As a family member of an individual with autism, support groups can be one of your most powerful tools in improving your relationship. Autism support groups can help you learn new strategies to be the best family member and provide support for those on the spectrum as well.
Here’s how to find the best autism support groups in NY to meet your needs.
Spectrum Services
If you are looking for Spectrum Service groups, you will find there are a handful of these support groups throughout New York. Spectrum Services is a popular organization because they have specialty support groups that cater to all types of situations and are available for individuals on the spectrum as well as their family members.
Here are some of the company’s most popular groups.
- Spouse/Partner Group- These free support groups are for the neuro-typical partner in a neurodiverse couple, or for an individual who is not on the spectrum and is in a relationship with an individual with autism. The partner group is one of the few in the area that specially caters to spouses.
- Family Support Group- This free support group is specifically for family members or relationship partners with individuals who have Asperger Syndrome or similar conditions. This is a great group for parents and siblings alike.
- Adult Support Group- This free support group is for individuals with, or who suspect they have, Asperger Syndrome or another related condition. Any adult who is on the spectrum or who believes they may be on the spectrum is welcome in this group.
- Women’s Group- This group is solely for women who are on the spectrum, who have Asperger Syndrome, or who may suspect they are on the spectrum. All women who qualify are welcome in this support group.
You can learn more about this group by visiting Spectrum Services online. Here you will also find more detailed information about each of these groups, where they meet, and what their goals are.
AHA
AHA, or Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association, provides support groups on Long Island and New York City. These groups cater to adults, families, and teens with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism. The goal of this organization is to provide crucial resources and support throughout their lifetime.
They do this by hosting different support group meetings, which can be found on their company website. We love that this organization specifically caters to adults as well as teens.
Autism Society of WNY Support Meetings
The Autism Society of Western New York is available to provide resources for those in the Western New York area who want to learn more about autism spectrum disorders. This organization has different local support groups including parent support groups. They can also provide members with access to other support groups in the greater Buffalo area. Their comprehensive list of area support groups will help individuals with autism find the exact type of group they ae looking for that can cater to their specific challenges.
Grand Island Autism Support Group
This peer-run support group known as Grand Island Autism Support Group was founded in 2009 to help connect families in the area who are part of the autism community. This organization has a massive online community and interactive Facebook page, along with many in-person support groups that meet throughout New York. This support group specifically caters to family situations of all types and is ideal for caregivers, siblings, and parents alike.
Group For Parents of Children with ASD
There are a lot of parents out there who need a little support when it comes to raising children on the spectrum. This is why there are organizations like the Group For Parents of Children with ASD. The goal of this group is to provide a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders so they can meet, share experiences, ask questions, and more important receive support.
This group is based out of Cheektowaga, New York, and prides itself on helping parents find the community they need to be the best parents possible.
Tips For Finding the Right Autism Support Group
The good news is, there are a lot of autism support groups in the greater New York area, meaning individuals with autism and their family members have a number of options when they need a little more support.
If you have never tried a support group before, finding the right group can seem overwhelming. However, the good news is, support groups are designed to be welcoming and inclusive. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind when trying to find the right autism support group.
- A group that is convenient for you. Most groups meet once per month, and you want to ensure that the location allows you to attend as many meetings as possible.
- A group that encourages feedback. Support groups aren’t just about you getting help from others but about others getting help from you. Look for groups that encourage open talking and communication.
- A group that caters to your niche interest. If there is something specific you are struggling with, such as being a spouse to an individual on the spectrum, make sure to look for groups that specifically cater to that interest, so you get as much as possible out of it.
- A group that is part of a larger organization. This is a great way to make sure you are getting additional support and have access to other resources that can help you along your journey.
Keep these tips in mind as you start looking for a support group that works best for you. Every support group is different, just like every person is different and you want to find a partnership that feels supportive towards your individual needs.
With this information in mind, it is time to get out and start finding the right autism support group for you. No matter what your current situation is, there are support groups in the greater New York area that can cater to your dynamic. Finding this right support group can make all of the difference in your autism journey moving forward.
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
