Autism Society of Georgia

Development and support of family and adult support groups: support groups are one of the most powerful vehicles to assist individuals and families. Support groups provide comfort, emotional support, education and socialization. The Autism Society of Georgia has identified significant disparity in the availability and accessibility of services, as well as, family and adult support groups in communities outside of the metropolitan atlanta area as compared to those within. In 2015, the Autism Society began an initiative to create a network of family support groups outside of metropolitan atlanta. Through this program initiative, we worked with a local community to create an Autism and disability support group. We have provided operational and program support for this group. Additionally, we identified core geographies and began to establish new groups while also providing operational and program support to existing small groups struggling to function.

Education & training: law enforcement and 1st responder, family, individual:the Autism Society of Georgia provides education and training to individuals, groups and organizations. In 2015, we created a webinar education series for families and educators. Additionally, we provide programs such as Autism 101 and 1st responder training to law enforcement, firefighters, ems and other professionals. The training we have provided has been provided at no cost to the participants.

Information & referral service: parent ally program supports the needs of individuals and families needing assistance and access to specific services locally or statewide.the Autism Society of Georgia provides a toll free number for individuals to call to inquire about services or seek specific assistance with issues regarding resources, supports and other services they may use to receive or provide care. The information & referral service is a component of the Autism Society of Georgia's parent ally program. In 2015, we processed over 200 cases.