Tidewater Autism Society of America

Provide support and education to parents, teachers and professionals in the Tidewater, Virginia area. Parents learn advocacy skills for their children. Teachers and professionals are better able to support and provide services to persons with Autism in the community through educational material. The organization operates the Autism Society Tidewater Virginia resource center, in Virginia beach. There is an information and referral line in which the community can call in to inquire about resources in the Tidewater and peninsula community. The resources available within the center include an expanded lending library, computer station with internet access and specialized software to make and take materials to support loved ones living with Autism spectrum disorders (asd) within the community. "family to family" video workshop trainings are conducted. These workshops include sensory processing disorders, writing social stories and peer play techniques. Conducted "Autism 101" meetings with new families entering the world of asd for families who need more information on resources and support. During 2016, the staff assisted over 300 families during Autism appointments. Conducted "respite nights" where volunteers relieve the parents for several hours to allow the parents an opportunity to go to dinner, shop or spend time at home relaxing. Conducted monthly social opportunities for individuals with asd. Individuals are grouped by age; "tweens", ages 11 - 14, and "teens/adults" who are 15 years of age or older. During monthly socials individuals with asd pair up with others, including volunteers who are their typical peers, to enjoy a fun time of games, snacks, dancing, singing and karaoke. A social skill lesson is conducted in each social to help individuals with asd increase their socialization skills. While socials take place, parents meet in a separate room to network and share ideas. Continued collaboration with amc to offer sensory friendly films. Sensory friendly films are designed to bring families affected by Autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment, on a monthly basis. With sensory friendly films, the movie auditoriums have their lights brought up and the sound turned down. Organization representatives and staff have continued spreading Autism awareness through the media. They have been able to reach out through radio interviews with entercom communications, participate in a 3 part health watch series on Autism with whro and the city of norfolk, va. and many other opportunities. The organization sponsors the Tidewater Virginia men's Autism club (mac). This is a group of men who support each other, while working on creating a stronger bond between the child and the father, all while helping to create Autism awareness. The mac is open to all dads, father figures or men who are role models in the lives of those living with Autism. Created a peninsula Autism Society group to provide information and referral resources, monthly meetings, a resource directory and lending library for the peninsula (hampton, newport news and adjacent communities).

Provided assistance to families in paying for services that might not otherwise be covered by their insurance, assistive technology devices, camps, respite care and other necessities for loved ones with Autism spectrum disorders. In 2016, over 20 families were awarded assistance.