Local:
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Kids Together, Inc. was created in 1995 by families who had children with disabilities in Quakertown, PA. The goal was to show that children with disabilities wanted to have fun just as much as other children. The success of the event sparked a movement of having an inclusive society in the community, the classroom and the workplace. Click on the following link to learn more about this organization. http://www.kidstogether.org/index.htm
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This support group is a closed Facebook Group for families and professionals in the Lehigh Valley. A very active group always willing to answer questions and provide recommendations. Click on the following link to request to join in. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1541248959458468/
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LV Parent & Professional Network is another closed group Facebook page also filled with parents and professionals here in the Valley. It often posts flyers, events and tips.
Click on the following link to request to join. https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvppn/
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The Autism Society of America Lehigh Valley has a Facebook page has lots of local announcements and coverage of autism related events happening here in the Lehigh Valley.
https://www.facebook.com/Autism-Society-Of-America-Lehigh-Valley-Affiliate-308529559183851/?ref=page_internal
Disability Friendly Community in the Lehigh Valley (DFC) is a self-governing community of individuals and organization representatives committed to a common vision for building an array of resources to improve the disability friendliness of the Lehigh Valley through information sharing, networking and collaboration. ​They meet on the 3rd Thursday EVERY OTHER MONTH at 3p.m. at 713 N 13th St, Allentown, PA 18102.
​For more information go to, www.dfclv.org
Join their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Disability-Friendly-Community-450564510412/?hc_ref=ARRB9MWL1TTblRlcwJpfQqMN2kKFQNahLKj4SiKf2HzoIVbNqxrnuYnInMf_kIYqta0&fref=nf
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​State:
Working with the Bureau of Special Education (BSE), Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), PaTTAN provides a full array of professional development and technical assistance targeted to improving student results. Their website has information to support educational inititiatves for people with special needs. http://www.pattan.net/
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The goal of #ASDNext is to make the transition to adulthood a little easier by connecting individuals to others with shared experiences and to a community of resources, information and support.
Our Mission
To enhance the lives of Pennsylvania teens and young adults with autism by:
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Providing a place to interact and connect with others sharing similar experiences
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Improving regional access to quality services and interventions
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Providing information and support to individuals and families
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Training professionals in best practices
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Facilitating connections between individuals, families, professionals, and providers throughout the Commonwealth
Website: http://www.paautism.org/transitionagecommunication
The ABA in PA Parent Group is a new Facebook Discussion (closed group) who's members are families and ABA professionals all over Pennsylvania. Post questions about your ABA program and learn more about ABA. Click here to join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/645161488985648/
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PA Family Members of Adults with Autism and/or Intellectual Disabilities-For PA families who have children, relatives with Autism and/or Intellectual Disabilities, age 16+
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SEPaAutismFamilyMembersOfAdults/?hc_location=ufi
Founded in 2015, Fading Autism provides convenient, quality and free haircuts for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Frankel Antoine has a brother with Autism and is passionate about raising self-esteem by looking. He cuts hair at City Cuts Barbershop in Kutztown. Donations are accepted. (see autism friendly salons page for contact info)
https://www.facebook.com/FadingAutism/
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Our goal in Sensory Planet is to bring a positive, purposeful and valuable social network community to those whose lives are affected by Sensory Processing Disorder.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2217476670/
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Love Ran Red Foundation is dedicated to providing essential living assistance for people and families with Autism & Developmental Disabilities, to learn more visit https://www.loveranredfoundation.org/
National:
Keep up with the latest news stories involving people with disabilities. If you submit your email, you will receive updates about political decisions that affect people with disabilities and positive stories. Click on the link to see more. https://www.disabilityscoop.com/
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The Autism Research Institute recently celebrated it's 50 year mark of science based research with Autism. Their quarterly newsletter publishes articles of the latest in medical, sensory, and educational research. Free access to webcasts of past conferences. Oversees a 12-week comprehensive course on daily living/residential course training for direct-support providers for adults on the autism spectrum. https://www.autism.com/
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network
It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN was created to serve as a national grassroots disability rights organization for the autistic community run by and for autistic Americans, advocating for systems change and ensuring that the voices of autistic people are heard in policy debates and the halls of power. There is a lot of info about self-advocacy for Medicaid.
Website: http://autisticadvocacy.org/
The Autism Discussion Page was developed by Bill Nason, MS, LLP to discuss tools that help children on the spectrum feel safe, accepted and competent. Bill has a wonderful, approachable way of explaining behavior exhibited by people with Autism. He highlights their unique strengths and explains their challenges better than anyone I know. This Facebook page is especially good for caregivers and professionals alike. Come learn, share, and support by clicking on the following link. https://www.facebook.com/autismdiscussionpage/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf
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Families at the Forefront of Technology
A community gathering to develop and enable technology for special needs individuals and their families.https://www.facebook.com/FamiliesForefrontTechnology/
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​​Autism Home School Success: If you've chosen homeschooling for your child with autism, "Autism Homeschool Success" is here for you! You'll find teaching ideas, curriculum reviews, helpful tips from other parents, and more! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1788951754679889/?hc_location=group
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The Kennedy Krieger Institute offers a variety of Inpatient and Outpatient Autism related services. Although they are located in Maryland, their Facebook page has a lot of useful information for parents. https://www.facebook.com/kennedykrieger/
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"Parents"of Kids with PANDAS/PITAND/PANS -Private Group;Intro Docs on Right
Our hopes for this group are that everyone has a safe place to ask questions and seek advice that can help our children. As parents of children struggling with pans/ pandas, we are all hoping to learn ways to handle the stresses and provide support for one another.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PANDASParentsGroup/
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The B Team group is based on the works of Dr. Ross Greene author of The Explosive Child and Lost at School books and the not-for-profit web site called livesinthebalance.org.