You’re not alone.
Getting involved in the autism community is an effective way to learn more about autism resources near you. It may even be more fun than reading all those autism books you left on your bookshelf.
The autism community gives parents affected by autism a place of understanding, learning and connecting with one another.
Whether you realize it or not, even your own experiences on the autism journey can be helpful to someone else.
Remember, there is strength in numbers.
Get Involved with an Autism Organization
The best way to keep up to date with services, funding and programs in your community is by joining your local autism organization.
Many changes in autism programs, funding, and legislation have come from the hard work of parent advocates. You can join their efforts by volunteering your time or becoming an autism advocate.
Join a Support Group
Support groups give you the chance to socialize and share information from other autism parents or professionals who live in your community. Meet people who understand your frustrations, share your challenges and who want to connect with the community.
Check out this great article on reasons parents should join a support group.
Type “autism support group” with your city name on a google search to find a parent support group near you.
Meet Up has multiple autism support groups available in 9 countries across 243 cities.
Attend an Event or Conference
Good things happen at autism events and conferences.
In fact, the idea for Edx Autism was born at an autism research conference. True Story.
Attending an event like a fundraiser or a conference for the autism community is a great way to meet other parents, have fun and find out about useful resources or products for your child.
Keep an eye out for the next autism event in your community, mark your calendar and attend.
You don’t even need to leave your house
I know you’re busy.
Or maybe the idea of joining a support group is not your cup of tea.
The good thing about the internet is, you can hide behind your computer and still be a part of the autism community.
Need advice from other autism parents? Post a question on myautismteam.com, a social network for parents of kids with autism, and get responses from other autism parents.
Browse through autism forums and message boards. You’ll find other parents talking about autism, sharing their thoughts, questions, and experiences.
Start a Blog
You have a chance to help out others in the autism community. Sharing your experiences will give hope, advice and encouragement to other autism parents.
Join other autism parents and write about your own experiences in a blog. You can start a free blog on wordpress.com.
Be a Follower
The easiest way to get involved with the autism community is to get on twitter and follow autism organizations, professionals or other autism parents.
Through twitter I’ve found useful autism articles, inspiring stories and insights from the autism community all in one place.
Try a twitter search term with a hashtag (#), like #autism.
It’s simple. You can even start now by following us on twitter.
How are you involved in the autism community? Share in the comments below.
About Catherine Pascuas
Catherine is the founder of Edx Autism.
Catherine,
I just want to say thanks for starting this great website. It’s so important to get the word out about autism.
Thanks Debra!