Navigating the autism journey is a path where companionship is not only enormously beneficial but also inarguably essential. Autism support groups in Virginia are crucial in offering vital support to neurodiverse individuals and their families. Within these groups, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions, shared valuable experiences, and access to essential tools and resources.
For many parents and caregivers of children with an autism diagnosis, the relentless search for educational resources, financial assistance, healthcare options, strategies to address challenges, and inclusive spaces for their loved ones is an everyday reality. Autism support groups in Virginia represent a critical response to these concerns. Whether you reside in Arlington or Washington, D.C., this guide provided by the ABA Centers of Virginia will assist you in discovering these support groups, offering invaluable support to your loved one with autism and your entire family.
- Autism Society of America – Virginia Chapters: These chapters offer vital support, information, and community engagement for those seeking autism support groups in Virginia:
- Central Virginia Chapter: With over 40 years of experience, the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) provides educational resources, support, advocacy, and services for individuals with autism, their families, and loved ones. Their mission is to empower and connect the local autism community. The ASCV operates as an independent affiliate of the Autism Society of America (ASA), sharing its mission, values, and priorities with ASA and its 90 other affiliates nationwide.
- Northern Virginia Chapter: The Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) has supported individuals with autism through educational resources and advocacy for 54 years. ASNV offers a range of events, support programs, and resources for understanding autism. This nonprofit organization always seeks volunteers and individuals who want to join and assist.
- Tidewater Chapter: The Autism Society Tidewater Virginia is a nonprofit organization with a 40-year history of supporting and advocating for children and adults with autism and their families and caregivers. Their mission is to foster empowering connections within the autism community, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives. They provide educational programs, training, events for individuals with autism, and opportunities for volunteers.
- Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia (POAC-NoVA): This organization closely collaborates with decision-makers in the public schools of Fairfax County to enhance the quality of education for students with autism in Northern Virginia. Among the autism support groups in Virginia, POAC-NoVA provides resources and support to its members, as well as community events and meetings that tackle important topics such as inclusion opportunities in schools, sports and recreational activities for children with autism and their families, and more. Additionally, they host in-person support group meetings for caregivers and family members of children with autism, where they can exchange information and offer mutual support.
- Autism Speaks Virginia stands out as one of the most prominent autism support organizations in the United States. They offer various resources, guides, training, educational materials, and local services. Their mission encompasses research, supporting people with autism, and promoting awareness. In addition, they organize meaningful events, such as Autism Walks, that not only raise funds but continue to support the autism community in the United States. Autism Speaks is an excellent option to explore within the different autism support groups in Virginia.
- Virginia Autism Council: This council of autism experts is one of the autism support groups in Virginia that seeks to define needed competencies and advance education, training, and opportunities for caregivers of individuals with autism. Their website provides best practices, research, and online training opportunities to advance autism development and knowledge in Virginia.
- Operation Autism: Located in Arlington, this organization offers informative resources for military families with children on the autism spectrum. They offer family support, educational materials, and a directory to help locate local assistance, including schools, community services, and ABA providers that accept TRICARE.
- Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) is a state agency in Virginia responsible for overseeing and coordinating services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral disorders. DBHDS plays a crucial role in autism support groups in Virginia as it strives to ensure that individuals with developmental and behavioral disorders have access to appropriate care, services, and resources to lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in their communities.
- Virginia Autism Project is a registered nonprofit committed to providing education, guidance, and cooperation with government officials at all levels and the broader public regarding matters that influence individuals with autism and their communities. Their overarching goal is to promote increased awareness across the state while also actively facilitating autism support groups in Virginia, creating vital resources for individuals and families.
These autism support groups in Virginia are organizations you may want to consider if you are looking for a support network for yourself, your child, and your family. Each one has specific features that may be suitable depending on your needs. It is worth exploring these autism support groups in Virginia and considering joining one of them. The autism journey, with the right company, becomes more enjoyable and fulfilling.
ABA Centers of Virginia Offers Autism Support
Having a support network is crucial when navigating neurodiversity. At ABA Centers of Virginia, we provide autism diagnosis services and ABA therapy to support individuals with autism and their families. We understand the importance of autism support groups in Virginia, and we are here to walk with you in the autism journey. Certified professionals with extensive experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and autism care deliver our ABA therapies to impart essential life skills to individuals with autism. From personal hygiene and daily activities like dressing and meal preparation to social interaction, academic progress, and professional development, ABA therapy is the most effective means to achieve independence.
To become a part of our family, please call us at (855) 957-1892 or complete our online form for a complimentary consultation. At ABA Centers of Virginia, we are here to provide you the support you need.
