Asd Community Resources, San Diego Report Sample

Abstract

With the growing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder, resources offered to families of children with Autism is growing. Traditional support resources that serve those with intellectual disabilities are not always equipped or knowledgeable to serve children and people with Autism. The nature of Autism and the fluctuation in severity makes each person with Autism unique. The San Diego area offers many services to the Autistic and their families that are tailored to their special needs.
ASD Community Resources, San Diego

Autism Society San Diego

Description
The Autism Society is an excellent resource for families and those with Autism. It is a general organization that provides a starting point for locating more specific services. Some of the services they provide are: support groups for parents that meet in various geographic areas of San Diego (North County, Central San Diego, East San Diego and a Grupo de Apoto en Espanol). In addition to the support groups, the group hosts family nights and fundraisers such as movie nights, pizza night and informal coffee talks. Their fundraising activities include Moola Hoola and Splash for Cash which are designed for the whole family to participate in and have some fun.

Access and Eligibility

The organization is very active and can help point parents in the direction they need to go to find services such as legal assistance, advocacy groups, transition services, therapies assistive technology and nutrition. They also have a library where parents can check out books about Autism. The Autism Society has an excellent web site where parents can locate all kinds of information and they have offices on Murphy Canyon Road where I visited. Anyone associated with Autism is eligible to obtain information and services through them. Services they refer parents to may cost money however.

Benefits

There are so many organizations and individuals who offer services and assistance to families that is confusing at times. The Autism Society provides a central location to access and services such as support groups so that families can become involved quickly and receive the support they require.

Creative Support Alternatives Description

Creative Support Alternatives offers supported living and independent living for people with developmental disabilities. The service is person centered and tailor living arrangements that will suit both the needs and wants of the client with a developmental disability. They locate and procure apartments and homes through renting or purchase for clients. They ensure that the location is close to stores and transportation. The provide support on a continuum from full supervision and assistance to independent living. Services also include, financial management for the clients, assistance on finding employment, assistive technology and development and implementation of health care plans and behavioral plans.

Access and Eligibility

Any adult who is diagnosed with a developmental disability is eligible for services. It is best to visit them in person to get applications and speak one on one with a representative. Since services are tailored to the special needs of each client, an in person visit is the optimum way to get the right information. The cost of an apartment is contingent on location, roommates and benefits that the client receives as well as the level of support required. They are affiliated with Interwork Institute and the San Diego State University Research Foundation. They are funded primarily through the San Diego Regional Center.

Benefits

People with disabilities need a home to transition to when the complete school and enter the workplace the same way “normal” peers do. Creative Support offers a logical, planned and safe way to obtain housing for adults with disabilities. This service offers peace of mind for the client and their family.

The Miracle League

Description
The Miracle League of San Diego provides recreational activities for those with Autism. Specifically, they organize baseball leagues and games for children to participate in. They play at two fields in the community: Engel Family Field and Green Field. They offer the leagues in the spring and the fall. The players are paired with a peer or “buddy”, which provides the child with a personal coach and friend. The organization believes that this buddy system allows parents to relax and enjoy the game and have the opportunity to interact with other parents and it provides the children with some independence and a chance to socialize as well.
Access and Eligibility
The cost to participate for one season is $50 for early registration and $75 for late registration. The organization clearly maintains a policy the all children have the opportunity to play. If a family cannot pay the fee, they have donors that will pick up the cost. The teams are created of similar aged children and the program accepts children from age 5 and older. Children with all types of disabilities are eligible to participate.
Benefits
The benefits for a child with Autism in this program are very positive. They have the opportunity to participate in a structured group activity, they have the chance to develop a relationship with teammates and their personal “buddy”. Parent are given the opportunity to interact with other parents which provides a natural and informal opportunity to share ideas, feelings and information.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a national organization that is on the forefront of research and fundraising for Autism. Every year they organize and host walk a thons to raise awareness and funds for Autism research. They are on the forefront of research and one of the largest organizations who raise money. This year the walk in San Diego will take place in September. On the day of the walk a resource fair is also held. The participants in the fair offer services for families and children with Autism. They also have kid friendly activities like face painting, bubbles and arts and crafts. It is a wonderful event for the entire family to participate in.
Access and Eligibility
Fundraising and registration is done online. The website is easy to navigate and register. The site helps participants in setting up accounts and soliciting donations from contacts. Everybody is welcome to raise funds and participate. The walk attracts children and adults with Autism, their families, friends, educators and other professionals. It is a wonderful event and a positive way to do something proactive for Autism.
Benefits
The money raised goes to research of the causes of Autism. One day this will benefits families and children directly. The social aspect of this event is a tremendous opportunity for both families and their children. The resource fair provides a wealth of information for parents and the chance to mix with other parents to network and share. Many parents include their children in the process of registering, raising money and walking which provides children and adults with Autism a social and learning experience.

Conclusion

The San Diego area has a multitude of resources for families and children with Autism as well as professionals such as educators and therapists. The internet is a good place to start to get an overview and idea of what services are in the community but it is recommended that one visits the organizations directly. In person visits are beneficial in making an informed opinion of the organization and specific questions can be answered.

Sources

Autism Society San Diego, 4699 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123
858-715-0678 www.autismsocietysandiego.org
Creative Support Alternatives, 6824 East Cajon Boulevard, 619-390-4277,
The Miracle League 462 Stephens Avenue #201 Solana Beach
858-964-2222 www.miracleleagueofsandiego.org
Walk Now for Autism Speaks
714-587-0514 or www.autismspeaks.org