Help for Parents of Autistic Children in L.A. County
Apart from the fact that having an autistic child is an emotional experience, it brings also the challenge of finding the appropriate therapy and care. All of these are hard on parents.
I personally met several single parents of autistic children dealing with these challenges and providing care… while unable to pay for food and shelter! A single parent who is the sole full-time care provider for an autistic child is often unable to earn a living because the child can’t be left unattended. (I’m not implying that having an autistic child equals financial hardship, but often it does.)
All parents of autistic children – regardless of their financial circumstances – can benefit of the resources provided on this page.
It is my understanding that there’s a number of therapy and possibly also daycare options as well as after school programs for autistic children available in Greater Los Angeles area, including San Fernando Valley. Some are quite costly, I believe however that in most cases funding is available to parents of autistic children dealing with financial challeges.
Education planning for autistic children
https://www.bitira.com/crypto-stem-for-kids-with-special-needs/
All children, but autistic children even more so, have some shortcomings and some unique strengths. To help you consider the latter, Alexandra Chappell from Bit IRA provided resources most parents of autistic children may not have considered.
Take a look at this page, these resources may – or may not – be appropriate for your child, but IF they are, take advantage of them. That’s not just special education, not just education, but a solid plan for a secure adulthood.
Programs for autistic children from 5-15 of age:
http://www.abilityfirst.org/programs/programs_children_after_school.aspx
http://www.camppaivika.org/
(It is my understanding that most participants qualify for funding through State-supported Regional Centers.)
Find a location here:
http://www.abilityfirst.org/locations/locations_community.aspx
Extensive help – including child care! – for children ages 3 to 5:
http://autismla.org/The-Autism-Journey/Ages-3-to-5.htm
(The North Los Angeles County Regional Center is located at:
15400 Sherman Way, Suite 170
Van Nuys, CA 91406-4211
(818) 778-1900)
Large spectrum of therapies and programs for autistic children and youth as well as for children with emotional problems and learning disabilities! (Including several locations in San Fernando Valley.)
http://www.thehelpgroup.org/
List of medical centers that provide therapy to autistic patients:
http://csus_autism.tripod.com/Centers.htm
In San Fernando Valley:
Child Development Center – Simi Valley Hospital & Health Care Facilities
Offers a wide range of therapies; including physical, occupational, speech and language.
Age Group: 3-21 years
Location: Simi Valley
Phone: (805) 577-9039
Web Page: www.SimiValleyHospital.org
Preschools for autistic children ages 3 to 5; enter your own Zip Code:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/by-zip/111/Schools%20-%20Preschool/91405_10?distance[postal_code]=91405&distance[search_distance]=10&distance[search_units]=mile
(http://www.thehelpgroup.org/ might be able to help with financing)
Financial help for parents of autistic children:
http://www.act-today.org/
http://www.act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php
MORE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS OF AUTISTIC AND DISABLED CHILDREN and DISABLED CHILDREN
Ethan (A young gentleman who discovered this page on the One Human Community website while doing research for Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge for Boy Scouts) contributed this valuable information:
Financial Resources and Discounts for Students With Disabilities
https://couponfollow.com/research/financial-resources-for-students-with-disabilities
Thank you for sharing this helpful resource Ethan!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES supplied by Kathleen, a high school student and a part volunteer-intern from North Carolina who doesn’t let Asperger’s Syndrome stand in the way to her success. Thank you Kathleen: WAY TO GO!
Autism Speaks Resource Guide
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-guide
Career Assistance for People with Autism
http://www.hloom.com/career-assistance-for-people-with-autism/
National Center for Autism Resources & Education
https://www.disability.gov/resource/national-center-for-autism-resources-education-ncare/
AutismNOW Transition Planning
http://autismnow.org/in-the-classroom/transition-planning-for-students/
Aquatic Therapy for Children with Autism
http://www.saveonpoolsupplies.com/landing/aquatic-therapy-for-children-with-autism.aspx
Autism
http://healthfinder.gov/FindServices/SearchContext.aspx?topic=81
MORE RESOURCES supplied by Angela from North Carolina, who herself is affected by autism. Thank you Angela: sharing resources empowers us all!
Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/anxiety-and-autism-spectrum-disorders
The Moment I Got My Son with Autism’s Need for Routine
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2014/09/16/moment-i-got-my-son-autisms-need-routine
The Well Travel Guide for Parents of Autism Spectrum Children
https://travelblog.expedia.ca/autism-travel-guide/
Nutrition for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/diseases-and-conditions/autism/nutrition-for-your-child-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd
10 Fun Activities for Children with Autism
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/10-activities-children-autism/
EXCELLENT NEW RESOURCES provided by Elena and Linda from http://Caring4OurKids.com. Much needed and valuable information: Thank you Elena and Linda, One Human Community wishes your group and your Website all the success they so richly deserve!
