Why should I attend an Autism Support Group?

An autism support group can be a valuable resource for parents of children with autism for several reasons:

1. Emotional support: Raising a child with autism can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience. An autism support group can provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where parents can share their feelings, experiences, and concerns with others who are going through similar experiences. This emotional support can help parents feel less isolated, more understood, and better equipped to cope with the challenges of parenting a child with autism.
2. Information and resources: An autism support group can provide parents with information about the latest research, treatments, and therapies for autism. They can also connect parents with local resources such as therapists, special education programs, and community organizations that provide services for individuals with autism.
3. Networking opportunities: An autism support group can also provide parents with the opportunity to network with other parents, educators, and professionals in the autism community. This can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and friendships that can provide ongoing support and guidance.
4. Advocacy: An autism support group can provide a platform for parents to advocate for their children’s needs and rights. By sharing their stories and experiences, parents can raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with autism and advocate for better services, policies, and funding to support individuals with autism and their families.

Overall, an autism support group can provide parents with a sense of community, validation, and empowerment that can be essential to their well-being and their child’s success.

Please remember, if you live near Williamsport, PA, SASSY is the local autism support group that meets on the first Thursday of the month at 5:30. Meetings are only an hour, and childcare is provided. Dinner/food is also provided for participants. The meetings are held at the UPMC offices on West Third Street, in the Loyal Plaza between Hobby Lobby and Giant Food Store.

If you would like to attend, please register with number of people (children so we can adequately provide childcare) by emailing ebrennan@hopeability.org at least 48 hrs prior to the meeting.

You don’t have to do this alone…