developmental delay and intellectual disabilities in the city of Fredericksburg and Counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, Prince William and surrounding areas. Paragon Autism Services is a Medicaid Provider.
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Autism Society of Northern Virginia: https://www.asnv.org/education. ASNV is one of more than 90 chapters of the Autism Society, which has been a leading source for trusted and reliable information about autism since 1965. Their chapter is directed by a volunteer executive committee and board made up of parents, self-advocates, educators, therapists, business owners and military service members. We hold monthly board meetings on the third Thursday of every month that are open to the public, and we are always looking for new board members and volunteers. Their territory includes the counties of Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Warren, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park. ASNV provides Autism Programs and workshops, a resource directory, safety trainings, an online parent forum and a Lunch and Learn in the Fredericksburg, VA area.
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Helping Hands Pediatric therapy services: https://www.hhitherapy.com. Helping Hands provides comprehensive speech therapy, occupational therapy, feeding and swallow therapy, sensory integration, Praxis testing, One on One sessions, sensory motor groups. In addition, they serve clients with services such as Therapeutic Listening, Primitive Reflex Integration, Handwriting Without Tears, the Social Thinking curriculum, Life Skills management, and many more.
National Resources
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Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org, Leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism, increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks offers online toolkits for families and adults on topics such as: a new autism diagnosis, therapies, medication, medical procedures, feeding, sleep, ABA, toileting training, puberty, transitioning to adulthood, IEPs, etc. All toolkits are available here: www.autismspeaks.org/familyservices/tool-kits
Autism Society of America: www.autism-society.org. Increases public awareness about the day-to-day issues about people across the spectrum, advocate for appropriate services for individuals of every age, and provide the latest information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy.
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Special Olympics: www.specialolympics.org. Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success.
Social Security: www.ssa.gov/disability. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. 2016 edition of “Benefits for Children with Disabilities” is now available: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf
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Special Needs Alliance: www.specialneedsalliance.com. National not-for-profit organization of attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability and public benefits law; connects individuals with disabilities, their families, and their advisors with nearby attorneys who focus their practices in the disability law arena
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Autism Parenting Magazine: https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-articles. Autism Parenting Magazine is the leading magazine for parents of autistic children as well as professionals seeking to work with children on the spectrum. Established in 2012, Its focus remains on objectively publishing autism-related topics, events, developments, treatments and news stories. They also cover a variety of inspiring real-life stories to help parents make informed decisions and keep them updated on the latest therapeutic and treatment options. Their magazine features articles from hundreds of contributors including respected professionals, autism experts, parents of children on the spectrum and adults with autism.
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Relevant Articles
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Self Determination in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nancy C Cheak-Zamora, Anna Maurer-Batjer, Beth A Malow, ...
First Published September 27, 2019 Research Article
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361319877329.
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Transition to middle and high school: Increasing the success of students with Asperger Syndrome. (Adreon & Durocher) Intervention in School & Clinic.http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/105345120103600502
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Visual supports at home and in the community for individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A scoping review (Marion Rutheford,
Julie Baxter, Zoe Grayson, Lorna Johnston, et al) First Published August 26, 2019 Research Article
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361319871756
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This list was developed to accompany the educational session, “Autism: From Diagnosis to Transition and Beyond" presented by the Council on Children with Disabilities at the 2016 AAP National Conference & Exhibition
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Disclaimer: The information in this resource list is not all inclusive or supportive of any particular agency or group. In addition, descriptions used have been gathered from the websites of the above mentioned.
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