Northwest Autism Center

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• Best Practices in Educating Children with Autism

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• Teaching Young Children to Learn

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Home » Autism Spectrum Disorders » Families
Families

The diagnosis of autism is a challenging and life-changing event, and affects everyone in the family. Raising a child with autism has all the joys and heartbreaks of parenting any child, and then some. Our children are unique and wonderful individuals, with needs that may last a lifetime. The good news is that given the right information, services and supports, we can better provide for these needs, and improve outcomes for our children across their lifetimes.

The information on this page is designed to help and strengthen families. Northwest Autism Center promotes the development of family-centered services and support as an integral part of an effective system of care for children and adults affected by autism. We also provide family information, referral and support services through our Community Connections Office. Please call 509.328.1582 or email Jill Ide at jide@nwautism.org.

"Ben's Fund" Offers Family Scholarships! To cover the cost of clinical services for children with autism. Administered by FEAT of Washington. For more information contact Julia Rule at 425.223.5126 to www.featwa.org

Support Groups

Autism Society of Washington, Spokane Chapter. For more information
e-mail: spokane@autismsocietyofwa.org

Healthy Emotions Parent Support Meeting: The Arc of Spokane: 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane. Learn new parenting approaches; rethink old attitudes and enjoy an evening of companionship. Family Support 360 degrees program. Contact Roz Bethmann for more information (509) 328-6326.

Monthly Support Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Luke's Rehabilitation, 711 S. Cowley, Room 200

Mocha Meeting, (bio-medical support group) (Wednesdays 7:30 p.m.) Forza Coffee House, 2829 E. 29th, Contact: jennyheals1@yahoo.com

Teen/Young Adult Social Group, 1-3 p.m., 3rd Sundays,Service Station Coffee House, 9317 N. Nevada, contact: spokane@autismsocietyofwa.org

Early Intervention--online support, Kristy Wessels at kristywessels@comcast.net

Adults with Asperger's Group: A group activity is planned each month. Contact: spokane@autismsocietyofwa.org

Spokane Father's Network: for father's of special need children. Contact: Gregg Osborne, 509.768.1383

Parent to Parent Support Group: 1st Thursday of every month, 10:30 - 11:30. Open to any parent or guardian who has a child with special needs. The Arc of Spokane, 127 W. Boone. Contact: Helen Black - 509.328.6326 or email: hblack@arc-spokane.org

Family Support 360 One-Stop Center: For more information contact Rosslyn Bethhmann at 509.328.6326

Different Not Less: Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake, WA 99019 - 509.230.6771 or email: anna@aquaticroots.com

Idaho Events & Support Groups

Panhandle Autism Society, Coeur d' Alene

Idaho events for the Post Falls and Coeur d' Alene area can be found at http://www.panhandleautismsociety.org in more detail.

Contact Denise Wetzel for more information at panhandleautismsociety@yahoo.com

Parents have to be recognzied as special educators, the true experts on their children; and professional people -- teachers, pediatricians, psychologists, and others--have to learn how to be consultants to parents.

Nicholas Hobbs, Vanderbilt University

2013 CHILD FIND SCREENINGS: hosted by Spokane Regional Health District

For children under three years of age living in Spokane County
GOAL: To identify infants and toddlers whose development may not be within expected ranges.

With permission, screening results will be shared with primary medical providers. Family resource coordinators will be available at every site to assist families in finding additional resources.
PLEASE CALL 324.1651 TO SCHEDULE A FREE SCREENING. Several sites are available during January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October & November 2012.

For families who live in the following areas, please call:

Deer Park School District 464.5640
East Valley School District 927.9511
Riverside School District 464.8366
West Valley School District 927.1138

Looking for Home Care?

Home Care Referral Registry of Washington State - Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington

Click here or here for more information or call
509.458.2509

Breakthroughs: Autism - A panel discussion at Big Think

Dr. Susan Wilczynski was featured in a recent panel discussion hosted by Big Think. "Breakthroughs: Autism" highlights cutting-edge autism research and features top luminaries in the field.