SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS:
We hold monthly Support Groups for parents, caregivers, professionals, and anyone wanting to learn more. Typically, the group begins with a speaker, but we always allow for time for questions and networking. Check the EVENTS page for specific details.
Additionally, we have placed recordings of some past Support Groups on the bottom of this page.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
These come from a very well-read autistic young adult.
The first category is "professionals speaking to parents." This would be books with advice from well-educated therapists, doctors, etc, espousing a particular intervention or philosophy.
Life Will Get Better, by Nicole Beurkens
Uniquely Human, by Barry M. Prizant, PHD, with Tom Fields-Meyer
The second category is "stories from fellow parents," and is the type where a parent (usually the mother) describes their family's journey with autism, what they tried, what worked, and typically ends on a "now things are better" note.
Healing Our Autistic Children, by Julie A. Buckley
The Resilient Parent, by Mantu Joshi
The third and final category is "memoirs from autistic people," and is not specifically parent-centric, but is simply autistic people explaining themselves and their lives to people in general.
Born on a Blue Day, by Daniel Tammet,
The Reason I Jump, by Naoki Higashida
Switched On, by John Elder Robison
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Video Resources
Legal Planning Workshop (5/12/20)
Network 180’s Services (6/16/20)
Social Security Presentation with Hillary Hatch (10-13-20)
Handouts: Network 180 Autism Brochure, Independent Supports Coordination Flyer, Child’s Waiver Program Info Sheet, Network 180 Supports Coordination, Role of the Supports Coordinator
FREE Autism Training with Virtual Reality at AMPED VR
Transition Planning for Young Adults with ASD- Presentation with Dr Michael Wolff (11/10/20)
Disability Advocates Presentation: Securing and Planning Your Medicaid and SSI/ SSDI Benefits (1/21)
Parenting Presentation from Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Autism Clinic (3/18/2021)
Are you looking for an autism assessment, a new doctor, dentist, therapist, service provider?
Check out our Community Resources Directory below.
ASK does not endorse any specific providers, nor do we advocate for or against any therapies or practices, as we trust that families can and should make their own decisions. We can offer a list of providers if requested. We take information and feedback from families who have been well-served by agencies and pass that on.
If you are a service provider or resource in the West Michigan community, please click here to be added to the directory.
Autism Alliance Resource Directory
The AAoMI directory connect the community with specialists who can support them with everything from autism evaluations and vaccination appointments to a wide range of professional services.
Music Therapy
ASK commissioned Music Therapists at the Franciscan Life Process Center to create interactive videos for families to view and use at home.
Disability Advocates Parent/Caregiver Info
Are you the parent or caregiver of a teen or young adult with autism? Do you need help with the transition to adulthood? Disability Advocates of Kent County has put together a very informative and thorough packet to support you and give you some basics that might be helpful in securing guardianship, SSI, Medicaid, food benefits, housing, etc.