Surround yourself with people who get it. Being a parent of a child with a disability can become very isolating. It's very important to connect with other parents to learn how to handle challenges, about services available and emotional support from a non-judgemental perspective because they've been there too. There are many support groups to choose from. Due to a loaded therapy and school schedule, your time is precious so it's important to find a support group that aligns with your values and gives you the knowledge you need to help your child.
If you are unable to find childcare or have limited time, then consider joining some online local support groups who can also provide support and answer questions you may have.
There is a new trend for father's creating a support group for other fathers and there's an opportunity to start one here in the Lehigh Valley. Dads have their own unique concerns and experiences with their kids who have Autism.
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Scroll down the list to see support groups for people with ASD, parent/grandparent/caregiver support groups and sibling support groups.
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Support Groups for People Diagnosed with ASD:
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​Autism Society of the Lehigh Valley
Parent Support Groups
Contact Mimi Ludwig - autismsocietylv@gmail.com
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Autism Connection of PA: Late Diagnosis of Autism Support Group
Hosted by the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania. This is a virtual support group meeting. This meeting is open to people who believe they are autistic, and don’t know where to turn for help.
Website
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Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (peer group)
If you feel like no one understands you, or that people treat you differently because of your disability, LVCIL’s peer support can help.
Where: 713 North 13th Street, Allentown, PA 18102
Call: 610-770-9781
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Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living: School To Life
Goals of the Program: Learning independent living skills, advocacy, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Engaging in social and recreational activities with peers. Working together to learn self-advocacy and systems advocacy skills.
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PA Family Members of Adults with Autism and/or Intellectual Disabilities (online)
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Self Advocates United as 1
Group of people who envision a world where people with developmental disabilities and their families are united to share knowledge, empower others, and use their voices to transform their communities and people’s lives.
Website
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Parent and Grandparent Support Groups:
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Autism Connection of Pennsylvania.
A statewide virtual support group for parents/caregivers. A lifeline for families and individuals affected by autism providing education, advocacy, and support.
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Autism Society of Lehigh Valley
School-Age Parent/Caregiver Virtual Meetings
Autism Urban Connect, Inc.
This support group started in Pennsylvania and supports families from African American, minority, and economically disadvantaged communities.
Parent group with a singular focus: to support our members in learning about and practicing Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS for short), a non-punitive, skill-building communication model based on empathy, collaboration, listening, and respect.
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Colonial IU20 Parent/Teacher Support Group (online)
This page is created for IU20 Teachers & Parents to come together & communicate to help support the children through their education.
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Communication Skills Group
If you are an adult with a communication disorder, such as aphasia, who has completed a speech therapy program, Good Shepherd’s Communication Skills Group can help you maintain the skills you acquired in therapy. The group is led by a certified speech-language pathologist. Contact Good Shepherd for upcoming dates and times.
Questions: mmickley@gsrh.org or 610.778.9228
​Grandparent Support Group
Pinebrook Family Answers runs a group for grandparents who are caregivers to their grandchildren. The goal is to offer grandparents a valuable opportunity to gain information, build peer support, and share ideas & experiences. The program is run by Masters Level Behavioral Health Interns.
Where: 402 N. Fulton Street. Allentown
Call 484-232-8514 or email grandparents@pbfalv.org.
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Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living/Autism Society of the LV
Parent/Caregiver of Adults Group
This group talks about services, housing options, experiences, and shares ideas.
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Lehigh Valley & Slate Belt, PA Area Special Needs Parent Support (online)
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 when you need it.
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Opening Doors 4 Autism
This is a group of self-advocates, parents, and caregivers residing across Pennsylvania who believe every adult with autism deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Website
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PA Family Network: Dad's Good Life Group
Connect with other dads (or those in a father-like position) who understand the things you are dealing with in your role as a caregiver of someone with an Intellectual disability/autism.
Website
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PA Family Members of Adults with Autism or Intellectual Disability
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PA Family Network: Caregiver Support Group
Provides family workshops and networking opportunities throughout PA, led by trained Family Advisors, all of whom have family members with disabilities.
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Parent Support Group-Easton Area
Educational speakers are invited to do a presentation and a Q&A to follow. Light refreshments are available.
When: One Saturday a month depending on availability of the speaker 2-4p.m., schedule is printed in advance.
Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 2012 Sullivan Trail, Easton, PA
RSVP: leslie.mckelvey@yahoo.com or call 610-554-1988 to get on the email list and attend
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Parent to Parent of PA helps match parents/family members for 1:1 support to a volunteer Peer Supporter. They also help you find support groups that match your specific needs (especially if your child has special healthcare/developmental needs). This includes physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, special health care needs, behavorial/mental health concerns, foster care/adoption, and educational issues. They also provide technical assistance to a local support group. Services are FREE and confidential.
Call: 1-888-727-2706 (toll free)
Website
Parents of Twice Exceptional Children (online)
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PEAL Center and 21 and Able Project: Empowering Change Parent Group
The Empowering Change Group is committed to reaching families who are marginalized and are having issues accessing supports and services for their children, teens, young adults with disabilities.
Website
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Sensory Planet is to bring a positive, purposeful and valuable social network community to those whose lives are affected by Sensory Processing Disorder.
Facebook
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Spanish Autism Support Group
Where: ReciproCity, 1329 W Hamilton Street, Allentown
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Sibling Support Groups-Siblings have a tendency to mature very quickly compared to their peers. If you want to know more about the child with a disability, ask their sibling. They can be amazingly compassionate and look out for their brother/sister. One of the most common challenges siblings have is not getting enough attention. This download has some great ideas to help siblings feel more special.
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