Support Groups
Having a support group can be beneficial in a variety of ways. The support group functions a lot like a community, providing a sense of connection, information, and resources that may be difficult to find outside of the group.
Without the group, parents, grandparents, siblings, and autistic individuals may feel isolated or alienated by the difficulties they face. In contrast, if you have a support group to provide you with tools, information, and guidance, you’ll be much better equipped to deal with mental health professionals, teachers and school officials, and other individuals who will have an effect on your own or your child’s life.
There are a number of support groups in the Atlanta area for all individuals in the autism community. Some of the groups are below.
Sponsorship Levels
Name
Name
Name
| Group Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Spectrum Autism Group | The Spectrum Autism Group was established in 1998 and they currently serve over 1,500 families in Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metropolitan area. They offer Monthly Support Groups, Respite Programs and Family Camp geared toward supporting the entire family, as well as Summer Day Camp, Overnight Camps and Social Skills Groups which aim to provide social opportunities for individuals of all abilities on the autism spectrum. |
| FOCUS Georgia | FOCUS offers wraparound programs of support to families of children, teens, and young adults who are medically fragile or have developmental/physical disabilities. Programs include hospital support, workshops, adapted day and overnight camps, adapted swim teams, parent share groups, family camps and activities, grants for critical medical equipment, and more. FOCUS seeks to create a community for families of children with disabilities. |
| North Georgia Autism Foundation | The NGAF's goal is education. They focus on the Stepped Transition in Education Program for Students (STEPS), which aids young adults with autism in working toward their educational and career goals. This 12 to 16-week program helps individuals on the spectrum from the ages of 16 to 25 manage this vital move into a secure adulthood. |