Northwest Autism Center

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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.

Support Groups

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

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

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.com/ 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

2010 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, September & October 2010.

Looking for Home Care?

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

Click here for more information or call
509.458.2509