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.aacap.org/aacap/families_and_youth/resource_centers/Anxiety_Disorder_Resource_Center/Home.aspx
Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping
http://www.retailmenot.com/blog/sensory-overload-while-shopping.html
Resources for Military Families
http://www.patss.com/resources/
Academic Accommodation Resources
http://www.washington.edu/doit/academic-accommodations-students-psychiatric-disabilities
Worry Wise Kids
http://www.worrywisekids.org/
Estate Planning for Parents of Kids with Autism
https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/estate-planning-for-parents-of-children-with-autism
Home Modifications for Parents of Special Needs Kids
http://www.homecity.com/creating-a-home-where-your-child-can-thrive-with-a-disability
Moving with Special Needs Kids
http://www.yourstoragefinder.com/moving-with-special-needs-kids
Still more smart resources! These were submitted by Caroline from OpenEducators.org. Thank you Caroline!
Personal Finance Guide for People with Disabilities
http://www.calculators.org/savings/people-with-disabilities.php
8 Steps for Learning Disabled Students Who Want to Go to College
http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2010/12/02/8-steps-for-learning-disabled-students-who-want-to-go-to-college
The Guide to Buying Used Accessible Vehicles
http://www.lagrangecountrydodge.com/blog/2016/october/12/guide-buying-used-accessible-vehicles.htm
34 Great Jobs for People with Disabilities
http://www.trade-schools.net/careers-for-people/who-are-disabled.asp
Travel Tips for Workers with Disabilities
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/travel-tips-for-workers-with-disabilities
The Disabled Job Seeker’s Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent
https://www.redfin.com/blog/2016/02/the-disabled-job-seekers-guide-to-becoming-a-real-estate-agent.html
Types of Service Dogs
http://caninesforkids.org/service-dogs/
MORE VALUABLE TIPS! The following two links were contributed by Los Angeles attorney, Jovan A. Johnson, Esq. (http://www.johnson-moo.com). Excellent and helpful information: thank you!
Parental divorce is tough on any child, children with autism are affected even more.
Learn how to help autistic child cope with parents’ divorce: www.childlawhelpcenter.com/divorce-and-children-with-autism/
Even a routine trip to the dentist can be a challenge for autistic children and their parents.
Here’s how to manage the challenge of a visit to a dentist with autistic child:
www.friendlydentists.org/dental-visits-child-autism/
Sarah – who herself has a special needs’ family member – submitted additional helpful resources. (She also writes a blog for families of children with autism: http://www.caring4ourkids.com.) On behalf of the many families just like yours: thank you Sarah!
Legal Resources for Special Needs
https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/legal-resources-considerations-seniors-special-needs
Keeping Disabled Persons Safe While Remodeling
https://www.bigrentz.com/how-to-guides/keeping-seniors-special-needs-individuals-safe-around-construction-sites
Creating a Home Where Your Disabled Child can Thrive
https://www.homecity.com/creating-a-home-where-your-child-can-thrive-with-a-disability
Teacher Resources for Special Needs
https://www.teachervision.com/special-needs
Disaster Preparedness for Special Needs
https://www.thezebra.com/insurance-news/4674/emergency-preparedness-seniors-disabled/
Home Accommodations for Special Needs
http://www.homeadvisor.com/r/budget-friendly-smart-home-accommodations-for-seniors-and-individuals-with-special-needs/#.WZ-JCz4jHIU
Disability Resources from the Department of Labor
https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/disability.htm
Tips for Disabled Persons to Declutter and Organize their Home
https://www.yourstoragefinder.com/declutter-and-organize-your-home-seniors-special-needs
Financial Planning for Special Needs
https://www.onereversemortgage.com/blog/2017/03/special-needs-seniors-planning-for-the-future-of-this-vulnerable-population/
Don’t get discouraged: there’s help for your child, support for you and perhaps even a respite and financial relief. Persist and you shall find!
SPECIAL NOTE: to ALL parents and those of you who have an autistic child AND other children, Jennifer MG from the Public Health Library (http://publichealthlibrary.org) recommended a GREAT resource:
Explaining special needs to your child: 15 great children’s books
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2011/11/10/explaining-special-needs-to-your-child-15-great-children%E2%80%99s-books/
