LOCAL AUTISM RESOURCES
The Arc of Monroe County has been providing a variety of programs and service to over 1,700 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families in the Rochester Community for over 60 years.
Community Resource Connections
The Arc of Monroe’s Community Resource Connections is a free service for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including Autism, living in Monroe County. The Community Resource Specialist can help individuals and families with a variety of support and services including OPWDD Eligibility, Medicaid Enrollment, and Immediate Assistance with Basic Needs like food, housing, healthcare, transportation, legal supports, and safety concerns. To contact the Community Resource Specialist please call (585) 271-0660 ext. 2581.
Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics – Kirch Developmental Center
The Kirch Center offers state of the art diagnostic evaluation for children suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The center provides:
Ongoing specialty care for children with ASD, addressing common health and behavioral concerns
Parent –child intervention, teaching parents to be their child’s best teacher
Information and Referral services, helping families find resources
Programs to support families of children newly diagnosed with ASD– monthly meetings to help families navigate the services their child needs after diagnosis
Infant/Toddler Program
The Infant/Toddler Developmental Program provides developmental and autism specific screening to young children at risk for developmental disabilities due to prematurity and other health conditions.
Crisis Intervention Program
The Crisis Intervention Program services to individuals with ASD living in Monroe County with significant behavioral difficulties
To provide comprehensive care, other pediatric subspecialties collaborated with include: Sleep Medicine, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Speech-Language Pathology, PT/OT.
With a person-centered approach to community integration, they help children and young adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder reach their full potential and live as independently as possible. The support programs, services, and treatment plans are tailored to each person’s specific needs.
Autism Learning Partners provides in-home ABA therapy services to individuals with autism in the Rochester area as well as Western New York. Autism Learning Partners prides themselves in providing evidence-based practices that ensure progress for individuals with communication, adaptive behavior, daily living skills, and social skill deficits. Through the supervision of a licensed behavior analyst, each individual's family is incorporated into treatment so that clients make continued progress over time.
AutismUp is a 501(c)3 autism organization in Rochester and the surrounding areas. Founded in 2004, by a small group of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the mission is to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their families, by expanding and enhancing opportunities to improve quality of life.
The EquiCenter s a premier accredited center for therapeutic equestrian activities. They offer both horseback riding and non-riding horsemanship and horticulture programs. The programs are offered for children with disabilities and/or health challenges, such as ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability, Epilepsy, Hypotonia, Multiple Sclerosis, Post Traumatic Stress, Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke and Visual Impairment.
The Family Autism Center in Rochester, NY is home to Camp Puzzle Peace, a grassroots non-profit organization created by a collaboration of educators and parents. Their mission is to provide traditional family experiences for families in Monroe County dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays. They provide skill-building opportunities to families and children that promote independence, healthy active lifestyles, networking and greater opportunities for families to participate in their community. The staff consists of educational and community professionals who have extensive experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum and other developmental delays, particularly those with significant communication and behavioral difficulties.
NATIONAL AUTISM RESOURCES
Autism Speaks has grown since 2005 into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
Tool kits are available for families to address a variety of concerns including: the first 100 days after an autism-spectrum disorder diagnosis, school community tool kit, transition tool kits, dental tool kit, and tips for successful haircuts.
The Rochester site of the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) is directed by Drs. Susan Hyman and Tristram Smith. This network is funded by Autism Speaks and is the nation’s first network of hospitals and physicians dedicated to bridging gaps between science and practice to improve treatment for individuals with Autism. The Autism Treatment Network is directly involved in studying the medical issues associated with autism. Through the ATN, children receive comprehensive medical care from physicians who are at the forefront of efforts to address the medical issues that arise with Autism.
CDC – Learn the Signs of Autism, Act Early
CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and support they need.
The program is made up of three components: Health Education Campaign, Act Early Initiative, plus research and evaluation. Information is available for families, providers, and early childhood educators.
The mission of the National Autism Association is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential.
MyAutismTeam is a social network and support group for parents of kids with autism. Get the emotional support you need from others like you, get practical tips, and insights about treatment or therapies. MyAutismTeam is the only social network where you can truly connect, make real friendships, and share daily ups and downs in a judgment-free place.